
Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries, connects hearts, and evokes emotions. While many of us instinctively turn to music for comfort during life’s trials, music therapy has emerged as a structured practice that harnesses the power of melody and rhythm to heal and rejuvenate. This therapeutic approach goes beyond mere listening; it taps into music’s profound ability to soothe the soul, calm the mind, and even alleviate physical ailments. Music therapy always redefines how we perceive wellness. Music therapy plays a favourite tune to lift your spirits. It is a carefully designed clinical practice where trained therapists use music to address a person’s emotional, cognitive, social, and physical needs. The process can involve singing, playing instruments, composing, or even passive listening, depending on the goals of the therapy. Why is music so effective in therapy? According to neuroscientists, “Music stimulates the brain in unique ways, engaging areas that regulate emotion, memory, and physical coordination. For instance, melodies can trigger the release of dopamine, the brain’s feel-good chemical, fostering happiness and reducing stress. Simultaneously, rhythmic patterns can synchronise brainwaves, promoting relaxation and mental clarity.” Music therapy through the ages The idea that music holds therapeutic potential is not new. Ancient Greek philosophers, including Pythagoras and Plato, believed in its ability to harmonise the soul and body. In traditional Indian and Chinese medicine, specific sounds and rhythms were used to balance energies and promote healing. Modern music therapy, however, gained recognition during the 20th century, particularly after World War II. Musicians began playing for soldiers recovering from physical and emotional wounds, and the remarkable results led to the establishment of music therapy as a formal field of study. Today, it is a growing discipline practised in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centres, and community spaces worldwide. At its core, music therapy is deeply personal. It offers a nonverbal medium of expression, making it especially valuable for those who struggle to articulate their emotions. For those battling anxiety, depression, or trauma, music therapy provides a safe space to confront and process their feelings. Imagine a patient dealing with grief. Instead of verbal counselling, a music therapist might encourage them to create a playlist reflecting their emotions or compose a song about their experience. This process allows persons to channel their pain creatively, paving the way for emotional release and acceptance. Studies have shown that listening to calming music can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. It also enhances serotonin production, which helps stabilise mood. These biological changes, coupled with the emotional resonance of music, create a profound sense of solace. Physical rejuvenation While music therapy is often associated with mental health, its physical benefits are equally noteworthy. Patients recovering from surgeries, injuries, or chronic illnesses often find relief in music therapy sessions. Rhythmic auditory stimulation is used to aid stroke survivors in regaining motor skills. The steady beat of a metronome or a drum can help retrain the brain to coordinate movement, enabling smoother walking or hand motions. Similarly, those with Parkinson’s disease benefit from rhythmic cues that assist in overcoming movement difficulties. Pain management is another area where music therapy shines. By redirecting focus and inducing relaxation, music can lower the perception of pain, reducing the need for medication. Hospitals now frequently incorporate music therapy into palliative care programs, providing patients with a peaceful environment during challenging times. Strengthening connections Music has a remarkable ability to bring people together. In group therapy sessions, shared musical activities foster a sense of belonging and mutual support. For children with autism, music therapy helps improve social skills by encouraging interaction and communication. Cognitively, music therapy can enhance memory and focus. It is widely used with patients suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, where familiar songs often trigger forgotten memories. Singing along to these tunes not only sparks joy but also provides a bridge to reconnect with loved ones. Tailored for every soul One of the greatest strengths of music therapy is its adaptability. There is no one-size-fits-all approach; each session is customised to meet the client’s unique needs and preferences. For some, classical music’s intricate harmonies may evoke calm and introspection. Others might find solace in folk tunes that resonate with cultural identity. Even upbeat genres like pop or jazz can inspire positivity and motivation, proving that therapeutic music is as diverse as the people it serves. Instruments also play a significant role. A shy child may gain confidence by playing a drum, while an adult grappling with emotional trauma might find catharsis in the resonant chords of a guitar. The therapist’s skill lies in recognising what resonates with each person and guiding them towards healing through these sonic pathways. Beyond therapy rooms Music therapy’s influence extends far beyond clinical settings. Its principles can be integrated into daily life, offering everyone the chance to experience its benefits. Consider incorporating music into your routine as a tool for mindfulness. Create playlists tailored to your mood—lively tracks for motivation, soft instrumentals for relaxation, or nostalgic songs to evoke fond memories. Engaging with music actively, whether through singing or playing an instrument, can further deepen its therapeutic effects. Community programs and online platforms now make music therapy more accessible than ever. Virtual sessions have opened doors for people worldwide, ensuring that this transformative practice reaches those in need, regardless of location. As research into music therapy grows, its applications continue to expand. Therapists are now exploring its potential in fields such as neonatal care, where lullabies soothe premature infants and promote bonding with parents. In education, music therapy supports students with learning disabilities, enhancing focus and comprehension. Advancements in technology have revolutionised music therapy. From apps that generate personalised soundscapes to AI tools that analyse and adapt to a listener’s emotional state, innovation is amplifying music’s therapeutic impact.
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The Nike LeBron 22 "South Beach" PE has been officially unveiled. LeBron James debuted the pair during a recent game, adding excitement to the exclusive release. Strictly a player’s exclusive, this bold design pays homage to LeBron’s Miami Heat legacy. The vibrant color scheme draws direct inspiration from Miami’s iconic South Beach vibes. The sneakers feature a striking pink and teal upper that immediately grabs attention. Additionally, glossy pink overlays enhance the design, while the teal base adds balance. The yellow accents on the outsole and branding provide a bright contrast. Furthermore, the mix of colors reflects Miami’s energetic and tropical aesthetic. The design also incorporates premium materials , ensuring both style and durability. LeBron’s latest player-exclusive pair continues to push boundaries. The "South Beach" theme connects fans to the era when LeBron dominated in Miami. That period, marked by championships and cultural influence, remains a defining chapter in his career. This exclusive pair blends nostalgia and modern innovation seamlessly. It reinforces LeBron’s long-standing partnership with Nike . The "South Beach" PE is a tribute to one of the most iconic chapters of LeBron’s journey. Although unavailable to the public, its unveiling creates a buzz among fans and collectors alike. Read More: Nike Air Max Plus Shines In New “Iridescent” Release The shoes boass a vibrant design inspired by Miami’s energy. Its glossy pink overlays sit atop a teal base, creating a bold contrast. Premium materials ensure durability and performance, while yellow accents on the outsole and branding add extra flair. The shoe's streamlined silhouette highlights Nike’s cutting-edge technology, designed for LeBron’s dynamic gameplay. This exclusive PE perfectly blends style and function, celebrating LeBron’s iconic South Beach legacy with modern flair. Unfortunately for sneaker fans, this Nike LeBron 22 “South Beach” will not be available for purchase. This is strictly a "Player's Edition" and there are no plans for the public to wear this pair on the court. Read More: USC Receives Player’s Exclusive Nike Kobe 6 CleatsThriveDX Announces University Cybersecurity Training and Bootcamp Partnership Expansion
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Three earthquakes have rocked Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines on Wednesday morning, prompting the Bureau of Meteorology to issue a tsunami warning update. First, a 5.5 magnitude quake rocked the Talaud Islands, Indonesia at around 3am on Wednesday. Shortly after a magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck the northern Philippines the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said, as authorities warned of damage and aftershock from the tremor. Then a 3.6 magnitude quake was measured near Port Hedland in Western Australia just before 8am AEDT (5a AWST). The Bureau of Meteorology issued a statement on social media on Wednesday morning confirming there is currently there is “No tsunami threat to Australia from (an) earthquake felt in Port Hedland, WA (magnitude 3.6 near Western Australia). The Philippines quake was at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), GFZ said. Philippine seismology agency PHIVOLCS said the quake struck the northern town of Bangui in Ilocos province and warned of aftershocks and damage from the quake. There were no immediate reports of damage from the tremor. Earthquakes are common in the Philippines, which lies on the “Ring of Fire”, a belt of volcanoes circling the Pacific Ocean that is prone to seismic activity. Matt Shrivell
Swissotel Poiana Brașov offers quiet luxury experience and signals brand direction in Romania and regionColumbia, a perennial football loser, wins Ivy League title for first time since 1961The 2024 iPad Mini gets only minor improvements, but while Apple could have done more, it’s still the best miniature tablet. The iPad Mini is the iPad that I love to use for a few weeks every few years when a new model comes out, and every time, I tell myself that it’s an iPad I could easily start using in my daily life. Is it a laptop replacement? Most certainly not — but it’s a great pocket computer with a little extra screen real estate for things like note-taking and gaming. The 2024 model continues that legacy — but that’s because it’s more or less the same as . That’s not a bad thing. The iPad Mini seems to find niche use-cases, and fits those needs perfectly. But, it also can’t help but feel like Apple could have done just a more for its smallest iPad than just give it the bare minimum upgrade to support Apple Intelligence. Do I love the iPad Mini? Absolutely — and that’s why I really just want what’s best for it. iPad Mini (2024) specs The same great design The design of the iPad Mini is pretty much spot on for me. It looks modern, yet it doesn’t sacrifice functionality for looks. A perfect example of this is in the bezels around the screen. I have no doubt that Apple could have made them smaller, either shrinking the body of the device, or increasing the size of the display. But I’m glad it didn’t — the bezels are the perfect size for the iPad, without accidentally touching the screen. Overall, everything is where you would expect it to be. There’s a USB-C port on the bottom, and a power button with a fingerprint sensor on the top. If you’re coming from another iPad, you may need to get used to the placement of the volume buttons on the top edge. Sign up for the most interesting tech & entertainment news out there. By signing up, I agree to the and have reviewed the Like the previous model, the 2024 iPad Mini comes in some cool colors, including a nice light blue and a purple. I’m reviewing the blue model, and it looks great. If there’s one thing Apple could have changed for the design of the iPad Mini, it’s the thickness. Apple itself has ruined me for tablet thickness with the current iPad Pro, which is incredibly thin. To be clear, the iPad Mini isn’t — but it would be nice if Apple brought that super-thin design to its other models. A pretty good display Also the same as is the display. The iPad Mini had a 1488 x 2266 LCD display with a 500-nit brightness. It’s a good-looking screen, offering crisp details and bright colors. But it could still get better, and I hope it does for the next generation. Plenty of mid-range devices these days have OLED displays, and there’s no reason the iPad Mini can’t. I don’t expect Apple to bring its ultra-high-end Tandem OLED tech to the iPad Mini, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement between the current display and the iPad Pro’s. Still, though, rest assured that the screen on the iPad Mini does look pretty good regardless. And, I should note that the issues around jelly scrolling seem to have mostly been fixed for this generation of the iPad Mini. To be fair, it’s not something that I noticed on the previous generation model, but I was looking for it this time and didn’t find it to be an issue. Last year’s best performance The biggest upgrade to the iPad Mini comes in the form of a new chip. M4? No. How about M2? Nope. The 2024 iPad Mini has Apple’s A17 Pro chip. That’s the same chip as (not ). Perhaps I’m being unfair. Not once did I find the iPad Mini to stutter, lag, or take too long to load. The 2024 iPad Mini felt smooth and responsive the entire time I used it. But I’m also very aware of the fact that better performance in a device like an iPad or iPhone is rarely about how a device performs at the beginning of its lifespan. Instead, it’s about how a device performs at the . Tablets slow down, and they stop supporting the latest software. Including one of last year’s chips means that the iPad Mini is likely to lose support for iPadOS a year before any other current-gen iPad. But, to be clear, it’s also pretty much impossible to review a device based on the of lost software support. The most important thing is that the iPad Mini performs well, and it does. And, if you care, the use of the A17 Pro instead of the base A17 means the device supports Apple Intelligence. Arguably more important is the fact that the new iPad Mini now comes with 128GB of storage in the base model. That’s a helpful improvement over the 64GB base storage of the previous generation. A solid battery (that’s the same) The iPad Mini has a decent battery that should get most users through a few days of average use. iPad Mini power users may find they only get one solid day of usage out of the device, but I found that it latest up to around 10 hours of moderate usage for basic tasks, or a little less for more demanding tasks like gaming. If you’re using the device for things like reading and browsing social media, you’ll be perfectly happy with how it holds up — just don’t expect it to last as long as Apple’s larger iPads. The iPad Mini charges at 20W, which is the same as the previous-generation model, and frankly a little slow. I hope Apple upgrades the charging speed next time around. Fine cameras, but no Face ID On the back of the iPad Mini can be found a 12-megapixel camera that’s capable of capturing solid photos, while on the front, there’s another 12-megapixel camera that can capture relatively detailed selfies. Both work great for video chatting, which, to be fair, is what they’ll be used for most of the time. I don’t love that the front-facing camera hasn’t been used to the horizontal edge, though. I also don’t love that it doesn’t support Face ID. It’s been seven years since the iPhone X first launched with Face ID, and the fact that there are still MacBooks and iPads that don’t have it is a little silly. Apple itself thinks Face ID is a better experience for iPads, too — if it didn’t, the iPad Pro wouldn’t have Face ID. It’s time to bring the tech to other devices. Better yet, include both Touch ID Face ID. I can dream, can’t I? Accessories Perhaps one of the best things about the new iPad Mini is the fact that it supports . That makes it a better note-taking device than it has ever been in the past. On the iPad Mini, you’ll be able to do all of the same tricks with the Apple Pencil Pro as you would on another iPad. These include the hover feature, the ability to squeeze for additional controls, and the barrel roll gesture. The Apple Pencil Pro looks a little oversized attached to the side of the iPad, but as usual, it still feels great in the hand. The iPad Mini also supports the original Apple Pencil, which can be charged through the USB-C port. But strangely, the device does not support the Apple Pencil Generation 2, which seems like an oversight. Still, I generally liked using the iPad Mini as a note-taking device with the Apple Pencil Pro. Conclusions Is the 2024 iPad Mini a bit too safe? Definitely. But that doesn’t make it any less of a great device. The iPad Mini is still a fun little tablet, and it will still do all the iPad things you expect it to for the foreseeable future. Crucially, it also supports Apple Intelligence, though it remains to be seen if that’s something that many users really care about. Regardless of features or performance, the iPad Mini is still the best ultra-portable tablet out there. There isn’t really much competition in the compact tablet space. So perhaps most buyers are considering whether to buy the 2024 iPad Mini or stick with . If you have a 2021 model and aren’t too fussed about not having Apple intelligence, then you don’t need to upgrade to the 2024 device, especially if your iPad still has enough storage for your needs. If you have an older model, or you’re new to the ultra-compact tablet space, then you’ll love what’s on offer with the 2024 iPad Mini. Yes. It’s the best ultra-compact tablet there is.
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The Kansas Jayhawks are home from Las Vegas to finish out the Vegas Showdown in the friendly confines of Allen Fieldhouse. After defeating Duke in the showcase matchup of the event, the Jayhawks are looking to continue their undefeated start for their best starting record since the 2019 season. Kansas began the season as the number 1 team in the nation in both preseason polls, and have only solidified that spot in recent weeks. Furman has used their hot start to the season to get consideration in the AP Poll, earning two points to be included in the Receiving Votes category. Kansas won the only prior meeting between these two teams, a 101-60 victory on December 20, 1993 in Allen Fieldhouse. Here are the essentials: How to Watch Saturday, November 30th, 5:00 p.m. CST Lawrence, KS: Allen Fieldhouse (15,300) TV: ESPN+ - Mark Neely (Play-by-Play), Nick Bahe (Analyst) Radio: Jayhawk Sports Network - Brian Hanni (Play-by-Play), Greg Gurley (Analyst) Live Stream: ESPN+ LIVE Updates Live Updates will start at approximately 5pm Central The Numbers #1/#1 Kansas: KenPom: 9th overall, 14th offense, 14th defense RV/- Furman: KenPom: 115th overall, 170th offense, 90th defense Line: KU -21.5 O/U: 148.5 Game Coverage Furman Preview Game Predictions from the All Jayhawks staff Fun Facts Kansas is 157-6 (96.3%) at home against non-conference opponents under Bill Self. The last home loss out of conference came as part of the Big 12/SEC Challenge against Kentucky on January 29th, 2022. A win today will give the Jayhawks 2,400 all-time wins, making them only the second program to accomplish that feat. The Jayhawks are looking to start the season 7-0 for the first time since the 2018-19 season. Follow us on Twitter(X) Rock Chalk Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Twitter(X)