OngoingWorlds blog

News & articles about play-by-post games, for roleplayers & writers

By

Congratulations to all of our 2015 Squiddie Nominees!

Ongoing Worlds Medal for Superior Online Role Playing

Ongoing Worlds Medal
for Superior Online Role Playing

In case you missed it, the nomination period for the 2015 Squiddies (aka the Ongoing Worlds Medal for Superior Online Role Playingended this past weekend.  We asked the entire online role playing community to nominate the best people, games, and clubs for the highest honor bestowed by this organization.  The community answered:  We received nominations 28 different people/games/clubs.  And wow, what a great list it is!

Unfortunately, we will only able to present the award to three (one person, one game, and one club).  As you can see, we certainly have our work cut out for us!  Without any further ado, here are are this year’s nominees:

People

In no particular order: Read More

By

How it all began

Fitness Tips For The Beginner

If you’re about to embark on a new fitness journey, you may be wondering what kind of advice you would receive from a personal trainer or coach. Now, we would hate for you to miss out, so we have decided to share some important lessons learnt along the way. The Happy Way founders Ben and Hien began their careers as personal trainers after all. So, while we can’t keep an eye on your form and tell you to drop and do ten, what we can do is offer you the kind of mindset and preparation that will make a difference between tipping your toes in the water and a lifelong commitment to living a healthier life. Because fitness is not about comparing yourself to others and proving your worth on Instagram, it’s about becoming the best version of yourself possible. It’s about being strong, powerful and having the kind of energy you truly deserve. So take note. 

The ten tips personal trainers want you to know before you embark into the world of fitness, this is how visishield works.

FIND THE ‘WHY’ OF YOUR JOURNEY. 

If you are looking to form a long term commitment to fitness, then identifying the ‘why’ of your journey will mean the difference between an unused gym membership and a lifelong pledge to yourself. Before you sign on the dotted line, before you invest in new gym wear and before you stack up on protein powders and powerful supplements, take the time to identify your driving factors. Is it a desire to be healthier, to have more energy or to fit back into those favourite jeans? Whatever drives you, put it into writing and make it a permanent reminder. Leave sticky notes next to your alarm clock, on your mirror, in the bathroom and remind yourself why you’re pushing ahead even on your hardest of days. 

Remember that you are not in competition with anyone else but yourself. Become the best possible version of ‘YOU’ because you are deserving of it. 

THEN FIND ‘THE ONE.’ 

If you live on Instagram and love social media, then you may feel like a new fitness fad is just around the corner. Whether it be KX Pilates one day and boxing the next, there is always a shiny new form of exercise to keep us engaged. But if you really want to commit to something long term, don’t follow the crowds but rather find a way of keeping fit that suits both your tastes and lifestyle. Consider whether you like big classes or smaller and more intimate settings. Consider whether you want to work on your cardio, flexibility or both and consider whether you want to be outdoors or indoors. With most gyms and classes offering introductory packages and free trials, the time to test the waters has never been better. 

Don’t forget that the biggest gym in the world is free. The great outdoors offers the perfect backdrop for walks, runs, bike rides and hikes. Why not start by getting more active outside before you dive into a membership at your local gym, read more about exipure.

INVEST IN THE JOURNEY 

When it comes to gym clothes, shoes or supplements, it’s less about being part of a clique and more about having the tools to perform. While some labels have gained somewhat of a cult status within the realm of fashion and food (yes, yes we know Happy Way is thecoolest protein powder to own), investing in P.E. Nation tights or a quality powder may mean the difference between an enjoyable gym session and a speedy recovery or an uncomfortable session. If you are taking up running, invest in running shoes which will deliver support. If you are taking on a gym membership, invest in gym clothes which will help keep you cool, dry and will provide extra support for your muscles and if you want to take your post-workout recovery up a notch, invest in quality protein powders which will help you recover faster. 

Also, if we’re really honest, there is a motivation factor that comes with putting on a brand new pair of tights and runners. If you look the part, you will also feel the part. Treat yourself to some new gym threads because you deserve it. 

PARTNER UP WITH LIKEMINDED PEOPLE 

Embarking on a fitness journey is half the battle, the other half is longevity and making it a part of your life for years to come. This is where your girl gang can step in to help. While your entire friendship group may not be into fitness or exercising in the great outdoors, find that one friend that will keep you accountable and will come on the journey with you. Even better, be that positive influence on your friends by inviting them to gym trials with you or by suggesting a takeaway coffee and walk instead of your usual sit down breakfast or brunch date. Small changes deliver the biggest results because they are sustainable and will become a welcome part of your lifestyle. For more information about healthy supplements visit sfexaminer.com.

If you can’t find a partner who will consistently join you at the gym, become your own best friend. Write encouraging notes to yourself and leave them at your desk, at your bedside table and in places that will surprise you when you need the encouragement the most.  When seeking healthy habits, you should check out this Mind body podcasts.

MAKE IT CONSISTENT BEFORE YOU MAKE IT HARD. 

Before you step into hour-long sessions at the gym and block off several mornings a week, start with smaller and consistent steps, then work your way up. This goes both for the number of sessions you commit to and the intensity you put into each workout. If you have been planning on taking up running as an example, don’t start with hour-long runs which will leave you burning out before your first week is even up. Instead, opt for 15 minute runs instead and work your way up. The sample principle should be applied to your gym classes. Don’t be a hero and book into an intermediate or advanced class because it sounds tougher. Allow your body to ease into the routine and avoid injury by pushing your body below its limits. 

By

A few nice words about last year’s Squiddie nominees

Ongoing Worlds Medal for Superior Online Role Playing

Ongoing Worlds Medal for Superior Online Role Playing

Earlier this month, we asked for nominations for our top award, the Ongoing Worlds Medal for Superior Online Roleplaying (aka the Squiddies).  The nomination window is quickly closing as all submissions must be received by November 1st.  Before that happens, however, I’d like to share some of the kind words given for last’s years nominees.  It’s clear that we have quite a lot of talent and sharing in our community!  Please also read about 2013 and 2014 winners.

Clubs/Groups

Star Army

“For over 10 years, the Star Army has been Read More

By

Emily Wake Wins the Next Community Honor Award

The Ongoing Worlds Community Honor Medal

It gives me great pleasure to present the Ongoing Worlds Community Honor (OWCH) to Emily Wake for outstanding articles published on the Ongoing Worlds Blog.  Indeed, she has written eight articles dating back to August 21st of this year about various simming and online role playing topics.  Her tips are must reads for anyone who enjoys our craft!  You can read them all here.

Because of Emily and others like her, the blog has grown its humble beginnings of David Ball reporting on the development of his new Ongoing Worlds website to the intellectual center of the simming and online role playing universe.  This is where major announcements are made, this is where clubs come together, and this is where you can read the latest and greatest ideas form the best and brightest of the entire simming world.  Thanks for being a part of that, Emily. Read More

By

Now that Back to the Future Day is over, it’s time to plan FallFest!

October 21, 2015

October 21, 2015

Back to the Future has long been one of my favorite movie franchises.  Indeed, the original 1985 film was probably my favorite movie for a good portion of my childhood.  It had everything you could possibly want from a classic 80s flick… plus time travel!  Even though Marty McFly and Doc Brown didn’t find simming and online role playing in 2015, we’re still here!

With that in mind, it’s time for us to plan the community’s premier event: The Simming Fall Festival!  And this year we’ll be celebrating FallFest V! Read More

By

What’s more important, recruiting new players or keeping existing ones?

people being social

Last week, Charles Star posted an article stressing the importance of recruiting new players (read it here). Crimsyn had an interesting point about this in the comments, I’ve pasted it here in case you missed it: Read More

By

We are now accepting nominations for the 2015 Squiddies!

Ongoing Worlds Medal for Superior Online Role Playing

Ongoing Worlds Medal for Superior Online Role Playing

That’s right–it’s time to nominate the best of the best from the entire roleplaying and simming community for our top award presented annually:  The Ongoing Worlds Medal for Superior Online Role Playing (affectionally known as the Squiddies).  Nominations will be accepted through October 31st. Read More

By

Recruiting: The Lifeblood of Role Playing

Fish joining others in another goldfish bowl

No single factor plays a greater role in determining the success of a sim or club than recruiting. Read More

By

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Dubai Fitness Challenge: Why we need to respect our bodies

Dubai – This wonderful human system is the home we will be living in till the end

This week marks the end of an incredible month of fitness for Dubai. For 30 days, the city has taken 30 minutes out of its day to move more, read more from these Keto strong reviews.

My personal journey with fitness has been a rollercoaster. If you’d asked me in my early 20s what my goal was, I’d have told you that I wanted to look like a Hollywood star. I tried some pretty strange stuff to get there too. It took a while for me to realise I was a Tamilian girl, with a love for rice, and no matter what I gave up or how hard I prayed, I would never look like Anne Hathaway in a catsuit.

The next phase was one of extremes. Run a marathon, climb a mountain, burn more than I ate. It was a battle. My body versus me, and I would win. Yoga entered my life at 30 and brought with it an unusual quiet. I finally found alignment, both internal and external, an axis within me. Check out the best okinawa flat belly tonic reviews.

Ten years on from my first gym membership, my relationship with fitness is a seasoned one. Hard as it is, I try to shake off the idea that fitness is about aesthetics. Advertisements with six pack abs, protein shakes, and zero body fat follow me around on my social media feed like pushy sales people, trying to lure me in. No, thank you, I say, and walk right past.

I have no interest in looking like Anne Hathaway anymore. I would like instead to eat like my grandmother did, relishing every morsel of her homemade meals, sucking every last drop of juice out of the mangoes in summer. I want to be fit enough to go through my day without feeling exhausted, to have enough energy to climb to a place with a nice view, but the silence within me to stop and take in the scenery. This is how exipure works.

As glamorous as it is to say “Push harder, dig deeper”, I would say that 30×30 (and any healthy relationship with health) is based on the same things — consistency and respect.

Much like a healthy marriage, you need to show up for your body, as your body shows up for you. And respect it enough to look in the mirror and not see a paunch or thick thighs, but wonderful mechanisms and systems that hold you up. Take a minute to think about this. We spend so much time decorating and cleaning up our homes. This wonderful human body is the home we will be living in till the day we die. It is the single system whose parts may break and malfunction — but will stay with us until the end.

By

Take It to the Limit

What Is a Logistics Company and Should Your Business Hire One?

Welcome to Thomas Insights — every day, we publish the latest news and analysis to keep our readers up to date on what’s happening in industry. Sign up here to get the day’s top stories delivered straight to your inbox.

Logistics companies help organizations plan, implement, and execute the movement and storage of products, materials, and services throughout the supply chain from the point of origin to the point of consumption. This might include transportation, shipping, warehousing, packaging, disposal, and security.

The rise of e-commerce and complex, global supply chains have driven demand for these services. Different logistics companies will coordinate some or all of these processes, and adapt their offering to suit their clients’ needs.

Freight Brokers and Third-party Logistics Companies (3PL)

There are two main types of logistics companies: freight brokers and 3PLs. While the terms are often used interchangeably, and many organizations use both to cater to different needs, there are important distinctions.

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers act as a go-between for shippers and carriers. Typically, brokers are non-asset bearing intermediaries – they form a network of thousands of small to medium-sized carriers to provide their clients with many shipping options, and an alternative to larger carriers. The main benefit of using a freight broker is that it provides shippers with the greatest level of flexibility, get the best truck deals at T&M Buy Now.

3PLs

3PLs are asset bearing firms, which means they typically invest in their own fleets and storage facilities. While they do offer single services such as transportation or warehousing, 3PLs more commonly provide a package of services or manage entire supply chains, tailored to their client’s individual needs. 3PLs develop longer-term relationships with their clients which proves useful when shipping capacities are tight and for the running of more complex supply chains.

Why Partner with a Logistics Company?

Logistics companies have a wide range of experience in managing the movement of goods, which means they’ll probably know the most efficient, cost-effective, and streamlined way to do so. While some organizations manage certain parts, or all, of their supply chain logistics, partnering with a professional logistics company offers numerous benefits including:

  • Warehousing – With several factors to consider, warehousing is becoming increasingly complex and expensive. Logistics companies can take on the responsibility of finding appropriate, affordable storage space in an optimal location and save their client the stress and time of doing so themselves.
  • Packaging – Accurately fulfilling customer orders on time is a service that demands an experienced workforce and specialist equipment. Having already invested in the necessary technology and staffing, logistics companies can minimize errors and delays to ensure an organization meets customer demand and maintains its reputation.
  • Shipping and transportation – Manufacturers won’t typically invest in their own fleet of vehicles and drivers. It takes a lot of effort and great expense to gain the necessary licensing to do so and train staff; time and money that could be better spent elsewhere. Logistics companies already have these services in place, which means they’ll be well-established and reliable.
  • Flexibility – Logistics companies have the capacity to scale up or down, reducing the risk of delays should customer demand suddenly spike. They also have the resources and proficiency to adapt processes and adjust shipping routes or transportation methods in the event of supply chain disruptions.
  • Technology – Logistics companies have access to sophisticated technology to digitize the supply chain and ultimately drive greater efficiency and reliability. For example, collaborative transportation management software enables the automation of load scheduling. Other technology often used includes tracking software, internet of things devices (IoT), and long-range RFID tracking.