Penglai Fellowship Summer 2024 Lectures: Summer has come again and with it many of us are turning our minds toward recreation and holidays, so what better could you do with your free time than join us from 1 to 4 PM EST July 20th for a free afternoon series of talks by experts in the meditation and Qigong space Wes Tasker, Ian Burgess and Robert Coons? In Brief: What: three talks on internal alchemy and…
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Translating the 胎息經 – Scripture of Embryonic Breathing with OpenAI Introduction Exploring the Scripture of Embryonic Breathing (胎息經) with the help of AI translation tools reveals how technology can aid in understanding texts across different languages. This blog post showcases an initial translation provided by OpenAI and an updated version that integrates insights from various sources to enhance accuracy and context. This project is in its early stages, aiming to demonstrate how AI can be used to translate and refine…
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The Impact of Credit Card Requirements on SaaS Free Trials In recent discussions with our customers, a recurring theme has been the impact of requiring a credit card upfront for free trials. Many have expressed concerns about balancing the attraction of high-quality leads with maximising sign-ups. This blog explores the benefits and risks associated with requiring a credit card before allowing a free trial for high-value SaaS products. Conversion to Paid Users Requiring a credit card typically results in a…
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Inner Fire: A Beginner’s Guide to Tummo Breathing Imagine meditating comfortably amidst icy winds, generating warmth from within; this isn’t fiction; it’s the potential of Tummo, an ancient Tibetan practice, igniting curiosity in the modern world; look at Wim Hoff. While not magic, Tummo combines rhythmic breathing, Visualisation, and muscle contractions to awaken an “inner fire,” potentially reducing stress, boosting energy, and even enhancing cold tolerance. Debunking the Myths: Is Tummo scientifically proven? Research is ongoing, and claims…
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Think Backward, Conquer Forward: The Power of Backcasting Are you feeling overwhelmed by looming tasks and unclear goals? Project and task management often throw information at you, losing you in a sea of details. But what if you could approach projects differently, starting with a clear vision and working backwards to the specific actions needed? Enter the Natural Planning Model, a powerful approach that taps into your brain’s natural way of tackling challenges. Shifting the Paradigm: Traditional project…
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Of the gladdest moments in human life “Of the gladdest moments in human life, methinks, is the departure upon a distant journey into unknown lands. Shaking off with one mighty effort the fetters of Habit, the leaden weight of Routine, the cloak of many Cares and the slavery of Civilization, man feels once more happy. The blood flows with the fast circulation of childhood. . . . A journey, in fact, appeals to the Imagination, to Memory,…
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Civic number 24 in Tussell and TeckUK Tech200 2023 Civic has just been announced as number 24 on Tussels Tech200 2023 – “Tussell & techUK are thrilled to share the 3rd annual Tech200 awards – our list of the 200 fastest-growing technology companies in the UK public sector, from FY 2021/22 to FY 2022/23.” See the list at https://www.tussell.com/tech200
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The Seated Eight Section of Brocade – 8 Seated Baduanjin Introduction Over the years, I have seen many versions of the eight seated brocades and practised different versions. Over time, I have come to the practice in the way I outline below, although this may change again as my practice deepens.The outline of the exercises can be found in the “Ten Works on Cultivating Perfection.” The poem is attributed to Zhongli Quan (one of the eight immortals) The Poem The…
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State of Open: The UK in 2023 Phase Three “Skills or Bust” Open UK releases its latest report on the skills required to grow open source to realise its full economic potential. From the introduction of the report This Phase builds on Phase Two’s focus on enterprises, to spotlight UK-based individuals forming the globally-employed Open Source Software workforce. Building on the concept that Open Source Software is the “submarine under the digital economy”, it is the first report to seek to understand…
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Ensuring Access to Information The growth of the Internet, the largest source of information and discussion in history It’s a daily occurrence to video call people on the other side of the world on my mobile as I sit drinking expresso in some artisan coffee shop connected to the largest repository of information ever. But as a child, I remember sitting on an old Mac (then a new one), watching still/slow video from a…
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Qingjing Jing – Translated by Livia Kohn Qingjing Jing – Translated by Livia Kohn Chapter 1 老君曰﹕- Lao Jun Yue : – Master Laozi says :大道無形，生育天地。- Da Dao wu xing , sheng yu tian di .- The Great Dao has no form; it brings forth and raises heaven and earth.大道無情，運行日月。- Da Dao wu qing . yun xing ri yue .- The Great Dao has no feelings; it regulates the course of the sun and moon.大道無名，長養萬物。- Da Dao…
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Inaugural Scottish Sumo Open 2023 The Inaugural Scottish Sumo Open 2023 from Clan Sumo (Scotland Sumo Federation), run by Scott Findlay, was the first-ever international completion in Scotland and perhaps the largest ever in the UK. It was a tremendous success, with over Sixty wrestlers who attended from all over the world. Watch the recorded live stream below. Find out more about Clan Sumo at https://www.facebook.com/ClanSumoScotland/
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