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Social distancing recommendations issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic compelled people to spend more time at home than ever before. As the pandemic wore on, people looked for ways to enjoy activities in their backyards so they would not become overwhelmed by cabin fever. Home theater projectors afford homeowners the chance to bring the magic of family movie nights outdoors. The tech experts at Digital Trends® note that modern projectors are a great way to enjoy a true cinematic experience at home, even if your “theater” is under the stars in the backyard. Some projectors are designed to remain outdoors so long as homeowners take the steps necessary to protect the devices from the weather. In fact, projectors are small and so easily moved that homeowners can take them inside at the end of each movie to ensure they’re not damaged by the elements. In such instances, only the screen and the audio components, like speakers, will require protection from the elements. But even interior projectors can be taken outdoors when homeowners decide to watch a movie outdoors. Projectors can even be used to watch television outdoors, making them options worth considering for sports fans who may be restricted from seeing their favorite teams in person this season. Watching television on a projector without a cable box may require a little extra effort and a few more accessories than streaming a movie outdoors, and homeowners would be wise to consult a home entertainment professional to ensure their setup is good to go before inviting anyone over to watch the big game under the stars.

Confidence is a great thing. It can make people more open to learning new skills, pursuing new opportunities and living new experiences. When it comes to career choices, confidence, or rather a lack of it, can keep qualified and motivated individuals from even considering certain fields. Technology is at the forefront of this dilemma, according to those in the industry, who also note that lingering misconceptions may be widening a “confidence gap.”

Burning calories is often a focal point of weight loss efforts. People go to great lengths to burn more calories, but they might be surprised to learn how many they can burn performing relatively routine physical activities.

Adults and kids alike may still be enjoying the excitement of digital devices received as gifts over the holidays. However, the new year is always a great time for a reset, so alongside those new devices, consider adopting some new digital habits.

Achieving success is difficult without determination. Failure only occurs when you give up. Since determination cannot be stopped, determined people don’t fail. Determination is the drive that keeps you moving forward regardless of any obstacles. Harnessing the power of determination is one of the secrets of success.

Health-conscious individuals can do many things to improve their overall health. As medical researchers continue to uncover new things about how to achieve optimal health, one practice dating back to ancient times remains a highly effective way to take care of the human body.

The North Texas Municipal Water District (NT-MWD) will be performing prescribed burns to address brush and excessive vegetative thatch at the East Fork Water Reuse Project (Wetland) in Kaufman County. The prescribed burns will be conducted over multiple days beginning in December 2020 through February 2021. The timing and conclusion of the prescribed burns will depend on local weather conditions.

The National Rifle Association filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy Friday and said it would eventually reincorporate in Texas — a move experts say is a legal maneuver to escape an aggressive lawsuit being pursued by the New York attorney general.

Social isolation among seniors is not only linked to numerous negative health consequences like depression and cardiovascular disease, but it’s also a primary contributing factor in financial exploitation and scams. Estimated to affect one in 10 older adults and cost billions annually, the threat of elder financial fraud is pervasive, and especially so right now.

Forney is home to many types of beautiful wildlife, and Forney Messenger’s award-winning photojournalist Larry Golden continues to capture that beauty. Below are photographs he has submitted of local Birds on Gateway Boulevard.

The new Texas House speaker, Dade Phelan, raised $4.4 million as he ascended to the job late last year, according to his team.

Afterschool programs help students succeed in school and in life and provide invaluable support to communities. As we’ve seen this past year, these programs play an especially important role when students, families, and communities are struggling.

The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that children should get at least one hour of physical activity per day. The AAFP notes that many kids easily achieve that marker simply by being children and engaging in the activities kids are drawn to each day, such as running, climbing and playing games like tag with other youngsters. The Canadian Paediatric Society notes that exercise needs change as children advance through various stages in life, and that means activities should change along with them. For example, the CPS recommends that physical activities for toddlers should be fun and encourage children to explore and try new things. Unstructured physical activity or free play can benefit toddlers. As toddlers become preschoolers, physical activities can become more structured, though the CPS notes that children this age may not understand the rules of organized sports nor are they necessarily coordinated enough to participate in them. However, structured activities like games of tag and throwing and catching may be appropriate for some preschoolers. As children enter kindergarten and advance through elementary school, physical activities can be moderate to vigorous in intensity. Organized sports can become part of the fitness regimen at this time, though the CPS recommends short instruction times, flexible rules, free time in practices, and a focus on fun rather than competition. Parents who want to learn about ageappropriate physical activities can encourage their children to embrace fitness and are urged to speak with their children’s physicians.