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Showing posts from November, 2019

General election 2019: Labour say NHS figures show decline in GP services

The NHS Digital figures show a rise in patients having to wait more than two weeks in October. https://ift.tt/eA8V8J from BBC News - Health https://ift.tt/2rIgc0e

General election 2019: Labour and Lib Dems pledge wider access to HIV drug

The parties say anyone who needs it should be able to access the HIV prevention drug, PrEP. https://ift.tt/eA8V8J from BBC News - Health https://ift.tt/2DvMHS9

Grandfather, 51, barely been outside in four years since having his nose CUT OFF in cancer treatment

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT. Stephen White, from Exeter, Devon, said he has been living 'like a vampire', only venturing outside at night, after surgery to remove his nose in June 2015. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2svIfAN

How long can you keep Thanksgiving leftovers?

Using the US Agriculture Department's guidelines, we have compiled a list of Thanksgiving leftovers, how long they last, and how to cook them. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2q6Ozha

Man, 66, grows a BUBBLE under the skin when air escaped from his cancerous lung 

The unnamed man, from Japan, had worsening pain on his back for four days. Doctors said repeated medical procedures for his cancer had caused air to escape into the tissue under the skin. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2rEpKJG

Measles death toll in Samoa rises to 42 as officials blame anti-vaxxers

The number of cases on the Pacific island surged by 213 in a 24-hour period yesterday, taking the total to 3,149. Officials blamed an anti-vax movement sparked by the death of two babies last year. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2P89zN9

Feeding premature babies breast milk could reduce heart damage caused by an early birth, study finds

Babies born before full-term - 37 weeks -are more at risk of heart problems. Irish scientists have found breast milk can alleviate the problem after reviewing evidence. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/37M9S8E

Four PLAGUE cases in China prompt government to stop and search traffic

Authorities are checking travellers' temperatures because a fever is a sign of the deadly rat-borne disease, according to local reporters in China. The fourth victim was confirmed yesterday. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2Y024vn

Scale of Shropshire maternity failings 'may never be known'

Hundreds of families have contacted an inquiry into mother and baby deaths at an NHS hospital trust. https://ift.tt/eA8V8J from BBC News - Health https://ift.tt/2qXxJBB

Woman, 23, stoned by African villagers has giant facial tumour removed after eight years

Pascaline Patienda, 23, who lives in Burkina Faso, had a rare tumour growing from the age of 15. Surgeons in Spain gave her a €40,000 (£34,000) operation for free. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2Do8fQz

Zimbabwe health crisis: 'My cousin died as the doctors are all on strike'

Health staff cannot afford to work, the government is now firing them amid what some call a "silent genocide". https://ift.tt/eA8V8J from BBC News - Health https://ift.tt/2Dpu2r1

Smartphone 'addiction': Young people 'panicky' when denied mobiles

Psychiatrists warn a quarter of young people have addictive behaviour towards their smartphones. https://ift.tt/eA8V8J from BBC News - Health https://ift.tt/2smDaud

Shropshire baby deaths: 'This review is our babies' legacy'

The stories of parents whose babies died or were seriously harmed at a Shropshire hospital trust. https://ift.tt/eA8V8J from BBC News - Health https://ift.tt/2XWOOaV

Home urine test could 'revolutionise' prostate cancer diagnosis

The 'PUR' test, pioneered by British scientists, detects chemicals in urine. Being able to do a home test kit is a step forward because it could spell the end of uncomfortable rectal exams. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/33tci8M

Number of UK cancer patients has soared by 20% in just FIVE years

Macmillan Cancer Support said there will be three million people in the UK with cancer next year, like Sarah Mills (pictured), who says NHS staff shortages cause 'permanent stress' for patients. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2DCxzTf

Breast cancer: 'I have one breast, would you like to see it?'

Three women tell us why having a mastectomy never made them feel less of a woman. https://ift.tt/eA8V8J from BBC News - Health https://ift.tt/2OX3ZNv

Cyber bullying, star suicides

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THE apparent suicide of a second K-pop artist in a month has cast renewed focus in South Korea on vicious personal attacks and cyber bullying of vulnerable young stars, and how it mostly goes unpunished. The police consider cyber violence a serious crime and have an active program educating the public how not to fall prey to online attacks, or to become the perpetrator. Charges laid are steadily on the rise with nearly 150,000 cases last year, but they form just a minuscule portion of what goes on and there is no good recourse for the victims in a country once touted as one of the most wired on earth, police say. “It’s rather simple with physical violence, as the victim can go see a doctor, but with cyber violence, there is no cure,” says Jeon Min-su, a cyber crime investigator with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. K-pop singer Koo Hara was found dead in her home on Nov 24 and the police found a handwritten note despairing about her life. She had been subjected to vicious at...

Pussycats announce reunion tour

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The Pussycat Dolls are reforming for a reunion tour kicking off in Dublin next year, the American girl band said on Nov 28. A decade after they split, the group –originally formed as a burlesque dance troupe and known for songs like Don’t Cha and When I Grow Up –will hit the stage from April in Dublin before putting on shows around Britain. “The stars have aligned and the Dolls are getting back together,” singer Nicole Scherzinger told Britain’s Heart Breakfast radio show in a joint interview with fellow band members Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta, Carmit Bachar and Kimberley Wyatt. “There’s been unfinished business. It’s been 10 years ... we just all were ready to do it,” Roberts said. Asked if they felt differently from when they first started, Roberts - who is also a showbusiness reporter for Heart Breakfast - said: “A lot of time has passed and ... we’ve matured, we’ve grown up, we’ve gained life tools, life experience.” The woman who first got them together, choreographer R...

Andy Samberg to host cooking show

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ANDY Samberg has a new project; the American actor is to host a cooking competition christened the Biggest Little Cook-Off, in which guest chefs will compete to prepare miniature food. In each show, the heat will be on for two competitors to make the most delicious bite-size creations possible. The teeny-tiny portions will be a major aspect of the challenge for the chefs: imagine dishing up a thimble of spaghetti Bolognese or sushi with a single grain of rice. Known as Tiny Food, the trend for this type of cooking has been on the rise over the last few years. “Anyone who knows me knows I love dinky stuff. So when this show about dinky food came my way I said, ‘I like the dinky food.’ I’m excited to bring my expertise in dinky things to the dinky cooking arena, and I’m also excited to bring a bag lunch, because the food is so dinky I’m for sure going to still be hungry after the shows,“ said Andy Samberg. As well as presenting, Andy Samberg will also executive produce the show a...

Beijing gets first three-star Michelin restaurant

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THE inaugural Michelin guide for Beijing has given the city its first, and only, three-starred restaurant. Xin Rong Ji, which serves regional Taizhou cuisine with a focus on fish and seafood, is the top-ranked restaurant in Beijing, according to the French guide to fine dining. Taizhou is a city in Zhejiang province along the coast of the East China Sea about 300 km south of Shanghai. Inspectors lauded the restaurant for its “uncompromising perfection” and exemplary service. The guide also features a pair of new two-star restaurants. King’s Joy serves vegetarian fare made with organic vegetables harvested from local farms, while Shanghai Cuisine puts contemporary twists on classic dishes. Signature items include braised winter melon and stuffed field snails. A total of 20 restaurants unlocked their first Michelin star. The one-star category is dominated by restaurants that serve local, Beijing cuisine, like Peking duck. According to inspectors, the best restaurants for this iconi...

Idina Menzel gets in the holiday spirit

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THE DUO covered Irving Berlin’s Christmas jazz standard for Menzel’s latest holiday album, Christmas: A Season of Love , which arrived last October. The full-length found the Tony winner collaborating with various guest artists on a selection of holiday classics and brand new original songs, such as A Hand for Mrs. Claus . Among them are Broadway veterans like “Frozen” co-star Josh Gad and Menzel’s husband Aaron Lohr as well as pop powerhouse Ariana Grande. In a recent sit-down with Broadway World, Menzel opened up about the inspiration behind her second Christmas album. “I wanted to find a balance of songs people know, but also find some that were a little bit more obscure. I envisioned it being a big-band album, obviously with lots of horns and strings. Kind of like a holiday party, but you know, the kids can come... so there’s not too much alcohol!” she explained. While Christmas is less than a month away, the vocalist has recently unveiled the accompanying music video for he...

Brewed perfectly every time

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Starbucks Malaysia has opened its 300th store since beginning its coffee journey in Malaysia over two decades ago. Located in the epicentre of fashion and culture, Starbucks Reserve Bukit Bintang Junction is poised to connect Malaysians with quality coffee through a unique human experience. Inspired by the rich heritage and diversity of Malaysia, Starbucks Reserve Bukit Bintang Junction brings to life a breathtaking third-place composed of a Starbucks traditional coffee bar as well as a Starbucks Reserve bar, which offers customers a more intimate coffee experience, and where they can deepen their coffee knowledge. In this brand-new store, customers can discover coffee artistry, beverage innovation and human connection, whilst also paying homage to the country’s historic charm. Starbucks Malaysia and Brunei managing director 0Sydney Quays said: “As we continue to accelerate our growth momentum, we recognise that the opening of our 300th store is a shared success with our thousand...

‘I got HIV my first time’

Aged 17 when she was diagnosed with HIV, one woman tells the BBC about living with the virus. https://ift.tt/eA8V8J from BBC News - Health https://ift.tt/2DwvYOp

Bold by nature

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JOYFUL living meets contemporary minimalism in Finnish design house Marimekko’s second collaborative Limited Edition Collection with Japanese cult apparel brand Uniqlo. Amid the dark and gloomy winter season when days are shorter and the sun sets earlier, Marimekko is here to colour the cold, making every day brighter than the last with Uniqlo LifeWear. Its mission is to empower people to be happy as they are, and to bring joy to everyday life through its unparalleled bold prints and colours that have established the brand’s strong and unique identity since its founding in 1951. Uniqlo LifeWear’s modern elegance blends harmoniously with Marimekko’s striking designs. Their joint aesthetic presents thoughtful and modern details in this collection, as the two brands celebrate Finnish winter traditions, and, for the first time, augment women’s wardrobe staples with garments for girls and babies. Marimekko president and CEO Tinna Alahuhta-Kasko commented: “Following the positive recep...

Movie review: Last Christmas

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FOR most moviegoers, Last Christmas is one of those comforting holiday movies. It is a tearjerker with a heartwarming redemption arch and stars pretty people. Sprinkle some jokes and charm, put it in an oven at 350°C for 103 minutes and ding ! – you’ve got a Christmas treat. For the critic, Last Christmas comes off as typical. It tries to disarm the viewer by being cartoonishly absurd, especially at the beginning. It then pivots towards realism, swerving between tragedy and comedy. The ingredients are certainly unusual. Kate (Emilia Clarke) is the most destructive force in her life. She hates her sister, doesn’t answer calls from her mother, caused damages to her workplace, and lost favour with almost every friend she has. That is until she meets her manic thoughtful dream guy, Tom (Henry Golding), and gets a second chance from Santa (Michelle Yeoh). As for the acting, the bulk of it rests upon the shoulders of Clarke, with Emma Thompson looking like she is having the most fu...

People who live near irregular shaped parks may survive longer than those whose are square shaped

Researchers at Texas A&M University said a complex shaped park has more entrances, and therefore more people are allowed to reap the benefits - such as exercise. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2pYyWrY

'I started off being so aspirational'

Georgina Day works as an A&E nurse in a London hospital and says the demands on her and her colleagues is huge. https://ift.tt/eA8V8J from BBC News - Health https://ift.tt/2qTV9bc

Happy Thanksgiving

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Per Primal tradition, the bees and I are off for the day. I’ve said before that I consider Thanksgiving to be the most Primal of holidays. The elevated act of preparing and sharing a traditional meal is about as basic—and sacred—as human ceremony gets. It’s like gathering around a fire together. We bask in the comfort of ritual and cycle this time of year. We offer thanks for the year’s blessings. Each year I say it, and each year I’m filled with the truth of it: I look to this community with heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for reading, for sharing, for contributing. Thank you for carrying the message of health and for supporting each other here. Today I wish each of you the very best—of health and happiness. However you’re celebrating today, enjoy your holiday, everyone. The post Happy Thanksgiving appeared first on Mark's Daily Apple . from Mark's Daily Apple https://ift.tt/2qJRGvW

Is Type 1 Diabetes Triggered by the Bovine Insulin in Milk?

The tight correlation among countries between the incidence of type 1 diabetes in children and cow’s milk consumption didn’t account for Iceland. Indeed, studies correlating dairy intake in children and adolescents with the incidence of type 1 diabetes deliberately excluded the Icelandic data. Why? Is it because of genetics? Perhaps, yes and no. The people of Iceland are similar genetically to other Nordic countries, but their cows are not. As I discuss in my video Does Bovine Insulin in Milk Trigger Type 1 Diabetes? , there are two main types of the cow milk protein casein: A1 and A2. Icelandic cattle, who “have been isolated from interbreeding with other cattle breeds for over 1,100 years,” are unusual in that they produce mostly A2 milk, which may explain the lower incidence of type 1 diabetes in Iceland. Unlike A2 casein, A1 casein breaks down into casomorphin, which has opioid properties that may alter immune function, perhaps increasing susceptibility to infections that ma...

How to Impact Thousands of Lives through Coaching with Chris and Eric Martinez

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How to Impact Thousands of Lives through Coaching with Chris and Eric Martinez When Chris and Eric Martinez, also known as the “Dynamic Duo” Got an unexpected knock on their door at age 18, the course of their lives changed for EVER… The PAIN became their purpose and they have since built a six -figure online fitness coaching business and have worked with thousands of people via online and in person to help them look better, feel better, perform better, and live a dynamic lifestyle. They  have also worked with hundreds of coaches to help them build their online businesses and scale them. I had a gazillion questions for them ABOUT coaching… I wanted to know… how do you find a good one? How do you get into the coaching business? And how do you know if a coach is QUALIFIED for what you want to be coached on. Join in today and learn exactly how Chris and Eric Martinez leveled up and created everything from nothing. In this episode, you will learn: Whats the best way to find the...

Hospitalizations surge for sepsis, UTIs and kidney failure when air quality is poor, study reveals  

Researchers at Harvard University have identified a host of new illnesses for which hospitalizations increase when there are even small spikes of fine particle pollution, called PM2.5, in the air. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/34tlThl

This Canadian woman is allergic to the COLD

Emma Brown, 18, of Edmonton, has the condition cold urticaria. She fears going outside alone in case she falls over and gets stuck. Her throat may swell up, restricting her breathing. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/37NnPD8

Mother-of-three claims her panic attacks were caused by a cancerous brain tumour

Catherine Wilcockson, 36, from Sheffield, South Yorkshire, started experiencing anxiety and panic attacks last year. When drugs failed to alleviate her symptoms doctors found the tumour. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/33pBLjl

Mother shares heartbreaking photo of her toddler undergoing cancer treatment

Sophia Soto, now six, from Florida, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma - a cancer which forms in nerve tissue - at just 14-months-old after tumors were found behind her eyes and on her kidney. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2srJwZD

Boys born to older mothers 'have a higher risk of heart problems', rat study finds

Research by the University of Cambridge suggested the genetic combination of an older mother and a male baby reduced how well the placenta works - female babies were not affected or even benefited. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2DASFRX

Dying mother-of-two, 33, has months to live after breast cancer returned in her liver and spine

Vicki Marshall, from Skirlaugh in Yorkshire, recovered from breast cancer in 2017 but found out just three weeks ago that the disease had returned and spread through her body. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2ruDxmi

Nursing shortage 'is forcing NHS to rely on less qualified staff' to plug gaps

The Health Foundation warned if current trends continue, the number of vacancies could surge to 100,000 within a decade, posing a serious threat to patient care. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2Y0EBdO

Calls to dementia helpline have DOUBLED since 2009 and surge 40% at Christmas

British charity the Alzheimer's Society said people notice changes in their relatives' behaviour at Christmas. Sandy Sweet (pictured) spotted an issue when her mother didn't recognise her friends. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2ONienS

UK healthcare 'lags behind' nine wealthy nations including the US and France

Quality 'seems to be slipping', researchers at the London School of Economics and Political Science warned. The UK has the lowest survival rates for breast and colon cancer, data shows. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/35GDVg7

Mobility Circuit

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Trainer Sydney Torabi takes you through five mobility exercises that you can use to stretch pre- or post-workout or incorporate on your rest day. The post Mobility Circuit appeared first on Under Armour . from Under Armour https://ift.tt/35CX16Q

Lower Body Workout

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Trainer Sydney Torabi takes you through a complete lower body workout for your next leg day. The post Lower Body Workout appeared first on Under Armour . from Under Armour https://ift.tt/2q0J43y

Welcome to My . . . Evening Wind Down

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Yoga instructor Kristin Calabria shares five practices to help you recover, restore and prepare yourself for the next day. The post Welcome to My . . . Evening Wind Down appeared first on Under Armour . from Under Armour https://ift.tt/2ONWkRl

Rise of Skywalker script under bed

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BRITISH actor John Boyega said on Nov 27 that he left his copy of the closely-guarded script for the new Star Wars movie under his bed, and that it ended up for sale on eBay. Boyega, who plays Stormtrooper turned resistance fighter Finn in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker , told US television show Good Morning America that a cleaner had found the script and put it on the eBay auction site. Director J.J. Abrams said earlier this week that the team behind the film spotted the eBay listing and was able to get it back before it was sold, meaning the secrets in the plot are still safe. “I was moving apartments and I left the script under my bed. I was just like, you know what, I’ll leave it under my bed,” Boyega said. “When I wake up in the morning I’ll take it and move, but my boys came over and, you know, we started partying a little bit and then the script just, it just stayed there.” “Then a few weeks after a cleaner comes in, finds the script and then puts it on eBay for, like...

Turtles and tourists share the same beach on a Tunisian island

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BETWEEN plastic chairs on a crowded Tunisian tourist beach, a sign indicates where another species shares the sand: a nest is buried below. On this paradisaical island off the coast of Monastir – a resort town south of the capital Tunis –tourists co-exist with loggerhead turtles thanks to a novel initiative. Since 2017, the Tunisian government and a local NGO have jointly run a turtle conservation programme under the noses of bathing-suited beach-goers, who are offered an environmental education along with their holiday. The Kuriat islands are the westernmost permanent loggerhead turtle breeding site on the Mediterranean’s south coast, and are in the process of being listed as a protected nature reserve. But while the islands are an important turtle sanctuary, the white sand beaches and crystal waters of little Kuriat are irresistible to holidaymakers. During turtle hatching season from July to October, day-trippers arrive daily in their hundreds, transported on pirate-themed bo...

Go grandmaster says computers ‘cannot be defeated’

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THE only human ever to beat Google’s computer algorithm at the ancient Chinese strategy game Go decided to retire because he is convinced machines “cannot be defeated”, a report said Nov 27. South Korean Lee Se-Dol’s five-match showdown with Google’s artificial intelligence program AlphaGo in 2016 raised both the game’s profile and fears of computer intelligence’s seemingly limitless learning capability. The 18-time world Go champion lost all but one encounter in the series, but remains the only person to have won a game against AlphaGo. The machines have since developed much further -- an updated self-teaching version of the algorithm beat its predecessor 100 games to none. “Even if I become the number one, there is an entity that cannot be defeated,“ Lee, 36, told South Korea’s Yonhap news agency. “With the debut of AI in Go games, I’ve realised that I’m not at the top even if I become the number one,“ added Lee, who retired from professional Go competition last week. Go orig...

World’s 50 Best Restaurants new guide

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ORGANIZERS of the influential World’s 50 Best Restaurants ranking have launched a new drinking and dining website, similar in vibe to Zagat and Michelin. Called 50 Best Discovery, the new portal is a database of the top-ranked drinking and dining guides in cities around the world, as compiled by the organization’s international network of 1,7000 contributors over the years. Like Zagat and Michelin, users can look up restaurants and bars for cities around the world. The site features 1,600 reviews for venues in 75 countries that have been ranked in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants and Bars rankings; Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and Bars rankings; and Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants. The academy of experts includes leading food and drink writers, chefs, restaurateurs, bar owners, global “gastronomes” and regional cuisine specialists. “Gastronomic tourism has become a cultural phenomenon in recent years, evident in the rapid expansion of our social media followers to more than two ...

Graphic state of mind

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EACH of Ejin Sha’s avid explorations of the notion of visual identities marks yet another demonstration of her graphic obsession with typography and images. That being said, visual identities in the most dynamic form of words and symbols are being reimagined with images to create a straightforward impression. It is after all, the fundamental idea of communication. Ejin’s work tends to run along these paradigms at the same time. And as a graphic designer, her practices transcend disciplines between art, design, architecture and literature crossing into technology, ranging across mediums such as books, posters, site installations, exhibitions, wayfinding signage, GIFs and interactive performances. The 29-year-old says: “Graphic design is less of skill and more of a design thinking.” What is the role of a graphic designer? “It’s to communicate and translate a massage or a value of the entity I’m designing for. “Sometimes I’d like to think I’m a makeover artist, in a way, I’m rep...

Immunotherapy offers hope for men with prostate cancer

A small number of men were 'super responders' and remained well even after the trial ended. https://ift.tt/eA8V8J from BBC News - Health https://ift.tt/37ISWzY

Elizabeth Banks to direct Invisible Woman

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US actress Elizabeth Banks is set to direct and star in Invisible Woman for Universal – a film based on her own original pitch, and penned by The Girl on the Train scribe Erin Cressida Wilson. The project will also be produced by Banks, along with Max Handelman – who also worked on the Pitch Perfect series and most recently Charlie’s Angels – through their Brownstone Productions. Brownstone’s Alison Small will executive produce. Plot details are being kept under wraps, but sources say Banks’ pitch is very different from the Invisible Man film coming out in February that stars Elisabeth Moss, and there is no crossover potential on either film (via Variety). The new movie in the works follows the recent unveil of the Charlie’s Angels reboot for Sony, which Bank also directed and starred in – as one of the Bosleys. - AFP from Entertainment & Lifestyle https://ift.tt/2OnoR10

The Chainsmokers to produce music drama series

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YET another development from the corridors of the US cable television channel Freeform, Demo will tell the tale of a young pop-songwriter in Los Angeles, reports Variety. Electro duo The Chainsmokers will executive produce the project. One year on from the announcement that they were producing a feature film based on their song Paris , The Chainsmokers are branching out into the world of television. The musical duo will co-produce Demo for the Disney-owned cable channel Freeform. The series will follow a 20-something musician who decides to walk away from her indie rock band and her working-class family to write pop songs in Los Angeles. Delighted to have put her past behind her, the young woman quickly discovers that the best songs are the ones that tell of deeply felt truth. But will she have the courage to write about her own life? Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall of The Chainsmokers, will take charge of the executive production for the project via their company Kick the Habit...

Selling more smartphones than ever

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IN THE third quarter of 2019, some 387 million smartphones were sold worldwide, according to research published by Gartner. This represents a decline of 0.4% in comparison to the same period in 2018. Samsung remains the market leader, however Huawei is also powering ahead. The slowdown can in some part be explained by the fact that many users are opting for mid-range models, which last longer and do not need to be replaced as often as their predecessors. In addition to this, new smartphone purchases are also being postponed by people who are waiting for the release of more 5G compatible models. In the third quarter, Samsung sold a little more than 79 million smartphones worldwide, which amounts to 5.7 million more than in the third quarter of 2018. In spite of the diplomatic problems that are preventing it from selling new Android products, Huawei is doing well and has confirmed its second-place position in the market. The Chinese company was the only top-5 ranked manufacturer t...

France maintains title of world’s best ski destination for 2020

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FRANCE ’s Val Thorens has been crowned the world’s best ski resort 2020 for the sixth year in a row at the World Ski Awards. At an altitude of 2,300 meters, Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort and offers a vast network of “snow-sure” slopes. Last year, the resort launched an Ultra-Light Motorized glider-cum-aircraft that surfs the skies in 20-minute sessions. A new zipline also opened for thrill seekers, whisking riders 65 meters above the ski slopes, along 1,600 meters at speeds of up to 75km/h. Winners of the World Ski Awards are determined by votes cast by industry professionals and the public. Here are some of the winners: World’s Best Freestyle Resort 2019: LAAX (Switzerland) World’s Best Ski Hotel 2019: W Verbier (Switzerland) World’s Best New Ski Hotel 2019: Le Massif (Italy) World’s Best Green Ski Hotel 2019: Valsana Hotel & Appartements (Switzerland) World’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel 2019: Ki Niseko (Japan) World’s Best Ski Chalet 2019: Chalet Les Anges, Z...

Jiro left dreaming of Michelin stars

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A FAMED Tokyo sushi restaurant where Barack Obama is said to have enjoyed the best sushi of his life has been dropped from the latest Michelin gourmet guide after it stopped accepting reservations from the general public. Sukiyabashi Jiro, immortalised in the 2011 documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi , has earned three Michelin stars every year since 2007 and is considered to dish up some of the world’s greatest delicacies. But the restaurant -- where the chef’s selection starts at 40,000 yen (US$360) – was glaringly absent from the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2020 when it was unveiled to the media on Tuesday because it does not accept reservations. “We recognise Sukiyabashi Jiro does not accept reservations from the general public, which makes it out of our scope,“ said a spokeswoman from the Japanese branch of Michelin. “It was not true to say the restaurant lost stars but it is not subject to coverage in our guide,“ she told AFP. “Michelin’s policy is to introduce restaurants where every...

Conservationist Goodall launches Project Monyet

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RECENTLY , in the early hours just before the city fully awakened, a crowd gathered at Ruang by Think City, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The many attendees, young and old, assembled to get a glimpse of celebrated English primatologist and anthropologist, Dr Jane Goodall. “This is only my third time in Malaysia,” said the foremost expert on chimpanzees. She was here to officially launch Project Monyet , an exhibition featuring photographs taken by noted photographer Peter Ong, 43, and a series of talks that revolves around the subject of primates in Malaysia. The goal of the event was to raise awareness on Malaysia’s primates, their habitats, and the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that champion them. Among the NGOs highlighted at the event were the Malaysian Primatological Society, Macaca Nemestrina Project, langur Project Penang, Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, and Free Tree Society. The Project Monyet exhibition features 14 of the 25 species of primates in Mala...

A tribute to Wan Nong

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A TOTAL of 43 artworks by students and friends of the late Batik pioneer Wan Nong Abdul Rahman were recently showcased at the Maybank Group’s art exhibition Painting Batik: An Exhibition and Tribute in honour of his memory, and as a way to re-introduce the uniqueness of Malaysian batik. Wan Nong introduced the method of stretching a piece of cloth and painting over it with wax and dye using ‘djanting’ (an instrument to apply hot wax), and brush. The exhibition, which ends on Dec 6, is part of Maybank’s Balai Seni Art Series 2019. Among the artists whose works are on display are Wan Nong’s friend Mohamed Abdullah, better known as Mat Dollah, Abdul Rahman Abdul Rani, Ahmad Tajuddin Ahmad, Fauziah Hj Yahaya, Amir Arshad, Hishamuddin Ahmad, Azhar Arshad, Siti Hasmah Datuk Taiban and Ahmad Fauzi Hj Arshad. Some of the paintings were created using the method of using brush and djanting to draw batik images on canvas. They showcase not only the artists’ personalities but also their mast...

Book review: Beast

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AUTHOR Krishna Udayasankar has written books that touch on Hindu mythology and Indian folklore. She continues to do so in this book which revolves around Saimha, human beings who can shapeshift. The story begins with drug dealers getting ripped apart and partially eaten by a seemingly invincible creature whom a witness described as a lion. We are then introduced to Prithvi, an enforcer of a secret society of Saimhas tasked with finding the creature, and Aditi, a local cop. Their paths cross during the course of the investigation, which leads to a young Saimha called Tara who is linked to Prithvi’s past. The story veers between the present and the past so that we can understand more of this secret world through the eyes of Prithvi, a man who suffered abuse as a child, and who found his home among those who are special like him. The central plot is interesting, but there are many holes that require more explanation. There is forbidden love and a murder mystery. The biggest flaw I...

Book review: Three Women

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THIS book is different from others I’ve read in the past because it is about three different women who were betrayed by men they trusted, and who were punished for it. In the author’ note, Lisa Taddeo tells us that this is a work on non-fiction and that she spent eight years and thousands of hours with the women who are featured in this book. All three women are relatable on some level and while we can ridicule them for their stupidity, we can also sympathise with them for their life choices. You have 20-something Maggie recounting how she was molested as a teenager by a highly respected teacher; Sloane who takes part in threesomes in order to make her husband happy; and married Lina who seeks comfort in the arms of her (also married) first love when she gets no affection from her husband. These women also have a history that is connected to why they do what they do. Taddeo makes no excuses for their actions, instead she leaves it to us to make up our mindsdecide on how we view ...

All about food

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THE winners of the Fay Khoo Award for Food+Drink Writing were recently announced at this year’s George Town Literary Festival. From a shortlist of six, three entries were selected to receive cash prizes and the iconic Fay Khoo tiffin trophies. The judges vetted almost 50 entries from Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Britain, and even as far away as Guatemala. Set up in 2017 to honour the memory of the late Fay Khoo – a much-loved author, publisher, food critic, radio host, journalist, dedicated environmentalist and Penang native – the Fay Khoo Award for Food+Drink Writing has quickly established itself as a leading champion of fine writing on food and drink in Southeast Asia. Founder and director Bettina Chua Abdullah described food writing as the story of humanity, saying there was no topic of writing more varied than that of food. “Food is about more than sustenance and cooking: writers in this genre are exploring aspects of culture, health, the social and entertainment...

Modern Reflections of MPO

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THE Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) will present an intriguing programme of on Dec 7 at 8.30pm, and Dec 8 at 3pm at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP), KLCC. Themed Modern Reflections , the concerts will present work written during the last years of 20th century with the type of music known as ‘Minimalism’. Internationally acclaimed conductor and award-winning composer Dirk Brossé ( below, left ), will lead the MPO. His body of works consists of around 400 works including symphonic pieces, as well as scores for cinema, television and stage. One of his most notable works is the Emmy-nominated score for the BBC/HBO series, Parade’s End . In these concerts, Brossé will be conducting his own work entitled War Concerto dedicated to the victims of the Third Balkan War. The concerts will also feature works by Philip Glass and John Coolidge Adams. Glass’ The City: Dance was created for an opera Akhnaten in 1984, based on the life and religious convictions of an Egyptian pharaoh...

Trophy Knives breaks the glass ceiling

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FRESH from an extensive Australian tour in May, Malaysia’s punk quartet Trophy Knives is back with its debut full-length album entitled Glass Ceiling . Featuring 10 blistering new tracks, including the singles Burn and Hesitate which were released prior to the album’s official launch, Glass Ceiling is jam-packed with a mixture of heavy hitting drum grooves, chaotic guitar playing, omnious synth effects, and snarling vocals over melodic choruses that spit bile on complex issues, while remaining rooted in ordinary life. Armed with a new perspective on music culminating from its members’ past experiences, and especially the recent tour Down Under, the band sheds its old skin by exploring territories previously never delved into, which is evident with Glass Ceiling . Citing AFI, Fugazi, Refused, Billy Talent and Alkaline Trio as influences, Trophy Knives – which hails from Kuala Lumpur – consists of Vinesh (vocals), Syamir Ali (bass), Sani Khalid (lead guitar) and its latest additi...

Scientists STOP triple negative breast cancer's spread in animal tests

Scientists have long struggled to identify what fuels the growth of triple negative breast cancer, the most aggressive form. New UConn and Jax Laboratory research has found a new target. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/35yZIX4

Nurse dances the 'Jingle Bell Rock' for three-year-old leukemia patient

Nurse's assistant Marcia Love-Bowens put on her best dance moves to holiday music to cheer up three-year-old Pearl Monroe who has been through a 'whirlwind' of treatment since diagnosis. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/35Bkx41

Mortality rate for young Americans aged 25-64 rises 6%

A new study from Virginia Commonwealth University has found that mortality rates for Americans aged 25 to 64 have risen from 328.5 deaths per 100,000 in 2010 to 348.2 deaths in 2017. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/37HQSrK

Brain-boosting supplements sold in the US that contain FDA-rejected dementia drugs

Harvard researchers have found piracetam, a banned drug in the US, openly listed on the labels of at least five brain-boosting supplements sold to Americans online. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2DimR47

CDC reveals 67 people in 19 states have contracted E. coli from lettuce grown in Salinas, California

So far, 67 people have been sickened in 19 states and 39 people have been hospitalized in the current E. coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce grown in Salinas, California, the CDC said on Tuesday. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2QVA76y

Binge-drinking has doubled among American women without children

In 2006, just 21% of US women without kids reported having five or more drinks on a given occasion. By 2016, that proportion surged to 42%, a Washington University study revealed Tuesday. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2OqiD0J

Mother of teen left with a ruined lung from vaping slams the FDA for failing to regulate the devices

Walker McKnight, 20, from Orlando, Florida, is currently on dialysis and oxygen after his four-month vaping destroyed both of his kidneys and his left lung and will need transplants in the future. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2qMT4ha

Colorado issues safety warning over strains of potentially moldy medical and recreational marijuana

A advisory in Colorado was issued last week that six strains of potentially contaminated marijuana was marked as safe and placed on dispensary shelves between October 21 and November 14. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2KT8dEs

FDA cracks down on 15 CBD companies over bogus health claims

US officials have sent warning letters to 15 companies for selling CBD products on unproven claims that they can treat diseases, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Tuesday. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2OReGkm

Kindness from strangers boosts your well-being - even more than romantic love, study finds 

Researchers at Penn Medicine found, everyday small gestures from strangers, colleagues, and friends can make you feel love, boost your wellbeing, and can be even more powerful. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2KXfnrl

Could hibernation treat obesity? Obese people share similar genes with hibernating animals

The discovery, reported today in a new study by the University of Utah, could shed light on the root causes of metabolic disorders and ways to treat, or even cure, them. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/37E6w7v

Male breast cancer survivor gets NHS check-up invites suggesting he wears a BLOUSE

Tony Herbert, from Leicester, was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2011. He said letters for routine check-ups advise him to wear a blouse to make undressing for the scans easier. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2QRLrkg

Now your Apple Watch could spot a heart attack, researchers claim

A researcher from the Hospital Clinico San Carlos in Madrid claims the device can pick up on electrical waves given off by the organ with enough precision for a doctor to give a diagnosis. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/37Ml4SS

Parkinson's tremors could be treated with SOUNDWAVES, claim scientists

Researchers from the University of L'Aquila in Italy looked at 39 patients whose shakes had not been curbed by drugs. They found 95% saw their symptoms immediately reduced after treatment. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2KTo7yP

Dr Neil Stanley rates the latest gadgets which promise a restful night's sleep

DR NEIL STANLEY: People are desperate to buy a 'magic' solution, and now is the time to sell a sleep device. But I think people are both confused and sceptical - with good reason. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2OkJV8p

Meet one of thousands of Britons who suffer with a 'co-factor' allergy

Kate Ball, 30, first suffered anaphylaxis when she was just 15 after eating a fish paella while on holiday in Spain. She later found out that a combination of ingredients caused her allergic reaction. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2DhHbCA

Patients with type 2 diabetes could now be treated with a heated balloon that regenerates cells

Patients with type 2 diabetes could be treated with a balloon to regenerate cells to controlling blood sugar. Rahul Kumar, 48, from Bromley was one of the first to benefit. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2qL1DsI

Holding a loved one's hand may be as good as a over-the-counter painkillers

In a study at the University of Haifa in Israel, scientists exposed female volunteers to mild pain by touching them on the arm with a hot metal rod. Those who were touched by a loved one saw their pain halved. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/33iheNJ

Mom donates breast milk after son died of rare genetic disorder

Sierra Strangfeld, from Neilsville, Wisconsin, was 20 weeks pregnant when her son was diagnosed with trisomy 18, a chromosomal condition in which most babies survive less than 24 hours. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/34mm2CX

Anti-smoking pill to 'make nicotine feel gross' may be on the way

University of Toronto researchers found a specific group of neurotransmitters that make smoking more pleasant than it is gross - but think they can make a drug to reverse that. from Health News | Mail Online https://ift.tt/2rodJrW