The Int'l Man's Hot Links Archive 2021 (2): July 1-Dec 31

Hot Links Archive 2017 - 2018 (1): - June 30	Hot Links Archive 2018 (2): July 1 - December 31
Hot Links Archive 2019 (1): January 1 - June 30	Hot Links Archive 2019 (2): July 1 - December 31
Hot Links Archive 2020 (1): January 1 - June 30	Hot Links Archive 2020 (2): July 1 - September 30
Hot Links Archive 2020 (3): Oct 1 - December 31	Hot Links Archive 2021 (1): January 1 - June 30
Hot Links Archive 2021 (2): July 1 - December 31	Hot Links Archive 2022 (1): January 1 - June 30
Hot Links Archive 2022 (2): July 1 - December 31	Hot Links Archive 2023 (1): January 1 -

Hot Links Archive 2021 (2): July 1 - December 31

December 31, 2021

• Coronavirus: A-Z - everything you need to know | Face Masks - "3300+ Coronavirus COVID-19 Advice, News & Resources." UPDATED DAILY!
• Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases - by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University (JHU).
• CORONAVIRUS GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TRACKER - "Governments are taking a wide range of measures in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. This tool aims to track and compare policy responses around the world, rigorously and consistently."
• TIME's COVID-19 US vaccine tracker - "A guide to the coronavirus vaccination rollout and what you need to know about the authorized vaccines."
• Climate Change - "Check out all about climate change: 800+ evidence, facts, information, news, reviews and resources."
• Our world in data - "Research & data to make progress against the world’s largest problems."
• New Year’s Eve 2021: celebrations around the world amid concern over Covid - live updates - "Latest updates as fireworks and parties make a comeback around the world following a year of lockdowns and new variants."
• US Omicron surge 'unlike anything we've ever seen' - "An unprecedented spike in Covid-19 cases fueled by the fast-moving Omicron variant is crushing hospitals across the United States, with doctors describing packed emergency rooms as health experts implore New Year's Eve revelers to keep parties small and outdoors to help avert an even worse surge."
• Omicron-fuelled fourth Covid wave has passed, says South Africa, as it eases restrictions - "Cases have dropped nearly 30% in a week, say authorities, as Israel approves fourth booster shot and New Year’s Eve gatherings around the world are restricted."
• Israel approves 4th vaccine dose for most vulnerable - "Israel has approved a fourth vaccine dose for people most vulnerable to COVID-19, an official said Thursday, becoming one of the first countries to do so as it braces for a wave of infections fueled by the omicron variant."
• Avoid cruises even if vaccinated, CDC tells Americans - "It has elevated its travel warning for cruise ships from level three to four - the agency's highest. The CDC is currently monitoring over 90 cruise ships for Covid-19."
• Two years of coronavirus: how pandemic unfolded around the world - "In December 2019 the WHO was told of a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China. These charts show how Covid-19 has spread across the world since then."
• Companies race to stem flood of microplastic fibres into the oceans - "New products range from washing machine filters and balls to fabrics made from kelp and orange peel."
• New Rankings Rate The Best (and Worst) U.S. Airlines - "For frequent air travelers, good customer service, on-time arrivals, and baggage that gets to its destination intact are always of the utmost importance. But right now with the combination of the holiday travel boom, airline staffing shortages, winter weather delays, and pandemic-related cancellations, choosing an airline that will help travelers avoid or resolve any flight-related snafus has never been more crucial."
• Final goodbye: Recalling influential people who died in 2021 - "DMX, Dustin Diamond, Larry King, George Segal and Cicely Tyson are among celebrities who died this year."
• The cultural moments that defined 2021 - "Year two of the pandemic was, in many ways, just as challenging and weird as the first. That said, in-person events made a tentative comeback, as did socializing outside our homes - albeit with masks on our faces and hand sanitizer in our pockets. More so than in 2020, we adapted to living with the virus. So, too, did the creative industries. Art fairs returned, as did the Met Gala, fashion shows, concerts and red carpet events. Likewise, galleries, cinemas and theaters slowly reopened their doors, reminding us of how valuable IRL culture can be."
• Chaplin, Elvis & Batman return: 25 films to look out for in 2022 - "Baz Luhrmann takes on the King with Tom Hanks, Jim Broadbent steals a masterpiece and Jessica Chastain plays an eccentric televangelist ... all in 2022’s must-see movies."
• Here’s Everything Coming to Netflix in January - "A new year is on the horizon, and with it comes a whole new crop of movies and TV shows that will soon be available to stream, courtesy of Netflix. (After all, with the omicron variant on the rise and post-holiday fatigue setting in, it’s safe to say we’ll all need to unwind with some binge-watching pretty soon.) Below, see a full list of everything hitting Netflix in January."
• 10 amazing health stories you may have missed in 2021 - "Here's the medical news you may have missed this year."
• How the Maxwell siblings stood by their 'beloved' sister Ghislaine - "Ghislaine's sister Isabel, 71, and brothers Kevin, 62, and Ian, 65, attended court. They risked their names being tarnished as they put on a united front for her. The Maxwells stick together through thick and thin,' a family friend said."
• Inside the upcoming Orient Express La Dolce Vita train - "Renderings of the 11-carriage train, which pays homage to the 'La Dolce Vita' period of the 1960s, have been unveiled, revealing a plush interior that looks more like a boutique hotel than a railway car."
• The complex science in your glass of champagne - "A flute or coupe filled with a sparkling wine has become the very essence of celebration, but there is more going on with the bubbles than you might think."
• The European art & architecture that inspired iconic Disney films - "Each year, over one million people visit Neuschwanstein, a 19th-century castle in the Bavarian alps, famous for its Romanesque Revival style and Gothic details, including vertical limestone towers and turrets topped with deep blue pointed roofs. Once home to a famously introverted Bavarian monarch known as 'the fairytale king,' the idyllic architecture - designed more so for aesthetics rather than defense capabilities - would eventually inspire both castles from Disney's animated films 'Cinderella' and 'Sleeping Beauty.'"
• Cats caused more than 100 house fires in the past 3 years, South Korea officials say - "The cats are believed to have started the fires by switching on electric stoves, the department said. Cats can turn electric stoves on by jumping on touch-sensitive buttons - and once overheated, the appliances can catch fire."

December 30, 2021

• Up to three Covid jabs a year could be needed for protection, data suggests - "UK analysis indicates Pfizer and Moderna boosters less effective against Omicron than Delta variant and appear to drop away further after nine weeks."
• How long can you spread Omicron? - "In the US, people can now leave isolation if they don't have symptoms after five days, followed by five days in which they should wear a mask around others. Last week, the UK cut the period to seven days for people who produce two consecutive negative lateral flow tests."
• French daily Covid cases above 200,000 as Italy introduces stricter green pass - "France sets European record, as Italy tightens measures against the unvaccinated."
• Amazon's Alexa tells 10-year-old child to touch penny to exposed plug socket - "Amazon's Alexa has been developed over the years to offer ever-improving access to information and knowledge. 'My 10 year old just asked Alexa on our Echo for a challenge and this is what she said,' Livdahl tweeted on Sunday. Livdahl shared an image of Alexa's response after her child asked the device for a challenge."
• The damning evidence that brought Maxwell down - "Ghislaine Maxwell: How accusers' testimony brought her down."
• Who is Ghislaine Maxwell? The downfall of a favourite daughter - "She was the toast of high society in London and New York. Now Ghislaine Maxwell has been convicted of grooming and trafficking underage girls. After learning to serve her crooked father's whims, she then did the same for another tyrant, Jeffrey Epstein."
• Ghislaine Maxwell’s sex-trafficking trial - in pictures - "Ghislaine Maxwell was found guilty of child sex trafficking and conspiracy after a three-week trial in Manhattan’s federal court this afternoon."
• Top 10 books about self-improvement - "In time for new year resolutions, a cultural historian chooses some of the best guides to making a better life, dating back to some of our earliest literature."
• The 10 Most Beautiful Places In The World, According To Science - "In an attempt to discover some of the very best of these destinations, UK-based luxury travel company Kuoni recently conducted a study of over 50 of the world’s most famous natural wonders - using a unique eye-tracking AI technology to find out which natural landmarks the human eye is drawn to the most. Check out the top ten."
• Inside Venice's huge undersea flood barrier - "The flood barriers that might save Venice. The first thing it resembles - this private, manmade island, straddling the Adriatic Sea and the Venetian lagoon - is a Bond villain's lair. The second - as you dock at the private pontoon, walk past the Brutalist concrete façade, and into a 'control room' where staff watch monitors tracking the waters around the island 24/7 - is something out of 'Squid Game.'"
• Inside Julia Roberts’ stunning $8.3M San Francisco home - "Julia Roberts shelled out $8.3 million for a five-story century-old Victorian Revival-style home in the heart of San Francisco."
• Arnold Schwarzenegger & Maria Shriver are officially divorced - "Shriver filed for divorce from Schwarzenegger in 2011 after 25 years of marriage."
• TikTok found a crazy hidden iPhone feature & no one believes it’s real - "With over 1 billion users, it’s perhaps no surprise that TikTok has become something of a haven for awesome iPhone tips and tricks. So while it may seem unusual, TikTok is brimming with videos highlighting awesome and hidden iPhone hacks. The latest example is something you need to see to believe. Actually, it’s something you need to hear to believe."
• 50+ iPad multitasking tips for iPadOS 15 - do you know them all? [Video] - "In this hands-on tutorial, we showcase some of the basics of iPad multitasking and also discuss some of the more advanced iPad multitasking tips and tricks to get the most out of your device. Whether you just received a new iPad or you’re a longtime iPadOS user, it’s likely that you’ll learn something. Be sure to watch the full video for an in-depth look at how to master multitasking on iPadOS."
• The magical feature you need to turn on if you use an iPhone & Mac - "Universal Clipboard is a huge time saver and productivity boost, but you have to enable it."
• A fan of black coffee & dark chocolate? It's in your genes, a new study says - "Prefer your coffee black? Then you probably like dark, bitter chocolate, according to new research identifying a genetic basis for those preferences."
• Middle Eastern designers are claiming their own space in fashion - "When Dubai-based Basma Abu Ghazaleh launched her luxury ready-to-wear brand Kage in 2009, she said she could count the number of fellow fashion designers in the region on one hand. 'Today, you could fill a whole wardrobe with clothes and accessories by Middle Eastern designers,' Abu Ghazaleh said. 'It's a whole new landscape.'"
• The Best New Scotch Whisky Of 2021 - "There are only two days left to 2021. A lot of folks are wallowing in the hazy responsibility-free zone that percolates perennially between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. But there’s still serious work to be done, people! Chief among those tasks is an exhaustive rundown of the best whiskies that were tasted over the past twelve months. If you’re a fan of scotch, specifically, you’d have a lot to pore through. I know I did. As a professional in the space, I tasted a smattering of new malts and blends totaling in the triple digits. Here now I present to you (in alphabetical order) the most meritorious of the bunch."
• LA super-rich reach for fake Rolexes after spate of burglaries - "Deep in central London an artisan watchmaker is doing good business replicating £150,000 Rolexes for wealthy Los Angeles clients worried about a spate of high-profile burglaries."
• Mercedes-Benz Introduces World’s First Internationally Valid System For Conditionally Automated Driving - "Mercedes-Benz is the first automotive company in the world to meet the demanding legal requirements for a level 3 system. Germany has taken a pioneering role in this with the opening of the Road Traffic Act of 2017 for level 3 systems. The result is that customers will be able to purchase an S-Class with Drive Pilot, which will enable them to drive in a conditionally automated mode of up to 37 mph or 60 kmh, in heavy traffic on suitable highways within Germany."

December 29, 2021

• US reports record infections as Europe's Omicron cases also soar - "More than 440,000 new cases were recorded in the US on Monday, health officials said."
• How to tell if you have a cold, the flu or Covid-19 - "Do you have a cold, the flu or Covid-19? Experts explain how to tell the difference."
• CDC moves 3 more European destinations to its highest travel risk category - "The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday added three destinations in Europe - from its frigid northern climes to its sun-soaked south - to its highest-risk category for travel."
• Why some people don't want a Covid-19 vaccine - "Social media is rife with posts disparaging the vaccine hesitant - but these reactions to a complex and nuanced issue are doing more harm than good."
• WHO warns Omicron could overwhelm health systems as cases rise to record highs in Europe - "Restrictions return in China, South Africa and Germany as countries around the world struggle to contain new variant."
• Eastern European countries adopting authoritarian measures in face of Covid - "Analysis reveals widespread violations of international democratic freedoms in response to pandemic."
• Air travel's maddening double standard - "As it stands, any American can get on a flight into or within the US without being vaccinated. While vaccinated people can still contract and spread Covid-19, the vaccines are effective at preventing many infections and therefore reducing the spread of disease. In contrast, unvaccinated people who have no immunity to the virus are highly susceptible to Covid-19. As a result of this significant difference in risks posed by the unvaccinated compared to the vaccinated, we require non-US citizens who are flying into the US to provide proof of vaccination. A different standard, though, applies to Americans, who can fly to and within the US without ever having to present a vaccine card. That should change, and many health experts agree."
• Many Latin American countries now have higher vaccination rates than Europe & North America - "The vaccine rollout was slow at the start, with just getting the vaccines in hand a major issue. Just six months ago, Latin America and the Caribbean were reporting just under half of all Covid-19 related deaths worldwide. Now, the region accounts for about 10% of Covid-19 related deaths, according to the latest data from Johns Hopkins University."
• Pfizer/BioNTech tax windfall brings Mainz an early Christmas present - "German city where early Covid vaccine was developed uses its new-found wealth to slash debt and attract other biotech firms."
• Alaska sets record high December temperature of 19.4C - "The island community of Kodiak set the record on Sunday and scientists fear the population will be deluged with rain as climate warms."
• Climate Crises Dominated 2021. But These Innovations Offer Some Hope - "From international agreements to technological advances, progress is being made. Here, some of the most important climate advances of 2021." TIME Magazine.
• The end of winter: A search for vanishing snow & ice around the Northern Hemisphere - "Unlike Antarctica, where melt rates depend on the stability of floating ice shelves, the issue in Greenland includes surface melt. Warmer air temperatures melt the ice from above, then meltwater percolates through the ice to the sliding bed, lubricating its base and quickening its descent into the ocean."
• Greta Thunberg says it’s ‘strange’ Joe Biden is considered a climate leader - "Environmental activist criticises US president for expanding fossil fuel infrastructure."
• Mind Games: how China’s confidence soared between two Olympics - "The international context and mood music are very different 14 years after the Beijing Summer Games."
• Celebrity deaths in 2021: Famous faces lost this year - "We remember those who have sadly died, looking back at their lives, careers and the legacies they left behind."
• The cultural moments that defined 2021 - "Art fairs returned, as did the Met Gala, fashion shows, concerts and red carpet events. Likewise, galleries, cinemas and theaters slowly reopened their doors, reminding us of how valuable IRL culture can be."
• Music preview 2022: The biggest releases, tours & films - BBC Entertainment.
• In 2021, Apple addressed past mistakes - "Just don’t call it an apology."
• Before you pay for high-fidelity streaming music, try to pass this lossless audio test - "Even if you consider yourself an audiophile, you probably don’t need to pay extra for lossless music. At least, not in order to make your music sound better."
• Nikon Z9 unboxing pictures - "Several stores already received their first Nikon Z9 shipment and some customers already got their hands on the camera - here are a few pictures from Foto Hans Keuzekamp in the Netherlands who is usually one of the first dealers in the world to get new Nikon gear."
• Pixel peeping: the 12 biggest camera & photography trends of 2022 - "We predict next year's biggest photography stories." TechRadar.
• 10 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your New Apple Watch - "For MacRumors readers who just got a new Apple Watch for the holidays, we've created a list of 10 useful tips and tricks that you won't want to miss in order to get the most out of your new watch, whether you're new to Apple Watch entirely or upgrading from an earlier version."
• 9 MacBook Pro tips everyone needs to know - "Easy steps to a better Mac."
• 1Password review - "1Password is the best password manager for Apple users and frequent international travelers."
• Why a Mach 5 passenger plane is a crazy idea that might just work - "What about hypersonic travel, which happens at speeds of Mach 5 - five times the speed of sound - and above? That would get an aircraft from New York to London in just 90 minutes, compared to about three hours for Concorde, and between six to seven hours for a regular passenger jet. Is it even possible?"
• The mystery of the home where the Queen was born - "Where exactly was the site of the house where the Queen was born? Have visitors been looking in the wrong place? And are the claims that the house was damaged in the Blitz correct?"
• Mark Zuckerberg adds 110 acres to controversial 1,500-acre Hawaii estate - "The $17m purchase for the Facebook founder includes the Ka Loko reservoir, considered high-risk and in need of repairs."
• Roman Abramovich Breaks Records Again, With a Second Outrageous Private Jet - "What could you possibly wish for Christmas when you already own a jaw-dropping collection of luxury cars, a $600 million superyacht, and a giant private jet? Apparently, a second private jet that blows all the others out of the water, as the most expensive one in the world. That, of course, if you’re Roman Abramovich."
• Inside George & Amal Clooney's Global Real Estate Portfolio - "The power couple owns homes in places as wide-ranging as Mexico, France, Italy, and Los Angeles."
• Nicole Kidman struggled with depression while playing Virginia Woolf after Tom Cruise divorce - "Nicole Kidman has said that she suffered with depression while playing Virginia Woolf in the wake of her divorce from Tom Cruise."

December 28, 2021

• US had nearly 200K new Covid cases Sunday. It could have 500K a day soon - "Between Christmas and New Year's, doctors expect the US Omicron surge to grow."
• England reports record 113,638 new Covid cases on Christmas Day - "Covid cases in England reached a new high of 113,628 on Christmas Day and 1,281 people were admitted to hospital - the highest daily figure since mid-February."
• Dr. Fauci explains why CDC changed Covid-19 isolation guidelines - "In an interview with CNN's Jim Acosta, Dr. Anthony Fauci explains why the CDC shortened the recommended number of isolation days from ten to five for people that tested positive for Covid-19 and don't have symptoms."
• Guidance v rules: which Covid measures work better? - "The Tories are arguing against further restrictions - but what do scientists think works best to prevent the spread of Covid?"
• New Omicron variant fills up children's hospitals - "A five-fold increase in pediatric admissions in New York City this month. Close to double the numbers admitted in Washington, DC. And nationwide, on average, pediatric hospitalizations are up 35% in just the past week."
• Travel nightmare: Another 2,500 flights canceled Monday - "Of the more than 2,800 canceled flights, around 1,000 were within, into or out of the United States, according to FlightAware. Almost 11,000 flights are delayed."
• Cost of world’s 10 most expensive natural disasters rises to $170bn, aid group finds - "Christian Aid says the 13% rise in the cost of damage reflects the effects of climate change, with Hurricane Ida the most expensive."
• 12 incredible discoveries of 2021 - "We're often drawn to rare finds in unexpected places, as well as history-making archaeological digs that shed light on humanity's past. This year, there was no mysterious monolith in the desert to keep us on the edge of our seats, but there were some incredible finds, as tiny as an insect trail in a famous artwork and as grand as an entire city."
• The 100 greatest TV series of the 21st Century - "BBC Culture polled 206 TV experts from 43 countries in order to find the greatest TV of the 21st Century - here’s the top 100."
• The mysterious world of Soviet watch collectors - "With pseudonyms like the The Bastard, The Broker, The Astronaut and The Vampire, they've banded together deep inside the world of Soviet-era watch collecting. This cabal of watch aficionados spans the globe, albeit in cyberspace, bringing history to the wrists of thousands with timepieces dating back to the days of Stalin."
• These female animals don't need a male to reproduce - "Parthenogenesis is a Greek word meaning 'virgin creation,' but specifically refers to female asexual reproduction. While many people may assume this behavior is the domain of science fiction or religious texts, parthenogenesis is surprisingly common throughout the tree of life and is found in a variety of organisms, including plants, insects, fish, reptiles and even birds. Because mammals, including human beings, require certain genes to come from sperm, mammals are incapable of parthenogenesis."
• Why feeding your pets insects could become all the buzz - "Owners worried about the climate cost of traditional pet food are switching to crickets, mealworms and black soldier flies."
• Why are some people compelled to cheat at games? - "When it comes to unfair tactics, some of us are just better at bending the rules. But, the urge to cheat at games is easier to understand when you examine how they are designed."
• 'Had good teeth': Egyptian pharaoh unwrapped after 3,500 years - "Amenhotep I ‘unwrapped’ digitally by Cairo scientists, revealing details from his grave jewellery to his teeth."
• Portugal to Singapore could be the longest train journey in the world. But how much does it cost? - "Travelling all the way from Lagos in Southern Portugal to Singapore, it takes you through Paris, Moscow and Beijing. And at 18,755 km, experts estimate completing the full journey would take 21 days. Booking tickets for the entire trip could cost around €1,200."

December 27, 2021

• Dr. Fauci says Omicron surge will continue & Americans must not be complacent - "Cases of Covid-19 will continue to surge worldwide due to the Omicron variant, the US chief medical adviser, Anthony Fauci, said on Sunday, warning Americans not to get complacent amid reports that the variant is less harmful than others. 'If you have many, many, many more people with a less level of severity,' Fauci told ABC’s This Week, 'that might kind of neutralise the positive effect of having less severity.'"
• Covid cases rise in Xi’an as China battles biggest community outbreak since 2020 - "A strict lockdown in the city of 13 million entered its fifth day as the country continues to pursue a ‘zero-Covid’ strategy."
• Give FFP3 masks to NHS staff during Omicron, doctors say - "Medical bodies say thin surgical masks do not provide adequate protection for frontline personnel."
• A neglected protein-rich 'superfood' - "Insects are a nutrition-dense source of protein embraced by much of the world. Why are some of us so squeamish about eating them?"
• The 5 Wellness Trends That Are Only Set to Grow in 2022 - "As we look ahead to the wellness trends primed to influence and empower individuals in 2022, their mind-and-body benefits feel especially vital. This year saw COVID-19 vaccinations offering a sense of hope and a move toward looser restrictions. But amid the new Omicron wave, there’s still much uncertainty and enduring fear—and looking after our mental and physical well-being is still essential. From the ongoing reward of a good old-fashioned walk to the now more-accessible therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, a look at five wellness trends that are set to keep expanding in 2022."
• Spider-Man: No Way Home becomes first pandemic-era film to top $1bn - "The latest instalment of the Spider-Man franchise has become the first pandemic-era movie to make more than $1bn at the global box office. The last movie to gross more than $1bn was 2019's Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, according to media data analytics firm Comscore."
• Inside Elizabeth Holmes' crazy rich lifestyle - "The disgraced billionaire on trial once spent US$100,000 on Theranos’ conference table and lives in a US$135 million luxury mansion."
• 10 GREAT APPS FOR YOUR NEW 2021 IPHONE - "New phone, new start." The Verge.
• How to set up your new Apple Watch - "Tweak these settings when you strap on your Watch for the first time." engadget.
• The Nikon Z9 Has Arrived: Here Are My First Impressions - "It has arrived! I've got my hands on a production unit of the new Nikon Z 9 flagship mirrorless camera, and here are my initial thoughts."
• Why I Won't Buy a Canon Camera - "They make good cameras. But I won't buy a Canon. That was the advice given to me by my photography mentor many years ago."
• “Porsche of E-Bikes” Stokes Greyp Expectations - "Luxe two-wheeler boasts GPS, telemetry, remote anti-theft tech - and a certain German carmaker’s majority ownership."
• How to use your iPhone & AirPods to spy on people - "An iPhone and AirPods can be used to listen to conversations without people knowing. Such iPhone spying is really just a tricky use of the Live Listen feature built into iOS. And, even if you’re not a budding James Bond, knowing about this trick could keep someone from eavesdropping on you. Here’s what to do if you want to use your iPhone to spy on someone. (Or what to watch out for if you don’t want to fall victim to iPhone spying.)"
• Incredible treasures washed up on beaches - "From the classic shipwrecks and buried treasure chests to the slightly more unusual 'whale vomit' and a civil war cannonball, read on to see some of the amazing treasures that have been found washed up on the world's beaches."
• Not so stealthy now: Google Maps catches rare shot of B-2 stealth fighter in flight - "How do I love Google Maps? Let me count the ways. How the app gets me from A to B, the helpful updates - and now the fact that an image of a B-2 stealth bomber has been captured mid-flight. Awesome."
• The abandoned airport terminal where everything still works - "Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY): New Orleans' international airport opened its modern new 'Jet Age' terminal in 1959."
• An immense mystery older than Stonehenge - "Reshaping previous ideas on the story of civilisation, Gobekli Tepe in Turkey was built by a prehistoric people 6,000 years before Stonehenge."
• Large Roman fort built by Caligula discovered near Amsterdam - "Fortified camp for thousands of soldiers thought to have been used by Emperor Claudius during conquest of Britain in AD43."
• KEANU REEVES HAS THE BEST MOTORCYCLE COLLECTION IN THE WORLD. PERIOD - "With the release of Matrix Resurrections, we look at what all-around legend Keanu Reeves has locked away in his personal garage - and why he’s a legend!"

December 26, 2021

• In pictures: World celebrates Christmas - "People across the world are celebrating Christmas - one of the holiest times in the Christian calendar. However, for the second year in a row, there are smaller crowds at church services and other events because of the continuing coronavirus outbreak. Here's our snapshot of global festivities."
• How to protect yourself from a heightened risk of infection during travel, expert says - "Flying home after the holidays? Getting vaccinated or boosted is the first step toward safe travel, expert says."
• France records over 100,000 new daily Covid-19 cases for the first time - "France reported a record-breaking 104,611 Covid-19 cases on Saturday - the highest daily number since the pandemic began and the first-time numbers have broken the 100,000 threshold, according to health ministry data."
• Omicron: bleak New Year or beginning of the end for the pandemic? - "Scientists are cautiously optimistic that the variant may be a sign the virus is losing its power, despite the high infection figures."
• Travel misery for tens of thousands with flights cancelled - "Chinese and US airlines appear to be the hardest hit, with further delays and cancellations announced for Monday."
• WHO investigating mysterious illness in South Sudan that has killed nearly 100 people - "Deaths have mostly been reported among the elderly and children under age 14."
• ‘Let’s go Brandon’ Santa Tracker caller insists he meant no disrespect to Biden - "Jared Schmeck, 35, tells Oregonian he has ‘nothing against’ president to whom he repeated ‘Fuck Joe Biden’ rightwing meme."
• The Nordic way to help de-stress - "Lillördag: Sweden's workers de-stress with 'Little Saturday'. As the weeks drag on and individual days lose meaning, embracing a Nordic tradition may give us reason to celebrate, just because."
• What happened to the hippie trail? - "Short of cash but looking for adventure? For carefree 1960s and ‘70s Western kids, that meant clambering onto a ramshackle bus to head east on a mind-blowing journey through new cultures, spiritual enlightenment and, occasionally, marijuana clouds. Join us as we retrace the route that inspired the Lonely Planet guidebooks."
• Israeli 'psychic' Uri Geller still baffling fans at 75 - "By the entrance to the new Uri Geller Museum, overlooking the sparkling sea in Jaffa, lies, appropriately enough, the world's largest steel spoon - 16.18m (53ft 1in) long."
• Nicole Kidman on fame, family & what keeps her awake at night - "Nicole Kidman is one of Hollywood’s most brilliant stars, but her everyday concerns are familiar to all of us. She talks candidly about sleepless nights, melancholy moments and why she still has so much to get done."
• What The James Bond Franchise Can Learn From Mission: Impossible - "Mission: Impossible has managed to outstrip James Bond as cinema's biggest spy franchise, but 007 can steal a few tricks from Tom Cruise."
• Will Private Schools Survive the Culture Wars? - "Protests over curricula, battles on social media—things got rough at private schools last year. But now it’s time for kids to go back to class. Here’s what to expect at drop-off."
• World's first see-through Sky Pool should be CLOSED in the winter after angry south London residents slammed its £150k heating bill - "Residents of Embassy Gardens, in Nine Elms, say the pool's water is too cold. They claim it costs £164,250 to keep the 375 tons of water warm throughout year. The Sky Pool sits on the 10th floor between two luxury residential tower blocks. Property's developer said the pool is popular and kept at 30C throughout year. The transparent floating 85ft acrylic pool holds almost 400 tons of water."

December 25, 2021

• When was Jesus born? - "When was Jesus born? Apparently not Dec. 25." Live Science.
• In pictures: World celebrates Christmas - "People across the world are celebrating Christmas - one of the holiest times in the Christian calendar. However, for the second year in a row, there are smaller crowds at church services and other events because of the continuing coronavirus outbreak. Here's our snapshot of global festivities."
• See The Royal Family Christmas Cards Through the Years - "The tradition of the royal holiday greeting has changed over time."
• Why you should upgrade your mask as the Omicron variant spreads - "As the highly contagious Omicron coronavirus variant continues to spread, some experts say it's past time to reconsider your face mask options - especially if you're still wearing the cloth variety. 'Cloth masks are little more than facial decorations. There's no place for them in light of Omicron,' said CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and visiting professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, on CNN Newsroom Tuesday. 'We need to be wearing at least a three-ply surgical mask,' she said, which is also known as a disposable mask and can be found at most drugstores and some grocery and retail stores. 'You can wear a cloth mask on top of that, but do not just wear a cloth mask alone.'"
• Archbishop of Canterbury: 'Covid makes all of us face unpredictability' - "Everyone in society, from Cabinet ministers to rough sleepers, has faced 'uncertainty, uncontrollability and unpredictability' during the Covid pandemic, the archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby is expected to say in his Christmas sermon."
• Omicron is a game-changer for Covid-19 vaccines - "The Omicron coronavirus variant is now spreading at warp speed. Three weeks after it was first detected in the US, it has become the dominant coronavirus strain, accounting for 73% of all new cases as of Monday, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
• Head of US FDA’s advisory group: ‘We never expected Covid vaccines to be so good, so effective’ - "Dr Arnold Monto says he watched as a vaccine was developed both faster and more effectively than any dared to hope - but says it’s unlikely to give ‘permanent protection’."
• Cities that are canceling their big New Year's Eve events & those still going forward - "For awhile there, it appeared we might be able to ring in New Year's Eve in major cities across the world with something resembling the big celebrations of yore. Another Covid-19 surge and the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus have dashed those hopes - at least in some part of the world. In New York City, the New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square will be 'scaled back,' with fewer revelers and everyone required to wear a mask, Mayor Bill de Blasio's office said Thursday."
• Halt auction of Mandela's prison cell key, says SA - "South Africa has demanded a halt to an auction of the key to the prison cell on Robben Island once occupied by former President Nelson Mandela. The sale is due in January in New York by Guernsey's auction house. The seller is Christo Brand, Mandela's former prison guard in the notorious jail."
• 6 Magical Places To Visit In The New Year - "Whether you're thinking about an extended weekend getaway, a spring break vacation, or upcoming summer travel, here are six wonderful places to visit in the new year." Forbes.
• The 25 best films of 2021 - "West Side Story, The Green Knight, and Licorice Pizza are among our favorite movies of the year." The AV Club.
• The Beatles: every song ranked in order of greatness - "Join us with the Fool on the Hill as we wade through Strawberry Fields (forever), looking through a Glass Onion, in search of the Fabs' best-ever tune."
• THE GADGETS WE BROKE - "The Verge has smashed a bunch of phones... and other things."
• Engadget's favorite games of 2021 - "Power armor, sentient swords and Pokémon galore."
• How to Stop Email Trackers on Your iPhone, iPad & Mac - "Stop emails from pixel-tracking your personal data."
• 11 Things to Check When Buying a Used iPhone - "Used iPhones are always in hot demand, and they’re a good option if you’re looking to save some money on an Apple smartphone. Like any second-hand purchase, there are some things you should check before you hand over your money."
• Switzerland's gravity-defying solution - "Switzerland's 15th-Century farmers and vintners had a dangerously creative solution to irrigating their mountainous land that's still in use today."
• The incredible art of paper folding - "Artist Polly Verity says people often cannot believe folding paper is what she does for a living - that is until they see her spellbinding work."
• Ducati Reveals A Prototype Electric Race Bike - Will A Street-Legal Model Follow Soon? - "Back in October, in a surprise announcement, Italian high-performance motorcycle icon Ducati revealed they were taking over supplying electric racing motorcycles for the FIM Enel MotoE series, the two-wheeled compatriot to the unexpectedly popular Formula E car racing league. Ducati has quickly popped up with the V21L - which appears to well along in development - may be a signal that they’ve been working on an electric street bike for a while now."
• Grace Mirabella, 70s & 80s US Vogue editor, dies aged 92 - "Mirabella was editor of the magazine from 1971 to 1988 and was a non-nonsense champion of practical fashion."
• Cat burglar: New Zealand pet steals bong, bag of white powder & lacy underwear - "Keith the cat is known locally for making off with everything from live eels to tradesmen’s boots."

December 24, 2021

• Rapid tests do not always detect Omicron - here's how to know for sure if you've got COVID-19 or not - "Early signs indicate rapid tests work on Omicron but only if your viral load is high at the time. You need to reach a certain threshold before any test - PCR or rapid - can detect your infection. If your resolution is to test cheaper and smarter in the new year, here's a primer on the best ways to use rapid tests to get the most useful results."
• How reliable are lateral flow tests for Omicron & what are the latest rules? - "Experts offer the most up-to-date advice on using LFTs."
• Trump touts effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccine - "Former President Donald Trump pushed back on a questioner's skepticism about the effectiveness and safety of the Covid-19 vaccine in a new interview, saying that the 'vaccine works' and 'people aren't dying when they take the vaccine.'"
• Explainer: Current coal phaseout pledges ‘absolutely not enough’, warn experts - "New figures show slow coal phaseout progress to date, with pledges not enough to limit warming to 1.5C."
• The biggest tech fails of 2021 - "There were times this year when technology misfired or failed to work entirely - from giant internet outages and crippling ransomware attacks to a series of issues for Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook. (So many, in fact, it's the one company we list twice here.)"
• Past, present & future: The evolution of China's incredible high-speed rail network - "At the beginning of the 21st century China had no high-speed railways. Slow and often uncomfortable trains plodded across this vast country, with low average speeds making journeys such as Shanghai-Beijing a test of travel endurance. Today, it's a completely different picture. The world's most populous nation has - by some distance - the world's largest network of high-speed railways."
• The Americans who bought a house in Italy over the internet - "How many of us have been sitting at home, seen a dreamy picture of a foreign country, and started planning our life there? That'd be a lot. But how many of us have actually gone ahead, bought a property and planned that future life - without setting foot in the location?"
• Spain will ban smoking on ALL beaches & fine anyone caught lighting up €2,000 - "Cigarette butts represent a major pollutant on Spain's 3,000 miles of coastline."
• Private jet firms are soaring in popularity after big COVID-19 bailouts. Were they a 'handout to the wealthy'? - "The recent boom has some calling on companies to return their bailout funds."
• 2021's best celebrity red carpet trends - "From A to Z-endaya, 2021's best celebrity red carpet trends."
• The iconic accessory the Queen is never without on rainy days - "One always carries a Fulton..."
• The man who claims he KNOCKED OUT Ali: Elmo Henderson ... - "Elmo Henderson was the journeyman who fought his way out of prison, sued Playboy magazine for $1m, sparred with Foreman and ended up homeless. Elmo Henderson was George Foreman's key sparring partner at the Rumble."
• 20 best podcasts of 2021 - "Celebrities’ bizarre snacking habits, a true crime tale about stripping troupe The Chippendales, and the realisation that there’s no such thing as too much Louis Theroux: it’s the pods of the year."
• HBO’s ‘And Just Like That’ Features 3,000 Handbags - "The HBO series And Just Like That... has no doubt got people talking. Besides the obvious controversy, its mostly for its fashion and namely for its handbags. Yes, there are the dozens of Manolo Blahnik heels that have turned the Sex and the City franchise into a trademark. One of the most fascinating parts of the show is the dream-worthy handbags. According to the show's costume designers Molly Rogers and Danny Santiago, roughly 3,000 handbags are used in the series, turning the show into a luxury shopper's fantasy come to screen."
• Is It Time For Formula 1 To Retire? - "Formula 1 racing has had its fair share of acrimony over the years, but the final race of the 2021 season was in a different league. A sport that doesn’t seem to understand or follow its own rules is clearly in serious trouble. However, there are more than just political problems with the king of motorsports (sorry, Indycar and Nascar). Despite attempts to modernize the series, Formula 1 is starting to look like an anachronism."
• Why do we buy into the 'cult' of overwork? - "Overwork culture is thriving; we think of long hours and constant exhaustion as a marker of success. Given what we know about burnout, why do we do give in?"
• The missing continent it took 375 years to find - "It took scientists 375 years to discover the eighth continent of the world, which has been hiding in plain sight all along. But mysteries still remain."
• Selfridges sold as part of £4bn deal - "Deal with Thai and Austrian firms includes the four UK stores and raises hopes for Oxford Street redevelopment."
• Apple shares new video detailing 10 helpful tips for your new iPhone - "With the holiday season officially here, there’s nothing better than learning some tips for your brand new iPhone. Even if you already own a shiny iPhone 11, 12, or 13, there’s always more you can learn about them."
• iPhone 'Other' storage: Yes, you should be clearing it out - "Just make it a habit, and your iPhone will stay speedy."
• 3 iPhone security settings to lock down before it's too late - "Apple's Face ID is a good start, but you need to take your iPhone security further."
• Anker’s four-port 120W power brick is built for the USB-C warrior - "It’s got some quirks, but it should be a decent travel tool or home charging hub."
• This 131-Foot Solar-Powered Catamaran Concept Can Cruise Without Stopping for 3 Weeks - "Just like the algae that inspired it, the multihull converts sunlight into clean, green energy."

December 23, 2021

• FDA authorizes first pill to treat Covid-19 - "The US Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday authorized Pfizer's antiviral pill, Paxlovid, to treat Covid-19. This is the first antiviral Covid-19 pill authorized for ill people to take at home, before they get sick enough to be hospitalized."
• Risk of hospital stay 40% lower with Omicron than Delta, UK data suggests - "Researchers find those who test positive with new Covid variant up to 25% less likely to attend hospital at all."
• Omicron wave appears milder, but concern remains - "The wave of Omicron appears to be milder according to preliminary studies published in the UK and South Africa."
• China locks down 13 million people in Xi’an after detecting 127 Covid cases - "Snap lockdown, which prompted panic in the city, comes little over a month before Beijing is set to host the Winter Olympics."
• Pillar of Shame: Hong Kong's Tiananmen Square statue removed - "A famous statue at the University of Hong Kong marking the Tiananmen Square massacre was removed late on Wednesday. Towering at 8 metres, the statue depicts a column of dozens of torn and twisted bodies with anguished faces, 'to remind us of a shameful event which must never recur,' according to its Danish sculptor Jens Galschiot."
• Hilton Salwa: The gigantic luxury hotel in the middle of nowhere - "Nothing much lies on Qatar's border with Saudi Arabia. A few sunbaked outposts and miles and miles of vast, empty desert in all directions. Then, earlier this year, something very different appeared in the middle of this nowhere: A huge, gleaming luxury hotel complex, complete with its own theme park. The Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas is clearly no ordinary hotel."
• The GQ Watch Guide 2022: 114 best men's watches to buy - "If you're currently in the market for a new timepiece, the chances are you're probably finding the sheer volume of styles, complications and brands out there a little overwhelming. So which ones are worthy of your attention (and, more importantly, your hard earned cash?). Fortunately for you, The GQ 2022 Watch Guide features the 114 best men’s watches which you should be paying attention to right now: from small British outfits such as Farer and Doxa to Swiss powerhouses Rolex, Patek Philippe and Omega."
• Rolex & Cartier tipped for best investment watches in 2022 - "Rising demand and continuing scarcity will make Rolex and Cartier two of the hottest investment watch brands in 2022, according to secondary market specialist The RealReal. Next year will be building on one of the hottest growth periods in history for the luxury watch business, leading to extreme shortages at authorised dealers and soaring prices on the grey and pre-owned markets."
• $29.5M home next to Harry and Meghan is California’s 'Palace of Versailles' - "The chateau-style estate - complete with its own bank vault and secret tunnel - is in the same neighborhood as the likes of Oprah, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Gwyneth Paltrow and Ellen Degeneres."
• A Definitive Guide To Aspen’s AprÈs-Ski Scene - "From a brand new Snow Lodge and a subversive speakeasy to slope-side sips in an Alps style ski-chalet, here’s where to après with the best them all season long."
• 5 winter wonderland escapes in Switzerland to visit now - "After traveling to more than 68 countries in search of the most inspiring and empowering places to visit, Switzerland is at the top of my list when I’m looking for a magical winter destination with jaw-dropping scenery, top hotels, resorts, and restaurants, and unparalleled winter activities."
• What to watch over the 2021 holidays - "Pass time over the break by binge-watching a few of these excellent shows."
• 6 things we discovered about ancient humans in 2021 - "Thanks to new fossil finds and analysis of ancient DNA preserved in teeth, bones and cave dirt, scientists have unearthed startling revelations about our Homo sapien forebears, and other humans that existed before - and in some cases, alongside us. Here are six of this year's most ground-breaking discoveries in human prehistory that are shaping the family tree in fascinating and unexpected ways."
• World's oldest family tree reconstructed from Stone Age tomb - "The oldest family tree in the world has been reconstructed through the analysis of ancient DNA taken from a Stone Age tomb in Britain, according to a new study published Wednesday. Researchers extracted DNA from the bones and teeth of 35 individuals buried at Hazleton North long cairn in the Cotswolds-Severn region, England. They found that 27 of them were close biological relatives and were from five continuous generations of a single extended family. The group lived around 3700-3600 BC - approximately 5,700 years ago. Researchers discovered that most of those buried in the tomb were descended from four women who had children with the same man."
• Buy now, pay later is a huge hit with shoppers. Just how dangerous is it? - "Tens of millions of people have used buy now, pay later services. Some companies operating in the $100 billion industry charge interest on purchases, and others levy late fees, but they all offer a crucial improvement over traditional layaway: shoppers can immediately take ownership of their purchases."
• The 15 Best AirPods Accessories You Can Buy in 2021 - "Nowadays, you’d be hard-pressed to find a handful of people walking down your local street that don’t own a pair of Apple’s flagship wireless earphones, and the same applies to their pro-iteration or maxed-out over-ears. Moreover, spending well over $150 on something so fragile and not doing everything in your power to refrain from damaging it is simply ludicrous. As the same applies to each of Apple’s other gadgets, countless companies have had their hand in mindfully crafting accessories to protect your AirPods. Furthermore, it’s only fitting that we provide a mindful breakdown of the best ones on the market, so take a look for yourself at the best AirPods accessories below and remember to protect your pods."
• How to avoid damaging your iPhone's battery health - "You may be irreparably harming your iPhone's battery. Here are some everyday actions to avoid to help prolong your battery's health."
• Apple Watch needs to steal this feature from Oura & Fitbit - "Apple Watch's Activity Rings track your fitness, but Oura's and Fitbit's readiness scores go a bit further."
• LumaFusion is Apple's App of the Year, coming to Chrome OS - "The best hope for Chromebook video editing is now Apple's iPad App of the Year."
• What is Wordle? The new viral word game delighting the internet - "A pleasant little daily brainteaser, Wordle is a simple, shareable word guessing game that is gaining popularity on Twitter."
• Dirty Harry at 50: Clint Eastwood’s seminal, troubling 70s antihero - "The off-the-leash cop archetype was cemented with Don Siegel’s taut, provocative thriller that neither condemns or condones extreme measures."
• Why bitcoin is worse than a Madoff-style Ponzi scheme - "A Ponzi scheme is a zero-sum enterprise. But bitcoin is a negative-sum phenomenon that you can’t even pursue a claim against, argues Robert McCauley."
• How Shein beat Amazon at its own game & reinvented fast fashion - "By connecting China’s garment factories with western gen-Z customers, Shein ushered in a new era of ‘ultra-fast’ shopping."

December 22, 2021

• Case drop may show South Africa’s omicron peak has passed - "South Africa’s noticeable drop in new COVID-19 cases in recent days may signal that the country’s dramatic omicron-driven surge has passed its peak, medical experts say."
• Israel set to offer fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine to people over 60 - "Israel announced on Tuesday that it will offer a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to people older than 60, amid concern about the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus."
• Omicron: South African scientists probe link between variants & untreated HIV - "South African scientists - hailed for their discovery of Omicron - are investigating the 'highly plausible hypothesis' that the emergence of new Covid-19 variants could be linked, in some cases, to mutations taking place inside infected people whose immune systems have already been weakened by other factors, including, though not limited to, untreated HIV."
• Australia tests nasal spray against covid - "Australian researchers are conducting a trial to see whether squirting a blood thinner into the nose could offer protection against Covid."
• WHO’s Europe chief says ‘another storm coming’ as Omicron takes hold - "Hans Kluge advocates widespread boosters and warns Covid surge could push health systems to the brink."
• Covid Omicron: European nations reinstate restrictions - "European leaders are reinstating coronavirus restrictions as the new Omicron variant continues to spread through the continent."
• 94TH OSCARS SHORTLISTS IN 10 AWARD CATEGORIES ANNOUNCED - "Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, International Feature Film, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Music (Original Song), Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film, Sound and Visual Effects." The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
• How climate change has altered Christmas - "While Hollywood's depiction of a white Christmas might be the northern hemisphere ideal, for many around the world the holiday is celebrated in very different weather. But, climate change is threatening both winter wonderlands and warmer Christmas traditions."
• No mountain high enough: study finds plastic in ‘clean’ air - "Microplastics from Africa and North America found airborne in French Pyrenees, 2,877 metres above sea level."
• 11 GREAT SHOWS FROM 2021 TO STREAM ON NETFLIX - "A handy guide for finding the best stuff released this year."
• Lossless audio streaming: Is it worth it? - "With an increase in audio quality, you can expect to pay a bit more than your usual monthly fee, which begs the question: Is lossless audio streaming worth it? The short answer is a definite yes if you can afford it. The long answer is a little more convoluted. If you love your music and getting the most out of your favourite artists, then stick around as we dig a little deeper."
• One Of The World’s Most Luxurious Hotel Brands Is Launching A Superyacht - "Emerging like something out of a covert mission in a James Bond film, luxury hotel brand Aman has announced plans to launch a brand new super yacht. Currently going by the codename: ‘Project Sama,’ this will officially mark the first at-sea hospitality offering by the brand and it’s slated to go into service in 2025."
• The year's most unlikely fashion trend? - "We're wearing Ugg boots... again?"
• Perfectly preserved baby dinosaur discovered curled up inside its egg - "The 70-million-year-old fossil preserves the embryonic skeleton of an oviraptorid dinosaur, which has been nicknamed Baby Yingliang after the name of the Chinese museum which houses the fossil. Baby dinosaur bones are small and fragile and are only very rarely preserved as fossils, making this a very lucky find, said Darla Zelenitsky, an associate professor in the department of geoscience at the University of Calgary in Canada."
• The secret lives of Ghislaine Maxwell & Jeffrey Epstein - "New photos presented as evidence during Ghislaine Maxwell's trial document the close relationship between her and Epstein and offer a glimpse into their lavish lifestyle."
• Oscar Wilde’s former street named the most expensive in England - "The average house price on Tite Street in Chelsea is £28.9m, says mortgage lender Halifax."
• Williams driver Nicholas Latifi reveals death threats followed F1 season finale - "The Williams driver Nicholas Latifi has revealed he has received death threats in the wake of Formula One’s controversial season finale. The Canadian has been subjected to abuse after his crash at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix sparked a chaotic end to the title race."
• DuckDuckGo offers a first look at its desktop web browser - "It's promising to bring the 'privacy, speed and simplicity' of its mobile app to computers."
• Stop Closing Apps on Your iPhone - "If you constantly close apps on your iPhone while attempting to speed things up or save battery life, you’re doing the opposite and making your iPhone perform worse. Here’s why."
• The Best Features to Make Your Apple Watch Faster at Doing Everyday Tasks - "These tweaks will make it easier to switch between apps, silence or decline calls, and more."

December 21, 2021

• WHO chief warns over festive gatherings: ‘An event cancelled is better than a life cancelled’ - "Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says Omicron is infecting people who have been vaccinated and could double its infections every 1.5 to three days."
• Omicron is now dominant Covid-19 variant in US, officials say - "Variant accounted for 73% of new infections last week, nearly a six-fold increase within a week."
• Moderna says booster produces strong antibody response to Omicron - "Pharmaceuticals firm says third dose of its Covid vaccine increases antibodies against variant by 37-fold."
• CDC moves 8 places, including the world's No. 2 destination, to its highest travel risk level - "In its weekly update of Covid-19 travel advisories, the CDC advised against travel to tourist favorite Spain at this time. In 2019, Spain received more international visitors than nearly every other nation in the world, except France, according to figures from the UN's World Tourism Organization."
• Why the mask mandate on planes is good for business - "Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly stirred up some controversy Wednesday when he suggested that wearing masks on planes did little to prevent the spread of Covid. Two days later Southwest disclosed that Kelly, who was not wearing a mask at the hearing, had tested positive for Covid."
• Elon Musk says he will pay more than $11bn in tax this year - "Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and the chief executive of the electric car company Tesla, has said he will pay more than $11bn in tax this year - which could be a record amount of annual tax paid by a single person."
• Princess Haya: The princess, the sheikh & the £550m divorce settlement - "It's described as the biggest divorce case in British legal history - a settlement of more than £500m involving the billionaire ruler of Dubai and his estranged wife."
• The tourist attractions you can't visit in 2022 - "While many of the world's most popular tourist destinations are expected to reopen to travelers in 2022, there are still some places that will be off-limits. Some of these iconic spots are undergoing construction or upgrades that will make them even better when they do reopen, while others are doing the tourism equivalent of sailing off into the sunset for good."
• Vogue’s 12 Best-Dressed Women of 2021 - "There have been some truly memorable fashion moments this year; from Amanda Gorman’s Prada headband to Kim Kardashian’s haute Balenciaga morph suit. But when it comes to consistently delivering smash hits, these are the women you can always rely on. Despite uncertain times, Zendaya managed to out-gown everyone, Lady Gaga redefined Old Hollywood style with her stripper boots, and Angelina Jolie became a vintage influencer. Here, the 12 stars who decorated our days with really good fashion."
• The shock of the chic: 100 years of Vogue Paris - in pictures - "Surreal photography, glamorous models and the highest of French fashion - for 100 years, Vogue Paris has set the agenda in style. Here are some legendary spreads and covers."
• The Forbes 2021 All-Star Eateries In New York - "The best thing for the future of Big Apple restaurants is the city’s new mayor, Eric Adams, who actually likes the industry and delights in dining out."
• World's First-ever SMS Wishing ‘Merry Christmas' Up for Auction as an NFT - "The short message, consisting of just 15 letters, reads 'Merry Christmas' and was sent to Vodafone's director in December 1992."
• West Side Story: Have we witnessed the death of the Hollywood remake? - "Meagre turnout for West Side Story shows that these days, the way to cash in on intellectual property is via sequels and reboots."
• Why people are proposing with 'imperfect' diamonds - "Colored gemstones and 'imperfect' diamonds: Non-traditional engagement rings are here to stay."
• 20 astonishing facts about the A380 superjumbo - "Beloved by passengers for its spaciousness and comfort, but disliked by airlines because of its running costs, the Airbus A380 has already entered its sunset years, even though it debuted commercially just 14 years ago. Whether you plan to catch a flight on an A380 while you still have the chance or not, here's our pick of the 20 most interesting facts about this unique aircraft."
• In 2021, billionaires headed to the stars - "Unfortunately, they all came back 30 minutes later."
• Gun purchases accelerated in the US from 2020 to 2021, study reveals - "More than 5 million adults became first-time gun owners between January 2020 and April 2021 compared to 2.4 million in 2019."
• Best Coffee Subscription Boxes We've Savored - "These services deliver freshly roasted, delicious coffee right to your door - each with its own twist." WIRED.

December 20, 2021

• Pfizer executives say Covid could become endemic by 2024 - "Covid will become an endemic disease as early as 2024, Pfizer executives said Friday, meaning the virus will transition from a global emergency to a constant presence causing regional outbreaks across the world - much like the flu."
• Christmas travel will fuel spread of Omicron, warns Dr. Fauci - "Christmas travel will increase the spread of the Omicron Covid-19 variant, even among the fully vaccinated, the top US infectious disease expert says."
• Highly vaccinated countries thought they were over the worst. Denmark says the pandemic’s toughest month is just beginning - "In a country that tracks the spread of coronavirus variants as closely as any in the world, the signals have never been more concerning. Omicron positives are doubling nearly every two days. The country is setting one daily case record after another. The lab analyzing positive tests recently added an overnight shift just to keep up. And scientists say the surge is just beginning."
• As Omicron looms, here are 5 ways to ease anxiety - "Besides getting vaccinated, masking and taking care of our health needs, we can't control much about the pandemic - or the other things making us anxious. But there are things we can do about our responses to these events. Here are five science-based strategies to reduce anxiety and help you find grounding amid the storm."
• Global supply chain crisis could last another two years, warn experts - "As some bottlenecks ease others are just starting, meaning the post-pandemic economy ‘won’t return to normal any time soon’."
• Do they know it’s Christmas? Santa events around the world - in pictures - "From the Madrid Santa run to the Weymouth Chase the Pudding race, people don Father Christmas outfits to mark the festive season."
• Retiring Boomers, not lazy Millennials, are driving the labor shortage - "Early retirement - whether forced by the pandemic or made possible otherwise - is having a huge impact on the labor market. And data show that retiring boomers, far more than 'lazy' millennials, are the biggest force behind the labor shortage."
• What 'Succession' got right about 2021 - "In 2021, happiness has too often seemed like a 'finite pie.' The year began with an attack on the US Capitol and ended with surges of Covid-19 in a pandemic that refuses to release its hold on us."
• If Bullets Don’t Kill The Next James Bond, Political Correctness Will - "Revelations that the next Bond could be non-binary have left fans scratching their heads."
• What actually is the metaverse? - "From virtual versions of ourselves to augmented reality, big brands like Meta (formerly Facebook) and Microsoft are creating technology to develop the metaverse. But what actually is it? The BBC's technology correspondent Marc Cieslak breaks it down."
• How much indoor air pollution do we produce when we take a shower? - "Chemicals that evaporate from personal care products are among pollutants that form ozone in summer smogs."
• Doughnuts: The fried treat that conquered the modern world - "Doughnuts travelled to the US with Dutch settlers and became a much-loved national snack - despite their invention as a hunger-busting austerity food."
• 6 biggest lessons about work from 2021 - "The workplace is now ... different, to say the least. The biggest lessons we’ve learned about the world of work in 2021 are at once stark and exciting."
• Use iOS 15's Built-in Authenticator as a Secure 2FA Method for All Your Accounts - "Most websites and apps support two-factor authentication (2FA), which adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requesting another form of identification beyond username and password. The second factor can be a recovery code, physical security key, or one-time password (OTP) that only you can access, even if someone else has your password. This process is easier than ever thanks to iOS 15."
• How are Rome's monuments still standing? - "Nearly 2,000 years on, how are the Colosseum and the Pantheon still standing despite earthquakes, floods and military conflicts?"
• New head of Unesco world heritage centre wants to put Africa on the map - "Lazare Eloundou Assomo wants to address imbalance that benefits rich nations and protect sites threatened by climate crisis and war."

December 19, 2021

• Covid surges threaten festivities worldwide, as China's biggest holiday is upended for a third year - "As the rapid spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant looms across parts of the globe and the Delta variant remains dominant - for now - in others, the Covid-19 pandemic is again threatening holiday celebrations for millions. Several European cities have already canceled firework displays ringing in 2022 and some countries are reimposing restrictions, while Chinese families face the prospect of their third Lunar New Year spent apart."
• WHO says Omicron in 89 countries & spreading rapidly - "Cases doubling every 1.5 to three days if there is community transmission but clinical severity of variant unknown."
• Is there any good news at all on Omicron? Yes, there are small signs of hope - "Scientists are only starting to understand new Covid mutation but there is encouraging news from the laboratory, South Africa and on antiviral drugs."
• Why Biden didn't mince his words to the unvaccinated - "Biden admin eyes a potentially stark shift in messaging around ending the pandemic."
• Nuclear energy scares people. The climate crisis is giving it another chance - "Nuclear energy currently accounts for about 10% of the world's electricity production. In some countries, the share is even larger. The United States and the United Kingdom generate roughly 20% of their electricity from nuclear energy. In France, it's 70%, according to the World Nuclear Association."
• What’s the Winter Solstice, Anyway? - "Here’s what happens on the longest night of the year - in the solar system and across different cultures here on Earth."
• From 6.2 million international visitors to 45. Thanks, 2021 - "Back in 2019, the Indonesian island of Bali welcomed around 6.2 million international arrivals. This year, they've logged 45."
• Louis Vuitton Unites With LEGO To Build a Birthday Cake Celebrating House Founder - "Louis Vuitton has united with LEGO to celebrate the 200th birthday of the renowned luxury house’s founder, Louis Vuitton. The unique birthday cake creation was made using 31,700 bricks in an array of colors with specific customizations from a group of children using LEGO DOTS. Highlights of the cake include Vuitton’s face made from white, black, lavender and pink LEGO bricks and DOTS, in addition to Vuitton’s first name and several three-dimensional flowers. The cake is enclosed in a specially designed Louis Vuitton trunk with a cobalt blue-lined interior and drawers to store the thousands of LEGO pieces."
• Why festive gatherings can be so toxic - "Christmas is a time of love, warmth - and often, huge family arguments. Here's how to decode the primal forces that can cause painful rows, and enjoy a more peaceful season."
• Keanu Reeves on poetry, grief & making the most of every minute - "He is one of Hollywood’s hardest working and well-liked actors. As the next instalment of his epic Matrix series hits the big screen, Tom Lamont meets the famously thoughtful star."
• A Clockwork Orange at 50: Stanley Kubrick’s biggest, boldest provocation - "The controversial 1971 adaptation of Anthony Burgess’s button-pushing novel remains both utterly repellent and utterly compelling."
• Richard Rogers, groundbreaking architect, Obituary - "Lord Rogers of Riverside obituary. Architect whose radically innovative buildings included the Pompidou Centre and the Lloyd’s of London building."
• GM delivers its first Hummer EV - "The 'supertruck' kicks off GM's next EV wave."

December 18, 2021

• Pfizer vaccine fails to produce expected immunity in young kids - "Vaccine maker Pfizer said Friday that trials of its vaccine in children ages 2 to 5 show that it did not provide the expected immunity in kids this age, and it is adding a third dose to the regimen."
• T-cells in Pfizer Covid jab recipients stay robust against severe illness - "Research in South Africa raises hopes that similar responses may be present with other vaccines."
• What can the world learn from countries where Omicron is surging? - "South Africa, the United Kingdom and Denmark are three of the countries where the Omicron variant is now surging, less than a month after it was first detected."
• ‘It’s a fraught moment’: Omicron puts brakes on US return-to-office plans - "Employers are pausing efforts to call remote workers back in amid a renewed push for strikes and unionization."
• Omicron spreading at lightning speed - French PM - "The Omicron variant is 'spreading at lightning speed' in Europe and will likely become dominant in France by the start of next year, French Prime Minister Jean Castex has warned."
• 2021 Forbes Holiday Cocktail Guide - "Simple recipes for 11 festive drinks - and one punch that packs a punch - from award-winning bartenders around the world."
• Anti-5G necklaces found to be radioactive - "Necklaces and accessories claiming to 'protect' people from 5G mobile networks have been found to be radioactive."
• Julia Roberts crashed George Clooney's appearance on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' - "Julia Roberts delivered the ultimate photo bomb while George Clooney was appearing virtually on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'"
• Chris Noth Accused of Sexual Assault by Third Woman, Actor Denies Allegation as 'Bad Fiction' - "On Friday the actor was also dropped by his talent agency, PEOPLE confirms."
• Ricky Gervais on offence, anger & infuriating Hollywood: ‘You have to provoke. It’s a good thing’ - "He has made a career out of winding people up in everything from The Office to his Golden Globes speeches - but is the comedian’s bark worse than his bite?"
• Tim Dowling: I’m on my hands & knees, teaching our new cat old tricks - "Instructing our kitten to use the cat flap was hard enough ... even before it was terrified by two foxes having very loud sex."
• Is Wi-Fi 6 worth the upgrade? - "Considering making the jump to the latest Wi-Fi standard?"
• The best apps to turn your iPhone into a document scanner - "Even in the era of working from home, many people likely don't have a traditional scanner in their home office. If you fall into that camp, these apps can probably save you from needing to buy one. Scanners used to be an essential piece of office equipment - and scanning or digitizing documents is still an important task for many workers. Even if you don't need to scan anything for work, saving a copy of receipts, legal forms, and other documents is a smart way to keep your life organized. However, these days, smartphone-based scanner apps are good enough to take the place of scanners for the average user."
• How to make your large iPhone more comfortable to use one handed - "I’ve been increasingly frustrated with my iPhone 13 Pro Max. It had been a while since I used a phone this size, but when the new phones were released in September I figured I’d just go all out. I loved it at first, but carrying around a phone this big has started to irk me. The flat sides are uncomfortable to hold in one hand, and reaching things up top requires two hands most of the time. I wavered over the idea of switching to a smaller iPhone, but I don’t want to give up the real estate or ProMotion. So I found a ton of ways to make using an iPhone this size much easier."
• How to use focus modes to put a heart, smiley face, fire symbol & more in your iPhone’s status bar - "There’s a new iPhone customization trend where users are using Apple’s new focus modes to put an icon of their choice in their status bar. One of the core features of focus is the ability to set a specific icon for identifying when you have a particular mode enabled. Focus modes can be complicated to set up, but if you just want to show a fun icon in your status bar, it’s fairly simple."
• How to AirPlay content to your Mac using macOS Monterey - "One of the neat ways macOS Monterey upgrades Apple desktops and notebooks is turning them into AirPlay targets. Follow along for how to AirPlay to Mac including what hardware works with the new feature and how to enable it with older devices."
• Tested: MagSafe charging speed versus Qi, USB-C & USB-A - "We put Apple's MagSafe charger to test to see how fast it truly is, and see how it compares to USB-C, Qi, and USB-A. Even this long after MagSafe's introduction, there are questions, theories, and rituals that users have, regarding wireless versus wired charging. Evaluating the combinations is simple, and the answer of which is best depends very much on any given user's situation and hardware."
• Forget Maria, West Side Story is a love letter to belts - "Steven Spielberg's reimagining of the 1961 classic West Side Story is sumptuous and sad, but it was the excellent waist cinching that really captured our style director's attention."
• How do you build a brand new Bentley Blower? - "Top Gear gets its fingernails dirty on a production line like no other, as Bentley makes a dozen new 1920s racecars."
• Twenty photographs of the week - "The volcano on La Palma, tornadoes in Kentucky, Covid-19 in South Africa and surfing big waves in Portugal: the most striking images from around the world this week."

December 17, 2021

• How Do You Even Calculate COVID-19 Risk Anymore? - "Vaccines and boosters are widely available, but COVID-19 continues to spread. Here's how to decide what's safe to do right now." TIME Magazine.
• The global Covid divide: Which countries rolled out vaccines faster - and why - "Outside of a country’s wealth, there are a number of factors that have been associated with slower and faster Covid-19 vaccine rollouts."
• Warmer winters can wreak as much havoc as hotter summers, say scientists - "Warmer winters are happening across the globe, and can be drivers of catastrophic weather events and profound changes."
• Global demand for coal could hit all-time high in 2022 - "Electricity from coal plants has risen by 9% this year to fuel economic recovery from Covid, says watchdog."
• Ten years of Kim Jong Un - "The pandemic forced Kim Jong Un into retreat. The world should brace for his resurgence."
• Rollercoasters, horses & weight loss: 10 years of Kim Jong-un image politics - "As North Korea marks the 10th anniversary of the death of Kim Jong-il, we look at how official portraits of his son and successor have sought to portray him as both increasingly authoritative and popular."
• We just hit the biggest reset button in history - "In a tumultuous year, writers at CNN Opinion made sense of seismic political and social events and pointed the way toward a better future. Here are 40 of the most popular, intriguing and insightful pieces of 2021."
• How billionaires pay less tax than you - "Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and other billionaires employ special strategies to avoid paying income tax, say experts. The 'Buy Borrow Die' mantra is a common practice among many of the ultra-wealthy."
• ‘Omni is everywhere’: why do so many people struggle to say Omicron? - "The error is to be expected, say linguists, as we don’t often have cause to introduce novel words to our vernacular as adults."
• Billions of Wi-Fi & Bluetooth devices vulnerable to password & data theft attacks - "A new research paper has been published revealing that an attacker can extract passwords and manipulate web traffic on a Wi-Fi chip by targeting the Bluetooth component of mobile devices featuring multiple wireless technologies. Smartphones, tablets and other modern mobile devices feature Systems on a Chip (SoC) that contain separate Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and LTE components each with their own dedicated security implication. However, these components often share many of the same resources like a device's antenna or wireless spectrum."
• How the turkey conquered Christmas - "How a strange bird from Mexico became a Christmas staple. For centuries, pickled boar's head was considered to be the most festive meat. How did this gruesome dish become sidelined in favour of an exotic bird from Mexico?"
• The last ever A380 superjumbo is delivered to Emirates - "The huge double-deck aircraft, call sign A6-EVS, arrived in London on Thursday and will soon be entering into commercial service. The last A380 is also the 123rd A380 to join Emirates, while other carriers, including British Airways and Singapore Airlines, also still operate superjumbos in their fleet."
• The world's most spacious airplane seats revealed - "How to find the world's roomiest airplane seats. One of the greatest luxuries when we fly is space: the space to stretch out, relax, work and sleep while flying seven miles above the Earth at nearly the speed of sound. These days, that's international business class, with fully-flat beds longer than most people are tall. But some are roomier than others. So which airline will give you the biggest bang for your buck?"
• The best TV shows of 2021 - "From Squid Game to Succession, Ted Lasso, Mare of Easttown and Maid, Hugh Montgomery, Amy Charles and Eddie Mullan pick the year’s greatest programmes to binge right now."
• 50 best TV shows of 2021 - "The Top 10 countdown is whittling down the competition. In at No 4, the third series found a totally new gear, moving from captivating to supernova."
• 9 reasons to visit Chengdu when China reopens - "There are hundreds of worthy destinations in the country catering to all tastes. Appearing arguably at the top of that list is Chengdu, the capital of southwestern Sichuan province and the perfect jumping off point for those in search of a mix of stunning natural scenery, wildlife - it's the panda capital of the world, of course - and some of the most incredible food on the planet."
• Audemars Piguet Makes Its Mark In Luxury Hospitality - "Following on from the June 2020 launch of the architecturally impressive Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet in Switzerland’s Vallée de Joux, the Le Brassus based watchmaker is on track to opening its new hotel neighboring this museum and the company headquarters in March 2022. Like the museum encompassing a spiral-shaped pavilion, Hôtel des Horlogers will exhibit the architectural design of prominent Danish architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). The -'watchmakers hotel' will lie adjacent to the museum with a Z-shaped structure that’s integrated into the undulating landscape with sloping roofs providing direct access to the countryside and cross-country ski slopes."
• Search warrant issued for Alec Baldwin's phone in connection with 'Rust' shooting - "Officials are looking to obtain messages, call logs, digital photos and videos as well as any private messages sent on social media platforms in relation to the production of 'Rust,' the warrant said. It also looks to obtain any deleted videos, photos and messages on the phone that have to do with the movie."
• NFTs market hits $22bn as craze turns digital images into assets - "Critics of non-fungible tokens say they are symptomatic of unsustainable digital gold rush."
• The sexy side of British caravanning - "The UK's tiny 'dream homes' on wheels. While 'vanlife' is far better established in the US, on British shores the trend retains the enthusiastic camaraderie and frontier spirit of a new movement."
• New Lexus EV Supercar Will Be Faster Than Tesla Model S Plaid - "In a bold plan to launch 30 new EVs by 2030, produce 3.5 million EVs a year globally by 2030 and invest $18 billion into next-generation battery development, Toyoda introduced the flagship of the luxury brand range - the Lexus Electrified Sport Concept (LES) - saying that it could do zero to 60-mph in just 2.0 seconds. That means it would out-accelerate the Tesla Model S Plaid and the Porsche Taycan Turbo S."
• US Treasury claims DJI assists Chinese surveillance of Uyghurs and blocks investments - "The Treasury put the drone maker and seven other companies on its Chinese Military-Industrial Complex list."

December 16, 2021

• What Covid taught us about racism & what we need to do now - "We were told coronavirus didn’t discriminate, but it didn’t need to - society had already done that for us. But there is a path to a fairer future if we want it."
• This security flaw could impact the entire internet - "The Log4j security flaw could impact the entire internet. Here's what you should know."
• How to protect yourself from hackers - "CNN's Samuel Burke walks you through the steps you can take to protect yourself from being hacked."
• Love is in the air: Last A380 superjumbo leaves message in sky - "The world's largest passenger airliner made its last pre-delivery flight on December 13, taking off from Airbus' facility at Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport for a tour over northeast Germany. The pilots took a very special route, marking out the outline of a heart, which was picked up by flight-tracking service FlightRadar24."
• iOS 15.2 brings back Sir commands that were removed in iOS 15.0 - "The newly released iOS 15.2 update has revived previously removed Siri commands for voicemail, recent calls and email, frequently used by low vision and blind owners."
• The 10 most expensive superyachts sold in 2021 - "With talks of a boom in superyacht sales continuing to echo throughout the industry, 2021 has been one of the best years for superyacht sales with more than 1,000 yachts sold. While each of these add to the current strength of the superyacht sales market, some yachts stick out for their extravagant price tags. Here, we round up the 10 most expensive superyachts sold in 2021."
• US releases 1,500 documents about JFK assassination inquiry - "Cables, memos and other documents shed light on Lee Harvey Oswald’s Soviet and Cuban embassy visits."
• Inside The Hypercars Exhibit At The Petersen Automotive Museum - "Looking for a Los Angeles classic that takes you a step further than the average museum day? A ticket to the city’s Petersen Automotive Museum is your key to an exclusive experience worlds away from a traditional gallery crawl, especially right now. For those with a penchant for the extreme, this month marks the opening of Petersen Automotive Museum’s most talked about exhibition of the year. The Hypercars: Allure of the Extreme showcase, open to the public until September 2022, brings together some of the world’s newest automotive marvels, all in one sleek space on Los Angeles’ Wilshire Boulevard."
• Where One Expert Thinks James Bond's Missing 'Goldfinger' Aston Martin Is Today - "The Goldfinger Aston Martin has been missing for 20 years."
• Drink think: Why expectation is alcohol's most potent mixer - "People's prior beliefs about alcohol can strongly influence how they act when intoxicated - and even change their behaviour when they're sober, writes David Robson."
• How to make the perfect vegetarian wellington - recipe - "This stand-alone dish has the wow factor to cut it for the most special of occasions."
• “It’s not rocket science” & “It’s not brain surgery” - “It’s a walk in the park”: prospective comparative study - "To compare cognitive testing scores in neurosurgeons and aerospace engineers to help settle the age old argument of which phrase - “It’s not brain surgery” or “It’s not rocket science” - is most deserved."

December 15, 2021

• ‘A terrible tragedy’: US passes 800,000 Covid deaths - highest in the world - "Figure deemed doubly heartbreaking amid widespread availability of vaccines, as WHO warns Omicron is spreading at unprecedented rate."
• Omicron spreading at unprecedented rate, WHO says - "The new coronavirus variant Omicron is spreading across the globe at an unprecedented rate, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned. Cases of the heavily mutated variant have been confirmed in 77 countries."
• Pfizer says pill is effective in protecting against severe disease from Covid - "Experimental antiviral pill Paxlovid is also effective against the Omicron variant, company announces."
• Billie Eilish: I would have died from Covid-19 if I hadn’t been vaccinated - "The pop star told Howard Stern that she had the virus in August: ‘I want it to be clear that it is because of the vaccine I’m fine’."
• Rising From the Antarctic, a Climate Alarm - "Wilder winds are altering currents. The sea is releasing carbon dioxide. Ice is melting from below." The New York Times.
• Amazon’s plastic waste soars by a third amid pandemic, report finds - "Online retailer disputes figures showing it produced 270,000 tonnes of packaging last year, with about 10,000 tonnes likely to end up in seas."
• Who will pay for the damage caused by climate change? - "Talking about who is responsible for climate change is a fraught debate - even more so when it comes to who ought to pay for the damage it causes."
• iOS 15.2 - Update Now Warning Issued To All iPhone Users - "Apple’s iOS 15.2 has finally arrived, along with some great new iPhone features. But the iOS 15.2 update also comes with fixes for a whopping 42 security vulnerabilities, some of which are serious. Apple doesn’t tend to provide much detail about security fixes, to allow as many people to update their iPhones as possible before attackers can strike. However, some details on the iOS 15.2 security updates are now available on Apple’s support page. Among the vulnerabilities fixed in iOS 15.2 is an issue in the Kernel, which could see a malicious application able to execute arbitrary code with Kernel privileges. The iOS 15.2 update contains fixes for some 'pretty severe software flaws,' says Sean Wright, SME security lead at Immersive Labs."
• Copenhagen: Europe's new capital of cool - Brightly colored buildings contrast with pale Scandinavian stone, locals bike along cobbled streets and the sun bounces off the water that slices the city. Welcome to Copenhagen. A big city of 1.3 million in a small country of just 5.6 million, Denmark's capital is the hottest place in Europe right now and - spoiler alert - it isn't down to the weather. The easy everyday life of Scandinavia combined with Nordic style, world-class food, and a safe, clean, green environment makes Copenhagen just as 'wonderful' as the Danny Kaye song always said.
• Logan Roy Is An American - "The Season 3 finale of Succession ended the way that anyone who has paid more than a little bit of attention to the show should have expected it to end - with Logan Roy screaming, 'Fuck off!' and 'I fucking win!' while his stupid, talentless, doomed children cry in front of him."
• O.J. Simpson is once again a free man - "O.J. Simpson was granted an early parole discharge last week, according to a statement from the Nevada Department of Public Safety. Simpson had been on parole after being released from prison in 2017 for a Las Vegas kidnapping and armed robbery in 2007."
• how to use app privacy report in the ios 15.2 - "Apple in the iOS 15.2 beta introduced App Privacy Report, a feature that was first shown off at WWDC. App Privacy Report is designed to provide users with information on how often apps are accessing sensitive info provided to them through privacy permissions, such as location, contacts, camera, microphone, and photos."
• Adding holiday cheer to your iPhone home screen with widgets - "Widgetsmith is one of the best apps you can add to your iOS home screen to customize every aspect of it. One of my favorite aspects of it is setting up time-based widgets to automatically rotate during the day. I have one on my home screen that has the weather until 7 a.m., then my calendar until 5 p.m., and then switches a family photo that overlays the weather. If you want to customize your home screen, there’s no better app. Since it’s the Christmas season, there are a number of options inside of Widgetsmith to give your widgets some Christmas flare."
• The semi-lucid dream trick: how to unlock your creative genius - without really trying - "A new study suggests interrupted hypnagogia, a technique beloved of Salvador Dalí and Thomas Edison, can boost creativity."
• The most unusual & eye-catching airplane seat designs - "A stand-up airplane seat, an overhead locker that's converted into a bed and a double-decker airplane cabin. These are some of the most eye-catching - and unusual - airplane seat designs to crop up in recent years, aiming to revolutionize the inflight experience."
• Nike buys virtual sneaker maker to sell digital shoes in the metaverse - "Nike said on Monday it had bought virtual sneaker company RTFKT for an undisclosed sum, as the sportswear giant looks to quickly expand its footprint in the fast-growing 'metaverse.' Last month, Nike (NKE) became one of the first big brands to enter the shared virtual world that gained prominence after Facebook recently rebranded itself to Meta Platforms (FB). In such blockchain-based environments, users can buy virtual land and other digital assets such as clothing for avatars in the form of a crypto asset called a non-fungible token (NFT)."
• A Matter of Life and Death: The most life-affirming film - "Now celebrating its 75th anniversary, A Matter of Life and Death still finds new fans. Gregory Wakeman looks at how a wartime propaganda film became a cinematic classic."
• Magnus Carlsen may opt against world chess defence due to lack of motivation - "Magnus Carlsen says he is ready to shock the chess world by giving up his world championship title – because defending it no longer motivates him. The five-time world champion retained the classical title in emphatic style in Dubai last week, crushing his Russian challenger Ian Nepomniachtchi 7½-3½, but now says he has other priorities."
• Lewis Hamilton is knighted by Prince Charles at Windsor Castle - "Arise, Sir Lewis! F1 ace Hamilton is knighted by Prince Charles at Windsor Castle days after historic eighth world title win slipped from his grasp in controversial last lap overtake. The Formula One ace, 36, was awarded the honour by Prince Charles today. Hamilton, a seven time world champion, was knighted for services to motorsport."
• 2021 Forbes Holiday Gift Guide - "An A-To-Z List Of Letter-Perfect Presents."
• I challenged Tom Cruise to send me two of his special cakes for Christmas. Did he deliver? Of course he did - "Every Christmas, the actor sends an extreme white chocolate coconut gateaux to close friends - by private jet, it turns out. This year, those friends include me. Twice."
• Rambling with Dolly Parton & meditative strolls: the best podcasts for walks - "From a trip down memory lane with celebs to adventures in remote Scotland: if you’re looking for company on your next walk, there’s a podcast for that."
• Patek Philippe Pumps Up The Volume On Its Minute Repeaters With New High-Tech Amplification System - "As if to remind us there is more to this elite brand than pretty dials on iconic steel watches, Patek Philippe is launching a revolutionary new sound amplification and diffusion system for its chiming watches. In layman’s terms: It’s like putting the minute repeater on stereo. In fact, the system was inspired by the way an old-fashioned phonograph works. The key component is a small, suspended wafer made of sapphire crystal poised on the end of a tuning fork-like suspension. The crystal disk vibrates and sends the sound back down the fork and along a titanium ring that carries the sound outside the case. The result? It powers up the volume of a minute repeater by six times its usual rate. A chiming watch using the new system sounds the same at 60 meters as a classic minute repeater does from 10 meters says Patek Philippe. It is launching today in a 15-piece limited edition as Ref. 5750P. Price upon request."

December 14, 2021

• Apple releases iOS 15.2 with App Privacy Report, Digital Legacy & more - "The update we’ve heard about for so long is finally here."
• Apple now lets you choose contacts who can access your account when you die. Here’s how to set it up - "Until now, it’s been very difficult for loved ones to access an Apple account of a family member or friend who died. Without the phone’s passcode or iCloud information, surviving family members sometimes had to get a court order for access to a deceased loved one’s digital data. That access can be helpful if a surviving family member needs phone numbers, emails, passwords, notes and other information."
• Apple Music's Siri-only plan is now available as iOS 15.2 rolls out - "Apple has released its latest firmware updates for iPhone and iPad. One of the more notable features Apple is adding in iOS 15.2 and iPadOS 15.2 is the Voice Plan for Apple Music. For $5 per month, subscribers can access the full library of songs, playlists and radio stations via Siri."
• Golden Globes: See full list of nominees - "Nominations for the 79th Annual Golden Globe Awards, celebrating the best in television and film, were revealed on Monday."
• US warns hundreds of millions of devices at risk from newly revealed software vulnerability - "Hundreds of millions of devices around the world could be exposed to a newly revealed software vulnerability, as a senior Biden administration cyber official warned executives from major US industries Monday that they need to take action to address 'one of the most serious' flaws she has seen in her career."
• China detects first case of Omicron coronavirus variant on the mainland - "China has detected its first case of the Omicron coronavirus variant on the mainland, posing a fresh challenge to the country's zero-Covid strategy in the lead-up to the Beijing Winter Olympics."
• Omicron is spreading fast. That's alarming even if it's mild - "The Omicron variant of coronavirus is spreading quickly in several countries where it has been discovered. Even if it causes only mild disease - and that's far from certain - that could still mean many people end up in the hospital and dying."
• Covid passports could increase vaccine uptake, study suggests - "Certification encouraged vaccination in countries with low coverage, especially among young people."
• 'Doomsday Glacier' could meet its doom within 3 years - "Thwaites Glacier is roughly the size of Florida, and holds enough ice to raise sea levels over two feet."
• Naming Elon Musk person of the year is Time’s ‘worst choice ever’, say critics - "Publication cites Tesla boss’s influence ‘for good or ill’, but accolade is criticised over billionaire’s attitude to tax, unions and Covid."
• How Elon Musk Built His Fortune & Became the Richest Private Citizen in the World - When eBay bought PayPal for $1.5 billion in 2002, Musk netted a $180 million mega-fortune from the deal. Musk didn't end up relaxing with all the things his new millions could buy. In 2002, he founded SpaceX with the almost ludicrous mission of colonizing Mars.
• Skyscraper at sea: The high-rise superyacht concept - "Gigantic superyachts have long been nicknamed 'floating skyscrapers,' but this new innovative concept from studio Rodriguez Design has taken that notion to an entirely new level. Measuring 110 meters, Malena is designed in the style of a high-rise apartment building, with a symmetrical superstructure consisting of balconies stretching across both sides of its decks and along the middle."
• Why we're actually in love with airplane food - "Theories on its inferiority abound. Meals are churned out in industrial kitchens near the airport. They're half-drowned in liquid (giving them a vague shot of retaining moisture) and half-frozen, before being zapped to imperfection 35,000 feet up. Spices and seasonings are used parsimoniously to appeal to easily offended palates. Cabin pressure depletes passengers' sense of smell, and therefore enjoyment - so too does the roar of the jet engines. All these theories hold water, too. But nearly two years into the Covid-19 pandemic - during which air travel has become a rare commodity - are we starting to appreciate what we had?"
• Sri Lanka shows off giant natural blue sapphire - "Sri Lankan authorities on Sunday put on show what they said was the world's largest natural corundum blue sapphire, weighing 310 kilograms (683 pounds), which was found in a gem pit about three months ago."
• AirPods 3 from an AirPods Pro user’s perspective - "Ever since I put my hands on AirPods Pro, I’ve been almost an advocate for their qualities. Not only because they fit perfectly in my ears but because I wanted to have ANC when on a bus or a plane, and the second-generation AirPods didn’t give me that. After two years of using AirPods Pro, I finally had the chance to try AirPods 3, and here are my impressions of these wireless earbuds."
• AirTags are being used to steal cars - "Apple still has a lot of work to do with safety and privacy here. According to a new report released by the York Regional Police, car thieves are using AirTags to mark, track, and steal vehicles."
• Can You Use Apple AirTags With Cats & Dogs? - "Apple designed these trackers for use on objects like wallets, keys, and backpacks. And although they don’t endorse AirTags on your furry friends, they don’t forbid you from using them that way either. If you choose to use them on your animals, you’ll find them helpful in some situations, but you’ll also run up against some significant limitations."
• Apple releases Tracker Detect to protect Android users from AirTags stalkers - "The app does not require an Apple account to use."
• iPhone charging slowly? How to fast charge your iPhone 13 - "If your shiny new iPhone 13 seems like it is charging slowly, there’s most likely a simple reason. The old 5-watt iPhone chargers will work with your new phone, but can only charge at a lower power throughput. However, a newer 20-watt charger and USB-C Lightning cable can charge your iPhone at full speed. So if you have upgraded from an older iPhone, the chances are your power brick is outdated. Here’s all the ways you can fast charge your new iPhone."
• Hands-on: Portal is an immersive Spatial Audio app for focus, sleep, or escape - "Ever since Apple announced that Spatial Audio was coming to Apple Music and all devices with an H1 or W1 chip would support it, many companies started to promote this technology. For users who have an AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, this experience is even better thanks to the dynamic head tracking feature. With that, the indie developers from Portal Labs just updated Portal, their iOS wellbeing app to take full advantage of Spatial Audio technology."

December 13, 2021

• Elon Musk named Time magazine's 2021 Person of the Year - "The richest man in the world does not own a house and has recently been selling off his fortune. He tosses satellites into orbit and harnesses the sun; he drives a car he created that uses no gas and barely needs a driver. With a flick of his finger, the stock market soars or swoons. An army of devotees hangs on his every utterance. He dreams of Mars as he bestrides Earth, square-jawed and indomitable. Lately, Elon Musk also likes to live-tweet his poops."
• Israeli study finds Pfizer COVID-19 booster protects against Omicron - "Israeli researchers said on Saturday they found that a three-shot course of the Pfizer/BioNTech (PFE.N), (22UAy.DE) COVID-19 vaccine provided significant protection against the new Omicron variant."
• Fauci urges Americans to get Covid booster as US nears 800,000 deaths - "Leading infectious diseases official warns Omicron variant appears to be able to ‘evade’ protection of two initial doses."
• Why uncontrolled HIV may be behind the emergence of Omicron - "Analysis: experts say weakened immune systems may give rise to new Covid variants - so HIV prevention could be key to stopping coronavirus."
• How the climate crisis is affecting tornadoes - "The series of tornadoes that ripped through the Midwest and the Southeast United States this weekend adds to another stretch of deadly and potentially unprecedented weather disasters this year, exacerbating the already growing economic toll brought by climate disasters across the country. Scientists say the short-lived scale of tornadoes, coupled with an extremely inconsistent and unreliable historical record, makes connecting outbreaks to long-term, human-caused climate change extremely challenging."
• US inflation hits highest level for nearly 40 years - "American shoppers, especially those on low incomes have felt the pinch of higher prices, with annual inflation at rates not seen for 40 years."
• The global economy is increasingly out of sync - "The economic recovery from the coronavirus has always been uneven, with different parts of the world bouncing back at different speeds. But this divergence could be about to get worse, creating headaches for the policymakers who have to manage what happens next."
• Vladimir Putin: I moonlighted as a taxi driver in the 1990s - "Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken of his regret at the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, revealing that he had to work as a taxi driver to supplement his income."
• What happened to our new Roaring '20s? - "With one unendurable, joyful year coming to an end and another one before us, this week we're looking back to highlight some of the top social commentary and cultural criticism that helped us look hard into the darkness, bridge the gaps between us and sometimes, take hold of the light."
• How to Guard Against Smishing Attacks on Your Phone - "'Smishing' is an attempt to collect logins or other sensitive information with a malicious text message - and it's on the rise."
• Best apps for reading PDF files on your iPad - "Reading PDFs on the iPad can be way better than what you get from Apple's Books app. These are the best apps to use for reading at PDF files on your iPad, or even your iPhone."
• The iPhone 13 Pro got a big camera upgrade - but users didn't like it - "iPhone photography inspired by oil paintings, is it?"
• Carlsen’s epochal world title triumph proves an antidote to perfection - "The game of chess itself was the ultimate winner as Carlsen and Nepomniachtchi provided a human drama in the age of supercomputers."
• No Time To Die: 10 Ways It Reinvigorated The James Bond Formula - "After some of the earlier Daniel Craig movies shook up the James Bond formula, No Time to Die was a welcome return to the franchise's traditions."
• The innovative technology that powered the Inca - "A deceptively simple feat of agricultural engineering helped the Inca to build the largest empire in South American history."
• Mary, Queen of Scots used 'spiral locking' technique to preserve secrecy of last letter before her execution - "Mary, Queen of Scots used a 'spiral locking' technique to seal the last letter she wrote before her execution, indicating that she wanted the contents to remain secret, according to research published in the Electronic British Library Journal."

December 12, 2021

• Omicron is sneaky. It could be fatal for us - or for our faith in government - "The week ahead will be pivotal as we track the spread of the new variant and discover its potential legacy."
• World's top tourist destination on 'very high' travel risk list - "Each week, many of these destinations move up and down the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's travel risk list. France, the world's top tourist destination pre-pandemic, moved into the highest-risk category on Monday. It's among seven destinations that joined the "very high" risk this week."
• The new weapon against climate change - "Why climate lawsuits are surging. Activists are increasingly suing governments and companies to take action against climate change - and winning. Could this be a turning point?"
• Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton to F1 world title on last lap in Abu Dhabi - "Verstappen overtakes champion on final lap after safety car. Hamilton had led for most of race before dramatic late twist."
• Berlin's troubled Brandenburg Airport still in crisis one year after opening - "After nearly a decade of delays and billions of euros over budget, Berlin's long-awaited airport, Berlin-Brandenburg, finally opened on October 31, 2020. But turbulence has continued for BER during its first year of operation, with a long list of problems and passenger complaints: lengthy check-in and security lines; confusing layout and signage; cramped, dirty bathrooms; and bacteria found in drinking water, just to name a few."
• Saudi film festival is a ‘whitewash’ by authorities, say critics - "Gulf regime accused of using glamour of show business to distract attention from rights abuses within the country and beyond."
• Mercedes-Benz to launch Level 3 self-driving system in 2022 after gaining regulatory approval - "Mercedes-Benz has been granted regulatory approval in Germany for a new Drive Pilot Level 3 self-driving system, the automaker said on Thursday. The basis of the approval is the internationally valid UN Regulation 157 dealing with automated lane-keep systems, meaning Mercedes will be able to offer the system internationally, provided individual countries allow it. On the SAE scale of self-driving capability, Level 3 denotes systems that allow drivers to take their hands off the wheel and eyes off the road in certain situations, but are far short of true autonomous driving as the driver still needs to be ready to take back control at any time. Mercedes said Drive Pilot will work in dense traffic on pre-mapped stretches of highway, at speeds up to 37 mph, with the system handling steering, acceleration, and braking."
• 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Gets 350-Mile EPA Range Rating - "The new Mercedes-Benz EQS flagship debuted in April 2021. We had our first drive in the luxurious electric sedan in July. Through it all, we had the European WLTP range estimate of 478 miles in our heads, wondering how much different the more stringent EPA rating would be. We expected it to be a bit lower, but we didn't expect a maximum range of 350 miles."
• Is Your Cat a Psychopath? Probably, Researchers Say - "Take this quiz to find out if you are living with a cat psychopath."
• The world according to Guido Palau, the man behind fashion’s hottest hairstyles - "The stylist and author of a book of images capturing a nation in lockdown explains how the way we wear our locks reflects the changing zeitgeist."
• Ultra-wealthy travelers are ditching traditional private jets & buying airliners - "See inside 2 airliner-turned-private-jets from Airbus and Boeing. Airbus and Boeing are selling their planes to ultra-high-net-worth individuals in addition to airlines. In 25 years of operation, Boeing has sold 250 of its Boeing Business Jets to the likes of royal families and wealthy individuals."
• Meet The Texas-Born Italian Princess Who’s Selling A $532 Million Roman Villa With A Caravaggio Ceiling - "Rita Jenrette scandalized Washington in the 1980s when, as the wife of a disgraced congressman, she posed for Playboy. After reinventing herself as a New York real estate broker and eventually marrying into Italian nobility, she’s now saying arrivederci to the historic villa that’s been in her late husband’s family for 400 years."
• Mohammed Bin Salman owns a £230m French chateau called ‘world’s most expensive house’, featuring its own aquarium - "His Chateau Louis XIV is modelled on 17th-century French castles, but was built between 2008-11 in Louveciennes, near Versailles."

December 11, 2021

• Two jabs offer little protection against Omicron infection, UK data shows - "Having two doses of a Covid vaccine offers less defence against symptomatic infection from the Omicron variant than with Delta, experts have said, although a booster jab raises protection considerably."
• These Christmas trees may improve your health - "Exposing yourself to a natural environment is known to reduce psychological stress, according to a 2018 study published in Behavioral Sciences. One study found that forest bathing reduced people's cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress."
• A Covid Christmas: top scientists on how they will navigate party season - "Covid experts explain their personal approaches to festive gatherings in face of Omicron."
• Prince William & Kate Middleton’s Family Christmas Card Is Here - "Taken during a vacation to Jordan, the image shows the Cambridges posing in a desert-esque landscape. The Duke and Duchess wear neutral olive tones, while Prince George is in a camouflage shirt. (It seems he has an affinity for the pattern.) Meanwhile, Princess Charlotte and little Prince Louis wear cheerful blue checks. They all sit together on artisanal embroidered furniture as well as what appears to be a sheepskin rug."
• Ghislaine Maxwell: Key moments in the trial so far - "Prosecutors at Ghislaine Maxwell's sex trafficking trial called her Jeffrey Epstein's 'partner in crime' as they wrapped up two weeks of testimony in federal court in New York."
• 12 incredible discoveries of 2021 - "We're often drawn to rare finds in unexpected places, as well as history-making archaeological digs that shed light on humanity's past. This year, there was no mysterious monolith in the desert to keep us on the edge of our seats, but there were some incredible finds, as tiny as an insect trail in a famous artwork and as grand as an entire city."
• Flying without wings: The world's fastest trains - "Until someone proves otherwise, high-speed rail is the most effective alternative to air travel for journeys of up to 1,100 kilometers (700 miles). Shuttling passengers between city centers at speeds of 290 kph (180 mph) or more, it offers a compelling combination of speed and convenience."
• A first look at the Orient Express trains that will return to Italy in 2023 - "The legendary rail service is making a big comeback, with six brand-new trains running all the way to Istanbul."
• There's a New Way to Book Private Jets - and It's 'Just Like Expedia' - "A new service is out to make booking a private jet as easy as calling an Uber or reserving an Airbnb. Jettly has recently launched a new booking platform that functions 'just like Expedia,' CEO Justin Crabbe says."
• 3 Luxury Goods Stocks to Buy to Pamper Your Portfolio in 2022 - "These luxury goods stocks are a trio to watch during the holiday season."
• Magnus Carlsen retains world chess title after final Ian Nepomniachtchi blunder - "The imperious Magnus Carlsen confirmed his long-held place as the best chess player on the planet on Friday by retaining the world championship with a fourth win over Ian Nepomniachtchi in the 11th encounter of their showdown in Dubai."
• How good is Sex and the City reboot? - "TV review: And Just Like That... is 'awkward' and 'clumsy'. The reboot of Sex and the City takes a dark turn. It is a 'rocky mix' of honesty and 'creaky' humour, says Caryn James."
• Peloton really wants you to know that what happened to Big isn’t because of its bike - "Peloton says it was unaware of the shocking plot point in HBO Max’s Sex and the City reboot."
• iPhone privacy features not a lot of people know about yet - "We'll walk you through four ways to boost your privacy in iOS 15 with Siri, Mail and more."
• Macworld’s must-have iPhone, iPad, Mac & Apple Watch apps - "Apple recently revealed its App Store Awards for 2021, and it’s a terrific list of apps, utilities, and games. So it got us thinking: What are our must-have apps in 2021? So if you’re looking for great software that you can use, stay tuned to this episode of the Macworld Podcast."
• How to take a scrolling screenshot on iPhone - "Taking a screenshot on your iPhone is probably second nature but what about a screenshot to capture everything on a website, PDF, email, note, or stitching together multiple screenshots? Read on for how to take a scrolling screenshot on iPhone."
• Actually, I don't think your new iPhone 13 needs a case - "I ditched my iPhone case, and here's why you should, too."
• iPhone 13 Pro 'Steve Jobs Edition' packs parts from original 2007 iPhone - "Want original iPhone components in your new iPhone 13 Pro? It'll cost you big bucks to own a piece of Apple history."
• A Jaguar V12 Engine Block Coffee Table - "This glass-topped coffee table was built using a cast aluminum alloy Jaguar V12 engine block as its base, and it measures in at 100 cm × 60 cm or 39" × 24"."
• It's not quite the metaverse, but Meta is launching its virtual world - "The company formerly known as Facebook said Thursday that Horizon Worlds, a free app for socializing in VR that has been long in the making, is now open to anyone 18 and older with a Quest 2 headset in the United States and Canada."
• The Netherlands Is Ready to Spend $198 Million to Bring a Rembrandt Self-Portrait Back Home for Good - "The painting has belonged to the French Rothschild family since 1844."
• A jury awarded the family of two drunk driving victims more than $301 billion - "After a short trial that began Monday, a jury said the family of Kindred and Anderson is entitled to just over $301 billion, according to court documents, making it the largest personal injury award in US history. Previously, the largest amount ever awarded to a family in a personal injury award was $150 billion in 2011."
• Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Enjoy The Roaring 9000RPM Redline - "Porsche wanted to keep the 718 Cayman GT4 RS a secret. Whether someone got too excited and spilled the beans during golf or someone snuck into the R&D facility in Stuttgart, information about the 718 GT4 RS came to light sooner than expected."
• Apple’s concessions in China reportedly include a secret $275 billion deal & one odd change in Maps - "Tim Cook has pushed Apple’s value within close range of $3 trillion, and a lot of that has to do with the former operations lead’s ability to manage a relationship with China, where many of its products are made and, increasingly, many of them are sold. A report this week from The Information relies on unnamed sources and internal documents to peel back some of the details about Apple’s ties with China."
• Conservators Uncover Marvelous Drawings Beneath Rembrandt’s ‘Night Watch,’ Revealing Changes He Made Along the Way - "An extended restoration project has also revealed some significant damage to the painting." artnet.

December 10, 2021

• These countries are successfully tracking Covid-19 mutations - "Genomic sequencing is crucial in the battle against the coronavirus. These countries do it well. When viruses spread through populations, they mutate. Most mutations don't significantly alter a virus' behavior, but some can be concerning. Genomic sequencing involves decoding the genetic material of a virus to spot the mutations and determine what effect they might have on the virus - for example whether they could make it more transmissible or more dangerous in terms of the severity of the illness it can cause."
• Scientists use ostrich cells to make glowing Covid detection masks - "Japanese researchers have developed masks that use ostrich antibodies to detect Covid-19 by glowing under ultraviolet light."
• How to talk to vaccine-hesitant people - "Researchers have uncovered the best way to discuss the benefits of vaccination with someone who's unsure. Here are the dos and don'ts of these tough conversations."
• Tropical forests can regenerate in just 20 years without human interference - "Study finds natural regrowth yields better results than human plantings and offers hope for climate recovery."
• How we get tree planting wrong - video - "In the face of the impending climate catastrophe, there has been a growing clamour to repopulate the trillions of trees our planet has lost over the centuries. But large-scale tree planting is not helping, and in some cases it's creating more problems for the environment. Josh Toussaint-Strauss discusses how we've been getting tree planting wrong, and what we should be doing instead to safeguard precious ecosystems and reduce greenhouse gases."
• Frosts, heatwaves & wildfires: the climate crisis is hitting the wine industry hard - "As the climate crisis intensifies, the wine industry is increasingly vulnerable and growers across the world are scrambling to find solutions."
• Rare example of Roman crucifixion unearthed in UK - "Archaeologists have unearthed what they believe is the first example of a crucifixion in northern Europe. The skeleton of a man with a nail through his heel was discovered in Fenstanton, Cambridgeshire, east England, by experts from Albion Archaeology, it was revealed Wednesday."
• Sweden reclaims place names from IKEA - "Bolmen: your toilet brush. Toftan: your trash can. Misterhult: your bamboo lamp. Those exotic-sounding names that IKEA gives your household products are familiar words to Swedish speakers - often, they're named after famous destinations. And now, the Swedish tourist board is reclaiming those names in a new marketing campaign, designed to get people knowing the elegant originals, as well as the knock-offs."
• Why ‘Bond’ Mogul Barbara Broccoli Has Earned a License to Chill - "For nearly three decades, the shockingly modest producer (and former Hollywood Reporter intern) has steered the James Bond franchise through multiple reinventions - including handpicking Daniel Craig - and now sits atop a 007 empire worth billions. Just don’t tell her she has power and influence: 'I’m boring,' she says."
• Watch Jay Leno Drive James Bond's Aston Martin DB5, He Even Wears a Tux - "Although it’s not the first time Aston Martin DB5 Continuation features on Jay Leno’s Garage, the host is giving it the attention it deserves, wearing a tux and having his hair combed. Why wouldn’t Jay Leno be considered a contender for the next James Bond?"
• Kempinski To Build New Floating Hotel In Dubai - "Located on the Arabian Gulf, the floating five-star resort will open to guests in 2023 with the guidance of Europes oldest hotel chain. With 156 rooms and suites, as well as the floating Neptune villas, guests checking in at the resort will arrive by speedboat from the popular beaches on Jumeirah Beach Road. A connected floating helipad and a marina will accommodate up to 16 private yachts allowing billionaires to arrive in style."
• The Night Watch comes in: research into Rembrandt reports - "After more than 25 different scanning methods, two and a half years and a team of researchers working despite coronavirus behind a glass box, Operation Night Watch has reported its findings. The Rijksmuseum has announced that its unprecedented research effort into Rembrandt’s Night Watch has shed important light on how Rembrandt worked, damage to the painting over the years, and how to restore it."
• Madness in their method: have we fallen out of love with actorly excess? - The Succession star Jeremy Strong has been widely scorned after a magazine profile revealed his ‘preening’ and ‘self-indulgent’ acting process. But many actors have been lauded for their method - so what has changed?
• Louis Vuitton Dedicates Windows Worldwide to the Late Virgil Abloh - "No Christmas windows yet for Louis Vuitton, still mourning the loss of Virgil Abloh, its artistic director of men’s collections, who died of cancer on Nov. 28 at age 41. The French luxury brand has dedicated the windows of boutiques around the world in a poetic remembrance, displaying large panels of smudged, vibrant color."
• Project MAYBACH with Virgil Abloh: an installation in homage to a visionary, trusted partner & collaborator - "Following the wishes of Virgil’s family, Mercedes-Benz is honored to reveal Project MAYBACH: a collaborative electric show car designed to inspire the next generation, and forever question the status quo."
• Princess Charlene of Monaco breaks silence after being admitted to a treatment facility with 'exhaustion' - "The royal, 43, shared photos of her twins Gabriella and Jacques celebrating their 7th birthday on Instagram today, with the caption: 'Happy birthday my babies. Thank you God for blessing me with such wonderful children. I'm truly blessed. Love mom.'"
• Saudi camel beauty pageant cracks down on cosmetic enhancements - "More than 40 camels have been disqualified from Saudi Arabia's beauty pageant for receiving Botox injections and other cosmetic enhancements."
• George Michael’s 30 greatest songs - ranked! - "With Last Christmas sailing up the singles charts again, now’s the time to reappraise Michael’s best tracks, from sublime pop to haunting elegies."
• I’m a barber who hasn’t had a haircut in 43 years - "I have been compared to a spaniel: their hair breaks off naturally."
• A Private Collection Of Lalique Creations To Be Auctioned In Paris By Sotheby’s - A rare private collection of 39 creations by famed French designer, René Lalique, will be offered by Sotheby’s Paris on December 17. The jewels and objets d'art that will be sold were collected over a lifetime by Claude Henri Roger Sorbac, who died at the age of 100 in March. Sorbac, a native of France, lived in Argentina for several years before returning to Paris. His parents were skilled collectors, which is how he developed his keen eye for works of art and design. He collected the works of a number of artists before focusing on René Lalique.
• The Best Touchscreen Gloves - "We braved the cold to find gloves that keep your hands warm and let you use a smartphone at the same time."

December 9, 2021

• Pfizer/BioNTech boosters reduce infections tenfold & Covid deaths by 90% - studies - "Mounting evidence highlights the importance of Covid-19 boosters. On Wednesday, Pfizer and BioNTech announced that preliminary lab studies show a third dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine can improve protection against Omicron."
• Omicron spreads to 57 countries but too early to tell if variant more infectious, WHO says - "World Health Organization says new Covid variant spreading rapidly in South Africa, with cases doubling in the past week."
• Dr. Gupta questions Pfizer chief scientist on vaccine's Omicron defense - "CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta speaks with Pfizer's Chief Scientific Officer Mikael Dolsten about preliminary lab studies that show a booster of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is needed to neutralize the Omicron variant and that first two doses may not provide sufficient protection."
• New US energy standards would force incandescent lightbulbs into retirement - "Trump’s energy department blocked a rule intended to phase out less efficient bulbs. Now Biden plans to move forward, slowly. The US department of energy has put forward a new standard for the energy efficiency of lightbulbs that would essentially banish the era of older, incandescent technology in favor of LED lighting."
• What is a chicken cannon & how does it keep planes safe? - "The cannons keeping airplanes safe, one chicken at a time. Birds may be the undisputed masters of the air, but they've been at the losing end of airborne collisions since the dawn of aviation in 1905, when pioneer pilot Orville Wright reported the first bird strike."
• Pantone unveils Color of the Year for 2022 - "On Wednesday it unveiled Very Peri, a periwinkle hue that the company says combines the steady tranquility of blue with an energetic infusion of red. It's the first time the company has manufactured a color instead of delving into their pre-existing archive, a decision that was a vital element of this year's selection process."
• This Is Officially the Best Bar in the World 2021 - Of all the watering holes in all the cities and towns, there is one that can officially call itself the best bar in the world: The Connaught.
• Epstein & Maxwell pictured at Queen's residence at Balmoral - "A picture of paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell relaxing at what appears to be the Queen's Balmoral residence has been shown to a US court."
• Prince Harry's rift with Charles 'potentially as damaging to future king as Diana' - "Suggestions of a rift between Prince Harry and Prince Charles have been raised once more after the Duke of Sussex was dragged into allegations of cash-for-honours that was engulfing his father's charity."
• The next generation of tomatoes - "The tomatoes at the forefront of a food revolution. As global temperatures increase and extreme weather events become more common, can gene editing help to tweak our food plants so they can cope with the changes?"
• What is the best Christmas party food? - "Cheese and chocolate are your friends, but keep them bite-sized. Top chefs share their favourite nibbles ..."
• The best smart home gadgets you can buy right now - "From smart speakers to robot vacuums, here are the best devices to make your home more connected."
• $100 Million Private Island For Sale In The Bahamas Is Sure To Lure Billionaires - "Private islands have long attracted the ultra-rich, especially in the Bahamas. And one of the latest private islands sure to turn the heads of billionaires is Little Pipe Cay in The Exumas, Bahamas. First listed in 2018 for $85 million, the 40-acre private island is back on the market for $100 million."
• Foula: Britain's most remote inhabited island - "Just 30 permanent residents live on Foula, which lays claim to being Britain's most remote inhabited island and operates on a different calendar to the rest of the UK."
• Leuven: the small Flemish town with a big (bang) history - "With its cosmic roots and being the home of Stella Artois, the compact gothic town is a hip destination that has remained Belgium’s best-kept secret."
• No cheap shots: No 10’s carefully crafted portraits - in pictures - "Forget awkward office head shots - Boris Johnson has flown several newly appointed official photographers around the world to take carefully staged press images of key members of his government in front of famous landmarks tenuously connected with their brief or personality. The pictures have sparked controversy for using taxpayers’ money to pay the photographers’ salaries, rumoured in some cases to be six figures, and for seeking to carefully control the government’s image."
• The 1960s glamor of the first global hotel chain - "The inside story of InterContinental Hotels' quest to export 1960s American glamor to the world."
• Golf is a dirty sport that's wrecking the planet. It doesn't have to be - "Climate change crisis: Golf courses on borrowed time as Earth's weather patterns become wilder. The impact of golf on the climate and environment has led to growing calls to make the sport more sustainable - even to play on bone-dry courses, as golfing legend Tiger Woods has enjoyed."
• Brooke Shields says Barbara Walters interview from her teen years was 'practically criminal' - "In a conversation with Dax Shepard for his 'Armchair Expert' podcast, Shields recalled being interviewed by Walters when she was 15, following her famous Calvin Klein jeans campaign. Shields reflected on Walters asking her a series of questions that she now feels were invasive. Among them being, 'what are your measurements?' and 'Do you have any secrets from your mother?'"
• The inner lives of dogs: what our canine friends really think about love, lust & laughter - "They make brilliant companions, but do dogs really feel empathy for humans - and what is going through their minds when they play, panic or attack?"
• Everything from Daniel Craig's 'No Time To Die' wardrobe you can buy right now - "The internet is full of shops and brands trying in vain to rip off the secret agent's signature style. Here's where you go to get the real deal."
• Louis Vuitton's Monogram-Clad Pizza Box Is Not Actually for Pizza - "It’s meant to hold a stack of vinyl records."
• How to scan text directly into documents on iPhone & iPad - "Scan text directly into any text field on your iPhone or iPad - here's how!"
• How to type the Apple logo on Mac, iPhone & iPad - "Curious about conjuring up the  logo? Follow along for how to type the Apple logo character on Mac, iPhone, and iPad including how to make your own keyboard shortcut."

December 8, 2021

• Omicron coronavirus variant partly evades Pfizer vaccine's protection, study shows - "The Omicron coronavirus variant partly escapes the protection offered by the Pfizer vaccine, but people who have been previously infected and then vaccinated are likely to be well protected, researchers working in South Africa reported Tuesday. Boosters are also likely to protect people, Alex Sigal of the Africa Health Research Institute in Durban, who led the study team, told CNN. It's the first experiment to directly look at how the Omicron virus might behave in vaccinated people."
• Travel bans not the answer to Omicron variant, WHO says - "Flight restrictions won’t stop spread of variant, Europe official says, as archbishop denounces ‘travel apartheid’."
• Omicron among 2021's most mispronounced words - "If you've been stumbling over how to say 'Omicron' or the pop singer Billie Eilish's last name, you're not alone."
• Cheugy, Glasgow & Eilish among words most mangled by newsreaders in 2021 - "How many on this list have you been butchering? Virtually everyone, meanwhile, is having trouble with 'Omicron'."
• ‘More cautious’ China shifts Africa approach from debt to vaccine diplomacy - "After two decades of major financial aid, Beijing is rethinking its strategy on continent amid Covid crisis and fierce competition for power, analysts say."
• From Siberia to US west, wildfires spewed record carbon emissions this year - "Climate crisis fanned intense blazes that emitted 1.76bn tonnes of carbon globally in 2021, says EU’s monitoring service."
• Why climate lawsuits are surging - "The legal battle against climate change. Activists are increasingly suing governments and companies to take action against climate change - and winning. Could this be a turning point?"
• The World’s Most Powerful Women 2021 - "Forbes’ 18th annual list of 100 power women includes 40 CEOs, 19 heads of state, an immunologist and, for the first time in more than a decade, a new no. 1."
• James Bond: acclaimed writers explain how they would reinvent 007 - "Producer Barbara Broccoli has not yet decided how Bond will return in the next film - but here are some ideas."
• The inner lives of cats: What our feline friends really think about hugs, happiness & humans - "They do what they want, all the time - and can teach us a lot about how to live in the present, be content and learn from our experience."
• The night owl problem: the surprising reason late sleepers are less happy - "It is not just because they are tired and tied to impossible schedules. A new study suggests night owls experience less support from friends and family."
• Keep Your Rolex To Yourself, Don't Flaunt It Online - "A Word Of Watch Advice - Please Keep Your Rolex To Yourself And Don't Flaunt It Online. How high-profile watches became magnets for thieves."
• Best mid-range wifi 6 mesh systems to solve broadband dead zones - "Replacement routers put speedy wifi in every corner of the home for reliable work, video calls and films."
• Booking Office 1869: London’s Hottest New Restaurant & The Man Behind It - "One can't help but feel in awe when entering the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel. It's less a building than it is a part of history, with steeped in highs and lows, struggles and successes, and all else that has made it into the iconic building it is today; a building that has shaped the vibrant area of Kings Cross as we know it. And now, guests to the building have a chance to experience something entirely new."
• Tesla’s in-dash video games can be played even while driving - "More than 3,100 people died in crashes involving distracted drivers in the US in 2019."
• Apple snaps up a movie about Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes - "'Don't Look Up' duo Adam McKay and Jennifer Lawrence are teaming up again on 'Bad Blood.'"
• Smartphone app can detect hidden camera lenses from reflections - "Time-of-flight sensors built into some smartphones can be used to detect the telltale reflections from hidden camera lenses."

December 7, 2021

• Omicron likely to become dominant variant, UK & US experts say - "The Omicron Covid variant is likely to ‘outcompete Delta’ in many, if not all, regions, a Harvard researcher says."
• Moderna or Novavax after AstraZeneca jab confers high Covid immunity, study finds - "Combining a first dose of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine with a second dose of either the Moderna or the Novavax jabs results in far higher levels of neutralising antibodies and T-cells compared with two doses of the AstraZeneca jab, a study has found."
• 5 European destinations added to 'very high' risk list for Covid - "The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has put five places in Europe - including one of the world's biggest tourism powerhouses - on its list of destinations for "very high" Covid-19 travel risk."
• Live Like The Roy Family At These Lavish Italian Villas From ‘Succession’ Season 3 - "Fans of award-winning HBO show Succession are captivated by the dysfunctional drama of the billionaire Roy family. And perhaps more interesting than their business woes and family feuds is the glimpse into the glamorous lifestyle of the world’s ultra-rich. The latest lavish properties seen in the show are from Season 3, Episode 8, called 'Chiantishire,' which aired on Sunday, December 5. As the family makes their way to Italy for Logan Roy’s ex-wife and the mother of his children Caroline Collingwood’s wedding, there are two fabulous Italian properties that take center stage: Cetinale and Villa La Cassinella."
• How food on social media affects you - "How food influencers affect what we eat. It is hard to browse through social media without coming across a banquet's worth of mouth-watering posts, but do these actually alter your own food choices?"
• How tiny tweaks to your dinner can help save the planet - "Vegetarian? More like planetarian - how tiny tweaks to your dinner can help save the planet. Eating less meat and dairy is one of the ways we can have a positive impact on the future of the planet, as multiple studies on climate change have demonstrated."
• Viagra could be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, study finds - "US scientists say users of sildenafil - the generic name for Viagra - are 69% less likely to develop the form of dementia than non-users."
• These are the best cheeses in Europe - "Europe's tastiest cheeses. There are stinky cheeses, cheeses with added ash, cheeses made in stomach-churning ways, and some of the most expensive cheeses on the planet. Everyone has their own favorite cheese, of course - but here are 22 of ours."
• Kentucky Derby winner collapses on track & dies - "Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit dies at Santa Anita."
• Queen's Gambit: Meet the real Beth Harmon - "Judit Polgár became a chess grandmaster at 15 and beat the best just like the 'Queen's Gambit' protagonist Beth Harmon."
• Rinse, don’t wring & shade dry: how to keep swimwear in great condition - "Tempting as it may be to leave swimmers rolled up in a towel at the bottom of your beach bag, they’ll last far longer if you treat them better."
• Designers hope hydrogen-powered plane will fly halfway around the world without refueling - "The zero-emission aircraft would supposedly match the speed and comfort of current midsize planes."

December 6, 2021

• China's 'zero-Covid' challenge - "China wants to return to 'zero-Covid.' But cases have been above zero for seven weeks. As the world grapples with the new Omicron coronavirus variant, China is determined as ever to eliminate Covid-19 within its borders - but it hasn't been able to achieve that ambitious goal for the past seven weeks."
• The world has the tools to end Covid pandemic. They're not being used properly - "The Covid-19 pandemic will not last forever. It will likely continue to fizzle and fade as it heads towards its third year, resurging with new variants and then waning in the face of vaccines, mitigation measures and human behavior. But even if the virus is never stamped out, immunity will improve and the world will eventually be able to live with Covid."
• Covid not over & next pandemic could be more lethal, says Oxford jab creator - "Prof Dame Sarah Gilbert says this will not be the last time a virus threatens our lives and our livelihoods. The coronavirus pandemic that has so far killed more than 5 million people worldwide is far from over and the next one could be even more lethal, the creator of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine has said."
• US plans diplomatic boycott of Beijing Olympics - "The Biden administration is expected to announce this week that no US government officials will attend the 2022 Beijing Olympics, implementing a diplomatic boycott of the games, according to several sources. The move would allow the US to send a message on the world stage to China without preventing US athletes from competing. The National Security Council, which has been privately discussing the boycott, declined to comment."
• How Elon Musk sold 10 million Tesla shares & increased his Tesla holdings - "Tesla CEO Elon Musk sold a massive stake in his company over the past several weeks. And yet he owns 564,000 more shares than he did at the start of the selling spree. An analysis of his filings shows Musk is not backing away from his holdings in Tesla, despite his promise to follow a poll he sent to his Twitter followers, who called on him to sell 10% of his stake. So far he's sold 10.1 million shares - about 7 million shares short of the goal. That's because at the same time he is selling shares, he's also exercising options to buy additional stock. And he's doing so at a bargain exercise price of $6.24 a share, well below 1% of Tesla (TSLA)'s current share price."
• Harry throws his own father under the bus - "To say that the Prince of Wales’ relationship with his sons is complex is an understatement. Both William and Harry have historically accused Charles of being a ‘laissez-faire’ father - one more preoccupied with weighty affairs of state and his considerable philanthropic legacy than bathtime, wrestling matches and bedtime stories."
• How Japan took some of the world's tastiest cakes & made them even better - "7 popular Western desserts Japanese chefs have made their own."
• See Adele before & after 'Power of Makeup' makeover - "British superstar Adele sat down with beauty vlogger Nikkie de Jager for a tell-all 'Power of Makeup' session."
• The big idea: How much do we really want to know about our genes? - "Genetic data will soon be accessible like never before. The implications for our health are huge."
• How to take the bland out of a low-sodium diet - "Serious cooks may quibble about the best way to sear a steak or bake a cake. But on one point, there is virtually unanimous agreement: To make food taste good, you've got to have salt."
• A 'luxury resort' from 1,500 years ago - "Sigiriya: Sri Lanka's ancient water gardens. A complex masterpiece of irrigation engineering design, Sigiriya's artfully designed water gardens required structural planning way ahead of its time."
• A humanoid robot makes eerily lifelike facial expressions - "It’s interesting and a little scary."
• These Are Our Favorite Hair Straighteners - "Curls and waves are beautiful. But when you want to smooth them out, these hot tools - irons, brushes, and combs - work wonders."
• Watch Auctioneer Ineichen Sets Five World Records For Works By Independent Watchmakers - "As we head into the fall watch auction season in New York this week, collectors are keeping an eye on lots by independent watchmakers, whose limited-edition pieces are breaking records across the board. The star of the Phillips auction in Geneva last month, for example, was a Philippe Dufour Grande et Petite Sonnerie wristwatch No.1 in yellow gold that sold for $5,182,109, which represents a world record price for any Philippe Dufour and a world record amount paid for any watch by an independent maker. And Sotheby’s sold six F.P. Journes well above estimate at its Geneva auction in November. Even smaller auction houses are charting record sales for independent makers. Zurich auctioneer Ineichen set five world records at its November 21 sale of rare timepieces, including three for F.P. Journe pieces and two for Vianney Halter watches."

December 5, 2021

• Omicron: what do we know about the new Covid variant? - "Scientists are racing to establish the variant’s transmissibility, effect on immune system and chance of hospitalisation or death."
• From pandemic to endemic: this is how we might get back to normal - "Covid-19 is unlikely to be eradicated, experts say, but societies in the past have learned to live with diseases."
• Pacific Ocean garbage patch is immense plastic habitat - "Scientists have discovered marine animals living on plastic debris in an area of the open ocean dubbed 'the Great Pacific Garbage Patch'."
• From pollutant to product: the companies making stuff from CO2 - "Vodka, jet fuel, protein... according to a new clutch of carbon-to-value startups, these are just some of the things that can be manufactured from thin air."
• Saudi Arabia Grand Prix: A race for equal rights - "The world's greatest racing drivers going head to head. 200mph miracles of engineering. More drama off the track than any episode of your favourite Netflix show."
• Disney Announces Luxury Arctic Cruises To Svalbard In 2023 - "Tickets will shortly go on sale for two new Adventures by Disney cruises to Svalbard in 2023. Named the Arctic Expedition Cruise, the 10-day trip explores the western coastline of Spitsbergen, the largest island in this remote Arctic archipelago that polar bears call home. The two new itineraries in June and July 2023 are the latest family-focused expedition cruises offered by Disney, which already includes destinations like Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands."
• Finland is the world’s happiest nation - and I want to keep it that way, says prime minister.
• The best books of 2021, chosen by our guest authors - "From piercing studies of colonialism to powerful domestic sagas, our panel of writers, all of whom had books published this year, share their favourite titles of 2021."
• A Tour Through Karl Lagerfeld’s Treasures Ahead of a Landmark Sotheby’s Auction - "Lagerfeld’s treasures have been dispersed through the years at some notable auctions, and now Sotheby’s will offer a further thousand lots, from his signature fingerless leather gloves to the dishes in which his beloved Birman cat, Choupette, was served her food. The items will be sold across a series of eight online and live auctions (the latter in Monaco, Paris, and Cologne) from November 26 to March 2022. Although the lots are assembled from Lagerfeld’s final residences, many of them evoke his former interior lives."
• Twelve buildings that demonstrate the breadth of shipping-container architecture - "Following the unveiling of a stadium in Qatar made from 974 containers, we have rounded up 12 diverse projects that make use of the shipping containers including buildings by BIG and Kengo Kuma."
• Virgil Abloh’s take on the Mercedes-Maybach is functional, fun & future-facing - "Mercedes-Benz unveils Project Maybach, its second collaboration with Virgil Abloh (1980 – 2021), in homage to ‘a visionary, trusted partner and collaborator’."
• Museum rivalry ‘could make Dutch Vermeer show last of its kind’ - "Rijksmuseum aims to bring together all the works by Girl with a Pearl Earring painter that are fit to travel."
• HBO was ‘concerned’ about ‘Sopranos’ star James Gandolfini ‘staying alive’ - "A new tell-all book about what went down behind the scenes at HBO is shedding some light on 'Sopranos' star James Gandolfini’s health."
• Did the Great Wall of China work? - "Yes, but perhaps not in the way you might imagine."
• The 17th Century Japanese Samurai Who Sailed to Europe, Met the Pope & Became a Roman Citizen - "We learn about intrepid Europeans who sought, and sometimes even found, trade and missionary routes to China and Japan during the centuries of exploration and empire. Rarely, if ever, do we hear about visitors from the East to the West, especially those as well-traveled as 17th-century samurai Hasekura Tsunenaga."

December 4, 2021

• WHO says no deaths reported from Omicron yet as Covid variant spreads - "The Omicron variant has been detected in at least 38 countries but no deaths have yet been reported, the World Health Organization has said, amid warnings that it could damage the global economic recovery. The United States and Australia became the latest countries to confirm locally transmitted cases of the variant, as Omicron infections pushed South Africa’s total cases past 3 million."
• The most striking images of 2021 - "Kelly Grovier picks 15 of the most startling photos from this year - including images of the riots at the US Capitol and an airplane in Kabul - and compares them with iconic artworks."
• Spot check: keep a close eye on your moles - it could just save your life - "While some of us fret over every freckle, others are blithely oblivious to the danger of skin cancer - but there is a middle way."
• Grounded! What did a year without flying do to the world? - "Normally, planes are in constant motion, pinballing between continents. But in March 2020 all that came to a halt. What did it mean for our jobs, our horizons - and the planet?"
• How to tell if it's time for a 'sleep divorce' - "The list of reasons why your bed partner might be keeping you up at night could be long and as dreary as your mood when you drag yourself from bed each morning."
• Mel Brooks on losing the loves of his life: ‘People know how good Carl Reiner was, but not how great’ - "From best friend Carl Reiner to wife Anne Bancroft, the great comic has had to face great loss. But even in the middle of a pandemic, the 95-year-old is still finding ways to laugh."
• Lewis Hamilton says he's 'not comfortable' racing in Saudi Arabia - "It's the first time F1 has staged a race in Saudi Arabian. To be held at the Red Sea port city of Jeddah, the grand prix is set to be the fastest street track in F1 history, according to the event's website. Saudi Arabia's human rights record has been repeatedly criticized, and activists have accused the kingdom of 'sportswashing' - a phenomenon whereby corrupt or autocratic regimes invest in sports events to whitewash their international reputation."
• Johnny Depp Movie ‘Minamata’ Is Finally Getting A U.S. Release, But Not With MGM - "This update comes after the film’s director, Andrew Levitas, complained earlier this year that MGM was 'burying' Minamata due to Depp’s well publicized off-screen issues. You can read the filmmaker’s impassioned letter to the studio here. Depp also decried the non-release in an interview in August in which he said the film deserved to be seen but was shelved because he was being 'boycotted' by Hollywood."
• Carlsen draws first blood against Nepomniachtchi in world title battle - "Carlsen edges longest game in world championship history. Both players miss chances in 136-move game-six epic. The gruelling back-and-forth marathon was the longest game in the 135-year history of world championship matchplay - surpassing the 124-move stalemate in game five of the 1978 title match between Anatoly Karpov and Viktor Korchnoi in 1978 - with both players missing winning opportunities under extreme clock pressure at the first time control."
• MH370: Could missing Malaysian Airlines plane finally be found? - "The disappearance of a Malaysia Airlines flight, carrying 239 passengers and crew, is one of the world's biggest aviation mysteries."
• World's second tallest building tops out in Malaysia - "The spire of a soaring 118-story skyscraper has topped out at over 2,227 feet above Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur. Set to become the world's second tallest building upon its completion next year, Merdeka 118 now stands higher than China's 2,073-foot Shanghai Tower and is dwarfed only by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai."
• Architectural photos of 1970s Dubai show the birth of the modern city - "Dubai's skyline is adorned with record-breaking buildings. From the world's tallest building - the 828-meter-tall (2,716-foot) Burj Khakifa - to the world's tallest hotel - the 356-meter-tall (1,168-foot) Gevora Hotel - ambitious architectural projects populate the city. These buildings are designed to give Dubai a reputation for architectural splendor, part of the city's pursuit of international recognition - currently exemplified by the World Expo it's hosting for the next five months. However, Dubai's desire for attention is not new. The desert city set out on its quest to become a place of architectural eye candy in the mid 1970s, when construction began on Dubai World Trade Centre, according to architect Todd Reisz, author of 'Showpiece City: How architecture made Dubai'."
• IKEA's latest wireless charger appears to be a portable model - "But with a 6,500mAh battery and 5W charging rate, we wouldn't get too excited."

December 3, 2021

• Just about any Covid-19 vaccine works as a booster, study finds - "The latest on the Omicron coronavirus variant."
• Covid booster shots significantly strengthen immunity, trial finds - "Jabs offer far higher protection than that needed to prevent hospitalisation and death, Cov-Boost trial lead says."
• Travel restrictions by country following the Omicron variant outbreak - "The most up-to-date information is below, but please be aware that governments can change their regulations on a moment's notice. Check back for further updates."
• Fauci calls out Fox for its silence after host compares him to Nazi doctor - "Dr. Anthony Fauci on Thursday night called out Fox News for staying silent after one of its personalities and streaming hosts, Lara Logan, compared him to an infamous Nazi doctor."
• How do you say 'Omicron'? - "Omicron is the 13th variant of the Covid-19 virus to receive a Greek name under the World Health Organization's classification system for variants of interest or concern. But how do you pronounce it? BBC Health Correspondent Laura Foster and archaeologist Gillian Hovell try to explain."
• Rescue me: why Britain’s beautiful lockdown pets are being abandoned - "The cats and dogs that helped us through the pandemic are increasingly being dumped in the street or handed over to charities - and shelters are dealing with the fallout."
• Can the tourism industry survive the climate crisis? - "From the Solomon Islands to Denali national park, how five communities reliant on tourism are coping as climate change upends their industry."
• Did X Æ A-XII cut your hair, Elon? World's richest man, 50, sports wild new look (years after getting hair transplant) - "Musk, 50, was photographed at Miami International Airport sporting a quirky Mohawk while wearing a Western-style all black ensemble."
• Apple's $19 Polishing Cloth Review: Seriously, What The Heck? - "When Apple started selling a $19 glorified microfiber cloth dubbed the “Polishing Cloth,” it left me with no choice. I had to drop down cash on this thing and give it a full review. Is it magical? Is it a revelation? Can it fix my broken Surface Duo 2? Can it bring about world peace? Man, I hope so." Review Geek.
• Baldwin explains how the gun was handled on the set of "Rust" - "Actor Alec Baldwin provided some insight into how the gun used on the set of "Rust" was handled by him and armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed."
• The secret underground bunker which helped win World War II - "Some 73 feet below the traffic and bustle of London's Piccadilly lies a silent warren of corridors and pitch-black rooms, rarely seen, rarely visited, but which played a vital role in the course of 20th-century history. Now, the opportunity has come round again to slip behind the door of the abandoned Down Street Tube station and descend by torchlight into the World War II hideaway from which campaigns such as the D-Day landings and the Dunkirk evacuation were coordinated."
• Tips on buying a cheap house in Italy from those who've done it - "Are there any red flags potential buyers should be looking out for when deliberating over purchasing such a home? And how do you know when you're treading on slippery grounds?"
• How to arrange for your digital legacy - "What happens to your online stuff when you’re no longer around?"
• How to spot the software that could be spying on you - "Research suggests that proliferation of stalkerware is a growing problem: A study by Norton Labs found that the number of devices indicating that they had stalkerware installed rose by 63% between September 2020 and May 2021."
• The most unusual movie sex scenes - ranked! - "Lady Gaga and Adam Driver give us animal grunting in House of Gucci and Agathe Rousselle mates with a car in Titane - but that’s tame compared with some of the sexual themes cinema has found to explore."
• Every James Bond Actor's Final 007 Film, Ranked - "Over the years, the final outings of 007 actors have proved to be some of the most divisive films in the franchise."
• What's the Best Focal Length for Your First Prime Lens? - "Do you know the difference between a 50mm and 35mm lens? Or what situations a 28mm lens is best for? Let us help you."
• ‘I was offered $35m for one day’s work’: George Clooney on paydays, politics & parenting - "The Oscar-winner discusses directing the coming-of-age drama The Tender Bar, raising twins in a pandemic and choosing causes over cash."
• Muhammad Ali’s legendary career ended on December 11 almost 40 years ago in a heartbreaking & farcical fashion - "And a week from Saturday, it will be the 40th anniversary of when boxing’s King announced he was abdicating after 21 magical, momentous, mesmerising and highly controversial years in and out of the ring."
• 'Fur has become old-fashioned' - Elle Magazine to ban fur from editorial & advertising worldwide - "Magazine becomes the first major publication to ban fur content across all of its pages, saying it is rejecting animal cruelty."
• Google is making its first in-house smartwatch that could launch in 2022 - "A Pixel Watch is finally in the works."

December 2, 2021

• Christmas party leaves 50-60 people infected with suspected Omicron Covid in Norway in what would be world's biggest outbreak of the variant yet - "Officials said 50 people tested positive on a PCR test following Norwegian renewable energy company Scatec's Christmas dinner at Louise Restaurant & Bar in Oslo."
• Pfizer boss: Annual Covid jabs for years to come - "People will be likely to need to have annual Covid vaccinations for many years to come, the head of Pfizer has told the BBC. Dr Albert Bourla said he thought this would be needed to maintain a 'very high level of protection'."
• The latest on the Omicron coronavirus variant - CNN World.
• Omicron was in Europe long before travel bans on southern Africa - "Dutch health officials said Tuesday that Omicron was present in the Netherlands a week before two flights arrived from South Africa carrying the virus. At least one of the cases is thought to have been contracted in the Netherlands, RIVM virologist Chantal Reusken told national broadcaster NOS."
• Israeli doctor believes he caught Omicron variant of Covid in London - "Cardiologist Elad Maor suspects he caught virus at conference attended by more than 1,200 people."
• Omicron variant fuelling ‘exponential’ rise in Covid cases, say South Africa officials - "Nearly three-quarters of virus genomes sequenced last month were of new variant, say South African health officials."
• The pandemic body: how the Covid era changed us - from hair loss to weight gain - "Sore, blurry eyes, decaying teeth, spreading feet - the strange, difficult years of coronavirus have had unexpected effects on our general health."
• ‘Deluge of plastic waste’: US is world’s biggest plastic polluter - "At 42m metric tons of plastic waste a year, the US generates more waste than all EU countries combined."
• Californian firm touts ‘mushroom leather’ as sustainability gamechanger - "Vegan leather alternative isn’t just the hot fashion must-have - it could teach us about consumption and waste."
• Alec Baldwin: 'I didn't pull the trigger' of gun on 'Rust' set - "Alec Baldwin told ABC News he never pulled the trigger of the gun that shot director of photography Halyna Hutchins on the set of 'Rust.'"
• Secret Apple trick lets a friend unlock your locked iPhone in seconds - "If you’ve been locked out of your Apple ID and iPhone, a friend can help you get back in. There’s a special feature called Recovery Contact that lets you nominate people to restore your accounts."
• Twitter bans sharing images of people without their consent - "The move has prompted some criticism with the social media platform's users concerned that it could lead to censorship."
• The Wallace Document. The World’s First Postage Stamp - "The Earliest Known Example of the 1840 Penny Black." Live Auction: 7 December 2021. Sotheby's London.
• Bugatti is the jewel in Volkswagen's crown. This 33-year-old is taking it over - "Bugatti, the French manufacturer of $3 million supercars, is over a century old. But now it faces what may be the most difficult maneuver it has ever had to carry out: transitioning to an electric future. The man now taking the wheel at Bugatti is Mate Rimac, a 33-year-old Bosnian-born engineering prodigy - and one who harbors no illusions about the challenges facing his industry."
• Can Russell Crowe succeed in cleaning up Bangkok’s terrible wiring? - "A tweet from the actor has sparked a call to action by Thailand’s prime minister, but will anything really change?"
• Spotify Wrapped 2021 is here to take over your social media - "You can share it to TikTok and interact with other Spotify listeners with blended playlists or a card game."
• The Watch That Made Everything Now - "When the Pulsar debuted in 1972, the first digital watch offered a new concept of time - and foreshadowed our fraught relationship with instantaneity."
• Why critics are wrong about reality TV - "Why reality TV deserves more credit. In BBC Culture's poll of the greatest series of the 21st Century, one reality show made the list. It's a genre that, for all its issues, merits more recognition, writes Louis Staples."
• The world's tastiest dumplings - "How to define a dumpling? In its most basic sense, it's a pocket of dough filled with some form of savory or sweet stuffing."
• The magical miniature worlds of terrariums - "Terrariums are experiencing a social media-fuelled revival, but as David Robson and Alessia Franco discover, there's far more to these tiny glass gardens than first appears."
• Urtopia e-bike is basically a computer on wheels - "They should have called it Light Rider."
• Elon Musk to Steve Jobs: 13 eccentric business supremos as Jack Dorsey leaves Twitter - "As Twitter's wacky CEO Jack Dorsey announces he is leaving the social media giant for good to allow former CTO Parag Agarwal to take the reins, James Moore has rounded up a unlucky thirteen of history's strangest business heroes."
• Ridley Scott says Gucci family criticism is 'alarmingly insulting' - "'How could they be better represented than by Al Pacino?'"
• Why Oswald’s is the place for politicians & the A-list alike - as Michael Gove & Priti Patel emerge from a night out there - "Robin Birley’s glamorous night and lunchtime haven is still the place to see and be seen in."

December 1, 2021

• Omicron: How do you detect it? - "Swabs from PCR tests, which are sent to a lab for analysis, detect whether people are infected with coronavirus or not."
• US panel backs first-of-a-kind COVID-19 pill from Merck - "A panel of U.S. health advisers on Tuesday narrowly backed a closely watched COVID-19 pill from Merck, setting the stage for a likely authorization of the first drug that Americans could take at home to treat the coronavirus."
• Older, unvaccinated people should delay travel, says WHO, as Omicron restrictions spread - "US, Japan and Singapore tighten rules for travellers but WHO says ‘blanket bans’ won’t contain the new Covid strain."
• Severe Covid infection doubles chances of dying in following year - study - "Research suggests serious bouts of illness with virus may significantly damage long-term health."
• Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains how Omicron compares to other variants - "Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains the difference between four coronavirus variants the CDC has at one point described as 'Variants of Concern.'"
• The life & tragic death of John Eyers - a fitness fanatic who refused the vaccine - "He did triathlons, bodybuilding and mountain climbing and became sceptical of the Covid jab. Then, at 42, he contracted the virus."
• Trump tested positive for Covid few days before Biden debate, chief of staff says in new book - "Mark Meadows makes stunning admission in new memoir obtained by Guardian, saying a second test returned negative."
• Outrage as Fox News commentator likens Anthony Fauci to Nazi doctor - "Lara Logan compares top US infectious diseases expert to Dr Josef Mengele who experimented on Jews in concentration camps."
• Rain to replace snow in the Arctic as climate heats, study finds - "Climate models show switch will happen decades faster than previously thought, with ‘profound’ implications."
• NO TIME FOR WASTE: PUMA PILOTS TESTING FOR BIODEGRADABLE RE:SUEDE VERSION OF ITS MOST ICONIC SNEAKER - "Sports company PUMA has developed an experimental version of its most iconic sneaker, the SUEDE, to test for a product to make it biodegradable. By doing so, PUMA aims to meet the growing demand for sustainable products for a better future. The RE:SUEDE, which uses the latest technology available today, will be made from more sustainable materials such as Zeology tanned suede, biodegradable TPE and hemp fibres."
• Ghislaine Maxwell was present when Epstein abused me, accuser testifies - "Witness identified as ‘Jane’ alleges Epstein began sexual abuse when she was 14 and says Maxwell was sometimes in the room."
• Jeffrey Epstein's former pilot testifies Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Prince Andrew flew aboard Epstein's private plane - "The pilot, Larry Visoski, said he would typically be given notice if Clinton or high-profile passengers like him would be flying. He recalled renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman flew to Michigan with Epstein for the Interlochen Center for the Arts summer camp. He said he remembered Prince Andrew, Maine Sen. George Mitchell, Ohio Sen. John Glenn and actor Kevin Spacey on flights."
• FORBES UNDER 30 HALL OF FAME - "In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Forbes 30 Under 30, we’ve picked the 30 all-time all-stars."
• James Bond movies ranked - "We rank all the James Bond movies, from Casino Royale to No Time to Die." CNET.
• These are the world's most expensive cities in 2021 - "Supply-chain blockages and changing consumer demand have pushed up the cost of living in many of our biggest cities, according to new research published Wednesday, and inflation is the fastest recorded over the past five years. One city has been experiencing more rapid change than most, jumping from fifth place to first in this year's Worldwide Cost of Living index released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The Israeli city of Tel Aviv topped the rankings for the first time, overtaking last year's leader Paris, which is now tied in second place with Singapore."
• Inside The World’s Most Dramatic & Remote Glacier Hotels - "For many people, the idea of traveling to a unique, remote location is becoming more important than ever, especially with resorts filling to capacity and social distancing a thing of the past. There is truly nothing more awe-inspiring and breathtaking than getting the opportunity to spend time on a glacier. Whether by helicopter or snowmobile transfer, getting to remote glacier locations are adrenaline-pumping experiences not for the faint of heart."
• ‘Virgil was here’: Miami hosts Abloh’s final collection for Louis Vuitton - "The designer’s last show underlines his rule-breaking attitude to menswear with electrifyingly futuristic garms."
• Barbados’s icon: why Rihanna’s national hero status is so apt - "Honoured by her newly independent country, Rihanna has always proudly worn her Bajan heritage - broadening her sound from her Caribbean roots, while staying true to them."
• This could be the future of first class airplane travel - " First class is on its way out at many airlines, as business class seats and mini-suites become larger, more private and more luxurious - and fewer budgets stretch to adding on what might be an extra zero on the price tag for first class. But it's not going away completely."
• How to build a habit in 5 steps, according to science - "Most of us assume those hyper-achievers who are always able to squeeze in their workout, eat healthy foods, ace their exams and pick their kids up on time must have superhuman self-control. But science points to a different answer: What we mistake for willpower is often a hallmark of habit."
• Lee Miller: In Hitler’s bathtub - "'I was living in Hitler’s private apartment in Munich when his death was announced.' These words came not from a high-ranking Nazi officer or a hardened Allied soldier, but from a fashion model-turned-photographer. Lee Miller - who became the muse and lover of Surrealist artist Man Ray during the early 1930s after appearing on the cover of Vogue – was one of a small number of female combat photographers embedded with Allied troops in WWII."
• The science of finding good friends - "How do children choose a best friend? Forming healthy friendships is often seen as a crucial skill for a child - but one that's rarely explicitly taught. Here's what science can tell us about those vital bonds."
• McLaren 720S: 5 Reasons Why It’s Still Today’s Greatest Supercar - "The McLaren 720S is a low volume exotic sports car that is designed, engineered, and manufactured by McLaren Automotive in England. The lightweight two-seater, which is part of the automaker’s 'Super Series' of vehicles, was launched at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show - it is rapidly approaching its fifth birthday."
• Incredible images shortlisted for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award - "Curious meerkats, a rescued Amazon river dolphin and a school of barracudas feature on the shortlist of images for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice competition, and fans can vote for their favorite. The 25 images are currently on display at an exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London until voting ends on February 2, 2022, according to a press release from the museum."
• Leaked footage shows moment British F35 jet crashes into Mediterranean during HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier take-off - "The stealth jet is loaded with top-secret radars, sensors and other technology so recovering the wreckage will be a priority. A British F-35 stealth jet dropped off a launch ramp on the UK’s flagship aircraft carrier and into the sea without ever getting airborne, leaked footage of its final moments has revealed."

November 30, 2021

• What makes Omicron different - "Coronavirus variants: Here's what we know. Omicron, the newest coronavirus variant, is also the quickest to be labeled a 'variant of concern' by the World Health Organization because of its seemingly fast spread in South Africa and its many troubling mutations."
• Fauci: Right now there is no signal of a high degree of severity - "Dr. Anthony Fauci talks with Jake Tapper about the Omicron variant of Covid-19 and working with health officials in South Africa."
• Omicron Covid variant prompts nervous governments to impose travel curbs - "Japan, Israel and Australia bring in tough travel measures; Joe Biden says variant is ‘cause for concern, not for panic’."
• Omicron lockdown not needed for now, Biden says - "US President Joe Biden has called the Omicron Covid-19 variant a 'cause for concern, not a cause for panic' a day after it was detected in North America."
• Omicron: WHO warns of 'high infection risk' around globe - "The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the Omicron coronavirus variant poses a high risk of infection surges around the globe."
• Here’s What COVID-19 Vaccine Makers Are Doing to Fight Omicron - TIME Magazine.
• New study links major fashion brands to Amazon deforestation - "LVMH, Zara, Nike and others at risk of contribution to destruction of rainforest based on connections to leather industry."
• Amazon & Target play ‘outsized’ role in port congestion & pollution, report finds - "The companies are ‘directly responsible’ for harming nearby communities, according to report authors."
• Nurdles: the worst toxic waste you’ve probably never heard of - "Billions of these tiny plastic pellets are floating in the ocean, causing as much damage as oil spills, yet they are still not classified as hazardous."
• Barbados becomes the world's newest republic - "Barbados has officially removed Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state and become the world's newest republic."
• Why France is declaring Josephine Baker a national hero - "France is honouring the US-born 20th Century singer and activist Josephine Baker with a place in the Pantheon on Tuesday. She’s the first black woman to be remembered in the resting place of France’s national heroes, through her work on civil rights and for the Resistance during the Second World War."
• Cosby prosecutors urge Supreme Court to restore conviction - "Prosecutors urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reinstate Bill Cosby’s sexual assault conviction, complaining in a petition released Monday the verdict was thrown out over a questionable agreement that the comic claimed gave him lifetime immunity."
• Jill Biden decks the White House halls for Christmas - in pictures - "The theme for the 2021 White House holiday season is Gifts from the Heart. According to Jill Biden’s office, about 6,000ft of ribbon, more than 300 candles and more than 10,000 ornaments were used this year to decorate. There are also 41 Christmas trees throughout the White House."
• 2022 Pirelli calendar stars revealed - "Bryan Adams dedicates Pirelli's 2022 calendar to 'the great stars of music'."
• Merriam-Webster word of the year revealed - "'Vaccine' is Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year. The word was selected based on lookup data, notable spikes, and year-over-year increases in searches."
• The 50 best albums of 2021: 50-41 - "Our countdown opens with a list of LPs that includes Gojira’s climate-crisis rally-cry and an uplifting house full-length from US producer Eris Drew."
• These are the best compact cameras for travelers in 2022 - "National Geographic’s photo engineer picks the best cameras for capturing your journeys in the year ahead."
• “I was snorting lines of Arrabbiata”: Interviewing the House of Gucci cast - "Adam Driver, Camille Cottin and Jared Leto reveal the villains and fears at the heart of the new movie about the fashion family’s checkered past."
• 'Omicron' cryptocurrency soars on new variant - "As global markets fell last week on news of the new Omicron coronavirus variant, one cryptocurrency with the same name soared after the Greek letter entered the investor lexicon. The price of the hitherto-obscure digital token, whose Twitter (TWTR) feed has little more than 1,000 followers, rose almost ten-fold from Friday to Monday morning when it hit $688, before tumbling as much as 75%, crypto tracker CoinGecko said."
• The Simpsons: Tiananmen episode not found in Hong Kong - "An episode of The Simpsons that refers to the Tiananmen Square massacre is reported to be missing from Disney's streaming service in Hong Kong."
• How driverless cars will change our world - "Self-driving vehicles are steadily becoming a reality despite the many hurdles still to be overcome - and they could change our world in some unexpected ways."
• The big idea: Should we worry about artificial intelligence? - "Could AI turn on us, or is natural stupidity a greater threat to humanity?"
• World’s vast networks of underground fungi to be mapped for first time - "Project aims to help protect some of trillions of miles of the ‘circulatory system of the planet’."
• Chanel Haute Horlogerie Red Edition Collection Is Inspired By Coco Chanel’s Accent Color Of Choice - "Chanel has proclaimed 2022 the year of the ruby, and to celebrate, it’s launching a trio of limited edition watches, all of them set with rubies. The J12 X-Ray Red is lavished with 80 baguette cut rubies. The bezel and crown of the Boy-Friend Skeleton Red Edition is highlighted with rubies, and the crown of the sapphire-cased Boy-Friend Skeleton X-Ray Red Edition is likewise decorated, with the circular bridges of the movement colored red to match. Maison founder Coco Chanel famously loved black and white, and those colors have come to define the brand, but she also had a penchant for red accents, and is said to have declared, 'If you’re sad or heartbroken, make yourself up, dress up, add more lipstick and attack.'"
• The grandest ship in history joins the LEGO family as LEGO Titanic is unveiled - "Billund, 7 October, 2021: The LEGO Group has revealed an authentic replica of the most famous ship of all time, the RMS Titanic. For the first time, fans can now recreate the luxury liner in detailed LEGO® brick form, 110 years since it was launched in Belfast in 1911. The LEGO Titanic is one of the longest and largest LEGO models to date, made up of 9,090 pieces, making it a truly immersive building challenge for LEGO fans and budding historians alike." Price: US$629.99.
• Designer Virgil Abloh’s Most Iconic Works - From A Harness For Timothee Chalamet To A Rug For Ikea - "Louis Vuitton designer and Off-White founder Virgil Abloh died Sunday after a battle with cancer—here’s a look back at his some of his most renowned works, from album covers, runway fashion to Ikea rugs."
• Welcome To “Billionaires’ Dirt Road”: This Pastoral Town Is Home To Larry Fink, Georgina Bloomberg, David Letterman, Richard Gere & More - "Bill Gates’ daughter Jenn recently walked the bridal path in the equestrian-friendly town of North Salem, New York. Inside the famously private, ultra-wealthy community."
• The James Bond Archives. Art Edition No. 1–500 ‘Casino Royale’ (2006) - "Museum-quality print on archival paper, 50 × 60 cm ; Hardcover volume in clamshell box with print in portfolio, 41.1 × 30 cm, 6,65 kg (14.63 lb), 648 pages."
• The James Bond Archives. Art Edition No. 501–1,000 ‘No Time To Die’ (2021) - "Museum-quality print on archival paper, 50 × 60 cm ; Hardcover volume in clamshell box with print in portfolio, 41.1 × 30 cm, 6,65 kg (14.63 lb), 648 pages."

November 29, 2021

• Cyber Moday Deals - Amazon.com.
• Where has Omicron spread & why are scientists so concerned? - "Everything you need to know about the latest Covid variant worrying scientists, and how it affects UK travel."
• New Covid-19 variant Omicron cases, travel updates from around the world - "At least 44 countries have imposed temporary restrictions on travel from the southern Africa region over the Omicron variant."
• What does appearance of Omicron variant mean for the double-vaccinated? - "We find out how much protection Covid vaccines may offer amid speculation new variant could be more resistant."
• Governments around the world are mobilizing to respond to the new Covid-19 variant - "Omicron variant puts world in a 'race against time', says EU Commission President."
• Nobel-winning stock market theory used to help save coral reefs - "Portfolio selection rules on evaluating risk used to pick 50 reefs as ‘arks’ best able to survive climate crisis and revive coral elsewhere."
• Climate crisis pushes albatross ‘divorce’ rates higher - study - "Researchers say warmer waters mean birds are travelling further for food and becoming more stressed, triggering relationship breakdowns."
• Louis Vuitton artistic director Virgil Abloh dies at 41 - "Virgil Abloh, the acclaimed menswear designer for Louis Vuitton and founder and CEO of Off-White, died Sunday of cancer, according to a post from his verified Instagram account. He was 41."
• Virgil Abloh - a life in pictures - "The celebrated designer has died at the age of 41. We take a look at his creativity for the catwalk and beyond."
• The Queen will have one less realm this week - "Barbados is ready to ditch Britain's Queen. For many in the country, the move has been a long time coming."
• 10 TV shows to watch this December - "From pitch-black comedy Landscapers to crime-drama Aranyak and Sex and The City reboot And Just Like That, Amy Charles lists this festive season's unmissable TV."
• The 20 best songs of 2021 - "We celebrate everything from Lil Nas X’s conservative-baiting Montero to Wet Leg’s instant indie classic - as voted for by 31 of the Guardian’s music writers."
• 15 Famous Impressionist Paintings That Will Make You Fall in Love With the Style - "Most of art history can be traced to the formation of different art movements. From the drama of the Baroque to the emotion of Romanticism, these movements reflect the views of the time. Then, in the 1870s, a new revolutionary style emerged, called Impressionism."
• 7 Best James Bond Books That Have Not Been Adapted Into Movies - "Ian Fleming's James Bond novels have inspired some great movies, but not all of the best 007 books have been adapted."
• Daniel Craig Shares What He's Most Proud Of From Playing James Bond - "No Time to Die's Daniel Craig looks back at his 15 years playing James Bond, sharing what he's now most proud of about playing 007."
• Flying mansions: top 10 most expensive business jets on the market - "In recent years, more and more people have started to see the advantages of flying privately. During the COVID-19 pandemic, where border restrictions and a lack of scheduled commercial flights made it difficult for frequent fliers to travel, some seasoned passengers turned to private jets. This allowed for complete control over their in-flight experience. While some wealthy travelers opted to charter private jets for individual journeys, others chose an outright purchase."
• What life is like in the ‘polar bear capital of the world’ - "There are no roads leading to the tiny Canadian town of Churchill, which sits near the northeast tip of Manitoba. But that doesn’t stop thousands of tourists from taking a train or a plane and visiting every fall. That’s because in this area, near the shores of the Hudson Bay, you can go out on a tour and get a glimpse of the world’s largest land carnivore: the polar bear."
• Sleep training for adults prevents depression, study finds - "Undergoing cognitive behavioral sleep training, which teaches you how to break bad habits in order to prepare your mind and body for a good night's sleep, may help prevent depression in older adults with insomnia, a new clinical trial has found."
• The insects that get depressed - "Why insects are more sensitive than they seem. For decades, the idea that insects have feelings was considered a heretical joke - but as the evidence piles up, scientists are rapidly reconsidering."
• Preloved & perfect! The seven essential rules for secondhand presents - "For a thoughtful, less consumerist Christmas, make sure to tell the truth about your purchases, spritz musty clothes with vodka and invest in vintage wrapping paper."
• Rita Moreno on West Side Story, dating Brando & joy at 90 - "She overcame racism and abuse to break Hollywood, romanced Brando, dated Elvis to make him jealous, fought hard for civil rights and won an Egot. Now in her 10th decade, she is busier and happier than ever."
• 14in MacBook Pro review: putting power back in Apple’s laptop - "New M1 Pro and Max chips, larger screen, long battery life and more ports make for huge upgrade."
• Apple’s Smart Glasses Could Be As Powerful As a Mac, Release Next Year - "Apple's rumored augmented reality glasses may be well on their way, and with more power than one might expect."
• The Best Preamplifiers | Buyers Guide 2022 - "The entries represent the best preamplifiers we’ve heard. They are organized by price in ascending order. Enjoy!"
• Cryptocurrency mining in Kazakhstan is leading to power shortages - "China's crypto mining ban may be partly to blame."

November 28, 2021

• What Omicron means for the pandemic's future - "The new Omicron variant is a pandemic gut check."
• World is put on high alert over the Omicron coronavirus variant - "As fears mount over the newly identified coronavirus variant Omicron, governments around the world are scrambling to protect their citizens from a potential outbreak. The new mutation, which is potentially more transmissible, was first discovered in South Africa and has since been detected in Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, Israel, Italy, the Czech Republic and Hong Kong."
• ‘It’s critical’: can Microsoft make good on its climate ambitions? - "The company has set an example in the fight against carbon – but it retains ties to obstructionist groups."
• The world is investing heavily in better railways. Britain has other plans - "The 'betrayal' that could kill Britain's railway romance."
• The lab-grown food revolution - "Why cellular agriculture could be the future of farming. Raising livestock contributes a significant proportion of the food industry's climate emissions, but scientists and a growing number of companies are hoping that growing meat - everything from beef to turkey and even fish - from cell cultures in laboratories may offer a solution."
• Searches for Gucci label soar after release of murder film starring Lady Gaga - "Designer brand reaps the benefit of Ridley Scott’s movie telling the story of the killing of firm’s ex-boss."
• Top 10 most expensive cars in the world in 2021 - "The world is full of unique and beautiful cars from different automobile companies in the world. However, these cars are beautifully designed, representing the brand of the industries that built them."
• Every James Bond movie is a story of its era - "Since 1962, the franchise has paralleled the hits of the time, from Star Wars to Avengers: Endgame."
• SuRi, "World's Most Adventurous Superyacht" Can Be Chartered for $350K - "The amalgam of vehicles and toys you see is nothing more than the SuRi superyacht laid out in all its splendor and glory. Considered by some, including its owners, to be 'The world's most adventurous superyacht,' get ready for one heck of a ride into a vessel that even you can take a trip on, as long as you've got the cash; I'll get to that shortly."
• Dream Symphony: Inside the 10-year build of the world's biggest sailing yacht - "Announced in 2010, the 141 metre sailing superyacht Dream Symphony was revealed with a number of groundbreaking promises. The four-masted schooner-rigged sailing yacht, currently in build at Dream Ship Victory’s yard in Bozburun, Turkey, would become the largest sailing yacht in the world when launched."

November 27, 2021

• Buy Nothing Day - since 1992. International day of protest against consumerism. In North America, the United Kingdom, Finland and Sweden, Buy Nothing Day is held the day after U.S. Thanksgiving, concurrent to Black Friday; elsewhere, it is held the following day, which is the last Saturday in November.
• Why the Omicron variant is causing concern - "Omicron, a new Covid-19 variant with high number of mutations, sparks travel bans and worries scientists."
• SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant - also known as lineage B.1.1.529 and by the GISAID identifier GR/484A, is a variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The first known case was detected in Botswana, dated 9 November 2021. On 26 November 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated it as a variant of concern and named it after the Greek letter Omicron. The variant has an unusually large number of mutations, several of which are novel, and several of which affect the spike protein used for most vaccine targeting at the time of its discovery. This level of variation has led to concerns regarding transmissibility, immune system evasion, and vaccine resistance. As a result, the variant was rapidly designated as being "of concern", and travel restrictions were introduced by several countries to limit or slow its international spread.
• BioNTech says it could tweak Covid vaccine in 100 days if needed - "Company says it will know in two weeks whether current Pfizer jab is effective against Omicron variant."
• Travel doors slam shut as new Covid variant triggers alarm - "Travel doors slam shut as new Covid variant triggers alarm, stranding hundreds of passengers."
• MONACO TIGHTENS PANDEMIC RULES AGAIN - MASKS ARE BACK, EVERYWHERE - The Government has announced a tightening of coronavirus regulations, starting from Saturday, November 27. Face masks have become obligatory again everywhere outside in Monaco.
• The Sicilian town where the Covid vaccination rate hit 104% - "An ‘extraordinary’ campaign is credited for Palazzo Adriano’s stellar uptake - even if topping 100% is a statistical quirk."
• Egypt celebrates reopening 3,400-year-old Avenue of the Sphinxes - "Egypt celebrated the reopening of the ancient Avenue of Sphinxes in Luxor on Thursday night, a 2.7-kilometer (1.7-mile) road that connects two temple complexes in the area, the Temple of Luxor and the Temple of Karnak."
• The super-rich want sundecks on their private aircraft - "Private jet concept with a sundeck and dancefloor showcased at Dubai Airshow. A helicopter with vegan seats, a private jet with a sundeck and garage, and a hotelier's plan to hold discos at 35,000 feet - all three concepts were unveiled at the Dubai Airshow last week among a host of others designed to lure VIP travelers back to the sky."
• The rich are getting richer & they’re fueling a private jet boom - "Business jet take-offs and landings in the U.S. are up 40% year-on-year. Data from Jefferies Equity Research shows that as IPO activity climbed, the volume of business jet deliveries rose in correlation with it in 2021. Inventory of used jets is at record lows, around or below 3% for most major jet manufacturers."
• From Tom Ford & Anna Wintour to Sophia Loren, all the real celebrity characters in House of Gucci - "Here are the surprise celebrity characters that appear in minor roles opposite Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, and Jared Leto in Ridley Scott's true-crime drama House of Gucci."
• James Bond: The First & Last Lines Of Every 007 Actor In The Franchise - "From Sean Connery to Daniel Craig, find out how each Bond actor stepped into the iconic role and how they ultimately left the 007 franchise."
• Carlsen & Nepomniachtchi draw chess world title opener after flag furore - "Russian flag banned in buildup to showdown in Dubai. Defending champion Carlsen says he ‘was a little bit shaky’."
• Stunning paleoart shows what dinosaurs really looked like - "Crystal Palace Park, in south London, still hosts the world's first dinosaur sculptures. They were created in the 1850s based on what were, at the time, very recent scientific discoveries: fossils, unearthed in England just decades earlier. We know today that dinosaurs did not look at all like the scaly versions at Crystal Palace. For decades, however, the sculptures, as well as many other subsequent depictions, inaccurately influenced the public's view of these extinct giants. Renowned paleontologist Michael Benton's new book, "Dinosaurs: New Visions of a Lost World," however, offers the latest interpretation."
• Americans own the most guns in the world. But who stacks up next? - "America's relationship to gun ownership is unique, and its gun culture is a global outlier. As the tally of gun-related deaths continue to grow daily, here's a look at how gun culture in the US compares to the rest of the world."
• Ten statement buildings that never got built - "After Foster + Partners' design for the Tulip tower was recently rejected by the UK government, we round up 10 other high-profile building projects that were never actually built."
• 10 Old Sports Cars Most Enthusiasts Forgot Existed - "Sports cars are in many ways the ultimate enthusiast's cars, serving no practical purpose apart from being there to put a huge smile on their owners' faces. Even since the early days, the sports car market has always been ultra-competitive, with carmakers big and small fighting it out for attention and sales from deep-pocketed buyers. With a constant stream of new makes and models being released all the time, it's no surprise that there's plenty of amazing older models that end up getting forgotten about."
• Restored One-Off Aston Martin Bulldog Found Street Parked in London - "The mid-engined supercar never quite hit 200 mph in the 1980s, but now has a second lease on life."
• Stephen Sondheim: master craftsman who reinvented the musical dies aged 91 - (1930-2021). "Scoring his first big hit with West Side Story at 27, the US composer and lyricist raised the art form’s status with moving and funny masterpieces including Follies and Company."
• Stephen Sondheim’s musical masterpieces on stage & screen - in pictures - "From West Side Story to Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park With George to Into the Woods, Sondheim’s works have been performed - and loved - by the stars of musical theatre and cinema alike."
• Kingsley ULEZ Reborn Range Rover Review: SUVs Don’t Get Cooler Than This - "The trend for restoring and modifying classic cars to make them more usable in the modern world shows no signs of abating. The latest example is the ULEZ Reborn Range Rover Classic by Kingsley Cars. First, a bit of nomenclature admin for readers outside of London. ULEZ refers to the capital city’s new Ultra Low Emission Zone, where drivers of non-compliant cars are now charged daily to drive almost anywhere in London. But because the charge doesn’t apply to classic cars – those that are 40 years or older - a Range Rover from 1981, even with a big V8 engine, is exempt. Hence Kingsley calls this the ULEZ Reborn."

November 26, 2021

• best black friday deals 2021 at Amazon.com - over 10,000 results at Amazon.com.
• New Covid-19 variant with high number of mutations discovered - "A new Covid-19 variant could show immune evasion and enhanced transmissibility, South African scientists warn. The UK has banned flights from 6 African countries as the new variant spreads rapidly in South Africa."
• WHO to assess new highly mutated Covid-19 variant as countries ramp up health checks - "Meeting will determine if B.1.1.529 variant warrants a designation as one of ‘interest’ or of ‘concern’."
• WHO Official: It's too late to prevent another wave in Europe - "World Health Organization Europe director Dr. Hans Kluge says vaccines alone will not be enough to protect the continent from a new wave of coronavirus cases this winter."
• EU moves to place Covid booster jabs at heart of travel rules - "Commission says unrestricted travel between states should apply to those who get booster nine months after jabs."
• Havana Syndrome: FBI warns staff amid reports of symptoms among agents - "FBI advises employees on how to respond if they show signs of mysterious ailment which manifests as a brain injury."
• Ikea is offering a tiny apartment in Tokyo for less than $1 per month - "Swedish retailer Ikea is becoming a landlord in Japan with a tiny apartment it will rent out in Tokyo. The 10-square-meter (107-square-foot) apartment is located in the Shinjuku district and will cost just 99 yen ($0.86) per month to rent, according to details released by Ikea this week."
• Naomi Campbell’s fashion charity investigated over finances - "The fashion charity established by the supermodel Naomi Campbell has come under formal investigation from the charities watchdog over misconduct concerns relating to its management and finances."
• Princess Diana ‘was the first to stray’ during her marriage to Prince Charles, ex-aide claims - "Fans of The Crown on Netflix watched as Prince Charles was blamed for the breakdown of his marriage to Princess Diana by sneaking off to be with first love Camilla Parker Bowles. However, a former royal protection officer has claimed that it was actually the other way round, and Diana cheated first in the marriage, not Charles. Allan Peters has come forward with a striking new version of events, and said Charles didn’t start seeing Camilla romantically again until he learned Diana had been having a fling with fellow protection officer Barry Mannakee."
• 10 films to watch this December - "Stephen Spielberg takes on legendary musical West Side Story, Spider-Man is contending with the multiverse and Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand are in a spooky Shakespeare adaptation."
• No Time To Die to lose money despite taking $730m at the box office - "It comes after Variety's report claims from insider sources that while the film cost over $250m to produce, extra numbers including $100m to promote and the price of numerous delays mean the movie would need to make around $900m to break even."
• Why a toaster from 1949 is still smarter than any sold today - "They really don’t make ‘em like they used to."
• The 10 Car Brands That Produce the Most Reliable Vehicles - "The usual suspects and a couple of big surprises."
• The 'bespoke luxury' of tiny garden office cubes - "No room at the kitchen table? Children too loud? Some workers are slipping into tiny office cubes, right in their gardens."
• Is seaweed the future of flying? - "Aircraft currently leave a major footprint on the world's climate, so can the aviation industry hope to reach net zero by the middle of the century?"
• More than just a 'mystery' train, the Orient Express whisked the elite across Europe in luxury & style - "The celebrities were hot, and the champagne was cold aboard the Orient Express, the posh railway line that became synonymous with glamour and intrigue."
• Canadian town of Tiny has the world’s purest water. A gravel mining operation could ruin it - "Some of cleanest water in the world fell to the ground about 70 years ago, passing through smoggy skies that stuffed the droplets full of ash, soot, vehicle exhaust, chemicals and heavy metals."

November 25, 2021

• Scientists warn of new Covid variant with high number of mutations - "The B.1.1.529 variant was first spotted in Botswana and six cases have been found in South Africa."
• Zero-impact flying is the dream. This is the reality - "How close are we to guilt-free flying?"
• Is society coming apart? - "Despite Thatcher and Reagan’s best efforts, there is and has always been such a thing as society. The question is not whether it exists, but what shape it must take in a post-pandemic world."
• The seven types of rest - "When we feel extreme fatigue most of us focus on sleep problems. But proper relaxation takes many forms. I spent a week exploring what really works."
• What I learnt eating at 8,000 Chinese restaurants - "Mr Chan, a 72-year-old former tax lawyer based in Los Angeles, claims to have dined at nearly 8,000 Chinese restaurants across the US and counting. Each is archived in a spreadsheet that he has maintained for four decades, along with thousands of restaurant business cards and menus. If one visits a Chinese restaurant per day, it would take more than 20 years to reach his current count - 7812 restaurants."
• The True Story Behind The 'House Of Gucci' Murder - Forbes.
• The House of Gucci: A True Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed - "NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE from director Ridley Scott, starring Lady Gaga and Adam Driver. The sensational true story of murder, madness, glamour, and greed that shook the Gucci dynasty, now fully updated with a new afterword." Amazon.com.
• The masterpieces stolen by the Nazis - "The journeys of looted artworks have powerful stories that are being explored in a new exhibition, writes Diane Cole."
• TIME's Top 100 Photos of 2021 - TIME Magazine.
• ‘Born with a twisted mind’: Helmut Newton’s freaky fashion - in pictures - "The photographer’s offbeat shoots for magazines such as Vogue and Vanity Fair had a lasting influence on visual art - and are the subject of a new book."

November 24, 2021

• What the world could learn from Israel's Covid-19 vaccine booster rollout - "When it comes to Covid-19, it seems where Israel leads, the rest of the world follows. For almost a year, the country has offered other nations a glimpse into the pandemic's future."
• Europe to reach 2.2m Covid deaths by March - WHO - "As we've been hearing this morning, Europe and parts of Asia are facing another 700,000 Covid deaths before March, according to estimates from the World Health Organization."
• China's disappearing ships: The latest headache for the global supply chain - "Ships in Chinese waters are disappearing from global trackers, creating yet another headache for the global supply chain. China's growing isolation from the rest of the world - along with a deepening mistrust of foreign influence - may be to blame."
• Asian capital where the smog has 'become a torture' - "Delhi is often ranked among the world's most polluted cities, and air pollution there reached 'hazardous' levels in early November, according to India's National Air Quality Index (AQI), which tracks the presence of harmful particles in the air."
• Pig patrol: Amsterdam airport’s innovative approach to flight safety - "Farm animals are being used to prevent bird strikes as numbers of geese boom around Schiphol, one of Europe’s busiest flight hubs."
• Grammy nominations 2022: See the list of nominees - "The Grammys will take place on Monday, Jan. 31 on CBS and will stream live and on demand on Paramount+. A list of nominees in several major categories follows below. You can see the full list of more than 80 categories here."
• Xiaomi's stumble allows Apple to reclaim No.2 spot in smartphones - "Xiaomi stumbled in the third quarter as it grappled with fallout from the global chip shortage and fiercer competition. The Chinese company, which only recently became the world's second-biggest smartphone maker, fell back to third place behind Apple (AAPL) in the three months ended September, according to Counterpoint Research and Canalys."
• Apple sues Israeli spyware firm NSO Group - "NSO's Pegasus software can infect both iPhones and Android devices, allowing operators to extract messages, photos and emails, record calls and secretly activate microphones and cameras."
• You Can Now Vacation At The ‘House Of Gucci’ Villa On Lake Como - "Fans of history and high fashion alike may want to book a luxurious escape to the western shores of Italy now more than ever. Villa Balbiano - the filming site for Aldo Gucci’s home in the House of Gucci - will be available to book on Airbnb next month. Starring Lady Gaga and Adam Driver, the movie follows the murder, glamour and greed at the Italian fashion house. One of the main settings of the movie is the grand palazzo, which is located in Lake Como in northern Italy. Built on a former Franciscan monastery, the villa dates back to the 16th century with Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, who made it his own residence. In the 17th century it was owned by Cardinal Angela Maria Durini who hosted galas, festivals and other society events at the palace."
• Ferrari Daytona SP3 revealed with V12 power - "The Essence of Racing Spirit." Ferrari's latest limited-run supercar has been unveiled on 20 November 2021, wearing an iconic nameplate and powered by the firm's most powerful combustion engine. 599 examples will be built from 2022 and will be sold for €2 million each.
• AUDI RS E-TRON GT REVIEW: ELECTRIC EXTRAVAGANCE - "I won’t mince words: the 2021 Audi RS E-tron GT is hands down one of the best electric cars I’ve ever driven. It’s gorgeous, sophisticated, incredibly powerful, but it is also very, very expensive. For $140,000, is it worth it?"
• Could Rolls-Royce Have Done More with the Ghost Black Badge? - "Rolls-Royce recently debuted its latest model, the Ghost Black Badge, in Miami. It flew out a few journalists (our own Horatiu included) and let them test the car out a bit in some much needed sunshine. While most of the reviews were glowing; talking about its incredible luxury and style; one wasn’t quite as glowing - though not negative, either - and for a very specific reason."
• Are zebras white with black stripes or black with white stripes? - "Zebras are iconic for their distinctive coats, but have you ever wondered whether zebras are white with black stripes or black with white stripes?"
• House of Gucci & the trouble with extreme actor makeovers - "Jared Leto's transformation into the older, balding Paolo Gucci has inspired both ridicule and irritation. Are audiences tiring of actors' showy metamorphoses, asks Nicholas Barber."
• The World’s Largest Digital Camera is Almost Ready to Shoot the Stars - "The world’s largest digital camera with a resolution of 3.2-gigapixels is being prepared for installation atop a Chilean mountain where it will scan the sky to help scientists gain knowledge about the Milky Way, dark matter, and other phenomena."
• Einstein’s notes on theory of relativity fetch record €11.6m at auction - "Manuscript handwritten by physicist and a colleague in 1913-14 fetched nearly four times estimate"

November 23, 2021

• First known Covid case was Wuhan market vendor, says scientist - "Claim will reignite debate about origins of pandemic, a continuing source of tension between US and China."
• Dissecting the early COVID-19 cases in Wuhan - "Elucidating the origin of the pandemic requires understanding of the Wuhan outbreak." Science.
• How to Celebrate Holidays Safely in 2021 Amid COVID-19 - TIME Magazine.
• Two top European destinations move into the CDC's highest-risk category for travel - "Germany and Denmark were added to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's list of 'very high' risk travel destinations on Monday as a winter Covid-19 surge sweeps much of Europe."
• A tale of two pandemics: the true cost of Covid in the global south - "While the rich nations focus on booster jabs and returning to the office, much of the world is facing devastating second-order coronavirus effects. Now is the time to build a fairer, more responsible international system for the future."
• Pandemic hits mental health of women & young people hardest, survey finds - "Survey also finds adults aged 18-24 and women more concerned about personal finances than other groups."
• Why we're entering a vaccine RNAissance - "Could mRNA make us superhuman? Until recently most people had never even heard of mRNA vaccines. Now scientists believe they may be the key to solving a wealth of health problems."
• Men’s meat-heavy diets cause 40% more climate emissions than women’s, study finds - "Research also shows 25% of diet-related emissions are from ‘optional’ food and drinks, such as coffee, alcohol and cake."
• Intimate photos show lives of the rich & beautiful - "Slim Aarons, the photographer who captured high society at play."
• Kevin Spacey to pay $31m to studio after abuse claims - "A mediator has ordered Kevin Spacey to pay nearly $31m to the studio that made the hit Netflix show, House of Cards, for breach of contract following sexual harassment allegations against the US actor."
• Lobsters & crabs are sentient beings & shouldn't be boiled alive, UK report says - "Octopuses, crabs and lobsters are capable of experiencing pain or suffering, according to a review commissioned by the UK government, which has added the creatures to a list of sentient beings to be given protection under new animal welfare laws."
• The art of drinking Pinot Noir - "It’s called the heartbreak grape, not only because it’s tricky to grow, is picky about its soil, doesn’t like the heat and is so thin-skinned that it’s susceptible to mildew, rot, frost, but also because fine Pinot wine is just so hard to find. All too often it flatters to deceive and just when you’ve found a great one, you try another only to leave cruelly disappointed, suffering from what I term post-Pinot tristesse. Don’t you hear the devil’s laughter?"
• Nikon Z9 Hands-On: Jen Pottheiser’s Thoughts on the Flagship Camera - "Photographer Jennifer Pottheiser was given the opportunity to use Nikon’s new Z9 camera. She shares her real-world experiences with it and discusses what to expect from the upcoming pro-level powerhouse."
• Why siblings bicker for life - "Does sibling rivalry ever end? Most siblings fight and compete among each other as children. But for some, the conflict never ends."
• PODCAST: Travel again with Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown - "One of your favorite series from CNN is now available in your favorite podcast app. Join world-renowned chef, bestselling author and Emmy winner Anthony Bourdain to discover Parts Unknown: little-known destinations and diverse cultures that make our global community more connected. Start from the beginning in Myanmar, and listen through the series conclusion on the Lower East Side in New York City. New episodes drop each week."
• Airbus A340 plane lands on Antarctica for first time - "For the first time in history, an Airbus A340 plane has landed on Antarctica. Hi Fly, a boutique aviation company, was behind the flight. The company specializes in wet leases, which means they hire out both aircraft and air crew and are responsible for handling insurance, maintenance and other logistics."
• Rolls-Royce's all-electric airplane smashes record with 387.4 MPH top speed - "It also hit altitude and average speed records, the company claims."
• Ten Ancient Sites You Must See While in Athens - "The city of Athens has seen a dramatic transformation towards modernity over the last several years. It has now turned into one of the most trendy cities of Europe, offering endless cultural events, exhibitions, and concerts every single day and night. Street artists perform everywhere, and some have even left a personal touch of color on different walls around town. However, Athens is, or at least should be, better known for the impressive temples and other archaeological sites that are all around the city. Here are ten ancient sites to see in Athens."
• The mysterious symbols found carved in Qatar's deserts - "Some shoot out of the soft rock like reptiles bathing in the sun. Others are mysterious depressions resembling an ancient board game played all over the world. And a few are straight-up puzzling."
• AirTags Are the Best Thing to Happen to Tile - "With increased sales and products, things have never looked better for Tile. So why is its CEO so mad at Apple?"
• Tile is selling its Bluetooth tracking business to Life360 for $205 million - "Now that Apple has location trackers too, Tile may need more money behind it to compete."
• Lady Gaga Reveals She Ad-Libbed Her ‘Father, Son & House of Gucci’ Line & Wants to Work With Britney Spears - "'House of Gucci' doesn’t come out until Nov. 24, but one line of dialogue has already become iconic."
• The Setting Cabernet Sauvignon Sells For $1 Million At Emeril Lagasse Foundation Auction - "The foundation’s 19th annual Carnivale du Vin was held in New Orleans on November 6th, raising a total of $3.75 million to support its mission to create opportunities to inspire, mentor, and enable youth to reach their full potential through culinary, nutrition, and arts education, with a focus on life-skills development."
• 10 of the most expensive vinyl records to date - "Whether you're a seasoned vinyl junkie or have just recently discovered the beauty of analogue recordings ..."
• 20 best Christmas recipes - our all-time favourites - "From canapés to the ultimate turkey and roast potatoes, a celebratory vegetarian pie to steam ginger pudding and custard, we’ve got Christmas covered."
• 7 Prohibition-Era Cocktails Delicious Enough to Serve at Your 2021 Holiday Party - "These 1920s favorites fueled the boom of speakeasies. We give them an upgrade for the 2020s."
• Magritte: A Life by Alex Danchev review - a man of mystery - "This insightful biography of the surrealist painter contends that to his peers he was a hero and outsider who resisted symbolic readings of his art."
• Keeping it crisp: how to care for white shirts - "From cuff-scrubbing to the power of sunlight, how to have white shirts that are bright, stain-free and neatly pressed."

November 22, 2021

• Fauci warns time running short to prevent ‘dangerous’ Covid surge in US - "Coronavirus cases rising across the country for the first time in weeks as experts fear Thanksgiving will fuel a further increase."
• Alpine country goes back into lockdown, suspending tourism as the holiday season starts - Austria has introduced unprecedented new Covid measures, Ireland's under a midnight curfew, but India has reopened to vaccinated tourists. Here are some of the biggest developments in travel this week.
• Norway's soaring mountain staircases - "Many people don't know that Norway is the world capital of outdoor stairways: superbly engineered wooden and concrete steps that lead to the country's most beautiful viewpoints."
• Boeing just showed off its 777X flagship, the world's new largest twin-engine passenger jet - "Take a closer look at the $442.2 million plane." The Boeing 777X just made its international debut at the Dubai Airshow, where the public got its first look inside. A total of 351 orders have already been placed for the aircraft from customers like Emirates, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, and more.
• American Music Awards 2021: Best red carpet fashion - "The awards, held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, honors the best music by newcomers and established talent in the industry, across genres from country to R&B."
• Adele convinces Spotify to change the way it plays albums - "Adele wants you to listen to her album in order, and Spotify agrees."
• The 5 Biggest Blockchain Trends In 2022 - "Blockchain is one of the most exciting tech trends at the moment. It is a distributed, encrypted database model that has the potential to solve many problems around online trust and security. Many people know it as the technology that underpins Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in general. However, its potential uses are far broader, encompassing digital 'smart' contracts, logistics and supply chain provenance and security, and protection against identity theft. There are countless others - blockchain evangelists say it can potentially be used to improve security and integrity in any system that involves multiple parties sharing access to a database."
• Algorithms are everywhere. Here's why you should care - "Every time you pick up your smartphone, you're summoning algorithms. They're used for everything from unlocking your phone with your face to deciding what videos you see on TikTok to updating your Google Maps route to avoid a freeway accident on your way to work. An algorithm is a set of rules or steps followed, often by a computer, to produce an outcome. And algorithms aren't just on our phones: they're used in all kinds of processes, on and offline, from helping value your home to teaching your robot vacuum to steer clear of your dog's poop. Over the years they've increasingly been entrusted with life-altering decisions, such as helping decide who to arrest, who should be released from jail before a court date, and who's approved for a home loan."
• Amazon's Dark Secret: It Has Failed to Protect Your Data - "Voyeurs. Sabotaged accounts. Backdoor schemes. For years, the retail giant has handled your information less carefully than it handles your packages."
• Why you find do-gooders insufferable - "Why overly kind and moral people can rub you up the wrong way. ‘Do-gooders’ are often judged harshly. Why do we resent their acts of altruism or question their motives?"
• Grail Watches: The Holy Trinity (Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet & Vacheron Constantin) - Quill & Pad.
• The Porsche Design Chronograph 718 Cayman GT4 RS - "Lightweight construction meets performance, on the track and on the wrist..."
• Princess Charlene of Monaco: A timeline of her health issues & absence - "Princess Charlene of Monaco spent half a year away from the European principality to recover from a severe ear, nose and throat infection in her native South Africa. Just 11 days after returning home, Prince Albert II announced in an exclusive interview with People on Friday that the princess has entered a treatment facility 'outside of Monaco' for exhaustion."
• Brooke Shields on child stardom, sexualisation & nailing comedy: ‘It’s not in my nature to be a victim’ - "From Hollywood movies to naked photoshoots, the actor spent much of her youth in projects that now look more than a little creepy. She talks about her alcoholic mother, her new romcom and the happiness she has found in her 50s."

November 21, 2021

• Is Delta the last Covid ‘super variant’? - "The Delta variant was first detected a year ago and is now dominant across the globe. Scientists are concerned that a new strain could supersede it."
• Climate denial is waning on the right. What’s replacing it might be just as scary - "The wrapping of ecological disaster with fears of rampant immigration is a narrative that has flourished in far-right fringe movements in Europe and the US."
• National Geographic reveals its top destinations for 2022 - "While the pandemic is far from over, many of us are hopeful that 2022 is the year we'll finally be able to broaden our travel horizons again. Lonely Planet got in there at the start of November, bigging up Slovenia, Oman and Mauritius, and now it's the turn of venerable travel chronicler National Geographic, which has been educating us about our planet since 1888. For its 2022 list, National Geographic's editorial teams around the world have selected 25 'must see' destinations. These are spread across five categories - nature, adventure, culture, sustainability and family - with a focus on national parks and wildlife, outdoor activities and experience, green travel and multigenerational trips."
• The world’s most overrated destinations, from Maya Bay to the Maldives - "As the Thai beach immortalised in The Beach reopens after being ruined by too many tourists, we look at the world's most overrated destinations - and their unheralded alternatives."
• FBI searches for Jimmy Hoffa’s body in New Jersey landfill after deathbed tip - "FBI confirms search for the Teamster boss, who disappeared in July 1975, had begun again after a 2020 deathbed tip from landfill worker."
• These smart glasses offer a glimpse at the future Apple & Facebook are planning - "I recently tried a pair of prototype smart glasses from Avegant that gave me a glimpse of a future where we may be able to watch videos, get directions, see notifications and more, all through a pair of traditional-looking shades."
• AirPods are no longer cool, claim people who can't afford them - "According to the Wall Street Journal, AirPods have 'become too widespread to be cool.' Celebrities you haven't heard of, have apparently been taking a stand against all wireless earbuds, and staying firmly wired."
• Rolls-Royce has vegan leather available, nobody ordered it yet - "In case you haven’t noticed, a number of car manufacturers are moving away from offering leather upholstery for their interiors. This is done in an effort to cut down on emissions and make the cars more sustainable. Yet, a lot of people are wondering if the vegan leather will be able to successfully replace 'regular' leather. Some brands, like Rolls-Royce, apparently has vegan leather hidden in its huge options list but nobody asked for it yet."
• Swiss Watch Exports Have Skyrocketed to the Highest Monthly Level in 7 Years - "In the wake of two multimillion-dollar Geneva watch auctions held by Christie’s and Sotheby’s, respectively, the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FHS) has announced that exports of luxury timepieces are continuing on an upward trajectory."
• Nikon Z9 expected to start shipping on December 15th - "An incredible number of Nikon Z9 pre-orders received - easily surpasses the D700/D800/D850 - is this the most successful Nikon camera ever sold?"
• Meet 'Royal Falcon One,' This 135-Foot Porsche-Designed Catamaran Is a Speedy Spaceship for the Sea - "'Royal Falcon One' may look like something out of science fiction, but the twin-hull cat can perform at high speeds over long distances."

November 20, 2021

• ‘Storm clouds’ over Europe - but UK Covid rates remain high - "Analysis: likes of Slovakia and Austria have worse figures but UK’s have topped EU average for months."
• Europe is learning a crucial lesson - vaccines work, but they alone won't stop Covid now - "As nations are discovering, even a relatively strong vaccination rate is not enough alone to stop the spread of Covid-19 - and warning signs from Germany and Austria, where infections have skyrocketed in recent weeks - show the dangers of complacency. Austria will enter a total national lockdown on Monday, just days after it imposed a lockdown on unvaccinated people."
• New Covid Drugs Are Here - and They Could Change the Pandemic - "Two antivirals could help beat Covid-19 in countries that don’t have vaccines yet. They just need to work as promised."
• Inside food's new Silicon Valley - "Meet the Copenhagen chefs creating the food of the future."
• 10 of the world's biggest superyachts - "Does size really matter? When it comes to superyachts, it seems the answer is most certainly 'yes.' The title for world's biggest yacht was once held by the same vessel, El Mahrousa, for over a century. But it's changed hands far more frequently in the years since then as more and more supersized yachts come onto the scene. While demand for large yachts has steadily grown over the past few decades, sales have shot up considerably since 2019 due to the increasing number of billionaires emerging, as well as the impact of the pandemic. The current world's biggest yacht measures 180 meters, and a 183-meter vessel is due for delivery in 2024, but a number of gigayacht concepts have been floated about over the years, with some in the very early stages of development."
• This was once the most glamorous way to travel - "Revisiting the luxury and glamour of Concorde. In March 1969, just months before Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, Concorde made its maiden flight. The supersonic plane embodied a vision of the future as daring as that of Apollo 11 - but far better looking."
• Theranos trial: Elizabeth Holmes makes surprise testimony - "An entrepreneur accused of scamming investors for millions of dollars with a bogus blood test has surprised a US court by testifying in her defence."
• Zurich-Based Ineichen Auctioneers Presents Two High Concept Watch Sales November 20 - 21 Following Main Auction - "Based in Zurich since 1973, the house of Ineichen Auctioneers has long excelled at showcasing prestigious watches powered by horological innovation, technical ingenuity and irresistible artistry. On November 20 and 21st, Ineichen, led by its CEO Artemy Lechbinskiy, opens a dynamic chapter in its history by presenting two special high concept sub-auctions of exceedingly fine timepieces following its primary watch auction. 200 watches are going under the hammer as Ineichen’s auction event takes place in Zurich, and online. The lowest priced lots range run from 500 to 1000 CHF, the medium-priced lots come in at 15,000 to 20,000 CHF and the highest priced watches span between 100,000 and 300,000 CHF."
• The story behind Prince Charles’ rare Parmigiani watch - "The watch that has served as Prince Charles’ favourite since 2015; an 18-carat gold automatic Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph."
• The Unlikely Watch Collector: Prince Charles - "The future king represents the epitome of longevity, he's also recovering from the coronavirus. Prince Charles's recent confinement gave us the ideal opportunity to take a deep dive into his watch collection."
• These are the most iconic & exclusive watches worn by the royals - "There is a certain enigma around royalty, one that immediately brings to mind words like power, prestige, and wealth. We know that the royals always dress to perfection. And just as they pay attention to their sartorial choices, their timepieces are equally well thought out. No wonder then that they are seen wearing some of the world’s most expensive and exclusive watches. From Rolex to Backes & Strauss, here are some watches loved and worn by these royals."
• Highlights: The Creatives at Phillips’ Hong Kong Watch Auction - "Having rounded up some of the interesting and probably overlooked at Phillips’ upcoming Hong Kong watch auction, we now take a look at some of the independent watchmaking highlights in the sale."
• AMAZON SMART THERMOSTAT REVIEW: A $60 STUNNER - "The budget thermostat Nest should have made."
• A Queen Elizabeth Gift Guide: Shop Like the Queen Shops for Herself - "Give yourself (or, you know, friends and family) the royal treatment this holiday season."
• Sloane Ranger Handbook - Revisiting the guide 35 years on - "Looking Back at Princess Diana and the Official Sloane Ranger Handbook. Princess Diana made a certain kind of posh Londoner internationally famous. We spoke to co-author Peter York about the book's runaway success—and whether Sloanes still exist today."
• Good or bad? Top cardiologist gives verdict on chocolate, coffee & wine - "Dark chocolate is a 'joy' when it comes to keeping your heart healthy, coffee is likely protective, but wine is at best 'neutral', according to one of the world’s leading cardiologists."
• Fasting 2 days a week can help obese people keep off the weight with modest results, study finds - "The 5:2 diet, a type of intermittent fasting, is no more effective than traditional approaches to weight loss, according to what researchers said was the first study of the regimen in a 'real-life setting.' However, the researchers found that the approach, which involves two days of heavily restricting calories (500 calories for women, 600 calories for men) and five days of sensible eating, was rated more highly by the obese people in the study because it was easy to follow."
• Delfast Reinvents The Soviet Dnepr As A Powerful Electric Bike - "A new electric bike has set out to reimagine the Soviet era motorcycle Dnepr. Created by the US-Ukrainian electric bike marque Delfast and set for production in 2023, the post-Soviet Dnepr will be a futuristic electric roadster of pop colors and sustainable powertrain."

November 19, 2021

• Peng Shuai: WTA prepared to pull out of China over tennis star’s disappearance - "WTA chairman willing to pull out of China if tennis star Peng Shuai not fully accounted for."
• A New Generation of Nuclear Reactors Could Hold the Key to a Green Future - TIME Magazine.
• Amazon sees worst deforestation levels in 15 years - "A report by Brazil's space research agency (Inpe) found that deforestation increased by 22% in a year. According to the latest data, some 13,235 sq km (5110 sq miles) was lost during the 2020-21 period, the highest amount since 2006."
• The forgotten oil ads that told us climate change was nothing - "Since the 1980s, fossil fuel firms have run ads touting climate denial messages - many of which they’d now like us to forget. Here’s our visual guide."
• The World's Most Exclusive Address Is Actually on a Yacht - and Its 39 Apartments Just Hit the Market - "Few trips are as luxurious as one aboard a superyacht. Impeccable service, stunning surroundings, exceptional amenities, and divine cuisine all combine to create a unique experience that you may never want to leave. Pretty soon, you won't have to buy a superyacht of your own to live on one. In 2024, the superyacht Somnio will launch with 39 luxurious apartments - a true floating paradise."
• The ‘World’s Wealthiest Canine’ Is ‘Selling’ Miami Estate For $32 Million - "You read that correctly, but it’s not entirely what you think. The ‘world’s wealthiest dog’ - a German shepherd named Gunther VI who is said to be worth half a billion dollars - is ‘selling’ his Miami estate for $31.75 million. This gorgeous estate once belonged to pop music legend Madonna in the 1990s (she first purchased it for $7.5 million)."
• Why Prince Charles may not become 'King Charles' - "Prince Charles' full name is Charles Philip Arthur George, and the King can adopt any of their given names in their title. So while the Prince could become the next King Charles, he could also be the next King Arthur. Writing about the subject, the Constitution Unit at University College London's School of Public Policy said he would not be the first King to use a different name. They said: 'He is free to choose his own regnal title.'"
• Tom Cruise pictured looking back to normal after ‘puffy’ viral photos - "The mystery of Tom Cruise’s face continues, with the actor spotted looking like himself again after photos of him went viral last month."
• Has Hollywood run out of ideas? - "Ghostbusters Afterlife: Is nostalgia killing cinema? The new Ghostbusters film exemplifies Hollywood's current obsession with sending audiences down memory lane. Is this as detrimental to cinema as some would have it, asks Jack King."
• Private jets are suddenly so popular there's a global shortage - "Operators struggling to cope with demand after surge in the use of private jets. More than 4.3 million private jet flights have taken place this year, data shows. The Isle of Man alone is home to more private jets than France, Italy or Spain. It comes as more than 400 private jets flew into local airports for Cop26."
• How to double-wrist with a mechanical watch & an Apple watch - "Double-Wristing: A Guide For The Perplexed. How to feel more natural about doing something that feels ... unnatural."
• A Complete Newbie Meets A Professional Wrist Model - "All those wrist shots you see in watch ads? The wrists are attached to real humans. Our correspondent decided to meet one as part of her continuing quest to understand our strange little world."
• Why You Should Photograph Everything Wide Open - "Landscape photography is often about achieving maximum depth of field, fantastic sharpness, and gathering as much quality into one image as possible. Or is it? This photographer shoots everything wide open and has an excellent reason for it."
• John Galliano Leads a Tour of His Favorite Objects & Creative Inspirations - "'I love to surround myself with objects, for they inspire - not just the energy they bring with them, but my relationship to them,' Maison Margiela creative director John Galliano says of the art that defines his home in Picardy, France."
• VIDEO: How Fast is the Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge to 60 MPH? - "Testing a Rolls-Royce from 0-60 mph is a bit like making the Queen of England run a 40-yard dash - interesting but pointless and also kind of hilarious. However, that’s exactly what we did in Miami, Florida and, ironically, it was Rolls’ idea. During our trip to test out the new Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge, we had the chance to test its 0-60 mph time and its 60-0 mph braking distance. All of it facilitated by Rolls-Royce... the brand that would typically put anyone in a stockade for drag racing one of its cars."
• Superyacht Sales Are Soaring Thanks to a Wave of Newly Minted Billionaires - "Over 200 new superyachts were launched this year up to September, up from 165 in the same period of 2019."
• The War Over Chocolate Croissants - "Founded by the Romans, with three UNESCO World Heritage sites within its limits, and on the route of the famous Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage, the city of Toulouse is well known for its cultural and culinary prowess - think French cassoulet, duck confit and the Toulouse sausage. But what is less well known is Toulouse’s love of something called the chocolatine, what the rest of France calls the pain au chocolat, and what Americans call chocolate croissants."
• SPOTIFY’S LATEST PURCHASE IS ABOUT BECOMING THE PLACE YOU LISTEN TO EVERYTHING - "Why it bought an audiobook company."

November 18, 2021

• Merkel: Germany hit by full force of Covid - "Germany is in the grip of a 'dramatic' fourth Covid wave, Chancellor Angela Merkel has said on the eve of a crisis meeting with regional leaders."
• ‘We were in a war’: behind 2021’s most devastating Covid-19 documentary - "Matthew Heineman’s gruelling new film The First Wave takes us back the terrifying early stages of a world-changing virus."
• ‘Zero-Covid is not going to happen’: experts predict a steep rise in US cases this winter - "Total US deaths from Covid may reach 1 million by spring as vaccination rates remain lower than 60%."
• US to boost vaccine manufacturing & produce at least a billion doses a year - "Plan is part of effort to shore up global supply for poorer countries while ‘preparing for the next pandemic’."
• Mask-wearing cuts Covid incidence by 53%, says global study - "Researchers said results highlight the need to continue with face coverings, social distancing and handwashing alongside vaccine programmes."
• Ten ways to confront the climate crisis without losing hope - "It’s easy to despair at the climate crisis, or to decide it’s already too late - but it’s not. Here’s how to keep the fight alive."
• Americans are overdosing on a drug they don't know they're taking - "Fueled by the coronavirus pandemic and an increase in fentanyl use, the US drug epidemic exploded while Americans were locked down."
• Sudden $400 Billion Crypto Price Rout Sees Bitcoin Crash Under $60,000 As Ethereum, BNB, Solana, Cardano & XRP Plummet - "Bitcoin and cryptocurrency prices have fallen sharply over the last 24 hours, with the bitcoin price crashing under $60,000 per bitcoin. Other major cryptocurrencies, including ethereum, Binance's BNB, solana, cardano and Ripple's XRP, have also fallen back—all losing between 7% and 10% of their value. The sudden crypto price crash has wiped around $400 billion from the combined crypto market, which last week touched a record high of around $3 trillion."
• Apple Releases iOS 15.1.1 With Call Improvements for iPhone 12 & 13 Models - "According to Apple's release notes, iOS 15.1.1 improves call drop performance on iPhone 12 and 13 models, so users who have been experiencing dropped calls should see improvements after installing the update. It appears to only be available for devices in theiPhone 1 and iPhone 13 families, including Pro models, so users with other devices won't see the update."
• Apple will let iPhone users repair their own devices - "The company on Wednesday announced a new program that will make spare parts for Apple products available to purchase starting early next year. The program, known as Self Service Repair, will let users fix broken devices using repair manuals that Apple will post on its website."
• Wyze Buds Pro review: budget Bluetooth buds worth buying - "My Amazon pods are headed to the recycler."
• Mercedes’ EQS sets the bar for luxury EVs - "The German automaker created an S-Class EV that’s not quite an S-Class."
• Meet the electric bike that went from garage startup to 100,000 e-bikes sold in two years - "When Lectric eBikes first unveiled the Lectric XP folding fat tire electric bike back in the summer of 2019, they rolled out into a crowded market full of new startups. But something about the e-bike struck a chord with consumers and catapulted the company to near-instant success."
• Apple's colorful new HomePod mini is on sale for the first time ahead of Black Friday - "The latest orange, blue and yellow speakers get their first discount."
• The shareholder fight that forced Apple’s hand on repair rights - "‘The timing is definitely no coincidence,’ says shareholder group."
• ‘Rust’ Script Supervisor Sues Alec Baldwin, Producers Over Shooting - "According to Mamie Mitchell, 'There was nothing in the script indicating that a firearm was to have been discharged.'"
• Coffin made of mushrooms feeds on the human body - "Dying to be green: Are mushroom coffins the secret to an eco-friendly death? "
• The ingenious living bridges of India - "For centuries, indigenous groups in north-east India have crafted intricate bridges from living fig trees. Now this ancient skill is making its way to European cities."
• ‘Phenomenally rare’: one of only 16 complete Ming dragon carpets known to exist - "This superbly preserved 16th-century carpet - offered in the Exceptional Sale in Paris on 23 November, 2021 - would have been placed beneath the emperor’s throne in Beijing’s Forbidden City."
• HermÈS: A RARE, FAUVE BARÉNIA LEATHER & BOG OAK KELLYWOOD 22 WITH PALLADIUM HARDWARE handbag - "22 w × 19 h × 8.5 d cm, includes shoulder strap, small dustbag, felt protector, care card, dustbag and box." Christie's.
• Velocity Invitational - "A Luxury Motorsports Festival." Over 250+ of the rarest and most valuable race cars on the planet will participate. November 11-14, 2021.
• ‘Blood micromoon’: New Zealand to enjoy partial lunar eclipse not seen for 800 years - "Stargazers will be able to see longest partial eclipse visible from New Zealand since 1212."
• Does cheese really give you vivid dreams? - "Eating a pungent blue or mature camembert before bed is reputed to lead to outlandish dreams, or even nightmares. But can a dairy-laden snack really influence what happens in our sleep?"
• ‘People who knew him ... didn’t really know him’: who was the real Charlie Chaplin? - "In a definitive new documentary, a deeper look at the much-loved movie star provides more insight into ‘one of the greatest rags-to-riches stories ever told’."
• ‘Annoying snobs was part of the fun’: Paul McCartney and more on the Beatles’ rooftop farewell - "As Peter Jackson’s TV series Get Back recasts the Fab Four’s final days in a more positive light, the ex-Beatle remembers the responses to their historic gig above the streets of London."

November 17, 2021

• Europe turns the screws on the unvaccinated as Covid-19 cases climb - "Europe's leaders are toughening their stances towards unvaccinated people and pursuing measures that increasingly isolate them from the rest of society, as frustration grows over stalling shot rollouts and a wave of Covid-19 infections on the continent."
• Fauci: US can get Covid under control by next year with more jabs - "Top infectious disease official said if more Americans get vaccines and booster shots, the disease could be downgraded to endemic status."
• The definition of 'fully vaccinated' is changing to three Covid-19 doses - "You may need up to three Covid-19 vaccine doses to be considered fully vaccinated. Waning vaccine immunity and rising infections due to the Delta variant has prompted wealthy nations to reconsider the definition of 'fully vaccinated' - which usually means two Covid-19 jabs."
• COP26: The truth behind the new climate change denial - "As world leaders met at the COP26 summit to debate how to tackle climate change, misleading claims and falsehoods about the climate spiralled on social media."
• How cities are going carbon neutral - "Home to the majority of the global human population, urban areas make an outsized contribution to carbon emissions. What can they do to reach net zero by the middle of the century?"
• Bill Gates-backed experimental nuclear power plant heads to tiny Wyoming city - "Officials have announced that Kemmerer, population 2,600, will be the site of a plant featuring a liquid sodium-cooled reactor."
• Global Travel Trends Report 2021 - "'As we look ahead to a return to travel later this year, we asked travelers from seven different countries including Australia, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, the United Kingdom and the United States, about what’s on their minds as they plan for or dream about their next trip. While individual sentiments differ, one thing is clear: there’s a pent-up demand for travel and a clear appreciation for the benefits that it can bring. In fact, people miss traveling so much that 76% of respondents surveyed are creating their destinations wish list for future travel even though they might not be able to travel yet.'"
• 6 amazing Asia train journeys for food, scenery & culture - "According to the 2021 Global Travel Trends survey of 3,000 travelers worldwide by American Express, 68% expressed interest in more sustainable travel; 78% said they were looking for travel experiences that relieve stress; and 61% said they wanted slower, longer trips than in the past. A train journey could be just the ticket for those who have their eyes on Asia for a 2022 trip."
• The sounds rebuilding Notre Dame's precious vaults - "Soundscape archaeologist Mylène Pardoën is reproducing the sounds that were heard inside and outside the Paris cathedral from its construction in the 13th Century until the 2019 fire."
• Frida Kahlo self-portrait fetches a record $34.9 million - "A self-portrait by Frida Kahlo has become the most expensive work by a Latin American artist ever to sell at auction, fetching $34.9 million in New York on Tuesday. The price achieved by the painting 'Diego y yo' ('Diego and I') more than tripled the previous record of $9.8 million, set by a work by Kahlo's husband - and the inspiration for her painting - Diego Rivera, in 2019."
• A car parking space opposite Harrods is up for sale at £250,000 - "A parking spot is up for sale at just less than the average UK house price."
• What's happened to TV's very bad men? - "From Tony Soprano to Don Draper, the charismatic but cruel antihero was once TV's defining character. Have viewers really fallen out of love with them or not, asks Charles Bramesco."
• Jai Bhim: The Indian film that overtook The Godfather on IMDb - "Jai Bhim, a Tamil language film, has been rated the top film by users on IMDb, beating classics such as The Shawshank Redemption and The Godfather. It's the latest in a line of hard-hitting Indian movies telling stories of repression against Dalits who are at the bottom of a rigid Hindu caste hierarchy, writes film journalist Aseem Chhabra."
• Gaga, Gucci & prison ferrets: how true crime conquered the world - "Ridley Scott’s House of Gucci stars Lady Gaga in a tale of fashion and murder. But is true crime - once the soul of cinema, from thrillers and horrors to westerns - now outgrowing the big screen?"
• Dolby Digital vs DTS: what's the difference? - "Dolby Digital or DTS? Dolby Atmos or DTS:X? As home cinema has improved, new surround sound formats have sprung up, bringing more detail and realism to movie nights. But let's go back to basics and look at the two most popular surround sound formats: DTS and Dolby Digital."
• Sonos finally adds DTS audio support to its home theater lineup - "Including Beam and Arc soundbars, and older devices like the Playbar. Amazon Music Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos Music spatial audio will soon work on Sonos devices too."
• Skin lightening is an $8.6 billion industry. This woman is trying to stop it - "For over a decade, Amira Adawe has devoted her life to putting an end to the skin lightening industry, particularly the use of creams that contain toxic levels of mercury. Here's how she's doing it."
• Nazis based their elite schools on top British private schools - "Eton and Harrow among those whose ‘character-building’ qualities were admired by German educators in 1930s and 1940s."
• Why You Absolutely Must Invest In The Metaverse - "Since Mark Zuckerberg announced on October 28 that Facebook would now be known as the Meta Platform, or simply Meta, its share price has risen by more than 9%, which is more than double what the Nasdaq NDAQ +1.1% has done."
• Your morning cups of coffee & tea could be associated with lower risk of stroke & dementia - "Among more than 360,000 participants studied over a period of 10 to 14 years, those who drank 2 to 3 cups of coffee, 3 to 5 cups of tea, or a combination of 4 to 6 cups of coffee or tea a day had the lowest risk of stroke and dementia, according to researchers from Tianjin Medical University in Tianjin, China."
• Consumption of coffee & tea & risk of developing stroke, dementia, & poststroke dementia - "A cohort study in the UK Biobank."
• Harry Styles launches gender-neutral beauty brand - "Singer Harry Styles, who is known for his gender-fluid wardrobe and love of nail polish, has launched his own beauty brand, Pleasing."
• Monaco's Princess Charlene to avoid public duties, as palace cites ill health - "Monaco's Princess Charlene will rest for several weeks and avoid public duties, including the principality's national day celebrations, while she recovers from ill health, the Monaco royal palace said on Tuesday. The palace said Charlene, a former Olympian, would convalesce in a secret location and that she would only resume her public duties once her health allowed it."
• the psychology of why we collect watches - "Knowledge, kinship & 'celebrity vampirism' - the psychology of why we collect watches." We asked a clinical psychologist who specialises in compulsive behaviour to find out.
• Roman Abramovich’s Private 767 P4-MES Is Up For Sale. Here’s What It Looks Like Inside - "Russian-Israeli billionaire Roman Abramovich, recently best known as the owner of the English Premier League football club, Chelsea F.C., is upgrading one of his personal rides to a Boeing 787. As a result, his private Boeing 767-300ER (registered P4-MES) is up for sale, and we can finally see what it looks like on the inside."
• Ferrari's One-Off Creations Is A List Of The Most Desirable prancing horses of all time - "Back in 2008, Ferrari launched its One-Off personalization program to a lot of fanfare at that year’s Geneva Motor Show. The goal was to give Maranello’s most important clients the opportunity to create their own Ferraris. It’s been over a decade since that announcement, and it’s safe to say that Ferrari’s program has become a resounding success."
• Three Designers Reveal Interior Concepts For 728-Foot Residential Superyacht ‘Somnio’ - "We’ve seen The World, we’ve had a sneak peek of NJORD, and now eyes are set on Somnio. The latest luxury floating residence in development, Somnio offers 39 owners a unique and luxurious way of living permanently onboard a travelling superyacht. For the first time, developers have unveiled a first-look at the 728-foot-long vessel’s interiors - a joint effort between Tillberg Design of Sweden, Winch Design and Luttenberger Design. Owners can choose which of the three design firms they wish to work with to create their fully-customisable apartments, which range from 1,959 square feet to 10,365 square feet in size, set across six decks."

November 16, 2021

• CDC moves 3 of Europe's travel darlings to its list of highest-risk destinations - "The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added three popular European nations and a small, idyllic island destination to its list of "very high" risk travel destinations on Monday as a new Covid-19 surge continues to sweep much of Europe. The four destinations moved to Level 4, the highest risk category, are: Czech Republic, Guernsey, Hungary and Iceland."
• How Covid conspiracists are shifting to climate change denial - "Members of an online movement infected with pandemic conspiracies are shifting their focus - and are increasingly peddling falsehoods about climate change."
• Why does Covid-19 make things smell disgusting? - podcast - "Growing numbers of people catching coronavirus are experiencing an unpleasant distortion of smells. Scientists are still unsure what causes this often distressing condition, known as parosmia, where previously enjoyable aromas trigger feelings of disgust. Madeleine Finlay talks to science correspondent Linda Geddes about her own parosmia, and chemist Dr Jane Parker discusses research into why the smell of coffee seems to be a trigger for so many people."
• World's largest inflatable airplane hangar pops up in the desert - "How the world's largest inflatable aircraft hangar was built. Airport infrastructure can take a very long time to build. Just ask the planners of Berlin's new Brandenburg Airport, which has only just entered service after a decades-long building process plagued by engineering mishaps."
• Why superbusiness minisuites are the future of luxury flying - "After a long, golden sunset of being installed on fewer and fewer aircraft, the retirement of older aircraft caused by the Covid-19 pandemic means that when air travel resumes, international first class will be very nearly a thing of the past. Its replacement is a new generation of superbusiness minisuites, more spacious than regular business class, and with a privacy door to create your own space, but without the over-the-top luxury of first class."
• iOS 15.2 - Apple’s ‘Shock’ Decision Will Change Your iPhone Forever - "Apple’s forthcoming iOS 15.2 update looks like being the most radical iPhone update in recent years. Not because it includes outstanding new features or services, but because, despite countless warnings, it includes a ‘shocking’ change in direction for Apple and the company’s billion-plus iPhone users."
• Amazon launches a dedicated Prime Video app for Mac - "It has also released a redesigned Photos app for iOS and the web."
• Larq water bottle - "Self-Purifying Water Bottle." LARQ Water Bottle Neutralizes Up To 99.9999% Of Odor-Causing Bacteria Using UV-C Light. Pure water at the touch of a button - for home, traveling, camping and beyond.
• Yale's Assure smart lock set me free from key anxiety - "The convenience of electronic locks are worth the extra cost."
• LAMBORGHINI ADOPTS WHAT3WORDS IN ALL HURACÁN MODELS - "What3words is arriving on Lamborghini Huracán and voice navigation has never been so easy. Thanks to the new partnership with the Alexa-enabled innovative global addressing technology, starting in mid-2022 Lamborghini drivers will be able to navigate to exclusive locations with greater accuracy, also offline, using this highly advanced mapping system that covers every portion of the world. By dividing the globe into 57 trillion 10-foot squares and giving each one a unique 3-word combination - an actual address - what3words is changing our navigation methods. Thus, Lamborghini has become the first automotive brand to incorporate total Amazon Alexa control and integration with what3words, so that users can navigate to a precise address with a simple voice command."
• Beach made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio is finally set to reopen - "Officials in Thailand have announced a reopening date for one of the country's most famous attractions. Maya Bay, a beautiful cove made famous by 'The Beach' - a 2000 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio - will reopen to tourists on January 1, 2022, according to a statement issued by Thailand's Department of National Parks."
• Everything tourists should know about skiing in Switzerland - "Ski season is about to begin in the Swiss Alps. Here’s what you can expect in resorts and on the slopes."
• How the Cartier Crash Became The Most Important Vintage Watch of 2021 - "A new world-record auction price for the Crash is just the latest chapter in the history of this surreal Cartier."
• Patek Philippe Announces First-Ever NFT for its Rare Nautilus Timepiece - "Slated to be auctioned off on SM-ART’s platform."
• Why We Spend More For Luxury Watch Brands - "When consumers spend money on most luxury goods, they are, in fact, purchasing two things at once. First, they are purchasing a 'nice object' or service. That is the thing they are acquiring, and for it to be an authentic luxury, it has to be manufactured rather well, often with a refined design and using less-than-ordinary materials. But that alone doesn’t make anything a luxury good. The second thing consumers are purchasing when getting a luxury good is the brand name on the good. This is a more amorphous area of value but a real one nonetheless. When you buy a brand you are in fact purchasing an association with a concept, feeling, image, or status."
• The Cartiers: The Untold Story of the Family Behind the Jewelry Empire - Amazon.com.
• Here's how Elon Musk's fortune has benefited from taxpayer help - "Elon Musk can thank investors for his staggering net worth of nearly $300 billion. But taxpayers played a crucial role as well."
• SacrÉ bleu: French flag changes colour - but no one notices - "Macron switches to using navy blue on France's flag. Blue part of flags flying around Élysée Palace was made darker in July last year but change went largely unnoticed."
• Box Office Milestone: ‘No Time to Die’ Passes Up ‘F9’ Overseas - "The James Bond installment is now the top-grossing Hollywood film of the pandemic era at the international box office."
• Art auction fetches over $676M for high-profile divorce settlement - "Nearly three years after the high-profile divorce proceedings of New York real estate developer Harry Macklowe and his wife, Linda, a portion of their art collection has smashed estimates to sell for over $676 million. An initial batch of 35 artworks went under the hammer Monday, including pieces by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Cy Twombly. A work by abstract painter Mark Rothko fetched $82.5 million while Jackson Pollock's Number 17, 1951 sold for over $61 million to set a new record for the artist's work."
• New York billionaire seeks permission for ‘temple for a titan’ - "Investor Bill Ackman trying to win approval for a controversial penthouse overlooking Central Park. At the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, Ackman, a regular TV news financial pundit, told millions of CNBC views that “hell is coming”. In a 28-minute near-hysterical TV, he said the US was underestimating the severity of the coronavirus crisis, and predicted it would kill millions of people and devastate the global economy. The interview sent financial markets into a tailspin. At the same time Ackman had quietly placed a bet that stock markets would tank. Those bets made his hedge fund $2.6bn - a near-10,000% return on his $27m stake."
• The 2021 Irish Whiskey Awards Honor The Best Of Irish Whiskey - "The Irish Whiskey Awards began in 2013. Under the direction of its founder, Irish whiskey entrepreneur Ally Alpine, they have become the premier awards in the Irish whiskey industry; widely respected among both consumers and industry participants for the scope and quality of their judging process."
• The Irish app letting people take 3D videos on an iPhone - "When you see a 3D image of a real person in a video game or as a visual effect in a movie, that virtual human has usually been constructed through an intricate process known as 'volumetric capture.' Dozens of cameras surround the subject and record a 360-degree video, capturing its dimensions and volume. The different viewpoints are then merged to create a digitized 3D image. Typically, the process is carried out by technicians in a professional studio - both time-consuming and expensive. But this could be about to change, as Irish startup Volograms has made the process available to anyone with an iPhone via its free app Volu."
• Sex, Power & Fetishization: Emily Ratajkowski On The Controversy Over Her Body - "In art critic John Berger’s 1972 book Ways of Seeing, he describes the male gaze throughout art history as one that has made female-authored expression in visual culture impossible: 'You painted a naked woman because you enjoyed looking at her, put a mirror in her hand and you called the painting 'Vanity,' thus morally condemning the woman whose nakedness you had depicted for you own pleasure.' This double bind of looking couldn’t apply more to the model and actress Emily Ratajkowski, who as she frankly notes when we speak, has capitalized on her image: 'My whole thing when I was younger was that when they [men] looked, I stared right back - I always gave back.' But now, at thirty years old and a decade in the industry being gazed at behind her, she feels differently - 'I don't believe that anymore. I feel very differently about things now.'"
• Eurythmics: The genre-fluid music ahead of its time - "Eurythmics 'made not fitting in feel triumphant', writes Arwa Haider, remembering how the duo's music soundtracked her teenage years."
• Hyundai’s restomod Grandeur is the perfect EV for a supervillain - "You can’t buy it, and that’s a real shame."

November 15, 2021

• Cop26 ends with Glasgow climate pact - in pictures - "Inside Saturday’s negotiations as delegates hammer out a deal that makes progress in some important areas."
• Ratchets, phase-downs & a fragile agreement: how Cop26 played out - "Last-minute hitch on coal almost reduced Alok Sharma to tears as Glasgow climate pact made imperfect progress."
• China's Covid-19 fallout - "Xi's China is closing to the world. And it isn't just about borders." It's been nearly two years since China shut its international borders as part of its efforts to keep Covid-19 out.
• Austria to impose Covid lockdown for the unvaccinated age 12 & older - "Around 65% of Austria's population is fully vaccinated against Covid-19, one of the lower rates in the European Union where cases are surging. Under the measures announced on Sunday, the unvaccinated are ordered to stay home except for a few limited reasons; the rules will be policed by officers carrying out spot checks on those who are out."
• Digital detox & post-pandemic catch-ups fuel board game boom - "Once niche activity enjoys renaissance as families and friends meet up for slower, more mindful ‘logged-off’ activities."
• Jeff Bezos' decision making at Amazon came down to 5 key principles, according to a former board member - "A new book reveals the rules Amazon founder Jeff Bezos used to make the company a success. Tom Alberg, an ex-Amazon board member, wrote the book, which detailed Bezos' 'Day 1' philosophy. It also discussed how Bezos overcame the company's early struggle to attract investment."
• Bitcoin's big code upgrade improves privacy & security - "Bitcoin just received a significant upgrade. As The Block notes, the Bitcoin network rolled out a long-in-the-making 'Taproot' code upgrade early today (November 14th). The update improves both privacy and security for complicated transactions through new signatures that make them look like any other exchange. Would-be thieves or snoops should have a harder time recognizing when an unusual transfer is taking place."
• Cryptocurrency faces a quantum computing problem - "Two cutting-edge technologies that promise to revolutionize entire fields may be on a collision course."
• 8 houses built in impossible places - "Here are eight examples of houses that overcome difficult environments to offer extraordinary an experience for owners and onlookers alike."
• Meghan Markle's £1.1k 'good vibes' bracelet that's said to 'ward off undesired energy' - "During an appearance at a virtual summit, Meghan Markle wore the £1,100 diamond-studded piece called the Eye of Protection bracelet, pairing it with her sleek black outfit."
• Harry Potter turns 20: where are stars of the film franchise now? - "We find out what happened to the young cast of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone."
• David Buick: the motoring pioneer who lost everything - "Scottish-born car maker David Buick made two fortunes during his lifetime - and lost them both."
• From Plymouth to Edinburgh: a walker’s guide to six British cities - "Swap identikit high streets for the pedestrian thrill of discovery and drifting in these six flâneur-friendly cities."
• New Ferrari Sneakers Inspired By SF90 Supercar - "Allow us to present the new 2021 Puma ION F sneakers."
• Michael Caine in Get Carter demonstrates the timeless cool of a Rolex Day-Date on a brown leather strap - "Named as Quentin Tarantino’s favourite British film, the gangster classic Get Carter turns 50 this year. It follows Michael Caine as Jack Carter who travels to Newcastle to avenge his brother’s death and winds up single-handedly taking on the local mob. Directed by Mike Hodges, Get Carter proved a controversial film at the time with its graphic depictions of phone sex and methodical violence. Spiked with flashes of dry humour, the overall tone is pessimistic and as black as Carter’s Aquascutum trench coat."
• 2022 Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition Review: A Great New Direction - "Throughout its 108-year history, Aston Martin has produced some of the best-looking cars ever to hit the road. From the now-iconic DB5 driven by James Bond to the concept-car styling of the One-77, the British carmaker has one of the strongest greatest hits lists in the entire industry. The 2022 Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition is truly impressive."
• Drive Review: The Over-Achieving 2021 Bentley Continental GTC Mulliner Is a Class-Defining Drop-Top - Robb Report.

November 14, 2021

• COP26: New global climate deal struck in Glasgow - "The Glasgow Climate Pact is the first ever climate deal to explicitly plan to reduce coal, the worst fossil fuel for greenhouse gases. The deal also presses for more urgent emission cuts and promises more money for developing countries - to help them adapt to climate impacts. But the pledges don't go far enough to limit temperature rise to 1.5C."
• ‘Blah, blah, blah’: Greta Thunberg's assessment of COP26 climate agreement - "Taking to her official handle on Twitter, Thunberg wrote, 'The #COP26 is over. Here's a brief summary: Blah, blah, blah. But the real work continues outside these halls. And we will never give up, ever.'"
• Why is Europe returning to the dark days of Covid? - "The continent is now the centre of the global epidemic - again. As countries from the Baltic to the Med brace for harsher winter measures, we look at what’s driving the fourth wave."
• How the UK became the sick man of European tourism - "Visitors have been flocking back to Europe, but avoiding the UK. Here's what's putting them off."

November 13, 2021

• Cop26: third draft text retains many key elements after talks overrun - "A reference to phasing out coal and ending subsidies for fossil fuels has been retained, albeit slightly weakened, in the latest draft of the COP26 climate agreement published on Saturday after talks went into overtime."
• COP26: How might decisions at the climate summit change our lives? - "If and when a new deal is signed at the climate summit in Glasgow, you might be left wondering what - if anything - it will mean for you."
• How has Cop26 shifted the dial on the climate crisis? A visual guide - "Some progress has been made at Glasgow, but no major country’s pledges are yet in line with holding global heating to 1.5C."
• What does 'net zero' mean? - "Net zero means not adding to the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere."
• How your house will go carbon free - "From the materials needed to build houses to the energy needed to heat or cool them, the roofs over our heads contribute a great deal to climate change. Can that be fixed by the middle of this century?"
• Blood Moon Eclipse 2021: Exactly When, Where & How You Can See Next Week’s Longest Lunar Eclipse Of The Century - "In the early hours of Friday, November 19, 2021 a super-lunar eclipse will turn the full Moon reddish for over three hours."
• On Board Alani, the Elegant Yacht That George Clooney Uses for Family Fun Time - "The Sunseeker MY Alani, an 82-footer (25 meters) that’s primed for fun times and relaxation. It’s chartered out of Whitsundays for the equivalent of $46,000 a week, but for this kind of money, you get the full package, including fuel allowance and port taxes, among other stuff. Unlike most celebrity yachts, Alani is tiny by comparison, but considering Clooney is traveling with his wife and two young children, it’s the perfect - and most elegant - solution."
• VOGUE'S Guide to St. Barths - "The moment you descend onto St. Barths, you know you’re in for something spectacular. St. Barths has earned a reputation as a playground for the rich and famous."
• The travelers who are turning their backs on airplanes - "They loved flying around the world. Now they're saying no to air travel."
• The 'floating hotel' rusting away in North Korea - "It was once an exclusive five-star resort floating directly over Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Today, it sits dilapidated in a North Korean port, a 20-minute drive from the Demilitarized Zone, the restricted area that separates the two Koreas."
• Crooks, creeps & indecent proposals: Emily Ratajkowski on being paid to hang out with rich men - "When she landed in LA, aged 19, the model, actor and writer was plunged into a world where wealthy men were desperate to be seen with women like her. At what cost?"
• When J.F.K., Jr. Met Princess Diana - "How They Pulled Off a Top Secret New York City Encounter."
• Complete With A Sundeck: Insane A330 Private Jet Concept Revealed - "Lufthansa Technik intends to showcase its EXPLORER VIP cabin design at the Dubai Airshow and has given us a sneak peek of what to expect in the meantime. An Airbus A330 has been chosen for the design. A cargoesque door at the front of the aircraft is more than it seems, revealing a hidden sundeck."
• Prado museum downgrades Leonardo's $450m Salvator Mundi in exhibition catalogue - "Publication for Mona Lisa show puts the painting in category of works that are attributed to, or authorised or supervised by the Renaissance master."
• Duel at 50: Steven Spielberg’s debut remains a ferocious thriller - "A monstrous truck pursues a motorist in the film-maker’s seat-edge 1971 feature-length debut that hinted at greatness to come."
• ‘Lonely & scared’: Viral clip exposes how dogs are treated on planes - "This is what a dog’s-eye view of flying on a commercial airplane looks like."
• Becoming A One-Watch Guy: Is Rolex The Best Option Out There? - "The crown’s allure is undeniable, but is it truly the way to go?"
• Nikon Z9 vs Canon EOS R3 - "The recently-announced Nikon Z9 immediately drew comparisons with Canon’s high-end EOS R3, another mirrorless camera geared toward sports and wildlife photography. While the two cameras have plenty of differences, they’re targeted at similar photographers and both cameras bring a lot of features to the table. I’ll compare them below."
• Bose QuietComfort 45 review: A worthy update to a noise-cancelling classic - "The design hasn’t changed, but there are notable updates to the tech inside."
• How Watches Work: What Is Graining? - "Watches are one of those enjoyments in life that allow us to appreciate art on the go. That means both on the wrist and off of the wrist. It’s not just the dials that get all the recognition. When brands allow us to see the beautiful movements within, it can be a joy to behold. They use a variety of different finishes to captivate and draw us in. Today I want to talk about the finishing technique known as graining. What is graining you say? Let’s take a look."
• HOW RIVA YACHTS BECAME A LEGENDARY BOAT BRAND - "'A Riva is the equivalent of a Ferrari, it’s something mythical; people have seen the boats in classic movie scenes and long to own one.'"
• Xbox by Gucci | Discover by collaboration - "Xbox and Gucci's first collaboration takes the House's beginnings in the world of sports and leisure to the next level with 100 numbered Xbox Series X consoles - reimagined through archival details."

November 12, 2021

• COP26: Fear of failure as climate summit enters final day - "The COP26 climate summit in Glasgow is entering its final day, amid growing fears that the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5C is unlikely to be met."
• Why it's so hard to electrify shipping & aviation - "Reducing emissions for cargo ships and planes isn’t as simple as sticking a huge battery in them."
• How clean cooking helps the climate - "Wood-fired stoves have powered Nigerian cooking for time immemorial. But cleaner cooking could go a long way to saving lives, and carbon emissions, in Africa's most populous nation."
• Alibaba enjoys record sales for Singles Day shopping extravaganza in China - "Company’s combined sales with industry rival JD.com up about a fifth from 2020. The firm said 540.3bn yuan ($84.5bn) was spent as China’s army of consumers went on a splurge despite a more low-key sales campaign after pressure from the government to tone down the aggressive promotions and rampant consumerism."
• Danish sculptor seeks legal protection to pick up Tiananmen statue from Hong Kong - "Jens Galschiot wants to bring sculpture back after decades in Hong Kong but fears arrest under national security law."
• What the $600M 'world's biggest yacht' will look like inside - "It's set to be one of the largest private residence yachts in the world when it launches in 2024, but what does a luxury apartment on board the 728 foot Somnio actually look like?"
• How America’s Richest People Can Access Billions Without Selling Their Stock - "Many of the country’s richest people, including Elon Musk and Larry Ellison, borrow against their stock while avoiding capital gains taxes."
• Jeff Bezos Will Soon Bring Us a 10,000 Year Clock Inside a Mountain - "Back in 2018, we brought you the news that Amazon's Jeff Bezos was building a giant 10,000-year clock inside a mountain in West Texas. Once completed, the clock will stand 500 feet (152 meters) tall and will be powered by the Earth's thermal cycles."
• Bill Gates Might Have Been Richer Than Musk, Bezos Combined If... - "Bill Gates might have ended up richer than Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos combined by hanging onto Microsoft Corp. rather than selling. Gates had the equivalent of 2.06 billion shares in September 1998, when the software maker first became the world's most-valuable company, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Microsoft took back the top ranking from Apple Inc. on Oct. 29. Gates's 1998 holding would have been valued Friday at about $693 billion, topping Musk's net worth of $340.4 billion and Bezos's net worth of $200.3 billion. He sold the vast majority of his Microsoft stock before leaving the board in 2020."
• Christopher Walken wrecked original Banksy artwork filming The Outlaws - "Hollywood actor Christopher Walken painted over an iconic Banksy original when filming scenes for Stephen Merchant drama The Outlaws. But far from wrecking the artwork which could fetch a staggering £10million - fellow Bristolian Banksy, is said to have collaborated with the show's producers for the paint scene on the agreement it was destroyed by his 'hero' Walken on the final scene."
• Goldfingers: meet the writers of every James Bond film this century - "On Neal Purvis and Robert Wade’s watch, the secret agent has become a parent, grown his hair and even alluded to gay experiences. It even rains in Bond films now. But after the ending of No Time to Die, even they don’t know what happens next."
• Smuggled Romanov royal jewels sell for nearly $900,000 - "A sapphire and diamond brooch and matching earrings, which were part of the royal jewels from Russia's Romanov family smuggled out of the country during the 1917 revolution, sold for 806,500 Swiss francs ($883,641.94) on Wednesday, Sotheby's said."
• Take A Michelin-Level Masterclass At Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris - "This festive season, the Michelin-starred chefs and sommeliers at Paris’ ultra-glamorous Four Seasons Hotel George V have created a series of masterclasses for those looking to take their food and wine game to the next level. The best part? There are still a few spots available."
• How Diana's sons are living out her legacy today - "When we weigh the legacy of this towering figure of the 20th century, it is perhaps best represented at the moment that her two sons unveiled her statue in July 2021. They are her living legacy and together have committed to reminding subsequent generations of how pioneering she was. The princess wasn't the first famous person to do humanitarian work, but she reinvented how it was done. Speeches weren't enough for her, or showing up at charity events. She wanted to ram the message home by going to the front lines of some of the most pressing and sensitive issues of the era."
• Art Basel Miami Beach 2021: A Guide To The Top Events, Exhibitions & Pop-Ups - "After a hiatus of large-format live celebrations, Art Basel Miami Beach is due to come back with a vengeance. And lots of champagne. Organizers of the fair started their 2020 with hopes of celebrating Art Basel’s 50th birthday and suffice it to say, the year didn’t go as planned. Now, nearing the end of 2021, art aficionados, culture vultures, and party-goers will merrily flock to Miami for its usual format."
• DJI MAVIC 3 REVIEW: A PRICEY DRONE THAT PERFORMS - "The Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine are incredible photo and video tools - for a price"
• How to calibrate an Apple Watch for accurate fitness tracking - "If you're looking to get the most of your Apple Watch fitness tracking features, there's a way to calibrate it for step length and other factors. Here's how to do it."
• These Are the Songs a High-End Audio Company Uses to Test Its Speakers - "From Leonard Cohen to Eva Cassidy, here’s how the audio experts at Sonus faber ensure the best sound for their line of speakers."
• Success for Audi: The e-tron GT wins the Golden Steering Wheel as the most beautiful car of the year - "In Germany’s 2021 Goldenes Lenkrad (Golden Steering Wheel) awards, the Audi e-tron GT won in the Most Beautiful Car of the Year category. The winner in this category prevailed against 69 other car models. Readers of the motoring magazine Auto Bild, its counterparts elsewhere in Europe, and the newspaper Bild am Sonntag, all submitted their votes for this prestigious competition over the summer."
• The big winners at the 2021 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de GenÈve Awards - "From Bulgari's Octo Finissimo Titanium Perpetual Calendar to Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ Extra-Thin, here we guide you through the big wins (and losses) at the GPHG."
• A Brief History Of Time: Rolex’s Complete Brand History - Part Four: 1988-1999 - "Progress is the name of the game."

November 11, 2021

• Climate change's most important number - "'The most important number you've never heard of'. As the impacts of climate change add up, economists are trying to figure out what the true cost of a tonne of carbon really is."
• US-China deal on emissions welcomed by global figures & climate experts - "UN and EU say the agreement could help pave the way to wider breakthrough, though concerns remain over ‘patchy details’."
• ‘What if we just gave up cars?’: Cop26 leaders urged to dream big - "A new agreement would phase out fossil fuel vehicles but activists want a focus on public transport, walking and cycling."
• UN Global Climate Action Awards | UNFCCC - "UN Global Climate Action Award Ceremony 2021."
• People testing negative for Covid-19 despite exposure may have ‘immune memory’ - "Study says some individuals clear virus rapidly due to a strong immune response from existing T-cells, meaning tests record negative result."
• World's largest annual shopping event kicks off - "Singles Day strikes a cautious tone this year as China's economy slows and a tech crackdown continues."
• 'Rust' movie crew member sues Alec Baldwin & others after fatal film set shooting - "'Rust' movie crew member Serge Svetnoy has filed a lawsuit against several key figures including Alec Baldwin at the center of the fatal on-set shooting that claimed the life of the film's cinematographer."
• Elon Musk just sold 1 million Tesla shares to cover $1 billion in taxes - "Elon Musk has sold his first block of Tesla shares since 2016, exercising some stock options and then selling a portion of that to raise the cash he'll need to pay taxes on the shares he acquired."
• Elon Musk: Tesla boss sells $5bn of shares after Twitter poll - "It comes days after he asked his 63 million Twitter followers whether he should sell 10% of his stake in Tesla. Tesla is the world's most valuable carmaker, with a stock market valuation of more than $1tn."
• Chakras, crystals & conspiracy theories: how the wellness industry turned its back on Covid science - "Its gurus increasingly promote vaccine scepticism, conspiracy theories and the myth that ill people have themselves to blame. How did self-care turn so nasty?"
• Plans unveiled for high-tech '10-minute city' in Seoul - "The idea of a '15-minute city,' in which residents can all reach work and leisure facilities within a quarter-hour walk - or cycle - of their homes, has gained significant traction among urban planners during the Covid-19 pandemic."
• 10 Most Expensive U.S. Zip Codes in 2021 - "10 Areas Surpass $4 Million Median Sale Price."
• Paraguay: Police probe Stradivarius violin theft motive in double murder - "Three Germans have been arrested in Paraguay in connection with the murder of an archaeologist and his teenage daughter."
• Cheddar has conquered the world, but it wasn't produced in its namesake English town for years - "Now, an award-winning dairy is putting Cheddar, England back on the map."
• Introducing The GlashÜtte Original Senator Excellence Perpetual Calendar Limited Edition - "Glashütte Original’s mission is to make watchmaking into not just a painstaking craft, but also an art. Their latest limited edition watch does so quite beautifully. Compelling on the inside and out, this new timepiece features a rose opaline dial and a dark blue leather strap. These colors look absolutely stunning together, and aren’t something you see every day."
• iPhone 13 Pro vs. Pixel 6 Pro: what 2,000 photos tell us - "Tune in to my video above, from my camera series Full Frame, to see what phone ultimately took the gold. Or visit the iPhone 13 Pro’s or Google Pixel 6 Pro’s 100 best photos gallery to decide a winner for yourself."
• All I want from my smartwatch is to give me a break - "Smartwatches and fitness trackers need to stop prioritizing streaks over recovery."
• Peloton is making a $495 smart camera for strength training - "Peloton's fitness ambitions go far beyond treadmills and stationary bikes. Its next product is the Peloton Guide, a strength-training camera system that hooks up to your TV and uses machine learning to understand your movements."
• Cats track their owners’ movements, research finds - "Findings of Japanese study back idea that cats retain a mental representation of their owners."
• Sylvester Stallone nearly died during the making of Rocky IV - "The 75-year-old actor recalled how doctors feared that he would be 'talking to angels' after he was badly injured by Dolph Lundgren - who played Rocky's nemesis Ivan Drago in the 1985 film – when a fight scene went badly wrong."
• Tom Ford: ‘I paid $90,000 for my own dress. The clothes we make are not meant to be thrown away’ - "From fashion with va-va-voom to veganism - ahead of the release of his new book, America’s starriest designer takes a moment to reflect."
• TURNBULL & ASSER - The James Bond Collection - "Shop James Bond shirts and ties from Turnbull & Asser. Inspired by the original pieces created for Dr. No, Casino Royale, Die Another Day and more, recreated using authentic records from the archive."

November 10, 2021

• Covid-19: Researcher blows the whistle on data integrity issues in Pfizer’s vaccine trial - "Revelations of poor practices at a contract research company helping to carry out Pfizer’s pivotal covid-19 vaccine trial raise questions about data integrity and regulatory oversight." British Medical Journal (BMJ).
• First draft of COP26 agreement published - "The first draft of an agreement setting out how countries will cut emissions to avoid temperature rises of above 1.5C has been published."
• world on track for disastrous heating of more than 2.4C, says key report - "Research from world’s top climate analysis coalition contrasts sharply with last week’s optimism."
• The image that started a global conversation on climate action - "How photography and storytelling can turn apathy into climate action."
• World’s ‘calamitous’ water crisis being ignored in climate talks - WaterAid - "Cop26 summit focusing on slowing down global heating at expense of current impact on water-stressed regions, says head of WaterAid."
• How the rise of copper reveals clean energy’s dark side - "As the world shifts to wind energy and electric cars, demand for the conductive metal has increased. But mining copper brings its own environmental hazards."
• Denmark had mostly returned to pre-pandemic life. That optimism was short-lived - "Denmark ditched its Covid rules two months ago. Now it's joined other EU nations in mulling new restrictions."
• Malta: The island welcoming digital nomads - "Boasting one of the world's highest vaccination rates, Malta is now welcoming back visitors safely with cash incentives and a recently launched Nomad Residence Permit."
• Eating fat can lower stroke risk, study says, as long as it's the right kind - "It's a fact: Eating too much fat can raise cholesterol, clog arteries, and contribute to the risk of stroke and other forms of heart disease - not to mention obesity, diabetes, cancer and a host of other conditions. However, it's the type of fat, not the amount, that appears to be the culprit when it comes to stroke. Eating plant-based fats lowers stroke risk, according to a study presentation given Monday at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2021."
• Travis Scott 'partied at Dave & Busters with Drake' after Astroworld horror - "Claims he did not know fans had died in the crowd surge."
• Prince Harry says ‘Megxit’ is a misogynistic term aimed at his wife Meghan - "Duke of Sussex says the term was created by a troll to describe their decision to quit royal duties, which was then amplified by the press."
• Model Emily Ratajkowski on the dangers of being desired - "'I wasn't just famous; I was famously sexy'."
• EMILY RATAJKOWSKI CONFRONTS HER POWER - AND YOURS - "The model talks about her new book, copyright law, online harassment, and OnlyFans."
• Dean Stockwell - a life in pictures - "The veteran American actor, star of Blue Velvet and Quantum Leap, has died aged 85. We look back at his 76-year career, from early roles alongside Errol Flynn and Katharine Hepburn to later award-winning TV work."
• Marie Antoinette's bracelets sell at auction for $8m - "Two diamond bracelets once owned by the queen of France, Marie Antoinette, have sold at auction in Switzerland for more than $8m. They were bought by an anonymous telephone bidder. They sold for more than double than expected."
• Apple's original computer fetches $400,000 at US auction - "An original Apple computer built by firm co-founders Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs in 1976 has fetched $400,000 at auction in the US. The rare Hawaiian koa wood-cased Apple-1 - still functioning - is one of only 200 made and sold in kit form."
• Legendary Private Watch Collection, With One-Of-A-Kind Patek Philippes, To Go On Display In London - "One of the largest private watch collections is about to go on exhibition in England and, while more than 100 timepieces will be showcased during the week-long exhibit, it doesn’t include every watch owned by the currently anonymous collector. The collector, whose name will be released soon, is European and lives currently in London."
• The airports that cross international borders - "If you want to avoid getting stranded for two weeks, you'd better check your documents are in order before crossing any international border. Even more so if your destination is one of a handful of airports in which you risk straying into the wrong country if you aren't careful when getting off the plane. The following airports, or at least parts of them, are managed by more than one country, giving a whole new layer to the phrase 'international' airport."
• How Iceland could reshape the world of golf - "Iceland may seem like an unlikely golfing power. With short summers and harsh winters, this island in the North Atlantic Ocean isn't the most obvious location for manicured fairways and greens. However, Iceland is experiencing a golfing boom unlike almost anywhere else in the world and the golfing culture here could help to reshape the sport as we know it."
• How to photograph the moon on your phone or camera with the right settings - "Guardian Australia picture editor Carly Earl explains the dos and don’ts of taking pictures of the moon."
• 3 things a digital camera can do that your smartphone can’t - "Digital cameras are becoming more specialist as smartphones gobble up the photography market, but there are still good reasons to get a standalone camera - find out what they are."
• amazon kindle unlimited - "Unlimited Reading. Unlimited Listening. Any Device. Read or listen anywhere, cancel anytime." By signing up, you agree to the Kindle Unlimited Terms and authorize us to charge your default payment method or another payment method on file after any applicable free trial. Your Kindle Unlimited membership will be billed at $9.99 USD/month + any applicable taxes until cancelled. Cancel anytime at www.amazon.com/kucentral.

November 9, 2021

• The US is reopening its borders to Europe, the global epicenter of Covid-19 - "The United States has reopened its borders to vaccinated international travelers, ending a 20-month travel ban at the same moment Europe is battling a surge of Covid-19 cases that has pushed the continent back into the epicenter of the pandemic."
• More European countries move to CDC's highest risk travel category - "The Netherlands and Luxembourg were added to the CDC's highest risk category Monday afternoon. There were both previously listed as Level 3, or 'high' risk for Covid-19."
• Covid map: Where are cases the highest? - "Covid map: Coronavirus cases, deaths, vaccinations by country."
• What happened at Cop26 - day eight at a glance - "Summary of the main developments on the eighth day of the UN climate summit in Glasgow."
• Cop26: 1bn people will suffer extreme heat at just 2C heating, say scientists - "Climate crisis is driving up deadly combination of temperature and humidity, says study released at Cop26."
• Seven ways to spot businesses greenwashing - "Most of us are trying to be greener and for some that means seeking out brands and companies that are environmentally-friendly. But how can you check firms really are as green as they make out?"
• No Time To Die heads to premium video on demand on Tuesday - "MGM’s latest James Bond film available for rental just one month after theatrical release on: Amazon, Apple, Xfinity, DirecTV, Spectrum and Vudu for $19.99."
• Phillips Sets World Record for $74.5 Million Watch Auction - "Led by Philippe Dufour, Phillips’s $74.5 Million Watch Auction Shattered Multiple World Records. Dufour's Grande et Petite Sonnerie was the headliner and set a record for the most expensive independent watch ever sold."
• Bitcoin price surges to record high of more than $68,000 - "Other cryptocurrencies such as ethereum also reach records as investors hedge against inflation."
• A Powerlifting Icon Explains How Walking Every Day Changes Your Life - "Mark Bell spoke about the training benefits of walking on his podcast. 'I would encourage anybody to increase [their step count] by about 5,000 steps a day,' said Bell, who recently walked 100,000 steps in a single day. What's the norm for you... over time increase that by 5,000 steps. He added that this can be done slowly over time, and that everybody's ideal number of steps will vary depending on their health and fitness needs."
• Regular 10pm bedtime linked to lower heart risk - "There appears to be an optimal bedtime - between 10pm and 11pm - linked to better heart health, say researchers who have studied 88,000 volunteers."
• Is This The World’s Best Scotch Whisky Bar? - "Operating a Scotch bar in the heart of Scotch Country comes with certain expectations. For one, most newcomers to such an establishment presume they’ll encounter a wide array of liquids, including bottles that could surprise even the most jaded of whisky enthusiasts. For two, there’s a degree of knowledge and expertise that ought to go with each pour. Patrons are typically thirsty for more than just tasting notes, these days. It’s a daunting challenge to meet. Procuring the juice is actually the easy part. At The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, it’s achieved with such unflinching confidence that they never hesitated to name their outpost, simply, SCOTCH. In other words, this isn’t just any Scotch bar... It is the Scotch bar. The credentials are apt: a library of over 500 labels, proudly positioned in floor-to-ceiling cubbies, so guests can get up close and personal with the collection without being separate by a bar. Bar Manager Cameron Ewen is almost always on-hand (and in full-kilt), dutifully delivering the goods along with all associated intel you could ever hope to attain. Even when he’s not, his team consists of worthy surrogates."
• Myanmar planning to reopen to tourism. But who will go? - "As multiple Southeast Asia countries begin to ease travel restrictions, Myanmar, which boasts some of the region's most spectacular destinations, has announced that it hopes to begin welcoming international tourists in early 2022."
• The eccentric dog breeds that vanished - "From a vegetarian dog to a walking piece of kitchen equipment, the world was once home to an abundance of strange and ancient hounds. Where have they gone - and could we bring them back?"
• Archaeologists unearth 'slaves' room' at Pompeii - "The room, in an excellent state of preservation, contains three wooden beds and a series of other objects including amphorae, ceramic pitchers and a chamber pot."
• Francis Ford Coppola & F.P. Journe On Their Sensational Only Watch Collaboration - "The godfather of cinema made the prince of independent watchmaking an offer he couldn't refuse."
• Inside super yachts where rich socialites bathe in Champagne & eat food dusted in gold - "Journalist Sophie Foster was invited by yacht broker Goolets to spend time on a 48m superyacht to see what it's like on the other side of the Below Deck lifestyle."
• the secrets of France’s top serial killer expert - "An intrepid expert with dozens of books to his name, Stéphane Bourgoin was a bestselling author, famous in France for having interviewed more than 70 notorious murderers. Then an anonymous collective began to investigate his past."
• How the Travis Scott Astroworld festival tragedy unfolded - video report - "Eight people aged from 14 to 27 were killed and dozens were injured at the Astroworld festival in Houston on Friday night, when fans were crushed against the stage. Organisers of what turned out to be one of the deadliest live music events in US history are facing mounting questions about why the rapper Travis Scott continued performing when first responders were already dealing with a mass casualty event. Eyewitness accounts of how warnings were allegedly ignored could be features of at least two investigations, one of them criminal."

November 8, 2021

• The United States is opening to vaccinated international travelers on Monday. Here's what to expect - "The United States is flinging its doors wide open to vaccinated international travelers on Monday, welcoming many visitors who've been shut out of the country for 20 months."
• Fossil fuel industry has largest delegation at climate summit - "There are more delegates at COP26 associated with the fossil fuel industry than from any single country, analysis shared with the BBC shows."
• Cop26 legitimacy questioned as groups excluded from crucial talks - "Communities and groups say being shut out of key negotiations will have dire consequences for millions."
• If the super-rich want to live for ever our planet is truly doomed - "Instead of investing to cheat death, we should be trying to make old age livable and dignified for all."
• Why wealth matters. The Global wealth report 2021 - "The twelfth edition of the Global Wealth Report, published by the Credit Suisse Research Institute, shows continued wealth growth. Total global wealth grew by 7.4% and wealth per adult reached another record high of USD 79,952. Overall, the countries most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic have not fared worse in terms of wealth creation. The most comprehensive and up-to-date resource of its kind. Our Global wealth report analyzes the household wealth of 5.2 billion people across the globe. Multi-faceted and eye-opening."
• Why the Musk-Bezos rivalry is getting real - "While America has a disproportionately large share of billionaires - a list dominated by tech heavyweights including Elon Musk, who recently became the first person in the world with a net worth of more than $300 billion - it by no means has a monopoly on the ultra-wealthy. We scoured Forbes to find the richest person in 40 countries, including plenty of ridiculously rich people you’ve probably never heard of."
• Why mandatory vaccination is nothing new - "Mandatory vaccinations have been with us for centuries, quietly saving lives - and they're often largely unopposed until something changes."
• Why women feel pressured to shave - "Hair removal - or otherwise - has long shaped gender dynamics, served as a signifier of class and defined notions of femininity and the 'ideal body.' However, in its most recent evolution, body hair is being embraced by a growing number of young women who are turning a source of societal shame and turning it into a sign of personal strength."
• 9 celebrities who use bodyweight workouts to stay fit & toned instead of weightlifting - "Some celebrities say they don't include any weightlifting in their workout routine. Instead, they rely entirely on their own body weight."
• Incredible night skies made by geomagnetic storm - "A 'strong' geomagnetic storm created a brilliant view of the aurora borealis seen from the UK to Alaska."
• The unconscionable truth about celebrity kid paparazzi photos - "With a new film on the horizon, George Clooney can expect to face significantly more press coverage than usual. Paparazzi photos, after all, come with the territory of being a celebrity. But that doesn't mean his preschool-aged children should be forced to share that spotlight."
• Slim Aarons: “Attractive People Doing Attractive Things in Attractive Places” - "'I'll only do a beach if it has a blonde on it': Never-before-seen photographs by famous society artist Slim Aarons, who spent decades capturing 'attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places'."
• Aston Martin Builds the First Customer Valkyrie - "Aston Martin's Valkyrie hypercar is finally leaving the factory. Here is all of the details about Aston Martin's F1 car for the road."
• Only Watch 2021 - An Impressive Final Auction Result Of CHF 29,740,000 - "Only Watch auctions have seen impressive growth in results ever since the start in 2005. The first edition offered 34 lots that fetched €1,907,000 in total. This year’s 2021 edition brought us 53 lots totaling €28,210,000. Adding up, the Only Watch initiative, in nine editions, raised almost €100,000,000 for research against Duchenne muscular dystrophy. An extraordinary achievement indeed!"
• 2023 Mercedes-Benz SL media gallery - "2023 Mercedes-Benz SL media gallery - featuring 130 Mercedes-Benz SL high-resolution photos and 2 videos."

November 7, 2021

• So what has Cop26 achieved so far? - "Agreements on deforestation, methane and coal were welcome news. Less so was some countries’ absence from major initiatives."
• No more birthday candles, no more cities: experts on their worst pandemic predictions - "Hugs and handshakes have survived the pandemic. Not so much shared lipsticks and formal business attire."
• We can be confident there have been far more than 5 million global Covid deaths - "Estimating ‘excess’ fatalities, a more robust analysis method, puts the pandemic’s grim toll between 10m and 19m people."
• Elon Musk holds Twitter vote over $21bn Tesla share sale - "Tesla billionaire Elon Musk has launched a Twitter poll of his 62.6 million followers asking if he should sell 10% of his shares."
• Elon Musk posts gloating message to Jeff Bezos as SpaceX beats Blue Origin in Nasa Moon case - "Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin space company has lost a lawsuit against Nasa over a multi-billion dollar contract awarded to SpaceX, prompting Elon Musk to celebrate by posting a meme aimed at his billionaire rival."
• Steven Spielberg Just Sold His Prized 282-Foot Superyacht ‘Seven Seas’ - "The luxurious vessel was last listed for $160 million."
• The Best Superyacht Bars - "From White Rabbit to Solandge, we've rounded up the best superyacht bars for celebrating, socialising and sipping while on a superyacht holiday."
• The dawn of tappigraphy: does your smartphone know how you feel before you do? - "Tech companies are seeking to analyse data on the way we tap, scroll, text and call to monitor our mental health - with potential consequences for privacy and healthcare."
• Why classic cars are the next big thing in electric vehicles - "Founded in 2018, in Silverstone, England, Lunaz specializes in electric engine conversions of high-end classic cars, from a six-seat Rolls-Royce Phantom to James Bond's favorite, the Aston Martin DB5. It's one of a growing number of businesses providing this kind of service."
• Rolls-Royce luxury car used for garbage collection by Indian Maharaja. What’s the real story? - "Rolls-Royce is one of the oldest automobile manufacturers that still exist today. One thing that has not been changed since their early days is that they are still considered to be the most luxurious automobile manufacturers in the world. Due to this, most of the rich people buy Rolls-Royce as a status symbol. In our country, the Rolls-Royce nameplate is associated with an interesting story of Maharaja Jai Singh. It is said that he used his Rolls-Royce car as a garbage collection vehicle when he was once insulted in London. So, is this true or what is the real story?"
• What's the healthiest cheese? The best options, according to experts - "Whether eating cheese is healthy - that's a little less clear. High in protein, calcium, vitamins and essential amino acids, cheese is also a calorie-dense food, and can be high in fats and sodium. The protein found in cheese is a good alternative to protein derived from flesh, because it is still of animal origin, and contains all the essential amino acids the body needs but can't synthesize on its own. However, as with all things nutrition, it's the overall balance of what you eat day to day that should inform how much cheese you consume."
• Extreme fasting: how Silicon Valley is rebranding eating disorders - "The obsession with fasting overlaps with a trend for what is often termed ‘biohacking’ - the idea that your body is a system that can be quantified and optimized."
• Palm Jumeirah, Dubai's iconic man-made islands, turns 20 - "Dubai's iconic Palm Jumeirah - a man-made, palm tree-shaped archipelago home to luxury hotels, pristine beaches, and nearly 80,000 people."
• The iPhone 13 Screen Is a Repair Nightmare That Could Destroy Repair Shops Forever - "Replacing an iPhone screen is a common and simple repair, Apple has made it incredibly difficult to perform on the iPhone 13."
• ‘No one knew they existed’: wild heirs of lost British honeybee found at Blenheim - "The ‘ecotype’, thought to have been wiped out by disease and invasive species, is thriving in the estate’s ancient woodlands."

November 6, 2021

• Greta Thunberg tells protest that COP26 has been a 'failure' & PR exercise - "Greta Thunberg has told a mass rally in Glasgow that the COP26 climate summit has been a 'failure'. The Swedish activist had earlier joined thousands of young people - including striking school pupils - for a march through the city."
• Greta Thunberg: Who is the climate campaigner & what are her aims? - "Environmental activist Greta Thunberg is in Glasgow, where the COP26 summit is taking place. The 18-year-old is one of the world's best known climate campaigners."
• Pfizer says antiviral pill 89% effective in high-risk cases - "A pill to treat Covid developed by the US company Pfizer cuts the risk of hospitalisation or death by 89% in vulnerable adults, clinical trial results suggest."
• 'We're not perfect but we're freaking trying': ChloÉ's Gabriela Hearst on making fashion sustainable - "When Uruguayan fashion designer Gabriela Hearst was announced as the creative director of luxury fashion house Chloé in December last year, those familiar with her work knew it spelled change for the 70-year-old French brand - especially given the maison's CEO, Riccardo Bellini, had already indicated he was looking to take the label in a new purpose-driven direction."
• ‘Dangerous blindspot’: why overlooking blue carbon could sink us - "Exceptional new findings show the huge potential of salt marshes for sucking up carbon. But is it too late for blue carbon to save the world?"
• The problem with the Big Bang theory - "Perhaps the oldest and grandest question asked by humanity is 'How did the universe come into existence?' Indeed, proposed answers to that puzzle are found in ancient religious texts, some thousands of years old. In the modern era, that question is more properly considered to be the province of science."
• ARE YOU REALLY SMART, OR IS IT JUST GOOGLE? - "The ability to quickly google the answer to just about any question changes how people perceive their own intelligence, research finds."
• People mistake the internet’s knowledge for their own - "Using Google to answer general knowledge questions artificially inflates peoples’ confidence in their own ability to remember and process information and leads to erroneously optimistic predictions regarding how much they will know without the internet. When information is at our fingertips, we may mistakenly believe that it originated from inside our heads."
• The diamond bracelets that Marie Antoinette had to have - even if it meant borrowing a fortune from her husband - "Stowed away during the French Revolution, the dazzling jewels - which, miraculously, have remained intact rather than being broken up - have spent the past two centuries hidden from view in a private royal collection." The historic Marie-Antoinette diamonds, a stunning pair of diamond bracelets. 18.7 cm each. Estimate: CHF2,000,000-4,000,000. Offered in Geneva Magnificent Jewels on 9 November 2021 at Christie’s in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Experts slam Alec Baldwin's public handling of 'Rust' shooting - "'Rust' shooting: Alec Baldwin is 'hurting himself in unimaginable ways,' says crisis PR expert."
• Trump Floats Reckless Claim ‘Troubled’ Alec Baldwin Intentionally Shot ‘Rust’ Cinematographer - "Donald Trump has taken the low road, yet again, this time baselessly suggesting Alec Baldwin intentionally shot 'Rust' cinematographer Halyna Hutchins because the actor is 'a troubled guy.' Trump floated the reckless claim Thursday during an interview on the right-leaning 'Christ Stigall Show' podcast."
• Streaming: the best films about artificial intelligence & robots - "A century of sci-fi films that chart our changing attitudes to AI - from Fritz Lang to Finch."
• The 'bullet' airplane that could revolutionize business aviation - "Is it an egg, a blimp or a bullet? Whatever you might want to call the shape of the Otto Celera 500L, it's one that catches the eye. It looks like no other plane out there, and for a good reason: unique aerodynamics."
• Sleep with your pet? How that may affect you & your pet - "In the quest for better sleep, people often ask if they should share their bed with a pet. Before we get to that, let's take a moment to ponder the flip side: Is sleeping with you good for your pet?"
• DJI releases new flagship Mavic drones - Mavic 3 & Mavic 3 Cine - "There are a few big headline features shared between both of the new drones, but let’s start with the one reserved for the $4,999 Mavic 3 Cine. The Cine model is capable of filming Apple ProRes 422 HQ footage at 5.1K up to 50FPS, and it has a built-in, but not user-replaceable, 1TB SSD."
• THE 10 WORST GADGETS WE’VE EVER TOUCHED - "We pulled 10 gadgets from the fires of the eternal dumpster."
• How to Save Webpage as PDF Using Safari on iPhone & iPad - "Are you looking to save a webpage or multiple webpages as PDF files to your iPhone or iPad? There are many reasons you might want to do this, perhaps you’re wishing to save a webpage receipt as a PDF for record keeping, to archive a page, or to access a web page offline. Fortunately, Safari makes it easy to convert webpages into PDF files."
• Royal Huisman Launches 192-Foot-Long Superyacht Inspired By The ‘Golden Ratio’ - "According to published reports, the designer, Cor D. Rover based the general concept, exterior design and interior layout on many in-depth conversations with the owner. As a result, the inside and outside relate to 'PHI,' the 'golden ratio' that governs the continuation of dimensions and shapes in natural proportions. And PHI’s 'blue sky' philosophy is more than just design jargon or marketing-speak. The deck levels are actually focused on three themes: the galaxy, the ocean surface and the underwater world!"
• 10 coolest forgotten Porsches - "These ten cars have been long forgotten by most Porsche fans, but they're all incredible in their own right and deserve to be more widely remembered."
• Bugatti Rimac Is Ready To Shake Up The Hypercar Market - "The joint venture between Bugatti and Rimac officially begins on November 1, 2021."
• Hollywood’s Veterans: The Greatest Stars From The Golden Age Era Are Still Alive & Enjoying Life in Retirement - Best of Senior.

November 5, 2021

• WHO warns Europe at Covid 'epicenter' again - "Europe facing 500,000 more Covid deaths by February, WHO warns."
• Half world’s fossil fuel assets could become worthless by 2036 in net zero transition - "$11tn fossil fuel asset crash could cause 2008-style financial crisis, warns new study."
• The climate crisis is just another form of global oppression by the rich world - "At Cop26 the wealthy nations cast themselves as saviours, yet their efforts are hopelessly inadequate and will prolong the injustice."
• What is hydrogen energy & why is it important? - "As governments and industry attempt to curb greenhouse gas emissions to net zero, hydrogen and its potential as a clean fuel is once again reaching the headlines. So what exactly is hydrogen energy and how could it be used as an alternative to fossil fuels? Watch as the BBC's energy and environment analyst Roger Harrabin explains."
• Will Brazil really save the Amazon? - "The Amazon Rainforest faces a point of no return, and if deforestation is not stopped it could be lost for good. But Brazil knows exactly how to stop illegal deforestation - will it do it in time?"
• Warning over ‘extremely low’ wine production in Europe due to bad weather - "Industry body head warns there is ‘no vaccine’ against climate change and winemakers must adapt with ‘urgent necessity’."
• How would $100bn help the world cope with climate change? - "The nations that have added the most CO2 to the atmosphere are not the ones where its impacts are most felt. Here's how rich nations have contributed to tackling climate change in poorer nations so far."
• How fresh is your food? Sensors could show you - "Ever wondered if your food has actually gone bad? Australian scientists are developing a sensor that gives real-time information about a food item's freshness. If successful, they hope it could help reduce household food waste - a huge global problem."
• Europe's most beautiful towns - "Paris, Rome, Barcelona... Europe's cities are bucket list destinations, and rightly so. But the continent's small towns are a dream, too, with all the beautiful architecture and much of the culture you'll find in the big hitters, only with fewer crowds to share them with. Here are some of the prettiest small towns across Europe, from humble fishing towns to hilltop medieval power bases."
• Las Palmas: Spain’s Most Underrated Destination For A Winter City Break - "Reminiscent of a Mediterranean port town with a North-African flavor, Las Palmas is the largest city in Spain’s Canary Islands. With a mix of Modernist, Bauhaus and Spanish colonial architecture, sandy beaches and winter daytime temperatures often reaching the mid seventies, there is no better time to go."
• Kate Middleton's '£55k wellness spends' revealed - a full breakdown - "The Duchess of Cambridge invests a lot of money in her and the Cambridge family's health."
• 5 Predictions For Geneva Auction Week - "What to expect when you're expecting big numbers."
• Royal jewels smuggled out of Russia during 1917 revolution go on sale - "ussian royal jewels smuggled out of the country during the 1917 revolution, alongside rare colored diamonds, are on offer at auction next week in Geneva, looking for deep-pocketed collectors emerging from the pandemic. An orange-pink diamond weighing 25.62 carats, estimated at 3.6 million to 5.38 million Swiss francs ($3.9 million to $5.9 million), set in a ring, is the star lot at auction house Sotheby's semi-annual jewelry sale in the Swiss city on November 10."
• 12 Of The Greatest Missing Watches - "Paul Newman's Paul Newman, John Lennon's Patek Philippe, The Original Moonwatch, And A President's President have all disappeared."
• 15 Greatest Ending Lines In Film History - "Saving the best for last."
• The song George Harrison wrote the day he quit The Beatles - "George Harrison’s role in The Beatles was a simple one - to begin with, at least. He was the unique and stylish guitarist who stood behind the principal songwriters of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, ready to harmonise at the drop of a hat. However, by 1969, things had changed, and Harrison was no longer happy to play second fiddle."
• Review: Apple’s polishing cloth is the new gold standard for device cleaning - "When the 'Unleashed' Apple event wrapped up a few weeks ago, the first thing I did was run over to the Apple store to see if any new unannounced accessories had been added. Sure enough, a handful of new ones were. But only one of them stood out: the polishing cloth. It’s taken the world by storm, so much so in fact that it’s backordered up to nearly 12 weeks. Luckily, I was able to get my hands on one and I’ve been using it rigorously over the past week."
• How to block phone numbers in iOS 15 - "While unwanted phone calls are a part of everyday life, your iPhone offers a few different options for silencing particularly persistent callers. Here's how you can block or silence unwanted calls on iOS 15."
• iOS 15: How to use Siri to quickly share anything on your screen - "Don't like digging into the Share menu? Have friends and family that don't even know it exists? Siri is the answer!"
• How to create a signature for PDF documents on an iPhone - "Just use Markup."
• iPhones have a secret button on the back - here's what happens if you activate it - "It turns out the iPhone has a hidden button that can do almost anything, from activating Siri to taking screenshots - you don't need the new iPhone 13 but you do have to find it first."
• Never hand your iPhone to someone before checking your WhatsApp settings first - "Do you regularly hand your phone to friends or family? Make sure you’re not putting your privacy at risk. There’s a key WhatsApp feature that you need to turn on to avoid any snooping."
• THE SECRETS OF THE FIRST REAL SMARTPHONE documentary - "Our new documentary now streaming on your TV." The Verge.
• DJI's Mavic 3 packs dual Four Thirds & telephoto cameras - "It can also fly for up to 46 minutes, 50 percent longer than before."
• Element found in our teeth detected for the first time in galaxy 12 billion light-years away - "We truly are made of star stuff, as astronomer Carl Sagan once said. For the first time, astronomers have detected an element found in our bodies in a galaxy that is more than 12 billion light-years away. The element, fluorine, can be found in our bones and teeth as fluoride."

November 4, 2021

• Britain approves Merck's COVID-19 pill in world first - "Britain on Thursday became the first country in the world to approve a potentially game-changing COVID-19 antiviral pill jointly developed by Merck (MRK.N) and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, in a boost to the fight against the pandemic."
• ‘Reality check’: Global CO2 emissions shooting back to record levels - "Fossil fuels are surging in post-pandemic recovery as scientists warn 1.5C emission limits will be reached in 11 years."
• Bill Gates call for huge global effort to prepare for future pandemics - "Microsoft founder says research and development budgets should focus on weaknesses exposed by rapid spread of Covid."
• Elon Musk & Hertz can't agree on Tesla orders - "When Hertz announced last week that it had ordered 100,000 electric vehicles from Tesla, both companies saw their share prices soar. Tesla even topped $1 trillion in market value. The companies are now bickering over whether or not they signed a deal, sending shares lower."
• Tom Hanks says Jeff Bezos offered him a $28 million spaceflight before William Shatner but he turned it down: 'I ain't paying' - "Tom Hanks was the featured guest on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' Tuesday, during which he said Jeff Bezos originally approached him about flying to space but he turned it down because of the price."
• Rent Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment For $23 & Raid Her Closet - "It’s been 23 years since Sex and The City’s Carrie Bradshaw click-clacked onto our screens and, as anticipation builds for the show’s second chapter (HBO Max’s And Just Like That...), Sarah Jessica Parker is offering fans a once-in-a-lifetime chance to raid the character’s infamous wardrobe. In partnership with Airbnb, the actor will be hosting two one-night stays (for up to two guests each) at a recreation of Carrie’s brownstone. The collaboration marks the very first time guests will be given access to the style icon’s closet (including her iconic, credit-stealing tutu) and, at just $23 a night, it’s the deal of the year."
• What does tech take from us? Meet the writer who has counted 100 big losses - "We have never been more reliant on the internet - yet Pamela Paul still gets DVDs in the post and buys CD players. Why? Because we have lost more to the digital era than we realise, she says."
• 100 Things We've Lost to the Internet by Pamela Paul - Amazon.com.
• 'World's best' cheese for 2021 revealed - "A soft goat's cheese from Spain won first place at the World Cheese Awards on Wednesday, besting the field of 4,079 entries from more than 40 countries on five continents. The winning cheese, called Olavidia, from an artisan cheesemaker using the commercial name Quesos y Besos (Cheeses and Kisses), got 103 votes, besting the second-place finisher, a soft cheese from France's Fromagerie Berthaut washed with the spirit Marc de Bourgogne, with 98 votes, that had been ahead until the very last minute."
• Highlights From Phillips Geneva Watch Auction XIV - "A massive sale, full of heavy hitters from across the horological spectrum - plus an under-10k CHF low estimate bonus round."
• Phillips: Watches Auction - Browse a dynamic selection of watches spanning the 20th and 21st centuries. Featuring 250 unique and rare timepieces from the world's leading watchmakers. Follow Artists. Favorite Lots. Bid Online. 5 & 7 November, Geneva, Switzerland.
• How to send unknown callers directly to your voicemail on iPhone - "As RoboKiller explain, the number of spam calls received in the United States of America also increased by 26 percent in the last year, meaning that it is happening all over the globe. If you don't want to pay money unnecessarily to filter out these calls, Apple has made it easy to send them directly to your voicemail, so you are no longer hassled by them."
• iPhone 13 cost-to-price ratio indicates that Apple is focusing on better value for money - "The iPhone 13 now has a cost-to-retail price ratio for its components of around 37%, and Apple is sacrificing profits in order to make its phones better and offer more for less."
• Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge Gets 592 HP To Carry Its 100-Pound Paint Job - "This is the 2022 Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge, and it builds on the success of Black Badge models before it by adding more power, enhanced styling, and as we found out firsthand in a brief drive along the beach, improved dynamics."
• Notability blinks on charging users more, grandfathers in existing users - "The developer of the note-taking app received backlash after trying to push paid users into subscriptions next year. Notability developer Ginger Labs announced today that, in a change of heart, its popular note-taking app wouldn’t eventually require current users to switch to a subscription model. This news comes just two days after the developer announced a new subscription model where current app owners who wanted to keep the same features would be forced to start a $14.99 / month subscription by November 1st, 2022."

November 3, 2021

• What happened at Cop26 - day two at a glance - "Summary of the main developments on the second day of the UN climate summit in Glasgow."
• Greta Thunberg sings at Cop26: ‘You can shove your climate crisis up your arse’ - "Climate activist Greta Thunberg had some choice words for the world leaders inside the Cop26 conference in Glasgow. Joined by some of the many activists rallying around the climate change meeting, Thunberg decried inaction from politicians and big business, saying ‘We are not going to let them get away with it any more’."
• Global pollution price could cut greenhouse gases by 12%, says report - "World Economic Forum says taxing carbon emitters would cost less than economic fallout from climate crisis."
• COP26: What's the climate impact of private jets? - "There has been criticism of the number of world leaders and other delegates who have travelled to the COP26 summit in private jets."
• COP26: Bezos pledges $2bn for restoring nature - "Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has said his Bezos Earth Fund will spend $2bn restoring landscapes and transforming food systems."
• Deforestation: Which countries are still cutting down trees? - "World leaders at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow have pledged to end and reverse deforestation by 2030."
• How China shapes the world's coal - "The world's largest funder of coal is closing down its finance for the industry overseas. What does that mean for the world on climate change?"
• Cars Are Going Electric. What Happens to the Used Batteries? - "Used electric vehicle batteries could be the Achilles' heel of the transportation revolution - or the gold mine that makes it real."
• 5 Essential Apps When You’re Facing Flight Delays Or Cancellations - "There’s a lot that you can do to protect yourself from travel plans going terribly wrong. For starters, downloading these five apps can help you stay one step ahead of disruptions and sail through a bad travel day as unscathed as possible."
• How to Put a Vaccine Card on Your Phone - "Is that proof of vaccination card too big to fit in your pocket? Stick it on your phone instead."
• Facebook is shutting down its facial recognition software - "Facebook said Tuesday it plans to stop using facial-recognition software that could automatically recognize people in photos and videos posted on the social network, marking a massive shift both for the tech industry and for a company known for collecting vast amounts of data about its billions of users."
• Why is Facebook shutting down its facial recognition system & deleting ‘faceprints’? - "The social media giant is putting a stop to its technology that identifies people in photos. We look at what prompted the move and what it means for users."
• Apple’s Huge iPhone Mistake - Bad News For 1 Billion Users - "iMessage still has two major weaknesses—both of which need fixing and both of which impact all its billion-plus users, not just the tiny minority targeted by the highly sophisticated Pegasus attacks."
• Learn how to meditate like a Buddhist monk in Bangkok - "Almost every wat - Buddhist monastery - in Bangkok offers instruction on how to meditate, often with a hall dedicated to practice, or at the very least, floor space where laypeople can sit down, fold their legs, and practice basic mental techniques that are for the most part unique to Buddhism."
• Fad diets are out. It's your lifestyle habits that matter - "A full belly makes a happy heart, but your heart will be happier if you focus on sustaining long-term habits. Heart-healthy eating starts with your eating patterns, according to the American Heart Association's recent scientific statement, '2021 Dietary Guidance to Improve Cardiovascular Health.'"
• Elon Musk’s Mom, Maye Musk, Reveals The Secrets To Healthy Aging - "Apart from raising an extraordinary visionary and billionaire like Elon, author, supermodel, dietician and nutrition science expert Maye Musk is an icon all on her own. As a supermodel, she epitomizes effortless elegance with her signature silver hair and sleek ensembles. She’s also championed healthy, natural aging. At age 69, she made history by gracing a global beauty campaign for Cover Girl."
• A pocket-sized breath tester shows you what food is bad for your gut - "Indigestion, stomach cramps and constipation are all signs of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a digestive condition estimated to affect one in 10 people worldwide. That's why Irish engineers Aonghus Shortt and Peter Harte founded FoodMarble, a startup that has invented portable devices, measuring just 5 centimeters squared, which test the hydrogen levels in a person's breath - a key signal for digestive disorders."
• Maersk turns record profit & predicts supply chain chaos will continue - "Maersk, the world's largest container shipping company, predicts that global supply chain chaos will continue into next year. That could benefit the company, which just reported its best quarter in 117 years."
• Comfortable hiking sneakers are taking over Hollywood - "So There's a New 'Ugly' Dad Sneaker Taking Over Hollywood."
• The Grand Tour. The Golden Age of Travel - "Relive a bygone age of discovery and romance with this XL volume of vintage travel ephemera from 1869 to 1939. Packed full of posters, tickets, menus, precious turn-of-the-century photochroms, as well as quotes from literary travelers like Jules Verne or F. Scott Fitzgerald, this book evokes all the adventure of such classic trips as the Orient Express, the Grand Tour, and the Trans-Siberian Railway." TASCHEN Books.
• The museum of everything: do you have time to look at 150,000 exhibits? - "In a world first, Rotterdam’s Boijmans museum has put its entire collection on display in a mammoth new warehouse. As the V&A considers a similar experiment, is this ‘open storage’ model the future?"
• What are the elements in your iPhone, Starbucks cup & bike? Visualized - "The Dutch duo Studio Drift’s multipart show at the Shed in New York, Fragile Future, deconstructs the materials of daily life."
• Why the secret symbols of magic & witchcraft fascinate us - "From emoji spells to WitchTok, the mysterious, 600-year-old emblems of tarot and spell books are still resonating in the 21st Century. Clare Thorp explores the intriguing world of art, symbolism and magic."
• ‘One of the best singers ever’: remembering Eva Cassidy, 25 years after her death - "The singer died at 33 of cancer before the world got to hear her sing. Those who knew and worked with her look back on an unusual talent."
• Apple Watch Series 7's faces still don't do it for me & the problem is the hands - "The Apple Watch keeps adding new designs for its faces, but it keeps one element the same, and that's a problem."

November 2, 2021

• Cop26 kicks off in Glasgow - in pictures - "Images from the 2021 United Nations climate change conference in Scotland."
• COP26: Queen urges leaders to ‘achieve true statesmanship’ - "The Queen has expressed her hope that world leaders would 'rise above the politics of the moment, and achieve true statesmanship' in tackling the climate crisis as she welcomed Cop26 delegates to Glasgow in a recorded video address."
• World leaders promise to end deforestation by 2030 - "More than 100 world leaders will promise to end and reverse deforestation by 2030, in the COP26 climate summit's first major deal."
• What makes a good net zero carbon emissions pledge? - "Countries, companies and organisations around the world are promising to limit their carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, but how good are their commitments?"
• Robert Redford: What I see when I think about the future - "There is so much I can envision for this planet. I can see a world where human and planetary health and justice are fundamental values. I can see a world where everyone has a safe place to live. Where environmental and economic injustices are addressed and repaired."
• World's largest country moves to CDC's highest risk travel category - "The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added Russia to its list of 'very high' risk travel destinations this week. On Monday afternoon, the world's largest country by area (covering more than 17 million square kilometers or 6.6 million square miles), moved up to Level 4, the agency's highest risk category. It was previously listed as Level 3, or 'high' risk for Covid-19."
• Flu, cancer, HIV: after Covid success, what next for mRNA vaccines? - "The technology was viewed with scepticism before the pandemic but there is now growing confidence about its use."
• Elon Musk offers to sell Tesla stock 'right now' if UN can show how $6 billion would solve world hunger - "His comments came after UN World Food Programme (WFP) director David Beasley challenged the ultra-wealthy - and in particular the world's two richest men Jeff Bezos and Musk - to 'step up now, on a one-time basis' to help solve world hunger in an interview with CNN last week."
• Elon Musk says Tesla has not signed deal with Hertz - Last week, shares in Tesla jumped 12.6% after Hertz said it had ordered 100,000 vehicles by the end of 2022. Elon Musk has said a deal between Tesla and car rental company Hertz, which led the carmaker's market value to surpass $1 trillion last week, has not yet been signed.
• How to tax Elon Musk & Jeff Bezos - "The Billionaires' Tax Plan being floated by Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden is an excellent first step in getting the wealthiest Americans to pay something, after a century of nothingness."
• Nearly 100 new people achieved billionaire status in the US during the pandemic - "Of the almost 500 new billionaires globally, nearly 100 of them are in the US. There are 724 US billionaires total (out of 2,755 billionaires globally), and their wealth amounts to $4.4 trillion - $2 trillion more than last year, according to Forbes."
• What’s in the Facebook Papers & what it means for the company - "Facebook - make that Meta - is battling serious issues on multiple fronts."
• 50-foot giants & superstar architects: Inside Expo 2020's Mobility pavilion - "Welcoming visitors at one of the main entrances to Expo 2020 Dubai is Alif, a pavilion named after the first letter of the Arabic alphabet and dedicated to Mobility. From the outside, its curvaceous, structure is impressive enough, but it hides an even more imposing sight: three giant figures of historical explorers, rendered in photo-realistic detail by the special effects team that worked on 'The Lord of the Rings' films."
• Oman: 9 reasons to visit this amazing desert destination - "This desert haven wrapped by mountains is a peaceful and uncrowded spot with five-star hotels, white sand beaches and warm waters. Oman is opening to tourism, and some of its greatest treasures are found only a day or so away from the capital. Here's a pick of highlights when touring one of the world's most intriguing destinations."
• Melbourne Cup Day 2021: fun, fashion & sun at Flemington racecourse - in pictures - "With Covid restrictions easing, a 10,000-strong, fully-vaccinated crowd watched Verry Elleegant claim first place."
• can a bot solve moral philosophy? - "Delphi, an online AI bot, promises to answer any moral question users pose. We put it to the test."
• Why William Hogarth is Britain's greatest artist - "As a new exhibition at Tate Britain celebrates the pioneering cultural figure, Matthew Wilson explores what has made his work so influential."
• 'Let's go Brandon,' explained - "On Friday night, a Southwest Airlines pilot allegedly said 'Let's go Brandon' over the plane intercom, causing a stir on board and prompting an investigation by the airline - which has become right-wing code for 'F**k Joe Biden."
• World Series: The sports data pioneer who spotted baseball's big fix of 1919 - "On the night before the opening game of baseball's 1919 World Series, 46-year-old sportswriter Hugh Fullerton was worried. He suspected the series was going to be rigged."
• 6 Ways to Fake iPhone Location without Jailbreak - "For one reason or another, you may want to fake your iPhone GPS location without jailbreak. And sometimes, simply changing your Apple ID country or region is not enough. So, what do you do? Well, many people still think of it as a very technically-intensive procedure, but nothing could be further from the truth. Let's begin by looking at scenarios that may require you to change your iPhone's GPS location."
• What is Apple's Ceramic Shield? The iPhone protection tech explained - "Better than Gorilla Glass."
• A stitch in time: simple, low-skill clothes mending & alteration techniques - "Whether it’s fixing a button, darning a sock, or repairing a fallen hem - you can achieve plenty with a needle, some thread and a little patience."
• How two BBC journalists risked their jobs to reveal the truth about Jimmy Savile - "Listening to the women who alleged abuse, and fighting to get their stories heard, helped change the treatment of victims by the media and the justice system."

November 1, 2021

• COVID-19's global death toll tops 5 million in under 2 years - "Together, the United States, the European Union, Britain and Brazil - all upper-middle- or high-income countries - account for one-eighth of the world’s population but nearly half of all reported deaths. The U.S. alone has recorded over 740,000 lives lost, more than any other nation."
• The climate crisis explained in 10 charts - "From the seemingly inexorable increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to the rapid growth in green energy."
• Jet-lag, climate villains & coffee: the seven stages of every Cop - "Whatever the outcome of the UN’s latest high-stakes crapshoot, a lengthy and arcane process must be followed first."
• Jeff Bezos & girlfriend Lauren Sanchez discuss climate change with Prince Charles over a cup of tea on the eve of Cop26 - "The meeting comes two days after Bezos was criticised for celebrating Bill Gates' 66th birthday in Turkey on the Microsoft founder's superyacht."
• China grows more isolated as Asia Pacific neighbors start living with Covid-19 - "From Australia to South Korea and across Asia Pacific, the final bastions of 'zero-Covid' are easing restrictions and opening borders as the region prepares to live with the virus - except for one major holdout. China, the country where Covid-19 was first detected nearly two years ago, remains determined to eliminate the virus inside its borders, with officials there showing no signs of backing down."
• Thailand reopens to vaccinated tourists from over 60 nations - "Tens of thousands of travellers are expected to arrive in Thailand today as the country reopens to tourists after 18 months of Covid restrictions."
• The long history of vaccine mandates - "Why mandatory vaccination is nothing new. Mandatory vaccinations have been with us for centuries, quietly saving lives - and they're often largely unopposed until something changes."
• ‘This is the age of waste’: the show about our throwaway addiction & how to cure it - "It is now 100 times more lucrative to mine gold from e-dumps than from the ground. Yet 70 years ago, we barely threw anything away at all. Can design change our disposable culture?"
• From Harry Styles to Lizzo, 2021's best celebrity Halloween costumes - "Childhood movie throwbacks, 'Squid Game' characters and some impressive prosthetics featured among 2021's best celebrity Halloween costumes, with stars including Katy Perry, Doja Cat and John Legend getting into the holiday spirit."
• Alec & Hilaria Baldwin pose with their six kids on Halloween - "New report claims 'Rust' movie set had three other accidental gun discharges prior to fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins."
• Can we stomach the latest emerging food innovations? - "As world leaders gather in Glasgow, and prepare to chow down at numerous COP26 buffets, food technologists urgently want them to grasp the role alternative proteins might play combatting climate change."
• 10 TV shows to watch this November - "Dexter's back, The Wheel of Time novels have been adapted, Peter Jackson takes on The Beatles and Mindy Kaling has created a new series. Amy Charles lists this month's unmissable TV."
• What even is the metaverse? - "For most of this year, Facebook has been talking about its plans for the metaverse, pledging to lose a lot of money in order to bolster its ambitions in the space."
• How to Play Boar on the Floor With Your Pathetic Friends - "Boar on the Floor, for those of you who don’t know, or have already tried to erase it from your psyche, was introduced to the world in Succession, season two, episode three."
• You Can Now Stay At The Iconic Manhattan Brownstone From ‘Breakfast At Tiffany’s’ - "Those who love Audrey Hepburn now can stay in her character Holly Golightly’s iconic brownstone from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The townhome’s exterior was featured in the iconic 1961 film. Inside, the experience is even better. The façade of the brownstone Holly Golightly, Audrey Hepburn's iconic character, resided. INSPIRATO Upscale vacation rental company Inspirato welcomed the property, aptly named Hepburn, into its portfolio earlier this year. The membership-based rental company is now offering stays for its members to experience the home, located just six blocks from Central Park in New York’s Upper East Side, at 169 E. 71st street."

October 31, 2021

• Microsoft passes Apple to become the world’s most valuable company - "Microsoft passed Apple in market cap on Friday, making it the world’s most valuable public company. The move comes after Apple reported revenue Thursday that fell short of analyst expectations. Microsoft had a market cap of nearly $2.49 trillion at market close, while Apple’s stood at about $2.46 trillion."
• Elon Musk, Nearing $300 Billion Fortune, Is The Richest Person In History - "Thanks to a blowout earnings report and a big car order by Hertz, Tesla’s market cap surpassed $1 trillion on Monday - and CEO Elon Musk has emerged as the richest person in the history of the world."
• Top 10 Best Horror Films To Watch On Halloween 2021 - "It’s Halloween weekend and time for some scary horror movie viewing. It’s been ten years since the last top-10 list of all-time best, scariest horror films to watch on Halloween, and the past decade brought some of the genre’s greatest entries. So here is the newest, updated list for 2021."
• Breguet Celebrates 220 Years of Innovation with a New Breguet Watch - "Abraham-Louis Breguet is mostly known for being an ultra-prolific inventor, a man behind some of the most important innovations (some still in use today). Think about the perpetual calendar, the anti-shock device or the gongs of a chiming watch. And of course, there’s his masterpiece, the tourbillon, which celebrates its 220 anniversary this year. And to pay tribute to its founder and to his invention, Breguet is releasing an exclusive watch, the new Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Anniversaire 5365. Made in a limited run of 35 pieces, the same number of tourbillon watches made during Abraham-Louis Breguet’s lifetime."
• Malibu cars & coffee events with Jay Leno & Jerry Seinfeld in trouble - "Malibu is home to some of the wealthiest people on the planet, and now a few of them are arguing over a parking lot. The lot is at the crossroads of the Pacific Coast Highway and Cross Creek Road. It's where a few Hollywood stars spend their time every Sunday. And the city isn't happy."
• How The Morning Show Production Designer Transformed a High School Event Space Into a Luxurious Italian Villa - "When The Morning Show resumed production on Season 2 after shutting down in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the story pivoted to chronicle the first few months of COVID’s burgeoning spread. The result is a season that expands to a more global scale - but one production designer Nelson Coates had to approach with a limited set of options. That meant adapting locations in Los Angeles to suit everything from a frenzied train station in Wuhan, China to the quaint cobblestones of Lake Como, Italy."

October 30, 2021

• Covid-19 origins may never be known, US intelligence agencies say - "US intelligence agencies say they may never be able to identify the origins of Covid-19, but they have concluded it was not created as a biological weapon."
• Capitalism is killing the planet - "It’s time to stop buying into our own destruction. Instead of focusing on ‘micro consumerist bollocks’ like ditching our plastic coffee cups, we must challenge the pursuit of wealth and level down, not up."
• COP26: Four numbers to remember ahead of the climate change summit - "The conference, which starts on Sunday, is where world leaders are being asked to promise more ambitious cuts in greenhouse gases to prevent greater temperature rises. Here, we focus on four key numbers to remember from the reports, as we head into two weeks of big speeches and backroom meetings."
• The everyday ingredient that harms the climate - "If we ended the use of fossil fuels tomorrow, we would still face huge challenges in stopping climate change – in no small part because of one very common household ingredient: palm oil."
• Fresh air or foul odour? How Covid can distort the sense of smell - "Coronavirus-induced parosmia is surprisingly common and the sensory confusion can have profound effects."
• The call for 'common prosperity' - "President Xi Jinping's pledge to redistribute wealth brings back bad memories for luxury brands in China."
• Here to stay or gone in 30 years? Inside the fight over the future of the oil industry - "The people who made their fortunes in the oil capital of Europe need a new plan."
• How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates - Amazon.com.
• Trump’s SPAC Is Screwing His Own Supporters While Enriching Wall Street Elites - "Donald Trump set off fireworks on Wall Street the night of October 20, when he announced that a new business, the Trump Media and Technology Group, planned to go public via a special purpose acquisition company (or SPAC). Shares soared 550% in a week."
• Why Chinese influencers flock to Costco - "Why Chinese influencers are flocking to a Costco in Shanghai (and no, it's not for the discounts)."
• Lonely Planet names the best destinations for 2022 - "Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2022 book is now on sale. We have a sneak preview of the places they think you should have on your bucket list, from the hidden gems of the Oman desert to the brilliant blue waters of Belize."
• 11 films to watch this November - "Paul Thomas Anderson is back, Lady Gaga is in House of Gucci and Kristen Stewart is Princess Diana in Spencer: these are this month's unmissable films."
• The secret first-class seats offered by airlines - "International first class suites - the kind of double-bed-in-the-sky experiences that have been the stuff of travel dreams for decades - have been on the way out for a while now. Next time you board a large passenger airplane, take a look just as you pass the first row of business class seats. You might just spot the hallmarks of a new kind of seat - front-row business-plus."
• ‘World’s most expensive home’ with only Caravaggio mural on sale for $547M - "Known as the Villa Aurora in Rome, it is the last existing building of a 16th-century country retreat built by Cardinal Francesco Maria del Monte and spans over 30,000 square feet, according to the listing handled by the Italian government. If the villa sells for what it is asking for, it would be considered the “world’s most expensive” home ever sold. The date of the auction has been set for Jan. 18, 2022."
• US's most notorious hotel? - "The Skirvin: The US' most haunted hotel? The century-old hotel is rumoured to be haunted by an amorous Prohibition-era chambermaid."
• At 78, Catherine Deneuve Is Still The Best Beauty Muse - "If you thought French-girl beauty right now was good, a glimpse at Catherine Deneuve back in the ’60s will have you practically beside yourself. Time and again, the French actress - once muse to Yves Saint Laurent - has delivered on the beauty front. From her voluminous blonde beehive hairstyles to her immaculate feline flicks and that beautiful smattering of freckles over her nose and cheeks, Deneuve is a beauty icon for all sorts of reasons."
• Kate Middleton's favourite indulgent dessert revealed - try the royal recipe - "Sticky toffee pudding."
• Is the rowing machine a good workout? - "We investigate whether the rowing machine is a good workout, and compare it to other ways of getting fit."
• Living With The Apple Watch Series 7 - "Apple's most advanced Watch wants to be part of every part of your life - and it's got a lot of good reasons to be."
• 3 iOS 15 settings to change for better iPhone battery life - "Making your phone battery last all day can be tough, especially if you don’t know exactly what’s eating away at it. With the recent release of iOS 15, some users have noticed their iPhone battery life decreasing faster than usual. If you’re one of the many dealing with your battery running out quicker, then changing these settings may help you regain some of that battery life."
• Video Comparison: AirPods 3 vs. AirPods Pro - "Apple's long-awaited third-generation AirPods launched yesterday alongside new MacBook Pro models, and we picked up a pair to compare them to the AirPods Pro. If you're wondering whether you should choose the AirPods Pro or the AirPods 3 when buying AirPods for the first time or upgrading, this comparison video should help."
• How to use SharePlay on iOS 15 - "Apple's built a lot of tools into its new FaceTime feature."
• Try these iPhone secret codes to unlock hidden features in iOS 15 - "It may come as a surprise to many, but there are several hidden iPhone codes that have been part of the iOS user experience for years now. And though most users might find these secret codes more intriguing than useful, some actually bring some interesting utility to the table."
• How Watches Work: What Is Carbon Fiber? - "We’ve all seen watches made from carbon fiber. But, this futuristic-looking material imparts more than just aesthetical benefits to watches. It’s strong, and it’s lightweight, and, depending on your tastes, it looks pretty darn cool too. That said, what actually is it? Let’s find out!"

October 29, 2021

• Facebook changes its company name to Meta - "Facebook is changing its company name as it shifts its focus to the 'metaverse' and confronts wide-ranging scrutiny of the real-world harms from its various platforms after a whistleblower leaked hundreds of internal documents."
• A new name won't fix Facebook - TIME Magazine.
• Mark Zuckerberg is inviting you into his metaverse - "Maybe this is what Silicon Valley's demigods have been dreaming about since the beginning. A profound reversal of the relationship between human beings and technology, a flipping of the real and virtual."
• Look Over Here, Kids, It’s the Metaverse - "Facebook’s vision for the future of computing comes with some shiny new branding."
• Pope urges 'radical' climate response - "In a message recorded exclusively for the BBC, Pope Francis has called on world leaders meeting next week at the UN Climate conference in Glasgow to provide 'effective responses' to the environment emergency and offer 'concrete hope' to future generations."
• Arnold Schwarzenegger angered by world leaders' climate policies - "Arnold Schwarzenegger says leaders who claim combating climate change hurts the economy are 'stupid or liars'."
• New Biden plan would give e-bike buyers up to $1,500 in tax credits - "The current Build Back Better proposal would offer a credit of up to 30 percent against the cost of the bike."
• European Investment Bank to end all loans to oil & gas firms - "The bank will stop lending to polluting companies that want to finance low-carbon projects."
• 10 of the best travel companies committed to climate action - "These holiday firms walk the talk when it comes to minimising their carbon footprints and promoting biodiversity."
• 30 Best Ski-In & Ski-Out Resorts In The World For 2022 - "With the weather starting its slow shift into winter, many people are planning their New Year escapes to the mountains and the best way to avoid the crowds is to stay at a ski-in/ski-out resort. With more time on the slopes and less time in crowded transportation, and long lines, this is the ideal way to spend your vacation. Ski-in/ski-out resorts are usually located adjacent to ski lifts or sometimes directly on the slopes. These properties enable you to access skiing from your hotel and include locations within a short walk or a gondola ride with your skis."
• 7 best shows to stream this week - "There’s political skulduggery in a tense Swedish thriller, and a documentary on the bizarre billionaire space race between Musk, Branson and Bezos."
• 19 Most Underrated Movies on Netflix - TIME Magazine.
• Jabs do not reduce risk of passing Covid within household, study suggests - "Research reveals fully vaccinated people are just as likely to pass virus on to those they share a home with."
• Delta AY.4.2 dubbed as new ‘Delta Plus’ variant. But can it become dominant? - The Economic Times.
• Russia resorts to Covid restrictions as vaccine hesitancy drives record deaths - "Schools and non-essential services closed in Moscow, as Ukraine also brings in new restrictions."
• Rome airport reveals plans for flying taxis - "Passengers flying into Rome from 2024 onwards will be able to go airborne for their taxi ride into the city center too, if a project between the company operating its main airport and a German startup lifts off on schedule. Startup Volocopter hopes to make Fiumicino Airport a pioneer site for the rotor-bladed, battery-powered two-seater air taxi it is developing."
• men haunted by their biological clocks - "It’s certainly not just women who worry about ageing and procreation - and now men have begun speaking about their own deep anxieties."
• Facebook’s Meta watch has a camera notch, according to first leaked image - "The image was reportedly found in the app for the Ray-Ban Stories."
• 9 ways Mary Quant revolutionised women’s clothes & lives - "Liberation was at the top of the agenda for her 1960s customers, and the British fashion designer helped them achieve it. From athleisure to workwear to gender fluidity, here’s how she influences the world today."
• Inside the Waldorf Astoria's $1 billion makeover - "This month marks 90 years since the Waldorf Astoria first opened its doors on New York's Park Avenue in 1931, becoming the tallest and largest luxury hotel in the world during an inauspicious time, as the Great Depression cast its long shadow. But the Waldorf Astoria has also been closed for the past four and a half years, undergoing a more than $1 billion renovation after it was purchased for $1.95 billion in 2014 by China's Anbang Insurance Group (now Dajia Insurance Group). While parts of the hotel are being restored to its original state - rooms including the Grand Ballroom are protected by New York City's Landmarks Preservation Commission - much of the building is being entirely reimagined for the future. And, for the first time, the Waldorf Astoria will offer residential apartments to own, rather than lease, within the twin Waldorf Towers."
• Brooklyn's first supertall skyscraper officially reaches its full height - "The 93-story, 1,066-foot-tall residential building, standing at 9 DeKalb Avenue in Downtown Brooklyn, was designed by SHoP Architects. (Supertalls, by definition, are residential or office buildings reaching 300 meters - 984 feet - or higher.) Newly christened 'The Brooklyn Tower,' it has been under construction since 2018 and cost $750 million total to develop."

October 28, 2021

• Singapore sees ‘unusual surge’ in cases; Europe Covid deaths rise 14% in a week - "Singapore investigates abnormally high number of new cases, the most since the pandemic began; Europe the only major region to report an increase in both cases and deaths, says WHO."
• Cheap, generic anti-depressant may reduce severe Covid-19 disease, study finds - "A trial among about 1,500 patients in Brazil showed those who took the drug, known as fluvoxamine, were less likely to progress to severe disease and to require hospitalization."
• Covid passes set to stay as Europe heads for winter - "There have been protests and complaints of restricted freedom, but much of Europe is now using Covid passports to enter bars, restaurants, cinemas and museums."
• Rust shooting: film’s assistant director admits gun was not thoroughly checked - "In an affidavit, Dave Halls told investigators he ‘should have checked all’ the rounds as officials confirm gun contained live bullets."
• Alec Baldwin shooting: Criminal charges may be filed, prosecutor says - "Investigators said a 'lead projectile' had been removed from the director's shoulder, and that it appeared to be a live round."
• The lifestyle that emits most CO2 - "How the rich are driving climate change. The world's wealthiest people make a huge contribution to climate change through carbon-hungry activities. How can we reduce emissions from the rich?"
• Joanna Lumley says wartime-style rationing could help solve climate crisis - "Actor proposes system under which people would have limited points to spend on holidays and luxury items."
• Elon Musk used government money to build Tesla. But he fears a tax on billionaires - "Its founder, the most epically rich billionaire Elon Musk, has also been known to avoid paying personal income taxes. Amazon, another massive company, has similarly been known to avoid paying corporate income taxes."
• $547 million villa with world's only Caravaggio ceiling mural goes on sale - "While most of the infrastructure was demolished in the 19th century, Villa Aurora is the only remaining part of the larger Villa Ludovisi, a 16th-century house which was considered 'one of the wonders of the world,' according to art historian Claudio Strinati in a column published on the daily Repubblica on Friday."
• The shadowy world of camouflage passports - "A counterfeit passport falsely claims the bearer is from a certain country, in order to get them through borders illegally. The camouflage passport, however, used the name of a former country, since changed for political reasons."
• 1776 Continental dollar bought at flea market for 56 cents worth nearly $100G - "The coin was purchased by a person who has remained anonymous to this point for 56 cents in June 2018, according to a statement from Professional Coin Grading Services (PCGS), which graded the coin."
• Daniel Craig Made The Perfect Bond Trilogy (Just A Shame About The Others) - "Daniel Craig's James Bond has a perfect trilogy with Casino Royale, Skyfall, and No Time To Die, but Quantum of Solace and Spectre let the side down."
• 15 best James Bond villains, ranked - "James Bond has faced off with a lot of bad guys over his career. Here we rank the 15 best villains in the 007 franchise in ascending order."
• What is the meaning of 007 in James Bond series? - "This is the title given to any agent that carries the 'license to kill'."
• 10 strongest breeds of adorable dog that make perfectly powerful pets - "These dogs are the muscle-bound heavyweights of the canine world and many of them can make great pets."
• Bucket List: 20 Motorcycles to Ride Before You Die - "In today’s increasingly nerfed and safety-obsessed world, motorcycles remain one of the very few tried and true means of injecting some much-needed excitement and adventure into your day-to-day routine. And while practically every motorcycle ever produced affords feelings of freedom and raw speed, there are a handful of models that stand out from the pack, whether this is owed to innovative features or idiosyncratic setups or components."
• There’s a New Cross-Country Cannonball Motorcycle Record - "Two wheels, 2788 miles, 32 hours and change."
• “The many lives of an eternal monument” - the Mausoleum of Augustus renewed - "When Hadrian assumed control of the Roman Empire in AD 117, the vast, wealthy and powerful state that he inherited remained, in effect, the Principate of Augustus."
• HomePod now supports Lossless & Dolby Atmos, here’s a workaround for HomePod mini - "Apple released today HomePod 15.1 Software with the long-awaited Lossless and Dolby Atmos support. While both the HomePod and HomePod mini support Lossless, if you want to listen to Spatial Audio with the HomePod mini, there’s a hidden workaround ..."
• How to Make an Amaretto Sour, the Almond-Accented Cocktail Made Great by Bourbon - Robb Report.

October 27, 2021

• How the fatal 'Rust' shooting unfolded, moment by moment - "The cast and crew of 'Rust' had just returned from lunch when it happened. One minute, producer-star Alec Baldwin and a handful of others were rehearsing a scene in a wooden church on a dusty Old West movie set meant to look like 1880s Kansas. The next minute, two people were bleeding from gunshot wounds - one of which would prove to be fatal - and everyone was reeling from confusion and shock. Here, based on a search warrant affidavit and 911 calls, is a moment-by-moment account of what happened that day."
• World faces disastrous 2.7C temperature rise on current climate plans, UN warns - "Report says countries must strengthen climate ambitions after wasting chance to build back better after Covid."
• The world promised to cut greenhouse gas emissions. These countries aren't meeting their targets - "Nearly 200 countries have pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions to prevent the worst consequences of the climate crisis, but there is still a huge gap between what's been promised and what scientists say is needed, according to a report by the UN Environment Programme."
• The $3.50 go-anywhere ticket to fight climate change - "Austria launches $3.50 go-anywhere ticket."
• Four things you can do about your carbon footprint - "Tackling climate change will require world leaders to take action on a global level. But as individuals we also contribute to damaging emissions. Here are some things you can do to reduce your personal impact."
• 2% of Elon Musk's wealth could solve world hunger, says director of UN food scarcity organization - "Billionaires need to 'step up now, on a one-time basis', said David Beasley in an interview on CNN's Connect the World with Becky Anderson that aired Tuesday - citing specifically the world's two richest men, Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk."
• Astronomers spot first possible exoplanet outside our galaxy - "Saturn-sized planet candidate has been identified in Whirlpool Galaxy 28m light years away."
• FDA officials back Pfizer jab for children over five in US - "A US government panel has voted to recommend the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine should to be given to children aged five to 11."
• Ten years on, is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner still more dream than nightmare? - "Virgin Atlantic founder Richard Branson once said, 'If your dreams don't scare you, they are too small.' He wasn't referring to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner that his airline operates, but it easily applies."
• Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin wants to build a tourism space station nearly as big as the ISS - "Blue Origin, the rocket and space tourism company founded by Jeff Bezos, is proposing a massive new commercial space station called 'Orbital Reef' that could be used to host science experiments, vacation getaways, and potentially even in-space manufacturing."
• How To Stay At A Medici Estate In The Tuscan Countryside - "What To Know About Staying At A Medici Estate In The Tuscan Countryside In 2022."
• Electric vehicle (EV) charging standards & how they differ - "As more and more consumers make the green decision to forego their combustion engines for electric vehicles, they may not be as in tune with charging standards. kW, voltage, and amps might sound like jargon compared to miles per gallon, but these are essential units to understand to get the most efficiency out of your shiny new EV. Let the following serve as a guide, offering all you need to know about the various charging options out there and how they differ."
• 9 Tips For Keeping Your Mind & Body Sharp After You Retire - "You work hard all your life and the day you say goodbye to the 9-5 finally arrives. Exhale. Let the next chapter begin. One thing that surely should top your agenda is keeping your mind and body in tip-top shape."
• Why do only mammals have tusks? Study traces their surprising origins - "For tusks to evolve, they found that a flexible ligament attaching the tooth to the jaw was needed, as well as reduced rates of teeth replacement - a combination of features that today is uniquely found in modern mammals."
• Jean Paul Gaultier launches rental service of iconic 1980s & 90s items - "Maison hopes to entice new audience with rentals including cone brassiere corsets and cage-style dresses."
• AMAZON KINDLE PAPERWHITE (2021) REVIEW: A BIGGER & BETTER BOOK - "The most popular Kindle gets its biggest update in nearly a decade."
• Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition review: The best e-reader. Period - "A bigger screen with smaller bezels makes the Paperwhite better than ever."
• Introducing The Louis Moinet $380,000 Space Revolution Watch - "Currently up as a nomination for this year’s Grand Prix de la Haute Horlogerie Geneve (GPHG), the Louis Moinet Space Revolution watch takes the brand’s 'Mechanical Wonders' category of timepieces to all new heights. More than three years in the making, the new mechanism for this watch boasts multiple tourbillons that revolve around the deep-space dial along with miniature spaceships for a truly intergalactic delight. The first version of this complicated other-worldly watch was released in 2020, but the new version - complete with Red Force and Black Force spaceships - is destined for a different galaxy."

October 26, 2021

• iOS 15.1 is rolling out to iPhone users today, here’s what’s new - "Apple today is officially releasing iOS 15.1 and iPadOS 15.1 to the public. After over a month of beta testing, iOS 15.1 brings new features including SharePlay, upgrades to the Camera application for iPhone 13 users, and much more. Head below for the full details on what’s new in iOS 15.1."
• CDC moves large European country to its highest level of Covid-19 travel risk - "On Monday afternoon, architecturally rich Ukraine, the second-largest nation in Europe in land area, was moved up from Level 3, or "high" risk for Covid-19, to Level 4, the agency's highest risk category. It's the second week in a row that the CDC has moved only one new nation to the Level 4 ranks. Last week, it was the modern city-state of Singapore."
• Biden sets new rules as air travel to the US reopens - "The White House has outlined new rules for foreign travellers to the US, as flight restrictions lift for the first time since the pandemic began in 2020. The US travel ban has grown to include dozens of countries, including the UK, much of Europe, China and India."
• How face masks affect young children - "Should young children be made to wear face masks? In Singapore and many other countries around the world, it's common for young children to wear masks against Covid-19 - but aside from the protection they provide against the virus, might they pose a risk to their longer-term development?"
• Why people believe Covid conspiracy theories: could folklore hold the answer? - "Researchers use AI - and witchcraft folklore - to map the coronavirus conspiracy theories that have sprung up."
• The world was woefully unprepared for a pandemic. Let’s be ready for the next one - "The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board is calling for a coherent action plan to counter future health emergencies."
• Australia pledges to reach net zero emissions by 2050 - "One of the world's most criticised polluters, Australia, has promised it will achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050."
• Boris Johnson says chances of Cop26 success are ‘touch & go’ - "PM urges firms to reduce use of single-use plastics and dismisses recycling as ‘a red herring’."
• Can Lego help save Singapore's coral reefs? - "But a group of scientists from the National University of Singapore are trying to change this - with Lego blocks."
• 'Rust' crew members reportedly used guns with live ammunition hours before deadly shooting on set - "Crew members on the set of 'Rust' used guns with live ammunition and engaged in a pastime called 'plinking' hours before Halyna Hutchins was killed, founder and CEO of The Wrap, Sharon Waxman, told CNN's Don Lemon Monday night, citing information from an individual with knowledge of the set."
• "Rust" assistant director was fired from previous movie after gun incident injured crew member - "The assistant director on the movie “Rust,” who handed a prop gun to Alec Baldwin before the fatal shooting last week, was previously fired from a film production after a gun incident injured a crew member, the movie’s production company told CNN."
• Alec Baldwin was pointing gun at camera in Rust rehearsal, legal papers say - "Actor Alec Baldwin was drawing a revolver across his body and pointing it at a camera during a rehearsal on a US film set when it fired with tragic results, legal documents have revealed."
• Halyna Hutchins mourned amid anger at Hollywood ‘cutting corners’ on sets - "Somber vigil charged with subdued rage over conditions that many lower-paid crew believe were linked to cinematographer’s death."
• Trump allies' election 'command center' was a war room for attempted coup - "As The Washington Post reported on Saturday, none of that stopped Trump allies from running a 'command center' in Washington, DC's Willard Hotel with a singular goal: 'overturning the results of the 2020 election.'"
• Tesla is now worth more than $1 trillion - "Shares popped more than 12% Monday to close at about $1,025, boosted by two spots of good news: Hertz announced a record order of 100,000 Teslas for its fleet, and influential Morgan Stanley auto analyst Adam Jonas recently raised his price target on Tesla to $1,200 a share."
• Unleashed By E-Type UK Is The Jaguar XK-E Experience You Always Wanted - "You can tell where your money goes from the clunk of the driver’s door. Likewise, the way the trunk springs open just so; not too high, not too low. Make yourself comfortable and your senses are treated to the smell of fresh leather, joined by a beautiful, polished wooden steering wheel of a smaller diameter than standard, and soft LED lighting bathing the door cards and aluminum dashboard. Press the starter button and rejoice as the 6.1-liter V12 bursts into life. The view ahead, through the shallow windscreen and across a seemingly never-ending bonnet punctuated by louvres, is quintessentially E-Type. But lots has changed. There’s the modern precision with which everything opens and closes, for starters, followed by the interior that looks so much like the original, yet is all-new. There’s the aforementioned LED lighting, along with discrete air conditioning, electric windows, USB ports and a retro-looking stereo with DAB and Bluetooth connectivity."
• The world's most alarming airplane landings - "When an airport was built on the mid-Atlantic island of St. Helena (above), it was initially dubbed the 'world's most useless' airport. That's because wind shear on the cliffside runway initially made it dangerous to land. Today the airport is up and running, but it's a category C, meaning that pilots have to be specially trained to land there. It's not the only one - here are some of the most breathtaking (but also fear-inducing) airports around the world."
• ‘Conditioning an entire society’: the rise of biometric data technology - "The use of our bodies to unlock access to services raises concerns about the trade-off between convenience and privacy."
• Scientists discover trace of ancient life in a 2.5 billion-year-old ruby - "The ruby sample from Greenland, where the oldest known deposits of rubies are found, contained graphite - a mineral made of pure carbon. Chemical signatures in the carbon suggested it was a residue of early life."
• 1,000 Warhol artworks are on sale for just $250 each. But only one is real - "Having mixed the 999 fakes with the lone original, MSCHF now claims not to know which is the real Warhol. And from Monday collectors can buy one of the 1,000 works, each titled 'Possibly Real Copy Of 'Fairies' by Andy Warhol,' for $250."
• Why we're so terrified of the unknown - "Our deep fear of the unknown not only scares us, but it can scramble our brains. Why does uncertainty make us so uneasy?"
• Why smart alarm clocks can’t be trusted - "Smart speakers are angling for a spot on our bedside tables, but they need this feature first."
• First penny black stamp could fetch up to £6m at auction - "Launched in 1840, Sotheby’s says the stamp ‘is the most important piece of philatelic history to exist’."
• how to keep black clothes looking their best for longer - "From avoiding UV to re-dying faded fabric ‘in a big soup pot’, with a bit of care black clothes can last a lifetime."
• APPLE AIRPODS (THIRD-GEN) REVIEW: NEW DESIGN, SAME APPEAL - "The new regular AirPods get a lot right even before the gimmicky spatial audio part."
• Heartbreak for Princess Charlene as her beloved dog Angel is run over - after 'frail' royal sparked concern among fans with latest appearance - "The former Olympian, 43, who has been living in her home country of South Africa for much of this year, took to Instagram today to share a photo snuggling up with her pooch Angel, which was taken last Christmas in Monaco."

October 25, 2021

• Covid chaos grips the East & uncertainty haunts the West. Europe is entering its second pandemic winter - "Despite the widescale availability of vaccines this winter compared to the last, Europe is the only part of the world reporting an increase in new Covid-19 cases globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Wednesday. This is the third consecutive week the region has recorded a rise in cases, it added."
• The art exploring the truth about how climate change began - "A new art exhibition offers a fuller, more rounded view of humanity's impact on the Earth - by tracing its link with colonialism. Precious Adesina talks to the artists."
• How can Coca-Cola solve its plastic problem? - "Coca-Cola sells over 100 billion throwaway plastic bottles every year. So many of them end up as litter that new figures out on Monday name the company as the world’s biggest plastic polluter."
• New details emerge in Baldwin film death - "Assistant director on 'Rust' was subject of complaints dating back to 2019."
• What is a prop gun? This film industry firearms expert explains - "Film crew member Halyna Hutchins was killed after actor Alec Baldwin discharged a prop gun on the set of the movie "Rust" in New Mexico. Ben Simmons, a fire arms instructor for actors, explains what prop guns are."
• Sydney mayor has plans for a swimmable harbor - "Clover Moore, the lord mayor of Sydney, has presented an ambitious plan that imagines the city's legendary harbor as a swimming pool. In 2019, CNN Travel named the Danish capital the world's best city for urban swimming."
• How China’s past shapes Xi's thinking & his view of the world - "Heightened tensions with Taiwan have focused attention on China, with many wondering where President Xi Jinping sees his country on the world stage. Perhaps the past can provide some clues, writes Rana Mitter, a history professor at Oxford University."
• ‘We are more than just The Scream’: inside Oslo’s mega Munch museum - "With 26,700 artworks, this £235m tilting tower is a mighty tribute to the tormented Norwegian artist."
• Michael Jordan's trainers sell for record $1.47m at auction - "Jordan used the pair of red and white Nike Air Ships during his first season with the Chicago Bulls in 1984. Jordan, who retired in 2003, also became the first billionaire player in NBA history."
• James Michael Tyler: 11 of Gunther's funniest Friends moments - "There are some actors who hate being too heavily associated with a single role. James Michael Tyler, who has died at the age of 59, was not one of those actors."
• From the royals to the Roys, why do siblings fall out so seriously? - "It can be the most toxic of family relationships, as told in Shakespeare or Succession. What really lies at the heart of this age-old struggle."
• Mummy’s older than we thought: new find could rewrite history - "Discovery of nobleman Khuwy shows that Egyptians were using advanced embalming methods 1,000 years before assumed date."
• Trump's social network is built on a platform it didn't properly license - "Add a licensing misstep to the list of problems facing former President Donald Trump’s social media network. It has 30 days to fulfill the terms, including releasing its source code."
• Growing Crops Under Solar Panels? Now There’s a Bright Idea - "In the new scientific (and literal) field of agrivoltaics, researchers are showing how panels can increase yields and reduce water use on a warming planet."

October 24, 2021

• Crew on Baldwin film raised prop gun concerns before fatal shooting - "Text message warning of ‘super-unsafe’ conditions was later followed by a walkout by camera operators."
• Which protects you more against Covid - vaccination or prior infection? - "For the Delta variant at least, the latest analysis suggests they are roughly equivalent."
• Cop26: ‘World conflict & chaos’ could be the result of a summit failure - "Top climate official issues strong warning on effect of unchecked greenhouse gases ahead of summit."
• Greta Thunberg: 'We need public pressure, not just summits' - "Climate activist Greta Thunberg has told the BBC that summits will not lead to action on climate goals unless the public demand change too."
• How America is tackling its greatest source of emissions - "Combustion-engine cars occupy a special place in American culture, but to reach net zero by 2050 the US needs to rethink its relationship with the automobile."
• 'Most dangerous commodity on Earth' - "CNN Investigation: Tens of millions of filthy, used medical gloves imported into the US."
• Has Interpol become the long arm of oppressive regimes? - "Once used in the hunt for fugitive criminals, the global police agency’s most-wanted ‘red notice’ list now includes political refugees and dissidents."
• Everest's 100 years of destiny & death on the roof the world - "It's a fact every school child knows: Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world. It's a truth that feels ancient and inevitable, an unassailable certainty that draws hundreds of climbers to attempt the summit each year - because, in the words of George Mallory, one of the first mountaineers to conquer it, 'it's there.' However, this fascination with the mountain whose historic Tibetan name is Qomolangma ('Holy Mother') is a modern phenomenon and the first reconnaissance mission to its slopes was completed just a century ago, on October 25, 1921."
• 20 years of the iPod - "How it shuffled music and tech into a new era. In October 2001, the music industry was riven by piracy and had no idea how to solve it. Enter Steve Jobs, whose new device created a digital music market – and made Apple into a titan."
• Picasso's works sell for nearly $110 million in Las Vegas auction - "Part of the MGM Resorts Collection, the pieces were a hallmark of the Bellagio Hotel's Michelin-starred French and Spanish eatery 'Picasso,' which is inspired by the artist's life and work."
• Record-breaking ferris wheel opens in Dubai - "Dubai officially opened the world's largest and tallest ferris wheel on Thursday, as part of an initiative to bolster the city's status as a major tourism hub. It's known as the 'Dubai Eye' and stands at 250m."
• 1,000 Years of Joys and Sorrows by Ai Weiwei review - a life of dissent - "The artist’s memoir reveals a rebellious spirit, inherited from his persecuted poet father, which sustained him through detention by Chinese authorities."
• Good vibrations: tapping in to the benefits of ASMR - "ASMR, the euphoric tingling certain sounds provoke, has created online superstars with millions of followers. Is it just a weird fad, or could it help people with anxiety and depression?"
• ‘I hug them’: meet the farmer raising 2,000lb pumpkins - "Armed with ‘golden seeds’, Leonardo Urena is part of an elite group of global growers - and this year produced California’s largest specimen."

October 23, 2021

• Alec Baldwin was given loaded weapon & told it was safe, court records show - "Assistant director who gave actor prop gun did not know it was loaded with live rounds, search warrant says."
• Alec Baldwin: Hear first responders & others react to Rust set death - "Newly released audio recordings showed first responders’ activity on the scene."
• 'Someone will pay for this': Ukrainian Family of cinematographer shot dead by Alec Baldwin demand answers as they fight Covid red tape to fly to the US - "Her parents Antoly and Olga are trying to fly to the US and are pushing for answers over the tragedy."
• Hollywood's tragic history of on-set accidents - "Hollywood is the land of make believe, but the very real specter of death can hover over television and movie sets."
• 100 Stranded Ships, 10-Week Delays & 8 Million Unmade Cars: A Look At America’s Supply Chain Woes - "A snarled supply chain is threatening the make-or-break holiday season. Consumers are shopping like never before while retailers - and the White House - are sweating that they may be fighting over slim pickings this holiday season, especially when it comes to toys, electronics and clothing. While new outbreaks are putting workers off the job, leaving raw materials land locked and manufacturing stalled across the world, trains, planes and ships - many stuck floating on the seas outside of Los Angeles, Savannah and Shanghai - are trying to recover from the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic."
• ‘So scary’: Woman stunned by hidden Amazon files - "An Amazon user has revealed her shock at discovering thousands of voice clips she claims the company has collected from her devices."
• The 22 Best Places To Travel In 2022 - "According to an exclusive survey by Ovation Travel Group's agents, only two of the top destinations are in the United States. The others are in far-flung locations many American travelers have never heard of."
• How adjusting flight plans can help the climate - "How tweaking flight plans can help the climate. Those wispy white lines that crisscross the skies after an aeroplane flies overhead are far less benign than their fluffy patterns might suggest."
• Jane Fonda on the climate fight: ‘The cure for despair is action’ - "Sometimes the only way to get attention is to break the rules. Fifty years after my first arrest, I’ve embraced being locked up in the name of the planet. As Cop26 nears, here’s why it’s time to rise up."
• The heat is on: from the Arctic to Africa, wildlife is being hit hard by climate chaos - "Global heating affects fertility, immunity and behaviour – often with lethal results - and the problems are getting worse."
• The moment domesticated horses changed the course of human history is now revealed - "The domestication of horses changed the course of human history, but scientists have tried for years to figure out when and where this crucial event happened. Now, evidence from a new study using DNA analysis suggests horses were first domesticated 4,200 years ago in the steppes of the Black Sea region, part of modern-day Russia, before spreading across Asia and Europe in the centuries that followed."
• ‘I was terrified’: the vet sterilizing Pablo Escobar’s cocaine hippos - "The progeny of animals brought illegally to Colombia and kept in the drug lord’s private zoo must now be put on birth control."
• 20 best German foods - "German food is rich, hearty and diverse. It's comfort eating with high-quality, often locally sourced ingredients. The cuisine of Germany has been shaped not only by the country's agricultural traditions but by the many immigrants that have made the country home over the centuries."
• You might already be following the Mediterranean diet with these easy food swaps - "The Mediterranean diet has been an expert-recommended way of eating since it was first introduced in the 1990s, but it still holds its own with newer, trendier eating plans. And if you're moving into plant-based eating and flexitarian eating, you might be following the Mediterranean diet already without realizing it."
• How to retrain your frazzled brain & find your focus again - "Are you finding it harder than ever to concentrate? Don’t panic: these simple exercises will help you get your attention back."
• Saving a million salmon & a tribe in a historic drought - "The Klamath river is becoming too warm for salmon to live. If it dries up, a Native American tribe could face its doom."
• ‘Dune’ is too big for your TV - "It's what theaters were made for."
• Bloomberg argues Apple product design improved since Jony Ive left - "It says that without Steve Jobs’s moderating influence, Ive went too far in prioritizing form over function, and that this has since been corrected ..."
• ‘Secret piety’: new show reveals Andy Warhol’s Catholic roots - "Known for his wild parties and proud queerness, he went to church, met the pope and prayed daily with his mother."
• Christopher Walken: ‘I got a job as a lion tamer. Who’s going to turn that down?’ - "He started out working with big cats before becoming Hollywood’s go-to guy for menacing oddballs. He talks about The Deer Hunter, the perils of being a world-class dancer - and doing community service with Stephen Merchant."
• This 'No Time To Die' Advent Calendar is the Ultimate Gift for Bond Fans - "To celebrate the long-awaited release of No Time To Die, Selfridges has released a ’12 Days of Bond’ advent calendar, and we think it's the perfect gift for 007 fans."
• Luxembourg to become first country in Europe to legalize cannabis - "Under the new legislation, adults over 18 in Luxembourg will be allowed to use cannabis, and to grow up to four plants per household, which would make it the first country in Europe to fully legalize the production and consumption of the drug."
• Does the e-book revolution spell disaster for print books? - "Do you love the smell of yellowed paper, the feel of parchment against your skin, the weight of a leather-bound volume in your hands? Bibliophiles like myself would agree that there is nothing that can truly replace the genuine feel of a physical book. The traditional ‘book’ form that we love so much has been around for centuries, so it is hard to think of it as something replaceable. And yet in a few short decades, modern technology has been making an ambitious attempt to do the very thing."
• Guide to Residential Styles - "Every house has a style. Sometimes it has two or more; because of renovations and new, eclectic mixes, fitting a home into one specific category can be daunting or even impossible. Thankfully, there’s no need to memorize complicated architectural terminology. REALTOR Magazine has compiled a convenient compendium of common styles. Delve in and learn to highlight the details that give a home character, history, and romance."
• 17 of the best Dolby Atmos movie scenes to test your home cinema sound - "It could be in your soundbar; it might be on your phone; soon, you may even find it in your car. Dolby Atmos is seemingly everywhere. But even if you have equipment that supports 3D audio playback, what should you watch to make sure you get the most of it? We have selected some of our favourites film scenes that show the flexibility of Dolby Atmos and let your system, whether a soundbar or full AV amp and speaker system, hit the greatest heights."

October 22, 2021

• More than half of Australia's population is now 'living with Covid.' - "At midnight, Australia's second-largest state emerged from what some experts and local media called the world's longest lockdown. The easing of restrictions means that, as of Friday, more than half of Australia's nearly 26 million population is living with the virus, while authorities in the rest of the country push to raise vaccination rates while controlling borders to keep it out."
• Virus may have killed 80k-180k health workers, WHO says - "Healthcare workers must be prioritised for vaccines, WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, and he criticised unfairness in the distribution of jabs."
• What happens when you test Covid-positive on vacation - "For instance, visitors to Italy are required to pay their own quarantine fees up front if they test positive after they arrive."
• Greta Thunberg: There are no real climate leaders yet - who will step up at Cop26? - "Like other rich nations, the UK is more talk than action on the climate crisis. Something needs to change in Glasgow."
• US plastics to outstrip coal’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, study finds - "American plastics industry, described by experts as ‘the new coal’, releasing at least 232m tons of gas annually."
• The Best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products for Your Home - "Next time you stock up on supplies, consider these green cleaning alternatives."
• Alec Baldwin fatally shoots woman with prop gun on movie set - "A woman has died and a man has been injured after actor Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun on a New Mexico film set."
• ‘What a fool’: fellow actors criticise William Shatner’s space flight - "Dame Joan Collins and Brian Cox unimpressed by historic trip, saying ‘let’s take care of this planet first’."
• Donald Trump’s new social media SPAC, explained - "At least insofar as it is possible to explain such a thing."
• Spanish secret service 'injected King Juan Carlos with testosterone blockers to control his rampant sex drive' - "Former King of Spain 'given female hormones to control his rampant sex drive'. It comes after a Spanish historian wrote a book entitled 'Juan Carlos: The King of 5000 lovers', piecing together evidence of the disgraced monarch's conquests."
• SpaceX could make Elon Musk world’s first trillionaire, says Morgan Stanley - "Most of world’s richest person’s fortune so far has come from electric car company Tesla."
• Expo 2020 Dubai - World Expo, currently hosted by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022.
• Hawaii Ready To Welcome Visitors Again Starting Next Month - "After months of vacillating about traveling to Hawaii or staying away from the islands, Gov. David Ige is once again rolling out the welcome mat."
• Travel The World 007 Style: Six Destinations From The Greatest James Bond Films - "First appearing on film in 1962, James Bond’s eternally savvy character has defined the classic spy thriller for decades, making 007 a household name in cinema, pop culture, and legendary one-liners. The series’ twenty-fifth movie, released in theaters this month, proves that the legacy lives on, even as longtime Bond actor Daniel Craig bids his tux goodbye after holding the role for fifteen years. Whether you’ve watched every minute of the Bond saga, or just hopped on the bandwagon with 'No Time to Die,' you’ve probably noticed that 007 is a citizen of the world, jetting off to the next top secret rendezvous point with, seemingly, the flick of a wrist. The locations scouted for Bond films match the pace of the storyline with sharp aesthetics, relevant history, and, most importantly, unrivaled majesty fit to be the backdrop for Britain’s most elusive agent. The following international destinations may be spread out across the globe, but you’ll recognize them all as having played crucial roles in the Bond series. Planning your next itinerary around famous scenes is a great way to experience striking architecture through the eyes of the 20th century’s most memorable master of espionage."
• 2022 Lamborghini HuracÁn STO: Your Childhood Dreams Answered - "It doesn’t take but a minute behind the wheel of the all-new 2022 Lamborghini Huracán STO to figure out what’s going on - the Italian automaker is offering a $327,000 street-legal race car to the public. This low-slung, arrow-shaped, carbon fiber-bodied, V10-powered, two-seat supercar has been engineered and configured to effortlessly blast around racing circuits at triple-digit speeds. The fact that it may be registered for road use and wears a state-issued license plate is almost comical."
• How to use secret codes on iPhone - "Here's how to use secret codes on iPhone and open up new features by dialing a few numbers."
• iOS 15 settings you need to turn off now to save money - "This will help to stop you burning through your cellular data plan in a matter of days."
• iOS 15 brings new Announce Notifications feature for Siri, here’s how it works - "iOS 15 expands on the previously available 'Announce Messages' and 'Announce Calls' features with the ability to have Siri 'Announce Notifications' from first- and third-party apps. The functionality works with certain AirPods and Beats headphones as well as CarPlay, and there’s also the ability to customize which apps can use the feature."
• Are Smart Glasses Coming to an Event Near You? - "Google may have debuted their first smart glasses in 2012, but the technology is only now starting to gain momentum. Microsoft, Apple, and Facebook are all developing their own products. But what are smart glasses, and will they be coming to an event near you?"
• How to Enable 'Conversation Boost' on Your AirPods Pro (and When You Should) - "Your AirPods Pro can enhance the audio of people speaking to you."
• How to listen to spatial & hi def music streaming, CD/HD, Ultra HD, Dolby Atmos & 360 Reality Audio - "Spatial audio and higher definition audio are great ways to listen to high quality music via Amazon Music Unlimited, Deezer, Tidal and other streaming services but how can you setup your phone, speakers, headphones etc to listen to at the best audio quality level?"
• Danish Eyewear Brand Making Solid Gold Glasses That Don’t Scream Luxury - "Even when studded with diamonds, these glasses aren't as flashy as you might think."
• Can Facebook’s smart glasses be smart about security & privacy? - "Facebook’s smart glasses ambitions are in the news again. The company has launched a worldwide project dubbed Ego4D to research new uses for smart glasses. In September, Facebook unveiled its Ray-Ban Stories glasses, which have two cameras and three microphones built in. The glasses capture audio and video so wearers can record their experiences and interactions."
• 'Big John,' the world's largest Triceratops ever found, sells for $7.7 million - "The sale took place on Thursday afternoon at the Drouot auction house in Paris, where Big John was presented alongside a treasure trove of fossils, meteorites and other natural history artifacts."
• Elton John: ‘I can still explode at any moment. I just have terrible feelings about myself’ - "Despite a dodgy hip, the superstar remains youthful thanks to pop star friends like Dua Lipa - but is still struggling with anger and childhood trauma. He explains how fatherhood is making him a better man."
• Can you grow coffee at home? - "The coffee with zero air miles. Climate impacts are decimating coffee crops in tropical regions. Might we be able to grow coffee in colder countries one day?"
• How to decline invitations without bruising feelings - "Rejecting an invitation can lead to hurt feelings. But new research suggests choosing your excuse carefully can help smooth the process."
• Designing a home library - advice from an interiors expert - "Emma Sims Hilditch explains the three things she always does when designing a home library."
• First Look at Jeff Bezos’ New Toy: Record-Breaking Oceanco Sailing Yacht Y721 Launched - "Earlier this year, word got out that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos had treated himself to a fancy new toy. This $500 million superyacht would, upon delivery, instantly break a handful of world records. He’s one step closer to that moment, which is timed for 2022."
• Across Kazakhstan by rail - a photo essay - " Photographer Mario Heller spent three weeks crossing the steppe by train. Here is his journey through the stories of the passengers, the history of the country and the romance of the railway."
• Meet the luxury travel agent who plans trips for former US presidents & world leaders - "On a personal trip to Ethiopia in 2015, former US President George W. Bush encountered a pleasant surprise. When he arrived in the ancient Christian town of Lalibela, dozens of children wearing royal blue Texas Ranger hats - one of the Texan's favorite sports teams - gave him a warm welcome. 'We prepared a lot of cool surprises on that trip,' Jaclyn Sienna India, founder of the Sienna Charles luxury lifestyle company, tells CNN Travel."
• iFixit's Apple Watch Series 7 teardown shows the same display tech as iPhone 13 - "Former Apple engineers said the new display could've caused production delays."

October 21, 2021

• WHO warns pandemic will drag on into 2022 - "The Covid pandemic will 'go on for a year longer than it needs to' because poorer countries are not getting the vaccines they need, the World Health Organization (WHO) says."
• FDA Authorizes Moderna and J&J Booster Shots - TIME Magazine.
• India delivers 1 billion Covid vaccines, but millions are yet to receive a single dose - "India has administered more than 1 billion Covid-19 vaccine doses, a remarkable feat just months after a second wave of infection killed thousands of people across the country. But as India celebrated passing the milestone on Thursday, some experts warned the pandemic threat was not over - in a nation of 1.3 billion, millions of people are yet to receive any dose at all."
• Only 14% of promised Covid vaccine doses reach poorest nations - "Just 261m of the 1.8bn doses pledged by wealthy nations have arrived in low-income countries, analysis finds."
• UK Covid-19 cases are soaring. How did things go so wrong? - "The UK has more new Covid-19 cases than France, Germany, Italy and Spain combined."
• SOSV Climate Tech Summit - "From energy and transport to food and industrial materials, climate tech startups are pushing the boundaries of science and technology in the race to decarbonize our economy and save planet earth. The SOSV Climate Tech Summit aims to convene the climate tech startup ecosystem of founders, investors, technologists, corporates, policymakers and media to discuss the extreme challenges ahead." October 20-21.
• Global heating ‘may lead to epidemic of kidney disease’ - "Deadly side-effect of heat stress is threat to rising numbers of workers in hot climates, doctors warn."
• Supply chain stress is intensifying & showing no signs of fading, Moody's Analytics says - "About 200,000 shipping containers, holding everything from toys and sneakers to critical parts for factories, remain stuck on ships floating off the coast of Los Angeles. A record 100 cargo vessels, from barges to container ships, are anchored outside the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach."
• Bitcoin surges to new record above $66,000 - "The bitcoin bull market is showing no signs of slowing down. Bitcoin, the world's most valuable cryptocurrency, hit a new all-time high of nearly $67,000 Wednesday, topping the previous record set in April. Bitcoin prices have surged 50% this month, from just under $44,000 at the end of September."
• Why so many people hate the super-rich - but still love Elon Musk & Bill Gates, according to psychology - "The Ohio State University and Cornell University published new research on Monday showing why people tend to admire individual billionaires, but dislike the socioeconomic class of extremely wealthy people."
• Trump to launch new social media platform TRUTH Social - "He said the platform would 'stand up to the tyranny of big tech', accusing them of silencing opposing voices in the US."
• Paris Hilton pushes for US youth care abuse reform - "Paris Hilton spoke about her alleged abuse as a teenager on Wednesday as part of a push to change laws governing youth care facilities."
• Queen's cousin's son - 65th in line to the throne - is accused of 'constant antisocial behaviour' - "Police and Westminster council have failed in a bid to ban the 65th in line to the throne from the borough after years of violence, threats, criminal damage and racist behaviour."
• Pedophile Jeffrey Epstein's victim claim his Zorro Ranch had three computer rooms the 'size of houses' to spy on guests including Prince Andrew - "Jeffrey Epstein's New Mexico Zorro Ranch housed three huge computer rooms to spy on famous guests, one of the pedophile's victims has claimed. Maria Farmer, a former employee of the late billionaire, alleges that the footage would include Prince Andrew's alleged 2000 stay at the 33,339 square foot estate."
• Bill & Melinda Gates' daughter hints that their divorce has been 'challenging' - "'It's been a challenging year, both collectively with the pandemic and for our families going through transitions,' she said, giving an oblique reference to the divorce."
• Log-in to God: Vatican relaunches 'Click to Pray' app - "It's so secular, clicking to order food, clicking to buy shoes or clicking to reserve tickets. Pope Francis wants you to click to pray."
• Vikings were in the Americas exactly a thousand years ago - "The Vikings used their longships to cross the Atlantic Ocean and settled in Canada as early as 1021, according to a new study providing the first exact date of Europeans in the Americas."
• Christie’s To Offer FabergÉ Masterpieces From A Notable Private Collection - "Christie’s London will be offering art objects, jewels, and other pieces from of one of the most important private collections of Fabergé masterpieces on November 29, as part of the auction house’s Autumn Russian Art sale."
• Cinema's most misunderstood filmmaker - "Is there anything more to Wes Anderson's films than twee whimsicality and aloof performances? Much more, argues Mark Allison: they tell us the truth about being human."
• Apple iPhone 13 mini review: still the boss of small phones - "Mini model trounces competition with great camera and performance, but isn’t the best iPhone for the year."
• Captivate! The best of 90s fashion photography - in pictures - "Claudia Schiffer, one of the original supermodels, has embarked on her latest creative project. Captivate! Fashion Photography from the 90s, showcases landmark imagery and supermodels from the golden era of fashion. The anthology, curated by Schiffer herself, includes legendary photographers Arthur Elgort, Ellen von Unwerth, Herb Ritts and Richard Avedon among others, and accompanies an exhibition, also curated by the supermodel, which opened in Dusseldorf last month."
• Succession's Brian Cox addresses missing character - "Succession star Brian Cox has hinted at the eventual return of Logan's wife Marcia in season three, but has also conceded that he 'doesn't know' how their marriage will play out."
• Impeachment: American Crime Story review - addictive Monica & Bill drama - "Ryan Murphy’s compulsive, if flawed, re-enactment of the 90s scandal is stolen by Sarah Paulson as an uncanny Linda Tripp."
• Sylvester Stallone offers Tyson Fury big bucks movie role after Deontay Wilder heroics - "Tyson Fury's iconic victory in his third fight with Deontay Wilder earlier this month certainly caught the eye of Rocky icon and Expendables actor Sylvester Stallone."
• Review: LeMond Prolog - "You can create an emotional response in a number of ways, but for an e-cyclist, Greg LeMond’s Prolog hits all the right marks. It’s a spectacularly beautiful (and spectacularly expensive), lightweight carbon-fiber electric bicycle. It has a hybrid, lean-over frame with straight handlebars, a 250-watt rear-hub Mahle drivetrain, and an 11-speed Shimano GRX gravel-specific gearing system. And in LeMond himself, it also has a compelling backstory."

October 20, 2021

• Without Covid-19 jab, ‘reinfection may occur every 16 months’ - "Reports grow of repeat infection as experts warn prevalence among school pupils puts older people at risk."
• Putin approves week-long Russian workplace shutdown as COVID-19 surges - "Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday approved a government proposal for a week-long workplace shutdown at the start of November to combat a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths. Coronavirus-related deaths across Russia in the past 24 hours hit yet another daily record at 1,028, with 34,073 new infections."
• Covid: Brazil's Bolsonaro 'should be charged with crimes against humanity' - "Brazil's president should be accused of a series of crimes over his handling of the country's Covid-19 pandemic, a draft of a major inquiry report says."
• Deaths among the double vaccinated: what is behind the Australian statistics? - "A small number of people become severely unwell with Covid even if they are fully vaccinated, but the data suggests they mostly suffer from other conditions as well."
• High-profile doctors spread vaccine falsehoods - "They take an oath to do no harm, but these doctors are spreading misinformation about the Covid vaccine."
• The climate science behind flooding - "why is it getting worse? - video explainer."
• How trading CO2 could save the climate - "For its proponents, a global carbon market could significantly reduce the world's carbon emissions. But its critics say that giving polluters the option to pay for their emissions is not the answer to climate change."
• COP26: Does a climate summit need 25,000 people? And more questions - "Many developing nations have insisted on having an in-person COP. They feel that it is far easier for their voices to be ignored on a dodgy Zoom connection."
• A global first links 13 of Scotland’s Unesco cities and sites in a digital trail - "From Edinburgh to St Kilda, destinations in Scotland are being promoted as part of a sustainable tourism drive timed for COP26."
• How to become more patient with everyday annoyances - "Impatience isn't always bad, but people who are chronically impatient can experience more stress, which increases their risk of health problems such as cardiovascular issues."
• The Fight to Save the Salmon - TIME Magazine.
• Facebook plans to change its name as part of company rebrand - report - "Rebrand could position tech giant’s social media app as one of many products under a parent company which oversees the likes of Instagram, WhatsApp and Oculus."
• Historic Bitcoin Futures ETF Debuts On New York Stock Exchange - "The first bitcoin-linked exchange-traded fund in the United States today debuted on the New York Stock Exchange, presenting new investment opportunities for holders of brokerage accounts. Though the offering, called the ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (trading as BITO), falls short of what the cryptocurrency industry has long advocated for - funds that invest directly in bitcoin - its launch marks another watershed moment for the nascent market. The anticipation propelled the world’s largest cryptocurrency to break above $62,000 for the first time since April on Friday, just below its all-time high of $64,957, set in the spring. At press time, it is trading at $62,903."
• The year's most stunning architectural photos revealed - "Images of a cube-shaped office building in Berlin and a soaring Chinese skyscraper complex are among the finalists in the prestigious Architectural Photography Awards."
• Chinese cuisine's best kept secret - "'Mooncakes and Milk Bread': Celebrating the tastes of Chinese American bakeries."
• The 100 greatest TV series of the 21st Century - "BBC Culture polled 206 TV experts from 43 countries in order to find the greatest TV of the 21st Century - here’s the top 100."
• Apple is ready to admit it was wrong about the future of laptops - "It’s fixed the faults, but it created many of them in the first place. There’s plenty to be excited about when it comes to Apple’s new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros. As well as souped-up Pro and Max versions of the already capable M1 chip that Apple debuted last year, they also include numerous quality of life improvements like the return of MagSafe, a row of function keys rather than an OLED Touch Bar, and of course, a full selection of ports that won’t have users reaching for a dongle if they just want to import some photos from an SD card."
• 15 of the world's most spectacular airport landings - "There are plenty of spectacular landing strips around, but often the best known are located in out-of-the-way destinations. So here we've put together some of the most beautiful approaches in major destinations - along with which side of the aircraft you should sit to best appreciate them."
• Why we place too much trust in machines - "While many people might claim to be sceptical of autonomous technology, we may have a deep ingrained trust of machines that traces back to our evolutionary past."
• Yoga In The Sky: The London Eye’s New Wellness Pod - "What’s the secret of the apparent golden glow from some passengers as they step out of one particular pod on the London Eye this fall? Anyone observing will wonder why they look so relaxed and in such a good place. What could have happened during their rotation through the London sky? As this iconic London structure revolves at its gentle pace, up to six guests can soar as high as 135m above the streetscape to experience 60 minutes of pure escapism and relaxation. It is a new way to unwind while enjoying the visual stimulation of the pulsating city below."
• A New Credit Card Arrives - With a Silicon Valley Twist - "The X1 is designed for spenders who are young, high-earning, and live on their phones."
• CÉline Dion cancels concerts due to ‘severe & persistent muscle spasms’ - "Canadian singer ‘heartbroken’ after being unable to rehearse for new concert residency in Las Vegas."

October 19, 2021

• The reality of fully vaccinated people dying from Covid-19 - "Why vaccinated people dying from Covid-19 doesn't mean the vaccines are ineffective."
• Valneva Covid vaccine could be as effective as Oxford jab, study suggests - "Vaccine produced by French company uses inactivated Sars-CoV-2 virus and can be stored in fridge."
• CDC places ultramodern city-state at highest travel risk for Covid-19 - "This news comes on the heels of a recent decision by Singapore to further loosen restrictions and add eight new countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, to its Vaccinated Travel Lane program. Fully vaccinated people arriving from those nations can apply for a quarantine-free entry."
• Dr. Sanjay Gupta on how to pandemic-proof your body - "CNN's Anderson Cooper talks to chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta about the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic."
• Earth’s demise could rid galaxy of meaning, warns Brian Cox ahead of Cop26 - "Unique events that led to civilisation mean its demise could ‘eliminate meaning in galaxy for ever’."
• People Should Drink Way More Recycled Wastewater - "Filtration technology produces water so pure, it would actually harm you if they didn’t put minerals back into it."
• Greta Thunberg sings Rick Astley hit at climate concert - "Greta Thunberg launched a global series of concerts highlighting climate change on Saturday, by singing Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You Up'. The Swedish climate activist took to the stage in Stockholm along with Fridays for Future's Andreas Magnusson to perform the hit song."
• The shortages hitting countries around the world - "Around the the world, people and businesses are facing shortages of everything from coffee to coal."
• This could make bitcoin bigger than ever - "After plunging this spring, bitcoin is now trading above $60,000 - not far off the all-time high of more than $64,800 achieved in April. It's jumped more than 40% so far this month. Driving the gains: Investors are excited about the anticipated launch of the first bitcoin futures exchange-traded fund. The ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF will go live on Tuesday."
• How to best burn calories while walking - "It's no secret that walking is good for you. Many of us are trying to get in those recommended 10,000 steps a day that our wearable fitness technology urges us to achieve. But how many calories are we actually burning, and how can we get the most out of those steps? There are a lot of different wearables and online calculators to assess how many calories are burned walking. However, they are not entirely accurate, research has shown."
• Kanye West Officially Granted Name Change to Ye - "Goodbye, Kanye Omari West ... hello, Ye. Kanye's name change is official, a judge just signed off on the mogul's petition to officially change his legal name to "Ye" ... according to new legal docs obtained by TMZ. Ye won't have a middle or last name either, just straight to the point."
• Succession review: smash hit reaches fabulous new heights of comedy & cruelty - "From the bloody machinations of Logan and Kendall to Cousin Greg’s buffoonery, the third series of the HBO drama continues to deliver the most thrilling and beautifully obscene TV there is."
• Bill Gates reportedly advised to end inappropriate emails with female employee in 2008 - "A Wall Street Journal report revealed execs approached the CEO in 2008 about flirtatious emails to a female midlevel staffer."
• Shaken, stirred: Mark Strong ‘blew Bond audition after drink with Daniel Craig’ - "Actor says he was up for role in Pierce Brosnan 007 film but fluffed it after night out with future Bond."
• Prince William turns heads in green velvet blazer & turtleneck: 'The next James Bond' - "They're both British natural blonds who answer to Her Majesty. Is it any surprise, then, that Prince William is taking style cues from Daniel Craig?"
• The Rolex Oyster Case: Everything You Need to Know - "Pegged as one of the most innovative and historical updates to the wristwatch, the Rolex Oyster case has enjoyed its day in the sun and for good reason. In this in-depth article courtesy of our colleagues at WatchTime India, we take you through the different parts of this piece of horological history and help you understand it better."
• Al Capone's Patek Philippe sells for $229,900 - "A Patek Philippe pocket watch owned by Al Capone has sold at auction for $229,900, almost ten times its bottom estimate. The platinum watch, formerly owned by the infamous Chicago gangster, is encrusted with 90 diamonds. Family-owned auctioneer Witherells, based in Sacramento, CA, says the pocket watch was gifted by Al Capone to his daughters in the early 1960s."
• Meditation, vodka & vinegar: can the morning routines of the rich & famous make me a better person? - "I am not empowered or optimised by my current morning routine. I am a bleary-eyed doom-scroller. So I spent a month ditching my phone, exercising, journalling and embracing the dawn, to find out what really works."
• Egyptian Officials Claim They’ve Found Alexander the Great’s Tomb - "An Egyptian official has claimed that he has evidence that Alexander the Great’s tomb is in Siwa, Egypt, the Egypt Independent reported on Friday. The report says that Mohamed Omran, the director of Siwa’s Tourism Department, 'announced evidence suggesting the potential discovery of the tomb of alexander the Great might be in the Marai area.'"
• Unfreezing the ice age: the truth about humanity’s deep past - "Archaeological discoveries are shattering scholars’ long-held beliefs about how the earliest humans organised their societies - and hint at possibilities for our own."
• This Raspberry Pi add-on lets you control Lego robots - "The Build HAT lets you control Technic motors and sensors."
• Fisher-Price launches a working Chatter telephone for adults - "This novelty phone is a throwback from your childhood."
• Hidden Forest Has Been 'Trapped in Time' For 100,000 Years, Scientists Say - "There's a system of swampy red mangroves, deep in the rainforests of the Yucatan peninsula, that's a long, long way from home. What we see today is thus the freshwater relic of a coastal lagoon ecosystem some 125,000 years old."

October 18, 2021

• The 8 biggest announcements from Apple’s Unleashed event - "Apple ‘unleashed’ a lot of news, including new MacBook Pros."
• Apple Finally Remembered What Makes Laptops Great - "To build a MacBook Pro for the future, the company has gone back to what worked in the past."
• Down With Dongles! Apple Brings Back the MacBook Ports - "With the return of MagSafe charging, HDMI, and an SD card slot, you should finally be able to connect things to the latest MacBooks."
• A piece of cloth to clean your Apple devices will cost you $19 - "If you were ever concerned about safely cleaning your Apple products, now you can use an official $19 piece of cloth made by Apple to do so. Apple released this polishing cloth after today’s event in addition to its new MacBook Pros, the M1 Pro and Max chips, and third-generation AirPods."
• Succession season 3 review: A horror show but wall-to-wall good acting keeps us watching - "Jeremy Strong’s Kendall is brilliant: the pained smile, the awkward walk, the puppy-like demeanour just dying for a pat on the back from actually talented people."
• 'Squid Game' is a huge hit. That may not be enough for Netflix - "For much of this year, Netflix shares have trailed big tech rivals Facebook, Apple and Amazon. That's no longer the case, in part because of the global mega-hit 'Squid Game.'"
• Psychosis cases soar in England as pandemic hits mental health - "75% rise in referrals for first suspected episode of psychosis between April 2019 and April 2021."
• Michael Caine on Brexit, Boris Johnson & big breaks: ‘I’ve done 150 movies. I think that’s enough’ - "He blew the doors off in the 60s as part of an upstart generation of actors. As he releases a new film and tries his hand at novel-writing, is he about to make a clean getaway from the movie business?"
• Bond music has been reinvented more times than Bond himself - "How 007 movie music evolved from John Berry to Hans Zimmer."
• Prince Charles is a ‘hypocrite’ for promoting organic salmon - "Prince Charles should step down as the figurehead of a wild fish charity, it has been claimed, amid tension over his support for organic salmon farmed in Scotland."
• 7 European Towns That Are Better In The Winter Than The Summer - "I don’t know what it is about winter, but not only is it probably my favorite season, but it also suits certain cities so much better than summer."
• Watch tours: How to travel across Europe in luxury this year - "It’s time to jet off on a Europe-spanning jaunt that combines spectacular timepieces with luxurious pampering. There is, after all, no time to waste."
• How Watches Work: What Are Blued Screws? - "Why we like to add a little colour to our movements."
• 15 Rookie Travel Mistakes Made By Experienced Travelers - "After 30+ years of traveling seven continents, and more than 50 countries, we consider ourselves to be 'experienced' travelers. You would think by now that we had it all down to a science and know exactly how to successfully navigate travel. Well, we still make mistakes. We see travel as a continuous learning process, especially now."
• The 10 Best TVs We've Tested (and Helpful Buying Tips) - "From LCDs to fancy OLED models, these are our favorite televisions at every price point." Wired.
• How to use iOS 15’s new Focus modes - "This useful new app can keep unwanted distractions away."
• How smart appliances can help fix the energy gap - "How energy flexibility can save us money and cut carbon. Imagine your future home as an energy hub storing electricity from the grid when clean wind power is plentiful, and then selling it back - at a profit - when demand surges elsewhere."
• When your home becomes a tourist attraction - "Have you ever looked at a beautiful little mews house in London and thought 'it must be so amazing to live there?'"
• Farewell, High-Waisted Skinny Jeans. The Low-Rise Returns - "Fashion brands including Miu Miu are leaning into the revealing low-waisted look for spring. But some women are not quite ready to revisit the early 2000s."

October 17, 2021

• Covid-19 'game changer' - "Countries in Asia are placing orders for a new drug to treat coronavirus. Poorer nations could miss out again. Molnupiravir - produced by US pharmaceutical company Merck - is being heralded as a potential pandemic game changer, especially for those unable to get vaccinated. Merck is seeking US Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorization for the drug - and if it's granted, the capsule will become the first oral antiviral treatment against Covid-19."
• What’s the value of a confirmatory PCR test? - "A positive lateral flow test, followed by a negative PCR, still means a reasonable chance of Covid-19."
• Robert Durst: US millionaire hospitalised with Covid after life sentence - "US real estate heir Robert Durst, subject of HBO crime documentary series The Jinx, has been hospitalised with Covid-19 just days after he was sentenced to life in prison."
• Rising sea levels threaten Marshall Islands’ status as a nation, World Bank report warns - "Large parts of Pacific country’s capital would be permanently flooded and islands would disappear, according to new projections."
• Where to watch Succession season 3 online from anywhere - "The Emmy award-winning series is returning for its third season as it dives into the messy feud between the patriarch and his children. Filled to the brim with deceit and betrayal, reacquaint yourself with the trials and tribulations of media mogul, Logan Roy, and his toxic family as we tell you where to watch Succession season 3 from anywhere."
• The 55 Best Insults From Succession, Ranked - "All the most delightfully vile Roy family barbs from the first two seasons."
• 36 Best Men’s Boots to Get You Through Fall & Winter - "We laced up in countless pairs, from Chelseas and Chukkas to Snow and Combat boots, and field-tested them. These are the ones to get."
• Turn Your Smart Home Into a Haunted House With Spooky Tech - "Add some high-tech horror to your Halloween decorations with scary sounds, frightening lights, and more."
• London to New York in 90 minutes? It could be possible - "Why a Mach 5 passenger plane is a crazy idea that might just work."
• From HermÈs Bags to Rolex Watches, Here Are the Luxury Goods With the Best Resale Values - "It’s every collector’s dream to acquire pieces guaranteed to appreciate over time - and Rebag wants to help make it a reality."
• Tony Bennett has set a new Guinness World Record - "The Grammy Award-winning singer just set a Guinness World Record for being the oldest person to release an album of new material. 'Love for Sale,' a collaboration with Lady Gaga, was released on October 1, and at the time, Bennett was 95 years and 60 days old, according to Guinness."
• Joan Collins: ‘I’m absolutely a feminist but I’ll let somebody carry my bags’ - "The original vamp on 70 years of showbiz life, having Boris Johnson as a boss and why partying is a dying art."
• Gilbert & George: ‘We’re art’s outsiders. We never wanted to eat lasagne at other people’s houses’ - "The artists, who never keep food at home, walk through the East End with Observer Food Monthly before lunch at their regular cafe."
• How Bond Girls Became the Most Dangerous Women in the World - "The strange, dangerous story of the deadly beauties who've loved and fought cinema's most famous spy."
• 'Spirit mirror' used by 16th-century occultist John Dee came from the Aztec Empire - "Dee, whom Elizabeth I called 'my philosopher,' used the mirror in attempts to talk to ghosts."
• How DalÍ’s ‘lips’ sofa began life ... on the back of an envelope - "Newly opened archive of art patron’s papers reveals a previously unseen sketch for the surrealist work."

October 16, 2021

• How Covid spread fear of globalisation & threatens a new world order - "From China backtracking on coal to Britain’s ‘chicken king’ calling for a rethink of food production, the virus has accelerated nationalist impulses towards autarky."
• food calculator: What's your diet's carbon footprint? - "Avoiding meat and dairy products is one of the biggest ways to reduce your environmental impact, according to recent scientific studies."
• ‘It comes from bacteria, and goes back to bacteria’: the future of plastic alternatives - "Making a biodegradable material strong enough to replace plastic is a tough task. But scientists are trying to do just that."
• The world's largest 100m+ yachts - "As the global fleet of superyacht continues to expand, so does the number of superyachts above 100 metres in length. With more than 50 superyachts launched and currently in operation above 100 metres, we can expect projects from some of the biggest players in the industry to be newcomers to the list. Here, SuperYacht Times has rounds up the comprehensive list of the world's largest yachts."
• $80M superyacht concept has a 'gaping hole' - "Previous offerings include a yacht in the form of a swan and another devised to resemble a shark, but Lazzarini Design Studio's latest superyacht concept may be one of its most daring yet. The Rome-based design team has just unveiled renderings of a brand new 69-meter yacht design with a 'gaping hole' right in the middle."
• Shipping disruption: Why are so many queuing to get to the US? - "Global supply chains are congested. In California, there have been record-breaking queues of container ships outside major ports."
• World's newest national airline revealed - "Italy reveals its new national airline. They've long dominated the food and fashion worlds, this year they've dominated sports, and now they're aiming for the skies."
• How space researchers knew that 90-year-old William Shatner didn't have to worry about his age - "William Shatner, the 90-year-old actor of 'Star Trek' fame, endured a 10-minute, rocket-powered ride to the edge of space, which put his body through crushing g-forces that his fellow passengers described as face-bending - only to step out of the vehicle and immediately begin waxing poetic about the experience and dodging a champagne shower. In that moment, at least one thing became certain: Yes, a nonagenarian can be an astronaut."
• How to measure distance in Google Maps on any device to help you create a personal route - "You may know Google Maps as the ubiquitous turn-by-turn navigation software on your phone, but it's surprising how much else you can do with the mapping software."
• How to Factory Reset an iPhone or iPad - "If you need to sell or give away an iPhone or iPad, you’ll need to completely wipe the device before you hand it off to a new owner so they can use it. With a factory reset, all private data gets wiped and the device acts as if it were new. Here’s how to do it."
• Say what?! Apple is testing AirPods as HEARING AIDS - "Apple is looking at ways to make its AirPods more than just conduits for music and podcasts. The tech giant wants to see the wireless earbuds utilized as thermometers, hearing aids and even monitor a person's posture."
• 175 Very TOWN&COUNTRY People, Places & Things - "In honor of our 175th anniversary."
• Bill Gates’ 10 Dividend Stocks - "In this article, we discuss the best dividend stocks according to Bill Gates. You can skip our detailed analysis of Bill Gates' investment philosophy and go directly to read Bill Gates' 5 Dividend Stocks."
• my crash course in Succession - "Blackmail! Backstabbing! Boar on the Floor! I binged seasons one and two of the dazzling drama about a dysfunctional, super-rich family. Bring on season three!"
• Welcome to our Succession ruthlessness rankings - "In this week’s newsletter: As the third season approaches, we’ll be keeping track of who is in pole position to lead Waystar Royco."
• A Starter Kit for 60 Years of James Bond Movies - "James Bond 007 Movie - A Beginner's Guide. If you've always wanted to get into James Bond but had no idea where to begin."
• James Bond didn't deserve Timothy Dalton - "Timothy Dalton was Daniel Craig's Bond before Daniel Craig was Daniel Craig's Bond. It's time to show him the respect he deserves."
• Stop all the clocks: why are we so bad at going to bed? - "Putting off bedtime for one more boxset episode, or some ‘me time’? You may be a sleep procrastinator - and doing yourself serious harm."
• Revisiting the nostalgic scent of Old Spice - "Why Old Spice Suddenly Smells New. Nostalgia, thy scent is Old Spice. What happens when you spray your grandfather's cologne on today?"
• Owners of real-life 'Downton Abbey' run their home like a business - "CNN's Richard Quest visits England's Highclere Castle, recognizable to most as the setting for the hit TV series 'Downton Abbey,' and speaks to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon about the challenges of maintaining the massive property during the coronavirus pandemic."
• Twenty photographs of the week - "The Alisal fire in California, armed clashes in Beirut, the Cumbre Vieja volcano in La Palma and Tyson Fury landing a punch on Deontay Wilder: the most striking images from around the world this week."
• Art lovers at Frieze London - in pictures - "Photographer Sarah Lee went to Frieze art fair in Regent’s Park, London, and trained her eye on the people taking in the show."
• Art historians try to identify enslaved Black child in an 18th-century portrait - "The painting is now set to go back on view next week, with additional context yielded by the research. And while the museum has not yet determined who the boy is or where he came from, it is forging ahead in the belief that its investigation is 'on much surer ground than before,' said Courtney J. Martin, the director of the museum, in a phone interview."

October 15, 2021

• The climate disaster is here - "This is what the future looks like. Earth is already becoming unlivable. Will governments act to stop this disaster from getting worse?"
• What is climate change? A really simple guide - "World temperatures are rising because of human activity, and climate change now threatens every aspect of human life."
• The five biggest threats to our natural world ... and how we can stop them - "From destructive land use to invasive species, scientists have identified the main drivers of biodiversity loss - so that countries can collectively act to tackle them."
• Queen ‘irritated’ by world leaders talking not doing on climate crisis - "Overheard comment suggests anger at possible no-shows at Cop26 by leaders of countries with worst CO2 emissions."
• Prince William slams space tourism and says billionaires should focus on saving Earth - "Prince William has criticized billionaires who are focused on space tourism, saying they should instead be investing more time and money in saving Earth."
• From 'net zero' to 'mitigation,' here's how to sound smart on climate - "Here are other terms to know to keep up with the talks, understand what's at stake and, most importantly, sound smart around the dinner table."
• People taking statins less likely to die from Covid, study suggests - "Experts warn findings do not prove cholesterol-lowering drugs can reduce death rates."
• How to Set Up All the iCloud+ Features in iOS 15 - "If you already pay Apple for extra iCloud storage beyond the 5GB default, or you start paying in the future, you get a bunch of extra features thrown in as part of a subscription Apple is calling iCloud+. iCloud+ has rolled out alongside iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, and will be part of macOS Monterey when it launches this fall."
• Shredded Banksy artwork sells for $25.4 million at auction - "A work by British street artist Banksy that sensationally self-shredded just after it sold at auction three years ago fetched almost 18.6 million pounds ($25.4 million) on Thursday - a record for the artist, and close to 20 times its pre-shredded price. 'Love is in the Bin' was offered by Sotheby’s in London, with a presale estimate of 4 million pounds to 6 million pounds ($5.5 million to $8.2 million)."
• Robert Durst: US millionaire sentenced to life for murder - "US real estate heir Robert Durst, subject of HBO crime documentary series The Jinx, has been sentenced to life in prison for killing his best friend."
• ‘Beautiful buildings wherever you look’: Germany’s best towns & villages, by readers - "Monastery brews, medieval squares and castles loom large among our readers’ picks from Bavaria to the North Sea."
• Airbus A380: Where the superjumbo is flying as aviation returns - "If you're still hoping to experience the A380's memorably spacious interior and quiet inflight experience before the plane's a thing of the past, here's our round-up of airline A380 routes to check out."
• Why saying 'late bloomer' is wrong - "More than ever, people are succeeding at different ages. Why do we hold onto the notion of 'late bloomers'?"
• With a new Michelin guide, Moscow's best-kept culinary secrets are out - "It's been described as one of the Russian capital's best-kept secrets: Moscow's restaurants are excellent."
• They’re putting guns on robot dogs now - "Quadrupedal robots are one of the most interesting developments in robotics in recent years. They’re small, nimble, and able to traverse environments that frustrate wheeled machines. So, of course, it was only a matter of time until someone put a gun on one."
• We're drowning in a sea of salt. The FDA says we have to help save ourselves - "'I never add salt to my food at home or in restaurants. Nor do I add salt to any recipe while I'm cooking. I'm well aware of the link between salt, high blood pressure and heart disease, which is the leading killer of American men and women. Yet I am still getting over the recommended daily limit of 2300 milligrams of sodium by eating out or by adding processed or prepared ingredients to the meals I make.'"
• Mindful eating could change your food habits & overall life. Here's how to start - "Mindful eating means using all your physical and emotional senses to experience and enjoy the food choices you make without judgment, said Lilian Cheung, a lecturer and director of health promotion and communication in the nutrition department at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, via email."
• 17 Steaming-Hot Gift Ideas for Coffee Lovers - "We all know someone who puts too much time into their morning brew. Here's how to shop for them."
• Isn’t it good, Swedish plywood: the miraculous eco-town with a 20-storey wooden skyscraper - "Skellefteå has wooden schools, bridges, even car parks. And now it has one of the world’s tallest wooden buildings. We visit Sweden to see what a climate-conscious future looks like."
• Inside Los Angeles’s Stunning New Hillside Bulgari Hotel & Resort - "Los Angeles is finally getting a hotel worthy of its iconic hills. Bulgari Hotels & Resorts just announced its first L.A. location with an opening planned for 2025. Set on 33 acres in Benedict Canyon near Beverly Hills, the property will feature unparalleled views of the hillsides and the city beyond."
• Luxury watch shortage drives growth of $20 billion secondhand market as start-ups rush to cash in - "A rush of companies are vying to become the eBay of high-end horology - including the storied online marketplace itself. Demand for high-end watches exploded during the Covid-19 pandemic. But the Big Four watch brands - Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Richard Mille - are holding firm on the limited production runs that make their timepieces so rare. The result is an online boom in the business of buying, selling and flipping pre-owned and vintage watches and a growing number of start-ups competing to become the dominant digital marketplace."
• Patek Philippe Unveils Highly Anticipated Chronographs, Including A $310,000 Watch - "There has been a lot of talk in the industry of late about just how difficult it is to get a new Patek Philippe, or Rolex watch unless you are an avid and long-standing customer. A lot of that, of course, has to do with exclusivity and limited production numbers, and some has to do with the fact that during the non-traveling 18 months of Covid-19, most collectors (of everything from coins to watches and whiskey) indulged. Now, though, lovers of the Patek Philippe Chronographs with added functions have something to look forward to: three new references."

October 14, 2021

• New findings a 'complete reversal' in understanding why Earth became hospitable to life & its 'twin' didn't - "Venus may be a sweltering wasteland today, but scientists have questioned whether the planet was always so inhospitable. While previous studies suggested Venus might have once been covered in oceans, new research has found the opposite: Venus has likely never been able to support oceans."
• William Shatner (90) is now the oldest person ever to go to space: 'The most profound experience' - "Ninety-year-old William Shatner, who gained fame portraying Captain Kirk on the original 'Star Trek,' just hitched a ride aboard a suborbital spacecraft that grazed the edge of outer space before parachuting to a landing, making Shatner the oldest person ever to travel to space."
• Covid booster shots important to stop infection, finds English study - "Study shows protection against Covid starts to wane several months after full vaccination."
• Covid: New WHO group may be last chance to find virus origins - "The World Health Organization (WHO) says a new taskforce may be the last chance to find the origins of Covid-19. It has nominated 26 experts to join the body, the Scientific Advisory Group on the Origins of Novel Pathogens (Sago)."
• Bill Gates: How we can close the vaccine gap much faster next time - "Today, 46% of the world's population has received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. It's hard to overstate what a remarkable achievement this is. Humanity has never made and distributed a vaccine for a disease faster than it did for Covid-19. It accomplished in 18 months something that used to take a decade or more. But within this amazing success, there is a startling disparity: Just over 2% of people in low-income countries have received any Covid-19 vaccines. And the gap will be harder to close as the world's richer governments buy up extra doses to serve as booster shots."
• UK, US, China: how the world’s carbon ‘centre of gravity’ moved over 200 years - "The geographic centre of the world’s carbon emissions used to sit atop the UK. Now it sits squarely over China."
• How to use the iOS app tracking blocker - "Apps have to ask your permission to track you during installation."
• How high-speed trains helped kill an airline - "How Italy's high-speed trains helped kill Alitalia."
• Burj Al Arab: Legendary hotel opens to non-guests for first time - "Showers embellished with 24-carat gold tiles. Duvets filled with eiderdown harvested from abandoned duck nests in Iceland. Pillow menus. Thirty different types of marble. A ceiling made of 21,000 Swarovski crystals representing the Milky Way. These are just some of the luxuries that await at Dubai's Burj Al Arab, one of the world's most exclusive hotels."
• Singapore startup is using insects to turn trash into treasure - "Chua and her partner, Phua Jun Wei, founded startup Insectta in 2017. They are battling Singapore's food waste crisis with the help of an unlikely ally: the black soldier fly larva.?"
• ‘Sophisticated’: ancient faeces shows humans enjoyed beer & blue cheese 2,700 years ago - "Austrian Alps salt miners had a ‘balanced diet’, with an analysis of bronze and iron age excrement finding the earliest evidence of cheese ripening in Europe."
• Will you buy the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 5? - "Amazon is going to be releasing two new Kindle models, the Kindle Paperwhite 5 in late October and the Kindle Paperwhite 5 Signature Edition in early November. The big selling points are the 6.8 inch screens, this is the first time a Paperwhite has gone beyond a 6 inch screen. This will provide more screen real estate to read ebooks, which is a very big deal. There is also the inclusion of USB-C, something that users have been demanding for years. They also have color temperature system, to get warm lighting via amber LED lights, the Signature Edition has an automatic light control sensor."
• I Think I've Found the Perfect E Ink Tablet - "I’ve been on a quest to find the perfect E Ink device that combines all the best features and applications of electronic ink while still being small enough that I’ll actually want to carry it around all day. For my needs, that device is the new Onyx Boox Nova Air, which packs enough flexibility to make it more than just an excellent ebook reader and solid digital notepad."
• APPLE WATCH SERIES 7 REVIEW - "A bigger screen and faster charging are nice, but not reasons to upgrade."
• The Best Outdoor Security Cameras - "These weatherproof devices can keep a watchful eye on your property and let you get on with life."
• LoveFrom, - "LoveFrom is a creative collective of designers, architects, musicians, filmmakers, writers, engineers and artists." The design firm co-founded in 2019 by Apple's former design chief Jony Ive and fellow designer Marc Newson, this week unveiled its official website.
• Meet The Designer Behind Tankoa’s Wild Wellness Superyacht Concept - "At 42 years old, Alberto Mancini is one of the youngest yacht designers of his calibre in the world. Founder of AM Yacht Design in Monaco, the Italian has already worked with leading manufacturers such as Riva, Fairline and Azimut, as well as Officina Italiana Design, Nuvolari Lenard and Ken Freivokh. To date, one of the designer’s most iconic works is Fairline’s sleek Squadron 50 yacht. Mancini’s latest project, a wellness-inspired 76m superyacht concept for Italian shipyard Tankoa Yachts, takes the designer into the big league of 70m+ yachts for the first time."
• perpetual disappointments diary - by Asbury & Asbury. "An appointments diary with a series of disappointing twists. Includes a weekly demotivational proverb, notable deaths, contact pages for people who never call, and space for your own pointless doodles."

October 13, 2021

• The global supply chain nightmare is about to get worse - "Computer chip shortages. Epic port congestion. And a serious lack of truck drivers. The world's delicate supply chains are under extreme stress. The supply chain nightmare is jacking up prices for consumers and slowing the global economic recovery. Unfortunately, Moody's Analytics warns supply chain disruptions 'will get worse before they get better.'"
• Apple is holding its next event on October 18th - "The company is expected to unveil new MacBook Pros."
• Apple may cut iPhone 13 production by millions as US warns of Christmas shortages - "Shares in Apple fall as global chip shortage and supply chain issues prompt White House to admit there could be empty shelves during festive season."
• China to test thousands of Wuhan blood samples in Covid-19 probe - "The store of up to 200,000 samples, including those from the closing months of 2019 were pinpointed in February this year by the World Health Organization's panel of investigators as a possible source of key information that could help determine when and where the virus first crossed into humans."
• Covid-19 vaccine boosters are 'immoral' & 'unfair', says WHO chief - "Distributing Covid-19 vaccine booster shots in some countries while inoculations across Africa lag is 'immoral,' according to the director general of the World Health Organization (WHO). The increasing use of boosters is 'immoral, unfair and unjust and it has to stop,' WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told CNN's Becky Anderson on Tuesday."
• Our underwater future: What sea level rise will look like around the globe, visualized - "The planet is warming rapidly, resulting in historic drought, deadly floods and unusual melting events in the Arctic. It is also causing steady sea level rise, which scientists say will continue for decades. A new study from Climate Central, a nonprofit research group, shows that roughly 50 major coastal cities will need to implement 'unprecedented' adaptation measures to prevent rising seas from swallowing their most populated areas."
• Carbon emissions ‘will drop just 40% by 2050 with countries’ current pledges’ - "International Energy Agency says $4tn investment needed over decade to reach net zero target."
• Ivanka Trump almost landed one of the world's biggest jobs - "As The Atlantic reported in 2019, Trump considered putting his daughter in charge of the world's main source of financial assistance for developing countries ø he may even have been quite keen. With nearly $100 billion in loan commitments this year alone, the World Bank is a global leader in the struggle against poverty. Apparently, the former president believed this was a good mission for his eldest child. He was stopped from appointing her by the intervention of Steve Mnuchin."
• Star Trek star William Shatner ready to boldly go into space - "Hollywood actor William Shatner will later become the oldest person to go to space when he takes a ride in the Blue Origin sub-orbital capsule."
• Rocket men: how billionaires are using celebrities as PR for their space projects - "Critics see the ‘awful business’ of private space tourism as having little technological or exploration value."
• The Only Succession Recap You Need Before Season 3 Starts - TIME Magazine.
• 10 Biggest Tropes In The James Bond Movies - "The James Bond series has featured many recurring details over the last 60 years, and the fans could always use a refresher on them."
• Silverview by John le CarrÉ review - the last complete masterwork? - "The great spy novelist’s final full-length book is a precision-tooled cat and mouse chase from a bookshop in East Anglia to the old eastern bloc."
• Why Robert Durst’s first murder conviction might not be his last - "The real estate heir avoided justice for 40 years but now the charges could begin to pile up."
• VANMOOF’S NEW V E-BIKE IS ITS FASTEST EVER - "Fast and furious."
• FDA authorizes first e-cigarette but only allows tobacco flavors - "It’s not allowing other flavors popular with kids and teens."
• Adobe is bringing Camera Raw editing to Photoshop on the iPad - "Ahead of its Max conference on October 26th, Adobe has shared a preview of a feature that’s coming to Photoshop on the iPad, and it’s a big one. You'll soon be able to use its Camera Raw tool to import RAW files from your camera to the iPad."
• These solar-powered headphones let you ditch the charger - "Review: Urbanista Los Angeles, These noise-canceling cans are a fine listen, but what really sets them apart is a solar cell that derives energy from any type of light."

October 12, 2021

• Apple releases iOS 15.0.2 with some Find My fixes. WatchOS 8.0.1 is out, too. - "Apple released iOS 15.0.2 on Monday, and it has some important bug fixes, including a couple specific to Find My. For the iPad and iPhone, it also fixes a security flaw that Apple says may already be under attack, so update ASAP. Credited to an anonymous researcher, CVE-2021-30883 could allow an attacker to exploit the IOMobileFrameBuffer to “execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges,” and take over your device."
• Elon Musk trolls Jeff Bezos as he widens his lead as the richest person on Earth - "Elon Musk's personal wealth is now $222 billion, widening his gap as the richest person in the world according to Bloomberg's Billionaires Index. Musk's personal wealth skyrocketed an extra $10.6 billion after a secondary share sale by investors, announced last week, valued SpaceX over $100 billion, CNBC reported."
• French study of over 22m people finds vaccines cut severe Covid risk by 90% - "Largest study of its kind also finds vaccines appear to protect against worst effects of Delta variant."
• Slippers up, ties down: John Lewis reveals its Covid winners & losers - "With our social lives on hold for most of the past 18 months, it’s no surprise our consumer habits turned to cosy."
• Synthetic chemical in consumer products linked to early death, study finds - "Synthetic chemicals called phthalates, found in hundreds of consumer products such as food storage containers, shampoo, makeup, perfume and children's toys, may contribute to some 91,000 to 107,000 premature deaths a year among people ages 55 to 64 in the United States, a new study found."
• Halt destruction of nature or risk ‘dead planet’, leading businesses warn - "Exclusive: executives demand meaningful action to protect ecosystems as UN biodiversity summit opens."
• Why does the internet keep breaking? - "'When Facebook has a problem, it creates such a big impact for the internet but also the economy, and, you know... society. Millions, or potentially hundreds of millions, of people are just sort of sitting around waiting for a small team in California to fix something. It's an interesting phenomena that has grown in the last couple of years.'"
• Prince Charles praises his converted Aston Martin DB6 - 'runs on wine & cheese' - "Charles’s ‘quaint’ solution to decarbonise his Aston Martin using high blend of bioethanol is not scalable, experts say."
• a look at Bond cars past & present - "A look at some of the most iconic cars to appear in Bond films across the years."
• No Time to Die Cinematographer Tells Us How to Shoot Badass Car Chases - "Aston Martin fits James Bond perfectly, especially the 'brute-in-a-suit' DBS Superleggera. But it’s the DB5 that makes its big screen return to stardom with a series of high-action car chases in the final Bond film of Daniel Craig’s career: No Time to Die. With a deft touch and painstakingly thorough blocking, Academy Award-winning Swedish cinematographer Linus Sandgren choreographed each dance with the DB5."
• Three Omega Watches Star In New James Bond Film, ‘No Time To Die’ - "Whilst the James Bond film franchise has been embodying the gold standard of sexy espionage-adventure movies since 1962, OMEGA Seamaster timepieces have been worn on screen and in promotions by actors playing Bond since 1995."
• Humphrey Bogart Shows Us How To Wear A Watch In 'Casablanca' - "His wristwatch of choice is not only fitting for his character but a reminder of the way things change. The watch is purportedly a Longines. Some have gone so far as to call it an Evidenza - though that is the subject of some level of conjecture. Bogart owned an Envidenza himself, a watch with a tonneau, almost square-shaped case. There are two other popular theories out there surrounding this watch: One is that it's another Longines, called the 'Roosevelt,' and the other is that it's an old square-cased Lord Elgin. The only thing that's clear about the watch is it's shape."
• Tom Cruise's face shocks fans - "'What has Tom Cruise done to his face?' Top Gun star, 59, sparks speculation he's had FILLERS... as Twitter reacts to changing appearance at LA Dodgers game."
• How she was chosen to be the only tourist in Bhutan - "When her husband of 30 years passed away in 2018, Bak set off on a not-unlike-Elizabeth-Gilbert spiritual journey that would take her though Bali and India, and end with her being the only tourist given permission to enter the kingdom of Bhutan since the advent of the coronavirus pandemic."
• how Africa was erased from the history of the modern world - "The creation of the modern, interconnected world is generally credited to European pioneers. But Africa was the wellspring for almost everything they achieved - and African lives were the terrible cost."
• Goodbye, pencil skirts: Why one airline is rethinking its flight attendant uniforms - "Flight attendants trade heels for sneakers on Ukraine's SkyUp Airlines."
• Africa's iconic architecture in 12 buildings - "While the pyramids of Egypt are recognised around the world, much of Africa's architecture remains unknown - something architects Adil Dalbai and Livingstone Mukasa hope to change."
• Life as one of the world's highest-paid podcasters - "Call Her Daddy's Alex Cooper: 'Not everyone can just do a podcast'. Clearly Spotify thought it had something special - Alex signed a deal with them for a reported $60m, making the sex and relationships podcast one of the most lucrative in the world."

October 11, 2021

• Dr. Fauci: US must not ‘prematurely declare victory’ over Covid - "White House medical adviser tells CNN vaccinated Americans will be able to get out and enjoy Halloween."
• Sharri Markson’s book on Covid’s Wuhan lab leak theory raises more questions than it answers - "Details are deficient, scientific analysis contentious and expert voices missing in Markson’s thesis about ‘what really happened’ in China, which establishes a crime scene around the Wuhan Institute of Virology."
• Give us action on climate not just words, say developing nations ahead of Cop26 - "Demand for G20 to ‘step up’ with tougher emissions reduction targets and financial aid for poorest."
• Drugs, arms & terror: A high-profile defector on Kim's North Korea - "Mr Kim spent 30 years working his way to the top ranks of North Korea's powerful spy agencies. The agencies were the 'eyes, ears, and brains of the Supreme Leader', he says."
• Instagram's grim appeal as a silent self-esteem breaker - "'Instagram can be a dark and troubling place for the minds of our kids, my teen clients tell me. Not feeling they are good enough to post a selfie, for instance, they will filter and alter the shape of their bodies to mirror those of celebrities or influencers whose physique they admire, many of whom, our kids are well aware, are doing the same.'"
• How to Join FaceTime Calls on Any Device - "Apple's video calling app is finally available on non-Apple hardware. Here's how it works."
• How to sell items online safely & profitably - "Here’s how to declutter your home, from eBay to MusicMagpie - and make money in the process."
• Kim Kardashian jokes about her sex tape & OJ Simpson - "Kim Kardashian West jokes about her sex tape, meeting O.J. Simpson, and divorcing Kanye West during her 'Saturday Night Live' monologue."
• Noma chef RenÉ Redzepi's journey from angry beast to humane mentor - "Noma has once again been named the world’s best restaurant. To think that its famous cofounder, René Redzepi, became a chef only because he had few other prospects."
• Five stars for 'Shakespearean' Succession - "The scheming Roy family is back, and season three is 'as piercing and caustically witty as ever'. Caryn James reviews the 'provocative, thoughtful' new series."
• The Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, Possibly the World’s Most Expensive New Car, Just Made Its Public Debut - "The 19-foot convertible was shown to the world for the first time at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este."
• The best outdoor gear for the fall - "Options for grilling, chilling and a whole lot more."
• How to enable AirPods Pro Conversation Boost - "AirPods Pro can help you hear conversations better after recent firmware update."
• How to Clear Cookies Only from Safari on iPhone & iPad - "If you’re a Safari user on iPhone or iPad and you’ve ever tried clearing website cookies or browsing data, you may have noticed that it’s not possible to remove them without deleting your browsing history as well. However, there’s a hidden setting in iOS and iPadOS that allows you to do clear only the cookies from Safari on iPhone and iPad."

October 10, 2021

• Covid by numbers: 10 key lessons separating fact from fiction - "To make sense of coronavirus data, the Observer asked David Spiegelhalter and Anthony Masters of the Royal Statistical Society Covid taskforce to write a column. That column has now inspired a book. Here are some of its insights."
• Is my immunity waning? Doctors advise Pfizer vaccine recipients not to worry - "There's little doubt now - study after study, in real life and in lab dishes, in the US and elsewhere - that people's immunity starts to wane just months after they finish the two-dose series of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. That's why Pfizer has asked for and received US Food and Drug Administration authorization to add boosters for many people who are six months out from vaccination. But should others be seeking boosters, too? How much should people be worrying?"
• The 'Orient Express' is a real train & taking a ride is not cheap - "Before the dawn of private jets and business class flights, royalty and high society members traveled through Europe onboard luxury trains. Now anyone can do it - if they are willing and able to spend $2,300 for a one-night trip. That’s the starting rate to go from Florence to Paris aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a historic luxury train operated by the LVMH-owned Belmond travel brand. Other routes cost more - much more."
• How No Time to Die's Unprecedented Ending Sets Up the Future of the Bond Franchise - TIME Magazine.
• All The James Bond Movies Ranked by Critic Consensus - "From Sean Connery to Daniel Craig, here's how the 'Bond' flicks fared."
• iPhone 13 Pro: How to take macro photos & videos - "The iPhone 13 Pro devices come with some great new camera capabilities with one of them being powerful performance for up-close shots and footage. Let’s look at how to take iPhone 13 Pro macro photos and videos. With the new ultra wide camera on the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max, Apple has brought some impressive macro photo and video capabilities. The 13 Pro/Max ultra wide lens has an f/1.8 aperture with 120-degree field of view."
• You come across a bear. Your next move is very important. Do you know what to do? - "First of all, keep your distance if you happen upon a bear. Don't approach it, and give it plenty of room to walk away from you. Yellowstone tells you to stay at least 100 yards (300 feet or 91 meters) away; Shenandoah National Park in Virginia suggests 200 feet (61 meters) for its black bears."
• Tyson Fury defeats Deontay Wilder to retain WBC heavyweight title in Las Vegas - "Tyson Fury delivered a thrilling 11th-round knockout of Deontay Wilder to retain his WBC heavyweight crown as their trilogy bout produced another classic on an electric night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas."
• Olivier Rousteing: Balmain designer reveals fireplace explosion injuries - "Celebrated French fashion designer Olivier Rousteing has revealed he was injured following an accident at his home last year, sharing a picture of himself in heavy bandages."

October 9, 2021

• Week in pictures: 2-8 October 2021 - "A selection of powerful news photographs taken around the world this week."
• Could the global Covid death toll be millions higher than thought? - "A data scientist and economics student joined forces in search of the real pandemic death toll - and the results are startling."
• Covid crisis dramatically worsened global mental health, study finds - "Estimated 76m extra cases of anxiety and 53m extra cases of depression during pandemic, say researchers."
• Clean environment is a human right, UN council agrees - "The UN’s main human rights body has overwhelmingly voted to recognise the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a human right, and to appoint an expert to monitor human rights in the context of the climate emergency."
• COP26: What is the Glasgow climate conference & why is it important? - "The UK is hosting a summit that is seen as crucial if climate change is to be brought under control. The meeting in Glasgow from 31 October to 12 November could lead to major changes to our everyday lives."
• Map: Air pollution kills millions worldwide. In the western U.S., the air is only getting worse - "For the first time in more than 15 years, the World Health Organization updated its guidance for acceptable levels of air pollution."
• The energy crisis couldn't have come at a worse time for climate - "Chinese officials are ordering coal plants to dramatically ramp up production. The European Union is facing a revolt over its ambitious Green Deal on climate. US President Joe Biden is petitioning OPEC nations to boost oil production."
• The far-reaching benefits of tiger sharks for climate - "Worldwide, shark populations are on the decline. Boosting their numbers could have a cascade effect to help sink carbon and make the oceans more resilient to climate change."
• Facebook Will Not Fix Itself - TIME Magazine.
• five past tech whistleblowers on the pitfalls of speaking out - "When Frances Haugen revealed she was the Facebook whistleblower who supplied internal documents to Congress and the Wall Street Journal, she joined a growing list of current and former Silicon Valley employees who’ve come forward to call out military contracts, racism, sexism, contributions to climate crisis, pay disparities and more in the industry."
• Richard Branson Explains When It's Time to Go Full Throttle on Your Career & When to Take It Easy - "Even a ball of energy like Branson recognizes we all need to take a step back and recharge sometimes."
• What’s The Best Format To See No Time To Die? - "The ultimate format to view the movie has to be IMAX with a dual laser projection system and a 1.43 aspect ratio screen. The reason is that for the first time for Bond, director Cary Fukunaga shot 40 minutes of the movie were shot using 15/70mm IMAX film cameras - as used by the ultimate IMAX enthusiast Christopher Nolan for films such as Dunkirk and Tenet."
• Dolby Atmos: The ins, outs & sounds of the object-based surround system - "An in-depth guide to the spatial audio technology. In brief, Dolby Atmos is a new audio format that allows you to hear sound in a 360-degree bubble. With its object-oriented audio engineering and its up-or-down-firing speakers, Atmos is changing the way home theaters are setup and, more importantly, how sound is distributed in the room."
• Apple’s Spatial Audio is a music revolution, but you'll need to ditch the headphones - "The emergence of streaming Atmos music makes for a thrilling experience - if you do it right."
• Daniel Craig is the bookend Bond, giving 007's story a beginning - and an end - "James Bond Will Return, as a title card at the end of each of the 25 EON Productions Bond films released since the Kennedy Administration has promised. Daniel Craig will not."
• Tesla moving headquarters to Texas from California - "Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) Chief Executive Elon Musk said on Thursday the electric carmaker plans to move its headquarters from Silicon Valley's Palo Alto, California to Austin, Texas, where it is building a massive car and battery manufacturing complex."
• Another company is offering edge-of-space balloon trips, but at just $50,000 - "Stratospheric ballooning company World View has just opened up reservations to get in line for epic five-day balloon voyages that promise to take travelers 100,000 feet above some of the most magnificent landmarks on the planet."
• What it's like to win a Nobel Prize - "Hearing you've won a Nobel is incredible for most people. For some, it just spoils their sleep."
• iOS 15: Here’s how to use the native iPhone 2FA code generator & autofill - "One of the handy, under-the-radar additions with iOS 15 is an integrated 2FA code generator that makes it more seamless to log in to your accounts that have enhanced security. Let’s look at how to use the native iOS 15 2FA code generator that comes with autofill on iPhone and iPad."
• €1 homes go on sale in one of Italy's best-kept secrets - "With no crowds even before the pandemic, pretty villages, proximity to Rome, access to ski slopes and incredible scenery, the Italian region of Abruzzo has a lot to offer as a destination. Until very recently, however, it hasn't had what many people are turning to Italy in search of - houses on sale for €1, or a little over a dollar."
• Netflix’s Squid Game owes its popularity to anxieties of modern life - "Squid Game, a Netflix series made in Korea by Hwang Dong-hyuk, was released on 17 September and within 10 days was the platform’s highest ranking show in 90 countries. It’s the first time a Korean drama has ever been at the top of the US charts; 95% of the viewers are outside Korea, capsizing the idea that the younger generation won’t read subtitles. I managed to kid myself the other day that my 12-year-old daughter had watched so many episodes in a single session she was effectively reading a book."
• The French Connection at 50: one of the greatest New York movies ever - "William Friedkin peaked in 1971 with his thrilling crime drama, known for its show-stopping car chase, but elevated by so much more."
• Montblanc Finds Its Latest Muse: Elizabeth Taylor - "Montblanc has chosen another unforgettable woman as the focus of its latest Muses Special Edition pen collection: award-winning film star, influencer and activist Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011). She is in good company. Former Montblanc muses have included Marilyn Monroe, Princess Grace of Monaco, Ingrid Bergman, Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo."
• How much would a $100 investment in Warren Buffet's company in 1964 be worth in November of 2020? - "From Berkshire Hathaway Annual Letter to investors: Overall gain from 1964 to 2019: 2,744,062%. At end of 2019, that $100 would be worth $2,744,162. Berkshire stock performance (through 11/9/20): 0.87% bringing investment's value close to $2.8 million."

October 8, 2021

• Why, When & How to Test At-Home for COVID-19 - "What experts say about the best way to use at-home COVID-19 testing kits." TIME Magazine.
• Top 100 Hotels in the World 2021 - "From the Caribbean to Southeast Asia, from Africa to South America, this year's top 100 winners span the globe and include city skyscrapers, jungle glamping, palace resorts, luxe safari lodges, and seaside hideaways. But top-notch service, premier locations, and over-the-top amenities connect the winners and ensure they rise above the rest."
• Sunlight guidelines from 40 years ago may need revision - "Researchers used blood samples from 75 individuals to assess vitamin D levels regarding current sunlight guidelines, which scientists originally based on skin samples. Their results suggest that current sunlight guidelines may need revising. Further calculations and research are necessary before health experts can create new sunlight guidelines."
• Time Out picks the 'world's coolest' neighborhood for 2021 - "Nørrebro, Copenhagen topped the global media brand's 2021 list, which was compiled via a survey of some 27,000 people living in cities across the world and narrowed down by Time Out's global team of editors."
• 10 TV Shows You Need To Binge Watch Right Now - "Twin Peaks is absolutely the most unique show on this list, and certainly the one that's best enjoyed by binge watching."
• What experts say about the best time to exercise - "For everyone who hates setting their alarm an hour earlier to hit the gym, scientists may have some good news. Afternoon workouts lead to better outcomes for some people, according to a study published this year. The study, which looked at men who are at risk for or diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, found that participants who exercised in the afternoon experienced more metabolic benefits as well as more positive effects on their exercise performance and fat mass compared to participants who exercised in the morning."
• For millions, the WhatsApp outage could have been a matter of life & death - "Social media is a lifeline in many countries, and Facebook must do more to protect its systems from routine failures."
• The Secret To Perfect Scrambled Eggs, According To Anthony Bourdain - "Anthony Bourdain had a cardinal rule when it came to eggs: Always use a flat surface to crack eggs instead of using a bowl. Bourdain said that this method allowed him to ensure that no eggshells got into the mixture in the vessel. Another piece of advice? Beat your eggs well with a fork, but don't overdo it if you're after the perfect colors and texture."
• Invisible fridges & cooling cubbies: how kitchens have been designed for the rich - "The latest status symbol in kitchens is invisible appliances - but hiding behind that fridge disguised as a cabinet is a long history of people trying to engineer society."
• Alzheimer's: The heretical & hopeful role of infection - "What if dormant microbes trigger the onset of Alzheimer's? It's a theory that could have profound implications for prevention of the disease, writes David Robson."
• Rare 16th century Italian dish discovered in a drawer sells for $1.7 million - "An 'incredibly rare' 16th century dish depicting the biblical tale of Samson and Delilah, which was discovered tucked away in a drawer, has sold at auction for more than $1.7 million - 10 times its original estimate. The plate, which measures 27 centimeters (11 inches) in diameter, is believed to have been made by Nicola da Urbino around 1520-23."
• Rare Mughal era eyeglasses to be auctioned by Sotheby's - "A pair of rare diamond and emerald spectacles from an unknown Indian princely treasury will be sold at an auction in London later this month. The lenses were placed in the Mughal-era frames around 1890, according to auction house Sotheby's."
• How much does the Earth weigh? - "How a Scottish mountain weighed the planet. The 18th-Century quest to weigh Earth was crucial to better understanding our Universe - and it took a lonely mountain in Scotland to help achieve the task."
• THE VERGE IS NOW ON YOUR SMART TV - "Stream Verge videos in 4K on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV."
• Which Watch Emojis Are The Best? - "The Sorta Definitive Ranking of (Almost) Every Watch Emoji."

October 7, 2021

• Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine has waning immunity: studies - "Studies confirm waning immunity from Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine. Two real-world studies published Wednesday confirm that the immune protection offered by two doses of Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine drops off after two months or so, although protection against severe disease, hospitalization and death remains strong."
• Covid ‘still running rampant’ worldwide, warns creator of Oxford vaccine - "Prof Sarah Gilbert says failure to provide jabs to poor countries risks more deaths and dangerous new variants of virus."
• Europe's drug regulator advises Covid-19 booster shots for the immunocompromised - "The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has concluded that a booster shot of the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna coronavirus vaccines 'may be given to people with severely weakened immune systems, at least 28 days after their second dose,' according to a statement Monday."
• Verge tech survey 2021 - "In a year of isolation, fear, sickness, and death, the tech industry provided many of the ways people stayed connected. It also made Americans very aware of their reliance on the major tech companies. So have our attitudes toward them shifted?"
• world's five safest cities post-pandemic - "Cities across the world have had to rethink security in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic - here are the ones doing it well."
• Europe’s best walking cities: Seven wonders of the wandering world - "From atmospheric Berlin to Joyce’s Trieste, via Marseille’s markets and a wellbeing walk in Copenhagen, city strolls reward the curious rambler."
• Gulfstream unveils longest-range business jet in private aviation - "Ultralong-range capability meets next-generation technology. The all-new G800 takes you farther faster, guided by the award-winning Symmetry Flight Deck. Take it to the limit. The G800 is a marvel of performance and efficiency as it cruises for a globe-spanning 8,000 nm/14,816 km1 at Mach 0.85. All-new, high-thrust Rolls-Royce engines team up with the industry’s most aerodynamic wing to power you to new destinations, faster, while reducing fuel consumption and emissions."
• How China's wealth gap policy may change the world - "Changing China: How Xi's 'common prosperity' may impact the world. China says its policies aimed at narrowing the widening wealth gap are precisely what it needs in this moment of its economic trajectory - but critics say it comes with even greater control of how business and society will be governed."
• William Shatner (90) says he's 'a little frightened' about going to space next week - "The Star Trek star is officially set to be launched into space next week on Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket, and he chatted with Today on Tuesday with a week to go until liftoff. Shatner said he's looking forward to seeing things firsthand that "I've only played as an actor," while acknowledging feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety."
• Daniel Craig honored with his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame - "The 53-year-old actor was joined by his co-star Malek and James Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli at the Wednesday night ceremony."
• Why Bond is the ultimate spy hero - "With Bond, Ian Fleming set out to create 'the spy story to end all spy stories'. How did his 007 become the world's quintessential secret agent?"
• Ndakasi, beloved mountain gorilla whose photobomb went viral, dies aged 14 - "She died on September 26 after a prolonged illness, according to a statement published Tuesday by the Virunga National Park, in the Democratic Republic of Congo."
• ‘A loving father’: Al Capone’s family hopes auction will humanize him - "Items for sale include photographs, firearms, jewelry and furniture belonging to gangster and his family."
• Google Maps will now help travelers find the most eco-friendly route - "Driving and flying are huge contributors to carbon emissions and climate change. So Google is helping users make more informed decisions about how they travel. The company is releasing features on Google Maps and Google Flights to show how travel plans may contribute to climate change. In addition to showing drivers the fastest way to get to their destination, Google Maps will now show the route that's the most fuel-efficient."
• Read Tim Cook’s Staff Memo on 10th Anniversary of Jobs’s Death - "On the 10th anniversary of Steve Jobs’s death, Apple Inc. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook told employees that the visionary co-founder would be eager to see what the company develops next."
• 3 Ways Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Can Boost Long-Term Stock Portfolios - "Investors in Berkshire Hathaway B (NYSE:BRKb) shares have enjoyed a robust 2021. BRKb stock is up almost 19% in 2021 and 30.6% in the past 12 months. The shares hit an all-time high (ATH) of $295.08 in May. But since then, they've lost about 6.5%."
• Apple prepping for launch of Legacy Contacts feature in iOS 15 - "One of the features Apple announced for iOS 15 is Legacy Contacts, a way to ensure that your digital life outlives you - if you would like it to."
• The luxury authenticators who keep fakes out of buyers’ hands - "Despite new AI-powered technology, catching counterfeits in the second-hand market remains in the hands of a few skilled professionals."
• Three Iconic New Developments To Know About In Dubai - "Dubai is a city known across the globe for its ambitious and epic structures—from Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, to Palm Jumeirah, a manmade archipelago fitted with hotels, resorts and residences. Breaking records and achieving firsts has not stopped the city from expanding, as new developments continue to pop up every year."
• 6 Best Indoor Security Cameras - "Cameras can offer peace of mind, but choose carefully when you’re inviting one into your home."
• The 25 Greatest Motorcycles of the 21st Century (So Far) - "In the last 21 years, bikes have advanced exponentially in every aspect and category. Here are our picks for the most important production models of the period."
• 24 Best Cheap Alternatives To Iconic Luxury Watches - "We’ve rounded up eight of the most iconic watches of all time and scoured the watchmaking world for 24 suitable alternatives you can buy for far less than their ultra-premium counterparts."
• The classic cars being converted to electric vehicles - "Oswald is a black 1953 Morris Minor. But he is as quiet as a mouse after having his fossil-fuel drinking heart replaced with a recycled electric motor."
• 'Luxury' 2,700-year-old toilet discovered in Jerusalem - "A 2,700-year-old toilet has been found during archaeological excavations of a former royal mansion in Jerusalem."

October 6, 2021

• The Forbes 400 - "The Definitive Ranking Of America’s Richest People." A record net worth of $2.9 billion is required to make the cut, $800 million more than a year ago, as the fortunes of the nation’s wealthiest rise a collective 40% over the last year.
• Bill Gates’ Rank On The Forbes 400 Is The Lowest It’s Been In 30 Years - "The Microsoft cofounder’s long streak as the country’s first or second richest has ended—in part due to stock transfers tied to his divorce."
• Donald Trump Falls Off The Forbes 400 For First Time In 25 Years - "Donald Trump is worth an estimated $2.5 billion, leaving him $400 million short of the cutoff to make this year’s Forbes 400 list of America’s richest people. The real estate mogul is just as wealthy as he was a year ago, when he stood at No. 339 on the ranking, but he is down $600 million since the start of the pandemic. Technology stocks, cryptocurrencies and other assets have thrived in the Covid era. But big-city properties - which make up the bulk of Trump’s fortune - have languished, knocking the former president out of the nation’s most exclusive club."
• The World's Best 50 Restaurants | The best restaurants in the world 2021 - The List and Awards.
• World's best restaurant for 2021 is crowned - "The World's 50 Best Restaurant Awards - an event considered the Oscars of the fine dining world - was also obliged to take a hiatus last year, but it's finally back, and the two eateries at the top of the list are both in Copenhagen. The No. 1 spot this year goes to what is perhaps the best known name in gastronomy: Noma. Danish chef René Redzepi's three-Michelin star restaurant first opened in Copenhagen's Christianshavn neighborhood in 2003 and first took the top slot in the World's 50 Best Restaurants awards back in 2010."
• The world's most powerful passports for 2021 - "The global gap in travel freedoms has never been wider, says the latest report by London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners. The firm's Henley Passport Index, based on exclusive data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), has been regularly monitoring the world's most travel-friendly passports since 2006."
• What Hi-Fi? Awards 2021 winners revealed! - "The very best hi-fi, home cinema and consumer tech products in the world - and we have 109 winners!" Apple, Cambridge Audio, Naim, Rega and Sony are all big winners, receiving multiple awards across several categories. Notable newcomers from that veritable bunch include Sony's powerful HT-A7000 Dolby Atmos soundbar and the latest iteration of its premium true wireless earbuds, the WF-1000XM4.
• It just got much easier to find your lost AirPods Pro or AirPods Max - "Whether they’re near or far, you’ve got more options for tracking them down."
• World’s Best Golf Resorts: With Three Top-35 Courses, Florida’s Streamsong Is A Must-Play - "Florida has more golf courses than any other state, but it also has more mediocre courses than any other state. I’d argue that there are just four public access layouts in the Sunshine State worth traveling from elsewhere to play. All of them besides TPC Sawgrass are relatively new - and at one resort that blows the rest of Florida - and much of the country - away." Forbes.
• Facebook whistleblower tells Congress social network is 'accountable to no one' - "'As long as Facebook is operating in the dark, it is accountable to no one,' Frances Haugen said."
• Remembering Steve Jobs, 10 Years Later - "A decade after the death of the visionary Apple cofounder, we're still living in his world."
• What is the 'One China' policy? - "For decades, US presidents have had to grapple with a hugely sensitive tightrope known as the 'One China' policy. The BBC explains what it consists in."
• 'Covid toes' symptom is explained in new study after sufferers report swelling - "The Covid symptom results in chilblain-like inflammation and redness on the hands and feet, with the condition sometimes lasting for months at a time. The skin condition known as Covid toes may be a side effect of the immune system's response to fighting off the virus, a new study has found."
• Nobel in physics: Climate science breakthroughs earn prize - "Three scientists have been awarded the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physics for their work to understand complex systems, such as the Earth's climate."
• Google Maps to show the lowest carbon route for car journeys - "Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai said the initiative could save 1m tonnes of carbon dioxide a year."
• Paris fashion week spring/summer 2022: key shows - in pictures - "Batman! Mushrooms! Marge Simpson at Balenciaga! Paris fashion week is back with a bang." The Guardian.
• The Dalmore Brings One Of The World’s Rarest Scotch Whisky Collections To Auction - "Throughout the 21st Century, single malt scotch solidified its status amongst the world’s most revered luxury investments. The Dalmore has been instrumental in that movement. Time and again, the historic Highland producer has smashed price records for single bottles of whisky. This week it seems poised to notch a new benchmark when a one-of-one collection heads to auction at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong. The Dalmore Decades No. 6 - a set of six liquids dating back to 1951 - is expected to fetch over $680,000 when the hammer drops."
• Why Buffett Moved on From Buying 'Cigar Butts' - "A look at how the investor's strategy changed."
• Scientists solve the mystery of the Etruscans' origins - "The discovery could have just settled a 2,400-year-old debate."
• How to Fix a Badly Lit Portrait in Adobe Lightroom - "A step-by-step guide to fixing the exposure and color of a badly-lit portrait using Adobe Lightroom. Turn that reject into a keeper."
• How to Set up a Smartphone for Elderly Loved Ones - "Here's how to make iPhone and Android devices a little easier to use."
• Chhurpi: The world's hardest cheese? - "Created thousands of years ago in the remote reaches of the Himalayas, chhurpi can be eaten for up to 20 years."
• ‘Genius dogs’ can learn names of more than 100 toys, study finds - "Six canines, all border collies, have proved some possess a remarkable grasp of human language."
• Why so many of us are casual spider-murderers - "It's officially arachnicide season in the Northern Hemisphere. Millions of spiders have appeared in our homes - and they'd better be on their guard. Why do we kill them so casually?"
• Al Capone at auction - in pictures - "Guns once owned by Al Capone, one of the most notorious gangsters in United States history, are among 174 lots to go under the hammer this week at a California auction, A Century of Notoriety: the Estate of Al Capone. Auctioneers are billing the sale as ‘one of the most important celebrity auctions in history’."
• Bernard Tapie obituary - "Controversial French businessman whose career was beset by scandal, including tax fraud and football match-fixing."

October 5, 2021

• Jony Ive on what he misses most about Steve Jobs - "Jony Ive pens WSJ piece in remembrance of Steve Jobs: ‘I think about Steve every day’."
• Pandora papers: what has been revealed so far? - "Key revelations from leaked files exposing an alternative financial world where the super-rich can hide their assets and pay little or no tax."
• Pandora Papers: World leaders deny wrongdoing after leaks - "Several world leaders have denied wrongdoing after featuring in a huge leak of financial documents from offshore companies."
• Pandora Papers: Your guide to nine years of finance leaks - "The financial secrets of hundreds of world leaders, politicians and celebrities has been exposed in another huge leak of financial documents."
• Pandora papers unmask owners of offshore-held UK property worth £4bn - "Analysis of leak identifies 600 previously anonymous owners from world leaders to monarchs and oligarchs."
• Pfizer Covid jab ‘90% effective against hospitalisation for at least 6 months’ - "Study shows protection against severe illness stays high, but scientists say boosters key to stopping spread of infection."
• Global vaccine rollout vital to securing deal for nature, warns UN biodiversity chief - "Elizabeth Maruma Mrema says access to Covid jabs for developing world will be critical to the success of in-person Kunming Cop15 summit."
• Russia reports record Covid deaths as official toll reaches 210,000 - "More than 25,000 new cases on Monday as country battles Delta wave with low vaccine takeup."
• ‘Greta is right’: climate pledges must be matched by action, say Mars executives - "The company will tie executive pay to emissions reduction and eliminate deforestation through its supply chain."
• 14% of world’s coral lost in less than a decade, study shows - "Largest analysis of reef health reveals equivalent of more than all living coral in Australia was lost in 2009-18."
• Historical climate emissions reveal responsibility of big polluting nations - "Analysis of the total carbon dioxide emissions of countries since 1850 has revealed the nations with the greatest historical responsibility for the climate emergency. But six of the top 10 have yet to make ambitious new pledges to cut their emissions before the crucial UN Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow in November."
• Why Facebook, Instagram & WhatsApp All Went Down - "The problem relates to something called BGP routing, and it took down every part of Facebook's business."
• What is BGP & how might it have helped kick Facebook off the internet? - "On Monday, Facebook was completely knocked offline, taking Instagram and WhatsApp (not to mention a few other websites) down with it. Many have been quick to say that the incident had to do with BGP, or Border Gateway Protocol, citing sources from inside Facebook, traffic analysis, and the gut instinct that “it’s always DNS or BGP.” Facebook is on its way back up, but this all begs the question: What is BGP?"
• John Oliver on protecting against ‘forever chemicals’: ‘It shouldn’t just be on us as individuals’ - "The Last Week Tonight host digs into contamination by non-biodegradable ‘forever chemicals’ in household wares and corporate cover-up of its health effects."
• 007’s Taste In Food & Drink - Part One - "With The Return Of 007, His Tastes In Food, Wine And Martinis Have A Long History."
• 007’s Taste In Food & Drink - Part Two - "In this, Part Two, of my assessment of the British agent’s tastes, as detailed in both the 15 original Ian Fleming novels and the 25 films to follow, will give some general information on Bond’s preferences in the novels, which were all written during the Cold War and reflect the tastes and mores of the period. In coming chapters (to appear intermittently) I will treat each of the individual books and movies, which often have little to do with each other."
• First class is vanishing. Here's what's next - "Why superbusiness minisuites are the future of luxury flying."
• 4 Great Things To Do In Italy In The Fall - "If you’re contemplating a fall trip to Italy consider the options below to take advantage of the country’s glorious countryside and to sample its autumnal foods and wines. City-centric travelers should also head to Genoa where a unique bi-annual cultural event, Rolli Days, expands to one week."
• Michelin designs giant inflatable sails for cargo ships - "Giant inflatable sails could make shipping greener."
• Censored letters between Marie-Antoinette & her rumored lover revealed in full with X-rays - "The letters, exchanged by the doomed French queen and Count Axel von Fersen of Sweden during the French Revolution, were analyzed by a team of scientists from the Centre de Recherche sur la Conservation (CRC) in France, who published their findings in the journal Science Advances on Friday."
• Arguments, anticipation & carefully encouraged scandals: the making of the Booker prize - "Its knack for creating tension and controversy has helped it remain an energising force in publishing for more than 50 years - but how do writers, publishers and judges cope with the annual agony of the Booker?"
• what I learned about happiness from a month of ‘awe walks’ - "Feeling down? You need to experience more awe, psychologists say. So I set off every day to explore my local area, leaving my phone behind."
• 'Seinfeld' hits Netflix, but some jokes have been cropped out of view - "Classic '90s sitcom Seinfeld just landed on Netflix after a six-year run on Hulu. Given that the show was filmed years before HD was a thing, it was originally displayed in a 4:3 aspect ratio on TV (and the DVD sets that came years later). But on Netflix, the show has been cropped into a 16:9 widescreen format to fit on modern TVs. As noted by Rolling Stone, that means some visual gags have literally been erased."

October 4, 2021

• Pandora papers: biggest ever leak of offshore data exposes financial secrets of rich & powerful - "Millions of documents reveal offshore deals and assets of more than 100 billionaires, 30 world leaders and 300 public officials."
• A simple guide to the Pandora Papers leak - "The Pandora Papers is a leak of almost 12 million documents that reveals hidden wealth, tax avoidance and, in some cases, money laundering by some of the world's rich and powerful."
• Pandora Papers - "The largest investigation in journalism history exposes a shadow financial system that benefits the world’s most rich and powerful. Read more." International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).
• Facebook whistleblower revealed on '60 Minutes,' says the company prioritized profit over public good - "The 37-year-old former Facebook product manager who worked on civic integrity issues at the company says the documents show that Facebook knows its platforms are used to spread hate, violence and misinformation, and that the company has tried to hide that evidence."
• Meet the Chinese architects behind this unusual new concert hall - "The couple's latest project is a case in point. Nestled in a valley northeast of Beijing, a stone's throw from the Great Wall, the boulder-like Chapel of Sound looks as if it were carved from the landscape itself. The architects added local rocks to the concrete and mimicked sedimentary layers to help assimilate the structure with its surroundings."
• How to fall asleep more quickly - the healthy way - "'Falling asleep does take about 15 minutes for the healthy sleeper. Falling asleep is distinct from sleep itself, which can be frustrating when one is extremely tired.'"
• Want to help the climate crisis? Don't toss your old iPhone, fix it - "Manufacturers have made it difficult to repair devices, and replacing them is often an easier and less expensive solution for consumers, further contributing to the already-dire climate crisis."
• How Skyfall Refined The Daniel Craig Era Of James Bond - "In Skyfall, Daniel Craig's Bond gets to dig deeper into his past, while setting up the future."
• Aston Martin Is Pretty Lucky To Still Have James Bond - "The British carmaker may not have survived without it over the years."
• In today's low-rate world, Warren Buffett holds these stocks for the fat yields - "One man who’s made a lot of money from dividend stocks is legendary investor and Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett. In fact, the majority of Berkshire’s holdings are now dividend-paying companies. And that means each year, the Oracle of Omaha collects billions of dollars just from dividends."
• Does practice make perfect? - "Prodigies such as Emma Raducanu spend thousands of hours honing their skills, but could anyone deliver a world-class performance with enough dedication?"
• Trump sues to reinstate his Twitter account - "The former president is seeking a preliminary injunction."
• Amazon is hijacking our emotions to put robots in our homes - "Amazon is betting Astro will steal your heart."
• Scotland's version of 'hygge' - "Known as the 'Hebridean Baker', Coinneach MacLeod is an unlikely TikTok sensation who is bringing the best of the islands' culture to the world."
• Best electric bike for 2021 - "Skip public transit or just get where you're going faster and easier with one of our e-bike picks for almost any budget."
• Why Do Photographers Spend So Much on Monitors? - "One of the most important tools in a photographer’s toolkit is something many may be surprised by - a color-accurate monitor. But why are they so expensive, and why should a photographer spend so much on one?"
• Are floating cities our future? - "Settlements that float on water have been touted as a potential solution to Earth's rising sea levels and increasing extreme weather events."
• The people who claim to hear the Northern Lights - "Some people have claimed the aurora borealis makes discernible crackling, whooshing or whizzing sounds. Are they highly perceptive, or are the sounds a trick of the mind?"
• Ray-Ban Stories vs. Snapchat Spectacles: Who wants Facebook on their face? - "Why Facebook and Snap think camera-enabled sunglasses will help them define the future of AR."
• The Best Camera Gear for Your Smartphone - "From mobile lenses to shotgun mics, here’s everything you need for your portable, pro-grade photo or video studio."
• It’s all in the details: What it’s like to stay at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands - "One of the newest Maldivian properties is The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, about 45 minutes from the capital city of Male by high-speed ferry. The difference between a great stay and a truly memorable one is in the details - and after a few nights at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, I can say with certainty that it delivers. I’ll remember this stay for years to come."

October 3, 2021

• Steve Jobs Stole His Best Idea Ever From Nike's Brilliant 2-Word Marketing Strategy - "Aspirational brands talk about people, not products."
• Decade after Jobs' death, has Apple traded magic for profit? - "Ten years after Apple founder Steve Jobs' death, the firm has grown into a colossus of devices and services that is the world's most valuable company, but the tech legend's diehard fans lament its lost aura of revolution. 'Apple doesn't innovate anymore' or 'Steve Jobs is turning in his grave' are the type of disillusioned tweets that pop up especially during product launches led by Tim Cook, who took Apple's reins in August 2011."
• iOS 15 Overview - Contents: 1-24 - "Apple in June 2021 introduced the latest version of its iOS operating system, iOS 15, which was released on September 30. iOS 15 introduces new features for FaceTime calls, tools to reduce distractions, a new notifications experience, added privacy features, complete redesigns for Safari, Weather, and Maps, and more."
• Rise of the Holmies: the merch inspired by the Theranos ‘girlboss’ - "Hundreds of listings on online marketplaces sell merchandise venerating disgraced CEO Elizabeth Holmes."
• 20 Famous Artists Everyone Should Know, From Leonardo da Vinci to Frida Kahlo - "Museums and textbooks are full of names of artists who've left their mark in history. Certain names, however, still stand out from the rest. Whether it is through their distinctive style, their participance in a pivotal art movement, or their eccentric life, these artists have achieved astounding fame. And while these creatives are well-known in popular culture now, many of them were not recognized for their talents until decades after their death."
• Warren Buffett dubbed his private jet 'The Indefensible' - then renamed it 'The Indispensable' after realizing it was worth the money - "Warren Buffett bought his first private jet in 1986 and upgraded to a much pricier one in 1989. Warren Buffett may be one of the wealthiest people on the planet, but he's notoriously frugal. The famed investor and Berkshire Hathaway CEO initially balked at the idea of owning a private jet, but grew to appreciate the luxury and convenience."
• Are cats or dogs smarter? - "Both are domesticated, but is one smarter? Turns out, the answer isn’t as straightforward as pet lovers might like."

October 2, 2021

• iOS 15.0.1: Apple Releases Unexpected iPhone 13 Update With Urgent Fixes - "We knew there were some issues with iOS 15 which needed fixing. But while we knew Apple was on the case with iOS 15.1 - public betas are now live - today’s update is a surprise and promises to fix one of the most annoying issues iOS 15 delivered for the iPhone 13 series phones. To be fair to Apple, this fix comes exactly a week after the new iPhones went on sale. Speedy. Oh, and intriguingly, the update comes to iOS 15 but no change was needed for the Apple Watch which remains on watchOS 8.0."
• iOS 15: Here’s how to use the most popular features for iPhone & iPad - "iOS 15 is officially here and even though there aren’t as many flashy features as we saw in iOS 14, there are a number of great changes and improvements. While there are over 300 new features & tweaks, let’s narrow things down, here’s how to use the most popular iOS 15 features."
• ‘A perfect storm’: supply chain crisis could blow world economy off course - "From Liverpool to LA, shortages of energy, labour and transport are threatening recovery from Covid."
• Coronavirus treatments: the potential ‘game-changers’ in development - "After positive clinical trials for antiviral drug Molnupiravir, it joins other medicines that have shown promise."
• The fairytale capital of the world - "Once upon a time in Scandinavia, a country emerged where the Covid restrictions that many other nations are still living under were completely lifted. Denmark's decision to become the first European Union member to fully relax Covid-19 rules is thanks in large part to the successful way local traditions of samfundssind or 'social mindedness' have helped stop the spread of the virus."
• How to find your lost iPhone - even if it’s off - "With iOS 15, Find My will locate your phone even after the phone’s battery dies."
• Britain's royal family loves James Bond. There are a few reasons for that - "There are premieres and there are royal premieres, and Bond is the only movie franchise able to guarantee a blue-blooded red-carpet appearance. Not one but two palace limousines pulled up at the Royal Albert Hall this week to deliver the first and second in line to the throne and their spouses."
• Jaguar XF Makes Its Debut In No Time To Die - "The perfect chase car for Bond 25."
• No Time To Die: How Spirit Yachts became the official boat of James Bond - "In the upcoming James Bond film No Time To Die, Daniel Craig’s 007, now retired from active service, is cruising the waters of Jamaica on board his own Spirit 46 sailing yacht. Bond is well known for appreciating the finer things in life and his choice of a Spirit 46 aligns the builder with the likes of Aston Martin cars and Omega watches."
• Inside The Blockbuster Reopening Of Hollywood’s Academy Museum Of Motion Pictures - "Following years of delays, the much anticipated Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Museum has officially opened and is a visual treat for film buffs. The enormous glass and concrete museum houses the most extensive collection of movie memorabilia in the world and will ultimately become the hottest destination for locals and visitors desperate to avoid the aging Hollywood Walk of Fame."
• Twelve films to watch this October - BBC Culture.
• World's Most Expensive Rolex Resurfaces Four Years After Breaking Records - "The most expensive Rolex ever sold has resurfaced in Los Angeles after disappearing from public view since being auctioned off for US$17 million in 2017. The Rolex Cosmograph 'Paul Newman Daytona' Ref 6239 that once belonged to actor Paul Newman and started one of the biggest trends in watch collecting has gone on show at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which opened in Los Angeles this week."
• Private Jet Market Grapples With Surge in Get-Me-Away Demand - "Waits for charter flights are longer, and costs higher, as many more of the rich seek to avoid crowded planes and airports."
• An insight into the mind of a chess grandmaster - "How do you become a chess grandmaster? Magnus Carlsen is here to tell you."
• How often should you wash your towels? - "Wash your towels at least once a week. That's the rule of thumb that Manal Mohammed, senior lecturer of medical microbiology at the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom, recommended."
• 5 historical garments that showcase the link between fashion & identity - "Inherent in fashion is the notion of becoming: Our sartorial choices can tell a story of who we are or who we want to be. In many ways, stepping into an outfit can be one of the most powerful acts of self-expression, and it's a tool people around the world have been using for millennia."
• Moe Norman: The 'Rain Man of golf' who amazed even the greats of the sport - "Whether it's because of his funky clothing, eccentric personality or highly distinctive swing, Moe Norman - dubbed golf's 'Rain Man' - didn't fit into the sport's traditional mold."
• Why do people run marathons? - "Ahead of the London marathon this weekend, Anne McCarthy explores what motivates people to take up endurance running."
• Jeremy Strong on playing Succession’s Kendall Roy - "Strong’s role as the self-destructive media heir takes commitment - and the actor goes all in."
• Test-Driving The Bentley Continental GT Speed - "Elegance and power can be a heady mix if the balance is right. Bentley’s latest Continental GT Speed happens to have the right dose of both. The most powerful production car made in the marque’s 101-year history is easy to handle, lovely to occupy and is a perfect grand tourer to take on long cruises."
• BMW’s iX SUV sets the automaker on the correct EV path - "A combination of i3 interior and the latest EV technologies makes the iX a winner."

October 1, 2021

• International Coffee Day 2021 - October 1. "This International Coffee Day we are launching a programme to support the next generation of young women and men in coffee, bringing their innovative ideas to life to benefit the whole coffee community and to support the recovery from the covid-19 pandemic, building a more prosperous future for the sector."
• Flu & Covid jabs safe to be given at same time, study finds - "Clinical trial on joint flu, Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccinations reported only mild to moderate side-effects."
• Covid antiviral pill halves hospitalisations & deaths, maker says - "If approved, Merck’s drug would be first simple oral medication shown to be effective against coronavirus."
• Apple & Disney among companies backing groups against US climate bill - "Amazon and Microsoft also supporting groups fighting legislation despite promises to combat the climate crisis, analysis finds."
• A scary portrait of life inside Trump's White House - "The indelible image that emerges from the latest tell-all book about the Trump White House is of a President plagued by insecurities and unmoored from morality. We piece it together from the eye-popping anecdotes revealed in advance excerpts, provided to the media, of 'I'll Take Your Questions Now,' the forthcoming memoir by Trump's former press secretary, Stephanie Grisham."
• The future of America's 'forever wars' -"America’s War in Afghanistan Is Over. But in the Horn of Africa, Its War on Terror Rages On." TIME Magazine.
• APPLE’S FORTRESS OF SECRECY IS CRUMBLING FROM THE INSIDE - "The last five months marked a turning point in Apple’s company culture - will it last?"
• Cancer survivor blows the whistle on 'toxic positivity' - "At the age of 35, Kate Bowler was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. Doctors predicted that at best she had two years to live -- essentially handing the Duke Divinity School professor a death sentence. Since then, she's been on the receiving end of a maddening collection of cringey cliches presumably meant to encourage her, but which have only made her already terrifying situation more difficult."
• Princess Diana's former London apartment is now an official tourist site - "The London apartment where Diana Spencer lived before she became the Princess of Wales has been commemorated with an official blue plaque. The plaque was posted on the Coleherne Court building on Old Brompton Street in Kensington on September 29 following a successful campaign led by the London Assembly."
• It's not your age that's slowing your metabolism, new research says. Here's what to do - "Your metabolic rate is the rate at which your body burns calories to keep you alive and functioning. It's a generally accepted belief that as you age, your resting metabolism slows --especially over age 40. And if you are a woman in menopause, your metabolism slows even more. Not true, says a new paper published in Science. By analyzing data from nearly 6,500 people ranging in age from infancy to elderly, the paper's authors determined that resting metabolism holds steady from age 20 to 60 before logging a decrease of less than 1% per year thereafter."
• Why people like you more than you think - "Why you make better first impressions than you think. We often cringe after conversations, convinced we made a bad impression. But research says we may be more likeable than we think."
• PNG admits Maserati purchase was ‘terrible mistake’ as they go on sale at discounted price - "Fleet of luxury cars, purchased for the 2018 Apec summit in a move that prompted widespread outrage, has been put up for sale."
• Formula One to stage first Qatar Grand Prix in November before 10-year deal - "Qatar will stage its first Formula One grand prix in November to fill the slot left vacant by cancellation of the Australian GP. The race will take place at Losail International Circuit, 20 miles outside Doha on 21 November, with Qatar scheduled to join the F1 calendar in a 10-year deal from 2023."
• No Time to Die: the ending, the villain and the very big surprise - discuss with spoilers - "With its shocking developments, is Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond a slap in the face for 007 fans? Will it be an asterisk in the canon or change the franchise for ever?"
• ‘I eat greasy fried eggs at least once a week’: Daniel Craig on Bond, being buff & crying at British Gas ads - "With his final turn as James Bond in No Time to Die filling cinemas, the actor takes questions from readers and fellow actors about the role, from being smacked around his nether regions to getting over his fear of heights."
• How to record calls on an iPhone - "There's a free way to save important audio."
• iOS 15: How to switch to Private Browsing on iPhone with the new Safari - "Safari has gotten a major overhaul with iOS 15, and while there are a number of improvements and changes, some features aren’t found where they used to be. Read along for a look at how to switch to iPhone Private Browsing in Safari with iOS 15."
• THE ROBOTS THAT PAVED THE WAY FOR AMAZON’S ASTRO - "Before Astro, these were the robots people invited home. Amazon says Astro is a home robot - how does it stack up to its predecessors?"
• Campervan fans conquer Covid restrictions in Japan - in pictures - "With travel restrictions in place, campervans provide a way of travelling with the family and are currently very popular in Hidaka of Saitama prefecture, a suburb to the west of Tokyo."
• New Photos Show How Opulent The 354-Foot-Long Benetti Superyacht IJE Really Is - "Since just being in Monaco for this year’s Monaco Yacht Show was a wonderful reminder that returning to some sort of pre-pandemic 'normal' is possible, I was even more honored and excited to be one the few journalists invited to tour IJE - the largest superyacht at the Monaco Yacht Show - in person."
• 3 Ultra Rare Scotch Whiskies Worth The Investment - "You have to respect a whisky that’s reached middle age - or beyond. And as far as I’m concerned, there’s no mandatory retirement age for whiskies of this caliber. By the time they’re eligible for an AARP card, you’re usually drinking something incredibly special - something that deserves more than thirty minutes of your time. After all, it took decades for these expressions to make it to the bottle and they deserve better than to be consumed hurriedly and without much thought. At least that’s how I felt after recently sampling three Scotches that were older than my 39 years: Talisker 43 Xpedition Oak, The Singleton 54: Paragon of Time No. 2, and Gordon & MacPhail’s Generations 80 Years Old - all of which were stellar in remarkably different ways."
• Sonos Beam (Gen 2) review: A bit of Dolby Atmos makes all the difference - "It offers more immersive sound in the same compact case."
• Nreal's latest smartglasses were designed for watching YouTube - "The Nreal Air is compatible with iOS devices and is supposed to cost a fraction of its predecessor's price."
• These Smart Light Bars Will Brighten Up Your Living Room - "Review: Govee Flow Pro. Lights, camera, action! These affordable, colorful light bars react to onscreen activity or music. SMART LIGHTING IS an easy way to create some ambiance in a room and change the feel of the space. It comes in many forms nowadays, from smart bulbs and light strips to all kinds of oddly shaped lamps. The Govee Flow Pro is one such RGB accessory that's designed to flank a TV or monitor screen to bring a splash of diffuse light and color to your setup."
• Pandemic Bird-Watching Created a Data Boom - and a Conundrum - "Avid amateurs are generating a wealth of information on avian activity. But does that data reflect new trends in bird behavior, or in people’s?"

September 30, 2021

• The workers who keep global supply chains moving are warning of a 'system collapse' - "Seafarers, truck drivers and airline workers have endured quarantines, travel restrictions and complex Covid-19 vaccination and testing requirements to keep stretched supply chains moving during the pandemic. But many are now reaching their breaking point, posing yet another threat to the badly tangled network of ports, container vessels and trucking companies that moves goods around the world."
• YouTube to remove misinformation videos about all vaccines - "Streaming site cracks down on harmful content about all approved Covid jabs."
• Record $5bn donation to protect nature could herald new green era of giving - "Philanthropists pledge to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030, as the planet’s health climbs the charity agenda."
• The saga of 'No Time to Die' as told by the team who made it - "Mr. Bond, we've been expecting you. No film in the 007 franchise has had quite the wait, nor lived under the weight of expectation, like 'No Time To Die.' A change of director, nearly half a dozen release dates, a studio sale and a global pandemic couldn't defeat the British spy, but he's never been challenged like this before. Six tumultuous years after the last movie, the final chapter of the Daniel Craig era has arrived."
• 60 Years of James Bond Rolex OMEGA Watches List - "Looking Back at 60 Years of James Bond and His Fondness for Watches. From Sean Connery’s Rolex 'Big Crown' to Daniel Craig’s OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M."
• Evolution Of James Bond’s Omega Seamaster Watches - Then & Now - "In Ian Fleming’s novels, Bond wore a Rolex. In the first movies, that translated into a Submariner (in the novels it isn’t). Over the years, 007 wore a plethora of watches from all sorts of brands. However, since 1995 James Bond has been wearing Omega watches. Where the cars changed from BMW to Ford Focus, to Aston Martin (again), his choice for watches remained the same. Sponsored or not, the Omega watch has been on the wrist of James Bond since 1995’s GoldenEye."
• James Bond & MI6: Is there fact in fiction? - "Does the Bond fantasy bear any relation at all to life in the real MI6, Britain's external spy agency, more properly known as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS)? And perhaps more importantly, how relevant can a spy agency be in this digital age?"
• Why James Bond Doesn’t Use an iPhone - "The fictional superspy wields Nokia devices in No Time To Die. It’s an odd choice, but Apple's smartphones aren’t ideal, either."
• Gin made from this ingredient is 'climate-positive' - "Three ways this gin made from peas is good for the climate."
• Highlights From The 2021 Monaco Yacht Show - "What We Learned On The Ground At Monaco Yacht Show 2021."
• What You Didn't Know About Private Jets - "While flying privately is currently in vogue, for many of us, private jets are closely identified with the Kardashians, Prince Harry and other boldface names. However, the core of the industry has little to do with the clinking of champagne flutes."
• Elon Musk tells Jeff Bezos you can't 'sue your way to the Moon' - "NASA may not be a fan of Blue Origin's tactics, either."
• An artist sent a museum two empty frames, kept their $84K loan & called it 'art' - "When an exhibition about the future of labor opened at a Danish art museum on Friday, visitors should have seen two large picture frames filled with banknotes worth a combined $84,000. The pieces were meant to be reproductions of two works by artist Jens Haaning, who previously used framed cash to represent the average annual salaries of an Austrian and a Dane - in euros and Danish krone respectively."
• Elizabeth Holmes wrote personal notes to herself about ‘becoming Steve Jobs’ as Theranos collapse began - "'Becoming steve jobs -' Holmes wrote on April 2, 2015, according to documents obtained by CNBC. The note was among more than a dozen pages of diary-like streams of consciousness writings that Holmes typed up to herself that year. CNBC obtained a portion of those notes."
• Sharon Stone, 63, brings Hollywood glamour to the south of France as she wears a sequined silver dress for £1,862 a ticket charity screening of new Bond thriller No Time To Die - "The Monte Carlo Opera played host as Stone, 63, joined Prince Albert II of Monaco for a first look at the eagerly anticipated release - Daniel Craig's fifth and final outing as the iconic secret agent."

September 29, 2021

• James Bond: Daniel Craig's last film No Time To Die finally has royal premiere - "Daniel Craig's final James Bond film has finally had its world premiere in London, 18 months later than planned because it was delayed by the pandemic."
• No Time to Die review: Daniel Craig dispatches James Bond with panache, rage - and cuddles - "The long-awaited 25th outing for Ian Fleming’s superspy is a weird and self-aware epic with audacious surprises up its sleeve."
• Ultimate Travel Experiences For James Bond Lovers - "The highly-anticipated new James Bond film, 'No Time to Die,' is almost here, and boutique hotel Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa in the French countryside is offering travelers the ultimate 007 experience with their new 'Feeling Like James Bond' package in honor of the premiere."
• The United States is heading for a cliff -- and taking the world with it - "It's a game of chicken with the global economy. The United States is heading for a cliff over the need for Congress to lift the ceiling on how much the US government can borrow. If things go wrong, the reverberations will be felt far beyond US shores."
• China: Big spender or loan shark? - "China hands out at least twice as much development money as the US and other major powers, new evidence shows, with most of it coming in the form of risky high-interest loans from Chinese state banks."
• Covid: 37% of people have symptoms six months after infection - "A large study reveals the scale of long Covid, with symptoms affected by sex, age and severity of infection."
• Long Covid hits more than a THIRD of all coronavirus sufferers with at least one symptom, new study finds - "Researchers at the University of Oxford, the Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) studied more than 270,000 people in the United States who were recovering from coronavirus."
• Covid tests & superbugs: how the deep sea could help us fight pandemics - "As scientists explore how life in the abyss could generate new medicines, deep-sea mining is threatening to wipe it out."
• 'World's best airline' for 2021 revealed by Skytrax - "Qatar Airways has taken the top spot in the latest ranking of the world's best airlines by Skytrax, a review body that also produces a hotly anticipated annual list of best airports."
• Greta Thunberg roasts world leaders for being 'blah, blah, blah' on climate action - "Swedish activist Greta Thunberg mocked world leaders -- including US President Joe Biden and the UK's Boris Johnson -- at a youth climate summit in Milan on Tuesday, saying the last 30 years of climate action had amounted to 'blah, blah, blah.'"
• Apple’s software update lets users create burner email addresses - here’s how to do it - "These burner emails are good for signing up in forms on the web that you might not want to share your main email address with."
• Everything Amazon Announced - Including a Cute Security Robot - "At its hardware event, the retailer took the wraps off several new smart home gadgets, from a TV-sized Echo Show to an ultra-cheap smart thermostat."
• iPhone 13 Pro Teardown - "The iPhone 13 might look like an incremental update from the outside, but we’ve got a feeling there’s more lurking beneath the surface." iFixit.
• SAY HELLO TO ASTRO, ALEXA ON WHEELS - "Amazon’s long-awaited home robot is here."
• Amazon Astro is an Alexa robot that roams your home - "Amazon plans to sell Astro in limited quantities later this year. While it will eventually cost $1,449.99, as part of its Day 1 Editions program, the company will sell the robot at an introductory price of $999.99. Each Astro will come with six months of complimentary access to Ring Protect Pro."
• China has upgraded its best stealth fighter jet with domestic-made engines - "China has finally showed off its most advanced fighter aircraft with domestic-made engines -- a significant milestone as Beijing pushes the capabilities of its J-20 stealth jets in a bid to rival the United States' F-22."
• Automakers' problems are much worse than we thought - "For a year and a half, a lack of computer chips has been plaguing the auto industry, forcing plants to shut down, delaying auto shipments and sending car prices through the roof. But that's not the only problem automakers face. Industry experts say automakers are having trouble getting all manner of parts and raw materials for a variety of reasons, including Covid-related plant shutdowns by suppliers, logistical problems involving shortages of ships, shipping containers and truck drivers, and difficulty that some suppliers are having filling jobs."
• India's nostalgic passion for old typewriters - "For some Indian enthusiasts, vintage typewriters aren't outdated pieces of machinery - they're practical and cherished possessions."
• Dita Von Teese: ‘Even when I was a bondage model, I had big-time boundaries’ - "As the star dives into a giant glass of fizz for her first online extravaganza, she talks about this new golden age for burlesque, why the French Strictly gives her costume problems – and how #MeToo has changed her."

September 28, 2021

• ‘No Time to Die’ World Premiere Red Carpet to Stream Live on Facebook (EXCLUSIVE) - "The London world premiere of No Time to Die will stream exclusively on Facebook, Variety can reveal. The social media platform has secured access to the live red carpet at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday (Sept. 28), and will broadcast the event on both Facebook and through Oculus Venues, an experiential space for the Facebook-backed Oculus VR headset."
• See the spectacular set of No Time To Die - "The world is not big enough! Soak up the spectacular scenery as the production team take you on location of No Time To Die. The exotic locations always add to the glamour of a Bond film, and No Time To Die takes us from the heat of Jamaica and Cuba to the desolate ice of Norway – although not all of the locations are quite what they seem."
• 007 stage at Pinewood Studios - "The Albert R. Broccoli 007 Stage (59,092 sq ft - interior tank) at Pinewood was built in 1976 for the Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me. It has been home to the Cambodian Temples for Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, The Louvre Gallery in The Da Vinci Code and The Chocolate River Room in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In 2007 the new 007 Stage opened and housed the Greek fishing village for Mamma Mia!, as well as sets for Bond movie SPECTRE, the Fountain of Youth in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and the Summit, Camp Four and Hilary's Step in Everest."
• Smokers up to 80% more likely to be admitted to hospital with Covid, study says - "Data also finds smokers more likely to die from disease compared with those who have never smoked."
• Pills to treat Covid-19 could be 'return to, maybe, normal life' - "So far, only one antiviral drug, remdesivir, has been approved to treat covid. But it is given intravenously to patients ill enough to be hospitalized, and is not intended for early, widespread use. By contrast, the top contenders under study can be packaged as pills."
• How the US vaccine effort derailed & why we shouldn’t be surprised - "Low vaccine rates may be the predictable outcome subject to entrenched social forces that have diminished American health and life expectancy since the 1980s, health researchers say."
• Scandinavian country moves into 'very high' risk category for travel - "Norway on Monday moved into the highest-risk category on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's list of travel advisories for destinations around the world. The Scandinavian country moved up to 'Level 4: Covid-19 Very High' just as the country relaxed most of its domestic Covid-related restrictions over the weekend. Neighbors Sweden and Denmark are listed in the CDC's Level 3 category."
• Sweden’s green dilemma: can cutting down ancient trees be good for the Earth? - "The country’s model for managing its trees is bad for biodiversity... and political unity."
• The nuclear megayacht designed to save the world - "The ultimate symbol of wealth, the superyacht has seen a dramatic surge in demand during the pandemic, as the ultra-rich yearned for privacy and social distancing in its most luxurious, exclusive form."
• This Italian Region Is Becoming A Haven For Digital Nomads - "From a castle where the WiFi installation was a battle against medieval walls to a completely free beach bar, holiday destinations around the northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna are offering services to entice remote workers."
• It's not your age that's slowing your metabolism, new research says. Here's what to do - "If you're middle-aged and have been slowly but steadily putting on weight for years, you've probably attributed it to an age-related decrease in metabolism. Your metabolic rate is the rate at which your body burns calories to keep you alive and functioning. It's a generally accepted belief that as you age, your resting metabolism slows - especially over age 40. And if you are a woman in menopause, your metabolism slows even more."
• BOCUSE D'OR FINAL 2021 - "The Bocuse d'Or goes to the French team led by DAVY TISSOT, the Bocuse d'Argent goes to the Danish team led by RONNI VEXØE MORTENSEN and the Bocuse de Bronze goes to the Norwegian team led by CHRISTIAN ANDRE PETTERSEN."
• The downside of doing what you love - "Does doing what you love for a living come with a price? The idea of turning a passion into a job has always been alluring. But the reality of doing what you love for work is complicated."
• Steven Pinker’s progress: the celebrity scientist at the centre of the culture wars - "How the Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker became one of the world’s most contentious thinkers."
• CIA officials under Trump discussed assassinating Julian Assange - report - "Mike Pompeo and officials requested ‘options’ for killing Assange following WikiLeaks’ publication of CIA hacking tools, report says."
• These Concierge Services Go The Extra Mile For Guests - "Concierges are some of a hotel’s most valuable assets, as they help ensure a pleasant experience for guests. According to HotelTechReport, there are 35 things that hotel concierges can do for guests, which include getting you a table at a restaurant or arranging a room upgrade. Concierges know where to find the least crowded restaurants before a play, or how to get good seats for a sports event or concert. They can even locate a lost cell phone. These concierges go beyond the call of duty to ensure guests feel pampered from the moment they arrive to the time they check out."
• 35 Things a Hotel Concierge Can Do for Your Guests - "The concierge's job doesn't stop at making dinner reservations and restaurant recommendations. Anyone who's worked in the hospitality industry and especially within guest service has gotten requests that shock them from bold hotel guests looking for a unique experience. The best hotels prep their concierges to bring wacky ideas to the table and to develop a knack for understanding what guests want even before they ask for it. The concierge is like the hotel's personal assistant ready to make every journey seamless and delightful. This is the gold standard of hospitality which is why the best concierges receive golden keys called le clefs d'or which is only available to this hotel staff in this hospitality career path."
• Attack of the Hollywood Cliches! Charlie Brooker & Rob Lowe churn out a shoddy tropefest - "It’s got a fine lineup of film stars and critics, but this tedious tour of movie tricks feels like an opportunity missed. What were they all thinking?"
• Apple details 3D maps rollout plan for iOS 15 - "The 3D view is now available in London, NYC, San Francisco and LA, with more cities coming soon."
• Spotify overheats iPhones on iOS 15, rapidly drains battery - "Music streaming service Spotify has confirmed iPhone user complaints that its app drains around 30% battery per hour of streaming. Exceptionally high battery drain, also making iPhones run hot, are being reported by Spotify users who have upgrade from iOS 14.8 to iOS 15. The company says it is investigating."
• Why Robots Can’t Sew Your T-Shirt - "Machines can print textiles, cut fabric, and fold clothes. But it’s hard to train them to sew as fast and precisely as humans."
• The Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Westminster Sonnerie “Tribute to Johannes Vermeer” Pocket Watch (Live Pics) - "A commissioned open-face pocket watch with tourbillon, sonnerie and magnificent miniature painting."

September 27, 2021

• Covid has wiped out years of progress on life expectancy, finds study - "Pandemic behind biggest fall in life expectancy in western Europe since second world war, say researchers."
• ‘Oh my gosh, the kittens!’ How the pandemic unleashed bedlam in veterinary clinics - "Staff attrition, high demand for appointments and enraged human clients have strained vet practices across the US."
• The 5 Biggest Technology Trends In 2022 - "In 2022 the covid-19 pandemic will continue to impact our lives in many ways. This means that we will continue to see an accelerated rate of digitization and virtualization of business and society. However, as we move into a new year, the need for sustainability, ever-increasing data volumes, and increasing compute and network speeds will begin to regain their status as the most important drivers of digital transformation."
• Loud & clear: the art of political dressing - "Making a fashion statement has a controversial history. Emma Beddington looks at what happens when you wear your heart on your sleeve."
• Queen's brutal put-down after Meghan Markle's 'tiara tantrum' retold in new book - "Andrew Morton, author of Meghan: A Hollywood Princess, claims the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes behaviour in the lead up to the wedding earned rebuke from the Queen."
• Bill Gates has a ‘message’ for Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos - "He may have fallen down the pecking order in the billionaire’ list but Bill Gates is still the fifth richest man in the world and a force to reckon with. Gates who has been rather low-key in the last few months has come out and taken a ‘dig’ at two of the world’s richest men - Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos."
• Van life looks idyllic on social media. But for couples, it can be challenging - "It looks like a dreamy life of freedom on the open road: golden sunsets, cozy bunks and endless photo ops amidst stunning views of nature. But for couples, especially inexperienced ones, this seemingly carefree lifestyle can come with unique problems. Sharing cramped quarters and isolated from their support networks, couples on the road say they must battle boredom and logistical challenges day after day without driving each other crazy."
• James Bond movies ranked - "The best & worst of 007."
• How Skyfall cinematographer Roger Deakins made the best-looking Bond movie ever - "The legendary cinematographer, whose storied résumé includes The Shawshank Redemption, Blade Runner 2049, and most of the Coen brothers' movies, draped the 23rd James Bond film in shadow throughout, applying his impeccable style to his biggest (and biggest-budgeted) canvas to date. The result was perhaps the most visually daring Bond movie ever made, one that reflects Deakins' past and future work with director Sam Mendes (Revolutionary Road, 1917) more than earlier 007 flicks."
• People who eat more dairy fat have lower risk of heart disease, study suggests - "People with a higher consumption of dairy fat have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than those with low intakes, according to new research studying some of the world's biggest consumers of dairy products."
• The everyday foods that could become luxuries - "Everyday foods such as coffee, meat and spices could become luxury items due to global climate impacts and changing tastes."
• Trading in your old iPhone? Make sure to wipe & factory reset it first - "Don't skip this important step. Wiping and resetting your iPhone before you get rid of it is essential to keep your private information secure."
• How to use your iPhone or Android as a webcam: It's actually simple - "If you're looking for an easy and cost-effective way to upgrade your work-from-home setup, you can use your phone to improve the video quality on video chat apps such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet. Here's how."
• iOS 15 brings new Memoji customization with over 40 outfits, accessibility options, more - "Every year, Apple introduces a bit more customization: tongue support, new accessibility features, glasses, and more. Now, with iOS 15 already available for almost a week. There’s a lot you can change with your Memoji avatar right now."
• Lewis Hamilton claims historic 100th Formula 1 victory at Russian Grand Prix - "As well as winning his 100th Grand Prix and becoming the first driver to achieve the feat, he moved back to the top of the driver's championship standings ahead of Verstappen."
• These Companies Are Making It Easy to Book a Single Room on a Luxury Charter - "The opportunity to reserve a single room on a charter yacht is rare, but there are companies that specialize in the service. 'Couples or singles interested in expeditions, rather than a specific yacht, tend to be our clients,' says Tamsin Vaughan, director of yacht expeditions for EYOS, a UK firm that zeroes in on luxury travel to extreme and off-the-grid destinations. 'We go places where they wouldn’t charter yachts by themselves.'"
• Peak Inside World's First Megayacht, Lady Moura: Finds New Owner for $125 Million - "Readers who keep up with yachting news are aware that the year 1990 saw the world's first megayacht launch, the Lady Moura. If you’ve never heard of this vessel, not a problem, but it is an important one to note, to say the least."
• India's misunderstood maharajahs - "India's maharajahs or rulers of princely states are commonly viewed through stereotypes of elephants, dancing girls, and grand palaces. Historian Manu Pillai revisits their legacy."
• What dinosaur diseases can tell us about how they lived & died - "Dinosaurs, like us, got sick and injured. By detecting these medical conditions in fossils, paleopathologists, experts in ancient disease and injuries, are gaining tantalizing insights into dinosaur behavior and evolution -- how a dinosaur moved through its world, the relationship between predator and prey, and how dinosaurs of the same species interacted."
• Why hard work alone isn't enough to get ahead - "We're constantly taught the recipe for getting ahead is to put our heads down and outwork everyone else. But that's not quite right."
• CafÉ de Paris to close for one year - "Société des bains de mer announced on Friday that the Café de Paris will undergo a major internal refit that will take between 10 and 12 months. The Café itself will close for the work, but the casino will stay open. The iconic venue is expected to reopen in June 2023, SBM said."

September 26, 2021

• UN's International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons is 26 September - "Nuclear weapons: Explained in numbers."
• COP26: What is the Glasgow climate conference & why is it important? - "The UK is hosting a summit that is seen as crucial if climate change is to be brought under control. The meeting in Glasgow from 31 October to 12 November could lead to major changes to our everyday lives."
• Vanuatu to seek international court opinion on climate change rights - "The Pacific island nation wants clarity on the legal responsibilities owed to its people related to climate change."
• ‘We feel we’re not going to get really sick’: why the pandemic hasn’t dissuaded ocean cruisers - "Travel agents report Australians’ interest in cruising increasing 40% each month since June, with one analyst describing it as ‘the Teflon market for travel’."
• Uncontrolled Spread review: Trump’s first FDA chief on the Covid disaster - "Scott Gottlieb has written a fine account of what went wrong and what we must do better next time."
• The Caribbean island where you need to earn $70,000 to enter - "Whether you're a vaccine queen, a PCR prince or a quarantine king, there sure are a lot of requirements when it comes to getting around these days. Luckily CNN Travel is here to keep you updated on the latest developments. Here's what we learned in pandemic travel this week."
• Why The World’s Wealthy Have Quietly Moved To Dubai - "During the pandemic many expats left Dubai for home. But with so many wealthy families now relocating to Dubai, recruiters are having to offer big incentives to lure investment professionals back to the Emirate."
• 10 of the best autumn sun holidays in southern Europe - "Characterful places to stay, where for another month or so the weather is balmy enough for the beach and alfresco evenings."
• Heinz releases gadget to put the squeeze on ketchup packets - "Kraft Heinz has just rolled out a new product that the condiment company says is the 'biggest innovation in sauce since the packet itself.'"
• Pay us a fair share for all the ‘likes’ we earn, demand influencers - "A former model has launched a website to help online creatives compare deals with brands to prevent exploitation."
• Could whistling shed light on the origins of speech? - "Whistled languages exist on every inhabited continent – now some scientists think similar dialects could have preceded the spoken word."
• Hands-on: Here’s how the new iPhone Focus mode works in iOS 15 - "Apple is looking to help users minimize distractions with the all-new Focus mode in iOS 15 (also supported by Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch). The feature has the ability to set notification, call, and message filters, auto-reply to others when you’re not available, and comes with handy customization and automation. Let’s dive into how iPhone Focus works in iOS 15."
• iPhone Battery: How To Know Exact Battery Cycle Count On iPhone, Check Battery Health - "iPhones have a dedicated Battery Health app that focuses on optimising battery health and providing relevant information about the phone's battery to the user."
• 10 Awesome Management Games for Armchair Tycoons - "These building- and resource-based simulations are perfect for single-player fun and relaxation."
• How Artificial Intelligence Completed Beethoven’s Unfinished Tenth Symphony - "On October 9, the work will be performed in Bonn, Germany, and a recording will be released."
• Riva 88-Foot Florida Open Cruiser Yacht - "The frisson of a coupé, the freedom of an open cruiser."
• OMEGA INTRODUCES THE SPEEDMASTER CHRONOSCOPE, A NEW CHRONOGRAPH WITH A 1940S INSPIRED DIAL - "The new Chronoscope is an interesting mix of the old and new, with an intentionally busy dial meant to evoke a period of time that predates much of the current inspiration for new vintage inspired watch designs, a case that for all intents and purposes seems to be roughly equivalent to that of a modern Speedmaster Pro, and an interesting and beautifully decorated movement."

September 25, 2021

• CDC overrides advisory panel to back Pfizer booster for Americans with high-risk jobs - "CDC advisory panel had only recommended boosters for elderly and some people with underlying medical conditions."
• Fraudulent ivermectin studies open up new battleground between science and misinformation - "Studies suggesting ivermectin is an effective Covid treatment relied on evidence ‘that has substantially evaporated under close scrutiny’, fresh research shows."
• ‘Absolutely madness’: Melbourne teenagers reveal they are behind leading Covid tracking website - "It turns out one of the most authoritative Covid-19 tracking sites in Australia is run by three teenagers. The brains trust behind CovidbaseAU was anonymous before Wesley, 14, and 15 year olds Jack and Darcy tweeted a photograph of themselves."
• Global climate strike: thousands join coordinated action across world - "Rally to demand government action on climate crisis is first worldwide since start of pandemic."
• The climate crisis has made the idea of a better future impossible to imagine - "Despite all the analogies for this possibly terminal emergency, it is unlike anything that has come before."
• do we need millions of machines sucking CO2 from the air? - "From turning CO2 into rock to capturing the breath of office workers, a growing number of companies think the answer is yes."
• Greta Thunberg ‘I really see the value of friendship. Apart from the climate, almost nothing else matters’ - "Interview: The transformation of Greta Thunberg. Greta Thunberg has spent three years raising the alarm on the climate crisis."
• The 4 Word Answer: Who Are You in 4 Words? - "Working for the biggest stars in the world—Jennifer Lopez, P. Diddy, Alicia Keys, and Jessica Simpson, officially as a publicist but in reality, as a confidante - Rob Shuter has seen it all. In fifteen years as a celebrity publicist, Rob has been privileged to have a front-row seat to the most successful people in the world." Amazon.com.
• William Shatner, 90, 'is going into SPACE with Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin' - "Legendary Star Trek actor would become the oldest person EVER in space."
• In Pictures: Yachts at anchor during MYS 2021 - "The Monaco Yacht Show attracts some of the biggest and latest superyachts to Port Hercule each year, but the action in the bay outside the principality is just as hot where visitors can view the yachts in their natural habitat. This year is no exception with several high-profile superyachts dropping anchor outside Monte Carlo to join in on the boat show fun."
• How to Switch iPhones Without Losing a Thing - "Everything you need to know to successfully transfer your contacts, music, photos, and apps from one iOS device to another."
• iPhone 13: How to Use Photographic Styles in the Camera App - "When Apple announced the new iPhone 13 series, it also introduced several new camera features, including Photographic Styles for photos and Cinematic mode for shooting video. In this article, we take a look at what Photographic Styles are and how to use them."
• iOS 15 brings next-level spatial audio to Apple Music - but there's a catch - "Want the new immersive head-tracking tech? Get ready to feel Apple's not-so-gentle nudge towards its own flagship AirPods..."
• First Look Inside iPhone 13 Reveals Revamped TrueDepth System, Smaller Taptic Engine & Larger Battery - MacRumors.
• money doesn't buy happiness at plush NYC building - "One of NYC's poshest buildings facing $250m lawsuit over building defects. Faulty lifts, flooding and intolerable noises are just some of the woes that the billionaire residents of one of New York's poshest buildings say they face daily."
• The most outrageous James Bond villain lairs of all time - "Killer design: How the villain lair became part of the James Bond blueprint."
• 20 most beautiful places in Europe - "From Norwegian islands high above the Arctic Circle to forest-covered mountains in Romania, windswept sandy beaches in Wales and icy lakes in the Balkans, Europe is a spectacularly varied place."
• These Towns Will Pay You Up To $33,000 To Move There - "Here’s something else drawing people to relocate: Many places are offering people money to move there. In fact, in 2020, one deep-pocketed village in Italy was offering people up to $52,500 in grants to move there and work. While that deal expired almost as soon as it started, there are plenty of other locations around the globe that have very tempting relocation packages, ranging from Northern Arkansas to Italy."
• ‘Better ugly than boring’: book celebrates bizarre Belgian houses - "Hannes Coudenys’ Ugly Belgian Houses updated with more from the ‘chaos known as Belgium’."
• How much deep sleep do you need & how can you get more of it? - "Getting enough sleep is important for various health-related reasons, one of them being that sleep allows the body and mind to recharge, leaving a person refreshed and alert once they wake up. Eight hours is the average time a person should be sleeping for. But what happens during sleep? People would be surprised to learn that dreaming is not a sign of deep sleep."

September 24, 2021

• The week in 30 photos - CNN World.
• The real reason this pandemic is the deadliest to ever hit the US - "With 678,000 deaths and rising, Covid-19 is now the deadliest epidemic ever to hit the United States, surpassing the death toll of the 1918 flu, and indeed the combined US military deaths in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf Wars and the Afghanistan War."
• Bill Gates is hanging on to these stocks for steady income - you can too - "Let’s take a look at three dividend plays that represent sizeable positions in the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust. After all, investment legend and BIll’s good pal Warren Buffett is a trustee of the foundation, so it might make sense to follow along - maybe with some of your spare change."
• Daniel Craig appointed by the Navy to same rank as James Bond - "Daniel Craig has been appointed an honorary Commander by the Royal Navy, the same rank as his character, James Bond."
• No Time To Die: The women who have shaped Bond - "Fleabag creator Phoebe-Waller Bridge's involvement in the latest Bond film has been a big talking point. But she isn't the franchise's first female writer, writes Beth Webb."
• James Bond was ‘basically’ a rapist in early films, says No Time to Die director - "Cary Fukunaga cites scene from Thunderball that ‘wouldn’t fly today’ as new film aims to redress franchise’s gender politics."
• European Countries, Ranked From Worst to First - "Europe - the land of high culture, high fashion, delicious food and centuries-spanning history. What’s not to love? Well, we asked ourselves this question, and considering how many countries are in Europe, we decided there are plenty of things not to love. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but a good deal of Europe’s 44 official countries (as recognized by the United Nations) have no business being among the Greeces, Spains and Swedens of the continent."
• iOS 15: Here’s everything new in FaceTime - "FaceTime is one of the key apps receiving a lot of love from Apple in iOS 15. With the new operating system now available for iPhone users, people are able to join the conversation with friends on Android and Windows, and so much more. Here’s everything new in FaceTime."
• USB-C vs. Lightning - "Apple’s iPhone uses a proprietary Lightning connector instead of the industry standard USB-C port. This article compares USB-C vs. Lightning."
• Apple upset with new European charger rule - "Europe will require USB-C chargers. Apple isn't happy."
• Mad diets of tech billionaires - Zuckerberg's cold goat meat & Bezos' roast iguana - "You are what you eat - so how did someone who used to eat entire packs of biscuits and octopuses for breakfast become the world's richest man?"
• Rolex finally breaks silence on the Rolex watch shortage - "'The scarcity of our products is not a strategy' - Rolex responds to the chronic shortage of supply."
• Wild new cruise ship to feature several world firsts - "New cruise ship to feature world's first free-fall dry slide at sea and a three-level racetrack. Due to set sail in August 2022, Norwegian Prima has become the cruise line's most in-demand ship ever, says the brand, attracting record bookings when it launched in May. And that was before cruisers even had a chance to see its offerings."
• The gigantic boat that can carry cruise ships - "Constructed in 2012, the 275-meter-long Boka Vanguard is the largest ship of its kind. Typically it transports large offshore oil and gas structures, but occasionally it will be called on to to carry other vessels - such as happened with the Carnival Vista back before the pandemic."
• The revival of a historic journey across Spain - "A resurgence in pastoralism, one of the world's more sustainable food systems, could help Spain adapt to climate change and revitalise depopulated rural areas."
• Ray Liotta: ‘Why haven’t I worked with Scorsese since Goodfellas? You’d have to ask him. I’d love to’ - "After years of avoiding crime films, he’s back as a mafioso in the Sopranos prequel The Many Saints of Newark. He talks about being adopted and getting into acting - and saves a surprise for the end."
• 15 astounding facts about Monaco, the tiny French Riviera city-state where 32% of the population is made up of millionaires - "Monaco, a sovereign city-state on the French Riviera, is known as a 'Billionaires' Playground.' The tiny city-state is famous for its lavish wealth, casinos, and glamorous events such as the Monaco Yacht Show and the Monaco Grand Prix."

September 23, 2021

• Apple sells its 2-billionth iPhone, with Steve Jobs legacy still evident - "Apple recently sold its two-billionth iPhone, according to a new analyst report, which argues that the Steve Jobs legacy is still evident in the iPhone 13. n one way, Apple has greatly departed from a principle Steve demanded when he returned to the company in 1997: simplification of the product lineup. But an analyst argues that it’s another of Steve’s beliefs that is still driving Apple’s success today ..."
• iOS 15: Apple Issues 22 Important iPhone Security Updates - "Apple has just released the security content of the newly-launched iOS 15 operating system update, and the iPhone maker has patched 22 vulnerabilities, some of which are critical. The security issues patched in iOS 15 include four vulnerabilities in the WebKit browser engine that powers Safari, reported by Sergei Glazunov, an ethical hacker from Google’s Project Zero."
• How Microsoft built 'The Frankenstein' device during the pandemic - "When Microsoft (MSFT) closed its Redmond, Washington offices in March 2020 due to the pandemic, the Surface team grabbed what they could for their home offices. For a handful of engineers and product designers, that included The Frankenstein, a prototype for a versatile, transformable laptop built in concert with Windows 11."
• What is COP26? How the pivotal UN conference could avert global climate 'catastrophe' - "The COP26 international climate talks in Glasgow this November couldn't come at a more crucial time. A state-of-the-science report published by the UN in August showed that the world is warming faster than scientists previously thought, and that slashing greenhouse gas emissions by at least half this decade is crucial to staving off the more catastrophic impacts of the climate crisis."
• ‘Betting on a low-carbon future’: why China is ending foreign coal investment - "Xi Jinping’s promise reflects growing awareness of the climate crisis in China and falling renewable prices."
• The climate can't wait for electric planes. Sustainable fuel may be the answer - "More than 50 airlines, oil companies and other companies, including Delta (DAL), BP (BP) and Boeing (BA), pledged on Wednesday to replace 10% of global jet fuel supply with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030."
• FDA clears Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine boosters for vulnerable groups - "The decision comes after weeks of debate over whether or not third third doses are needed."
• More than 100 countries face spending cuts as Covid worsens debt crisis, report warns - "As pandemic widens inequalities, many developing countries spend more on debt than health, study says."
• England’s Covid travel rules spark outrage around the world - "Refusal to recognise vaccines given across Latin America, Africa and south Asia has been denounced as ‘discriminatory’."
• How Daniel Craig's body became his James Bond signature - "The year was 2006. Up on the cinema screen, Daniel Craig rose from the azure sea somewhere in the Bahamas, water clinging to abs and trunks alike. In the theater this writer was in, a woman, laboring over each word, let out what many others were thinking: 'Oh. My. God.' 'Casino Royale' was 29 minutes into its run time, but in that moment a new James Bond was born."
• The edible insects coming to a supermarket near you - "It has long been suggested that we should start eating insects to help the environment, but for many of us it is not a palatable thought. One Israeli firm is hoping to win over the squeamish by adding different flavourings."
• Would Plato tweet? The Ancient Greek guide to social media - "Socrates or Plato may not have used Twitter or TikTok, but as Nathan Dufour Oglesby writes, they may have had a few things to say about how to navigate social media more wisely."
• 16 Deals to Help Deck Out Your Home Office - "Is your work space lacking in form and function? Some of our favorite desks, webcams, and keyboards are discounted right now."
• The smart toilet era is here! Are you ready to share your analprint with big tech? - "Loo design has barely changed in 150 years - until now. Will people trade their privacy for the chance to find out exactly what is in their waste?"
• Winnebago’s Hike RV & Travel Trailer Is Considered One of the Best Around - "Whenever a team like Winnebago puts their attention into a travel trailer or RV, you know darn well what to expect. In that spirit, today, you'll be getting to know one of the best-rated trailers from this famed manufacturer."
• Hypercar Market Goes Hyperactive: What’s Driving The Explosive Growth In This Rarefied Automotive Realm? - "Hypercar is a term few people, even in automotive enthusiasts circles, understood or used 10 years ago. Sure, hypercars existed before 2010, but there were very few of them, and very few people who fully recognized what defines a proper hypercar. I’m going to assume plenty of people still don’t understand exactly what the term “hypercar” means, and provide an explanation before we get into how this market has evolved in recent years."

September 22, 2021

• It's the first day of fall, so here's what to know about the equinox - "First day of fall: Why the equinox isn't as equal as you might think. On Wednesday, September 22, we enter our second and final equinox of 2021. If you reside in the Northern Hemisphere, you know it as the fall equinox (or autumnal equinox). For people south of the equator, this equinox actually signals the coming of spring."
• iOS 15 Features: Our Top 10 Picks - "iOS 15 is absolutely packed with new features, and it can be overwhelming sorting through everything that's new. If you're wondering whether it's worth upgrading and what new features might be worth getting access to right away, we've rounded up 10 of the best new additions in the iOS 15 update that you might not be aware of." MacRumors.
• The iOS 15 Privacy Settings You Should Change Right Now - "Apple’s latest software update has a bunch of new security features. Here's how to put them to use."
• IPHONE 13 PRO REVIEW: A BETTER DISPLAY, THE BEST CAMERA & INCREDIBLE BATTERY LIFE - "The iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max are phones designed for people who care about the details. The improvements over last year’s iPhones are significant but not obvious at first glance."
• iPhone 13 & 13 mini review: A subtle upgrade that's all about the cameras - "How badly do you want the new Cinematic Mode?"
• New Covid-19 variant with increased resistance to antibodies has been identified at a Kentucky nursing home - A new Covid variant with increased resistance to antibodies has been identified at a Kentucky nursing home where it has already infected 45 residents and workers. The strain which originated in Japan is known as R.1 and contains dangerous mutations that improve its 'transmission, replication, and immune suppression.'
• These countries are leaving behind their zero-Covid policies - "Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam are leaving their zero-Covid policies behind, but they aren't ready to open up, experts warn."
• Here's who will be able to get into the US more easily - and whose trip got harder - "Welcome news for millions of travelers arrived on Monday with the announcement of plans to allow fully vaccinated foreign air travelers into the United States starting in early November."
• World's biggest maker of Covid-19 vaccines to resume exports next month - "India says it will resume Covid-19 vaccine exports next month."
• Climate crisis: history will judge failure to act, Johnson says at UN - "PM’s warning to world’s richest countries comes amid suggestions US could commit more funds."
• ‘Big line in the sand’: China promises no new coal-fired power projects abroad - "Experts welcome Xi Jinping’s announcement at UN as hugely influential, but concerns remain over domestic emissions."
• Evergrande: will it collapse and what would happen if it did? - "If Chinese property company Evergrande sinks under its $300bn debt its failure would resound across the global economy."
• Bill Gates flounders as he is grilled on past dinners with pedophile Jeffrey Epstein - "Telling PBS's Judy Woodruff meetings were a mistake and adding: 'well, he's dead, so ..."
• How green is your food? Eco-labels can change the way we eat, study shows - "While food labels are nothing new, a different type that calculates the environmental cost has had a surprising effect on consumers."
• Is a rainbow diet the healthiest? - "Why eating colourful food is good for you. Eating all the colours of the rainbow can help boost brain health and reduce the risk of heart disease."
• I Tried Lab-Grown Fish Maw. Here's Why It Could Help Save Our Oceans - TIME Magazine.
• Mathematicians discover music really can be infectious - like a virus - "New music download patterns appear to closely resemble epidemic curves for infectious disease, study finds."
• 'Ugliest building' competition spotlights China's latest bizarre architecture - "Half a decade after President Xi Jinping's government issued a directive calling for an end to 'oversized, xenocentric, weird' structures, Chinese architecture website Archcy.com has identified almost 90 contenders for the 12th edition of its annual Ugliest Building Survey."
• Why dinosaurs are weirder than we thought - "What we've been getting wrong about dinosaurs."
• This toy Aston Martin costs $123,000 - "Only 125 of these pint-sized cars will be made. The price? About $123,000 each. The Little Car Company was already producing a diminutive Aston Martin DB5, but this Bond version includes a number of added features. Among other things, toy machine guns come out of the front of the car as the headlights retract. Instead of the rotating license plate seen on the original Bond car, which could display plates from different countries, this edition has a digital license plate that does that. It also has a "smokescreen" device that pumps dark smoke through 'exhaust pipes.'"
• What we do & don't know about kindness - "In recent years, psychologists have gained a deeper understanding of human kindness and its benefits, but as Claudia Hammond writes, there's still so much to explore."
• ‘We want people to freak out’: inside Hollywood’s Museum of Motion Pictures - "Boasting the shark from Jaws, the robe from the Big Lebowski, and the slippers from Oz, the Academy museum is finally open. But the real story is its exposé of Hollywood’s racist, sexist past."
• How did America end up with the world’s largest tiger population? - "There are about 10,000 tigers in the US, and with few requirements for ownership, virtually anyone can own, breed or sell them."
• The Price Of This 236-Foot-Long Superyacht Is Over $70 Million ... In Bitcoin - "The 236-foot-long superyacht AZTECA, which was built by CRN and will attend the 2021 Monaco Yacht Show is for sale. But here’s the thing. The owner will only accept payment (totaling well over $70 million) in Bitcoin. Now even though cryptocurrency payments have been increasing in the yachting industry, whoever ends up buying AZTECA could break a record for largest ever yacht to be purchased with Bitcoin."
• At Last, Volcon Brings The Electric Grunt Motorcycle Off-Road - And It Looks Like Fun - "Electric vehicle makers continue to expand into interesting niches, and one of the possibly most fertile fields is off-road-only vehicles. Volcon ePowersports is a Texas-based startup that’s been promising to bring a fat-tired electric off-road motorcycle to market for a while, and despite setbacks, price hikes and a production-strangling pandemic, the first units are now shipping."
• Amazon’s new Kindle Paperwhite adds a bigger screen, longer battery life & USB-C - "It also has adjustable color temperature for night reading."
• Tenways’ e-bike debut blends value with style - "A stealthy electric ride that won't break the bank."

September 21, 2021

• The Ultimate iOS 15 Walkthrough: Guides & How Tos for Every New Feature - "While iOS 15 was in the beta testing phase, we here at MacRumors wrote up a series of in-depth feature guides to highlight everything that's new in the update, along with how tos to walk you through using those features."
• IOS 15 & IPADOS 15 REVIEW: THE BEST IS YET TO COME - "Apple’s latest updates lay good groundwork, but don’t add many big new features."
• Stocks tumble as Wall Street's fears turn to China - "The Dow and the broader US stock market fell sharply as Chinese real estate conglomerate Evergrande's debt crisis made US investors uneasy."
• 5 things to know about Evergrande, the Chinese business empire on the brink - "Experts have characterized the firm's struggles as a major test for Beijing that risks turning into China's Lehman Brothers moment, sending shockwaves across the world's second biggest economy."
• US to lift Covid travel ban for vaccinated passengers from UK & most of EU - "UK and airlines welcome news that US will lift Covid-19 travel restrictions from early November."
• Covid-19 has now killed as many Americans as the 1918-19 flu pandemic - "More than 1,900 people are dying in the US daily on average - the highest level since early March."
• Big tech’s pro-climate rhetoric is not matched by policy action, report finds - "Tech companies poured $65m into lobbying in 2020 - but only 6% of their lobbying activity is targeted at climate policy."
• Jeff Bezos pledges $1 billion to conservation efforts - "The pledge is part of the Bezos Earth Fund, the Amazon founder’s $10 billion commitment to support scientists, activists and organizations working to address climate change."
• Prince Andrew 'is served with sexual assault lawsuit (again)' - "Virginia Roberts' lawyers say they have sent papers by email and FedEx to his LA-based attorney."
• ‘Circular’ fashion: greenwashing myth, or attainable goal? - "Hopes for recyclable fashion are far from mass market reality, warns a new documentary at London Fashion Week."
• The four pillars of happiness - "The key to Bhutan's happiness. As the Kingdom of Bhutan opens its borders, a Buddhist monk shares his secrets for understanding the nation's unique approach to happiness."
• Right as rain! 10 ways to boost your mood on grey, wet or cold days - "After a disappointing British summer, many of us won’t be looking forward to autumn and winter. But there are many ways to keep your spirits high in the bleaker seasons."
• The windowless cabin design that could be the future of air travel - "Looking out the cabin window and seeing cities and oceans from above is, for many of us, one of the joys of flying."
• Experience Outrageous Underwater Living Off Of Dubai’s World Islands For $3 Million - "Unlike the marine life for which they are named, the Floating Seahorse Villas don’t actually move up and down beneath the surface of the water. But they do float, are partially submerged and are moored around the World Islands, a Nakheel Properties development of man-made landmasses off the Dubai coast in the United Arab Emirates."
• The Best Wireless Earbuds - "Ready to cut the cord? These are our favorite buds that will never, ever get tangled."
• 7 Stellar New Superyachts Debuting at the Monaco Yacht Show - "After a year's hiatus, the world's most important big-yacht show returns to Monte Carlo, with 82 superyachts on display. Here are some top premieres."

September 20, 2021

• Preview of iOS 15 - "In touch. In the moment." iOS 15 is packed with new features that help you connect with others, be more present and in the moment, explore the world, and use powerful intelligence to do more with iPhone than ever before. Apple's official website.
• iOS 15 - "Apple's next-generation iOS operating system, available September 20." Apple in June 2021 introduced the latest version of its iOS operating system, iOS 15, which is set to be released on September 20. iOS 15 introduces new features for FaceTime calls, tools to reduce distractions, a new notifications experience, added privacy features, complete redesigns for Safari, Weather, and Maps, and more. MacRumors.
• The 2021 Emmy Awards - "'Ted Lasso,' 'Mare of Easttown' and 'The Crown' are Emmy winners. Netflix took a total of 44 Emmys, tying the record for a single year."
• Red carpet photos from the 2021 Emmy Awards - "Celebrities showed off their red-carpet fashion before Sunday night's Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. Cedric the Entertainer hosted the event, which recognizes the best in television programming. 'The Crown' won the most awards on the night. The Netflix show finished with seven Emmys, including outstanding drama series. 'Ted Lasso' was another big winner, taking home four Emmys, including the award for outstanding comedy series."
• UN meeting sparks super spreader fears - "US fears that this week's annual world leader jamboree at the United Nations could spark a super spreader event will highlight the stark inequality of global access to Covid-19 vaccines - even as developed nations begin offering booster shots."
• Covid-19 origins: Why the search for the source is vital - "As the world approaches the two-year mark since this novel coronavirus was first detected, there have been many twists and turns in the investigation into the origins of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that caused the pandemic. Some clues have lead to dead ends, while others have spurred even more questions."
• The computer chip industry has a dirty climate secret - "As demand for chips surges, the semicondutor industry is trying to grapple with its huge carbon foot print."
• Ultra-white paint could reduce the need for air conditioning - "Save the planet by painting your house a boring color."
• Prince Charles ‘cash-for-honours’ scandal grows with fresh allegations - "Prince reportedly ‘met at least nine times’ with William Bortrick, the alleged fixer at heart of the claims."
• What it's like aboard Virgin's adults-only cruise ship - "When you step into the Scarlet Lady cruise ship, you know immediately you're on Richard Branson's ship. Richard Branson hates cruise ships, so why'd he build one?"
• Private Jet Attendants Tell All About Flying the Super-Rich - "Billionaires in tighty-whities, pot-bellied pigs, massive tips, and mile-high escapades. Private air hosts have seen it all."
• Muhammad Ali revealed in new 8-hour documentary - "'Maybe, he wasn't the problem. Maybe, I was': How Muhammad Ali stayed true to himself on his path to becoming an icon."
• Ikea’s $39.99 pad adds built-in wireless charging to almost any table - "The Sjömärke puts a Wireless Qi charging hotspot underneath the surface of your wood or plastic furniture."
• Why you need a personal laptop - "Keeping work and life on one device puts your privacy at risk."
• The books that help us to embrace middle-age - "In the recent books about mid-life, it's the Gen-X adults doing the growing up. Lindsay Baker talks to the authors who are exploring the ups and downs of ageing."
• The school that created a city for the blind - "Marburg in Germany prides itself on being a Blindenstadt - a city adapted to make life for the blind and partially sighted as easy as possible. But it owes this reputation and its inclusive social structure to a particularly innovative school."
• 5 Rolex Watches to Invest in During the Second Half of 2021 - "Many watch enthusiasts would love to make a bit of money from buying and selling watches. Rolex is, without a doubt, the number one brand for making money on the watch market. Rolexes have significantly gone up in price over the last three to four years. This makes buying one a costly prospect these days, but are some models still flying under the radar? While there aren’t any Rolex models that go completely unnoticed, there are a few we think still have upward potential when it comes to price."
• A Brief History of Time: Rolex’s Complete Brand History - Part Three: 1961-1988 - Fratello.
• Flashback: the Apple iPhone X & its hated but influential notch - "According to an interview with then Chief Design Officer Jony Ive, Apple spent 5 years developing the iPhone X. And it was worth the effort since the design it introduced in late 2017 will have been relevant for 5 years before Apple finally does away with the notch (expected to happen in 2022, unless it doesn’t - rumors of notchless iPhones have been proven false before)."
• Why Maggi Simpkins Is About To Break Records With A Million-Dollar Ring At Sotheby’s - "The hotly anticipated Brilliant & Black selling exhibition opens at Sotheby's today, with a host of incredible pieces by black designers from the US and Europe. Amongst the selection is a ring by Maggi Simpkins, featuring a flawless fancy pink diamond surrounded by rubies and sapphires. Valued at $1 million, if the ring sells as expected, it will be the first time a Black female designer has broken the million-dollar barrier and could also be the most expensive piece of jewelry by a Black designer ever sold by a major auction house."
• Harley-Davidson’s stunning vintage-inspired electric bikes are going on sale later this year - "But they’re only making 650 of them."

September 19, 2021

• The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time - "For the first time in 17 years, we’ve completely remade our list of the best songs ever. More than 250 artists, writers, and industry figures helped us choose a brand-new list full of historic favorites, world-changing anthems, and new classics." Rolling Stone.
• All the Bond movies ranked: The best & worst of 007 - "As we await No Time to Die, here's how the rest of the James Bond canon stacks up. There have been 26 James Bond movies in total -- 24 canonical, plus two rogues -- over the course of an incredible six decades."
• Daniel Craig fights back tears as he says goodbye to James Bond after 15 years - "The actor, 53, has been playing the sexy spy since 2006 but has confirmed that his new movie No Time To Die will be his last outing as 007."
• Licence to change: The challenge of modernising 007 for a post-MeToo, post-Covid world - "With the release of the new Bond film ‘No Time to Die’ later this month - 60 years after the announcement of Sean Connery as the first ever 007 - Geoffrey Macnab looks at how all the Bonds were chosen, and what challenges the producers now face in finding a successor to Daniel Craig."
• Here’s every pair of shoes James Bond will lace up in No Time To Die - "James Bond never much cared for shoes. When Ian Fleming first created the character, the spy would almost exclusively slip on casual shoes and moccasins. In fact, when Bond is dressing in the Hotel Splendide in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, the author even slyly asides; 'he abhorred shoe-laces'."
• Two of Queen Elizabeth's sons are facing growing pressure - "The chairman of Prince Charles' charitable foundation has resigned, days after a Scottish regulator said it was probing fresh 'cash for access' allegations reported by a UK newspaper. The Sunday Times reported that the heir to the throne wrote a thank you letter to Russian banker Dmitry Leus and offered to meet him in person after receiving a six-figure donation to The Prince's Foundation in May 2020."
• Want to save the Earth? Then don’t buy that shiny new iPhone - "Apple has just unveiled the latest all-singing, all-dancing iteration of its handset, but perhaps you should resist the hype."
• Waste from one bitcoin transaction ‘like binning two iPhones’ - "Study highlights vast churn in computer hardware that the cryptocurrency incentivises."
• On board the biggest boat at the Monaco Yacht Show - "IJE is doing what she was always meant to do: cruising, far away from ports and marinas, in the company of dolphins, blue whales and manta rays. This 108-metre custom creation from British design studio RWD and Italian builder Benetti has the soul of an explorer in a supremely elegant package"
• Interior designers share 13 tips to keep you from getting bored of your space - "Stick with neutral furniture to make redecorating easy. Avoid accent walls and trendy art."
• John F. Kennedy's Life at Choate Rosemary Hall - "Portrait of a Troublemaker: A Rare Glimpse of John F. Kennedy's Life at Boarding School. Cast in his brother's formidable shadow, Jack pulled Cs and graduated 65th in his class. But the seeds of his greatness can be found in his years at Choate."
• 7 reasons we're excited about the new iPad mini - "The mini but mighty iPad."
• Michelin's Uptis is an airless car tire that won't ever get a flat - "The company is partnering with GM to offer the tires on certain vehicles starting as early as 2024."

September 18, 2021

• FDA advisers vote not to recommend Pfizer booster shots for most Americans - "Scientific advisers to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have voted not to recommend a third shot of the Pfizer vaccine for most Americans, a potentially significant blow to the Biden administration after it announced a plan to 'boost' adults before advisory committees had a chance to review scientific evidence in public."
• Do we really need third vaccine doses? - "Covid-19: How effective is a third vaccine dose? From squandering global vaccine supplies to the possibility of undermining immunity from the first two doses, booster programmes are a surprisingly complicated business."
• Covid antibody drug Ronapreve to be given to vulnerable NHS patients - "Ronapreve, which was used to treat Donald Trump, will be ‘saving lives as early as next week’, says Sajid Javid."
• Italy to mandate Covid-19 'Green Pass' for all workers - "The rule was decided at a cabinet meeting and aims to persuade more people to get vaccinated against Covid-19. It is due to come into force on October 15."
• US & EU pledge 30% cut in methane emissions to limit global heating - "Major commitment with deadline of 2030 is big advance towards reaching 1.5C goal set out in Paris agreement."
• In areas hit hard by climate change, only the rich can afford to stay - "Flooding is the most common and most expensive natural disaster in the U.S., according to FEMA. Ninety percent of all natural disasters in the U.S. involve flooding and just 1 inch of water can cause $25,000 of damage to a home."
• Features in iPhone 13 that you won’t get in popular Android - "The naysayers are out in full swing about Apple not offering anything ‘new’ but that’s kind of expected. Yet, the iPhone 13 series has features that Android phones can't boast."
• THE IPHONE’S NOTCH: SHOULD IT STAY OR SHOULD IT GO? - "Let’s discuss." The Verge.
• The 'world's safest city' for 2021 revealed - "Safety has long been a paramount concern for travelers when it comes to deciding which destination to visit. But the world has been turned on its head in recent years due to the global pandemic and the notion of exactly what makes somewhere 'safe' has changed significantly. This may help to explain the shake up at the top of the Economist Intelligence Unit's Safe Cities Index (SCI,) which ranks 60 international destinations on digital security, health security, infrastructure, personal security, as well as environmental security, a new category for this year. Copenhagen has been named the world's safest city for the first time, scoring 82.4 points out of 100 in the annual report."
• The 25 Best Places To Enjoy Your Retirement In 2021 - "Forbes compared more than 500 locations in America on everything from air quality to availability of doctors. But unlike other retirement lists, this one places greater emphasis on access to leisure pursuits - from the arts, learning and fine dining to hiking, skiing, sailing and golf."
• Are we eating ourselves to extinction? - "It’s not just animals that are at risk of dying out, the world’s crops are in rapid decline. Here’s why it matters what is on your plate."
• How to improve sleep habits to support emotional wellness, according to a therapist - "As it turns out, our sleep patterns correlate very closely with our degree of emotional wellness. Adults should be getting at least seven hours of sleep per night, though 1 in 3 fail to reach that minimum, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
• Skiers might be at lower risk for anxiety, study finds - "Slaloms through snow are a winter staple for some, but they might have mental health benefits, too. Skiers had a nearly 60% lower risk of getting diagnosed with anxiety disorders compared to non-skiers, according to a study published Friday in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry."
• Does running build muscle? - "Does running build muscle? We dig into the science."
• Why does world’s tallest populace seem to be getting shorter? - "Dutch people born in 2001 are not as tall as previous generation – is it genetics, migration or nutrition?"
• Lucid Air Officially EPA-Rated at 520 Miles of Range - "Lucid Air Dream Edition R is the longest-range electric vehicle ever rated by the EPA; Lucid Air Dream Edition P and Lucid Air Grand Touring also achieve EPA ranges far beyond any other EV."
• A Parisian landmark is cloaked from view - "After three months of construction work at Paris' famed Arc de Triomphe, the 160-foot-tall war monument has been completely concealed. The landmark, built during Napoleon's reign, has been outfitted in 270,000 square feet of silver-blue polypropylene fabric bound with red ropes. Encasing the Arc de Triomphe in cloth was a longstanding vision of the late artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude."
• Clubhouse is developing a new way to invite friends to chat called 'Wave' - "Clubhouse isn't just an app you can fire up to attend talks by famous people. It has different types of rooms you can use, including ones where you can have intimate, private conversations with friends - and in the future, you may be able to invite those friends to chat by 'waving' at them. Jane Manchun Wong, who's famous for reverse engineering apps to find hidden experimental features, has discovered that Clubhouse is working on a new way to invite contacts to have an audio conversation."
• Samsung's Flagship 4K TV Dazzles in Bright Rooms - "Review: Samsung QN90A TV. This 4K flagship is fantastic, even if you plan to watch with all the lights on."

September 17, 2021

• Moderna's Case for a COVID-19 Booster Shot - "Its Vaccine Protection Wanes by 36% After 12 Months, According to a New Study."
• Coronavirus: Austria to hear first lawsuit over resort outbreak - "The first civil lawsuit over a notorious outbreak of coronavirus at the popular ski resort of Ischgl in March 2020, where thousands of people from 45 countries claim to have become infected, is set to begin in a court in Vienna, AFP reports."
• The ozone hole over the South Pole is now bigger than Antarctica - "The ozone depletes and forms a hole over the Antarctic in the Southern Hemisphere's spring, which is from August to October. It typically reaches its largest size between mid-September and mid-October, according to Copernicus. After growing 'considerably' in the past week, the hole is now larger than 75% of previous years' ozone holes at the same stage of the season since 1979 and is now bigger that the continent it looms over."
• Governments falling woefully short of Paris climate pledges, study finds - "As Cop26 meeting approaches, analysis shows world is on track for 3C temperature increase if present trends continue."
• iPhone Index 2021: How Many Days Do We Need to Afford the New Gadget? - "Picodi.com team juxtaposed iPhone 13 Pro (128 GB) prices and average earnings in various countries to count how many days people need to afford Apple’s latest flagship."
• Revealed: the color you should never paint your bedroom - "Psychologists name the colors that are likely to disrupt your sleep - and the one that will help improve it."
• 21 Ways To Travel For Free After Covid (And Even Get Paid For It) - "There are a number of companies that will help you travel the world for free - and some that will actually pay you to travel. Mind you, there are very few things in life that are truly free. But if you’re willing to do a little work while you’re on vacation, a number of companies will give you a stipend or a salary, putting a new spin on the phrase 'business trip.' Read on for 21 companies that will help you travel for free and some that will even pay for your travels."
• Dizzying glass box observatory to open high above New York - "Why settle for one sky-high attraction when you can have three inside one building? That certainly seems to be the thinking behind Summit One Vanderbilt, which is set to open at Manhattan's One Vanderbilt tower on October 21. Billed as the 'world's most immersive observatory experience,' New York's latest observation deck features an all-glass enclosed elevator that travels to over 1,200 feet, transparent glass boxes and a room covered entirely with mirrors."
• Will this European capital ban cars? - "After reinventing itself over the centuries to deal with pandemics, Paris could soon become one of the first major cities to limit the use of cars."
• How to eat sushi: Tips for ordering & eating like a Tokyo local - "In theory, sushi is a simple thing to be enjoyed in almost any way you like. Eat it standing or seated, with fingers or chopsticks, dipped in soy sauce, mixed with wasabi, swallowed in one mouthful or more. However, if you want to eat it like a Tokyo local, remember that sushi etiquette changes with the setting."
• SpaceX makes history with first all-civilian crew launched into orbit - video - "Elon Musk's SpaceX venture has launched an all-civilian spaceflight in the first attempt at orbit around the Earth without a professional crew of astronauts. It's the first crew in history made up of nonprofessional astronauts. The successful launch marked the most ambitious leap yet in space tourism."
• Inspiration4: All-amateur space crew enjoy views of Earth - "The first pictures have been released showing the Inspiration4 crew high above the Earth."
• Rare photos show the early years of NASA's space shuttle era - "NASA's first space shuttle was meant to be named Constitution -- a nod to the United States Bicentennial that year. But a write-in campaign by 'Star Trek' fans prompted President Gerald Ford to change his mind."
• California fires: General Sherman & other sequoias given blankets - "Firefighters are wrapping fire-resistant blankets around ancient trees as blazes tear through California's world-famous Sequoia National Park."
• The way we view free time is making us less happy - "Some people try to make every hour of leisure perfect, while others hate taking time off altogether. Have we forgotten how to enjoy free time?"
• Zen & the art of working from home: Japanese builder offers mini office kit - "The Hanare Zen is 91cm wide and 1.8m long and aims to help workers escape their overcrowded home environments."
• THE BITTER LAWSUIT HANGING OVER THE APPLE WATCH’S NEW SWIPE KEYBOARD - "Apple allegedly offered to buy his app; instead, it’s being Sherlocked."
• Casino stocks shed $20bn as Macau government seeks greater oversight - "Operators in world’s biggest gambling hub suffer worst day ever as authorities review gaming law."
• Scientists find evidence of humans making clothes 120,000 years ago - "Tools and bones in Moroccan cave could be some of earliest evidence of the hallmark human behaviour."
• Titus Tunnel: Tourists flock to Hatay's ancient engineering marvel - "In the Samandağ district of southern Turkey's Hatay province, the Vespasianus Titus Tunnel, or simply the Titus Tunnel, is a magnificent ancient structure constructed by 1,000 slaves to prevent floodwaters in the area, has been garnering particular attention from tourists."
• Watch The Short Documentary 'Time Machines: An Analogue Obsession' - "The streamable film is perfect viewing for watch enthusiasts."
• Gold toilet - "Thieves Steal the Artist Maurizio Cattelan’s Solid Gold Toilet in an Audacious Heist at Blenheim Palace. As fears grow the 18-karat gold work of art could be melted down, the Italian artist says the robbery is 'deadly serious' and not a prank."
• GoPro Hero 10 review: one small step for the action cam, one big leap for GoPro - "A familiar body, but with all-new brains."
• The Best iPhone 12 Cases & Accessories - "Last year’s flagship phone is still a great pick. If you’ve got a 2020 model, here are the cases, chargers, and other extras you’ll want to snag."
• Herman Miller Is Now Making The Iconic Aeron Chair From Ocean-Bound Plastic - "Herman Miller revolutionized ergonomic office seating when they introduced the now-iconic Aeron Chair in 1994, and now the brand has done it again by relaunching the chair in recycled ocean-bound plastic. The new ocean-bound plastic Aeron in Onyx Ultra Matte is available now and starts at $1,195."

September 16, 2021

• These 5 countries are opening up and living with Covid - "More than 18 months into the coronavirus pandemic, a number of countries have decided it's time to open up and adopt a 'living with Covid' model."
• France becomes one of world's most vaccinated countries after Covid gamble - "Will Biden's mandates work? Macron's vaccine pass gamble may hold some clues."
• Fears London & Paris would die due to Covid are unfounded, finds survey - "Residents in the cities still mainly content where they are, with minimal change in numbers wanting move out."
• One in 500 Americans have died of Covid & some hospitals reach capacity - "The US passed another grim milestone, even as people in some regions remain stubbornly resistant to vaccines and masking."
• SpaceX launches four people to orbit in company's first-ever tourism mission - "A SpaceX rocket soared into orbit Wednesday evening, carrying four people - none of whom are professional astronauts - and kicking off the first-ever mission to Earth's orbit crewed entirely by tourists."
• Three Things Apple Didn’t Tell You About The New iPhone 13 - "Apple’s ‘California Streaming’ event yesterday introduced the world to the four new iPhone 13 smartphones in the way that only Apple can deliver. It’s curious watching an iPhone launch without the vocal excitement generated by a specially invited audience, because it’s much easier to spot what’s not being said when the hype train is quieter Looking at my notes, there were three areas where details were thin on the ground. What did Tim Cook and his team not tell us about the new iOS smartphones? "
• Apple's iPhone 13 has a smaller notch & bigger battery - "Not a huge change, but a smaller notch is nice."
• All of the New iPhone 13 Camera Features: Macro, Cinematic Mode, Photographic Styles, Sensor Improvements & More - "With the launch of the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max, Apple introduced several updated camera features, some of which are hardware based and some of which are software based."
• How the iPhone 13, Mini, Pro & Max compare to Android rivals - and vs. iPhone 12 - "Apple’s latest versus the best Androids (and last year’s iPhones)."
• Just the things you need to know about the new Apple Watch Series 7 (including that 20% bigger screen) - "Technology requires innovation to maintain its relevance. It is a constant arms race for manufacturers like Samsung and Apple, with both powerhouse tech giants looking to outdo and outperform the other in order to impress the billions of people who engage with their products. Today the Apple Watch Series 7 was unveiled, but this time around Apple took a page out of Rolex’s book: incremental changes and improvements. There isn’t too much that looks completely new for this latest Apple Watch, so we have compiled the facets that are - including a slightly larger screen and case, brighter display, and faster charging among others."
• What Does a 120-Hz Refresh Rate Mean, Anyway? - "Several Android phones - and now the iPhone 13 Pro - use this screen technology to make everything look buttery smooth."
• The Apple rumors were wrong - "We heard there would be new AirPods and big changes to the Watch - there weren’t."
• New iPhone security patch in iOS 14.8: How to scan for Pegasus spyware on your phone - "The odds are low your iPhone or iPad is infected by Pegasus spyware, but here's how to check just in case."
• Why You Should Delete Google Photos On Your iPhone, iPad & Mac - "When it comes to cloud photo storage, Google Photos leads the pack - four trillion photos and videos across more than a billion users. Millions of Apple users have Google Photos on their iPhones, iPads And Macs, but Apple has just flagged a serious warning about Google’s platform and given its users a reason to delete their apps. This has been a dreadful few weeks for Apple on the privacy front - not what the iPhone maker needs in the run up to the launch of iPhone 13 and iOS 15. A week ago, the company awkwardly (albeit inevitably) backtracked on its ill-conceived plan to screen its users’ photos on their devices to weed out known child abuse imagery."
• The airplane cabin inventions that could change the way we fly - "Crystal Cabin Awards: The airplane interior designs of the future."
• 24 Hotels With Breathtaking Views - "Whether the setting for your trip is a pristine palm-dotted beach with aquamarine waters; a steep, snow-covered mountain; or a legendary landmark that gleams at night, a dazzling locale can make your hotel stay."
• High court will serve US court papers on Prince Andrew if necessary - "Court initially rejected request from Virginia Giuffre’s lawyers in sexual assault civil case filed against royal."
• Largest virtual universe free for anyone to explore - "Forget about online games that promise you a 'whole world' to explore. An international team of researchers has generated an entire virtual universe, and made it freely available on the cloud to everyone."
• Mega mansion once worth $500 million defaults on $100 million in debt, forcing sale - "In an Instagram post last summer, Nile Niami, the project's developer, pitched the 105,000-square-foot home as having seven pools, a 50-car garage, a 10,000-bottle wine cellar and even its own nightclub. Promoted as being the largest and most expensive urban property in the world, 'The One' was expected to come to market for $500 million, according to the video Niami posted on Instagram. But it suffered many delays and complications and now faces a court-ordered sale to pay debts."
• The Secret to Success? Mastering the Art of Patience - TIME Magazine.
• Psychologists Are Learning What Religion Has Known for Years - "Social scientists are researching what humans can do to improve their quality of life. Their findings echo what religious practices perfected centuries ago."
• Food fraud & counterfeit cotton: the detectives untangling the global supply chain - "Amid the complex web of international trade, proving the authenticity of a product can be near-impossible. But one company is taking the search to the atomic level."
• The world's most expensive animals - "Which living creatures are the most financially valuable? The answers can be surprising, and also reveal striking insights about the quirks and priorities of human nature."
• Hawaii's famous Haiku Stairs will likely be removed - "The stairs, whose 3,922 steps wind through a 2,800 foot mountain trail in Kaneohe, on the eastern side of Oahu, were originally built by the US Navy in the 1940s."
• Do you promise to be a better tourist? These places want it in writing - "Iceland outlined seven common types of problem behavior -- from seeking out dangerous photo ops to illegal off-roading. They shifted their approach from reacting after the incident to speaking to tourists directly about why their behavior matters. The result was a sustainability and responsibility pledge that asked visitors to commit to being a respectful traveler while in Iceland."
• The surprising power of daily rituals - "Rituals come in many different forms and are practised in cultures the world over, but why have they become such an important part of our lives?"
• In control: why fetish fashion has returned - "From Madonna to the Met Gala, the reappearance of bondage clothing suggests a reaction to lockdown, experts say."
• Best Noise-Canceling Headphones - "Whether they're over-ears or earbuds, our favorite picks will help add some serenity to your day."
• Watch Spotting The Red Carpet Watches From The 2021 Met Gala - "While everyone was checking the fits, we had our eyes on the wrists."
• watch spotting at the 2021 us open - "All The Watches We Saw At The 2021 U.S. Open."
• Investment-grade Rolex & Patek Philippe watches are bad news for the industry - "Trusting the market is normally good advice, but what if the free market damages the reputation of its most successful brands? That is the danger facing Rolex and Patek Philippe now that almost nobody is able buy their most popular watches and their authorised dealers are being pitched into ugly fights with some of their most loyal clients. Where will it all end? Robin Swithinbank analyses the forces that are sucking the joy out of luxury watches."
• In-Depth Watch Specs: What They Mean, Why They Matter - "At the end of just about every watch story published anywhere (and long before there was a watch internet) there is generally a short block of text that lists the basic - and sometimes, not-so-basic - physical characteristics of a watch. Sometimes, however, it's less clear why certain specifications are included. Jewel count, for instance. Many watch enthusiasts probably have some idea why watch movements have jewels in them, but some don't. And yet the jewel count is not only a feature of spec sheets in watch articles, it's also often specified by the manufacturer on the movement itself. Frequency is another one - most modern movements made in any quantity run at 28,800 vph, so why bring it up in the specs if that particular frequency is more or less ubiquitous?"
• Inside Will Smith’s 2-Story, $2.5 Million Motorhome, The Heat - "If you’re incredibly wealthy and can afford to spend on a whim more money than regular people would spend on an actual house, good for you. If you’re Will Smith, one of the most popular and highly bankable actors in the world, you can get pretty much anything you want, because only the best will do."

September 15, 2021

• TIME100: The Most Influential People of 2021 - TIME Magazine.
• Apple Event September 14, 2021 - "Here’s what we announced."
• Apple’s iPhone 13 event: the 8 biggest announcements - "Catch up on the news from Apple’s September 2021 event."
• The iPhone 13 Pro & Pro Max have adaptive 120Hz screens - "This is the 'most Pro iPhone ever,' according to Tim Cook."
• Apple Watch Series 7 delivers larger screens & more durability - "It's a modest update otherwise."
• Apple’s updated leather MagSafe wallet supports Find My location tracking - "But it’s no AirTag."
• Apple refreshes MagSafe case & wallet collection with new colors and designs for iPhone 13 - "The company also has new MagSafe leather wallet colors. It now comes in golden brown, wisteria, sequoia green, midnight, and dark cherry. The new MagSafe wallets now also have Find My support, so your iPhone will alert you if it falls off or if you leave it behind."
• Apple Watch’s new sizes make shopping for bands more confusing - "But don’t worry, Apple didn’t phase out support for yours."
• It’s a Good Day to Update All Your Devices. Trust Us - "iOS, Windows, and Chrome all have zero-day vulnerabilities that hackers are going after. Now that the fixes are here, you need to install them ASAP."
• Prince Harry & Meghan Markle are named among the 'world's 100 most influential people' by Time magazine with VERY airbrushed front cover shot - "The US publication released a glossy and heavily-airbrushed cover on Harry's 37th birthday showing the Duke of Sussex stood behind his wife with his arms on her right shoulder. Harry is dressed in all black and Meghan in white on a terrace at their $14.65million mansion and estate in Montecito, California, as Time said they couple are 'blessed through birth and talent, and burned by fame', adding: 'It would be much safer to enjoy their good fortune and stay silent'."
• Joe Biden to propose target of vaccinating 70% of world in a year - "US president’s Covid plan is more ambitious than current performance and targets set at G7 in Cornwall."
• Woodward/Costa book: Worried Trump could 'go rogue' - "Two days after the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, President Donald Trump's top military adviser, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley, single-handedly took secret action to limit Trump from potentially ordering a dangerous military strike or launching nuclear weapons, according to 'Peril,' a new book by legendary journalist Bob Woodward and veteran Washington Post reporter Robert Costa."
• Peril by Bob Woodward - Amazon.com.
• AOC caused a stir at Met Gala with 'Tax the Rich' dress - "Dressed in a white off-the-shoulder gown by Brooklyn-based designer brand Brother Vellies, the New York politician revealed the statement, scrawled in bold lettering on the back of her dress, as she ascended the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art."
• Forget the Gym: Walking Is the Superior Form of Exercise - "Abandon your punishing fitness plan! For true physical and existential salvation, nothing beats a good walk, argues author Will Self."
• How protein became the food industry’s biggest craze - "Protein has gone from a niche bodybuilding supplement to a mainstream obsession - and is now added to a huge range of food and drink products. What led to the sudden growth of this multimillion-dollar industry?"
• Why more travelers are flying their pets by private jet - "It doesn't seem like that long ago that private jets were considered completely out of reach for anyone who wasn't obscenely rich or famous -- both in some cases. But private aviation has become far more accessible over the years, and there's been a particularly large shift since 2019."
• BUSINESS CLASS ‘SLAMMERTIME’ RITUAL SPARKS OUTRAGE AT 40,000FT - "'Slammers started when I had never flown in business class and felt heavily judged and profiled for how I dressed, acted and behaved.'"
• 8 billionaires whose kids won’t inherit their fortunes - "From Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, to late Apple CEO Steve Jobs’ wife, Laurene Powell Jobs. "
• Billionaire Superyacht Toys: The 10 Coolest Toys & Tenders For 2022 - "'Every year I am excited to compile my favorite superyacht toys that will be offered up at the Monaco Yacht Show where thousands of yacht fans descend on Port Hercules to see the most exciting new yachts and toys as well as more than 300 exhibitors.'"
• Mercedes-Benz’s Maybach EV concept helps the rich feel even better about themselves - "Mercedes-Benz has shown off the electric Maybach EQS, an opulent concept car that the company says is a preview of what the future of high-end electric cars may look like. The company revealed the EV SUV at the IAA Mobility show, where it also announced a G-Class SUV concept, and a more attainable electric sedan."
• 6 signs it's time to quit your job - "Millions of workers have left their jobs in recent months. Some found new roles, while others walked away without having anything lined up. So how do you know if it's time for you to start looking for a new role?"
• Centuries-old Indian glasses could sell for millions - "The $3.5 million spectacles said to ward off evil. Two pairs of 17th-century glasses are expected to fetch millions of dollars at auction next month. The jewel-encrusted spectacles, which feature lenses made from diamond and emerald rather than glass, are believed to have originally belonged to royals in the Mughal Empire, which once ruled over the Indian subcontinent."
• Scientists now have $15 million to resurrect the woolly mammoth - "Bringing extinct creatures back to life is the lifeblood of science fiction. At its most tantalizing, think Jurassic Park and its stable of dinosaurs. Advances in genetics, however, are making resurrecting lost animals a tangible prospect. Scientists have already cloned endangered animals and can sequence DNA extracted from the bones and carcasses of long-dead, extinct animals."
• Berlin’s bizarre new museum: a Prussian palace rebuilt for €680m - "A cross between a Disneyland castle and a chilling concrete block, the Humboldt Forum is set to teach visitors about Germany’s colonial era. But is the past being examined - or exalted?"
• When the Nazis sent scientists to the Himalayas - "In 1938, Heinrich Himmler, a leading member of Germany's Nazi party and a key architect of the Holocaust, sent a five-member team to Tibet to search for the origins of the supposed Aryan race. Author Vaibhav Purandare recounts the fascinating story of this expedition, which passed through India."
• Why the Rolex watch shortage is a 'perfect storm' - "You’ve made it, and now you might be thinking to yourself, "It’s time I bought that status symbol that lets everyone else know I’ve made it whenever I walk into a room" - a Rolex. Well I’ve got some bad news for - you probably can’t get one."
• Meet The World’s Oldest Japanese Whisky: Yamazaki 55 - "Last year, in the early months of 2020, right before the coronavirus pandemic hit New York City with everything it’s got, Beam Suntory announced that it was going to release a phenomenal expression in the middle of the year: A Yamazaki 55 at 46% ABV, which is the oldest Japanese whisky to ever hit the market. Unfortunately, that 'advance reveal' was only intended for residents of Japan, and only 100 bottles were produced, complete with engraved calligraphy making use of sandblasting techniques, featuring genuine gold dust, and real lacquer - all of which were available only by way of lottery for the nifty sum of $27,000 (or three million yen). That initial rollout ensured that true Yamazaki enthusiasts from Japan had a fighting chance to get their hands on the precious liquid created in their Motherland. The distillery even stated that each winner would have their names engraved on their bottles to discourage secondary market sales."

September 14, 2021

• Apple issues urgent iPhone software update to combat spyware vulnerability - "Researchers from the University of Toronto's Citizen Lab said the software exploit has been in use since February and has been used to deploy Pegasus, the spyware made by Israeli firm NSO Group that has allegedly been used to surveil journalists and human rights advocates in multiple countries. The urgent update that Apple (AAPL) released Monday plugs a hole in the iMessage software that allowed hackers to infiltrate a user's phone without the user clicking on any links, according to Citizen Lab. The Saudi activist chose to remain anonymous, Citizen Lab said."
• The Fourth U.S. Wave of COVID-19 Could Be Ebbing. The Fifth Might Be Worse - "President Joe Biden’s announcement Thursday that broadly expanded mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations or at least compulsory weekly testing is a sign, possibly, that the administration sees the writing on the wall. Even with tentative but promising signs that the fourth wave of surging cases in COVID-19 in the United States, dating back to the first days of summer, was waning, without drastic measures, the fifth will be catastrophically worse."
• China's strict 21 day quarantine under question after new outbreak emerges - "A man who completed 21 days of mandatory quarantine upon returning to China from overseas has been identified as the likely source of a new outbreak, raising questions over the sustainability of the country's stringent zero-Covid strategy."
• It may take 'many, many' more vaccine mandates to end the Covid-19 pandemic, Fauci says - "Millions of Americans still need to get vaccinated to slow or stop the spread of Covid-19 and getting the pandemic under control could take 'many, many' more vaccine mandates, Dr. Anthony Fauci said."
• Why It’s So Hard to Predict Where the Pandemic Is Headed Next - "Human behavior has changed along with the virus and public health measures to contain it. For modelers, it’s a curveball."
• Covid passports: what are European countries doing? - "While plans in England have been shelved, many other European nations have schemes in place."
• Climate change: World now sees twice as many days over 50C - "The number of extremely hot days every year when the temperature reaches 50C has doubled since the 1980s, a global BBC analysis has found."
• Meat accounts for nearly 60% of all greenhouse gases from food production, study finds - "Production of meat worldwide emits 28 times as much as growing plants, and most crops are raised to feed animals bound for slaughter."
• Cows ‘potty-trained’ in experiment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions - "Calves taught to use toilet area with rewards and mild punishments, limiting ammonia release."
• When Wall Street came to coal country - "How a big-money gamble scarred Appalachia. Around the turn of the millennium, hedge fund investors put an audacious bet on coal mining in the US. The bet failed - but it was the workers and the environment that paid the price."
• Some of the most iconic 9/11 news coverage is lost. Blame Adobe Flash - "Journalism is often considered the first draft of history, but what happens when that draft is written on a software program that becomes obsolete? Adobe ending support for Flash - its once ubiquitous multimedia content player - last year meant that some of the news coverage of the September 11th attacks and other major events from the early days of online journalism are no longer accessible. For example, The Washington Post and ABC News both have broken experiences within their September 11th coverage, viewable in the Internet Archive. CNN's online coverage of September 11th also has been impacted by the end of Flash."
• Cannes Yachting Festival 2021 - in pictures - "This year’s Cannes Yachting Festival drew to a close over the weekend after five days of boat show action on the French Riviera. Despite Covid-19 restrictions and new health measures enforced at the show, the event attracted large numbers of boating enthusiasts and professionals during the week."
• Winners of the 2021 World Superyacht Awards revealed - "The winners of the 2021 World Superyacht Awards have been revealed. From the newly crowned Motor Yacht of the Year to the prestigious Voyager's Award, find out which yachts scooped this year's coveted Neptunes..."
• Xiaomi shows off concept smart glasses with MicroLED display - "They do more than Facebook’s Ray-Bans, assuming they actually exist."
• Met Gala 2021: Best fashion from the red carpet - "Postponed last time around due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the star-studded annual fundraiser for the Met's Costume Institute returned to mark the opening of its banner fashion exhibition, 'In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.' A-list actors, supermodels,TV drag queens, musicians and athletes all walked the red carpet -- or cream carpet, to be precise -- offering their own unique take on the all-American theme."
• Ain Dubai: How the world's largest observation wheel was built - "In a city full of superlatives, the latest addition to Dubai's long list of 'biggests' and 'tallests' is about to take its place in the record books. Ain Dubai, the giant observation wheel that has been taking shape on the city's Bluewaters Island development for more than six years, will open on October 21, 2021, thus becoming the world's largest observation wheel. But it hasn't simply beaten the competition; it's obliterated it."
• There's a Secret Archaeological Site Under the Trevi Fountain in Rome - and You Can Visit - "The site includes an aqueduct that feeds water into the Trevi Fountain."
• Has your office changed for the worse? - "What happens when your office has changed for the worse? Some people have been eagerly anticipating the return to the office. Except the office doesn't feel the same as it did before."
• What the future of Bond movies could look like - "The new James Bond film No Time To Die will be Daniel Craig's last - ushering in a new era for the franchise. But what changes can fans of the super-spy series expect, asks Al Horner."
• All 24 James Bond movies ranked only by their cars - "Villains? Plot? The presence of Timothy Dalton? Who cares! It's all about the Bond cars."
• The real-life Bond lair... hidden in Rock of Gibraltar: 007 author Ian Fleming recruited a team to hide in cave & spy on the Nazis during WWII - "Long-classified papers reveal Fleming's plans for tunnels inside Rock of Gibraltar. The 30-mile network was intended as a hiding spot should the island be invaded. It would have had viewpoints, years of supplies and bicycle-powered radio."
• What is the most overhyped cultural artefact of all time? - "From Godzilla to Donda via Michael Jackson’s HIStory, entertainment is littered with marketing stunts aimed at fooling the consumer."
• Introducing Estonia’s Tallinn, European Green Capital 2023 - "The European Commission has chosen the Estonian capital Tallinn as the European Green Capital for 2023. Awarded every year since 2010, the status is designed to raise awareness and share best practice on environmental issues in urban Europe."
• The Lost Leonardo: has a new film solved the mystery of the world’s most expensive painting? - "Is the $450m Salvator Mundi a fake? This film - featuring tearful sycophants, sneering experts, dodgy dealers and a secretive superyacht - may finally settle the great da Vinci controversy."
• I bought a 49-inch ultrawide monitor & it has transformed how I work - "Seriously, stop trying to fit everything on a laptop."

September 13, 2021

• Australia emerges as villain of COP26 climate talks - "Australia is becoming increasingly isolated from the rest of the world with its obstinate approach to the climate crisis."
• An 'Internet apocalypse' could ride to Earth with the next solar storm, new research warns - "The underwater cables that connect nations could go offline for months, the study warns."
• Fusion energy nears reality thanks to an ultra-powerful magnet - "The technology could be key to practical fusion power plants."
• Travelers set sail on 'cruise to nowhere' - "What it's like to sail on a 'cruise to nowhere'."
• Elizabeth Holmes' surprising defense - "Importantly, Holmes' lawyers stated that intimate partner abuse affects its victims' "agency" and 'state of mind' -- which are critical elements of any criminal case because the government's burden is to prove not only that Holmes made materially false statements to investors, but that she knew the representations were false, and that she had the intent to deceive. In layperson's terms, the defense appears to be setting up an argument that the effects of Holmes' allegedly abusive relationship with Balwani actually bore directly on what she believed and why. In other words, in this argument, 'Holmes is not guilty.'"
• Meghan & Harry's explosive TV interview with Oprah loses out at Emmys to Stanley Tucci's travel & food show - "Winfrey's two-hour sit-down with Harry and Meghan in March sent shock waves through the British monarchy when Meghan accused Britain´s royal family of raising concerns about how dark the skin of the couple's first child would be, and said the stress of life as a royal newlywed had pushed her to the brink of suicide."
• Can do: tinned fruit & vegetables are offensive no longer - "Far from being a lesser choice, tinned produce can be a convenient, speedy and low-waste way to diversify your diet."
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 teardown reveals first for foldable phones - "Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 teardowns show how they’re water resistant."
• TOP 4 REASONS TO NOT BUY THE UPCOMING IPHONE 13 SERIES - "Tomorrow, Apple’s latest flagship, iPhone 13 series will be official. So far, there has been numerous information about this series including its colour options. Although there are indeed surprises like the inclusion of a 120Hz refresh rate, there is a couple of information that users should know. Unfortunately, there are some points about the Apple iPhone 13 series that may discourage potential buyers."
• Work begins on wrapping Arc de Triomphe for Christo artwork - "Operation combining art and engineering on a massive scale fulfils dream of late artist couple."
• Fashion designer called out for cultural appropriation over its $1,190 pants - "The gray Balenciaga sweatpants, which feature what looks like the top of a pair of boxers peeking out from the waistband, sparked controversy after a TikTok user posted a brief video on September 2 of the pants at what appeared to be a store."
• 5 stages of grief, and how to get through them - "A Swiss-American psychiatrist and pioneer of studies on dying people, Kübler-Ross wrote "On Death and Dying," the 1969 book in which she proposed the patient-focused, death-adjustment pattern, the "Five Stages of Grief." Those stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance."
• Long Before The Internet, 'Twin Peaks' Anticipated The Need For TV Recaps - "Throughout the ‘80s and early ‘90s, there were certainly some pretty damn weird pop-culture-themed 900 numbers. For a small (rapidly escalating as every minute passes) fee, you could use your touch-tone phone to call, say, pop-culture icon Captain Kirk or child-murderer Freddy Krueger or Mac, the McDonald’s-loving alien from Mac and Me. But really, who would want to talk to that grotesque creature -- other than Steven Spielberg’s attorneys, of course."
• How India's air pollution is being turned into floor tiles - "Smog is a leading cause of ill health around the world, but one Indian inventor is hoping to make it easier to breathe by scrubbing soot from the air and recycling it."
• ‘Halo saved my life,’ says Lewis Hamilton after Verstappen crash at Italian GP - "Lewis Hamilton has said the halo cockpit protection device was fundamental in saving his life after a crash at the Italian Grand Prix. The British driver’s car was hit by his title rival Max Verstappen with the Dutchman’s Red Bull riding over and into Hamilton’s head. The world champion was critical of Verstappen for failing to stay to check he was unhurt after the incident."
• How to Find the Hidden Files on Your Phone or Computer - "You shouldn't mess with some of them - but there are others you should be aware of."

September 12, 2021

• Are we safer now than we were on 9/11? - "Many national security experts say the U.S. is now much less vulnerable to international terrorism than it was when New York and the Pentagon were struck."
• Watch George W. Bush's 9/11 memorial speech - "Bush: The sense of unity seen in the US after 9/11 seems distant."
• The city that endures - "New York City's Resilience After 9/11 & COVID-19." TIME Magazine.
• FBI begins declassifying documents into Saudi 9/11 links - "The FBI has released a newly declassified document that looks into connections between Saudi citizens in the US and two of the 9/11 attackers."
• CDC study: Unvaccinated 11 times more likely to die from Covid-19 - "The study looked at 600,000 Covid-19 cases in 13 states from April through mid-July. 'The bottom line is this: We have the scientific tools we need to turn the corner on this pandemic. Vaccination works and will protect us from the severe complications of Covid-19,' CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Friday."
• Is it ethical to travel right now? Experts on flying in the age of Delta - "Questions to consider before you inflict the ‘moral injury’ of a risky, nonessential trip."
• Europe's doors are closing to Americans - "While summer saw much of Europe open up to American visitors, offering them the chance to fulfill lockdown dreams of eating gelato in Italy or touring the art museums of Paris, the season's end has brought with it new restrictions, and the doors to the continent begin to close."
• Time Out lists the 'world's best' cities for 2021 - "It was already world-famous thanks to its striking red-hued bridge, drool-worthy restaurant scene and booming tech industry -- and now San Francisco has been crowned the 'world's best' city, according to Time Out."
• Venice film festival 2021 roundup - a formidably good year on the Lido - "Big name directors at their best feature alongside daring visionaries from the farther realms of art cinema - but to whom will Bong Joon-ho’s jury award the Golden Lion?"
• No Time to Die Runtime: The Longest James Bond Movie Ever - "The two-hour-and-forty-three-minute runtime for No Time to Die indeed puts it well beyond the length of any other Bond movie."
• An actor, two big bees & a lot of experts: a week spent tackling the planet’s problems - "World’s largest conservation summit since Covid-19 brought 4,000 people to Marseille to showcase issues and solutions from coral reefs to land protection."
• How to watch Apple's 'iPhone 13' launch event - "Whether you're watching on an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K, or even a PC, you can watch live. Plus you can go to YouTube and set a reminder right now."
• Apple still reliant on one core product as it nudges $3tn hurdle - "The iPhone maker may be set to break market records, but it’s starting to look more and more like a one-gadget pony."
• 10 of the best hotels in Mallorca - "Discover sun, sea and scenery - and where to stay on the beautiful island."
• Galaxy Watch 4 Classic Review: Finally, An Android Watch As Good As The Apple Watch - "Samsung's just-released Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is the first smartwatch I've tested that almost meets all my wearable needs the way an Apple Watch can. There is still one major flaw, but Samsung promises a fix for that is coming, too."
• Why I love the Cartier Tank: an iconic watch for more than 100 years - "As a solar-powered Cartier Tank comes to market, Nick Foulkes explains why this jazz age timepiece has become such an enduring hit..."
• Al Capone’s Platinum & Diamond Patek Philippe is Up For Grabs - "The grandchildren of Al Capone recently put his monogrammed and diamond-encrusted pocketknife and a Colt .45 on the auction block. Included in the lot is Al Capone’s now vintage platinum Patek Philippe pocket watch."
• Prince Albert 'Appalled' at Princess Charlene Rumors: 'She Didn't Leave in a Huff, She Didn't Go into Exile' - "Prince Albert of Monaco tells PEOPLE about rumors of a rift in his marriage to Princess Charlene: 'Of course it affects her, of course it affects me'."

September 11, 2021

• 9/11 Timeline: How the September 11 Attacks Unfolded at World Trade Center, Pentagon, Flight 93 - "Twenty years ago, nineteen men hijacked four airplanes to carry out the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil in a mission that was orchestrated by al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden."
• 20 years after 9/11, the US is at war with itself - "America went into battle on September 11, 2001, united in defense of its values and way of life. Twenty years on, it is at war with itself, its democracy threatened from within in a way Osama bin Laden never managed."
• The 9/11 photos we will never forget - "These are some of the photos that have come to define that tragic day in 2001, when nearly 3,000 people were killed in terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia."
• World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program - "The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program offers high-quality, compassionate healthcare to those directly affected by the September 11th terrorist attacks."
• Boys more at risk from Pfizer jab side-effect than Covid, suggests study - "US researchers say teenagers are more likely to get vaccine-related myocarditis than end up in hospital with Covid."
• Denmark lifts all Covid restrictions as vaccinations top 80% - "Scandinavian country declares it no longer considers coronavirus a ‘socially critical’ disease."
• COVAX Was a Great Idea, But Is Now 500 Million Doses Short of Its Vaccine Distribution Goals. What Exactly Went Wrong? - TIME Magazine.
• Scientists’ egos are key barrier to progress, says Covid vaccine pioneer - "Prof Katalin Karikó of BioNTech says she endured decades of scepticism over her work on mRNA vaccines."
• Harvard University will divest its $42bn endowment from all fossil fuels - "Harvard Management Company, which oversees the university’s vast endowment of almost $42bn, has already been reducing its financial exposure to fossil fuels and has no direct investments in companies that explore for or develop further reserves of fossil fuels, Bacow said in a message posted on the university’s website."
• Prince Andrew served court papers in sex assault law suit amid rape allegations - "The bombshell writ with lurid details of the claims was handed to royal protection officers at Windsor Castle two weeks ago after an agent was told he could not meet the Prince in person, papers show."
• The world’s best superyachts of 2021 revealed - "The 16th annual World Superyacht Awards hosted by Boat International has taken place in Monaco."
• 20 Home Renovations That Will Hurt Your Home’s Value - "Your home isn't just a source of pride or a place where you can relax after a long day -- it's also an investment in your family's future."
• From Steve Jobs to Elon Musk, Similar Personality Traits Emerge: How Do Yours Compare? - "The entrepreneurial personality type has been rigorously studied, and experts have identified shared traits that typify who is (or isn't) cut out for entrepreneurialism."
• 11 Roman Emperors Who Helped Mold the Ancient World - "These rulers were often as innovative and ingenious as they were brutal and corrupt."
• The World's Most Famous Private Detective Makes No Apologies - "There are plenty of cases that Jules Kroll regrets. But he offers no apologies on his industry's behalf."
• Secrets & lies: The role of restorers in art crime - "'Without restorers to disguise stolen relics, there would be no laundered items for antiquities traffickers to sell,' said Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance in a press release announcing Smith's indictment. 'Behind every antiquities trafficking ring preying upon cultural heritage for profit, there is someone reassembling and restoring these looted pieces to lend the criminal enterprise a veneer of legitimacy.'"
• This Bentley is $2 million, roof not included - "There was a slight drizzle when I was getting ready to go for a short drive in Bentley's new Bacalar. Ordinarily, this would not be a big deal. The rain was hardly enough to warrant an umbrella. Except the Bentley Bacalar has no roof."
• Report Suggests That Bordeaux & Burgundy Losing Their Cachet As The World’s Finest Wines - "Back in 1855 a group of Bordeaux merchants at an Exhibition in Paris decided to make some sense of the myriad estate vineyards by classifying them according to which wines consistently sold for the highest prices within the industry. That classification, which ranked wines from premier crus (first growths) to Cinquième crus (fifth growths). Sixty-two among 2,000 vineyards were listed, and, with only a few shufflings over rankings and the addition of Chateau Mouton-Rothschild to the premier crus later on, the top wines have remained the same, still bringing top dollar in the market, along with several great Burdgundies like those from the Romanée-Conti estates. "
• Apple says motorcycle vibrations can damage iPhone cameras - "The iPhone won't be pickin' up good vibrations if you attach it to a bike."

September 10, 2021

• Apple’s iPhone 13 event will take place on September 14th -"Apple’s next big fall event will take place on Tuesday, September 14th at 1PM ET, the company announced. The event, which carries the tagline 'California streaming,' will be another virtual event broadcast from Apple Park."
• Apple is closing out 2021 with an avalanche of new products - "With just four months to go until 2021 comes to a close, you might say the year has been a quiet one for Apple. So far, we’ve gotten a new 24-inch iMac, iPad Pro, AirTag trackers, Siri Remote, and a MagSafe battery pack, which isn’t a whole lot of new stuff for eight-plus months. But don’t think Apple is going to let 2021 close without leaving its mark. Buckle up, because Apple has a ton of new products to launch before the year comes to a close."
• Biden's tough new vaccine rules - "Biden announces new vaccine mandates that could cover 100 million Americans."
• ‘Not even modestly good control’: Fauci says US Covid cases 16 times too high to end pandemic - "Until cases dip to 10,000 a day, we are still in full ‘pandemic mode’, infectious disease expert says."
• Getting the vaccine can still feel like an act of treason in this hard-hit corner of rural America - "Covid-19 is crushing this corner of rural America."
• ‘Maybe the guy’s a masochist’: how Anthony Fauci became a superstar - "The US diseases expert has been spoofed by Brad Pitt and lauded as the ‘sexiest man alive’. Now the pop culture phenomenon is the focus of a documentary."
• 9/11 anniversary: How the world reacted to terror attacks - "Some grieved, some helped and some worried."
• 11 September 2001: The conspiracy theories still spreading after 20 years - "The first 9/11 conspiracy theories appeared on the internet just hours after the attacks, on 11 September 2001, and with the rise of social media, have grown in scope and scale ever since."
• What links Nostradamus to 9/11 - "Hoaxes, myths and conspiracies: How the internet distorted 9/11."
• Why 'Common Prosperity’ Has China’s Billionaires Running for Cover - TIME Magazine.
• FACEBOOK ON YOUR FACE - "Hands-on with Facebook and Ray-Ban’s first pair of smart glasses."
• I wish Ray-Ban's Stories smart glasses were made by anyone but Facebook - "Please, please find a new wake word."
• How much of the world’s oil needs to stay in the ground? - "Analysis shows future is bleak for fossil fuel industry with trillions of dollars of assets at stake."
• How the largest direct air capture plant will suck CO2 out of the atmosphere - "It’s an important test run for the new technology."
• India's got the next big thing in tech - "And it could be worth $1 trillion."
• Upside down rhinos & nose-clearing orgasm studies win Ig Nobel prize - "Research from the more unusual realms of science is recognised every year at this alternative awards ceremony."
• Elizabeth Holmes: Has the Theranos scandal changed Silicon Valley? - "For years Elizabeth Holmes was the darling of Silicon Valley, a woman that could do no wrong."
• The alarming risks of mixing common drugs - "Older adults often take several medications each day. But there's growing evidence that this could sometimes be a mistake."
• $600-million art collection coming to market following high-profile divorce - "Nearly three years after the high-profile divorce proceedings of New York real estate developer Harry Macklowe and his wife, Linda, a large portion of their eye-popping billion-dollar art collection is coming to market."
• I love a good gossip - life’s twists & turns intrigue & titillate - "Whether it’s about football transfers, relationship scandals or Westminster feuds, gossip is a glorious tool of social bonding."
• Why does lending people money feel so awkward? - "When friends or family come asking for cash, things can quickly get weird. Why?"
• How to build a stronger brain, according to Dr. Gupta's 'Keep Sharp' - "Some forgetfulness -- like occasionally forgetting to pay a bill or recall a word -- can be expected at any age. But cognitive decline -- such as consistently struggling to remember monthly bills or stay focused in conversations -- is not a natural part of getting older, according to the National Institute on Aging."
• Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age - "Keep your brain young, healthy, and sharp with this science-driven guide to protecting your mind from decline by neurosurgeon and CNN chief medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta." Amazon.com.
• New York Fashion Week: Highlights from the Spring-Summer 2022 shows - "New York Fashion Week is back, with designers Christian Siriano, Brandon Maxwell and Gabriela Hearst among those showcasing their Spring-Summer 2022 collections."
• The Best Sound Machines for a Blissful Night’s Sleep - "Help the whole family catch some restful z’s with these devices that generate soothing background noise."
• The Best Locks for Protecting Your Bike or Ebike - "The only thing better than buying a new bicycle is keeping it. These are the best bike locks we’ve tested - and some advice for using them."
• Why the world still loves 1970s detective show Columbo - "Fifty years on, the cop show featuring a bumbling but brilliant homicide detective has attracted a new generation of fans."
• Leica Q2 "007 Edition" - "Leica Camera has unveiled a new Leica Q2 ‘007 Edition’ to celebrate the release of the 25th Bond adventure, No Time To Die. The special edition Leica Q2 features the iconic 007 logo on the top plate and the famous Bond gun barrel design on the lens cap. Each limited edition camera will be individually numbered, making the ‘007’ camera a sought-after collectable. The camera comes in a customised and handcrafted case designed by the British luxury suitcase brand Globe-Trotter. Limited to 250 pieces only."

September 9, 2021

• India fighting to contain Nipah, a virus deadlier than COVID-19 - "Previous outbreaks of Nipah, or NiV, showed an estimated fatality rate of between 40% and 75%, according to the World Health Organization, making it far more deadly than the coronavirus."
• Sydney reveals plan to end months-long lockdown - "Australia's biggest city Sydney is likely to ease out of lockdown from next month, provided a vaccination threshold is reached."
• How the pandemic turned humble shipping containers into the hottest items on the planet - "Roughly 18 months into the Covid-19 pandemic, global shipping is still in crisis, with backlogs looming over the peak holiday shopping period. One look at the market for steel shipping containers, and it's clear that a return to normal won't happen any time soon."
• World’s biggest machine capturing carbon from air turned on in Iceland - "Operators say the Orca plant can suck 4,000 tonnes of CO2 out of the air every year and inject it deep into the ground to be mineralised."
• Elizabeth Holmes Trial: Live Updates - "Lawyers delivered opening statements in the highly anticipated criminal trial of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, who faces federal charges of defrauding patients and investors with claims of revolutionary blood-testing technology. Follow the latest developments."
• ‘Havana syndrome’ & the mystery of the microwaves - "Doctors, scientists, intelligence agents and government officials have all been trying to find out what causes 'Havana syndrome' a mysterious illness that has struck American diplomats and spies. Some call it an act of war, others wonder if it is some new and secret form of surveillance - and some people believe it could even be all in the mind. So who or what is responsible?"
• How much is your iPhone 12/Pro worth right now? - "The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro are still the best iPhones you can buy as of this writing, but within a matter of months they no longer will be. Whether you’re looking to sell your iPhone 12 to upgrade to the upcoming iPhone 13 or downgrade to a smaller iPhone SE, you’ve come to the right place. First, let’s find out how much it’s worth and how to get the most value for your trade-in."
• NO TIME TO DIE Offcial Trailer - In Cinemas October 2021 - YouTube 2:35.
• Films showing the reality of marriage - "Screen depictions of troubled relationships reflect a changing society, writes Caryn James, as a new remake of the classic TV series Scenes from a Marriage premieres."
• Bill Gates vehicle buys $2.2bn stake in Four Seasons from Saudi royal - "Tech billionaire cements control over luxury hotel group after deal with Prince Alwaleed."
• Queen Marie-Antoinette’s Diamonds for Sale in Geneva - "On 9 November 2021 Christie’s will proudly offer THE MARIE ANTOINETTE DIAMONDS as lot 1 of its live Magnificent Jewels Auction to be held at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues. Presented in their current form, the 112 diamonds, originally belonging to Queen Marie-Antoinette of France (1755-1793), are set as a historic pair of bracelets (estimated $2,000,000-4,000,000)."
• For 300 years, this painting had a secret hiding in plain sight - "Vermeer's 'hidden' Cupid is the enigmatic artist's latest mystery."
• Artistic giant Michelangelo was actually quite short - "A new analysis of the artist's shoes revealed his small stature."
• The skyscraper that made a city - "The untold story of Dubai's first skyscraper."
• The lost generation of ancient trees - "Inside some of our most magnificent trees, miniature worlds are at risk of extinction. The race is on to accelerate trees' ageing process, so these intricate communities aren't lost forever."
• These 9 Electric Motorcycles Are The Coolest Ways To Get Around This Fall - "The advantages of traveling by electric motorcycle are – as they say – plenty. Not only are they better for the planet, but they immerse you better into an environment than any other mode of transportation. Feeling the wind against your skin, the heat (or cold) on your back, the smell of the passing environments around you, it doesn’t get much better than that. Take away the noise and smell of exhaust and gasoline, and you’ve just found the secret to an even deeper connection with the environment around you."
• iRobot’s newest Roomba uses AI to avoid dog poop - "Finally, decades of research into artificial intelligence are paying off."
• The Gmail app takes calls now, too, because Google wants it to do everything - "Google has turned its email app into a communication suite."
• Leak reveals Facebook & Ray-Ban's upcoming smart glasses - "They show three classic Ray-Ban frame styles."

September 8, 2021

• Under Xi Jinping, the private life of Chinese citizens isn't so private anymore - "Even for a powerful authoritarian state, the speed and extent to which the Communist Party is expanding its reach into private lives in China has caught many off guard."
• 20 meat & dairy firms emit more greenhouse gas than Germany, Britain or France - "Livestock companies with large emissions receive billions of dollars in funding, campaigners say."
• 6 PLACES ON EARTH WHERE THE SUN NEVER SETS! - "Norway, situated in the Arctic Circle, is called the Land of the Midnight Sun, where from May to late July, the sun actually never sets."
• The prince, his valet & a Saudi billionaire: meritocracy in action - "Poor HRH. Why must misfortune dog him, when his only crime is a passion for lovely things paid for by other people?"
• Inside the Wedding that Changed the Royal Family Forever - "King George V and Queen Mary and most members of the Royal Family were attending, with the Prince of Wales as best man."
• What Happened To Saudi Arabia’s Planned A380 Private Jet? - "Private jets come in all sizes. While most business and personal jets are small and mid-size aircraft, there are plenty of examples of larger narrowbodies and widebodies being used privately. The A380 would be the largest possible private jet - and could offer some amazing interior options. Only one has ever been ordered by a Saudi Arabian Prince. It promised a lot, but for unknown reasons was never delivered."
• London's most authentic Indian food? - "This unassuming street in north London is the city's original 'Little India' - and nowhere else captures the original South Asian experience quite like it."
• Why Vegan Cheese Doesn't Melt - "The debut of vegan cheese didn't inspire confidence, but in recent years vegan cheese had become a grocery store staple. But there's still one problem; vegan cheese won't melt, stretch, brown or bubble. So, what's the science behind why vegan cheese doesn't act like we expect?"
• The clever science behind frozen ramen - "Instant ramen might be a hunger beater, but they are little like the real thing. However, food scientists can make them much more like restaurant noodles with one new step - freezing."
• Interior designers share 15 home-decor trends they think you'll regret in a few years - "Insider asked interior designers about the home-decor choices people would likely regret."
• This Jet’s Zen Interior Comes From One of Yachting’s Most Renowned Designers - "Mark Berryman's calming interior avoids the glitzy, tech look of many cabins. The goal is to make owners feel like they're not on an airplane."
• Meet the 459-Foot ‘Flying Fox,’ the Largest Superyacht Available for Charter - "Three time’s a charm for the owner of Flying Fox. Not only did he want hearts to beat faster when guests came aboard this magnificent 459-foot Lürssen, the owner wanted to make sure he included every whim and fantasy for his own pleasure. Think features like the two-deck spa, a professional dive center, two helipads for corporate helicopters, the world’s largest transverse swimming pool and, naturally, a cryotherapy center. He also staffed it former Olympic athletes and British ex-military to provide a first-class crew."
• How this 'mileage maniac' earned 40 million frequent flier miles - "Whether it's signing up for a credit card they don't need, buying a random product, or filling out endless surveys, most travelers have attempted some type of hack to earn themselves extra air miles."
• The World’s Oldest Whisky? Maybe - Or Maybe Not - "Gordon & MacPhail (G & M), the venerable Scottish whisky maker and bottler, has just announced the historic release of the oldest Scotch whisky ever bottled - Generations 80-Year-Old from Glenlivet Distillery. The release is accompanied by a set of seven other Glenlivet expressions being released concurrently. They span the period from 1975 through 2004."
• 15 greatest games of the 2010s - ranked! - "The 2010s birthed games that changed the world, from Grand Theft Auto V to Pokémon Go. In a decade with so many exceptional games to pick from, which will win out?"
• 10 Best Improvised Scenes In Martin Scorsese Movies - "Whether it’s an iconic scene in Taxi Driver or getting his own mother to improvise in Goodfellas, Martin Scorsese puts a lot of trust in his actors."
• The GÉrald Genta Arena Retro Mickey Mouse Disney watch - "Bulgari says that Gérald Genta will be its own brand, moving forward."
• What Do Water Resistance Ratings Mean? - "One of the many topics watch enthusiasts sometimes discuss is water resistance ratings and what they exactly mean in terms of real world use. About four years ago, Jack Forster wrote an article outlining the relevant ISOs and set out to explain them, including what watch brands have to do to comply with them."
• Bose takes on the Sonos Arc with its first Dolby Atmos soundbar - "The Smart Soundbar 900’s price matches its name."
• Samsung Copies Another Apple Watch Feature - "Samsung has implemented another feature that has long been available with the Apple Watch, it has been discovered."

September 7, 2021

• How to protect children under 12 from Covid-19, according to Fauci - "Dr. Anthony Fauci says there's an important step adults can take to protect children who are too young to be vaccinated against Covid-19."
• Health officials quietly moved the date of the 1st US COVID-19 death to January 2020 - "A Kansas woman's death certificate was recently amended to say she died from the disease on Jan. 9 2020."
• Travel To These European Countries Just Got Harder For Americans - "It’s been less than a week since the European Union removed the U.S. from its ‘safe list’ of countries for nonessential travel, and already some of the most-visited of the bloc’s 27 member states have reacted by clamping down with additional Covid-19 travel restrictions for Americans."
• Singapore has deployed robots to patrol public areas - "They'll keep an eye out for rule breakers, including those who flout Singapore's COVID-19 safety measures."
• Tips for Learning to Type With One Hand - "Whether it's a short-term injury or a long-term disability, some adjustments and the right gear can make it easier to use your computer."
• How to Lock Down Your iPhone App Permissions - "You can limit which apps have access to your Camera Roll and location."
• Chip shortage could last into 2023, says car boss - "The chip shortage that is disrupting global car production could continue into 2022 and even 2023, a leading German car industry figure has said."
• Plans for $400-billion new city in the American desert unveiled - "The cleanliness of Tokyo, the diversity of New York and the social services of Stockholm: Billionaire Marc Lore has outlined his vision for a 5-million-person 'new city in America' and appointed a world-famous architect to design it."
• Why vacations feel like they’re over before they even start - "Why do we tend to assume that fun events will go by really quickly?"
• Galaxy Z Flip 3 review: Samsung’s cheaper, better hi-tech flip phone - "Third-gen folding-screen Android irons out kinks with water resistance, faster performance and lower price."
• The end of the wallet: how phones replaced cash, credit cards & receipts - "People have been carrying them around for centuries, but their days are now numbered. The burning question? Where to keep that old, ever-optimistic condom ..."
• Top 10 Best Watches Of The Geneva Watch Days 2021 - "We have lined up the ten most spectacular releases from this week's show in Geneva."
• Why your tender is now as important as your superyacht - "It’s an inside-out approach to design and means that the 'working' parts of a superyacht are as prevalent in buyers’ minds as the view from their stateroom. The biggest boats can carry a fleet of tenders. There’s the limo tender for guests, the landing craft for the ATVs, the wakeboard boat, the centre console for fishing, dinghies for racing around deserted atolls and Zodiacs for nudging icebergs."
• Jean-Paul Belmondo: a life in pictures - "The celebrated French actor and star of Nouvelle Vague has died at the age of 88."
• Watch a plane fly through a tunnel & set a Guinness World Record at the same time - "Some pilots focus on flying high, but Dario Costa's success at flying low has landed him in the Guinness Book of World Records."
• The worldview-changing drugs poised to go mainstream - "The growing legitimacy of psychedelics as therapies promises to transform how we view the extraordinary."
• The disastrous voyage of Satoshi, the world’s first cryptocurrency cruise ship - "Last year, three cryptocurrency enthusiasts bought a cruise ship. They named it the Satoshi, and dreamed of starting a floating libertarian utopia. It didn’t work out."
• Napoleon’s Hat Up For Auction In London - "Antique Bicorne Bearing The Emperor’s DNA Could Fetch Up To $2 Million."
• VW is reviving its iconic microbus as an electric robotaxi - "The iconic microbus is now a robotaxi."

September 6, 2021

• U.S. hits 40 million Covid cases as delta variant spreads - "The latest NBC News tally shows the U.S. has recorded 40,000,070 cases and 651,690 deaths due to Covid."
• US officials optimistic Covid booster rollout will start on 20 September - "But they insist shots won’t be rolled out without health agencies’ authorization, leaving open possibility of delays."
• No major organized religion objects to Covid vaccines. Will religious exemptions hold? - "Religious exemptions to vaccine mandates could test 'sincerely held beliefs'."
• Massive randomized study is proof that surgical masks limit coronavirus spread, authors say - "The authors of a study based on an enormous randomized research project in Bangladesh say their results offer the best evidence yet that widespread wearing of surgical masks can limit the spread of the coronavirus in communities. The preprint paper, which tracked more than 340,000 adults across 600 villages in rural Bangladesh, is by far the largest randomized study on the effectiveness of masks at limiting the spread of coronavirus infections."
• Geneva Watch Days, 2021 - "We're bringing you all the major news - new releases, live photos, and more."
• The outdated machine hampering the fight against Covid-19 - "Major backlogs in processing patient data during the pandemic are forcing the healthcare sector to reassess its relationship with fax machines."
• Dread at 30,000 ft: Inside the increasingly violent world of US flight attendants - "This summer, unruly passenger behavior seems to have reached new heights. In one incident, a passenger punched a Southwest flight attendant and knocked out two of their teeth. Video also circulated of a passenger getting taped to their seat after they reportedly punched and groped Frontier Airlines flight crew."
• European banks storing €20bn a year in tax havens - "Barclays and HSBC among banks booking money equivalent to 14% of annual profits in offshore entities."
• I found the largest truffle in the world - "'I could have sold my 1.3kg truffle for a fortune. But I had something more special in mind.'"
• How to recreate any DSLR photography effect with your iOS or Android phone - "The perfect apps for clever photography trick shots. Thanks to some clever apps that let you do everything from long exposures to intentional camera movement (ICM) and infrared-style photography, your iOS or Android phone can show you a creative world beyond the 'accuracy' of your camera app's default settings."
• 10 Darkest Scenes From David Lynch Movies - "David Lynch's movies are known for their uniquely disturbing imagery. But which moments from Lynch's career are the darkest?"
• Mercedes' latest EVs include a G-Class concept & the EQE sedan - "There are also AMG and Maybach versions of the EQS."

September 5, 2021

• Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games: full medal table - "See who is topping the leaderboard at the Paralympic Games, and which events each country has won medals for."
• Vaccine slowdowns in the wealthy West could incubate the next disaster in the Covid crisis - "Much to the dismay of officials and public health officials, the slower uptake has seen daily vaccinations plateau, while each country remains well below the target at 63% (UK), 62% (Israel) and 52% (US)."
• How 9/11 changed travel forever - "When this century began, you could pull up to the airport 20 minutes before a domestic flight in the United States and stroll straight over to your gate. Perhaps your partner would come through security to wave you goodbye. You might not have a photo ID in your carry-on, but you could have blades and liquids."
• Airlines are flying again, but people aren't giving up private jets - "Private jets turn out to be a difficult habit to kick. Although airlines have re-established routes to popular summer destinations, rich people are still paying to fly privately to places like Miami, Mexico, the Caribbean and even Europe. Vista Global, a Malta-based company that caters to this elite pocket of the aviation market, reported a record month in July, even after rapid growth in the first half."
• Ritz-Carlton’s First Superyacht Awaits, With Your Own Concierge & the Best of Everything - "One of the most recent big names to join the yachting playing field is Ritz-Carlton. Since so many boats are described as being similar to luxury hotels on water, why not have an actual hotel brand develop a yacht?"
• From Breitling to Bulgari, the Best New Watches at This Year’s Geneva Watch Days - "Whether you’re a serious collector or merely an aspiring one, it’s hard not to love a watch festival - even if it’s relatively small."
• SMARTWATCHES TRACK OUR HEALTH. SMART TOILETS AREN’T TOO FAR BEHIND - "Commodes that measure vital signs, screen for chronic illnesses and might even diagnose Covid-19 are in the works."
• How to Send WhatsApp Messages Without Typing on Android, iOS - "You can use your voice to send WhatsApp messages, without typing."
• WhatsApp issues urgent advice to avoid new iPhone & Android threat - "Anyone using WhatsApp must make sure their chat app is fully updated after an issue was discovered that could let hackers access personal information."
• How to save text messages on iOS & Android - "We are all one phone crash away from losing valuable files."
• Six ways Apple is planning to radically transform the MacBook Pro - "Numerous reports - some from very reliable sources - say that Apple will introduce a new MacBook Pro in just a few short weeks. This isn’t any ordinary speed bump release, however. The new MacBook Pro promises to put Apple’s flagship laptop in a new light and set the momentum for future releases. Let’s take a look at what we could see in the next MacBook Pro and how these new features will transform the laptop from what we’re familiar with into something completely new."

September 4, 2021

• Life after Covid zero - "Australia beat the world on shutting out Covid. Now it is bitterly divided on how to reopen."
• Three doses of Covid-19 vaccine are likely needed for full protection, Fauci says - "With the latest Covid-19 surge upending American life yet again, an official rollout of booster doses could begin within weeks, pending FDA authorization. And it's likely that three doses of the vaccine are needed for full protection, Dr. Anthony Fauci said. He cited two Israeli-based studies that showed a decrease in infections among people who got a third or booster shot."
• Stress test: how ‘burnout breaks’ are helping staff recover from pandemic - "Businesses are becoming increasingly aware that exhaustion is a ticking timebomb."
• Interactive: How coronavirus spreads through a population & how we can beat it - "As the global effort to limit the pandemic’s impact gathers pace watch how subtle changes in social behaviour or the level of contagiousness of the virus can affect the battle to stop its spread. This interactive feature was originally published in April 2020, it was updated on 27 August 2021 to compare the infectiousness of the Delta coronavirus variant."
• FLOODS, FIRES & EXTREME HEAT: DISASTER PILE-UPS ARE THE NEW NORM - "The forecast for the future is a deluge of disasters."
• World's cheapest Michelin meal loses its star - "Famed Singaporean eatery Hawker Chan loses its Michelin star."
• 20 great autumn breaks across France: a season of great tastes - "Missed your trips across the Channel? We pick tours, food festivals, vineyards and new attractions, plus gorgeous places to sleep and eat nearby."
• Why China's bitcoin miners are moving to Texas - "China's ban on cryptocurrency mining has forced bitcoin entrepreneurs to flee overseas. Many are heading to Texas, which is quickly becoming the next global cryptocurrency capital."
• The celebrity photographer who refuses to Photoshop movie icons - "Celebrity photographer Andy Gotts has snapped numerous stars, from Hollywood titans Al Pacino, Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts to promising newcomers like Anya Taylor-Joy and Nathalie Emmanuel. But one picture stands out to him as the most poignant of his career: a portrait of the late Tony Curtis, his face painted with an American flag."
• The Real Face of Aristotle? Artist Reconstructs Ancient Greek Faces - "Italian artist Alessandro Tomasi has reconstructed the faces of ancient Greek and Roman philosophers and statesmen using statues and busts kept in various museums around the world as reference."
• Venice film festival 2021 week one roundup - serious firepower - "With big-hitters from returning heroes Jane Campion, Pedro Almodóvar and Paolo Sorrentino, plus an electrifying return from maverick Paul Schrader, it’s a heck of a starting bill at the Lido."
• Life, death & gabagool: how The Sopranos explains everything - "Ahead of the release of prequel The Many Saints of Newark, a look at how David Chase’s classic mob drama saw the world in a grain of parmigiano."
• The Audi Grandsphere concept is the company's vision of a self-driving luxury future - "Audi has yet to release anything like a fully self-driving car, but the Grandsphere concept plays with the idea of how we interact with vehicles when the driver doesn't need to acually drive. Much like the recently unveiled Audi Skysphere concept, which imagined a sports car in which driving is optional, the Grandsphere concept imagines a luxury car where the driver can just ride."
• How to install the iOS 15 public beta or developer beta - "Ready to test out all the new features arriving with iOS 15 like Focus mode, Live Text, offline Siri, all-new Safari, redesigned Notifications, and more? Follow along for how to install iOS 15 public beta or developer beta."
• Everything New With Safari in iOS 15: Redesign, Tab Groups, Live Text, Privacy Updates and More - "Apple's Safari app has undergone a number of changes during the iOS 15 beta testing process. Apple started out with a radical new design that moved the address bar from the top of the app's interface and introduced a floating tab bar, but after a multitude of complaints, there were several redesigns that culminated in an option to undo theiOS 1 design entirely."
• Segway's robot mower uses GPS to stay on your lawn - "There's no need to install a perimeter wire with the Navimow."

September 3, 2021

• Why a Covid-19 vaccine for younger children is taking longer than a vaccine for adults - "Anxiety is high among parents as more kids head back to school without the protection of a Covid-19 vaccine for at least a few more months."
• Kim Jong-un rejects Covax vaccine offer as North Korea fights pandemic in ‘our style’ - "Unicef says country wants to send its UN-backed allotment of 3m Sinovac shots to other nations, with some experts believing it may want other vaccines."
• Has Covid ended the neoliberal era? - "The year 2020 exposed the risks and weaknesses of the market-driven global system like never before. It’s hard to avoid the sense that a turning point has been reached."
• Statistics Say Large Pandemics Are More Likely Than We Thought - "Most people are likely to experience an extreme pandemic like COVID-19 in their lifetime, a new study shows." Duke Global Health Institute.
• Global warming linked to colder winters in the US - "A new study shows that increases in extreme winter weather in parts of the US are linked to accelerated warming of the Arctic."
• The days of 'let's see what happens' are over - "We are increasingly locked into a world of our own making. We have exchanged planetary stability and the capacity for the world to support life for a growing population, transportation, merchandise and agriculture. Fossil fuels are at the core of this unchecked development. The industrial revolution, agricultural revolution and digital age -- along with the tripling of human population that has happened in my lifetime -- were all enabled by fossil fuels."
• Queen's secret funeral plans leaked for first time - day-by-day breakdown & codewords - "Leaked documents reveal the huge operation that will be launched in the hours and days after the Queen dies."
• The power of no: how to build strong, healthy boundaries - "When we find it difficult to say ‘no’ at work or at home, our responsibilities can quickly become overwhelming. For good mental health, focusing on our own needs and capabilities is crucial."
• Abba reunite for Voyage, first new album in 40 years - "Swedish hitmakers to release album of brand new material in November, and digital avatars will appear in London concert residency in 2022."
• Qatar Airways shows off world's first $102 million Gulfstream G700 luxury jet - "Qatar Executive, the corporate jet arm of Qatar Airways, has shown off its upcoming aircraft, the Gulfstream G700, at an event in Doha. The G700 is a fast, ultra-long range jet that can reach speeds of Mach 0.9 or 1111 km/h. Qatar Executive will be the launch customer for the jet, taking delivery of the first of 10 on order in 2022."
• The best ultraportable laptops you can buy - "There's no shortage of thin-and-light laptops out there. These are our favorites."
• 10 Handy Things You Can Do With Your Mac's Touch ID Button - "Your Mac's Touch ID button is more useful than you think."
• Whisky Review: Ardnamurchan, Bunnahabhain, Benriach, And More - "This month’s crop of whiskies features this year’s Distell’s limited edition whiskies (the company owns Bunnahabhain, Deanston, and the Tobermory distilleries), the latest rye from boutique distillers The Oxford Artisan Distillery, and more besides."
• Aston Martin DBX Review: Yes, An Aston SUV Really Does Make Sense - "Porsche faced criticism head-on 20 years ago when it revealed the Cayenne SUV, but that best-selling car is now the reason Porsche’s GT division has the resources to make some of the world’s greatest sports cars. Now Bentley, Lamborghini, and Rolls-Royce sell luxury SUVs in great numbers to help fund the rest of their business. Even Ferrari will do the same in 2022. 'I drove the DBX 200 miles from London to Huddersfield the previous day, and my lasting memory is how it shifts between being sports-car quick and luxury-limo comfortable. With the press of a button, the silent and smooth ride is firmed up, the steering made quicker and heavier, the throttle more responsive and the soundtrack far more aggressive. You probably won't turn the wick up all that often, but when you do the DBX feels entirely worthy of a car with an Aston Martin badge on the steering wheel.'"
• Bernard Arnault’s Bad Bet: World’s Third Richest Person Finally Unloads Stake In French Retailer Carrefour - "French luxury goods billionaire Bernard Arnault, the world’s third richest person, sold his remaining shares in French supermarket chain Carrefour on Tuesday, marking his exit from the firm fourteen years after he first invested in 2007. Arnault’s holding company, Financière Agache, sold its 5.5% stake in Carrefour at about $19 per share for a total of roughly $850 million before taxes."
• How finger counting gives away your nationality - "Many people around the world learn to count on their fingers, but we don't all do it in the same way. Could there be a better method?"
• 5 Best New TV Shows Our Critic Watched in August 2021 - TIME Magazine.
• Why emails always seem negative - "'Negative intensification bias' can leave us offended by an innocent work email - but there are ways to avoid it."
• The Asian capital you've never heard of - "Putrajaya: The capital city you've never heard of. Located in the shadow of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's 'other' capital is one of the world's greenest cities."
• The 100-year-old fiction that predicted today - "Two cult authors both wrote about human nature - and the dystopian horrors that technology can unleash. Dorian Lynskey explores the parallel lives of the writers whose work still resonates."
• Totally real Ted Lasso actor who plays Roy Kent responds to conspiracy theory that he is CGI - "The man looks like he stepped straight out of FIFA 21."
• Study shows that a love of luxury watches is proof of superior virility - "Consider the magnificent tail of the male peacock. The flamboyance of the plumage fanning out to display multiple colours makes it an arresting sight to behold. But not everyone has been similarly enamored. As Charles Darwin wrote in April 1860, the mere sight of a peacock, 'makes me sick!'."
• What watches do divers actually use? - "No, you don’t need an expensive Swiss watch to go diving, but you do need to wear something to time your dive."
• This Zero-Emissions Electric Superyacht Concept Is Anchored by a 3-Story Vertical Garden - "Hidden Portside’s new superyacht is further proof that sustainability and luxury boating are not mutually exclusive. The Barcelona-based design studio has penned an innovative 164-footer known as Naboo that pairs eco-friendly furnishings and zero-emissions propulsion with a design-savvy aesthetic."
• This New 130-Foot Luxury Catamaran Comes With an Epic Fold-Out Beach Club - "The multihull power cat has the size and style of a superyacht."
• The Unique Piece Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 1.6-3 For Monaco's Art In Time - "A singular sensation in black."
• Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition marks new 007 film ‘No Time To Die’ launch - "The latest James Bond film has inspired a special edition Land Rover Defender V8."
• Charlie Watts, Miles Davis, John & Yoko ... and other David Bailey wonders - in pictures - "The celebrated photographer will open up his archive for the first time at Photo London - with portraits of the Rolling Stones, Michael Caine and Jerry Hall on display."
• Princess Charlene of Monaco is 'stable' after she collapsed & was rushed to hospital 'due to complications from an infection' in South Africa - "Princess Charlene of Monaco is in a stable condition after being rushed to a KwaZulu-Natal north coast hospital on Wednesday night. The royal, 43, was admitted under an alias to the Netcare Alberlito Hospital on Wednesday night after she collapsed at her lodge north of Durban where she is staying."

September 2, 2021

• China warns US poor relations could undermine progress on climate change - "Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi tells US climate envoy John Kerry cooperation on reducing emissions cannot be separated from the broader relationship."
• Atlas of the Invisible: using data to map the climate crisis - "Graphics from a new book show causes and consequences that are hard to detect with the naked eye."
• Atlas of the Invisible: Maps and Graphics That Will Change How You See the World - "An unprecedented portrait of the hidden patterns in human society—visualized through the world of data." Amazon.com.
• I’m Vaccinated. When Is It Safe to Take My Mask Off? - "Mask guidance continues to change. Here’s what you need to know, depending on who you are, to protect yourself - and, most importantly, others."
• No Time to Die Releases Dramatic Final Trailer for the James Bond Film - "Daniel Craig stars as James Bond in the final U.S. trailer for No Time to Die, as the film looks to makes its long-awaited debut in October."
• Texans can now openly carry guns in public without a permit or training - "A new pro-gun law in Texas that went into effect Wednesday allows most Texans who legally own a firearm to carry it openly in public without obtaining a permit or training, a measure that experts say will make it more challenging for law enforcement to protect the public from gun violence."
• Luxury Smartwatches vs. the Premium Apple Watch - "Is traditional watchmaking compatible with wearable tech?"
• How to start the Mediterranean diet - meal by meal - "Considered one of the healthiest diets in the world, the Mediterranean way of eating cuts processed foods and red meats, focusing instead on fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, healthy whole grains and extra-virgin olive oil."
• Exhilarating Outdoor Experiences For Intrepid Travelers - "There are basically two types of vacations. Passive vacations involve lounging poolside at a resort or laying on a sun-drenched beach all day long. On the other hand, active vacations are designed for intrepid travelers who thrive on adventure. Couch potatoes need not apply. These outdoor adventures are sure to maximize your thrill meter, and include such adrenaline-pumping activities as kitesurfing at Oil Nut Bay in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. The experience is available with all levels of instruction and boat support and includes kite gear with radio helmet, beach launch, body drag, kite control and board. Here are some of the world’s most exhilarating outdoor experiences for those intrepid travelers who crave adventure."
• The ‘workation’: why working from a dream destination isn’t all sunshine - "Heading for Bangkok, Lisbon or Budapest to work remotely? You might want to consider your work-life balance - and bank balance - before you go."
• Iconic yachts: The story of Steve Jobs's Feadship superyacht Venus - "Perhaps it’s her famous owner, unique exterior or the total secrecy surrounding the project, but there are few superyachts that are more captivating than the utterly iconic yacht Venus. Built by Feadship and designed by Philippe Starck, 78.2 metre Venus was launched in October 2012."
• Why getting back with an ex is so compelling - "You broke up, for good reasons. So why do so many former couples reunite further down the line?"
• Animals captured at their funniest in the Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards 2021 - "Gophers goofing around, a laughing snake and racoons seemingly sharing their secrets are among the shortlisted images for the 2021 Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards."
• Afghanistan: Rescued animals 'in amazing condition' in UK - "Some 150 animals from former Royal Marine Paul 'Pen' Farthing's shelter in Kabul arrived at Heathrow Airport on a private charter flight on Sunday."
• The people who believe plants can talk - "While many gardeners believe talking to their plants encourages them to grow, there is a war of words in the scientific world about whether plants are listening, or even talking back."
• Big John, largest known triceratops skeleton, goes on display before auction - "Bones found in 2014 in what is now South Dakota described as ‘miracle of nature and work of art’."
• Montblanc Celebrates 200th Anniversary Of The ‘Time Writer’ With New Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph - "Before word got out that the chronograph was actually invented by Louis Moinet, it was widely believed that Nicolas Rieussec invented the chronograph in 1821. In fact, Rieussec invented what is referred to as the 'time writer' - an inking chronograph. Essentially, two dial disks were put in place in a box and were connected with a small ink pen of sorts that would mark the start of an event on one disk and the finish time of the event on second small disk. The ink writer was the inspiration behind Montblanc’s Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph collection. Now, in honor of the 200th anniversary of that inking chronograph, the brand releases the new Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph Limited Edition 200 watch."

September 1, 2021

• Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games: full medal table - "See who is topping the leaderboard at the Paralympic Games, and which events each country has won medals for."
• WHO monitoring new Mu variant - "Mu has been designated a ‘variant of interest’ and has mutations suggesting it could be more resistant to vaccines."
• Vaccine passports will make hesitant people ‘even more reluctant to get jabbed’ - "Data comes as No 10 vows to press on with plan to make vaccination a condition of entry for nightclubs."
• Air pollution is slashing years off the lives of billions, report finds - "Dirty air is a far greater killer than smoking, car crashes or HIV/Aids, with coal burning the leading cause."
• Paris slams on the brakes & sets 30 kph speed limit to reduce pollution - "Authorities in the French capital of Paris are forcing drivers to slow down, setting a speed limit on almost all the city's roads, in a bid to reduce pollution and improve road safety."
• How the US created a world of endless war - "In 2008, many of Barack Obama’s supporters hoped he would bring the global war on terror to a close. Instead, he expanded it - and his successors have done nothing to change course."
• Queen of Denmark hired as set designer on new Netflix film - "Queen Margrethe II, the reigning Danish monarch, will add an adaptation of Karen Blixen’s fantasy novel Ehrengard to her two previous screen credits."
• Princess Diana allegedly wanted to move to California with Harry, William - "Princess Diana and Meghan Markle may have more in common than we thought. The late Princess of Wales allegedly had plans to move to California with her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, and pursue a career in Hollywood."
• 9/11: Inside the President’s War Room review - astonishing & petrifying - "This remarkable documentary shows exactly how 9/11 unfolded for George W Bush, from the multiple prayer breaks to the anti-anthrax pills - and the vow to ‘kick ass’ before he knew whose ass to kick."
• Stunning images released by Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2021 competition - "A number of stunning entries to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition have been released, including images of an Iberian lynx framed in a doorway, cheetahs swimming in a raging river and blood dripping from the muzzle of a lioness. There were a record number of entries to the 57th edition of the competition, which is organized by the Natural History Museum in London, and a selection of 'highly commended' images was released Tuesday evening."
• Does feeding garden birds do more harm than good? - "The suggestion that my conscientiously topped-up supply of 'premium mixed wild bird seed' is anything other than a positive boost for local wildlife has come as something of an unwelcome surprise."
• The World’s Best Whiskey - According To The 2021 Craft Spirits Awards - "The top honor of Best of Show is reserved for a single spirit exerting superiority across all categories. This year that honor went to a port-finished rye from Milam & Greene out of Blanco, Texas. Co-founders Marsha Milam and master blender Heather Greene are no strangers to prestigious accolades. Nor is this particular expression. Back in 2020, the dynamic duo took home 'Double Gold' at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for this exact same bottling."
• Can the ‘high heel index’ predict economic growth? - "Extra-high heels are having a moment, from Beyoncé to Olivia Rodrigo. Could they mark a return to an era of prosperity?"
• How narcissists climb the career ladder quickly - "People with a high degree of narcissism get promoted faster, new research shows. Why?"
• The family business that owns a share of the $7B James Bond franchise - "Cubby Broccoli managed to secure a cut of the Bond rights in 1961. Since then, his family has made hundreds of millions from the franchise."
• What Bond villains tell us about the world we live in - "In the lead up to the long-awaited release of No Time to Die, Nicholas Barber charts the history of 007's colourful adversaries - what do they reveal about us?"
• James Bond: Moneypenny's 10 Best Quotes - "Miss Moneypenny is not only Bond's colleague but also one of his best friends. And like Agent 007, she has had some incredible quotes over the years."
• Philips Hue adds a whole bunch of new lights, including a ‘light tube’ - "Plus new filament bulbs that can change color temperature."
• Philips Hue partners with Spotify to turn all your lights into a music visualizer - "Hue lights can change based on mood, tempo, and more."
• Lexus To Redefine Its SUV Lineup With Mix Of V8 & Electrified Models By 2025 - "The reinforcement of Lexus as a leading luxury brand is a critical strategic priority for parent company Toyota. And to achieve that, Lexus will redefine its lineup over the next four years by launching a varied mix of V8s, V6 hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles. This will include at least 10 electrified vehicles, four of which will be SUVs including the LF-Z electrified, the brand’s first battery electric crossover."

August 31, 2021

• The last US military planes have left Afghanistan, marking the end of the United States' longest war - "The last US military planes have left Afghanistan, Gen. Frank McKenzie, the commander of US Central Command, announced Monday at the Pentagon. The US departure marks the end of a fraught, chaotic and bloody exit from the United States' longest war."
• CDC adds 7 destinations to 'very high' Covid-19 travel risk list, including Puerto Rico & Switzerland - "People should avoid traveling to locations designated with the 'Level 4: Covid-19 Very High' notice, the CDC recommends. Anyone who must travel should be fully vaccinated first, the agency advises."
• What is C.1.2, the new Covid variant in South Africa & should we be worried? - "The C.1.2 strain has scientists’ attention because it possesses mutations within the genome similar to those seen in variants of interest, like Delta."
• Huge decrease in organ transplants as Covid took hold across world - "UK and international studies show the impact pandemic has had on health services and patients."
• Floating wind turbines could open up vast ocean tracts for renewable power - "Technology could help power a clean energy transition if it can overcome hurdles of cost, design and opposition from fishing."
• Is it safe to leave your Mac plugged in & always on? - "Many Mac owners leave their computers on all of the time, for example. Additionally, a good percentage of MacBook users likely use their devices in 'desktop' mode constantly. In general, both practices are safe. However, when it comes to leaving a MacBook plugged in all the time, the answer is a bit more complicated. Here's what you should know."
• APPLE CARES ABOUT PRIVACY, UNLESS YOU WORK AT APPLE - "The company has taken a strong stance on safeguarding its customers’ data - but some employees don’t believe it protects theirs."
• iOS 15: 10 great hidden features you’ll rush to use when it arrives - "Sometimes it's the little things that really improve your iPhone experience - if you can find them."
• iPhone 13’s rumored satellite link sounds like it’s just for emergencies - "The features may not launch this year."
• Can apps move the #MeToo movement forward? - "Gretchen Carlson is as composed as you would expect a former news anchor to be, remembering the day just over five years ago when she became the news."
• What personality are you? How the Myers-Briggs test took over the world - "Deemed ‘astrology for businessmen’ for some, lauded as life-saving by others, the personality tests are a ‘springboard’ for people to think about who they are."
• The French take on a trendy 'superfood' - "Fisherwoman Scarlette Le Corre has spent a lifetime quietly revolutionising fishing in France and the greater story of seaweed cultivation, culture and cuisine in Brittany."
• 5 benefits of apple cider vinegar (and a few duds), according to experts - "Apple cider vinegar is one of the most popular natural health products around, with claims that it can do almost anything, including sanitizing toothbrushes, curing diabetes and whittling waistlines."
• 10 of the deadliest snakes - "An encounter with one of these reptiles could cost you your life."
• Benetti & Loro Piana Collaborate On New 121-Foot-Long Yacht - "When it comes to luxury brands, few value beauty, quality, and quintessential 'Italian Style' quite like Benetti Yachts and Loro Piana Interiors. So, it makes perfect sense that these two Italian powerhouses have teamed up to design and build a one-of-a-kind yacht. It’s called the Motopanfilo 37M (121 feet) features materials and fabrics by Loro Piana Interiors, that highlight the interior designed by Lazzarini Pickering Architects."

August 30, 2021

• Oxygen is running out in US hospitals as Covid-19 cases soar among unvaccinated - "First, surges in Covid-19 infections led to shortages of hospital beds and staff. Now it's oxygen."
• Australia records 1,000th death from the pandemic - "The country's 1,003 Covid deaths is a lower total than most other advanced nations, due in particular to its early success in suppressing the virus. But Australia is now seeing its worst case numbers since the pandemic began."
• How coronavirus spreads through a population & how we can beat it - "As the global effort to limit the pandemic’s impact gathers pace watch how subtle changes in social behaviour or the level of contagiousness of the virus can affect the battle to stop its spread. This interactive feature was originally published in April 2020, it was updated on 27 August 2021 to compare the infectiousness of the Delta coronavirus variant."
• The 'billion-dollar air route' is bouncing back - "Since March 2020, would-be travelers have experienced more turbulence on the ground than in the air. As always, though, CNN Travel are your attendants on hand to guide you through the safety instructions and point our your nearest exits."
• ‘The smartest person in any room anywhere’: in defence of Elon Musk - "He’s the Silicon Valley Übermensch, the maverick boss of Tesla and SpaceX who wants us to colonise Mars and who can wipe out billions of dollars with a single tweet. So what’s not to love?"
• ‘Selling a promise’: what Silicon Valley learned from the fall of Theranos - "The company’s collapse has changed the startup environment, but some say the industry still hasn’t faced a ‘true reckoning’."
• Max Verstappen declared winner of farcical Belgian GP as rain plays havoc - "Mandatory two laps completed behind safety car at Spa. Half-points awarded after shortest F1 grand prix in history. It was the shortest race in the sport’s history, over in just three laps and eight minutes, all behind the safety car."
• 60 New Hotel Openings Around The World For Fall 2021 - "The hospitality industry continues to grow, even during a pandemic. While just a handful of the many hotels to open their doors for the first time between September and November, these 60 hotels are ready to make their grand debut."
• A master of self-promotion: letters reveal how Philip Roth ‘hustled’ for prizes - "Correspondence found in archives shows how ‘pushy’ novelist used ‘collusion, networking and back-scratching’ to win literary awards."
• The 15 Best James Bond Cars Ranked - "Like his famously debonair creation, Ian Fleming cultivated a taste for the finer things in life. That extended to his garage, too; the author spent his $6,000 check for the 'Casino Royale' film rights importing a raven black 1955 Ford Thunderbird. The world's greatest secret agent was a gearhead long before Hollywood came calling, with Bond showing off an already-antique 1930 Blower Bentley in the early novels."
• 'Concordski': The spectacular failure of the Soviets' Concorde rival - "Concordski: What ever happened to Soviets' spectacular rival to Concorde?"
• Vietnam lockdown adds to global coffee supply concerns - "Vietnam is a major producer of robusta, the bitter tasting bean used in instant coffee and some espresso blends."
• DATING’S HARD WHEN YOU LIVE THE #VANLIFE - "Tinder doesn’t quite work for those living a ‘nomadic’ lifestyle. Mentions of 'nomad', 'RV,' and 'van' in Tinder profiles are growing."
• Can holograms & avatars replace Zoom video calls? - "Video meetings are now a permanent part of our work lives. Are there new solutions that can take out some of the agony?"
• Do animals suffer from post-traumatic stress? - "Commonly thought of as a human response to danger, injury and loss, there is growing evidence that many animals show lasting changes in their behaviour after traumatic events. Can they point to an evolutionary source for PTSD?"
• Sustainable scotch: Hebridean distillery aims for net zero whisky - "Islay’s 9 distilleries burn 15m litres of oil a year. Now Bruichladdich is leading a radical effort to reduce emissions."
• Study suggests that feeling sexually desired by one’s partner is more important for men than we think - "Gender norms in heterosexual relationships dictate that men are responsible for desiring women and initiating sex while feeling desired themselves is relatively unimportant. But according to a study published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, the overwhelming majority of men (95%) say that feeling desired by their female partner is important to their sexual experiences, and 88% say there are things their partners can do to help them feel more desired."

August 29, 2021

• Week in pictures: 21 - 27 August 2021 - "A selection of powerful news photographs taken around the world this week."
• Black Hawks & Humvees - military kit now with the Taliban - "A video recently posted on social media showed Taliban fighters looking on as an iconic piece of US materiel (military hardware) - a Black Hawk helicopter - was piloted across Kandahar airport."
• How a hot blob off New Zealand is contributing to drought in South America - "Study reveals the vast patch of warm water has produced a dry ridge of high pressure across the south Pacific, blocking storms from reaching Chile."
• Where China's wealthy travelers are going during the pandemic - "Wealthy Chinese travelers may not be able to travel internationally with ease these days, but they have no shortage of attractive travel destinations in their own backyard."
• Elizabeth Holmes: from Silicon Valley’s female icon to disgraced CEO on trial - "Once the world’s youngest female self-made billionaire, the former head of Theranos is facing fraud charges and possible jail time."
• 11 Ways to Upgrade Your Wi-Fi & Make Your Internet Faster - "There's always something you can do to improve your connection at home."
• iOS 15: New Features! Everything You Need to Know - "Apple's next-generation iOS operating system." Apple in June 2021 introduced the latest version of its iOS operating system, iOS 15, which is set to be released in the fall. iOS 15 introduces new features for FaceTime calls, tools to reduce distractions, a new notifications experience, added privacy features, complete redesigns for Safari, Weather, and Maps, and more.
• How to clear cache on iPhone - declutter your iOS device - "Here is how to remove history, cookies and other data on your iPhone."
• Apple Watch user base hits 100 million as smartwatch industry grows 27% - "The Apple Watch continues to dominate the wearables industry, according to new data from Counterpoint Research. In fact, the Apple Watch user base has now crossed 100 million, and Apple has retained its number one position in the wearables industry."
• How to fight microplastic pollution with magnets - "Huge amounts of plastic ends up rivers and oceans every year, harming the environment and potentially also human health. But what if we could pull it out of water with the power of magnets?"
• Porcelain seized by Nazis goes up for auction in New York - "Prized collection smuggled out of Vienna by Jewish couple in 1930s expected to fetch more than $2m."
• The Mystery of Truman Capote's Final, Lost Novel, Answered Prayers - "Is the manuscript tucked away somewhere? Was it destroyed? Or are the few known chapters all that ever existed? A deep dive into one of literature's most enduring riddles."

August 28, 2021

• US intelligence couldn’t resolve debate over Covid origins - official report - "Biden administration divided over whether Chinese laboratory incident was source of disease."
• New Zealand is one of the last countries sticking to a zero Covid strategy - "Delta outbreak tests New Zealand's zero Covid strategy -- but lockdown has broad support at home."
• Denmark to lift all remaining Covid restrictions on 10 September - "Health ministry says high level of vaccination means virus ‘no longer a critical threat to society’."
• An oral history of Oxford/AstraZeneca: ‘Making a vaccine in a year is like landing a human on the moon’ - "It has shipped more than a billion doses, saved countless lives – and faced controversy over its safety and supply. Here, some of those who created the vaccine tell the story of their epic race against the virus."
• How do the Taliban make money? - "The Taliban are thought to be one of the wealthiest insurgent groups in the world, and after two decades of fighting US and partner forces, the militants now control Afghanistan."
• Coffee may reduce risk of death from stroke & heart disease - "Drinking up to three cups of coffee a day may protect your heart, a new study finds."
• China blasts '996' excessive work culture - "The country's top court on Thursday issued a lengthy condemnation of what's commonly known in China as '996,' the practice of working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days a week that is said to be common among the country's big technology companies, startups and other private businesses."
• 17 Best Small Towns in Europe - "These charming small towns in Europe come with jaw-dropping scenery, delicious food, and more."
• See The Largest Superyachts Of The 2021 Monaco Yacht Show - Forbes.
• Where the World’s Superyachts Are Right Now - "Eager to jump-start the lagging tourist economy and compete with Greece and Spain, Italy tops the mega-yacht leaderboard for a second consecutive month in August. There have been 228 super yachts pinging off Italy over the last five days, a 20-vessel jump from this time last year, according to tracking data compiled by Bloomberg."
• Life in the Royal Doghouse! Meet the Pampered Pooches of Royals Around the World - "From Queen Elizabeth's famous corgis to Meghan Markle's rescue pups, these dogs are living the good life."
• What will our eco-friendly homes of the future look like? - "The planet-saving innovations available, and which are most likely to be used in UK houses."
• The Complete Buying Guide to the Rolex Oyster Perpetual - "If you've ever enjoyed a water-resistant, automatic wristwatch, you have this model to thank."
• Iron-Air Batteries Could Be The Breakthrough Energy Markets Are Waiting For - "A group of venture capitalists and investors including Bill Gates, Temasek (Singapore’s state holding company), Macquarie (the Australian infrastructure investor) and steel group ArcelorMittal have joined MIT engineers to finance a company, Form Energy, that claims that its iron-air battery can deliver electricity for 100 hours at one-tenth the cost of lithium-ion batteries."
• Ten films to watch this September - BBC Culture.
• Tom Cruise has luggage worth thousands of pounds stolen as thieves make off with bodyguard’s £100,000 BMW in Birmingham - "The Hollywood superstar - in the UK filming scenes for Mission: Impossible 7 - was 'hopping mad' when he learned of the high-tech theft."
• David Lynch's Feature Films Ranked From Worst To Best - "David Lynch's movies are obsessed with the persistence and failure of identity, so it's not surprising that his 10 films are both like and unlike themselves. His movies circle around the same actors (Kyle MacLachlan, Laura Dern, Harry Dean Stanton), the same genres (noir, melodrama), the same themes (disability, sexual violence, infidelity, meta-film), and the same distinctively surreal, or hyper-real, absurdist visuals."
• This $35 case lets you attach an AirTag to your AirPods Pro - "You could also wait for iOS 15."
• Want to create PDF files on your iPhone & iPad? - "Apple users can create PDF files on their iPhones or iPads without downloading any additional applications. Here's a quick guide for the same."
• Greenland island is world's northernmost island - scientists - "A group of scientists say they have discovered by luck what they believe is the world's northernmost island off Greenland's coast."
• Fran Lebowitz: ‘If people disagree with me, so what?’ - "With a hit Netflix series and The Fran Lebowitz Reader now published in the UK, the American wit talks about failing to write, her dislike of Andy Warhol and her best friend Toni Morrison."
• The Rock's new Under Armour over-ear headphones pack ANC & a 45-hour battery life - "The sweat-proof cans feature JBL's audio tech."

August 27, 2021

• The US in a worse place with Covid than last August -- before vaccines were available - "The latest figure, amid a summer surge in Covid-19 cases driven by the highly transmissible Delta variant, is also more than double what it was on the same day last year, when vaccines were not available as they are now."
• Vaccine complications dwarfed by virus risks - "A major review of vaccines suggests the AstraZeneca jab does raise the risk of blood clots and another serious condition that can cause bleeding."
• ISIS name suicide bomber who blew himself up - "ISIS have claimed responsibility for the suicide bomb attacks on Kabul airport that killed 13 US solders and 60 Afghan civilians."
• Should we name heatwaves like storms? - "Why the health risks of overheating go unnoticed. By the end of the century, three-quarters of the world could be at risk of deadly heat. And yet, we still struggle to design cities to be heatwave ready."
• New Research Suggests Best Type Of Mask For Your Next Flight - "Travelers booking a flight need to be prepared to mask up from the time they step into the airport and throughout the duration of their flight. And with the surge of the highly transmissible Delta variant of COVID-19, it’s prudent to wear the type of mask that will best protect them and others from the virus."
• ‘Chipageddon’: how a global tech crisis came to sound quite tasty - "First chickens, and now a worldwide shortage of microprocessors ... the word ‘chip’ is the latest word to gain an Armageddon flavour."
• Eating a hot dog could take 36 minutes off your life, study says - "You may want to skip the toppings on your next hot dog, or skip it altogether: Health researchers at the University of Michigan have found that eating a single hot dog could take 36 minutes off your life. In their study, published this month in the journal Nature Food, researchers looked at 5,853 foods in the US diet and measured their effects in minutes of healthy life gained or lost."
• Why there's a wait list for $200 fries - "Spending $200 on French fries or €5,000 on a burger seems utterly improbable. But consumers across the world are increasingly willing to shell out for over-the-top dishes."
• 'A thing of shame:' Rome's pizza machine - "What pizza from a vending machine really tastes like. Rome's newest pizzaiolo (pizza-maker), 'Mr. Go,' is a vending machine pumping out four types of pizza for whenever you feel like one."
• He bought a cheap house in Italy. This is what happened next - " Italy's cheap homes bonanza continues to lure hundreds of interested buyers, despite the pandemic. But what happens once someone takes the plunge and invests their (small) chunk of change in a crumbling corner of a remote town?"
• 23 Most Anticipated Movies of Fall 2021 - "At long last, the final blockbusters that were supposed to arrive in 2020 are hitting re-opened movie theaters. This will be the last time to see Daniel Craig as James Bond - but the first time to glimpse Angelina Jolie as the Marvel immortal Thena in Eternals." TIME Magazine.
• Apple chief executive Tim Cook gets $750m payout - "The award depended on how well Apple's shares performed compared to other firms on the S&P 500 stock index. According to Apple's filing with the SEC, Mr Cook was eligible for the award as the company's shares had risen by 191.83% over the last three years."
• How Tim Cook has grown the Apple empire in his decade as CEO - "Ten years into the job, Cook now leads the most valuable company in the world - technology or otherwise - and it remains among the most influential. More than a billion people worldwide use its devices and tens of millions of developers have built businesses on its software platforms. Cook took over as CEO from Steve Jobs on August 24, 2011, less than two months before the Apple founder passed away. Since then, Apple's (AAPL) market capitalization has grown around 600% to nearly $2.5 trillion, and its annual revenue has more than doubled."
• How to reset your Apple Watch fitness calibration for more accurate Workout & Activity data - "Apple Watch is a powerful device with lots of benefits, but if your Activity and Workout data seems off or totally broken, the smartwatch loses a lot of its value. Let’s look at how to fix Apple Watch Workout tracking and Activity tracking."
• Al Capone's favorite gun, personal items head to auction - "Al Capone is infamous for having been a ruthless mob boss, but one of his granddaughters says Capone's softer side will shine through when the family auctions some of his personal belongings in October."
• the incredible stories behind recovered Nazi-looted art - "In a new exhibition, the difficult process of protecting art throughout and after the second world war is examined and celebrated."
• Clint Eastwood: Hollywood Legend & Watch Enthusiast - "From Abraham Lincoln to Michael Jordan, America has its fair share of iconic historical figures. Some of these legends happen to have close links to the world of watches. This time, we’re looking at long-time Hollywood star Clint Eastwood’s wrist to discover the actor and producer’s favorite timepiece."
• San Francisco luxury tower still sinking even as engineers work on $100m fix - "A project to reinforce the Millennium tower foundation came to a halt after it was found the building had sunk an inch."

August 26, 2021

• Does Covid immunity wane & will vaccine booster jabs be needed? - "Multiple studies seem to suggest immunity declines over time, though what this means is unclear."
• This European capital has overtaken Tokyo & Singapore as the world’s safest city - "Copenhagen has been named the world’s safest city in a new wide-reaching study from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The Danish capital surpassed former frontrunners like Tokyo, Singapore and Osaka in the fourth edition of the EIU’s biennial Safe Cities Index, which for the first time included environmental security metrics."
• World's first crewless, zero emissions cargo ship will set sail in Norway - "If all goes to plan, the ship will make its first journey between two Norwegian towns before the end of the year, with no crew onboard. Instead, its movements will be monitored from three onshore data control centers."
• Can investors save the Amazon? - "Some of the world's biggest investors have been linked to deforestation of crucial habitats like the Amazon Rainforest. Can they use their financial might to stop deforestation in its tracks?"
• Speed up your old iPhone in seconds with a trick that's genuinely hard to believe - "Apple automatically limits the speed of older iPhones with ageing batteries ... but you can get around it with one magnifique trick."
• The superyacht concept with an infinity pool & open-air cinema - " If you thought you'd seen it all when it comes to innovative luxury superyacht designs, this new hybrid concept may just prove you wrong."
• The best music for falling asleep - "From Chopin and Debussy to modern-day composers of Nocturnes, people have always felt a need to create night music. Arwa Haider explores how that can help us now, as we navigate pandemic-induced insomnia."
• Tales Of The Cocktail Launches An Interactive Map Of The World’s Best Bars - "Winning a coveted Spirited Award has put hundreds of cocktail bars from around the world on the map. Now Tales of the Cocktail, the 19-year-old New Orleans-based organization that established the awards in 2007, has made the metaphor a reality by building the definitive interactive map of the world’s best bars."
• World's largest star sapphire cluster found in backyard - "Sri Lankan authorities say the world's largest star sapphire cluster has been found in a backyard - by accident. A gem trader said the stone was found by workmen digging a well in his home in the gem-rich Ratnapura area. Experts say the stone, which is pale blue in colour, has an estimated value of up to $100 million in the international market. The cluster weighs around 510 kilograms or 2.5 million carats and has been named the 'Serendipity Sapphire'."
• The Mediterranean diet: why it could lead to a more satisfying sex life - "Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and cutting back on red meat can counter erectile dysfunction - and reduce farting."
• Why gossiping at work is good for you - "Gossiping at work is generally frowned upon. But research shows that we can reap benefits by leaning into harmless office chit-chat."
• Zen & the art of fly-fishing in Sweden - a photo essay - "Following two anglers into an area of deep forests and swift rivers brings a new appreciation of the mindful appeal of fly-fishing."
• The best gadgets for students under $50 - "Study smart with these affordable supplies."
• iOS 15: How to switch to Private Browsing on iPhone with the new Safari - "Safari has gotten a major overhaul with iOS 15, and while there are a number of improvements and changes, some features aren’t found where they used to be. Read along for a look at how to switch to iPhone Private Browsing in Safari with iOS 15."
• iPhone 13 - 6 reasons I know I’ll buy one even though I’ve got an iPhone 12 - "Here's why even a minor refresh in the iPhone 13 is going to be a must-have upgrade, for me at least."
• Louis Vuitton Launches a Luxury Bicycle Line With Maison Tamboite - "Two French brands have come together to create an exclusive product that can even have your initials engraved on it."
• The Apple Watch From 1995 - "This one won't pair with your iPhone."

August 25, 2021

• Global Covid-19 cases plateau after nearly two months of increase, WHO reports - "WHO reported more than 4.5 million new cases and 68,000 new deaths worldwide last week -- only a slight increase from the more than 4.4 million cases and 66,000 deaths reported the prior week."
• Fauci says US could be back to normal by spring 2022 - if vaccinations take off - "‘It’s up to us,’ Fauci says as infectious Delta variant feeds surge in cases, with a majority of hospitalisations and deaths are among unvaccinated people."
• Biden given inconclusive intelligence report on Covid origins - "A classified US intelligence report delivered to the White House on Tuesday was inconclusive on the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic, in part due to a lack of information from China, according to US media reports."
• Hawaii governor asks tourists to stay away as Covid cases & hospitalizations hit record highs - "He said tourism is hampered by a return of some Covid health restrictions, along with a shortage of rental cars. 'There will be limited access to restaurants and other places to eat,' he said."
• Shipping firm Maersk spends £1bn on ‘carbon neutral’ container ships - "Eight new vessels able to run on methanol fuel could help save more than 1m tonnes of carbon emissions a year."
• Marty Cooper, the father of the cellphone - "There wouldn't be Uber or Lyft or Google Maps or FaceTime or Instagram or Tinder or Snapchat or TikTok or iPhones or Android phones if someone hadn't invented the cellphone. Fortunately, somebody did."
• Your Apple Watch can only save your life later if you turn on these features now - "Your Apple Watch works in tandem with your iPhone, so you need to start there. The Health app allows you to enter details about your body, like your height, weight and blood type. There are several other options you can choose to include or skip. Here’s how to access it."
• 8 Ways to Make Everything on Your iPhone Easier to See - "You can do a lot more than just increase your font size."
• The four numbers Apple won’t let you engrave on your iPad in China - "‘Much of this censorship exceeds Apple’s legal obligations’. Chinese customers are not allowed to use the four numbers 8964 - which refer to the Tiananmen Square protests, which took place on June 4th, 1989."
• WhatsApp users can see who’s blocked them on Android and iPhone - here's how - "WhatsApp has a few tell-tale signs that help you see if you've been blocked by someone on iPhone or Android."
• 'Sex and the City' faces reality ... finally - "HBO Max says it will be releasing the 'Sex and the City' reboot -- 'And Just Like That ... ' -- sometime this fall, and it appears that Kim Cattrall's Samantha Jones character is being replaced by actress Nicole Ari Parker, who is Black, and who will play documentary filmmaker Lisa Todd Wexley, the new fourth friend of Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Charlotte York Goldenblatt (Kristin Davis), and Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon)."
• Why does quitting your job still feel so hard? - "Quitting - particularly without a job to go to - can be emotionally challenging and carry stigma. Can the Great Resignation change that?"
• Gigantic 400-Year-Old Coral Is The Widest Ever Seen in The Great Barrier Reef - "Towering beneath sparkling waters off the coast of Australia's Palm Islands is an ancient coral community that predates the European settlement of its neighboring continent."
• Inside photos of Bill Gates' super luxurious multi-crore mansion with 60-foot pool, sprawling reception hall, garden - "Microsoft founder Bill Gates owns a palatial mansion in Washington and it is estimated that this property is worth over USD 120 million."
• The rules of public grooming: Rudy Giuliani shaves in a restaurant. Should you? - "The former New York City mayor was spotted with a razor in hand at a dinner table this week. He’s not the first person to brush up in public, but some simple etiquette advice can help avoid upsetting onlookers."

August 24, 2021

• Fauci's new 2022 timeline for Covid fight could be a political disaster for Biden & Democrats - "President Joe Biden just got some deeply unwelcome news: The pandemic that he was elected to end could drag on deep into a midterm election year, with all the political and economic destruction that could bring."
• China could become the world's first country to control a major Delta outbreak - "China reports no new local Covid-19 cases for first time since July, as Delta outbreak wanes."
• Anti-mask New York Post requires all of its employees to wear masks in latest sign of Murdoch media hypocrisy - "The New York Post, the Rupert Murdoch-owned tabloid that has peddled a high volume of anti-mask rhetoric during the pandemic, informed employees this month that they are required to wear a mask while at the office, according to a memo obtained by CNN Business."
• Does Covid-19 follow a similar seasonal pattern to flu? - "Anticipating the seasonality of coronavirus is a key factor in fighting its spread, say scientists."
• What does getting Covid feel like for the fully vaccinated? - "The illness can still have a big effect on health and daily life, say three people in their 20s, 40s and 50s, who were double-jabbed."
• The Pfizer vaccine will be officially called Comirnaty, for some reason - "Comirnaty, Spikevax, and the weird world of branding COVID-19 vaccines."
• Climate crisis made deadly German floods ‘up to nine times more likely’ - "Study reinforces the hard evidence that carbon emissions are the main cause of worsening extreme weather."
• Why the moon affects the climate - "The subtle influence of the Moon on Earth's weather. 'Pale Moon rains. Red Moon blows. White Moon neither rains nor snows.' For generations, people have watched the Moon for signs of changes in the weather. The Moon does, in fact, affect the Earth's weather patterns in several subtle ways."
• Why Is Everything More Expensive Right Now? Let This Stuffed Giraffe Explain - TIME Magazine.
• The disruption to global supply chains is getting worse - "The shipping crisis is getting worse. Here's what that means for holiday shopping."
• The case for a shorter workweek - "More than ever, workers want to work fewer hours, saying they can be just as effective in less time - and happier, too. They may be on to something."
• Study shows how sitting for 8 hours a day can affect your stroke risk - "Adults under 60 who spend most of their days sitting have a higher risk of stroke compared to those who spend more time being physically active, a new study finds."
• Your iPhone has a hidden iOS app you probably never knew about, here's how to find it - "iPhone users have a hidden iOS app that they won't find anywhere on their home screen. The app, which can't even be downloaded from Apple's App Store, is called Code Scanner. As the name suggests, the app is a dedicated iOS tool for scanning QR codes on an iPhone."
• How Dangerous Is It To Wear Your Watches In Public? With Tips For Minimizing The Risks - "It has been increasingly difficult to ignore the stream of online videos and news articles about the phenomenon of watch-related muggings, including an alarming number of violent attacks resulting in serious injury or death."
• A Brief History Of Time: Rolex’s Complete Brand History - Part One: 1905-1945 - "How the world's most famous watch brand began."
• West Side Story, a Sopranos prequel & Bond: the best films to see in autumn 2021 - "Spielberg revamps Bernstein, young Tony is lured by the mob, Phyllida Lloyd tackles spousal abuse, Top Gun returns - and Daniel Craig calls time on 007 with bangs galore."
• Meet Abigail Thorn, the trans philosopher who wants to kill James Bond - "If you have a favorite James Bond movie, I would urge you to watch it again and then listen to what Abigail Thorne, Alice Caldwell-Kelly, and Devon (they're just 'Devon') have to say about it on their wildly popular podcast, Kill James Bond! Your favorite 007 movie will never be the same. You will never be the same. Your relationship to the idea of James Bond will never be the same, if you had one in the first place."
• George and Ann - "John le Carré wrote one of the strangest marriages in fiction."
• BeyoncÉ becomes first Black woman to wear iconic 128.54 carat Tiffany Diamond - "The Grammy-winning performer wears the stunning piece of jewelry, which features one of the world's largest yellow diamonds, as she and her rapper husband Jay-Z become the faces of Tiffany & Co's new 'About Love' campaign."
• From Da Vinci to Churchill: What our doodles can mean - "As a new exhibition shows, doodles can be a powerful form of creative expression."
• Coffee & gold lure visitors to this city - "The best things to do in Bogotá, Colombia."
• What it means when cats knead with their paws - "Do you ever see your cat shifting his front paws back and forth just before settling down for a nap? Have you heard some cat lovers talk about their feline friends "making biscuits" or 'kneading dough'?"

August 23, 2021

• What should you do if you get a breakthrough infection? Our expert weighs in - "Covid-19 vaccines are very effective against preventing infection, but no vaccine is 100% effective. Fully vaccinated people can and do become infected. It's not known exactly how many of these breakthrough infections are occurring, as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not collecting national data this comprehensive. Based on reports from 25 states that do keep track of these data, the Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that the rate of breakthrough infections is well below 1%."
• Full FDA approval of Pfizer Covid shot will enable vaccine requirements - "Full federal approval of Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine will empower businesses and universities to require vaccinations and tip hesitant Americans toward getting the jab, the surgeon general, Vivek Murthy, said on Sunday. FDA is trying to finish licensing process as soon as Monday."
• Trump booed after telling supporters to get Covid vaccine - "Former president held rally in Cullman, Alabama, a city struggling to cope with cases and hospitalisations."
• Denser cities could be a climate boon - but nimbyism stands in the way - "Drawing people into cities could cut emissions and combat housing crises. But even progressives are hard to convince."
• Bitcoin's price rises above $50,000 for first time since May - It's the first time bitcoin has reached that milestone since May 15. Bitcoin's peers also advanced: Ethereum was up more than 3%, while dogecoin rose nearly 2%.
• Village near Rome joins Italy's €1 home sell-off - "This month, the bucolic town of Maenza has become the first in Rome's Latium region to begin selling homes for just over a dollar."
• Dolly Parton recreates iconic Playboy cover - "The 75-year-old country singer surprised her husband Carl by recreating her original Playboy cover from the 70s."
• From Princess Diana’s love of Dior to Queen Elizabeth’s classic Guerlain pick - 5 royals & their favourite scents - "Meghan Markle’s a Jo Malone girl and Kate Middleton wore Illuminum to her wedding, while Princess Beatrice was gifted a bespoke fragrance from Paris named after her. Floris London, a perfumer dating back to 1730, created the scents Queen Elizabeth and Meghan Markle wore on their wedding days - and even has a royal warrant."
• Ikea Symfonisk picture frame review: Sonos wifi speaker hidden by art - "Latest collaboration puts great sound behind fabric art panel that can be hung or leant against a wall."
• Cadillac’s luxury EV debut seems like a winner - "With a starting price of $60,000, the Lyriq might be an electrified luxury deal."
• Facebook’s New Zoom Competitor Adds Virtual Reality to Conference Calls. Here’s What It’s Like - "As the vague buzzword 'metaverse' snowballs into reality, today Facebook unveiled an intriguing peek into its plans for a collaborative online future. Facebook released a free beta for Horizon Workrooms, a 'mixed reality' meeting tool that the tech giant is calling its 'flagship collaboration experience.' Seemingly poised to compete with other remote communication platforms like Zoom and Google Meet, Workrooms offers something different: a virtual reality gathering space for business meetings and general productivity, built around the Oculus Quest 2."
• How Hackers Use Power LEDs To Spy On Conversations 100 Feet Away - "If you thought hackers being able to make use of any ordinary light bulb to spy on your conversations from 80 feet away was ingenious, wait until you see what they have come up with now."
• The Secret Of The Stradivari Violin Revealed - "New research confirms the work of a Texas A&M professor that showed the chemicals used to soak the wood of violins and other instruments produced their amazing sound."
• Sylvester Stallone’s Beverly Hills Mansion Is Fit for a King, Yours for $85 Million - "It's not that often that A-list celebrities publicly list their properties, let alone with such incredible memorabilia as Sylvester Stallone is offering with his. But whenever it happens, you can bet it's something impressive. This also applies here."
• Ferrari-stashing expandable motorhome may be swankiest land yacht yet - "Poised to draw envy from owners of 'yesterday's' supercar-carrier land yachts, new European marque Dembell aspires to create the most luxurious land yacht the world has seen. With its stretched, three-axle Mercedes base, triple-expanding, yacht-appointed interior, motorsport-inspired exterior and impressive self-sufficiency suite, Dembell may even lay claim to the world's first 'land superyacht' lineup."
• From a 1966 Miura to the Murcielago, Here Are Some Lamborghini Legends That Time Forgot - "The history of Automobili Lamborghini started in 1963 when it opened its doors in Sant'Agata Bolognese. Since then, from the lowest production road car to the first Super SUV."

August 22, 2021

• Queen plans 'legal fightback' after 'having enough' of Harry & Meghan 'attacks' - "The Queen's legal team is allegedly calling on libel and privacy experts after deciding 'enough is enough', according to reports."
• Forget Supersonic. This Hypersonic Jet Can Fly From NYC to London in Under an Hour - "The Hermeus jet has a projected top speed of Mach 5.5 - or 4,219 mph - making it the fastest reusable jet on the planet."
• The Best-Selling Vehicles in the World By Country - "Each country has different preferences for goods, and vehicles are no different. This infographic from Budget Direct Car Insurance highlights the best-selling vehicles in the world, using 2019 year-end sales data."
• The super-rich's sensational planes, trains, automobiles & yachts - "Billionaires like to go from A to B in supreme comfort and style, and think nothing of splurging on the finest and most exclusive modes of transport imaginable. Click or scroll through to reveal the private jets, opulent trains, prestige cars and magnificent megayachts of the planet's richest people."
• The longest living animals on Earth - "Tortoises don't even make the top 10 longest-living animals."
• Climate change is already here. Just look at the American west - "An American emergency. Nowhere is the nascent climate crisis more dramatic than in the West, where drought and extreme heat have created life-threatening conditions."
• 11 Ways to Improve Battery Life on Your Apple Watch - "Try these power saving tips to make your watch last longer on one charge."
• Steve Jobs email confirms Apple was working on an ‘iPhone nano’ - "A meeting agenda confirms the existence of an ‘iPhone nano’."
• James Bond’s Original Aston Martin DB5 From Goldfinger Allegedly Found After Almost 25 Years - "Stolen from a private hangar at the Boca Raton Airport in Florida in the dead of night, the car has been missing since 1997. One of four DB5s used for filming, it was the only version to feature working gadgets, that include ejector seats, tire-shredders, a bulletproof shield, as well as oil, smoke, and water sprayers."
• Dear Diary: how keeping a journal can bring you daily peace - "Writing a diary is a great way to offload - and, if memory fails, it’s a wonderful window on the past."

August 21, 2021

• Week in pictures: 14 - 20 August - "A selection of powerful news photographs taken around the world this week."
• Breakthrough infections & booster shots: what you need to know - "Vaccine efficacy against infection is waning slightly with time - but efficacy against severe symptoms remains strong."
• For some Black Americans, vaccine hesitancy is just one part of a legacy of mistrust - "To get the shot, many must overcome their historical memory of unethical medical experiments."
• Covid’s Forgotten Hero: The Untold Story Of The Scientist Whose Breakthrough Made The Vaccines Possible - "Without Ian MacLachlan’s innovative delivery system, Moderna and Pfizer couldn’t safely get their mRNA vaccines into your cells. So why does hardly anyone acknowledge the Canadian biochemist’s seminal contributions - or pay a dime in royalties?"
• Deforestation in Brazilian Amazon hits highest annual level in a decade - "Rainforest lost 10,476 sq km between August 2020 and July 2021, report says, despite increasing global concern."
• World premiere of James Bond film No Time To Die will FINALLY be held on September 28 at London's Royal Albert Hall after lengthy Covid delays - "The premiere - which will be held on a Tuesday - will come two days before the film is released in cinemas on Thursday September 30."
• Daniel Craig reportedly made more than $100 million thanks to streaming - "According to a report from Variety, the James Bond franchise star 'is walking off with north of $100 million thanks to the eye-popping sale of two sequels to Rian Johnson's 'Knives Out.''"
• World’s Most Popular Car Model Is Sold Once Every 28 Seconds - "We’re talking about the iconic Toyota Corolla, with the Japanese carmaker now boasting of its success of selling its 50th million Corolla worldwide."
• Rare & long lost video of Princess Diana & Prince Charles' wedding found in tip - "A film fan rescued a rare video of Prince Charles and Diana’s 1981 wedding in a haul of 20,000 VHS tapes he saved from landfill."
• Grid Studio Turns Apple's History Into Beautiful Home Decoration - "Apple fans tend to accumulate old products in their homes, likely on a shelf or in a drawer collecting dust. Rather than letting Apple's history become junk items for dust collection, Grid Studio aims to turn them into artistic wall decoration."
• How to type the Apple logo on Mac, iPhone & iPad - "Curious about conjuring up the  logo? Follow along for how to type the Apple logo character on Mac, iPhone, and iPad including a keyboard shortcut."
• How to buy a secondhand smartphone & what to look out for - "They are good for the environment and your wallet but there can be pitfalls."
• Where is the world's most expensive painting? - "Two new documentaries delve into the ongoing saga of Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi in a moment when true art crime stories are at their peak, writes Caryn James."
• List of royalty by net worth - as estimated by the CEOWORLD magazine in 2019 and Business Insider in 2018, by their personal net worth, excluding properties held by the state, government or Crown, in U.S. dollars.
• What will today's data tell future historians? - "Social media posts, algorithms and conspiracy theories might shape how future generations understand the world today."
• A Tuning Fork Inspires A New Pen Collection: Accutron By Esterbrook - "Founded by innovators from across the pond who eventually found their fame in the East Coast of the U. S., watchmaker Accutron and pen maker Esterbrook have joined forces to produce the Accutron by Esterbrook. This new pen collection commemorates both well-known brands, drawing attention to their intertwining histories and penchant for originality."
• Peloton’s app indicates a rowing machine may finally be coming - "Instructions on how to row, and a water-related code name."
• More than $90 million in cryptocurrency stolen after a top Japanese exchange is hacked - "Japanese cryptocurrency exchange Liquid said Thursday it has been hit by a cyberattack that saw hackers make off with a reported $97 million worth of digital coins."
• Ritz Paris Le Comptoir - "Just a stone's throw from Place Vendôme, the Opera and Place de la Madeleine, Ritz Paris Le Comptoir celebrates the excellence of Ritz Paris patisserie products. Whether enjoying them at Ritz Paris Le Comptoir, to take away or on click and collect, our French Pastry Chef François Perret will make your eyes widen and your tummy rumble." 38, rue Cambon, 75001 Paris, France.

August 20, 2021

• Biden on Afghanistan fact-checked - "President Joe Biden has made a series of assertions about US policy in Afghanistan and the reasons behind his decision to withdraw forces from the country."
• Rain fell at the normally snowy summit of Greenland for the first time on record - "Temperatures at the Greenland summit over the weekend rose above freezing for the third time in less than a decade. The warm air fueled an extreme rain event that dumped 7 billion tons of water on the ice sheet, enough to fill the Reflecting Pool at the National Mall in Washington, DC, nearly 250,000 times."
• Saving ozone layer has given humans a chance in climate crisis - study - "CFC chemicals once used in refrigerators would have driven 2.5C of extra warming by 2100 if they had not been outlawed, researchers claim."
• A billion children at ‘extreme risk’ from climate impacts - Unicef - "Report launched with youth activists including Greta Thunberg paints ‘unimaginably dire’ picture."
• 'Better to Stay Ahead of It.' Why the White House COVID-19 Strategy Now Involves Vaccine Booster Shots - TIME Magazine.
• Joe Biden says he & first lady plan on getting Covid booster shot - "President defends shots as millions worldwide are unvaccinated: US has ‘provided more to the rest of the world than all the rest of the world combined’."
• Apple delays return to corporate offices until 2022 as Covid cases rise - "The iPhone maker had previously planned to ask staff to go back in October for three days a week."
• Rolex is a mere pretender to the Patek Philippe crown at watch auctions - "Rolex made such a splash in 2017 when a Paul Newman-owned Daytona sold for $17.5 million that the casual observer might think it has dominated the auction world’s top ranked sales ever since. Not so, observes Simon De Burton, who sees Patek Philippe firmly maintaining its reputation as the king of auction brands and a number of rising stars like Cartier, F. P. Journe and Philippe Dufour regularly grabbing the attention of expert collectors."
• Paris Hilton's cooking show is really about something else - "Critics are taking issue with Hilton as host of a show about food, but be under no illusion, this woman isn't pretending she can cook. In fact, she's probably pretending she can't, but that hasn't deterred much of the internet from scoffing at her poor culinary skills, and wondering at the point of a food show that doesn't include knockout recipes."
• St Tropez Summer 2021: Where To Stay & What To Pack - "Going to St Tropez is always such a good journey. Very busy in July and August - even this year - the iconic summer destination of the south of France is also so enjoyable during the off season. In St Tropez, you will always discover a new place that will make you want to come back year after year."
• How Dubrovnik survived disease, war & tourists - "Lord Byron called it the Pearl of the Adriatic when he passed through on his Grand Tour in the early 19th century."
• 5 Sommeliers Share Trusted Tips On How To Better Appreciate Your Wine - "If you’re drinking wine consistently, shouldn’t you appreciate it a little more? That’s the question that Caroline Conner, wine coach and sommelier, poses on the topic of how lesser-versed wine drinkers can better connect with what’s in their glass."
• Amazon 'planning to open department stores in US' - "When Amazon, which is often blamed for single-handedly ruining the High Street, opened its first physical bookshops in 2015 it sparked fury in some quarters."
• Elon Musk says Tesla is working on humanoid robots - "A prototype is supposedly coming ‘sometime next year’."
• Monterey Car Week 2021: The Car Fanatic’s Dream Week Returns - Forbes.
• The 'blackest' black: How a color controversy sparked a years-long art feud - "For decades, the idea that somebody can 'own' a color has been a contentious one."
• End-of-life care should not simply be about prolonging a painful death - "We must focus on easing the exit rather than delaying the inevitable at huge expense."
• What does 'sex positivity' mean? - "The term ‘sex positivity’ is evolving and becoming more popular. How do we define it?"
• Tiny New Zealand airport that tells MĀori love story in running for global design award - "Regional hub in New Plymouth - built on land seized from Māori in 1960 - is up against the likes of New York’s LaGuardia for Unesco’s Prix Versailles."
• 'I relish a good Freudian slip - that revealing giveaway of the tongue' - "It has become a term for a general gaffe, but the true joy is in its original form."
• iOS 15 Safari: How to change the address/search bar design on iPhone - "Apple’s latest iOS release comes with an all-new Safari design that places the address/search bar at the bottom of the screen by default. But you can switch back to the classic iOS Safari design with a top bar. Here’s how to change the iOS 15 Safari address/search bar on iPhone."
• Galaxy Z Flip 3 review: Samsung's best foldable yet is still a tough sell - "A price drop, water resistance and larger outside screen make a satisfying upgrade."

August 19, 2021

• CIA warned White House of swift Taliban takeover - "Former CIA counter-terrorism chief Douglas London says Biden was warned ‘Afghan forces might capitulate within days’."
• Taliban are sitting on $1 trillion worth of minerals the world desperately needs - "Supplies of minerals such as iron, copper and gold are scattered across provinces. There are also rare earth minerals and, perhaps most importantly, what could be one of the world's biggest deposits of lithium - an essential but scarce component in rechargeable batteries and other technologies vital to tackling the climate crisis."
• Jabbed adults infected with Delta ‘can match virus levels of unvaccinated’ - "Researchers say implications for transmission remain unclear but reaching herd immunity even more challenging."
• Singapore sentences Briton to six weeks in prison for not wearing face mask - "Benjamin Glynn, 40, was found guilty on four charges over his failure to wear a mask on a train in May and at a subsequent court appearance in July, as well as causing a public nuisance and using threatening words towards public servants."
• Getting Covid jab is an ‘act of love’, says Pope Francis - "Video of pontiff urging vaccine take-up comes after scepticism from traditionalist cardinals."
• ‘No one wanted to read’ his book on pandemic psychology - then Covid hit - "Australian psychologist Steven Taylor published what would turn out to be a prophetic book, and it has become like a Lonely Planet guide to the pandemic."
• The Psychology of Pandemics by Steven Taylor - Amazon.com.
• Swedish mountain shrinks by two metres in a year as glacier melts - "Researchers say climate change is driving the melting, which has seen Kebnekaise lose more than 20 metres in height since the mid-1990s."
• Travel to the North Pole on board a luxury airship - "The 16 passengers will be lodged in eight spacious hotel-like double cabins. The airship will carry a crew of seven, including a chef."
• What Ibiza is like when the party stops - "Large-scale events have been shuttered due to the ongoing pandemic, although visitors seeking spiritual pursuits can still cloister in private settings and world-renowned DJs have transitioned to hosting more intimate private affairs, including music-led excursions by yacht. But for restaurants and beach clubs -- those serving food at clearly defined tables or cabañas -- it's business as usual, and exploring the island's many great places to eat and drink, some new for the season, is a great way to pass the time."
• Hovercrafts were the future of travel, then it all went sideways - "Though not rakishly streamlined like Concorde, there was an air of glamor to these machines, which would whisk you to the continent in 35 minutes and serve you a drink en route. If there was a way to replicate that experience from the UK all the way to the USA's East Coast, travel would never be the same again."
• Netflix is finally adding support for spatial audio on iPhone & iPad - "The company is rolling out support for the immersive surround sound feature now."
• Boston Dynamics' robots can parkour better than you - "It's a good thing these robots are our friends."
• Dementia risk lower for people in stimulating jobs, research suggests - "Findings of large study support the idea mental stimulation could delay onset of symptoms, says lead author."
• The hand gestures that last longer than spoken languages - "Using hand gestures might feel like an intuitive way to communicate across language barriers, but their meaning can change, and there are few universal signs that everyone agrees on."
• Ancient objects that reveal writing's roots - "An exhibition about Iran traces how some of the world's earliest scripts developed. They were as much about images as text."
• APPLE’S ATTEMPT AT PODCAST SUBSCRIPTIONS IS OFF TO A MESSY START - "Bugs and design flaws."
• Vanuatu strips Syrian businessman of controversial ‘golden passport’ citizenship - "Abdul Rahman Khiti has approval for citizenship revoked after Guardian revealed sanctioned businessman among more than 2,000 people who bought passports."

August 18, 2021

• After 20 years and $2tn spent in Afghanistan, what was it all for? - "The stunning US defeat has left Afghans and Americans distraught and confused but some gains may not be easily erased."
• New Zealand becomes latest country to confirm Delta outbreak - "The outbreak marks the first time New Zealand has confirmed the presence of the contagious Delta variant in the community. Earlier this month, the World Health Organization said more than 142 countries had reported cases of the Delta variant."
• ‘Spreading like a virus’: inside the EU’s struggle to debunk Covid lies - "Understaffed and underpowered, a Brussels taskforce tries to fight a fake news tide that threatens to undermine the union itself."
• Thousands forced to evacuate by wildfire near Saint-Tropez - "Large blazes are also burning in Portugal and Spain, the latest in a devastating European fire season made worse by the climate crisis."
• How technology in the air battles fires on the ground - "Planes equipped with infrared scanners are helping authorities take on historic wildfires in the US. The BBC's James Clayton took a flight to see how it's done."
• Human remains in tomb are best-preserved ever found in Pompeii - "Former slave who rose through the social ranks was interred at necropolis of Porta Sarno before AD79."
• Bentley Brought Six Public Premieres to the 2021 Monterey Car Week - "Bentley officially marked its return to public events in the United States with six premieres showcased over the weekend at the 2021 Monterey Car Week. Run in accordance with CDC’s guidelines, the four-day event brought together three vehicles from Mulliner’s portfolio, as well as the electrified versions of the Flying Spur and Bentayga, and the Continental GT Speed Convertible, among others."
• Sleep hygiene: 8 ways to train your brain for better sleep - "Sleep is one the three key ingredients to a healthier, longer life (the others are diet and exercise). Many of the ways to increase the quality of your sleep are easy to do."
• Don’t be lonely: how to make friends if you’re moving house - "Yes, the pandemic has made it harder to connect with strangers. But, from fitness classes to social media, there are plenty of ways to meet people in a new area - especially if you assume you’re naturally likable."
• The neglected ecology of death - "Rewilding death: The plan to restore the necrobiome. In parts of Europe, plans to replenish the 'necrobiome' may benefit wildlife from golden eagles and wolverines, to copious plants, fungi and insects."
• Why we can't fix bad work culture? - "Why the worst parts of work can't easily change. The pandemic was a golden opportunity to fix the most toxic parts of work culture - yet we made many worse. Why?"
• Lessons From The Most Valuable Luxury Brands In 2021 - "Five of the list’s ten brands - Hermès, Chanel, Prada, Burberry, and Rolex - are independent, while the other five belong to the three leading luxury groups: LVMH, Kering, and Richemont."
• The Crown FIRST LOOK: Dominic West & Elizabeth Debicki are pictured as Prince Charles & Princess Diana - "Netflix bosses unveiled images of the actors, aged 51 and 30, in character as the royals in roles they will play for the next two series of the show."
• Apple’s new research shows that Respiratory Rate can be monitored using AirPods or wearables with Audio - "According to a new research paper published in the Machine Learning Research section of Apple and Cornell University’s arxiv.org, researchers at the Cupertino giant can now estimate Respiratory Rate (RR) from breath audio."

August 17, 2021

• Who are the Taliban & how did they take control of Afghanistan so swiftly? - "Just last week, US intelligence analysts had predicted it would likely take several more weeks before Afghanistan's civilian government in Kabul fell to Taliban fighters. In reality, it only took a few short days."
• Afghanistan: Why is there a war? - "Back in 2001, the US was responding to the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington, in which nearly 3,000 people were killed. Officials identified Islamist militant group al-Qaeda, and its leader Osama Bin Laden, as responsible. Bin Laden was in Afghanistan, under the protection of the Taliban, the Islamists who had been in power since 1996. When they refused to hand him over, the US intervened militarily, quickly removing the Taliban and vowing to support democracy and eliminate the terrorist threat."
• Rely on America? The Lessons for Asia as Biden Deserts Afghanistan - TIME Magazine.
• ‘Masks work’: experts on how to navigate Delta when you’re vaccinated - "The vast majority of those hospitalized are unvaccinated, but health experts say everyone should exercise caution. Doctors and public health experts are now urging even the fully vaccinated to resume mask wearing and some social distancing measures."
• Bob Woodward’s third book in Trump trilogy to cover handling of pandemic - "New book Peril follows Fear and Rage, and is based on hundreds of interviews as well as diaries, secret orders and phone transcripts."
• Humans ‘pushing Earth close to tipping point’, say most in G20 - "Global survey finds 74% also want climate crises and protecting nature prioritised over jobs and profit."
• Just how hard is it to recycle a jumbo jet? - "Thanks to the pandemic and the subsequent collapse in air travel, around a quarter of the world's passenger jets remain idle - parked at airports and storage facilities while their owners decide what to do with them. More attention is being paid to this final stage in the life of a passenger jet as the industry strives to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly in the face of mounting concern regarding global warming."
• How water shortages are brewing wars - "Unprecedented levels of dam building and water extraction by nations on great rivers are leaving countries further downstream increasingly thirsty, increasing the risk of conflicts."
• New clue to human evolution's biggest mystery emerges in Philippines - "The only definitive fossil evidence that points to the existence of Denisovans -- an enigmatic group of early humans first identified in 2010 -- comes from five bones from the Denisova cave in the foothills of Siberia's Altai mountains. The fragments are so tiny that they can all fit in the palm of one person's hand. Now, DNA from 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometers) away in the Philippines is shedding more light on human evolution's biggest mystery."
• why we’re so obsessed with UFOs - "‘Our fascination is rooted in hope’. In a JJ Abrams-produced docuseries, the possible existence of alien life is given a serious and exhaustive examination."
• Hawaii tourists arrested for allegedly forging vaccine proof, face $5,000 fine or jail - "Two travelers to Hawaii could face up to one year in prison and up to $5,000 in fines after allegedly falsifying vaccination cards."
• Find out if your iPhone or iPad is infected with Pegasus spyware - "Curious about whether Pegasus has invaded your iPhone or iPad? Here's a way to check for peace of mind."
• Louis Vuitton's CEO now worth $200 billion - here's how to invest in the world's richest - "Here's how this French tycoon became the second person in history to achieve that milestone, and how investors (even those with limited funds) can steal a piece of his success."
• Drone pilot captures stunning images of world's tallest waterfall - "The FPV drone pilots taking cameras where humans can't go."
• Top five most expensive cats in the world - "Here are the world's five most expensive felines: 1. Ashera Cat; 2. The Savannah; 3. The Bengal; 4. The Sphynx; 5. Persian Cat."
• How mindfulness could make you selfish - "Mindfulness may have many benefits - but the latest research shows it can also make some people more selfish."
• Hamad International Airport | IATA: DOH | ICAO: OTHH - since 2014. "With a spa like atmosphere, Hamad International Airport is prioritizing comfort and luxury for all its travelers." The sole international airport in the state of Qatar. Located south of its capital, Doha, it replaced the former Doha International Airport as Qatar's principal airport. The airport is named after the previous Emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar has been named the Best Airport in the World at the 2021 World Airport Awards.
• Prince Charles plants a huge Union Jack-shaped vegetable garden at his £45m Scottish estate - "Coming shortly before the Scottish independence referendum of 2014, it was the subtlest of hints as to how the Queen felt about the matter. Now her son appears to have made his own, equally subtle plea for unity. New aerial photographs of Dumfries House in Scotland show that Prince Charles has used an elaborate planting scheme to portray the Union Flag in the carefully cultivated vegetable beds."
• The ancient symbol that was hijacked by evil - "The equilateral cross with legs bent at right angles - that looks like swirling arms or a pattern of L shapes - has been a holy symbol in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism for centuries. And, of course, the swastika (or the similar-looking hakenkreuz or hooked cross) is also a symbol of hate, embodying painful and traumatic memories of the Third Reich. The symbol of Nazism, it is associated with genocide and racial hatred after the atrocities of the Holocaust."
• Meet the Nigerian artist illustrating the human experience with a ballpoint pen - "From a distance, Jacqueline Suowari's larger-than-life portraits look like monochromatic photographs overlaid with colorful graphics. Upon closer inspection, you see these dramatic images are the culmination of thousands of tiny lines made using a simple ballpoint pen."
• New mathematical record: what’s the point of calculating pi? - "The famous number has many practical uses, mathematicians say, but is it really worth the time and effort to work out its trillions of digits? Swiss researchers have spent 108 days calculating pi to a new record accuracy of 62.8tn digits."

August 16, 2021

• The fall of Kabul: a 20-year mission collapses in a single day - "President Ashraf Ghani flees Afghanistan as Taliban sweep into city to seize control of country."
• Panic in Kabul: Three stowaways ‘fall to their deaths from plane’ - "Three stowaways are reported to have fallen to have fallen to their deaths from one airborne plane and a further five people have been killed at Kabul airport as thousands of Afghans try desperately to get on flights out of the country amid increasingly chaotic scenes."
• Earth just had the hottest month since humans have kept track - "‘First place is the worst place to be’."
• It’s now or never: Scientists warn time of reckoning has come for the planet - "The IPCC is unequivocal: we must take urgent action to curb global heating and prevent catastrophe. Will our policymakers and the Cop26 conference be up to the task?"
• Cashed out: a fond farewell to coins & notes - "If you’re struggling to recall the last time you handled cash, you’re not alone. As we click and tap our way to a digital world, Emma Beddington asks if we’ll miss the pound in our pocket when it’s gone."
• Would you let a robot lawyer defend you? - "Could your next lawyer be a robot? It sounds far fetched, but artificial intelligence (AI) software systems - computer programs that can update and 'think' by themselves - are increasingly being used by the legal community."
• Interoception: the hidden sense that shapes wellbeing - "There’s growing evidence that signals sent from our internal organs to the brain play a major role in regulating emotions and fending off anxiety and depression."
• Why your old video games may be worth millions - "An unopened copy of 'Super Mario Bros,' released in 1985, set a new world record when it sold for $2 million on the collectibles website Rally. Produced for the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), it was the third vintage title to smash the record for the world's most expensive game in under a month."
• This railway was incredibly challenging to build. Yet few have heard of it - "The story behind the Trans-Iranian Railway, one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century."
• The epic adventures of China's wandering elephants - "For the past 17 months, a wandering herd of elephants in China has embarked on an adventure of mammoth proportions."
• The reasons humans started kissing - "Lip-on-lip kissing is not nearly as universal as we might think it is, so can the diverse number of ways that humans kiss reveal what it is about this intimate act that we find important?"
• The Big Sleep: The most baffling film ever made - "Film noir The Big Sleep was released 75 years ago. While its plot has been criticised as 'cryptic' and 'confusing', that can also be a virtue, writes Nicholas Barber, arguing that we should embrace ambiguity."
• Can your boss read your messages? - "Are your work messages as private as you think? We all need to vent about tasks or colleagues sometimes. But if we gripe on work devices, can our bosses read our messages?
• How to use iOS 15’s new Live Text feature - "A guide to Apple’s new OCR feature."

August 15, 2021

• Who are the Taliban? - "The Taliban were removed from power in Afghanistan by US-led forces in 2001, but the group has been on the offensive in recent months and is now on the brink of seizing power again."
• 'This was a race & we lost': How US doctors really feel about Covid surge - "Nearly 620,000 Americans have died from Covid-19, and over 32 million have been infected."
• New Covid variants ‘would set us back a year’, experts warn UK government - "Vaccine-beating variant is ‘realistic possibility’, say scientists, amid calls for contingency plans to be revealed."
• Vaccine passports are less a threat to liberty than a mark of solidarity - "Anti-vaxxers in France and elsewhere claim personal freedom. But what of brotherhood?"
• The mysterious Chinese fashion app that's as popular as Amazon - "The platform Sachan is using belongs to a Chinese brand called Shein - pronounced 'She In' - which has rapidly attracted a global army of teen fans on TikTok. The company is a mysterious online shopping upstart that has made headlines recently for surpassing Amazon (AMZN) in app downloads in the United States, and creating a cult following for its fast fashion apparel sold all over the world. Some experts even say it's beating stalwarts like Zara and H&M at their own game, by making items more quickly and being more digitally savvy with customers."
• It's been named the world's best airport. Here's why - "Qatar's Hamad International: World's most luxurious airport?"
• Elon Musk Now Lives in a $50,000 Prefab Tiny House in Texas - "After selling most of his real estate portfolio, the multibillionaire is now living in a 400-square-foot unit on his SpaceX Texas site."
• You can now buy DJI’s leaked $300 Mini SE drone - "Less Mini 2, more last-gen Mavic, but it’s hard to argue with the price."
• New Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner Revealed As The “Ultimate Expression” Of The British Luxury Sedan - "Bentley’s new Flying Spur Mulliner is the first electrified vehicle to wear the badge of its bespoke division. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get one with a good old V8, or that W12 beast of an engine."

August 14, 2021

• COVID-19 lab leak theory a ‘probable hypothesis,’ WHO scientist says in stunning reversal - "The first person infected with COVID-19 could have caught the virus from a bat while working at the controversial Wuhan virology lab - but Chinese officials pressured the World Health Organization to drop the theory during a probe into the pandemic’s origins, according to an astonishing admission from a WHO scientist."
• Booster jabs for rich countries will cause more deaths worldwide, say experts - "Oxford Vaccine Group and Gavi say western leaders must not ‘reject their responsibility to the rest of humanity’."
• Covid booster: US approves third jab for the immunocompromised - "The order issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) affects around 10 million people, including transplant recipients and cancer patients."
• ‘This is a public health issue’: can Covid-era music festivals ever be safe? - "After backlash over the 100,000-plus crowd of mostly unmasked faces at Chicago’s Lollapalooza, festival organisers reckon with a safe way forward."
• Will We Need Vaccine Passports to Do Fun Things? - TIME Magazine.
• These 'vaccine passports' are why we can have nice things - "But their rollout has been marred by technical hiccups and anti-vaxx resistance."
• Drug firms poised to make billions of dollars from Covid booster jabs - "Sales of BioNTech, Moderna and Pfizer drugs could rival $6bn-a-year market for flu vaccines, say analysts."
• July was the hottest month on record, amid extreme weather around the globe - "The global temperature in July 2021 was the highest for any July in the 142 years of records, according to data released today from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information."
• The multi-billion dollar giants that are melting away - "Billions of people around the world depend on the waters locked away in glaciers for their livelihoods, power and food. But climate change is melting them away. What might we lose if they disappear?"
• the company putting a label on fashion’s climate impact - "‘Your outfit is killing the planet’. Allbirds’ sustainability lead Hana Kajimura on why the company uses carbon labeling and her hope that the fashion industry can become carbon negative."
• Can luxury fashion brands ever really be inclusive? - "Luxury goods tend to be associated with exclusivity rather than inclusivity. But thanks to the universal scrutiny of social media and consumer activism, high-end brands are under increasing pressure to be seen as companies who care. Some have spent large sums on initiatives which address environmental concerns, or used their expertise to help deal with the pandemic."
• The Future of Fashion Resale Report - "BoF’s definitive guide to fashion resale, covering the evolution of the market, its growth and upside, consumer behaviours and recommendations for crafting a data-driven resale strategy."
• Building a bare-bones home gym - "‘A small bar with weights and two dumbbells can do a lot’. With a few cheap items and a good routine it’s possible to start or continue a fitness regimen at home."
• The new $2.6 million Lamborghini Countach is a hybrid - "The original Lamborghini Countach, unveiled as a concept car at the Geneva Motor Show in 1971, made the Italian automaker world famous. The new Countach, unveiled at an event during Monterey Car Week in California Friday, celebrates the 50th anniversary of that debut. The automaker will only produce 112 units of the car."
• Why do so many Egyptian statues have broken noses? - "Without a nose, the statue-spirit ceases to breathe, so that the vandal is effectively "killing" it. To hammer the ears off a statue of a god would make it unable to hear a prayer. In statues intended to show human beings making offerings to gods, the left arm -- most commonly used to make offerings -- is cut off so the statue's function can't be performed (the right hand is often found axed in statues receiving offerings)."
• Tony Bennett hangs up concert hat on doctor's orders - "American singer Tony Bennett is stepping back from concert performances at the age of 95, his son said on Friday. Bennett, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, canceled a run of concerts planned for later this year and won’t be returning to touring, his manager son Danny Bennett told Variety in an interview."
• SONY HT-A7000 REVIEW: A NEXT-GEN ATMOS SOUNDBAR THAT’S (ALMOST) PERFECT FOR GAMING - "For those who can afford to throw cash at something that sounds great."

Friday, August 13, 2021

• Why is Friday the 13th unlucky? The cultural origins of an enduring superstition - "When it comes to bad luck, there are few superstitions as pervasive in Western culture as that of Friday the 13th. Like crossing paths with a black cat and breaking a mirror, the notion of a day that can bring misfortune is deeply embedded -- even if believers can't quite explain why. There's even a name to describe the irrational dread of the date: paraskevidekatriaphobia -- a specialized form of triskaidekaphobia, a fear of the number 13."
• Why COVID-19 Might Be Here to Stay & How We'll Learn to Live With It - TIME Magazine.
• Breakthrough Covid infections prove vaccines actually work - "In most cases, a 'breakthrough' means a sudden, dramatic or important discovery. With Covid-19, however, the expression has been used to describe an infection that 'broke' through the protective immunity of the vaccine -- and this is sometimes misinterpreted as a sign the vaccine is not working."
• Tax on billionaires’ Covid windfall could vaccinate every adult on Earth - "Analysis finds 99% levy on pandemic wealth rise could also pay all unemployed $20,000 - and still leave super-rich $55bn richer."
• Should you cancel travel plans? A medical expert weighs in - "Many people have travel plans for the rest of the summer and the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend. Should they cancel their vacations? Is air travel safe? What if they are getting together with extended family or friends over the holiday -- what precautions need to be taken? And what about families with children too young to be vaccinated?"
• Greenhouse gas emissions must peak within 4 years, says leaked UN report - "Group of scientists release draft IPCC report as they fear it will be watered down by governments."
• Climate crisis: what one month of extreme weather looks like - video - "In the last month, devastating weather extremes have hit regions across the world. From flash floods in Belgium to deadly temperatures in the US, from wildfires in Siberia to landslides in India, it has been an unprecedented period of chaotic weather. Climate scientists have long predicted that human-caused climate disruption would lead to more flooding, heatwaves, droughts, storms and other forms of extreme weather, but even they have been shocked by the scale of these scenes."
• US’s white population declines for first time ever, 2020 census finds - "White population falls below 60%, underscoring what’s at stake as lawmakers begin drawing political maps."
• Prince Andrew could face £14million in damages if he loses sex assault case - "Civil lawsuit filed in New York accuses Prince Andrew of rape in first degree, sexual battery and sexual abuse may take at least five years to get to trial when the Queen would be aged more than 100, says Epstein victims' lawyer."
• The best TV shows of 2021 so far - "From Mare of Easttown to The White Lotus, Loki and The Underground Railroad, Hugh Montgomery and Eddie Mullan pick the year’s greatest programmes to binge right now."
• Picasso masterpieces to go on sale in blockbuster auction - "Some 11 Picasso paintings and works owned by casino and hotel group MGM Resorts in Las Vegas are due to go up for auction in October."
• Ready to quit your job? Here are the 17 questions to ask yourself first - "In the UK, and globally, surveys suggest huge numbers of people are thinking about packing in their jobs, while in the US it’s been dubbed ‘the Great Resignation’. But is this a real desire for change or just a pandemic fug?"
• Why hyper-organisation can backfire - "We all want to be more productive. But research shows that schedules don't suit some tasks – and can even make us enjoy them less."
• The best VR headsets you can buy - "There's never been a better time to jump into virtual reality."
• Audi’s new autonomous concept car is also sort of a Transformer - "Audi released details of a new concept car this week called the Skysphere, a self-driving roadster that can change shape at the touch of a button."
• THE BEST SUPERYACHT BEACH CLUBS IN THE WORLD - "Beach clubs feature on larger superyachts, where the space at the aft of the vessel is dedicated to a stylish lounge area and swim platform, creating an additional space for effortless indoor-outdoor living and entertaining."
• The Most Expensive Private Planes of World Leaders - "When you’re a world leader, you need to be able to get to the other side of the world at a moment’s notice. Whether they’re going to meet with diplomats, sign important documents, or just make a media appearance, there’s no way they’re sitting next to you in coach. They’re flying in some serious style that could only be fit for a king. So get your passports ready because today we’re taking a look at the most expensive private planes of world leaders." YouTube 14:04.
• This $1,000 Knock-Off of a $100,000 Patek Philippe Swiss Watch Is Shockingly Detailed - "Copycats have become incredibly skilled at creating high-quality knock-offs of Swiss watches."

August 12, 2021

• Scientists say this invisible gas could seal our fate on climate change - "Scientists urge reducing emissions of methane, which has 80 times more warming power in near-term than carbon dioxide."
• How quickly Covid engulfed the US, again - "One month later: These maps show how quickly Covid engulfed the US again."
• New Zealand to slowly re-open to the world from early 2022 - "New Zealand will open its doors to vaccinated travelers from low risk countries from early 2022, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced Thursday, signaling a tentative relaxation of the country's strict pandemic border controls."
• The city where few people can travel - "Hong Kong's 'zero Covid' strategy frustrates travel-starved residents."
• Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine: rare blood clot syndrome has high mortality rate - "Researchers found that clots occurring after first dose of Oxford jab affected otherwise young and healthy people."
• The luxury meals once served on airplanes - "Cognac and cigars: The golden age of inflight meals."
• Welcome to the ‘plastisphere’: the synthetic ecosystem evolving at sea - "Ocean plastic has created a unique home for specialised organisms, from animals that travel on it to bacteria that ‘eat’ it. Plastic bottles dominate waste in the ocean, with an estimated 1m of them reaching the sea every minute. The biggest culprit is polyethylene terephthalate (Pet) bottles."
• Marimekko: The Nordic look that defined freedom & joy - "From its beginnings 70 years ago, the brand stood for free-spirited bohemianism and bold confidence. Dominic Lutyens tells the story of a trailblazing Finnish phenomenon, the brand."
• Galaxy Z Fold 3 hands-on: Built stronger for durability & S Pen support - "Plus some software updates and a modest price cut."
• Slice of history: icing from Charles & Diana wedding cake sells for £1,850 - "Gerry Layton, a royal supporter from Leeds, bought the cake topping and marzipan base for his collection of memorabilia."

August 11, 2021

• Delta variant renders herd immunity from Covid ‘mythical’ - "Head of Oxford Vaccine Group rules out overall immunity, but also questions need for booster jabs."
• China has punished dozens of officials for failing to control the Delta outbreak - "The current outbreak, which first emerged in the eastern city of Nanjing, has spread to over half of China's 31 provinces and caused more than 1,000 symptomatic infections in three weeks, according to a CNN tally of the National Health Commission's daily reports."
• Economic recovery from Covid ‘running out of steam’ - OECD - "Data collected from 38 member countries says UK among the major economies now in the slow lane."
• IPCC report’s verdict on climate crimes of humanity: guilty as hell - "Analysis: report exposes the failure to act on the climate crisis - political leaders are now in the dock."
• These are the quietest places on Earth - "Natural silence -- the kind when you hear nothing but the sound of nature around you -- is becoming increasingly scarce. The rumblings of man-made noise can be heard even in the remote corners of national parks and deep in the Arctic Ocean."
• Greta Thunberg revealed as Vogue Scandinavia's inaugural cover star - "Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg has been unveiled as the cover star of Vogue Scandinavia's first issue. Shot by Swedish photography and conservationist duo Alexandrov Klum, the whimsical cover shows Thunberg wearing a billowing upcycled trench coat while sitting with an Icelandic horse called Gandalf in a woodland outside of Stockholm."
• What you should know about the most underrated form of exercise - "For many of us, walking doesn't seem like anything special. It's just something we do every day. But walking is actually one of the best forms of exercise out there. Scores of studies show that this simple form of movement has a wealth of wide-ranging benefits, including better physical and mental health, increased mindfulness and enhanced communication skills."
• Fenty Beauty: How make-up helped Rihanna become a billionaire - "When Rihanna released her single ... Better Have My Money in 2015, you might have thought she was talking about royalties from No.1 hits like We Found Love or Diamonds. But it's the income she makes from her Fenty Beauty cosmetics company that was largely responsible for her officially becoming a billionaire last week."
• China tech giant Xiaomi aims at global smartphone top spot - "Chinese technology giant Xiaomi has said it plans to be the world's biggest smartphone maker within three years."
• The multi-billion dollar giants that are melting away - "Billions of people around the world depend on the waters locked away in glaciers for their livelihoods, power and food. But climate change is melting them away. What might we lose if they disappear?"
• The Ancient Persian way to keep cool - "From Ancient Egypt to the Persian Empire, an ingenious method of catching the breeze kept people cool for millennia. In the search for emissions-free cooling, the 'wind catcher' could once again come to our aid."
• Audi's Skysphere concept EV roadster can transform into a grand tourer - "Electric motors can extend and lower the telescoping structure."
• Training for Tokyo: how athletes prepared & how they did - in pictures - "How Olympians trained for the Olympic Games under the strain of lockdown and how that planning paid off."

August 10, 2021

• 5 things we have learned from the IPCC report - "The UN report on the science of climate change is set to make a huge impact. Our environment correspondent Matt McGrath considers some of the key lessons from it."
• Climate crisis ‘unequivocally’ caused by human activities, says IPCC report - "Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states every corner of the planet is already being affected and it could get far worse."
• We face climate extinction, at-risk nations say - "Climate change: At-risk nations fear extinction after IPCC report. Nations vulnerable to climate change have warned they are on the 'edge of extinction' if action is not taken."
• IPCC report shows ‘possible loss of entire countries within the century’ - "Pacific island nations are already being battered by king tides, catastrophic cyclones and sustained droughts."
• Worst polluting countries must make drastic carbon cuts, says Cop26 chief - "Alok Sharma says chance to limit worst impacts of climate breakdown ‘still achievable, but retreating fast’."
• How the Fourth COVID-19 Wave Is Convincing Holdouts to Finally Get Vaccinated - TIME Magazine.
• Numbers show how rare severe breakthrough covid cases are - "More than 99.99% of fully vaccinated people have not had a severe breakthrough case, CDC data suggests."
• World's Best Airports in 2021 - "Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar has been named the Best Airport in the World at the 2021 World Airport Awards."
• For the first time in nearly a decade, there's a new 'world's best airport' - "Singapore Changi Airport falls from top spot as world's best airports for 2021 revealed."
• Virginia Giuffre: Prince Andrew accuser files civil lawsuit in US - "A US woman who alleges she was brought to the UK aged 17 to have sex with the Duke of York has filed a civil lawsuit in New York claiming he abused her."
• Artificial Intelligence may diagnose dementia in a day - "Scientists are testing an artificial-intelligence system thought to be capable of diagnosing dementia after a single brain scan."
• How to escape the 'productivity trap' - "We have a finite amount of time, yet we still strive to accomplish infinite goals. Why do we put this pressure on ourselves - and how can we stop?"
• How your phone battery creates striking alien landscapes - "There's a global hunt for lithium to power our devices and electric vehicles. In the latest of our photographic series Anthropo-Scene, we explore the distinctive terrain where the stuff is mined."
• Bernie Madoff’s harrowing final days: hallucinations, dire medical conditions & waiting for the end to come - MarketWatch.
• How to Buy Your First Luxury Watch - "Make an informed decision by asking these questions."
• Rolex is making plenty of watches, but good luck getting your hands on one - "Rolex makes some of the world's most popular watches, like the Daytona, Submariner, and classic Oyster. The Swiss company is believed to make roughly 1 million per year, each one by hand. New Rolexes can be hard to find for a buyer without an established relationship with an authorized distributor."
• New Luxury Aircraft With Award-Winning Safety Tech Is the Ultimate Personal Jet - "When a private jet that already started out as a premium, innovative aircraft keeps getting better and better, you know that you’re in for a totally luxurious experience - from its looks, to how comfortable and safe you feel."
• A new Lamborghini Countach is coming & it might be a hybrid - "For the 50th anniversary, add a battery."

August 9, 2021

• Can Tokyo Olympic champions beat past Olympic champions? - "Dressel vs. Phelps. McLaughlin vs. Muhammad. Visualizing Olympic Champions, Present vs. Past."
• 21 striking photographs from the Olympic Games - "BBC Sport selects some of the most striking sporting photographs taken from the Tokyo."
• Covid-19 cases are rising in countries praised for stopping outbreaks. Do they need to change their strategies? - "A year and a half since the first Covid-19 cases were identified, many countries in Asia-Pacific feel right back where they started."
• Booster shots for rich could make pandemic worse, experts warn - "'A Band-Aid over a gaping hole': Booster shots for the rich world won't end the pandemic, experts warn."
• These 5 figures show how bad the US Covid-19 surge is. But experts say we can turn things around - "As the rate of Covid-19 vaccinations climbed and new infection numbers plummeted in spring, many Americans thought they were in for a carefree summer. But lagging vaccinations and a highly contagious new variant dragged the US back into a vicious Covid-19 surge -- one that's prompted new mask mandates and measures and still shows no signs of slowing down."
• UN to reveal landmark climate report findings - "The world's largest ever report into climate change will be published later, setting out the stark reality of the state of the planet. The study is by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change - a UN group that looked at more than 14,000 scientific papers."
• Why China's climate policy matters to us all - "China's carbon emissions are vast and growing, dwarfing those of other countries. Experts agree that without big reductions in China's emissions, the world cannot win the fight against climate change."
• The house that can withstand a cyclone: how traditional dwellings are making a comeback in Vanuatu - "Since Cyclone Pam devastated Vanuatu, locals are returning to the saeklon haos, made from vines, palm fronds and grasses."
• The risky loophole Chinese companies have been using for years - "When investors purchase a stock, what they're doing is buying a percentage of the company. Right? Wrong! At least when it comes to many of the Chinese companies listed on the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange. That's because Chinese companies use a structure called a variable interest entity, or VIE, in order to raise money from foreign investors."
• Virgin Galactic reopens ticket sales - for $450,000 per seat - "Virgin Galactic says it's re-opening ticket sales for the first time in years, giving anyone who can afford it the chance to reserve a seat on the company's rocket-powered suborbital space plane for $450,000, a significant markup over what tickets were previously sold for."
• Starwatch: how to watch the Perseid meteor shower - "Second week of August brings the annual view of shooting stars as Earth enters a comet’s dust trail."
• Cold War spy plane is still the world's fastest - "SR-71 Blackbird: The Cold War spy plane that's still the world's fastest airplane."
• The best books of 2021 so far - "What to read now, from a fast-paced debut to an 'exquisitely cruel' comic novel and visceral survey of slavery. Rebecca Laurence and Lindsay Baker round up the BBC Culture picks."
• How the ‘art of the insane’ inspired the surrealists - and was twisted by the Nazis - "The author of an acclaimed new book tells how Hitler used works by psychiatric patients in his culture war."
• The animals changed by proximity to humans - "It's not just domestication that has changed animals - simply sharing their environment with humans has radically altered the behaviour of some species."

August 8, 2021

• Tokyo Olympics 2020: final day - in pictures - "The best images from the final day of action in Tokyo, including cycling, volleyball and waterpolo."
• Tokyo Olympics 2020: day 15 - in pictures - "The best images from the penultimate day of action in Tokyo, including athletics, cycling, diving and baseball."
• Tokyo Olympics: Medal table - which country has won most golds? - BBC Sport.
• Top 10 moments of the Tokyo Games - "From shared golds to mixed medley success for Team GB, here is a selection of memorable events from the Olympics."
• Olympic athletes targeted by false and misleading claims - "As the Tokyo Olympics comes to an end, social media posts have been spreading misleading content about some of the competitors, and the events in which they competed."
• How will Tokyo 2020 be remembered? - "Sporting drama amid a state of emergency but how will Games be remembered?"
• Athletes enter 'Faustian bargain' over track & shoe tech developments - "A fast track and new developments in running shoe design have seen a number of records broken at the Tokyo Olympics, but a leading sports scientist has warned athletes that they could be entering into a 'Faustian bargain.'"
• Where to visit Olympics venues in Japan - "Many of the special structures built for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be sticking around long after the events finish, so when borders eventually open up you can go and see where your favorite athletes competed for gold."
• 10 Time-Saving Features & Settings You Should Be Using on Your iPhone - "Basic tasks can sometimes feel like a chore on your iPhone because it takes a lot of time for something trivial. For example, the Camera app keeps opening to the default photo mode, and you have to keep sliding over to other modes such as portrait or video. Fortunately, it’s possible to save a lot of time by speeding up a lot of basic tasks on your iPhone. We’re going to share our favorite time-saving tips that you might enjoy."
• Twelve of the best films of 2021 so far - "BBC Culture film critics Nicholas Barber and Caryn James pick their highlights of the year so far, including Minari, Nomadland and The Father."
• In pictures: Egypt pharaoh's 'solar boat' moved to Giza museum - "An impressive ancient Egyptian boat from the time of the pharaohs has been transported to its new home at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza due to open this year near the Pyramids."

August 7, 2021

• Tokyo Olympics 2020: day 14 - in pictures - "The best images from the 14th day of action in Tokyo, including climbing, boxing, walking, cycling and diving."
• Tokyo Olympics: Medal table - which country has won most golds? - BBC Sport.
• German modern pentathlete coach kicked out of Tokyo Olympics for PUNCHING a horse ridden by Annika Schleu who refused to trot around the course - "Schleu's coach, Kim Raisner, was seen punching the horse with her fist."
• Ponytails & smiles: Pervasive language keeps sexism in Olympic sport at play - "Academics studying the intersection of gender and sport highlight the fact that commentators continue to use the word 'girls' to describe elite female athletes, regardless of their age, while they would rarely refer to male athletes as 'boys.'"
• Alarm as US Covid cases above 100,000 a day for first time since February - "Seven-day hospital admissions average up 40% from last week. Mississippi health official says Delta surging ‘like a tsunami’."
• Scientists spot warning signs of Gulf Stream collapse - "A shutdown would have devastating global impacts and must not be allowed to happen, researchers say."
• Mayflower 400 years: How many people are related to the Mayflower pilgrims? - "There are a few estimates out there, all of them quite high. According to the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, there are '35 million Mayflower descendants in the world'."
• Can Dinosaurs Be Brought Back to Life Via Cloning? Experts Explain - "Earlier this year, researchers discovered what was reported to be the oldest ancient DNA on record—belonging to mammoths."
• First glimpse inside new star-studded Pirelli calendar - "Bryan Adams photographs Rita Ora, Cher and Iggy Pop for star-studded Pirelli calendar."
• Coke is changing the recipe of a popular drink. A lot could go wrong - "If you've had a sip of Coke Zero Sugar recently and thought that it tastes a little different, you're not crazy. The company is rolling out across the United States a new version of the beverage designed to taste more like regular Coke."
• 11 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Bananas - "Bananas are extremely healthy and delicious. They contain several essential nutrients and provide benefits for digestion, heart health and weight loss. Aside from being very nutritious, they are also a highly convenient snack food."
• From Brangelina to Bogart & Bacall: the best on-screen chemistry - "A sizzling spark between actors can elevate a film, as these amorous double acts show."
• 25 of the most characterful & affordable places to stay in France - The Guardian.
• Paul Allen’s Superyacht Finds Buyer After $278 Million Listing - "The late Microsoft co-founder’s 414-foot superyacht Octopus was sold in a red-hot market for the world’s largest luxury boats."
• New deep-sea dive to Titanic reveals doomed ship is ‘rapidly deteriorating’ - "OceanGate Expeditions has been exploring the wreck with new technology - and seeing worsening decay."
• Rolls-Royce Landspeed Collection: Built For A Legend - "The prestigious Rolls-Royce brand is all about celebrating heritage and tradition while at the same time embracing the newest and most cutting-edge automotive technology and integrating it into that timeless classic build. Rolls-Royce is coming out with a new collection of Wraith and Dawn Black Badge models that they are referring to simply as the “Landspeed Collection.” This collection is built to commemorate and celebrate the achievements of British engineer Captain George Eyston in his land speed record-breaking vehicle Thunderbolt, which was originally powered by 2 Rolls-Royce R V12 engines."

August 6, 2021

• Tokyo Olympics 2020: day 13 - in pictures - "The best images from the 13th day of action in Tokyo, including hockey, skateboarding, athletics, track cycling and open-water swimming."
• Tokyo Olympics: Medal table - which country has won most golds? - BBC Sports.
• Why Olympic divers take showers -- and use those tiny towels -- between dives - "Viewers of the Tokyo Olympics are apparently a little baffled by the behavior of athletes in the diving events. Divers typically emerge from the water after a plunge and immediately take a quick shower by the side of the pool -- even though they are already wet. Then they dry themselves off with little towels -- even though they will get wet again on their next dive."
• How to train like an Ancient Greek Olympian - "Whether it was reading philosophy, carrying heavy animals or abstaining from sex, the Ancient Greek athlete put in just as much effort as a present-day Olympian. Here's the 10-step guide to Hellenic fitness training."
• Fauci fears that a variant worse than delta is coming, says COVID-19 cases may double - "Coronavirus cases driven by the delta variant are rising in a 'very steep fashion' across the United States and may double in the coming weeks to 200,000 cases a day, Dr. Anthony Fauci said Wednesday."
• Environmental impact of bottled water ‘up to 3,500 times greater than tap water’ - "Researchers also find impact of bottled water on ecosystems is 1,400 times higher than that of tap water."
• Reduce methane or face climate catastrophe, scientists warn - "IPCC says gas, produced by farming, shale gas and oil extraction, playing ever-greater role in overheating planet."
• Lotion in the ocean: is your sunscreen killing the sea? - "Up to 14,000 tonnes ends up in coral reef areas each year, but scientists are divided on how we can best protect our skin without harming the environment."
• America’s Richest Self-Made Women - "Forbes’ Ranking Of The Country’s Most Successful Women Entrepreneurs And Executives."
• The full picture of Trump's attempted coup is only starting to emerge - "In addition to the lies he was spreading all along, we continue to learn new and disturbing details about his obstinate and pernicious efforts to poison the system from within, which included an 'Apprentice'-style showdown between two top Justice Department officials at the White House and threats of resignation."
• All the Ways America Failed to Stop the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks - "These are some of the most studied days in American history, and some of the saddest. From President George W. Bush receiving his first warning on August 6 until that Tuesday of September 11, 19 Middle Eastern men methodically moved forward towards implementing their diabolical plot: unmolested by any authorities, undetected by either intelligence agencies or airlines."
• Apple to scan iPhones for child sex abuse images - "Apple has announced details of a system to find child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on US customers' devices."
• Post-Pandemic Active Travel: Your Best All-Inclusive Adventure Vacations - "As the travel industry begins to recover from the global pandemic, one of the fastest growing segments is my favorite one, active travel. Tour operators and hotels specializing in active travel are seeing high demand, and in many cases, record reservations, especially for 2022."
• A nature lover’s guide to Germany - "Germany is on the green list in more ways than one: from Baltic coastline to the Alps, it has plenty to offer those who like to spend their holidays outdoors."
• The new Air Force One - "From Presidents Roosevelt to Biden, Boeing airplanes have transported U.S. presidents around the world. The U.S. Air Force announced that it will continue the Boeing tradition with the 747-8, which will replace the two 747-200s that serve as the presidential Air Force One fleet."
• This was once the most glamorous way to travel - "Revisiting the luxury and glamour of Concorde. No plane has captured the public imagination quite like Concorde, even though only 20 were ever built, and they were flown by just two airlines. Today, nearly 50 years on, it still stands as one of humanity's most remarkable engineering achievements, and a truly timeless piece of design."
• Google’s new Nest cameras & doorbell have lower prices & more smarts - "A whole new lineup of cameras for Nest smart homes."
• IMDb TV app finally arrives on iOS & Android - "Amazon’s free streaming service gets its own dedicated mobile apps."

August 5, 2021

• Tokyo Olympics 2020: day 12 - in pictures - "The best images from the 12th day in Tokyo, including decathlon, skateboarding, sailing and table tennis."
• Tokyo Olympics: Medal table - which country has won most golds? - BBC Sports.
• Global COVID-19 cases surpass 200 million as Delta variant spreads - "Coronavirus cases worldwide surpassed 200 million on Wednesday, according to a Reuters tally, as the more-infectious Delta variant threatens areas with low vaccination rates and strains healthcare systems."
• Delta variant is ravaging the world but it's pushing Southeast Asia to breaking point - "While nations such as China, Japan and South Korea are seeing growing outbreaks, the sharp edge of the Delta wave is being keenly felt in Southeast Asia, with countries seeing rapid rises in case numbers and deaths."
• WHO calls for booster pause to vaccinate poorer nations - "WHO Chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said a pause would allow for at least 10% of the population in every country to be vaccinated."
• Facebook let fossil-fuel industry push climate misinformation, report finds - "Thinktank InfluenceMap accuses petroleum giants of gaming Facebook to promote oil and gas as part of climate-crisis solution."
• Rihanna is now officially a billionaire, according to Forbes - "The business magazine, which tracks and publishes data on the world's wealthiest individuals, on Wednesday reported the 33-year-old pop star's estimated net worth to be $1.7 billion, making her the wealthiest female musician and the second-richest woman in entertainment behind Oprah Winfrey."
• Bill Gates says he regrets his time spent with Jeffrey Epstein: 'It was a huge mistake' - "'It was a huge mistake to spend time with him, to give him the credibility of being there,' Gates said."
• Alcohol linked to more cancers than thought, study finds - "Imperial College London researchers also find that drinking coffee protects against liver cancer."
• Neanderthals were painting caves in Europe long before modern humans, study finds - "Whether Neanderthals thought symbolically and had an artistic sensibility has been a question that has vexed experts in human evolution. But evidence is mounting that our Stone Age cousins were our cognitive equals and created forms of art in Europe long before Homo sapiens were on the scene."
• The hidden power of the underdog - "The biases that make us underrate underdogs. Myths about prodigious sporting talents might mean that we overlook less obvious athletes. If we could only avoid our biases, we might be able to spot the next big star."
• What's on Netflix & Amazon this month August - "Monthly rundown of the best new releases on Netflix, Amazon, iPlayer, All4, Sky/Now and more in the UK."
• 2021’s best minimalist photography - in pictures - "A stranded tree trunk, an empty pool, the moon shining through bent railings ... these images find a wealth of feeling in the smallest of things."

August 4, 2021

• Tokyo Olympics 2020: day 11 - in pictures - "The best images from the 11th day of action in Tokyo, including javelin, cycling, sailing, shot put and climbing."
• Tokyo Olympics: Medal table - which country has won most golds? - BBC Sports.
• TikTok becomes the unofficial behind-the-scenes Olympic channel - "It's not the first time social media has featured at an Olympics Games. Athletes are also using older platforms - Facebook, Twitter and Instagram- to express themselves. But this year, TikTok - the most downloaded app of 2020 - is having its moment."
• Why kaatsu, a fitness trend spotted at the Games, isn't just for Olympians - "Restricting your blood flow sounds like a dangerous thing to do, but it's exactly what some Olympians, athletes, and surgery and physical therapy patients have done to strengthen their muscles and speed up recovery."
• Obama cancels 60th birthday party with hundreds of guests after concern that it could spread COVID-19 - "Obama was due to have hundreds of people for an outdoor birthday party at Martha's Vineyard. Citing Delta variant concerns, a spokeswoman said it will now be 'only family and close friends.'"
• Eight TV shows to watch in August - "From Only Murders in the Building to Nine Perfect Strangers, Eddie Mullan picks the programmes worth seeing this month."
• More means less: why a magnum of wine can be ideal for weeknights - "When drinking a single glass at a time, wine professionals suggest bigger bottles may stay better for longer."
• All the butter: how chefs are transforming the world’s greatest spread - "Once neglected in favour of supposedly healthier products or mass-produced substitutes, butter is back, and better than ever, thanks to chefs who are adding bone marrow, chocolate and churning their own."
• The coded language that holds women back at work - "Workplace language encodes gendered expectations that feed into who we hire, how we assess people and who we promote, holding some people back."
• Egypt finds ancient military vessel, Greek graves in sunken city - "Divers have discovered rare remains of a military vessel in the ancient sunken city of Thônis-Heracleion - once Egypt's largest port on the Mediterranean - and a funerary complex illustrating the presence of Greek merchants, the country said on Monday."
• Bentley Flying Spur Pickup Truck Conversion Keeps Things Tasteful - "As they say, death and taxes are the only things certain in this world. Well, you can add the fact that Bentley won't be making pickup trucks ever."
• The iconic 126m LÜrssen superyacht Octopus has been sold - "The iconic 126.2-metre Lürssen explorer superyacht Octopus has been sold. The superyacht was listed by Fraser and Burgess and she has just joined Camper & Nicholsons charter fleet. Her new owner intends to charter her for the first time since her launch, offering guests the opportunity to join her on a two-year round the world tour, beginning in January 2022, following a yard period this winter."

August 3, 2021

• Tokyo Olympics 2020: day 10 - in pictures - "The best images from the 10th day’s action in Tokyo, including diving, water polo, athletics and basketball."
• Tokyo Olympics: Medal table - which country has won most golds? - BBC Sports.
• US reaches Biden’s 70% first-shot goal as threat to unvaccinated people grows - "CDC director issues new warning as cases rise: ‘Covid-19 is clearly not done with us’."
• The tragedy of Covid victims who said no to the vaccine - "They didn't have to die. This is the terrible truth of America's new pandemic battlefront, as the malicious, highly infectious Delta variant surges, targeting millions who sadly left it too late to protect themselves with safe, free and effective vaccines."
• Reforestation hopes threaten global food security, Oxfam warns - "Over-reliance on tree-planting to offset carbon emissions could push food prices up 80% by 2050."
• The lost history of the electric car - and what it tells us about the future of transport - "To every age dogged with pollution, accidents and congestion, the transport solution for the next generation seems obvious - but the same problems keep coming back."
• Is water the best thing in a heatwave? - "Is water always the best choice on a hot day? In hotter weather, the risk of dehydration is greater. But is water always the first thing you should be reaching for?"
• Almost Every Doctor Recommends Sunscreen. So Why Don't We Know More About Its Safety? - TIME Magazine.
• Bill & Melinda Gates are officially divorced as of Monday - "Neither party will receive spousal support or change their names."
• 6 big questions we may now get answered on Donald Trump's taxes - "We're going to see Donald Trump's taxes. Or, to be totally clear about it, we are very likely to see the former president's taxes -- following a Friday ruling by the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel's office that said that the returns must be turned over to Congress."
• Elon Musk asked Tim Cook to make him CEO of Apple, new book claims - "As if Elon Musk isn't running enough companies, he once may have suggested taking over as CEO of America's most valuable business, Apple."
• Power Play: Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century - Amazon.com.
• ‘Green Bitcoin Mining’: The Big Profits In Clean Crypto - "Bitcoin is infamous for wasting enough electricity to add 40 million tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere a year - but now, a growing cadre of U.S. miners are developing green, and lucrative, new strategies worth a fortune all their own."
• Historic black hole discovery fulfills Einstein prediction - "Light detected behind a black hole for the first time."
• A superfood fit for a pharaoh - "Dubbed the 'food of kings', the unassuming green gloop called molokhia was once outlawed in Egypt because of its alleged aphrodisiac effect."
• Azimut’s New Flagship Trideck Superyacht Is A Triple Winner - "Cascading like a waterfall into the ocean, the terraces of Azimut Yachts’ Grande Trideck strike a beautiful silhouette on the water. With not three but four decks, the new superyacht, which could more accurately described as a quad-deck, stands out from others of her kind thanks to her bonus Sea View Terrace - a 30sqm 'floating' aft deck (replacing the usual cockpit) that seems to hang suspended in the air two meters above the water."
• Dassault’s Falcon 10X Might Just Be the Most Comfortable Ultra-Long-Range Business Jet - "It boasts best-in-class interior volume and lots of ergonomic advances."
• $15-Million Estate On Kauai’s North Shore Is The Largest For Sale - "Go big or go home. This mansion on Kauai holds the distinction of being the largest luxury house for sale on the Hawaii island at more than 11,100 square feet."

August 2, 2021

• Tokyo Olympics 2020: day nine - in pictures - "The best images from the ninth day’s action in Tokyo, including athletics, boxing, gymnastics and table tennis."
• Tokyo Olympics: Medal table - which country has won most golds? - BBC Sports.
• China battles to contain surging cases as soldiers deployed in Sydney - "China has rolled out mass testing as the country faces its most widespread outbreak in months while soldiers have been deployed to the streets of Sydney as the city struggles to contain its own surge in cases."
• Leaders tackle global question of how to persuade people to get Covid jab - "Spectrum of measures including incentives and hardline laws have met with responses varying from rise in uptake to wave of protests."
• data shows the unvaccinated don't fear the virus, even as they are most at risk - "Coronavirus cases and hospitalizations are again rising in the US. All the evidence we have suggests that vaccines help prevent most cases, and those who are unvaccinated are putting themselves at major risk. Yet, all the data we have suggests that it is the unvaccinated who are the least afraid of the virus and are taking fewer precautions against it."
• Why families are hiring private jets to take holidays during covid - "They were once the domain of the rich and famous, but the pandemic has prompted more and more everyday Aussies to fly by private jet."
• Lewis Hamilton fears he has long Covid after Hungarian GP exhaustion - "Lewis Hamilton believes he may still have not fully recovered from contracting Covid-19 after he experienced fatigue and dizziness at the Hungarian Grand Prix."
• This city of 24 million people may soon become uninhabitable - "Welcome to Lagos during rainy season. Africa's most populous city is battling floods and rising seas. It may soon be unlivable, experts warn."
• Why You Suddenly Need To Delete Gmail On Your iPhone - "Gmail has already come under attack for its alarming privacy labels. But a new update from Apple, combined with a privacy backlash this month against 'creepy' mail tracking, should now be the final convincer for millions of users to delete their Gmail apps, ensuring that their data is not being secretly harvested."
• Giant panda twins born in French zoo - "A giant panda has given birth to twin cubs at the ZooParc de Beauval in central France - in what officials say is an 'exceptional' event."
• The Best Of Athens According To Greece Insiders - "With the assistance of luxury bespoke agency Greece Insiders, experts who specialize in designing tailor-made, and private experiences, I have compiled a luxurious way to experience Athens for a brief respite before heading onwards to the Greek islands."
• Time for tea: refreshing alternatives to alcohol - "Off the booze? Sparkling tea and kombucha make for an elegant change."
• The rise of never-ending job interviews - "Some companies are asking candidates to attend multiple interviews. But too many rounds could be a red flag - and even drive candidates away."
• Beyond Roadrunner: Why Anthony Bourdain was his own best storyteller - "How Kitchen Confidential, No Reservations, and Parts Unknown offer a deeper understanding of Bourdain than the new documentary about him."
• Buried in concrete: mafia architecture - in pictures - "Alessio Mamo has photographed the illegal, brutalist buildings and gaudy, now decaying, villas in the south of Italy that mafia bosses constructed."

August 1, 2021

• Tokyo Olympics 2020: day eight - in pictures - "The best images from the eighth day’s action in Tokyo, including swimming, judo, athletics and tennis."
• Tokyo Olympics: Medal table - which country has won most golds? - BBC Sports.
• How much are Olympic medals worth? - "Each of the gold, silver and bronze medals are 85 millimeters in diameter and range in thickness from 7.7 mm to 12.1 mm. The gold medal is in fact made from gold-plated pure silver, with around 6 grams of gold out of a total weight of 556 grams."
• Some vaccinated Americans have lost their patience with those refusing the shot as Covid-19 cases surge & mandates return - "Roughly 57.4% of the US population has received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine and roughly 49.5% is fully vaccinated, according to CDC data. Much like face masks, the vaccines became highly politicized in some parts of the country, resulting in vastly different coverage rates. And vaccine hesitancy and refusal were fueled by misinformation and falsehoods that continue to run rampant online."
• As Delta spreads, Pfizer & Moderna get set for a booster shot to profits - "The firms are already taking the lion’s share of earnings from the market, as this week’s results will show."
• America’s mask wars return as communities split over new guidance - "The CDC has advised people to wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status, prompting a political fight in several US states."
• French protests grow against extended health pass scheme - "200,000 take to the streets to oppose proof-of-vaccination for hospitals, trains, and cultural and leisure centres."
• 18 Face Masks We Actually Like to Wear - "Face coverings are back. Read our updated tips on how to pick an effective mask - whether you’re heading back to the office or just want to stay safe and stylish."
• How does a UNESCO World Heritage rating affect a tourist destination? - "The will-they-or-won't-they tug of war between Australia and UNESCO over the latter's discussion of whether to add the Great Barrier Reef to the official list of 'sites in danger' turned into a full-on soap opera, complete with ambassadors going on a press junket."
• Why women feel pressured to shave - "Type 'When did women start...' into Google and one of the top autocomplete suggestions to pop up is, 'When did women start shaving?' The answer goes back centuries. Hair removal -- or otherwise -- has long shaped gender dynamics, served as a signifier of class and defined notions of femininity and the 'ideal body.'"
• why bitcoin has Nigeria’s government in a panic - "As leaders around the world grapple with cryptocurrencies, what happened when the African country tried to ban them?"

July 31, 2021

• Tokyo Olympics 2020: day seven - in pictures - "The best images from the seventh day’s action in Tokyo, including swimming, trampolining, judo and athletics."
• Japan extends state of emergency as Covid cases continue to spread in Tokyo hours after prime minister denied link between virus and Olympics - "Leader Yoshihide Suga announced restrictions - which early closing of bars and restaurants and a ban on alcohol - would be implemented in the four states next to the capital. He added that the extraordinary measures would also be extended a further nine days until August 31. Five other states, further away from the capital, will also bring in restrictions on movement."
• CDC shares 'pivotal discovery' on Covid-19 breakthrough infections that led to new mask guidance - "A new study shows the Delta Covid-19 variant produced similar amounts of virus in vaccinated and unvaccinated people if they get infected -- illustrating a key motivation behind the federal guidance that now recommends most fully vaccinated Americans wear masks indoors."
• ‘The war has changed’: CDC paper warns Delta variant is far more transmissible - "Rochelle Walensky says ‘extreme’ measures needed to counter threat of virus that can be spread even by vaccinated people."
• Extroverted, self-centred men less likely to comply with Covid restrictions, study suggests - "Non-compliers more likely to leave home to meet friends, for religious reasons, boredom, or because they want to exercise right to freedom."
• Delta variant travel restrictions: Tourists wonder where they can go -- and whether they should - "The 2021 summer travel season started out full of hope and promise, but by the day, two words are threatening to dismantle it all. Delta variant."
• Greenland: enough ice melted on single day to cover Florida in two inches of water - "The deluge of melting has reached deep into Greenland’s enormous icy interior, with data from the Danish government showing that the ice sheet lost 8.5bn tons of surface mass on Tuesday alone. A further 8.4bn tons was lost on Thursday, the Polar Portal monitoring website reported."
• The Best (And Cheapest) Places To Live In America In 2021, Ranked By The Experts - "The pandemic has inspired many people to rethink where they live. A recent Bankrate/YouGov poll showed that 10% of Americans moved or relocated due to Covid-19 in 2020."
• Vatican reveals it owns more than 5,000 properties - "Real estate holdings published for first time show it owns 4,051 properties in Italy, 1,120 abroad."
• The 15 Most Expensive Watches Ever [2021 Edition] - "From the best in bling to the rarest limited edition luxury watches, we’ll take a look at the 15 most expensive watches ever sold, and only from the best watchmakers on the planet."
• How frequently should you wash your bed sheets? More often than you think - "There's nothing quite like crawling into bed, wrapping up in your blankets, and nestling your head into your pillow. But before you get too comfortable, you might want to know that your bed isn't all that dissimilar to a petri dish. The combination of sweat, saliva, dandruff, dead skin cells and even food particles make it the optimal environment for a whole host of germs such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and even tiny bugs to grow."
• The $350 million superyacht concept with its own port - "Devising a superyacht concept that stands out from the rest is no easy feat nowadays, as designers continue to push against the boundaries, with more and more innovative vessel designs."
• Lady Gaga is the epitome of 90s glamour in new 'House of Gucci' trailer - "In the new trailer for Ridley Scott's 'House of Gucci,' Lady Gaga strides through an Italian side street shrouded in furs and dripping in gold. 'It was a name that sounded so sweet,' she says in a vocal fry, 'so seductive.'"
• Luxury Whisky Review: Brora, Glenfiddich, Glenglassaugh & More - "This prestigious roundup includes an older Glenfiddich, a trio of releases from Brora, a closed (and now recently reopened) distillery, and some more ancient and dignified drams."
• Meet Paragon: An American-Funded, Super-Secretive Israeli Surveillance Startup That ‘Hacks WhatsApp & Signal’ - "NSO has a new competitor, one cofounded by the former commander of Israel’s NSA equivalent, Unit 8200. It’s promising to only sell to democratic governments. Paragon Solutions doesn’t have a website. There’s very little information at all about them online, even if the Tel Aviv-based smartphone surveillance startup’s employees are all over LinkedIn, more than 50 of them. That’s not a bad headcount for a company that’s still in stealth mode."
• George Harrison’s Mercedes 600 SWB Is For Sale - "One of the most outrageous cars Mercedes ever built, but looking like a Checker cab, you may have missed the Mercedes 600. But Beatles guitarist George Harrison didn’t and bought this white short-wheelbase sedan back in 1967. Besides the Mercedes 600’s exclusivity, only 2190 were made; it was a car for kings, dictators, and the rich and famous. Now, you can own it."
• YouTube video shows how to add dual nano-SIM support to the iPhone 12 - "In order to make the Apple smartphone work with two physical nano-SIM cards, the device has to be opened and an internal component has to be replaced, which should be manageable for crafty users of an iPhone 12. But due to Apple's restrictive software, the results of the modification are not as spectacular as they could be."

July 30, 2021

• Tokyo Olympics 2020: day six - in pictures - "The best images from the sixth day’s action in Tokyo including basketball, gymnastics, judo and a racket broken in anger by Daniil Medvedev."
• Delta variant spreads as easily as chickenpox, CDC document says - "CDC document warns Delta variant appears to spread as easily as chickenpox and cause more severe infection."
• Biden tells states to offer $100 vaccine incentive as cases rise - "US President Joe Biden has called for states to offer $100 to the newly vaccinated in an effort to address flagging jab rates amid virus surges."
• Covid in Sydney: Military deployed to help enforce lockdown - "Australia has deployed hundreds of soldiers to Sydney to help enforce a Covid lockdown."
• Beijing reports first Covid case in 179 days as alarm grows over Nanjing Delta cluster - "Beijing recorded its first Covid-19 case in nearly six months on Wednesday, as Chinese authorities scramble to prevent the spread of the Delta variant amid an outbreak linked to an airport in the populous eastern city of Nanjing."
• Greece sends police to Covid hotspot islands to step up controls - "Party islands Mykonos and Ios could be shut down as Delta variant infection rates surge among young people."
• Three Americans create enough carbon emissions to kill one person, study finds - "The analysis draws on public health studies that conclude that for every 4,434 metric tons of CO2 produced, one person globally will die."
• It Worked for Steve Jobs: Here's Why Spirituality is Critical for Entrepreneurial Success - "Business leaders should be touting the benefits of a daily spiritual practice openly and loudly."
• Where to find some cool travel escapes in the blazin' hot summer - "Whether you're playing it safe or simply prefer relatively cooler temps over hot spots, here are nine places that usually make for cool travel escapes in summer. Keep in mind all the cautionary guidance about travel -- especially if you're not fully vaccinated or you're crossing international borders."
• The secrets of the Alps' strange red snow - "Growing patches of coloured snow in the French Alps could be a sign of the impact climate change is having in the mountains."
• Ten films to watch this August - "From Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical Vivo to supernatural slasher Candyman and Aretha Franklin biopic Respect, these are the films not to miss this month." BBC Culture.
• Murder In The House Of Gucci - "The call that would change everything came late in the evening of January 8, 1997. The anonymous caller asked to speak to Filippo Ninni, the head of police for the Italian region of Lombardia, and demanded a meeting. The caller did not want to say too much over the phone: 'I’m going to say just one name: Gucci.'"
• As Coca-Cola Auctions Its First NFT, More Brands Are Entering The Metaverse - "The Atlanta-based beverage giant is selling a series of four NFTs - known as non-fungible tokens - that will be sold as a single asset with proceeds benefiting Special Olympics International. NFTs are digital assets backed by blockchain technology and have seen quick adoption this year by artists and cryptocurrency enthusiasts alike. Interest in the sector has prompted companies ranging from Pringles to the entertainment brand Superplastic to create NFTs with the hope of tapping into the crypto-cultural zeitgeist."
• Despite Robinhood’s Rocky IPO, Each Cofounder Is Now Worth Billions - "Popular stock trading app Robinhood listed its shares on Thursday in what turned out to be a downbeat IPO. But while shares closed down 8% from the initial offering price of $38 a share, the company’s two founders are now worth billions of dollars each."
• The British shipwreck that changed the world - "One of the worst disasters in British maritime history, the wrecking of HMS Association led to two acts of parliament and the establishment of longitude."
• Why New Yorkers pay $15 for 'sad desk salads' - "Luscious, organic, fresh-made salads dominate New York workers’ lunch scene. But is eating one just about the food?"
• How we all got hooked on caffeine - "It’s the world’s most widely used psychoactive drug, it disrupts our sleep, it makes us grumpy when we miss it - and we give it to our children. What keeps us coming back?"
• Iconic Cobra Swaps V8 For 617hp Electric Motor - "Purists will be scratching their heads again. A new AC Cobra? And this time, it’s purely electric?"
• Simone Biles Has the Twisties. What Are They & Why Are They So Dangerous? - TIME Magazine.

July 29, 2021

• Tokyo Olympics 2020: day five - in pictures - "The best images from the fifth day of action in Tokyo, including swimming, hockey, fencing and watermelons."
• These are the new UNESCO World Heritage Sites - "A prehistoric solar observatory in the middle of a desert. A decades-old railway that bisects two soaring mountain ranges. Striking art etched into rocks that dates back 7,000 years. These are just some of the spectacular destinations newly inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List."
• UNESCO World Heritage List 2021 - "Catalogues, names, and conserves sites of outstanding cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humanity." 1153 Properties.
• Simone Biles said she had 'the twisties.' Here's what that means - "How fear affects the mental health and physical safety of gymnasts."
• Try These New Insider Experiences When You Go Back To Italy - "Travelers returning to Italy now that the country’s borders are open aren’t just looking to revisit favorite places, they also want experiences that were previously out of reach. Fortunately, some of the most famous names in Italian art and culture are willing to provide them after this two-year travel absence, opening doors that were previously closed or allowing private access to new discoveries."
• New Zealand rated best place to survive global societal collapse - "Study citing ‘perilous state’ of industrial civilisation ranks temperate islands top for resilience."
• Eating foods high in flavonoids could slow down cognitive decline, a study says - "People who ate about 600 milligrams (0.02 ounces) of flavonoids per day had a 20% lower risk of cognitive decline than those who ate only 150 milligrams (0.005 ounces) per day, according to the study published Wednesday in the American Academy of Neurology journal."
• The truth about fast fashion: can you tell how ethical your clothing is by its price? - "To find out the true production cost of a garment is a tortuous process. Here is what you need to know to buy clothes with a clear conscience."
• Queen secretly lobbied Scottish ministers for climate law exemption - "Monarch used secretive procedure to become only person in country not bound by a green energy rule."
• Porsche dynasty takes on Bezos and Musk in space - "Porsche SE, the family holding company that controls Volkswagen Group, is the latest big investor to bet on space's crucial role in developing future technologies."
• Marble Arch Mound: London's newest attraction is a heap of earth - "It's the home of Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and that great big wheel spinning beside the Thames, but London's newest tourist attraction might just eclipse them all -- at least, in notoriety."
• This is what Thomas Cromwell's 16th-century London mansion might have looked like - "The luxurious 16th-century London mansion that belonged to King Henry VIII of England's notorious chief minister, Thomas Cromwell, has been recreated for the first time."
• The Pursuit of Love: Britain's most scandalous family - "As a BBC TV adaptation of Nancy Mitford's The Pursuit of Love becomes available to stream internationally, John Self explores its real-life inspiration - the author's own family."
• The unexpected side effects of tall buildings - "Looking at buildings can actually give people headaches. Here's why."
• The strange 19th-Century sport that was cooler than football - "Pedestrianism was a sport of epic rivalries, eyewatering salaries, feverish nationalism, eccentric personalities and six-day, 450-mile walks."
• LEITZ PHONE 1 - "The first smartphone designed by Leica." Introducing the Leitz Phone 1 to the Japanese market, the first smartphone to combine uncompromising quality, peerless optical engineering, and imaging software mastery with iconic Leica design. The Leitz-Phone 1 enables you to capture and share personal moments of everyday life with pictures of unique Leica quality.
• Test-Driving The McLaren 765 Longtail - An Open-Air, High-Speed Pleasurecraft - "McLaren’s 765LT 'Longtail' rates as one of the most exhilarating cars I’ve driven in the past year. I loved it so much, after the initial tightly compressed COVID-era launch McLaren brought a second one for a few days. It’s that good, leaving you hungry for more seat time."

July 28, 2021

• Extreme weather renews focus on climate change as scientists update forecasts - "As scientists gather online to finalize a long-awaited update on global climate research, recent extreme weather events across the globe highlight the need for more research on how it will play out, especially locally."
• Mental health is front & center in news stories from Tokyo to Washington - "The common thread between all of Tuesday's top stories was mental health. It was front and center in Simone Biles' shocking decision to withdraw from her team's Olympic competition. It was highlighted by the police officers who testified about lingering wounds from the January 6 attack. And it was invoked by CDC director Rochelle Walensky as she reignited the so-called 'mask wars.'"
• How do elite athletes conquer their nerves? - "How do elite athletes keep calm on the big stage? Dr. Sanjay Gupta looks at the science behind keeping calm."
• Delta variant travel restrictions: Everything you need to know - "Tourists wonder where they can go -- and whether they should."
• CDC advises vaccinated people to wear masks indoors in Delta surge areas - "Revision of mask guidelines comes amid a surge in Covid cases as Delta variant becomes more prevalent."
• Internet Archive 25th Anniversary - "From Wayback to way forward. Universal Access to All Knowledge." From the Library of Alexandria to Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press; from the First Amendment’s guarantee of the right to information to the creation of the World Wide Web, access to knowledge has always been thanks to the builders and the dreamers.
• The Galileo Project - "Daring to Look Through New Telescopes." The Galileo Project for the Systematic Scientific Search for Evidence of Extraterrestrial Technological Artifacts.
• How much do I need to sleep? It depends on your age - "Sleep needs are very individualized, but the general recommendation -- the 'sweet spot' -- is to get seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Recommendations really change as people age, however."
• Billionaire Charles Koch On Why Cannabis Should Be Legal - "The devout libertarian known for spending a fortune on political causes is now actively funding efforts to end federal marijuana prohibition."
• Julian Assange stripped of citizenship by Ecuador - "Authorities cite unpaid fees and problems in naturalisation papers relating to WikiLeaks founder."
• German-born Danish entrepreneur Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, 57, is suing ex-lover Juan Carlos I, former king of Spain, for 'tens of millions of euros' - "The ex-mistress of Spain's former king Juan Carlos I is suing him for 'tens of millions of euros' in London's High Court, having accused him of 'unlawful covert and overt surveillance'."
• New York City restaurant unveils $200 french fries - "The Crème de la Crème Pommes Frites start out as Chipperbec potatoes. They are blanched -- or scalded -- in vinegar and champagne. Then they fry in pure goose fat, not oil, and not once but twice, so they are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Sprinkled with edible gold and seasoned with truffle salt and truffle oil, they are served on a crystal plate with an orchid, thin-sliced truffles, and a Mornay cheese dip. The sauce, too, is infused with truffles, a rare seasonal mushroom."
• The birthplace of the US vacation - "Roughly 150 years ago, a priest led Americans to 'vacate' cities and enjoy nature in the Adirondacks. Now, a brand-new trail connecting the US and Canada is hoping to do the same."
• world's highest infinity pool has opened in Dubai - "Named in March as the world's tallest infinity pool inside a building, the rooftop bathing spot at the newly opened Address Beach Resort is a vertiginous 293.906 meters high (964 feet and 3.1 inches)."
• Dubai's audacious Heart of Europe megaproject nears first stage completion - "Nearly two decades in the making, the Heart of Europe forms just one section of The World -- a vast collection of man-made islands roughly in the shape of an atlas -- but when completed it will be the opulent centerpiece."
• How to invite wildlife into your home - "Every time we build something, another patch of ground that could have been a home to wildlife disappears. But Dusty Gedge argues that, in many cases, we can return that patch of ground to nature - up on the roof."
• CODE41: the watchmaker breaking all of the records - "In barely 4 years, CODE41 watches have become amongst the most popular on the mechanical watchmaking market, and this young Swiss brand is racking up world firsts and records."

July 27, 2021

• iOS 14.7.1: Apple Issues Urgent iPhone Update With Important Security Fixes - "Apple releases iOS 14.7.1 to fix Apple Watch unlocking and a zero-day exploit. MacOS has an important security update available too."
• Why You Should Stop Using This ‘Dangerous’ Wi-Fi Setting On Your iPhone - "So, Apple has fixed its dangerous and embarrassing Wi-Fi issue. iOS 14.7 has added 'improved checks,' Apple says, to stop its devices 'joining a malicious Wi-Fi network [that] may result in a denial of service or arbitrary code execution.' But be warned, iOS 14.7 doesn’t make you safe from Wi-Fi attacks. Far from it."
• The 6 factors That Will Determine the Severity of the COVID-19 Surge in the U.S. This Fall - TIME Magazine.
• Drinking a little each week protects your heart if you have a cardiovascular condition, study finds - "If you are living with heart disease, having a small amount of alcohol each day is linked to a lower risk of having another heart attack, stroke, angina (heart pain because of constricted arteries) or an early death, according to a new large study."
• Bezos' $2bn offer to get back in race to the Moon - "Jeff Bezos has offered to cover $2bn of Nasa costs in order to be reconsidered for a key contract to build a Moon landing vehicle."
• The truth behind corporate climate pledges - "Facing a reckoning over their contribution to the climate emergency, companies are coming out with a record number of pledges."
• Yep, it’s bleak, says expert who tested 1970s end-of-the-world prediction - "A controversial MIT study from 1972 forecast the collapse of civilization - and Gaya Herrington is here to deliver the bad news."
• The amazing vacation homes you can buy for $1 million - "Vacation homes are one of those things that many people aspire to. And with house prices recently seeing double-digit percentage increases in 90% of US metro areas, along with other urban centers around the world, some of those fantasy properties in less expensive destinations are starting to look pretty appealing."
• Amazon Bitcoin Rumors Send The Cryptocurrency Surging Towards $40,000 - "Bitcoin is 14% up from its Friday close, trading at $38,474 as of 6:48 a.m. ET, a price level not seen since mid-June. All major assets are also bouncing up. Ethereum is back above $2,000, trading at $2,354. Cardano and Dogecoin are the biggest movers in the top 10, up by 10.5% and 15% respectively. The broader market is returning 9.85% over the past 24 hours."
• Is there a future for Africa's lions? - "Lion populations have declined across much of Africa. Could a focus on community-led conservation help reverse this trend?"
• WAF Awards 2021: World's best new architecture revealed - "The World Architecture Festival (WAF) has unveiled its prestigious shortlist of the best new buildings and landscape designs from around the globe."
• The best Apple AirTag accessories you can buy - "Apple lovers who constantly lose their keys got a new way to keep track of them with the launch of AirTags. But despite how easy they are to set up, Apple’s tiny Bluetooth trackers have one critical flaw - no built-in keychain hole. That means anyone who buys AirTags will have to buy holders or cases to attach them to their stuff."
• My deep sleep quest - "I tried 11 popular insomnia cures. Do any of them actually work?."
• ‘An eye mask transformed my life!’ - "10 readers on how to get a perfect night’s sleep."
• The scandalous memoir of the 'lost generation' - "On the 75th anniversary of Gertrude Stein's death, Cath Pound looks back at the author's bestselling book, The Autobiography of Alice B Toklas, which shocked and insulted the most famous writers and artists of the 20th Century."
• Why we don't dole out many compliments - but should - "Giving compliments makes us anxious, but new research shows that praising people has huge benefits - for both parties."
• Conor McGregor Flaunts His New $3.6 Million Lamborghini Yacht - The ‘Supercar Of The Sea’ - "Known as the 'Supercar of the Sea,' the Lamborghini 63 is (as its name implies) 63-feet long, and powered by twin MAN V12 engines, each capable of producing 2000hp. With that kind of power, the 24-ton vessel can reach a speed of 60 knots, making it one of the fastest boats in its class."

July 26, 2021

• Fauci says US heading in wrong direction as Covid cases rise - "The US is heading 'in the wrong direction' on the coronavirus pandemic as infections surge among the unvaccinated, a top health expert has warned."
• Two doses of Pfizer, AstraZeneca shots effective against Delta variant: study - "Two doses of Pfizer (PFE.N) or AstraZeneca's (AZN.L) COVID-19 vaccine are nearly as effective against the highly transmissible Delta coronavirus variant as they are against the previously dominant Alpha variant, a study published on Wednesday showed."
• A rare snow leopard at the San Diego Zoo has tested positive for coronavirus - "Last Thursday, wildlife care specialists noticed the snow leopard had a cough and nasal discharge, the zoo said in new release. Preliminary tests confirmed the virus that causes Covid-19."
• Global phone hacks expose darker side of Israel's 'startup nation' image - "Audacious Mossad spy operations around the world. The plucky 'startup nation' home to reams of billion-dollar ideas. These are two drivers of Israel's image abroad that its political and business leaders have long been happy to push."
• Meteor lights up the night in Norway - "An 'unusually large' meteor illuminated the night sky over southern Scandinavia early Sunday morning before at least some of it came rumbling down near Oslo, the capital of Norway."
• The 'carmageddon' engulfing Europe this summer - "An unprecedented shortage of cars means prices are sky high -- and that's if you can get one in the first place. It is, according to one industry insider, a 'disaster for renters.'"
• Death in Venice & how film has mistreated child stars - "A new film shows how actor Björn Andrésen was damaged by playing a teen object of desire in Visconti’s 1971 classic. Is child stardom any healthier now, asks Sophie Monks Kaufman."
• Researchers are testing concrete that could charge your EV while you drive - "Magnetized cement promises reasonably priced, high efficiency wireless charging."
• World Heritage Committee agrees not to place Great Barrier Reef on ‘in danger’ list - "Unesco says ‘the facts are the facts and the science is the science’ after its recommendation is ignored."
• Lilibet is FINALLY added to the line of succession on Royal Family's official website seven weeks after birth of Harry and Meghan's daughter - "Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor born on June 4 in Santa Barbara, California."
• Chanel suit finds new fans in Gen Z channelling 90s nostalgia - "Young fans drawn to preppy suit worn by Olivia Rodrigo at White House and cast of Gossip Girl reboot."
• Rolls-Royce Motor Cars - "Kinetic Luggage Collection." An expression of powerful purpose. Alluring in its architecture, the collection suits those who hold an undeniable energy. Determined, yet dynamic. The six-piece collection, including two Grand Tourers, three Long weekenders and a Garment Carrier, has been designed to fit perfectly into the luggage compartment of your Rolls-Royce Wraith. The striking two-tone styling of the leather and stitching can be personalised, giving you opportunity to choose from a selection of available colours, or your favourite colours if you prefer. The Spirit of Ecstasy adorns each piece as a token reminder of the Rolls-Royce tradition: taking the best that exists and making it better.
• Rolls-Royce Motor Cars - "The Art Of Packing: Wraith Luggage." Travelling should be an effortless joy, right down to your choice of luggage. From observing the techniques of the Head Butler at a prestigious London hotel, the Goodwood Design Team have created a luggage concept to complement the design principles of Wraith.

July 25, 2021

• Tokyo Olympics: Day-by-day guide to the key events - "It's the Olympics we've all waited patiently for, so what better way to plan your two weeks than with our day-by-day guide - all times BST."
• Amazing photos from the Tokyo Olympics - "The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics."
• Europe clamps down amid fears over rapid spread of Delta variant - "Governments are launching de facto vaccine passport schemes as they try to head off a summer Covid wave like the UK’s."
• Everything you always wanted to know about yachting, but were too afraid to ask - "Even with boat sales and charters booming, yachting remains an enigma for most people."
• Dead turtles & waves of plastic show Sri Lankan ship disaster's deep ramifications - "Two months after a container ship sank off Sri Lanka, billions of plastic particles have washed up on nearly every shore of the island."
• The cost of cooling: how air conditioning is heating up the world - "As temperatures rise, a new book delves into the environmental toll of America’s favorite way to cool off."
• Just breathe: Start today with these exercises - "Start your day with breathing exercises for stress relief."
• What defines a proper garden? - "One of the most common put-downs I hear in horticulture is that something isn’t a 'proper garden'. As a botanist who studies our cultural relationship with plants, and a designer who has created gardens for the Chelsea Flower Show, I have yet to pinpoint what this term actually means. In the interests of getting it right, lets take a closer look."
• Meet Julie K Brown, the woman who brought down Jeffrey Epstein - "It was by focusing on his silenced victims, says the dogged Miami Herald reporter, that she was able to help bring the billionaire sex offender to justice after police and prosecutors had failed."
• Buried in concrete: how the mafia made a killing from the destruction of Italy’s south - "The south of the country bears the scars of how bosses enriched their clans with illegal, brutalist buildings and gaudy, now decaying, villas."
• From monkey business to royal photobombs: a history of seminal selfies - in pictures - "In 2011 on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, a crested macaque managed to take a selfie using nature photographer David Slater’s camera. In the years following, this image became one of the most famous and contentious selfies in the world. Guardian Australia looks back on some of the most famous selfies in history - taken by daredevils, celebrities, politicians and astronauts."
• I compared Kendall Jenner's 818 tequila to George Clooney's Casamigos & was surprised by how different they were - "I tasted the blanco variety of the two side by side and found that 818 tastes more like vanilla and Casamigos tastes more like agave."

July 24, 2021

• See Tokyo 2020 Olympics from above - "CNN's Will Ripley takes a look at the city of Tokyo ahead of the 2020 Olympics, where a growing number of athletes have tested positive for Covid-19 and venues sit nearly empty."
• 25 athletes to watch in the Tokyo Olympics - "Here are 25 who we will be watching closely as the Games progress. Some are already global superstars. Some you might be hearing about for the first time."
• Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony included a light display with 1,800 drones - "It wasn't the biggest drone show ever, but it was impressive all the same."
• Tokyo 2020 isn't the first Olympic Games to battle a pandemic - "A century ago, the 1920 Antwerp Olympics were held only a few months after the Spanish flu ravaged the world, killing at least 50 million people. In 2010, the Vancouver Olympics were threatened by an outbreak of H1N1. In 2016, the Zika virus prompted calls to cancel the Rio Games. And most recently in 2018, officials in Pyeongchang wrestled with an outbreak of the norovirus."
• How Equestrian Teams & Their Horses Get To The Olympics - "There are the four traveling reserve riders, who would step in in the event of an injury. There are the seven coaches. There are the six team leaders, who manage logistics. There are the 16 grooms, to care for the horses. Then there is the farrier, to look after the horses’ hooves and handle their shoeing. And the four veterinarians. And the two equine physical therapists. And the human physical therapist."
• Jeff Bezos & Sir Richard Branson not yet astronauts, US says - "In a move that pours cold water on the dreams of a few billionaire space explorers, the US has tightened its definition of the word 'astronaut'."
• Why your cereal boxes & ice cream cartons are shrinking - "The reason? A tactic known as 'shrinkflation,' deployed by consumer product brands and grocery stores. The phenomenon - getting less for your money because a manufacturer has reduced the size of the product - has been going on for decades, but it typically becomes more common when companies' costs go up like the inflation surge we are seeing today."
• Switzerland's gravity-defying solution - "Switzerland's 15th-Century farmers and vintners had a dangerously creative solution to irrigating their mountainous land that's still in use today."
• Stonehenge may be next UK site to lose world heritage status - "Britain is eroding global reputation for conserving its historic assets, culture bodies are warning."
• APPLE MAGSAFE BATTERY PACK REVIEW: CONVENIENCE OVER CAPACITY - "Perfectly designed for the iPhone, but not a lot of charge."
• The New 4,000 HP Lamborghini 63 Is a Cruiser That Will Make Your Supercar Jealous - "Tecnomar's Lamborghini 63 has the Raging Bull's DNA, from the Aventador steering wheel to leather racing seats. And it's very, very fast."
• Idris Elba: ‘I used work to exorcise my demons’ - "The actor was working as a bouncer when he got a small part in a new show called The Wire. Two decades on, he’s a blockbuster fixture. The Suicide Squad star talks about fighting for his big break, losing his dad, and why acting helped him out of a ‘dark, weird junction’."
• Koenigsegg’s Absurdly Awesome 1,600hp Jesko ‘Megacar’ Gets A Proper Introduction From The Man Himself - Forbes.

July 23, 2021

• How to stream the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony - "Everywhere to find coverage of the Games."
• How to watch the Tokyo Olympics - "Every event is available, you just need to know where to look."
• Tokyo 2020 Olympics: complete event schedule & live scores - "Browse day-by-day listings of every event at the Olympics, or filter by the sports that interest you most."
• The cost of hosting the Olympics - "Hosting the world's biggest sporting event comes with a hefty price tag. But is holding the Olympics worth the investment for host cities?"
• Tokyo Olympiad: The greatest film about sport ever made - "Kon Ichikawa's study of Tokyo's 1964 Games is considered one of the world's greatest documentaries. It captured the essence of a post-crisis nation – will a new film do the same?"
• Spacing out Pfizer Covid jabs gives antibody boost - "A longer gap between first and second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine makes the body's immune system produce more infection-fighting antibodies, UK researchers have found."
• The complexities of vaccine hesitancy - "Social media is rife with posts disparaging the vaccine hesitant - but these reactions are doing more harm than good."
• How worried should vaccinated people be about Covid-19 breakthrough infections? - "Coronavirus infections are on the rise again in the United States. While more than 99% of deaths are among those unvaccinated, anecdotal reports abound of breakthrough infections, or cases of fully vaccinated people who still test positive for Covid-19 - including several New York Yankee baseball players."
• China rejects WHO plan for second phase of virus origin probe - "China has rejected the next stage of a World Health Organization (WHO) plan to investigate the origins of the coronavirus pandemic."
• ‘Headphones make food taste better!’: 10 readers’ tips for a better holiday - "From wearing an ‘airport shirt’ to travelling solo, our tipsters share their secrets for easier, stress-free breaks."
• Airlines need to do more than plant trees to hit net zero, MPs told - "Climate Change Committee head says firms must invest in ‘scaleable’ offsets such as carbon capture."
• Steve Jobs’ 1973 job application is up for auction as an NFT - "The one-page-long application was created by Jobs after he dropped out of Reed College and three years before he founded Apple. It doesn’t list a position or the company but says he was interested in electronics tech or design engineer positions. His skills included computer and calculator experience."
• Dream Golf Communities From Europe To Mexico - "Living Your Dream - Some Best Second Home Golf Communities From Europe To Mexico."
• These are the world’s most beautiful museums - "Return to travel by seeing 14 architectural marvels, from a building that tracks the sun to a donut-shaped cultural center."
• Is French cuisine forever changed? - "Alain Ducasse says the pandemic accelerated the evolution of French cuisine. But some are in no hurry to abandon the generations-old rituals that define the Gallic art of eating."
• Why trash-raiding parrots in Sydney are smarter than 'bin chickens' - "It's a five-stage process for the birds to open the bin lid, according to the study. The bird has to pry open the lid with its beak, twist its neck sideways and hop onto to the edge of the bin, hold it open with its beak or foot, walk along the rim, and finally flip the lid open."
• Facebook spent $23.4 million on Mark Zuckerberg's personal security - "The CEO's protection costs far eclipsed those of other tech execs."
• Amy Winehouse’s 20 greatest songs - ranked! - "With the 10th anniversary of her death this week, rediscover the best of Winehouse’s discography, where heartbreak and anger are mixed up with wit and joy."
• ‘Like a horror film’: revisiting the Fyre-esque disaster of Woodstock 99 - "A new documentary surveys the mess of Woodstock 1999 - a disaster of poor planning and a microcosm of toxic masculinity, raunch culture and entitlement."
• Tsar Nicolas II Thought Vodka Was Hurting Russians - But Banning It Helped Destroy His Empire - TIME Magazine.

July 22, 2021

• The Tokyo 2020 Olympics - "What you need to know."
• Tokyo 2020: Does Japan have Covid under control? - "With the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics due to start on Friday, more than 70 people associated with the Games have tested positive."
• What You Need to Know About COVID-19 Booster Shots - TIME Magazine.
• The World’s Greatest Places of 2021 - "100 extraordinary destinations to explore." TIME Magazine.
• Australia races against time to avoid an 'in danger' rating at UNESCO vote - "The Australian government and a United Nations body are facing off this week over whether the Great Barrier Reef is 'in danger' of losing its 'outstanding universal value.'"
• Millions Of Apple Users Warned To Delete ‘Very Malicious’ Hidden Files - "An alarming warning has just been issued for millions of Apple users, after a 'very malicious' malware was found stealing credentials, logging keystrokes and recording screenshots. Here’s what you must do today."
• Here’s how to check your phone for Pegasus spyware using Amnesty’s tool - "The process involves some terminal work, but it’s relatively straightforward."
• Why Apple’s walled garden is no match for Pegasus spyware - "Pegasus can infect a phone through ‘zero-click’ attacks, which do not require any interaction from the phone’s owner to succeed."
• Dubai suspected after Princess Haya listed in leaked Pegasus project data - "Closest aides and friends of emir’s ex-wife also began to appear on database as she moved to the UK."
• 40 Smart Money Moves You Can Make Right Now - "Money is simply a tool you can learn to manipulate. The more you learn, the better able you’ll be to wield it in a way that serves your goals."
• First death from Bitcoin mining - "Cryptocurrency hunter is electrocuted while trying to power up faulty computer in Thailand."
• Magacoin: pro-Trump cryptocurrency attracts over 1,000 people to sign up - "Magacoin bills itself as the ‘digital currency for the MAGA community’ but data from the site shows most of the cryptocurrency is allocated to its self-style creator."
• Clubhouse is no longer invite-only - "The app goes wide."
• China debuts world's fastest train - "A maglev bullet train that can reach speeds of 600 kilometers per hour (373 miles per hour) has made its debut in Qingdao, China."
• New York air quality among worst in world as haze from western wildfires shrouds city - "Smoke from wildfires in the west caused hazy skies as air quality index surged to 157 in Manhattan, well above threshold of 100."
• Eating processed meat raises risk of heart disease by a fifth - "Oxford University researchers urge people to reduce consumption by three-quarters or give it up."
• Why does Jeff Bezos’s rocket look like that? An inquiry - "Experts weigh in on the ‘anthropomorphic’ design of New Shepard, the Amazon CEO’s Blue Origin rocket."
• The long-term quest to build a 'galactic civilisation' - "Behind the headlines about billionaire jaunts into space, there's a deeper motivation – the belief that spreading into the cosmos will save humanity's future. How did this idea emerge?"
• What regular swimming does for the body & mind - "Swimming regularly can help relieve the stress of pandemic life, but the benefits of a dip in the pool go well beyond the momentary boost of mood."
• THE BEST SUPERYACHT POOLS IN THE WORLD - "Superyacht swimming pools represent the ultimate spot for onboard relaxation and some of the world’s biggest yacht builders have taken novel approaches to this challenge. We take a closer look at some of the finest examples, including favourites Flying Fox, Madsummer and Octopus..."
• How to quit smoking: 5 actions you can take now - "5 actions you can take now to end the addiction. Cigarette smoking is very addictive and can have long-term, adverse health effects. But there is hope for those who want to quit thanks to innovative apps, help lines and proven coping strategies."
• What’s the purpose of the office - and do we still need it? - "Remote work is working. So, why do we need a physical space?"
• The New Luggage From Rolls-Royce Is The Ultimate Summer Must-Have - "Style-up your summer road trip with the new Black Badge luggage from Rolls-Royce, starting at $30,000."
• Chinese tycoon gets go-ahead to build vast central London ‘palace’ - "Westminster council unable to block Cheung Chung-kiu’s grand plans for Knightsbridge property despite ban on 'Monopoly board-style' homes."
• This cruise sold fares starting at $73k. It sold out in less than 3 hours - "Regent Seven Seas Cruises put tickets for the 2024 World Cruise up for sale around 8:30 a.m. EST Wednesday. They sold out around 11 a.m., according to a company statement. Fares were as high as $199,999 per guest for a master suite."
• what our feline friends are doing when we’re not looking - "In Britain, most pet cats are free to roam, but where do they go and what do they get up to? We fitted six cats with GPS trackers and found out."

July 21, 2021

• Tokyo Olympics officially underway despite threat of Covid-19 - "Competition began Wednesday morning with Japan's softball team facing off against Australia at the Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium. The opening ceremony will be held Friday, but Olympic events typically begin before the formal start for scheduling purposes."
• Some popular European destinations are tightening COVID-19 restrictions again - "European nations are reimposing some COVID-19 measures in a bid to curb rising case numbers of the highly infectious Delta variant. France has tightened travel restrictions, Spain and Portugal have reintroduced curfews in tourist hotspots, and Greece and the Netherlands are reimposing curbs on hospitality."
• Jeff Bezos swung by space and has some thoughts - "Breaking news: A billionaire says the planet is beautiful."
• Queen could withdraw Harry & Meghan's Platinum Jubilee invitation - "Insiders reveal growing Palace anger over the 'clearly deliberate' timing of duke's tell-all Megxit Memoir that threatens to eclipse her 70th anniversary year."
• World's best airlines for 2021, ranked by AirlineRatings.com - "The Australia-based aviation safety and product rating agency compiles its Airline Excellence Awards based on criteria including age of fleet, passenger reviews and product offerings. This year, the team of global editors threw airlines' Covid-19 responses into the mix too."
• Pegasus scandal: Are we all becoming unknowing spies? - "The allegations that spy software known as Pegasus may have been used to carry out surveillance on journalists, activists - and even perhaps political leaders - highlights that surveillance is now for sale."
• Bitcoin price slides amid EU call to make transfers traceable & rise of ‘stablecoins’ - "European regulator want banks to hold personal details of cryptocurrency clients, while US wants swift work to establish less volatile ‘stablecoins’."
• One of the biggest myths about EVs is busted in new study - "Even EVs that plug into dirty grids emit fewer greenhouse gases than gas-powered cars."
• Climate crisis: 50 photos of extreme weather around the world - in pictures - "As temperatures rise and pollution increases, wildfires, floods and extreme winds have battered many parts of the world in the last six months."
• Sony's latest flagship soundbar offers Dolby Atmos & 360 Reality Audio - "The company also has a new multi-speaker system for your living room."

July 20, 2021

• How to watch Jeff Bezos go to space - "The excursion, which will last about 11 minutes from takeoff to landing, will kick off from Blue Origin's facilities at an extremely remote plot of land near Van Horn, Texas, which is about two hours from El Paso, on Tuesday July 20 at 8 a.m. CT or 9 a.m. ET, weather permitting."
• Apple releases iOS 14.7 just as MagSafe Battery Pack appears on shelves - "It’s Apple update day again, but with new hardware."
• The first real photos of Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack are here - "It’s a chonk."
• A Fourth Wave of COVID-19 Is Brewing in the U.S. Is There Enough Time to Stop It? - TIME Magazine.
• What you need to know before you board an airplane right now - "The Covid travel checklist: What to know before you go."
• Covid: Asia follows global shares slide amid recovery fears - "Stock markets across the world have dropped on fears that increasing numbers of Covid cases will hamper economic recovery."
• Pegasus Spyware: Does Apple Have ‘Major’ iMessage Security Problems? - "iPhone spyware made by $1 billion surveillance company NSO has exposed 'major' issues in Apple iMessage security, according to a security expert who has spent years researching the Israeli business’ hacks."
• 5 things that are cheaper now than before the pandemic - "You might've heard that everything is getting more expensive. Well, that's mostly true. It wasn't easy, but we found a handful of items that are still cheaper than when the pandemic started last year."
• Bitcoin Is At A Critical Juncture - "After peaking at $63,503 on April 13 this year bitcoin has fallen just over 50% to approximately $30,700 today. It is still up 6% for the year but has been in a steady downward trend since it tried to rally in the late April to mid-May timeframe and failed to make a new high. There are two technical patterns that show bitcoin is at a critical juncture."
• Harry DIDN'T warn Charles about $20m book deal - "Royal Family are left 'surprised' as Duke reveals he has written Megxit memoir 'not as the prince I was born but as the man I have become' - but experts ask what will his 'truth' be?"
• Coffee won't make your heart flutter, study says - "Worried that coffee will make your heart go pitter-patter, and not in a good way? A new study puts to rest the fear that your daily fuel will cause heart palpitations -- or cardiac arrhythmia, as doctors call it."
• 10 luxury hotel rooms where you can sleep in the great outdoors - "Whether you're looking to plan a trip to one of America's largest and most bustling cities, escape to the cerulean waters of the Caribbean or explore the savannahs of Kenya, we found an outdoor setup for every type of traveler."
• Why we dim lights at night - "The argument for switching off lights at night. The light pollution produced by street lamps, advertising boards, flood lights and our homes is so bad that 80% of the world's population lives in the haze of a perpetual glow in the hours of darkness."
• What did the ancient Romans eat? - "A chef is unearthing recipes from one of the world's oldest cookbooks to reveal the origin of Italian food."
• Walmart, Ikea & Amazon have a dirty shipping problem - "New report identifies the biggest corporate culprits of maritime emissions."
• Kross Studio Debuts 'Space Jam: A New Legacy' Tourbillon Watch - "A creative alliance of high luxury horologists, basketball, cinema, and beloved animated Looney Tunes characters has yielded one of 2021’s most collectible timepieces."
• Louis Vuitton’s $2,890 light-up speaker looks like something Thanos would steal - "Louis Vuitton has revealed its next foray into tech products: the $2,890 Horizon Light Up Speaker, which looks less like either a gadget or a piece of high fashion, and more like an artifact of untold cosmic power from the next Marvel movie."

July 19, 2021

• Masks, hugs & hand washing: 18 new rules for protecting yourself and others - "When should you open the windows, wear a mask and take a lateral flow test? As we enter the ‘personal responsibility’ era, here’s an expert guide."
• As Freedom Day dawns businesses & MPs demand end to pingdemic chaos that's keeping Britain closed - "PM is forced into humiliating U-turn on bid to dodge quarantine and hands NHS workers a get out of jail free card."
• The war over misinformation heats up as Covid case counts rise - "President Joe Biden is locked in a showdown with Facebook over vaccine misinformation. His predecessor, Donald Trump, is now weighing in, linking his Big Lie over election fraud to Biden's management of the Covid-19 crisis in a way that could brew even more of the vaccine hesitancy that is causing thousands of Americans to become infected."
• Covid outbreak at Olympic Village in Tokyo - "Tokyo 2020: Two South African footballers test positive for Covid-19 in Olympic Village."
• 48 Athletes to Watch at the Tokyo Olympics - TIME Magazine.
• How data could save Earth from climate change - "Using a name inspired by Indonesian farmers, Subak will share information and fund hi-tech solutions to fight global heating."
• Spyware leak suggests lawyers & activists at risk across globe - "Leaked records show dissidents and those who help them prominent among those under threat from NSO spyware."
• What is Pegasus spyware & how does it hack phones? - "NSO Group software can record your calls, copy your messages and secretly film you."
• Why it seems like everyone hates the English abroad - "While the image of the 'ugly American' is known across the world, many countries, particularly in Europe, experience the brunt of the 'boozy Brit.' The stereotypical English person abroad speaks English -- slowly, loudly and deliberately -- instead of learning the local language, searches out English restaurants as they don't trust 'foreign food,' and obliterates themselves with booze by the afternoon. By the evening, their boorish behavior is on full display."
• Science is making incredible discoveries in the ocean twilight zone - "'What we know now is how much we don't know': Enter the strange world of the ocean twilight zone."
• Hybrid work: How to maximise your in-office days - "Hybrid arrangements are new to us all. Working out how to divide our tasks between home and the office will be crucial to success."
• How To Conjure A $20 Billion Fortune Using A SPAC - "The new high watermark in financial alchemy using special purpose acquisition corporations, or SPACs, was unlocked this week with a deal that aims to conjure tens of billions of dollars almost entirely out of thin air."
• Jean Paul Gaultier on couture, conical bras and condoms: ‘‘No sex please, we’re British?’ Au contraire!’ - "After 50 years in fashion, the designer is having new adventures. He discusses love, work, Madonna - and why Eurotrash couldn’t be made now."
• Secrets & pies: the battle to get lab-grown meat on the menu - "Sustainable alternatives to livestock farming are being held back by patents, a reluctance to share research and lack of government support."
• The contentious origins of England's famous pudding - "Sticky toffee pudding marries flavour, regional culture and history, but tensions around its origins remain."

July 18, 2021

• Say goodbye to your carefree Covid summer - "Summer is only halfway done, but the carefree Covid season is over. Case numbers and hospitalizations are up. Vaccinations are down and the US government has labeled vaccine misinformation a 'serious threat to public health.'"
• Scientists' plea: ‘If you don’t wear a mask, the virus spreads further. It’s as simple as that’ - "Scientists have strongly endorsed the continued wearing of masks in enclosed public spaces over summer. As Covid-19 cases continue to spiral, face coverings offer people the most robust way of limiting the spread of the disease in cafes, theatres and restaurants, they said last week."
• Majority of Covid misinformation came from 12 people, report finds - "CCDH finds ‘disinformation dozen’ have combined following of 59 million people across multiple social media platforms. CCDH, a UK/US non-profit and non-governmental organization, found in March that these 12 online personalities they dubbed the 'disinformation dozen' have a combined following of 59 million people across multiple social media platforms, with Facebook having the largest impact. CCDH analyzed 812,000 Facebook posts and tweets and found 65% came from the disinformation dozen."
• Science failed to predict flood & heat intensity - "Top climate scientists have admitted they failed to predict the intensity of the German floods and the North American heat dome."
• Half the country believes a deadly conspiracy theory - "The two most monumental events of the last year in the US were the election of Joe Biden to the presidency and the introduction of Covid-19 vaccines. Yet there are those who falsely believe Biden won only because of fraud or that they shouldn't get a vaccine."
• French dark fantasy film wins top award at Cannes - "Cannes Film Festival: Titane wins top Palme d'Or prize. Titane - an outlandish film packed full of sex and violence - has won the top award at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival."
• Apple’s Stunning New iPhone Feature Is A Triumphant Success - "Apple’s recently-launched iPhone privacy feature, App Tracking Transparency (ATT) is proving to be a triumphant success - that is, if you care about privacy."
• Jeff Bezos is flying to space. Here's everything you need to know - "Jeff Bezos, the richest man on the planet, is preparing for a rocket-powered, 11-minute 2,300-mph excursion to the edge of space, capping off a month filled with rocket news and a bit of drama among the world's richest people who are dedicating large portions of their wealth to rocket development."
• Scientists are fighting to protect a shark & turtle 'superhighway' - "Deep in the Pacific Ocean, an underwater 'superhighway' stretches roughly 700 kilometers (430 miles) between the marine reserves of Ecuador's Galapagos Islands and Cocos Island, off the coast of Costa Rica."
• The race to save bird legends - "Why local legends about birds matter. The stories of enigmatic birds told in indigenous folklore aren't just fascinating tales, they may be a way to preserve languages and cultures at risk of extinction."
• Princess Diana: Forty years on, everything you didn't know about the wedding of the century - "In glorious July sunshine, the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, 40 years ago this month, provided Britain with a rare blast of celebration during a difficult summer."
• The Last Days of John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette Kennedy - "Questions swirled around John and Carolyn in the summer of 1999 - about their marriage, their careers, their futures, and most of all, what led them to make the tragic choice to board John’s tiny airplane that foggy night in July."
• TAG Heuer Joins Forces With Nintendo, Unveils Super Mario Limited Edition - "For TAG Heuer, the goal is to further the brand’s already strong Connected Technology."
• Mercedes S-Class cabin review: Money may not buy happiness. Sheer luxury? Sure - "Mercedes S-Class 2021 showcases the high level of opulence that is now possible in a flagship luxury sedan, raising the bar several notches higher."

July 17, 2021

• Living with Covid-19 - "Singapore and the UK are both planning to 'live with Covid.' They are worlds apart on how to do that."
• First case of Covid-19 reported at Tokyo Olympic village - "An unidentified visitor has tested positive for Covid-19 at the Tokyo Olympics athletes' village, organizers said on Saturday -- the first such case amid concerns the Games could become a super-spreader event."
• US seeing ‘pandemic of the unvaccinated’ as cases rise in every state - "Public health chiefs warn of ‘extraordinary surge’ as less than half the US population fully vaccinated."
• FDA grants priority review to Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine - "Agency official says approval decision expected within two months."
• CDC warns Covid-19 vaccines might not protect people who are immunocompromised - "The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday warned people who are immunocompromised that the Covid-19 vaccine may not have been effective for them and encouraged them to take precautions as if they were not vaccinated."
• The stakes for fighting misinformation are life & death - "Nearly all deaths from COVID-19 in the United States are preventable."
• Vaccine Passport: The Government Can't Share Your Data, But Airlines Can - "While these passports continue to garner visceral political reactions, differing from state to state, public companies and nongovernmental organizations have quietly rolled out passports of their own. American Airlines, United, and The Commons Project Foundation, a digital health non-profit, have all created their own passports."
• ‘A madman with millions of followers’: what the new Trump books tell us - "Books show how close the US came to disaster, and document an unprecedented moment in US history that is not yet over."
• Italy town puts price of cheap homes up to €2 - "Of the countless dwindling Italian towns that have opted to sell dilapidated homes for just one euro, Sambuca di Sicilia has undoubtedly been the most successful."
• These Beautiful Villages In Italy Will Pay You $33,000 To Move There - "Italy is at it again, trying to inspire the next generation to move there. This time around, the offer is coming from the beautiful region of Calabria in southern Italy, which is giving a handful of new residents cold hard cash totaling €28,000 (about $33,000) over the course of three years to move to one of several charming small villages."
• Elon Musk’s Biggest Tesla Blunders Of The Last Five Years - "Elon Musk was in court in Delaware last week defending his role in Tesla’s acquisition of failing solar panel installer SolarCity in 2016. That questionable decision -SolarCity was founded by his cousins; Musk was its biggest shareholder and served on the board of both companies - triggered a shareholder lawsuit."
• Why are billionaires obsessed with going to space? - "If civilisation perishes on planet Earth, Musk, Bezos and Branson seem to think humans have a backup elsewhere."
• Apple's MagSafe Battery Pack has more capacity than it seems - here's why - "The MagSafe Battery Pack appears to have a tiny capacity when examining its milliamp-hour rating, but that isn't the whole story. Here are the battery ratings and what they mean to users."
• AI narration of chef Anthony Bourdain's voice sparks row - "A new documentary about Anthony Bourdain has ignited a debate, after film-makers revealed they had used an AI simulation of the late chef's voice."
• Bill Clinton & Ghislaine Maxwell Took Undisclosed Trip Together in 2003 - Podcast - "In Chasing Ghislaine: The Untold Story of the Woman in Epstein's Shadow, investigative journalist Vicky Ward alleges that the British socialite joined the former president on a visit to the Taj Mahal. On this trip, Ward claims that Maxwell and Clinton traveled on a private jet owned by billionaire Ron Burkle, as part of the former president's work with the Clinton Foundation."
• Pregnant man & multiracial handshake emojis unveiled before launch - "Additional emojis aim to complete Unicode’s drive to offer more variety and gender-neutral options."
• The online data that's being deleted - "For years, we were encouraged to store our data online. But it's become increasingly clear that this won't last forever - and now the race is on to stop our memories being deleted."
• Russian billionaire settles with ex-wife five years after £450m payout ruling - "Farkhad Akhmedov had contested 2017 decision but has now reached an agreement over divorce."

July 16, 2021

• Covid vaccines for kids under 12 expected midwinter, FDA official says - "After emergency use authorization, the agency hopes to move quickly to full approval."
• Long Covid has more than 200 symptoms, study finds - "Calls for national screening programme as symptoms revealed range from brain fog to tinnitus."
• WHO chief says push to discount lab leak theory was ‘premature’ - "Tedros says ‘accidents happen’ in labs and calls on China to be more transparent."
• Huge study supporting ivermectin as Covid treatment withdrawn over ethical concerns - "The preprint endorsing ivermectin as a coronavirus therapy has been widely cited, but independent researchers find glaring discrepancies in the data."
• As global Covid vaccine passports become a reality, we have to make sure they’re fair - "Discrimination against those from poorer countries seems inevitable unless everyone accepts the WHO’s guidelines."
• Amazon rainforest is emitting more carbon dioxide than it absorbs in some areas, study says - "Parts of the Amazon rainforest are now emitting more carbon dioxide than they absorb, raising fears of the potentially devastating impact on its fragile ecosystems and a further worsening of the climate crisis, according to a new study."
• Richard Branson Didn't Go To Space - "He did, however, go very high in the sky in a rocket plane. The billionaire Richard Branson went 53.5 miles into the sky on Sunday, short of the Kármán line, which is 62 miles above sea level and where it is generally agreed that space begins. Branson did surpass 50 miles above sea level, above which NASA gives out astronaut wings. But come on, man, Branson’s stunt only barely cleared that."
• 18-year-old to go to space with Jeff Bezos after $28M auction winner backs out - "Blue Origin said in a press release that the person, who asked to remain anonymous for the time being, had to bow out because of 'scheduling conflicts.' The winner will instead take a spot on a future mission. Flying in their place - alongside Bezos, his brother Mark Bezos, and Wally Funk, an 82-year-old pilot and one of the 'Mercury 13' women - will be an 18-year old recent high school graduate named Oliver Daemen."
• Lufthansa switches to gender-neutral plane greetings - "Lufthansa Group's airlines -- which include Lufthansa, Eurowings and Brussels Airlines -- have historically welcomed travelers on board by referring to them as 'ladies and gentlemen.' In a statement, the airline said that on future flights travelers will be referred to as 'guests,' or simply greeted with a cheerful: 'Good morning here on board.'"
• Cryptocurrency Crime Is Booming. Here’s How to Invest Safely - TIME Magazine.
• These are the 3 most misunderstood emojis on the planet - "Millennials and Gen Zers in the United States may not think the 'laughing' emoji 😂 is cool anymore, but a majority of emoji users around the world disagree, according to a new study."
• Here are the emoji finalists for Unicode 14.0 - "The Unicode Consortium will make a final decision in September."
• One of Europe's last wild bastions - "A new hiking route between Europe and Asia. Spanning three countries and extending 1,500km, the soon-to-open TCT will take hikers into the heart of some of the world's most culturally and ecologically diverse regions."
• Aston Martin Reveals 937hp Valhalla Hybrid Supercar - "Aston Martin has revealed the production-ready version of the Valhalla supercar, complete with a 937hp hybrid power unit comprising a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine and dual electric motors."

July 15, 2021

• MI5 chief Ken McCallum accuses Facebook of giving ‘free pass’ to terrorists - "Facebook has given terrorists a “free pass” by allowing stronger encryption on its network, the head of MI5 has said in his first criticism of Mark Zuckerberg’s company. Ken McCallum said that the social media giant’s plans to install end-to-end encryption would block hundreds of counterterrorism investigations by the Security Service."
• Top generals feared Trump would attempt a coup after election - "'They're not going to f**king succeed': Top generals feared Trump would attempt a coup after election, according to new book."
• Trillions of dollars spent on Covid recovery in ways that harm environment - "Only 10% of $17tn global bailout directed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions and restoring nature, report finds."
• La baguette: secrets of France's most addictive food - "'Le pain qui chante,' or bread that sings, is an expression among French bakers, and is one of the hallmarks of a well-baked baguette."
• Gillian Anderson says she won't wear a bra ever again - "Gillian Anderson says she's had it with bras -- 'I don't care if my breasts reach my belly button'."
• What your sneakers say about you - "For sneakerheads, there is a style of trainer for every taste and identity. Arwa Haider explores the pop-culture currency of the footwear favourite, from 'Satan Shoes' to customised creations."
• Apple Quietly Confirms Brilliant Secret iPhone 12 Feature - "Apple has just published a support document which suggests there’s a cool extra feature hidden inside the iPhone."
• Citizenship for sale: fugitives, politicians & disgraced businesspeople buying Vanuatu passports - "More than 2,000 people, including individuals sought by police, have purchased passports, and with them visa-free access to the EU and UK."
• Harley-Davidson Unveils High-Powered Sportster S Model With New Engine, Modern Styling -"An era ended at iconic American motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson on Tuesday, but as happens so often, a new and hopefully better chapter also began. The Motor Company took the wraps off a long-awaited new motorcycle, but rather than give it a new name ('Bronx' had been hinted at in the the past), it has assumed the classic Sportster moniker, albeit with an 'S' for emphasis. And likely, for Speed."
• LG's rollable OLED R TV costs $100,000 in the US - "The price, at least, does not disappoint."
• Introducing the Praetor 600 - "Welcome to Flexjet, Europe’s highly anticipated private aviation provider featuring the world’s youngest and most advanced fleet of aircraft, seamless personlised service, sophisticated Owner benefits and amenities, and so much more."
• Meet The Winners of BOAT International Media’s Design & Innovation Awards - "351-Foot-Long Superyacht Lana And 263-Foot-Long Artefact Top List Of Prestigious Design And Innovation Award Winners."
• One of Napoleon’s hats could fetch €600,000 at auction - "Felt bicorne is part of sale at Sotheby’s in Paris to mark bicentenary of Napoleon’s death."

July 14, 2021

• WHO warns of ‘chaos’ if individuals mix Covid vaccines - "Chief scientist says organisation is awaiting data on studies combining vaccines but that health agencies can make decision to mix shots."
• US COVID-19 cases rising again, doubling over three weeks - "Confirmed infections climbed to an average of about 23,600 a day on Monday, up from 11,300 on June 23, according to Johns Hopkins University data. And all but two states - Maine and South Dakota - reported that case numbers have gone up over the past two weeks."
• Trump's last days in office were worse than we thought - "Donald Trump's final days as president were defined by near-total chaos as House Democrats moved to impeach him for his action (and inaction) during the January 6 riot at the US Capitol even as the soon-to-be-former president sought to use the power of his office to settle scores and reward loyalists."
• Drunken Giuliani urged Trump to ‘just say we won’ on election night, book says - "A drunken Rudy Giuliani repeatedly urged Donald Trump to 'just say we won' on election night last November, according to a new book, even as key states started to slip away from the president and defeat by Joe Biden drew near."
• The Anthony Bourdain Doc Is No Hagiography - "Roadrunner is a brilliant, sometimes troubling documentary about a brilliant, sometimes troubling man."
• Italy bans cruise ships from Venice lagoon after Unesco threat - "Spurred to act quickly after Unesco threatened to put Venice on its endangered list unless Italy permanently banned cruise ships from docking in the world heritage site, the government said on Tuesday that vessels weighing more than 25,000 tonnes would be barred from the lagoon from 1 August."
• Severe drought threatens Hoover dam reservoir - and water for US west - "The wellspring of Lake Mead created by the dam’s blocking of the Colorado River has plummeted to an historic low as states in the west face hefty cuts in their water supplies."
• Boeing discloses a new problem with the 787 Dreamliner - "Boeing (BA) on Tuesday disclosed a new issue with the 787 Dreamliner widebody jet, which has been dogged with problems since August. The company said some of the planes' fuselage was not joined together to meet precise standards and there are questions about the verification process to make sure they meet the standards."
• Coke is giving one of its most popular drinks a makeover - "If you're a big fan of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, you may want to brace yourself: The recipe for your beloved drink is changing. Coca-Cola said Tuesday that it is tweaking the beverage in an effort to make the drink taste more like regular Coke. The product's can will also look different — all red, rather than red and black."
• Alcohol caused 740,000 cancer cases globally last year - study - "Researchers behind estimate say more needs to be done to raise public awareness of link."
• Zsa Zsa Gabor: Hollywood legend's ashes buried in Hungary - "The ashes of Hollywood star Zsa Zsa Gabor have been interred in a ceremony in her native Hungary."
• How the future of offices will look - "Hybrid work: What the office could look like now. As companies shift to hybrid, the purpose of the office has changed. Workers will start seeing different floorplans, functions and technologies."
• 2021 Bentley Continental GT V8 Review: The Latest Chapter In A Great Design Story - "Test-Driving The 2021 Bentley Continental GT V8."
• Apple just launched an official $99 MagSafe battery pack for the iPhone 12 lineup - "Apple has released battery cases for iPhones in the past, but the new pack attaches to the iPhone 12 phones thanks to embedded magnets. And it will work with all four of the phones in the iPhone 12 family — the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max."
• world’s greatest dessert: 10 superb pavlovas - from peach melba to beautiful banoffee - "There are no end of delicious variations on the meringue, cream and fruit original, whether you’re a vegan, have a sweet tooth or like sophisticated pink peppercorns."
• Welsh caviar: should we all start eating laver? - "Protein-rich seaweed has dropped off British menus. Now an innovative Pembrokeshire group is leading a renaissance rooted in Welsh history."
• Zero's FXE offers electric motorcycle fun in a slightly new package - "Based on the FXS, the FXE gets a new look and an updated display."

July 13, 2021

• Richard Branson’s 17-Year Journey Into Space - "How The Virgin Founder Became First Billionaire To Fly Own Rocket."
• Richard Branson's disappointing space jaunt - "The billionaire space race looks set to kick space tourism into gear in earnest in the near future. But the implications of these developments aren't quite as rosy as Branson's overly optimistic message implies -- and dreaming big billionaire-style might come at a hefty toll for the rest of us. First, there's the environmental cost of space travel. Virgin Galactic claims that the carbon footprint for passengers of its suborbital space flight is comparable to that of a business class ticket on a transatlantic flight (which is about 0.2 kilograms per kilometer or 0.44 pounds per .62 miles -- amounting to a massive 2,220 kilo output per passenger over a typical 11,100-kilometer flight or 2.45 tons over a 6,897-mile flight)."
• Elon Musk booked a trip to space with Virgin Galactic - "Musk and Branson aren't the bitter rivals you might expect."
• Pfizer pushes for US booster shots as WHO says greed is driving vaccine disparities - "After a sharp increase in US Covid cases and amid fears of a surge of the Delta variant, Pfizer on Monday said it was seeking federal authorisation for third doses of its Covid-19 vaccine to be delivered as booster shots."
• Goldfish dumped in lakes grow to monstrous size, threatening ecosystems - "Minnesota pet owners warned not to release fish into wild, where they wreak havoc on native species."
• Cryptocurrency diamond sale sets new auction record - "Mystery buyer spends $12.3M on a 101-carat diamond -- and pays in cryptocurrency."
• how excessive cleaning gives us a false sense of security - "Covid-19 is a mainly airborne disease. So does our endless disinfecting and hand sanitising serve any purpose - or could it be worse than useless?"
• 'Streetonomics': What our addresses say about us - "From unseen gender bias to hidden historical patterns, you can tell a lot about where you live by looking at the names of the streets."
• The world's most endangered sound - "50 Reasons to Love the World." In an ever-louder world, Gordon Hempton has spent more than 40 years speaking out about the importance of saving silence. Is the world finally ready to listen?
• 2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid: More Efficient Than EPA Figures - Forbes.
• Review: Sony Bravia X90J 4K TV Flies Near The Top Of Its Class - Forbes.
• recipe for chocolate-coated coffee semifreddo - "An imperfect but joyful summer treat that bears more than a passing resemblance to a velvety iced cappuccino covered in dark chocolate."

July 12, 2021

• Richard Branson flies to edge of space in Virgin Galactic passenger rocket plane - "Spaceplane went into sub-orbital flight days ahead of a rival launch by Jeff Bezos."
• Why Richard Branson's Spaceflight Is a Very Big Deal - TIME Magazine.
• Flu jab may reduce severe effects of Covid, suggests study - "Analysis of 75,000 coronavirus patients found fewer major health problems among people with flu jab."
• Billionaires descend on Sun Valley in private jets to talk about climate change - "The private conference was canceled last year because of the pandemic."
• Bezos Made Burgers, Musk Sold Video Games - "The First Jobs of World's Billionaires."
• Google boss Sundar Pichai warns of threats to internet freedom - "He says many countries are restricting the flow of information, and the model is often taken for granted."
• Life outside the window: Marcel Proust at 150 - "As Proustophiles the world over commemorate the 150th anniversary of the author’s birth on July 10 and look ahead to the centenary of his death in November next year, the time is ripe to reflect on Proust and his writing and to take stock of his status in contemporary literature and culture."
• Oliver Stone derided for film about ‘modest’ former Kazakh president - "Eight-hour series about Nursultan Nazarbayev criticised for stoking cult of personality of 30-year ruler."
• Can you solve it? Oxford university admissions questions - "Brainteasers for budding philosophers."
• Matt Damon Talks Turning Down ‘Avatar’ - "Matt Damon has his audience in stitches during his Cannes Film Festival masterclass today. 'I was offered a little movie called Avatar, James Cameron offered me 10% of it,' he recalled. 'I will go down in history... you will never meet an actor who turned down more money.'"
• First Green-Dial Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-014 At Antiquorum’s July 2021 Auction In Monaco - "Antiquorum will be holding its next auction in Monaco on July 21, 2021, where collectors will have a chance to bid for the very first time on a Patek Philippe Reference 5711/1A-014. Yes, this is the brand-new stainless steel Nautilus with olive-green dial introduced in April 2021 as the model replacing the blue-dialed Reference 5711/1A-010."

July 11, 2021

• Watch Virgin Galactic’s livestream starting at 10:30AM ET on its Twitter, Facebook & YouTube - "Virgin Galactic will launch Richard Branson and three company employees to the edge of space on the morning of Sunday, July 11th. The company is promising quite a show for the mission: Stephen Colbert will host the mission’s livestream, singer-songwriter Khalid will reportedly perform a new single live onstage following the spaceplane’s landing, and Branson has said he’ll 'announce something very exciting' after his spaceflight."
• Sir Richard Branson: Space flight will be 'extraordinary' - "UK businessman Sir Richard Branson is about to realise a lifetime's ambition by flying to the edge of space. He'll ride his Virgin Galactic rocket plane on Sunday to an altitude where the sky turns black and the Earth's horizon curves away into the distance. The vehicle will set off for the 1.5-hour mission above New Mexico at about 08:30 local US time (15:30 BST)."
• Here are just some of Richard Branson's near-death experiences ahead of his first space flight - "Richard Branson, the billionaire entrepreneur who is set to take a test flight on his Virgin Galactic spaceship to the edge of outer space on Sunday, has rarely been one to shy away from risky activities, and because of that he's narrowly avoided being killed numerous times in his nearly 71 years."
• First space tourist: 'It was the greatest moment of my life' - "On April 30, 2001, US millionaire Dennis Tito arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) via a Russian Soyuz rocket, becoming the world's first space tourist."
• KÁrmÁn line - the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), an international standard-setting and record-keeping body for aeronautics and astronautics, defines the Kármán line as the altitude of 100 kilometres (54 nautical miles; 62 miles; 330,000 feet) above Earth's mean sea level.
• G20 backs crackdown on multinationals’ use of tax havens - "Finance chiefs endorse landmark move to prevent profits being shifted to low-tax countries."
• ICYMI: A big cat 3D billboard & a tiny celebrity cow - "Watch our round-up of the week's more paw-sitive stories that you miaow have missed."
• Yappy dogs, moody cats... why lockdown owners are full of ‘pet regret’ - "Charities are warning of a surge in people struggling to cope with animals bought last year."
• The hidden history behind our pets' most revolting habits - "From pooing in strangers' gardens to barking incessantly, even the most precious pets can be annoying, embarrassing, or just plain revolting. Where did these behaviours come from?"
• 7 Reasons To Buy An Xbox Series X Instead Of A PS5 - "Microsoft is going big with Xbox Game Pass in 2021, providing gamers with a clear list of reasons to go with Xbox Series X over PlayStation 5."
• Where Elon Musk Lives Since He Pledged To Ditch ‘Almost All Physical Possessions’ - "After promising to sell nearly everything he owned last year including six mansions in California, Tesla’s billionaire CEO has taken up residence in a studio-apartment sized rental - here’s what it looks like inside and out."
• THE SEARCH IS OVER: SMART TRACKERS FROM APPLE, SAMSUNG & TILE COMPARED - "It’s never been easier to keep track of your keys."
• These Swimwear Brands Are Proving Every Body Is A Beach Body - "According to the American Psychological Association, most Americans have seen their bodies change since the beginning of the pandemic - 42 percent reported undesired weight gain while 18 percent said they lost more weight than they wanted to. Either way, this year’s 'Hot Vax Summer' is fraught with body insecurity and weight loss companies are jumping in, promising a quick fix to the 'quarantine-15.' But not everyone has the resources nor feels the need to change their post-pandemic body. Instead, many will opt for the easier option - buying new clothes."

July 10, 2021

• What Pfizer's plan for a third coronavirus vaccine dose means for you - "Even though the biopharmaceutical company Pfizer has announced that it might be time to consider giving a third dose of its coronavirus vaccine to people, many doctors and public health officials argue that it's more beneficial to get shots into the arms of the unvaccinated right now than to boost those who are already fully vaccinated."
• Scientists weigh up evidence over covid's origin - "There is no definitive piece of evidence - no Covid-positive bat or a confirmed first human case - to show conclusively how it started. That may never be known, but the scientists who wrote this latest report want to clarify the available evidence and what it means."
• Climate crisis ‘may put 8bn at risk of malaria & dengue’ - "Reducing global heating could save millions of people from mosquito-borne diseases, study finds."
• ‘We live in a desert. We have to act like it’: Las Vegas faces reality of drought - "Water investigators track down wasteful homeowners and public turf torn up to conserve scarce water supplies."
• ‘A weirder Cannes’: how Covid-19 has changed the face of the film festival - "The face mask has become the most ubiquitous accessory at this year’s event and makes it difficult to know who’s who."
• $350M 'palace on rails' luxury train concept unveiled - "Various new trains and routes are currently in the pipeline, including Italy's "Dolce Vita train," set to run 10 routes through the country's most well-known landscapes, and Midnight Trains, an upcoming network of overnight services from Paris to 12 different European destinations. However, French designer Thierry Gaugain plans to take the rail travel experience to a completely new level with his latest concept, a private luxury train made to measure for one lucky, and very wealthy, owner."
• 10 of Spain’s best quiet & easy-to-reach beaches - "The authors of a new book, Hidden Beaches Spain, pick five quiet spots along usually busy coastlines, plus five reachable by train."
• Reporter who broke Theranos scandal predicts outcome of Elizabeth Holmes trial - "'Bad Blood' author John Carreyrou’s new podcast debuts Aug. 26, it follows the upcoming criminal fraud trial of former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes."
• The world's best potato dishes - "Fried, baked, mashed and beyond -- whether the recipe calls for Russets or Yukon Gold, red-skinned or purple potatoes -- these are some of the most popular ways to enjoy a potato around the world."
• Giant pandas no longer endangered but still vulnerable, says China - "The classification was downgraded as their number in the wild has reached 1,800. Experts say that the country managed to save its iconic animal through its long-term conservation efforts, including the expansion of habitats. China considers pandas a national treasure, but have also loaned them to other countries as diplomatic tools."
• Basque cake made with a 280-year-old water mill - "In France's Basque country, a quaint bakery still uses old methods to make the region's beloved shortbread cake. The sights and sounds of the mill and bakery keep people coming."
• Net-A-Porter & Mr Porter Launch Sales Of Pre-Owned Timepieces With Watchfinder & Co - "This month, Net-a-Porter and Mr Porter enter the pre-owned watch space thanks to a new partnership with Watchfinder & Co., selling 108 different watches from some of watchmaking’s finest brands, including Breguet, Patek Philippe, and Rolex. Vintage watches are hot commodities these days, as horology enthusiasts seek out timepieces they missed the first time around, as well as with clients interested in sustainability and the circular economy."
• Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ are contaminating plastic food containers - "Harmful PFAS chemicals are being used to hold food, drink and cosmetics, with unknown consequences for human health."
• NightWatch - "The Dock That Turns Your Apple Watch Into into an Awesome Nightstand Clock." Our huge, patented touch screen was designed exclusively for Apple Watch NightStand mode. With multiple global patents pending, the screen magnifies the Apple Watch and provides a large touch screen to tap on the watch display at night.

July 9, 2021

• WHO warns of ‘epidemiological stupidity’ of early Covid reopening - "Mike Ryan issues warning over letting people catch Covid earlier as England prepares for ‘big bang’ reopening."
• Pfizer sees waning immunity from its Covid-19 vaccine - "Pfizer says it's time for a Covid booster; FDA and CDC say not so fast."
• Delta variant is 'Covid-19 on steroids,' expert says - "Twenty-four states have seen an uptick of at least 10% in Covid-19 cases over the past week, Johns Hopkins University data shows, as health experts and the federal government keep pressing for more people to get vaccinated. For fully vaccinated people, the variant 'presents very little threat to you, very unlikely that you're gonna get sick,' Andy Slavitt said."
• Tokyo Olympics: Fans largely barred as Covid emergency declared - "The Olympic Games in Japan will be held without spectators at venues in and around the capital after a spike in coronavirus infections."
• Delta variant fears send shares down sharply in London & Europe - "Investors worry resurgence of Covid-19 cases will slow economic growth and stall global recovery."
• Is going 'back to normal' even possible? - "For some, things feel eerily normal - going out to the pub, seeing family and friends. But others may never feel settled again."
• These Are the Most & Least Stressful Cities to Live In, According to a New Study - Travel + Leisure.
• Steve Ballmer Becomes Ninth Member of the $100 Billion Club - "Steve Ballmer, the former chief executive officer of Microsoft Corp., has a net worth of more than $100 billion, making him the ninth person in the world to reach that lofty plateau. Oracle Corp. founder Larry Ellison fell just short of making it an even 10, ending Wednesday with a fortune of $98.6 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index."
• Steve Jobs Explained 1 Clear Way to Build a Team That People Will Love to Work For - "If you build it, they will come."
• Jeff Bezos Is Building a 10,000-Year Clock Inside a Mountain - "The 'Clock of the Long Now,' which will tell time for the next 10,000 years, has cost $42 million to build so far.".
• Boris Johnson's personal finances? They're as orderly as his hair - "Parliamentary Standards Commissioner Kathryn Stone, who had investigated the Prime Minister's 2019 holiday with then-fiancee Carrie Symonds to Mustique, had ruled that Boris broke the rules that say MPs must 'conscientiously fulfil' their duty to declare all financial interests."
• Celebrities At The 2021 Cannes Film Festival - "After hitting the pause button in 2020, the Cannes Film Festival rolled out the red carpet once more - and the A-list celebrities brought their fashion A-game."
• Elegance is refusal - Coco Chanel.
• One of the world's largest diamonds has just been unearthed - "Huge 1,174-carat diamond unearthed in Botswana."
• Currency & control: why China wants to undermine bitcoin - "Beijing’s crackdown on cryptocurrencies has captured headlines, while behind the scenes its reserve bank set up its own digital currency."
• World's deepest pool opens in Dubai, part of huge underwater city - "Already home to the world's tallest skyscraper and the world's largest mall, Dubai has just opened another record-breaking attraction -- the deepest dive pool in the world."
• Because the night ... why I love a sleeper train - "Whether it’s Edinburgh, Vienna or Madrid, overnight rail travel is about romance and excitement. So look forward to new French night trains from 2024."
• The abandoned airport terminal where everything still works - "In November 2019, just months before the Covid pandemic swept the world, New Orleans inaugurated its gleaming new $1.3 billion airport terminal, which speaks more to where the Crescent City, then celebrating its Tricentennial, was headed for the next 300 years than wallowing in its past. On the south side of the airfield, 'The City That Care Forgot' has all but forgotten its old airline terminal."
• Introducing The Lotus Emira, The Evija-Inspired Small Sports Car - "The Emira is a significant product for Lotus. The series production car begins a new era for the niche sportscar maker as it officially joins the Chinese auto giant Geely family. And it represents the final chapter in the age of the combustion engine for Lotus. 'The Emira is a game-changer for us,' says managing director Matt Windle. 'It is a highly significant milestone on our path to becoming a truly global performance car brand.'"
• Harley-Davidson's latest LiveWire electric motorcycle is more affordable - "The first electric motorcycle from the company's LiveWire brand is here."
• MagSafe Your Life With These Great iPhone 12 Accessories - "Owners of Apple’s iPhone 12 line of smartphones can take advantage of a feature exclusive to that generation of handset (well, at least until the iPhone 13 is out). MagSafe, which uses magnets to attach accessories and properly center compatible wireless charging pads, has given birth to a growing crop of useful goodies. Yes, Apple sells them, but you can save money and often get more innovation by turning to third parties."
• 10 Sustainable Watches Made from Ocean Plastic - "Believe it or not, upcycled plastic recovered from the sea is the latest hot watchmaking material."

July 8, 2021

• Global Covid-19 death toll surpasses 4 million - "In total, three countries account for more than a third of all global deaths. The United States, which has the highest number of fatalities at 606,000, accounts for 15% of the global total, followed by Brazil and India."
• With Delta variant spreading, experts split on whether to test vaccinated people for Covid-19 - "Although health officials have said evidence shows vaccinated people are unlikely to spread the virus to others, Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, says it may be important to watch to make sure the more transmissible Delta variant does not evade the effects of vaccines."
• Tokyo to be put under state of emergency for duration of 2020 Olympic Games - "Measure increases the likelihood that the Games in Japan will be held without a single spectator."
• Bitter Scottish fans join Italians & Danes to accuse Raheem Sterling of DIVING to win penalty that put England into Euro final - "Some Scottish and Danish fans are accusing England of cheating their way into the Euro 2020 final and say Raheem Sterling took a dive to secure the crucial penalty that secured England's win over Denmark."
• World ‘must step up preparations for extreme heat’ - "Rising temperatures may be hitting faster and harder than forecast, say climate scientists in wake of heatwave in US and Canada."
• Extreme temperatures kill 5 million people a year with heat-related deaths rising, study finds - "More people died of cold than heat in past 20 years but climate change is shifting the balance."
• Microsoft issues urgent security warning: Update your PC immediately - "Microsoft is urging Windows users to immediately install an update after security researchers found a serious vulnerability in the operating system. The security flaw, known as PrintNightmare, affects the Windows Print Spooler service. Researchers at cybersecurity company Sangfor accidentally published a how-to guide for exploiting it."
• Bill Gates could oust Melinda French Gates from their foundation in 2023 - "Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates are giving themselves a two-year trial period to see if they can co-parent the massive charitable foundation that they have treated as another one of their children."
• Billionaire Richard Branson is going to space. How risky is that? - "There's plenty that could go wrong. The rocket motor could fail to light up. The cabin could lose pressure and threaten the passengers' lives. And the intense physics involved when hurtling out of - and back into - the Earth's atmosphere could tear the vehicle apart."
• Trump told chief of staff Hitler ‘did a lot of good things’, book says - "On a visit to Europe to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the first world war, Donald Trump insisted to his then chief of staff, John Kelly: 'Well, Hitler did a lot of good things.'"
• Trump is suing Mark Zuckerberg & Jack Dorsey. Here's why they shouldn't worry - "Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday filed proposed class-action lawsuits targeting Facebook and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter and its CEO Jack Dorsey, as well as YouTube and its parent company's CEO Sundar Pichai, in a Hail Mary move after being removed from their platforms. Courts have typically dismissed similar suits, and these are likely doomed from the start as well."
• Italy's latest weapon against overtourism - "The Italian gardens hoping to change tourism."
• World's tallest sandcastle built in Denmark - "Standing at just over 21m, the world's tallest sandcastle has been built in the town of Blokhus in Denmark. The structure, reinforced with glue and clay, took 4,860 tonnes of sand to make."
• How an 'inherited' work ethic shapes some workers - "British Nigerians and Korean Americans tend to be high achievers. Now the long working hours of the first generation are giving way to a more rounded approach."
• BMW's futuristic electric scooter is straight out of anime - "It's a truly wild design concept made real."

July 7, 2021

• Pfizer vaccine appears to be less protective against Delta variant - "In a brief statement issued on Monday, the government said that as of June 6, the vaccine provided 64% protection against infection. In May -- when the Alpha variant dominated in Israel and the Delta strain had not yet spread widely -- it found that the shot was 95.3% effective against all infections."
• The people who are terrified of normal - "One of the world's strictest lockdowns is lifting, but many are scared to go back to normal life. In May, as the United Kingdom began to emerge from one of the world's longest and most stringent lockdowns."
• Italian tourist city bans evening walks to halt overcrowding - "In a bid to avoid overcrowding during the pandemic, authorities in Florence have announced that people will be banned from the city's most popular nightlife areas, unless they've been eating or drinking in the area."
• Human activity influencing global rainfall, study finds - "Anthropogenic warming of climate has been a factor in extreme precipitation events globally, researchers say."
• Cannes 2021: Film stars without masks on Cannes red carpet - "After it's 2020 cancellation due to Covid, the Cannes Film Festival is back – and so are the stars on its red carpet."
• The world's most powerful passports for 2021 - "The Henley Passport Index, which has been regularly monitoring the world's most travel-friendly passports since 2006, has released its latest rankings and analysis. If there was an Olympics of passports, Japan wouldn't just be hosting it -- it'd be winning the whole competition. As the index doesn't take temporary restrictions into account, Japan is once again top of the leaderboard, with its passport offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 destinations around the world."
• Where To Travel In July - "If you are among those who want to hit the road, Forbes Travel Guide found the best places to travel in July, ranging from a new one-of-a-kind park in New York to a James Bond-themed dinner in London."
• Apple iMessage Soundly Beaten By WhatsApp’s Stunning New Update - "Apple is now battling its tech rivals to protect your privacy, it says. What happens on your iPhone, stays on your iPhone, it says. But there’s a catch. Apple’s iMessage has now fallen well behind its rivals, risking the privacy of millions of iPhone users."
• Tomatoes are the perfect no-cook food for a heat wave - "On their own, tomatoes are just what the doctor ordered. 'Raw tomatoes are a source of lycopene, an antioxidant, and they're also a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and folate,' said Lauren Manganiello, a registered dietitian and sports nutritionist in Long Island, New York."
• A giant 3D cat has taken over one of Tokyo's biggest billboards - "Shown between advertisements, the hyper-realistic feline comes to life on a 1,664-square-foot curved LED screen in the Shinjuku district. The 4K-resolution display shows the cat walking around high above the Japanese capital as it audibly meows."
• Notre-Dame fire lead pollution endangered life, lawsuit claims - "Parisian authorities are facing legal action over the health threat from toxic lead particles released during the fire at the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Hundreds of tonnes of lead within the cathedral's roof melted during the blaze in 2019. It released toxic particles into the air, which settled in the local area."
• Who’s behind the Kaseya ransomware attack & why is it so dangerous? - "The breach has affected hundreds of businesses around the world, and experts fear the worst is yet to come."
• Bentley Reveals The Flying Spur Hybrid & A Bespoke Whisky With The Macallan - "Bentley Motors has revealed its latest car, the Flying Spur Hybrid. The new product forms part of the marque’s 'Beyond100' business strategy, outlined last November, with ambitions to evolve Bentley into a global leader in sustainable luxury transport."
• Leonardo Da Vinci project finds 14 living male descendants - "Researchers hope to understand genius of artist by reconstructing his genealogical profile."
• So happy to see you: our brains respond emotionally to faces we find in inanimate objects, study reveals - "University of Sydney researchers find humans detect and react to illusory faces in the same way they do real faces."
• Renting clothes is ‘less green than throwing them away’ - "Transportation and dry cleaning make it the worst green option for consumers of fashion, study finds."

July 6, 2021

• How soft drinks can spoof a covid test - "How children are spoofing Covid-19 tests with soft drinks. Some children have found a devious method to get out of school - using cola to create false positive Covid tests. How does it work?"
• Shampanskoye: French champagne industry in a fizz over Russian law - "Non-Russian producers now required to mark their bottles as sparkling wine. If anything is guaranteed to get French wine producers in a fizz, it is the suggestion that champagne can be made anywhere outside the Champagne region in France. As a protected appellation, the term is jealously guarded and legally defended. As the Champagne committee’s website clearly states: 'Champagne only comes from Champagne'."
• French champagne industry group fumes over new Russian law - "The law, signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, requires all foreign producers of sparkling wine to describe their product as such on the back of the bottle - though not on the front - while makers of Russian 'shampanskoye' may continue to use that term alone."
• Here’s How Rich Jeff Bezos Got As Amazon’s CEO - "July 5 was Jeff Bezos’ last day as Amazon CEO, ending a remarkable 27-year run that saw the e-commerce giant become one of the most valuable public companies in the world, with a market capitalization of $1.8 trillion. In the process, his fortune has increased by 12,425% - up by $196 billion since 1998, when he first appeared on The Forbes 400 list of richest Americans with a net worth of $1.6 billion. Now, he’s worth nearly $202 billion, making him the richest person on Earth."
• 5 of Jeff Bezos’ best lessons for success from his 27 years as Amazon CEO - "Monday marks Jeff Bezos’ final day as the CEO of Amazon, the company he launched in 1994 as an online bookseller that is now an ecommerce behemoth worth $1.7 trillion - the company that has made him the richest person in the world with a nearly $200 billion fortune. Over Bezos’ roughly 27 years as CEO, he’s regularly shared advice and lessons learned in interviews and his annual letters to Amazon shareholders."
• Andy Jassy officially takes over as Amazon CEO from Jeff Bezos - "Jeff Bezos, who has served as the CEO of Amazon since founding the company exactly 27 years ago on July 5th, 1994, has officially stepped down from the role. Andy Jassy is now listed as the company’s CEO on its investor relations website, after previously having run Amazon Web Services since 2003, while Bezos is listed as Executive Chair. The July 5th handover date was previously announced in a shareholder meeting in May."
• Cannes film festival signals industry reopening for business after pandemic - "The physical event is set to open on Tuesday with the premiere of Annette, as industry insiders breathe a sigh of relief."
• Every James Bond Movie from Best to Worst, According to Critics - "The latest installment of the epic Bond franchise, No Time to Die, has been postponed month after month due to the coronavirus pandemic. For those needing a fix for their 007 obsession, look no further."
• How Your Car Watches Everything You Do & Everywhere You Go - "To determine what state the driver was in, the Tennessee Highway Patrol stepped in and determined that they should look at data from the airbag control module (ACM). This hidden part of the car records the approximate speed, the braking and the amount of throttle used by the driver. The police wanted to know what was happening before and during impact. The ACM is just one of many modules that records what’s happening in a vehicle at any one time."
• Bugatti joins forces with electric hypercar maker Rimac - "They'll share resources and expertise as part of a joint venture with Porsche called Bugatti Rimac."
• Glass-bottomed panda train debuts in China - "On June 26, the capital of Sichuan province debuted the Zhongtang Air Railway, a sky train with a 'glass' bottom riders can see through. It has 270-degree visibility as the top is not transparent. Travelers who look at the train head-on will notice that it is painted to resemble a panda."
• Should women be grateful for help at home? - "Should women show gratitude for help, even if the division of housework and childcare mostly fall on them? Actually, yes - because they'll reap benefits."
• The invisible addiction: is it time to give up caffeine? - "Caffeine makes us more energetic, efficient and faster. But we have become so dependent that we need it just to get to our baseline."
• India's billionaires got richer while coronavirus pushed millions of vulnerable people into poverty - "Mukesh Ambani — chairman of the sprawling conglomerate Reliance Industries - is now worth more than $80 billion, some $15 billion more than a year ago, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Not far behind him is Adani Group founder Gautam Adani, whose wealth skyrocketed from less than $13 billion this time last year to $55 billion today."

July 5, 2021

• Climate change is frying the Northern Hemisphere - "Unprecedented heat, hundreds dead and a town destroyed. Climate change is frying the Northern Hemisphere."
• 60 years of climate change warnings: the signs that were missed (and ignored) - "The effects of ‘weird weather’ were already being felt in the 1960s, but scientists linking fossil fuels with climate change were dismissed as prophets of doom."
• Face masks will be a 'personal choice' in England, says UK minister - "The UK government is currently considering whether to lift all remaining restrictions on social contact on July 19. The government's new Health Secretary Sajid Javid has signaled he would like to ease coronavirus restrictions."
• The philosophy behind Jeff Bezos' Amazon success - "As Bezos leaves his role as CEO, those who have worked with him ponder the lessons learned."
• Eight TV shows to watch in July - "From Gossip Girl to Baptiste and the return of Ted Lasso, Eddie Mullan picks the programmes worth seeing this month."
• The Greek island with an ancient 'sushi' tradition - "On verdant Skopelos, locals have been curing and rolling fish for generations in a 'sushi-style' preparation that dates back to medieval times."
• 82-year-old woman is going to space with Jeff Bezos - "After a half-century of waiting, Wally Funk - who trained for NASA's Mercury program but was denied the opportunity to go to space - is finally getting her time amongst the stars. She's been selected by the world's richest man, Jeff Bezos, to accompany him, his brother, and an as-yet unknown auction winner on a suborbital trip on July 20th."
• Is the use of jetpacks finally about to take off? - "Leigh Coates says that when you speed through the air wearing a jetpack it feels as if you are able to fly like a superhero."
• Young people fear poor mental health will affect post-Covid job prospects - "Research by Resolution Foundation and IFS suggests 18- to 24-year-olds could bear scars of crisis for years."
• The damaging effects of 'boreout' at work - "Being chronically bored at work can have damaging consequences - and we need to talk about it more, say experts."
• The real reason most late night talk show hosts sit behind a desk - "'It's less democratic, less egalitarian, if someone is sitting behind a desk in an elevated position, and his guests are not equal in stature in terms of how they're being seated,' production designer Keith Raywood said. Media scholar and professor of television and popular culture at Syracuse University Robert Thompson points out the setup 'leaves the guests to be fully exposed.' Cavett, whose talk show slots included late night, preferred to sit more casually on comfortable chairs with his guests, putting them on equal ground."

July 4, 2021

• Vaccines ‘outpaced by variants’, WHO warns, as Delta now in 98 countries - "Proposals to extend Covid jabs to children in west would delay worldwide rollout, say experts, and allow deadly variants to develop elsewhere."
• Why Covid-19 outbreaks in countries using Chinese vaccines don't necessarily mean the shots have failed - "As Western nations stockpiled supplies for their own populations, China sent vaccines overseas -- in June, the foreign ministry announced the country had delivered more than 350 million Covid-19 vaccine doses to more than 80 countries. That mission highlighted inadequate Western efforts at a time when tensions between China and many major democracies were running high."
• Revealed: rise in stress among those working from home - "New research finds that those living and working alone during the pandemic have suffered the worst effects of all."
• Parts of global north are now cooking - "Unprecedented heat, hundreds dead and a town destroyed. Climate change is frying the Northern Hemisphere."
• Water is disappearing in the West -- and not just during the summer - "The West's historic drought has many impacts, including water shortages, more severe wildfire seasons and unprecedented heat waves, to name a few. Intense droughts are a result of many factors, one of which scientists have recently began to analyze with more scrutiny: snow drought."
• Is it time to begin rewilding the seas? - "From giant clams to zebra shark, marine biologists want to replace lost and vanishing species at sea but face unique obstacles - not least rampant overfishing."
• Bezos, Gates back fake meat & dairy made from fungus as next big alt-protein - "As consumers become increasingly comfortable eating faux-meat burgers that look, cook and taste like the real thing, a food-tech start-up backed by Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates is using fungus as the primary ingredient to create alt-meat foods."
• 15 All-American Cocktails For July 4th Weekend - and Beyond - Forbes.
• Kanye West's team name-dropped world-famous Noma to get a last-minute table at S.F. restaurant - "On a recent afternoon, someone called San Francisco Thai destination Nari wanting a last-minute reservation for six people - 'it’s going to be a table of Noma people,' the person said, according to restaurant owner Pim Techamuanvivit. Techamuanvivit’s staffers thought maybe Danish chef and Noma owner René Redzepi, whose New Nordic restaurant has repeatedly been ranked the best restaurant on Earth on the World’s 50 Best list, was in San Francisco. Fortunately, Nari’s semi-private dining room was open that night."
• Enjoy the restored Night Watch, but don’t ignore the machine behind the Rembrandt - "The computer restoration of this masterpiece illustrates both the benefits and the dangers of AI."
• Prince Charles reveals the songs that give him 'an irresistible urge to get up & dance' - "The Three Degrees, Diana Ross and Edith Piaf all made the cut as part of the prince's list, which he shared as part of an hour-long show on hospital radio to thank healthcare staff and volunteers for their work during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the PA news agency."
• why armchair travelling is back in fashion - "Reissued tales of classic journeys are being snapped up as Britons long for escape while having to stay at home."
• How to find the documents behind big legal cases - "CourtListener has the receipts."

July 3, 2021

• The realities of Chinese vaccines - "Why Covid-19 outbreaks in countries using Chinese vaccines don't necessarily mean the shots have failed."
• What Bill Cosby's release means for Harvey Weinstein - "Since Bill Cosby walked out of prison a free man after a court overturned his sexual assault conviction, observers have found themselves wondering: Could Harvey Weinstein be next?"
• Mega rich buy $11M homes on world's biggest superyacht - "World's first 'yacht liner' unveiled."
• Then & now: Arctic sea-ice feeling the heat - "In our monthly feature, Then and Now, we reveal some of the ways that planet Earth has been changing against the backdrop of a warming world. The shrinking sea-ice in the Arctic is not only a sign of climate change, it is causing the planet to warm more quickly. This is because more sunlight is being absorbed by the darker ocean, rather than being reflected back into space."
• The cat with more than 50,000 social media followers - "Pet influencers are on the rise thanks to a surge in animal adoptions during the pandemic. In the US, pets who endorse everything from e-commerce to clothing brands, are part of a $100bn market, but Asia could very well be the next big destination for these furry influencers."
• A Beverly Hills Estate Is Asking $65 Million, or The Bitcoin Equivalent, To Take It Off The Market - "Purchasing real estate with cryptocurrency is on the rise, and America’s largest-known cryptocurrency deal happened in Miami in June with the sale of the city’s most expensive penthouse, valued at $22.5 million. While purchasing real estate with cryptocurrency dates as far back as 2014, it hasn’t quite infiltrated the mainstream."
• 10 MINDBLOWING things that make a Rolls Royce cost 10 crores or more - "Rolls Royce cars are the epitome of luxury, comfort and technological brilliance. Rolls Royce is not cheap in any way and still, they remain high in demand. While many of us may not get a chance of owning a Rolls Royce in a single lifetime, there are a few interesting facts that make the Rolls Royce cars and SUVs very interesting. Here are ten such facts about Rolls Royce that justifies the price tag on them."
• Italy to run luxury 'Dolce Vita' sleeper train - "The 'Dolce Vita train' is set to run 10 routes through Italy's most famous landscapes, in historic trains with retro luxury, Dolce Vita-era fittings. The itineraries will cover 14 of Italy's 20 regions, and reach 128 cities, covering 10,000 miles of tracks from north to south. Itineraries will range from one to three nights."
• Canadian inferno: northern heat exceeds worst-case climate models - "Scientists fear heat domes in North America and Siberia indicate a new dimension to the global crisis."
• The Radical Concept Bike By White Motorcycles Is Another Sign Of Change For The Whole Industry - Forbes.
• Google promotes YouTube TV's new 4K add-on with a free Chromecast - "At the start of the week, Google announced it was finally adding support for 4K streaming to YouTube TV. Now the company is attempting to entice existing YouTube TV subscribers to sign up for the pricey $20 monthly add-on with a promotion that dangles a free Chromecast with Google TV."
• ‘Idiotic’: Fury in Ukraine after female soldiers made to march in heels - "Female troops were photographed practising for a parade wearing high heels, sparking outrage among lawmakers."
• Yellowstone’s most famous geyser could shut down, with huge ramifications - "If temperatures rise 10F by the century’s end as projected, Old Faithful could stop erupting, and the snowpack that feeds rivers throughout the west may disappear."
• 100 Years Ago: Dempsey Vs. Carpentier - The First Million Dollar Gate - "It was the very first million-dollar gate. It was the historic Jack Dempsey-Georges Carpentier fight: July 2, 1921. The first world title fight to be broadcast on radio, this “Fight of the Century” really did usher in the new era of boxing."
• Britney Spears: Everything she said in court - "Britney Spears told a US judge that she had been drugged, forced to perform against her will and prevented from having children, as she asked the court to end a conservatorship that has governed her life for the last 13 years."
• The Most Expensive House in The World - YouTube 10:00.

July 2, 2021

• Richard Branson aims to beat Jeff Bezos into space by nine days - "Virgin Galactic founder has announced he will take off on board the next test flight on 11 July."
• William & Harry reunite at Diana statue unveiling - "Princes William and Harry put aside their differences to appear together Thursday to unveil a statue honoring their mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, in the Sunken Garden of Kensington Palace."
• How the Delta Variant Affects Whether You Should Wear a Mask or Not - TIME Magazine.
• ‘We are a petri dish’: world watches UK’s race between vaccine & virus - "UK stands alone in pitting advanced vaccination programme against fast-spreading Delta variant."
• Vaccine hesitancy: Your job or the jab? - "As more Americans return to the office, public health officials say falling vaccination rates and viral anti-vax rhetoric are threatening the nation's pandemic recovery."
• EU officially launches digital vaccine passport - "It shows proof of vaccination, negative test result, or past infection."
• Twin Peaks & The Twilight Zone has left Netflix - "Both of these shows departing Netflix is a major loss for the service though, not because they've dominated the viewership charts really but because they've been streaming on Netflix for years."
• Agent Dale Cooper's 'Twin Peaks' hangover cure - "'Surefire cure for a hangover, Harry,' Cooper begins. 'You take a glass of nearly frozen, unstrained tomato juice. You plop a couple of oysters in there and you drink it down. Breathe deeply. Next, you take a mound and I mean a mound of sweetbreads sauteed with some Canadian bacon and chestnuts. Finally, some biscuits, big biscuits, smothered in gravy.'"
• 10 films to watch in July - BBC Culture.
• What's on Netflix & Amazon this month - The Guardian.
• Global tax reform: 130 countries commit to minimum corporate rate - "Landmark moment for world economy with OECD plan that also covers prevention of profit-shifting."
• Rege-Jean Page Is Now the Odds-on Favorite to Become the Next James Bond - "Rege-Jean Page overtakesTom Hardy as the new favorite for the role of James Bond after Daniel Craig according to bookmakers."
• Great Barrier Reef: leading scientists praise Unesco’s ‘in danger’ warning - "Group of reef and climate scientists say world heritage warning merited and Australia has not ‘pulled its weight on emissions’."
• How airlines will stop you losing your bags in the future - "Despite the improvements, there is work still to do. A 2020 report from SITA found that in 2019, 25.4 million pieces of luggage were mishandled around the globe, costing the air transport industry approximately $2.5bn."
• 12-year-old Abhimanyu Mishra becomes youngest grandmaster in chess history - "To become a grandmaster in chess, a player must achieve three grandmaster norms -- an award given for a high level of performance in a chess tournament -- as well as achieving an 2500 Elo rating given out by the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE), the rankings that govern international chess competition."
• Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2021 shortlist revealed - "Breathtaking images of a lavender field lit up by the Milky Way, a panorama of Iceland's Northern Lights over a frozen estuary, and a hazy sunrise in Shanghai are among those shortlisted for this year's 2021's Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition."
• The hidden history of the peas in your freezer - "Think of frozen vegetables and chances are you're thinking of the humble green pea. How did it become a staple of the freezer drawer?"
• The darkest side of online dating - "There are lots of perks to online dating - but it has a worrying dark side that can leave some shaken."
• Great Escapes: 11 Alternatives To America’s Crowded National Parks - "After being stuck at home for the past year, many Americans are craving the great outdoors. As a result, the country’s most popular national parks - from Yellowstone National Park to the Grand Canyon - are being deluged. According to the National Parks Service, 2021 is expected to break all kinds of records."
• Gainsborough’s Blue Boy to return to UK after 100 years - "‘Masterpiece of British art’ heads to National Gallery in London thanks to loan from gallery in California."
• iPhone 12, MacBook Air, Apple Watch & more Apple devices among products to keep away from pacemakers - "A number of Apple products have been found to interfere with some medical devices like pacemakers. Apple has now listed these, along with an advisory on their handling for people using such medical devices."
• Frank Gehry's Dynamic Reflective Tower Opens to the Public for the First Time - "Frank Gehry's long awaited LUMA Arles has finally opened its doors to the public. The stainless-steel-clad tower with a twisting geometric structure sits in a 27-acre creative campus at the Parc des Ateliers in the French city of Arles, housing exhibition galleries, project spaces, and the LUMA’s research and archive facilities."

July 1, 2021

• 100 years of the Chinese Communist Party - "10 moments that shaped China's Communist Party." Interactive.
• 50 Reasons to Love the World in 2021 - "BBC Travel celebrates 50 Reasons to Love the World in 2021, through the inspiration of well-known voices as well as unsung heroes in local communities around the globe."
• New Tibet bullet train line is so high passengers need extra oxygen - "A 435-kilometer (250-mile) rail line connecting Tibetan capital Lhasa with the city of Nyingchi entered into service on June 25, giving all 31 provincial-level regions of mainland China access to high-speed train travel."
• Making water in a desert, from sunlight & air - "Mineralizing rivers, desalinating oceans, drilling into the ground. There are many different ways to access drinking water in places where it's in short supply. But with overpopulation, climate change and increasing water scarcity, innovators have been on the lookout for a new solution -- and some are convinced the answer is up in the air."
• Tim Berners-Lee’s NFT of world wide web source code sold for $5.4m - "Crypto asset represents ownership of various digital items from when Berners-Lee invented the web in 1989."
• iOS 15 beta hands-on: A surprisingly complete preview - "The iOS 15 public beta is live today, which means a larger swath of people can now check out the latest features coming to iPhones later this year. Despite being a beta, it’s surprisingly complete, with most of the coming changes already available. Some of the updates getting the most buzz are the new Focus modes and FaceTime sharing tools, but there are also changes across Messages, Maps, Weather, Safari, Photos and more to check out."
• Neutral Switzerland plans to buy dozens of US F-35 fighter jets - "Switzerland has chosen Lockheed Martin's F-35A Lightning II as its next-generation fighter jet, the government said on Wednesday, angering opponents who have pledged a new referendum to overturn what they dubbed an unnecessary 'Ferrari' option."
• Bill Cosby freed after top court overturns sexual assault conviction - "The judges said there had been a 'process violation' by the prosecution, but admitted their ruling was unusual."
• Bill Cosby: The rise, fall & release of 'America's Dad' - "Bill Cosby was once known to millions as 'America's Dad', but the comedian had his reputation shattered when he was sentenced to three to 10 years in jail after being convicted of sexual assault."
• Britney Spears: judge denies request to remove father from conservatorship - "A week after Spears delivered dramatic testimony calling the conservatorship ‘abusive’, a court filing reveals her petition to remove Jamie has been unsuccessful."
• Diana at 60: How would the Princess of Wales have dressed in 2021? - "The late Princess Diana's wardrobe has been immortalized in books, exhibitions, Netflix series, tribute photo shoots in Vogue and even a musical. From her fairytale wedding gown to the so-called 'revenge dress' she wore after Prince Charles admitted to infidelity, the world witnessed her style transformation into the 'People's Princess.'"
• Turns out Donald Trump wasn't the worst president in US history, historians say - "On Wednesday, C-SPAN released its 2021 Historians Survey of Presidential Leadership, including for the first time former President Donald Trump. The survey organizers have assembled a broad ideological and demographic spectrum of 142 presidential historians and professional observers of the presidency invited to participate. Donald Trump is not our worst president. Instead, James Buchanan continues to hold the bottom spot. Trump ranks in 41st place, with three presidents beneath him."
• 11 remote mountain huts to escape from it all - "Occupying a special place in adventure lore, mountain huts have been offering a roof over travelers' heads since the dawn of exploration. If you can reach them, they provide a thrilling and wild escape from civilization down below -- a place to marvel at starry night skies and then wake up to breathtaking panoramas."
• The tree cutting emissions from Brazilian beef - "With the help of the fast-growing eucalyptus tree, Brazil has created its first carbon-neutral beef."
• Big oil & gas kept a dirty secret for decades. Now they may pay the price - "Via an unprecedented wave of lawsuits, America’s petroleum giants face a reckoning for the devastation caused by fossil fuels."
• Will This 728-Foot-Long Residential Superyacht Become The World’s Most Exclusive Address? - "For anyone who’s ever dreamed of owning a superyacht, or living in a hyper-exclusive ocean-front community, or girdling the globe in impossible luxury, Somnio - a massive residential superyacht that was conceived to provide all the benefits of yacht travel to an elite group of wealthy individuals who want to own and design their own luxury apartment with onboard amenities reflecting the service and offering only found in the world’s finest hotels."
• Actress Kim Novak’s Former Estate In California Hits The Market For $12.5 Million - "Her primary residence from 1961 to 1973 was 170 Spindrift Lane in Carmel, California, which Novak referred to as the Gull House. Now, the home is officially on the market for $12.5 million. Not only was this her Hollywood escape, but she also used the home as her art studio, as she is a talented painter."
• Cristiano Ronaldo shoots to top of Instagram rich list - "Portugal footballer can command as much as $1.6m to endorse a product on social media."