Lily Gladstone Receives 2024 Oscar Nomination for Killers of the Flower Moon

Early Life

 Lily Gladstone was born on August 2, 1986, and raised in Browning, Montana. Her father, who worked in broadcast journalism, is of Blackfeet and Nimbus descent, while her mother, an early childhood education specialist, is white. Gladstone lived on the reservation of the Blackfeet Nation until she was 11. For the first years of her life, the family had a log cabin with a wood-burning stove. In describing Browning, Gladstone said: “There is poverty, violence, substance abuse, and unemployment everywhere. But there is so much love in that community. What unites people there is a love of family, a love of land.” Gladstone said she was “an energetic and performative kid who got made fun of a lotjust that chubby mixed girl on the rez who had a little bit too much creative energy and not enough outlets.” Her father and grandfather were big movie buffs, and growing up, she watched many movies on cable television that they had recorded.

After her family moved away from Browning due to a lack of economic opportunities, she graduated high school in a suburb of Seattle and then attended the University of Montana. She studied acting and theater, graduating in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and a minor in Native American Studies. While in college, she performed in Montana Repertory Theatre productions, where the teacher and director Greg Johnson said of her: “There are a lot of talented kids at UM, but she’s always been a standout. She’s absolutely a transcendent actress. We were lucky to have her.” Gladstone said one particular piece of advice she took to heart at UM was: “Keep yourself interested and invested in the world, and you will stay an interesting performer. As soon as you disconnect from the human experience, you’ll be flat.”

Lily Gladstone understands the importance of her 2024 Academy Award nomination for Killers of the Flower Moon specifically, what it means for other Native American actors. The 37 year old is the first native actor to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress for her portrayal of Mollie Kyle Burkhart in the Martin Scorsese directed crime drama, and she recently spoke about the significance to ABC News. “I mean, 96 years. It’s overdue,” Gladstone said. “Being the first Native American nominee for this kinda blows my mind because the origin of film some of the earliest film reels that people were watching, pouring out to go see were made by native people documenting and showing and capturing some of our dances and some of our own stories. 

American Indians were at the heart of Hollywood in the 1920. It’s a big deal. It’s long overdue, but it’s very welcome.” Gladstone very well might win on Oscar night, March 10. She has already claimed a Golden Globe and, more recently on February 24, a Screen Actors Guild Award for her performance. In the movie, Gladstone, of both Blackfeet and Nimíipuu heritage, plays an Osage woman whose friends and family members are murdered as part of a conspiracy for oil money.

Who Is Lily Gladstone? 

Lily Gladstone is an American actor of Blackfeet and Nimíipuu heritage. She is best known for her appearance in the 2023 Martin Scorsese movie Killers of the Flower Moon, in which she plays an Osage woman living on an Oklahoma reservation during a series of murders in the 1920. The performance has been described as Gladstone’s mainstream breakout role, leading to her first Oscar nomination and Golden Globe win. Before this role, Gladstone appeared in several independent movies and television shows, including Reservation Dogs. She drew particular praise for her performance in 2016’s Certain Women, which earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Female and other accolades.

Theater Work and Movies

She next appeared in Winter in the Blood (2013), a hallucinatory film about a Native American man in a small Montana town. Gladstone called it a “labor of love” for people from Montana, saying: “Winter in the Blood relied so heavily on the Montana community, so many locals, and so many people who have a strong connection with the legacy of the novel.” She also appeared in the film Buster’s Mal Heart (2016). Gladstone was praised for her portrayal as a rancher in Certain Women (2016) by independent filmmaker Kelly Reichardt. Starring alongside actors Michelle Williams, Laura Dern, and Kristen Stewart, The Guardian called it her “big break,” while Rolling Stone wrote: “Gladstone gives a performance of such piercing honesty and yearning, you almost can’t look at her.” The rising actor went on to earn several awards and nominations. That included winning the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award and the Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress. Gladstone was also nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female. Gladstone performed onstage for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in 2017 and worked with a Native American youth theater program called Red Eagle Soaring. She made television appearances in HBO’s Room 104 (2017-2020), Showtime’s Billions (2019-2023), and FX’s Reservation Dogs (2022) and collaborated with Kelly Reichardt again with a small role in the independent film First Cow (2019). She also appeared in a Yale Repertory Theatre production of Mary Kathryn Nagle’s Manahatta in 2020.

Top 10 Stocks to Buy Right Now

Should you invest $1,000 in Realty Income right now? 

Before you buy stock in Realty Income, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Realty Income wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy to follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than tripled the return of S&P 500 since 2002.

Stock Advisor returns as of March 20, 2024 Jason Hall has positions in Realty Income and Starbucks. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Home Depot, Realty Income, and Starbucks. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Jason Hall is an affiliate of The Motley Fool and may be compensated for promoting its services. If you choose to subscribe through their link they will earn some extra money that supports their channel. Their opinions remain their own and are unaffected by The Motley Fool.

Our Top 10 Stocks to Buy Right Now 

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now. The 10 stocks that made the cut have the potential to produce significant returns in the coming years. Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy to follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. Stock Advisor has outperformed the S&P 500 by more than four times since 2002

Charming Small Towns In America

 Fairhope, Alabama

This tiny Alabama town was founded in 1894 and is known for its annual shellfish phenomenon. Each year, crabs, flounder and shrimp flood the shallow bay in what’s referred to as the ‘jubilee’. In addition to the natural phenomenon, there’s a local brewery, tons of farmers markets, Museum of History and nearby Village Point Park Reserve.

Montpelier, Vermont 

Montpelier is one of America’s most charming small towns. This fun capital town is famous for its Hubbard Park and the Vermont State House. With a history dating back to Native American settlers nearly 6,000 years ago, there’s plenty to be explored in this quaint, yet interesting town.

Ponchatoula, Louisiana 

The teeny town of Ponchatoula is known for its Southern hospitality, historic old town and annual strawberry festival. In Ponchatoula, they take care of guests and each other. Take a walk around the local swamps, chow down on a hearty meal or make friends with locals at one of the old bars. Either way, you’ll feel right at home in this cosy Louisiana heartland.

New Castle, Delaware New Castle spins a tale of Delaware’s history with its peaceful cobblestone streets and old colonial town. Hugging the Delaware River, it’s surrounded by beautiful scenery and just a hop away from famous New Castle Battery Park. Additionally, history buffs will love their First State National Historic Park and Court House Museum.

Ithaca, New York Head to the heart of the Finger Lakes area in Ithaca, New York. This pint sized town is the perfect place to spend a few days taking in the area and its charm. Take an artisan bread class, go ice skating in an outdoor pond and then catch some local talent at an old pub.

Hilo, Hawaii Hilo is surrounded by pristine tropical landscapes, home to a plethora of local markets and a vibrant Hawaiian culture. This Pacific pearl is mostly famous for its annual Merrie Monarch Festival dedicated to King David Kalakaua. Every year, the city is brought to life in a week long celebration of Hawaiian tradition such as hula, crafts and the native language.

Great Barrington, Massachusetts Berkshire County’s Great Barrington is known for being one of the country’s most charming small towns. An oasis for nature lovers and art aficionados, there’s something for everyone. Sip on fresh spiced cider from a local farmer, catch a show at Mahaiwe, explore the Berkshires or grab a bite and drink at any of the charming small towns gastro gems.

Truckee, California  has long been a jewel of the West for adventurers. Only 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe, the surrounding area is just as interesting as the local town. In addition to an active art and music community, there’s a great dining scene making it one of the most charming small towns.

Wallace, Idaho Home to a plethora of historic buildings, museums and local shops, it’s not hard to see why Wallace is so charming. For over a hundred years, Wallace has been the world’s largest silver producer, and it’s got a lot to show for it. For example, it’s the richest mining town still in existence and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Jefferson, Texas The friendly come as you are attitude, pre civil war history, charming small town eateries and family shops are what make Jefferson, Texas so special. Frozen in time, this city has plenty to offer for history buffs such as the Confederate Ordnance Magazine, the Atlanta Rail Car and several preserved homes. Outdoorsy folks will enjoy nearby Caddo Lake, one of Texas’ natural beauties.

Leper's Fork, Tennessee This quaint country town is a mecca for antiques, history and quirky shops. The ‘kick off your boots and stay awhile’ mentality of the locals mixed with the surrounding beauty make it an easy favourite. Wet your whistle at one of the many cosy bars, chow down on a hearty meal at one of the local staples and then head to the Lawnchair Theatre.

Unalaska, Alaska This coastal gem is the hub of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. Seemingly in the middle of nowhere, this small harbour town is surrounded by rugged beauty and home to some fascinating history. A 10,000 year old Unangan culture, along with local ties to WW2 are what make it a draw for history buffs.

Stowe, Vermont Famous as a family fun Summer destination or winter hotspot for skiers, Stowe is one of America’s best small towns. Get your fill of local fare while taking in the surrounding natural beauty with plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you want to bike, fish, or hike, there’s something for everyone.

Yellow Springs, Ohio Built on springs thought to be healing, Yellow Springs is a cosy Ohio town perfect for R&R. Additionally, local food and surrounding natural areas add to its relaxed and homey vibe. Its allure is so infectious in fact that Dave Chappelle still calls this charming small town home.

Charlottesville, Virginia Take a visit to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Monroe’s Highland or pop in the famous Paramount Theatre. But whatever you do, don’t leave without grabbing a bite at Miche Tavern, the circa 1784 eatery that uses only 18th century recipes.

‘Small Town America’ is a world in and of itself. Sleepy coastal villages, forgotten dessert towns and colonial New England communities are just a few things that come to mind when we hear the word ‘charming small towns’. Thanks to its extremely diverse population, landscape and culture, the United States is home to an abundance of quirky small towns.

Beautiful Towns In America

Florence, Oregon

Madison, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia

Aspen, Colorado

Williamsburg, Virginia

Taos, New Mexico

Seattle, Washington

Bristol, Virginia

How to Prepare a Latte Using a Nespresso Machine

It is commonly believed that there is a secret latte recipe exclusively known to baristas. However, the truth is rather straightforward. Even a Nespresso machine can be utilized to create a delightful latte. Over the years, I have crafted numerous lattes using Nespresso machines, consistently achieving delightful flavors. This article provides a precise method for preparing a latte with Nespresso. It will cover the essential equipment ingredients and offer guidance on selecting the optimal pods for a latte. Let us now commence the brewing process.Making a latte is actually quite simple especially if you have a Nespresso machine at hand. The key role of Nespresso lies in its ability to consistently deliver espresso across all machines. Without a doubt achieving the espresso is the challenging part of making a latte. Back when I used to work as a barista I spent months tirelessly extracting shot after shot, in pursuit of that espresso. However, with a Nespresso machine all that hard work becomes unnecessary. Now let's dive into this recipe. 

Tools Required If you already own a Nespresso coffee maker you probably know which model you have. Just to refresh your memory there are two series of Nespresso machines: VertuoLine and OriginalLine. Although both can make espresso but if you're interested in making espresso based drinks I suggest considering the OriginalLine. 

Why? The OriginalLine Nespresso machines were primarily designed for making espresso. Some models come with built in milk systems for added convenience. However, if you don't have such a machine I recommend using a milk frother especially if you frequently make lattes. Nespresso offers the Aeroccino milk frother as an option for home use. I personally enjoyed making lattes with Nespresso coffee and frothed milk from an Aeronautic for a while and always got satisfactory results. To recreate this experience at home all you need is a Nespresso machine and a milk frother.

Lattes have become incredibly popular in coffee shops worldwide for valid reasons. They are known for their simplicity as they only require two components: Firstly, the espresso can be tailored to your desired strength through a single or double shot. Secondly, milk, preferably dairy, can be used, although non-dairy alternatives like almond or coconut milk, albeit with less milk foam. While there is much to explore concerning each ingredient, such as the choice of espresso roast or the ideal temperature and texture of the milk, I always recommend newcomers to the coffee world to rely on their palate. Does your latte taste delightful? Excellent! No adjustments are necessary. However, if you find the flavor unsatisfactory, I suggest experimenting with different Nespresso pods or adjusting the settings on your milk frother. Remember, the coffee experience is highly personal, so feel free to explore and discover your preferences.

Serving The serving of a latte is at your discretion. However, for optimal enjoyment, serving the latte immediately after preparation is recommended to maintain its temperature and preserve the micro foam. Traditionally, lattes are served in mugs, occasionally presented on a platter. To enhance the flavor profile, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on the surface can be a delightful addition. For those seeking a sweeter indulgence, whipped cream can be incorporated. If you prefer an iced variation, simply substitute hot milk with cold milk and pour the latte over ice cubes.

 

The Health Boosting Benefits Of Movemen

The comparison between sitting and smoking might seem stark, but it's a powerful way to highlight the detrimental effects of prolonged sedentary behavior on our health. While smoking has long been recognized as a significant risk factor for various diseases, recent research has shed light on the risks associated with extended periods of sitting. So, why is sitting often dubbed "the new smoking"? When we sit for prolonged periods, our bodies become inactive, leading to a cascade of negative effects on our health. From metabolic slowdown to increased risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers, the consequences of sedentary behavior are far reaching. But the good news is that small changes in daily habits can make a big difference. Here are some strategies to combat the sedentary lifestyle and reduce your risk of associated health issues:

Reap Healthy Rewards When You Get Up And Move

We alluded to this earlier, but just as inactivity has many negative impacts on the health of your body, being active has multiple health-boosting benefits! 

1 Helps To Manage Disease If you have already been diagnosed with serious health concerns or diseases, of course it’s first best to consult with your physician regarding any addition of physical activity, but the simple act of adding exercise to your daily routine can help you manage the effects of many diseases. From lowering blood sugar levels to aiding in weight loss and boosting energy levels, moving your body can improve the effects of many chronic health conditions. 

2 Aids In Disease Prevention I’m likely stating the obvious here, but for all the health conditions and disease risks that are associated with a lack of physical activity, moving your body can work in the opposite way, serving to prevent disease in most cases. In the same way that physical activity helps to manage disease, these same aspects can prevent such conditions (by lowering blood pressure, blood sugar, managing weight, reducing risks, etc). 

3 Improves Heart Health Your heart is a muscle, and the more you exercise or engage in physical activity, the stronger this muscle becomes. Keeping your heart strong and healthy can help you avoid heart disease, improve your blood pressure levels, lower your risk of heart attack and stroke, and simply give you more energy to help you fully enjoy life.

4 Helps You Sleep Better You need sleep to live. You need quality sleep to be healthy. When you sleep, your body essentially repairs and regenerates, even removing waste which can build up and accelerate aging and cause disease. Incorporating regular physical activity is proven to improve your quality of sleep. In other words, regular exercise means better sleep, and better sleep means better overall health and wellness. Plain and simple.

Increases Energy Many avoid physical activity because they simply feel tired and sluggish. But, when we avoid physical activity, this makes us more tired and more sluggish. So basically, when we move more, we feel like moving more. If you want to increase your energy levels, the best thing you can do is incorporate regular exercise. And, as your energy improves with exercise, it’s also motivating to know that this is happening because that movement is funneling more blood, more oxygen, and more nutrients all throughout your body. It’s just that simple. you move more, your health improves, your body is functioning more efficiently, and you reap energizing rewards.

Helps To Manage Weight Obesity is one of the leading causes of chronic disease. Moving more or being more physically active is a great way to aid in weight management, helping you burn more calories, shed excess pounds, and fight disease as you do it. And, as your weight is better managed, physical activity can also aid in better bone and joint health as well…a win, win, win! 

Longer Lifespan As chronic inflammation decreases through regular movement and each of the disease risks associated with inactivity decline, your overall mortality rate improves when you incorporate regular physical activity (avoiding a sedentary lifestyle) as well.

Coffee And Movement It sounds like coffee has been an essential part of your active lifestyle, providing both physical and mental benefits to support your training and workouts. Your personal experience mirrors the findings of experts who have highlighted the energizing and motivating effects of coffee on physical activity. Coffee's ability to enhance energy levels, focus, and motivation can indeed make it a valuable per workout option for many people. Unlike some energy drinks that contain artificial ingredients and excessive sugars, coffee offers a more natural and cleaner source of caffeine, which can promote alertness and improve performance during exercise. Furthermore, the ritual of preparing and enjoying a cup of coffee can also serve as a powerful psychological cue to gear up for physical activity and push through challenging workouts. Your testimony emphasizes the importance of finding what works best for you when it comes to fueling your activity, whether it's running, strength training, or any other form of exercise. And for many, coffee seems to be a reliable and effective choice. So, whether it's a morning run, a gym session, or a leisurely walk around the neighborhood, incorporating your favorite Lifeboost brew into your routine can help you stay energized, focused, and motivated to make movement a priority in your daily life.

One of the best, healthy, sources to boost your energy levels and even provide motivation to keep you active is none other than coffee! That’s right clean, pure, healthy Life boost coffee makes the perfect per workout, per leisurely stroll, per movement choice! No matter whether you’re beginning a new exercise regime, looking to break through a fitness plateau, continuing on your existing course of physical activity, or needing some motivation to simply move more often, coffee is a tried and true fuel source for it all. Coffee has been thoroughly studied, and the results repeatedly prove this beloved bean to effectively increase mental alertness and physical energy. When working out, coffee has been shown to help you push harder and work longer, so overall this can make your efforts much more effective. And personally, I can attest to this! Prior to drinking Life boost, I can’t say I actually enjoyed drinking coffee at all, for reasons regarding flavor and how it made me feel while exercising. 

However, as I made the switch to Life boost and began mixing our light roast with a clean vanilla protein powder, I not only loved drinking it for the taste, but I absolutely fell in love with how it fueled my runs. No more jitters, no more stomach issues, no more cutting my workout short because I just felt plain awful. All of those benefits detailed in the section above? I knew I was fully reaping those rewards when using a clean, healthy coffee to fuel my sweat sessions. And, it wasn’t long before I found my per workout coffee routine to be a source of great motivation as well. Eight ounces of cold brewed Life boost light roast, a scoop of vanilla protein powder, a few good shakes, and not only did I enjoy each sip, but I also found I could more easily channel those needed “you’ve got this, you can do this, let’s go” pre workout vibes too.

 

How long should I keep my car

Thinking about getting a new car or truck. When is the right time to sell your car. We can help you with these questions and more. It's a question every car and truck owner struggles to answer: Should I replace my vehicle or keep it for a few more years. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to part ways with your ride.

Better technology Not that long ago, consumers replaced their cars because they weren't built for the long haul. Today, vehicles are lasting longer, thanks to improvements in design and production techniques. So it's no surprise that people are driving them longer, and the average age of light cars and trucks in America has been rising. 

Repair or replace? Confidence in your vehicle, even with its improved quality, begins to wane sooner or later. If you're like many, the biggest reason behind wanting to purchase a new car is the fear that your current ride will need an expensive repair. Conventional wisdom suggests it's a bad idea to keep putting money into the upkeep of an older car. But replacing your car may be more expensive than finding affordable ways to maintain your car. That's especially true if you're thinking of buying a new vehicle over a used one. Although depreciation varies depending on the make and model, there's a chance that the moment you're handed the keys, the value of your new car or truck will decrease. Factors that can influence this include supply and demand of vehicles and other market conditions. In certain market conditions, vehicles may actually be worth more. Bottom line: Even your most dreaded repair bill may cost less than the first-year depreciation of a new car. While the initial depreciation isn't as much if you buy a used vehicle, it's an important factor to consider.

Safety features The urge to replace a functioning vehicle can be traced to a desire to exhibit a successful lifestyle. For others, it's as simple as the overwhelming lure of that new car smell. Then there are those eager to upgrade to a vehicle with the latest generation of safety features. There was a time when the mere presence of an air bag was innovative. These days, the device is standard equipment and located in multiple positions inside the vehicle. In addition to the evolution of air bags, there's been a renaissance in the development of other safety advancements, including:

• Autonomous braking 
• Adaptive headlights, such as headlights that turn to look into curves
• Backup cameras and sensors 
• Blind spot monitoring 
• Automated parking
• Lane departure warnings

Crunch the numbers Using a spreadsheet or the back of a napkin, compare the numbers for a new car purchase versus keeping the car you have. Consider the total costs of a new car. Figure out what a car payment will look like with our car affordability calculator. Compare quotes for insurance, vehicle registration, maintenance and fuel costs. A new car may be exciting, but it shouldn't cause your overall financial situation to break down. The USA Advice Center provides general advice, tools and resources to guide your journey. Content may mention products, features or services that USA Federal Savings Bank and or USA Savings Bank do not offer. The information contained is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to represent any endorsement, expressed or implied, by USA or any affiliates. All information provided is subject to change without notice.

Washington Tourism

Washington, is the capital of the United States. The states of Maryland and Virginia donated land along the Potomac River to form the federal district; however, Congress returned the Virginia portion in 1846. The City of Washington, located east of the preexisting port of Georgetown, was founded in 1791 to serve as the new national capital. Congress consolidated the whole District under a single municipal government in 1871. The centers of all three branches of the federal government of the United States are in the District, including the Congress, President, and Supreme Court. Washington is home to many national monuments and museums, which are primarily situated on or around the National Mall.An Algonquian-speaking people known as the Nacotchtank inhabited the area around the Anacostia River when the first Europeans arrived in the 17th century. However, the Nacotchtank people had largely relocated from the area by the early 18th century.

History of Washington

A new "federal city" was then constructed on the north bank of the Potomac, to the east of the established settlement at Georgetown. On September 9, 1791, the three commissioners charged with overseeing the capital's construction named the city in honor of President Washington. The federal district was named Columbia, which was a poetic name for the United States in use at that time.Washington is in the humid subtropical climate zone and exhibits four distinct seasons. Its climate is typical of Mid-Atlantic U.S. areas removed from bodies of water. The District is in plant hardiness zone 8a near downtown, and zone 7b elsewhere in the city, indicating a temperate climate. The National Mall is a large, open park in downtown Washington between the Lincoln Memorial and the United States Capitol. Given its prominence, the mall is often the location of political protests, concerts, festivals, and presidential inaugurations. The Washington Monument and the Jefferson Pier are near the center of the mall, south of the White House.

Shopping

Georgetown: Georgetown is a popular Washington, DC neighborhood for shopping, dining and nightlife. This shopping appeals to the younger crowd but also has plenty of boutiques and antique stores for all ages. Penn Quarter: This is near the Verizon Center in downtown Washington, DC is bustling with activity among the amazing museums, contemporary restaurants and trendy and funky shops. Some of the other retailers include H&M, Pottery Barn, Ann Taylor Loft, Urban Outfitters, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Jos. A. Bank Clothiers. Gallery Place is a famous place for shopping, movies and restaurants. Chevy Chase, Maryland: This neighborhood on the border of DC and Maryland is a great destination for shopping for the latest in fashion trends. Mazza Gallerie is a multi level mall located just steps from the Friendship Heights Metro Station. Dupont Circle: The lively Washington, DC neighborhood has an eclectic selection of bookstores, clothing boutiques, art galleries, gift shops and coffee shops. A few blocks away, along Connecticut Avenue, traditional clothing stores such as Brooks Brothers, Talbots, Burberry's and the Gap.

Popular tourist destinations in Washington 

Seattle Seattle, a city on Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest, is surrounded by water, mountains and evergreen forests, and contains thousands of acres of parkland.

Olympic National Park 922,000  acre park featuring snow covered mountains, lush rain forests & dramatic Pacific coastline.

Spokane is a city in eastern Washington state. It's home to the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, which explores the region’s history through exhibits on art, culture and Native American heritage.

Yakima is a city in Washington state. It’s situated in the fertile Yakima Valley, known for its wineries and apple orchards. Yakima Valley Museum has exhibits on local history, including wooden wagons and a 1930s soda fountain.

Transportation

Bus Routes: Buses on the DC Circulator’s five lines run between popular tourist spots such as Georgetown and Union Station, and arrive every ten minutes. The buses are spacious and relatively new, and with their bright-red paint and easy to spot signs

Metro: Opens at 5 am during the week and 7 on the weekends, and runs until 3 am Friday and Saturday and midnight all other days. The system is relatively clean and easy to use, and its six lines and 91 stations service most of the city and all the major suburbs.

Airports: Three major airports serve the District. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is across from downtown Washington in Arlington, Virginia and has its own Metrorail station. Given its proximity to the city, Reagan National has extra security precautions required by the Washington Air Defense Identification Zone. Major international flights arrive and depart from Washington Dulles International Airport, 26.3 miles (42.3 km) west of the District in Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is 31.7 miles (51.0 km) northeast of the District in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

 

Lifestyle in America

 America is the third largest country in the world with a population of 325 million. The country has developed from its native American roots following a series of waves of immigration and has drawn in people from all over the world.  As a result it is one of the most culturally diverse places in the world, often described as a ‘melting pot’. In such a vast country it is virtually impossible to describe a ‘typical’ American.

Freedom and individualism in America 

The American lifestyle places a strong emphasis on personal freedom and individualism. Expats might notice the sense of empowerment and self expression that permeates various aspects of life, from career choices to personal beliefs to how people speak about themselves and their lives.  If you are from a country that favors a more collectivist mindset, this may be jarring, but it is part of what has built the free wheeling, bombastic, and exciting aspect of life in America. 

Family in America 

The nuclear family unit is most common in the US, although there are families made up of any combination of relations. While marriage before children used to be the norm, unmarried couples and single parent homes are just as common now. American families value individuality, and past stigmas against different kinds of families are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Even so, multiple generations of family members living together are not common. As children grow older, they become more independent from their families. Americans are considered adults at the age of 18, which coincides with high school graduation. It's normal for young adults to live on their own, even if it's in the same town as their parents. The United States' focus on personal happiness and fulfillment means it's common for families to live apart because of work or personal preference.

Work life balance in America 

Americans work a lot, clocking in more hours than any other industrialized country. Part of this norm is the idea of the American Dream and that you can achieve anything if you work hard enough. It's probably the most valued part of life in the US, to the point that a job is almost synonymous with a person's identity. In fact, contrary to many cultures, asking a person what they do for a living is a common question and not seen as rude or intrusive. In American work life, making money is the supreme goal, and it's not considered crass to say so. An unfortunate byproduct of this lifestyle is that many Americans don't have a lot of paid time off vacation (aka annual leave), or even when they do, they don't always use them. The average American worker gets 11 days of paid vacation per year, which might be a shock to those from countries with more robust labor laws. Many European countries tend to offer more generous paid vacation time. It's not uncommon for employees in countries like France, Germany, and the United Kingdom to have a statutory minimum of 20 to 30 days of paid leave per year.

Language There is no official language in the US, although some states have official or preferred languages. English is the dominant language and 90% of the population speaks at least some English. However, it is estimated that around 20% of the population speak a language other than English at home. Spanish, Chinese, French and German are the most common other languages.

Religion in America 

The first European settlers came to the United States looking for freedom and opportunity  and religious freedom was a big part of this. To this day, religion continues to play an important role in American society, and almost every known religion is practiced in the country  with over 70% of Americans identifying as Christians.

The original settlers in America were often driven by a desire to find religious freedom and religion is still very important in American society. Virtually every known religion is practised in America and only 23% of Americans identify themselves as having no religion, according to research by the Pew Research Center. Around 71% identify themselves as Christian and there are growing populations of Muslim and Buddhist followers.

Sporting culture in America 

Sports are deeply ingrained in American society, with major leagues for football, basketball, baseball, and more. Expats might enjoy the excitement of attending live games and engaging in spirited sports discussions. On game days, in certain cities and college towns, you might see people dressed in team colors, marching bands, and tailgating near the stadium. "Tailgating" means gathering in the parking lot of a sports stadium or event venue before a game or event. People often set up grills, food, and drinks, and hang out in the open space behind their parked vehicles.

Canada gave me a new life Akinmade’s Story

“Canada gave me a new life. I am two years old,” says Akinmade. As a government-sponsored refugee from Nigeria, Akin had high expectations but the journey has been a struggle. “You don’t experience the real Canada until you live in it. People are warm and friendly; the government and people are helpful. Beyond that, there are harsh realities,” says Akin. Like many newcomers with no credit history and no Canadian experience, finding a job and a place to live made his life even more difficult. He was getting conflicting advice.

“I was so overwhelmed. We were in a shelter, trying to get a place. We just had a baby. Some people advised me to get a place first and then get a job. Others said to focus on the job first, then worry about a place later. We ended up living in Ajax and working in Toronto! I had no car and was working customer service shifts sometimes until two in the morning. I went through hell,” he recalls. With a wife at home and three kids, Akin felt the heat. “Customer service is not for me. I made a sacrifice and tried changing my career, but that didn’t go as planned. My passion is in media and communications, so I made a risky decision to quit my job and study,” he says. With 12 years of graphic design and advertising experience, Akin wanted to up his game and study user experience (UX) design at a private school but couldn’t afford the $13,000 tuition fees. So, he opted for the $3,000 ten week certification course instead. He is still unable to land a job in his field and has had to resort to odd jobs, such as delivering groceries. Earlier this year, he heard about MNLCT’s media and communications bridging program, BEMC, in which he is enrolled. “I love this program and I am meeting wonderful people. The instructors made me comfortable and have opened my eyes to a Canada I haven’t yet seen.” He is looking forward to placement in a company where he can work on product designs, user experience, and mobile applications  his passion.