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  • Everything You Need to Know About the  Spring Fling!

    Everything You Need to Know About the Spring Fling!

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    The annual Spartanburg Spring Fling runs April 26-28, 2024 in the streets of downtown Spartanburg. If you are new in town or have not been to Spring Fling, plan to visit this special outdoor festival with your family. Most local families agree this is an event they look forward to all year.

    Heading to Spartanburg’s Spring Fling? Here’s What You Need to Know

    Spring Fling takes over downtown Spartanburg.   The streets fill with thousands of people enjoying live entertainment on multiple stages, eating delicious food, shopping in the outdoor market, and having fun on rides and inflatables. It is also some of the best people-watching in town. There is no admission cost, so people can come and take in the sights for free.

    Spring Fling has something fun for everyone in Spartanburg. There are multiple live performances by local groups and popular musicians. There are drink vendors for adults 21+ and shopping galore.

    Spartanburg Spring Fling is a Family-Friendly Festival

    A big plus is that this festival also caters to families with children. The reason so many families look forward to this event each year is because it is fun! Your children will be thrilled to see the sights, eat all the festival food, all while using their outside voices. Spring Fling is loud, packed with crowds and exciting. As you prepare for Spring Fling with your children, here is what you need to know.

    The Family Fun Zone

    If you are going to Spring Fling with kids, you need to plan on spending most of your festival time at the Family Fun Zone. This area of the festival is located in front of the downtown library on East Broad Street and Church Street. The streets will be packed with inflatables and carnival rides. Children will need tickets for the rides and inflatables; tickets are sold individually.

    In addition to the rides, the Family Fun Zone is also where your children will see costumed characters and princesses. Traditional festival favorites like face painting and balloon artists will also be at this location, as well as other kid favorites.

    Spartanburg Spring Fling Food

    Come to Spring Fling hungry! There will be food vendors and food trucks lining the streets, some offering kid-friendly staples. Since this is a festival, you should also leave room for some traditional festival foods like funnel cakes and cotton candy.

    Spring Fling Spartanburg, SC concert

    Entertainment

    Spartanburg’s Spring Fling is filled with free entertainment including live music and acts on various stages. Check out the performances and schedule to see where your favorites will be performing.

    Sensory Friendly Kits

    Spartanburg Parks has teamed up with the City of Spartanburg Parks & Recreation to offer a Sensory Friendly kit for families who have children with special needs and who may have trouble handling a crowd.

    The kits will be offered on a first come, first served basis on Saturday from 11 am – 6 pm and on Sunday from Noon – 6 pm. They can be picked up at the Spartanburg Parks tent in the Broad Street parking lot. An ID will be needed to check out the bag so if you’re planning on getting a 21+ wristband, get it before you check out a Sensory Friendly kit since you won’t have your ID until the kit is returned.

    Other Things to See at Spartanburg Spring Fling

    In addition to the music and other forms of live entertainment, Spring Fling also has many other things to see.

    Things to Know When You Go

    • Event Hours: April 26 (5 pm-10 pm) | April 27 (11 am-9 pm) | April 28 (12 pm-6 pm)
    • Bring Cash (While Spring Fling is free admission, your kids will want to eat all the food and ride all the rides.)
    • Come Hungry
    • Wear Sunscreen
    • Leave Your Pets and Cooler at Home
    • Be Prepared for Crowds
    • Have Fun!
    Spartanburg's Spring Festivals are amazing.
    Spartanburg SC Restaurants

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    Maria Bassett

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  • 15 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: Comedy, Front Porch Sunday + eclipse watching

    15 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: Comedy, Front Porch Sunday + eclipse watching

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    Open air market Front Porch Sunday is returning to Atherton Mill. You can shop local businesses and retailers on Sundays now through December.

    Open air market Front Porch Sunday is returning to Atherton Mill. You can shop local businesses and retailers on Sundays now through December.

    This list is curated by Charlotte on the Cheap, where you’ll find even more free and cheap things to do every day, and detailed by Denise Casalez.

    Friday, April 5

    Charlotte AutoFair

    Location: 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027

    Time: 8 a.m.

    Cost: $10-$15, free for children under 12

    Charlotte AutoFair is coming to Charlotte Motor Speedway from April 4-7, bringing together the car enthusiast community in celebration of all things automotive. Also, don’t miss the Smith Heritage Invitational on Saturday, April 6, where iconic cars from all eras are gathered for up-close viewing.

    Action Series

    Location: Goodyear Arts, 301 Camp Rd #200, Charlotte, NC 28206

    Time: 6-9 p.m.

    Cost: Free

    Check out the Action Series at Goodyear Arts, where you can expect performances and collaboration from Goodyear Arts Collective members. Free Range Brewing will provide drinks.

    Laugh at Lenny: Free Comedy Show

    Location: Lenny Boy Brewing Co., 3000 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28217

    Time: 8 p.m.

    Cost: Free

    Giggle all night at Laugh at Lenny, a free comedy show at Lenny Boy Brewing Co.. This month’s show features Powell Mansfield and Joy Wills.

    Saturday, April 6

    Museums on Us: Bank of America

    Location: Multiple

    Time: Varies

    Cost: Free admission

    If you’re a Bank of America customer, enjoy free museum admission to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Charlotte Museum of History, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, Mint Museum Randolph or Mint Museum Uptown. Bank of America offers cardholders free general admission during the first weekend of every month.

    Voices from the Past

    Location: Historic Elmwood Pinewood Cemetery, 700 W 6th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

    Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

    Cost:$10, free for children under 12

    Guests are invited to take a “spirited stroll” through Charlotte’s historic cemeteries as Voices from the Past tells the stories of the historic men and women who helped make Charlotte what it is today.

    Art Walk on Union

    Location: Downtown Concord

    Time: 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

    Cost: Free entry

    Art Walk on Union is an all-day arts festival that features artists and makers and its artwork. You can also look forward to live music, food trucks, local brews and wines.

    Farewell to Weathered Souls

    Location: 255 Clanton Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217

    Time: Noon-7 p.m.

    Cost: Free entry

    Weathered Souls is closing permanently after about a year and a half in Charlotte’s Lower South End. You can say swing by to stock up on craft beer and get your growler filled.

    Sunday, April 7

    Pictures with Piglets

    Location: Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, 1801 Yorkmont Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217

    Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

    Cost: Free

    Pictures with Piglets are coming back to the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market. Grab a picture with a cute piglet or explore three buildings filled with local vendors.

    Front Porch Sunday

    Location: Atherton Mill, 2000-2140 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

    Time: 10:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

    Cost: Free entry

    Enjoy Front Porch Sunday, a long running open air market at Atherton Mill that happens every Sunday from April to December. You can shop handmade items to support local businesses and retailers while you snack on locally baked goods.

    Monday, April 8

    Solar Eclipse Watch Parties

    Location: Discovery Place Science, 168 W 6th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

    Location: Discovery Place Kids, 105 Gilead Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078

    Time: 12-4 p.m.

    Cost: Free admission

    Are you looking for ways to enjoy the solar eclipse this year? You’re just in luck because Discovery Place Science and Discovery Place Kids are hosting Solar Eclipse watch parties with interactive activities. Get a chance to see it because there won’t be another one until 2044.

    Tuesday, April 9

    Free Tuesday at Schiele Museum

    Location: 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054

    Time: 4-8 p.m.

    Cost: Free

    Expand your knowledge and head over to the Schiele Museum — it’s free every second Tuesday of the month. There will also be a Power Up Learning experience by Duke Energy that involves a series of interactive learning experiences, led by Schiele educators.

    GospelSHOUT! Concert

    Location: United House of Prayer, 2321 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216

    Time: 7:30 p.m.

    Cost: Free

    GospelSHOUT! is an annual free concert that showcases gospel choirs, trombone praised bands and music. It’ll be hosted at the United House of Prayer, where you can come early to buy a soul food dinner.

    Trivia Night

    Location: IKEA, 8300 Ikea Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28262

    Time: 5-6:30 p.m.

    Cost: Free admission

    Head over to IKEA Charlotte and test your knowledge at its game night. Get a chance to win “as-Is” items or enjoy a hot entrèe for $3.99.

    Wednesday, April 10

    Beats at Birdsong

    Location: 1016 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28206

    Time: 7-9 p.m.

    Cost: Free entry

    Birdsong Brewing has a live DJ every Wednesday. So if you’re looking to get down to some beats, head over to Birdsong, grab a $4 pint of one of its OG beers and groove the night away.

    Thursday, April 11

    Come See Me Festival

    Location: 300 E Main St, Rock Hill, SC 29730

    Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

    Cost: Free entry

    Celebrate the upcoming spring season at the Come See Me Festival, where there will be a line-up of events like a parade, tailgate party, fireworks extravaganza and more. The festival runs from April 11-20.

    Visit Charlotte on the Cheap for an expanded list of things to do in Charlotte every day. You’ll find festivals, kids’ activities, date night ideas, art, trivia and much more. You can sign up for a daily email that will keep you in the loop.

    Related stories from Charlotte Observer

    Freelancer Denise Casalez was a summer news intern for CharlotteFive, reporting on the food, arts and culture that this city has to offer. This Charlotte native is finishing up her senior year at Appalachian State University with a B.S. in Journalism and has experience reporting in Nashville, Washington D.C., and Boone. When she’s not chasing stories, Denise loves to play guitar and check out the local music scene with her friends. She’s also a fur mom to a blind tuxedo cat, Oreo. You can find her on Instagram @denisevrios.
    Support my work with a digital subscription

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    Jody Mace,Denise Casalez

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  • 12 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: Charlotte Shout!, aerial classes, egg hunts

    12 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: Charlotte Shout!, aerial classes, egg hunts

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    Charlotte Shout!, an annual arts, music and food festival, runs March 29-April 14.

    Charlotte Shout!, an annual arts, music and food festival, runs March 29-April 14.

    This list is curated by Charlotte on the Cheap, where you’ll find even more free and cheap things to do every day, and detailed by Denise Casalez.

    Friday, March 29

    Charlotte Shout!

    Location: Varies

    Time: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

    Cost: Varies

    Head over to Charlotte SHOUT! for a day filled with art, music, food and more. This multi-week festival runs from March 29-April 14, with a mix of free and paid events. Tonight, you can check out the Men of Soul at Ally Main Stage for free at First Ward Park, starting at 5 p.m. Food trucks for noshing and art installations for browsing will be on hand.

    Matthews Beats ‘n Bites

    Location: Stumptown Park, 120 S Trade St, Matthews, NC 28105

    Time: 5-9 p.m.

    Cost: Free entry

    Listen to live music from The Cat 5 Band while getting dinner from a variety of food trucks in downtown Matthews. Beats ‘n Bites will be held on the last Friday of each month, from March through June.

    Saturday, March 30

    Bloom Movement Artistry Open House

    Location: 6150 Old Pineville Rd Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28217

    Time: Varies

    Cost: $5 aerial classes

    Bloom Movement Artistry is hosting an open house that features 30-minute, $5 aerial classes — and the best part is that you can take as many as you want. You can learn the skills for a new activity on the cheap!

    Easter egg hunt and pony rides

    Location: Love Reins Equestrian, 4803 Lon Parker Rd, Waxhaw, NC 28173

    Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

    Cost: Free entry

    Love Reins Equestrian in Waxhaw is inviting you to a free event, where you can hunt for Easter eggs, ride a pony, play cornhole and more.

    Sunday, March 31

    Plaza Midwood Brewery Egg Hunt

    Location: 1331 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

    Time: 12 p.m.

    Cost: Free admission

    An adult-style Easter hunt? Sign us up. Head to Plaza Midwood for the Midwood Easter Hunt – Brewery Edition. Visit participating breweries, enjoy a pint and see if you can spot an Easter egg and win a prize.

    Monday, April 1

    Greater Charlotte Book Crawl begins

    Location: Participating bookstores

    Time: All day

    Cost: Free

    This literary adventure takes place this spring from April 1-30, with special attention to Independent Bookstore Day on April 27. Hosted by independent bookstores throughout the region, it’s a great opportunity to explore new cities, connect with fellow book lovers and earn rewards along the way.

    Charlotte Fair: Free admission, parking for teachers

    Location: 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027

    Time: 4-10 p.m.

    Cost: Free for teachers

    April 1 is Teacher Appreciation Day, so the Charlotte Fair is making sure our area’s educators are being recognized and appreciated. Teachers can enjoy free admission and parking April 1, plus $5 off unlimited ride wristbands.

    Tuesday, April 2

    Be Well Birkdale free workout

    Location: 8712 Lindholm Dr #202, Huntersville, NC 28078

    Time: 6-7 p.m.

    Cost: Free

    Get a chance to do a free weekly workout class under Birkdale’s Willow Oaks. This workout series runs every Tuesday from April to October, with special classes presented by various studios and instructors.

    Piano Karaoke and Sing Along with Ryan Stamey

    Location: Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

    Time: 7 p.m.

    Cost: $5

    If you’re looking to unwind on a Tuesday night, Petra’s is hosting a piano karaoke and sing along with host Ryan Stamey. Grab a drink, sing your heart away or just relax while listening to performances.

    Wednesday, April 3

    Lunch & Listen concert

    Location: Romare Bearden Park, 300 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202

    Time: 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.

    Cost: Free entry

    Spend your break time at the Lunch & Listen Concert Series at Romare Bearden Park, which is kicking off April 3. This series will offer live performances during your lunch hour on various dates throughout spring.

    Spring Break movies

    Location: Cinergy Dine-In Cinemas, 5336 Docia Crossing Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269

    Time: 11 a.m.

    Cost: $3

    Enjoy a spring break movie series for kids at Cinergy Dine-In Cinema, where you can watch family-favorites like “Shrek,” “How To Train Your Dragon” and more. Admission is $3 through April 4.

    Thursday, April 4

    NC Science Festival

    Location: Find an event near you

    Time: Varies

    Cost: Free

    The North Carolina Science Festival is a month-long celebration of science every April, when hundreds of events take place each year that are focused on fun, interactive opportunities. Find an event near you and emerge yourself into a day filled with science exhibits, talks, interactive activities and more.

    Visit Charlotte on the Cheap for an expanded list of things to do in Charlotte every day. You’ll find festivals, kids’ activities, date night ideas, art, trivia and much more. You can sign up for a daily email that will keep you in the loop.

    This story was originally published March 27, 2024, 10:04 AM.

    Related stories from Charlotte Observer

    Freelancer Denise Casalez was a summer news intern for CharlotteFive, reporting on the food, arts and culture that this city has to offer. This Charlotte native is finishing up her senior year at Appalachian State University with a B.S. in Journalism and has experience reporting in Nashville, Washington D.C., and Boone. When she’s not chasing stories, Denise loves to play guitar and check out the local music scene with her friends. She’s also a fur mom to a blind tuxedo cat, Oreo. You can find her on Instagram @denisevrios.
    Support my work with a digital subscription

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    Jody Mace,Denise Casalez

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  • ‘Monster Hunter Now’ April 2024 Event List and Roadmap Revealed for iOS and Android – TouchArcade

    ‘Monster Hunter Now’ April 2024 Event List and Roadmap Revealed for iOS and Android – TouchArcade

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    Following the Coral Pukei Pukei event going live, Niantic and Capcom have revealed the Monster Hunter Now (Free) April 2024 event list and roadmap for the game on iOS and Android. The Coral Pukei Pukei event continues, but a whole event dedicated to Deviljho is planned from April 29th. To prepare for this, thunder element quests will take place from April 15th to April 22nd featuring more rewards from Zinogre, Tobi-Kadachi, and Tzitzi-Ya-Ku. The MH 20th Anniversary quest continues with part 2 as well. This takes place from April 22nd until May 26th with a new layered t-shirt releasing only during this event. Qualily’s Special Quests return during the month as well from April 8th until April 14th with rewards now including Wander Droplets and more. Check out the Monster Hunter Now April 2024 event list and roadmap below:

    If you’ve not played Monster Hunter Now recently or are planning to just start playing, I put together tips and tricks for the game, details on the weapons, special skills, the current monsters list, my wishlist for future update monsters, and more. You can grab Monster Hunter Now on the App Store for iOS here and on Google Play for Android here. The in app purchases include different sets of gems and upgrades. Check out the official website here. What do you think of Monster Hunter Now if you’ve been playing it and what do you think of this set of events?

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    Mikhail Madnani

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  • AI-Enabled Personal Professional Learning MicroGrant Announced Targets Teachers and Coaches (K-6)

    AI-Enabled Personal Professional Learning MicroGrant Announced Targets Teachers and Coaches (K-6)

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    North Carolina based QoreInsights announced today the launch of a MicroGrant program where they will award three schools with free site wide licenses for unlimited use of their AI-enabled personalized professional learning platform, The Classroom Education Plan© (CEP). The granted award will begin in fall 2024 and extend until the end of the 2025 school year. It includes support for on-boarding and professional learning to ensure the success of the initiative. The total approximate value of the three awards is over $30,000.

    The Classroom Education Plan© (CEP) supports teachers and coaches helping them to improve their core instructional practice. CEP uses a job-embedded professional learning approach, coach-support that utilizes AI to guide
    every teacher to targeted evidence-based instructional strategies, tracks impact, and enables real-time insights into student progress and well-being. “Millions of educators across the nation echo the same need: to provide teachers with high-quality professional learning that translates to measurable improvement in student achievement, engagement, and well-being,” said Dr. Toni Shub, Founder and CEO of QoreInsights. “We developed CEP to create equity for both teacher and student learning. CEP uses learning engineering and a decision support system to equitably guide every teacher to the most impactful evidence-based instructional methods for their specific classroom to address whole-child student needs, including feelings of safety and internalizing behaviors.”

    Three elementary schools will be selected to become QorePremium Partners and will receive CEP licenses for all general education K-6 teachers at the awarded sites (administrators and coaches are free). Schools will be able to award teachers up
    to 36 job-embedded continuing education credits!

    This innovative and engaging platform includes an entire school year of personalized needs assessments (3x per year) that elevate teacher and student voice, custom-ranked, evidence-based instructional strategies for every classroom, and an easy-to-use, teacher-designed progress monitoring system. Additionally educators will receive expert guidance for coaching evidence-based strategies and effectively leading PLCs, Administrator dashboards to see teacher engagement, needs assessments, strategies selected, and impact on student learning and well-being
    and responsive technical support from QoreInsights’ customer success team.

    The AI-Enabled Personalized Professional Learning MicroGrant is open to any learning institution serving K-6 students. Winners will be selected based on their vision for involving their learning community and creative plans for
    engaging all members, school wide.

    For further information about the grant, go to
    https://qoreinsights.com/qoreinsights-microgrant-2024/

    ABOUT QOREINSIGHTS:
    QoreInsights, an education technology company, stands at the forefront of educational advancement, uniquely fusing technology, pedagogy, and learning sciences to transform the educational landscape. Our flagship product, the Classroom Education Plan© (CEP), an AI-driven SaaS platform, is a job-embedded, continuous professional learning and coach-support system. We take pride in our diverse, multidisciplinary team that applies learning sciences to teaching and learning, enabling deep and innovative collaboration between product
    developers, educators, researchers, learning engineers, and AI experts. With a strong commitment to continuous improvement and to fostering equity in education through the ethical and responsible use of AI, QoreInsights has partnered with AI ENGAGE Institute and Vanderbilt University as research partners. For more information, visit the QoreInsights website and follow QoreInsights on LinkedIn for
    updates. For more information, contact Dr. Toni Shub at info@qoreinsights.com.

    eSchool News Staff
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    ESchool News Staff

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  • Free snowboard lessons come to Ruby Hill Park as Denver snow-sports season melts away | Denverite

    Free snowboard lessons come to Ruby Hill Park as Denver snow-sports season melts away | Denverite

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    Kyle’s been obsessing over Denver since he moved here from Chicago in 2005: What is this place? Who thrives here? Who’s pushed out? Who has room to create and fulfill their dreams? Whose dreams are squashed? And why? He’s the former culture editor at Westword, where he covered the city’s arts and music scene. Before that, he covered city and state politics as the managing editor at the Colorado Independent. He’s raced triathlons (slowly), grown food (well…with others), and toured the country in a folk-punk trio (apologetically). Now, he’s reporting about Denver’s growth and couldn’t be happier about it.

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  • ‘Genshin Impact’ Version 4.5 Update Now Available on iOS, Android, PS5, PS4, and PC – TouchArcade

    ‘Genshin Impact’ Version 4.5 Update Now Available on iOS, Android, PS5, PS4, and PC – TouchArcade

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    Following pre-installation going live earlier this week, HoYoverse has released the newest major Genshin Impact (Free) update. Genshin Impact version 4.5 “Blades Weaving Betwixt Brocade” brings in an alchemic potion shop in Mondstadt, the new 5-star playable character Chiori, the Chronicled Wish system for characters and weapons together, the Training Guide for developing characters, new mini-games, and more on iOS, Android, PS5, PS4, and PC platforms. Full patch notes for the update are here on the official HoYoverse blog for the game. This update also adds the Uraku Misugiri and Dialogues of the Desert Stages weapons, an update for the Genius Invokation TCG with new character cards and action cards. Watch the new Genshin Impact version 4.5 update trailer below:

    You can download Genshin Impact for free on the App Store for iOS here and on Google Play for Android here. The PC version is available on the official website here and the Epic Games Store. If you play on iOS, with iOS 14.5 or iPadOS 14.5 and later, you can use PS5 and Xbox Series X|S controllers to play Genshin Impact. We featured Genshin Impact as our Game of the Week when it released and awarded it our 2020 Game of the Year. I also featured it as one of the best iOS games to play with a controller. What do you think of Genshin Impact 4.5 based on its trailer so far?

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    Mikhail Madnani

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  • Blue Buffalo Dog Treats: Up To $15 Free After Rebate – Doctor Of Credit

    Blue Buffalo Dog Treats: Up To $15 Free After Rebate – Doctor Of Credit

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    The Offer

    Direct link to offer

    • Blue Buffalo Dog Treats are offering up to $15 back after rebate

    The Fine Print

    • Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. (including D.C.), 18 years old or older.
    • Limit 1 redemption per household for a total of up to $15.
    • Must purchase products in a single transaction and on one receipt by 11:59 p.m. ET on 4/12/24.
    • Upload receipt to website by 11:59 p.m. ET on 4/30/24.
    • Each Offer will be fulfilled no later than 8-10 weeks after Program conclusion.
    • For a Qualifying Purchase at Target, Amazon, PetSmart or Petco, you will be emailed a
      retailer egift card for the retailer store where you made the Qualifying Purchase.

    Our Verdict

    Looks like a purchase at Amazon will result in an Amazon giftcard. You can find these products on Amazon here (our affiliate link) looks to be a few options for close to $15.

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    William Charles

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  • Spring ISD Selects BenQ Boards for Classrooms

    Spring ISD Selects BenQ Boards for Classrooms

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    COSTA MESA, Calif. — BenQ, an internationally renowned provider of visual display and collaboration solutions, today announced the Spring Independent School District (ISD) in Houston has selected and installed almost 1,800 BenQ Boards in K-12 classrooms across the 45 schools in the district. Purchased as part of Spring ISD’s most recent school bond, the BenQ Boards were chosen over other smart board vendors because of the rich and forward-thinking feature set the BenQ Boards offer, including ease of use and flexibility for teachers, advanced learning tools for students, and free built-in remote management solutions for IT.

    “When we invited the entire district to come in and test drive different smart boards, everyone voted nearly unanimously for the BenQ Board,” said Joe Holecek, Spring ISD’s manager of campus technology support. “They hit all our needs, from those of our teachers and students to our technology department. We’ve deployed half the BenQ Boards in our classrooms so far, and it’s been so positive that the other half can’t wait because they know how much the boards offer.”

    Spring ISD Teachers Benefit From BenQ Board’s Tap ‘N Teach Technology
    While preparing students for the future, the BenQ Boards are also designed to eliminate the steep learning curve and complicated tasks that typical smart boards can overburden teachers with. The teacher-friendly experience starts immediately at sign-in. The industry’s only germ-resistant BenQ Boards boast BenQ’s Tap ‘N Teach technology, which features one-tap NFC log-in to load lesson materials and interactive teaching apps, cloud storage, settings, and tools instantly and securely.

    Teachers can use their BenQ Board as a whiteboard, display, computer, and wireless screen-sharing system thanks to BenQ’s license-free EZWrite 6 software. It’s packed with classroom tools for all subjects, including timers, rulers, protractors, compasses, and more. EZWrite 6 also lets educators save whiteboard sessions in the cloud, allowing them to continue giving lessons at a later date or allowing students to access lessons on any device and refer to them later. They can also open documents and image files directly on the whiteboard to facilitate discussions. To complement the experience, the split-screen windows function enables multiple applications to be opened side by side with no need to tap between content, making it even easier to conduct lessons and further comprehension. With the InstaShare wireless screen sharing capability, teachers can share their own laptop screens wirelessly as they move around the room or allow multiple students to share their device screens simultaneously. These built-in features provide teachers with much-needed flexibility to teach their own way.

    Spring ISD Students Benefit From BenQ’s EZWrite 6 and InstaShare
    In addition to tools that make teachers’ lives easier, the BenQ Boards feature tools that empower all students. EZWrite is packed with whiteboard features that boost participation. This includes a scalable whiteboard that can grow to any size project, split screen capabilities, text scanning, AI-powered text-to-speech and multilanguage support, and more. With InstaShare 2, students can share their thoughts to the screen no matter what device they’re using, with up to nine users able to share simultaneously. Together, EZWrite and InstaShare provide students with the necessary skills for the future of learning and the workforce; encourage creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking; and build student agency.

    Spring ISD IT Staff Benefit From License-Free Software for Central Management
    BenQ has long understood that IT and technology staff are instrumental in the maintenance and management of new EdTech. They need resources and tools that will help them maintain school technology and integrate with their chosen platforms without yearly fees. BenQ helps to streamline setup, maintenance, and monitoring with its subscription-free Device Management Solution (DMS), Account Management System (AMS), and Identity and Access Management (IAM). BenQ Boards also benefit from BenQ’s X-Sign Broadcast software, which turns any BenQ smart board in the school into broadcast signage and allows schools to keep everyone informed and up to date on events, safety protocols, and emergencies. As a result of these capabilities, schools can significantly reduce the time and effort it takes to register, set up, and maintain BenQ Boards across a district and use them much more flexibly and securely.

    “Spring ISD’s selection of BenQ Boards underscores the robustness of our classroom solutions,” said Bob Wudeck, senior director of business development at BenQ Education. “With features like Tap ‘N Teach, EZWrite 6, InstaShare, and our IT solutions, educators and staff gain unparalleled flexibility, while students are empowered with tools for future success.”

    More information on BenQ is available at www.BenQ.com/en-us/education.html.

    About BenQ Education
    BenQ Education is helping teachers shape the future of learning with interactive display solutions that maximize engagement in and out of the classroom while improving student performance. For over 10 years, BenQ has been the No. 1-selling TI DLP projector brand worldwide, according to Futuresource, and is one of the leading interactive display vendors in North America. The award-winning BenQ Board is the first and only interactive display to feature TÜV- and SIAA-certified germ-resistant screens, interfaces, and pens as part of its purpose-built ClassroomCare technologies designed for healthier classrooms. The BenQ Board RP03 Series has been recognized as the first smart board to achieve Eyesafe® Certification, the advanced blue light mitigation technology developed in concert with optometrists and ophthalmologists. Industry-recognized, BenQ’s Tap ‘N Teach technology for fast sign-on, EZWrite license-free annotation and whiteboard software, InstaShare wireless screen presentation system, and IT-friendly monitoring and management tools create exciting and intuitive active learning experiences. EZWrite 6 is also AWS Qualified, having passed Amazon Web Services (AWS) Foundational Technical Review (FTR), providing schools with assurance in security, reliability, and operational excellence. Educators can focus on giving lessons that leave an impact and give the leaders of tomorrow the tools they need to reach their maximum potential. The company’s products are available across North America through leading value-added distributors, resellers, and retailers. More information is available at www.BenQBoard.com.

    All trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

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  • Carolina Certified Version of OpenSciEd for Middle School Receives All-Green Rating from EdReports

    Carolina Certified Version of OpenSciEd for Middle School Receives All-Green Rating from EdReports

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    BURLINGTON, NC Leading school science supplier Carolina Biological Supply Company announced that its Certified Version of OpenSciEd for grades 6 to 8 received all-green ratings from non-profit EdReports. The organization provides free reports and reviews online that help K-12 educators evaluate math, language arts and science instructional materials because high-quality content matters to teachers, to kids, and to their collective future. The materials are rigorously evaluated for alignment to standards and usability by teams of educators. EdReports’ content reviewers consist of outstanding classroom educators, district coaches, and state content leaders who deeply understand college-and career-ready standards and the importance of high-quality instructional materials. Read the full report on EdReports.org.

                In simple terms, the all-green rating from EdReports means that the Carolina Certified Version of OpenSciEd meets expectations for all three categories of review: Designed for the Next Generation Science Standards* (NGSS); coherence and scope; and usability. It further demonstrates that the enhancements Carolina made to its version of the program also meet expectations for alignment and usability.

      “As a non-profit science developer, OpenSciEd intentionally created an open-source science curriculum so that teachers could edit and adapt and localize the content for their students,” said Jim Ryan, Executive Director of OpenSciEd. “By making the OpenSciEd for grades 6-8 curriculum easier to use last year, the Carolina Certified Version paved the way for teachers to make these changes, while maintaining the high quality of the instructional materials. Working with Carolina as a certified partner resulted in another excellent version of our curriculum.”

    In 2021, Carolina became a certified partner with nonprofit science developer OpenSciEd to create a unique version of OpenSciEd science units grades 6 to 8. Carolina, through its own expert scientists and science educators, took a first step towards enhancing the OpenSciEd units to further support teachers and engage students. The Carolina Certified Version offers redesigned print materials, simplified equipment, and an enhanced digital experience, plus certified professional learning to help teachers make the shift to three-dimensional, student-centered, and phenomena-driven learning.

    “We appreciate receiving the review from EdReports, a highly respected source for reliable insight, and are very proud to have earned all green ratings,” said Jim Parrish, President and CEO at Carolina. “Carolina, like EdReports, knows teachers spend many hours looking for quality materials. Their rigorous review process can make it much easier for educators to quickly see and be assured that our Carolina Certified Version of OpenSciEd for middle school met their standards in every category and went through deep scrutiny by a team of educator reviewers. The review can definitely help take another burden off teachers and help them find high-quality materials for their classrooms.” 

    Carolina is grateful for the opportunity to have its version reviewed by EdReports. The Carolina Biological Certified Version of OpenSciEd draws upon the same science content as OpenSciEd and has the same scores across the program. Some evidence statements have been edited to reflect the differences in program navigation and usability, including the presence of an online digital platform.

    For information, Carolina encourages educators to visit its online page at https://www.carolinaopenscied.com to learn about its versions of OpenSciEd. Units are available for purchase now through Carolina. Visit Carolina’s website or, call (800) 334-5551, or e-mail curriculum@carolina.com.

    Carolina Biological Supply Company
               From its beginnings in 1927, Carolina ( www.carolina.com) has grown to become the leading supplier of science teaching materials in the world. Headquartered in Burlington, NC, Carolina serves customers worldwide, including teachers, students, and professionals in science and health-related fields. The company is still privately owned by descendants of the founder, geology and biology professor Dr. Thomas E. Powell Jr.

    * NGSS is a registered trademark of WestEd. Neither WestEd nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.

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  • Loudoun County Public Schools Offers New Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources for Parents and Students

    Loudoun County Public Schools Offers New Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources for Parents and Students

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    SALT LAKE CITY – The Cook Center for Human Connection, a nonprofit dedicated to mental health and suicide prevention, has partnered with Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) to provide ParentGuidance.org to LCPS’ schools and families. Members of the LCPS community now have free access to a range of online mental health resources that empower families to help children thrive, including:

    • One-on-one parent coaching individualized for families;
    • Online on-demand lessons taught by licensed therapists; and
    • Live, interactive family mental health series webinars hosted by trained professionals – available in the fall of 2024;

    “Talking about mental health and other concerns is the key to understanding,” says Jennifer Evans, M. Ed., LPC, Director of Student Mental Health Services at LCPS. “Through ParentGuidance.org’s parent coaching and webinars, we are aiming to help parents address important mental health and developmental topics to support their children. Parents will gain tools and strategies that will enable them to talk with their children, engage in, and normalize important conversations about mental health.”

    The Cook Center’s model focuses on the protective factors for youth mental health and suicide prevention in which schools and parents play a critical role. Though only two years old, ParentGuidance.org has already been adopted by 229 districts and 3,617 schools, offering more than 2.4 million families access to services across 37 states.

    “ParentGuidance.org is a powerful tool to help families be the first line of support for their children,” said Anne Brown, president and CEO of Cook Center for Human Connection. “By providing education, resources, and direct support to families, we are helping the people who love and care for their children most: the parents. We are extremely proud to be partnering with a school district of distinction like Loudoun County Public Schools, who are showing they truly care about the role of parents in their children’s well-being.”

    In 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics and other national medical partners declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health, noting that healthcare professionals are “caring for young people with soaring rates of depression, anxiety, trauma, loneliness, and suicidality that will have lasting impacts on them, their families, and their communities.” Mental health factors have become especially formidable barriers to learning following the pandemic, intensifying a national imperative for innovation in student mental health and wellness. Research has established that school-based mental health and suicide programs that engage parents can increase the effectiveness of all interventions.

    Loudoun County Public School families can sign up directly through ParentGuidance.org or learn more from the division’s Student Mental Health Services page. For more information about the Cook Center’s work and resources, visit CookCenterforHumanConnection.org.

    About the Cook Center for Human Connection

    The mission of the Cook Center is to bring together the best organizations, programs, and products to prevent suicide, provide mental health support, and enhance the human connections vital for people to thrive. The foundation’s current focus is on supporting children, families, and schools with youth mental health resources and on the goal of eradicating suicide. This work is accomplished through various grants to schools, programs for parents, and global resources to bring greater awareness to the support needed for those affected by mental health needs and suicide. Its free resources created to support child mental health and suicide prevention include My Life Is Worth Living™, the first animated series about teen mental health and suicide prevention, and ParentGuidance.org, a mental health resource giving parents the tools to have important conversations at home. The content includes free on-demand courses taught by licensed therapists and family mental health nights hosted by trained professionals. Learn more at CookCenterforHumanConnection.org.

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  • San Jose Students In Ignite Reading’s Tutoring Program Nearly Triple Reading Growth In Two Months

    San Jose Students In Ignite Reading’s Tutoring Program Nearly Triple Reading Growth In Two Months

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    SAN JOSE – Since the launch of Ignite Reading’s partnership with Alpha: José Hernández School in November, the organization announced today that students participating in the virtual, one-to-one literacy tutoring program have recorded an average of nearly three weeks of reading progress per week of tutoring instruction, with no achievement gaps for students of color, students with IEPs, multilingual learners, or students receiving free or reduced-price lunches. Ignite Reading officials joined school leaders and students at Alpha: José Hernández today to showcase the nationally recognized program. The demonstration was followed by a Q&A session and panel discussion.

    Ignite Reading is currently serving 100 students in grades 3 through 5 at Alpha: José Hernández School. They are currently accelerating at a growth rate of 2.8 weeks of reading skills per week of instruction.

    “Ensuring all students are prepared for success in life is an equity issue. Reading can open doors or close students out of opportunities. Bringing tutoring into our school day through Ignite Reading’s tutoring program is showing early success that we’re planning to build on in the months to come,” said Alpha Public Schools CEO Shara Hegde.

    Ignite Reading pairs students with expert tutors who deliver daily, 15-minute, Science of Reading-based instruction to help them master the key foundational skills that equip them to become independent readers.The one-to-one virtual program is integrated into the school day and takes some of the burden off teachers by providing individualized instruction for every student.

    The company is now teaching thousands of students to read across 13 states with further plans to expand nationwide. In addition to California, Ignite Reading is partnering with schools and districts to serve thousands of students in Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia this year.

    “We’re excited to expand our partnership with Alpha Public Schools to help more San Jose students enhance their reading skills. Through Ignite Reading’s individualized tutoring, students are making significant progress, gaining nearly three weeks’ worth of reading skills for every program week. The positive influence on their social-emotional development is also notable. It’s an honor to continue supporting the incredible local students, families, and educators in San Jose,” said Jessica Reid Sliwerski, Founder & CEO of Ignite Reading.

    About Ignite Reading

    Ignite Reading’s mission is to ensure that every student is a confident, independent reader by the end of first grade. The organization was co-founded by CEO Jessica Reid Sliwerski and Evan Marwell, Executive Chairman of Ignite and CEO of EducationSuperHighway. Ignite Reading pairs schools with a dedicated literacy specialist and a team of virtual reading tutors, all highly trained in the Science of Reading, who deliver 1:1 daily instruction to students focused on their specific decoding gaps. Ignite’s data-driven approach, provided by caring and skilled tutors, gives kids the know-how and confidence they need to thrive as fluent readers. The Ignite Reading program, delivered 15 minutes per day during a school’s literacy block, takes the burden of differentiated instruction off of teachers and has an impact immediately. For more information about Ignite Reading, visit: www.ignite-reading.com

    About Alpha Public Schools

    Alpha Public Schools is a network of four public charter schools founded by a group of East San Jose parents committed to creating access to an outstanding education for their children. An Alpha education prepares students in TK through 12th grade for success in college and career.

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  • Dark Fantasy Roguelike RPG ‘Loop Hero’ Is Coming to Mobile on April 30th Through Playdigious With Pre-Orders Now Live – TouchArcade

    Dark Fantasy Roguelike RPG ‘Loop Hero’ Is Coming to Mobile on April 30th Through Playdigious With Pre-Orders Now Live – TouchArcade

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    Devolver Digital published Loop Hero () on PC and console platforms back in late 2021, and it is now coming to mobile through Playdigious. Shaun loved Loop Hero on Switch. Read his thoughts on it here where he scored it 4.5/5. I own the roguelike RPG on Steam and Switch, but haven’t played much of it yet. With the new mobile version announced for April, I’ll just wait and play all versions around then to compare and see how the game feels. Loop Hero will be a free to start release. Watch the Loop Hero mobile release date trailer below:

    Loop Hero will be priced at $6.99, but you can pre-order and pre-register for it to get a 10% discount. Playdigious confirmed that Loop Hero will have cloud save support, Game Center achievements, a revamped interface for mobile, iPhone 15 optimization, and will be compatible with MFi controllers. The game will be free to try letting you play the first chapter before the single unlock in app purchase for the full game. If you’d like to play it, you can pre-order Loop Hero on the App Store for iOS here and pre-register for it on Google Play for Android here. Have you played Loop Hero before or will you be trying it out on mobile on April 30th?

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    Mikhail Madnani

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  • 3 strategies to support inclusive learning

    3 strategies to support inclusive learning

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    Key points:

    The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), passed in 1975, ensures that eligible children with disabilities receive free public education along with the services they need to succeed. The IDEA act also guarantees that students with disabilities have the right to engage in the Least Restrictive Learning Environment (LRE) that best meets their individual needs.

    The LRE ensures that students under IDEA are offered equitable access to education alongside their non-disabled peers. Under these requirements, special education students should be in the same classrooms as their peers to the maximum appropriate extent. The goal isn’t to make sure that special education students are in the mainstream classroom as much as possible, but to allow students to engage in a classroom setting that is the most beneficial to their academic success and development and to have equal opportunities to their peers. This requires some training for educators on how to create more inclusive classrooms.

    Strategies for educators to support inclusive learning

    Inclusive classrooms are classrooms where students with diverse abilities and backgrounds learn together in a mainstream classroom setting. To maintain an inclusive learning environment, it is critical that educators have effective strategies to ensure that all students, regardless of their abilities, are given the opportunity to thrive academically.

    Here are three strategies for educators to support inclusive learning:

    1. Foster a collaborative classroom culture

    A collaborative classroom culture encourages students to work together and appreciate the unique perspectives that their peers bring to the table. Educators can create this culture through tactics such as group projects or peer tutoring programs. Other activities like circle time, where students have the opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences, can also help foster mutual understanding and respect. Collaboration not only helps to create a sense of community and belonging inside the classroom, it also prepares students for the real world that values teamwork.

    2. Professional development

    To enhance educators’ capacity to support diverse learners and inclusive classrooms, they need ongoing training and professional development opportunities. Having regular professional development training helps educators to learn more ways to best serve their students.

    3. Differentiated instruction

    Offering tailored teaching methods, materials and assessment strategies can help students to better understand the curriculum. Students learn in various ways, and offering materials at different difficulty levels, providing visuals or offering kinesthetic activities ensures that all students can engage in the classroom.

    Why special educators are essential

    Expertise

    Special educators play an important role in ensuring the effectiveness of inclusive classrooms. They have the expertise, training, and resources to address the diverse needs of students, especially those with special needs.

    Teaching methods and materials

    In an inclusive classroom, special educators can tailor their teaching methods and materials to meet the abilities and preferred learning styles of students. This ensures that every student has access to individualized support that suits their unique needs.

    IEP familiarity

    Special educators are also trained to create Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students who have special needs. IEPs describe how a student learns, how they demonstrate what they are learning, and what educators can do to help a student learn more effectively. They are tailored using input from general and special education teachers, parents, school administrators, and the students themselves. Having an IEP can also help to determine if a fully inclusive classroom environment is the right fit for a specific student.

    Behavior management

    Behavioral difficulties are often a challenge in inclusive classrooms. Special educators have the necessary training to manage students with behavioral issues and can help maintain a productive learning environment in the classroom.

    While special educators are important in driving the success of inclusive classrooms, they also face challenges such as being responsible for too many students.

    Pros and cons of inclusive classrooms

    The pros and cons of inclusive classrooms have been heavily debated and can vary with each individual circumstance or classroom.

    Inclusive education has benefits for both students with disabilities and for their peers as it promotes social integration, cultivates empathy, and exposes students to those with diverse abilities. Studies have shown that inclusive education can lead to improved academic outcomes for both students with disabilities and their peers.

    While inclusive classrooms have many benefits, there are also drawbacks that often dissuade schools and classrooms from adopting an inclusive classroom environment. Meeting the needs of students with varying abilities and offering individualized support can be challenging for teachers, especially in larger class sizes. Resource allocation can also be a concern because special education students often need support staff, specialized teaching materials or technology.

    Inclusive classrooms are not a one-size-fits-all environment. By working with special education students alongside their peers, with an appropriate IEP in place, educators can tailor their teaching to better serve each student. While an inclusive classroom might not be the best fit for every student, every student should have the opportunity to participate in the learning environment that allows them to gain the most from their education.

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  • ‘Honkai Star Rail’ Version 2.0 Update Pre-Installation Now Live on iOS, Android, and PC – TouchArcade

    ‘Honkai Star Rail’ Version 2.0 Update Pre-Installation Now Live on iOS, Android, and PC – TouchArcade

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    Ahead of its launch beginning tomorrow, HoYoverse began Honkai Star Rail version 2.0 update pre-installation over the weekend. Honkai Star Rail 2.0 will also add Apple Vision Pro compatibility mode when it arrives. If you’ve not kept up with the update, 2.0 will bring in three new characters including Black Swan, the beginning of Penacony’s Trailblaze Missions which will continue across 2.2 and 2.3, reruns, and more. Since this update is larger than prior ones with its new location and much more, the download size is quite a bit bigger than expected. It is just over 12GB on iPhone and nearly 17GB on PC. Watch the new Honkai Star Rail version 2.0 update trailer for Black Swan below:

    Barring the new content, I’m very curious to see the new Apple hardware specific updates that arrive in 2.0 including how the team handles Apple Vision Pro support. If you’ve not gotten Honkai Star Rail yet, you can download it on the App Store for iOS here, on Google Play for Android here, and here on the Epic Games Store in addition to its regular PC version. Check it out here on PS5. Have you been playing Honkai Star Rail regularly since it launched on mobile, PC, and PS5 and what would you like to see future updates?

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  • Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Flirting Without Being Creepy

    Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Flirting Without Being Creepy

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    Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Flirting Without Being Creepy

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  • ‘Honkai Star Rail’ Apple Vision Pro Update Coming February 6th With Compatibility Mode – TouchArcade

    ‘Honkai Star Rail’ Apple Vision Pro Update Coming February 6th With Compatibility Mode – TouchArcade

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    HoYoverse just announced that the upcoming Honkai Star Rail version 2.0 update due February 6th will also add Apple Vision Pro compatibility mode. If you’ve not been following the game recently, this update was confirmed to bring in in three new characters including Black Swan, the beginning of Penacony’s Trailblaze Missions which will continue across 2.2 and 2.3, reruns, and more. Today, HoYoverse confirmed Apple Vision Pro compatibility with more details to be revealed soon. Honkai Star Rail isn’t the first major game to do this, and we’ve slowly seen more Apple Arcade titles confirm Apple Vision Pro support. I’m curious to see how this Honkai Star Rail Apple Vision Pro compatibility mode ends up being. There are no further details for the Honkai Star Rail Apple Vision Pro update.

    Hopefully we see more of the iPhone 15 Pro optimization as well with version 2.0. If you’ve not gotten Honkai Star Rail yet, you can download it on the App Store for iOS here, on Google Play for Android here, and here on the Epic Games Store in addition to its regular PC version. Check it out here on PS5. Have you been playing Honkai Star Rail regularly since it launched on mobile, PC, and PS5 and what would you like to see in Apple Vision Pro support next?



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  • ‘Zenless Zone Zero’ New Gameplay Trailer Showcased at State of Play, in Development for PS5 As Well as Mobile and PC – TouchArcade

    ‘Zenless Zone Zero’ New Gameplay Trailer Showcased at State of Play, in Development for PS5 As Well as Mobile and PC – TouchArcade

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    Earlier today during Sony’s new State of Play showcase that had a few games I will be pre-ordering soon, HoYoverse showcased a new gameplay trailer for its upcoming urban fantasy action RPG Zenless Zone Zero. If you’ve not kept up with Zenless Zone Zero recently, it was confirmed for release in 2024 on iOS, Android, and PC but also confirmed for unannounced consoles. The new State of Play trailer for Zenless Zone Zero confirmed that it is in development for PS5 as well. A release window was not given, but I hope it does launch alongside the mobile and PC versions. Watch the newest Zenless Zone Zero gameplay trailer below:

    I assume Zenless Zone Zero will make use of the PS5 DualSense controller haptics and adaptive triggers as Genshin Impact does. Either way, I’ll be playing Zenless Zone Zero on iPhone 15 Pro, iPad Pro, and PS5 whenever it releases on those platforms. It is going to be interesting to see if this one and maybe even Honkai Star Rail come to the Nintendo Switch successor whenever that launches. Check out more about the game on the official website here. I’ve enjoyed the second closed beta on iPhone 15 Pro quite a bit, and will be trying out upcoming betas if they do any in the future. What do you think of Zenless Zone Zero so far and will you play it on mobile, PC, or PS5?

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  • 10 free things to do in Chicago this February | Choose Chicago

    10 free things to do in Chicago this February | Choose Chicago

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    You don’t need to reach for your wallet to get your fill of fun things to do all around the city. Here are 10 of our favorite free events and activities this month in Chicago, including exciting outdoor adventures, cultural celebrations, flower shows, free museum days, and so much more. Start planning your budget-friendly Chicago adventures with these free things to do in February 2024.

    1. Celebrate the Lunar New Year

    Welcome the year of the dragon with two colorful Lunar New Year parades. The Uptown neighborhood will welcome the new year with its annual Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 17, featuring a parade of community groups, cultural institutions, dancers, and performers. Then, head to Chinatown for the Lunar New Year Parade on Sunday, Feb. 18, featuring traditional dragon and lion dancing teams, colorful floats, and marching bands.

    2. Admire the first blooms of spring

    Garfield Park conservatory spring flower show

    It might be cold outside, but it’s always springtime in the city’s indoor conservatories.

    Named the best garden in North America, Garfield Park Conservatory will be hosting its spring celebration from Feb. 14 through May 12, 2024. This year’s theme “What’s in a Name?” will explore the history and science of plant naming. Book your free reservations online in advance.

    At the Lincoln Park Conservatory, the annual spring show will be called “Sweet Gnome Chicago” and run from Feb. 13 through May 12, 2024. See if you can spot nearly 300 gnomes of all sizes located throughout the botanical displays. Book your free reservations online in advance.

    3. Visit the Chicago Architecture Biennial

    Chicago Architecture Biennial, The Black Girlhood Altar by a Long Walk Home at the Chicago Cultural Center; photo by Tom Harris

    It’s your last chance to see the largest architecture and design exhibition in North America! The Chicago Architecture Biennial features projects created by contributors from around the globe at free exhibits and events throughout the city.

    The event is centered around the Chicago Cultural Center, plus a variety of CAB City Sites with related exhibitions and programming in neighborhoods all across the city. The Biennial will run through Feb. 11, 2024.

    4. Enjoy the winter weather during Polar Adventure Days

    Make the most of the wintry weather during Polar Adventure Days, a free outdoor program from the Chicago Park District. Held at Big Marsh Park, the event features activities like guided hikes, encounters with birds of prey, demonstrations from husky sled teams, winter crafts, live music and hot cocoa, and more. Polar Adventure Days will take place on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.

    5. Get free admission at Chicago museums

    At the center of Science Storms – an exhibit that explores nature’s most powerful and compelling phenomena – is a 40-foot vortex of swirling air and vapor guests can study and manipulate.
    Science Storms @ The Museum of Science and Industry Chicago

    Spend an afternoon wandering through a Chicago museum, where you can dive into fascinating history, provocative contemporary art, and galaxies far, far away.

    Here are the upcoming free museum days in Chicago during February 2024 for Illinois residents:

    TheDuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is free for all every Wednesday. You can also visit one of the city’s always-free museums, like theNational Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, theNational Museum of Mexican Art, and theHyde Park Art Center.

    6. Explore the Chicago Botanic Garden

    Chicago Botanic Garden in winter
    Malott Japanese Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden

    Located just outside Chicago, the sprawling Chicago Botanic Garden is offering various free admission days this winter. This month, the gardens are free to all on Feb. 4 – 9 and 19. Explore the snowy grounds then warm up inside the tropical greenhouses. Tickets are free but pre-registration is required.

    7. Go ice skating in Millennium Park

    Nothing says “winter in Chicago” like gliding around on one of the city’s magical ice skating rinks. One favorite spot is the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, which is now open for its 21st season through March 3, 2024. This free-admission rink in Millennium Park is located in the heart of Millennium Park surrounded by the glimmering lights of Michigan Avenue. Note that free online reservations are required, skate rentals are available for a fee.

    Explore more: Check out these free neighborhood ice rinks around Chicago.

    8. Discover the Chicago Cultural Center

    A landmark attraction in the Loop, the Chicago Cultural Center is a stunning public space featuring art exhibits, fascinating history, a local makers market, and soaring architecture — including the world’s largest Tiffany glass dome. Make the most of your visit with the free guided tours that meet every Thursday and Friday afternoon year-round.

    This February, honor Black History Month at the Freedom Square: The Black Girlhood Altar exhibit. Free programming tackles topics including protecting Black women and girls, honoring missing and murdered indigenous women, and more

    9. Visit a historic zoo

    Lincoln Park Zoo
    Lincoln Park Zoo; Abel Arciniega, @tequilagraphics

    Lincoln Park Zoo is Chicago’s free zoo and one of the oldest in the country. It’s open all year long, including throughout the winter. Stroll through the snowy grounds, where you can watch polar bears, penguins, and snow monkeys play outside. And warm up inside the animal houses, where you can meet penguins, gorillas, lions, and more.

    10. Explore the Poetry Foundation

    Poetry Foundation
    Poetry Foundation; photo by Diana Solis

    Come explore a Chicago hidden gem, the Poetry Foundation, which houses a massive library, an exhibition gallery, a tree-lined courtyard, and a performance space. Visitors will find an array of events that are free and open to the public, from readings and lectures to workshops and discussions. Come hear an up-and-coming poet, catch a film screening, or just find a moment of tranquility.

    Bonus! Discover a new neighborhood

    The arch welcoming visitors to Little Village
    Photo by Lucy Hewett

    Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, there’s always something new to discover in Chicago. Get to know a new neighborhood on a free Chicago Greeter tour, led by a friendly local who will show you each neighborhood’s landmarks, hot spots, and hidden gems.

    Looking for more? Check out our guide on free things to do in Chicago all year long.

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  • ‘Honkai Star Rail’ Version 2.0 “If One Dreams At Midnight” Releases on February 6th Bringing Three New Characters and More – TouchArcade

    ‘Honkai Star Rail’ Version 2.0 “If One Dreams At Midnight” Releases on February 6th Bringing Three New Characters and More – TouchArcade

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    HoYoverse just detailed the upcoming Honkai Star Rail version 2.0 update today in a new livestream. The update will bring in three new characters including Black Swan, the beginning of Penacony’s Trailblaze Missions which will continue across 2.2 and 2.3, reruns, and more. The new Penacony realm is no doubt the highlight of the update which launches on February 6th, but I know many including myself will be trying to get Black Swan in Honkai Star Rail Version 2.0 ‘If One Dreams at Midnight’. As usual, pre-installation will go live a few days before the update hits on mobile and PC. This is also the update that will bring in new features as revealed before. Watch the Honkai Star Rail version 2.0 update trailer below:

    Check out a screenshot from Honkai Star Rail 2.0 below:

    Hopefully we see more iPhone 15 Pro optimization with version 2.0. If you’ve not gotten Honkai Star Rail yet, you can download it on the App Store for iOS here, on Google Play for Android here, and here on the Epic Games Store in addition to its regular PC version. Check it out here on PS5. Have you been playing Honkai Star Rail regularly since it launched on mobile, PC, and PS5?

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    Mikhail Madnani

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