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Taking time to sit in a sauna can be a great way to decompress after a grueling workout or even a stressful day.
While in a sauna, you can add to the relaxation by reading your favorite book, listening to a motivational podcast or just by closing your eyes, taking deep breaths and sweating the stress away.
Saunas are commonly found at gyms and spas, but you can buy one for your home.
MAXIMIZE HAIR GROWTH WITH THESE OILS THAT CAN BE EASILY ADDED TO YOUR DAILY SELF-CARE ROUTINE
A sauna offers health benefits, but it’s also important to be mindful of risks.
A sauna is “a specific room heated to about 150 to 195 (F) degrees, and where the temperature and humidity of the room can be controlled with sprinkling water on the rocks in the heater/stove,” according to the North American Sauna Society’s website.
Some of the most commonly found saunas are wood-burning saunas, electrically heated saunas, manufactured sauna rooms, smoke saunas, steam rooms and infrared rooms.
For the most part, many of the health benefits are consistent no matter what type of sauna you use.
THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF MORINGA INCLUDE SETTLING INFLAMMATION, LOWER BLOOD SUGAR, ACCORDING TO EXPERTS
“While many benefits overlap, steam may be better for respiratory issues, far infrared for weight loss and recovery,” Dr. Brooke Jeffy, a board-certified dermatologist from Scottsdale, Arizona, and founder of youth skin care brand BTWN, told Fox News Digital via email.
There are several different health benefits that come along with sauna use.
“Both steam and dry saunas can have beneficial effects on respiratory conditions, cardiovascular disease and dementia,” Jeffy said.
“They also help stiff muscles and joints and increase circulation to the skin. Both steam and infrared saunas have beneficial effects on blood pressure. Infrared saunas may improve weight loss when combined with exercise and improve muscle recovery.”
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The time at which you use a sauna doesn’t matter, according to Jeffy. Either a morning sweat or a relaxing sit in the sauna before bed can boast health benefits.
Many people also choose to hop in a sauna after a workout.
“Post-workout sessions help improve weight control and muscle recovery,” Jeffy said.
It’s common to sit in a sauna after completing a workout.(iStock)
When in a sauna, make sure you keep track of how long you’ve been inside.
Many gym saunas have a clock, so you don’t have to take your phone inside, potentially causing it to overheat.
If there isn’t a timer or clock available, make sure to bring one with you or set an alarm to sound so you know when it’s time to exit.
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“The maximum time to spend in the dry sauna or steam room is about 15-20 minutes,” Jeffy said. “Infrared sauna can be used longer, anywhere from 20-40 minutes.”
While sauna use does include benefits, there are also risks you should be aware of if you decide to add it to your routine.
The risks include dehydration, heat exhaustion and stroke, according to Jeffy.
Make sure to drink water to keep yourself hydrated while in a sauna. (iStock)
To avoid potential dehydration, bring a bottle of water into the sauna with you.
If you aren’t a regular sauna user already, consider a slow progression to allow your body to adjust and slowly begin increasing the time you sit inside.
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Lastly, if you are pregnant, sick, intoxicated or prone to dizziness, you should not use a sauna, according to Jeffy.
“Saunas should not be used if you have had a recent heart attack, or history of angina, aortic stenosis or congestive heart failure,” Jeffy added.
Ed Westwick and Amy Jackson’s wedding has been all over the headlines. The couple got married on August 25 in Italy. In a new Instagram post, the newlyweds shared a series of pictures and videos from their “farewell brunch” at the Giardini del Fuenti in Italy. The spread was nothing short of delicious. In a video, we spotted a large table decorated with raw pasta, bread loaves and potatoes, and there was also a mouthwatering bowl of pasta. A picture showed a pizza box that made us crave Italian delicacies. “What an unforgettable weekend. Our Farewell Brunch with friends and family was everything we could have hoped for. Federica Sottili, who knew a bread-themed tablescape would be exactly what we needed for our revival and survival!” the couple wrote in their caption.
Check out the post here:
Also Read: Amy Jackson And Ed Westwick’s Wedding Was All About A Huge Cake, Champagne, Oysters
If you want to relish Italian food after taking a look at Amy Jackson and Ed Westwick’s post, check out some recipes below:
1. Classic Pasta Amatriciana
While talking about Italian dishes, how can we miss pasta? The classic pasta Amatriciana is flavoured with crispy pancetta, sauteed onion and garlic and feels heavenly on our taste buds. Click here for the recipe.
2. Prawns and Saffron Risotto
This dish is made with prawns and infused with fragrant saffron. The risotto is cooked slowly with broth. This flavorful dish has a vibrant golden colour from the saffron. Recipe here.
3. Panzanella
An Italian bread salad made with cubes of toasted bread mixed with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions and basil. It is dressed with olive oil and vinegar. Want the recipe? Click here.
4. Bruschetta
A classic Italian appetiser featuring toasted slices of bread topped with a mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil and olive oil. It is a simple yet delicious starter. Detailed recipe here.
5. Margherita Pizza
A pizza topped with a combination of fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and basil. It is known for its classic flavours and vibrant colours. Find the recipe here.
Also Read: 17 Best Italian Food Recipes | Easy Italian Recipes
Rwanda’s National Electoral Commission (NEC) on Friday expressed satisfaction over preparations for next month’s Senate election.
Campaigns were launched earlier this week for candidates contesting for seats in Rwanda’s Senate, the upper chamber of the parliament, ahead of the election scheduled for September 16-17.
A total of 32 candidates are vying for 26 seats in the Senate, with campaigns set to run until September 14.
Speaking at a press conference in the Rwandan capital of Kigali, Oda Gasinzigwa, chairperson of the NEC, said the campaigns are well on course and urged members of the electoral college to massively take part in the election.
“The election of senators is crucial because it ensures that Rwandans choose their representatives in the parliament. The electoral commission has mobilized all the requirements to ensure a smooth election,” she said. “We encourage members of the electoral college to participate in large numbers so that we continue to strengthen the principle of democracy chosen by Rwandans.”
The Rwandan Senate is composed of 14 lawmakers elected by electoral colleges in the City of Kigali, provinces, and higher learning institutions, eight senators appointed by the president, and four from the National Consultative Forum of Political Organizations. Public and private universities each have one seat in the Senate.
The electoral college for the senators is composed of sector councilors in the districts, while university representatives are elected by academic and research staff from public and private universities and other institutions of higher learning.
To be eligible to stand in the Senate election, one must have a minimum of 40 years and hold a university degree.
(Cover: Rwanda National Electoral Commission (NEC) officials count votes following the closing of the polls during the 2024 Rwandan general elections at a polling station in Kigali on July 15, 2024. /CFP)
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
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Having hair is one of many characteristics that distinguish mammals from other classes of animals, such as reptiles and birds. Other traits include the anatomy of our inner ears, the structure of our jaws, and the presence and function of mammary glands. You’ve probably heard and used hair and fur interchangeably, along with coat, pelt, or pelage, depending on what animal you’re discussing.
From a scientific perspective, the words are the same. How we use them is more nuanced. We may speak of an animal’s “fur” or “coat” as the collective term for all the hairs on an animal. We often say “hair” when referring to the individual strands. Whatever the word, they refer to the same thing. However, cats have different types of hair with specialized functions.
The Function of Hair and Its Evolution
Scientists hypothesize that hair and warm-bloodedness or endothermy are linked. Nonetheless, it’s one of those which-came-first types of questions. It makes evolutionary sense why natural selection would favor hair since it keeps the animal warm. Being warm-blooded takes energy, and insulation allows the creature to conserve it.
Of course, hair serves several other purposes. It provides camouflage so that cats can hunt and stalk their prey. Likewise, the mottled appearance of kittens protects the young from predators. Hair also helps a feline communicate with other animals. Think of a cat’s back hairs sticking up or their tail puffing up at the threshold of a conflict. It has a similar function for you as a pet owner.
The condition of a cat’s fur can indicate the state of the animal’s physical and mental health. A dull coat or hair loss can be a red flag of anything, from a nutritional deficiency to stress to a medical condition. It’s worth noting that we’re speaking of the feline’s hair collectively. Hence, we opted for fur and coat to describe this physical feature.
Image Credit: Kutikova Ekaterina, Shutterstock
The Genetics of Hair Length
Density and length also comes into the conversation when distinguishing between hair and fur, particularly with dogs. We might use the former to refer to the fine, long coat of an Afghan Hound and the latter when talking about the dense coat of an Alaskan Malamute. The takeaway is that genetics determines an animal’s hair length. A short-haired cat’s fur will only grow so long, for example.
Short-haired is the default for our domestic cats. Scientists have identified the Near Eastern or African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica) as the likely ancestor of our pets.1 These animals live in various habitats on the continent’s grasslands and scrubland. Being long-haired would be a hindrance since it could get matted quicker and hamper their survival and reproductive success.
Long-Haired Cats
Researchers have four genetic mutations that make cats long-haired. They identified the oldest in the Turkish Angora. The three others are associated with specific breeds: the Ragdoll, Maine Coon, and Norwegian Forest Cat. Being long-haired is a recessive trait. That means a kitten must inherit this copy or allele of the gene from both parents to express it visually.
A mitigating factor in all these variants is the role of domestication and selective breeding. Enthusiasts made being long-haired fixed in these felines by breeding animals with the desired traits. One could also argue that this characteristic is necessary for survival in the case of Nordic breeds. It’s not unheard of in wild felines, with the snow leopard (Uncia uncia) being a classic example.
Fur would probably be a more accurate description of the animal’s thick, long coats necessary to tolerate the extreme weather conditions of the mountains of Central Asia. It’s often helpful to distinguish its physical features when discussing whether cats have hair or fur. This species makes a solid case for using the latter term.
Image Credit: nikkytok, Shutterstock
Types of Cat Hair
We can find other incidents where using hair or fur might be more appropriate. Let’s consider the types of hair that most cats have. Guard hairs are the ones that give your pet their color and are the ones you stroke when interacting with your kitty. Their length is relatively long, depending on the breed. These coarse hairs are a protective outer coat, acting as a water-repellent barrier and helping shield a cat’s skin from other environmental elements.
Awn hairs are the next layer. It’s shorter than the top one. It’s multi-functional, helping insulate and protect.
The down hairs are next and closest to the animal’s skin. Its purpose is in its name—to keep the feline warm, not unlike the comforter you put on your bed. Multiple layers leave space for air for additional insulation.
You are free to use this image but we do require you to link back to catster.com for credit
Whiskers
The most specialized of a cat’s hairs are their whiskers. They exist on the animal’s face, above the eyes, and on their legs. They serve a sensory function with their terminal connection to nerves. They help your kitty navigate their world, even in the dark. They provide much information about the environment and surroundings that a cat needs to hunt and survive life’s challenges.
No one would refer to a cat’s whiskers as fur. It’s one case where we can definitively say they are hairs, although many may not know what they are. After all, they differ from what we think of as hairs. They are long and stiff. Their sensory function is evident if you try to touch them. Even the most docile pet will likely object to this contact.
Image Credit: Oleksandr Volchanskyi, Shutterstock
Final Thoughts
The difference between hairs and fur is a matter of degrees. While the two words mean the same thing, we often differentiate the two by density. The former are the individual strands, while the latter refers to the overall collection of them. That’s a colloquial distinction but useful in many contexts. However, whiskers are one example of specialized hairs where this terminology is appropriate.
Featured Image Credit: Light Hound Pictures, Shutterstock
Bank credit to the commercial real estate sector rose to ₹4.85 lakh crore outstanding as of July 26, 2024, from ₹4.38 lakh crore on July 28, 2023. The loan growth driven by higher activity in office leasing and stable, predictable cash flows, while other segments, such as warehousing, data centres, and retail, are also becoming more attractive.
While growth this year has slowed to 10.6 per cent compared to 44.9 per cent last year, it is on a higher base, and the period 2022-23 saw unprecedented commercial activity after the lull seen during the pandemic years.
Office leasings
According to several independent property consultants, office leasing is expected to be between 50 and 60 million square feet in 2024. In the first half, leasing crossed 29 million square feet, a rise of 19 per cent year over year. In the June quarter, leasing activity increased 50 per cent across Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru, three major office markets in the country.
Read:Banks turn aggressive on Commercial Real Estate lending
“Indian commercial real estate is highly attractive to banks for lending due to its potential for high returns, low vacancy rates, and strong long-term corporate tenants in sectors like IT, ITES, BSFI, cutting edge RD, engineering design and services, co-working and managed offices,” said Saurabh Shatdal, Managing Director, Capital Markets and Head-Retail, Cushman & Wakefield.
Global Capability Centres are, to some extent, driving the demand for office space in India. According to C&W, India is projected to have 2,400 GCCs by 2030, up from 1600 now.
CRISIL ratings
CRISIL Ratings, which is upbeat on the sector, said in a note that improved absorption will stem rising vacancy levels, partly aided by denotification in underperforming special economic zones (SEZs) units. “This will improve cash accruals of CRISIL rated CRE entities and, in turn their credit profiles.”
A CRISIL Rating analysis of office space owners with a debt of over ₹70,000 crore and total leasable area of 150 million square feet, accounting for a fifth of Grade A office space in seven top cities, indicated as much.
The buoyancy is not only in office space but in other emerging segments in the commercial sector as well.
“It’s important to note that while traditional office spaces remain a key focus, other segments like warehouses, data centers and even retail spaces such as malls are gaining traction,” said Himanshu Jain, VP, Sales, Marketing, Satellite Developers. “This diversification reduces the overall risk for lenders, as these segments offer stable and often long-term revenue streams.”
Data centre investments
The entry of big industrial conglomerates such as the Adani and Ambani groups and private equity giants such as Blackstone in logistics and data centres, has created confidence among lenders with respect to the stability of cash flows. India’s total data centre capacity is projected to increase over three times to 3.3 GW by 2028, while warehousing stock is seen rising over 50 per cent to close to 600 msf by 2027. In the first half of 2024, warehouse leasing rose 25 per cent to over 24 msf.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
PLANIRATE li preurediti svoj stan? Prije nego što se upustite u projekt, važno je znati koje greške treba izbjegavati kako biste postigli željeni rezultat.
Tri dizajnerice interijera podijelile su s časopisom The Spruce svoje uvide o najčešćim problemima koje susreću kod svojih klijenata. Otkrijte što treba izbjegavati i kako uspješno transformirati svoj prostor u savršen dom.
Kupnja tepiha koji je premali
“Iako vaš stan može biti manji, to ne znači da trebate birati mali tepih koji će izgledati čudno u sredini sobe”, objašnjava dizajnerica Danielle DiBernardo. Preporučuje da se tepih koristi na način da prednje noge namještaja budu na njemu. Ovo će pomoći da prostor izgleda bolje i skladnije.
Namještaj koji je prevelik
Kada birate namještaj za manji stan, važno je odabrati komade prikladnih dimenzija. “Veliki komadi mogu učiniti prostor pretrpanim i zagušenim”, objašnjava dizajnerica interijera Jill Wheeler.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
“Ljudi često pokušavaju prenijeti velike komade iz prethodnog doma i otkriju da su preveliki za novi prostor, što može stvoriti osjećaj pretrpanosti”, objašnjava dizajnerica Danielle Domingues. Naglašava da čak i male razlike u veličini, kao što su okrugli stol od 152 cm naspram stola od 122 cm, mogu značajno utjecati na izgled i funkcionalnost prostora.
Štednja na rasvjeti
Dizajnerica DiBernardo ističe da stanovi često nemaju najbolju rasvjetu, zato je važno dodati više izvora svjetlosti. Preporučuje korištenje različitih ukrasnih rasvjetnih tijela, poput stolnih i podnih lampi te svijećnjaka, kako biste izbjegli neugodno oštro gornje osvjetljenje. Lampe su sjajan način da izrazite svoj stil, pa se zabavite birajući sjenila koja odgovaraju vašem osobnom ukusu.
Oklijevate dodati boju
Nemojte se ograničavati samo na jednobojne zidove. Dizajnerica Jill Wheeler objašnjava da korištenje crnih zidova ili tapeta može značajno proširiti vizualni dojam prostora.
Takve boje mogu dodati dubinu, stvarajući osjećaj većeg prostora nego što on zapravo jest. “Izbjegavajte se držati samo neutralnih tonova i budite spremni riskirati”, savjetuje Wheeler. Ponekad hrabro eksperimentiranje bojama i uzorcima može donijeti iznenađujuće pozitivne rezultate i potpuno transformirati izgled vašeg stana.
Znate li nešto više o temi ili želite prijaviti grešku u tekstu?
The two teams stared at each other from across the East Room of the White House, each waiting for its photo op, each convinced it belonged there more than the other. But both USC and Louisiana State technically had been named college football’s national champions after the 2003 season — LSU by the Bowl Championship Series computers and USC by the Associated Press voters — so both had been invited to meet with President George W. Bush at the White House in March 2004.
Later, as he congratulated both teams, President Bush joked the two should decide a champion right then and there.
“The South Lawn is pretty good sized,” Bush quipped.
No football was played that afternoon on the White House lawn. Nor would the two college football powers play at any point in the ensuing 20 years.
But two decades after their shared title, that finally changes Sunday, as USC will face LSU in Las Vegas in one of the marquee matchups of college football’s opening weekend and one of the biggest games on the Trojans’ schedule. Their meeting may not decide the true champion of 2003 — many of the players in this year’s matchup weren’t even born yet — but the stakes still are high for USC and LSU, given the gauntlet awaiting them in the coming weeks.
Both teams enter the opener under strikingly similar circumstances, basically the football version of the Spider-Man pointing meme. Their coaches, USC’s Lincoln Riley and LSU’s Brian Kelly, both are starting a critical Year 3 at their schools, with sky-high expectations and mounting pressure to deliver on them. Both are replacing Heisman winners at quarterback with longtime backups who waited their turn. And both hired new coordinators, with new schemes, to fix two of the worst defenses in college football.
For two teams with far more questions than answers on both sides of the ball, Sunday’s matchup should say a lot about where they stand. Which is precisely why they probably would prefer not to play each other in Week 1.
With their schedules packed with new power conference teams, both coaches wondered aloud recently if it’s worth scheduling marquee nonconference matchups in the future. This game even might have been canceled, Kelly said recently, had the schools not been so far into planning it.
“Our schedules are already going to be so good, at some point you’re like, all right, is the juice worth the squeeze in terms of playing these games?” Riley said at Big Ten media day.
Considering how much is new and uncertain for USC and LSU, it remains to be seen. But looking at the matchup, it’s startling just how similarly the schools stack up on paper.
New quarterbacks
USC quarterback Miller Moss will kick off his first season as the Trojans’ starter when the team faces LSU Sunday.
(Denis Poroy / Associated Press)
It’s as if their stories were lifted from the same cliche sports movie, onetime top quarterback recruits who both waited their turn behind Heisman winners, two exemplary cases of patience in the transfer portal era finally getting their long-awaited shot.
Neither Miller Moss nor Garrett Nussmeier should be expected to fill the shoes of the dynamic passers they’re replacing. The sports movie plot only goes so far in the real world, right? But they should be capable caretakers, at the very least. Both were top-20 quarterbacks in the class of 2021, according to 247Sports.com, and both have three years of seasoning at their schools. Even their measurables are similar — both are 6 feet 2 and weigh between 201 and 205.
What they don’t have is much tape for opposing defenses to study. How much can either team learn from the opposing quarterback’s single start in a meaningless bowl game?
“You’re taking a lot of what they did in the bowl game because they had some time to really settle in on what they felt his comfort level was,” Kelly said of Moss last week. “He’s grown since then, so there will be more to the offense, but you’re going to take what Coach Riley has been successful with and you’re going to look at their offensive structure and begin to build your defensive plan accordingly.”
Watching what he can of Nussmeier, USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn said the 22-year-old doesn’t play like he’s short on experience.
“He can make every pass on the field,” Lynn said. “He plays with a lot of poise, he handles himself well in the pocket, he extends plays well, he’s always looking to keep the play alive throwing the ball downfield. So he presents a lot of issues.”
New defenses
USC coach Lincoln Riley says defensive lineman Bear Alexander (90) is still a relatively young player. The Trojans need him to develop quickly as they face a formidable LSU team in the season opener.
(Ashley Landis / Associated Press)
Even less is known about the direction both teams have taken on defense, as they break in new schemes and new coordinators. But it’s safe to say, there’s plenty of room for improvement over last season.
USC finished 121st in points given up, while LSU finished 81st. Both finished in the bottom 25 in yards given up (119th and 108th, respectively), largely because of the staggering number of explosive plays they gave up. USC gave up 71 plays of 20-plus yards — an average of 5.5 per game — while LSU gave up 68.
LSU’s new defensive coordinator, Blake Baker, brings an aggressive, blitz-heavy scheme with him from Missouri, where his defense had a sack rate above 9%, ninth best in the nation. And at LSU, he’ll have one of the most talented pass rushers in Harold Perkins Jr. at his disposal, making it essential that USC gets the ball out as quickly as possible.
If it does, there will be explosive plays for the taking downfield. Not only is LSU thin on experience in the secondary, but also Baker’s defense struggled with explosive plays last season as a result of its aggressive approach. Missouri was 97th in giving up plays of 20-plus yards, nearly as bad as LSU.
For USC and its new defense, the most pressing question will be whether it can hold its own at the line of scrimmage. LSU boasts one of the best offensive lines, with two top tackle prospects in Will Campbell and Emery Jones and two returning guards with years of starting experience.
Lynn worked some developmental magic in his one season as UCLA’s coordinator, turning the Bruins into the No. 2 defense against the run as well as a top-10 pass-rushing unit. He said this month that he believes USC is deeper up front than the group he worked with last season.
That seems hard to believe, considering the personnel. The interior is relying a great deal on progress from defensive tackle Bear Alexander, whom Riley described Thursday as “still very young in football.” USC also desperately needs a pass rusher to emerge from a group that boasts just 15 career sacks.
“We’ve got some guys that have the ability to win in different ways,” Riley said.
Third-year coaches
USC coach Lincoln Riley surprised when first took the job leading the Trojans and had a strong first season, but he’s now feeling more pressure to compete for a conference championship.
(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
Hours before Riley shocked the college football world, rumors swirled about him becoming LSU’s next coach. He shut them down that night, saying plainly he wasn’t going to coach the Tigers. The next day he was named the Trojans’ coach.
Kelly, like Riley, picked up and left an established blue-blood program, Notre Dame, for another. Both led their teams to the conference title game — and lost — in their first seasons, and both fell short of returning in their second.
Now entering their third seasons, the pressure is mounting to make a much larger playoff field. Neither starts on the hot seat, but both coaches could use a win in this marquee matchup.
The coaches, at least, believe in each other. Years ago, when Riley still was a coordinator at East Carolina, the two talked about a job for Riley on Notre Dame’s staff, and Riley’s respect for his counterpart shows.
“He’s obviously done a great job everywhere he’s been,” Riley said of Kelly. “He’s been a really good program-builder, he’s had success at different levels. So, I think he’s done a great job. Somebody I’ve admired for a long time.”
Game notes
Junior defensive back Jaylin Smith, who has started at nickel and safety for USC, will open the season as one of the Trojans’ two outside cornerbacks. … Georgia Southern transfer Michael Lantz will be USC’s starting kicker and kickoff specialist. … USC listed both Alani Noa and Amos Talalele as starters at right guard, and it’s unclear who will get the nod, though clues from fall camp all point to Noa.
Google Gemini has launched two new tools for Android that were highlighted earlier at Google I/O this year. The feature known as ‘Ask about this screen,” helps users ask queries about whatever is occurring on the screen. Another feature called ‘Ask about this video’ is also compatible with YouTube. The prompt pops up on top of the Gemini window after the user has commanded the AI assistant. Once the user clicks on this tab a provisional screenshot is taken and then the user can type and ask their query. While the bot’s early reaction is based on the screenshot features, the user can then direct Gemini to use the internet connectivity for more information or even recapitulate a news article.
However, the system does not store these screenshots. The bot seems to look through the video captions to define the subjects of the video for the ‘Ask about this video ‘tool. These tools were identified by Android Police on the Gemini beta application version 1.0.662093464 and the Google beta app variant 15.34.32.
Apart from Android devices, Gemini will also be incorporated into Google Meet for their new feature known as ‘Take Notes for Me’ for briefing meetings. At present, the tool is accessible in English only and will be launched to Google Workspace consumers with Gemini Education Premium, Gemini Enterprise, AI Meetings, and Messaging add-ons. The feature spontaneously creates notes in a Google Document and attaches the file to the calendar event after the meeting is done. The tool can share the file with anyone who has this tool turned on, including the meeting organizer. If an individual is late to a meeting, the feature will accommodate the individual once they have joined through links to files including the Google Doc. The tech giant Google has informed that the company will begin rolling out this tool by September 10.
Distinctly, Android Authority has announced spotting Gemini extensions for WhatsApp, and Android system notifications in the 15.34.32.29.arm64 beta, and Google Messages. The bot might help users exchange and read messages and place calls on WhatsApp utilizing voice commands as per the depiction of the feature.
Travelling abroad, particularly to a country as enchanting and diverse as France, involves meticulous planning and consideration. Among the various preparations, securing the right travel insurance is a crucial step. For Indian travellers heading to France, having travel insurance is not just a smart choice but a mandatory requirement for obtaining a visa. This guide will delve into why travel insurance is essential, how to choose the best plan, and additional tips for ensuring a smooth travel experience.
Travel insurance for France: Protect your journey to France with travel insurance: cover emergencies, cancellations and lost belongings.(Pexels)
Why Travel insurance is essential for France
France, renowned for its rich culture, historic landmarks, and picturesque landscapes, also presents its own set of challenges for travellers. Despite thorough planning, unforeseen events can occur, making travel insurance a vital aspect of your trip. Here’s why it’s crucial:
Visa requirement
For Indian nationals, travel insurance is a compulsory requirement to obtain a visa for France. The French authorities mandate proof of insurance coverage as part of the visa application process. Without this insurance, your visa application is likely to be rejected.
Unpredictable events
Travelling to a foreign country exposes you to a range of potential issues. These can include:
Medical emergencies: Health issues can arise suddenly and may require immediate attention. Medical expenses abroad can be significantly higher than those in India.
Lost or delayed baggage: Losing your luggage or facing delays can significantly disrupt your travel plans.
Flight cancellations and delays: Unexpected changes in flight schedules can impact your itinerary.
Having comprehensive travel insurance helps mitigate these risks, providing coverage for a variety of situations.
Types of coverage provided by travel insurance
When selecting travel insurance for France, it’s essential to choose a plan that offers extensive coverage. Here are some key benefits that a robust travel insurance policy should include:
Medical coverage
This is arguably the most important aspect of travel insurance. It covers:
Emergency medical expenses: Costs related to unexpected illnesses or accidents.
Hospitalisation: Expenses for staying in a hospital.
Medical evacuation: Costs associated with transporting you to a medical facility if needed.
COVID-19 coverage: Insurance that covers diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 during your trip.
Also read: 7 key factors to consider while choosing the best travel insurance
Trip interruption and cancellation
Coverage for trip interruptions and cancellations can protect you from financial losses due to:
Flight cancellations: Refunds or compensation for unused flight tickets.
Trip delays: Expenses incurred due to delays, such as accommodation and meals.
Trip cancellation: Reimbursement for non-refundable travel expenses is available if you have to cancel your trip.
Baggage and personal belongings
This includes:
Loss or theft of baggage: Compensation for lost or stolen luggage.
Baggage delay: Reimbursement for essential items purchased while waiting for delayed baggage.
Personal liability
Coverage for:
Accidental damage: Protection if you accidentally damage property or injure someone.
Legal expenses: Costs associated with legal claims resulting from accidents.
Travel assistance services
Many insurance plans offer 24/7 assistance services, which can be invaluable in a foreign country. These services can help with:
Emergency assistance: Immediate support in case of health or travel-related emergencies.
Local assistance: Guidance on navigating local services and emergencies.
Also read: Unlocking the truth: What travel insurance covers and what it doesn’t
How to choose the best travel insurance for France
Choosing the right travel insurance requires evaluating your specific needs and comparing various plans. Here are some steps to help you make an informed decision:
Compare insurance plans
Begin by obtaining quotes from multiple insurance providers. Compare the coverage options, limits, and premiums to find the plan that best suits your needs.
Assess coverage limits
Ensure that the coverage limits are adequate for your trip. Consider factors such as:
Medical coverage: The higher the limit, the better, especially if you anticipate needing extensive medical care.
Baggage coverage: Check the coverage amount for lost or delayed baggage.
Trip cancellation coverage: Make sure it covers the total cost of your trip.
Customise your policy
Tailor the policy to match your personal requirements. For example:
Add-on coverage: Consider optional coverage such as adventure sports if you plan on engaging in such activities.
Extended coverage: If you plan to stay longer than the standard policy duration, ensure your insurance can be extended.
Understand the claim process
Familiarise yourself with the claim process before purchasing the policy. This includes understanding:
Documentation requirements: What documents you need to provide for claims.
Claim submission process: How to file a claim and the timeframe for processing.
Also read: Travel insurance for Europe: Your ultimate guide from India
Additional tips for a smooth travel experience
Check the French government’s travel advisory
Stay updated on travel advisories issued by the French government. This can help you avoid areas with high risks, such as regions experiencing protests or other disruptions.
Prepare essential documents
Ensure you have all necessary documents for your trip, including:
Valid passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
Visa: Obtain the appropriate visa for your visit.
Proof of accommodation: Have evidence of where you’ll be staying during your trip.
Return ticket: A confirmed return ticket to demonstrate your intention to leave France.
Proof of funds: Documentation showing you have sufficient funds for your stay.
Travel health precautions
While France is generally safe, it’s wise to:
Stay informed: Be aware of any health advisories or required vaccinations.
Take precautions: Protect yourself from insect-borne diseases by using repellent and avoiding high-risk areas.
Travel insurance is a fundamental component of international travel, particularly when visiting countries like France. It provides peace of mind by protecting you against a range of unforeseen events, from medical emergencies to lost luggage. By understanding the types of coverage available and carefully selecting a policy that meets your needs, you can enhance your travel experience and focus on enjoying the beauty and culture that France has to offer. Safe travels!
After a month off in the UK and Europe for business and pleasure, George RR Martin is finally back home in Santa Fe.
The 75-year-old famously only works on his novels on his old DOS running computer which doesn’t travel with him.
This means the author hasn’t written a word of the 13 year delayed The Winds of Winter since the first half of July.
And given what else he has to do, it doesn’t sound like there will be much more progress any time soon.
As a result, Game of Thrones fans are despairing on the A Song of Ice and Fire Reddit page over Martin’s mammoth To Do List.
Martin wrote on his blog: “This has not been a good year for anyone, with war everywhere and fascism on the rise… and on a more personal level, I have had a pretty wretched year as well, one full of stress, anger, conflict, and defeat. I need to talk about some of that, and I will, I will… I was away from my computer traveling from July 15 to August 15, so a lot of things that needed saying did not get said. I am glad I took that trip, though.My stress levels beforehand were off the charts, so much so that I was seriously considering cancelling my plans and staying at home. I am glad I didn’t, though. It was so so good to get away for a little, to put all the conflict aside for a time…
“I look forward to telling you all about our adventures… though it may take a while. I had a thousand emails waiting for me on my return, and then I went and brought a case of covid back with me from worldcon, so I am way way behind. I do not look forward to other posts I need to write, about everything that’s gone wrong with HOUSE OF THE DRAGON… but I need to do that too, and I will. Not today, though. TODAY is Zozobra’s day, when we turn away from gloom.”
Despairing at the Winds of Winter progress news, fans took to Reddit to vent. One quoted “I need to write, but not today” and commented, “Has there ever been a more GRRM post?”
Another wrote: “Well, there goes the hope of having TWOW this or next year…” To which one brutally replied: “Try this decade. The way George has been going these past few years, I’m expecting a posthumous release or nothing at all.”
Another added: “I’m glad that this trip helped clear GRRM’s mind, but now we know he hasn’t written anything for TWOW since July at the very least. And if he was having a sh***y year before that . . . yeah I don’t think it’s been a good one for his progress.”
There are few more striking SUVs on the road than the Toyota C-HR.
Breaking Toyota’s modus operandi of producing safe, palatable cars for the mass market, the original C-HR turned the humble Corolla into a futuristic, exciting crossover with immediate payoff.
Toyota sold 53,271 first-generation cars in Australia, and the second coming is made of the same stuff. With two-tone paint, sharp edges, and a low sloping roofline, the new car looks genuinely sporty.
So, it’s only fitting the flagship GR Sport grade goes a step further, adding interior bits straight out of the Toyota’s performance catalogue. A recipe for success, right?
Maybe not. The GR Sport commands a $12,000 premium over the base C-HR, and you won’t find a motorsport inspired powertrain under the bonnet.
Where does that leave the new C-HR GR Sport? Is it new-school cool, or has it strayed too far from the original formula?
How does the Toyota C-HR compare?
View a detailed breakdown of the Toyota C-HR against similarly sized vehicles.
Toyota
C-HR
How much does the Toyota C-HR cost?
The second-generation C-HR is a more expensive proposition than the first, and you won’t get any change from $60,000 for the flagship GR Sport on test here once on-road costs are considered.
Model
Price before on-road costs
2025 Toyota C-HR GXL 2WD
$42,990
2025 Toyota C-HR Koba 2WD
$49,990
2025 Toyota C-HR GR Sport AWD
$54,990
To see how the C-HR lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool.
What is the Toyota C-HR like on the inside?
You pay a pretty penny to upgrade from a base C-HR to the top-spec GR Sport, and that spend is on full display inside the flagship’s cabin.
No matter which way you look, materials have been upgraded to give the sporty range-topper a premium feel, and I would argue that ploy has worked.
Gone are fabric seats and drab colours, replaced by a GR-themed interior packed with suede, leather, and red accents. All three feature on the sculpted front seats, which come with the GR logo embossed in the headrest.
Different from other variants in both design and shape, the chairs provide plenty of grip and hug you tight, falling on the firm side when it comes to cushioning.
Both front seats have three-stage heating and the driver’s pew offers electric adjustment. The inclusion of a heated steering wheel is a welcome luxury fit for cold winter mornings.
You can easily set a low slung driving position for ‘spirited’ driving, or opt for a more elevated setup.
Surfaces around the rest of the cabin feel equally upscale. Front door cards get the suede treatment, while the gear selector and steering wheel are trimmed in supple leather.
Soft plastics cover the dash and centre armrest, and the harder plastics used in economy cars are in short supply.
The C-HR also offers a competitive array of interior tech. A 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is shared across the range, and it ticks a lot of boxes.
Angled towards the driver, the screen is easy to see and just as simple to use.
I took advantage of wireless Apple CarPlay, although Android users will need to use a cable. A USB-C outlet is located under the climate control panel for this purpose.
The infotainment system hooked up to my phone every time without fault, providing a crisp mirrored display that responded quickly to touch inputs.
The native menus and navigation system lack detail, but that’s easy to forgive considering the simplicity and excellent ergonomics on offer.
Simple yet effective is a description that applies to the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It’s mildly customisable and easy to read, with all the normal readouts as well as a visualisation of the petrol/electric drive split.
A little cartoonish, sure, but function over form is okay here considering the rest of the GR Sport has been hit with the design stick. Rounding out the suite of interior tech is a colour head-up display, fitted as standard to the Koba and GR Sport.
As with the infotainment screen, the physical climate control toggles are well within reach and pleasingly tactile compared to the haptic buttons and screen controls in other modern cars.
In addition to clever ergonomics, the C-HR features a range of thoughtful storage solutions for front row occupants.
The centre console, door bins, and glovebox are all large for the segment, and there’s an extra storage tray above the glovebox fit for phones, wallets, and the like.
A central wireless charging tray offers similar convenience for the driver.
While it’s all plush and spacious up front, the same can’t be said for the second row.
In my normal driving position the seat behind would only comfortably accomodate a child or small adult. ISOFIX and top-tether points strengthen the C-HR’s case as a small family car.
The seat backs are soft, which is gentle on pressing knees, but that doesn’t mask the lack of legroom.
Headroom is equally compromised. Anyone measuring over six feet tall will find their head touching the ceiling, due in part to the sexy sloping roofline of the C-HR.
The GR Sport has a glass roof which lets some light into the cabin, but dark headlining and small windows make the back feel extra tight regardless.
Storage space is at a premium too. Second row passengers have access to a single map pocket, but no door bins or centre armrest. Cupholders are housed within each door.
Rear passengers are also forced to fight over one USB-C outlet, which is bound to cause an argument or two, and the absence of rear air vents is a letdown.
It’s not like you get extra cargo room in return for the cramped second row, either.
The C-HR GR Sport has a claimed 362L of boot space, less than rivals from Mazda, Hyundai, Alfa Romeo, Volkswagen, and Cupra.
The aperture has a high load lip and isn’t particularly large, which amps up the difficulty of loading items, despite the GR-S sporting a powered tailgate.
More space can be accessed by folding the second row seats (60/40 split), boosting total boot storage to 1134L, although there’s a tricky step between the boot floor and folded seat backs.
Dimensions
Toyota C-HR GR Sport
Length
4360mm
Width
1830mm
Height
1564mm
Wheelbase
2640mm
Cargo capacity
362 litres (5 seats) 1134 litres (2 seats)
To see how the C-HR lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool.
What’s under the bonnet?
Two hybrid powertrains are offered in the new C-HR, and this GR Sport combines a larger 2.0-litre petrol engine with a pair of electric drive motors.
Specifications
Toyota C-HR GR Sport
Engine
2.0L 4cyl petrol HEV
Engine outputs
112kW/188Nm
Electric motor outputs
83kW/206Nm
System outputs
145kW
Battery
4.08Ah lithium-ion
Transmission
7-speed CVT
Driven wheels
All-wheel drive
Weight
1575kg
Fuel economy (claimed)
4.1L/100km
Fuel economy (as tested)
5.4L/100km
Fuel tank capacity
43L
Fuel requirement
91 RON
CO2 emissions
94g/km
Emissions standard
Euro 5
Braked tow capacity
725kg
A plug-in hybrid version is available in Europe, upping combined outputs to 164kW with a claimed electric range of 64km. However, at this point we’re unlikely to see it as an option Down Under at least in the short-term.
To see how the C-HR lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool.
How does the Toyota C-HR drive?
Toyota is far from the first brand to offer mildly enhanced versions of standard models with performance division branding (think Audi S line and BMW M Sport), but I’m not sure that the GR Sport moniker quite fits this C-HR.
It’s a fun city steer for sure, with direct and accurate steering, a responsive brake pedal, and small car handling dynamics.
In urban settings the GR Sport darts around with a sense of urgency – it changes direction on a dime and isn’t long or wide enough to feel oversized in tight laneways.
Sporty cabin upgrades enhance the experience. As previously mentioned, the leather and suede seats sit just low enough and hug you tight, while the chunky leather steering wheel is a pleasure to turn.
The C-HR is also easy to park at busy shopping centres, with manageable dimensions and a surround view camera with the ability to display a virtual walk around of the car that’s handy for spotting hidden hazards.
With that said, during testing there was one occasion where the rear-cross traffic alert system falsely triggered as I attempted to park in my garage.
Aside from the interior upgrades, all the above points also apply to the cheaper GXL and Koba C-HR variants. And owners are unlikely to confine this bubbly little crossover to city crossings and suburban errands.
That brings me to the powertrain. Everything from the loud exterior styling to the GR-branded seats and elevated price tag suggests that the top-spec C-HR will be a truly sporty drive. It’s not, due to what’s under the bonnet.
The C-HR GR Sport is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 112kW of power and 188Nm of torque, working in tandem with a pair of electric motors on the front and rear axles. Total system output is 145kW, sent to all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
That’s 42kW more than you get in 1.8-litre examples; a significant upgrade. Paired with electrified AWD, the GR Sport is quicker off the line with a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.0 seconds.
However, the gearbox remains unchanged. CVT transmissions are known for many things, but driving engagement isn’t one of them. The C-HR lazily shifts through artificial ‘gears’ without the option of driver input, as you won’t find shift paddles or a manual mode.
Behind the wheel it just feels like an uninspiring, consistent wave of adequate shove, without the quick shifts of a Volkswagen DSG dual-clutch auto.
When driving with a heavy right foot noise levels also increase in the C-HR, so it’s best to enjoy the crisp handling without pushing the powertrain.
It’s a better package traversing peak-hour traffic at lower speeds, or cruising silently in EV mode. Fuel economy also benefits in these situations – we saw an average of 5.4L/100km throughout this test, a strong return for the segment.
The C-HR performs well as a highway cruiser with plenty of useful driver assists.
Toyota’s semi-autonomous highway assistant is easy to activate, effectively centres the car in a lane, and adjusts to the flow of traffic without the need for driver interference. When a traffic jam materialises, auto-hold is on hand to take a load off your right foot.
All variants of the C-HR also come standard with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, both important features in a coupe SUV like this with limited rear visibility.
The suite of well-calibrated assist systems contributes to what is a relaxing drive on open roads, especially given how settled the ride is. You feel ruts in the road more than you would in a larger SUV, but the C-HR is never crashes over bumps and potholes.
Pulling off the highway onto twisty country roads, the C-HR again excels from a handling perspective – it’s eager to carve up corners and displays minimal body roll.
Again though, the hybrid system doesn’t encourage you to push the car hard. Lesser variants offer the same set of strengths for less money.
Whether you’re journeying cross-country or taking on a twisty backroad the GR Sport remains refined, serving up acceptable levels of road noise without ever getting raucous.
What do you get?
Three trim levels have been carried over from the previous generation C-HR – GXL, Koba, and GR Sport. The GR Sport now serves as the flagship, rather than sharing that title with the Koba as was the case with the previous generation.
C-HR GXL highlights:
17-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights, manual levelling
LED daytime running lights
LED tail lights
Rain-sensing wipers
7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
DAB+ digital radio
Satellite navigation
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wired Android Auto
Toyota Connected Services (1yr subscription)
6-speaker sound system
Dual-zone climate control
Keyless entry, push-button start
Fabric upholstery
‘Sporty fabric’ front seats
C-HR Koba adds:
19-inch alloy wheels
Bi-LED headlights, auto levelling
Adaptive high-beam
Power tailgate
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
Head-up display
Digital rear-view mirror
9-speaker sound system
Wireless smartphone charger
Premium sport suede, fabric seats
Heated front seats
Powered driver’s seat adjustment
C-HR GR Sport adds:
Unique 19-inch alloy wheels
Unique exterior features
Upgraded brakes
Aluminium scuff plates
Heated GR-branded steering wheel
GR-branded floor mats
GR Sport suede, fabric seats
Is the Toyota C-HR safe?
The C-HR has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, based on testing conducted earlier this year.
Category
Toyota C-HR GR Sport
Adult occupant protection
34.04 out of 40 (85 per cent)
Child occupant protection
43.59 out of 49 (88 per cent)
Vulnerable road user protection
54.36 out of 63 (86 per cent)
Safety assist
14.83 out of 18 (82 per cent)
Standard safety equipment includes:
10 airbags
Adaptive cruise control
Automatic high beam
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
Pedestrian detection (day, night)
Cyclist detection (day)
Junction assist
Blind-spot monitoring
Driver monitoring camera
Emergency steering assist
Intelligent park assist
Lane change assist
Lane departure warning
Lane keep assist
Parking sensors front, rear
Rear cross-traffic alert
Rear seat occupant reminder
Road Sign Assist
Safe Exit Assist
Surround-view camera
Toyota Connected Services
How much does the Toyota C-HR cost to run?
The C-HR is covered by Toyota’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre new vehicle warranty.
Toyota offers an additional two years of engine and driveline warranty if your vehicle is “properly serviced and maintained as per the Warranty and Service book”, and will guarantee the hybrid battery for up to 10 years under the same maintenance conditions.
Just one year of Toyota Connected Services is included with purchase, with monthly paid subscriptions required after that initial 12-month period for various net-based features.
Running costs
Toyota C-HR GR Sport
Warranty
5 years, unlimited kilometres
Roadside assistance
Paid
Service intervals
12 months or 15,000km
Capped price servicing
$250 per service for 5 years
Total capped price service cost
$1250
CarExpert’s Take on the Toyota C-HR
The C-HR GR Sport is a stylish and comfortable crossover SUV, but it falls short in a couple of key areas.
Rather than adding the sporty spice that you’d expect from the Gazoo Racing badge, the GR Sport mostly benefits from aesthetic and interior upgrades that improve the ambience, and not much else.
Sure, the powertrain has been upgraded to give the flagship a healthy 145kW, but it doesn’t pair well with the not-so-sporty CVT transmission.
Those complaints fade at low speeds – the C-HR feels most fun when zipping around the city.
The interior of this peculiar vehicle is equally confusing. As a daily runabout for a bachelor/bachelorette or couple, the C-HR excels. In GR Sport specification it’s plush, decked out with modern tech and ergonomically sound.
However, the cramped, spartan second row and small boot rules it out as a family car. Then there’s the price. At nearly $55,000 plus on-road costs, the GR Sport is swimming with big fish in a crowded pond.
The Lexus LBX Sports Luxury offers Toyota underpinnings, a similar ethos and extra street cred for the same outlay, while the Cupra Formentor V is bigger and has some bite to match the bark.
A Nissan Qashqai e-Power is cheaper and competitive on efficiency. After a stylish all-rounder? Try the Mazda CX-30 or Volkswagen T-Roc. You’re even in Tesla Model Y territory – and the list goes on.
The Toyota C-HR GR Sport is a thoroughly enjoyable car to drive, but its talents are limited and lower model grades offer better value. Pocket $5000 and get behind the wheel of a Koba, or narrow your buying criteria and shop around.
The real estate sector offers promising opportunities for everyone interested in investing. (Representative image)
Offering lifestyle benefits to homebuyers, these properties come with exclusive amenities that not only enhance the living experience but also lead to higher rental yields.
Written by Sachin Gawri:
Gurgaon, one of the fastest-growing residential and commercial hubs in the NCR region, has emerged as an attractive destination for investors and buyers over the years. Owing to its strategic location, rapid urban development, and world-class infrastructure, the city is home to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) who seek premium living spaces with top-notch amenities. Offering lifestyle benefits to homebuyers, these properties come with exclusive amenities that not only enhance the living experience but also lead to higher rental yields.
A survey shows that 71 per cent of wealthy Indians desire to invest in luxury real estate for the next 12-24 months. Moreover, integrating smart technology and sustainable design elements in the properties increases property prices by up to 20 per cent.
However, the selection process for luxury properties focuses on various factors. While location remains a priority, architectural uniqueness and premium amenities continue to be significant spotlights, with developments offering bespoke designs and state-of-the-art facilities experiencing higher demand. Compliance with regulatory requirements is also pivotal. Affluent investors and buyers should conduct thorough due diligence to effectively navigate India’s intricate real estate laws and regulations, ensuring their investments fully comply with current legal standards. This includes a deep understanding of the Real Estate Regulation and Development Act (RERA), which has introduced significant reforms to the sector since its enactment.
Besides, investing in Gurgaon’s luxury real estate requires a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics and opportunities. Economic policies play an eminent role in shaping the market. For instance, the recent cap on capital gains tax spurred a rush of transactions as investors sought to leverage tax benefits before the end of the fiscal year. This adjustment is part of broader economic shifts that have seen luxury real estate prices in top markets like Mumbai and Delhi increase by over 30% in the last five years. Hence, the volatility of the luxury market demands strategic investment planning, emphasizing both the economic landscape and individual property valuations.
The luxury real estate sector caters to the growing demographic of HNIs and UHNIs, driven by urbanization and increasing disposable incomes. As this buyer segment notably focuses on sustainable living and is influenced by technological advancements, luxury homes emerge as lifestyle statements. Hence, luxury real estate investments offer various methods like traditional bank loans, commercial mortgages, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and crowdfunding platforms. Each method offers different terms, rates, and eligibility requirements, catering to the buyers’ investment objectives, financial state, and risk preferences.
Thus, as the appeal of the luxury real estate segment grows, these strategies further enhance the functionality of the properties. Aligning with global sustainability goals and attracting a new generation of eco-conscious investors, the sector offers promising opportunities for everyone interested in investing in the real estate sector. Thoroughly understanding the market dynamics, investors and buyers can navigate this profitable landscape.
(The author is founder and CEO, RISE Infraventures)
Mohammad Haris
Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experi…Read More
IIT Roorkee, in collaboration with Jaro Education, an online education institute, will launch a Post Graduate Certificate Programme in Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
The executive programme, offered by the Continuing Education Centre at IIT Roorkee, aims to equip professionals with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in the fields of data science and AI.
The program duration is 6-8 months.
AI is reshaping the education landscape, offering innovative solutions to traditional challenges. AI will affect almost 40 per cent of jobs around the world, replacing some and complimenting others. As AI technologies continue to advance, they are transforming various industries and altering traditional job roles. This transformation presents both opportunities and challenges, as automation and AI-powered tools streamline tasks.
The Post Graduate Certificate Programme in Applied Data Science & AI at IIT Roorkee is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience, encompassing both theoretical foundations and practical applications in these two fields.
The curriculum is continuously updated to include recent industry developments, such as Generative AI, ensuring participants are well-versed in the latest advancements.
Participants will gain hands-on experience with essential software tools and technologies, including Python, R, SQL, NoSQL, and cloud analytics.
Live interactive sessions are conducted online by esteemed IIT Roorkee faculty. The programme also includes two optional campus immersions, offering participants an engaging and comprehensive learning experience.
The curriculum addresses the needs of various industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, retail, manufacturing, and telecommunications.
If the sight of this image upsets you, I understand. But believe me when I tell you that this is the image of a well-loved and well-used part of my daughter Emma’s life. This ninth-gen iPad has been with her through her small years and is a constant source of joy, education and enlightenment for her, and it can take a beating too. Right now, it’s just $199, the lowest price it has ever been, and frankly, any other tablet is worthless in comparison. Here are our other favorite Labor Day sales.
One caveat to the rest of this post: A good case is essential if you want your 5-year-old to use an iPad. We have the OtterBox Made for Kids Case and have broken a million screen protectors, but in the three years we’ve had it, nothing has broken on the tablet itself. Emma carries it around on her head, leading to drops, and more than a few times, it has bounced down the stairs. She spills milk on it regularly, and all the sticky mess a child can get into, but the case has always kept it safe.
I know there are people out there who worry about screen time, and I do too, but Emma uses the iPad for more than just YouTube (only the kid’s version, folks!) and Minecraft. She uses it for her math programs from school –she’s very proud of her score in Lexia — and games like Pok Pok, a calming game with endless ways to stay entertained on long journeys. She’s grown up playing Pok Pok, which has helped her learn problem-solving and introduced her to ideas about diversity and community.
We recently moved to Virginia from California, and the iPad has allowed Emma to talk to her cousins back on the West Coast while playing Minecraft and call her older sisters in the UK on FaceTime. It’s a great communication tool, and I can tell you her grandparents get a huge kick out of talking to her at random times of the day. And since it features Apple’s excellent parental controls, it can be locked down by us, the parents, to make sure she is safe.
I’ve tried other tablets, believe me. I’m an Android guy at heart, but even the best Android tablets don’t hold a candle to the iPad. Same with the Amazon Fire Kids Edition. The main reason — the only reason frankly — not to get an iPad for a kid was the price, and with this new deal price of $199, that issue is almost gone.
You’ve likely heard the old adage that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but what if you’re just not hungry in the morning?
Is it OK to consistently skip the morning meal and hold off until lunch?
Fox News Digital asked some nutritionists about the potential ramifications of bypassing breakfast on a regular basis and their recommendations for optimizing metabolism with a healthy morning routine.
TRENDY BUBBLE WAFFLE, A ‘UNIQUE’ AND ‘FLAVORFUL’ TREAT, BEGAN IN HONG KONG AS ‘BELOVED’ STREET FOOD
While most experts agree it’s OK to skip breakfast once in a while, it’s generally beneficial to eat something within an hour or two of waking up.
While most experts agree it’s OK to skip breakfast once in a while, it’s generally beneficial to eat something within an hour or two of waking up.(iStock)
“Skipping breakfast regularly could lead to some unwanted side effects,” Shelley Balls, registered dietitian and owner at Fueling Your Lifestyle in Smoot, Wyoming, told Fox News Digital.
“It can lead to an overconsumption of foods in the following meals throughout the day. You may think you’re eating fewer calories, but you might actually be binging at lunch or dinner,” she said.
BREAKFAST IS SERVED AS HOMEMADE BEEF SAUSAGE STICKY BUNS OFFER A ‘DELICIOUS TWIST’
Never eating breakfast can also affect energy levels, she warned, as the body isn’t getting the carbohydrates and nutrients it needs to perform optimally.
There could also be a long-term effect of slowing down the metabolism, the expert said.
“Breakfast is meant to break the overnight fast, and can help jump-start your metabolism. So, over time, not eating breakfast could decrease your metabolism, as your body becomes more efficient with fewer calories,” Balls said.
Protein in the morning usually leads to a higher calorie burn and helps to reduce hunger later in the day, experts say.(iStock)
Breakfast has been associated with a bevy of benefits, including better weight management, better cognitive function, increased metabolism, improved energy and reduced hunger, according to Vanessa King, registered dietitian nutritionist and media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Oahu, Hawaii.
“Breakfast gives you an energy boost to power-start your day,” King told Fox News Digital.
“Not eating breakfast could decrease your metabolism, as your body becomes more efficient on fewer calories.”
“Breaking an overnight fast with a balanced breakfast significantly impacts well-being and overall health,” she added. “It’s important for everyone. And for children and teens, eating breakfast has been associated with better behavior and academic performance.”
If you’re not hungry within an hour or two of waking up, King suggests looking at your eating pattern.
“Are you snacking at night and it’s leaving you full in the morning? Try lighter snacks and allow more time between your last meal and sleep,” she advised.
The fasting factor
For people who are following a plan of intermittent fasting or time-restricted feeding, eliminating breakfast is a common way to maintain a shorter eating window and a longer fasting stretch, according to Dr. Jennie Stanford, an obesity medicine physician in Pennsylvania and medical contributor for Drugwatch.
“One main determinant here is how someone feels later in the day,” she told Fox News Digital.
FASTING-LIKE DIET COULD SLOW THE AGING PROCESS, STUDY SUGGESTS: ‘LIVING LONGER AND HEALTHIER’
If skipping breakfast makes you feel ravenous later in the day, ultimately causing you to overconsume at other meals, this is not recommended, the doctor said.
“However, if not eating breakfast doesn’t impact the calories and other macronutrients they consume as the day progresses, it may represent an opportunity to decrease overall calorie intake,” Stanford added.
Lighter options for when you’re not hungry
“If you’re not ready for a full meal, begin with something small within 30 to 60 minutes of waking,” recommends Chloë Ward, a functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner and certified integrative nutrition health coach in Santa Barbara, California.
“Even a light snack can help signal to your body that it’s time to start burning energy.”
“Breakfast gives you an energy boost to power-start your day,” an expert told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
Ward offers the following breakfast suggestions for someone who’s not generally hungry in the morning but wants to kick-start metabolism.
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Smoothies: A nutrient-dense smoothie with ingredients like spinach, a small amount of fruit, protein powder and healthy fats (like avocado or nut butter) can be a light yet satisfying option.
Greek yogurt with berries: Greek yogurt is rich in protein and can be paired with a handful of berries and a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for added fiber and healthy fats.
Overnight Oats: Preparing oats the night before with milk, chia seeds and a dash of cinnamon can create a light and easy-to-digest breakfast that’s ready when you wake up.
Protein-rich snack: A hard-boiled egg, a piece of turkey or chicken, or a small serving of cottage cheese can be a quick and light protein boost.
A piece of fruit with nut butter: Slices of apple or banana with a spoonful of almond or peanut butter offer a balance of carbs, protein and healthy fats without being too heavy.
Greek yogurt is rich in protein and can be paired with a handful of berries and a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for added fiber and healthy fats, a nutritionist said.(iStock)
Overall, experts agree that healthy options like fruits, whole grains, dairy, protein and vegetables provide the biggest benefit.
“Protein has a higher thermogenic effect than other macronutrients, meaning it requires more energy (heat) to break it down than either fats or carbohydrates,” Stanford told Fox News Digital.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“As such, having protein in the morning usually leads to a higher calorie burn, at least temporarily.”
Protein also helps to reduce hunger later in the day, Stanford said.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health
“Protein doesn’t have to mean meat, if it sounds too heavy in the morning,” she noted.
“Other good protein sources include low-sugar Greek yogurt, eggs, low-carb breakfast wraps, cheese, protein oats, protein shakes or clean protein bars.”
“Even a light snack can help signal to your body that it’s time to start burning energy.”
If you really can’t tolerate food in the morning, Ward suggests starting the day with a glass of warm water, possibly with lemon.
“Warm water helps wake up your digestive system, aids in hydration and can boost your metabolism after a night of fasting,” she said.
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].
If there is one dish that is universally loved, it has to be pizza. A crispy crust topped with gooey cheese and various veggies or meat – just a slice of it is enough to lift our spirits, isn’t it? While this is how pizza is usually enjoyed, what if we told you that you could enjoy these flavours not on a slice, but rather packed inside a circular-shaped snack? Introducing: Pizza Naan Bombs. This unique fusion snack guarantees a burst of flavour in every bite and is sure to satisfy the pizza lover inside. With the weekend right around the corner, it’s the perfect opportunity to try your hand at making them. Serve them to your guests at your weekend dinner party, and we guarantee they’ll become instant fans. The best part? They’ll be ready in just under 30 minutes! Also Read: 5 Tips To Make Your Homemade Butter Naan Softer Than Ever
Photo Credit: Getty
What Are Pizza Naan Bombs? How Are They Different From Popular Pizza Cones?
Pizza naan bombs are a delectable stuffed bread snack, shaped like a ball. Made from naan dough stuffed with pizza toppings, they define indulgence in the truest sense. The snack also includes a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, making them an absolute treat for cheese lovers alike. Typically, pizza naan bombs are prepared in a tandoor, but for this recipe, all you need is your trusty oven. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside – these pizza naan bombs will leave you yearning for more.
What To Serve With Pizza Naan Bombs?
Pizza naan bombs taste good on their own. However, if you feel like pairing them with an accompaniment, feel free to choose any sauce or dip of your choice. Some options that you can consider include tomato ketchup, cheese dip, and mustard sauce.
Pizza Naan Bombs Recipe: How To Make Pizza Naan Bombs At Home
The recipe for these delicious pizza naan bombs was shared by Chef Kirti Bhoutika on her official Instagram handle. Here are the steps you need to follow to make them:
Give Love To The Dough
Start by preparing the dough for the pizza naan bombs. Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 mins or until frothy. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead into a soft dough. Cover and let it rest for an hour.
Prepare The Filling
Heat olive oil in a pan, add garlic and onion, and saute until soft and pink. Stir in tomato puree, salt, and pepper. Cook until the mixture thickens. Now, add fresh basil along with grated mozzarella cheese and olives.
Time To Assemble
Divide the dough into small balls. Flatten each ball, add a spoonful of the prepared filling, and seal them tightly. Bake them in an oven set to 180 degrees C for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Serve hot and enjoy! Also Read: No Tandoor? No Problem! 5 Tips For Restaurant-Quality Garlic Naan At Home
Watch the complete recipe video below:
Make these tasty pizza naan bombs for your next snacking session and enjoy them with your family. Happy Snacking!
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-08-30/Xi-Jinping-replies-to-letter-from-African-scholars-1wuroH5frk4/img/456f3e422cf340a5a9bd70d2427870b7/456f3e422cf340a5a9bd70d2427870b7.jpeg' alt='Representatives at the 8th China-Africa Youth Festival in Beijing, May 20, 2024. /CFP'
China and Africa have always been a community with a shared future, Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed on Tuesday in a reply to scholars from 50 African countries.
In the letter, Xi noted that in the face of a volatile and intertwined world situation, China and Africa need to strengthen solidarity and cooperation more than ever before.
Xi encouraged the scholars to continue to provide intellectual support for building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future and safeguarding the common interests of the Global South.
Xi noted that not long ago, the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) was successfully held, sounding a clarion call of the times to open up broad prospects for the Chinese modernization through further deepening reform.
The continuous development and growth of China that pursues peaceful development and is committed to reform and opening up will surely further strengthen the forces for world peace and international justice, and inject inexhaustible impetus into the process of global modernization, especially the development and revitalization of the Global South, Xi said.
The upcoming Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will bring together Chinese and African leaders once again to discuss China-Africa cooperation, which will open up even more splendid prospects for China-Africa relations, Xi said.
He raised his hope that based on the Dar es Salaam Consensus between China and Africa, both sides will step up research and exploration on the development path of Global South countries, China-Africa and South-South cooperation.
Gert Grobler, a former veteran diplomat of South Africa and honorary professor of the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, and 63 scholars from 50 African countries sent a joint letter to Xi, warmly congratulating on the convening of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, highly commending the historic achievements of the FOCAC and expecting that the upcoming FOCAC Summit would write a new chapter in building a China-Africa community with a shared future and the joint modernization of the Global South.
A new Halloween costume from Target inspired by a popular reusable cup perpetuates the zeitgeistification of a holiday that once belonged almost entirely to children.
Submission is supported by results from the Phase III Vivacity-MG3 study, which demonstrated that nipocalimab, combined with standard care, significantly improved outcomes for patients with antibody-positive generalized myasthenia gravis.
The post Tiller’s Cup of Tea: It’s Not Everyone’s (Just Mine) by Dr. Lauren Demos DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.
Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.
Most cats like catnip, or valerian root. Or feather toys. Or something remotely cat-like.
But leave it to Tiller to have a unique trait.
I only found out, as I have recently been forced to uptake a certain daily number of cups of tea, due to a distinct lack of summer weather, and an attempt to stave off the cold. Since I prefer black tea cold, and with lemon, I had to find a substitute. Enter: green tea. Some say it looks and tastes like grass, but grass is healthy, right?
So, little did I expect when Tiller took a sudden interest in me one evening while I was sitting on the couch, I got all excited for some cuddles, and maybe even some lap time.
How wrong was I?
Instead, she walked over to my cup of tea, and calmly, deliberate, stuck her foot in it. Then pulled it out. And drank the tea from her foot. Repeatedly. I figured this was a fluke. But every time since, if a cup of green tea comes out, so does Tiller. To what end?
Green tea, I was curious, what about it would attract cats?
Perhaps green tea is similar in some way to catnip. I can’t find any scientific research to support this, and certainly some suggest that the caffeine in green tea isn’t ideal for cats. Or perhaps green tea simply tastes good to Tiller. After all, cats, just like humans, have individual taste preferences. Many of my feline patients refuse tuna but love poultry foods, and vice versa.
In the end, I’ll probably never know why Tiller loves a good cup of tea. Maybe deep down, she’s part British Shorthair? Or maybe I just chalk it up to her being… a cat.
This article is a part of Dr. Lauren, Pancake, and Tiller’s series.
Read her previous article: Please Don’t Put That In Your Mouth! Inappropriate Items Cats Eat
The post Tiller’s Cup of Tea: It’s Not Everyone’s (Just Mine) by Dr. Lauren Demos DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.
Shriram Properties Ltd, which is celebrating 25 years, expects to quadruple its net profit to over ₹200 crore in FY27. It reported profit of ₹75 crore in FY24.
It will double annual sales to ₹5,000 crore by FY27 and triple revenue (income from unit handovers) to ₹3,000 crore, according to the company’s Executive Director and Group CEO, J Gopalakrishnan.
The company will scale up annual sales to 8-9 million sq ft (MSF) annually from 4.5 MSF by 2027, he told newspersons. “We are targeting to double future project inventory to 35 MSF in the next 18-24 months,” he added.
Also read: Shriram Properties signed JDA for 4 acre development in Bengaluru
In FY24, the company’s annual sales value has grown by 5X to ₹2,362 crore and annual handover by 4X to over ₹3,000 crore, he said. The Return on Capital Employed has increased to 11 per cent from 3 per cent, he said on Friday.
The company plans capex of nearly ₹2,000 crore in the 3-4 years of which around 25 per cent will be the company’s contribution and the balance from partners, he said.
On the Chennai market, Gopalakrishnan said the company has completed over 7 MSF of development in the last decade.
Over the next three years, the company expects to sell 5-6 MSF in the city. The company built the largest multi-use project – Shriram Gateway – in Tamil Nadu with 4.60 MSF of commercial; 2.2 MSF of residential and 0.65 MSF of retail/hospital assets – all in one campus, he said.
Recently, the company launched Shriram 122 West at Mangadu near Porur, and launching three new projects under the code names Pudiya Chennai near Thirumazasai; Jackpot near Shriram OneCity at Valarpuram and 24 Carat as an integral part of Shiram Shankari.
Among these recent and upcoming launches, the company has over 4 MSF of saleable area and Gross Development Value of ₹2,500 crore to be sold in three years. “We will invest over ₹400 crore on construction of the three projects over the next 3 years and expect construction spending of over ₹750 crore across all projects in Chennai,” he added.
Across India, the company plans construction spending of ₹2,000 crore of which nearly 25 per cent will be from the company and the balance from external partners, he added.
The company’s Chairman and Managing Director, M Murali, said the company would soon foray in to Pune to enter the western market. It also plans to develop senior living space. There are plans to develop large projects like Shriram Gateway, he said.
Shriram Properties will embrace the new era under the banner SPLNxT to reposition the brand; enhance focus on mid-market and mid-premium segments, and accelerate growth, he said. “With the Centre’s vision of Viksit Bharat, and a strong economic growth, the next few years is going to be exciting as demand for residential houses will increase significantly,” he said.
Also read: Leading listed realtors see a boom in pre-sales in FY24
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
LOEWE Paula’s Ibiza Cosmic parfem je trenutačno velika stvar na TikToku. Svi ga žele jer je poznati vizažist rekao da je sjajan.
Sve je započelo prije tri dana kada je TikTok korisnica @lilimadrigal_ objavila video koji je ubrzo postao viralan. U njemu američki vizažist Patrick Ta, poznat po radu s brojnim celebrityjima i osnivač Patrick Ta Beauty, oduševljeno hvali njezin miris i pita koji parfem koristi.
Namijenjen je i muškarcima i ženama
U opisu videa, @lilimadrigal_ otkrila je da se radi o Loewe Paula’s Ibiza Cosmic parfemu, što je izazvalo lavinu interesa među korisnicima TikToka. Ovaj parfem miješa voćne, drvene i jantarne note, a namijenjen je i muškarcima i ženama.
Miris spaja svježe note zrele kruške i sočnog manga s aromatičnom smolom čempresa. Slatkoća kokosove kreme kombinira se s cedrovinom, sandalovinom i jantarom.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
Komentari na TikToku jasno pokazuju da je ovaj parfem već oduševio korisnike: “Ne, molim vas, nemojte da svi saznaju za ovaj parfem!”, “Odmah kupujem”, “Nadala sam se da nitko neće saznati za ovaj parfem. Htjela sam da bude moja tajna”, “Uzimam ga”, pisali su ispod videa.
Čini se da Paula’s Ibiza Cosmic ima sve predispozicije da postane miris sezone. Ako tražite novi signature miris ili samo želite biti u trendu, ovaj parfem bi svakako trebao biti na vašem popisu.
Znate li nešto više o temi ili želite prijaviti grešku u tekstu?
The Dodgers appear to have another pitching injury on their hands.
In the second inning of Friday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, veteran left-hander Clayton Kershaw exited in the second inning because of what the team later said was left big toe pain.
No further information on the severity of the issue was immediately available.
Kershaw, 36, had struggled early in Friday’s contest, giving up two runs in the first before surrendering a solo home run to Corbin Carroll on his final throw in the second inning.
That last pitch was a 67.4 mph curveball, which registered as one of the slowest pitches of Kershaw’s career.
Before Carroll had even finished rounding the bases, manager Dave Roberts and head athletic trainer Thomas Albert came out to the mound to remove Kershaw from the game.
Relief pitcher Joe Kelly had already begun warming up in the bullpen at the start of the inning, as well, suggesting that Kershaw perhaps alerted team officials to the problem after the first.
A 17-year veteran, three-time Cy Young Award winner and future Hall of Famer, Kershaw was making only his seventh start of the season Friday, having missed the first three and a half months of the campaign recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.
He joins a long list of injured Dodgers pitchers — most notably rotation aces Tyler Glasnow (elbow) and Yoshinobu Yamamoto (shoulder).
Yamamoto and Glasnow both played catch pregame Friday.
For Yamamoto, it was a standard session as he prepares for his second minor-league rehab outing next week. He could return from his strained rotator cuff as soon as the team’s next homestand.
For Glasnow, the catch session represented the restart of a throwing program that had been delayed by lingering discomfort caused by his elbow tendinitis injury. He is scheduled to play catch again on Saturday, as he attempts to make a return before the end of the season.
FUJIFILM India, an imaging technology brand, has announced the launch of Fujifilm X-T50 mirrorless digital camera, the latest model in the X series. The starting price of the Camera body is Rs. 149,999.
The fifth generation of the X series is equipped with the back-illuminated 40.2-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor. The image processing algorithm promises to deliver high resolution while maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio. The pixel structure allows more light to be captured efficiently, ISO 125 is adopted as the normal sensitivity, which was previously used as the extended sensitivity for cameras, says the company. In addition, the electronic shutter can be set to a shutter speed of 1/180000 sec. at the fastest, achieving control of exposure time.
The camera is equipped with an AI-based subject detection AF developed using deep learning technology. The camera now can detect animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, trains, insects, and drones. In addition, the camera is equipped with an AF prediction algorithm that is more advanced than that of previous models. This enables more comfortable shooting of a wide range of subjects, including fast-moving cars and animals.
There are a total of 20 Film Simulation modes available for X-T5o including REALA ACE. Users can enjoy a wide variety of color expressions as if they were selecting a photographic film according to the subject or scene. The high pixel count of approximately 40.2 megapixels is utilized by the digital teleconverter function. Images can be magnified 1.4x and 2x, says the company.
The camera is also equipped with a 5-axis in-body image stabilization function with a maximum of 7.0 stops. While maintaining the mobility that has been a feature of previous models, it enables comfortable hand-held shooting even in dark scenes such as night scenes, expanding the shooting field. 6.2K/30P video recording is possible. Tracking AF function during video recording is also available for high-quality video recording.
The camera can shoot in AUTO mode, which detects the scene and automatically selects the optimal shooting settings, simply by operating the AUTO mode switching lever on the top surface of the body. The camera automatically detects the subject and tracks it while keeping it in focus, making it easier to capture still images and movies.
The new grip shape fits comfortably in the hand while maintaining a compact size, resulting in high hold performance, claims the company. The Film Simulation dial is incorporated on the top plate. This allows users to switch between Film Simulation modes with intuitive operation according to the subject or scene, allowing to enjoy different color tones in both still and moving images at ease, says Fujifilm.
A pop-up flash integrated with the viewfinder is mounted on the top plate that controls the amount of light and shows its power in dark scenes and backlit portraits. The model features a 1.84 million-dot, tiltable rear LCD monitor. In addition, the shape of the grip and the layout of the buttons on the back of the camera have been tuned to allow for more comfortable shooting of both still and moving images, according to the company.
Indonesia will conduct an audit to reform tourism on the tropical island of Bali to improve tourism quality and preserve local culture and jobs, a senior minister said on Friday.
Bali’s new tourism rules: What they mean for your next vacation to Indonesia’s tropical island (Photo by Unsplash)
About 200,000 foreigners currently live in Bali and have created problems such as crime, over-development and competition for employment, Luhut Pandjaitan, senior minister overseeing tourism said on his Instagram page.
“Foreign tourists who bring problem here, such as narcotics, gangs, and other issues, we can deport them from Indonesia, from Bali, and we don’t want them to enter Bali anymore,” he said, speaking in English in a video clip.
Foreign arrivals in Bali have surged since the island reopened after COVID, and videos of misbehaving tourists often go viral, angering local residents and sparking harsh responses from social media users in Indonesia.
Data from Indonesia’s statistics bureau shows that 2.9 million foreign visitors entered the island through Bali airport in the first half of this year, accounting for 65% of Indonesia’s total foreign arrivals by air for the period.
Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno said earlier this month that the government wants to avoid “a situation like Barcelona, where tourists became public enemies,” national news agency Antara reported.
Luhut said the government will also tackle trash problems on the island, improve infrastructure and prevent further over-development.
“We don’t want to see paddy fields become a villa or become a nude club,” he said. “For us, quality is more important than numbers.”
Public nudity is illegal in Indonesia and there are no strip clubs in Bali, although there are nightclubs and discos that feature in-house dancers.
The government will soon announce a policy plan for reforming Bali’s tourism, Luhut said.
Back in 1999, the British Film Institute surveyed a 1000 people working in British Film and TV to determine the greatest British films of the 20th century. Those taking part were asked to select up to 100 movies considered “culturally British”. Check out the Top 10 British films of the 20th century ranked in that survey, with one director showing up three times and both Brief Encounter and Lawrence of Arabia missing out on No 1.
Cadillac figures everyone already knows it’s American, so it’s pitching itself more as a global brand rather than emphasising its origins.
“We’re not even really leaning into American,” Melissa Grady-Dias, Cadillac’s global chief marketing officer, told Australian and New Zealand media.
“We’re leaning into the spirit of Cadillac, versus [the spirit of] America.”
100s of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Coming here: Lyriq
Cadillac is launching here this year as an electric-only brand, with arguably the most iconic and most distinctly American member of its current range – the V8-powered Escalade – off the table for our market.
“We’ll definitely use [its American origins] a little bit. But what we found in the research is people only seem to know what they see in American pop culture, which is Escalade generally,” said GM International communications director Lauren Indiveri-Clarke.
“So the Lyriq for them, whether we said it was American… they haven’t seen it. They don’t know it because it’s not in pop culture for them as much.
“So… we’re not totally going away from the use of [Cadillac being American]. We’re just not leaning as heavily as they do [in the US] on that.”
Not coming here: Escalade
That has seen the company make some changes to its advertising, though Ms Grady-Dias says the campaigns “aren’t really different”.
“We got some interesting feedback around the advertising of the US market… it resonates with Australia and New Zealand customers,” said Ms Indiveri-Clarke.
“There’s a few phrases and terms, like that whole thing around the American part of it just doesn’t resonate the same.
“In the [Australian and New Zealand] markets, we’ve actually kind of taken that out of some of the marketing and the advertising and made it a little bit more global in the language that we’re using.
“We’re really presenting [Cadillac] more as a global brand.”
Lyriq
Even some word choices have been nixed. ‘Maverick’, for example, is a popular term in the US, but in Australia and New Zealand Cadillac said it just made people think of Top Gun.
The brand is instead being pitched not at ‘mavericks’ but rather ‘ambitious norm-breakers’, to better suit Australian and New Zealand vernacular.
“Our history and our heritage is something that we obviously don’t want to over-play in Australia and New Zealand because we don’t have a history there, but we have a global history to lean on and we want to make sure customers know where we’re coming from with that,” said Ms Indiveri-Clarke.
Australians are arguably more familiar with the Escalade, which was first introduced for model year 1999, than any other Cadillac apart from DeVille, Eldorado and Fleetwood luxo-barges of yore.
Not coming here: CT5-V Blackwing
During the 21st century, however, the Cadillac brand has been through an extended transformation.
It introduced the aggressively styled, rear-wheel drive CTS in 2002, joined in 2004 by the V8-powered CTS-V that was the first model in the V-Series performance sub-brand.
The first-generation CTS was the first in a long line of American-made sports sedans that continues with today’s CT4 and CT5, both of which are available in hot V and even hotter V Blackwing models… the latter of which even offer the now rare option of a six-speed manual.
The brand also phased out more traditionally Cadillac models like the DeVille/DTS.
Not coming here: CT4-V Blackwing
While Cadillac has offered various sport sedans and V-Series models over the past two decades – and even a Corvette-based roadster called the XLR – it’s now embarking on a journey to a fully electric lineup by 2030.
It has, however, left the door open for combustion-powered vehicles to continue beyond then if there’s customer demand.
For Australia, Cadillac says it only has plans to introduce EVs. The Lyriq is the first electric Cadillac, serving as the luxury brand’s rival to the likes of the BMW iX. It’ll headline the brand’s launch in Australia later this year.
Subsequently, Cadillac revealed the smaller Optiq and the larger, three-row Vistiq, as well as an electric counterpart to the Escalade called the Escalade iQ.
It has yet to confirm these models for our market, though all their names have been trademarked with IP Australia. Cadillac has also teased product announcements will come during 2025.
Check the latest gold price today across major cities in India. Get detailed city-wise gold rates for 22 carat and 24 carat gold in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and more. Stay updated with current prices and bullion market trends.
Gold Rate Today In India: On August 31, gold prices in India hovered around Rs 73,000 per 10 grams. The rate for 24-carat gold, known for its highest purity, was Rs 73,140 per 10 grams. For those interested in jewellery, 22-carat gold, which is more durable due to its alloy content, was priced at Rs 67,040 per 10 grams.
Meanwhile, silver was trading at Rs 88,300 per kilogram.
Gold rate today in India: Retail gold price on August 31
Check gold rates today in different cities on August 31, 2024; (In Rs/10 grams)
City
22 Carat Gold Rate Today
24 Carat Gold Rate Today
Delhi
67,190
73,290
Mumbai
67,040
73,140
Ahmedabad
67,090
73,190
Chennai
67,040
73,140
Kolkata
67,040
73,140
Gurugram
67,190
73,290
Lucknow
67,190
73,290
Bengaluru
67,040
73,140
Jaipur
67,190
73,290
Patna
67,090
73,190
Bhubaneshwar
67,040
73,140
Hyderabad
67,040
73,140
“Gold traded sideways during the week ended August 30, confined within a range of $2,495 to $2,529 in Comex and ₹71,500 to ₹72,250 in MCX, as market participants awaited new catalysts. With the 0.25 bps interest rate cut in the US already factored in, any further upside in gold would require a more dovish stance from the Federal Reserve, such as a 0.50 bps cut or a faster pace of rate cuts. Otherwise, gold could continue to consolidate within the $2,450 to $2,530 range in the upcoming week,” said Jateen Trivedi, vice-president and research analyst (commodity and currency), LKP Securities.
On the MCX, resistance is clearly visible around the ₹72,500 zone, so caution is advised when buying near the ₹72,200-₹72,500 level, he added.
Retail Cost of Gold in India
The retail price of gold in India, which represents the final cost per unit weight for consumers, is shaped by multiple factors beyond its intrinsic value.
Gold is deeply embedded in Indian culture, acting as a key investment and holding significant importance in traditional weddings and festivals.
As market conditions shift, investors and traders closely watch these trends. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Mohammad Haris
Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experi…Read More
The Bitcoin market never lets the investors have a moment of peace. Even at the current time, the market is giving out mixed signals that leads traders and investors into confusion. They are unable to decide whether to brace for a downturn or stay optimistic about the bull run. On one hand we have whales making spooking moves while on the other hand there are long term holders sending positive vibes to the market. The Bitcoin mining hash rate also shows signs of stability. Let’s break it down to what all these can lead to.
BTC Whale Movements Trigger Panic
Data from Whale Alert shows that a few hours ago a Bitcoin whale moved 2,000 BTC from its wallet to Binance. These transactions are made 6 minutes apart. The Bitcoin whale transferred 1,110 BTC in a single transaction and just after 6 minutes, made another transaction of 900 BTC to Binance crypto exchange.
Whenever whales move significant amounts of Bitcoin, it usually sends a negative vibe to smaller investors, signaling a potential sell-off. However, that is not the case every time. Sometimes these transactions are done for security purposes and sometimes they are just planning a strategy for an upcoming market movement. But such movements always create a short-term fear in the market.
Diamond Hands Hold Bitcoin Tight
Amid the whale drama, another significant data point emerges: nearly a third of all Bitcoin hasn’t been touched for over five years. According to data from IntoTheBlock, about 30.7% of Bitcoin’s total supply has remained dormant. This indicates a strong conviction among long-term holders, often referred to as “diamond hands,” who have held their BTC through thick and thin, surviving multiple market cycles.
These holders are unlikely to sell their Bitcoin unless something extraordinary happens. This unwavering belief in Bitcoin’s future is a bullish sign, showing that a substantial portion of the market is in it for the long haul, unfazed by short-term fluctuations.
Hash Rate Stability: A Positive Signal?
Adding to the complexity is Bitcoin’s hash rate, which has been stabilizing at historically high levels. The mean hash rate, which measures the computational power used to mine Bitcoin, has been hovering around 650 EH/s, despite the market’s ups and downs. This stability suggests that miners are confident in Bitcoin’s long-term value and are continuing to invest in securing the network.
Historically, a rising hash rate has often preceded significant price movements, though it’s not a guaranteed predictor. The steady hash rate could be a sign that miners anticipate a future price increase, which might offer some reassurance to investors concerned about the recent whale movements.
What’s the Verdict?
So, what does all this mean for Bitcoin? The mixed signals make it difficult to call. The whale movements could introduce short-term volatility, but the resilience of long-term holders and the stable hash rate suggest a strong underlying confidence in Bitcoin’s future. For now, it seems like the market is in a wait-and-see mode, balancing between potential bearish pressures from whales and bullish signals from diamond hands and miners.
In the end, the market’s direction will likely depend on how these factors play out in the coming weeks. Will the whales’ actions lead to a sell-off, or will the diamond hands and hash rate stability keep Bitcoin on a steady course? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: Bitcoin is as unpredictable as ever, and the road ahead will be anything but boring.
When you hire architects to design a house, they don’t just give the interior and exterior drawings to the construction crew and call the project complete. To ensure that the finished product meets everyone’s expectations, they provide comprehensive specifications for the team.
So why do many content marketers expect a content strategy to do all the heavy lifting on its own?
While a detailed content strategy is the foundation for a successful content marketing program, it’s just the starting point. Putting the strategy to work to meet your business goals requires building a governance framework that supports it.
What is content governance?
Content governance is the collection of processes, workflows, templates, frameworks, and guidelines an organization uses to manage its content. At its core, it takes all those must-dos internalized by your head of content and turns them into content consistency tools.
It helps you deliver more seamless customer experiences across channels. It also takes the content team out of the content police business.
Some content creators balk at constraints on their creativity when they must adhere to governance standards. However, content governance puts the content strategy into action. Without this framework, random acts of content abound.
Every content team has different needs. However, every content governance toolkit needs these documents.
Documented content workflows and processes
Detailing content marketing workflows clarifies team roles, responsibilities, and progression of tasks from ideation to publication. The goal is to streamline content production while ensuring that content reflects the content strategy and meets your quality standards. Two of the most common workflows are related to content requests and editorial.
Editorial workflows
A documented editorial workflow can be as simple as a flowchart showing the people and tasks in the content life cycle. It should include each step from ideation through drafting, editing, approval, and publication. It also should note the average time for each step.
Content request workflows
A workflow for content requests allows you to adopt a consistent approach to organizational asks. A document template, sometimes referred to as an intake form, can manage this workflow. It ensures that you receive all the information to evaluate an incoming request. It can also help thwart last-minute requests while ensuring that any new content aligns with the overarching content strategy.
Following this flow chart, the idea is shared in an intake form, which goes to an editorial board for review. If it decides yes, the idea should be added to the content calendar and assigned to the content creator and workflow. If the editorial review ends in a no, the requester is notified by email and can revise the idea on the intake form so the editorial board can review it again.
Content templates: Your blueprints for quality
Content templates are not creativity’s enemy. They are not fill-in-the-blanks recipes for bland, basic content. Content templates work as reusable blueprints for consistently creating high-quality content. They detail all the elements for publishing and promoting every content project.
Content brief template
A comprehensive content brief includes the objective, target audience, key messages, and call to action. It can be a standalone template submitted as part of the intake workflow, or you can include it as a component of other content submission templates.
Content submission templates
Publishing a piece of content involves more than securing the image, video, or copy. The elements vary by channel, too. Create content submission templates for each of your most common formats (e.g., blog posts, webinars, emails, e-books).
Content distribution templates
The best way not to forget an important content distribution opportunity is to have a template that outlines the possibilities. It should detail prioritization criteria and map content formats to each channel.
Strategic supporting documents drive alignment
Along with templates and workflows, reference materials and resources can help align content with the strategy. Among the supporting documents to include:
A content style guide
Even if you use a third-party guide, such as AP Style, you should still draft your brand’s content style guide. In addition to identifying brand-specific style, it can share your brand voice chart and how to apply it. Consider the style guide as the basic operating manual for your content organization.
An editorial calendar
In addition to helping you plan the team’s workload, an integrated editorial calendar gives everyone in the organization visibility into your priorities. It aligns the content team’s work with the content strategy, mapping activities to business cycles and highlighting key dates.
Implementing content governance
You can get started with content governance with the same tools already used in your organization to collaborate and share documents. As your content team grows and its output increases, consider adopting technology platforms designed for content teams.
With your governance frameworks in place, you can also turn to generative AI to scale your efforts. Generative AI is particularly well suited for applying templates for content repurposing and comparing content against your guidelines.
The final step in implementing content governance is identifying and tracking meaningful content metrics. Your governance activities should increase content engagement and conversion key performance indicators.
Content governance can seem intimidating, but it’s a great way to democratize content creation. A shared governance toolkit helps your organization create good content that fits your brand and strategy. It allows you to unlock a range of perspectives and expertise throughout the company, increasing the content program’s potential.
For a deeper look at aligning metrics with business objectives and demonstrating content’s value to stakeholders, plus examples of the governance documentation mentioned throughout this piece, watch Erika’s recent CMI webinar on content strategy.
Register to attend Content Marketing World in San Diego. Use the code BLOG100 to save $100. Can’t attend in person this year? Check out the Digital Pass for access to on-demand session recordings from the live event through the end of the year.
HANDPICKED RELATED CONTENT:
Cover image by Joseph Kalinowski/Content Marketing Institute
M Shyam Lal, Associate Professor, Department of Animal Biology and Manjari Kiran, Assistant Professor, Department of Systems and Computational Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad (UoH), have been awarded the prestigious Har Gobind Khorana Innovative Young Biotechnologist Fellowship (IYBF) for the year 2023-24 by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
The DBT established the IYBF to recognise and support exceptional young scientists with innovative ideas and a passion for research in cutting-edge biotechnology fields. This fellowship provides both research grant support and cash award to the recipients. This year, the fellowship has been granted to nine scientists from across the nation.
Shyam Lal’s research focuses on leveraging advancements in nanotechnology and drug delivery for biomedical applications. His team is working to address challenges in treatments for varicose veins, wound healing and antibiotic resistance. They aim to create transdermal patches that deliver Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) through engineered nanocarriers and to explore the effects of upconversion nanoparticles in light-sensitive medications.
Manjari Kiran’s research group is dedicated to characterising various types of non-coding RNAs and understanding the role of RNA modifications in their regulation. The group is also involved in developing user-friendly, publicly available scientific tools for next-generation sequencing data analysis, bioinformatics prediction and computational characterisation of molecular players in human health and disease, according to a release.
Whether you’re preparing to enjoy a long weekend or you’re looking for a great discount, Labor Day weekend has finally made its way here. We’ve gathered up the hottest deals and greatest savings on tons of products ranging from TVs to mattresses and just about everything in between. All of your favorite retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and plenty more have big sales starting today, and we’ve put the best offers here.
All of the Labor Day sales below have been vetted by CNET’s team of shopping experts, who will be working around the clock until the sale ends to make sure you are getting the best discounts from all over the internet.
Our absolute favorite Labor Day deals
If there’s a time to consider buying a massive TV, Labor Day is it. This 98-inch one delivers high-contrast color and brightness with four times the pixels of the average HD TV making it dynamic for gaming, streaming movies and sports.
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Say goodbye to stopping by the coffee shop every morning and start making your cup of joe at home. It’s a pretty compact machine so it can fit in any space. And if you’re guilty of forgetting to turn off your appliances, this coffee maker has an auto shut-off feature, perfect for your precoffee brain.
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Keep track of your health and fitness goals easily with an Apple Watch. Monitor your heart rate, activity level, step count and even sleep patterns. It also connects to your phone so you can see all your notifications right on your wrist.
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Whether you’re ending your summer with a Labor Day camping trip or just want to be prepared in case of an emergency, a portable power station is essential in keeping not just electronic devices powered but medical devices powered as well. Keep in mind this model does not come with a solar panel.
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If your Wi-Fi signal doesn’t seem to carry throughout your entire home, it might be a good idea to get an extender. Simply plug it into an outlet and get much better Wi-Fi signal in that back bedroom or basement. And this one by TP-Link is now 54% off.
Details
Best Labor Day tech deals
Apple/CNET
The best deals on tablets, power stations, speakers and more
Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet: $90 (save $60): The Fire HD 10 is a solid budget-friendly tablet. It’s great for online browsing, streaming your favorite shows and movies and of course, reading via the Kindle app.
Samsung T7 SSD, 4TB: $280 (save $200): You can never have too much extra storage. Keep backups of your favorite memories and important documents on this 4TB solid-state drive.
Hisense 58-inch U6HF 4K Fire TV: $348 (save $202): This budget-friendly Hisense TV has a gorgeous display and comes equipped with all your favorite streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu and Prime Video. Plus, you can control it with your voice.
Oxford spiral notebook 6-pack: $10 (save $4): Whether you’re getting the kids ready for back-to-school or you need to write down your next big idea, these wide-ruled notebooks are a great option.
Quartet dry-erase markers: $11 (save $8): These markers are essential for the office or back-to-school. This pack of 36 comes in 4 colors — black, red, blue and green.
Snag huge savings from Ninja, Eufy, Shark and more
More Labor Day deals from CNET
CNET is always covering a wide array of deals on tech products and much more. Start with the hottest sales and discounts on the CNET Deals page and sign up for the CNET Deals Text to get daily deals sent straight to your phone. Need gift ideas for birthdays, anniversaries and other events? Our gift guide includes a huge range of suggestions for every occasion.
Which Labor Day sales are the best?
There are plenty of competing Labor Day sales and deciding which is best for you to shop will depend on what you’re hoping to buy.
Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart are generally good starting points if tech and smart home purchases are on your mind with stores like Lowe’s, Home Depot and Overstock being the places to begin your hunt for home and garden products.
Don’t rule out more niche retailers like B&H Photo, Dell, HP and GameStop, though, if their Labor Day promotions suit your needs. You can also shop direct at your favorite brands for Labor Day deals.
When do Labor Day sales end?
Labor Day 2024 falls on Monday, Sept. 2, but not all sales begin and end on that date. Most sales are live or will start to go live soon. Though some might last up to that day, a few might extend past that. We’ll be monitoring sales so you can nab the most savings this year.
Should I wait for Black Friday sales?
Labor Day sales offer some of the best savings at this time of year, sitting nicely between Memorial Day sales and Black Friday. If you need something now, particularly furniture or yard equipment, Labor Day is a great time to buy, with end-of-summer pricing applying to a lot of those types of products.
Black Friday is the biggest sale of the year, though, and if you can afford to wait the extra couple of months you could potentially get more for your money. That being said, rumors abound of a second Prime Day sale or “Prime Early Access Sale” slated for October, which could kick off the holiday shopping season much earlier and may mean even less time between Labor Day and fall sales.
How do I make the most of Labor Day sales?
Before diving into Labor Day sales, the best thing to do is narrow down exactly what is on your shopping list this year. That way, you can identify the best retailers to start your search and avoid being distracted by the thousands of deals that will bombard you as you explore the many different Labor Day sales out there. Here’s a quick list to make it easier for you.
The CNET Deals team will keep you up to date on all of the best deals this Labor Day and beyond, so be sure to follow the team on Twitter and sign up for the CNET Deals newsletter.
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For many people who wake up early to attend school or work during the week, lack of sleep is a common complaint.
In a recent Gallup poll, 57% of adults said they would “feel better if they got more sleep,” while only 42% said they get “as much sleep as they need.”
Sleeping late on the weekends is a natural response for some — and new research has found that catching up on shuteye in this way can have surprising benefits for heart health.
AMERICANS NEED MORE SLEEP, LESS STRESS, EXPERTS SAY, AS GALLUP POLL REVEALS TROUBLING FINDINGS
At the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2024 in London, which will take place Aug. 30 through Sept. 2, Chinese cardiovascular researchers will present findings from a U.K. Biobank study, which analyzed sleep data from 90,903 individuals over a median of 14 years.
A total of 19,816 (21.8%) of these participants reported being sleep-deprived, getting less than seven hours of sleep per night, while the rest experienced occasional inadequate sleep, according to a press release on the ESC website.
“Although it’s not a double-blinded prospective randomized trial, it shows a significant decrease in the risk of heart disease in a large group who slept more on weekends,” a doctor told Fox News Digital of the study.(iStock)
Those who caught up on the most sleep over the weekends were found to have a 20% lower risk of developing heart disease — including ischemic heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and stroke — compared to those with the least sleep.
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This was based on analysis of hospitalization records and death registry information, the release stated.
GOING TO BED AFTER THIS TIME COULD LEAD TO POORER MENTAL HEALTH, A STANFORD STUDY FINDS
Study co-author Yanjun Song of the State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease at Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Disease, in Beijing, China, confirmed in the release that “sufficient compensatory sleep is linked to a lower risk of heart disease.”
Those who caught up on the most sleep over the weekends were found to have a 20% lower risk of developing heart disease.(iStock)
He added, “The association becomes even more pronounced among individuals who regularly experience inadequate sleep on weekdays.”
GOING TO BED AFTER THIS TIME COULD LEAD TO POORER MENTAL HEALTH, A STANFORD STUDY FINDS
Co-author Zechen Liu, who belongs to the same hospital, commented in the release, “Our results show that for the significant proportion of the population in modern society that suffers from sleep deprivation, those who have the most ‘catch-up’ sleep [on] weekends have significantly lower rates of heart disease than those with the least.”
The new study indicates “a significant decrease in the risk of heart disease in a large group who slept more on weekends.”(iStock)
Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, said the new research is “revealing.”
“Although it’s not a double-blinded prospective randomized trial, it shows a significant decrease in the risk of heart disease in a large group who slept more on weekends,” Siegel, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital.
Making up for “sleep debt” on weekends is restorative, a doctor said, allowing the brain to purge itself of toxins. (iStock)
Making up for “sleep debt” on weekends is restorative, the doctor said, allowing the brain to purge itself of toxins.
“It is recuperative with overall less stress hormone release, which impacts the heart favorably,” Siegel added.
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The study authors recognized that a majority of the respondents’ sleep habits did not meet the criteria for sleep deprivation, which is a limitation of the study.
For more Health articles, visit foxnews.com/health
Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for further comment.
If you are active on social media, you must have come across the hyper-realistic cake videos. This technique involves creating cakes that look like actual objects to confuse viewers. In a similar video, a woman sparked hilarious reactions when she took a bite out of a suitcase cake. In a clip posted on Instagram, she is seen roaming around an airport with her suitcase. The twist comes when she starts snacking on her luggage. Yes, you heard it right. The woman took bites out of her cake luggage in front of other passengers, evoking shocked expressions. While some caught on to the prank and smiled, others seemed flabbergasted by the unusual behaviour.
The funny video got a positive response on social media as people started to share their reactions to the prank. One user said, “I would have stopped and helped her eat.”
Another added, “Show me the video of how you make the cake, I’m dying of curiosity.”
This user pointed at specific people in the video and wrote, “The sisters were in panic.”
A fan of the trend chimed in, “I love these cake videos and you too much.”
“I hope that the broom to clean this dirt is not made of cake either,” read a comment.
Someone said, “My dream is to find you with a bag like that.”
“Here I am tipping my hat to this bakery,” joked a person.
Surprise was the common sentiment. “Those who saw it were very surprised, they thought you were a zombie, this was a great joke,” read a reaction.
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has stressed that China’s high-quality development should be powered by the achievements of a Party-wide campaign on discipline education.
Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a recent instruction, which was read out at Friday’s meeting of the Central Leading Group for Party Building.
Noting that the Party discipline education campaign has achieved positive results, Xi urged greater efforts to eradicate breeding grounds for corruption and more effectively curb and eliminate corruption.
Party members and officials should be guided to work diligently and actively while adhering to regulations and discipline, Xi said.
Friday’s meeting reviewed a set of guidelines for advancing regular and long-term Party discipline education.
The meeting was presided over by Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, who also heads the Central Leading Group for Party Building.
Li Xi, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and deputy head of the Central Leading Group for Party Building, attended the meeting.
This round of Party discipline education campaign, which started in April, has come to an end, according to the meeting. It stressed further efforts to integrate Party discipline education into daily education, management and supervision of Party members and officials.
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
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Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.
This is an argument that has been going on for as long as people started keeping pets. Pet owners being asked to choose a side, pick a species, identify themselves as either cat or dog people. Although there are many out there in my position, lucky enough to share their lives with both cats and dogs, people who claim not to have a favorite are being as honest as parents who say they don’t have a favorite child – come on!
You might assume from the title that I have declared myself a ‘cat person’, but you might want to wait until you’ve read Part Two: Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats before you decide. And no, I’m not going to tell you which I am – spoilers!
Instead, I present to you a (relatively) unbiased argument for the affirmative team on why cats are better than dogs.
Cats Are Better Than Dogs Because…
They are quite self-sufficient and relatively low-maintenance
They are practically born toilet-trained
They don’t need to be taken out for walks
They don’t bark
They don’t jump up on your guests
They don’t hump your furniture, your leg, your guest’s leg…
They can be left alone for long periods of time (even overnight if you have planned and prepared appropriately)
Of course, living with cats isn’t all hugs and rainbows, and there are some negatives (or perceived negatives) to life in the company of felinekind. For instance:
They can somehow make us feel judged, unwanted, or surplus to requirement
They leave hair on EVERYTHING
They leave claw marks on clothing, carpets, and furniture
They bring us gifts we don’t want (eg. dead – or almost dead – mice, birds, rats etc)
They can be aloof – affection is usually on their terms only
They sometimes express stress, irritation, territorialism, or dissatisfaction by peeing on things
They vomit
They are often most active between 12am and 3am
It can be challenging to keep indoor cats in, and outdoor cats out
They can cause conflict between neighbors if they use their garden as a litter box
Ned the Chihuahua vs the Cats.
Who Identifies As A Cat Person?
I have long believed that even people without pets can be categorized as cat or dog people, though there will always be exceptions and outliers. Broadly speaking, a cat person tends to be someone who:
is more introvert than extrovert
is wary of strangers
doesn’t make friends easily, but makes them for life
prefers the comforts of home
likes to re-read favorite books and re-watch favorite movies and tv shows
is cautious, reflective, and considers things carefully
prefers a warm spot in a cool home, rather than central heating
will turn on a fan or air-conditioner to be able to stay under a blanket
likes (and may even have) dogs, but doesn’t have a close affinity with them
prefers yoga, pilates, or meditation over cardio workouts
loves cats
In our house, we’re a fan of both.
Am I a Cat Person or a Dog Person?
I would have to say that most, if not all, of the traits above describe me quite well, but with five cats and five dogs, am I so easily categorized? You’ll just have to check out Part Two.
This article is a part of Dr. Karyn’s series with her five hilarious cats.
A day after Enforcement Directorate (ED) provisionally attached immovable properties valued at ₹834 crore and belonging to EMAAR India and MGF Developments Ltd, former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, who is an accused in the case, said “it’s an old case and I have nothing to do with this.”
Hooda also stated that the FIR lodged in the case too is old. It is alleged that Hooda had colluded with real estate to arrange land for them at cheaper rates.
The attachment of properties comes at a time when Haryana Assembly elections are due.
Of the 401.65 acres attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, EMAAR India Ltd’s assets are valued at approximately ₹501.13 crore, while MGF Developments Ltd’s assets are to the tune of ₹332.69 crore, as per an ED post on X.
The Delhi-based unit of the agency attached the properties parcels of land, located in 20 villages of Haryana’s Gurugram district and Delhi.
Money laundering case
The ED said both EMAAR India Ltd and MGF Developments Ltd are being probed for money laundering in connection with license no. 97/2010, dated September 18, 2010, obtained from Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) for residential plotted colony falling in Sector-65 and 66 of Gurgaon.
The ED began its probe on the basis of an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against several persons and entities, including Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Trilok Chand Gupta, the former director of DTCP, Emaar MGF Land Ltd and 14 other coloniser companies.
Various landowners were cheated in the case, from public to the State of Haryana and HUDA, by getting notifications under some provisions of Land Acquisition Act, 1894, which compelled owners to sell their parcel of land to coloniser companies at a price lower than the prevailing one.
Additionally, the ED said, the accused fraudulently and dishonestly obtained the letter of intents (LOIs) and licenses on the notified land, causing loss to the respective landowners, the public at large and the State of Haryana and HUDA, while wrongfully gaining for themselves.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
MASKA za kosu Like A Virgin australskog brenda Coco & Eve postala je pravi hit među korisnicima zbog svoje sposobnosti da suhu i lomljivu kosu pretvori u mekanu i sjajnu.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
Obećava sjajne rezultate u samo 10 minuta
Ova 5-u-1 maska obećava sjajne rezultate u samo 10 minuta. Osim što hidrira i obnavlja kosu, također poboljšava njezinu teksturu, liječi ispucale vrhove i smanjuje kovrčavost.
Korisnici su oduševljeni rezultatom i ne prestaju hvaliti ovu masku. Jedna korisnica je napisala: “Na drugom sam pakiranju! Ova maska može konkurirati Olaplexu.” Druga je rekla: “Ovo je najbolja maska za kosu na tržištu. Savršena je za hidrataciju suhe kose i daje joj izgled kao da ste upravo izašli iz salona.”
Znate li nešto više o temi ili želite prijaviti grešku u tekstu?
Apple Intelligence: Since AI has taken over the discourse in tech circles, the smartphone market is not immune to its influence. In this regard, Apple unveiled the first look of its iOS 18 and its AI features, dubbed Apple Intelligence, at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June this year. The features include a slew of functionalities, such as a Siri-backed ChatGPT, automatic call recording and transcribing, on-device image generation, and more.
Devices compatible with Apple Intelligence
Generally, the updates that Apple brings are not merely confined to the latest device; they are often extended to even relatively older devices, unlike what typically happens in the Android ecosystem. However, the situation may be different this time. Although the iOS 18 update can be availed by over 20 iPhone models, the top feature of the update- Apple Intelligence- will be reserved only for the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Even the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus, which are also part of the 15 series launches, will miss out on Apple Intelligence.
Why do other Apple devices miss out?
Reports suggest that hardware compatibility and computational limitations play a role in extending Apple Intelligence, which other devices- except for the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max-don’t meet. Devices need to have at least 8 GB of RAManda strong Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to support the Apple Intelligence feature. Notably, Apple Intelligence has also been extended to all iPads and Macs, powered by the Apple Silicon M1 or the newer chip, including the MacBook Air and Mac mini.
What about the Apple 16 series and AI compatibility?
As Apple is slated to bring its 16 series smartphones, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, all these devices will share operational compatibility with the AI features. The new series devices will be equipped with the A18 chip and at least 8 GB RAM.
Typhoon Shanshan soaked large swathes of Japan with torrential rain on Friday, prompting warnings for flooding and landslides hundreds of miles from the storm’s centre, halting travel services and shutting production at major factories.
A bus is seen submerged in floodwaters in Yufu city of Oita prefecture. Typhoon Shanshan, one of Japan’s strongest typhoons in decades, dumped torrential rain across southern regions, with one person missing and authorities warning of life-threatening flooding and landslides. (Photo by Yuichi YAMAZAKI / AFP)
At least four people have been killed and 99 injured in storm-related incidents in recent days, according to the disaster management agency.
In the southwestern region of Kyushu, where the storm that authorities say could be one of the strongest ever to hit the region made landfall on Thursday, residents were surveying the damage after a night of heavy rain and severe winds.
Yu Fukuda, 67, who runs a fish farm and adjoining restaurant in the resort town of Yufu in Oita prefecture said she arrived on Friday morning to find flood waters one-metre (3 ft) high had inundated the building.
“There were streaks on the windows and everywhere there were marks from mud and dirt, so I could tell how high the water had risen. I felt very sad,” she told Reuters as her staff and relatives cleared the debris of fishing nets and dead fish.
“I wish the typhoon had just passed quickly, but it stayed around here for a long time,” she said.
Bringing gusts of up to 50 metres per second (180 km per hour/112 mph), strong enough to blow over moving trucks, the typhoon was near the coastal city of Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture at 3:45 p.m. (2345 GMT) and moving east, according to authorities.
Around 250,000 households in seven prefectures were without power in Kyushu on Thursday, according to Kyushu Electric Power Co., but many had seen services restored on Friday.
The warm and moist air flowing around the typhoon brought record-breaking levels of rain in some areas far from the main storm, which authorities say is concerning given its slower than expected movement across the country.
Notices advising residents to evacuate have been issued to more than 3.3 million people nationwide, mostly in the hard-hit Kyushu area and central and eastern regions including the capital Tokyo and nearby Yokohama. Authorities there warned of possible landslides and rivers bursting their banks due to the heavy rain.
Shizuoka, a major city in central Japan, has seen more than 500 millimetres of rain in the last 72 hours, the highest volume since the weather agency began collecting the data in 1976.
But, as of Thursday, only some 30,000 had been evacuated, mainly in Kyushu, disaster management minister Yoshifumi Matsumura said.
The storm is expected to approach the central and eastern regions, which includes Tokyo, at the weekend and into early next week, the weather agency said.
Toyota has suspended operations in all of its domestic plants through Monday morning due to the storm. Other automakers Nissan and Honda, semiconductor firms Renesas and Tokyo Electron, and electronics giant Sony have also temporarily halted production at some factories.
Airlines, including ANA Holdings and Japan Airlines, have announced cancellations of hundreds of domestic and some international flights. Many ferry and rail services, including the bullet train between Tokyo and the central city of Nagoya, were suspended on Friday morning.
Lin Yue-Hua, a 60-year-old tourist from Taiwan, had her flight from Fukuoka back home cancelled on Thursday. She was told to book another flight but was struggling to make her way to the airport on Friday morning.
“We were very worried and upset because we didn’t know what to do,” she told Reuters at a near-deserted train station on Friday morning after finding out that all rail services, including the subway to the airport, had been cancelled.
“We stayed one more day in Japan. Then we saw it in the news that our flight from Taiwan couldn’t land in Japan after flying around the area for about 40 minutes and it flew back to Taiwan. We have been busy trying to find our way home,” she said.
Typhoon Shanshan is the latest harsh weather system to hit Japan, following Typhoon Ampil, which also led to blackouts and evacuations, earlier this month.
In 1996, the distinguished black US playwright August Wilson wrote: “We do not need colourblind casting. We need some theatres to develop our playwrights.”
In the intervening decades, black playwrights have responded to Wilson’s cri de coeur and produced plays with black characters whose voices ring with authenticity and humanity. Benedict Lombe’s latest work is such a play.
A love story between two people who can’t quite acknowledge their feelings for each other, it resonates with an empathy that is racially specific, yet easily understood by anyone with a pulse. Dre (Tosin Cole), who is of Nigerian extraction, and Des (Heather Agyepong)of Congolese, meet as teenagers in England and form a close bond.
Caught up in the mystery dance of romantic attraction, neither can bring themselves at first to acknowledge their true feelings for the usual reasons: fear of rejection, fear of offense, fear of spoiling a friendship.
After a brief liaison, they separate and meet up again eight years later at the funeral of Dre’s granny, which is where the play begins.
Having accumulated relationship baggage in the interim, they unravel the past in fits and starts, each probing the other to discover if their feelings have changed and, if not, how to proceed.
Directed by Lynette Linton on a traverse stage, with lights like electric stalactites hanging overhead and music reflecting their different cultural roots, there is nothing to distract from the performers whose chemistry is utterly engaging and credible.
Cole catches Dre’s youthful hesitancy beautifully while Agyepong makes Des smart and funny, a little quicker off the mark than Dre. The late August Wilson must be smiling, wherever he is.
The new Suzuki Swift Hybrid is hogging the limelight right now, but the existing Swift Sport remains on sale.
While it’s unclear whether the performance hatch will be renewed for another generation, the latest Swift and the previous-gen Swift Sport will continue to be produced concurrently at the time being.
You can still get into one for under $30,000 plus on-road costs… just. But if you don’t want to change gears yourself, you’re looking at the car on test – the 2024 Suzuki Swift Sport auto, priced from $31,990 before on-roads.
It’s still based on the previous-generation Swift, meaning it lacks the tech and feature advancements of the new Hybrid. But, that’s not necessarily all bad.
WATCH: Paul’s video review of the MY21 Swift Sport
The Swift Sport is currently the only version of the Japanese brand’s city hatchback that you can buy with a turbocharged engine. Plus, its body kit and alloys make it look very… tuff
Is it still worth a look over the new-gen electrified model, or should you go for the newer, less powerful alternative?
How does the Suzuki Swift compare?
View a detailed breakdown of the Suzuki Swift against similarly sized vehicles.
Suzuki
Swift
How much does the Suzuki Swift cost?
Pricing has crept up over the years, but the Swift Sport starts at a still-affordable $29,990 plus on-road costs for the six-speed manual, with the six-speed auto on test asking for $2000 more.
Model
Pricing before on-road costs
2024 Suzuki Swift Sport 6MT
$29,990
2024 Suzuki Swift Sport 6AT
$31,990
To see how the Swift Sport lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool.
What is the Suzuki Swift like on the inside?
Not much has changed since the third-generation Swift launched locally in 2017.
Compared to the new fourth-gen Swift Hybrid, which receives some wholesale design inside and out, the 3GEN-based Swift Sport doesn’t change the formula too much other than some lashings of red trim and sportier seats.
It offers a conventional and clean layout that hasn’t aged badly, but it’s looking basic for a city car worth over $30,000 before on-roads in 2024.
For example, the cheap plastics lining almost the entire interior were palatable when a base Swift started for well under $20,000 but in the $31,990 before on-roads Swift Sport automatic it’s not as acceptable.
Thankfully, the main touch points like the chunky flat-bottomed and leather steering wheel, and the solid-feeling switchgear, help to make up for this somewhat.
That brings me to the front seats, which are perhaps my favourite thing about the car before you start driving it.
The generously padded sports seats are beautiful to sit in. Comfortable, supportive, and well bolstered, it’s as if the car is giving you a warm hug. They also keep you snug when cornering – more on the driving later.
Now something not so great: infotainment. During the COVID-19 pandemic Suzuki was forced to toy with aftermarket infotainment systems due to component shortages, though initially the Swift Sport was spared.
Now, the factory 7.0-inch touchscreen has been replaced with a 7.0-inch Pioneer unit, and it was one of my greatest frustrations with this car. It’s basic, slow, and well behind any of the systems offered by rivals.
There’s no embedded satellite navigation, the interface is so aftermarket it could have come from Autobarn, and the quality and clarity of the display is sub-par. With wired Apple CarPlay, the colours of the app tiles appeared off and overly saturated, and the brightness was too dull in daylight even in its highest setting.
Further, audio quality during phone calls was rubbish on both ends, with multiple callers complaining of excessive echoing and background noise. It’s as if the microphone is fitted to the display, and not the actual car.
Audio quality when playing music was better, with the infotainment unit hooked up to the Swift Sport’s decent six-speaker sound system. There’s a nice crispness to the audio, and you can dial up the bass – though you’ll be vibrating the hell out of the thin windows and door trims.
It really puzzles me why the old 7.0-inch navigation system isn’t here, or why a version of the new Swift’s 9.0-inch touchscreen running the latest interface couldn’t have been adapted. At least it’s neatly integrated, above circular climate controls that continue to be a pleasant ergonomic experience by comparison.
Despite the compact dimensions, you’ll be surprised to find a handy amount of space in the rear, at least for two adults.
The Swift has always been well packaged in the second row thanks to its tall roofline, which means even at 6’1 I can sit behind my own driving position in moderate comfort. If you’re smaller, even better.
As you’d expect, it’s pretty basic back here – there are no air vents, power outlets, or padded elbow rests in the doors. You do get adjustable headrests and the requisite ISOFIX and top tether child seat mounting points, but that’s about it.
The surprising amount of rear passenger room as clearly comes at the cost of boot space, with the Swift quoting 265 litres which is much closer to a Kia Picanto than a Volkswagen Polo.
It’s a fairly short space, albeit one that’s nicely squared off. You can fold the rear seats (60:40 split) but there’s a big step up from the boot floor to the seat backs, and they don’t fold particularly flat.
Disappointingly there’s no spare wheel under the boot floor either, with just a tyre repair kit offered.
To see how the Swift Sport lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool.
What’s under the bonnet?
The same 1.4-litre Boosterjet turbo four remains under the bonnet of the Suzuki Swift Sport.
Specifications
Suzuki Swift Sport 6AT
Engine
1.4L 4cyl turbo
Power
103kW @ 550rpm
Torque
230Nm @ 2500-3000rpm
Transmission
6-speed auto
Driven wheels
FWD
Weight
990kg
Fuel economy (claimed)
6.1L/100km
Fuel economy (as tested)
6.3L/100km
Fuel tank capacity
37 litres
Fuel requirement
91 RON
CO2 emissions
141g/km
Emissions standard
Euro 5
To see how the Swift Sport lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool.
How does the Suzuki Swift drive?
As has always been the case, the Swift Sport is a hoot for such a small, basic car.
The engine’s outputs might seem a little tame on paper, but slotted under the bonnet of a light-class hatchback weighing less than a tonne (990kg in auto spec), it flies!
It offers 230Nm of peak torque that comes online from 2300rpm, which is a little high for a modern turbocharged motor, but it almost has that old-school turbo character where it hits you in the back as it comes on boost.
Suzuki Australia doesn’t quote a 0-100km/h time but it easily feels like a low 7.0-second car, and roll-on acceleration is impressive for a vehicle of this size.
The zesty response is addictive and feels like the car is egging you on to give it a push. Just a shame it doesn’t sound particularly sporty, even if there’s a slight raspiness to the exhaust note.
When you’re not zipping through traffic and city streets, the Swift Sport remains a very comfortable and agreeable commuter, drawing upon its city car underpinnings to make for a very capable runabout.
Tall windows, direct steering, and a well-sorted ride make the Swift perfect for navigating inner-city Melbourne. It’s a cinch to park, and will fit in any spot given its teeny 3.9-metre length. You also won’t feel squished in narrow laneways or car parks.
It doesn’t come undone at higher speeds. The Swift sits comfortably at a cruise on Australian freeways despite its diminutive size, helped somewhat by the Sport’s more substantial wheel and tyre package compared to lower grades from this Swift generation – there’s an extra 10mm of width on each tyre.
While this city car is can capably handle trips out of the big smoke without getting blown away by heavy winds or passing trucks, the level of road noise on coarse-chip roads is high. You get droning and ringing from the tyre roar that’s not very pleasant, and the thin windows don’t keep much out either.
The Swift Sport’s age is somewhat given away by its driver assistance systems, or relative lack thereof compared to something like a Volkswagen Polo (GTI or not).
There’s adaptive cruise control that does without stop/go functionality, meaning you have to still do the work yourself in traffic jams. The lane departure warning also lacks an active assist or centring function like the new Swift Hybrid.
You do get blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert which are nice, but the reversing camera is so bad being located in the licence plate area and feeding onto the sub-bar infotainment display. The viewing angle is limited and the quality of the vision is well below average.
Otherwise, it covers the basics and not much more. If this kind of assistance tech is important to you and you don’t need the Sport’s turbocharged performance, the newer Swift Hybrid GLX could be the go for you.
What do you get?
Just one specification is available, with both manual and automatic transmissions available.
Swift Sport equipment highlights:
17-inch alloy wheels
Automatic LED headlights
LED daytime running lights
Front fog lights
Rear privacy glass
Electronically folding heated side mirrors
7.0-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay – wired
Android Auto – wired
Bluetooth phone, audio
Single-zone climate control
Keyless entry and start
Semi-bucket sports seats
D-shaped sports steering wheel
60:40-split folding rear seats
Is the Suzuki Swift safe?
The previous-generation Swift wore a 2017-stamped five-star ANCAP safety rating, which has now expired.
Standard safety equipment includes:
6 airbags
Adaptive cruise control
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
Blind-spot monitoring
Lane departure warning
Rear cross-traffic alert
Rear parking sensors
Reversing camera
Weaving alert
How much does the Suzuki Swift cost to run?
Like the wider Suzuki lineup, the Swift Sport is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
Running costs
Suzuki Swift Sport
Warranty
5 years, unlimited kilometres
Roadside assistance
Up to 5 years (service activated)
Service intervals
12 months or 10,000 kilometres
Capped-price servicing
5 years or 100,000 kilometres
Total capped-price service cost
$2005 (5 years, 50,000km)
CarExpert’s Take on the Suzuki Swift
There’s a lot to love about this little car.
As has always been the case with the Swift Sport, it’s a little ball of fun that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. It’s also surprisingly practical as a daily provided you don’t need to carry three or four passengers regularly.
The city-friendly dimensions make it a cinch to live with on the daily commute, and its turbocharged performance and dynamics make it a hoot whether you’re zipping through CBD laneways or tearing up a winding B-road out of town.
I also think it’s adorable, and in one of the brighter colour options really pops and looks special. Our grey tester is very demure, but also a little too unassuming for me.
Drawbacks? It’s not as cheap as it used to be, and the tech suite is dated compared to the new one, let alone the Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Yaris.
The aftermarket-looking Pioneer head unit would almost be a dealbreaker for me, especially compared to the new 9.0-inch unit in the new Swift Hybrid which is a world away from the old OEM system let alone the one here.
It’s also pretty tinny when you start venturing beyond city limits, with thin panels and windows meaning quite a lot of ambient noise enters the cabin pretty much all the time. It just is feeling a bit old in these respects.
But if you’re after relatively cheap, no-nonsense thrills in a pocket-sized package, the Swift Sport is the right fit.
Click the images for the full gallery
MORE: Buy a Suzuki Swift MORE: Everything Suzuki Swift
The project has recorded over Rs 3,000 crore in bookings within just 48 hours.
This development, with a total value exceeding Rs 3,000 crore, is a landmark in Ghaziabad’s real estate market and reflects a new era of luxury living in the region.
The Gaur Group, renowned for its high-profile residential and commercial ventures in Noida, has made a significant impact in Ghaziabad with its latest venture. The Gaur NYC Residences, featuring New York-style luxury apartments, has set a new benchmark in the real estate sector. In an unprecedented move, the project has recorded over Rs 3,000 crore in bookings within just 48 hours of its pre-launch phase, achieving three times the oversubscription and attracting more than 3,000 applications following its RERA approval.
This development, with a total value exceeding Rs 3,000 crore, is a landmark in Ghaziabad’s real estate market and reflects a new era of luxury living in the region.
Project Highlights
h Spanning across 11.80 acres, the project will feature 10 towers, each 32 stories high, offering approximately 1,200 upscale flats. These include 4-bedroom units and 4-bedroom apartments with servant quarters. Prices for these residences start at Rs 2.5 crore. Notable amenities include a clubhouse inspired by Madison Square and a 118-metre-long swimming pool.
Growing Luxury Market
Real estate analysts view the overwhelming response to Gaur NYC Residences as indicative of a burgeoning demand for luxury housing in Ghaziabad. Following the trend in cities like Gurugram and Noida, there is a rising market for premium 4BHK apartments in Ghaziabad, highlighting the city’s growing status as a hub for upscale living.
Sarthak Gaur, Director of the Gaur Group, said that the overwhelming success of the project was a testament to the trust and confidence of the customers. The endorsement strengthens our resolve to deliver exceptional quality, he added. “Over the past 30 years, we have built around 65,000 homes, and it is gratifying to see such a positive reception for Gaur NYC Residences. We are committed to making this project one of the most distinguished in the NCR region” he further added.
Hamster Kombat, the popular tap to earn telegram game, announced their token generation date 2 days ago. It is going to perform the TGE and much anticipated Airdrop on 26th September. However they have not announced which crypto exchange is going to be the first to have the opportunity to list it. Finally this news is out, let’s find out the details.
The TGE Event
Hamster Kombat announced on 28th August that it is finally going to have the token generation event. This event has been announced and delayed twice already. There are speculations in the community that they are again going to announce some delay near the TGE date. This has been the most awaited event so far. The previous delays have impacted Hamster Kombat players as the number of monthly users have fallen drastically. The team announced that they have acquired a community of 300 Million players however the monthly count was around 90 Million players. This count has been reduced to around 87 million players now.
The Airdrop
Hamster Kombat will start the airdrop on the same day as the token generation event. Team has declared that this is going to be the biggest airdrop of all time in crypto history. According to tokenomics, the community will get 60% allocation of the total supply while the remaining 40% will be reserved to provide market liquidity. It is still unclear and unannounced what the total supply of the Hamster Kombat token would be.
Hamster Kombat Token Listing
The official X account of the game posted a tweet with a message “something cooking” to which OKX crypto exchange replied quoting their X post. The post shares the details of Hamster token listing on September 26. The token will be listed to spot trading once the liquidity requirements are met. At the time of writing, OKX is the only crypto exchange to have shared the details of Hamster token listing for trading.
In the airdrop section of the telegram game, the team has added a section for off-chain deposit of token on the OKX exchange, but date is not mentioned yet. A message to complete the KYC to get the address and memo for the off-chain deposit can be seen there.
Looking Ahead
This is one of the most awaited token launches and airdrop and the community has huge expectations for it. There are still some uncertain things that are bugging the community for example what would be the basis for the airdrop. Even though the team has said earlier that all the elements of the game will be used to count the amount to be airdropped, this is not a clear answer. It looks like we all have to wait for the actual event in order to know how much airdrop the community will get.
Are you ready for AI-assisted search paid advertising?
Whew … a lot of buzzwords in that one question.
That’s the concept pitched by Perplexity, a search-focused generative AI platform. Its new advertiser pitch deck shows how the platform will win the hearts and minds of marketers by making them the prioritized answers to queries, all for a negotiated fee.
If that sounds like classic search advertising, it’s not exactly. Classic search advertising allows advertisers to pay for ads based on their position. If you want the top spot, you pay more than you would for the second or third spots.
In a world of AI-assisted search, though, only one answer is provided to a query. So, how would that pricing model work? And what about brand safety?
To get the answers, we went to CMI’s chief strategy advisor, Robert Rose, for his take. Read on or watch this video:
What will it cost to be the only advertiser?
Google has started integrating the AI message and functionality into Google Ads. But it’s mostly relegated to creating more relevant copy for search ads, optimizing performance by helping to create bid amounts, and, of course, analyzing landing pages to help you create a richer conversion experience.
But in regards AI search result ads, what I and most marketers think about how do we pay for the privilege of being THE answer at the top of the results. What would that look like? What would we be buying?
For example, I typed “who is the best content marketing strategist” into Google. Its AI Overview names a few folks, many of whom I know well. Good to see Neil Patel (like he needs more publicity) and folks like Scott Abel and Barry Feldman. But I’m not sure that’s the list I’d go with for content marketing strategy services. And yeah, I’m not there, though they do cite one of my articles (from 11 years ago) as the source of this knowledge, so that’s interesting.
Maybe I could buy an ad on that results page for the right article to cite.
Next, I went to Perplexity because it’s been giving Google a bit of a run for its money as an AI-related search engine. It markets itself as the platform “where knowledge begins.” Surely, it must have a better set of results for that query.
It returned a better list, which includes my pals Ann Handley, Joe Pulizzi, Michael Brenner, and Jay Baer. That’s a fine list. But I’m not on that list either, and I’m not bothered by that. (Pardon me while I weep in the corner for a moment.)
But what if I could buy a spot on that result screen?
Which one would be for sale? The priority spot on the citation list or the actual answer? We’ll just have to wait and see.
OK, the point to all of this is that Perplexity is already pitching the idea of integrating ads within the answer to the searcher’s query. According to the slide deck viewed by Digiday, the feature could appear as soon as October. Though it doesn’t detail pricing, a source said the plan is to charge north of $50 CPM (1,000 impressions).
Wow, that seems expensive. Of course, no data exists on the expected performance of those ads, and much may depend on the queries purchased.
But consider this. A classic Google search ad hovers in the $38 to $40 CPM. So, Perplexity would charge a 25% premium. If it didn’t just pull that figure out of the air, it must have good vibes that the performance of its AI search ads will be strong.
The Digiday article says Perplexity plans to launch more than a dozen categories for its AI ad product, including technology, health and pharma, arts and entertainment, finance, food and beverage, sports, science, and travel. It will also include B2B, internet, telecom, home and garden, beauty and fitness, retail, and shopping. I can’t think of a category they missed. I mean, maybe politics, but they seem to have everything else covered.
But deep in the article is another interesting tidbit.
Why is Perplexity partnering with traditional publishers?
Perplexity is building publishing partnerships, already inking deals with Time Magazine, Der Spiegel, Fortune, Entrepreneur, and Automatic. I’m struck by how many of those fit the B2B category, and apparently, the pitch deck details how marketers can buy inventory that will appear on pages from their third-party publishing partners.
It raises some interesting questions about how the integration between generative AI and these publishers will take shape. Will they be a classic ad network, like Google Ads and its publisher partnerships? Or will they merge the AI within the content pages under the publisher brand? Would they create, for example, a custom site driven by Der Spiegel “knowledge” with original content generated by Perplexity, all sponsored by a big brand?
That will be interesting — custom content hubs using proprietary learning sets of content and sponsored by brands. What about a small business content hub where all the content is generated by Perplexity using Entrepreneur magazine’s content as its learning model and sponsored by a relevant brand?
Pay attention to these developments because these new opportunities won’t just influence your paid media budgets. They can impact where, how, and why you’re putting money into original content.
Content marketing is getting AI’d, too, and you’d better be ready to pay to play.
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Cover image by Joseph Kalinowski/Content Marketing Institute
The UK’s University of Southampton has been granted a licence by the Indian government to establish a comprehensive campus. The branch campus in Gurgaon will start academic programs in July 2025.
According to M Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman, UGC, the courses will cover business and management, computing, law, engineering, art and design, biosciences and life sciences.
“With the starting of an Indian campus of the University of Southampton will be beneficial for students, in terms of extending course and study opportunities in India, and for research, knowledge exchange, enterprise and engagement,” he said.
Read: TAPMI ties up with Southampton Business School for 1-year MSc programme
The degrees awarded by the Indian campus of University of Southampton will be the same as those of the host University. The programs offered in the branch campus of the University of Southampton in India will have the same standards.
It may be recalled that the University Grants Commission (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023 was notified in November last year. Following this, a Standing Committee was set up to examine proposals from foreign higher educational institutions in India. Applications are to be submitted online.
As of now, Australian universities, including Deakin University and the University of Wollongong, have opened a branch campus located in GIFT City. Malaysia’s Lincoln University College was the first foreign university to apply through UGC’s dedicated application portal.
An unusual sort of business will soon open in Shelby, North Carolina. It will take over premises previously run by a flooring company, tucked in beside shops selling clothes, paint and fast food. But it will not sell anything itself. Instead, willing donors, paid around $40 a pop, will sit connected to an apheresis machine. Over the course of an hour, the machine will extract their blood, siphon out plasma and recirculate the remaining fluid. The plasma will then be made into medicines, such as clotting factors for haemophiliacs and intravenous immunoglobulins for those suffering from autoimmune diseases.
This last Memorial Day, this RC car by Laegendary (not a typo) appeared on one of CNET’s best deals lists and I thought it looked decent. I wasn’t sure I’d buy it for the normal price, but it was on sale, and my family loves RC cars, so I thought we’d give it a try. I’m glad I did because it turned out to be an awesome purchase.
This Labor Day, Amazon has this zippy little car at a modest 5% discount, but it’s hard not to still recommend since it’s such a blast to use.
This story is part of Amazon Prime Day, CNET’s guide to everything you need to know and how to find the best deals.
My family and I have six or seven RC cars at this point, and for the price and size, this thing really slaps. It has two 1600-mAh, 7.5-volt batteries that can propel the car at around 30mph for about 40 minutes of driving. The giant wheels — it’s a 1:10 scale car so it’s pretty beefy — let you drive it across grass, sand, and tarmac with equal ease.
It also comes with a travel bag for your batteries to charge them safely outside. Lithium polymer batteries are susceptible to heat, so keeping them out of the sun when charging is good. We’ve been banging around the neighborhood for weeks now, crashing into rocks and other RC cars, and it’s taken it all like a champ. I especially like the enclosed chassis as it can run over puddles and wet grass without danger.
When pitted against my $140 Haiboxing car (also discounted right now), it held its own wonderfully. It’s the same speed as the Haiboxing car but does feel a little slower as it’s much bigger. What it lacks in top speed, it makes up for in torque, though; this thing rears onto its back wheels from a standing start and pushes through even the tallest grass in our neighborhood. We made a little ramp for it to jump over, and it did great there, too, with no damage or stalling at all. The controller is good, with trim and power controls, and the foam grip on the control wheel feels much better than the hard plastic of cheaper models. It has a range of 250 feet too, so you could run it around a circuit without having to worry about a loss of connection.
It was a silly impulse to get another RC car, but I’m glad we decided to do it. It’s as good as the more expensive cars we already own and would make a fantastic gift for anyone who loves gadgets. Want something that flies instead? Check out the best drones you can buy right now.
Obesity has often been described as a “gateway disease” leading to other conditions — and one of those is COVID-19, according to a new study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
Patients with obesity were found to have a 34% higher risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 compared to non-obese people, researchers found.
The study analyzed over 72,000 patients from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, all of whom had either been exposed to COVID or tested positive for the virus between March 2020 and Jan. 2021, according to a press release.
IS MPOX THE NEXT COVID? INFECTIOUS DISEASE EXPERTS ADDRESS PANDEMIC POTENTIAL
The findings were published in PNAS Nexus on Tuesday.
For adults, obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, aligned with the World Health Organization (WHO)’s guidelines.
Obesity has often been described as a “gateway disease” leading to other conditions — and one of those is COVID-19, according to a new study.(iStock)
For children, the obesity guideline was a growth curve above the 95th percentile, per the criteria from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Obesity rates among younger people are expected to approach 50% by 2030, according to the researchers.
“Obesity is not only a risk factor for worsened outcomes, but also increases the risk for infection upon exposure,” the researchers wrote in the study findings.
NEW COVID VACCINES GET FDA APPROVAL FOR 2024-2025 SEASON
“Identifying such populations early will be crucial for curbing the spread of this infectious disease.”
The results of the study were not surprising to medical experts, including Dr. Rekha Kumar, chief medical officer of Found, a telehealth weight care provider.
“Obesity is not only a risk factor for worsened outcomes, but also increases the risk for infection upon exposure,” the researchers wrote.(iStock)
“We’ve known for some time that obesity is associated with increased severity of COVID-19, including higher risks of hospitalization, ICU admission and death,” Kumar, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital. She is also a practicing endocrinologist in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian.
“This study extends our understanding by suggesting that obesity also increases the risk of initial infection.”
“Whenever you have an increased inflammatory process in the body, it greatly affects the immune system.”
Walter Gaman, M.D., of Executive Medicine of Texas, was not involved in the study, but also noted that the connection between obesity and COVID is “no surprise.”
“We know that obesity is associated with inflammation and chronic diseases,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Whenever you have an increased inflammatory process in the body, it greatly affects the immune system,” he went on. “This is congruent with the findings of the study.”
“There is an indisputable relationship between obesity and the immune system, chronic disease and early death,” a doctor said.(iStock)
Underweight individuals were also at great risk at the height of the pandemic, Gaman pointed out.
“It would be interesting to see a study that addresses both overweight and underweight correlations to COVID,” he added.
Why does obesity increase COVID risk?
There are several potential reasons for the link, according to Kumar, ranging from impaired immune function to coexisting conditions.
Obesity rates among younger people are expected to approach 50% by 2030, according to the researchers.(Getty Images)
“Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and alterations in immune responses, which can compromise the body’s ability to fight off infections effectively,” she said.
“Additionally, obesity is often associated with other coexisting conditions, including diabetes and hypertension, which are themselves risk factors for COVID-19.”
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Based on the findings, Gaman recommended that people obtain and maintain a healthy weight — not just for cosmetic reasons, but to improve their health.
“There is an indisputable relationship between obesity and the immune system, chronic disease and early death,” he confirmed.
A doctor recommends that people with obesity continue to take extra precautions to avoid COVID-19 exposure — and that they speak with a medical provider if they need more specific guidance.(iStock)
“Regular exercise and a healthy diet are the first lines of defense when it comes to strengthening the immune system.”
Kumar recommends that people with obesity continue to take extra precautions to avoid COVID-19 exposure — and that they speak with a medical provider if they need more specific guidance.
Potential limitations
The researchers acknowledged several limitations of the study, primarily that it relied on people self-reporting their exposure to the virus.
Also, all patients are from the Mass General Brigham health care network, which means they may not be representative of a wider population.
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The researchers also used data from patients’ electronic health records, which are subject to errors.
“It’s a case-control study, which can show associations but not prove causation,” Kumar added.
Obesity is often associated with other coexisting conditions, including diabetes and hypertension.(iStock)
Another potential limitation is that the study relied on BMI as the sole measure of obesity, she noted, which doesn’t account for body composition or fat distribution.
“BMI can be a helpful measure for some things, but it’s not comprehensive,” she said.
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There may also be underlying factors impacting COVID risk that were not considered, such as socioeconomic status or health care access, according to Kumar.
“I’d like to see this (and any) research replicated to include a broader audience to ensure that it’s as accurate and inclusive as possible,” she said.
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].
Thanks to the advancement in technology, kitchen gadgets have become an essential part of our daily lives, amping up how we cook and enjoy food. These appliances don’t just save time but also open up a world of cooking possibilities, allowing us to explore global cuisines from the comfort of our homes. From microwaves and ovens to coffee makers, these gadgets have made cooking easier and more accessible. One such innovative appliance that has gained popularity in recent times is air fryer. This appliance is like a mini convection oven that promises to match the taste and texture of your favourite fried dishes. Still not convinced about it? Don’t worry! We have listed 6 reasons why you should definitely have an air fryer in your kitchen.
Also Read: Are You A Regular Air Fryer User? Avoid Cooking These 5 Foods In It
Here Are 6 Reasons Why Having An Air Fryer Is A Must-Have In Kitchen:
1. Because It Uses Less Oil
Yes, we all love crispy samosas, fries and pakoras, but what about the excess oil they soak up? Air fryers use rapid air technology which uses very little oil to get the same crispiness you would get after frying. Plus, some studies suggest that using convection heat can help preserve the nutrients of the dish. Trust us, using an air fryer has many benefits, one of which is cutting down the oil content of your food. Imagine biting into a crispy aloo tikki or crunchy kachori without getting the usual oily fingers. With an air fryer, that is possible!
2. Is Your Buddy On Busy Days
If you have a busy lifestyle or have festivals coming up, you will understand how important it is to manage time. Unlike conventional cooking methods, this gadget heats and cooks food quickly. With an air fryer, you can quickly whip up snacks and dishes within no time! Right from crispy tandoori chicken to perfectly roasted vegetables – you name it, you make it. The hot air circulation technology makes sure that your food is cooked evenly and quickly, saving you some precious time in the kitchen.
3. Is Not Just For Frying
Do you think air fryers are just used for frying? Think again! Air fryers are super versatile, meaning you can roast, bake, grill or even reheat food in it. Craving a batch of non-fried gulab jamun? Or how about making some chicken tikka or baking a delicious chocolate? The air fryer can do it all! It is just like having a mini-oven that can multi-task like no other! So, when you are in the mood for something sweet or savoury, the air fryer has got your taste buds (read: back).
4. Makes Less Mess
Let’s admit it, one of the most important practices to extend the shelf life of your kitchen tools is to clean and store kitchen appliances properly. More often than not, our kitchen has splattered oil stains, greasy pans, or even the residual smells of food. When you cook with an air fryer, you can say goodbye to these problems! Most air fryers available in the market right now come with non-stick baskets that are easy to wash, making post-work clean-up a breeze. So, without the mess of deep-frying, your kitchen is cleaner and organized for your next cooking adventure.
5. Won’t Make You Stare At The Electricity Bill
We all know running a typical oven or microwave consumes a lot of electricity, especially when you are preparing multiple dishes. Air fryers are compact and cook food faster, meaning they use less energy. This won’t just save up your electricity bills but is also kinder to Mother Nature.
6. Will Keep Your Food Hot, Not Kitchen
Cooking and deep frying often lead to a lot of heat inside the kitchen. This gets way worse when you are hosting a party or cooking for festivals. Unlike traditional ovens and stoves, the air fryer does not heat up your kitchen! Plus, they absorb the cooking smells, meaning your home stays smelling fresh during and after cooking. No leftover oil odours or smokey aftermath from frying. You can keep the kitchen fresh and cool at all times!
Also Read: This Viral Air Fryer Egg Frittata Is An Ideal 15-Minute Breakfast
China Coast Guard (CCG) on Thursday urged the Philippines to immediately withdraw its coast guard ship, which is illegally staying in Xianbin Jiao of China’s Nansha Qundao, and stop any actions that try to replenish the vessel.
CCG spokesperson Gan Yu said the Chinese side followed and monitored a Philippine H-145 helicopter airdropping supplies to the Philippine Coast Guard ship 9701 on Wednesday, the latest in a string of attempts by Manila to try to infringe on Chinese territory in the name of humanitarianism.
“The Philippines’ risky actions could very easily lead to accidents at sea and in the air,” Gan said, noting that the Philippine side is gambling on the health and safety of the crew when its ship is functioning and capable of independently leaving and returning to a Philippine port at any time.
“We warn the Philippine side to immediately stop its risky actions and hype-up, immediately withdraw the ship by itself and refrain from misjudging the situation or escalating the situation; otherwise, all consequences arising therefrom will be fully borne by the Philippine side,” Gan said.
China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao, including Xianbin Jiao, and their adjacent waters, Gan reiterated, adding that the CCG is on full alert and fully prepared to firmly safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
According to CCG, the Philippine Coast Guard vessel, coded 9701, entered the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao without permission and has been there since April.
Alexis Brugger and Timothy Wang first met after Mr. Wang’s profile caught the eye of Ms. Brugger’s college friend, who felt the two would be a good match.
Submission of a New Drug Application for mirdametinib included data from the Phase IIb ReNeu trial, which evaluated patients with NF1-associated plexiform neurofibromas causing significant morbidity.
We give WaggleCam Pro a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Features: 5/5
Ease of Use: 4.7/5
Value: 4.8/5
With so many pet camera options available these days, you may be wondering what the best one is to keep tabs on your tabby while you’re away. Since most pet feeder cams are marketed for dog owners, it can be tough to know which will work just as well for cats.
Recently, I had a chance to try Waggle’s new WaggleCam Pro to keep an eye on my cat, Makoa, while I was on vacation. This camera has loads of features to keep all pet owners happy, including treat tossing abilities, multiple subscription options, and motion detection. But it also has a few extra features that are highly useful for cat owners, including a 360-degree camera view and powerful suction cups to keep it in place.
This pet cam proved mighty useful for me and Makoa. Keep reading to find out what it might offer you and your cat and to see my full WaggleCam Pro review.
About Waggle
Waggle first entered the pet scene with their revolutionary RV and vehicle temperature monitor. This innovative product has helped pet owners around the world keep their pets safe by sending real-time temperature alerts straight to their phones. Today, Waggle has a number of pet product offerings, including smart feeders and cameras.
The WaggleCam Pro is an updated version of the company’s original WaggleCam 2.0. The newer camera features a sleeker, more compact design and a number of new features cat owners, especially, will find useful.
Where is the WaggleCam Pro Made?
Waggle is a global IoT solutions company with offices in multiple countries, including India and the US. Most of their products are made in China.
Which Type of Cat Is the WaggleCam Pro Best Suited For?
This pet camera is a great choice for owners looking to keep a closer eye on their kitty while they’re away. Whether you’re on vacation or just at work, this camera will help give you peace of mind that your cat is happy and safe while you’re away.
Since it has a treat-throwing option, it is an especially good choice for cats who will come running when they smell food. The strong suction cups help keep this camera in place so inquisitive cats don’t knock it down. And its 360-degree rotating camera makes it easy to keep tabs on your cat no matter where they are in the room.
The subscription option includes extras like AI human detection and noise alerts, great features if you’re worried about home safety while you’re away.
WaggleCam Pro Overview
Here is an overview of the WaggleCam Pro, including camera features, setup information, subscription options, and product specifications.
Camera Features
This camera comes with all the great features you would expect from a modern pet cam.
The camera provides a clear picture so you can spot your cat easily, even if they’re curled up asleep on the couch. The night vision technology keeps this clear video going even in the dark.
The WaggleCam Pro has a moderately sized treat reservoir and a capable treat tosser that can send those treats flying to give your kitty something to do while you’re away. The inset top can’t be pried off by curious kitties and features two plastic tabs for a secure fit.
The camera base has three strong suction cups that keep the cam in place on any smooth surface. At the same time, this camera is easy to reposition as needed, so you can find the best spot in your house to keep an eye on your cat.
The base also features a full 360-degree swivel, allowing you to manually move the camera to check the entire room. In auto-mode, the camera will automatically follow your cat as they move around, ensuring you never miss a thing.
Setup
Setting up this camera is super simple. Start by downloading the app on your iPhone or Android.
Once the app is downloaded and you’ve created an account, you can easily add the camera and any other Waggle tech you have by scanning the QR code on the product. The wifi connection process is super simple and I was able to have my camera up and working within five minutes of plugging it in.
The app is intuitive to navigate and, for the most part, works well. However, I found it does take some time to open and more than once caused my phone to freeze up.
Subscription Options
There are two subscription options you can choose for this camera.
The first is the free version, which allows you to access the live camera whenever you want. You can also activate live tracking to make the camera automatically rotate to follow your pet and access playbacks for the past 24 hours.
Both options also include a two-way microphone, manual treat tossing, and scheduled treat tossing.
The paid subscription costs $9.99 per month or about $60 if you pay for the year upfront.
This option includes many extra features you don’t get with the free version, including:
Real-time alerts and notifications
Noise detection
Motion detection
Human detection
Pet detection
Barking (and yowling) alerts
Specifications
Height:
9.5 inches
Width:
5 inches
Weight:
2.06 pounds
Treat capacity:
¾ cup
Treat size requirements:
Diameter of 0.28 inches to 0.6 inches
Launch distance:
About 4.5 feet
Color:
White and black
In Summary
Pros
Easy to set up
Clear video day and night
360-degree view
Auto-track movement
Multiple additional features with subscription
Cons
App can be slow to load
Treat capacity isn’t huge
Works only with larger cat food
Key Features
360-Degree View
The WaggleCam Pro features a highly useful 360-degree rotating base to allow you to see the entire room. This is a wonderful feature for cat owners to ensure they can track their kitties movements, whether that kitty is cat napping on the counter or running zoomies around the couch. And with the auto-track mode enabled, the camera follows your cat for you so you never miss a moment.
Cat Proof
Keeping a treat camera out of a dog’s reach is as easy as putting it on a counter, but it’s a bit trickier with cats. Luckily, the WaggleCam Pro comes with multiple features to ensure this treat cam is cat-proof.
It starts with the strong suction cups on the base that keep the camera firmly attached to any smooth surface to prevent it from getting tipped over. The intelligently designed lid, which sits below the lip of the body and clicks into place, prevents even curious kitties from getting into the treat reservoir.
Optional Subscription Features
Whether you want a simple camera that allows you to check in with your cat as needed or a full-scale pet nanny that will report activities straight to your phone, Waggle has you covered. Their free version allows full access to the camera anytime, while the paid subscription comes with loads of extras such as push notification alerts anytime there is movement, noise, or a human is detected.
Is the WaggleCam Pro a Good Value?
Pet cameras are available in a variety of price ranges, starting at around $40 and topping out around $250. Most treat tossing cameras are in the higher price range.
The WaggleCam Pro is currently listed for about $130. The subscription costs $60 a year, which is about on par with other leading pet cameras.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phones is the Waggle app compatible with?
The Waggle app works with both Android and iOS systems.
Does the WaggleCam Pro require a wifi connection?
Yes, this camera does require wifi and is compatible with both 2.4 and 5Ghz connections.
Can I put cat food in my WaggleCam?
Larger dried cat food will work with this camera. But small kibbles under ¼ inch wide or food that crumbles easily should not be used.
Our Experience With the WaggleCam Pro
My pets are lucky that I get to spend most days working at home. But this summer also saw me and my husband leaving the house quite a bit for vacations. We wanted a way to keep an eye on our cat and two dogs while we were away and decided to give the WaggleCam Pro a try.
It was important for us to find a cam that would work well for a cat since Makoa is definitely the pet in our house that needs to be watched most closely. The fact that the WaggleCam Pro has strong suction cups to keep it stable, but can also be easily moved around as needed, was a big selling point for us. As was the 360-degree swivel camera.
It took no time at all to get this camera set up. It connected to our wifi very quickly without any issues, which isn’t always the case with these high-tech pet products. I opted to try the subscription option since we had a vacation coming up.
We tested it for a few days before leaving for our trip. Checking the camera quickly became a daily routine for our family while we were gone.
One major advantage of this camera over other pet cams is the 360-degree rotation. This became a must for Makoa since he spent most of the time sitting right next to the camera on the window sill. The manual rotation option let us check in on him, our dogs sleeping on the couch, and even our parrot in her cage next to the camera.
The treat toss function was definitely the feature our pets liked the most. I used freeze-dried cat kibble in it since it was large enough to meet the specifications and highly enticing.
The camera lets out a long melodic song before it launches the treats, which gives all the pets plenty of time to get into position.
I found many of the subscription-only options highly useful as well. The human detector made it easy to keep tabs on our pet sitter and ensure they were coming over often enough. And the pet detector always gave us a heads up when the animals were getting restless or required a treat.
It was also nice to be able to go back and review footage from times when we weren’t able to check the camera, such as overnight.
I am a big fan of the design of this camera as well as the many features. The only complaint I have about the physical makeup is the use of a rubber pull tab on the top of the treat compartment.
While this is unlikely to be an issue for most cat owners, those of us with pica cats know that rubber is always a dangerous material. My cat loves to chew on rubber and swallow pieces of it whole. Before I set this camera out, I made sure to cut this tab off.
I also wish the treat reservoir was a little bigger. I was able to get enough treats in it to last our three pets through a long weekend, but any longer than that and the pet sitter would have needed to refill it.
Most of the issues that I found, however, had to do with the app.
This app was easy to set up and very intuitive. But it also takes a while to load each time it opens. It has also, on many occasions, caused my phone to freeze, sometimes for minutes at a time.
After dealing with this multiple times I finally started force quiting the app after each use. This seems to help avoid phone performance issues.
I imagine these issues will be fixed with future software updates, so they definitely aren’t a deal breaker for me.
Overall, I have been very pleased with this pet camera. I plan to switch to the free version during months when we will be home most days. But the subscription option is certainly worth it for those times when we are out of town and our pets are home with the pet sitter.
Conclusion
If you’ve been looking for a pet camera to help keep an eye on your kitty, I highly recommend taking a look at the WaggleCam Pro.
This highly capable camera has a strong suction base and a tight-fitting lid to ensure even curious kitties can’t knock it over or get into the treats. And the 360-degree rotating camera, motion detection, and many smart features make it easier than ever to keep an eye on your cat whether you’re at work or halfway across the world.
NBCC (India) Ltd has sold 100 per cent of the office space inventory at the World Trade Centre (WTC) Nauroji Nagar in New Delhi, valued at ₹13,408.7 crore, and 100 per cent of the retail and commercial space at Downtown Sarojini Nagar, valued at ₹1.390.92 crore.
The highest price fetched during the e-auction for a unit (at the World Trade Centre) was ₹62,261 per sq ft, against the reserve price of ₹37,161 per sq ft.
“World Trade Centre is being redeveloped as a commercial centre having approximately 34 lakh square feet of commercial built-up area which is being constructed in place of 628 numbers of old/dilapidated quarters,” NBCC said in a statement.
In the case of DownTown commercial space, the project includes 329 shops with a built up area of approximately 181,500 sq ft and 300 offices.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
PROSTORI poput malih kutaka u domu mogu biti zbunjujući, a mnogi ne znaju kako ih uopće iskoristiti. Marie Kondo je za Homes&Gardens objasnila kako pravilno iskoristiti i organizirati ove dijelove u domu. Prvo što savjetuje je da pravilno izmjerite veličinu prostora kako biste mogli odabrati odgovarajuće proizvode za pohranu.
Sve izmjerite prije kupnje
Maksimiziranje pohrane u zbunjujućim zonama u domu započinje planiranjem organizacije. Iako se ovaj savjet može primijeniti na gotovo svaki dio doma, jedan je od najtežih za slijediti jer se čini dugotrajnim, ali uštedjet će vam puno vremena i smanjiti nered u budućnosti. Nakon što izmjerite prostor, vrijeme je za kupnju organizatora ili čak ormara za pohranu.
“Danas možete pronaći vrlo uske ladice i police koje se mogu postaviti u najmanje prostore. Sigurna sam da možete pronaći pravi proizvod za gotovo svaki prostor”, rekla je Kondo. Savjetovala je i da stvari slobodno okrenete ako ih ne možete postaviti kako je preporučeno. Primjerice, kutije okrenite na bok, odjeću zarolajte i slažite vertikalno kako biste maksimalno iskoristili prostor.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
Naravno, prije nego što počnete optimizirati prostor za pohranu, važno je riješiti se nereda. Marie Kondo savjetuje da uklonite predmete koji vas ne vesele i koje ne koristite, a nema smisla pohranjivati stvari koje vam uopće ne trebaju. Tako ćete samo napraviti nered.
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Marcus Martin, who was a giant All-City lineman during Crenshaw High’s City Section championship football seasons of 2009 and 2010 before moving on to USC, then the NFL, stood on the sideline Thursday looking straight into the eyes of four Crenshaw lineman as the sun was beginning to go down in Gardena. The scoreboard clock was running nonstop in mercy mode in the fourth quarter with Gardena ahead 52-0.
Martin, serving as a Crenshaw assistant coach for a team playing with 19 players in its first game of the season, was doing some teaching.
“Whatever happens, I’m proud of you,” he told the linemen. “We did the best we can. Don’t hold your head down. Hold it up.”
Yes, there is a way forward for the once powerful Crenshaw Cougars. They have a strong coaching staff, headed by coach Robert Garrett, in his 37th season. But the small roster of players combined with playing the defending Marine League champions was always going to lead to a running clock. That’s how much more skilled the Panthers are.
Gardena (2-0) has one of the best running backs in the City Section in senior Xavier Grant, an Air Force commit who rushed for 117 yards in four carries and scored touchdowns on runs of 53 and 40 yards as the Panthers held a 45-0 halftime lead. At one point in the first half, Gardena scored touchdowns on four consecutive offensive plays.
Quarterback Isaiah Kim completed nine of 11 passes for 210 yards. He had two touchdown passes to D’Maj Longley (12 and 59 yards) and another to Akiah Brown (three yards). Myles Mason broke off touchdown runs of 48 and 11 yards. The whole second half was played with a running clock.
Gardena has a pair of tough, powerful defensive linemen in Shane Mailo and David Frankling. Crenshaw lost the ball twice on fumbles, with Frankling scoring on a 14-yard fumble recovery.
Gardena wide receiver D’Maj Longley runs for a touchdown as Crenshaw cornerback Daniel Daniels reacts during the Cougars’ loss.
(Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times)
Gardena players celebrate their 52-0 victory over Crenshaw on Thursday.
(Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times)
For those who have been following City Section football, it used to be Crenshaw as the power and Gardena finishing with back-to-back 0-10 seasons in 2016 and 2017. Monty Gilbreath, a former Taft receiver, took over as head coach in 2021, and has benefited by having a group of players who’ve played together since their youth days.
Gilbreath is having to balance coaching and going to see his son, Chaz, a standout junior receiver for Mayfair. “They really look out for my son,” he said.
What’s clear is that Crenshaw, which has an enrollment of 549 students, far down from the days over 2,000, is in teaching mode. Under Los Angeles Unified School District rules, teams have to have at least 18 players available to start games. Building up the roster has to be a priority.
Cougars quarterback Sir Rey Tyler-Matthews did his best under constant pressure. In the fourth quarter, he broke off a 32-yard run to the Gardena 12 before the drive stalled.
Crenshaw plays Hamilton next week while Gardena takes on Compton Centennial.
Realme 13 5G series, which includes two models – Realme 13 5G and the Realme 13+ 5G – has been launched in India. These phones will be available for pre-book from August 29.
Realme 13 5G Specifications
1. Performance
Realme 13 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G chipset, which comes with GT Mode giving 60fps consistently according to the company. The Mediatek 6300 chipset has achieved an AnTuTu benchmark score of 4,60,000 says Realme.
2. Cameras
Realme 13 5G comes with a 50MP primary OIS camera carrying a Samsung S5KJNS main sensor, along with 16 MP selfie camera, positioned in the notch of the dislpay. Realme also says it introduces a segment-first 2K video recording.
3. Dust and Water Resistance
The realme 13 5G provides IP64 rating, which according to the company can withstand water splashes from all directions, ensuring functionality even in challenging environments. The Rainwater Smart Touch technology accurately distinguishes between water droplets and finger touches ensuring functionality even in wet conditions, claims Realme.
4. Battery and Charging
Realme 13 5G features a 5000mAh battery and 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging, allowing users to play longer, recharge quicker according to the company.
5. Additional features
Realme 13 5G is equipped with a Stainless Steel Vapor Cooling System featuring a 6050mm² vapor cooling area, the largest in its segment, according to the company. The smartphone has a body of 7.69mm thickness. Realme 13 5G comes with AI features like Air Gestures, AI Smart Loop and AI Smart Hotspots, according to the company
6. Colour Options
Realme 13 5G comes in two colours: Speed Green and Dark Purple.
7. Display
Realme 13 5G comes with a 6.72-inch LCD display, offering a 120Hz refresh rate, according to the company.
Realme 13 5G comes in three variants (8GB+ 128GB) at Rs 17,999 (8GB+ 256GB) at Rs 19,999
Realme 13+ 5G Specifications
1. Performance Realme 13+ 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G chipset, with up to 26GB Dynamic RAM. Realme says the phone comes with GT Mode giving 90 FPS consistently, it also claims that the Dimensity 7300 chipset has achieved an AnTuTu benchmark score of over 7,50,000.
2. Cameras Realme 13+ 5G comes with a similar 50MP OIS camera but is carrying a Sony LYT-600 sensor, along with a 16MP selfie camera, positioned in the punch hole display of the smartphone.
3. Battery and Charging Realme 13+ 5G comes with a 5000mAh battery and 80W Ultra Charge feature, making it the fastest charging phone in its segment, according to the company.
4. Display Realme 13+5G comes with a 120Hz 6.67-inch OLED display, along with strereo speakers. The smartphone also comes with 1200Hz touch sampling rate according to the company.
5. Color Options Realme 13+ 5G comes in three colours: Victory Gold, Speed Green and Dark Purple.
6. Additional features
Realme 13+ 5G is equipped with a Stainless Steel Vapor Cooling System featuring the largest cooling area in its class at 2249mm² according to the company. The smartphone has an body of 7.79mm thickness along with 185g of weight. Realme 13+5G comes with AI features like AI Clear Voice, AI Smart Loop, claims Realme.
7. Dust and Water Resistance
Realme 13+ 5G provides IP65 dust and water resistance, according to the company.
Realme 13+ 5G comes in three variants (8GB+ 128GB) at Rs 22,999 (8GB+ 256GB) at Rs 24.999 (12GB+ 256GB) at Rs 26,999
Realme Buds T01 Specifications
Chinese Smartphone maker Realme has launched the Realme Buds T01 which comes with a 13mm Dynamic Bass Driver, according to the company. These earbuds offer rich bass and clear highs for an immersive listening experience, says Realme. The earbuds offer 28 hours of total playback time with AI ENC Noise Cancellation that effectively reduces background noise, according to the company. Realme also says that these earbuds offer Smart Touch controls for easy operation, while IPX4 Water Resistance provides protection against splashes and sweat.
Realme Buds T01 are available in two colours: Black and White, the earbuds are priced at Rs 1,299.
There has been a significant surge in demand for the “Visa at Your Doorstep” service amid a growing number of UK visitors choosing India as a travel destination, visa facilitation service VFS Global said on Tuesday.
The Visa at Your Doorstep (VAYD) service has recently experienced a significant surge in demand. (Pinterest)
Surge in Britain tourists arriving in India
According to the latest Ministry of Tourism statistics, Britain featured among the top three source countries for foreign tourist arrivals making up a 9.82 per cent share between January and June this year. It comes as overall foreign tourist arrivals to India increased by around 64 per cent compared to previous years.
“The Visa at Your Doorstep (VAYD) service has recently experienced a significant surge in demand,” said Anirudh Singh, COO of Europe and CIS region at VFS Global – the technology services provider for governments and diplomatic missions, including the Indian mission in the UK. (Also read | Top places to experience Hong Kong’s nightlife)
“The demand for convenient and personalised services is rising, and our VAYD service is perfectly positioned to meet this growing need. Equipped with mobile kits for biometric capture, our staff visit the preferred location of applicants, whether at their workplace, their hotel or their home. This seamless and convenient approach significantly enhances the travel experience, allowing travellers to focus on their plans rather than administrative paperwork,” he said.
Recently, when UK-based television production company South Shore Productions were planning their visit to India for a documentary on England cricket legend Freddie Flintoff, they opted for the VAYD service.
“The Visa at Your Doorstep service was used for a group of 14 of our staff ahead of a trip to India. VFS Global staff came to our office to process these rather than our team having to go to the visa office in person, which was helpful. The passports were returned with the visas in good time,” said a company spokesperson.
The service is designed to allow applicants to complete the Indian visa application process where they are, instead of having to visit a VFS Global visa centre located in different UK cities including London. It is intended as a time-saving solution for businesses and production houses that must apply for visas for several people simultaneously.
VFS Global said it also operates a form-filling optional service to ensure that forms are not rejected because key details have been missed to make the process of travel from the UK to India as smooth as possible.
Back in 1951, John Wayne starred in the World War II action movie Flying Leathernecks, which celebrates its 73rd anniversary this week.
Bankrolled by billionaire pilot Howard Hughes, the eccentric businessman decided to film the picture in Technicolor, using the colour wartime combat footage.
The film follows the adventures of the US Marine Corps aviators who had long had the nickname leathernecks, as the marines would originally wear leather stock around their necks.
Allegedly director Nicholas Ray chose Robert Ryan to star opposite Duke as he’d been a boxer in college and was the only actor the filmmaker could think of who could “kick Wayne’s ass”.
As a conservative Republican Wayne had hugely different political views to Ryan who, although he served in the military, was a pacifist. He’d also been a member of the short-lived Committee for the First Amendment during the Communist witch hunts of the House Committee on Un-American activities over the previous years.
Although the pair managed to put aside their differences during the Flying Leathernecks shoot, Ryan was appalled by Duke’s support for the Hollywood blacklisting. He was also gobsmacked at Wayne being in favour of the extension of the Korean War by launching nuclear strikes on Chinese cities and using the US military to force the Soviets out of Eastern Europe.
Meanwhile, there was almost a disastrous set of deaths on set that were narrowly avoided.
During filming on Flying Leathernecks, Air Boss Paul Mantz and his photo crew were shooting a low-altitude attack when they suffered a premature dynamite detonation. Their B-25 camera platform was badly damaged, but Mantz managed an emergency landing successfully. Talk about a close shave.
One of Australian racing legend Peter Brock’s most iconic Holden Commodores is heading to auction three decades after it was made famous.
Listed by auction house Lloyds, this Holden VN Commodore Group A (chassis PE013) was built by Perkins Engineering in 1991 for Brock’s campaign in that year’s Australian Touring Car Championship (ATCC) – the forebear to V8 Supercars, now the Supercars Championship.
Mr Brock missed out on a podium in all nine races of the season, though he wound up sixth in points before later taking the car to the Sandown 500 and Bathurst 1000, where he was joined by Andrew Miedecke as his co-driver.
The return to Bathurst was Mr Brock’s first in a Holden since 1987, where he had won his ninth and final Great Race amid a split from the brand which he’d long been associated with.
In the Top 10 Shootout, Mr Brock qualified sixth with one of the wildest runs ever seen around Mount Panorama, constantly sliding the Commodore to cheers from the crowd.
Despite aiming for a 10th Bathurst title, his qualifying pace was almost 3.5 seconds behind the pole-sitting and eventually race-winning Nissan Skyline GT-R, and the Commodore’s lack of straight-line speed was evident compared to the Ford Sierra RS500.
While Mr Brock and Perkins split at the end of 1991, the VN was taken by the former to his new team Advantage Racing for 1992, finishing 11th in the title standings after missing two rounds late in the season.
Mr Brock and Advantage Racing held onto PE013 for the 1992 Sandown 500 – with Troy Dunstan as co-driver and a 10th place finish – before it was moved out of Mr Brock’s hands for the Bathurst 1000, with Mr Dunstan and Mr Miedecke teaming up.
With the V8-only regulations coming into effect for 1993, the chassis was converted to VP Commodore bodywork ahead of the late-1992 New Zealand endurance races in Pukekohe and Wellington.
In 1993, Mr Brock used the car for a handful of races before it was parked up and later run at Bathurst under different colours, with a new pair of drivers and with a Chevrolet V8 engine under its bonnet, rather than the 304 cubic-inch Holden ‘Iron Lion’.
As Mr Brock moved to the Holden Racing Team in 1994, Advantage Racing closed and sold PE013 back to Perkins Engineering where it was rebuilt and subsequently sold again to privateer Phil Ward.
Mr Ward retained the Commodore throughout 1994 and 1995 (at which point it became a VR), eventually selling it to Rod Salmon in 1999, who failed to finish that year’s Bathurst 1000 due to a gearbox failure.
The Commodore has since been returned to its original 1991 bodywork and livery, which also includes a period-correct TV camera in the position of Channel 7’s ‘RaceCam’.
Bidding is due to close at 2pm AEST on Saturday, August 31.
Live stock market updates showing stock charts, Sensex, NSE, and Nifty 50 indices.
Sensex Today: Indian benchmark indices BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 were off to a strong start on Friday
Sensex Today: Indian benchmark indices BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 were off to a strong start on Friday, following strong Q2 GDP numbers in the US overnight.
Global Cues
That apart, in the US, the Dow reached a fresh record high close, and the S&P 500 finished just below its July record close, while the Nasdaq dropped. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.59 per cent to 41,335.05, the S&P 500 was flat at 5,591.96 and the Nasdaq Composite lost 0.23 per cent to close at 17,516.43.
European stocks rose 0.76 per cent after hitting a record high powered by technology shares. MSCI’s gauge of stocks across the globe rose 0.04 per cent to 827.62.
Elsewhere, Asia-Pacific markets climbed on Friday after economic data from the US calmed recessionary fears, while investors also assessed a slew of data from Japan.
Inflation rate in Japan’s capital city of Tokyo rose to 2.6 per cent from June’s 2.2 per cent, hitting its highest since March.
The core inflation rate—which strips out prices of fresh food—rose 2.4 per cent, higher than the 2.2 per cent expected from a Reuters poll of economists.
Meanwhile, Japan’s Nikkei 225 was up marginally, and the Topix was 0.23 per cent higher after the data release in the country.
South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.55 per cent in early trade, while the small-cap Kosdaq was 0.74 per cent higher. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.46 per cent, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index futures were at 17,741, lower than the HSI’s last close of 17,786.32.
Aparna Deb
Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious abo…Read More
Email presents a marketing benefit unavailable on any social media channel: Your brand can show up directly in your audience’s inboxes whenever you want.
But to gain email’s true advantage, you don’t just hit the send button. You must do the things that attract audiences to open, read, click, and act.
To help, the experts presenting at Content Marketing World share 19 do’s and don’ts to improve your email marketing:
1. Do see its true value
It’s tempting to see email as a traffic-driving channel intended to send folks to our site, social, or elsewhere to get value. I highly recommend inserting more into the email for actual value so that there’s self-contained value in any email they open, which creates an added incentive to open it. — Melanie Deziel, co-founder, CreatorKitchen.com
2. Do the upfront work first (and don’t presume)
Front-load the value, remembering (with few exceptions) that what you are presenting, offering, hosting, or writing about is not what’s valuable to the owner of that inbox. Nobody cares that XYZ company has an upcoming webinar. Be creative. Be clever. Be intriguing. Test and tune for your audience.
Don’t presume to know about my interest in your brand, products, services, or even your content. By now, we should all know that content “consumption” does not equal a lead. Just because I clicked, registered, or downloaded something doesn’t mean I’m engaging with you. A subject line that suggests otherwise is not likely to get your email opened or read unless it’s to find the unsubscribe link. — Carmen Hill, principal strategist and writer, Chill Content LLC
3. Do familiarize yourself with the recipients
If you have their email already, wouldn’t you know them? Know your audience very, very, very well and personalize that content for them. For example, I hate to admit I have a hard time following sports. As much as I love to pretend that I am into them, my impatience exceeds my desire to watch hours of play to see the end result. There is a lot to unpack there on my personality and how I might or might not absorb content. You should already know that about me before you send me that email. — Michael Bonfils global managing director, Digital International Group
4. Do what you’ve been told
This one is simple. You’ve heard this before. Provide VALUE to a niche audience. Your emails should provide real value in the form of useful information, solutions to their problems, or exclusive deals. — Dale Bertrand, president, Fire&Spark
5. Do your thing
I hate to be the “depends” person, but what works for your brand in email marketing 100% depends on your unique audience and brand voice. While some people like a mysterious subject line or one that makes them feel like they’re doing something wrong, others are offended and delete or report them as spam.
People are increasingly protective of their time, and your subject line must pique their interest and deliver on the promise of what the subject line says you will deliver. — Erika Heald, founder and chief content officer, Erika Heald Marketing Consulting
6. Do test and see
Test, test, test. Test out different subject lines that are compelling to your users. Also, create emails and content that add value to your users; otherwise, they will not click on it, and it will get lost in the noise. — Zack Kadish, senior SEO strategy director, Conductor
7. Do it for ‘this’
Testing. What works for some in some industries will not work for others. You have to find the right length, frequency, content mix, and calls to action that work for this product in this market for this segment of your audience. — Jim Sterne, president, Target Marketing of Santa Barbara
8. Do add motion
If you really want people to start opening your emails, make sure to include a video. I know — I am a video producer, so it’s easy for me to say. In this case, there’s all sorts of data that shows adding video increases both open and click-through rates. Simply adding the word “video” to your subject can help increase your open rate. — Tony Gnau, chief storytelling officer, T60 Productions and T60 Health
9. Do ‘friendly’
Interject a sense of urgency, time constraints, etc. From a consumer psychological perspective, people react more to the fear of losing than the joy of gaining.
Updating the from field address to a person’s name gives a higher chance of clicking. “Sue from XYZ brand” will do better than just the brand name unless the brand relationship is strong (but most don’t have that type of power).
Use emojis. It won’t get your email sent to the spam box. Stand out by playing with text. Be less formal and ask a simple question or make a quick statement. Many still try to stuff so much in the headline, but it won’t help increase open rates. — Troy Sandidge, founder, Strategy Hackers
10. Do forgo the sales focus
Build trust by making your emails interesting and useful. Most email marketing aims to get a sale or move the reader along the sales funnel. That rarely works. In fact, nurture can often be a “four-letter word.” Instead, take a content marketing approach with your emails. Be useful, earn trust, and business benefits will surface over the long term. — Dennis Shiao, founder, Attention Retention LLC
11. Don’t get lulled into a false sense of security
Avoid generic, clickbait subject lines that can lead to high open rates but low engagement. Seeing a high open rate can feel like a win, but when your audience isn’t engaging or clicking through to respond, or reaching out beyond the initial open, have you really won?
Instead, aim for clarity and relevance. Craft subject lines that accurately reflect the content of your emails, enticing recipients with genuine value and setting clear expectations. This approach enhances engagement and builds trust and long-term relationships with your subscribers. — Ashley Baker, founder and chief marketing officer, Coastline Marketing LLC
12. Don’t tempt unsubscribes
Take care not to overdo it. One of the biggest mistakes I think companies make with email is sending it TOO often. There’s nothing more annoying than receiving an email from a brand every day, for example. That will make me (and probably many other folks) unsubscribe immediately. — Michelle Garrett, consultant and writer, Garrett Public Relations
13. Don’t forget what’s most important
Getting emails open and read is not easy. Sender reputation is key. The from line is often more important than the subject line, and a powerful preheader that amplifies or completes the subject line message is essential.
Now, let’s talk about subject lines. I’ve had really good results with these three approaches:
Take a serious, authoritative tone: Write a short, instructive line that does not appear promotional — one that seems important and unignorable.
Use eye-magnet words: They are scientifically proven to attract the human eye like a magnet. Words like “new,” “now,” “introducing,” “announcing,” “finally,” and “soon” can all be good performers. The word “free,” despite some people still fearing it triggers spam filters, is a top-performing subject line word. So, too, is “you” because everyone is more interested in themselves than anything else.
Flag urgency: People hate to miss out. They also wait until deadlines are really close. Use words and phrases such as “last chance,” “this week,” “tomorrow,” “don’t miss,” and “deadline approaching.” — Nancy Harhut, chief creative officer, HBT Marketing
14. Don’t worry about the inbox crowd
Competition will play a minimal role if you have a strong follower base and a good approach to your emails, combined with relevant content. You must continue investing in building your own audience. You can only do this by creating unique content. — Pauline Lannoo, head of digital strategy, The Fat Lady
15. Don’t send, send, send
Email less frequently. Reducing your frequency while maintaining high quality may get you more opens and click-throughs. — Bernie Borges, vice president, global content marketing, iQor
16. Don’t dominate the inbox
Make sure you’re not emailing too much! One of the biggest pitfalls is oversharing. Save that for Threads. — Beth Elderkin, content marketing manager, Informa Connect
17. Don’t do long-form
Once again, headlines (or subject lines) matter, as does the content in the email. It should be simple (use bullets or short sentences with clear CTAs) and informational. — Jenn VandeZande, editor-in-chief, SAP CX + Industries
18. Don’t rely on subject lines alone
Consistently create authentic and valuable content that helps your audience. The best subject line or most interesting story might get a recipient to open or read the email. But if you don’t provide them with something that will help them do their job better or make their lives easier, they won’t keep opening your emails, no matter how clever your subject lines are. — Brian Piper, director of content strategy and assessment, University of Rochester
19. Don’t spend time on email
Unpopular opinion: We care too much about email when only a third of your target audience actually opens them. Now, you can try to craft compelling copy, but that doesn’t change the fact that our inboxes are cluttered. Instead of spending hours writing copy and building your email programs, invest the time to better understand your customers. Understand the touch points in the sales cycle to inform your engagement and content strategy. — Royna Sharifi, senior marketing campaign manager, Amazon Web Services
Don’t forget to tie it all together
After taking in all that do-and-don’t advice, don’t forget this: Connect the dots to create a successful email marketing program that works in tandem with your brand’s overall content and marketing strategy. Then, you’ll have a wide-open case to continue your email investment.
Register to attend Content Marketing World in San Diego. Use the code BLOG100 to save $100. Can’t attend in person this year? Check out the Digital Pass for access to on-demand session recordings from the live event through the end of the year.
MORE ADVICE FROM CMWORLD SPEAKERS:
Cover image by Joseph Kalinowski/Content Marketing Institute
A few top IT leaders are teaming up to set up an ISB-like institute for entrepreneurship and deep technology skills in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, bordering Tamil Nadu, with the aim of providing a holistic approach to building startups.
“Those with good startup ideas are not able to find the right people with different skills. Though they have good product ideas, they face issues executing the projects. They are not well equipped with the required project management skills,” J A Chowdhary, Chairman of the International Startup Festival (ISF), said.
The institute will have different schools, focussing on verticals such as fintech, agriculture, and manufacturing. A non-governmental organisation (NGO) would be set up to roll out the project.
“They would require domain knowledge along with IT skills to solve the problems in that domain. Industry leaders would give them use cases and mentor them in their journey to solve the problems,” he said.
Chowdhary was a serial entrepreneur and former Director of STPI Hyderabad who laid the foundation for the IT industry here.
He told businessline that a team of like-minded IT leaders would visit Sri City on September 27-28 to explore a location to set up the institute.
Why Sri City
He said Sri City houses about 250 manufacturing companies, including from countries like Japan and Taiwan, in different industry domains.
Looking for the most recent Connections answer? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.
Need the answers for the New York Times Connections puzzle? To me, Wordle is more of a vocabulary test, but Connections is more of a brainteaser. You’re given 16 words and asked to put them into four groups that are somehow connected. Sometimes they’re obvious, but game editor Wyna Liu knows how to trick you by using words that can fit into more than one group. Read on for today’s Connections hints and answers.
If you’re looking for today’s Wordle and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: NYT Connections Could Be the New Wordle: Our Hints and Tips
How to play Connections
Playing is easy. Winning is hard. Look at the 16 words and mentally assign them to related groups of four. Click on the four words you think go together. The groups are coded by color, though you don’t know what goes where until you see the answers. The yellow group is the easiest, then green, then blue, and purple is the toughest. Look at the words carefully and think about related terms. Sometimes the connection has to do with just a part of the word. Once, four words were grouped because each started with the name of a rock band, including “Rushmore” and “Journeyman.”
Hints for today’s Connections groups
Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections puzzle, ranked from the easiest, yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.
Yellow group hint: Shiny!
Green group hint: What medalists do.
Blue group hint: Famous places.
Purple group hint: Brrr!
Answers for today’s Connections groups
Yellow group: Sparkling things.
Green group: Participate in summer Olympic events.
Blue group: Wonders of the world.
Purple group: Ice ____.
Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words
What are today’s Connections answers?
NYT Connections completed puzzle for Aug. 30, 2024.
Screenshot by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper/CNET
The yellow words in today’s Connections
The theme is sparkling things. The four answers are diamond, glitter, gold and sequin.
The green words in today’s Connections
The theme is participate in summer Olympic events. The four answers are box, dive, fence and row.
The blue words in today’s Connections
The theme is wonders of the world. The four answers are gardens, lighthouse, pyramid and temple.
The purple words in today’s Connections
The theme is ice ____. The four answers are cream, cube, machine and storm.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and former chief medical advisor to the president, was diagnosed with West Nile virus earlier this month, according to a spokesperson for Fauci.
Fauci, 83 — who was the face of the U.S. response to the COVID pandemic in 2020 — is now recovering at home after being hospitalized for six days.
He is expected to make a full recovery, the spokesperson told Fox News.
WEST NILE DEATH REPORTED IN TEXAS AS HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN RESIDENTS TO SAFEGUARD AGAINST MOSQUITOES
What to know about West Nile virus
As of Aug. 20, there were 216 West Nile virus cases in the U.S. across 33 states, per the CDC.
Among those, 142 cases were neuroinvasive (severe).
Since the West Nile virus first entered the U.S. in 1999, it has become the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dr. Anthony Fauci, formerly the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the chief medical advisor to the president, was diagnosed with West Nile virus earlier this month, according to a spokesperson for Fauci.(Getty Images)
In most cases, the West Nile virus — a flavivirus in the same family as yellow fever, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis and the Zika virus — is spread when Culex mosquitoes bite infected birds and then bite people and other animals, per the CDC’s website.
The virus is not transmitted through eating or handling infected animals or birds — nor is it spread through physical contact, coughing or sneezing.
IN A POTENTIAL OUTBREAK, IS BIRD FLU TESTING AVAILABLE FOR HUMANS? WHAT TO KNOW
A vast majority — around 80% — of the people who contract the virus will not experience any symptoms, the CDC states on its website.
In most cases, the West Nile virus — a flavivirus in the same family as yellow fever, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis and the Zika virus — is spread when Culex mosquitoes bite infected birds and then bite people and other animals, per the CDC’s website.(Drew Angerer/Getty Images, main, E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images, top right, NIH-NIAID/IMAGE POINT FR/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images, bottom right.)
“It causes a rash and other symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes, which other viruses in its class do not exhibit,” Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, previously told Fox News Digital.
“It only affects the nervous system 1% of the time and is rarely fatal.”
IN COLORADO, PLAGUE CASE CONFIRMED IN HUMAN, HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY: ‘MUST BE TREATED PROMPTLY’
Around one in five people will develop febrile illness, which is marked by a fever along with body aches, headache, joint pain, diarrhea, rash and/or vomiting.
These symptoms usually go away on their own, but some people may have lingering weakness and fatigue months after infection.
West Nile affects the nervous system 1% of the time and is rarely fatal.
In rare cases — about one in every 150 infected people — the virus can lead to serious conditions affecting the nervous system, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord), the CDC states on its website.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Those who develop serious illness may experience headache, stiff neck, high fever, disorientation, vision loss, muscle weakness, convulsions, tremors, coma or paralysis, which occur when there is viral infection of the central nervous system.
Among people who have this invasive form of the illness, around 10% will die.
It affects the nervous system 1% of the time and is rarely fatal, statistics show.
Around one in five people will develop febrile illness, which is marked by a fever along with body aches, headache, joint pain, diarrhea, rash and/or vomiting.(iStock)
While anyone can potentially develop severe illness, the highest-risk groups include those over 60 years of age, people who have had organ transplants and those with diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, kidney disease, immune disorders and other certain medical conditions.
“The virus’ effects can be quite serious in the elderly,” Siegel noted.
Diagnosis and treatment
Those who think they might have been infected with WNV should be assessed by a health care provider, the CDC states.
Diagnosis of the infection can be made based on evaluation of symptoms, recent exposure to mosquitoes and testing of blood or spinal fluid.
OUTBREAK OF KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE BACTERIA INFECTS 31 PATIENTS AT SEATTLE HOSPITAL
Health care providers will typically recommend treating symptoms with over-the-counter pain medications and getting plenty of rest and fluids.
Those who experience severe illness may need to be hospitalized for supportive care.
Preventing the virus
There is currently no vaccine for West Nile virus.
“The virus can be contained through public health measures including more insect repellent with DEET, longer sleeves and less stagnant water in our backyards,” Siegel said.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Trying to kill adult mosquitoes by spreading too much insecticide can be problematic, the doctor warned.
“Animals, people with asthma and insects that would otherwise kill the mosquitoes are affected.”
When spending time outdoors, it is recommended that people apply insect repellent containing DEET or other EPA-approved ingredients.(iStock)
The most effective means of prevention is to protect against mosquito bites, the CDC confirmed.
The agency’s recommendations include using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and taking steps to control exposure to mosquitoes — particularly at dawn and dusk.
Kebabs and rolls seem to be staple orders for many foodies on delivery apps. Their convenience, versatility, scope of customisation and standard level of deliciousness are among the reasons for their popularity. When we heard that Lucknowee (one of Impresario’s cloud kitchen brands) revamped its menu to introduce more such treats, we were curious to know how they turned out. We recently had the chance to taste some of its signature offerings in Mumbai. Read our full review below:
Among the vegetarian appetisers, we relished the Achari Paneer Tikka. It arrived as a generous portion of succulent yellow triangles. The tanginess of the Achari flavour was well-balanced, allowing the paneer to shine too. Among the non-vegetarian starters, we had to begin with a classic mutton kebab: Galauti Kebab with Ulta Tawa Paratha. The first two bites won us over. Lucknowee nailed the spices’ complex aromas and the meat’s required melt-in-the-mouth tenderness. Paired with the nawabi paratha, it makes for a regal treat.
We tried Lucknowee’s signature rolls next, which also feature this type of paratha. We especially loved the peppery and minty Chakori Murg Tikka Roll. The Butter Chicken Tikka Roll captured the flavours of the beloved dish without overwhelming you with gravy. In both cases, we appreciated the smokiness of the tikka and the softness of the meat (indicating a good marination). For vegetarians, we recommend the Hara Bhara Kebab Roll which felt indulgent and wholesome to us at the same time. The rolls come with a hari (green chutney) and a unique yellow (peeli) chilli chutney.
We were impressed by the size and composition of all the rolls. The use of ulta tawa paratha – instead of the regular roti/ naan/ laccha paratha options – made them stand out for a few reasons. Firstly, it complemented the rich aromas of the stuffing. Secondly, the texture of the paratha was softly flaky yet solid and did not turn chewy even after some time had passed. Considering these delights are only available via delivery, the latter was especially significant. We can easily see ourselves ordering them in for a filling office lunch or a fuss-free dinner at home.
Lucknowee has a wide range of veg and non-veg mains. We enjoyed the Bhuna Gosht Biryani, which delivered layers of delicious flavour with every bite. It had several of the hallmarks of a crowd favourite biryani, making it a great choice for a party. If you’re craving something sweet, know that dessert is not necessarily an afterthought at this cloud kitchen. Although there are limited choices, the ones we tasted were too scrumptious to skip. We were pleased to find that the Pineapple Halwa surpassed a simple sheera. It had a consistency closer to festive mithai like barfi, thanks to the use of mawa. The Phirni is a reliable option, and there were no complaints from our end. As proven since the beginning of our meal, Lucknowee has a good grasp of the classics.
We noted that the cloud kitchen does not use plastic packaging. Most of our dishes were packed thoughtfully and were not compromised even after a longer commute.
Lucknowee is currently available for home delivery through online platforms DotPe, Zomato and Swiggy across select locations in Mumbai (in and around Lower Parel, Khar, Versova, and Powai), and Bengaluru (in and around Sarjapur, New BEL Road, Hebbal, Koramangala, and Indiranagar) between 11 am to midnight. Our meal was from the kitchen in Khar.
Two cars set on fire outside a synagogue in southern France on Saturday caused an explosion in which a police officer was injured, authorities said.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin called the incident near the Beth Yaacov synagogue in La Motte on the southern French coast “an obviously criminal act.”
In an interview with Pharm Exec Associate Editor Don Tracy, Joseph Mikhael, MD, chief medical officer, IMF, discusses challenges of access and advancement of myeloma therapies.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
H&M-ov komplet navlaka za poplun od muslina izazvao je pravu senzaciju na društvenim mrežama, posebno na TikToku. Nije iznenađujuće što je ovaj jednostavan, ali elegantan komad posteljine osvojio srca mnogih.
Različite boje i dimenzije
Komplet dolazi u raznim bojama i dimenzijama, pa se lako uklapa u različite stilove spavaćih soba. Na dnu se pričvršćuje skrivenim metalnim kopčama, što osigurava da poplun ostane na mjestu cijelu noć.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
Korisnici TikToka ne mogu prestati hvaliti ovu posteljinu. “Kupila sam ju. Tako je udobna i topla, čuvam je za zimu”, “Tako je topla”, “Prekrasna”, “Obožavam posteljinu iz H&M-a”, neki su od komentara na TikToku.
H&M je očito pogodio pravu kombinaciju kvalitete, stila i cijene, stvarajući proizvod koji se odlično uklapa u trendove koje prate mladi na TikToku.
Za one koji traže način da osvježe izgled svoje spavaće sobe, ova H&M-ova posteljina čini se kao odličan izbor.
Znate li nešto više o temi ili želite prijaviti grešku u tekstu?
Rams offensive tackle Warren McClendon Jr. stands on the sideline during training camp in July.
(Ryan Sun / Associated Press)
Starting left tackle Alaric Jackson is suspended for the first two games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Coupled with Garoppolo’s situation, that opens up two roster spots.
“Obviously, you want those guys to be available,” McVay said. “We anticipate those guys being factors for our football team, and they’ll be back in Week 3. But in the meantime, it does give us two extra spots.”
Right tackle Rob Havenstein has been sidelined since early in training camp because of an ankle injury. If Havenstein can play in the opener, veteran Joe Noteboom or McClendon, a second-year pro, will start at left tackle. Regardless, McClendon will start or play a swing tackle role.
That became obvious when McVay kept McClendon sidelined against the Texans.
AJ Arcuri started at left tackle, Conor McDermott at right tackle.
Nokia has partnered with Axiom Space to integrate advanced 4G/LTE communication capabilities into the next-generation spacesuits that will be used for the Artemis III lunar mission. According to Nokia, Integrated network connectivity in the suit will advance space exploration with crew-to-crew communication and ability to capture and transmit real-time HD video with Earth, enabling a deeper understanding of the Moon, the solar system, and beyond.
Nokia plans to deploy the first cellular network on the Moon as part of Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 mission, which is scheduled to be delivered to the launch site in 2024. During that mission, Nokia aims to demonstrate that cellular connectivity can facilitate crucial communications during future lunar or Mars missions. Nokia’s Lunar Surface Communications System (LSCS), pioneered by Nokia Bell Labs’ research and innovation, will be deployed during IM-2 and will be further adapted for use in the AxEMU spacesuit.
The fully autonomous LSCS has two components: a network-in-a-box combines the radio, base station, and core network elements of a terrestrial cellular network into a single unit and device modules that will be integrated into the AxEMU spacesuits. Both the network and device modules have been carefully engineered to withstand the extreme environmental conditions on the lunar surface and the dynamic stress of spaceflight, and have been optimized for size, weight, and power consumption.
Thierry E. Klein, President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia, said: “Just as astronauts will need life support, shelter, and food, they will need advanced networks to communicate with each other and go about their crucial work. Bell Labs has a long history of working on space projects, and Nokia is a leader in designing and building networks that connect the world. We are taking advantage of the same standards-based technologies that connect billions of devices on Earth every day while bringing new innovation and technologies to bear on the specific challenges encountered in space.”
Russell Ralston, Axiom Space executive vice president of extravehicular activity, said: “Axiom Space is excited to work with Nokia to build on the advanced capabilities of our next-generation spacesuit. Adding high-speed 4G/LTE network capability on the Moon will serve as a vital bridge linking astronauts to Earth, facilitating crucial data exchange, and enabling high-definition video communication over long distances.”
Together, Nokia and Axiom Space will incorporate high-speed cellular-network capabilities in the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), supporting HD video, telemetry data, and voice transmission over multiple kilometers on the Moon. This advancement will enable Artemis III crewmembers to capture real-time video and communicate with mission controllers on Earth while they explore the lunar surface.
Axiom Space’s spacesuits will provide astronauts with advanced capabilities for space exploration while providing NASA with commercially developed human systems needed to access, live, and work on and around the Moon.
Indian Gen Z travellers prioritise unique experiences and flexible travel options, using technology for seamless and comfortable vacations.
The newer generation of travellers has revolutionized the scene by embarking on solo adventures and discovering a variety of affordable accommodations. According to Booking.com, 83% of Generation Z has prioritized cultural, immersive, and distinctive experiences while seeking flexible travel options.
Gen Z travellers prioritise unique experiences and flexible travel options, using technology.(Shutterstock – For representational purposes only)
They believe that travel is a way of life and feel their best selves while holidaying in different cities and countries. Here are the latest trends and insights when it comes to Gen Z travellers in modern times.
Technology for a seamless journey
Gen Z travellers prioritise unique experiences and flexible travel options, using technology.(Shutterstock – For representational purposes only)
This generation growing up in a digital-driven time, embraces technology like no other at every step of the trips they take. The development and advancement of artificial intelligence has been especially beneficial to Generation Z, as they utilize it to plan their schedule before traveling and to hunt for digital facilities and services in their accommodations while staying. They also use technology to save vacation memories after their trip. 68% of Indian Gen Z feel highly comfortable utilizing technology to create exceptional travel experiences, and they trust AI to recommend less-explored destinations. They also choose AI-driven applications for itinerary planning for a hassle-free process.
Comfortable family and solo travel adventures
Gen Z travellers prioritise unique experiences and flexible travel options, using technology.(Shutterstock – For representational purposes only)
Indian Gen Z travellers prefer either holidaying on their own or with close family and friends to lesser-explored destinations for a delightful experience. Though this generation has developed a keen interest in travel, they prefer budget-friendly packages and travelling outside the peak season. They are also likely to take shorter domestic trips for good value money as the destination is their priority. Most Indian Gen Z travellers tend to book accommodation before booking travel tickets as they want hotels that provide reliability and comfort.
Gen Z also goes for one-of-a-kind travel experiences that include adventures such as skydiving and hot-air ballooning to make their trips memorable.
The First World War was one of the deadliest conflicts in human history resulting in the deaths of millions.
Hundreds of movies focused on different aspects of World War I have been made over the last century.
And film fan database IMDb has ranked the very best, but Lawrence of Arabia missed out on No 1 to another classic.
Check out the full Top 10 list below, which features two adaptations of the same novel.
10. All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
The third adaptation of the 1929 anti-war novel follows the life of an idealistic young German soldier. Hungry for adventure, he enlists in the German Army at the outbreak of the conflict. However, it’s not long before he faces the true horrors of war and does all he can to survive. The German-language movie was nominated for 14 BAFTAs, winning seven including Best Film and received nine Oscars nods taking home four including Best International Feature.
There are a number of vans on sale in Australia, but chances two names that stand out to the average buyer above the rest.
HiAce
Transit Custom
They’re van heavy-hitters from Toyota and Ford, and they’re the HiAce and Transit Custom. Both have existed for some time and share the vans from 2.5-tonne to 3.5-tonne VFACTS segment, though the HiAce continues to dominate the sales charts.
In 2023 there were 7133 total HiAce vans sold, compared to Ford’s figures of 2843 Transit Custom sales. The Transit Custom wasn’t even the second-highest seller; that honour went to the LDV G10 with 3638.
Still, the Transit Custom just received a major update and is now the result of a partnership between Ford and Volkswagen – the same duo that gave us the Ranger and Amarok cousins. That should be a recipe for a winning van, but there’s still a mountain to climb before it can reach the heights of the HiAce.
HiAce
For a start, the HiAce undercuts the Transit Custom in price. At $48,886 before on-roads, its cheapest version is noticeably cheaper than the base Ford, which is priced at $55,990 before on-roads.
With the Toyota you also get a diesel powertrain which offers higher power and torque figures than the Ford, while maintaining a commendable fuel economy claim.
It also received a minor update this year, which added wireless smartphone mirroring among various other tweaks. The HiAce can cover a wide range of bases as well, as it’s offered as a basic commercial van, Crew Van, and large Commuter bus.
Transit Custom
In the blue corner is the Transit Custom, which while more expensive offers loads of tech in its latest iteration.
Standard features include wireless smartphone mirroring and large high-quality displays, and it has a larger quoted cargo capacity than the HiAce. A wireless phone charger is standard, as is – for the first time in a Ford in Australia – a 5G embedded modem.
The transmission shifter has been moved to the column and there’s now an electric parking brake, allowing the driver to enter easily from either side and go into the back without incident.
Ford also says it has increased space up front by moving the front wheels and strut towers further forward, while the Transit Custom has a shorter front overhang and is lighter than its predecessor. There are of course other versions of Ford’s van, namely the larger Transit.
HiAce
Transit Custom
Going under the microscope here are the cheapest Barn Door HiAce and the cheapest long-wheelbase Ford Transit Custom. While they’re not identical on price, both are a solid representation of what both lineups have to offer.
Both are also fitted with barn doors at the rear, with no side windows included behind the front compartment. They each also offer a range of safety gear and standard equipment, even if the current HiAce is now getting on in years.
A key difference in the standard Transit Custom is its cargo bay protection, which includes a metal bulkhead to isolate the front seats. No such features are offered as standard in the HiAce; you’ll instead have to purchase them as one of the many additional extras available.
Here’s how the two models stack up on the spec sheet.
HiAce
Transit Custom
Interested in a Toyota HiAce or a Ford Transit Custom? CarExpert’s specialists can help you find a deal.
Pricing
The Toyota HiAce LWB Barn Door is the cheapest barn door HiAce you can get, and it received a small price bump in the past year. It’s now priced at $50,886 before on-roads.
HiAce
Transit Custom
The Transit Custom Trend LWB sits second from the bottom of its range and will set you back $56,990 before on-roads. It’s exactly $1000 more expensive than the short-wheelbase Trend, and stepping up to a more expensive version will take you the Sport SWB at just under $60,000.
The latest generation brings a base price increase of $5800 over the outgoing cheapest version, which was first revealed in 2012.
Model
Price before on-roads
2024 Toyota HiAce LWB Barn Door
$50,886
2024 Ford Transit Custom Trend LWB
$56,990
Interested in a Toyota HiAce or a Ford Transit Custom? CarExpert’s specialists can help you find a deal.
Drivetrains and efficiency
Both vans offer one engine across their respective lineups, and they’re both turbo-diesel units mated with automatic transmissions.
HiAce
Transit Custom
While the Transit Custom is automatic-only, you can still get a six-speed manual transmission in the HiAce – but only at the very bottom of the range.
The HiAce has a larger displacement, though power figures on paper don’t differ massively between the two. Key differences are found with the drivetrains of each van, as the Toyota comes standard with a six-speed transmission compared to the Ford’s eight-speed unit.
Power in the HiAce is sent to the rear wheels exclusively, while the Transit Custom is front-wheel drive only.
Both still have nearly identical fuel economy claims and drink from 70-litre tanks, though the Transit Custom adds a 20-litre AdBlue tank.
Toyota HiAce LWB Barn Door
Ford Transit Custom Trend LWB
Engine
2.8L 4cyl turbo-diesel
2.0L 4cyl turbo-diesel
Power
130kW @ 3400rpm
125kW @ 3500rpm
Torque
450Nm @ 1600-2400rpm
390Nm @ 1750-2500rpm
Transmission
6-speed automatic
8-speed automatic
Driven wheels
Rear-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
Fuel economy (claimed)
7.9L/100km
8.0L/100km
Fuel tank capacity
70L
70L (+20L AdBlue)
CO₂ (combined)
197g/km
209g/km
Interested in a Toyota HiAce or a Ford Transit Custom? CarExpert’s specialists can help you find a deal.
Dimensions
The new Transit Custom is larger than the HiAce in almost every metric.
HiAce
Transit Custom
It’s roughly 200mm longer and wider with its mirrors folded, as Toyota doesn’t quote a vehicle with that includes the mirrors. It rides on a wheelbase that’s nearly 300mm longer, and it’s only marginally shorter in height but doesn’t compromise cargo space.
The Transit Custom has a larger cargo volume than the HiAce, measured in a bay that’s longer, wider, and taller than the Toyota. Ford doesn’t quote a maximum cargo area width, though the measurement between the wheel arches is more than 100mm in its favour.
Both vehicles measure similarly on weigh-in, though the Transit Custom has a braked towing capacity that’s 1000kg heavier than the HiAce.
Dimensions
Toyota HiAce LWB Barn Door
Ford Transit Custom Trend LWB
Length
5265mm
5450mm
Width
1950mm (excl. mirrors)
2275mm (2148mm mirrors folded)
Height
1990mm
1980mm
Wheelbase
3210mm
3500mm
Cargo bay length
2530mm
3002mm
Cargo bay width
1268mm (between wheel arches) 1760mm (total)
1392mm (between wheel arches)
Cargo bay height
1340mm
1425mm
Cargo bay volume
6.2m3
6.8m3
Payload
1075kg
1014kg
Kerb weight
2200kg
2211kg
Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)
3300kg
3225kg
Gross Combination Mass (GCM)
4800kg
5725kg
Towing capacity
1500kg (braked)
2500kg (braked)
Interested in a Toyota HiAce or a Ford Transit Custom? CarExpert’s specialists can help you find a deal.
Servicing and warranty
Both vans are covered by a standard five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
HiAce
Transit Custom
The main difference between the two is service intervals, which are shorter on the HiAce. With servicing required every six months or 10,000km, you’ll be spending more time at the mechanic than in the Ford.
Service prices are capped at $260 for the first six visits with the HiAce, while Ford only offers capped-price servicing for the first four visits at $499 each.
Toyota also doesn’t offer roadside assist as standard with new HiAce purchases, contrasting Ford’s new car roadside assist deal that gets extended every time you service the Transit Custom at Ford.
Running costs
Toyota HiAce LWB Barn Door
Ford Transit Custom Trend LWB
Warranty
5 years, unlimited kilometres
5 years, unlimited kilometres
Service interval
6 months, 10,000km
12 months, 30,000km
Capped price servicing
First 6 visits, $260 each
First 4 visits, $499 each
Total capped price cost
$1560
$1996
Roadside assist
Paid
From purchase, then service-activated
Interested in a Toyota HiAce or a Ford Transit Custom? CarExpert’s specialists can help you find a deal.
Safety
The Toyota HiAce wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2019.
HiAce
In contrast, the new Transit Custom is yet to be tested by ANCAP, and is therefore unrated.
Here’s a breakdown of standard safety equipment on each van:
Safety feature
Toyota HiAce LWB Barn Door
Ford Transit Custom Trend LWB
Airbags
7
6
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
Yes (pedestrian, daylight cyclist)
Yes (junction assist, reverse)
Lane-keep assist
Lane departure alert, braking
Yes (with lane departure alert)
Blind-spot monitoring
Yes (with assist)
Yes (with assist)
Adaptive cruise control
No
Yes
Traffic sign recognition
Yes (speed only)
Yes
Reversing camera
Yes
Yes
Surround-view camera
No
180-degree
Rear cross-traffic alert
Yes
Yes
Parking sensors
Yes (front and rear)
Yes (front and rear)
Park assist
No
No
Tyre pressure monitoring
No
Yes
Driver monitoring
No
Yes
Safe exit warning
No
Yes
Automatic high-beam
Yes
Yes
While there aren’t any safety features to be added to the HiAce, Toyota Connected Services includes safety and security tech including stolen vehicle tracking, automatic collision notification, and SOS emergency call.
The Transit Custom packs in more safety tech like adaptive cruise control, driver monitoring, safe exit warning, and a 180-degree function with its reversing camera, though it does include one fewer airbag as standard.
Here’s a breakdown of each car’s safety scoring:
Assessment
Toyota HiAce LWB Barn Door
Ford Transit Custom Trend LWB
Adult occupant protection
35.8 out of 38 (94 per cent)
–
Child occupant protection
43.3 out of 49 (88 per cent)
–
Vulnerable road user protection
40.6 out of 48 (84 per cent)
–
Safety assist
10.1 out of 13 (77 per cent)
–
Interested in a Toyota HiAce or a Ford Transit Custom? CarExpert’s specialists can help you find a deal.
Standard features
These vans share many similar features, though there are some key difference that set them apart.
Exterior
Toyota HiAce LWB Barn Door
Ford Transit Custom Trend LWB
Wheels
16-inch steel
16-inch steel
Spare wheel
Full-size
Full-size
Headlights
Halogen
Halogen, dusk-sensing
Fog lights
No
Rear only
Wipers
Standard
Rain-sensing, heated windscreen
Side mirrors
Standard
Standard (with fisheye extension)
Sunroof
No
No
Tailgate
Barn door
Barn door
The main exterior differences are to do with tech. The Transit Custom packs dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a heated windscreen over the HiAce as standard.
The side mirrors are fitted with a fisheye section to help see a wider angle. Ford has also included fog lights on its van, but only on the rear.
Both vans offer barn doors at the rear, alongside the same size wheels and halogen headlights instead of LEDs.
Interior
Toyota HiAce LWB Barn Door
Ford Transit Custom Trend LWB
Upholstery
Cloth
Cloth
Front seats
Powered driver’s lumbar
Heated, three-seat 8-way manual driver adjustment with armrest
Rear seats
–
Metal bulkhead
Cargo bay
6 tie-down hoops Wood wall panelling
8 tie-down hoops Protection kit (walls, floor)
Steering wheel
Leather-accented
Leatherette-wrapped
Gear selector
Central, plastic
Steering column stalk
Paddle shifters
No
No
Rear-view mirror
Standard
Standard
Climate control
Single-zone
Single-zone
Contrasting the HiAce, the Transit Custom offers three seats in the front row. It’s arranged in a dual-passenger, single-driver setup, with the latter treated to a single armrest and eight-way manual adjustment that includes lumbar support. All three feature a heating function.
The gear selector is also a key difference, as this latest generation of Transit Custom has relocated it to a stalk on the right of the steering column, instead of the more conventional central arrangement seen in the HiAce.
Behind the front seats are where cargo is stored, as the Transit Custom is fitted with a metal bulkhead and cargo bay protection as standard. There’s also a pass-through underneath the outboard passenger seat, creating capacity for longer items.
The HiAce can also be fitted with an isolating bulkhead and cargo bay protection, though buyers must select it as an optional extra.
Technology
Toyota HiAce LWB Barn Door
Ford Transit Custom Trend LWB
Instrument cluster
4.2-inch multi-information display
7.0-inch screen
Head-up display
No
No
Infotainment
8.0-inch touchscreen
13.0-inch touchscreen
Satellite navigation
Yes
Yes
Smartphone mirroring
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Phone charging
USB-A
Wireless charging pad
USB
1 front USB-A
1 front USB-A, 1 front USB-C
Sound system
2-speaker
4-speaker
Key
Keyless start
Keyless start
Connectivity
Toyota Connected Services
FordPass app 5G embedded modem
There are more tech differences on the inside, namely in display setups. The newer Transit Custom boasts larger screens and more speakers, as well as an Australia-first 5G embedded modem.
Both now have wireless smartphone mirroring and minimal USB connectivity, though Ford has included a wireless phone charger in its new Transit Custom as a bonus over the HiAce
Both also include arrangements for their manufacturer’s connected services platforms, which both include app connectivity and a suite of other bonuses – particularly for Toyota
Interested in a Toyota HiAce or a Ford Transit Custom? CarExpert’s specialists can help you find a deal.
Options
Though some are treated as separate variants, most of the additions to the standard LWB van are technically optional extras in the Toyota configurator.
HiAce
Here’s a breakdown of the options available to automatic LWB HiAce vans only:
Option 1: Panel pack (automatic only)
Left sliding door with steel panel
Option 2: 4-door pack
4-door option with left sliding door
Option 3: GL Pack ($3000)
Painted front and rear bumpers
Painted door handles
Front and rear chrome garnish
Digital rear view mirror with auto-dimming
Fog lamps
Toyota also offers a range of genuine accessories, including:
Roof racks
Tow bar
Tow ball
Trailer wiring harness
Rear corner protectors
Interior ladder rack
Interior panel protectors
Rear technician step
Front nudge bar
Canvas seat covers
All-weather cargo liner
Side window weather shield
Air conditioning partition (not applicable to 4-door variant)
Cargo barrier fence – front position
Solid partition barrier
There aren’t as many options for the Transit Custom, but you can still add some extras on to suit your needs.
Standard Transit Custom
The following options are available on the Trend:
Dual side load doors with no windows ($1000)
Secure Visibility Pack ($1500)
Steel rear doors
Digital rear-view mirror with integrated dashcam
Windowless metal bulkhead
Load Space Air Conditioning ($700)
Which would be your pick? Let us know in the comments.
Interested in a Toyota HiAce or a Ford Transit Custom? CarExpert’s specialists can help you find a deal.
BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Toyota HiAce MORE: Everything Toyota HiAce
BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Ford Transit Custom MORE: Everything Ford Transit Custom
Unified Pension Scheme Vs NPS: The Union Cabinet on Saturday, August 24, approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), for an assured pension post-retirement. The UPS will be implemented from April 1, 2025. The move comes after the long-pending demand of the central government employees to reform the new pension scheme (NPS).
Briefing the media on Cabinet decisions, Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “There have been demands from government employees to reform NPS (New Pension Scheme)… PM Narendra Modi formed a committee in April 2023 on this under T V Somanathan (who was then finance secretary)… After extensive consultations and discussions, including with the JCM (Joint Consultative Mechanism), the committee has recommended the Unified Pension Scheme. Today, the Union Cabinet has approved the scheme.”
What Is Unified Pension Scheme?
It is the latest pension scheme for government employees.
Under the UPS, there will be a provision of a fixed assured pension, unlike the New Pension Scheme (NPS) which does not promise a fixed pension amount.
The Unified Pension Scheme has five pillars:
Assured Pension: Under the UPS, the fixed pension will be 50 per cent of the average basic pay drawn over the last 12 months prior to superannuation for a minimum qualifying service of 25 years. This pay is to be proportionate for lesser service period up to a minimum of 10 years of service.
Assured Family Pension: It will also have an assured family pension, which is 60 per cent of the employee’s basic pay. It will be given immediately in case of demise of the employee.
Assured Minimum Pension: In the case of superannuation after a minimum 10 years of service, the UPS has a provision of an assured minimum pension of Rs 10,000 per month.
Inflation Indexation: There is a provision of indexation benefit on assured pension, on assured family pension and assured minimum pension.
Gratuity: Lump-sum payment at superannuation in addition to gratuity. It will be 1/10th of the monthly emolument (pay + dearness allowance) as on the date of superannuation for every completed six months of service. This payment will not reduce the quantum of assured pension.
Who Can Join UPS?
“Central government employees will have a right to decide to stay in the New Pension Scheme (NPS) or join the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS),” said Vaishnaw.
During the media briefing on Saturday, Cabinet Secretary Designate T V Somanathan also said, “This will also apply to all those who have already retired under the NPS from 2004 onwards. Though the new scheme will take effect from April 1, 2025, everybody who has retired under NPS from the time of its inception and also including those retiring till March 31, 2025, will also be eligible for all these five benefits of the UPS. They will get arrears of the past after adjusting whatever they have withdrawn.”
What Is National Pension System or New Pension Scheme or NPS?
Introduced in January 2004, the National Pension Scheme (NPS) originally served as a government-sponsored retirement plan exclusively for government employees. Later, in 2009, it was expanded to encompass all other sectors.
The NPS is governed jointly by the government and the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) and is designed as a long-term, voluntary investment program tailored for retirement.
Also Read: Planning Your Retirement Savings? Learn About EPF, PPF, NPS, APY, and Other Key Schemes
The NPS assures a pension, with the potential for substantial investment gains.
Upon retirement, a subscriber has the option to withdraw a portion of their accumulated corpus, while the remaining amount is disbursed as a monthly income. This strategy provides a steady stream of income after retirement.
The NPS is divided into two tiers: Tier 1 accounts and Tier 2 accounts. Individuals who choose a Tier 1 account can withdraw cash only after they retire, but Tier 2 accounts allow for early withdrawals.
Under Section 80 CCD of the Income Tax Act, investing in the NPS provides tax advantages of up to Rs 1.5 lakh. Withdrawing 60 per cent of the NPS corpus makes it tax-free. This makes it an appealing option for retirement planning since it provides the possibility of a lump sum payoff.
How Is NPS Different from the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
The NPS replaced the old pension scheme. The old pension scheme (OPS), referred to as the Defined Benefit Pension System (DBPS), was based on the last pay drawn by the employee. The NPS is referred as the Defined Contribution Pension System (DCPS), in which the employer and employee contribute to build a pension wealth payable at the time of retirement by way of annuity/lumpsum withdrawal as per norms.
The old pension scheme, referred to as the Defined Benefit Pension System (DBPS), is based on the last pay drawn by the employee. The NPS is referred as the Defined Contribution Pension System (DCPS), in which the employer and employee contribute to build a pension wealth payable at the time of retirement by way of annuity/lumpsum withdrawal as per norms.
Under the OPS, the employee could withdraw 50 per cent of the last-drawn salary as pension after the retirement.
Under the NPS, a person is allowed to withdraw 60 per cent of the accumulated corpus contributed during his/ her working years at the time of retirement, which is tax-free. The remaining 40 per cent is converted into an annuatised product, which could currently provide the person with a pension of 35 per cent of his/ her last-drawn pay.
The NPS is applicable to all employees joining services of the central government, including central autonomous bodies (except Armed Forces) on or after January 1, 2004. Many state governments have also adopted NPS architecture and implemented NPS mandatorily for their employees joining on or after a cut-off date.
(The article has been updated with additional details)
As the United States election comes near, Bitcoin price prediction by experts gaining significant attention from the crypto community. On August 25, 2024, a crypto expert made a post on X (preciously Twitter) stating that if former President Donald Trump wins this election, Bitcoin will easily go to the $100,000 level.
Bitcoin Price Could Reach $100,000 Level
In addition to this, Skybridge Capital’s Anthony Scaramucci said during an interview, “I do think Bitcoin gets to $100,000. It’s just taking longer. There’s been just more regulatory hurdles, more uncertainty.”
Currently, in the Polymarket, the world’s largest prediction market, 51% of Americans believe that Donald Trump will win the election, while only 47% believe that VP Kamala Harris win. However, pro-crypto and independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently withdrew his candidacy and showed his support for Trump.
Trump’s Impact on Crypto
This indicates Americans are leaning towards electing a crypto-friendly president this time. Additionally, the crypto community has praised Trump’s recent promise to remove Gary Gensler from his position as chair of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Based on the nature of Trump toward crypto and Blockchain, if he wins we may see more positive and crypto-friendly policies in favor of the cryptocurrency landscape. In addition to this, the Fed Chair’s potential rate cut announcement also turned the sentiment bullish.
Bitcoin Price Prediction
Currently, Bitcoin (BTC) is trading near $64,250 and has experienced a price surge of over 1% in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, its trading volume has dropped by 31% during the same period, indicating lower participation from traders.
As of now, experts suggest a bullish outlook for Bitcoin, with a high possibility that BTC could reach $68,000 or $71,000 level based on price action and technical analysis. However, the $100,000 level is considered less likely.
The Mangaluru-based Expert Group of Institutions has launched an AI-powered learning platform ‘Expert e-learn’.
Speaking at the launch in Mangaluru on Saturday, Ankush N Nayak, Director (Information Technology), Expert Group of Institutions, said ‘Expert e-learn’ is designed to enhance the learning experience for PU (pre-university) science students. It is currently available to students enrolled in Expert’s colleges and coaching classes through an Android-based app. He said it will be accessible to the general public from the next academic year.
Highlighting the features of the platform, he said the ‘Expert e-learn’ app caters to students who need additional support in understanding complex classroom concepts. The platform offers educational videos created by Expert’s teachers. Each topic is broken down into concise 10-minute videos, incorporating interactive questions to engage students. He said success in answering these questions allows students to move forward.
‘EZ’, an AI-powered assistant, enables students to clarify doubts by guiding them to the exact segment of a video or set of notes where they can find the answer, alongside delivering comprehensive explanations.
“Unlike conventional search engines or public AI chatbots, ‘EZ’ provides responses based on NCERT and Expert’s proprietary study materials, ensuring accuracy and relevance. AI also offers notes in multiple languages, making learning more accessible to students in their mother tongue,” he said.
Students can pose questions from various angles, request quizzes, and generate model question papers. The app then evaluates their responses and supplies key solutions, he said.
The ‘Expedition’ feature presents workbooks across various subjects — Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Computer Science, Electronics, Statistics, English, and Indian languages such as Kannada, Hindi, and Sanskrit — in an exploratory manner. By encouraging students to examine concepts from multiple perspectives, ‘Expedition’ seeks to enhance problem-solving skills and foster creativity, Nayak said.
This learning platform runs on an Android tablet provided by the institution. Usage is disabled between 11 pm and 5 am to promote healthy habits among students, he added.
K Ullas Kamath, Founder of UK & Co; Rohith Bhat, Founder of wrkwrk, 99Games and Robosoft; Manjunath Bhandary, Member of Legislative Council, Karnataka; Narendra L Nayak, Chairman of Expert Group of Institutions; and Ushaprabha N Nayak, Vice-Chairperson of Expert Group of Institutions, spoke on the occasion.
We tested Saatva Classic’s luxury firm model for 30 nights.
Aly Lopez/CNET
As sleep experts at CNET, my husband Dillon and I test and review mattresses and sleep-related products. Ironically, despite this experience, we still struggle to get quality rest. Part of this issue stems from having different sleeping positions and preferences — a problem many couples face.
Dillon is a night owl, and I’m an early bird. He sleeps better in a quiet room, while I sleep better with a noise machine. I like to sleep in the pitch black, and Dillon wouldn’t even notice if a construction-grade work light illuminated the entire bedroom all night. I enjoy cuddling with our pets on the bed and he doesn’t. Fortunately, after much trial and error and trying various sleep products, Dillon and I have found solutions for most of these differences.
However, the most significant difference we haven’t yet resolved is our sleeping positions. Dillon is a side sleeper, and he likes soft mattresses that offer plenty of pressure relief for his shoulders and hips. I prefer a firmer mattress since I usually fall asleep on my stomach, so I need my spine in neutral alignment. It’s been a challenge to find a bed we both find comfortable and accommodating — thus began our hunt for the perfect mattress. In our 30-Night Mattress Testing Series, Dillon and I will test a different mattress each month and document the entire process until we find one that works for both of us.
Before starting this series, we’d been sleeping on Brentwood Home’s Latex Hybrid, which is considered a medium on the firmness scale and has a traditional innerspring feel. We tracked our sleep on Brentwood Home to compare the data with the first mattress in our testing series: Saatva Classic’s luxury firm model.
Watch us test the Saatva Classic mattress for 30 nights.
Initial thoughts on the Saatva Classic
Once we got the Saatva Classic situated in our bedroom, we began testing it right away. We considered various factors like feel, firmness and temperature, then formed our initial thoughts on the edge support and motion isolation. Off the bat, we agreed that it looked like a high-end, luxurious bed that could be found in a nice five-star hotel. We loved the design and could tell that the materials were high-quality.
We (along with our dog, Charlie) began testing the Saatva Classic right away.
Dillon Lopez/CNET
Firmness
We took turns lying on it, rolling around and testing out the various sleeping positions. It didn’t take long for Dillon to come to the conclusion that while it was an extremely nice bed, it would be too firm for him to sleep on his side. I had the opposite reaction — I enjoyed how firm and supportive it felt while lying on my stomach and back (and even my side). It provided ample support for keeping my spine neutrally aligned.
Feel
We immediately appreciated the responsiveness of the bed. Unlike the sinking-in feeling associated with memory foam, the Saatva Classic is extremely responsive and bounces back quickly, which we both prefer. We also both enjoyed its plush pillow top feel.
Temperature
We agreed that the cover was not cool to the touch but seemed temperature-neutral. As a hot sleeper, I felt this might pose an issue for me, but Dillon wasn’t too concerned about it.
Edge support is an extremely important factor for Aly, and this bed passed with flying colors.
Dillon Lopez/CNET
Edge support
Solid edge support is crucial for both of us, but more so for me. Thanks to the cuddles from Dillon and our pets — namely our cat, Jess — I tend to get pushed to the outside edge of the bed and find myself hanging on for dear life. When she’s not sprawling out between us, Jess often lays on my head and takes over the pillow. I usually end up lying below her on the edge of the mattress with no pillow at all, which is another story entirely (and a common point of cat-ention, if you will, in our house). Right away, we could tell that edge support was phenomenal. Even lying right on the edge, the mattress wasn’t sagging, and I didn’t feel like I would fall off.
Dillon was impressed by the Saatva Classic’s motion isolation abilities.
Aly Lopez/CNET
Motion isolation
With one person lying still on the bed and the other moving around, we tested its motion-isolating abilities. We also tested it by placing a glass of water on the bed and bouncing and rolling around. Dillon felt the mattress had pretty decent motion isolation. I found it so-so and thought it might not work well for me in that regard — not just because Jess constantly jumps on and off the bed, but because Dillon and I frequently go to bed and wake up at different times. As a night owl, he tends to go to bed later, and I usually wake up earlier. Having a mattress that absorbs motion and won’t jostle the other person awake would be helpful since we often get in and out of bed at different times.
Design and construction
As I mentioned, we were immediately impressed by the look and quality of the materials used in the Saatva Classic’s construction. The model we had was 11.5 inches tall, which is pretty standard, and Saatva also offers a thicker 14.5-inch version.
I liked how soft and luscious the cover felt. It’s made with naturally hypoallergenic organic cotton and is treated with Saatva’s Guardin botanical antimicrobial treatment that is intended to inhibit bacteria growth and mold. We prefer our mattresses to be hypoallergenic since we sleep with our pets (and their fur and dander), so that’s a great feature.
I could tell that it would keep my spine in neutral alignment, partially due to the Lumbar Zone Active Spinal Wire in the middle of the mattress. Just below that is the layer of Lumbar Zone Pocketed Coils made with recycled steel, firmer in the center third of the bed where most of our body weight was. The base is a coil unit made of tempered steel. That said, the mattress was heavy but lighter than I expected, considering it’s such a durable hybrid bed.
Brand standards
Dillon and I have always admired Saatva as a brand. Its policies are fantastic: 365-night trial period, lifetime warranty, free shipping, delivery and setup, and even complimentary removal of your old mattress. Its beds are handcrafted to order in the US using high-quality and sustainably sourced materials. What’s not to like about that?
Our dog approves of the Saatva Classic and Saatva’s commitment to sustainability.
Aly Lopez/CNET
Our sleep quality goals
To be specific, our sleep goals include getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night (8 plus for me is preferred) and spending less time awake. We both tend to wake up frequently throughout the night, sometimes for a couple of hours. Often, one of us will move to the couch in the middle of the night for a change of scenery when we are uncomfortable and can’t go back to sleep.
Of course, other factors may influence our sleep quality — pets, diet, exercise, room temperature, stress, etc. We have worked hard to pinpoint and mitigate these other factors over the years and feel like we have a decent handle on them. We now seek a mattress we both find so comfortable that neither of us wants to get up and leave it.
Testing, testing…
It didn’t take long for Dillon to confirm what we thought once we started sleeping on it: The bed was much too firm for his liking. The first few nights, he woke up with a sore back and neck. Since the bed we slept on prior to this was a medium on the firmness scale and Saatva Classic’s luxury firm is more of a medium-firm to firm, it would take some time for him (and myself) to adjust.
The luxury firm model of the Saatva Classic is great for back and stomach sleepers (which Dillon is not).
Aly Lopez/CNET
Right off the bat, I really enjoyed this mattress and was sleeping better than I had been on the Brentwood Hybrid. The edge support kept me from feeling like I was going to fly off whenever I’d get pushed to the edge. I didn’t wake up feeling sore like Dillon was, even when I would lay on my side.
Dillon was impressed by its ability to isolate motion, whereas I thought it did a fine job. As a very light sleeper, I’m more sensitive to motion transfer than Dillon is — particularly so because our cat tends to jump on and off the bed (and me) constantly throughout the night — an issue that no amount of motion isolation can solve. I also woke up quite often when Dillon moved around or switched positions throughout the night.
A few nights, I’d find myself overheating and whipping the covers off in sweaty panic. We keep the temperature in our bedroom cool and sleep with a light comforter, so I do think this was happening in part because of the mattress. Dillon wasn’t getting quite as hot as I was, but he also mentioned that he would like a bed with more cooling technology.
A little over halfway through the trial, something interesting happened. One day, I pinched a nerve in my shoulder, which is what led me to the realization that I spend more time sleeping on my side than I had initially thought. For about a week, I would constantly wake up in pain and find myself lying on my side. Because the bed’s firm profile doesn’t offer much pressure relief, it was intensifying the pain from my pinched nerve. After this, I began paying closer attention to my sleeping habits and found that I spend way more time sleeping on my side than I thought.
The mattress feels firm to me, especially while sleeping on my side.
Aly Lopez/CNET
In my testing notes, I wrote: I usually sleep on my stomach… but recently, I’ve been waking up in pain on my side in the middle of the night. Maybe I actually do need a softer mattress?!“
For the most part, until I hurt my shoulder, I was thoroughly enjoying my experience of sleeping on the Saatva Classic. Dillon was not having quite the same experience — at the end of the 30 nights, he was still waking up sore, forced to switch to sleeping on his back because being on his side was too firm, and his arm would fall asleep.
Ranking our personal preferences
At CNET, our sleep experts rank and score mattresses objectively using a standardized rating system. However, as two bad sleeper sleep experts and for the purpose of this series, Dillon and I created a custom subjective ranking system to score the main qualities and features we seek personally in a mattress. More weight was given to firmness and feel (up to 20 points each), while the remaining factors were each out of 10 points, for a total possible score of 100. We ranked these factors on a preferential level, meaning what we liked or didn’t like personally — all of our scoring is subjective. The scale looked like this:
We created a subjective point system to give the mattress an overall rating at the end of the trial.
Cole Kan/CNET
Feel and firmness (the most important features of this trial for us)
On a scale of 1 to 20:
1 = Absolutely abhor this particular feature of the bed
10 = Not my favorite, but I can make it work
20 = It’s perfect, and I could not imagine my life now without this feature of the bed
1 = Absolutely abhor this particular feature of the bed
5 = Not my favorite, but I can make it work
10 = It’s perfect, and I could not imagine my life now without this feature of the bed
Scoring the Saatva Classic
After completing the 30-night trial, we ranked each factor preferentially and offered a brief explanation for the score given. Here are the results:
Dillon’s scoring breakdown
Feel: 12/20
The Saatva Classic feels like a classic firm hybrid bed, which I don’t mind. It’s pretty accommodating. I don’t sink into it at all like memory foam, which I like about it, but I would prefer a softer neutral foam feel with more pressure relief.
Firmness: 5/20
The bed was way too firm for me as a side sleeper. A lot of times, I would wake up feeling sore with my arm asleep. I just need something a little softer. The plush soft model of the Saatva Classic would probably be perfect for me.
Motion isolation: 7/10
I never really noticed Aly moving around on the bed (and she moves around a lot), so I was pretty happy with the motion isolation. I think the only time I felt her move was when she’d get out of bed completely in the middle of the night.
Edge support: 7/10
Edge support is important to me, and it felt sturdy, but I slept against the wall so it was harder to tell for me personally. For the next bed, I will not be sleeping against a wall (thankfully), so it will be a better test.
Temperature: 5/10
Cooling technology is important to me. I would like a bed that has a cool-to-the-touch feel, which this definitely does not have. It felt more temperature-neutral.
Design/construction: 8/10
Saatva got it right with the construction. The materials are super high-quality. This bed feels very durable and luxurious.
Sleep quality: 3/10
I slept so poorly that I considered taking sleep supplements before bed for the first time in my life.
Brand standards (policies, sustainability): 8/10
Saatva has great policies, such as the 365-night trial and lifetime warranty. Sustainability is important to me, and they have a lot of green initiatives. I really like them as a brand and always have.
Dillon’s overall score: 56/100 = 5.6/10
“My score is actually higher than I thought it would be. There are definitely features I really like about this bed, but overall, it’s just not a great fit for me.” – Dillon
Dillon felt the mattress was a little too firm for side sleeping.
Aly Lopez/CNET
Aly’s scoring breakdown
Feel: 16/20
I prefer the traditional innerspring feel that the Saatva Classic has. I like that I can easily switch positions without feeling “stuck” because I tend to move around a lot throughout the night.
Firmness: 14/20
This mattress felt firm to me, which is what I thought I wanted. It is definitely what I preferred at the beginning of the trial until I pulled my shoulder/back and was having trouble sleeping on my side. It made me realize that it actually does feel too firm for me and I think I would like something a little bit softer with more pressure relief.
Motion isolation: 5/10
I thought the motion isolation was fine. I could feel it when Dillon or the pets moved around or got in and out of the bed, but it wasn’t overly jarring or disruptive, especially considering how much we move around.
Edge support: 9/10
Edge support is very important to me because I tend to sleep very close to the edge of the bed. I never felt like I was falling off or like the edge was drooping. Super impressive edge support.
Temperature: 3/10
I sleep very hot throughout the night and the cotton cover on this mattress made the bed feel pretty warm to me. I would frequently have to take the covers off to cool down. Would like to have a bed with more cooling technology.
Design/construction: 8/10
The materials feel very high-quality and luxurious. I like that the beds are GREENGUARD® Gold certified and made with eco-friendly materials like recycled steel coils, organic cotton, CertiPUR-US®* certified memory foams, etc. I like the durable hybrid construction of the Saatva Classic (vs all-foam).
Sleep quality: 7/10
I slept better on the Saatva Classic than I did on our previous mattress, the Brentwood Home Latex Hybrid. While I didn’t hit my sleep average goal of 8 hours per night, it was still higher than my average sleep on Brentwood.
Brand standards (policies, sustainability): 8/10
I appreciate Saatva’s policies, like the one-year trial period and lifetime warranty, free in-home delivery and setup. I don’t particularly like moving mattresses, so having an in-home setup is a feature I would probably look for when purchasing a mattress. I also appreciate that the mattresses are manufactured in the US and that Saatva has many green initiatives, such as planting trees, using solar panels, etc.
Aly’s overall score: 70/100 = 7/10
In hindsight, I think my score should be a little higher. My main qualms were temperature and motion isolation, which are two very tricky issues for a mattress to solve.
As a back sleeper, our dog Charlie ranked the Saatva Classic an astounding 10/10.
Dillon Lopez/CNET
How we tracked our sleep
At the beginning of the trial, we were tracking our sleep data using the TEMPUR-Ergo® ProSmart® Base, which has a built-in AI sleep tracker. After a few hiccups (such as the base disconnecting or accidentally tracking our dog’s sleep), we decided to switch trackers about halfway through the trial. I began using my Apple Watch, and Dillon used his Whoop band, which seemed to provide more accurate biometrics.
Our trackers provided data for amounts of deep sleep, REM sleep, core/light sleep and awake time.
Dillon Lopez/CNET
Our sleep data results
Let’s dive into the numbers. As you can see in the graph below, Dillon and I were all over the place. My nightly sleep ranged from a low of 4 hours to a high of 10 hours (which is exceptionally high for me), while Dillon’s ranged from 3 to just over 9 hours. As I mentioned, we missed a few nights of tracking due to the bedframe tracker disconnecting or my Apple Watch deciding not to track my sleep for reasons unknown.
Saatva Classic: Nightly Hours Slept
Our nightly sleep varied quite a bit throughout the trial, ranging from lows of 3-4 hours to highs of 9-10 hours.
The nights when we got little sleep — 3, 4 or 5 hours — usually went like this: I would fall asleep first while lying on my stomach. An hour or two later, Dillon would gently crawl into bed as slowly and quietly as possible to prevent me from waking up. But what would I do? Wake up. No matter how silently he moved through the room, I’d always wake up due to the motion transfer of his movements on the mattress.
We’d then adjust to lying on our sides, and Dillon would (try to) spoon me while I would (inadvertently) spoon our cat. Not long after this, I’d either become overheated, pushing everyone away in exasperation and yanking all the covers off, or Dillon’s arm would fall painfully asleep, and he’d be forced to lie on his back instead. Next stop: Snoreville. Unfortunately, snoring is more likely to occur when sleeping on your back, which is what would happen. I’d lie awake, trying to get comfortable on my stomach again, while Jess would bounce around and make herself comfortable on my head. Eventually, she’d take over my entire pillow, and at that point, I’d have no choice but to wake Dillon up and ask him to please roll onto his side again — I felt terrible doing this because I knew it was uncomfortable for him — or I’d give up, jump ship and move to the couch in the wee hours of the morning. I’d usually wake Dillon up while trying to sneak out of the bed too.
The nights we got great sleep — 8, 9 and even 10 hours (for me) — had a common denominator: I took a sleep supplement before bed. Usually, I’d take a melatonin gummy, lay down on my stomach and pass out within a few minutes, feeling cozy, comfortable and supported on the Saatva Classic. The melatonin helped keep me from waking up, completely unaware of the world around me, and allowed us both to stay asleep throughout the night.
As I mentioned, our sleep numbers aren’t solely based on our experience with the mattress. We recognize that there are many other factors in play when it comes to sleep quality, such as our diet, exercise, bedroom environment, stress levels and so on. But with a mattress that one partner finds uncomfortable, the issues can become exacerbated and affect both people — such as Dillon having to lie on his back because there’s not enough pressure relief for his side, causing him to snore, or me getting too hot and sweaty on a bed with no cooling technology and ripping the covers off.
30-Night Sleep Phase Averages
Aly slept longer than Dillon on average. Dillon was awake more but spent more time in deep sleep.
Throughout the 30 nights, on average:
I slept about 7 hours and 15 minutes per night.
Dillon slept around 6 hours and 40 minutes per night.
I spent 40 minutes awake each night.
Dillon spent about 1 hour awake each night.
Interestingly, we averaged almost the same exact amount of REM sleep each night, which was 1 hour and 40 minutes. I spent an hour longer in core/light sleep (4 hours and 42 minutes) than Dillon (3 hours and 40 minutes). Dillon spent a little more time in deep sleep (an average of 1 hour and 20 minutes) than I did (about one hour).
The results were about as we expected when comparing our sleep on the Brentwood Home Latex Hybrid: I slept over an hour longer on average on the Saatva Classic, while Dillon averaged over an hour less sleep per night on it. The Brentwood Home mattress was a medium on the firmness scale, so it’s softer than Saatva Classic’s luxury firm model. As a side sleeper, this bed may have been a better fit for Dillon. The latex foam in Brentwood Home has a wavy, contouring shape that reduces pressure points for your shoulder and hips. Usually falling asleep on my stomach, the Saatva Classic was a better fit for me as its firmer profile and construction provide enhanced support, helping to keep my spine in a healthy, neutral alignment.
Saatva Classic vs. Brentwood Home (Average Sleep Hours)
Aly slept better on the Saatva Classic compared to Brentwood Home, while Dillon had the opposite experience.
Final thoughts on the Saatva Classic
In continuing our search for the perfect mattress, there are three areas of improvement we’d ultimately like to see: more sleep (closer to 8 hours of sleep per night for Dillon and at least 8.5 for me), more consistent sleep and less time spent awake throughout the night.
After trying this bed for 30 nights, we both feel that the Saatva Classic is a super high-quality and luxurious mattress, but it’s simply not the right bed for us. It’s durable and supportive, and with three firmness options to choose from, this bed can accommodate most sleeper types.
Saatva Classic’s firmness options
After our trial, we realized that Saatva’s website says that the luxury firm model of the Saatva Class is ideal for couples who can’t agree on a firmness profile. The irony! Let’s break that down:
If you and your sleep partner are primarily side sleepers and prefer a softer mattress, we recommend checking out the plush soft version of the Saatva Classic, which we rank around a medium or 5 out of 10.
If both of you sleep predominately on your back and stomach (and especially if you are heavier) and prefer a firm bed, we recommend checking out Saatva Classic’s firm model. We rank this a true firm or around a 9 out of 10 on the firmness scale.
If you’re both combination sleepers or have different sleeping positions (like Dillon and me), then, in theory, the luxury firm model would be the right choice; however, in our subjective experience, it was still slightly too firm. Saatva ranks the luxury firm between 5 and 7 on the firmness scale. Dillon and I agreed that it feels firmer than that, perhaps around a 7 to 8. Again, if you and your partner are heavier individuals with varying sleep positions, then this will likely feel a little softer to you and could be a great option. You could also consider the Saatva HD, which is designed specifically for bigger bodies.
The Saatva Classic is extremely responsive and feels incredibly luxurious.
Aly Lopez/CNET
Our key takeaways
A learned takeaway from this experience is that I spend more time sleeping on my side than I previously realized. This is a key factor in deciding the right mattress for us and will hopefully make it easier to find one that accommodates us both. Going into the trial, Dillon knew he’d prefer a soft mattress, which was confirmed.
Though it wasn’t a perfect match for us, we still highly recommend this particular model to back and stomach sleepers who prefer a durable, firm and responsive mattress. A queen-size Saatva Classic is priced at $2,095, but Saatva frequently runs deals bringing down a few hundred dollars. We think that’s a great value for how high-end and luxurious it is.
How many beds will it take until we find the perfect one? Stay tuned for the next mattress of our 30-Night Mattress Testing Series: the Avocado Luxury Organic.
Moringa is one of many plants that have been said to come with potential health benefits when consumed.
Moringa is sold in an assortment of forms, including a stand-alone powder, oils, pill capsules and as one ingredient of many green protein powders.
Moringa has been around for many years, especially in South Asia as well as Africa, but its popularity in the U.S. has blossomed recently.
8 BAD HABITS THAT MAKE YOU AGE FASTER, ACCORDING TO EXPERTS
When incorporating any new supplement into your diet, it’s important to be mindful of aspects like the brand the product is from, always ensuring it is trustworthy and reputable, while also looking into all the ingredients in a specific product.
“Be careful of the quality,” Isabel Smith, a New York-based registered dietitian and founder of Isabel Smith Nutrition and Lifestyle, told Fox News Digital in a phone call.
Moringa is popularly purchased in powder form and used for its many nutritional benefits. (iStock)
“You could run into heavy metals, you could run into bad products,” Smith added. “So you just want to be a conscious consumer as always, and make sure that you are purchasing a product from a company that you trust and love.”
One way to ensure that a product is safe to use is by checking to see if it has been third-party tested.
“That’s something I always stress, is that you want to look for products that are third-party tested, because then you will know that the ingredient in that product is safe, it’s pure and it has everything in it that it says it has in it,” Jerlyn Jones, an Atlanta-based registered dietitian and owner of The Lifestyle Dietitian LLC, told Fox News Digital, adding that it’s also important to make sure what you’re buying is 100% organic.
THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF MATCHA, PACKED WITH ANTIOXIDANTS, MAY BE WORTH INCORPORATING INTO YOUR DIET
Unlike matcha, which has also been associated with numerous health benefits and has grown in popularity in recent years, moringa is caffeine-free.
Below are some of the health benefits that are believed to come from moringa.
One way moringa can be added to your diet is by mixing powder into your healthy fruit and vegetable smoothies. (iStock)
One of the biggest health benefits of moringa is that it can be used as a means to fight against inflammation.
Inflammation is the body’s response to illness or infection, according to Harvard Health.
CHERRIES ARE A SMALL FRUIT PACKED WITH MANY NUTRIENTS AND IMPRESSIVE HEALTH BENEFITS
There are many different diseases, including cancer and heart disease, that have been linked to chronic inflammation.
Foods and supplements with anti-inflammatory properties can help lower the risk of these diseases and others.
Moringa can be found in a protein powder mixed with a variety of other vitamins and minerals.(iStock)
“It’s got quercetin, which is a natural antihistamine, but also has some anti-inflammatory properties,” Smith said.
Moringa also has “beta-carotene, which we know is really good for skin health and holds a lot of anti-inflammatory antioxidant capacities. So it seems to be like an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich plant,” Smith told Fox News Digital.
Even though you could see this health benefit from moringa, it’s vital to remember that one dietary change or added supplement isn’t going to make drastic differences, and living an overall healthy lifestyle that works with your body is what matters most.
“I don’t think any one thing can make the difference for somebody. I think all the bits and pieces and all the things we do in concert can all make a difference,” said Smith.
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A balanced diet can help provide the body with nutrients to keep it healthy and strong, but sometimes, the nutrients found in food aren’t enough.
That’s one area where supplements come into play. Sometimes, the body doesn’t get enough of certain nutrients. Supplements can help bring your nutrient intake up.
Make sure your body is getting all the vitamins and nutrients that it needs to keep your immune system strong and avoid falling ill. (iStock)
Moringa is packed with different nutrients that can help your immune system’s strength and aid your body in fighting against potential illness.
“It’s packed with vitamin C and A and vitamin E, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus. A lot of these nutrients are nutrients that we are very low in,” Jones explained.
If you want younger-looking skin, moringa could help you achieve your goal.
For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle.
“We’re all really concerned about how we’re aging, and those compounds within moringa can help with our skin care and also anti-aging, because it has the anti-inflammatory, and so it’s promising in that way,” said Jones.
Moringa is sold through many means, including pills, powder, oils and even in skincare products like body butter and serum, leaving consumers with many potential options for adding the supplement to their lives.
Moringa’s anti-aging properties could lead to healthier, younger-looking skin.(iStock)
Supplements like moringa and the slew of others that have been suggested by experts in part for their anti-aging properties should of course be combined with proper diet and adequate exercise for optimal results.
There are many lifestyle changes you can make in order to improve cholesterol, like avoiding smoking and foods that are high in saturated and trans fat.
Jones told Fox News Digital that moringa has been shown to improve cholesterol levels in the body, due to the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants it contains that support overall heart health.
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In addition to improved cholesterol, moringa is also believed to help balance blood sugar levels, which, in turn, can help manage diabetes, according to Jones.
Of course, before adding moringa to your diet for any of its possible nutritional benefits, be sure to consult your doctor first.
“Check in with your health care team, your medical team, to make sure that it doesn’t interfere with any other medications that you’re taking,” Jones explained. “Always check in with your doctor whenever you’re deciding to take a supplement.”
Protein is a vital macronutrient that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. From building and repairing tissues to supporting muscle growth and hormone production, protein is essential for overall health and well-being. Protein is important for our bodily functions but many women are not able to get the required quantity through their regular diet. Protein powders claim to fill in the gap but are also shunned by many people for their high calorie/sugar content. So, is protein powder a good idea? Nutritionist Leema Mahajan, on an Instagram page, clarifies it all.
According to her if someone, for any reason, is not able to meet the daily protein requirement through their diet, then protein powder is safe to take. It is at least better than all the junk food we keep consuming.
Also Read: Homemade Protein Powder Recipe With Natural Ingredients For Weight Loss – Recipe Inside)
The Importance of Protein
Proteins are the building blocks of our bodies, forming the structural components of our skin, hair, and nails. They are also involved in transporting nutrients throughout the body and regulating vital functions such as hormone production and muscle recovery. Protein powders can be a valuable addition to your diet if you struggle to meet your daily protein requirements. They provide a concentrated source of protein in a convenient powdered form, making it easy to incorporate into your meals or snacks.
Here Are Some Tips For Choosing The Right Protein Powder:
When selecting a protein powder, it’s essential to consider the following factors:
Protein Content: Look for powders with a high protein content, ideally at least 20 grams per serving.
Carbohydrate Content: Opt for powders with minimal added sugars to avoid unnecessary calories.
Artificial Sweeteners: Avoid products containing artificial sweeteners, as they can have negative health implications.
Artificial Colours: Choose protein powders without artificial colours to ensure purity and natural flavour.
Ingredient List: Prioritize products with a minimal ingredient list, avoiding unnecessary additives and fillers.
Also Read: 4 Homemade Protein Shakes And Salads For Building Muscles And Weight Loss
Here Are Some Benefits of Protein Powders You Should Know About:
Increased Protein Intake: Protein powders can help you meet your daily protein goals, especially if you struggle to consume enough protein through your regular meals.
Muscle Growth and Repair: Adequate protein intake is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, particularly important for athletes and individuals engaged in strength training.
Weight Management: Protein can help you feel full and satisfied, reducing overall calorie intake and aiding in weight management.
Improved Athletic Performance: Adequate protein intake is crucial for optimal athletic performance, providing the necessary fuel for muscles and energy for workouts.
Enhanced Bone Health: Protein is essential for bone health, helping to maintain bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Protein is important but it’s best to get it from your diet. However, according to the expert, protein powders can be a safe and effective way to supplement your protein intake, especially if you struggle to meet your daily requirements through your diet.
About Neha GroverLove for reading roused her writing instincts. Neha is guilty of having a deep-set fixation with anything caffeinated. When she is not pouring out her nest of thoughts onto the screen, you can see her reading while sipping on coffee.
On April 20, 2013, a massive earthquake struck Lushan County in Sichuan Province. A month later, President Xi Jinping visited the devastated area. One touching photograph shows him embracing a baby boy, Luo Juncheng, in the tent where his family had been temporarily housed. Over a decade later, Juncheng, now at primary school, feels that in that moment he established a special bond with the president.
Are you someone who believes in the healing power of crystals? Maybe you have a pocket full of charged gems or you place them around your house for Feng Shui. Regardless of your relationship with these metaphysical rocks, you might not have considered using them for your beloved pets—until now.
If you love holistic healing, let us explain how certain well-known crystals can provide physical benefits to your cat.
The 12 Healing Crystals for Cats
1. Amethyst
Image Credit: Photography by Mali K, Shutterstock
Properties:
Promotes peace and calmness, relieves digestive issues, regulates hormones, improves immunity, boosts endocrine function
The beautiful amethyst is traditionally a purple crystal that represents the month of February. But that isn’t all it’s for! It has many properties that make it so fabulous for energy work.
If you have a particularly stressed cat on your hands, it can soothe their temperament. Also, it can improve blood circulation, creating better health overall for your furry pal. It can also help to soothe digestive troubles and even out hormonal issues.
If it seems like you’re trying to treat your cat’s unwavering anxiety with amethyst and it just seems to make it worse, you may want to discontinue use. In some, it can actually heighten the effects of anxiety, which is certainly not the aim.
2. Aventurine
Image Credit: manfredxy, Shutterstock
Properties:
Improves circulation, restores nervous system, anti-inflammatory, aids in healthy metabolism, boosts energy
Aventurine is a quartz-based stone that is terrific spiritually, physically, and emotionally. It can aid humans in many different fashions, but it can also be an amazing choice for feline healing, too.
This particular stone is notorious for improving circulation, calming the nervous system, and reducing skin issues. It can be an excellent option for kitties who have allergies—environmental or food-related.
Aventurine is multi-faceted, touting different color hues. It is often referred to as the stone of opportunity. It can help your cat in many different aspects of life, but it primarily manages energy levels and nervous system malfunctions.
3. Black Tourmaline
Image Credit: Yut chanthaburi, Shutterstock
Properties:
Aids in detoxification, improves circulation, provides pain relief, promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety
Black tourmaline is a lovely stone that is almost lined or ridged, giving it definition and character. While a beautiful piece to have on display in your home it can also be an amazing tool to use for cats who need a little help in certain departments.
Black tourmaline can help detoxify the body, improve circulation, or even provide slight pain relief in certain instances. These stone characteristics can help cats who are trying to recover from injury or illness.
Plus, like many black stones, this crystal aids in protection. So, if you think your kitty could use an extra layer of warmth around them, a black tourmaline crystal could provide some spiritual conservation.
4. Carnelian
Image Credit: Stojan Tasevski, Shutterstock
Properties:
Wards off insanity, enhances energy levels, improves circulation, stimulates a healthy metabolism
So, you have a tubby kitty on your hands that could use a little motivation to burn some extra calories? Carnelian may be just the stone you need to get your kitty under control. It is known for enhancing energy levels, charging up your kitty for playtime.
Carnelian would work wonders for seniors or lazier cats. This crystal can help enhance playfulness and adventurousness so your cat can live life in the fast lane. Of course, this crystal isn’t for zippy cats who can’t get enough action.
Carnelian can also improve circulation and promote healthy metabolism.
5. Fluorite
Image Credit: Berke, Shutterstock
Properties:
Boosts cellular healing, rejuvenates the body, improves skeletal system, aids in lung function
There are many types of fluorite, but all are equally beneficially in their own right. No matter which type of fluorite catches your eye, all can be of use to cats who could use a little extra healing power.
Fluorite is a major dispeller of bad juju. So, if your cat has recently undergone trauma, injury, or some other major event, it can help relieve stress and promote a positive balance. This stone is all about tranquility, calm, loving resilience.
On top of these benefits, fluorite is also a master at accelerating healing physically, too. It is said to stimulate the third eye, both with people and pets! Will you have an enlightened kitty on your hands? Who could know for sure until you try it out.
6. Jasper
Image Credit: ElyaPhoto, Shutterstock
Properties:
Relieves anxiety, rids inflammation, improves circulation and digestion, promotes strength and courage
There are many kinds of jasper—each having something special to bring to the table. You can choose from red, fancy, or brecciated, to name a few. Each one has a slightly different meaning and a unique appearance.
Jasper is a very protective stone, no matter the color or pattern. It can aid in relieving anxiety and getting rid of inflammation. Jasper is also known to be a very good grounding stone, bringing your cat back into reality.
If you have had a Kitty come to you from a turbulent or homeless situation, jasper can be a great foundation stone!
7. Lepidolite
Image Credit: Collective Arcana, Shutterstock
Properties:
Harmonizes mind, body, and soul, eases stress, alleviates tension in the body
Lepidolite is a miracle stone with the patience of Job. It is often referred to as the grandmother stone because it facilitates the utmost grace and patience, giving it a grandmother-like vibe.
This particular stone resonates with multiple chakras: the heart, crown, and third eye. So, it can help with these areas of health, even for our cats. These stones really help to put focus on relaxation and steady temperament.
If your cat is known for having a very tense or rigid structure, this can be helpful, too. It will promote a sense of calm to your cat, allowing them to stop and smell the roses, so to speak.
Moonstones are beautiful crystals that have a variety of intense properties. These stones can not only help people balance themselves in nearly every way, but they can do the same for your feline friends.
The moonstone can be terrific for cats who have issues with hormones, lymphatic sluggishness, and decreased immunity. It will aid in mending the issues to create a better experience for your healing kitty.
Moonstone also promotes healthy sleep patterns and reproductive health. So if you just so happen to be a cat breeder, your females might really benefit from the power of this particular crystal.
9. Rose Quartz
Image Credit: Holly Mazour, Shutterstock
Properties:
Improves circulation, improves skin health, levels out moods
Ah, rose quartz—the crystal that’s all about love and loving others. So, what can this pink form of quartz do for your cat? So much! This stone is really a mood booster, replacing any negative thoughts with happy ones.
Also, this crystal can improve overall circulation, aid in skin health improvement, and totally level a frisky feline. It is a very chill stone, meaning it only promotes positivity—so you can’t go wrong when using it with your kitty.
Rose quartz really tackles emotional issues. It might be perfect for a cat that feels threatened easily, has a superiority complex, or even lives life in constant fear. It can also reduce bodily tension if you have a particularly uptight pal on your hands.
10.Selenite
Image Credit: pamela ranya, Shutterstock
Properties:
Reduces stress, promotes calmness, relieves pain, detoxifies the body
If your cat needs a little moonlit power to save the day, let us recommend selenite for its powerful capabilities. This cleansing stone is highly powerful, protective, and cleansing for the body.
For your cat, it can promote a sense of calmness to shield them from chaotic feelings. This can be a great stone for juvenile cats to provide a leveling effect. It also helps anxious cats curb their feelings of restlessness.
On top of its emotional perks, it also helps to detoxify the body and cleanse surrounding negativity. So, if your living space is mucking up your cat’s energy, this stone can be a great clearing tool.
Smoky quartz is a powerful crystal that has tons of beneficial qualities. It is very useful to people, but it can equally benefit cats if they need the extra boost. This stone isn’t just lovely, it’s healing.
If your cat is depressed after just losing a friend or having trouble adjusting to a new home life, smoky quartz can help! This stone helps to overcome fear, anxiety, and depression—but that isn’t all!
This stone also helps calm tense muscles, aid in digestion, and boost energy. The effects of smoky quartz might also help protect your cat from radiation, which can be useful if you have tons of Wi-Fi gadgets in the home.
12.Turquoise
Image Credit: fullempty, Shutterstock
Properties:
Eases inflammation, assists depression and anxiety, supports a healthy immune system
Turquoise is more than just a fabulous color—it’s an undeniably beautiful stone. This crystal is as powerful as it is unique, terrific for medicinal and spiritual healing. It is a stone of strength, making your kitty even more fierce than they were before.
This stone also helps reduce inflammation. If your cat experiences some sort of infection or injury, turquoise can speed up the recovery process. It is also splendid for the immune system, giving it just the boost it needs.
This is a stone of positivity and inner peace. So if your frisky feline could use a chill pill, turquoise can be a great stone to work with.
Conclusion
Now you understand a little bit more about the properties of these beautiful stones. They can be beautiful decorations, add functionality to your home, and also be beneficial to the health of all living things!
Just be sure to do your research and choose the correct crystal that will give you the desired result.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
SHEIN, kineski div brze mode, tuži rivala Temu zbog kršenja autorskih prava, tvrdeći da se Temu “maskira” kao online trgovina kopirajući proizvode koje prodaje Shein.
Iako se Shein sam suočava sa sličnim optužbama od drugih marki i trgovaca, u tužbi podnesenoj saveznom sudu u Washingtonu, Shein je optužio Temu – u vlasništvu PDD Holdingsa – za organiziranje “koordiniranog plana” krađe poslovnih tajni, krivotvorine, kršenja zaštitnih znakova i autorskih prava te lažno oglašavanje, piše Forbes.
Najmanje jedan zaposlenik Temua krao je “vrijedne tajne” od Sheina, u kojima su se nalazile informacije o najprodavanijim proizvodima, a Temu je potom naredio prodavačima na platformi da prodaju “krivotvorene verzije” tih proizvoda, tvrdi Shein.
Uz to, Shein optužuje Temu za “lažno pretvaranje” da je Shein, stvarajući račune na X-u (ranije Twitteru) i predstavljajući se kao Shein kako bi “pogrešno usmjerio klijente s platforme Shein na platformu Temu.”
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
Ovaj pravni spor nije prvi između ove dvije tvrtke
Shein od Temua zahtijeva odštetu, a iznos bi trebao biti određen nakon suđenja s porotom, kao i troškove odvjetnika.
Glasnogovornik Temua kritizirao je Shein zbog “hrabrosti da izmišlja optužbe” protiv tvrtke i drugih “zbog nedoličnog ponašanja za koje su stalno tuženi”. Ovaj pravni spor nije prvi između ove dvije tvrtke. Temu je tužio Shein u prosincu zbog navodnog “mafijaškog zastrašivanja” proizvođača, tvrdeći da Shein koristi agresivne taktike kako bi “nezakonito ometao Temuov posao,” uključujući izdavanje “desetaka tisuća nelegitimnih tužbi za autorska prava.” Ta je tužba i dalje u tijeku.
Temu je prošlog srpnja podnio još jednu žalbu protiv Sheina, ovaj put optuživši kompaniju za kršenje prava o zaštiti konkurencije zbog navodnog zastrašivanja i prijetnji upućenih dobavljačima koji su željeli surađivati s Temuom. Prošlog ožujka Shein je tužio Temu za navodno iznošenje laži o Sheinu tijekom promoviranja vlastite platforme. Obje te tužbe odbačene su u listopadu.
Shein je, s druge strane, također suočen s optužbama za kršenje autorskih prava od strane drugih modnih marki. H&M ga je prošlog srpnja tužio zbog navodne krađe intelektualnog vlasništva i prodaje krivotvorenih proizvoda, a slične pritužbe podnijeli su Dr. Martens, Ralph Lauren, Levi Strauss, Puma i Adidas. Te su tužbe još uvijek u tijeku.
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Just two weeks ago, Banning High’s weight room was its training ground.
Banning bulked up and lifted together, side by side throughout the preseason with its field still unfinished for practices and Friday night lights as they awaited new turf.
Salvador Zamora, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound left tackle, “became an animal” as he worked out alongside teammates, coach Raymond Grajeda said.
“Coach makes it mandatory for us,” Zamora said. “I don’t think we’ll be as good as without the weight room.”
Grajeda said it’s where Zamora and 16-year-old senior Steven Perez — Banning’s Swiss army knife — continued to blossom into leaders, channeling their “heart and pride” and preaching accountability.
The Pilots itched for the go-ahead — the moment to run out onto the field as a team. An itch that was evident in their performance Friday night.
With Banning returned to its home turf for its season opener, Zamora and the Pilots’ offensive line paved the way for Perez to burst by Dorsey and never look back. Perez — who started at quarterback and safety — surged for 32-yard and 60-yard touchdown runs in the first half alone, leading Banning to a 49-21 victory in City Section nonleague action.
“Steven plays with hard pride and emotion, and he has a determination that we haven’t seen here in a long time at Banning,” Grajeda said. “He plays with a different level of emotion.”
Perez did it all for the Pilots. He finished with 126 yards in nine carries, brought a pick-six 96 yards downfield to give Banning a 33-0 halftime lead and tossed his first career touchdown pass to ice the game in the fourth quarter.
“This is my first year playing playing quarterback,” Perez said. “I’ve never played quarterback in my life. … I’ve been training all summer. I’ve been working for this moment.”
Senior running back/linebacker Keshawn Galloway was second best in the Pilots’ rushingattack, closing the contest with 100 yards and one touchdown. Perez pointed to Zamora for leading the offensive line to help Banning push for a ground-and-pound rushing focus Friday.
Zamora is “the leader of our O-line,” Perez said. “He’s the leader of our team. He’s the one who keeps our O-line intact. He’s the one who keeps us together, and he’s the one who leads the way for us.”
Banning, which won its 13th City Section football title last year, ended the night with 364 all-purpose yards as Dorsey coach Stafon Johnson and the Dons never found the solution to stop the Pilots’ offense.
Dorsey scored all 21 of its points in the second half. Freshman wide receiver Stafon Johnson Jr. tallied 52 yards on three catches with one touchdown in his high school debut.
“We were the underdog,” Grajeda said. “Now we got to keep showing them that we’re not.”
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with industry partners to strengthen collaboration with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
The agreements were signed on Saturday at C-DAC’s Vellayambalam Campus. During the event, S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, also inaugurated a Hardware Emulation Facility at the campus.
According to an official statement, “S. Krishnan IAS, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), inaugurated the Hardware Emulation Facility at C-DAC’s Vellayambalam Campus. The facility is designed to advance indigenous development, testing, and validation of hardware designs in VLSI and SoC technologies.”
The statement added “During the inauguration, a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to further strengthen collaboration between C-DAC and various industry partners”.
The MoU with Tata EV focuses on Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), and Vehicle-to-Building (V2B) grid technologies, aiming to drive the development, deployment, testing, and commercialization of these technologies.
A similar MoU was signed with Hykon Group, emphasizing the same grid technologies and their commercialization.
Another agreement with JMVLPS Limited targets the advancement of smart metering technologies for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). The partnership with Larsen & Toubro focuses on developing indigenous VEGA processor-based System on Chips (SoCs).
Additionally, the MoU with Aheesa Digital Innovations will facilitate the testing, validation, and commercialization of C-DAC’s CDAC-Rakshak and Darpan VNS systems, which are aimed at enhancing cybersecurity and forensic capabilities.S. Krishnan also launched a range of Microgrids developed by Hykon Group in collaboration with C-DAC. These microgrids are designed to support the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.
Tourism is a key lifeline for Pyongyang to obtain foreign currency, as the industry lies outside of the scope of international sanctions. The state is finishing the Wonsan-Kalma tourist area on its northeast coast. Nearly five years after North Korea sealed its borders to the outside world due to the coronavirus pandemic, its officials indicated that it will once again open up to Western tourists. Travel companies that previously took small groups of visitors into the North received word from their partner organizations in Pyongyang in the middle of August that the first tours could resume in December. The northern city of Samjiyon is likely to be the initial destination.
Russian nationals have been allowed to visit North Korea as tourists since February 2024.(Yuri Smityuk/ITAR-TASS/IMAGO)
“We were informed in a phone call from our partners in Pyongyang,” said Simon Cockerell, general manager of specialist North Korea travel agency Koryo Tours. “It was unexpected but welcome, and we asked for further information, but no more than what we have announced was available.” Other specialist travel firms, including KTG Tours, received a similar notification. Koryo Tours, which is based in Beijing, took the first foreign tourists into North Korea in 1993. Over the following decades, it has given around 30,000 curious outsiders a glimpse into the lives of people living under a strict communist dictatorship.
Pyongyang slams borders shut during COVID-19
The last Western tour group visited in January 2020, shortly before Pyongyang decided to close the country’s borders in an effort to isolate itself from the global pandemic. Many other countries limited travel to stop the spread of infection; they eventually lifted restrictions as fears of coronavirus faded. Now, travel agencies say there is huge interest in North Korea, which is the last country in the world to reopen after the pandemic.
“We have inquiries from many countries, and it is clear there is a lot of pent-up demand from folks wishing to see the place for themselves,” Cockerell told DW. The main reason that people give for wanting to travel to North Korea is “because it is there,” he added, although there are many “country collectors” and “completists” looking to visit every nation on Earth.
“It is obviously not the easiest place to visit and, of course, there are a great many restrictions, rules and regulations there, so it is not somewhere that people go to for no reason or just casually,” Cockerell said. “Those who do go there really want to. They want to see what they can, do what they can and learn as much as possible.” “That leads to highly engaged groups of visitors and a fascinating experience,” he added.
South Koreans also want to visit
Kim Seong-kyung, a professor of North Korean society and culture at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said she is very keen to travel north of the border, but that it was impossible to do so at present. “If the rules were relaxed, I would very much want to go out of academic interest, but also out of interest in this divided country with two very different societies,” she told DW.
“Like most South Koreans, I would love to know more about the North.” And while the government in Pyongyang has always been very cautious with outsiders, Kim believes the authorities have been preparing for a resumption in tourism for some time. “North Korea needs more resources from outside its borders, and tourism is one of the few sectors that is exempt from United Nations sanctions,” she said.
“The Kim regime is making a big effort to attract more international tourists because it needs foreign currency, but I also believe he wants the country to be considered ‘normal’ and to show off to the rest of the world its natural attractions as well as the beautiful buildings in the cities.” North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un signed asweeping trade and security agreement with President Vladimir Putin when the Russian leader visited Pyongyang in June, and there have already been groups of Russian visitors to the North.
In the past, Chinese tourists made up the majority of visitors, but that source of income for the North also dried up when the borders were closed. Kim’s tourism officials have been busy over the last few years, and work on the Wonsan-Kalma tourist area, on the northeast coast, is close to completion.
Kim Jong Un keeps an eye on tourism
Kim visited the site on July 18 to monitor the progress, with satellite images showing that hotels, restaurants, amusement parks, a rotating observation tower and other tourist facilities are close to completion along the 4-kilometer (2.5 miles) stretch of curving beach. It is likely that the self-contained resort is designed to appeal primarily to Chinese and Russian tourists. And while tourism to North Korea is not subject to sanctions at present, there has been criticism from some quarters that visiting the country plays into the North’s propaganda hands and helps to finance the regime’s nuclear and missile programs.
Koryo Tours chief Cockerell disagrees. “The cure for the isolation that North Korea is rightly criticized for is not yet more isolation,” said Cockerell. “It is the policy of the North Korean state to keep its people in a situation where they learn about the world only through their own system, which does not present foreigners in the best light, to say the least,” he added. “Interaction, engagement and simply being in the country and moving around all act against this and helps to incrementally open eyes and minds about the complex realities of the world.”
The Keychron Q3 Max is a 80% TKL keyboard everyone should consider buying if they want a premium experience that works for gaming, productivity and more.
It has such a premium design that is unmatched on the market. It’s crafted with 6063 aluminum that is processed through CNC machined, polished, sandblasted, and undergoes 24 more manufacturing stages and adds a premium feel to the device. With Keychron’s Gateron Jupiter switches, double-shot PBT keycaps and double gasket design, typing and gaming on the Q3 Max is incredibly satisfying and unmatched.
It also comes with wireless features as well as Bluetooth connectivity with Windows and Mac devices. We also found a keyboard which allows hotswappable switches which is perfect for keyboard enthusiasts who want to fiddle around with the device.
All in all, the keyboard is probably one of the best gaming keyboards on the market right now and we wouldn’t hesistate recommending it to anyone.
Nissan Thailand has revealed an updated Navara ute boasting significantly revised interior with new technology – but don’t expect to see it in Australia anytime soon.
Pictures posted by AutoFun show the Thai-market Navara PRO-4X with the full gamut of changes.
While it doesn’t look much different on the outside, the updated Thai-market Nissan Navara gets a new dashboard with a soft-touch insert depending on variant and a new 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment similar to the one seen in other models like the Qashqai, X-Trail, and Mitsubishi Outlander.
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Source: AutoFun
Highlights beyond the design changes and the new, larger display also include the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, as well as a revised climate control panel which combines physical switchgear with a digital panel to show temperature and fan speed.
While local Navara models are sourced from Thailand, a spokesperson for Nissan Australia told CarExpert: “The update is specifically for the Thai market. There are currently no plans for this vehicle in Australia”.
According to reports, the changes appear to align the Navara ute with the related Nissan Terra 4WD, which is to the Navara what the likes of the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X are to the Ranger and D-Max, respectively.
Almost a spiritual successor to the original generations of Pathfinder, the Terra has never been sold in Australia.
Navara PRO-4X (Australian model)
The other changes for the Thai market include the fitment of Euro 5 emissions systems for the 2.3-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine – it appears Thailand is even further behind than Australia.
This mainly involves the addition of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) which helps to reduce harmful particulates and pollutants that are emitted by diesel engines.
Lower grades of Navara in Thailand score a single-turbo version of the 2.3-litre diesel, similar to the Australian range.
Navara Black Edition
While dual-cab ute sales continue to boom in Australia, the Nissan Navara plays at a much smaller scale than rivals like the Ranger, HiLux and D-Max, despite posting decent growth in recent months.
To July 31, 2024, there have been 665 4×2 and 5714 4×4 Navara units newly registered in Australia, up 118.0 per cent and 48.5 per cent respectively for the January to July period in 2023.
However, the Navara is a bit-player compared to the Ford Ranger, which has registered 3216 4×2 and 35,230 4×4 units respectively across the same period – basically outselling the Navara by more than six to one.
Still, Nissan isn’t done with the ageing Navara, recently releasing the limited-run Black Edition for Australia, with a couple more announcements expected in the coming months.
Navara Black Edition
While a decade old, it’s unclear when the next-generation Navara will debut, let alone arrive in Australia.
Nissan’s representatives are tight-lipped about the next iteration of the popular ute, and the brand is clearly not on the same product timeline as Alliance partner Mitsubishi, which recently released the latest version of its Triton ute.
Three years ago, then-recently appointed CEO of Nissan, Makoto Uchida, said while there will be collaboration between the brands as well as some shared components, there will be clear differentiation between the two vehicles.
“The brand, the ‘Nissan-ness’, will be determined by the upper body. But if you look back, in relations with Renault, because we had the challenging volume task, each partner tried to minimise cannibalisation as much as possible,” he said.
“As a result we looked for significant differentiation between the two and the result was less efficiency in investment. But it doesn’t mean we are [now] going to adopt identical upper bodies… that’s not our intention.
“… differentiation will be attained [but] we can use existing assets, for example we look for adoption of common doors. There are other successful models where they adopt common doors but they look different.”
Would you want to see these Navara updates in Australia? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Style Baazar Retail IPO: The initial public offering (IPO) of Rekha Rakesh Jhunjhunwala-backed Baazar Style Retail Ltd will be opened for public subscription on August 30. According to Kolkata-based value fashion retailer’s red herring prospectus with markets regulator Sebi, the IPO comprises a fresh issuance of equity shares worth Rs 148 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of 1.7 crore equity shares.
According to a Moneycontrol report, the price band of the Baazar Style Retail IPO is likely to be announced on August 27.
The IPO will remained open for public subscription between August 30 and September 3. Its allotment will be finalised on September 4, while the share listing will take place on the BSE and the NSE on September 6.
Style Baazar Retail will launch its anchor book for the IPO on August 29, 2024.
The net proceeds of the IPO will be utilised towards — 1) the repayment or repayment of all or a portion of certain outstanding borrowings availed by the company; and 2) General corporate purposes.
Under the offer-for-sale, Rekha Rakesh Jhunjhunwala will sell 27.23 lakh equity shares, Intensive Softshare Private Limited will offload 22.40 lakh shares, and Intensive Finance Private will divest 14.87 lakh shares, among others.
Axis Capital Limited, Intensive Fiscal Services Private Limited and JM Financial Limited are the book running lead managers of the Baazar Style Retail IPO, while Link Intime India Private Ltd is the registrar for the issue.
The company reported total income of Rs 982 crore in FY24, up 23 percent year-on-year (YoY) from Rs 794 crore. Its profit also jumped over four-fold or 320 percent YoY to Rs 21 crore in FY24 from Rs 5 crore in FY23, according to its RHP. Its return on equity (RoE) also rose to 10 percent in FY24, as compared to 3 percent a year back.
Baazar Style Retail, founded in June 2013, is one of the leading players in the value retail market, in West Bengal and Odisha, with a presence of 162 stores spread across over 1.47 million square feet as of March 31, 2024.
The company offers apparel for men, women, boys, girls, and infants and general merchandise such as non-apparels and home furnishing products. It focuses on providing a family-oriented shopping experience, offering quality products and striving to offer every Indian stylish merchandise at an affordable price.
As of March 31, 2024, the stores averaged 9,046 square feet and were staffed by trained employees to enhance customer experience.
According to Technopak report, value retail in the apparel segment in India was estimated to be around Rs 3.7 lakh crore in fiscal 2024. This market is expected to reach Rs 5.3 lakh crore by fiscal 2027, growing at a CAGR of 13.9 percet from fiscal 2023-27.
Mohammad Haris
Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experi…Read More
Sun Token (SUN), the cryptocurrency from the TRON network, has experienced an impressive surge of over 470% in just one week. The coin, which was trading at $0.009, has jumped to $0.03735, drawing considerable attention in the crypto community.
This dramatic price increase is largely attributed to a recent tweet from TRON founder Justin Sun, announcing the launch of SunPump, which sparked the surge.
SUN Coin Records 470% Surge
Launched over four years ago, SUN Token initially aimed to be a store of value like Bitcoin. However, after a supply hyperinflation crash in 2021, the token shifted its focus to decentralized finance (DeFi) on the Justwap and Justlend platforms.
With its renewed utility, SUN is now targeting a $1 billion market cap, currently standing at $377 million.
Renowned crypto analyst Captain Faibik highlights SUN’s extraordinary growth over the past week. The price, which began at $0.009, has soared to $0.03735. This remarkable 470% increase signals a strong bullish trend that investors are closely watching.
What’s Driving the Surge?
The recent surge in SUN’s price is largely attributed to a tweet from TRON founder Justin Sun. He announced the launch of SunPump, a new platform on the Tron blockchain focused on generating and trading memecoins.
Justin Sun teases official launch of Sun Pump
On the X social media platform, Tron founder Justin Sun spoke in a Space to reveal plans to officially launch Sun Pump, a platform on the Tron blockchain dedicated to generating and trading memecoins, according to Odaily. He noted…
Justin Sun’s strategy to boost the network’s revenue—projected to exceed $4 billion next year involves leveraging meme coins and adjusting network fees. SunPump has quickly outpaced its Solana-based rival, Pump.fun, in terms of tokens launched and daily revenue, contributing to the recent rise in $SUN’s price.
What Next For Sun Token?
SUN has recently broken out of a long period of price stability and is now trending upwards, with support from rising EMA lines. However, the appearance of large bullish candlesticks indicates that a pause or correction might be approaching.
Even though SUN has seen a significant price increase, analysts are suggesting that a price pullback could be near. The token’s recent breakout from its consolidation phase is notable, but signs of buyer exhaustion are starting to appear.
Perhaps recent data from Coinglass shows that while traders are still opening long positions, the volume has only increased by 31% in the last 24 hours. This suggests that buyers might be getting tired.
G Satheesh Reddy, former Chairperson of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has joined Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani as a Distinguished Senior Faculty to support its Research and Innovation efforts primarily in the domain of national security.
“In his new role, Reddy will be at the forefront of research and academic leadership and will focus on guiding advanced research initiatives, in the Center for Research Excellence in National Security,” a statement from BITS Pilani said here on Friday.
“With a distinguished career in defense technology, Reddy has played a pivotal role in advancing India’s defense capabilities through numerous high-impact projects and innovations during his tenure at DRDO,” it said.
“After nearly 39 years at DRDO, continuing my research with an academic institute is natural. BITS Pilani has long been a partner in research initiatives, and the establishment of Center for Research Excellence in National Security (CRENS) here is particularly a welcome step,” Reddy said.
Also read: IIT Indore develops e-shoes for live location tracking
An early-warning system for recessions would be worth trillions of dollars. Governments could dole out stimulus at just the right time; investors could turn a nice profit. Unfortunately, the process for calling a recession is too slow to be useful. America’s arbiter, the National Bureau of Economic Research, can take months to decide. Other countries simply look at gdp data, which emerge with a lag.
After you’ve picked between meal kits or meal delivery, you’ll want to find a service within your budget. There are meal kits with recipes for as cheap as $6 a serving with basic menus and no-frills recipes. More expensive services include recipes with more exotic ingredients, high-end cuts of meat and organic produce, but can cost as much as $15 or $20 a serving.
Meal kit or prepared meal delivery
The first big decision you’ll make is whether you want meal kits, which require some prep and cooking, or a prepared meal service that sends fully cooked meals ready to heat and eat. Meal kits will demand more of your time and energy but they’ll also cost a little less per serving. Prepared meals require almost no time and energy, other than what it takes to actually eat the food, but typically run a few dollars more per serving.
Blue Apron is budget-friendly and includes steak and seafood options.
David Watsky/CNET
Healthiness
While most meal delivery services have healthy options, some are much healthier than others. If you’re keen on eating low-calorie, low-carb, plant-based or pescatarian food, certain meal kits and meal delivery services are better than others. This list of the healthiest meal delivery services for 2024 is a good place to find the most nutritious options.
Thistle meals are as healthy as they get and show up fresh. Here’s what I thought of the prepared meal service.
David Watsky/CNET
Number of meals per week
With almost every service, the more meals or servings are in your order per delivery, the cheaper it becomes per meal. Ideally, you’ll want to determine exactly how much food makes sense for your household. If you can’t imagine yourself cooking more than twice per week, don’t order more than two meal kits because they typically won’t last more than a week in the fridge.
Most prepared meals either arrive frozen or can be frozen after unboxing. That means it’s less of an issue if you order too many meals on your first go-around. Most services allow you to change the number of meals or servings in your plan even after you’ve started.
Daily Harvest is one of the healthiest and cheapest meal delivery services we tried.
Four Massachusetts towns — Douglas, Oxford, Sutton and Webster — have enacted a voluntary evening lockdown in an attempt to curb the spread of a potentially deadly mosquito-borne disease.
The decision comes after the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed the first human case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) since 2020 in Worcester County.
On Wednesday, the Oxford Board of Health voted to support the recommendation for people to remain indoors after 6:00 PM, effective immediately, through Sept. 30, 2024, according to a public health advisory shared with Fox News Digital.
SALMONELLA OUTBREAK CAUSED BY TINY TURTLES, CDC WARNS, WITH CASES ACROSS 21 STATES
Starting on Oct. 1, 2024, the recommendation is to remain indoors after 5:00 PM until the first hard frost.
The period from dawn through dusk is considered “peak mosquito hours,” the notice stated.
Four Massachusetts towns — Douglas, Oxford, Sutton and Webster — have enacted a voluntary evening lockdown in an attempt to curb the spread of a potentially deadly mosquito-borne disease.(iStock)
The advisory designates the four communities as “critical-risk.”
“It is the Board of Health’s responsibility to protect the public health, and we take EEE very seriously, and we are strongly encouraging residents to follow these recommendations due to the severity of EEE and the fact that it is in our community,” a spokesperson for the town of Oxford said in an email to Fox News Digital.
PARVOVIRUS OR ‘SLAPPED CHEEK DISEASE’ IS ON THE RISE, CDC WARNS: HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW
“So far this year in Massachusetts, there has only been one human case of EEE, but throughout the state, mosquitoes have tested positive for EEE.”
The infected person, who lives in Oxford, remains “hospitalized and courageously battling this virus,” according to an Aug. 21 memo from the Oxford town manager that was provided to Fox News Digital.
The lockdowns are considered recommendations, and there will be no enforcement if residents do not comply, the town spokesperson said.
Eastern equine encephalitis is caused by a virus that is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, according to the CDC, which describes EEE as a “rare but serious disease.”(REUTERS/CDC/James Gathany)
“We want to educate our residents about EEE and the seriousness of the illness and make them aware of the risk,” the statement continued.
“However, if they want to use town fields outside of these recommendations, they will have to show proof of insurance and sign an indemnification form.”
WITH MPOX A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY IN AFRICA, WHAT YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT INCREASED VIRUS RISK
Oxford is working with the other three critical-risk communities, with all four issuing these same recommendations, the spokesperson confirmed.
“Schools are working to reschedule and adjust their sports schedules so practices and games occur before these evening times and on weekends,” the email noted.
Fox News Digital reached out to Oxford Public Schools for comment.
What is Eastern equine encephalitis?
Eastern equine encephalitis is caused by a virus that is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which describes EEE as a “rare but serious disease.”
“Eastern equine encephalitis can cause brain infection (encephalitis), which can be fatal.”
Only a few cases are reported in the U.S. each year, most in the eastern or Gulf Coast states, the agency states on its website.
Humans and other animals that contract the virus are considered “dead-end hosts,” the CDC states, which means they can’t spread it to mosquitoes that bite them.
Older people and immunocompromised persons are at the highest risk for mosquito-borne encephalitis, an expert said.(iStock)
Common symptoms of EEE include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, stiff neck, seizures, behavioral changes and drowsiness.
These usually appear five to 10 days after being bitten.
The disease can be deadly, resulting in fatalities for 30% of infected people. It can also lead to chronic neurological deficiencies, per the CDC.
‘ZIKA-LIKE’ MOSQUITO-BORNE VIRUS HAS SPREAD INTO EUROPE, HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN
“Eastern equine encephalitis can cause brain infection (encephalitis), which can be fatal,” Edward Liu, MD, chief of infectious diseases at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, told Fox News Digital.
Older people and those who are immunocompromised are at the highest risk for mosquito-borne encephalitis, according to Liu.
Prevention of mosquito bites is the most effective means of protecting against the disease, experts say.(iStock)
Dr. John Ayers, vice chief of innovation in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health at UC San Diego, confirmed to Fox News Digital that EEE is “serious but extraordinarily rare.”
“Without any overt prevention measures, cases remain substantially rarer than being struck by lightning,” he said.
Prevention and treatment
The fact that local mosquitoes have the virus and one Massachusetts patient has become infected is “concerning,” Liu said.
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“While evening lockdowns could be protective, other options would be educating the public of the risk, encouraging mosquito repellent usage, and spraying to prevent the prevalence of mosquitoes,” he advised.
Ayers added, “I don’t think there is anything you can do to meaningfully lower your individual chances of illness, because they’re already so low.”
“These viral encephalitis have no treatment, so prevention and supportive care is the only course of action.”
He agrees that typical strategies to deal with mosquito vector diseases are to kill the mosquitoes, reduce areas with standing water where they can nest, and spray to kill their larvae.
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“These viral encephalitis have no treatment, so prevention and supportive care is the only course of action,” Liu noted.
There is currently no vaccine for Eastern equine encephalitis.
In today’s digital age, the internet has made it easier for people to share their unique food preferences and creations, resulting in a plethora of bizarre food combinations that have become surprisingly popular. From rasgulla momos and chocolate Maggi to dal makhni ice cream roll, it seems like no food pairing is off-limits anymore. The latest example of this is the Chocolate Ice Cream Pakora, a creation that has left the internet scratching their heads. The combination of the words “Chocolate Ice Cream Pakora” itself don’t belong together. And yet, someone decided to bring this unlikely union to life.
A video surfaced on social media, showing a man preparing this unconventional snack. He took a scoop of chocolate ice cream, coated it in a thick pakora batter, and then submerged it in hot oil for deep-frying. The result was a crispy, golden-brown exterior giving way to a gooey, chocolatey centre. “Icecream pakode | Food experiment video only ( Do not try at Home ),” the caption of the video read.
Also Read: Beware! This Bizarre Egg Popcorn Recipe Has The Internet Confused
Watch the video here:
Needless to say, people were quick to react to this yet another bizarre food combo.
A user commented, “What kind of visual torture is this?”
“Justice for ice cream please,” another said.
A person said, “Wasn’t gonna try at home but thanks.”
“At this point, the fault is in me that I am part of this app,” a comment read.
Some time ago, a thread on X asked users to share their favourite bizarre food combinations, and the responses were quite interesting. Some of the unusual pairings included:
Biryani with mayonnaise
Instant noodles with ketchup
Strawberry with pizza
Chips with dal chawal
Crisps with Chocolate
Gulab jamun with ketchup
Pizza and strawberry
Chawal with cheeni (rice with sugar)
Crisps and daal chaval
Cheetos cheese chips with yoghurt
Tortilla chips and peanut butter
French fries and vanilla ice cream
Also Read: Viral Video: Street Vendor Makes Bizarre Egg Pani Puri, Internet Disapproves It
While some combinations were met with disbelief, others expressed interest in trying them.
Do you have a bizarre combo of your own? Let us know.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Friday urged Japan to cooperate fully in creating an independent, effective and long-term international monitoring scheme with substantive participation of its neighbors and other stakeholders over the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-08-23/China-urges-effective-long-term-oversight-of-Fukushima-release-1wj0OmpNMPu/img/6e4dcb148d5f4e53ac39151ecb1123fd/6e4dcb148d5f4e53ac39151ecb1123fd.png' alt='Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning makes remarks at a regular press briefing, July 4, 2024, China. /CFP'
Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks in response to a question regarding the progress of negotiations between the two sides since the Japanese government began discharging wastewater into the sea a year ago, and Japan’s requests for China to lift its ban on aquatic products from Japan.
Without full consultation with neighboring countries, Japan unilaterally started the discharge of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, shifting risks to the world, Mao told a press briefing, adding this practice is extremely irresponsible, and is neither in line with international law nor the way to get along with neighboring countries.
China firmly opposes it and has repeatedly voiced grave concerns to the Japanese side, the spokesperson said.
Mao said it was entirely legitimate, reasonable and necessary for China and other countries to take precautionary measures to protect food safety and people’s health in response to the discharge.
Noting China and Japan have maintained consultations on the issue of discharge, Mao stressed that the more transparent and open Japan is, the more it will help ease the concerns of the international community.
China once again urges the Japanese side to seriously respond to domestic and international concerns and earnestly fulfill its responsibilities and obligations, she said.
64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA has demonstrated advantages over current diagnostic tools, such as higher tumor uptake, next-day imaging, and a longer half-life in PET imaging of PSMA-positive prostate cancer lesions, Clarity says.
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Learn more »
Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.
I often find myself feeling envious of my cats. No responsibilities, all meals provided, nothing to do but laze the day away. So this week, I decided to take my envy and turn it into action, spending the day in Cyril’s shoes (or paws). It turns out that it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.
02:00: I’m feeling a bit lonely, so I’m going to find my human and spend 15 minutes getting comfortable on their back.
02:30: Bored now. I’m going back to my room to sleep there instead.
04:00: Feeling a bit peckish; I might run in and out of the human’s bedroom a few times, see if that generates any food.
04:30: Food mission was not a success. Time to get the others involved.
04:45: Commence ‘Operation Wake The Humans’. The ginger one and I take turns chasing each other, and the black one. Sometimes the torti one joins in as well.
04:55: Humans have stirred and grumbled, but no move to get out of bed.
05:00: Tiny dog jumps on the floor. Human is up and follows it downstairs. Irritating that tiny dog is able to achieve what I had not, but at least food should arrive shortly. Very excited.
05:15: Food arrives and I am very excited to see that it is the same thing as yesterday, and the day before that, and the day before that, and the day before that…… Yum!
I wish I could be this excited for the same food every day.
05:25: Time for a nap.
07:30: Humans are more active now. Maybe today will be the day they forget that we have already been fed? No? Well, there’s always tomorrow. Time for another nap.
09:45: One of the humans is sitting at the desk and their hands are moving a lot. Perhaps they are cold. I shall help by sitting on them.
09:50: Human doesn’t seem to realize that I’m trying to help. I will persevere.
10:00: Human has rejected my assistance. Instead, I deposit a large poop in the box beside the desk. The human seems to be very pleased, making all sorts of sounds as they gather it up for their collection. I wonder what they do with them all.
12:45: Feeling bored and a bit hungry. Check bowl – no food. Another disappointment. I’ll have a drink and lick my butt, and check back later.
13:00: Still no food. Time to fall dramatically onto my back in the middle of the room and lie there for 30 minutes.
Being Cyril for just one day deserves a nap.
13:30: One of the tiny dogs sniffs my tail, so I swish and twitch it enticingly. He makes an annoying yappy sound, so I roll over and tap his head. He runs away crying. What a wuss.
13:40: Tiny dog returns with tiny friend, and they chase me up the stairs. The cheek of them! When I reach the top I turn around to watch them, and they run away. They are not very brave.
14:00: Bowl check – still no food. I’ll give it another hour, but then it will be time to commence our afternoon demands. In the meantime, I shall nap.
15:30: Engage shadow mode – where human goes, I go. They try to shut me out of the small room with the porcelain chair, but I manage to squeeze through the gap in the door.
Bathroom doors are no obstacle for a cat.
17:30: Human is making preparations in the kitchen. Numerous bowls and foods appearing on the counter. I shall inspect them all. Large dog jumps up and licks my face. Disgusting creature.
17:45: Dinner time! I am very excited to see that it is the same thing as last night, and the night before that, and the night before that, and the night before that…… Yum!
The cats are always excited for their food, even if it is always the same!
18:00: Lazily washing my face and paws, and trying to decide if I shall vomit some of my dinner on the carpet tonight. Not tonight, maybe tomorrow. Instead, I’ll have a nap. A pile of warm towels has just appeared on the bed, so I will make use of that.
19:30: I am woken by the sound of the human scraping around in the litter box, so I wait patiently for them to finish their scavenging before going in for a large pee. Human lets out a sigh, presumably relieved that there will be more waste products for them to harvest.
20:00: Human is watching the noisy picture on the wall, so I sit in front and have a wash. I wait for them to say something about making a cup of tea, and take this as my cue to curl up on their lap for a nap.
One thing is clear: being Cyril is exhausting.
21:30: Human hasn’t moved, so I will stay here for a while longer.
22:00: Can’t sleep as human is jiggling their knee, so I stretch and disappear upstairs. The human follows but goes into the room with the porcelain chair.
23:00: Time for a last-minute wrestling match with the ginger one before turning in for the night. I check the bowl in case any food has appeared, but sadly, it is empty. Oh well, I shall check again in a few hours…
I’ve realized that, although Cyril’s life looks pretty chilled and free from stress, it’s also pretty dull. I’m also not sure that I could eat the same food every day with the level of enthusiasm displayed by my cats; not having autonomy over my meals would be a deal breaker for me! I could probably get used to all the naps though!
This article is a part of Dr. Karyn’s series with her five hilarious cats.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
NEDAVNO je bivši Nikeov izvršni direktor za brendiranje Massimo Giunco objavio članak koji je postao viralan, a u kojem iznosi priču o nedavnim problemima Nikea na Wall Streetu. Neugodne stvari za dioničare. No, ono što je zanimljivo jest koliko se Giuncova detaljna analiza podudara s drugačijim razgovorom koji mnogi ljudi vode posljednjih dana: je li Nike još uvijek kul?
Godine 2020. novi izvršni direktor Nikea John Donahue donio je nekoliko poslovnih odluka koje su, čini se, značajno utjecale ne samo na financijske rezultate tvrtke već i na način na koji tvrtka funkcionira te kako je doživljavaju zaposlenici i potrošači. Prvo, ukinuo je kategorije. To je značilo da proizvodi više nisu bili organizirani prema sportu, već prema spolu, piše GQ.
“Kao Zara, GAP, H&M ili bilo koji drugi generički modni brend”, napominje Giunco. Ako ste se pitali zašto Nike u posljednje vrijeme zaostaje kada je riječ o atraktivnom dizajnu – što Giunco naziva “nedostatkom inovativnosti i energije u stvaranju proizvoda” – to je vjerojatno djelomično zbog ove reorganizacije.
Flyknit
Nike je 2012. godine predstavio svoju tehnologiju Flyknit, što je bio briljantan globalni debi. Nike je bio svjestan što posjeduje – revolucionarnu inovaciju – i znao je kako to iskoristiti. Tadašnji izvršni direktor Nikea Mark Parker bio je majstor u tome.
Flyknit, genijalan novi materijal za izradu laganih tenisica, prvi put je stekao popularnost na Olimpijskim igrama u Londonu, na nogama kenijskog maratonca Abela Kiruija, koji je osvojio srebrnu medalju u elegantnim tenisicama za trčanje Flyknit Racer.
Ovaj uspjeh dodatno je pojačan debijem tenisica HTM Flyknit, dijela dugotrajne suradnje između Parkera, japanske streetwear legende Hiroshija Fujiware i legendarnog dizajnera Nikea Tinkera Hatfielda.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
HTM serija bila je vrhunac popularne kulture tenisica. Svaka tenisica s tom oznakom bila je osuđena na uspjeh. Ubrzo nakon toga, tehnologija Flyknit počela se koristiti u Nikeovim sportskim tenisicama, najprije za trčanje, zatim u košarkaškim tenisicama poput onih koje je nosio Kobe Bryant, i dalje za druge sportove.
Nikeov plan bio je jasan. Predstaviti novu inovaciju na nogama elitnog sportaša na globalnom događaju, a potom ju predati na procjenu autoritetima stila i ukusa. Nakon što je tehnologija verificirana i dizajn odobren, mogla je biti predstavljena široj javnosti.
Je li Nike podbacio u stvaranju privlačnih inovacija?
Ova godina bila je još jedna olimpijska godina, a najveći trenutak za Nike u 2024. godini bile su kratke vintage hlače Court, koje je nosio problematični tenisač Patrick Zweig, lik iz filma Challengers.
Postavlja se pitanje: je li Nike podbacio u stvaranju privlačnih inovacija? Općenito gledano, inovacije su posljednjih godina postale znatno manje zanimljive. Ljudi sada žude za klasicima. Zato su njujorški restorani Balthazaar i Fanelli Café puni ljudi koji nose Sambe i New Balance 550.
Zanimljivo je da su Nikeove najnovije popularne tenisice vrlo jednostavne, s malo tehnologije – poput tenisica NikeCraft Toma Sachsa i Nike x Bode Astro Grabber. Kada govorimo o tome što je trenutno kul, tehnološke inovacije više nisu u prvom planu.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
Ljudi koje mnogi smatraju kul nose obuću poput niskih tenisica Dries Van Notena i Stoffinih cipela s gumenim potplatom. Osim toga, pogledajte ljude na ulicama: puno ih nosi adidas, Asics i New Balance. Hoka i On Running oslanjaju se na novitete kako bi ostali inovativni. Nike ima mnogo vrlina, ali inovativnost trenutno nije jedna od njih.
Međutim, vrijedi istaknuti da je Nike i dalje vodeći na tržištu, što Giunco priznaje na kraju svog članka. “Nike je i dalje jedan od najpoznatijih i najpopularnijih brendova na svijetu… Svake godine ostvaruje 5 milijardi dolara zarade prije kamata i poreza (5.7 milijardi dolara u fiskalnoj godini 2024.) i nema ni dolar duga.”
Slava i popularnost nisu ono zbog čega je Nike kul
Međutim, slava i popularnost nisu ono zbog čega je Nike kul. Zapravo, Nike je svoju nedodirljivu auru izgradio na proizvodima koji su bili izuzetno ograničeni u ponudi i teško dostupni. To je najefikasnije postigao kroz obostrano korisnu suradnju s globalnom mrežom specijaliziranih trgovina tenisicama i skate shopova – kul trgovine koje vode kul ljudi i gdje kupuju kul ljudi.
Sve do 2010-ih, to je bio uspješan ekosustav u kojem je Nike ne samo napredovao nego i dominirao. U New Yorku su postojale razne takve trgovine, uključujući Alife Rivington Club, NORT/Recon, Nom de Guerre, Dave’s Quality Meat i Staple – svi su oni izravno surađivali s Nikeom i djelovali kao službeni ambasadori brenda. Prodavali su tenisice u malim serijama, dostupne samo nekolicini ljudi, što je stvaralo ogromnu količinu hajpa.
Nije Nikeova krivnja što su se te trgovine zatvorile, opće je poznata priča o zatvaranju fizičkih trgovina i usponu internetske prodaje. No, Giunco objašnjava kako je novi izvršni direktor Nikea odlučio smanjiti veleprodaju i prestati prodavati u nezavisnim trgovinama.
Umjesto toga, fokusirao se na povećanje prodaje preko stranice Nike.com i u vlastitim trgovinama. Nike se time povlači iz šireg tržišta i postaje izoliran. Bez iskustva kupovine u specijaliziranim trgovinama gdje su glazba, stil i atmosfera činili kupovinu posebnom, Nike postaje samo još jedan globalni sportski brend. Uklanjanjem tog dijela poslovanja, Nike gubi globalnu mrežu suradnika zbog kojih je bio kul.
Nike je uvijek znao biti na pravom mjestu u pravo vrijeme, povezujući se s pravim ljudima. Njihov marketing bio je jednako snažan kao i njihovi dizajn i inovacije, a ta dva aspekta brenda savršeno su se nadopunjavala. Narušavanje te ravnoteže može predstavljati rizik za Nike.
Više nije kul nositi prepoznatljivi logo
Brend se osjeća i doživljava, nije samo nešto apstraktno. Zato je zbunjujuće što je Nike prebacio fokus na digitalni marketing. Giunco u svom članku tvrdi da Nike od 2018. nije stvorio nijednu značajnu reklamnu kampanju jer su se previše usredotočili na prodaju umjesto na izgradnju brenda.
Je li Nike izgubio svoj kul faktor? Možda, ali to nije nužno njihova greška. Slično se događa i s brendovima kao što su Vans i Supreme, koji se također suočavaju s financijskim poteškoćama. No, možda se nije promijenio Nike, već se promijenila ideja o tome što je kul. Ono što je nekad bilo moderno i poželjno, danas nije ili barem nije na isti način.
Živimo u vremenu kada brendovi više nisu toliko važni. Sve je prolazno i kratkotrajno. Izlazimo iz razdoblja kada su brendovi imali velik utjecaj i ulazimo u eru gdje pojedinci sami određuju što im se sviđa. Sada je važniji osobni ukus nego nositi prepoznatljive logotipe.
When the first part of Simone Biles’ Netflix docuseries aired last month, its ending was still unwritten. Now, the script is in.
“Simone Biles: Rising” Part 2, premiering Oct. 25 on Netflix, will follow the most decorated gymnast of all time to the 2024 Paris Games, where her storied comeback culminated in Olympic gold, Netflix announced Wednesday.
Netflix and Biles jointly promoted the docuseries’ final two episodes in a Wednesday Instagram reel spoofing the streaming platform’s show “Emily in Paris.” In the 20-second clip, the G.O.A.T. cheekily sips from a Champagne flute — Eiffel Tower in the background — and snacks on French pastries, quipping, “Ever since I moved to Paris, my life has been chaotic and dramatic and complicated.”
Although the teaser was inspired by fiction, Biles’ sentiment holds truth.
The first installment of “Simone Biles: Rising,” released July 17, pulled back the curtain on Biles’ widely criticized withdrawal from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) after an episode of “the twisties” — a dangerous phenomenon in which gymnasts lose their perception of their body mid-air — led to an infamous botched vault routine.
People called her a “quitter” who had nothing more than an off day, Biles said in the docuseries. But at her level, where much of the sport involves “trying not to die,” pushing through wasn’t an option.
“Your body can only function for so long before your fuses blow out,” she said, adding that she now sees her struggles in Tokyo as a “trauma response.” (Biles is among the hundreds of athletes who survived sexual abuse by Larry Nassar, the former team doctor of the national gymnastics team.)
When it came to any traumatic experience, Biles said she told herself to “shove it down, wait until my career’s done, [then] go fix it.” Inevitably, she continued, that caught up to her.
After Tokyo, she resolved to take time off to address her mental health — the first steps on a winding road to recovery.
“I knew it would be a long journey. But to me, I wasn’t done,” Biles said. “I get to write my own ending.”
In Paris, at 27, Biles became the oldest American woman to compete in Olympic gymnastics in 72 years. She left the Games with three gold medals and one silver — and reclaimed the all-around title.
She seemed to celebrate her triumph Thursday, sharing on her Instagram story that she’d upgraded her older black Mercedes G-wagon to a shiny white model.
“Out with the old,” she captioned a photo of her old wheels, writing “In with the NEW” over the image of her new car.
Xiaomi has confirmed the launch date for its upcoming smartwatch Redmi Watch 5 Active in India, via a post. According to the post Xiaomi will launch the Watch 5 Active on August 27.
Xiaomi is planning to launch multiple products in the wearable devices segment in India starting with Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active. while the company has not yet announced the price of the Redmi Watch 5 Active we can expect it to be in the budget segment according to leaks and rumours.
The Redmi Watch 5 Active will be launched in India on August 27, according to a landing page for the upcoming wearable device on the company’s website that appears to confirm that it will be available in at least two colorways.
Features of Redmi Watch 5 Active-:
1. Display Redmi announced that the Watch 5 Active will arrive with a slightly larger display than its predecessor. The watch will feature a 2.0-inch display, which is bigger than its predecessor.
2. Battery According to some leaks Watch 5 Active will be offering more days of battery backup compared to the Watch 3 Active model on a single charge. As per the official post, the Watch 5 Active will offer 18 days of battery life
3. Calling The company says that the Redmi Watch 5 Active will arrive with support for a new Clear+ Calling feature that appears to be aimed at users who travel in noisy environments.
4. Software The upcoming Redmi Watch 5 Active will feature Xiaomi’s HyperOS skin and will support voice commands via Amazon’s Alexa assistant, according to the company.
5. Fitness Modes The company has also revealed that the fitness tracker will be capable of tracking over 140 sport modes.
6. Additional Features Xiaomi says that the Watch 5 Active will also come with additional features like SpO2, heart rate monitoring, stress monitoring.
As we inch closer to the last week of August, it’s time to plan your trips for September. The upcoming month has two restricted long weekends. But if you plan ahead, you can easily take off and travel to your heart’s content. Moreover, if you missed your chance to go on a Spring or Monsoon trek, September is a great time to complete your favourite hikes. So, we decided to list down the 6 most beautiful treks to do in September. The weather’s just right, and the views are just brilliant.
From Valley of Flowers to Rupin Pass Trek, top 6 treks to do in September. (Instagram/@valleyofflowertrek, @himalayanfootslog)
Top 6 most beautiful treks in India to do in September
Valley of Flowers Trek, Uttarakhand
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of Flowers trek has always been a must on the bucket list of trekkers worldwide. It is one of India’s most popular treks in the Himalayas. Known as one of India’s oldest treks, this one’s for all nature and flower lovers – imagine strolling through nature’s rainbow against the Himalayan backdrop. It is a moderate-level trek, with slightly longer trekking days and a steep ascent to Hemkund Sahib that will challenge your endurance.
Rupin Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh
For a picturesque surprise at every turn, you must do the Rupin Pass trek – a high-altitude mountain pass climbing to 15,250 feet. This 8 to 10-day-long journey will take you through the hanging village of Jakha, the islands of Saruwas Thatch, views of the Rupin Waterfall, the U-shaped glacial valley of Dhanderas Thatch, and much more. The Rupin Pass trek is so full of quick scenery changes that it leaves trekkers breathless until the end.
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, Jammu & Kashmir
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is known as the most beautiful trek in India, and not without reason. You are trekking in seven different valleys on seven different days. Famous for its alpine lakes, rugged mountains, and unique charm, it will enamour your senses with its lush meadows, snow-capped peaks, serene lakes, and a visual feast at every turn. It is situated 75 km northeast of Srinagar.
Goecha La Trek, Sikkim
Goecha La trek is one of the most scenic treks in North East India as it gives stunning grand views of the majestic Kanchenjunga – the third highest mountain in the world. Moreover, you don’t just witness the Kanchenjunga, but 14 other big summits during the journey. The trek takes you through rhododendron forests, turquoise alpine lakes, meadows, pristine views, and more. Additionally, the biggest highlight of the Goechala trek is the sunrise scene on the Kanchenjunga range.
Sandakphu Phalut Trek, West Bengal
The Sandakphu Phalut trek offers the breathtaking experience of seeing four of the world’s tallest peaks, including Sleeping Buddha, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. Here, nature and culture come together to offer never-before-seen views. Apart from the lush bamboo and rhododendron forests, majestic mountains, and mouthwatering Nepali and Bhutani cuisines, the sunrises and sunsets will make the journey worth it.
Nag Tibba Trek, Uttarakhand
The highest in the Nag Tibba range of the Garhwal Himalayas, the Nag Tibba trek offers a stunning 100-degree view of snow-capped Himalayan ranges such as Swargrohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, Srikanth, and Gangotri. This trek takes you through dense forests, clearings, and ridge walks. All within two days! Making it a perfect option for a long weekend getaway.
It’s one of the greatest war films ever made and has been hailed for its historical accuracy, yet Saving Private Ryan didn’t get everything right about the British involvement in D-Day.
World War II historian Philip Kay-Bujak has penned a new book about a part of Omaha Beach called Dog Green Beach, which is on the extreme left of where Steven Spielberg set the opening scene of his film.
In Empire Javelin, D-Day Assault Ship: The Royal Navy vessel that landed the US 116th Infantry on Omaha Beach, the author challenged the Hollywood director’s assertion that there was no British involvement in the part of Operation Overlord.
The historian has shared a couple of crucial mistakes in Saving Private Ryan’s opening sequence.
Kay-Bujak shared: “Despite Spielberg’s insistence that there were no British troops on Omaha Beach, he was wrong. All the landing craft were manned by British sailors who took the US troops into battle in the first waves. The Empire Javelin was manned by the Royal Navy and had a crew of over 200 that day. There are a lot of families that I know who are upset that their fathers of grandfathers have been forgotten. They did some very brave things.”
The historian added: “Secondly, no one seems to have noticed yet that the US Troops from the Empire Javelin landed from British landing craft. This may not seem important to us, but the British boats were narrower than the American Higgins boats and only one man at a time could get off – the Americans complained bitterly about this – in my view a major reason why the casualties were so high. This was on only on Dog Green Beach but it was Dog Green that had the highest casualties on the whole of Omaha.”
Monterey Car Week – up there with Goodwood as a mecca for lovers of all things with four wheels – has wrapped up, and it brought with it a number of stunning reveals.
While models such as the BMW M5 Touring, Maserati MC20 GT2 Stradale, and Lamborghini Temerario stole the headlines due to their relative accessibility, there were a number of interesting vehicles unveiled which have drawn attention amongst their niche fanbases.
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Unfortunately, many of them are not only ridiculously expensive but also extremely limited in numbers, or they’re just not coming to Australia at all.
However, that won’t stop us from admiring them. Here’s a handful of our favourite cars from the 2024 Monterey Car Week.
Porsche 911 Turbo 50 Years
Unlike many limited-run models at Monterey, this one does what it says on the box.
Built as a celebration of 50 years since the first Porsche 911 Turbo was made in 1974, the 992-generation model is largely an appearance package – but what a nice one it is.
Porsche’s new Turbonite finish has been applied to its engine cover, fuel cap, badges and wheels, as well as on the bespoke ‘turbo 50’ insignia on the rear grille.
Anthracite Grey air intakes, rear wing, lower rear fascia and mirror caps contrast the silver paintwork.
Inside, the seat centres and door panels feature “MacKenzie” tartan upholstery, juxtaposed with Turbonite seat belts, contrast stitching, trim pieces and Porsche’s steering wheel crest.
Additional nods to the model’s history include ‘turbo 50’ door sill guards, a numbered plaque, and a sub-second clock.
Performance figures remain the same as the 911 Turbo S, with its twin-turbo 3.7-litre flat-six engine producing 478kW of power and 800Nm of torque delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Unfortunately all 1974 examples are reserved for US buyers, who have to pay US$261,100 (A$386,900) for the limited edition 911, or US$27,705 (A$41,050) more than the Turbo S it’s based on.
Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype
Though you might expect Honda to go all-out on its performance Civic Type R flagship, its North American luxury division Acura was the one to pull out the stops to present even wilder upgrades for the Integra Type S.
The Integra Type S already matches the credentials of the Civic Type R, and it’s taking things up a notch with Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) showcasing performance parts for the sedan.
Inspired by the Integra Type S TCX racer – the class below TCR – modifications include a revised bumper incorporating a large front splitter and cooling ducts, bigger bonnet vents, side skirts and a carbon fibre rear wing.
Both inside and out, HRC has made use of carbon fibre to shed weight in the bonnet and rear doors, with Recaro racing seats – plus the removal of the second row – and an air-conditioning delete resulting in almost 90kg being saved.
To capitalise on its lighter weight, the Integra Type S was also fitted with a larger intercooler, twin oil coolers and a tuned exhaust system for greater performance, while also being lowered by 15mm on coilovers which sit behind forged 19-inch wheels, shod in Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R ultra high-performance tyres.
Brembo six-piston brake calipers at the front and two-piston rear calipers help to slow it down too.
At present, the upgrades have yet to be locked in for sale, and it’s unlikely we’ll see them in Australia as the Acura Integra Type S isn’t sold here.
Eccentrica V12
Lamborghini Diablo not wild enough for you? Then say hello to the Eccentrica V12.
Based on the 1990s supercar, Eccentrica has brought the Diablo into the 21st century, even if it does retain an increasingly rare six-speed manual transmission.
It’s a completely new gearbox compared to what Lamborghini fitted to the Diablo, coupled to a 5.7-litre V12 engine with new camshafts, an electric throttle body, and centre-exit exhaust system.
This has resulted in it developing 410kW of power and 599Nm of torque, on par with the final production years of the Diablo when it had a 6.0-litre V12.
Thankfully there’s modern suspension underneath too, with active dampers – including a front-lift system – and Brembo brakes helping to keep things under control.
Inside there’s a mix of modern but retro-themed instruments, switches and very-’90s bucket seats, as well as a steering wheel which looks every bit like it’s out of a random parts bin – as per Lamborghini’s past approach.
Only 19 examples will be built, at an undisclosed (but assumedly high) price.
Tuthill GT One
Best known for its Porsche 911 restorations and race cars, Tuthill decided to honour one of the best periods of sports car racing with the GT One.
Named for the FIA GT1 regulations which inspired it, just 22 examples of the Tuthill GT One will be built.
They’ll offer a choice two 4.0-litre flat-six engines: a naturally-aspirated version pumping out more than 370kW, and a turbocharged unit with 440kW-plus.
Unlike the 993-based Porsche 911 GT1 Straßenversion (Street version) which inspired it the Tuthill GT One was built as a road car first, reflected in its use of Michelin’s Pilot Sport 4 S tyres and an optional seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission.
Weighing approximately 1200kg, it’s fitted with double wishbone front and rear suspension, as well as carbon ceramic brakes.
Despite the pictured bodywork looking sleek, Tuthill says it’s open to developing a more aerodynamic, track-focused exterior for added downforce.
RUF Rodeo
Yes, this is a very Porsche 911-heavy list, but it probably speaks to the rear-engined model’s versatility that so many homages and restomods are based on it.
RUF are arguably the originators of hotted-up 911s, all the way from its CTR Yellowbird of the 1980s to this, the Rodeo.
Think about what would happen if Porsche decided to make the 911 Dakar far earlier than it did, and it took heavy inspiration from the Ford Bronco.
With 24cm of ground clearance and Goodyear all-terrain tyres the Rodeo is built to go off-road, though at far from a glacial pace.
Its turbocharged 3.6-litre flat-six engine produces 455kW, which is sent to all four wheels and mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
Additional performance equipment includes ceramic brakes, an integrated roll cage and electronically adjustable dampers, however it still weighs less than 1400kg.
The cabin’s dark brown leather upholstery and cloth inserts were inspired by the Ralph Lauren Range, and are unique to what anyone’s seen in any RUF model.
The price? You’ll struggle to get your hands on one without coughing up more than US$1.25 million (A$1.85 million).
US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at the Jackson Hole Symposium.
The time has come for the monetary policy to adjust. The direction of travel is clear and the timing and pace of rate cuts will depend upon the evolving data, says US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.
US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Friday said the time has come for the monetary policy to adjust, and the timing and pace of rate cuts will depend upon the evolving inflation and unemployment data. He, however, said the upside risks to inflation have diminished, and downside risks to employment have increased.
“The labour market has cooled considerably. The unemployment is at 4.3 per cent, which is still low by the historical standards but still almost 4 percentage points above its level in early 2023,” Jerome Powell said while speaking at the Jackson Hole Symposium.
He said job vacancies have fallen. Nominal wage gains have moderated.
“Labour market conditions are now less tight than just before the pandemic in 2019, a year when inflation ran below 2 per cent. It is unlikely that the labour market will be a source of elevated inflationary pressure anytime soon. We do not seek or welcome further cooling in labour market conditions,” he said.
Overall, the US economy continues to grow at a solid pace but the inflation and labour market data show an evolving situation, Powell added.
“The upside risks to inflation have diminished, and downside risks to employment have increased. As we have highlighted in our last FOMC statement, we are attentive to the risks of both the sides,” the US Fed chair said.
“The time has come for the policy to adjust. The direction of travel is clear and the timing and pace of rate cuts will depend upon the evolving data,” Powell added, hinting at starting a rate cut cycle which could start by hiking up to 50 basis points (bps) in September 2024 also depending upon evolving macroeconomic data.
As the US Fed chair speaks, the Nasdaq rose 1.41 per cent and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.78 per cent.
The US central bank has been holding the interest rates for the past one year since July 2023. Before that, between March 2022 and July 2023, the US Federal Reserve raised the interest rates by 525 basis points to control inflation, which hit a multi-decade high amid the Ukraine-Russia war and COVID restrictions.
A basis point is 100th of a percentage point.
The last interest rate cut in the US took place on March 15, 2020.
The next US Fed’s FOMC meeting will take place on September 17-18.
Mohammad Haris
Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experi…Read More
In case, you are looking for a cool and interesting way to earn a quick buck, Here’s a platform that pays you for filling out simple surveys. Toluna Group lets you take surveys for forming a database for market research.
[polls_shortcode postid=”52287″]
Toluna is a worldwide survey technology provider and claims to be the “ World’s Largest social voting community” which has more than nine million survey takers.
In this review, you will get a detailed insight into Toluna, Let’s look into this review article now:
Overview
Name
Toluna
Owner
Frederic-Charles Petit
Founded Year
2000
Headquarters
Paris, France
Type
Online Surveys
Apps
iPhone & Android Devices
Support
Email, Phone
Website
www.toluna.com
What is Toluna?
Toluna is a community survey platform that offers online surveys in return for rewards. This is a Paris( France) based company, managed by the Toluna Group and a well known market research company preferred by brands around the world. With more than 9 million survey takers, for the people who want to make money by taking surveys, Toluna is a preferred option.
The users that register on Toluna and take up these surveys are known as “Toluna Influencers”. These surveys completed are used by the major brands to help them figure out their business plan. It is one of the world’s most popular survey sites which has a very strong subscriber base and an effective portfolio of clients.
With 16+ offices globally, Toluna team aims to provide better products and quality to the consumers. They do it by surveying for the brands and thus it helps in dealing with customer satisfaction and to improve their business plan.
How to Register on Toluna?
Toluna provides its membership to 49 countries. The number of surveys that are available depends on your location.
Step 1: You can fill up the registration form online and sign up for Toluna.
Step 2: After the Toluna login, you will be asked to verify your account by providing your personal details. Further, you are good to take the online surveys.
Toluna Influencers are paid in the form of points which can be redeemed further in the form of gift cards, vouchers, etc. There are two types of Toluna surveys available listed below:
Profile Surveys: These surveys take a short period of time to complete where you are rewarded with 100 points.
Longer Surveys: These surveys take a longer duration to complete typically about 10 to 30 minutes with much higher rewards
You can update your personal information by logging into your account. Select “Account” in the top right corner and then click the Edit option. You can also view your account activity such as credits purchased, surveys launched, and the current status of your subscription.
In cases where you forget your password, you can do it by Clicking the Sign in button at the top right side. Then click the “forgot your password” option and follow the instructions further which you will be able to retrieve your password.
How to make money in Toluna?
There are 8 ways to earn in Toluna which are as follows:
Toluna Surveys: They are the most effective way of earningToluna points. There are multiple surveys available online to complete at any point of time. Usually the majority of the surveys pay 1000-2000 points which lasts for about 20 minutes. 5500 Toluna points are roughly equivalent to 1 pound.
Completing Profile Surveys: You will find the “Profile Surveys” under the surveys option at the top of the screen. Each profile consists of 14 Surveys each and you will get 100points for each survey.
Participate in Polls: In this you will usually earn a points reward of 15 points per poll, usually takes seconds to complete
Post in the Toluna community: You can also earn points by posting your content in the Toluna Community. You may win up to 1000 points per post if your post gets qualified.
Participate in the Contest: Toluna offers launch contests to encourage the users to post more in the community. Inreturn they are rewarded with some points and other prizes.
Start your own contest: you will also be rewarded with points and prizes if you start your own contest.
Refer a friend to Toluna: you can share your referral link with your friends and you will get 500 bonus points for each friend upto 10 months
Play Toluna Games:You can also win points by playing games. You can win about 80-1000 points by spinning the wheel.
How to redeem points in Toluna?
There are 3 ways to redeem the points in Toluna which are listed below:
Rewards:It offers a variety of gift cards with an option to cashout by Paypal. The cheapest gift card costs around 30,000 points
Gifties: These are the tickets you can buy to win a range of rewards
Sweepstakes: You can also exchange your points to get a chance to join the monthly sweepstakes where you can buy branded items
You need to reach of minimum of 30,000 points which are listed below:
$10 gift card for Starbucks- 30,000 points
$10 gift card for Cheesecake factory- 30,000 points
$10 gift card for Redbox- 30,000 points
$10 gift card for JiffyLube- 30,000 points
$25 gift card for Restaurants.com-45,000 points
$25 gift card for Walmart- 45,000 points
$25 gift card for Fandango- 45,000 points
Toluna is it Legit or Scam?
As per the Toluna reviews, it has been found that Toluna is a legitimate business. Despite its long wait times, it has a noted record of paying its clients and further issuing them good rewards.
It is a company that offers to pay on each survey you take. It has been very popular and has become one of the people’s number one choices regarding online surveys. They also have a base of around 13 million users and is on a rapid expansion
Toluna also has an A+ rating in the Better Business Bureau(BBB) with only around 31 customer complaints. Further, it has a 3.8 rating on the Trustpilot with more than 2,100 Toluna reviews.
There are a lot more positive reviews compared to the criticism. It has great customer service for which it accounts as one of the legit organizations that pay people in response to the online surveys.
Conclusion
It is to be acknowledged that Toluna is a legitimate business which pays its users based on the surveys they take.It is one of the top rated companies with a trusted community of 1+ million members which make it highly recommended.
It is an honest way to make full time income on the internet by taking surveys. It has no hidden costs and in turn you will learn how to build a flourishing business online in Toluna. It also allows you to choose surveys in categories which you are interested in.
Thus finally it is advisable that Toluna is worth giving a try. You can take it as a fun experience and further you will enjoy it a lot. If you are looking to earn income by taking up online surveys, then Toluna is definitely on the top lists which are trusted.
FAQ
How much does it cost to join Toluna?
No, Signing up for Toluna is completely free. Sign up today and access its features free of cost
Does Toluna pay in cash?
Toluna Influencers are compensated in points, which can be exchanged for a variety of items such as gift cards, competition entries, or plain old cash.
How long do the surveys take to complete?
It is dependent on the targeting and the screening questions. The more of these questions you have, the longer your survey may take to complete.
How do I cash out my Toluna points?
You need to have at least 60000 points. Go to rewards, convert your points into cash through, 60000points=$20.
Is Toluna Survey Legit?
Toluna is a safe and reliable platform. It is not a scam, and millions of people from all over the world have taken their surveys for over ten years. However, your experience with the site may vary from that of other survey takers.
Toluna Ratings
User Review
1.1 (207 votes)
Pros
It is a very reputed company which is operating.
It is completely free to join and features are free to use
Modern and user-friendly interface
You can earn money by answering the surveys on the go while on the phone
Interesting Surveys
Get a consolation prize even if any disqualified
Cons
The disqualifications can be frustrating
There is a minimum cashout of $30 which is hard to reach
Some of its surveys take time to complete
Some users complain about the long wait times for payments or rewards
We have an update on the Snoop Dogg viral ad from earlier this year.
Fresh off his Olympic hosting duties, Snoop Dogg has reunited with Solo Brands for a new campaign called Blunt Marketing. (See what they did there? In case you didn’t know, Snoop is the world’s most famous marijuana aficionado.)
Is this campaign different than the one that influenced the CEO’s departure in 2024? Yes, it is.
Solo says it’s learned its lesson and is focused on the right thing — sales.
But has Solo really turned over a new leaf?
We asked CMI’s chief strategy advisor, Robert Rose, what he thinks and how you can learn from these bookended campaigns when constructing your next marketing initiatives. Watch or read on for his take.
Great campaign influences CEO departure
In January, I opened my video on Snoop Dogg and Solo with a quote from my good friend Michael Brenner: “Behind every piece of bad content is an executive who asked for it.”
Of course, the opposite is largely true, too.
The executives seem to have asked for the right piece of content this time around (well, at least they feel better about it).
But I’m getting ahead of myself. To get you back up to speed, let me explain the first campaign. Late last year, Solo Brands launched an influencer campaign with Snoop Dogg. It started with a tweet from Snoop Dogg that read, “After much consideration and conversation with my family, I’ve decided to give up smoke. Please respect my privacy at this time.”
That was followed by a viral brand awareness campaign for Solo’s new smokeless stove. In the explainer video, Snoop says he’s tired of coughing and his clothes smelling bad. The camera pans wider to reveal him sitting in front of a smokeless Solo Stove fire pit.
Cool, right? What an incredible influencer and brand awareness campaign. It amassed 30 million likes, comments, and shares on social media. Ad Age ranked it 18th in the 40 best ads of 2023.
What could possibly go wrong?
Well, when the CEO departed, Solo indicated in the announcement release that one of the reasons for his dismissal was the Snoop Dogg campaign.
In my opinion, Solo is saying, with a straight face, that the brand awareness campaign it started in November 2023 failed because it didn’t provide a revenue lift within six weeks. Six. Weeks. Solo probably hadn’t even paid the agency’s bill yet.
Solo brings back Snoop Dogg
Cut to August 2024, and the Martin Agency has launched a new Snoop Dogg promotion — Blunt Marketing — with a completely different take.
Arguably pulling a page from the Ryan Reynolds brand of creativity, the new Snoop spot is a straightforward ad. Snoop, quite literally, says this is an ad for Solo stoves, you should purchase one, and the reason he’s doing it is because he’s an influencer.
Get it? That’s blunt marketing.
It’s a funny spot. Will it go viral like the last one that hid the product and focused on the humorous bit? Almost certainly not. Will it make Ad Age’s top spot list? That remains to be seen. Will it help move product, unlike the viral spot cited in the CEO’s departure? That’s the most important thing for Solo Brands.
Interestingly, part of that last question is no longer correct. Solo Brands now says something to the effect of, “Well, we actually misspoke in our press release. We did see a sales lift from the viral Snoop ad.” But, they said, “Maybe it wasn’t as intentional as it could have been.”
Solo lesson for all marketers
What can you learn from this Snoop-Solo Brands marketing?
In January, I said Solo Brands had a brilliant concept and an amazing, differentiating story told by an exceptional influencer connected to nothing in the customer’s journey. Yet all the links in the campaign took viewers to Solo Brands’ boring e-commerce storefront. It worked well if you wanted to buy a stove, but not so well for understanding why you might want to buy a stove. I lamented the company had removed Snoop Dogg from the rest of the story to foster a connected experience.
Of course, they didn’t listen to me; it was just good sense from the beginning. But now they seem to have done it.
The new video’s call to action goes to a specially designed part of Solo Brands’ website that pulls the creative, the tone, and everything else to motivate sales. They even created the Snoop edition fire pit.
The best part? The first thing that appears is a sign-up form to get more information by email.
It’s like I said earlier this year. What’s the next best action you want the customer to take once you’ve gotten their attention through an ad, social media post, video, etc.? I don’t mean “next-best,” as in not as good, but rather, the best experience you want a person to have next. Then, you must connect that to your content. After all, you have the audience in your theater; you should hold them there.
Solo Brands addressed this in its new campaign. Hindsight being 20/20, it would have been amazing to directly connect the innovative viral campaign from Snoop to a “best next” action, such as a “stay-tuned-for-the-next-episode” campaign like this one.
But overall, let me be blunt: Solo Brands seems to finally be on fire with its marketing.
Want more content marketing tips, insights, and examples? Subscribe to workday or weekly emails from CMI.
Cover image by Joseph Kalinowski/Content Marketing Institute
For economists and investors accustomed to staring at charts, the jagged peaks of the Teton mountains possess more than a passing resemblance to financial trend lines. They also form the backdrop to one of the year’s most keenly awaited central-bank speeches: annual reflections by the chair of the Federal Reserve at a conference hall in Jackson Hole, located in the valley below the Teton range. On August 23rd Jerome Powell did not disappoint. He made clear that having raised interest rates as sharply as any of the slopes in the distance, the central bank was now ready to begin the descent.
Chromebooks are super handy and can function as worthy alternatives to Mac and Windows devices in many cases. They’re typically not as heavy as their competitors and they often offer a better battery life too, making them the perfect portable companion for people who are regularly on the go.
Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.
Chromebooks are often available for significantly less money than MacBooks and Windows PCs, but they still work well for many people’s day-to-day needs. The main difference between these options is the operating system. Instead of MacOS or Windows, Chromebooks run on ChromeOS, which is a bit more lightweight, and because it doesn’t need the same resources, Chromebooks can deliver equivalent features with simpler hardware specs, which in turn provides you more bang for your buck.
Because of their simplicity, Chromebooks can also be a great option for kids. (They might already be using one for school.) Chromebooks are good, too, for less tech-savvy adults in need of a simple computer or anyone who wants an inexpensive laptop for a home office, along with some entertainment. There’s even a new crop of big-screen Chromebooks for gamers.
Read more: Best Chromebook for 2024
To help you find the best Chromebook deal, CNET’s editors have selected all the top discounted Chromebooks available right now. One word of shopping advice: Although Chromebooks can run well on modest components, some heavily discounted models online might still be too underpowered for heavy use. A big discount might not be worth the frustration. Also, if the Chromebook is cheap, be sure to check the auto-update expiration date for the model. The AUE is when ChromeOS stops receiving system updates, typically eight years after release, but the date isn’t the same for every model.
If you’ve been looking for a new laptop and don’t want to spend top dollar, Chromebooks are worth considering. We’ll continue to monitor Chromebook deals and regularly update this list, so check back often for the best prices.
Acer/CNET
This Acer Chromebook has a large screen and can handle the basic needs of today’s students and office workers at an affordable price. With 4GB of RAM and a 64GB SSD, you’ll be able to store important documents and participate in online video calls as needed. It’s got an Intel UHD graphics card that can handle basic games, so you can take the mindful breaks you deserve.
Asus/CNET
This Asus Chromebook has a decent $200 savings now that it’s on clearance at Best Buy. That means stock is low and this price won’t likely hang around for long. It’s perfect for business and gaming with an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, an Intel UHD 630 graphics card and a 15.6-inch touchscreen.
Asus/CNET
It’s hard to get a Chromebook cheaper than this. It has everything you need on an everyday basis or as a secondary option for taking with you on the go. That $129 asking price gets you the 14-inch laptop, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, a MediaTek Kompanio 500 processor and a MediaTek graphics card.
HP/CNET
A great HP model with a nice $100 discount applied. This is a great budget-level Chromebook that comes with an Intel N100 processor, 4GB of RAM, an Intel UHD graphics card, 64GB of storage, fast charging and a battery life of around 13 hours.
Samsung/CNET
Only $10 away from the lowest price we’ve ever seen, this Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is a bargain. The 2021 model has 64GB of storage, 4GB of RAM and a 13.3-inch screen with an Intel UHD graphics card.
What should you look for in a Chromebook deal?
One of the biggest things to consider is which configuration is on sale. Often, with the best Chromebook deals, only a specific version of the Chromebook is on sale, and making any changes to it could affect the price. This means that sometimes you find the 256GB model is actually cheaper than the 128GB option or a similar situation.
When are the best deals available?
Generally, you’ll find the best Chromebook deals during back-to-school shopping time in late summer or early fall and a bit later in the year during annual Black Friday sales events. Chromebook deals are available throughout the year, but if you’re looking for the best deal and can afford to wait a little, these are the best times of the year to buy one.
Which retailers usually offer the best deals?
You can usually find deals across a variety of retailers when it comes to Chromebook sales. Amazon and Best Buy are constantly running discounts, and deals can also be found at Newegg and Walmart. Amazon’s prices fluctuate and Best Buy’s sales come and go, so it’s worth checking back weekly to see if a discounted price returns.
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A nutrition trend known as “intuitive eating” is aiming to avoid the strictness of traditional dieting.
Intuitive eating isn’t a diet plan. It’s an “approach to eating based on one’s internal needs,” according to the Harvard School of Public Health.
The choice of food will vary based on a person’s physical or emotional needs, regardless of food type, calorie count or time of day.
THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF MATCHA, PACKED WITH ANTIOXIDANTS, MAY BE WORTH INCORPORATING INTO YOUR DIET
Intuitive eating has been used as a weight-loss strategy and a treatment for disordered eating, according to Harvard.
Megan Roup, a celebrity fitness trainer in Los Angeles and founder of The Sculpt Society fitness app, spoke to Fox News Digital in an interview about how she’s adopted intuitive eating.
Intuitive eating focuses on satisfying hunger instead of eating diet food options that leave people feeling “empty.”(iStock)
While Roup is not a nutritionist, her approach to sustainable physical training has trickled into her overall lifestyle, including at home with her two kids.
NEED MORE WATER INTAKE? THESE 4 FOODS CAN HELP YOU STAY HYDRATED ON HOT SUMMER DAYS
“I’m all about listening to my body and eating intuitively,” she said. “That means I’m not restricting food … I’m really listening to my hunger cues – eating when I’m hungry, stopping when I’m full.”
Roup said she selects foods that make her feel “good or energized.”
Megan Roup, pictured, a celebrity fitness trainer in Los Angeles and founder of The Sculpt Society, spoke to Fox News Digital about hoe she’s adopted intuitive eating.(Megan Roup)
In her early 20s, Roup admitted that she fell victim to “every fad diet” instead of nourishing her body and listening to what it needed.
Following strict guidelines around food can make it “harder for us to listen to what our body actually needs and wants,” she said.
As an intuitive eater herself, Roup doesn’t restrict her kids, either.
HEALTHY FOOD ITEMS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY AT MAJOR THEME PARKS, ACCORDING TO NUTRITIONISTS
As a busy mom, she said she’s “all about quick, easy recipes,” such as overnight oats for breakfast that include organic ingredients like almond milk, nuts and berries.
Roup also shared a smoothie recipe that her kids enjoy, which blends almond milk, strawberries, blueberries, half a banana, a scoop of almond butter, chia seeds and spinach.
As a busy mom, Roup (not pictured) said she’s “all about quick, easy recipes,” often including her children in the process of preparing food.(iStock)
Her children are also involved in the cooking process, as Roup noted that her 3-year-old enjoys throwing the ingredients into the smoothie blender.
“It’s good for her to see what we’re putting into the smoothie … striving to eat whole foods that make us feel good,” she said.
Pairing fitness and nutrition
Just as with food, Roup advises against following strict rules and ditching the “all-or-nothing mentality” when it comes to fitness.
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In her own training practice, Roup said she encourages her clients to discard the idea that they must work out for hours each day.
The fitness expert recited one of her favorite mantras: “Commit to less so you can show up more.”
The Sculpt Society is an online fitness platform that combines “low-impact, full-body sculpting with very easy-to-follow dance cardio,” said Roup, pictured here.(Megan Roup)
“I would rather my clients show up for 10 minutes a day and do that consistently throughout the week,” Roup said.
“Build that habit so it is something you can sustainably show up to daily – and I think it’s the same with food.”
There is no rule book, she noted — and fitness and food aren’t “one-size-fits-all.”
A nutritionist’s perspective
Registered dietitian and nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein weighed in on the intuitive eating lifestyle in a conversation with Fox News Digital.
While she said she understands the appeal of the concept, especially to people with a history of strict dieting, Los Angeles-based Muhlstein said intuitive eating can be “impractical and unrealistic for most people, particularly children.”
5 FOODS THAT ARE BEST FOR BONE HEALTH, NUTRITIONISTS SAY
“Proponents of intuitive eating suggest that if you crave cookies, you should eat cookies; if you want fries, eat fries; and if dessert before dinner sounds appealing, go for it,” she said.
Ultra-processed foods are “dangerously easy to over-consume,” a nutritionist said.(iStock)
“In a society flooded with highly palatable and addictive ultra-processed foods, following every craving can lead to unhealthy outcomes,” she warned.
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The more processed foods you consume, the more you crave them, according to Muhlstein.
“Without practical guidance, such as encouraging people to fill half their plate with vegetables or to prioritize foods high in protein and fiber, many will fall into the trap of overindulging in ultra-processed foods,” she said.
Setting an example
Intuitive eating could help kids form healthy relationships with food, according to Roup.
“It starts with modeling that behavior for them,” she said. “If you are talking about yourself badly, talking about food being good and bad, putting a lot of emphasis on certain foods … they pick up on that.”
FEELING HUNGRIER THAN USUAL? YOUR SLEEP SCHEDULE COULD BE THE CULPRIT, AN EXPERT SAYS
Parents should set the example by staying active and prioritizing their health, Roup advised, as well as demonstrating a “joyful practice” of preparing and eating food that makes them feel good.
Intuitive eating is about “taking away the rules and giving the autonomy back to myself and my body, because everybody is different,” said Roup.(Megan Roup; iStock)
Muhlstein, however, warned that allowing children to eat “whatever they want” can be just as dangerous as letting them “watch whatever they want” or “go to bed whenever they want.”
As a mother of three, the nutritionist emphasized the importance of introducing nutritious foods to children.
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“With pediatric obesity and diabetes at all-time highs, teaching children to love and enjoy wholesome, nutritious foods is more crucial than ever,” she told Fox News Digital.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health
“Moreover, food genuinely tastes better when you’re hungry, so ensuring that kids consume plenty of fruits, vegetables and protein is essential.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Research suggests that children who eat more fruits and vegetables and less sugar perform better academically and experience improved mental health and well-being, Muhlstein mentioned.
Roup encourages her clients to speak to a nutritionist if they are looking for more guidance on intuitive eating.(iStock)
“Nutrition is a critical aspect of parenting,” she added.
“Providing positive guidance while encouraging healthy choices from a place of love is essential to ensuring that the next generation doesn’t suffer further.”
Manushi Chhillar, no matter how busy she is, knows how to scoop some time out for herself. So what is she up to now? The former Miss World has expressed her love for all things delicious. In between “fake bruise” and “many moods”, Manushi managed to enjoy her favourite food. Any guesses? It’s the quintessential Mumbai street snack – bhelpuri. Did we hear yummy, already? Sharing the pictures on Instagram, Manushi said, “Fake bruise, many moods and ending it with my fav food.”
Also Read: “When Lunch And Dinner Collide…” – A Look At Kajol’s Latest Foodie Adventure
Take a look at Manushi Chhillar’s post here:
Did you know Manushi Chhillar had to turn non-vegetarian for her last film, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan? Speaking to Zoom, the actress said, “I have always been a vegetarian, my entire life actually, and one thing I told myself was that I would never be able to eat meat simply because I have never eaten meat in my life before. Then came Bade Miyan Chote Miyan… I was shooting for another film at that time and I got Covid. So, I was so scared because I didn’t want to lose weight as I needed to build muscle. My father, who is a doctor, suggested me to switch to meat.”
She added, “I asked him to make me something which won’t look like chicken. He used to sit on the table and watch me and forcefully make me finish my food.”
Also Read: Farah Khan Is Not Happy With Shilpa Shetty As Her Flight Companion – Here’s Why
Coming back to Manushi Chhillar’s latest culinary outing and how you can create it at home. We have a list of 15 best street food recipes here that you can prepare at home. Try these today!
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-08-22/President-Xi-urges-advancing-socialism-with-Chinese-characteristics-1whe1MT0KHK/img/fc01bf5ab8c843538c6abe99e841b44b/fc01bf5ab8c843538c6abe99e841b44b.jpeg' alt='A view of Shenzhen City in south China's Guangdong Province, August 14, 2023. /CFP'
Chinese President Xi Jinping lauded the “outstanding contributions” of late leader Deng Xiaoping and urged advancing socialism with Chinese characteristics initiated by Deng, as the country marked Deng’s 120th birth anniversary on Thursday.
Addressing a meeting held to mark the anniversary, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said the country must continue to thoroughly study and apply Deng Xiaoping Theory.
“Deng made outstanding contributions to the Party, the people, the country, the nation and the world,” Xi said, adding that Deng’s achievements have been immortalized in history and will always inspire future generations.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
U POSLJEDNJE vrijeme sve više tvrtki suočava se s financijskim problemima, a među njima je i tvrtka za kućanske aparate Miele, poznata po proizvodnji perilica, sušilica, pećnica, perilica posuđa i usisavača.
Prema izvještajima Sterna i Capitala, Miele planira otpustiti više od 1000 radnika u Njemačkoj. U sklopu programa smanjenja broja zaposlenih, tvrtka će zaposlenicima isplatiti otpremnine koje u nekim slučajevima mogu doseći iznos od 270.000 eura.
Još u veljači je Miele najavio otpuštanja
Još u veljači Miele je najavio planove za smanjenje 1300 radnih mjesta u Njemačkoj, pri čemu je planirano da se 700 radnih mjesta iz proizvodnje perilica za rublje premjesti u njihov pogon u Ksawerówu u Poljskoj. Ovi potezi su dio nastojanja tvrtke da uštedi 500 milijuna eura do 2026. godine.
U lipnju je tvrtka postigla dogovor sa sindikatom IG Metall o “kolektivnom sporazumu o budućnosti i socijalnim pitanjima” kojim je osigurano očuvanje Mieleovih pogona i tvornica u Njemačkoj do 2028. godine. U okviru tog sporazuma, dogovoren je i “dobrovoljni izlazni program” koji nudi izdašne otpremnine i socijalne beneficije.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
Prema istraživanju časopisa Stern i Capital, radnici s dugogodišnjim stažem mogu dobiti otpremnine do 270.000 eura. Tvrtka je potvrdila da je ovo maksimalni iznos otpremnine. Time Miele, obiteljska tvrtka iz Gütersloha, isplaćuje svojim zaposlenicima otpremnine koje su među najvišima u Njemačkoj, što je dosad bilo zabilježeno samo kod znatno većih tvrtki poput SAP-a ili Bayera.
Teško razdoblje za tvrtku
Miele prolazi kroz izazovno razdoblje. Tijekom pandemije koronavirusa, poslovanje je cvjetalo jer su ljudi provodili puno vremena kod kuće i željeli unaprijediti svoj dom, primjerice s novom kuhinjom.
Međutim, nakon završetka pandemije, potražnja je opala, a prodaja je u 2023. godini pala na nešto manje od pet milijardi eura, što predstavlja pad u odnosu na 5.43 milijarde eura ostvarenih u 2022. godini. Uprava nije smatrala da je taj pad privremen, već ga je opisala kao “trajno promijenjene uvjete poslovanja” na koje je bilo potrebno reagirati.
Kao što je već navedeno, tvrtka je planove za smanjene broja radnih mjesta objavila još u veljači, a tada se govorilo o smanjenju od 2000 radnih mjesta na globalnoj razini.
Znate li nešto više o temi ili želite prijaviti grešku u tekstu?
Granada Hills 22, Franklin 7 Huntington Park 34, Sylmar 14
SOUTHERN SECTION
Nonleague
Orange Vista 20, Apple Valley 17 Ayala 28, Colony 14 Big Bear 40, Riverside Prep 0 San Gorgonio 31, Canyon Springs 24 Castaic 45, Adelanto 7 Cathedral City 42, Indian Springs 20 Cerritos 38, Buena Park 0 Chino Hills 20, Glendora 3 Costa Mesa 35, Magnolia 0 Heritage 8, Elsinore 3 Glenn 12, Bassett 8 Leuzinger 62, Kaiser 0 Barstow 20, Hesperia 12 Placentia Valencia 34, Katella 7 Damien 42, La Serna 21 Godinez 10, Loara 3 Maranatha 34, Lakeside 26 Mater Dei 42, Corona Centennial 25 Nogales 42, Miller 19 Perris 34, Bloomington 6 Fontana 20, San Bernardino 0 Los Amigos 46, Garden Grove Santiago 7 St. Bonaventure 38, St. Francis 7 Temple City 41, Whittier 22 Bishop Amat 49, West Covina 6 Central 38, Jurupa Hills 6 St. Genevieve 55, Ganesha 6
Intersectional
Buchanan 38, St. Pius X-St. Matthias 0
FRIDAY’S SCHEDULE
CITY SECTION
Nonleague
Angelou at Marshall, 3 p.m. Dorsey at Banning, 7:30 p.m. Dymally at Palisades, 7:30 p.m. El Camino Real at Kennedy, 7 p.m. Fulton at Canoga Park, 7 p.m. Garfield at Narbonne , 7 p.m. Grant at Wilson, 7 p.m. Hawkins at North Hollywood, 7 p.m. Jordan at King/Drew, 7:30 p.m. Locke at Manual Arts, 7:30 p.m. Marquez at Legacy, 7:30 p.m. Maywood CES at South East, 7 p.m. Monroe at Chatsworth, 7 p.m. Panorama at Los Angeles, 4 p.m. Poly at Santee, 7:30 p.m. Reseda at Jefferson, 6 p.m. Rivera at Contreras , 7 p.m. Roosevelt at Venice, 7 p.m. Roybal at Verdugo Hills, 7 p.m. South Gate at Lincoln, 7 p.m. Taft at Eagle Rock, 7 p.m. Van Nuys at Mendez, 7 p.m. View Park at Belmont, 5 p.m. Washington at Hollywood, 7:30 p.m. Westchester at Arleta, 3:30 p.m.
SOUTHERN SECTION
Manzanita League
Nuview Bridge at Desert Chapel, 7 p.m.
Nonleague
Agoura at Oak Park, 7 p.m. Alhambra at South El Monte, 7 p.m. Alta Loma at Palos Verdes Peninsula, 4:30 p.m. Antelope Valley at Brentwood, 7 p.m. Aquinas at Oak Hills, 7 p.m. Arlington at Western Christian, 7 p.m. Arroyo Valley at Pacific, 7 p.m. Artesia at Long Beach Cabrillo, 7 p.m. Azusa at Duarte, 7 p.m. Beaumont at San Jacinto, 7 p.m. Beckman at Santa Ana Valley, 7 p.m. Bellflower at Garden Grove, 7 p.m. Bishop Diego vs. Salesian at Santa Barbara CC, 7 p.m. Bolsa Grande vs. Savanna at Glover Stadium (Anaheim), 6:30 p.m. Bosco Tech at Glendale, 7 p.m. Burbank vs. San Dimas at Burbank Burroughs, 7 p.m. Calabasas at Oxnard, 7 p.m. Camarillo at Santa Barbara, 7 p.m. Canyon County Canyon at Charter Oak, 7 p.m. Claremont at Diamond Ranch, 7 p.m. Compton Early College at Compton Centennial, 6 p.m. Corona del Mar at Rancho Verde, 7 p.m. Covina at California, 1 p.m. Dana Hills at Anaheim Canyon, 7 p.m. Desert Mirage at St. Jeanne de Lestonnac, 7 p.m. Diamond Bar vs. El Dorado at Placentia Valencia, 7 p.m. Don Lugo at El Rancho, 7 p.m. Eastside at Rowland, 7 p.m. El Modena at Thousand Oaks, 7 p.m. El Segundo at Sierra Vista, 7 p.m. El Toro at Tustin, 7 p.m. Etiwanda at Grand Terrace, 7 p.m. Firebaugh at Verbum Dei, 7 p.m. Fountain Valley at Ocean View, 7 p.m. Gabrielino at Century, 7 p.m. Garey at Walnut, 7 p.m. Golden Valley vs. Westlake at Canyon Country Canyon, 7 p.m. Grace Brethren at Santa Rosa Academy, 7 p.m. Great Oak at Vista Murrieta, 7 p.m. Hart vs. Quartz Hill at College of Canyons, 7 p.m. Hemet at Tahquitz, 7 p.m. Riverside Hillcrest at Corona, 7 p.m. Hueneme at California Military Institute, 7 p.m. Inglewood vs. Villa Park at Coleman Stadium (Inglewood), 7 p.m. Jordan at North Torrance, 7 p.m. Jurupa Valley at Colton, 7 p.m. Kennedy vs. Garden Grove Pacifica at Bolsa Grande, 7 p.m. Keppel at Mountain View, 7 p.m. King at Roosevelt, 7 p.m. La Canada at La Salle, 7 p.m. La Habra at Upland, 7 p.m. La Mirada vs. Cypress at Western, 7 p.m. La Sierra at Carter, 7 p.m. Laguna Beach at St. Margaret’s, 7 p.m. Laguna Hills at Aliso Niguel, 7 p.m. Lakeside at Maranatha, 7 p.m. Lancaster at Sultana, 7 p.m. Leuzinger at Kaiser, 7 p.m. Winchester Liberty at Temecula Valley, 7 p.m. Loyola at L.A. Cathedral, 7 p.m. Orange Lutheran at Gardena Serra, 7 p.m. Marina at Westminster, 7 p.m. Long Beach Millikan at Newbury Park, 7 p.m. Pasadena Muir at Bonita, 7 p.m. Murrieta Mesa at Tesoro, 7 p.m. Murrieta Valle at Rancho Cucamonga, 7 p.m. Norco at Cajon, 7 p.m. Riverside North at Ramona, 7 p.m. Northwood vs. Irvine at Portola, 7 p.m. Norwalk at Montebello, 7 p.m. Riverside Notre Dame vs. Banning at San Bernardino Valley College, 7 p.m. Sherman Oaks Notre Dame at Downey, 7 p.m. Oaks Christian at Chaminade, 7 p.m. Orange at Huntington Beach, 7 p.m. Oxnard Pacifica vs. West Ranch at Valencia, 7 p.m. Palm Springs at Segerstrom, 7 p.m. Palmdale at Monrovia, 7 p.m. Paloma Valley at Temescal Canyon, 7 p.m. Paramount vs. Santa Ana at Santa Ana Stadium, 7 p.m. Pasadena at Cantwell-Sacred Heart, 7 p.m. Pasadena Poly at Hoove, 7 p.m. Pomona at El Monte, 7 p.m. Portola at Long Beach Wilson, 7 p.m. Redlands at Citrus Hill, 7 p.m. Redlands East Valley at Vista del Lago, 7 p.m. Rialto vs. Patriot at Rubidoux, 7 p.m. Rio Mesa at Moorpark, 7 p.m. Royal at Fillmore, 7 p.m. Rubidoux at Desert Hot Springs, 7 p.m. San Clemente at Chaparral, 7 p.m. San Gabriel vs. Whittier Christian at Whittier College, 7 p.m. San Jacinto Valley Academy at Temecula Prep, 7 p.m. San Marcos at Knight, 7 p.m. San Marino at Heritage Christian, 7 p.m. Santa Fe at Pioneer, 7 p.m. Santa Monica at Chino, 7 p.m. Saugus at Buena, 7 p.m. Serrano at Eisenhower, 7 p.m. Shadow Hills at Indio, 7 p.m. Sierra Canyon at JSerra, 7 p.m. Silverado at Norte Vista, 7 p.m. Sonora vs. Brea Olinda at La Habra, 7 p.m. South Hills at Baldwin Park, 7 p.m. South Pasadena at Schurr, 7 p.m. St. Genevieve at Ganesha, 7 p.m. St. Paul at Newport Harbor, 7 p.m. Summit at Ontario Christian, 7 p.m. Sunny Hills vs. Troy at Buena Park, 7 p.m. Trinity Classical Academy at Vasquez, 7 p.m. Valencia at Simi Valley, 7 p.m. Valley Christian at Gahr, 7 p.m. Valley View at West Valley, 7 p.m. Victor Valley at Montclair, 7 p.m. Western at Los Alamitos, 7 p.m. Hacienda Heights Wilson at Los Altos, 7 p.m. Woodbridge vs. Santa Ana Calvary Chapel at Irvine University, 7 p.m. Workman at Nordhoff, 7 p.m. Xavier Prep at Coachella Valley, 7 p.m. Yorba Linda vs. Mayfair at Bellflower, 7 p.m. Yucaipa at Corona Santiago, 7 p.m.
INTERSECTIONAL
Bell Gardens at Bell, 7 p.m. Bernstein at Santa Paula, 7 p.m. Boron at Bishop Montgomery, 7 p.m. California City at Viewpoint, 7 p.m. Calipatria at Desert Christian, 7 p.m. Capistrano Valley at Honolulu Moanalua, 7 p.m. Carlsbad at Lakewood, 7 p.m. El Centro Central at Jurupa Hills, 7 p.m. El Cajon Christian at Linfield Christian, 7 p.m. Clovis West vs. Huntington Beach Edison at Clovis Buchanan, 7 p.m. Crean Lutheran at Denver Mullen, 7 p.m. Desert at Bishop Alemany , 7 p.m. Dos Pueblos at Santa Ynez, 7 p.m. Salt Lake City East vs. Servite at Orange Coast College, 7 p.m. Foothill at San Diego Madison, 7 p.m. Gardena at Crespi, 7 p.m. Anza Hamilton at Mountain Empire, 7 p.m. L.A. Hamilton vs. St. Monica at Santa Monica College, 7 p.m. Harvard-Westlake at Cleveland, 7 p.m. Hawthorne at Carson, 7 p.m. Highland at Bakersfield Liberty, 7 p.m. Honolulu Kamehameha at Warren, 7 p.m. La Puente at Sotomayor, 7 p.m. Henderson (Nev.) Lake Mead Academy vs. Granite Hills at Apple Valley, 7 p.m. Littlerock at Rosamond, 7 p.m. Las Vegas Mater Academy East at Rancho Christian, 7 p.m. Mount Miguel vs. St. Anthony at Clark Field (Long Beach), 7 p.m. Palm Desert at Brawley, 7 p.m. Paraclete at Bakersfield Garces, 7:30 p.m. Long Beach Poly at Folsom, 7 p.m. Rancho Dominguez at Compton, 7 p.m. Rancho Mirage at Honolulu Farrington, 7 p.m. Saddleback at Tri-City Christian, 7 p.m. San Juan Hills at Oceanside, 7 p.m. San Pedro vs. Torrance at Zamperini Stadium (Torrance), 7 p.m. Tehachapi at Ridgecrest Burroughs, 7:30 p.m. Village Christian at San Fernando, 7 p.m. West Adams at Morningside, 7 p.m.
SATURDAY’S SCHEDULE
SOUTHERN SECTION
Nonleague
Capistrano Valley Christian vs. Arroyo at Aliso Niguel, 7 p.m. Santa Margarita at Mission Viejo, 7 p.m. Webb at Channel Islands, 5 p.m. Yucca Valley at Arrowhead Christian, 6 p.m.
INTERSECTIONAL
Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna vs. St. John Bosco at Fort Lauderdale (Fla.), 8 p.m. Palos Verdes at Honolulu Iolani, 3 p.m. Rio Hondo Prep vs. San Diego Parker at Kare Park (Irwindale), 7 p.m.
Digital literacy in India is on the rise as internet penetration expands into increasingly remote areas of the country.
According to a report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), the number of smartphone users in India is expected to exceed 1 billion by 2025. This surge in smartphone adoption is driving substantial growth in the digital industry.
The report highlights that by 2025, around 56 per cent of all new internet users in India will come from rural areas. This shift represents a significant change in the digital landscape, as rural regions become a major source of new internet users.
Additionally, the report also notes a notable increase in female participation in technology adoption. By 2025, 65 per cent of new internet users are expected to be female, reflecting an important step toward greater gender parity in digital engagement.
Rural areas are predicted to experience the most significant growth in new internet users, with an anticipated increase of 26 per cent by 2025. In contrast, urban areas are expected to see a more modest growth rate of only 10 per cent.
This disparity underscores the rapid expansion of internet use in rural areas compared to urban centres. By 2025, the number of internet users in rural regions is projected to exceed 504 million, while urban areas will have more than 390 million users.
The report also highlights a key milestone: “Internet users in India have crossed the 800 million mark, with rural India having more internet users than urban.” This development underscores the increasing importance of rural areas in the country’s digital ecosystem.
The report also reveals changes in how people access news. It notes that 65 per cent of internet users are now obtaining news through various digital platforms, including news apps, websites, social media posts, message forwards, and YouTube.
“65 per cent of internet users access news and information online through various news apps/websites, social media posts, message forwards, YouTube etc.,” the report states, highlighting the shift towards digital news consumption.
The report says, there is a growing demand for internet content in regional languages. This indicates that “57 per cent of internet users prefer to access internet content in Indic languages in Urban India.”
This trend reflects an increasing preference for content in native languages, emphasizing the need for digital content providers to cater to diverse linguistic preferences.
One of the hottest viral trends, where people sprint, leap and crash around Cambodia’s historic Angkor Wat and other temple ruins in the Southeast Asian nation in a live recreation of a popular video game, has conservationists aghast, with several saying the race for views denigrates the almost 900-year-old sculptures and risks irreparable damage. Short videos of visitors running down narrow stone pathways and vaulting over passageways — often overlayed with sounds from the popular Temple Run video game — have been making the rounds on TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and other platforms. Some videos have received more than 2 million views and inspire copy cat versions daily.
A temple complex in Cambodia, Angkor Wat, is the largest religious monument in the world. (AFP photo)
Simon Warrack, a conservationist who’s worked for three decades to preserve the nearly millenia-old ruins at Angkor, is troubled by the potential damage as well as the cultural and religious insensitivities being trampled on. “You wouldn’t run through St. Peters in Rome or any western church — so why is it okay to do it in Cambodia,” said Warrack. “It’s not just potential damage to the stones by people bumping into them and falling or knocking things over — which is real — but it’s also damage to the spiritual and cultural value of the temples.”
Warrack said he’s spoken to Cambodian counterparts and officials overseeing the complex who share his concerns. “Angkor Wat is still deeply revered by the people,” he said. “Every stone is considered to contain the spirits of the ancestors.” The episode highlights the challenge many historic sites face these days to balance increased tourism, sustainability and local life, particularly in a post-Covid world where revenge travel is still a thing. The trend also underscores the sway influencers and social media have in driving tourism.
Cambodia isn’t the only destination to see an uptick in bad behavior but whereas other hot spot tourist meccas including Indonesia and Spain have taken steps to tame unruly visitors — Indonesia deports the worst offenders — the authority that oversees the Angkor temple complex hasn’t issued any reprimands to discourage the viral trend. International visitors to Cambodia have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels and even some Cambodians themselves have said on social media that the trend is good for boosting much needed arrival numbers.
For many holiday seekers, social media is a top source of inspiration for travel, according to an American Express trends report. Nearly three in four Millennials and Gen Zs surveyed said they’ve participated in social media trends while on vacation, while around half said they want to show off their travels to impress their followers.
In the temple run challenge, many videos feature people in their 20s, some running in dresses and shawls. Angelina Dougherty, a Cambodian-American who was crowned Miss Pacific Asian American in a pageant last year, also joined the trend with a video of her and another woman running and leaping through the temple, similar to moves in the video game. Doughtery didn’t respond to a request for comment.
Hollywood Spotlight
Hollywood introduced Angkor Wat to much of the world when the 2001 movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider was filmed at the complex’s Angkor Thom temple. Then came Temple Run, a video game developed by Imangi Studios in 2011, where players control a character who runs through temple ruins and must avoid obstacles and demonic creatures who give chase. The background for Temple Run features stonework and passageways that are very similar to the ruins at Angkor.
Angkor, which is on the United Nations’ World Heritage List and consists of more than 100 temples, is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. The ruins are a big economic driver for the predominantly rural country. Before the pandemic hit, the 400-acre compound saw a record 6.6 million tourists who brought in more than $80 million in ticket sales. So far this year, the ruins have attracted some 630,000 visitors.
The complex, which includes the famous temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, was constructed with blocks of sandstone and has survived war, earthquakes and forest overgrowth. Over the years, international conservators have contributed to the on-going restoration efforts.
“While the trend has temporarily boosted online interest in Angkor, it’s essential to promote safe access, educational visitation and respect for local religious, spiritual and social significance of the sites,” said Ginevra Boatto, Cambodia country director of the World Monuments Fund, which partners with local authorities in charge of sites to help protect them. New visitor trends should be “carefully managed to prevent any negative impact.”
Some of the videos do feature caveats that the re-enactments are done in appreciation of the temples. And most responses from viewers are positive, with many excited to be introduced to the temples through the challenge. But Hans Leisen, who’s headed a German-government funded conservation project at Angkor Wat for 30 years, didn’t mince words in describing his reaction to the videos.
“It’s nonsense,” said Leisen, who’s worked to preserve the temples’ delicate bas reliefs and carvings that tell religious stories. “If you’re running through the temple, you won’t see the beauty of the carvings. And if you fall or stumble, you’ll touch a wall to stabilize yourself and endanger the fragile carvings.”
Leisen is concerned the trend could spread to other temple sites in Southeast Asia. In Bali, the Indonesian government last year created a tourism task force and hotline where locals can report bad behavior by tourists. Authorities recently updated their guidance for the island’s expected 14 million visitors this year, calling on them to observe local laws and customs, which include covering up at temples and respecting the sanctity of religious sites.
In Cambodia, the Apsara National Authority, the government agency that oversees the Angkor complex, issued a code of conduct for visitors at least eight years ago that prohibits touching carvings and leaning on temple structures. According to local media, the kingdom’s tourism minister has more recently expressed concern about potential damage to the ruins due to the viral trend. Apsara declined to comment, while the tourism ministry didn’t respond to a request for comment.
Still, at least one Cambodian doesn’t mind the viral challenge. Seun Sam, a policy analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said the videos could help bring much needed tourism to Cambodia, which contributed 18% to gross domestic product in 2019. Tourism more generally in Cambodia is helping to drive the country’s expected economic growth of 5.8% this year, according to the Asian Development Bank.
“As long as they don’t damage the temples and bother other people, it’s okay,” said Seun, who noted that in some videos, visitors are running on paths that serve as sidewalks. “Tourism is very important for Cambodia’s economy. When foreign visitors come, they buy things, they spend on hotels and transport. We want to encourage that.”
Watch the official trailer for The Mountain Within Me
Ed Jackson broke his spine and was told he would never walk again after a terrifying accident in 2017, but, less than a year later, he reached the top of Snowdon and started seeking out new challenges.
He has since achieved the impossible by climbing Himlung Himal in Nepal and the Aiguille Dibona in the French Alps, something he never thought he’d be capable of.
Along with his supportive wife Lois, Ed founded the mental health charity Millimetres 2 Mountains which helps those affected by trauma build their community and reach similarly impressive goals.
His story has now been told in the deeply moving documentary film The Mountain Within Me, directed by Polly Steele, which hits cinemas today (Friday, August 23).
“The natural recovery happens closest to the injury, then it slows down, slows down, slows down,” Ed explained, speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk. “So I was just pushing as hard as I could for the first two or three years, not knowing where I’d end up.”
Ed Jackson ‘never had mountains in my mind’ after near-fatal accident (Image: DOGWOOF RELEASING)
Ed’s recovery has been nothing short of a miracle, as the film demonstrates the incredible strain he puts on the body doctors informed him would never reach its full capabilities again.
“I definitely never anticipated… if you asked me two years after my accident what I’d be doing in year three I wouldn’t have believed you,” he shared.
“If you asked me four years after the accident what I’d be doing at year five I wouldn’t have believed you. And there’s some stuff I’ve done recently that I just never imagined I could do even if I hadn’t had a spinal cord injury. So, it’s a funny one.”
Ed remains upbeat about his life experiences, focusing on what’s happening in the present and what he could achieve next rather than the trauma in his past – even when he was forced to spend almost 50 hours in the freezing cold during his death-defying descent in Nepal.
Ed and his team spent days out on the freezing cold ice (Image: DOGWOOF RELEASING)
“He so quickly flicks that switch and comes back up, to the point of incredulity sometimes!” director Polly said. “That is what makes him different to the rest of us.
“He’s dealing with a lot of daily struggles with his body, he does think about that all the time, but if you let it overtake you, you do let it take you to a very dark place. It’s too easy to go there.”
Echoing her thoughts, Ed adds: “I deliberately don’t try and think too far ahead. I’ve made that mistake in the past of wishing or hoping or even expecting things to happen and then they don’t happen and you end up disappointed.
“Focusing on the present moment and what I can do now is the best way to end up in a more positive position further down the line. Often when I’m asked, ‘What’s next?’ I’m not actually sure. None of this has been overly planned because I’ve had to wait and see how my body recovers. It could have stopped at any point, improving, so, just taking it one step at a time.
Ed was told he’d never walk again but he reached the top of Snowdon mere months after his accident (Image: ED JACKSON)
“Mountains weren’t really in my mind until I was stood at the top of Snowdon and I thought, ‘Ooh, maybe I can go a little bit higher than this’. But the fact I ended up in the Himalayas I did not expect.”
Despite his inspiring story, Ed candidly admitted his father, a doctor who aided his son in the crucial first minutes after the accident, doesn’t like revisiting those traumatic moments and is unlikely to watch the new documentary.
“My dad still hasn’t read [my book, Lucky],” he shared. “And he doesn’t think he’s going to watch the film.
“He was there. He’s a stoic, retired doctor, a very stoic Yorkshireman who doesn’t show much emotion. But being there, being present and effectively saving my life has obviously taken its toll. He’d rather not think about it.
“Whereas for me, enough good has transpired since then for it not to be so traumatic.”
Ed miraculously reached the top of the Aiguille Dibona in the French Alps (Image: DOGWOOF RELEASING)
While there are definitely some hard-hitting interview moments with Ed, they are few and far between in this overwhelmingly positive and stirring story of survival and overcoming the odds.
Viewers who see The Mountain Within Me this weekend may be tempted to follow in the former rugby player’s footsteps and pick up climbing themselves, though it’s hard to pin down where exactly he’s headed next.
“Ed is on fast-forward in life,” Polly says. “Whenever you sat down with him to try and plan anything he’d already done it before you got a look in!”
BMW Australia dealers can start delivering cars again.
A spokesperson for the brand today told CarExpert “BMW has developed a software update to monitor potential issues before new vehicles are delivered to customers”.
“Our dealer partners are now authorised to proceed with the software updates and deliver vehicles to customers,” the spokesperson said.
Owners of cars that have already been delivered and are impacted by the fault are subject to a recall, although an over-the-air software update may mean they don’t need to visit a dealer to have the problem fixed.
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“Some vehicles have already received remote updates, and we will continue to apply updates until all affected vehicles are addressed. Customers who have already taken delivery of their vehicles are being informed,” the spokesperson said.
Based on this comment, and a recall notice posted earlier today, the issue can be resolved with an over-the-air software update that doesn’t necessitate a visit to the dealership in some cases.
BMW Australia still hasn’t confirmed exactly which vehicles are caught up in the stop sale, which was reported exclusively by CarExpert earlier this week.
The delivery pause was communicated to Australian BMW dealers two weeks ago, and is only now being lifted.
A BMW dealer canvassed by CarExpert said model lines including – but not limited to – the X1, X2, X3, X5, X6, X7 and 5 Series are impacted in Australia, with the official reason being communicated as a ‘brake campaign’.
The brand this morning recalled close to 26,500 vehicles across its BMW, Mini, and Alpina model lines to rectify a defect which could result in reduced braking performance.
“Due to a manufacturing defect, signal interference may occur within the electronics of the brake system,” the carmaker said in its recall notice.
“If the fault occurs, a higher pedal force may be required for braking. The anti-lock braking system and dynamic stability control will also not be available,” it said.
A fault with identical symptoms resulted in the recall of 7168 BMW vehicles – the 5 Series, i5, 7 Series, i7, X1, iX1, X5, X6, X7 and XM – in March this year.
According to US-based owners forums, BMW customers in the US were told the delay is due to a malfunction with their new vehicle’s integrated brake system (IBS).
The IBS uses an electric actuator to maintain consistent brake pressure, with the fault understood to result in drivers needing to apply greater force on the brake pedal.
An IBS failure can also result in the malfunction of the anti-lock brakes (ABS) and stability control systems.
MORE: Everything BMW • Mini • Alpina MORE: BMW stops deliveries: Thousands of cars stuck in showrooms
US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell will on Friday address the Jackson Hole Symposium, a major economic conference, at 7:30 pm IST. All eyes are on any hints about how much additional interest rate cuts might be in the pipeline in the US.
Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole Speech: Timing & How to Watch
The US Federal Reserve chair will speak today, August 23, Friday, at 10 am EDT/ 8 am MDT/ 7:30 pm IST. His speech will be live-streamed on the Kansas City Fed’s YouTube channel. Here’s the direct link.
Why Is Jerome Powell’s Speech Today Significant?
With the Federal Reserve considered certain to start cutting its benchmark interest rate next month, Chair Jerome Powell’s highly anticipated speech Friday morning at an economic conference will be closely watched for any hints about how many additional rate cuts might be in the pipeline.
Powell is expected to say the Fed has become more confident that inflation is nearing its 2% target, more than two years after it hit a painful four-decade high. Yet the Fed chair may take an overall cautious approach in his remarks at an annual conference of central bankers in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Palka Arora Chopra, director of Master Capital Services, said, “The likelihood of the US Federal Reserve opting for a substantial 50-basis point rate cut in September hinges on the central bank’s assessment of the employment and inflation balance leading up to the meeting. Although indicators suggest a potential rate decrease, the odds of such a significant cut are still uncertain. Currently, traders estimate a 38% chance of a 50-basis point reduction, up from an earlier expectation of 33%, while a 25-basis point cut has a 62% probability. In response to a potential Fed rate cut, Indian stocks that may benefit include those in the IT, BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance), Auto, and Realty sectors. A Fed rate reduction typically weakens the US dollar, increases liquidity, and lowers borrowing costs, which can positively impact these sectors.”
Overall, the rate cuts will be welcomed positively by the Indian market because the Reserve Bank of India is following the US Federal Reserve’s lead when it comes to interest rates, and their announcements will spur additional rate cuts in India, which will enhance liquidity, attract capital inflows, and strengthen the value of the rupee, she added.
Economists note that forthcoming economic data, including a monthly jobs report on Sept. 6, will help determine the size of future Fed rate cuts — whether a typical quarter-point cut or a more aggressive half-point drop — and how fast they occur.
“We think he will seek to dampen expectations of (a half-point cut) as well as reiterate that the Fed is data-dependent and does not make decisions in advance,” Ian Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, wrote in a research note.
Powell’s speech comes as the central bank is moving toward achieving a much sought-after “soft landing,” in which its rate hikes — 11 of them in 2022 and 2023 — manage to curb inflation without causing a recession. Inflation was just 2.5% in July, according to the Fed’s preferred measure, having tumbled from a 7.1% peak two years ago.
The progress made on inflation has likely made many Fed officials more open to cutting rates several times this year now that elevated borrowing costs have largely succeeded in cooling the economy and taming inflation.
Still, a slowdown in hiring and an uptick in the unemployment rate last month heightened concern that the Fed could soon make a mistake in the other direction — by keeping rates too high for too long, throttling growth and plunging the economy into recession. Powell will likely refer to that balancing act in his speech Friday.
On Wednesday, minutes from the Fed’s most recent meeting, held July 30-31, showed that the “vast majority” of policymakers said at the time that they would likely support a rate reduction at the next meeting in mid-September as long as inflation stayed low. Several of the Fed’s 19 officials even supported a rate cut at that meeting, the minutes showed.
Also Wednesday, the Labor Department revised its estimate of job growth for the 12 months that ended in March: It said that 818,000 fewer jobs were added during that year than it had earlier reported. The revisions, which were preliminary, will be finalized in February.
Hiring over that period was still solid, averaging 174,000 a month rather than 242,000, the government said. Yet because the figures show that hiring wasn’t as robust as was previously thought, a Fed rate cut next month is “a certainty,” Shepherdson wrote.
Economists generally agree that the Fed is getting closer to conquering high inflation, which brought hardship to millions of households beginning three years ago as the economy rebounded from the pandemic recession. Yet few economists think Powell or any other Fed official is prepared to declare “mission accomplished.”
After the government reported this month that hiring in July was much less than expected and that the jobless rate reached 4.3%, the highest in three years, stock prices plunged for two days on fears that the U.S. might fall into a recession. Some economists began speculating about a half-point Fed rate cut in September and perhaps another identical cut in November.
But healthier economic reports last week, including another decline in inflation and a robust gain in retail sales, partly dispelled those concerns. Wall Street traders now expect the Fed to cut its benchmark rate by a quarter-point in both September and November and by a half-point in December. Mortgage rates have already started to decline in anticipation of rate reductions.
A half-point Fed rate cut in September would become more likely if there were signs of a further slowdown in hiring, some officials have said.
Raphael Bostic, president of the Fed’s Atlanta branch, said in an interview Monday with The Associated Press that “evidence of accelerating weakness in labor markets may warrant a more rapid move, either in terms of the increments of movement or the speed at which we try to get back” to a level of rates that no longer restricts the economy.
“I’ve got more confidence that we are likely to get to our target for inflation,” he said. “And we’ve seen labor markets weaken considerably relative to where they were” last year. “We might need to shift our policy stance sooner than I would have thought before.” Several months earlier, Bostic had said he would likely support just one rate cut in the final three months of the year.
The Manipal-based TA Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) conducted the induction programme for the second batch of the Integrated Management Programme (2024-29 batch) in Manipal on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Vasanth Kamath, Admissions Chair, TAPMI, presented the batch profile to the gathering. He said the batch comprises 66 students with an almost equal gender distribution: 44.7 per cent female and 55.3 per cent male. The batch has students from various streams, with 52.2 per cent coming from the science stream, 40.3 per cent from the commerce stream, and 7.5 per cent from arts and humanities.
He said the current batch of students has diverse representation from 15 states and over 30 cities across the country.
Rajeev Kumra, Director of TAPMI, said that while academic excellence is crucial, the physical and mental well-being of students are equally important. He asked them to embrace opportunities to participate in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.
TAPMI alumnus (2002-2004 TAPMI Batch), Avinash Bhat, Global Delivery Head for Customer Experience and Data and Analytics at Randstad Digital, was the chief guest on the occasion.
There are hundreds of home security cameras on the market, ranging drastically in price, functionality and quality, but only a few offer solar power. After CNET’s years of testing home security cameras, we have some tips if you’re on the hunt for a new solar-powered security camera. Here are a few parameters to consider.
Privacy
This is a big one. You don’t want anyone peeping on your property or hacking into your camera. Wireless home security cameras can be more susceptible to hacking due to their connectivity to Wi-Fi networks and remote access. Wired home security cameras are more secure. (Read more about the pros and cons of wired versus wireless systems here.)
Video resolution
Video quality should be a major consideration when buying a home security camera, whether solar-powered or not. In simplest terms, your camera won’t be effective if the only footage being recorded is grainy and unreadable.
The higher the resolution, the better the video quality. Most home security cameras on the market now have 1080p resolution, but others even have 2K resolution (like the Arlo Pro 4) or 1,536×1,536-pixel resolution (like the Arlo Video Doorbell). Just remember, the higher the video quality, the more bandwidth it takes up and the more likely your camera is to experience lag times or glitches.
Local vs. cloud storage
You have two main options: There’s cloud storage, which sends your video footage to a remote server to be saved, and local storage, which relies on a separate accessory or piece of hardware, usually a microSD card, to hold any footage you’d like to save. Usually, cloud storage requires a monthly fee.
When developing new products, the right manufacturing partner can make all the difference. When choosing a flex PCB manufacturer, there are many things to consider, including their capabilities, quality control, pricing, and capacity. In this article, we will walk through a step-by-step process that will help you find the ideal partner for your next flex project.
A flex circuit is a printed circuit board with a thin layer of flexible material that can be bent or moved without damaging or shorting out other components. This allows the flex circuit to conform to a space, for example in an enclosure, eliminating the need for complex wiring harnesses. Flexible PCBs are becoming increasingly popular in high-performance applications, as they can offer a number of benefits over their rigid counterparts.
The first thing to note is that the process of fabricating a flex circuit requires special procedures. These procedures are typically referred to as the “flex” process, and they involve molding, laminating, surface treatment, and cutting to produce a finished product. These processes also differentiate a flex circuit from a standard rigid PCB.
How to Negotiate Contracts With a Flex PCB Manufacturer
Flex circuits are often more expensive to produce than regular flex pcb manufacturer, as they require extra steps to manufacture. The flex process can also be more difficult to manage, as the boards are less predictable in terms of manufacturing and assembly.
In addition, a flex circuit can be more difficult to test, as the flexible material can pose some challenges for testing tools and equipment. In order to ensure that your flex circuits will perform correctly under load, it is crucial to select a flexible PCB maker with the proper quality standards and experience.
Another important consideration is the choice of materials and components for a flex circuit. It is important to choose a flexible PCB maker that has robust and reliable materials, as well as the ability to source these materials at a competitive price. This includes substrates like polyimide, adhesives, flex-grade PCB materials, and more. It is also essential to choose a flex manufacturer with the ability to assemble your circuits using high-quality connectors and components.
Lastly, it is critical to understand that a flex circuit may need additional processing steps in order to achieve a high-quality finish. For example, tin finishing will be ideal for covering exposed pads on a flex circuit, while soft gold will be good for coverage during assembly processes such as wire bonding.
During contract negotiations, it is crucial to focus on the key points that matter most. This includes pricing rates, out of scope charges, cost reduction expectations, material purchasing and warranty terms. This will help minimize revisions, which can be costly for both parties. It is also a good idea to use a cost formula in order to avoid confusion over complicated pricing options. This will allow both parties to focus on what is most important and keep the conversation simple. This will ultimately lead to a successful outcome and a long-lasting relationship.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer for the 2024-2025 season.
The updated mRNA vaccines, Comirnaty and Spikevax, were fully approved for people 12 years and older, while the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine were granted emergency authorization for children 6 months through 11 years of age, according to an FDA announcement released today.
The monovalent (single) vaccines are designed to target the Omicron variant KP.2 strain of SARS-CoV-2.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE COVID VACCINE IDENTIFIED IN STUDY
“These vaccines were updated to provide better protection against COVID-19 caused by circulating variants,” the FDA stated.
“Vaccination continues to be the cornerstone of COVID-19 prevention,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, in the FDA announcement.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer for the 2024-2025 season.(REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo)
“These updated vaccines meet the agency’s rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality.”
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“Given waning immunity of the population from previous exposure to the virus and from prior vaccination, we strongly encourage those who are eligible to consider receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine to provide better protection against currently circulating variants.”
The updated mRNA vaccines were “approved and authorized for emergency use,” according to an FDA announcement.(iStock)
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older receives the updated COVID-19 vaccination.
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That includes women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
As of the week ending Aug. 10, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 18.1% of COVID tests were positive.
The monovalent (single) vaccines are designed to target the Omicron variant KP.2 strain of SARS-CoV-2.(Reuters/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo)
Meanwhile, 2.4% of those visiting emergency departments were diagnosed as COVID-19 — a drop of 1.5% from the prior week.
The percentage of deaths related to COVID was 1.9%, per the CDC, up from 1.6% the prior week.
Delhi’s food scene never disappoints, with new restaurants and cafes constantly adding to the city’s vibrant culinary landscape. The latest to join this ever-growing list is Thanks & Beyond, nestled in the heart of Nehru Place’s bustling Epicuria. This restaurant promises a unique dining experience, blending a varied ambience with a menu that caters to both the adventurous and the traditional palate. From the moment you step in, you’re greeted by an inviting atmosphere that effortlessly combines bohemian spirit with earthy elegance, setting the stage for a memorable meal.
Ambience: A Tale Of Three Districts
The restaurant is cleverly divided into three distinct sections – each offering a different vibe. ‘Thanks’ is perfect for coffee lovers and cocktail enthusiasts, ‘&’ provides a serene Tuscan-style outdoor retreat, and ‘Beyond’ boasts a stunning bar with handcrafted cocktails and a premium selection of spirits. Together, these spaces create a versatile setting suitable for any occasion.
Photo Credit: Thanks & Beyond
The Culinary Experience: What We Tried
During my visit, we decided to dive into their Signature Cocktails. Our first pick was the Hydra, a concoction featuring gin, pineapple, and Madras curry. It was a refreshing and bold start to our evening, with flavours that were both surprising and delightful. Next, we tried the Cygnus, a unique drink made with brown butter tequila, coffee liqueur, cold brew, popcorn, and nutmeg. It was like having popcorn in a glass – a playful and memorable drink that we thoroughly enjoyed. We also sampled the Pegasus and Phoenix cocktails. While both were impressive, the Pegasus, which featured lychee, lacked the distinct flavour we were expecting. A bit more lychee would have elevated the drink to perfection.
Photo Credit: Thanks & Beyond
For starters, we couldn’t resist the Chicken Gyozas. With a super crunchy exterior and a soft, flavourful interior, these gyozas were a true delight and a must-try for any visit. We then moved on to the Adana Kebab from the Authentic Turkish Grills. The tender chunks of chicken, marinated in an aromatic blend of Turkish spices, were absolutely delicious and a highlight of the meal. The Tempura Prawn Sushi also made it to our table and did not disappoint, offering a satisfying crunch and fresh flavours. As we transitioned to the main course, we tried the Kar Pow, a Thai chicken stir fry with holy basil. The dish was wholesome and packed with flavours, making it an explosion of taste in every bite. The menu also offers a variety of other delectable options, from pizzas to classic Indian dishes, that we’re excited to try on our next visit. To end our meal on a sweet note, we opted for the Banoffee Pie. However, it was a bit disappointing. The texture was off, and it felt more like a banoffee shake than a pie – too liquidy and lacking the richness we were hoping for. The dessert menu could benefit from a few more options as well.
Photo Credit: Thanks & Beyond
Final Thoughts
Overall, our experience at Thanks and Beyond was fairly good. It’s a unique spot that offers delicious food and a distinct ambience, making it worth a visit with family and friends. So, if you’re in the mood for a memorable dining experience in Delhi, head to Thanks and Beyond.
What: Thanks & Beyond
Where: 204, Underground Food Court, Nehru Place, New Delhi
Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Thursday that China stands ready to work with the Belarusian side to push for the high-level development of their all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership.
Li made the remarks while meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko at the Palace of Independence in Minsk.
To celebrate the column’s 20th anniversary, we’re asking readers to share their favorite lines of wisdom from Modern Love essays and Tiny Love Stories.
Findings from a recent study demonstrated that high-dose psilocybin provided a superior reduction in depressive symptoms compared to both placebo and escitalopram in patients with major depressive disorder.
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Learn more »
One minute, your cat is cuddling with you as happy as a clam, and the next minute, they are climbing up the curtains, yowling, and acting like a banshee. What could be going on? With such fluctuation in behaviors, one may wonder if their cat could have bipolar syndrome. While this is a reasonable suspicion, it’s important to note that at this time, cats are not recognized as being able to be diagnosed with bipolar syndrome.
In this article, we’ll explore what this condition is, specifics of why it’s not recognized or diagnosed in cats, and tips and techniques for ensuring good mental health for cats in general.
About Bipolar Syndrome
What exactly is bipolar syndrome? The word bipolar can be broken down into the root “bi” which means two and “polar” which can be akin to having extreme opposites on two points or ends of an axis. In people, this mental illness is characterized by two very different moods: that of a very high or elevated mood (termed mania) and that of a very low or hopeless (termed depressive) mood.
These intense and extreme emotional states swing dramatically from one to another over time, with each mood often lasting from days to weeks or months. In between, there is also the potential for a normal mood, called euthymia.
While bipolar syndrome was also previously referred to as manic depression or manic-depressive disorder, there are different types, such as bipolar syndrome type 1 or type 2. What all bipolar diagnoses have in common is that they are characterized by recurring, dramatic shifts or swings in mood. These intense moods can affect the individual’s energy levels, thinking patterns, overall behavior, sleep schedule, etc. In people, a diagnosis is obtained by ruling out other causes followed by a thorough psychological evaluation.
If diagnosed, treatment often includes various medications and psychotherapy (talk therapy).
Image Credit: Kginger, Shutterstock
Cats and Bipolar Syndrome
As mentioned, cats are not recognized to have bipolar syndrome. In fact, it’s a bit tricky to actually assess depression and mania in our feline friends.
When a pet cat is acting subdued or potentially displaying some of the signs below, one may inadvertently think depression could be a potential cause:
Personality change
Not eating
Lethargy
Hiding
Withdrawal
Decrease in grooming behavior
Changes in social relationships with people or other pets
If these types of changes in the behavior of a cat are seen, they are most often explained in veterinary medicine by an underlying medical or physical health condition.
While the list of potential reasons for illness is long, some may include:
Pain – common examples could include pain from an injury, dental problems, or arthritis, (even in young cats)
Infection
Kidney failure or obstruction
Foreign body
Diabetes
Anemia (low red blood cell count)
Cancer
Feline cognitive dysfunction (dementia)
Regardless of the cause, once a health condition is properly treated, it can make a world of difference in a feline’s demeanor and subdued overall behaviors will typically improve.
Cats will display varying levels of activity throughout the day, which is normal. While they may sleep much of the time, they can also have their little windows or bursts of activity and energy (hello, zoomies!) since they are predators with natural hunting instincts. These “highs” may be misunderstood by the cat’s owner to be a display of mania.
Some cat owners may also mistake many of the following for mania:
Extremely high activity levels (hyperactivity)
Aggression
Losing weight despite eating well
Pacing
Excess vocalization
Excess grooming
Irritableness
Some underlying health conditions that may be actually causing these behaviors might include:
Anxiety/fear
Compulsive disorders
Pain
Stress
Allergies, such as flea allergy dermatitis
Hyperthyroidism
Feline cognitive dysfunction (dementia)
An official diagnosis of hyperactivity
Again, if one of these (or another) health conditions is the cause of what appear to be “manic” behaviors, proper medical treatment can help bring a cat back to baseline. Furthermore, while cats do exhibit signs of stress and can have mental health conditions diagnosed such as compulsive disorders or cognitive dysfunction, these would be diagnosed after other medical causes are ruled out.
Image Credit: Ro_ksy, Shutterstock
Diagnosis of Bipolar Syndrome in Cats
As the above discussion illustrates, signs in a cat that would normally be considered to be “depressive” or “manic” in humans are most often explained in veterinary medicine by some other underlying medical condition. In addition, a cat’s more extreme moods do not stay and last for long periods of time and then cycle to the opposite end of the spectrum like bipolar syndrome in people.
Furthermore, because bipolar syndrome requires consistently alternating manic and depressive states to be diagnosed, it is easy to see how bipolar syndrome diagnosis is not recognized as an option for a cat.
In addition, in the medical testing world, it has been difficult to use animal subjects for modeling medical treatment for bipolar syndrome in people. Some of the reasons for this, as set out below, help explain even more why cats have been unable to be diagnosed with this disease.
Many of the qualifying characteristics of bipolar syndrome in people are not able to be evaluated in animals. Because veterinarians can’t talk to their patients and their patients do not have the same awareness and cognitive abilities as people, evaluating feelings of worthlessness or guilt, for example, is just not possible.
In the human world, testing using animal models for bipolar syndrome has had to be separated into two categories: one group with animals that are modeling mania, and one group that is modeling depression. There has not been a successful group that has exhibited both depression and mania. Even further, there has not been shown a way to replicate the characteristic cycle between the two in animals.
While cat behavior can be complex and can fluctuate widely, there could be additional reasons for this behavior besides the aforementioned health causes. Not only do a cat’s genetics play a role, but aspects such as what occurred during their socialization period as kittens, life experiences, individual personality, etc., all can come into play. Many times, their mood or variations are triggered or activated because of an external factor in their surroundings, rather than a biochemical abnormality going on in their brain.
How to Help Your Cat
If your cat is suffering from what appear to be signs of hyperactivity/mania and depression, what can you do?
Plan a visit to your cat’s vet. Rule out any medical causes for the behavior changes. Many times, changes in behavior can be attributed to a medical problem which, when treated, can help resolve changes in behavior. Some cases may benefit from a veterinary behaviorist, a veterinarian who specializes in animal behavior and has more advanced training in managing behavior modification plans and psychotropic medications.
Be a detective! Try to think like a cat and see if you can parse together potential reasons for the behavior that you would normally not be aware of. For example, some stressful event or change in routine such as a recent move or new addition to the family (furry or human!) may be at play. Another example could be that a cat goes haywire near a certain area because they’ve observed from that room’s window an outside feral cat slinking around.
Some components for encouraging overall good mental health for a cat that you can implement at home may include:
Offering safe, comforting, and quiet places to rest, perch, or hide. This could be as elaborate as a large cat tree or as simple as a box placed in a quiet area with a blanket inside.
Proper litter box etiquette – one more litterbox than the number of cats placed separately throughout the home. Ensure they are cleaned routinely and regularly.
Calming products such as a pheromone diffuser.
Environmental enrichment – varying rotation of favorite toys such as prey toys, tunnels, catnip, opportunities for watching birds, etc.
Ensure you are giving your cat their desired amount of attention, affection, and interactive playtime; this will vary from cat to cat.
Mental stimulation such as clicker training, working for food/treats, and incentivizing with treat balls/food puzzles.
Image Credit: H_Ko, Shutterstock
Conclusion
While cats are not currently able to be diagnosed with bipolar syndrome, they may have other mental and/or physical health conditions that could be influencing how they conduct themselves.
If your cat is displaying concerning behaviors towards themselves or others, promptly starting a conversation with their veterinarian will help ensure the best outcome.
Featured Image Credit: Zhuravlev Andrey, Shutterstock
The Group of Ministers’ (GoM) discussions on real estate on Thursday remained inconclusive. The group will meet one more time before making suggestions.
The GoM, under the convenorship of the Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, is assigned to make suggestions at the meeting on various issues related with GST mechanism for the real estate sector. One of the key terms of reference is to examine various aspects of GST levied on the transfer of development rights in the Joint Development Agreement and suggest a suitable model. Based on the recommendations of this GoM, the GST Council will consider various options.
The issue of GST is tangled in various litigations. Earlier in February, the Telangana High Court had dismissed a writ petition filed by a realtor challenging GST on ‘transfer of land development rights’ (TDR) on a JDA for residential projects. This held valid the notification that imposed GST on JDA. The matter has now reached the Supreme Court, where the ruling has been challenged. In its first hearing, the apex court did not grant a stay on the GST. Next date of hearing is September 9.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
JEDAN proizvod s Temua uspio je privući pažnju i ući u domove više od 75.000 korisnika. Riječ je o brzosušećem kupaonskom tepihu koji je postao izuzetno popularan među korisnicima, i to s razlogom.
Njegova sposobnost da ostane čvrsto na mjestu, čak i na mokrim površinama, čini ga savršenim za kupaonicu.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
Osim što ne klizi, tepih se i brzo suši. To pomaže da prostor ostane suh i čist, a također sprečava neugodne mirise i razvoj bakterija koje mogu nastati u vlažnim uvjetima. Dostupan je u više dimenzija, što omogućava fleksibilnost u izboru idealne veličine za vaš prostor.
Ima odlične recenzije
Korisnici su oduševljeni ovim tepihom i ne prestaju ga hvaliti. “Super stvar”, “Dobro se drži na podu i, da, jednostavno se suši iako sam na početku bio skeptičan. Vrlo dobro”, “Odličan tepih, naručio sam ga za tuširanje. Ne klizi, brzo se suši. Vrlo sam zadovoljan kupnjom”, “Lijep predmet. Bolji nego što sam očekivao i puno bolji nego što je opisano”, neke su od recenzija.
Znate li nešto više o temi ili želite prijaviti grešku u tekstu?
Gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik, fresh off multiple medals and internet fame as the “pommel horse guy” at the Paris Olympics, is now in pursuit of a new prize: the Mirrorball Trophy.
Nedoroscik will be among the celebrities set to strut their stuff on “Dancing With the Stars” when the long-running dance competition series returns in the fall. Nedoroscik said he wants “have fun” with his upcoming prime time spotlight.
“I want to bring some of that gymnastics” to the dance competition, he told “Good Morning America” on Thursday. “Maybe a backflip or handstand.”
The two-time bronze medalist, 25, will be the first male gymnast to compete on the show. Almost since its debut, “DWTS” has spotlighted female Olympic gymnasts including Nastia Liukin, Mary Lou Retton and Laurie Hernandez. Gymnastics G.O.A.T. Simone Biles and teammate Suni Lee, who won several medals at the 2024 Olympics, are also “DWTS” alums.
At the Paris Olympics, Nedoroscik’s online fame was twofold. In the first week of the Games, the pommel horse specialist went viral for how he kept himself busy — cheering for teammates, carrying bags and seemingly napping— while he awaited his turn in the men’s team final.
Then Nedoroscik performed a near-flawless pommel horse routine that helped Team USA secure the bronze, the United States men’s first Olympic medal since 2008. Online, the bespectacled athlete quickly drew comparisons to Clark Kent, and to Steve Rogers before and after being injected with the super serum that turned him into Captain America.
Nedoroscik secured his second bronze medal in the individual pommel horse final on Aug. 3. That spawned more memes about his pre-performance rituals.
Nedoroscik brought his pommel horse skills to Thursday’s announcement, balancing on his hands on a mat as he swung his legs around his body — in dress pants, no less. He told the “GMA” anchors he will bring more than just gymnastics to “DWTS.” The “sleeping” pose that went viral is also likely to return, he said.
“As that sort of moment is catching up and you’re getting close to your competition time, your heart rate just going crazy … so I’m just trying to stay calm,” he explained. “I’m really just focusing on my breathing exercises, visualization, and then it’s go-time.”
He added: “It’s kind of what I do to calm myself down, so I will probably be bringing that to the dance floor.”
“Dancing With the Stars” will announce its full cast on Sept. 4, and Season 33 will premiere Sept. 17 on ABC.
Times staff writer Thuc Nhi Nguyen contributed to this report.
Marshall has launched two new Bluetooth speakers – Emberton III and Willen II. For the launch, Marshall has partnered with three musical pioneers who embody the rock ’n’ roll mindset – Suki, Kelvin Krash, and Bohan Phoenix.
Emberton III key features include-:
1. Marshall signature sound
Emberton III features Marshall’s signature sound with Dynamic Loudness that adjusts the tonal balance of the audio, which according to the company ensures your music sounds brilliant at every volume.
2. True stereophonic
Emberton III features True Stereophonic, which Marshall says is a unique form of multi-directional sound.
3. 32+ Hours of portable playtime.
According to the company, Emberton III offers 32+ hours of portable playtime on a single charge.
4. Dust and water-proof
Emberton III speaker comes with an IP 67 rating.
5. Built and microphone
Emberton III comes with a built-in microphone, helping users make hands-free calls.
6. Bluetooth LE audio-ready
Emberton III is built to be Bluetooth LE Audio-ready. According to Marshall
Willen II key features include
1. Marshall’s signature sound
Willen II features Marshall’s signature sound and harder-hitting bass
2. 17+ Hours of playtime
Willen II offers 17+ hours of portable playtime on a single charge.
3. Dust and waterproof
Willen II speaker comes with the IP 67 rating
4. Fastening strap
Willen II is a multi-purpose speaker with a rubber fastening strap.
5. Built-in microphone
Willen II comes with a built-in microphone, helping the user take hands-free calls.
6. Bluetooth audio ready
Willen II is Bluetooth LE Audio-ready. This technology is handy according to the company.
The speakers will be available to pre-order from today and for sale globally from August 26 on the company’s official website. While Emberton III is priced at Rs 17,999, Willen II will cost you Rs 12,499.
Thai officials recently launched a visa program that allows foreign remote workers to stay in the country legally for longer, and hopefully contribute more to economic growth.
Thailand has long been a popular destination for digital nomads. (Grant Squibb/Image Source/picture alliance )
Thailand started a new visa scheme last month that allows people who would usually come in as tourists to stay and work in the country.
Launched on July 15, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is aimed at luring remote workers, freelancers and so-called digital nomads to live, work and travel in the country for up to 180 days per entry. The document is valid for 5 years.
ALSO READ: Are you a digital nomad? Know all about the Destination Thailand Visa
Naruchai Ninnad, deputy director-general of Thailand’s consular affairs, told DW around 1,200 DTV visas have already been officially approved from 47 embassies and consulates.
He added that there are still more than 40 embassies and consulates that haven’t provided the number of DTV visas yet because their applicants are not recorded via the e-Visa system.
How does the visa application work?
To apply for the DTV visa as a remote worker, freelancer or digital nomad, an applicant must be at least 20 years old and be from one of the 93 eligible countries.
Required documents include passport or travel document, the applicant’s current location, evidence of financial stability, a proof of salary slip in the last 6 months, a foreign employment contract, employers business licence and a professional portfolio.
Applicants can also obtain the visa if they join Thailand’s “soft power” activities including Muay Thai boxing, cooking and short-term education courses.
ALSO READ: Digital nomads: Juggling work and wanderlust
The fee for the DTV visa is 10,000 Thai baht ($291, €260). Applicants must be able to show proof of funds equating to approximately 500,000 baht ($14,500).
Thailand a popular destination for remote work
Thailand has long been a desirable destination for long-stay tourists, but the country has had a problem with visitors not having a legal visa or work permit.
In recent years, more tourists have illegally worked remotely in the country, having to do visa-runs or visa extensions so they can continue their temporary stay.
With the announcement of DTV, some applicants have expressed concern about their history of overstaying their visas, as some consulate websites say this could affects their eligibility for the digital nomads program.
Inside Thailand, some critics say the visas are too easy to obtain and could attract too many foreign workers, which may in turn lead to rising rent prices and “overtourism.”
Ninnad from Thailand’s consular affairs insists that obtaining the new visa is similar to existing procedures.
“It’s not easy, the visa requirements are there. The embassies and consulates are strict in their approvals. We have no target for DTV holders. It’s just like other visas,” he said.
Working from paradise
Thailand’s implementation of the DTV comes with the rise of digital nomadism worldwide that has been driven by technology allowing for remote work.
Five years ago, no country had a digital nomad visa scheme, until Estonia became the first country to do so in 2020. The COVID pandemic ushered in an increase in professionals switching to remote work on a permanent basis.
Gary Bowerman, a tourism analyst based in Kuala Lumpur, says Thailand’s DTV visa is aimed at improving Thailand’s economy.
“These measures are designed to attract more visitors who will stay longer, travel more widely and spend more in different locations,” he told DW.
Thailand also recently relaxed visa requirements for visitors from the 93 countries, including Germany, to enter the country for 60 days. Previously, nationals of dozens of countries were given a 30-day stay, and some had to apply for a visa prior to arrival.
“It’s more about diversifying the nation’s appeal and making Thailand more accessible to longer stay, high-yield visitors, while maintaining an appeal for the broader mass market,” Bowerman added.
Keeping up with Thailand’s neighbors
Thailand is currently in an economic slump, and its officials are hoping to boost tourism with more overseas arrivals.
Tourism accounted for 11.5% of the country’s overall GDP in 2019 with a record-breaking 39 million visitors.
Thailand has already seen 21 million visitors arrive in the country in 2024 and forecasts a total of 36 million arrivals by year’s end.
“[The DTV visa] will extend tourists length of stay in Thailand and of course it will affect more spending for tourists that join activities,” Nithee Seeprae, deputy governor of marketing communications at Thailand’s tourism bureau, told DW.
Thailand is under pressure to remain competitive with its neighbors as other countries in East and Southeast Asia have recently launched their own digital nomad schemes. This includes Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan, with the Philippines also looking at announcing a similar visa program.
World of Waraft The War Within is the latest expansion coming to the hugely popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game. Despite officially having an August 26 release date on PC, World of Warcraft fans can actually play the game from today! Early access to World of Warcraft The War Within begins at 11pm BST UK time on August 22. If you want to jump into the action early and ahead of schedule, then you can gain access on August 22 by purchasing the Epic Edition of the game. In addition to early access, The World of Warcraft War Within Epic Edition contains a number of bonus items.
First up is the Algarian Stormrider Mount, which is described as a fully customisable and lightning-infused. The mount comes in four different colours, complete with 42 customisable options.
That’s on top of the Stormrider’s Attire Transmog Set, which is upgradeable by completing special race courses.
You’ll also receive an enhanced level 70 character boost, as well as 30 days of World of Warcraft game time.
“With the Epic Upgrade, gain the Deepdweller’s Earthen Hearthstone composed of minerals extracted from the greatest of depths, a playful Storm Hatchling, a Sandbox Storm Gryphon toy and additional Trader’s Tender,” Blizzard adds.
World of Warcraft The War Within is the first instalment of The Worldsoul Saga. It will be followed by the Midnight expansion and The Last Titan.
As part of the expansion, players will journey through the subterranean worlds found below Azeroth.
According to Blizzard, the new locations are filled with “hidden wonders and lurking perils, down to the dark depths of the nerubian empire, where the malicious Harbinger of the Void is gathering arachnid forces to bring Azeroth to its knees”.
World of Warcraft fans will also be able to play as a new Allied race called The Earthen. This Titan-forged race can be found in Khaz Algar.
Elsewhere, Blizzard is introducing Hero Talents, which are modelled after “well-known archetypes from the Warcraft universe, including Dark Ranger and Farseer”.
Perhaps most exciting of all, however, are Delves, which are bite-sized adventures that are seamlessly integrated into the world and can be scaled for 1-5 players.
Finally, Warbands are a quality of life feature for players with multiple characters. It allows you to share things like banks, reputations and transmogs across all playable characters.
Lexus’ first electric vehicle (EV) in Australia is no longer one of a kind in the local model range, but it still has an important part to play.
It received a new, larger battery pack with improved driving range at the start of last year, but it’s otherwise remained largely unchanged since it arrived in 2021. For the most part, that’s a good thing.
That upgrade made it more competitive in the growing field of electric SUVs, and it’s retained its quiet, comfortable character.
But while other EVs have had their prices cut in recent months, Lexus hasn’t budged on the UX 300e since the addition of the new battery.
At around $80,000 it has some stiff competition, mostly from the likes of Tesla’s best-selling Model Y SUV and others like specific grades of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
On test here is the 2024 Lexus UX 300e Luxury, the second-most expensive option in the UX range. It misses out on some extra bits and pieces seen on the electric Sports Luxury, but it retains the same powertrain and motor outputs.
Is it still worth considering if you’re making the jump to an EV, or would you be better off following the pack into a different option?
How does the Lexus UX compare?
View a detailed breakdown of the Lexus UX against similarly sized vehicles.
Lexus
UX
How much does the Lexus UX cost?
The cheaper of the two electric UX models bears a competitive price tag in the wider Lexus range, coming in at just over $80,000 before on-road costs.
That brings it in line with the Model Y Performance ($82,900) and Ioniq 5 RWD Dynamiq ($80,800) among others.
2024 Lexus UX 300h 2WD F Sport + Enhancement Pack 1
$65,610
2024 Lexus UX 300h 2WD F Sport + Enhancement Pack 2
$68,710
2024 Lexus UX 300h AWD Sports Luxury
$70,520
2024 Lexus UX 300h AWD F Sport
$73,210
2024 Lexus UX 300e Luxury
$80,720
2024 Lexus UX 300e Sports Luxury
$88,190
To see how the Lexus UX stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool.
What is the Lexus UX like on the inside?
It’s a 2024 Lexus for less than $100,000, which means it’s just about as luxurious as you’d like it to be without going over the top.
The main takeaway is that it presents like a normal car, which – if you’re familiar with some other EVs – is refreshing. That’s probably because it is just Lexus UX with an EV powertrain, but that’s a reason it works so well.
You still get loads of buttons for your standard functions, a physical climate control system, a steering wheel with loads of useful and logical controls, and an actual instrument cluster with dials and numbers! How exciting is that?
Jokes aside, it’s an enjoyable place to spend time. Those who aren’t a fan of button-laden vehicles likely won’t enjoy it as much, and that’s fair enough. In contrast, people like me who appreciate this kind of thing will feel right at home.
You’re not overwhelmed trying to figure everything out when you first step inside – instead you can take a moment to absorb it all and settle in. It’s easy to get into a comfortable seating position thanks to the powered seats and steering wheel, and if you’re the driver it’s worth setting the seat slightly lower if you want a sportier feel.
As you’d expect, the interior is finished in materials that are both nice to look at and interact with. The seats in particular are upholstered in synthetic leather, which is a very soft material Lexus has used generously in the past few years.
You get heating, ventilation, and powered lumbar, while the synthetic leather-wrapped steering wheel offers a heating function and is both soft and nicely proportioned.
You’ll find some more of that leather on top of the dashboard and on the centre armrest, but you can expect any surface inside the UX upholstered in that material will be soft to the touch. The dash is broken up with a textured material for a bit of variation.
Overall there’s a satisfying consistency to the cabin’s design, and the acres of black are accented by dark-grey metallic accents here and there like the Lexus emblem on the steering wheel.
As a bonus, the Mark Levinson-branded audio system sounds incredible and makes the driving experience all the more enjoyable.
What you might not notice as you get in is the way everything in the front of the cabin is oriented towards the driver. In some ways it’s reminiscent of a higher-end sports car, in others it bears a striking resemblance to something like a first-gen Toyota C-HR.
That’s not a bad thing, and the subtle tilt does well to make the driver feel at the centre of everything going on in the car. It also makes the infotainment and climate control easier to reach, though you may still need to lean forwards to interact with the far end of the screen.
The infotainment system is a 10.3-inch touchscreen display, which is graphically sharp and worked flawlessly in our week with the car. There’s a singular knob for power and volume, but every other infotainment-related function is either done via the screen or the buttons on the steering wheel.
Even without dedicated buttons, there are clear icons on the screen making it easy to navigate the various menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay is always a nice bonus, and as with the rest of the system there were no issues to report.
If you need to charge your phone, you’re spoilt for choice. There are two USB-C outlets beneath the climate control interface, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-volt outlet and another USB-C port in the centre console storage box.
Behind the steering wheel is a 7.0-inch driver information screen, though it isn’t set up like a normal screen you’d find in other new cars. Instead, it’s a version of a typical instrument cluster adapted to work with an EV, which means there aren’t any tachometer or speedometer gauges.
Instead, you get an EV power gauge with plenty of useful information, which you can cycle through using buttons on the wheel. The other side offers a charge gauge with an electrified petrol pump icon, as well as a reminder of the car you’re driving above.
While it’s a bit basic and you could argue it’s beginning to look old, it works well and makes sense. The only things I find unusual are the icons for things like the headlights and parking brake, which seem to float aimlessly in the void outside the digital display.
There’s a lot of space in the bezel around the instrument cluster to make the layout of icons seem more intentional, instead of filling up the area with decorative lines and logos.
Storage up front is more or less as you’d expect. There are two cupholders behind the wireless charger cubby, a long centre console storage box with a soft floor, bottle holders in the doors, and an average-sized glovebox ahead of the passenger.
Nothing on the storage department is too small or exceptionally large, with the cupholders in particular best suited to cans or coffee cups. At least you won’t have to worry about dirtying the centre console too much, as there’s hardly any gloss black plastic to be found anywhere.
Lexus has fitted many of the UX’s flat surfaces with textured plastic instead, which has a pleasant dull sheen and is less likely to attract fingerprints and smudges.
Otherwise, everything feels sturdy. The buttons are all well-made with a good feel, the gear selector moves with a solid chunky action, and there aren’t any interior rattles or squeaks to speak of.
The second row is where the UX 300e starts to fall over. Getting in isn’t as easy as it could be, as its deceptive small SUV stature means the door opening is narrow and a bit too tight to comfortably get people and objects in and out.
Additionally, the rear doors don’t open as wide as they could. Once you’re in, space doesn’t get much better.
You’ll be comfortable enough for headroom, and I could sit behind my own driving position at 5’8″ tall. The main issue is toe-room, because if you want to have the driver’s seat adjusted in a lower position rear passengers don’t have any to work with.
On top of that, there isn’t a huge amount of legroom to stretch into. At least there is a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, as well as rear air vents, two charging ports, and heating for the two outboard seats.
Storage is otherwise limited to bottle holders in the doors and a map pocket on the back of the front passenger seat. The nice materials from the front carry through to the back, and the rear seats themselves are comfortable enough to sit in for longer periods of time.
The compromised rear space carries through to the boot, which is again on the smaller side. At 314 litres, it’s noticeably smaller than the Hyundai Kona Electric at 407 litres – another petrol car-turned EV.
Vertical space is limited because of the sloping roofline, but there’s plenty of space lengthways to be able to fit grocery bags with room to spare.
Boot space is deceptively narrow, as longer items won’t fit unless you fold the rear seats down. There’s no more space to be revealed by lifting the floor, as that space is dedicated to the tyre repair kit included as standard.
A nice bonus is the complimentary access to Lexus’ Encore Platinum Electrified program, which gives you access to fast charging, a dedicated home charger, and two free charging cables. The latter makes it easy to plug the car into one of your home power points to let it slowly charge overnight.
The powered tailgate did have a unique quirk. As I’d use the boot to pack away the charging cable, it’d sometimes decide to close on its own while I was still standing there. It’s not hard to stop it closing by holding it up, but it’s still unexpected for an otherwise solid (if not undersized) package.
Dimensions
Lexus UX 300e
Length
4495mm
Width
1840mm
Height
1545mm
Wheelbase
2640mm
Cargo capacity
314 litres
To see how the Lexus UX stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool.
What’s under the bonnet?
The 300e drops the hybrid powertrain offered across the rest of the UX range in favour of a single-motor electric setup. It’s now fed by a significantly larger battery than when it first launched, providing a 135km boost in claimed driving range.
Specifications
Lexus UX 300e
Drivetrain
Single-motor electric
Battery
72.82kWh lithium-ion
Power
150kW
Torque
300Nm
Driven wheels
Front-wheel drive
Weight
1840kg (kerb)
Power consumption (claimed)
16.9kWh/100km
Power consumption (as tested)
19.2kWh/100km
Claimed range
440km (WLTP)
Max AC charge rate
6.6kW
Max DC charge rate
50kW
To see how the Lexus UX stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool.
How does the Lexus UX drive?
If you’re after a refined, comfortable, and quiet on-road experience in an EV, this car should be high on your shopping list.
UX 300e Luxury
When you hit that button to the left of the steering wheel, you’d be forgiven for expecting an engine to start up given the combustion origins of the UX. Of course there’s no sound, and you’re ready to drive straight away.
Right and down on the gear selector puts the car into drive, and setting off brings with it another bout of silence. If you’re nitpicking you’ll notice a faint electric whirr as the motor gets up to speed.
Getting up to speed in the UX 300e is no sweat, because even if power outputs seem modest on paper there’s no missing that initial torque hit when you mash the throttle.
It may surprise you to realise how fast it takes off. It takes around seven or eight seconds to get to 100km/h, but you’ll be at the limit quicker than you realise thanks to how refined the ride is. Hard acceleration does reveal some of the problems with the drivetrain though.
UX 300e Sports Luxury
The UX 300e is only offered with front-wheel drive, and it makes too much torque to be sent to only two wheels. It has a tendency to break traction from a standstill if you’re not careful, and you’ll notice a degree of torque steer at the same time.
We think this car would benefit greatly from a dual-motor all-wheel drive system like many other EVs on the market, as it would mean both extra grip and the potential for a boost in power.
You can dull its power output by selecting Eco mode with the small dial on the upper left of the dash, which works well in city driving. The drop in power is noticeable, but when there’s no need to rush from light to light it’s perfect – plus you can save some charge while you’re at it.
It’s one of the few times you will be able to save charge when driving the UX 300e, because it turns out to be quite thirsty on its electricity consumption.
We saw a power consumption of 19.2kWh/100km in our week with the car, which was well above Lexus’ claim. It really only dropped the low 19s after a stint in the city, while it sat at 20kWh/100km for the rest of the time.
UX 300e Luxury
There was a heavy skew towards highway driving while we had the car, which is a known weakness of EVs compared to internal combustion vehicles. It would’ve been nice to see the figure a bit closer to the manufacturer claim, especially because we expected a bit more from its upgraded battery.
The UX 300e’s battery capacity was boosted from 54.4kWh to nearly 73kWh in 2023, bringing with it an increased claimed driving range of 440km. In the context of 500km-plus EVs at a similar price point – like the Tesla Model Y Performance, which is a lot faster – it still feels like it’s lagging behind.
I’m no fan of Tesla, but if I was paying more than $80,000 for an EV from a legacy brand like Lexus (or Toyota) I’d be wanting something that could at least match or even outdo the sales-dominating Model Y.
The most convenient way to charge the UX 300e is at home using one of the standard wall-socket cables provided. While it doesn’t charge fast, it’s perfect to leave it to juice up overnight and be ready for the morning.
A day’s travel of 120km on the highway would drop its battery charge to slightly above half, and when left on charge for 12 hours overnight it’d be comfortably at capacity by the time it was time to leave again. Fast chargers are always an option too, but it’s easier to rock up at home, plug it in and forget about it.
UX 300e Luxury
Interestingly, it has two different types of charger connectors on either side of the car. One is a standard Type 2 AC plug, but the other is an older-standard CHaDeMO port for DC fast charging.
Such ports may soon become harder to find at public chargers in Australia, as CCS becomes the preferred standard. There are still plenty of CHaDeMO chargers around for the time being so it’s no cause for concern on the UX 300e, but as with any EV it pays to plan ahead on long drives.
It’ll charge at up to 50kW on a public DC fast charger, which means you’ll be sitting longer compared to some of its higher-capacity rivals.
Infrastructure quirks aside, the UX 300e is a superb car to drive. Whatever Lexus has done to refine the ride quality and on-road experience has done wonders to set it apart from some of the other EVs on the market right now.
As mentioned, it’s incredibly quiet. Even with no engine to mask sound from the highway it lets in minimal road and wind noise to the point where there’s nothing of note to speak of. It’ll happily eat up the kilometres between charges.
UX 300e Luxury
Highway driving is supported by adaptive cruise control with lane-keep assist, which works reliably and has no problem keeping the car situated. Even around tighter bends, like on freeway interchange ramps, it isn’t scared to crank on the necessary steering lock while keeping up its speed.
The system is easy to interact with too, with dedicated buttons on the steering wheel where they belong.
On country roads, the UX rides convincingly over bumps and rough patches. If you need to overtake a slower moving vehicle ahead, there’s plenty of power to quickly shoot past on the other side of the dotted line when safe.
When it came to the bends, we were surprised at how well it held itself together. It’s not unreasonable to expect EVs to weigh more than more traditional cars, and at nearly two tonnes the UX 300e certainly isn’t light.
Even with that knowledge, it doesn’t feel heavy. It doesn’t do anything you wouldn’t expect a lighter car to do, and in some ways I suspect the heftier weigh-in helps in ironing out smaller bumps and imperfections on the road.
2022 UX 300e Luxury
Around turns it stays comfortably planted, with no real tendency to understeer if you’re not on the power. In that sense it’s worth being patient around turns before laying into the throttle, otherwise you could run the risk of breaking traction mid-turn – especially if it’s damp.
While highway driving is comfortable, there are a couple of tendencies the car has depending on the situation. The first is a warning on the dash and accompanying beep, which pops up to tell you regenerative braking is limited because battery charge is high.
It’ll appear when you go above 50km/h, and stay on until you come to a stop. You can dismiss it while you’re on the move, but it’ll show up again a few seconds later no matter what.
That means it hides all that useful information on the left side of the instrument cluster, at least until you press a button to briefly remove it or when the battery charge drops below a certain level and regenerative braking is re-established.
The other is a speed camera warning on the highway, which beeps loudly twice when you’re approaching a static camera. It can catch you off guard if you’re not expecting it, but a trawl through the infotainment system for vehicle settings will allow you to adjust it.
Aside from its refinement, the UX 300e does regenerative braking very well. When it’s fully available at less than three-quarter charge, you can select “B” engine braking mode on the gear selector to receive full control over the system.
2022 Lexus UX 300e
There are paddles behind the wheel to adjust the level of regenerative braking active, and at higher levels of braking you can crawl through traffic with one pedal or descend steeper hills without touching the brake pedal – all while gaining back a little bit of charge.
It’s a welcome addition, and I like that entering higher levels allows the car to really jam on the “brakes” to slow itself down substantially. It isn’t quite single-pedal driving as it won’t bring you to a stop, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re in city traffic.
Additionally, driving and parking in the city is easy thanks to the plethora of sensors, and such environments are where the UX 300e feels like it naturally belongs.
It does, however, miss out on a surround-view camera, which is only available on the Sports Luxury variant.
Overall it is a well put-together package, but we just wish it had the benefit of AWD to back up that refined experience and upmarket price tag.
What do you get?
There are two grades of UX 300e, and our tester was the cheaper of the two. It misses out on luxuries including 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, head-up display, and surround-view camera.
Lexus UX 300e Luxury highlights include:
12.3-inch infotainment system
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wired Android Auto
DAB+ digital radio
Satellite navigation
Wireless phone charging
7.0-inch driver information screen
LED headlights and fog lights
Keyless entry and start
Hands-free power tailgate
Rear privacy glass
Power-adjustable steering column
Eight-way power front seats
Heated and ventilated front seats
Heated outboard rear seats
Heated steering wheel
13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system
Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors
AEB with pedestrian/daytime cyclist detection
Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
Blind-spot monitoring
Lane Trace Assist
Traffic sign recognition
Rear cross-traffic assist
Automatic high-beam
Front and rear parking sensors
17-inch alloy wheels
Black or Rich Cream interior trim
Is the Lexus UX safe?
The Lexus UX 300e has a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing carried out by Euro NCAP in 2019.
Category
Lexus UX
Adult occupant protection
36.7 out of 38 (96 per cent)
Child occupant protection
43.1 out of 49 (88 per cent)
Vulnerable road user protection
39.4 out of 54 (82 per cent)
Safety assist
10.6 out of 16 (81 per cent)
Standard safety equipment includes:
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
Pedestrian detection (day, night)
Cyclist detection (day)
Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
Blind-spot monitoring
Lane Trace Assist
Traffic sign recognition
Rear cross-traffic assist
Automatic high-beam
Front and rear parking sensors
8 airbags
UX 300e Sports Luxury adds:
Tri-beam LED headlights
Adaptive high-beam
Surround-view cameras
How much does the Lexus UX cost to run?
The Lexus range is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. The EV battery is covered for up to 10 years or 160,000 kilometres if its storage capacity falls below 70 per cent.
The UX 300e comes with a three-year subscription to Lexus’ Encore Platinum Electrified program, which includes vehicle loans, access to valet parking vouchers at participating locations, and three years of free charging at Chargefox public charge stations.
Buyers of the UX 300e also receive a professionally installed AC home charger from JET Charge as part of their purchase.
Running costs
Lexus UX 300e
Warranty
5 years, unlimited kilometres
Battery warranty
10 years, 160,000 kilometres
Roadside assistance
Up to 5 years (Encore Platinum Electrified)
Service intervals
12 months or 15,000 kilometres
Capped price servicing
5 years or 75,000 kilometres
Total capped price service cost
$1475
To see how the Lexus UX stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool.
CarExpert’s Take on the Lexus UX 300e Luxury
The UX 300e really is a nice car, but we’re not sure it’s nice enough to justify the price tag.
There’s no denying Lexus has done what it does best in this car; creating comfortable upmarket interiors inside stylish shells atop famously dependable Toyota bones.
The interior itself is the highlight, as its conventional layout is familiar despite its EV underpinnings. Where others tend towards minimalism, having plenty of buttons that are clear with dedicated functions helps to make it easy for a traditional motorist to adapt.
Its generous use of soft, high-quality materials makes it a pleasant place to spend time, and even after long drives we didn’t feel fatigued or uncomfortable behind the wheel. It’s small in the rear though, which has always been a UX complaint.
Then there are the mechanics, which offer plenty of power and a refined ride. It’s not skittish and doesn’t feel like it’s going to fall off the road under its own weight, which again helps to make it feel like a normal car and not an ultra-modern electric fridge.
But, it could do with more range despite being fitted with a larger battery, and it really needs an all-wheel drive system to allow it to get its power to the ground more efficiently.
As with most EVs it’s also better suited to slow driving around town, as it has a tendency to eat through charge on extended highway runs. There are no complaints with its regenerative braking setup beyond the warning at high charge, as it’s reassuring to know the car will be able to consistently control its speed if you ask it to.
It’s nice you get a free three years of Encore Platinum Electrified, but at this price we’d almost want it to be a permanent thing.
When you consider the competition at $80,000, the Model Y jumps out as an obvious EV benchmark for the UX 300e. Sales figures reflect that too, as last year there were a total of 2468 UX examples (including hybrid and EV) sold against 28,769 Model Ys.
For what it is, and as much as we like it with its improved battery, it’s hard to recommend the UX 300e because of price alone. Of the two available, the Luxury would be the pick over the Sports Luxury, purely because it’s mechanically the same and we feel the few extras don’t add enough to justify the higher premium.
So while it’s a good car as is, it could be improved greatly by a few drivetrain tweaks and a few thousand shaved off the sticker price.
Update on Zomato Legends – after two years of trying, not finding product market fit, we have decided to shut down the service with immediate effect, says Zomato founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal.
Online food ordering platform Zomato on August 22 decided to shut down its ‘Zomato Legends’.
“Update on Zomato Legends – after two years of trying, not finding product market fit, we have decided to shut down the service with immediate effect,” Zomato founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal in a post on X.
‘Legends’ was launched as an intercity food delivery service, to bring “legendary” food from different regions to customers nationwide. Customers could order an item from a city far away. For example, Biryani from a restaurant in Hyderabad sitting in Delhi.
Zomato Legends was a premium service which, featured a curated selection of top-rated restaurants that have been specially chosen for their high-quality and consistently delicious food.
In July 2024, Zomato restarted its ‘Intercity Legends’ service, which the company had shut down in April. The company also increased the minimum order value to Rs 5,000 to make each delivery more profitable than earlier.
The move comes a day after Zomato decided to acquire Paytm’s ticketing business.
Shares of Zomato on Thursday slipped Rs 2.15 or 0.83 per cent to close at Rs 257.8 apiece on the BSE.
Mohammad Haris
Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experi…Read More
On August 23, 2024, the popular meme coin Floki Inu (FLOKI) gained notable attention from the crypto community due to the recent bullish breakout and an impressive price surge over the last 24 hours. Amid this bullish outlook, a crypto expert made a post on X (previously Twitter) that FLOKI is experiencing a bullish divergence and could see a 96% surge in the coming days.
FLOKI Price Prediction for August 2024
In addition to the expert comment, technical analysis indicates that FLOKI remains bullish despite trading below the 200 Exponential Moving Average (EMA) on a daily time frame. On a daily time frame, FLOKI has experienced a breakout of a bullish double-bottom price action pattern and is currently retesting the breakout level.
Source: Trading View
Following this breakout, there is a high possibility that FLOKI could surge by 50% to $0.000209 level. However, during the upward momentum, it may face resistance near the $0.0001611 level.
FLOKI Price Analysis and Rising Open Interest
At press time, FLOKI is trading near the $0.0001355 level and has experienced a price surge of over 7% in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, its trading volume has increased by 90% during the same period, indicating higher participation from traders following the recent breakout.
Additionally, FLOKI’s open interest has jumped by 13% in the last 24 hours, indicating growing interest from investors.
Floki Inu’s Recent Partnership
Besides FLOKI’s bullish outlook based on price action and technical analysis, another factor boosting its momentum is a partnership announcement made on August 21, 2024. According to the post on X, Floki has partnered with SimonsCatMeme to reward users who trade the CAT token through the FLOKI Trading Bot.
ANNOUNCING: Floki Trading Bot Trading Competiton With Simon’s Cat
Floki has partnered with @SimonsCatMeme to reward users who trade the $CAT token through the Floki Trading Bot!
1.5% of the $CAT supply has been allocated towards this campaign, allowing users who trade the… pic.twitter.com/XxtWTtM8Uy
Additionally, the post also cited, “1.5% of the CAT supply has been allocated towards this campaign, allowing users who trade the Simon’s Cat token through Floki Trading Bot to earn back their trading fees and potentially more.”
Most brands understand what it takes to deliver a satisfying content experience — or think they do.
But what your brand believes will compel engagement may not align with what works for your audience.
When gauging value, the audience’s perception is reality. If your content experience doesn’t deliver at someone’s first point of entry, you may not get a second chance.
It takes organization-wide alignment to meet audience expectations. Here’s how to help everyone understand the assignment.
Disconnects breed consumer discontent
An effective content experience should draw casual audience interest — and gradually transform it into trusted and enduring customer relationships.
However, that trajectory can get disrupted when siloed functions independently manage specific components of the experience.
If these content partners don’t understand your audience’s intentions and motivations, they can conflate their messaging priorities and marketing goals with the audience’s needs and concerns.
That’s why Cupid PR co-founder Mark McShane says, “Every good communication starts not with the message you want to send, but with a deep-rooted understanding of what your audience already thinks, feels, needs, and wants.”
Audiences can tell when experiences — or their content components — are built to drive the business’s goals rather than address their challenges.
Align your audience lens
Viewing every decision through the lens of audience understanding is essential, says Steve Pritchard, managing director at It Works Media. An enterprise-wide process that combines multimodal research with performance data analysis can sharpen that understanding. “Telling a story through your brand will only come naturally when all content functions have direct, well-aligned knowledge of what makes your audience tick,” Steve says.
Use direct feedback to humanize your audience
Ricci Masero, marketing manager at Intellek, points to a few data-driven signs that indicate when you’re not on the same page as your audience: “Engagement plummets, people bail shortly after landing on your offerings, and conversions become few and far between.”
But you can’t get a complete picture from metrics alone. Diana Zheng, head of marketing at Stallion Express, says platform metrics can give brands a false or incomplete view of engagement.
While these metrics pinpoint surface-level behaviors and patterns, they do little to illuminate the interactions’ underlying causes or contexts. And those insights are critical to decision-making.
Diana and Ricci both recommend combining quantitative analyses with direct feedback mechanisms to enhance your understanding of your audience.
“Surveys, focus groups, and user testing pull back the curtain on their motivations, pain points, and decision frameworks,” Ricci says. “Layering that with quantitative data patterns will give you a 3D view of your customers, which you can then share with your functional content partners.”
‘Seamless’ starts with bridging siloed strategies
Understanding your audience is invaluable. But transforming every moment of engagement into an opportunity for deeper connection takes strategic orchestration of all your content touchpoints.
For many enterprise brands, this requires rethinking how to architect the experience. Rather than siloed steps along a path, content experiences should be networks of valuable, contextually resonant insights — no matter where, when, or how a customer initiates contact.
Seamlessly connecting every brand asset and interaction point is a big nut to crack.
When I spoke with CMI’s Robert Rose, he recommended auditing your existing experiences first. The data may reveal insights into your audience’s primary interests, which can help you set focal priorities across your organization. Robert asserts that this will help you align on the direction and set manageable schedules so you’re not reengineering everything at once.
Onboard your collaborators
You’ll need to involve and prepare your cross-functional partners (such as sales, comms, and other teams who collaborate on content) to co-create a cohesive experience. As Ricci notes, every player needs to understand their responsibilities and how their roles in the audience journey fit together.
Journey map it
Cupid PR’s Mark McShane suggests creating integrated customer journey maps to illuminate audience needs that your collaborators may not be aware of. The maps should include all touchpoints and the intended experience at each stage of the journey.
“This might identify opportunity gaps — places where the experience might frustrate or overwhelm customers, or where obstacles and delays occur,” he says.
Establish workflows and communications channels
Next, establish efficient workflows and clear lines of communication. Make sure all involved teams have input into the strategic direction and understand the execution process. These steps can help neutralize the friction and resistance that commonly occur in sweeping organizational changes.
While your teams may be reluctant to reach across the aisle and work outside their comfort zones, doing so is essential to delivering a cohesive and compelling content experience.
Maxwell Pollock, former content marketing specialist at Memora Health, says, “(You) have to do it, and (you) have to incorporate all the required efforts into your workflows.”
The collaborative process will be helpful for developing and deploying the audience experience.
Maxwell notes that his team built a content library that streamlined their brand’s cross-functional collaborations. “It’s made it much easier for sales to access our content to fuel their purposes. It’s also sparking valuable conversations among our teams in a direct, mission-focused way,” he says.
Establish consistent quality and user experience standards
Set enterprise-wide content quality and value standards. Without alignment on your brand’s tone, style, and voice, you risk confusing people as they move from touchpoint to touchpoint.
Maxwell suggests collaborating with key stakeholders to develop a company-wide editorial style guide.
“It ensures that our clients receive a consistent, high-quality content experience from our brand across all our different platforms and content types,” he says.
In addition to content quality, consider setting usability guidelines. Make it easy for consumers to find what they’re looking for and move on to the next step, no matter where they enter your brand’s experience.
Stallion Express’ Diana Zheng suggests focusing on these user-experience considerations to ensure positive interactions and improve customer satisfaction:
Her tip: Make navigation more useful by organizing content based on your visitors’ most common challenges, not by content formats (e.g., videos, white papers, blog posts), use cases, or target verticals. Those structural approaches better address your brand’s priorities and assumptions than your customers’ practical needs and preferences.
Monitor, test, learn, and experiment
As you rebuild your experience under a more customer-centric vision, don’t overlook the value of testing and experimentation. The digital space constantly changes, and the popularity of platforms, technologies, and trends can wax and wane with little warning.
You may have to test new strategies and pivot as new insights and opportunities emerge. Those opportunities will flow more consistently if monitoring your customer feedback channels is an integrated component of your content experience workflow.
Capitalizing on any opportunities you discover also requires the will — and operational agility — to try new ideas.
Embracing experimentation has become a core tenet of Cupid PR’s approach, according to Mark McShane. “It’s about finding what works and doubling down,” he says, “but also constantly asking, ‘I wonder if …?’”
Brands win when their content experiences offer value their audiences appreciate. To deliver on that goal, your entire organization must work from a unified strategy aligned to their vision of success at every step of the journey.
A version of this article originally appeared in the March 2024 edition of Chief Content Officer.
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Cover image by Joseph Kalinowski/Content Marketing Institute
John Bogle, founder of the Vanguard Group and pioneer of index funds, may have saved investors more money than anyone else in history. By some estimates, his crusade to drive down fees has, over the past five decades, left them with more than $1trn that would otherwise have gone to fund managers. Index funds, through which speculators can invest in the stockmarket as a whole, cut out the middlemen. In doing so, they have transformed the world of investing.
There’s a trendy kitchen appliance that is fast closing in on the grill as my favorite summer cooking tool. Yep, the air fryer is at it again. This time the speedy machine steps in to keep temperatures down and save money on energy during these warmer months.
Cooking outside on the grill remains one of my favorite summer pastimes, but when the mercury creeps above 90, I need a way to make dinner that doesn’t involve hovering over a steel box of fire. And the oven only serves to heat the entire house, requiring far more energy to keep it temperate.
To prove why the air fryer belongs in the summer cooking hall of fame, I ran some tests to see how much the oven heats up the kitchen versus an air fryer. Spoiler alert: The air fryer trounced the oven, barely raising the temperature in my home at all. Air fryers also cook quickly and need almost no preheat time so you’ll keep from turning that all-important space into a sauna.
A heat wave requires creative thinking to keep the home cool and an air fryer is my ticket to getting through those sweltering summer spells without starving. The best part? A quality air fryer can be had for as little as $50. And since air fryers use less energy than an oven or grill, they’ll save you money on your monthly energy costs.
Trendy air fryers are all they’re cracked up to be, especially when it’s hot out.
David Watsky/CNET
How much my oven heated my kitchen after 30 minutes
The air fryer turns out juicy chicken thighs in under 20 minutes.
David Watsky/CNET
To find real-world differences, I roasted chicken thighs in my KitchenAid wall oven (less than 10 years old) and a 4-quart Dreo air fryer, according to two popular recipes from a well-known cooking site. I tested the temperature before, during and after to see how much of a difference each machine makes.
My Brooklyn apartment kitchen is on the small side, but it’s not enclosed and opens up to the rest of the apartment. I kept the windows closed for the test, although it’s worth noting that recent studies show cooking with natural gas in an enclosed kitchen can be a health risk.
I’m finding fewer and fewer reasons to turn on the big oven these days.
David Watsky/CNET
The standard oven recipe called for the chicken to be roasted at 375 degrees for 30 minutes in the oven. Because of its smaller chamber, the air fryer recipe only required 20 minutes of cooking at the same temperature. The air fryer requires only about a minute to come to temperature, while the oven takes more than five.
An ambient thermometer is all I needed to test how much hotter a gas oven can make the kitchen.
David Watsky/CNET
I placed a standard ambient thermometer in the middle of the kitchen — about 5 feet from the stove — at counter height. I took a reading before the oven or air fryer was turned on. I took another reading halfway through the cooking time and the last one at the end of the cooking time. Between the two sessions, I waited for the kitchen to return to a resting temperature before starting the next one.
The big oven made my kitchen 12 degrees hotter than the air fryer
Ovens have more capacity than air fryers but it’s still rarely worth it to heat the house up during summer.
KitchenAid
As I suspected, my oven heated the kitchen far more than the air fryer. Midway through the recipes (15 minutes), the oven raised the temperature of my kitchen by 15 degrees from 71 F to too-hot 88 F.
After 10 minutes of cooking with the air fryer on 375 F, the temperature in my kitchen had gone up only 5 degrees F, from 72 F to a pleasant 77 F. While you can feel the emanating from the air fryer if you stand close enough, it’s not enough to significantly change the temperature of the kitchen.
Read more:Here’s How to Keep Your Kitchen Cool (and Lower Your Energy Bill) During a Heat Wave
Not only did the air fryer cause less of a temperature spike, but I only needed to have it running for roughly 20 minutes with one minute of preheat time. The oven took 30 minutes to cook the chicken and 6 minutes to preheat.
Using the air fryer will cut down on energy bills
Even modern ovens use significantly more energy than an air fryer.
Mary King/CNET
During a heat wave, your air conditioner is already working hard. Heating the kitchen up with your oven will only require them to work harder, using more energy to bring the room back down to your desired temperature. For the AC to make up the difference for one 20- or 30-minute cooking session with an oven, it may not be a total budget-buster. But spread that out over time or for longer cooking sessions and using the oven during hot months can have real fiscal ramifications. For more on this, read my breakdown of exactly how much more an oven costs to run than an air fryer.
What can you make in an air fryer?
Roasted chicken in the air fryer is dynamite and takes less time than in the large oven.
David Watsky/CNET
An air fryer can do almost any cooking job that an oven can, although air fryers are typically smaller than wall ovens so you can’t cook as much in one go.
I’ve been tinkering with the air fryer a lot this year. I discovered the joy of cooking whole chickens in the air fryer, filets of salmon and even bacon cheeseburgers. The air fryer goes well beyond its reputation for cooking crispy wings and french fries. You can make dinner party-level recipes in the air fryer without breaking a sweat, literally.
Here are seven foods that I only make in the air fryer now not just because they keep my kitchen cooler but because the results are as good or better than other methods. And here’s our complete guide to air fryers, everyone’s favorite new kitchen appliance.
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Just 9% of older adults age 65 and up say they have taken GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, according to recent data from KFF Health — and only 1% said they take the medications just for weight-loss purposes.
Some doctors are recommending that more adults in these older age groups incorporate the drugs as a means of improved health and longevity.
“As our bodies age, we have an increased likelihood of developing medical problems,” Dr. Jennie Stanford, an obesity medicine physician in Pennsylvania and medical contributor for Drugwatch, told Fox News Digital.
OZEMPIC PATIENTS MAY FACE DANGEROUS RISKS DURING SURGERY, DOCTORS WARN
Common problems in patients age 65 and older include diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, cancers and dementia, among others, according to the doctor.
Some doctors are recommending that more adults in older age groups incorporate the drugs as a means of improving their health and longevity.(iStock)
“GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Ozempic) have been shown to not only be effective in treating diabetes, reducing cardiovascular disease risk and promoting weight loss, but also in potentially reducing the risks of dementia and obesity-associated cancers,” Stanford said.
Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon and longevity doctor, refers to obesity as a “gateway disease” — particularly in older adults.
DIABETES PATIENTS NOW HAVE ACCESS TO FIRST GENERIC GLP-1 MEDICATION: ‘MORE ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE’
“Obesity can lead to numerous serious health conditions, including cancer, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and even neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Managing weight is not just about appearance — it’s about significantly improving overall health and quality of life by targeting obesity as a major risk factor for age-related diseases, including infections such as COVID-19.”
Benefits of Ozempic for adults 65 and older
Ozempic and Wegovy offer “promising benefits” for weight management across all age groups, Osborn said.
For seniors, he said, the benefits of GLP-1 medications extend far beyond just shedding pounds.
Seniors taking these medications should engage in strength training and boost their protein intake to support muscle health, a doctor recommended.(iStock)
“Weight loss can lead to increased mobility, better balance and a reduced risk of falls, which are major concerns as we age,” Osborn noted.
“By losing weight, older adults can regain the ability to move more freely, which can mean the difference between walking independently, needing a cane or wheelchair, or suffering a fatal head injury from a fall.”
As a trauma-dedicated neurosurgeon, Osborn said that falls comprise the majority of the middle-of-the-night phone calls he receives — a majority of them involving the senior population.
OZEMPIC AND OTHER GLP-1 DRUGS COULD REDUCE ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS IN SOME, EXPERTS CLAIM
“The newfound mobility [from losing weight] can boost mood, enhance social interactions and improve overall health, potentially saving lives,” he said.
Just 9% of older adults age 65 and older say they have taken GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Reducing excess weight can also alleviate the strain on joints, decreasing pain and potentially delaying or even avoiding the need for joint replacement surgeries, Osborn noted — “which are risky procedures for elderly individuals, who often have multiple medical conditions.”
OBESITY IS ‘EXPLODING,’ WITH MORE THAN 12% OF PEOPLE CLASSIFIED AS OBESE WORLDWIDE, STUDY FINDS: ‘BIG TROUBLE’
Managing obesity can also significantly lower the risk of developing or worsening conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s, according to the doctor.
“These conditions are often intertwined, with obesity serving as a major risk factor,” he told Fox News Digital.
“By addressing obesity early on — with GLP-1 agonists — we can take a proactive step in preventing these life-altering diseases.”
Barriers for seniors to access Ozempic
Despite the clear benefits, it can sometimes be difficult for older adults to access Ozempic and similar medications — in many cases due to cost.
Ozempic and Wegovy offer “promising benefits” for weight management across all age groups, a doctor said.(iStock)
“Medicare and similar insurances often don’t cover them for the indication of weight loss, so patients must have a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus to be eligible for insurance coverage for medications like Ozempic,” Stanford told Fox News Digital.
This financial barrier can prevent many seniors from starting or continuing treatment, especially after they turn 65 and lose other forms of insurance coverage, Osborn has experienced.
Risks or considerations for seniors
Patients who are older than 65 may also be at a higher risk of adverse effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists, Stanford pointed out.
“Kidney dysfunction, risk of hypoglycemia, medication interactions and other side effects may occur more frequently and require close monitoring,” she said.
Seniors should also be aware that while GLP-1 medications can help reduce fat, they can also lead to muscle loss or sarcopenia, Osborn noted.
OZEMPIC, THE HAPPY DRUG? STUDY SUGGESTS WEIGHT-LOSS MEDICATIONS COULD REDUCE DEPRESSION, ANXIETY
“Maintaining muscle mass is crucial as we age, because it helps prevent frailty and reduces the risk of falls and fractures,” he warned.
Seniors taking these medications should engage in strength training and boost their protein intake to support muscle health, Osborn recommended.
The situation can be more complex for older adults who are on multiple medications, which increases the risk of drug interactions, doctors say.(iStock)
In some cases, hormone replacement therapy may be helpful in maintaining or bolstering muscle mass.
The situation can be more complex for older adults who are on multiple medications, which increases the risk of drug interactions, according to Osborn.
“For example, GLP-1s can decrease appetite, potentially leading to dehydration, especially if the person is already taking diuretics for conditions like high blood pressure,” he said.
11 TIPS FOR ADULTS AGE 65 AND OVER TO ‘LIVE WELL’ OVER TIME, ACCORDING TO GERONTOLOGISTS
“So, one has to be extremely careful, as the majority of falls in the senior population are due to the dangerous combination of over-medication and dehydration.”
To combat dehydration, Osborn recommends aiming for a gallon of electrolyte-laden water per day.
“Since GLP-1 agonists also temper thirst, patients must drink regularly throughout the day — even when they’re not thirsty,” he added.
‘Holistic mindset’
Currently, semaglutide (the medication in Ozempic) is approved only for type 2 diabetes and obesity treatment, although evidence shows that it can reduce the risk of heart disease, Stanford noted.
“Additional high-quality evidence supports increased studies for a broader use of semaglutide and other GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are likely to guide our use of these medications in the coming years,” she said.
“Combining GLP-1 medications with lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, can amplify the benefits.”
Osborn urges seniors to approach weight loss with a “holistic mindset.”
“Combining GLP-1 medications with lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, can amplify the benefits,” he said.
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“Working closely with a health care team, including a dietitian and possibly a physical therapist, can ensure that weight loss is achieved safely and sustainably.”
While there are risks involved with any medication, Osborn said he believes they are “far outweighed” by the potential benefits of GLP-1 agonists.
“Working closely with a health care team, including a dietitian and possibly a physical therapist, can ensure that weight loss is achieved safely and sustainably,” a doctor said.(iStock)
The doctor added, “They are the ‘holy grail’ of modern-day medicine and will likely prove to have a similar impact on global health as the advent of antibiotics.”
Novo Nordisk, the company that makes Ozempic and Wegovy, said that it’s “critically important” for the right patients to get the right treatment.
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“We believe the most effective way for seniors to be able to access and afford obesity care is to ensure that GLP-1 medicines are covered by government and commercial insurance plans,” a company spokesperson told Fox News Digital via email.
“Collaboration across the health care system is key to educating and broadening coverage of these medicines.”
Novo Nordisk, the company that makes Ozempic and Wegovy, said that it’s “critically important” for the right patients to get the right treatment.(REUTERS/Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen/File Photo)
Federal employees have coverage through their health plans, and the VA and DOD also provide coverage, Novo Nordisk pointed out.
“Medicaid is expanding coverage on a state-by-state basis, but unfortunately, Medicare is the only outlier,” the spokesperson said.
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“It is time seniors are given the same benefits as the executive branch and legislative branch employees who manage their program.”
The company has pledged to continue its efforts to help ensure that seniors living with obesity can access coverage.
In a town in Mexico, Coca-Cola consumption exceeds that of water. According to the Guardian, Mexico leads the world in per capita Coke consumption. Reports indicate that the indigenous communities of Los Altos, Chiapas, may be among Coca-Cola’s most devoted customers. Due to limited access to clean drinking water, many locals rely on soft drinks for hydration. This long-standing habit has led to a significant dependency on Coca-Cola among the residents. A 2019 study by the Chiapas and Southern Border Multidisciplinary Research Center (Cimsur) found that the average Chiapas resident consumed over 800 litres of Coca-Cola annually. This translates to approximately 3,000 cups (250ml each) per year.
In Chiapas, Coca-Cola is also as an integral element in the traditions and rituals followed by the communities. As reported by the Sun, indigenous communities believe that this soft drink feeds good spirits and helps the sick. Some even believe it helps cure an unhappy household. No happy family gathering or a big meal is considered complete without Coke. Also Read: Artificially Sweetened Beverages May Increase Risk Of A Serious Heart Condition By 20%: Study
Even children in this southern Mexican state drink excessive Coca-Cola. Dr Vicente Vaqueiros, from a nearby farming town, told the New York Times, “When I was a kid and used to come here, Chamula (a village in Chiapas) was isolated and didn’t have access to processed food. Now, you see the kids drinking Coke and not water. Right now, diabetes is hitting the adults, but it’s going to be the kids next. It’s going to overwhelm us.” Also Read: From Cakes To Burgers, 5 Fun Recipes You Can Make Using Cola
Excessive consumption of the beverage is causing huge damage to the health of the population. Dr Marcos Arana, director of the Observatory on the Right to Health, told the Sun that type 2 diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in this area. Dr Arana added that the “epidemic” of obesity and diabetes has “reached catastrophic dimensions”. The expert also noted that tooth decay from excessive sugar consumption is rife amongst children.
Despite advice from health professionals, it is difficult for the addicted population to now make any changes in their Coca-Cola consumption, doctor and medical anthropologist Jaime Paige told the Sun. He said, “They don’t want to stop drinking Coca Cola because they’re really addicted to it. People are addicted to Coca Cola… it is now part of everyday meals. The big meal always has Coca Cola. Instead of giving milk to the babies, they give them Coca Cola. It’s a really big problem.”
The role of adhesive in flexible pcbs is critical to the overall reliability and durability of a device. It is responsible for bonding the copper foil and substrate material film of a flex PCB, which is then coated with various other materials, including solder mask and coverlay. In addition, it protects the circuit from mechanical stress and environmental factors like temperature variations.
The type of adhesive used in flexible pcb must be selected carefully to ensure optimal performance. For example, it is important to choose an adhesive that offers high thermal stability and can withstand multiple reflow cycles. It should also be resistant to chemicals and solvents and able to resist abrasion. In addition, the adhesive should have a good peel strength after high-temperature treatment.
There are several different types of adhesives that can be used in the manufacture of flexible pcb. Some are specialized for specific applications, while others have general-purpose use. One such special-use adhesive is called pressure sensitive adhesive, or PSA. This type of adhesive resembles double-sided tape and is applied to the surface of the flexible substrate prior to component mounting. It is then covered with a release film that can be peeled off to expose the adhesive and make it ready to adhere to another surface. PSAs are available in a wide range of thicknesses and adhesive formulas, allowing designers to select the best option for their application.
What is the role of adhesive in flexible PCBs?
While flexibility is a key benefit of flexible circuit boards, it can sometimes create problems. For example, flex circuits can suffer from fatigue and delamination at bend points. This can be caused by the stress placed on the copper traces. To prevent this, manufacturers should carefully consider the minimum bending radius requirements for their design and implement a strategy to minimize fatigue and delamination.
In addition, they should also carefully consider the design of the flexible PCB itself. Using a flexible PCB requires rethinking the way in which components are mounted and connected. This may include the creation of a stiffener to help the PCB stay rigid while it is being bent and to improve the structural integrity of the board.
Choosing the right materials for the flexible PCB is also critical. For example, medical devices incorporating flexible circuits require a biocompatible material that is safe for long-term contact with biological tissue and sterilizable for cleaning. They must also be RoHS compliant and FDA approved. This is a critical step for medical devices that are designed to be used by the public, as it ensures that they will not be harmful to patients.
In addition to the materials used in the construction of a flexible circuit board, it is important to consider the types of coverlay, solder mask, and stiffeners that will be used for the finished product. The selection of these materials will affect the overall cost and thickness of the final product. In addition, the choice of a stiffener will also have an impact on the flex PCB’s ability to withstand mechanical stress.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-08-21/China-vows-to-join-Russia-for-stronger-all-round-practical-cooperation-1wfD63ucnmM/img/431c1c3f02ba46e9bdca957187c15c86/431c1c3f02ba46e9bdca957187c15c86.png' alt='National flags of China and Russia. /CFP'
On Wednesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said that China is ready to work with Russia to strengthen all-round practical cooperation between the two countries and push the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era to a new level.
Li made the remarks while co-chairing the 29th regular meeting between Chinese and Russian heads of government with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Russia relations have achieved high-quality development at a high level, and bilateral cooperation in various fields has continued to show strong resilience and steadily moved forward, he said.
Li said China is ready to work with Russia to follow the strategic guidance of the two heads of state and take the opportunity of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties to uphold mutual respect, mutual trust, everlasting friendship, and mutual benefit.
For his part, Mishustin said Russia is ready to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continue to deepen mutual trust, expand cooperation in investment, energy, economy and trade, culture, and sub-national areas, and ensure the success of the Russia-China Years of Culture.
He also pledged that Russia will join China in strengthening communication and coordination in international affairs, better safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of the two sides, and pushing forward the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.
Li and Mishustin agreed that China and Russia have complementary advantages and huge potential for practical cooperation, and the two sides should steadily advance cooperation in traditional areas such as economy and trade, investment, agriculture, and energy, and expand cooperation in emerging areas including the digital economy, biomedicine, and green development.
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
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Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.
Unlike dogs, it’s not all that common for cats to eat things they shouldn’t. But just like one of my friends shoved a Lego up their nose as a child to prove it was possible, and ended up in the ER with some very amused docs, cats, also, sometimes do things they shouldn’t.
As a vet, I’ve seen all sorts. A cat that ate a small plastic toy carrot; another that ate the head off a child’s doll (whole), one that swallowed part of a straw, and another that had a small pinecone lodged in his trachea, they can always keep you guessing! But, far and away, there are a few consistent items that Pancake and Tiller either aren’t allowed to be around, or I simply don’t keep them in the house, for the very reason that they commonly show up in clinics as a foreign body.
So, let’s look at some of the more popular items cats eat that they shouldn’t.
The 6 Inappropriate Things Cats Eat:
Thread
Thread, sometimes attached to a needle, is very common as a foreign body in cats. It can get wrapped around the tongue, and become anchored, which can cause lots of issues, as the intestines try to digest the thread, becoming bunched. In turn, the thread can more or less saw through the intestines, creating secondary issues such as infection and inflammation in the abdominal cavity, as intestinal contents leak out. As a vet, I saw one poor patient that had eaten thread 3-4 weeks before I met her, and had been suffering for that length of time with something stuck on her tongue, and the thread damaging her intestines. Ouch!
Fishing Lures
These often include fun feathers, they may seem to the unaware feline to be a perfect toy. But I have seen more cats than I’d care to admit, who have eaten a fish hook as part of the deal, and it’s stuck in their mouth, their tongue, or their cheek.
Human Toys
Human toys. Squishy things that are small like bouncy balls are a feline favorite, and are nicely sized to get stuck right in the small intestine!
Well-designed cat toys are a much safer option.
Foam
I’ve seen patients chew on foam, including ear plugs, and chewing up bits of a flip-flop. Or maybe some of the scent of these items that spend their time in more unusual places, also adds some irresistibleness?
Hair Ties
Fun to chase but can be easily ingested!
Christmas Tinsel
The perfect holiday cat toy, until they eat it!
The holidays are especially critical times to monitor cats around unusual items they might like to play with.
What To Do About It
Obviously, cats can, and do, sometimes eat foreign objects other than the above. But, it’s a common list of items to be wary of, and keep well away from curious cats!
So, if your cat does get into any of these, what are the next steps? Well, invariably, they all involve a trip to your cat’s vet! For things like thread, only an anesthetized exam can truly decide if your cat may have string trapped under their tongue. And fishhooks stuck in cats’ mouths also generally need sedation to be properly assessed and removed. A small item may end up passing on its own without intervention, but I still recommend a veterinary checkup, so you can make a plan, together, about any lingering concerns the item may cause.
Ultimately, it’s always better to try and prevent any issues far before they occur! Worst case scenario, your cat may require surgery to remove the ingested item. (Have you seen my article on why cats need pet insurance, recently?)
At the end of the day, we love these furry creatures. But definitely be on the lookout for any items that your cat might get into, or rather, that could end up getting into your cat!
This article is a part of Dr. Lauren, Pancake, and Tiller’s series.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
NEKO vrijeme crne kupaonske slavine bile su vrlo popularne i mnogima prvi izbor. Međutim, jedna dizajnerica interijera ne preporučuje njihovu kupnju. “Nemojte instalirati crne slavine u kupaonici. Znam da je ovo možda kontroverzno i znam da ih je puno ljudi ugradilo jer su bile u trendu. No, vjerujte mi, to je noćna mora”, rekla je Olivia Caplan u videu na TikToku.
Olivia upozorava da crne slavine mogu izgledati zastarjelo, ali naglašava da je pravi problem nakupljanje kamenca. U svom videu prikazala je koliko loše crne slavine mogu izgledati zbog bijelih naslaga kamenca, koje su na tamnoj podlozi posebno uočljive.
Također je istaknula kako su crne slavine teške za održavanje jer se ne mogu ispolirati do sjaja. Spomenula je i da se, ako se izabere nekvalitetna crna slavina, boja s nje može početi i guliti. Preporučila je da se izbjegavaju mat crne slavine te da umjesto njih odaberete one od nikla. “Trajat će znatno duže, kvaliteta im je znatno bolja, a održavanje znatno jednostavnije”, zaključila je.
Neki su se složili s njom, neki nisu
Mišljenja ispod njezina videa su podijeljena. Neki su podržali njezin stav: “Nažalost, slažem se s tobom”, “Odličan savjet, gule se”, “Sve naše crne slavine se gule, dvaput smo ih mijenjali u dvije godine”, “Slažem se, imam i omekšivač vode instaliran, ali borba je svejedno”, “Imam crne slavine, jako sam požalila, kamenac je nemilosrdan”, “Točno, mijenjamo svoje”, “Kao profesionalna čistačica, mogu to potvrditi.”
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
Međutim, bilo je i onih koji nisu požalili izbor crnih slavina: “Volim svoje crne slavine. Ništa nije zastarjelo ako ti se sviđa. Samo ih treba redovito održavati”, “Volim svoje crne slavine, nikad ne izgledaju tako jer ih održavam, a nisu ni zamišljene da budu sjajne”, “Moje su savršene”, “Ne slažem se, nisu noćna mora”, “Imam ih već tri godine, još uvijek izgledaju kao nove.”
Ako želite poslušati njezin savjet, izdvojili smo par krom i nikal kupaonskih slavina ispod.
Znate li nešto više o temi ili želite prijaviti grešku u tekstu?
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he was already in “playoff mode” Wednesday, as his club continued to jockey for position in the crowded National League standings.
Once October actually arrives, however, he can only hope their potential postseason foes will make life as easy on them as the Seattle Mariners did Wednesday night.
In an 8-4, sweep-clinching defeat of the Mariners at Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers got almost as much help from their opponents as they did themselves.
At the plate, the Mariners’ listless offense, which entered the night last in the majors in both batting average and strikeouts, continued to pose little discernible threat, allowing Dodgers starter Jack Flaherty to cruise through a 5⅔-inning, two-run (one earned) start.
In the field, the Mariners’ sloppy defense turned star pitcher Logan Gilbert into something of a piñata, giving the Dodgers extra chance after extra chance to take a whack at the All-Star right-hander.
The result: A stress-free victory that marked the Dodgers’ fourth straight win and 10th in their last 13 games.
“You look at the length of our lineup, and what we did with those [Seattle] starters this series, it was a clinic,” Roberts said. “That was one of our more impressive three-game series, as far as beating the starter.”
Tougher tests certainly await on the horizon.
But this week, the Dodgers did exactly what they were supposed to against a reeling Mariners team — reaffirming their place atop the league and division standings in the process.
At 76-52, the Dodgers have a one-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies for the best record in the NL (and MLB). Even more important: They’ve regained a pocket of breathing room in the NL West standings, using Wednesday’s win to move four games clear of the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks in a tight division race. It’s their largest NL West lead in more than two weeks.
Alex Vesia reacts after striking out Seattle’s Randy Arozarena to end the game.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
The tight state of the standings is partially why Roberts declared himself to be in playoff mode prior to first pitch, even with more than a month remaining in the regular season.
Given his club’s struggles earlier this summer, and the questions that continue to surround its short-handed pitching staff, the manager was wary not to take anything for granted.
“The most important thing,” he said, “is trying to win baseball games.”
On Wednesday, the Mariners (who have squandered a 10-game lead in the American League West by going 20-33 since June 19) helped make that objective look rather easy.
The Dodgers took their first lead in the third inning, after a two-out error from Seattle shortstop Leo Rivas — on a ground ball from light-hitting No. 9 hitter Kevin Kiermaier — flipped the batting order to Shohei Ohtani, who walked, and Mookie Betts, who knocked in two runs with a double.
In the fourth, Teoscar Hernández advanced from first base to second on a stolen base (his seventh of the season), then from second to third on a wild pitch, positioning him to score on a one-out sacrifice fly from Will Smith.
Then, the game all but ended in a five-run fifth.
Like Hernández, Ohtani triggered the rally by advancing from first to third on a stolen base (his 39th of the season, matching his home run total as he approaches the 40-40 club) and wild pitch. Freddie Freeman plated him with a double, then took third on another errant throw that got away from catcher Cal Raleigh.
With two out, Rivas had a chance to end the inning on a one-hopper from Hernández, but couldn’t make a backhanded play in the hole at shortstop, letting the ball trickle into the outfield for another run-scoring knock.
It all culminated three batters later, when Max Muncy cashed in on a bases-loaded opportunity with a three-run double into right.
Muncy, who had another double earlier in the night on a well-struck grounder that got past former Dodgers star Justin Turner at first base, is now four for 10 with two walks, four extra-base hits and six RBIs since returning from an oblique strain that sidelined him for three months.
“I’d definitely say it’s unexpected,” said Muncy, who only had a six-game rehab stint in the minors before rejoining the Dodgers this week. “But it felt good, just trying to keep things simple and got some good results.”
The night’s only real drama came early on, when the dugouts briefly cleared amid a shouting match between Flaherty and Randy Arozarena.
In the second inning, Arozarena pulled a potential line-drive home run just wide of the left-field foul pole. When Flaherty’s very next pitch — a 91-mph sinker — plunked Arozarena in the back, the Mariners slugger stayed put in the batter’s box, glaring down Flaherty before taking his time walking to first.
“There’s no reason for me to hit him in that position,” Flaherty said. “He took exception to it. But I have nothing but respect for guys who are really good in this league.”
When Arozarena flied out to retire the side in the third inning, though, Flaherty appeared to turn toward Arozarena on his way off the mound and shout something in the hitter’s direction.
What did Flaherty say?
“It doesn’t matter, that will stay between the lines,” the pitcher said. “But it was nothing. We all said what we had to say. All good. I got nothing but respect for the guy.”
No physical altercation unfolded, with both Flaherty and Arozarena walking off the field before tempers truly flared. A high pitch from Flaherty to Arozarena during their third and final meeting in the sixth inning didn’t trigger anything further, either.
By then, the game was already effectively over, dropping the Mariners further out of the postseason picture, while moving the Dodgers another step toward October.
Qualcomm Technologies has introduced the new chipset – Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 Mobile Platform. According to the company, the chipset has been designed to offer on-device generative AI capabilities with support for LLMs, including Baichuan-7B, Llama 2 at 1B parameters and others to mid-tier devices.
It also features new adventure-packed mobile gaming experiences powered by the powerful Qualcomm Adreno GPU, and professional-grade camera and video capture features such as 12-bit triple ISP and 4K sHDR.
“Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 will bring the best of the 7-series to mid-tier devices by selecting top 7-series features including on-device AI support,” said Chris Patrick, senior vice president and general manager of mobile handsets, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
“This platform is another proof point in our commitment to deliver the best-in-class mobile experiences to consumers at every price,” Patrick added.
The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 will initially be adopted by Xiaomi, and the first device is expected to be announced next month.
Snapdragon 7s Gen 3: Savvy on-device AI
– Reinvigorate your everyday interactions with on-device generative AI capabilities, making every action effortless with contextual detection while boosting your device efficiency.
– Save on power with the Qualcomm® AI Engine dedicated NPU.
– Your connections know no bounds, with support for multi-language translation and transcription.
– Communicate confidently with AI-based noise cancellation and noise reduction, enabled by the Qualcomm® Sensing Hub.
– 2x performance increase from the Micro NPU within the Qualcomm Sensing Hub.
It’s the bane of many travellers: jet lag. Nobody wants to lose out because they’re too tired to enjoy the delights of their vacation spot. Here are some tips on how to handle jet lag, wherever you might end up.
A traveller looks at a plane while standing inside an airport. (AP)
What is jet lag?
Scientists define jet lag as the effect on the human body of travelling across different time zones. Our bodies have biological clocks programmed into almost every cell in the body, according to Sofia Axelrod, who studies circadian rhythms at Rockefeller University in New York.
“The clock is set by the 24-hour light and dark pattern,” Axelrod said. “Every morning when we wake up, specialized (light) receptor cells in our retina receive a daylight signal, which is transmitted to the brain and from there, the whole body.”
When we travel to another time zone, our eyes receive the daylight signal at a different time than usual, causing our internal clocks to reset. But that process can take a while — and it’s during that adjustment period that we feel the effects of jet lag.
Is jet lag preventable?
Yes, but that can come at a cost. Malcolm von Schantz, a professor who specializes in circadian rhythms at Northumbria University in Newcastle, said that flying in premium cabins where travellers can stretch out and properly rest, can ward off sleep deprivation, but he acknowledges that isn’t an option for most people. Still, he said that timing your flights can help. For example, he suggests flying from Europe to North America during the day, so that it’s evening when passengers land and they can get a proper night’s sleep.
“If you take the evening flight instead, you’ll be woken up at midnight to be served breakfast and land an hour or two later, when both jet lag and sleep deprivation will hit you hard and simultaneously,” he said.
Von Schantz also said flying in newer models with a lighter frame, like the Airbus A350 or Boeing 787 Dreamliner, would help. That’s because those planes can maintain a more comfortable cabin atmosphere, which should help travellers feel less worn out by the end of their flights.
What should you do when you arrive?
Experts say getting exposure to sunlight is critical to resetting your internal body clock. That can mean either avoiding the morning sun or deliberately seeking it out, depending on where you’ve travelled from. Getting light in the morning will advance your body clock, while light exposure in the early evening will delay it. Naps are OK, but scientists warn against taking long siestas later in the day, as that might compromise your ability to sleep through the night.
Are there supplements or medicines that might help?
Melatonin, a hormone that the brain naturally produces when the body thinks it’s night, can be helpful. But it’s not available everywhere and in some countries like the UK and France, a prescription is required. Von Schantz of Northumbria University said that one of the advantages of melatonin is that you can start taking it before your journey, to reset your internal clock quicker.
“If you’re in a part of the world where melatonin is available over the counter, you can combine the effects of light and melatonin to achieve the advance or delay (in your body clock) that you need,” he said.
What can you do to deal with the effects of jet lag?
Business travellers might want to consider arriving a day or two ahead of any important meetings or events, said Russell Foster of Oxford University, who has authored a book on circadian rhythms.
“You should just be aware that if you’re jet-lagged, you’re more likely to make unwise decisions, be less empathetic and unable to multitask,” he said.
Tourists might not need to be as alert as business travellers, but they should still be careful, he said. He advises tourists to get caught up on their sleep before doing anything potentially risky or that requires concentration, like driving.
Foster said he tries to maximize his light exposure when he arrives at a new destination to offset jet lag. But he also has a fallback strategy: coffee.
“I’m not suggesting it’s an ideal thing to do, but caffeine will help override the sleepiness and cognitive impairment you might be feeling as a result of jet lag,” he said.
Grand Theft Auto fans are reeling over the announcement that a big GTA project has essentially been cancelled. If you cast your mind back to 2021, Meta confirmed that Grand Theft Auto San Andreas was in development for its range of virtual reality headsets. Needless to say, the lack of any updates in the years since has led to speculation that development may not have been going as smoothly as Rockstar Games and Meta would have liked. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Meta has since revealed that GTA San Andreas VR is “on hold indefinitely”, which barring any major change in circumstances, means the game is not going to happen.
The news was confirmed in a statement to IGN: “GTA: San Andreas is on hold indefinitely while we both focus on other projects. We look forward to working with our friends at Rockstar in the future.”
While it’s a shame that GTA San Andreas VR seemingly isn’t going to happen, it could have a positive knock on effect for the GTA 6 release date.
Without any other projects to worry about, Rockstar Games can concentrate all of its efforts on the smooth development of Grand Theft Auto 6.
GTA 6 is pencilled in for an autumn 2025 release date, something which Rockstar parent company Take-Two is confident of achieving.
Grand Theft Auto 6 takes place in the state of Leonida, which is based on Florida.
Rockstar explains: “Grand Theft Auto VI heads to the state of Leonida, home to the neon-soaked streets of Vice City and beyond in the biggest, most immersive evolution of the Grand Theft Auto series yet.”
The trailer gives fans a look some of the map locations as seen from the skies above. This includes locations based on the Florida Keys, as well as the beach and more.
Hopefully we’ll get a better look at the locations, as well as some gameplay in the next GTA 6 trailer, which is rumoured to drop on October 4.
Exclusive: A global stop-sale of most BMW model lines is affecting Australian (and potentially global) dealers, resulting in tens of thousands of new and used vehicles being unable to be delivered to customers.
CarExpert understands the stop-sale – where deliveries are paused but cars are not yet recalled – affects up to 30,000 vehicles in Australia, and is impacting hundreds of thousands globally until BMW can work out which cars require rectification.
The delivery pause was communicated to Australian BMW dealers two weeks ago but hasn’t yet been lifted, one dealership employee told CarExpert.
“BMW Group undertakes rigorous quality control inspections on all its models to ensure that our new vehicles meet the highest standards before delivery to customers,” a spokesperson for BMW Australia told CarExpert.
“We work closely with our head office in Munich and local authorities on technical matters to ensure that appropriate measures are taken before BMW vehicles are handed over to customers. ”
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BMW X5
A BMW dealer canvassed by CarExpert said model lines including – but not limited to – the X1, X2, X3, X5, X6, X7 and 5 Series are impacted in Australia, with the official reason being communicated as a ‘brake campaign’.
The staff member said they expect to receive a list of affected vehicle identification numbers (VINs) within the coming days, at which point the cars will be checked to ascertain which examples are affected by the fault.
It’s not yet known whether the potential fault also impacts Mini vehicles, which are also built by BMW.
According to US-based owners forums, BMW customers in the US have been told the delay is due to a malfunction with their new vehicle’s integrated brake system (IBS).
The IBS uses an electric actuator to maintain consistent brake pressure, with the fault understood to result in drivers needing to apply greater force on the brake pedal.
BMW X1
An IBS failure can also result in the malfunction of the anti-lock brakes (ABS) and stability control systems.
A fault with identical symptoms resulted in the recall of 7168 BMW vehicles – the 5 Series, i5, 7 Series, i7, X1, iX1, X5, X6, X7 and XM – in March this year.
“Due to a manufacturing defect, signal interference may occur within the electronics of the brake system,” the company said in its March recall notice.
“If this occurs, a higher pedal force may be required for braking.
“The anti-lock braking system and dynamic stability control will not be available.
BMW i5
“The vehicle remains controllable; however, a higher pedal force may be required for braking and in certain conditions, braking distance may be extended.
“A reduction in braking performance could increase the risk of an accident resulting in injury to the vehicle occupants, pedestrians, and other road users.”
At the time, BMW Australia said it was contacting owners of affected vehicles, though it didn’t yet have the necessary parts to fix the fault.
“When the necessary parts are available, all vehicle owners will be asked to bring their vehicle to a BMW dealership to have the electronic brake system controller replaced at no cost,” the carmaker added to its March recall.
CarExpert will update this story when more information becomes available.
The report highlights India’s dominant position despite inflation.
The festivals contribute 20% to the sales of FMCG and up to 60% to the sales of tech and durable products in India.
Consumer research firm NielsenIQ (NIQ) stated in its report that India is the only country in the Asia-Pacific region where the growth rate of consumer product sales has reached double digits. The growth rate of sales of FMCG, tech and consumer durable products has been more than 10 per cent. In a report titled Full View of Modern Trade Retail Trends, Nielsen stated that the way Indian consumers shop has changed with time. According to the report, 41 per cent of the urban Indian shoppers surveyed look up a product online but purchase it in-store.
The report highlighted the dominant position of India despite the presence of inflation. Underscoring the importance of modern trade as a channel for marketing and sales, NIQ data for March 2024 versus March 2023 shows that FMCG sales in modern trade rose 2 per cent in urban India, whereas T&D sales saw a 4 per cent increase.
NIQ’s data also state that the festivals give a booster dose to the Indian economy. These festivals contribute 20 per cent to the sales of FMCG and up to 60 per cent to the sales of tech and durable products. During this period, the sales of the non-food category have increased by 1.8 times, which has come due to the big discounts given by the companies.
Key categories such as toothpaste, soap, and washing powder lead the charge, clocking 20 to 30 per cent incremental sales on big days, the report noted.
Another driver for modern trade is the premium-plus price segment that drives almost 40 per cent of FMCG sales and 30 per cent of T&D sales. “Many new product launches in modern trade are in the premium-plus space, reflecting growing consumer willingness to pay up to 2X the average price for superior benefits and features,” said Sonika Gupta, Executive Director, of Customer Success – India, at NIQ.
The popularity of smaller packs growing at double the rate of large packs along with the rise of private labels and small players in the market, also plays a significant role in the increase of retail in India. Private labels are growing 1.5 times faster than large manufacturers and small players are driving 70 per cent of the new launches in modern trade.
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The latest rise above $2,500 in Ethereum prices suggests the revival of a strong upswing and the expectation of reaching $3000. Besides, the growing market sentiments were in favour of a substantial rise. However, the possibility of a constant rise remains differed at the moment as the second-largest token, Ethereum, is losing its grip over the rally. The Bulls are trying very hard to keep up the momentum, but a slight drop in their strength may lead to a huge pullback.
Will the Ethereum price drop back below $2000?
The spot ETH ETF does not appear to have had a major impact on the rally, as they appear to be struggling. Ever since their launch, the ETFs have recorded negative total net flows, which is primarily believed to be due to the Grayscale Ethereum Trust bleeding cash. Hence, it also suggests the possibility of the money flowing out of Ethereum into the other altcoins. The ETH price has landed in a critical situation as another 40% drop appears to be coming after a 50% drop since the March highs.
The ETH price traded within an ascending triangle and is about to break the lower support as the bulls appear to have become weak. The RSI has failed to rise above the ascending trend line as it has faced rejection at every attempt. Therefore, a rise beyond the pivotal resistance at $2682 may invalidate the bearish trajectory; otherwise, a drop below $2,300 may be imminent.
However, there are some positive developments within the markets, as the ETH prices reaching lower levels may allow many new participants to enter the space. Once the bottom is hit, a very strong bullish opportunity may develop. If Bitcoin trades sideways, the other altcoins grow, but if the ETH price drops, it could remain unnoticed. Hence, the Ethereum price, which is trading in a critical position, is expected to hold the pivotal support, rise back above $2800 and reach $3000.
Our team of sleep experts has spent years researching, testing and deconstructing over 200 mattresses. Most of our testing happens in our 6,000-square-foot mattress warehouse in Reno, Nevada. In addition to the office space where our team tirelessly compiles mattress data, there are also two mock bedrooms we use to test and film reviews in. A back room also serves as an overflow for the hundreds of mattresses the team has tested.
Testing mattresses is a very hands-on process that involves analyzing the construction, feeling and rolling around on the beds from multiple points of view. Our team has a variety of genders, body types and sleeper positions, which allows us to give each bed a well-rounded view that we can compile into recommendations for the average person.
Firmness and feel: Firmness and feel are some of the most subjective factors when testing mattresses. How firm a mattress feels will depend on how much pressure you put on the mattress, aka your body weight. To get the best picture of a mattress’s true firmness and feel, we have multiple team members test and rate each bed.
Durability and construction: We can’t sleep on every mattress we test for years to test the durability (though we have done it for some). While we note the construction of a bed, we use it to inform how durable and supportive a bed will be over time. Saatva, for example, received a 10 support score during testing because of the hefty construction and dual-coil system.
Motion isolation: When I say motion isolation, I’m referring to how well a bed can dampen movement across the surface. We test this by having multiple teammates move around and measure how much motion they can feel. Memory foam tends to perform best in this area. For example, the Nectar Premier mattress scored higher in motion isolation because the memory foam layers are superior at dampening movement compared with innerspring mattresses.
CNET video producer Jon Gomez captures mattress expert Dillon Payne testing the edge support of a mattress.
Aly Lopez/CNET
Edge support: This one might not seem like a big deal, but edge support is important if you sleep on the edge of the bed. Think about it like how strong the bed’s perimeter is. If it caves in when we sit or lay on it, it doesn’t have good edge support and receives a score corresponding to where it falls in the data.
Temperature: Many brands claim their mattresses are cooling, although very few are. While adding cooling technology or gel-infused foams can help regulate temperature, it doesn’t mean they are physically cool to the touch. We carefully assess each of the cooling features but differentiate between being temperature-neutral and cooling. For instance, Purple is a naturally breathable bed because of the grid construction, but we don’t consider it an actively cooling bed.
Tiny turtles are responsible for a salmonella outbreak that has spread across 21 states, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerted last week.
A total of 51 people have been infected with the bacteria — 38 contracted the Salmonella Stanley strain and 13 people got the Salmonella Poona strain.
The CDC is currently investigating the source of the infections. Of the 41 people the agency interviewed, 27 of them (66%) had recent contact with tiny pet turtles.
PARVOVIRUS OR ‘SLAPPED CHEEK DISEASE’ IS ON THE RISE, CDC WARNS: HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW
Samples from some of the turtles matched the bacteria type found in the infected owners.
Most of the patients obtained the turtles from street vendors, online retailers or souvenir shops.
Tiny turtles are responsible for a salmonella outbreak that has spread across 21 states, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerted last week.(iStock)
Most patients were children
The illnesses were reported starting on Aug. 20, 2023, until July 9, 2024, the CDC stated.
So far, 23 people have been hospitalized and there have been no fatalities.
WITH MPOX A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY IN AFRICA, WHAT YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT INCREASED VIRUS RISK
It is likely that the actual number of people infected is much higher, the CDC stated, as many people are not tested and do not receive medical care.
There is typically a three- to four-week period between a person getting infected and getting diagnosed.
The ages of the diagnosed people ranged from younger than 1 year old to 78 years old — averaging 8 years old, per CDC data.(iStock)
The ages of the diagnosed people ranged from younger than 1 year old to 78 years old, averaging 8 years old, per CDC data.
Thirty-five percent of the patients were younger than 5 years of age.
Symptoms of salmonella
Most people who are infected experience diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever, according to the CDC.
Headache, vomiting and nausea can also occur.
‘ZIKA-LIKE’ MOSQUITO-BORNE VIRUS HAS SPREAD INTO EUROPE, HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN
Most patients notice symptoms within six hours to six days after getting infected, and these symptoms usually last for four to seven days.
Edward Liu, M.D., chief of infectious diseases at the Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, confirmed that salmonella is known to be transmitted by reptiles and turtles.
A total of 51 people have been infected with the bacteria — 38 contracted the Salmonella Stanley strain and 13 people got the Salmonella Poona strain.(iStock)
“Salmonella is a disease that is spread by multiple causes, including contaminated food and less commonly by exposure to reptiles, including turtles,” he told Fox News Digital.
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The infection often causes diarrhea, but can cause more severe disease in children and adults that require antibiotics and hospitalization, Liu added.
Preventing infection
The CDC recommends that owners of pet turtles wash their hands after handling the reptile and keep the pet area and supplies clean.
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The agency also advises against buying “small turtles with shells less than 4 inches long.”
Most people who are infected experience diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever.(iStock)
“If you have a turtle, make sure to wash your hands well after contact with its body and its waste,” Liu reiterated.
“Small kids may be likely to kiss the turtle, but that has higher risk and should be discouraged.”
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) prohibits the sale and distribution of these turtles as pets by law.
New Jersey has banned the sale of turtles and tortoises as pets, Liu pointed out.
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].
Unique Japanese Bar: Japan is home to different kinds of themed bars and restaurants such as laboratory-themed bars and ninja restaurants. One unusual bar that has surprised anyone who hears about it is the ‘Muscle Girls Bar’ in Tokyo, Japan. The bar employs strong and muscular women on staff and their job is to slap or kick customers and carry them in their arms in princess style, reported South China Morning Post. One waitress, Maru, who weighs around 50kg, can lift and carry a 130kg man in princess style. These women on the staff include Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners, fitness influencers, professional wrestlers and actresses. The cost of individual services can be as much as 30,000 yen (about Rs 17,000). This unusual bar was opened by Hari, a former fitness influencer on YouTube. Hari opened this fitness-themed bar in 2020 after her gym closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hari said, “After slapping an Australian customer, word spread, and his friends came specifically for the slapping service,” South China Morning Post quoted.
Photo Credit: Instagram/muscle.girls666
A world map on the wall of the bar reveals patrons come from all over the world, from countries including Denmark, Mexico, and Germany. The bar’s most popular cocktails are made by crushing grapefruits with bare hands. Also Read:More Than Just Food And Drinks! Get A Footbath And Relaxing Massages At This Unique Cafe The theme and concept of the bar have received mixed responses from people on social media. Woman customer Samantha Low expressed her admiration for the staff, saying that they break the stereotype of Japanese women being frail and petite. “I feel very free and liberated in this bar,” she said. Also Read: Vlogger Opens Fake Restaurant, ‘Customers’ Line Up To Try Instant Ramen A person expressed on YouTube, “I can’t understand why anyone would go to a bar to experience physical pain. This is crazy.” What do you think of this themed bar? Share your views in the comments section.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-08-21/Ho-Iat-Seng-says-not-seeking-re-election-as-Macao-SAR-chief-executive-1wfy6PDGXFC/img/b44930da62fe441f849157a55af81345/b44930da62fe441f849157a55af81345.png' alt='A file photo of Ho Iat Seng. /CFP'
Ho Iat Seng, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), said he will not stand for re-election slated for October.
“I have profound feelings for Macao and have done my utmost for Macao’s development, but due to the fact that my health has not been fully restored, for the sake of Macao’s long-term development and from the perspective of the overall situation, I have decided not to participate in the election for the sixth-term Chief Executive,” he said in a statement published on the SAR government’s website on Wednesday.
The nomination period for candidates in the upcoming Macao chief executive election will be from August 29 to September 12, and election day is designated on October 13.
Ho was elected chief executive of the Macao SAR on August 25, 2019. Each term lasts five years.
Acceptance of supplemental Biologics License Application was based on results from the Phase III CheckMate-9DW trial, which demonstrated that the combination of Opdivo and Yervoy significantly improved overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
We give Zonli Pet Cooling Mat a rating of 4.85 out of 5 stars.
Quality: 4.8/5
Effectiveness: 4.9/5
Usefulness: 5/5
Value: 4.7/5
Is it just me, or are summers getting hotter and hotter? I know my cat agrees with me. In a bid to find him some relief from this summer’s many 95+ degree days, I stumbled upon Zonli’s Pet Cooling Mat.
Zonli, a sleeping goods company specializing in creating innovative products to help people sleep better, recently extended their product line to pets. One of their most popular pet products is their Pet Cooling Mat.
This unique mat mixes natural properties and scientific innovation to bring your kitty a luxurious sleeping mat that’s made to be as cooling as it is comforting. This mat features non-toxic, self-cooling material to provide relief without the effort. And because summer only lasts so long, it’s also reversible, with cozy, warming fabric on the opposite side.
As soon as this innovative cooling mat arrived, my cat, Makoa, fell in love with it. I’ve been pretty impressed with it myself. To find out where this product shines and who might benefit from using it, keep reading to see my full Zonli Pet Cooling Mat Review.
About Zonli
Zonli is a Hong Kong-based company on a mission to help people and pets around the world sleep better. This mission started after the founder’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo chemotherapy. The treatment left her with a bad case of insomnia largely due to her inability to regulate her body temperature throughout the night.
To help his mother, he created a cooling blanket made of soft, breathable materials that could offer comfort and help regulate body temperature. From the conception of this “Z-Magic” blanket, Zonli has grown to offer dozens of innovative sleep products for humans and the pets they love.
Where Are Zonli Products Produced?
Zonli products are designed at their Hong Kong headquarters. They are manufactured in Hong Kong, China, and the USA.
Zonli prides itself on using non-toxic fibers and materials. Their pet products are safe, durable, and machine washable.
Which Type of Pets is The Pet Cooling Mat Best Suited For?
The Pet Cooling Mat is largely marketed for dogs. However, as any cat owner knows, if it’s a thing that can be sat upon, a cat will sit on it!
This is certainly the case with this comfy mat. For kitties who need a little help staying cool in the summer, it’s the perfect solution.
It can be folded to fit any space and makes a great addition to catios, cat trees, sofas, or your cat’s favorite cardboard box. When the weather changes and a chill takes the air, simply flip this mat over to provide your kitty with a cozy place to curl up.
Because this mat is non-toxic and made with durable, kitty-claw-proof material, it’s a great option for cats young and old.
Pet Cooling Mat Overview
Here is an overview of Zonli’s Pet Cooling Mat. We’ll look at what this mat is made of, how it works, the different options available, and what other great pet products this company offers.
Material
This pet mat is made of nylon and polyester, two hypoallergenic materials that are known for their durability and easy care. Infused into the silky side of this bed is Arc-Chill cool technology fabric.
On the opposite side, you’ll find a plush, almost fuzzy fabric that feels warm to the touch.
The entire blanket is machine washable on the gentle cycle. But don’t expect to have to wash it much, at least not in the summer. The slick fabric on the cooling side naturally repels cat hair and dirt so it stays cleaner longer.
How It Works
The innovative Arc-Chill material used in this mat naturally draws heat from the skin, absorbs it, and then releases it into the air. This allows the material to stay cool to the touch all day and night long.
Compared to cotton, the cooling material used in this bed is over four times colder to the touch. It’s also cooler feeling than bamboo, silk, and lyocell.
Just as cats can sense even the slightest difference in warmth when they’re searching for a cozy place, they’ll have no problem homing in on this cool fabric when it’s time to chill out.
This cooling fabric is only used on one side of the bed. So when the weather gets chilly, all you have to do is flip it to the plush side and let your kitty cozy up. This soft, denser fabric holds onto pockets of air that retain heat to help your cat feel naturally warmer.
Options
The Pet Cooling Mat is available in three different colors: gray, rose pink, and ivory white. For each option, the plush side has a deeper color than the silky side, giving it a nice two-tone look.
There are also three sizes available for this mat:
Medium (23” by 36”)
Large (28” by 48”)
Extra Large (40” by 59”)
I purchased the medium size for my cat and it is plenty large. In fact, I usually use it folded in half to fit in his favorite sleeping spots, but that just makes it all the more comfortable.
Other Pet Products
The Pet Cooling Mat isn’t the only pet-specific product this company offers.
For adventurous cats, you can take your cooling power on the road with Zonli’s Z-Magic Pet Cooling Mat. This mat has many of the same great features as the newer cooling option, including Arc-Chill material, a reversible design, and durable fabric. But this one is designed for use inside the house as well as outside, featuring a water-resistant coating and roll-up design for easy portability.
Zonli also offers a heated mat for those cooler months.
This USB Heated Pet Mat is made of supreme sherpa and velvet. It connects to your car charger or USB plug for electric heat anywhere your cat needs it. With three warming settings, it does a wonderful job keeping barn cats, catio dwellers, and comfort kitties warm and cozy no matter the weather.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Instant cool-touch feel
Stays cool all day and night long
Non-toxic material
Durable and claw-resistant
Machine washable
Cons
No small size available
Not overly thick
Key Features
Stay-Cool Fabric
With this innovative cooling mat, you don’t have to worry about having a power source, keeping it wet, or preparing the mat for it to provide lasting relief against the heat. The material naturally wicks heat from the skin and releases it into the air to keep your kitty feeling cool for the entirety of every cat nap.
Non-Toxic and Durable
Durable nylon and polyester are both hypoallergenic and non-toxic, making this mat safe for all cats, even those who like to chew. And, because these materials are highly durable, this mat will stand up to that chewing, as well as clawing and scratching. This pet-safe bed was built to last.
Reversible for Year-Round Use
The cooling technology of this bed certainly sets it apart, but this isn’t a single-season product. Thanks to the reversible design, it is just as useful for those cooler seasons as it is for the summer. Once the temps start to dip, simply flip this bed over to the plush side to give your kitty a nice, warm, comfortable spot to cozy up.
Is Zonli’s Pet Cooling Mat a Good Value?
There are cooling mats out there that cost a fraction of what this one does. But most of these are gel-based (not a great option for cats given those sharp claws) or require frequent wetting or freezing to keep the coolness flowing. If you want a hands-off cooling solution, you’ll have to pay more.
At about $42, this mat is more expensive than some other premiere brands, but, in my experience, it is also more effective.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does this mat help keep pets cooler?
The material used in this cooling mat was developed in the lab and is scientifically proven to feel cooler on the skin than any other fabric. This helps wick heat from the body for better temperature regulation in warm conditions.
Do cats like the Zonli Pet Cooling Mat?
Yes, absolutely! Cats are known for seeking out heat, but when it’s sweltering out, they are much more likely to look for a cool place to lay. The cool-to-touch feel of this bed along with the plush comfort will attract cats as well as dogs.
Is this mat washable?
Yes, just be sure to use the gentle cycle and tumble dry on low.
Our Experience With the Zonli Pet Cooling Mat
For anyone who has read my reviews before, you’re probably familiar with my problematic kitty, Makoa. He has a condition called pica, which means he likes to snack on inedible objects, which occasionally lands him at the emergency vet.
To help reduce how much access he has to things he might decide to eat when no one’s looking, we have to lock him in the laundry room overnight. He has a comfy setup with plenty of toys, snacks, and a plush bed.
But as summer crept in, it became clear that leaving the window open in there wasn’t going to be enough to keep him cool overnight. That’s when I started seeking out a comfortable, cooling bedding option for him.
The Zonli Pet Cooling Mat was perfect for the space and had me very hopeful that Makoa would be more comfortable overnight, even on those sweltering evenings.
There is no question about which side of this mat features the cooling technology. The instant I set my hand on the silky fabric, I could feel the chill. It’s a weird sensation because, unlike silk and other cool-touch fabrics, that coldness remains apparent no matter how long I leave my hand on it.
I knew this would be perfect for Makoa to use overnight. But first, I let him test it out around the house.
He was definitely attracted to the feel of it and sat on it no matter where I put it. The only issue we encountered was that my Chihuahua, Papyrus, also thought it looked like a great place to nap!
That night, I moved the mat up to the laundry room.
I got the medium size, which ended up being about perfect for the space once I folded it in half. It’s big enough for him to stretch out on, which is how he tends to sleep on warm nights. And the doubling up adds another layer of luxurious comfort over the hard table I put it on.
He has been sleeping on it every night since I got it.
I love that I don’t have to do anything for this mat to be effective. I literally haven’t touched it since I moved it to the laundry room and it’s still providing effective heat relief each and every night. This is a major difference compared to most cooling pet mats that require pre-freezing or soaking every time you want to use them.
Once the weather changes, I plan on flipping it over and using it to add an extra layer of comfort to Makoa’s favorite round cuddle bed. It’s thick enough to provide support and comfort, but still thin enough to act like a thick blanket if you need it to.
This is a well-made bed that feels durable and soft and definitely delivers on the cooling aspect. I like that it is washable and easy to care for, as well.
All this is to say that there isn’t much I would change.
Since it’s mainly marketed for dogs, the smallest size is still pretty large. Having a smaller option may make it more useful to cat owners. But, like I said, it’s easy enough to fold in half for smaller pets and smaller spaces.
The material used is durable and effective, but it’s not made of natural fibers like Zonli’s Z-Magic comforter for humans.
As usual, I’d love it if they offered more color choices, as well.
But overall, I have been really impressed with this product. It truly does feel cool to the touch and that coolness lasts.
Makoa has certainly enjoyed it, as have my dogs. I plan on buying a few more for them next summer.
Conclusion
If your cat struggles to stay cool in the heat, I highly recommend Zonli’s Pet Cooling Mat. This innovative mat uses Arc-Chill material to pull heat from the body and provide lasting relief all day and night.
The best part? It doesn’t require any freezing, wetting, or other upkeep. The cooling power is natural and continuous so your cat can enjoy it whenever they need to chill out.
This Pet Cooling Mat is durable, washable, and reversible so you can use it to spoil your kitty all year long.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
HRVATI u posljednje vrijeme sve češće na Redditu raspravljaju o problemima s kojima se susreću u trgovinama. Iako su visoke cijene obično glavna tema, jedan korisnik je podijelio drugačiju situaciju koja ga je iznenadila. Naime, tijekom posjeta jednoj Intersparovoj trgovini naišao je na natpis na kojem je stajalo: “Poštovani kupci, zabranjeno fotografiranje artikala u vitrini.”
“Ne bi mi nikad palo na pamet da slikam vitrinu, ali kad sam vidio zabranu, morao sam.. Ima netko objašnjenje zašto se to ne bi smjelo?” napisao je u svojoj objavi i prikupio mnoštvo komentara.
“Život na rubu”
“Točno tako bih i ja”, “Možda im je to reklamna taktika”, “E ovo je život na rubu”, “A kako inače da pošaljem sliku porukom doma što sve ima u ponudi i da pitam što žele?”, “Dosta trgovina zabranjuje općenito slikanje u trgovini. Nije baš zgodno da se zna kakve su im cijene i koliko su ih podigli”, “Mene više zanima koja je kazna ako te uhvate da slikaš”, “Dno dna”, “Debilizam”, neki su od komentara.
Nakon njegove objave neki su se sami uputili u Spar kako bi fotografirali spomenuti natpis i objavili ga u sklopu teme na Redditu.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
Iako je fotografiranje uglavnom zabranjeno u trgovinama, nije uobičajeno vidjeti takav natpis izravno na vitrini s dnevnom ponudom gotovih jela. Obično se takve obavijesti nalaze na ulaznim vratima s drugim zabranama.
Poslali smo upit Intersparu o ovoj zabrani fotografiranja, no do trenutka pisanja ovog teksta nismo primili odgovor. Objavit ćemo ga naknadno ako stigne.
Znate li nešto više o temi ili želite prijaviti grešku u tekstu?
Sean McVay’s evaluation of Stetson Bennett is nearly complete.
McVay, preparing for his eighth season as the Rams coach, has not committed to Bennett as quarterback Matthew Stafford’s back-up for the Sept. 8 opener at Detroit.
So, the preseason finale Saturday against the Houston Texans at NRG stadium offers Bennett a final opportunity to not only win another preseason game but also, more importantly, win McVay’s confidence ahead of the 1 p.m. PT deadline Tuesday to trim the roster to 53 players.
Bennett is not changing his approach.
“Just prepare like I always prepare,” Bennett said, “and go in there and do the best I can and try to win a football game.”
Bennett led the Rams to victories over the Dallas Cowboys and the Chargers. Against the Cowboys, he overcame four interceptions and passed for a game-tying touchdown with four seconds left. Against the Chargers, he had a pass intercepted and lost a fumble but a 47-yard touchdown pass sparked the Rams to victory.
In both games, Bennett played every Rams snap.
Jimmy Garoppolo is suspended for the first two games, so McVay must decide whether he can trust Bennett to execute the offense without major error if Stafford suffers an injury before or during the first two games.
Against the Texans, Bennett can prove he is worthy of that trust.
WhatsApp has unveiled a new privacy feature in its latest beta release aimed at tackling one of the platform’s most persistent challenges—spam. The feature, available in the beta version 2.24.18.2 for Android, introduces a Username PIN system to enhance user security and reduce unwanted messages, according to GSM Arena.
This new functionality allows users to set a four-digit PIN alongside their username, adding an extra layer of security. The PIN ensures that individuals who have not previously interacted with you cannot send messages merely by knowing your username. This move is expected to significantly decrease spam and bolster privacy for WhatsApp users.
“Once implemented, this feature should greatly cut down on spam, which has been a prevalent issue on WhatsApp,” a company spokesperson mentioned, as reported by GSM Arena.
The PIN feature will require anyone who wishes to message you for the first time to know both your username and the PIN you’ve set. However, conversations with contacts you have already interacted with will remain unaffected by this new system. Existing chats will continue as usual, with the transition to using usernames being seamless for these connections.
While this feature shows great promise, it is still in the beta testing phase, and there is no confirmed timeline for its official release. Given WhatsApp’s typical development cycle, it may take some time before the Username PIN feature becomes available to the general public, potentially not before the end of the year, according to GSM Arena.
As WhatsApp continues to refine this feature, users are encouraged to stay informed on the progress through upcoming beta releases. The introduction of the Username PIN marks a proactive step by WhatsApp in addressing privacy concerns and improving the overall user experience on the platform.
ANI | | Posted by Zarafshan Shiraz, Shimla (himachal Pradesh) [india]
Aug 21, 2024 04:06 PM IST
Experience the Kalka-Shimla route like never before with the new Vista Dome train that has the potential to bring tourism boost
In a move that could revolutionise tourism in the region, Indian Railways on Tuesday successfully tested the Vista Dome train on the historic Kalka-Shimla route. Local travel businesses and taxi drivers in Shimla are enthusiastic about the potential boost to tourism, the new train could bring.
Vista Dome train set to transform tourism on Kalka-Shimla route (Photo by Twitter/HimalayanMailJK)
The Vista Dome train, featuring a seven-coach configuration with panoramic windows, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, making it an attractive proposition for tourists. Local taxi drivers, who are directly impacted by the influx of tourists, are enthusiastic about the new train and are advocating for the introduction of night trains to further enhance tourist appeal.
“This is a game-changer for us,” said Naseeb Chand, a taxi driver at Shimla Railway Station. “The Vista Dome train is a major draw, and we expect it to increase our business significantly. This train is expected to run at a high speed. We urge Indian Railways to also start special night trains, which will attract even more tourists and boost our economy.”
The Vista Dome coach was first introduced on a trial basis in December 2018 and became an instant hit. By 2020, a full Vista Dome train was operational, and it quickly became a major tourist attraction.
The Kalka-Shimla railway line, which began operations with steam engines in 1903 and transitioned to diesel engines after 1970, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. It continues to be a significant attraction, with tourists flocking to experience the scenic journey through the hills.
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Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
Born Issur Danielovitch to impoverished Belarusian Jewish immigrants, Kirk Douglas would embody the American Dream and rise to become a leading box office star.
Living to 103, the father of Michael Douglas was one of the last surviving stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age and made his mark in dramas, Westerns and war movies.
Perhaps best known for his Oscar-winning historical epic Spartacus, it turns out that that film didn’t rank No 1 with film fans on IMDb.
Check out their full Top 10 Kirk Douglas movies ranked below and see if you can guess which picture was rated the very best.
The 2025 Volkswagen T-Cross has arrived in Australia with higher prices, more tech and greater safety equipment as a part of a mid-life overhaul.
UPDATE, August 21, 2024: Volkswagen Australia has now confirmed national drive-away pricing for all three grades of the T-Cross.
Initially only the base model T-Cross Life was listed to feature a national drive-away price, with the other higher grade models listed with pricing before on-road costs.
The existing Volkswagen T-Cross lineup, which consisted of the Life and Style, has been bolstered by the addition of a new R-Line variant, no longer merely an option package.
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T-Cross R-Line pictured throughout
Pricing for the T-Cross Life has increased by $3000 to $33,990 before on-road costs, or $34,990 drive-away.
The T-Cross Style’s list price is up by $4000 to $37,490 before on-road costs, with a nationwide drive-away price of $39,990 now introduced.
New to the range as its flagship, the T-Cross R-Line starts from $40,990 before on-road costs or $43,990 drive-away.
See below for more details on the standard equipment highlights of the new-look T-Cross.
Pricing
Model
Price before on-road costs
Nationwide drive-away price
2025 Volkswagen T-Cross Life
$33,990 (+$3000)
$34,990
2025 Volkswagen T-Cross Style
$37,490 (+$4000)
$39,990
2025 Volkswagen T-Cross R-Line
$40,990 (NEW)
$43,990
Drivetrains
There are no changes to the Volkswagen T-Cross’s drivetrain for 2025, carrying over from the pre-facelift model.
2025 Volkswagen T-Cross
Engine type
Turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol
Power
85kW
Torque
200Nm
Transmission
Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Drive type
Front-wheel drive
Efficiency
There are no updated fuel consumption figures for the Volkswagen T-Cross, though it’s understood its efficiency is unchanged for 2025.
2025 Volkswagen T-Cross
Fuel consumption (combined cycle)
5.4L/100km
Fuel type
95 octane (RON) or above unleaded
Fuel capacity
40L
Dimensions
Volkswagen Australia hasn’t published updated dimensions for the facelifted T-Cross.
Below are dimensions for the outgoing model.
2024 Volkswagen T-Cross
Length
4108mm
Width
1760mm
Height
1583mm
Wheelbase
2563mm
Boot space (seats up)
385L
Boot space (seats down)
1281L
Towing capacity (unbraked)
630kg
Towing capacity (braked)
1100kg
Servicing and Warranty
The Volkswagen T-Cross is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty in Australia.
Though Volkswagen Australia has yet to detail service intervals and pricing for the 2025 T-Cross, the 2024 model required servicing every 15,000km or 12 months (whichever came first).
The outgoing model is eligible for capped prices for its first five services, which are detailed below.
Service interval
Price
15,000km/12 month
$442
30,000km/24 month
$647
45,000km/36 month
$550
60,000km/48 month
$1032
75,000km/60 month
$550
Volkswagen Australia says it will also offer three- and five-year service packs for the T-Cross, though pricing is yet to be confirmed.
Safety
The Volkswagen T-Cross received a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2020, based on tests conducted in 2019. This will expire after six years.
It recorded results of 97 per cent for adult occupant protection, 85 per cent for child occupant protection, 81 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and 80 per cent for its safety assist systems.
Standard safety equipment includes:
Autonomous emergency braking
Adaptive cruise control
Travel assist
Adaptive cruise control with stop and go plus freeway lane centring
Blind-spot monitoring (NEW)
Rear cross-traffic alert (NEW)
Parking assist (NEW)
Proactive passenger protection system (activated if an imminent collision is detected, NEW)
Windows and sliding roof closed to a small gap
Front seat belts tightened
Hazard lights activated
Reversing camera
Standard equipment
The 2025 Volkswagen T-Cross Life is equipped as standard with:
16-inch ‘Nottingham’ alloy wheels
LED headlights (NEW)
Automatic high-beam (NEW)
Power-folding door mirrors
Surround lighting with light projection (NEW)
Roof rails
Leather multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters
8.0-inch digital instrument cluster
8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
DAB+ digital radio
Wireless smartphone charging
Manual climate controls
The T-Cross Style adds:
17-inch ‘Manila’ alloy wheels
Matrix LED headlights with adaptive high-beam (NEW)
Entertainment ticketing business, including movies, sports, and events, will be available on the Paytm app during a transition period of up to 12 months, it said.
The deal, valued at Rs 2,048 crore, underscores the value Paytm has created through its entertainment ticketing business, bringing choice and convenience to millions of Indians with its services and scale, the company said
One 97 Communications Limited, which owns the Paytm brand, on Wednesday said it will sell entertainment ticketing business to Zomato for Rs 2,048 crore.
Entertainment ticketing business, including movies, sports, and events, will be available on the Paytm app during a transition period of up to 12 months, it said.
“One 97 Communications Limited (OCL)…today announced, that it has entered into definitive agreements for the sale of its entertainment ticketing business that includes movies, sports and events (live performances) ticketing to Zomato Limited,” it said.
The deal, valued at Rs 2,048 crore, underscores the value Paytm has created through its entertainment ticketing business, bringing choice and convenience to millions of Indians with its services and scale, the company said.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)
After a strong 3.7% of green 4-hour engulfing candle, Bitcoin (BTC) once again reached its crucial level near $62,000. However, this is the fifth time BTC has reached this level in the last 15 days, and each time it has faced massive selling pressure, resulting in a significant drop in BTC’s value
Bitcoin’s Upcoming Levels.
This time, BTC’s daily candle closing will be crucial in determining its upcoming momentum, whether it will repeat the history or breach this $62,000 resistance. According to expert technical analysis, BTC looks bearish as it started falling from that crucial level. Looking at the current market sentiment, there is a high possibility BTC will again fall to $59,000 and $58,000 levels in the coming days.
Source: Trading view
However, to experience a massive upside move, BTC needs to breach the $62,000 level and close a daily candle above that level. If this happens, BTC could rally to the $67,000 level or even higher.
Rise in Open Interest
With the recent price surge, BTC’s open interest has increased by over 4.05% in the last 4 hours and over 5% in the last 24 hours. This increased open interest signals and strong interest from traders and investors in BTC.
However, the rise of open interest does not necessarily signal a bullish trend, it is possible that short sellers have begun making significant bets at the current level, hoping that BTC will fall.
Bitcoin’s Price Overview
At press time, BTC is trading near the $61,200 level and has experienced a price surge of over 3% in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, its trading volume has remained unchanged during the same period, meaning traders’ participation remains stable.
Earlier, on August 21, 2024, the on-chain analytic firm made a post on X (previously Twitter) that a large sell order of 1,200 BTC had been placed at the $60,500 level.
However, with the recent price surge, BTC reached a high of over $61,820, indicating that someone has already purchased that notable 1,200 BTC at the $60,500 level.
Be more productive. That is how ChatGPT, a generative-artificial-intelligence tool from OpenAI, sells itself to workers. But despite industry hopes that the technology will boost productivity across the workforce, not everyone is on board. According to two recent studies, women use ChatGPT between 16 and 20 percentage points less than their male peers, even when they are employed in the same jobs or read the same subject.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, the fully electric descendant of the automaker’s iconic Microbus, arrives stateside later this year with a starting manufacturer’s retail price of $59,995 for the base Pro S model. Along with pricing, VW also revealed range estimates for the 2025 ID. Buzz with rear-drive configurations cruising for an EPA-estimated 234 miles per charge and dual-motor 4Motion all-wheel drive dropping to 231 miles.
The ID. Buzz’s starting MSRP is a fair bit pricier than the vehicle that inspired its aesthetic. A 1967 VW Type 2 retailed for around $2,575 at the height of its popularity or about $25,300 in inflation-adjusted 2024 bucks — but the new model is loaded with a whole lot more tech.
Technology and luxury have come a long way in the 60 years since the Type 2.
Volkswagen
The starting price gets you single-motor electric rear-wheel drive and seating for up to seven passengers thanks to its second- and third-row bench seats. (The long wheelbase Buzz we’ll get in the US is 6.9 inches longer than the European-spec two-row model.) The entry-level model also comes standard with a solid suite of cabin tech that includes a 12.9-inch touchscreen, wireless App-Connect (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and the automaker’s IQ.Drive driver assistance package.
Starting at $63,495, stepping up to the Pro S Plus model adds power-sliding side doors and a power-lift rear hatch, which are game-changing upgrades for families or older owners with limited mobility. This trim level also includes a head-up display, a surround-view camera system and swaps the standard stereo for a 700-watt, 14-speaker Harman-Kardon audio rig. The Pro S Plus also unlocks an optional 4Motion dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain upgrade, which bumps that MSRP to $67,995. Choosing AWD also swaps the second-row bench seat for captain’s chairs, dropping total passenger capacity to six souls, but improving comfort for the trade.
2025 VW ID. Buzz pricing
Trim
FWD
AWD
Pro S
$59,995
n/a
Pro S Plus
$63,495
$67,995
First Edition
$65,495
$69,995
3-Row VW ID Buzz Electric Microbus Is Headed to the States in 2024
See all photos
Read: Best EVs of 2024
Limited to the launch window, the ID. Buzz First Edition model tops the lineup, starting at $65,495 with rear-drive or $69,995 with 4Motion. Its loadout is nigh-identical to that of the Pro S Plus spec with the addition of a unique design for its 20-inch wheels, standard roof rails with cross bars, “First Edition” exterior badging and the coastal-inspired interior design motif with heritage floor mats. The First Edition Buzz also comes standard with an electrochromic glass roof that transitions from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button — a feature that’s a $1,495 option for the post-launch Pro S Plus.
Check out our first look at Volkswagen’s upcoming ID. Buzz for more details on what to expect from the electric retro van when it arrives in driveways and dealerships later this year.
With the constant evolution of electronics miniaturization, there is a growing demand for high-density interconnects that can accommodate a multitude of small BGA pins. This has compelled engineers to explore the realm of HDI PCB designs, which offer a host of advantages that go beyond reliability and signal integrity. In order to design an effective HDI PCB, one must pay special attention to the layer stack. Getting this right is crucial to avoid any EMI or signal distortion in the final product.
Creating the ideal hdi pcb requires an understanding of the layer stack requirements, material capabilities, and manufacturing limitations. It also involves considering electrical performance requirements, such as impedance control, crosstalk between signals, and the need for low loss dielectric materials that can handle high frequencies.
It is essential to consult with your contract manufacturer (CM) at an early stage of the project to get their input on layer stack thicknesses and copper weights. This will help in minimizing the number of revisions and smoothing the transition from prototype to production PCBs. CMs can also recommend which materials are compatible with sequential lamination, and they can provide insight into buried or blind via placements and their dimensions.
What is the importance of stack-up design in HDI PCB?
While designing an HDI PCB, it is important to keep in mind that the more layers a board has, the more complex and expensive it will be. This is why it’s crucial to design a stack-up that suits your needs and budget.
The most common HDI PCB configurations are the 1+N and 2+N stack-ups. These have a core layer with two or more insulating layers on both sides, and the resulting structure is connected by a series of microvias. These microvias have a diameter of less than 0.031″, which allows them to be used in applications where through-hole components are necessary.
In the case of 2+N, the first insulating layer is placed on either side of the core, followed by two or more copper layers for a total of N+2 layers. This is a very popular choice for many electronic devices, as it offers great manufacturability and cost efficiency.
A 4+N stack-up is another option that provides better EMI shielding and signal integrity. It is also the best option for RF circuits, as it can be used to isolate critical signal layers.
In addition to selecting the appropriate layer stack type, it is essential to consider factors like EMI/EMC, thermal stability, and board warping. You should also consider the location and orientation of signal layers, as well as the layout of traces. Whenever possible, try to limit the distance between signal layers, and keep traces perpendicular to each other. In addition, it is recommended to use a symmetrical stack-up design to minimize delamination. You can also leverage ground and power planes to improve signal routing and reduce DC resistance. Finally, it is important to maintain tight tolerances on dielectric thicknesses and trace widths and spacings to achieve target impedance and ensure signal integrity.
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Dementia may be a disease of the mind, but its effects can be highly emotional.
Those suffering from cognitive decline can experience frequent changes in emotions and have less control over their feelings, according to the Alzheimer’s Society — which can make communication difficult.
“Most people do not have regular interactions with those living with dementia, so it can be hard to know the do’s and don’ts of what to say and how to behave,” Dana Eble, outreach manager for the Alzheimer’s Caregivers Network in Detroit, Michigan, told Fox News Digital.
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“Unfortunately, even the most well-meaning of interactions can lead to stress or confusion for someone experiencing cognitive decline.”
When communicating with a dementia patient, experts say it’s important to choose your language carefully and avoid certain phrases or questions, including the items on the list that follows.
Those suffering from cognitive decline can experience frequent changes in emotions and have less control over their feelings.(iStock)
1. ‘Don’t you remember?’
This topped the list as the worst question to ask someone with dementia, according to experts.
“This question can be frustrating or embarrassing for someone with dementia, as memory loss is a central symptom of their condition,” Timothy Frie, a nutritional neuroscientist in Atlanta, Georgia, who studies how traumatic stress causes neuroinflammation, told Fox News Digital.
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“It can make them feel inadequate or upset about their cognitive decline.”
Forcing the person to acknowledge that they don’t remember a memory or conversation can make them feel bad, added Christina Chartrand, the Florida-based vice president of Senior Helpers, a home care company that often helps dementia patients.
2. ‘Let me do that for you’
One of the hardest parts of having dementia is the daily realization of things that can no longer be done independently, according to Adria Thompson, a licensed speech-language pathologist in Massachusetts with 10 years of experience in dementia care.
It is best to avoid arguing or reasoning with someone with dementia, as it will likely anger and agitate them, experts said. (iStock)
“Often, well-meaning individuals might prematurely take over tasks without asking or assessing if they need to, which can diminish the person’s sense of autonomy,” she told Fox News Digital.
“Instead of assuming they can’t do something, it’s more respectful to offer help and let them tell you if they need it — and allow them to still do the things they can for as long as possible.”
3. ‘You’re wrong’
It is best to avoid arguing or reasoning with someone with dementia, as it will likely anger and agitate them, experts agreed.
HEALTH CARE IS ‘OVERWHELMINGLY COMPLEX’ FOR OLDER ADULTS, EXPERTS SAY: ‘EVER-INCREASING HURDLE’
“People with dementia do not need to be corrected when they believe it’s Tuesday the 13th and not Monday the 1st,” Elizabeth Landsverk, M.D., a California-based geriatrician and founder of Dr Liz Geriatrics, an online education and support resource, told Fox News Digital.
“Keep the peace,” she advised. “It’s better than being right.”
4. ‘Would you like to make plans for next week?’
“As dementia patients lose their sense of time, they lose a frame of reference that would make this question meaningful to them,” said Leonie Rosenstiel, president of Dayspring Resources, Inc., in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which helps families of elders plan and cope with the problems of aging.
“Repeatedly pointing out that someone is repeating themselves can lead to feelings of frustration and self-consciousness” for that person, an expert said.(iStock)
“If you expect to do something with them at a particular time in the future, they will not be able to keep track of this appointment.”
To prevent frustration, Rosenstiel recommended ensuring that someone else can remember or write down the plans, and that those plans don’t conflict with activities such as medical appointments.
5. ‘You seem fine’
“Society often has a preconceived notion of what dementia looks and acts like, and if someone doesn’t fit that stereotype, it might seem tempting to use this phrase as a compliment,” noted Thompson.
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“However, this phrase can belittle the individual’s daily struggle and experiences.”
It’s important to be aware that symptoms and experiences can vary greatly among individuals with dementia, Thompson told Fox News Digital.
6. ‘I just told you that’ or ‘You already told me that’
Along the same lines of “Don’t you remember?” experts recommend not asking questions or making statements that are likely to upset the person.
Continually “pointing out that someone is repeating themselves can lead to feelings of frustration and self-consciousness,” said Frie.
“It’s better to gently redirect the conversation or respond as if it’s new information.”
Experts recommend not asking questions or making statements that are likely to upset the person. (iStock)
This is especially true in the middle stages of their disease, when patients may have moments when they know their brain isn’t working right, according to Jennifer Fink, a caregiver expert in California who facilitates support groups for the Alzheimer’s Association.
7. ‘How have you been feeling this week?’
This might seem like a natural question to ask if it’s been a week since you’ve visited a loved one or friend, and you’re trying to catch up.
Yet it could do more harm than good, Rosenstiel said.
“We ask each other questions like this all the time, but someone with dementia might not remember how they were feeling five minutes ago, let alone how they felt yesterday,” she warned.
“They might make something up, in an effort to satisfy you, or they might get frustrated or angry.”
“Instead of assuming they can’t do something, it’s more respectful to offer help and let them tell you if they need it — and allow people to still do the things they can for as long as possible,” an expert advised.(iStock)
8. ‘You’re not making any sense’
Criticizing dementia patients’ communication can damage their self-esteem and discourage them from expressing themselves, according to Michael Kramer, a long-term care educator and director of community relations for retirement residences that accommodate seniors with dementia.
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“Having patience and making an effort to understand their perspective helps to maintain their dignity and encourages open communication,” said Kramer, who is based in Ontario.
9. ‘Do you remember this?’
It’s best to avoid asking if the person recalls specific pieces of information, such a name or date or event, as it can put the person on the spot and feel like a test, experts said.
“Instead, start by introducing yourself,” Eble suggested — “something like, ‘Hey, Grandma, it’s Dana, your granddaughter!’ It might feel strange at first, but it will put your loved one at ease by reminding them of your name and connection to them.”
It’s best to avoid asking if the person recalls specific pieces of information, as it can put them on the spot and feel like a test, experts say.(iStock)
The same goes for events or memories, she said.
Instead of asking if they remember, start with “I remember when…” and then continue with your story.
“Those with dementia love reminiscing, but don’t frame it as a test of their memory,” Eble added.
10. ‘You’re being difficult on purpose’
This phrase is “hurtful and dismissive,” Kramer warned.
“It overlooks the fact that behavioral challenges are a result of the dementia itself, not intentional actions,” he said.
In some cases, phrasing activities as a question can cause confusion for a dementia patient, experts warned.(iStock)
“Using empathy and understanding instead of frustration is crucial in managing these situations.”
Labeling behavior as “difficult” can increase frustration and tension, Frie agreed.
“Understanding that challenging behaviors are often a symptom of the disease can help in responding with patience and empathy,” he said.
11. Using words like ‘bib’ or ‘diaper’
“As dementia progresses, caregivers may need to start using products to help with incontinence and/or to help make meal times easier,” Eble pointed out.
“Sometimes a limited choice is too much of an effort for a dementia patient.”
She recommended using positive language for these products, such as “protective underwear,” “cloth” or “apron.”
12. ‘Remember, she died last year, we went to the funeral…’
Reminding someone with dementia of the death of a loved one can be upsetting, as the person is likely not retaining this information, according to Kate Granigan, a geriatric social worker and president of the Aging Life Care Association Board in Boston.
Reminding someone with dementia of the death of a loved one can be upsetting, as the person is likely not to have retained this information.(iStock)
“This can trigger a grief response over and over again, as if the information is newly learned,” she told Fox News Digital.
Instead, she recommended saying something like, “It seems like you are really thinking about Uncle Harold today. Do you have a favorite memory from when you were kids?”
13. ‘That’s not how it happened’
“Dementia can cause confusion and altered perceptions of events,” said Kramer.
“Correcting someone sharply can increase their distress and confusion.”
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Instead, it’s better to validate their experiences and gently guide them rather than insisting on correctness, the expert recommended.
14. ‘Do you want to [insert activity]?’
In some cases, phrasing activities as a question can cause confusion for a dementia patient, according to Eble.
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“If you’re the primary caregiver in charge of your loved one’s toileting, showering, feeding or sleeping schedule, instead of asking ‘Do you want to,’ lead with ‘Let’s go to the [bathroom, shower, kitchen],’” she recommended.
“Adding that bit of direction will help maintain their schedule.”
15. ‘What would you like to wear today?’
Open-ended choices may leave a dementia patient confused or frustrated, noted Rosenstiel.
“They also might have no idea whether they’ll need a sweater or not, because they don’t remember what they heard on a weather report an hour ago,” she told Fox News Digital.
Open-ended choices may leave a dementia patient confused or frustrated, an expert advised.(iStock)
A more productive question might be, “Here’s a red sweater and a blue one. Which one would you rather wear?”
“Even then, sometimes a limited choice is too much of an effort for a dementia patient,” the expert said.
16. ‘Get your coat and shoes, grab your bag and meet me by the door’
Long sentences with multiple parts or commands can be overwhelming and confusing for someone with dementia, according to Granigan.
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“It is more successful to provide one short direction or piece of information at a time,” she told Fox News Digital.
“Pause between each and guide the person through the task if needed before starting the next.”
The thyroid may be a small, butterfly-shaped gland in our neck, but it plays an important role when it comes to our overall health. Often overlooked, the thyroid plays a vital role in regulating energy levels, metabolism, and even mood. Yet, even after its importance, many of us neglect this gland’s functioning and end up with a life-long disease. The good news is that there are easy hacks that can help you tackle your thyroid-related problems with ease. Are you someone or know someone who suffers from thyroid-related health problems? Then this article is for you! Read on to know 6 expert-approved thyroid hacks that can help support this gland and even your health.
Also Read: Thyroid Diet: 6 Ways To Heal Thyroid with Food
Hormone coach Poornima Peri (@poornimahormonecoach) shared a video on her Instagram handle sharing easy hacks to tackle thyroid at home.
6 Expert-Approved Tips To Manage Thyroid
1. Eat Selenium-Rich Foods
Selenium is an important nutrient that plays an important role in the body’s functions – from fighting infections to reproduction. As per the expert, selenium is also essential for the conversion of thyroid hormones in your body. Incorporating selenium-rich foods like Brazil nuts and sunflower seeds into your diet can support thyroid function. In fact, these foods are not just rich in selenium but also packed with other essential nutrients important for our body.
2. Manage Stress
According to the expert, chronic stress is a significant factor that can negatively impact thyroid function. Stress impacts the release of cortisol – a hormone that can interfere with the production and conversion of thyroid hormones. So, the expert suggests that engaging in mindful practices like deep breathing for 11 minutes can show amazing results on your stress levels and thyroid health.
3. Avoid Gluten
Although there are no studies to suggest a direct correlation between gluten and thyroid gland function, the expert shares that going gluten-free helped with her thyroid levels. Coach Peri reveals that going gluten-free can significantly reduce bloating and digestion, which are some common issues among those with thyroid problems.
4. Thyroid Activation Meditation
According to the expert, doing thyroid activation meditation can also help control thyroid levels in your body. In fact, this practice helped the expert regulate and bring down her TSH, T3, and T4 levels. You can find several thyroid-related meditation exercises online that can help improve thyroid health and bring down abnormal hormone levels.
Photo Credit: iStock
5. Add Probiotics In Diet
The gut and thyroid are closely connected, and maintaining a healthy gut is important for healthy thyroid function. Including probiotics like yoghurt and fermented foods can help promote gut health, which in turn supports thyroid function. A healthy gut environment is important for proper nutrient absorption and hormone regulation.
6. Sleep Meditative Practice
Quality sleep is important for overall health, including that of your thyroid. Doing sleep meditative practices can help you achieve consistent sleep that can help improve your sleep quality, regulate circadian rhythm and support thyroid function. Doing meditative exercises can help achieve a deep, restorative sleep that can help relax your mind and reduce cortisol levels in your body.
Watch the full video below:
Also Read: Boost Your Thyroid Health With These 7 Nutritionist-Approved Herbs
So, incorporate these hacks into your daily routine to improve your thyroid gland function and overall health.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-08-20/President-Xi-Jinping-hails-Olympians-for-winning-glory-for-country-1wdWyKi1ZG8/img/a23b5e23ea7b4f3c9d22dc61e8cb83e3/a23b5e23ea7b4f3c9d22dc61e8cb83e3.jpeg' alt='The Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China. /CFP'
President Xi Jinping on Tuesday hailed Chinese Olympians for their performance and sportsmanship at the Paris Olympics, saying they have won glory for the country and its people.
Meeting China’s Olympic delegation for Paris 2024 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, President Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, urged the Olympians to make further efforts to build China into a sports powerhouse.
Every summer, hundreds of college-age musicians spend countless hours — and their own money — pursuing a single goal: the drum corps world championship.
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Learn more »
Cat behavior is a complex world. On the one hand, cats are extremely intelligent animals that seem to empathize with us; they reflect our need for both social time and private time, and this is one of the reasons why we love having them as part of the family.
On the other hand, they sometimes demonstrate bizarre behaviors that defy explanation. Some cats have a tendency to chew, even when not eating. They might also be purring while they do this. Below are four vet-verified reasons for cats “chewing on nothing”.
The 4 Reasons Why Cats Chew on Nothing and Purr
1. Pain
Pain is a common cause of excessive chewing in cats, even when not eating. In fact, most cats will continue to eat food with a sore mouth. However, chewing while not eating can be a sign that there is discomfort in the mouth. The chewing behavior is a cat’s effort to alleviate pain—think of it as rubbing a sore spot.
Common causes of oral pain in cats include dental disease, broken teeth, tumors, and ingestion of chemical substances.
2. Stress or Boredom
Some cats chew on nothing as a result of anxiety or stress. Over the past couple of decades, vets and cat owners have become more aware of feline stress. We know that cats are highly sensitive creatures, often independent, with a desire for routine. Some cats are stressed by the presence of other cats, young children, or excessive noise.
Other cats are anxious as a result of previous trauma or experiences. Regardless, stress can result in chewing and purring behaviors, which might be thought of as a cat’s equivalent to biting the nails.
Image Credit: Mariia Romanyk, Shutterstock
3. Chattering
Chattering refers to the shuttering of the teeth, sometimes accompanied by vocalization. This behavior is completely normal, and nothing to worry about. We believe that cats chatter when they are watching a potential prey species such as a bird. While it may be hard to imagine, your cat has hunting instincts somewhere within them.
One theory proposes that cats chatter to mimic the sound of the bird, enabling them to sneak up on the bird (if there isn’t a window in the way).
4. Habit
Some cats will chew and purr out of habit. In other words, there may be no pain, no stress, and no prey species in sight—chewing and purring can be normal behavior, if it is infrequent and short-lived. Additionally, if cats have chewed on nothing as a result of pain or stress, it can be hard to eradicate this behavior, even after the pain and stress are corrected.
Image Credit: Frau aus UA, Shutterstock
Conclusion
If your cat’s chewing is a new behavior, but he or she seems otherwise completely fine, it’s reasonable to adopt a “watch and wait” approach. If you have noticed any drooling, loss of appetite, or other signs of being unwell, it’s certainly worth arranging a visit to your veterinarian.
The vet will be able to check for any signs of pain or disease, as well as discuss stress and feline behavior with you.
Featured Image Credit: Liz Creative Studios, Shutterstock
Amid an ongoing legal battle on GST’s application on Joint Development Agreement (JDA) in the real estate sector, the GST Council is expected to look into the issue, as suggested by the Group of Ministers, on September 9.
“A Group of Ministers (GoM) on is likely to meet this week. One of the key terms of reference is to examine various aspects of GST levied on the transfer of development rights in the Joint Development Agreement and suggest a suitable model. Based on the recommendations of this GoM, the GST Council will consider various options,” a senior Government official said. The Council is scheduled to meet on September 9.
The seven-member GoM will be convened by Goa Chief Minister, Parmod Sawant with Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra and Bihar, Ajit Pawar and Samrat Choudhary, serving as members. Other members include Suresh Khanna (Finance Minister, Uttar Pradesh), Harpal S Cheema (Finance Minister, Punjab), Kanubhai Desai (Finance Minister, Gujarat) and K N Balagopal (Finance Minister, Kerala). The GoM has also been asked to examine and suggest composition scheme or any other scheme, to boost the real estate sector. It also has to examine the legality of land or any other ingredient, in composition and suggest valuation mechanism.
Background
JDA is a legal agreement that allows landowners and developers to come together to build projects on the former’s land. Currently, JDA is a common form of real estate development across sectors in India. There are two options for taxation. One is during the pre-March 31, 2019 under which GST of 18 per cent is applicable with input tax credit (ITC). The second option, for agreements entered after April 1, 2019, 1.5/7.5 per cent without input tax credit (ITC) is levied. A number of rulings by the Authority for Advance Rulings (AAR) have upheld the applicability of GST.
Court Order
Earlier in February, the Telangana High Court had dismissed a writ petition filed by a realtor challenging GST on ‘transfer of land development rights’ (TDR) on a JDA for residential projects. This held valid the notification that imposed GST on JDA. The petitioner, Prahitha Contruction Private Limited, moved the High Court with a prayer that when the land is transferred to the developer by the landowner under JDA, it should not attract GST. It was argued that GST on transfer of development rights by the landowner under a JDA is essentially similar to sale of land, which does not attract GST.
The Court emphasised that while the transfer of land itself is exempted from GST, the transfer of the right to develop under a joint development agreement shall be taxable under GST.
The matter has now reached the Supreme Court, where the ruling has been challenged. In its first hearing, the apex court did not grant a stay on the GST. Next date of hearing is September 9.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
GLUMICA Sydney Sweeney prije nekoliko dana raspametila je fanove i zapalila internet provokativnim fotografijama u jednodijelnom kupaćem kostimu, koje je objavila na Instagramu.
“Mislim da ovo zovu ‘thirst trapom'”, napisala je u opisu objave. Izraz “thirst trap” označava izjavu ili fotografiju kojom se želi privući pozornost ili seksualno zainteresirati ljude, navodi Cambridge Dictionary. Često se to odnosi na objavu vrućih selfieja i fotografija.
Njezina objava prikupila je preko 4 milijuna lajkova i mnoštvo komentara. Dok su joj mnogi pisali da su ostali “bez riječi” i da je “najljepše ljudsko biće”, neki su se zapitali zašto je odlučila podijeliti takve fotografije.
Čini se da bi razlog uskoro mogao biti otkriven.
Suradnja s HeyDudeom?
Naime, oni koji nisu bili toliko zaokupljeni njezinim oblinama, primijetili su obuću koju je nosila na tim fotografijama. Glumica je nosila bijele cipele brenda HeyDude, a zatim je ponovno viđena u Wendy cipelama istog brenda dok je ovoga ponedjeljka šetala Beverly Hillsom.
Ovo bi mogla biti slučajnost, ali i lukav pokušaj privlačenja pažnje provokativnim marketingom. No priča tu ne završava.
Brend HeyDude iskoristio je priliku da u nekoliko objava na društvenim mrežama suptilno nagovijesti moguću suradnju upravo sa Sydney Sweeney.
Prva objava prikazuje jumbo plakat na kojem je preko lica žene s plavom kosom crna etiketa s natpisom “Frajer”. U opisu stoji: “Stigao je novi frajer u grad i nikad nismo bili sretniji.” Ubrzo nakon toga uslijedila je druga objava, na kojoj je prikazana ženska osoba uslikana s leđa u redateljskoj stolici, s natpisom: “Direktor Dudea stiže 21.8.2024. Pogodite o kome se radi.”
Thirst trap ili reklama?
Ove objave izazvale su špekulacije među fanovima, od kojih su mnogi izrazili sumnju da bi upravo Sydney Sweeney mogla biti novo zaštitno lice brenda.
Hoće li se marketinška pozadina iza thirst trap fotografija Sydney Sweeney uskoro otkriti, tek ćemo vidjeti. No s obzirom na njezine dosadašnje suradnje s brendovima poput Miu Miu, Jimmy Choo, Laneige i Kerastase, ne bi bilo iznenađenje da i ovaj potez ima sličnu namjenu.
Uz to, Sydney je u jednom prijašnjem intervjuu za britanski GQ izjavila da želi postati ključni igrač u Hollywoodu i da “sve što radi u karijeri, ne radi samo zbog priče već i zbog strateških poslovnih odluka”. Ova izjava dodatno sugerira da bi njezine provokativne objave na društvenim mrežama, uključujući ovu, mogle biti dio dobro osmišljene marketinške kampanje.
O brendu
HeyDude je brend obuće poznat po svojim laganim, udobnim i ležernim cipelama. Osnovan je 2008. godine u Italiji, a osnivač je Alessandro Rosano. Cilj brenda bio je stvoriti obuću koja spaja udobnost sportske obuće s profinjenim, ali ležernim dizajnom.
HeyDude cipele prepoznatljive su po svojoj lakoći, fleksibilnosti i upotrebi kvalitetnih materijala poput tkanina i ekološki prihvatljivih materijala. Jedan od najpopularnijih modela je mokasina Wally, koja je postala sinonim za udobnost i stil.
Proizvodi HeyDude dostupni su na mnogim tržištima diljem svijeta, uključujući Europu, Sjevernu Ameriku, Australiju i Aziju. Brend je posebno popularan u Sjedinjenim Američkim Državama, gdje je stekao veliku bazu lojalnih kupaca zahvaljujući kombinaciji udobnosti, pristupačne cijene i privlačnog dizajna.
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The Dodgers will face a difficult roster decision when utility man Chris Taylor is ready to be activated in the next week or so, one that could force a game of musical chairs in which one of four players — outfielders Jason Heyward and Kevin Kiermaier, utility man Kiké Hernández and Taylor — is left without a spot on the bench.
Heyward picked a good time to hammer a pinch-hit three-run home run to right field in the bottom of the eighth inning to lift the Dodgers to a dramatic 6-3 come-from-behind victory over the Seattle Mariners Tuesday night before a crowd of 48,395 in Chavez Ravine.
The Dodgers’ Jason Heyward gets a sunflower seed shower after hitting a three-run pinch hit homer to seal his team’s 6-3 win over the Seattle Mariners at Dodgers Stadium Tuesday night.
(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
The score was tied 3-3 when Will Smith was hit by a pitch with one out in the eighth and Max Muncy walked. Tommy Edman struck out, but Heyward turned viciously on a 99-mph fastball at the top of the zone from Mariners closer Anthony Munoz and sent a 108-mph laser over the short wall in right for a 6-3 lead.
“I truly believe the game honors you, and the game honored him tonight,” manager Dave Roberts said of Heyward. “He does things the right way. He was ready when called upon, and he came up with a huge hit. Shoot, that was probably the highlight of the season for me thus far.”
Heyward provided another highlight on June 19 in Coors Field when he crushed a pinch-hit grand slam off the right-field foul pole to spark a seven-run ninth inning that gave the Dodgers an 11-9 win over the Colorado Rockies.
The 15-year veteran is batting just .208 with a .682 on-base-plus-slugging percentage, six homers and 28 RBIs in 63 games this season, but he has three pinch-hit homers during his career and a potent left-handed bat off the bench can be valuable in October.
“I think [the decision] is going to be what it’s going to be, no matter what,” Heyward said. “Years like this, when a team is all-in, I think they always have to put their best foot forward, and whatever happens, happens.
“But I think personally, it’s pretty cool to be No. 23 for this club, to hit a couple of majestic No. 23-type homers, not in the postseason, but for where we want to go, a pinch-hit grand slam and a pinch-hit three-run homer is pretty special.”
Roberts wouldn’t go so far as to say that Heyward’s homer solidified a roster spot, but it certainly didn’t hurt his cause.
“C.T. is coming back, and obviously he’s a part of what we’ve done, what we’re doing this year, next year,” Roberts said. “This is the tough part of the job. It’s a good thing that you have a lot of good players, but you only have so many spots. Someone’s going to be a casualty, unfortunately. I don’t know the answer right now.”
Dodgers third base Max Muncy gets high-fives in the dugout after hitting a solo homer against the Seattle Mariners in the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday.
(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
Heyward has been the ultimate team player, never complaining about his platoon role in the first half of the season or about a further reduction in playing time when Mookie Betts moved from shortstop back to right field upon returning from a left-hand fracture last week.
“I mean, he is the definition of a pro with everything he does in this clubhouse and on that field,” Muncy said. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without him. He’s a huge part of this team and this clubhouse, and it’s really awesome to see him get that hit. He’s an incredible teammate, an incredible human being, and an incredible player.”
Muncy can hardly fathom the thought of Heyward being let go, but Kiermaier is a four-time Gold Glove Award-winning center fielder who delivered some big hits on last week’s road trip, Hernández can play virtually any position and the versatile Taylor has delivered some clutch playoff hits.
“We have guys [on the bench] who would be stars in any other lineup,” Muncy said. “Obviously, it’s going to be a difficult decision. None of us know what it’s going to be. But everyone’s still trying to go out there and win the game. That really speaks to who we are as a team. There’s not one person here who’s worried about himself. They just care about trying to win the game.”
Walker Buehler put the Dodgers in a 3-0 hole with his second shaky start since returning from a right-hip injury last week. The right-hander labored through a four-inning, three-run, seven-hit, 82-pitch outing in which he struck out one, walked three and struggled with his command.
Buehler, who is trying to find some semblance of his pre-Tommy John surgery form, needed three pitches to record two outs and 79 pitches to get 10 more. He gave up a bases-loaded, two-run single to Jorge Polanco in the first inning and an RBI double to Polanco in the third. He jawed with home-plate umpire CB Bucknor in the fourth.
“I didn’t throw the ball well,” Buehler said, “and our team really helped me out and got us back in the game.”
The Dodgers trimmed the deficit to 3-2 when Gavin Lux and Muncy each hit solo homers in the fourth, Lux sending a 390-foot shot to center field to continue his torrid one-month stretch and Muncy driving a 407-foot shot to the back of the right-field bullpen for his second homer in two games since returning from an oblique strain.
Lux was batting .211 with a .556 on-base-plus-slugging percentage, three homers, eight doubles and 24 RBIs in 79 games through July 19. In 29 games since, the second baseman hit .372 (35 for 94) with seven homers, 10 doubles and 21 RBIs, raising his season average to .254 and his OPS to .713.
Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler throws the ball against the Seattle Mariners in the first inning at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday.
(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
The Dodgers tied the score 3-3 in the seventh when Edman led off with a double to right-center and scored on Betts’ clutch two-out RBI double to left.
Five Dodgers relievers–Alex Vesia, Ryan Brasier, Anthony Banda, Joe Kelly and Daniel Hudson–combined to allow only one hit in five scoreless innings, and Heyward provided the decisive blow in the eighth, as the Dodgers maintained their National League West lead of three games over San Diego and four games over Arizona.
“Don’t overthink it, because you don’t have a lot of time,” Heyward said, when asked how tough it is to come off the bench and hit a 99-mph fastball at the top of the zone. “I’ve had a lot of time to prepare for a moment like that, and you just want to go up there, trust your approach, and if you come through, it’s amazing.”
iQOO Z9s Pro, iQOO Z9s price in India: iQOO has announced the launch of its iQOO Z9s series, including the iQOO Z9s Pro 5G and iQOO Z9s 5G. According to the company, the iQOO Z9s Series has been made for ‘Fully Loaded for the Megataskers’ like college students and young professionals.
iQOO Z9s Pro, iQOO Z9s price in India: Processor
The iQOO Z9s Pro 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor and the company claims that it is the segment’s fastest curved smartphone with an over 8 lakh AnTuTu score. On the other hand, the iQOO Z9s 5G is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 7300, achieving a 7 lakh + AnTuTu score.
Additionally, the iQOO Z9s series supports Extended RAM of up to 12GB which can run up to 40 apps simultaneously in the background
iQOO Z9s Pro, iQOO Z9s price in India: Camera
Both smartphones feature a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and an additional 8 MP ultra-wide lens in iQOO Z9s Pro 5G.
iQOO Z9s Pro, iQOO Z9s price in India: Design
Both devices in the iQOO Z9s series feature a 7.49mm body.
iQOO Z9s Pro, iQOO Z9s price in India: Battery
Despite their slim design, they pack a 5500mAh battery and sport a 3D curved AMOLED display with a local peak brightness of 4500 nits in iQOO Z9s Pro 5G, followed by 1800 nits local peak brightness in iQOO Z9s 5G.
iQOO Z9s Pro, iQOO Z9s price in India: Android 14
Both devices are IP64-rated for dust and water resistance and run on FunTouch OS 14 based on Android 14, with two years of Android updates and three years of security updates.
iQOO Z9s Pro, iQOO Z9s price in India
The iQOO Z9s Pro is priced at Rs 24,999 (Effective Price – Rs 21,999) for 8GB+128GB; Rs 26,999 (Effective Price – Rs 23,999) for 8GB+256GB and Rs 28,999 (Effective Price – Rs 25,999) for 12GB+256GB and will be available for sale from August 23, 12 PM onwards in two colour variants i.e. Luxe Marble and Flamboyant Orange.
The iQOO Z9s 5G, priced at Rs 19,999 (Effective Price – Rs 17,999) for 8GB+128GB; Rs 21,999 (Effective Price – Rs 19,999) for 8GB+256GB and Rs 23,999 (Effective Price – Rs 21,999) for 12GB+256GB, will be available for sale starting from August 29th, 12 PM onwards in Onyx Green and Titanium Matte colour variants.
iQOO Z9s Pro, iQOO Z9s price in India: Availability and offers
Customers can avail of the following offers on the purchase of the iQOO Z9s series from Amazon and iQOO e-store
– On purchase of iQOO Z9s Pro 5G, customers can enjoy a flat discount of Rs 3000 with HDFC and ICICI Bank credit/debit card or exchange bonus of Rs 3000, coupled with no-cost EMI for up to 6 months
– On purchase of iQOO Z9s 5G, customers can enjoy a flat discount of Rs 2000 with HDFC and ICICI Bank credit/debit card or exchange bonus of Rs 2000, coupled with no-cost EMI for up to 6 months
iQOO TWS 1e
Along with the Z9s series, iQOO has also introduced its first-ever iQOO TWS 1e, in a Flame Yellow colour, priced at Rs 1,899. The iQOO TWS 1e offers Intelligent Active Noise Cancellation up to 30dB by using a combination of AI for clear calls.
With a 42-hour battery life, thanks to power-efficient wireless chips, and a 10-minute fast charge enabling 3 hours of music playback, it ensures non-stop listening throughout the day. It comes with an IP54 rating, protecting the earphones against sweat and dust. An 11mm high-resolution speaker driver, fine-tuned by the Golden Ear Acoustics Team, combined with DeepX 3.0 Stereo Sound Effects. Dual Device Connection with Bluetooth 5.3 and smart features like Google Fast Pair, Google Assistant, Wearing Detection, Find My Earphones, and convenient play/pause touch controls for music, calls, and noise cancellation further increase the utility of the iQOO TWS 1e.
