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@candacecbure

Candace Cameron Bure is quite possibly televisions most iconic big sister. She is also a Hallmark movie star, a bestselling author and a creative businesswoman that continues to grow her evolving brand. Her latest venture this week is the release of her third book in a series of childrens books titled Candaces Playful Puppy.

Childrens books are my favorite. I just loved reading to my children when they were young and it was always a dream of mine to be able to write a childrens book, Candace tells Forbes. This one is about faithfulness and just like Full House episodes, I always want a little message in each book so that children can read and learn something or read with parents and talk about it. Im also a huge dog lover. I have my doggy Boris whos ginormous. Hes the love of my life. I was trying to think of a story and convey faithfulness. I thought this is perfect because its all about not just responsibility but its being faithful in that responsibility. Keep doing it every single day, even when it gets really hard and frustrating.

Several of Candaces books, some meant for children and others for adults, have either the word kind within the title or kindness is hinted within the theme of the storys message. When sharing her personal beliefs on the importance of kindness in society today, Candace says, Its so important. I wish we could just change our cancel culture into a kindness culture. Kindness doesnt mean you have to agree with everyone. Kindness is simply an act of respect and love, whether or not you see eye-to-eye on things. I feel like the art of kindness has been lost, whether thats in-person, particularly on social media. Its the very little things that we can do that project kindness to one another that can really change someones day in an instant.

Candace is currently in Vancouver on Day 12 of a 14-Day Quarantine, before she films a new Hallmark mystery movie. The wife and mother of three has certainly experienced firsthand the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and filming during this unprecedented time, crediting her life-long career in Hollywood to provide her with the skills to maneuver. You always have to have Plan B, Plan C and D ready to go. I always learned to roll with it. I think thats part of the entertainment industry and my job. You have to be flexible and be able to handle change really quickly. Ive been handling that since I was five years old. Even when you get a script and get lines and on the fly, they have to change it. You have to adjust to the new way or the new dialogue. Same with the pandemic, everyone has adjusted.

Eric Michael Roy

Candace also says that the pandemic over the past year has given her time to re-evaluate her priorities, particularly with her family. Theres so much we are all doing from home, which has been a huge blessing in my life because of the time I get to spend with my family, but it also opened my eyes to realize that I need to invest more time. Im a little bit of a work horse because I really love it and enjoy everything that I do. It helped me re-prioritize and those are really good things. I feel like Ive just become a whole lot closer with my family over this past year and took a really deep look at my own life and choices and what Im doing and I have come out with a better balance.

Candace is in the midst of writing another book and hopes that her words have a positive impact on readers. I always want there to be a take away. I want someone to learn something from my books. I want them to have a dialogue about it. I want to encourage, I want to inspire, I want to give food for thought. It can be as simple as the little message of faithfulness or patience in the childrens book or the bigger overall life themes in my other books.

Being a public figure on social media, Candace has sometimes been the target of criticism for her personal beliefs and choices. When responding to how she overcomes the drama social media can bring, Candace says, Through my faith, I know that in Gods strength I am given love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control. I pray for those things every single day. So when it does get tough on social media, trust me, there are times I will text something but I will delete it after and (laughs) Im not going to hit the send button. We all can have immediate reactions and emotions that get heated. I know God does give me self-control and I always want to be positive. Its not fake, its not phony. I want to be kind. I know when I see someone who encourages me or who is the bigger person or returns something angry or mean with kindness, it really changes you and affects your heart. I love when people do that for me and I want to be the same type of role model encouraging kindness.

Even though her new book Candaces Playful Puppy is categorized under the Christian Emotions & Feelings Fiction section on Amazon, Candace wants to emphasize that these stories are inclusive to all. Its for absolutely everyone. The only thing that was really important to me was that [character] Candace says a little prayer because her dog runs away. Its as general as only the word prayer, so I hope that families of all faiths or if they dont believe in faith, I really hope that everyone will enjoy the book. Thats what all of these [books] are intended for and not just Christian families.

@candacecbure

Beyond her book writing, Candace has become a beloved figure in many Hallmark Channel movies, something she does not plan to slow down on doing anytime soon. Right now, I love making them and I dont have any plans to stop making them, unless people just get tired of seeing me on the channel and they dont want me anymore, Candace adds. I try to have a plan in terms of the future, but its not as far thought out that I have a deadline date when I am going to move on from them. As long as I am enjoying making them and people like watching them, Ill keep doing it.

Hallmarks movies are not the only place to see Cameron these days. She has been starring on the Full House reboot series Fuller House, which recently concluded its fifth and final season on Netflix. As fans across social media plead for more story from D.J. Tanner-Fuller and her extended family of characters, Candace addresses the wants of her loyal viewers. Listen, if they wanted to bring back Fullest House, I would be there in a heartbeat and I think everyone else would be, too. We are such a close, loving family. It was like a dream come true to do Fuller House and do the show with my best friends and my family. I would be open for it, but those are the kinds of decisions that are out of my hands. So unless Warner Bros. wants to make another show, I will be the first one in.

As Candace looks to the future, a lot of growth and expansion can be expected in her business pursuits. What Im concentrating on for this year are my Hallmark movies and books. I also have developed what I call a Mindstyle brand which is the Candace brand through DaySpring and we sell faith-inspired products from t-shirts to home goods to journals and the Bible. That it is really where my heart is at and such a passion of mine to share the word of God with people. We are continuing to grow that business and it has become more available this year and next year in brick and mortar stores, as well as everywhere online and QVC. I also have a few new brands that are coming out. I have a new clothing line that is coming out in the spring and we are developing a makeup line, as well.

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Candace Cameron Bure On Prioritizing Family, New Book And Her Expanding Business Brand - Forbes

Technology giants have become powerful rivals to governments, but there are doubts over the benefits for society of their monopoly positions, Russias President Vladimir Putin told the annual World Economic Forum, on Wednesday .

Where is the line between a successful global business, in-demand services andconsolidation of big data and attempts to harshly and unilaterally govern society, replace legitimate democratic institutions, restrict ones natural right to decide for themselves how to live, what to choose, what stance to express freely?Putin wondered.

Weve all seen this just now in the US. And everybody understands what Im talking about, he added.

The Russian leader was apparently referring to the crackdown by Big Tech corporations like Twitter, Facebook, Google, Apple and Amazon, mostly on Donald Trump and his supporters, during the recent presidential election in the US. The companies, which, according to some critics, sided with Democratic candidate Joe Biden, blocked President Trumps social media accounts over accusations of inciting violence, with the same being done to many pages of groups and individuals whod backed him.

However, one-sided bias claim voiced by some might be an overestimation the accounts of Democrats supporters were also subject to restrictions, but on a much smaller scale.

Conservative Twitter-like platform Parler was also forced offline, and now there are calls to block the Telegram app as well.

These events have shown that Big Tech companiesin some areas have de facto become rivals to the government,Putin said.

Billions of users spend large parts of their lives on the platforms and, from the point of view of those companies, their monopolistic position is favorable for organizing economic and technological processes, the Russian president explained.But theres a question of how such monopolism fits the interest of society,he stressed.

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Where is the line between global business & attempts to control society? Putin asks Davos as he calls out power of Big Tech - RT

The McGowan Government is investing $1.5 million into local projects which will enhance and restore the Swan and Canning Rivers.

Focusing on environmental, recreational and cultural values, the new funding is part of the State Government's commitment to improving the health of Perth's rivers.

More than $1.2 million of the funding will be allocated to 12 local foreshore managers, with remaining funds to be divided between local governments to focus on the river priority sites.

The City of Perth will receive $459,000 to upgrade the East Perth foreshore through rock revetment, bio-engineering and revegetation to improve the foreshore, visitor amenity and activate the area for community use.

The City of Melville will benefit from $100,000 for bank stabilisation and ecological restoration and improved community access and amenity at Point Heathcote in Applecross.

More than $50,000 has been granted to the City of Belmont for foreshore stabilisation and landscaping to upgrade the Bilya Kard Boodja Lookout in Belmont.

Since its inception in 2002, more than $24 million has been contributed to over 311 Riverbank projects around the Swan and Canning rivers.

Local governments have added to the State Government's contribution to Riverbank funding, resulting in a total investment of more than $55 million in approximately 19 years.

The project includes funding from the McGowan Government's Green Jobs Plan which will see more than $60 million invested into green jobs in WA over the next three years.

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:

"The McGowan Government is committed to the health of Perth's Swan and Canning river systems, and with this funding local managers will be able to complete much needed projects throughout the Swan Canning Riverpark.

"Funding will go to important site work including ecological protection, weed control, revegetation, erosion control and foreshore stabilisation.

"Not only do these projects improve the river's health and support ecological systems, but they will also enhance visitor amenity to allow the community to enjoy our beautiful waterways."

Minister's office - 6552 5800

Project sites to receive/eligible for Riverbank Funding in 2020-2021

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Media statement - Riverbank funding to restore Perth's river systems - Media Statements

There's plenty more to come from The Sims this year.

The Sims 4 has something different for every player. Some build sprawling lots full of clutter that look like they're taken from a magazine; others put hundreds of hours into the same family, building a legacy that spans generations.

One thing that unites all Sims players? Speculation. For the last few years, The Sims has released new content on a regular basis: one expansion pack, one stuff pack and one game pack per year.

This month, the stuff pack for 2021 was officially announced: Sims 4: Paranormal Stuff. It's filled with spooks, haunts and a Paranormal Investigator career to boot, and reception from fans and influencers alike has been positive. But Paranormal Stuff is only the first in a series of addendums to the franchise that'll land this year.

Already the community is convening on Reddit and social media to discuss what else might be on the horizon. Here at CNET, we've got some dedicated Sims 4 fans who are already excited at the thought of what might be coming. Here's what else we hope to see in 2021.

Associate Editor

The first thing my little Simmy heart craves is an overhaul of the education system. I want to schmooze headmasters to get my kids into private school again. I want customizable uniforms. I want schools that cater to different skills. I want a Go to Work style active career where you run a daycare and have countless screaming toddlers all needing to learn how to use the potty. I want the chaos! I live for it!

While we're on the topic of younger age groups, I'd love to see a return to the Sims 2 FreeTime style hobbies, where children and teens can grow their skills during after-school activities. I want my baby ballet dancers to go to dance class, my tech lovers to go to chess groups and, even if we move away from skills themselves, I want more range for teen jobs. Clubs are great, but I don't always want these activities to be active, you know?

As for a more substantial change (expansion pack, I'm looking at you) I think the rallying cry of players who want a farming pack will hit its apex this year -- and I'll be contributing my voice to it. It never used to be something that would gel with my play style, but I think it's safe to say that farming (with chickens and goats!) will make a lot of players very happy -- and make Rags to Riches challenges much more interesting. Plus it'll make it a lot easier for me to create weird Sim cults, but that's a story for another time.

The last thing, which is more of a weird hope than an actual expectation: I'd like to see The Sims 4 provide more interactions around death. Sure, there are countless ways that Sims can die, but though ghosts can hang around and bust up your appliances, when a sim dies there's very little pomp and circumstance. I want to see a graveyard lot (it makes sense with Vampires; there's precedent!) and the capacity to hold an actual funeral. All I'm saying is, the Sims is a life simulator, and part of life is death.

Staff Writer

The Sims became such an escape for me in the early months of the coronavirus pandemic. When I wasn't playing the Sims, I was watching YouTubers play The Sims -- whether causing mass chaos, struggling to complete the 100-Baby Challenge (I think I tapped out at 65 babies) or building jaw-dropping properties.

It might sound small, but I miss some of the Sims 2 features -- granted this might just be nostalgia talking, since the Sims 2 era was really when I got into the franchise. I'd like to see the memory scrapbook feature come back. I think it would round out the Lifestyles and Sentiments feature that was recently added with Snowy Escape. One of my favorite worlds to play in the Sims 2 was Veronaville -- particularly the Montys and the Caps. The Sims 4 needs to bring back those deep narratives in the premade families, as well as the ability to build deeper narratives in new family creations.

I love that Sims could live in Mount Komorebi, basically a vacation world, in the Snowy Escape expansion pack. To be able to make a home in Granite Falls? Yes, please!

Story-driven aspirations like the Strangerville Mystery were fun, but there's not a huge amount of desire to replay it after you "solve" the mystery. The Jungle Adventure pack came close, but the Star Wars: Journey to Batuu really showed off the game's potential. The world was massive,and there were so many ways your story could shake out, just by which Sims you encountered first and what you asked them. A potential patch to the older games opening up the world -- so you're not having to fast-travel by car everywhere -- would be so cool.

Also, it's 2021... can we finally get names for the debug items so they're easier to search?

A more builder-friendly pack -- even just a stuff pack -- would be awesome. One of my favorite building pastimes is constructing rundown lots or finding them in the gallery and flipping them. A stuff pack with some busted, creepy items could also be of interest to simmers who love the supernatural packs.

Social Media Producer

I am a big builder when it comes to The Sims. Ever since I started playing it at the tender age of 9 years old, I've loved planning out all types of houses for my Sims: quaint farmhouses with cute barns (give us the farming pack, EA). Grand Gothic castles with creepy dungeons. Small squares; big squares!

To me, the Sims 4 build mode is the best build mode and gives players the most flexibility and creative control. However, I still think it's missing a few things. The roof design feature in Sims 4 is tricky to master. There's no auto-roof function, so you're left having to manually design and place the sections of the roof yourself. It's finicky and annoying, and all separate parts remain separate. There's no option to group the roof together and resize it all at once. I miss the auto-roof function of Sims games gone by -- bring it back, I say!

Sims 3 World Adventures gave us the worlds of Shang Simla, Champs Les Sims and Al Simhara -- Simlish versions of China, France, and Egypt. They were great worlds with heaps to discover, like crypts, collectables and curses. We even got mummies! The Jungle Adventure and Snowy Escape packs are two of my favorite expansions in Sims 4 -- not just for gameplay but for the great additions to build and buy mode. But why stop at Japan and South America? Let's bring the whole world to our Sims. Plus, I really miss the Nectar Maker.

I want more cultural diversity in build and buy mode. Except for the items you get in free updates and expansion packs, the items and styles you're given for customizing your world are quite... WASP-y. EA is great at giving us free updates to inject the world with more culture: from the Day of the Dead update to Chinese New Year, to hijabs and the wonderful Hispanic Heritage Month update last year. EA has shown that it's serious about increasing diversity in the Sims, given the latest update regarding skin tones-- but it just makes me hungry for more, and I can't wait to see what EA gives us next.

We also need burglars again. I miss the sheer panic you feel when that funky music plays and you see a comically sneaky thief sneak into the house and steal a few things. I miss seeing the disappointment on theives' faces when you remember to install a security alarm and they get caught. It's the little things that matter, really.

Entertain your brain with the coolest news from streaming to superheroes, memes to video games.

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Everything we hope to see in The Sims 4 in 2021 - CNET

Since ancient times, to be exiled has been considered as definitive as capital punishment. Under Roman law, in fact, voluntary exile was offered to a prisoner as an alternative to death; the word itself is derived from the Latin solum or soil, and to be exiled was to be taken away from ones soil or land. Srinivasa Ramanujan, the Indian mathematics genius, agonized over going to Cambridge since crossing the oceans would exile him from his community. Napoleon Bonaparte and Bahadur Shah Zafar both died in exile and ignominy, with the latter pleading for a measly six feet of his homeland for burial.

President Donald J. Trump would have perhaps realized the true meaning of the word in the dying days of his presidency, as he was subjected to the modern version of exilede-platforming. Trump might have lived in the White House, but he existed on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook, his true homes. It was the systematic use of these platforms that made him president, and it was these platforms that sustained him. Twitter was his megaphone, the tweets he sent equalled to executive orders, and YouTube and Twitter were where his conspiracy groups flourished. In one fell swoop, all of them were taken away as Twitter banned him permanently and the others indefinitely. Since then, Trump seems to have gone silent. He has tried to send out a few missives in a traditional fashionspeeches, statements, videosbut they didnt get far.

This radical move by tech companiesto remove the president of their own country from their platformshas had an expectedly vociferous response. His critics applauded the move. But many of them have also been horrified. German chancellor Angela Merkel, various French ministers, and the Mexican President criticized the move. On Twitter, Russian dissident Aleksei Navalny wrote: This precedent will be exploited by the enemies of freedom of speech around the world. Every time when they need to silence someone, they will say: This is just common practice, even Trump got blocked on Twitter."

The ones that have been universally criticized for this action are the platforms themselvesnot as much for making the move, but either for doing it too late or only when it served their interests. As long as he was president, who not only held political power but was responsible for billions in advertising revenue, they pussyfooted around his offensive and inflammatory statements. Once he became a lame-duck president, they took him off, no doubt provoked by the storming of the Capitol by the frenzied mob he used their platforms to instigate.

The move is riddled with contradictions. The platform companys definition of the internet as open was good as long as it served them, but the moment they became profit machines, their incentives were aligned elsewhere, with users becoming the product. Their reputation for neutrality took a hit after they started the algorithmic manipulation of users to maximize engagement and profits, and stifle innovation. They extolled freedom of speech and the US First Amendment, projected themselves as pure platforms with no editorial control, and thus escaped responsibility. In de-platforming the president, they have clearly acted as publishers.

At the same time, these companies have the right to do what they did. They can do whatever they want," said Kara Swisher, a tech journalist. Theyre private businesses. Very similar to a restaurant where someone comes in and rants and starts to threaten violence and things like that... they get kicked out."

The real issue is not that these platforms are self-serving, but that they are monopolies. Bigger, and less noticed was the move by AWS, Shopify and Twilio to take out Parler, a Twitter alternative and a prominent gathering place of Trump supporters. If you are off AWS, Azure and Google Cloud, you cannot have a website; if Amazon and Shopify ban you, you cannot sell much; if Twitter, Facebook and YouTube de-platform you, you lose your voice.

Among the various firsts that he has racked up, Trump is the first president to be impeached twice. But as New York Times Kevin Roose writes, A successful impeachment [with a conviction] would be an embarrassing end to Mr. Trumps political career. But losing his huge online following would deprive him of cultural influence long into the future."

In this connected world, if your country deports you, there are many other places you could live and stay in touch with your friends, culture and ethos. If tech companies de-platform you, you might as well not exist, which is the true definition of exile.

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Donald Trumps exile and the power of social media platforms - Mint