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Angela Merkel’s centre-right party elects Armin Laschet as new leader

Angela Merkel’s centre-right party elects Armin Laschet as new leader
Angela Merkel’s centre-right party elects Armin Laschet as new leader

German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s centre-right party has elected a new leader to take over ahead of the national elections in September.

Armin Laschet, the pragmatic governor of North Rhine-Westphalia, was announced the winner at a virtual conference hosted by the Christian Democratic Union party on Saturday in Berlin.  

The 59-year-old is a fervent Merkel loyalist and is seen as the continuity candidate ahead of the election which will see Germans deciding on their first new chancellor in 15 years.

Merkel, 66, the longest serving head of government in the EU, was first elected chancellor in 2005 and announced two years ago that she would be stepping down at the end of her term. 

The new elected Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party leader Armin Laschet reacts after being elected at the party's 33rd congress, held online because of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Berlin, Germany, January 16, 2021

German Chancellor Angela Merkel at a cabinet meeting last week (left) and the newly elected Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party leader Armin Laschet today after his victory (right)

Paul Ziemiak (R), secrtaray general of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU listens to the speech of German Chancellor Angela Merkel during CDU party virtual party congress in Berlin, Germany, 15 January 2021

Paul Ziemiak (R), secrtaray general of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU listens to the speech of German Chancellor Angela Merkel during CDU party virtual party congress in Berlin, Germany, 15 January 2021

Candidates for the new CDU party chairman (R-L) Friedrich Merz, Armin Laschet and Norbert Roettgen attend a CDU virtual party congress in Berlin on Saturday

Candidates for the new CDU party chairman (R-L) Friedrich Merz, Armin Laschet and Norbert Roettgen attend a CDU virtual party congress in Berlin on Saturday

She was attending today’s conference via video call as Laschet defeated Friedrich Merz, a conservative and one-time Merkel rival, by 521 votes to 466. 

The decision ends an 11-month leadership limbo in Germany’s strongest party after outgoing leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who had failed to impose her authority on the party, announced her resignation. 

Kramp-Karrenbauer took over as leader of the party two years ago while Merkel remained as chancellor.

Laschet has been handed the difficult prospect of trying to unite the party under his leadership, something which Kramp-Karrenbauer struggled with.

A soft-spoken political moderate with a reputation for pragmatism, Laschet famously stuck by Merkel in 2015 during the migrant crisis. 

If anything, he is seen as even more pro-migration than Merkel, celebrating diversity as a economic and social boon to his state.

During his campaign to head the CDU, he positioned himself as the Merkel’s natural successor, telling Stern magazine that ‘a break with Angela Merkel would send exactly the wrong signal’. 

On Saturday, he spoke to his fellow delegates on the value of moderation.  

‘We must speak clearly but not polarise,’ he said. ‘We must be able to integrate, hold society together.’

He said that ‘we will only win if we remain strong in the middle of society.’ 

Laschet said that ‘there are many people who find Angela Merkel good and only after that the CDU. He added that ‘we need this trust now as a party’ and that ‘we must work for this trust.’

Laschet emerged as an early favourite when the race to head the party was thrown open last year after the surprise resignation of Kramp-Karrenbauer.

The new elected Christian Democratic Union, CDU, party chairman Armin Laschet, centre, greets by outgoing chairwoman Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, left, after the voting at a digital party convention in Berlin

The new elected Christian Democratic Union, CDU, party chairman Armin Laschet, centre, greets by outgoing chairwoman Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, left, after the voting at a digital party convention in Berlin

Laschet, left, fist bumps his rival candidate Friedrich Merz during the final vote count today

Laschet, left, fist bumps his rival candidate Friedrich Merz during the final vote count today

Laschet shows off a lucky coin offered to him by his father as he delivers his speech on Saturday

Laschet shows off a lucky coin offered to him by his father as he delivers his speech on Saturday

Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer gets a final touch of make-up before going out to speak to the party conference in Berlin

Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer gets a final touch of make-up before going out to speak to the party conference in Berlin

A Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party member watches German Chancellor Angela Merkel delivering a speech on a screen

A Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party member watches German Chancellor Angela Merkel delivering a speech on a screen

But his path to the top was anything but smooth, with critics accusing him of flip-flopping and poor leadership over his handling of the pandemic in North Rhine-Westphalia.

In the spring, Laschet pushed aggressively for the loosening of restrictions to curb the spread of the virus – only to backtrack after a huge outbreak at a slaughterhouse.

He also sparked a row when he appeared to blame eastern Europeans for importing new coronavirus cases to Germany.

While he has been praised for his ability to unify, he is also seen as ‘indecisive, sometimes acting impulsively’, according to the daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung. 

But Laschet was boosted by a strong performance for the CDU in local elections in North Rhine-Westphalia in September, hailing the result as an endorsement of the party’s ‘moderate course’.

In a recent interview with the Bild daily, he highlighted his experience as a state premier as a reason for CDU delegates to vote for him.

‘It also doesn’t hurt to have won an election before. And it is important to be able to bring people together,’ he said.

CDU members may also have been swayed by Laschet’s alliance with Health Minister Jens Spahn, whose efforts to steer Germany through the pandemic have made him a favourite with the public.

The pair wrote a joint article for Der Spiegel weekly promising to make the CDU ‘one of the most modern parties in Europe’ and stressing that leadership ‘does not mean a one-man show’.

In what appeared to be an endorsement for Laschet, Merkel on the eve of the vote called for a moderate leader for the party and said she wished for a ‘team’ to be elected.

The new elected Christian Democratic Union, CDU, party chairman Armin Laschet speaks after the voting at a digital party convention in Berlin

The new elected Christian Democratic Union, CDU, party chairman Armin Laschet speaks after the voting at a digital party convention in Berlin

Outgoing Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer attends the CDU virtual party congress in Berlin

Outgoing Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer attends the CDU virtual party congress in Berlin

Laschet was born in Aachen, the spa city in western Germany near the border with Belgium and the Netherlands. 

He is a great fan of Charlemagne, the king of the Franks credited with uniting Europe whose empire was based in Aachen. His family has even claimed they are direct descendants.

But playing up his everyday man image, Laschet underlined in a speech before the vote that his father worked in a mine and taught him that ‘when you’re down in the mine, it doesn’t matter where your colleague comes from, what his religion is or what he looks like. What is important is, can you rely on him.’

His wife is of French-speaking Wallonian origin and he speaks fluent French. The pair have three children.

Laschet studied law and political science in Munich and Bonn before working as a journalist for Bavarian radio stations and television, and as the editor of a Catholic newspaper.

The self-described ‘passionate European’ was elected to the Bundestag in 1994 and to the European Parliament in 1999.

He became head of the CDU in the state in 2012 and has been state premier since 2017. 

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Technology US

Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro review: the right balance

Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro review: the right balance
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro review: the right balance

Let’s just get to it: Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Pro are the best true wireless earbuds that the company has made yet. For their $200 asking price, you get a comfortable fit, effective active noise cancellation, and good, punchy sound quality. These earbuds improve on Samsung’s prior efforts with clever features like a speech detection mode that automatically lowers your music and lets you hear the outside world as soon as you start talking.

But they also inch Samsung closer to a siloed-off world, not unlike Apple, where the best experience is reserved for people who stick to Samsung-branded devices. A few features like 3D audio and automatic device switching — sound familiar? — only work if you’re using these earbuds with a Samsung phone or tablet. Most people aren’t going to be cross-shopping the Galaxy Buds Pro and AirPods Pro since they’re designed for different mobile operating systems, but Samsung has never leaned into its own ecosystem with earbuds quite like this. Thankfully, there’s enough good for everyone else that the Galaxy Buds Pro still come out a success.

The Buds Pro are an amalgam of the Galaxy Buds Plus — they have an in-ear design with silicone tips — and the open-air Galaxy Buds Live, from which they borrow some style cues. The outer casing is a tasteful mix of glossy and matte finishes and has been redesigned to protrude less from your ear. Samsung says this revamped shell also “reduces the contact area between your ear and the bud, improving comfort and minimizing any clogged-up feeling.”

The wing tips from the Galaxy Buds Plus are gone; Samsung got the message that some customers experienced discomfort from those over time. Instead, you get the usual three sizes of silicone ear tips, which are a bit shorter than before to help with the low-profile design. Samsung tells me it has considered including foam tips but has so far held off. You’ll also notice a section of mesh on the outside. This covers one of the three built-in microphones and is there to act as a wind shield for voice calls. (More on that later.)

I really like how these earbuds fit. They feel stable and twist into place for a good seal in my ear canal, without making my ears feel too plugged up. The air vent and reduced contact area really do seem to make a difference there, and I appreciate that the Buds Pro don’t noticeably jut out from my ears like some competitors. If I have one critique, it’s an old one: more than a few times, I accidentally activated the touch-sensitive controls when trying to adjust the fit of an earbud. Such is life with tap gestures, I suppose. The controls can be turned off if this proves a problem for you.

According to Samsung, the Galaxy Buds Plus are rated IPX7 for water and sweat resistance, which means they can survive a half-hour swim in fresh water — so even your sweatiest runs and workouts shouldn’t present any problem. That’s the highest rating among any of Samsung’s earbuds and beats out the AirPods Pro, Jabra Elite 85t, and Bose Sport Earbuds, which are all IPX4. Either earbud can be used independently with mono audio if you prefer that option for voice calls or biking.

The wonderfully pocketable Buds Pro charging case is so close in size and shape to the Buds Live case that accessories for the latter will fit the former, and it still charges over both USB-C and Qi wireless charging. But endurance is one area where these earbuds settle for very average numbers. Samsung promises up to five hours of playback with ANC enabled (or eight with it off). Case top-offs put you at 18 hours of total battery life or 28 without noise cancellation. That’s basically on par with the rest of the field, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the 11 hours of continuous audio that the Galaxy Buds Plus are capable of. Alas, it turns out the Buds Pro have a smaller battery capacity (61mAh for each bud versus 85mAh) on top of their more power-hungry ANC feature.

The Galaxy Buds Pro have two-way speakers in each earbud: there’s an 11-millimeter woofer and 6.5mm tweeter. Those are larger than what was in the Buds Plus, though smaller than the single 12mm driver from the Buds Live; in that instance, Samsung was most focused on getting satisfactory bass out of an open-style earbud. Here, it’s aiming for “the most comprehensive sound in the Galaxy Buds line yet.” I can’t speak to what “comprehensive” is supposed to mean, but the Buds Pro are enjoyable to listen to, with a good bass thump, crisp treble, and a pleasant soundstage / imaging.

A lot of earbuds can make it feel like everything is happening in the middle of your head, but these do a solid job keeping instrumentation and vocals distinct. Sturgill Simpson’s “Oh Sarah” and Troye Sivan’s “Easy” (with Kacey Musgraves and Mark Ronson) make for nice showcases — in very different genres — of how layered the Buds Pro can get.

Bass heads might want to go for the “bass boost” EQ setting, and the tweeters can occasionally give off a little too much brightness and sibilance for some tracks like Jason Isbell’s “Be Afraid,” but for the most part I was very pleased with the sound signature. I don’t think Samsung hits the same fidelity as something like Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 2, but those are nearly $100 more expensive. I’d be perfectly content with the Buds Pro as my daily earbuds.

The active noise cancellation on the Galaxy Buds Pro is much better than the Galaxy Buds Live, where it seems to barely do anything since there’s so much outside noise to contend with. Samsung claims that the Buds Pro can cut down on “up to 99 percent” of noise “at 118.43Hz,” which is wildly specific. In my experience, Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds, Sony’s WF-1000XM3 earbuds, and the AirPods Pro all outperform Samsung at quieting the world around you, but Samsung does a perfectly adequate job. You can choose between high and low levels of noise cancellation in case you’re sensitive to the effect.

Samsung’s latest transparency / ambient mode still doesn’t sound as natural as what Apple and Bose have achieved, but it’s a definite improvement over the very digitized version from the Galaxy Buds Plus. And the fantastic “voice detect” feature, which automatically lowers audio volume and switches from ANC to ambient mode when you start talking, is one of the best things about the Galaxy Buds Pro. Sony did something similar on its 1000XM4 headphones, but I haven’t seen this convenient trick in many earbuds, and now I wish all of them at least had the option.

Samsung uses a “voice pickup unit” — basically an accelerometer that senses jaw movement — to know that it’s you talking and not someone nearby. After a few seconds of no more talking, ANC returns and your music gets turned back up. Voice detect works as expected, but if you’ve got a tendency to talk to yourself or sing to your music, you might want to keep it disabled and assign ambient sound to a long press of one of the earbuds. Controls work the same way as other Samsung buds, with a single tap to pause / play, double to skip to the next song, triple to go back, and a customizable long press that can be used for volume, voice assistants, or ambient mode.

For voice calls, Samsung has a three-mic system and uses beamforming to isolate your voice from your environment. The lower profile of the Buds Pro helps combat wind noise, and the mesh-covered chamber does a good job filtering out any gusts if you’re talking with someone outside. Clarity is also good, as you should be able to hear in Becca’s video review above. Speaking of voice, the Galaxy Buds Pro still have hands-free “Hey Bixby” capabilities.

Pro as in… AirPods Pro?

There’s no denying that a few features of the Galaxy Buds Pro are heavily influenced by Apple’s AirPods Pro. The first of these is 3D audio, which is Samsung’s take on the immersive spatial audio capabilities of the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. Load up a movie with Dolby surround, and the Buds Pro will attempt to cram a surround sound listening experience into a pair of earbuds.

Samsung says that 360 audio uses Dolby head tracking technology, which “enables you to stay at the center of the scene when you’re watching a movie or TV show.” In concept, this sounds similar to Apple’s approach, which uses sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes in the earbuds and your iPhone or iPad to keep the sound source anchored to your device — even when you turn your head side to side.

Unfortunately, I can’t tell you how convincing Samsung’s 3D audio is or whether it compares favorably to spatial audio because it requires OneUI 3.1, which for now is only available on the new Galaxy S21 lineup. The $1,300 Galaxy Note 20 Ultra that Samsung sent for this review doesn’t have that update yet.

The second AirPods feature that Samsung has tried to directly counter is automatic switching. Apple’s earbuds can hop between an iPhone, iPad, or Mac depending on which one you’re using in that moment without you having to manually make the change. Samsung says it has now pulled off the same trick, so the Buds Pro should automatically switch between your Galaxy smartphone and tablet. Unfortunately, the laptop gets left out of Samsung’s equation completely, which makes the feature somewhat less helpful. I wish that more earbuds would just give us proper multipoint Bluetooth pairing to two devices at once; Jabra continues to be the standout there. Automatic switching feels like a makeshift solution until Samsung can get to multipoint.

Both of these capabilities require you to be fairly entrenched in Samsung’s ecosystem. 3D audio only works on Samsung hardware, so if your Android phone is from a different brand, you lose out on it altogether. Same goes for auto-switching. If neither feature is important to you, that might not matter, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Also worth mentioning is that Samsung isn’t extending the same level of iOS support it has maintained for the Buds Plus and Buds Live: the existing iOS app doesn’t work with the Buds Pro, so you can’t use features like voice detect on iPhone. I’m not sure what the reasoning is there, but maybe Samsung’s internal data shows that not many people are pairing its earbuds to Apple devices. You can still pair them and use noise canceling and ambient modes — much like the way AirPods Pro function on Android.

The Galaxy Buds Pro face stiff competition everywhere you look, and you can find superior ANC and sound quality elsewhere. But with these latest earbuds, Samsung has blended much of what worked best about the Buds Plus and Buds Live. Battery life is merely average, but that’s the only real gripe I’ve got. They don’t necessarily win at any one category, but the Galaxy Buds Pro strike an excellent all-around balance. And you can clearly see Samsung trying to recreate some of the ecosystem “magic” that AirPods owners are now used to.

The Buds Pro feel great in your ears, sound better than any Samsung earbuds to date, and have convenient tricks to complement their decent noise cancellation. There’s still a place for the Galaxy Buds Plus if all you want are wireless earbuds with a battery that just goes and goes, and the Buds Live remain the better pick if you need environmental awareness at all times. But if you’re nabbing the Buds Pro as a preorder bonus for a new Galaxy S21, you should be more than satisfied.

Photography by Becca Farsace / The Verge

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Headline USA Politics

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey defends banning Trump as the right decision

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey defends banning Trump as the right decision
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey defends banning Trump as the right decision

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has said that banning President Donald Trump from Twitter was the ‘right decision’ but added the ban sets a dangerous precedent.

Dorsey spoke out in series of Tweets on Wednesday musing about the permanent ban Twitter handed down last week after Trump’s supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

‘I do not celebrate or feel pride’ in the ban, Dorsey wrote, adding ‘I believe this was the right decision for Twitter. We faced an extraordinary and untenable circumstance, forcing us to focus all of our actions on public safety.’ 

‘Offline harm as a result of online speech is demonstrably real, and what drives our policy and enforcement above all,’ he continued.

‘Having to take these actions fragment the public conversation. They divide us. They limit the potential for clarification, redemption, and learning. And sets a precedent I feel is dangerous: the power an individual or corporation has over a part of the global public conversation,’ Dorsey wrote. 

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has said that banning President Donald Trump from Twitter was the ‘right decision’ but added the ban sets a dangerous precedent

Dorsey went on to express concern over the actions of Amazon, Apple and Google, which took Twitter competitor offline over the weekend after it became a haven for Trump supporters.

Apple and Google removed Parler their app stores, making it unavailable on smartphones. Parler’s entire site also went offline this week after Amazon ceased to provide hosting services to the company. 

‘The check and accountability on this power has always been the fact that a service like Twitter is one small part of the larger public conversation happening across the internet,’ he wrote. 

‘This concept was challenged last week when a number of foundational internet tool providers also decided not to host what they found dangerous,’ he continued. ‘This moment in time might call for this dynamic, but over the long term it will be destructive to the noble purpose and ideals of the open internet.’

Dorsey spoke out in series of Tweets musing about the permanent ban Twitter handed down last week after Trump's supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol

Dorsey spoke out in series of Tweets musing about the permanent ban Twitter handed down last week after Trump’s supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol

Meanwhile, Snapchat confirmed on Wednesday that its indefinite suspension of Trump has been extended to a permanent ban.

‘Last week we announced an indefinite suspension of President Trump’s Snapchat account, and have been assessing what long term action is in the best interest of our Snapchat community,’ Snapchat told The Wrap in a statement. 

‘In the interest of public safety, and based on his attempts to spread misinformation, hate speech, and incite violence, which are clear violations of our guidelines, we have made the decision to permanently terminate his account.’ 

Facebook and its subsidiary Instagram had already issued indefinitely suspended Trump last week.

On Wednesday, YouTube suspended the Trump campaign’s channel for at least a week amid concerns over ‘ongoing potential for violence,’ meaning the channel will be locked through the end of Trump’s term.

‘After careful review, and in light of concerns about the ongoing potential for violence, we removed new content uploaded to the Donald J. Trump channel and issued a strike for violating our policies for inciting violence,’ a YouTube spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

Snapchat confirmed on Wednesday that its indefinite suspension of Trump has been extended to a permanent ban

Snapchat confirmed on Wednesday that its indefinite suspension of Trump has been extended to a permanent ban

Under the suspension, Trump’s channel is temporarily prevented from uploading new videos or live streams for at least seven days, although the channel remains live, YouTube said.

The official White House YouTube channel now remains one of Trump’s only ways to directly reach American citizens through social media.

On Wednesday night, he issued a video statement on the channel soon after the House voted to impeach him for a second time, on a charge of ‘incitement of insurrection.’

The president said the January 6 Capitol riot ‘angered and appalled millions of Americans across the political spectrum.’

‘I want to be very clear. I unequivocally condemn the violence that we saw last week,’ Trump said, clearly reading from a prompter.

‘Violence and vandalism have absolutely no place in our country – and no place in our movement.’ 

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Headline USA

To start the year on the right foot: the 8 healthiest foods on the planet | The State

To start the year on the right foot: the 8 healthiest foods on the planet | The State
To start the year on the right foot: the 8 healthiest foods on the planet | The State

We all want live better and in a healthier wayand. So that buy nutritious food it doesn’t just mean eating delicious and colorful saucers. Is the secret to improve health at all levels, sharpen the mind, strengthen the heart, enjoy a healthy body weight and have good energy and mood levels. That is why we set ourselves the task of selecting 8 of the healthiest foods on the planet, they not only have Special powers to promote health They increase happiness!

1. Spinach

Not in vain the spinach they were the favorite vegetable of Popeye and is that they are a nutritional treasure without equal. They are not only one great source of protein (believe it or not), they contain many antioxidants, vitamins A, C and folates, which protect the heart health. Just a cup of fresh spinach, provides almost as much protein as a hard-boiled egg and for half the calories Wonderful! To get a greater nutritional benefit, nutritionists recommend cooking the steamed spinach instead of consuming them raw. This cooking method helps retain vitamins and makes it easier for the body to absorb the content of green calcium. Bet on using them more easily, add a handful in soups, green juices, smoothies, tortillas, pasta dishes and stir fry vegetables. Or as a delicious side dish, add olive oil, butter, or cream.

Spinach./Photo: Pxhere

2. Tomatoes dehydrated in the sun

The tomatoes They are not only one of the most emblematic ingredients in the kitchen worldwide, they are light, refreshing, low calorie and very healthy. His high lycopene content a type of antioxidant, that according the studies may decrease the risk of bladder, lung, prostate, skin cancer and stomach. They are also substances that help reduce risk of disease of the coronary arteries. The dried tomatoes, that is, those that are dried in the sun are a magnificent addition to the diet and that only one cup provides 6 grams of satiating protein, 7 grams of fiber and the 75% of the RDA for potassium, which is essential for heart health and tissue repair. They are also rich in vitamins A and K. Best of all, it is exquisite to add them in the daily diet, use them as pizza topping, as a spicy complement for salads, pasta and stews, omelettes and sandwiches.

Dehydrated tomatoes
Dehydrated tomatoes / Photo: Pixabay

3. Artichokes

There are foods that are the perfect ally to lose weight and most meet three main characteristics: they are satiating, rich in fiber and protein. Such is the case of artichokes that thanks to its ability to keep the stomach full, are related to great effects for suppress ghrelin production “The hunger hormone.” To be more specific, a medium artichoke: has almost double the fiber than kale (10.3 g per artichoke or the equivalent of 40% of the daily fiber that an average woman needs) and one of the higher protein counts among the vegetables. Additionally, artichokes shine for their diuretic properties and purifying that help the body to remove everything you don’t need and they are a great ally for combat fluid retention (How much is associated with overweight).

Artichokes
Artichokes / Photo: Pixabay

4. Green peas

The green peas They’re a popular garnish that normally goes unnoticed, the truth is that it is a very complete and nutritious food. Despite its weak reputation, a cup of peas contains ocho times more protein than a cup of spinach. Additionally, they are a powerful ally of the immune system, since in a single cup you will get the 100% of the daily requirement of vitamin C, they are a great ally for fight flu and colds. They also provide numerous minerals like calcium, sodium, iron, zinc, selenium, potassium, and phosphorus. Are from low caloric intake and contain a quantity almost non-existent of fats, for which they are ideal for weight loss. Best of all, they are accessible and versatile, it is very easy to integrate them successfully into the daily diet.

Green peas
Green peas. / Photo: Pixabay

5. Peppers

It is well known that hot peppers and chili peppers they are a great ally for Burn calories and fats, this is related to its content in a unique active compound called: capsaicin. The good news is that soft peppers provide the same benefits, in particular they contain a compound that stimulates metabolism: the dihydrocapsiate. They are also vegetables that are distinguished by their high content of vitamin C, which stimulates the immune system and promotes collagen production. One cup of these vegetables provides up to three times the vitamin C recommended daily, a nutrient that counteracts the effect of stress hormones that trigger the fat storage around the midsection. They also provide extraordinary fiber content which benefits digestion, intestinal health and weight loss.

Peppers. / Photo: Pixabay

6. Broccoli

He broccoli is considered one of the healthiest foods on the planet and it all relates to your unmatched nutritional composition. It is well known that it is a cruciferous vegetable that is associated with benefits for prevent certain types of cancers: prostate, breast, lung and skin. At the same time is very rich in antioxidants and is associated with qualities for speed up metabolism, burn belly fat and lose weight. According to experts, broccoli contains a phytonutrient called sulforaphane what increases testosterone and combat the storage of body fat. It is also rich in vitamin C, in fact with a simple mug you will be obtaining the recommended daily levels. It is well known that vitamin C a nutrient that can reduce cortisol levels during stressful situations and some cases of anxiety and depression. Best of all, it is a timeless vegetable, that is to say that it is always available and it is really easy to consume it. Bet on creating rich soups, creams, salads, garnishes and stews.

broccoli
Broccoli. / Photo: Shutterstock

7. Carrots

Carrots are of the favorite vegetables of many, they are crisp and sweet. Without a doubt they are a unmatched nutritional treasure, his most famous virtue is related to his unequaled contribution in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium and fiber. It calls in a special way its contribution in an antioxidant substance called beta carotene, which is the compound that gives them their characteristic orange color and that provides great therapeutic virtues, specifically a lower risk of develop certain types of cancer. According A study of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in which they participated more than 3000 women, those with levels higher high beta carotene in the blood they had a risk 59% less risk of suffering from breast cancer. They are also highly valued by another compound very medicinel, called alpha carotene, which is associated with benefits for reduce the risk of cancer by about 39%. Between other relevant references saccording to scientists, beta carotene and alpha carotene are carotenoids that our body converts to vitamin A, which is considered a fundamental nutrient for promote immune function, keeps cells healthy and activates carcinogen metabolizing enzymes.

Carrots./Photo: Shutterstock

8. Pickled gherkins

The pickled gherkins They’re a magnificent addition in any balanced diet focused on weightloss. Are low in calories, full of fiber and covered in vinegar, which is good news for burn calories and reduce waist measurements. A large pickle provides only 15 calories and 2 grams of fiber that contribute high levels of satiety, so eat three or four pieces can make you feel quite satiated by less than 100 calories. It is because of that nutritionists recommend them as part of a slimming snack. At the same time the fact that contain vinegar further enhances its properties, studies show that acidic foods help to increase the speed at which the body burns carbohydrates up to 40%. It is simple the faster the body burns carbohydrates, it will do it with body fat. At the same time they are associated with big benefits to improve digestion and intestinal health, and thanks to its powerful antioxidants they are a great ally for fight chronic diseases.

Pickles
Pickles. / Photo: Pixabay

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Health

Ankylosing Spondylitis: The Long Hunt for a Right Diagnosis

Ankylosing Spondylitis: The Long Hunt for a Right Diagnosis
Ankylosing Spondylitis: The Long Hunt for a Right Diagnosis


SOURCES:

Carlos Julio Aponte, MD, board-certified rheumatologist and American College of Rheumatology member.

David Borenstein, MD, clinical professor of medicine, George Washington University Medical Center; partner, Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates, Washington, DC; executive editor, spinecommunity.com.

UpToDate: “Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (ankylosing spondylitis and nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis) in adults,” “Pathogenesis of spondyloarthritis.”

National Health Service (U.K.): “Ankylosing spondylitis.”

Spondylitis Association of America: “Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis.”

Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center: “Ankylosing Spondylitis.”


Current Rheumatology Reports: “Gender Differences in Axial Spondyloarthritis: Women Are Not So Lucky.”

Stanford Healthcare: “How is Ankylosing Spondylitis diagnosed?”





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Technology US

A few deals to get 2021 started off right

A few deals to get 2021 started off right
A few deals to get 2021 started off right

After a brief hiatus over the holiday, we’re back with another Verge Deals dispatch. Since we last sent one of these out, many of the deals that filled our daily coverage around the holidays have come to an end, and recently, whenever a good sale comes around, it usually doesn’t last too long. Simply put, the dealscape is a little barren right now. Nevertheless, I’ve put in some of the week’s best offers for your perusal.

Save on Nintendo’s fantastic Ring Fit Adventure

If you’re one of those people who makes a New Year’s resolution to get fit, there are a few deals you might want to know about. If you own a Nintendo Switch, consider picking up Ring Fit Adventure. It’s a game that requires the use of a Pilates ring to help you work out. The game itself has standalone workouts, or you can hop into a full campaign where the activities will scale up in difficulty. It’s fun! Normally $80, it’s $70 at Best Buy. Given that it was almost impossible to find earlier in the pandemic, it’s cool to see that not only is it in stock, but it’s cheaper, too.


Ring Fit Adventure

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Nintendo’s exercising game for the Nintendo Switch. In addition to the game, Ring Fit Adventure also includes a Ring-Con and a Leg Strap.

Get a 75-inch Hisense 4K TV for $300 off

In time for the Super Bowl, Best Buy has been dropping prices lately on large 4K HDR TVs from Hisense. Its 85-inch model was a popular deal with readers this past week, and while that particular model is no longer discounted, the 75-inch model is. Normally $1,000 even, you can get it for $700.


Hisense 75-inch H6510 4K HDR TV

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Hisense’s huge 4K LED TV doesn’t cost a fortune. This 75-inch model ships with Android TV software built in, and it has four HDMI ports. It’s exclusive to Best Buy.

This is the last week to save 20 percent on six months of HBO Max

Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge

January 15th is the last day to take advantage of a great deal on HBO Max. You can get 20 percent off the total cost of a six-month membership, bringing the cost down to $70 instead of $90. Note that this deal requires paying in full for the half-year of service.

I’m highlighting this again because, in case you missed it, Warner Bros. is bringing all of its 2021 films will be released on HBO Max, for 30 days, at the same time that they’re released in theaters. So far, you can watch Wonder Woman 1984 in glorious 4K, but many more will be released throughout the year, like Denis Villeneuve’s take on Dune.

OnePlus’ Nord N10 5G includes a free set of wireless earbuds

The OnePlus Nord N10 5G just launched. It’s a confusing name for a phone with a very simple goal: bringing 5G to the masses in a $300 phone that has a 90Hz refresh rate display. To find out more and see some camera samples, read my colleague Allison Johnson’s great review on it. If you want to buy the phone, doing so will get you a complimentary set of OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z earbuds.


OnePlus Nord N10 5G

Prices taken at time of publishing.

The OnePlus Nord N10 5G is a 5G-ready phone that has a 90Hz refresh rate display. Unlike other OnePlus phones, it has an LCD screen instead of OLED, but it’s a solid value considering the price.

Categories
Canada

[EN DIRECT] Curfew: citizens arrested will have to prove that they have the right to move

[EN DIRECT] Curfew: citizens arrested will have to prove that they have the right to move
[EN DIRECT] Curfew: citizens arrested will have to prove that they have the right to move

Citizens who circulate during curfew hours will be responsible for proving to the police that they have a good reason to circulate outside, Public Security Minister Geneviève Guilbault said Thursday.

• Read also: All developments in the COVID-19 pandemic

• Read also: Curfew for one month: Quebecers under house arrest from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

• Read also: Permitted or not permitted? The answers to your questions

Follow the live press briefing above.

The employer of workers deemed essential, for example, could provide a document attesting to the legitimacy of the trips. An individual who has to go to the pharmacy to get a drug could keep the bill. In all cases, the police will show “judgment” and “discernment”, promised Minister Guilbault.

“The curfew will not change much for citizens who were already following the instructions,” she noted.

Already, Prime Minister François Legault confirmed on Wednesday that recalcitrant could face fines ranging from $ 1,000 to $ 6,000. Exclusions are provided by the government in certain situations deemed “essential”, where people can waive the curfew.

In particular, it will be possible to go out to walk your dog. The Minister also recalled that the curfew should not prevent anyone who wants to leave a violent living environment.

“The curfew should especially not prevent you from leaving a living environment which is violent and which endangers your safety or that of your children,” she insisted.

Here is the government certificate template that employers can provide to their employees so that they can move around during curfew.

Employer’s certificate – Travel during the curfew decreed by the Quebec government

I, the undersigned, representing the employer:

First and last name :

Function:

Phone number:

Organization:

Organization address:

certify that, during the curfew period decreed by the Government of Quebec, the person identified in this document is recognized by the organization that I represent as an essential resource for the achievement of its priority commitments or activities.

The following person must therefore travel between their home and their place of work, or any place where their professional presence is required, during the curfew period:

First and last name :

Function in the organization:

Home Address :

Address of the workplace:

This authorization is valid from _____ 2021 to _____ 2021.

Signature:

Date:

If you have any questions, please call the following number:

Have you beaten COVID-19? The Journal is looking for people who have recovered from the coronavirus and who would like to testify.

Write to us at [email protected]

Categories
Headline USA

How to wear your mask correctly – So are you doing it right? 

How to wear your mask correctly – So are you doing it right? 
How to wear your mask correctly – So are you doing it right? 

REVEALED: How to wear your mask correctly so your glasses don’t fog up, you can breathe and keep yourself and others safe – so are you doing it right?

  •  Experts have weighed in on how to make wearing a mask comfortable and safe
  •  The two women, from different backgrounds, have shared their top tips
  •  Choosing the fabric and shape of the mask is important as is the overall fit

By Belinda Cleary For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

Wearing a face mask does not have to be an uncomfortable experience leading to breakouts, fogged glasses and sore ears. 

Two experts have had their say on mask use, after it became mandatory for all residents of greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong to wear them this week.

The recent outbreaks in Sydney’s Northern Beaches and some western suburbs led to the new restrictions – and people who refuse to wear a mask will be fined $200.

Wearing a face mask does not have to be an uncomfortable experience leading to breakouts, fogged glasses and sore ears – experts say

Entrepreneur Cecilia Li, who designed a face mask for the pandemic, has revealed how to wear them for maximum comfort

Entrepreneur Cecilia Li, who designed a face mask for the pandemic, has revealed how to wear them for maximum comfort

Entrepreneur Cecilia Li, who designed a face mask for the pandemic, and a NSW Health worker who wishes to remain anonymous revealed their tips.

Ms Li’s top priority with masks is getting people to wear them correctly to avoid discomfort.

She says if you find it difficult breathing in a mask then you might be wearing the wrong kind for you.

‘Choose a mask made from breathable fabrics such as good quality 100% cotton, bamboo or performance polyester which is more breathable,’ Ms Li said.

She also recommends using essential oils like peppermint or lavender with the mask to make it easier to breathe.  

It is important your mask fit properly around the bridge of your nose, otherwise your glasses may fog up more

It is important your mask fit properly around the bridge of your nose, otherwise your glasses may fog up more

HOW TO WEAR MY MASK TO MAKE IT MORE COMFORTABLE? 

 If you have trouble breathing with a mask on?

1. Choose a mask made from breathable fabrics such as good quality 100% cotton, bamboo or performance polyester which is more breathable.

2. Use essential oils such as peppermint or lavender oil at the base of the mask to help with comfort and ease your breathing.

If it is too hot to wear a mask?

1. Choose masks that are made from cooling moisture wicking fabrics that are suitable for Australian weather – cotton is breathable but is not quick drying so can create extra heat after wearing for a long time.

3. Choose breathable fabrics that allow for better airflow.

4. If you have long hair, tie it back in a ponytail.

5. Wear the correct sized mask for your face shape. 

What if my ears hurt because of the loops?

1. Instead of the more common elastic ear loops, use a mask that has adjustable ear straps.

2. Choose a mask with soft flexible and thinner elastic straps.

 What if wearing a mask makes my glasses fog up?

1. Choose a mask that is the correct size for your face shape. A loose-fitting mask lets more of your warmed breath escape from the top of the mask, fogging up your glasses.

2. For a snug fit, try a mask with both adjustable ear loops and a bendable nose piece.

3. Place a facial tissue inside your mask to absorb some of the moisture from your warm breath and reduce the fog.

4. Try anti-fog sprays of your lenses.

What if wearing a mask is causing me to break out?

1. Avoid use of heavy foundation which can clog your pores.

2. Moisturise your skin, especially in the areas prone to irritation from the mask rubbing against your skin.

3. Choose a mask that sits away from your nose and cheeks to minimise the fabric rubbing against your face.

4. Choose a mask that has antibacterial properties such as nanosilver to minimise bacterial growth on the surface.

5. Wash your face before and after wearing a mask.

SOURCE: Cecilia Li Novw Masks 

If your ears hurt when you wear a mask then it is also important to fix the problem, according the mum-of-two.

‘Instead of the more common elastic ear loops, use a mask that has adjustable ear straps,’ she said.

She also recommends people who wear glasses pay attention to the way their mask fits along the bridge of their nose.

This will minimise the amount of hot air released, and in turn how much your glasses fog up. 

Essential oils, like peppermint, can help people to breathe easily when wearing a mask

Essential oils, like peppermint, can help people to breathe easily when wearing a mask

WHAT ARE THE TOP TIPS TO KEEPING MYSELF AND OTHERS SAFE WHILE WEARING A MASK? 

Masks currently have to be worn inside across NSW. A fine of $200 is payable for those caught out.  The NSW Health worker says masks are an added precaution, but hand hygiene and social distancing should not be forgotten.

 Surgical Masks: 

1- Surgical masks have two sides, a white side and a blue side. The blue side MUST be showing on the outside.

 2- The surgical mask also has a top and a bottom. However, if wearing the mask correctly, you should feel a wire on the top. This is so you can mould the mask to the shape of your nose. 

3- Ideally, wear them for a maximum of four hours – If they become wet or dirtied in any way, replace them immediately. 

 4- Try to avoid touching the mask – you are potentially spreading germs to yourself and others.

5- They should ideally cover as far under your chin as it allows.

6- When taking of masks, perform hand hygiene before and take off from the straps (the off from the back of your ears) and then immediately dispose of mask. Then perform hand hygiene immediately afterwards. It seems much easier pulling from the front, but then you are spreading germs.

 

 

While the health worker wants people to stay safe, maintain hygiene and understand basic ‘do’s and don’ts’ of mask wear.

‘It is so important that we emphasise social distancing and hand hygiene. Masks have been introduced as an additional measure,’ she said.

She told Daily Mail Australia the way the mask fits is imperative, and explained it should go from the bridge of your nose all the way under your chin. 

She also said masks need to be changed every four hours, if they are wet or ‘soiled’ or if you take them off for any reason.

Even the washable masks need to be swapped if they have been removed. As touching them has the potential to spread any virus on the mask elsewhere.

This could infect you if it is on the outside, or lead to you infecting others if you have the disease. 

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT RESTRICTIONS IN NSW? 

From Monday, people living in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Wollongong and the Central Coast will be fined if they are caught in public not wearing a face mask.

It was previously thought that masks had to be worn in very limited setting.

But on Sunday, officials explained masks must be worn inside all shopping centres, in places of worship, hair and beauty salons, cinemas, post offices and banks.

Bank branches, tanning salons, waxing salons, spas, tattoo parlours, betting agencies and gaming lounges are also included.

Hospitality staff will also be required to wear masks. 

If you take public transport you must wear a mask when you are in a vehicle or vessel being used to provide a public transport service, including a taxi or a rideshare service.

You must also wear a mask when you are at a public transport waiting area which includes:

The station area and platform of a passenger railway or light rail station, a ferry wharf, a bus stop or light rail stop, including any area where persons queue or gather when waiting at the stop and at a taxi rank. 

The new restriction will be introduced from 1am on Monday and also applies to other vulnerable facilities like disability accommodation and prisons, chief health officer Jeannette Young said on Sunday.

SOURCE: NSW Health

Categories
Sports UK

Emery transfer decision proved right as Arteta reaps rewards with Arsenal

Emery transfer decision proved right as Arteta reaps rewards with Arsenal
Emery transfer decision proved right as Arteta reaps rewards with Arsenal

There were few tears shed when Arsenal finally pulled the trigger and ended Unai Emery’s tenure at The Emirates.

In just his second season in the Gunners dugout, shocking results and even worse performances meant it was inevitable the Spaniard’s time in north London would go down as a failure.

Emery’s final game as Arsenal manager was an abject defeat at home to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League.

It was the straw that broke the camel’s back behind the scenes, after a run of seven matches without a win.

Unai Emery’s final game in charge was a defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in November 2019

Mike Arteta was the man drafted in as the knight in shining armour, hoping to bring the good times back, with the club at it’s lowest ebb in a generation.

The FA Cup and Community Shield victories certainly brought the feel-good factor back, but as has been the case since the ‘Invincibles’ season in 2003/04, it looked to be another false dawn.

Going into the Boxing Day clash with Chelsea, Arteta had overseen the club’s worst start to a top-flight in 46 years, with speculation about his future intense.

But a week is a long time in football.

Arsenal’s youngsters provided the springboard for a hugely encouraging win at West Brom

A win over their London rivals, followed by victories against Brighton and West Brom, and the mood around Colney appears chalk and cheese to the one before Christmas.

At the heart of their revival has been Arteta’s willingness to trust in youth. Watching the win at The Hawthorns, Arsenal finally looked to have their swagger back.

And the keys behind their performance. all had more than a couple of Emery’s fingerprints over them.

Bukayo Saka is the talisman of Arteta’s squad. From the off against the woeful Baggies, the England international took the game by the scruff of its neck and was relentless throughout.

ST ALBANS, ENGLAND – APRIL 23: Arsenal Head Coach Unai Emery shakes hands with Buyako Saka before a training session at London Colney on April 23, 2019 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

His rise under Arteta has been meteoric, but it was Emery that first turned to the winger, handing him his full debut, his first Premier League start and giving him a chance at Old Trafford when few outside of the club had heard of him.

Emile Smith Rowe, the man dubbed the ‘Croydon de Bruyne’, who in three matches has seemingly ended the Mesut Ozil saga, was at his delightful best against West Brom. Rarely misplacing a pass, while moving with the kind of fluidity that made Ozil what he is.

One of Emery’s first decisions as Arsenal boss was to tie the Hale End graduate to a new contract, before putting him into the XI and arranging a loan move to RB Leipzig in January 2019.

At the time, the ex-Gunners boss said: “This move will get him valuable competitive action which is important as he continues his development.”

Where will Arsenal finish in the Premier League this season? Have your say here.

Unai Emery was a huge fan of Emile Smith Rowe, during his time at Arsenal

Two years later, that looks another masterstroke, with Smith Rowe looking every bit the kind of player that was worth investing so much time in.

Even away from youngsters, Emery sanctioned moves for Kieran Tierney and Gabriel Martinelli, two more players that now appear central to the Arteta revolution.

While Emery is now enjoying successes with Villarreal, Arteta is able to enjoy the fruits of his labour during his time in England.

His legacy at the Emirates could prove to go far beyond his win/loss record during his 18-months at the club.

Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip

Categories
Tech News

Value for Money Airtel Data Plans Right Now

Value for Money Airtel Data Plans Right Now
Value for Money Airtel Data Plans Right Now


Airtel offers a variety of postpaid and prepaid data plans to its customers. The company is among the top service providers in India and, according to latest data from Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Airtel added the highest number of new wireless subscribers in the month of October, more than Reliance Jio. Not only does Airtel offer prepaid and postpaid plans, but it also has its own streaming service called Airtel Xstream, which is included with some of its plans. Speaking of which, Airtel has a wide range of plans for both prepaid and postpaid connections, from the cheapest plan with a validity of two days all the way up to the annual ones. We have put together a list of the best value for money Airtel plans for interested customers.

Airtel users looking to switch plans to get the best value for money, or new customers looking to purchase a new Airtel SIM, or even people looking to port to Airtel from other networks can find the complete list of prepaid plans and postpaid plans by on the Airtel website.

Value for money Airtel prepaid plans

Airtel has a long list of prepaid plans starting from Rs. 19 and going up to Rs. 2,698. If you are looking for a very basic prepaid plan, possibly to see how the connectivity is, or if you prefer a cheap plan and don’t mind frequent recharges, the Rs. 19 plan is ideal for you. It comes with unlimited calling, 200MB data, and a validity of 2 days. If you exhaust your data, the tariff charge is Rs. 0.50 per MB. Take note that there are no free SMS with this plan.

Another value for money prepaid plan costs Rs. 249. It includes unlimited calling, 1.5GB data per day, and a validity of 28 days. You also get 100 free SMS per day. This plan also includes additional benefits including a subscription to Airtel Xstream Premium and Wynk Music, free Hello Tunes, a free online course with Upskill, and Rs. 100 cashback on FASTag with contactless delivery. If you run out of free messages, it will cost you Rs. 1 for local and Rs. 1.5 for STD SMS. Also, after exhausting the 1.5GB daily data limit, the internet speed will drop to 64Kbps.

If you are looking for a long-term value for money plan, the Rs. 1,498 should do the trick. It comes with 24GB of data, unlimited calling, 3,600 free SMS (maximum 100 per day), and validity of 365 days. Additional benefits include a subscription to Airtel Xstream Premium and Wynk Music, free Hellotunes, a free online course with Upskill, and Rs. 100 cashback on FASTag with contactless delivery. SMS pricing will increase to Rs. 1 for local and Rs. 1.5 for STD after the 3,600 SMS limit. Similarly, data tariff post quota will become Rs. 0.50 per MB.

Value for money Airtel postpaid plans

While there aren’t as many postpaid options as prepaid, Airtel includes a subscription to Airtel Xstream with all its postpaid plans.

The Rs. 399 Airtel postpaid plan comes with unlimited calls (local + STD + roaming), 40GB monthly data with a rollover of up to 200GB, which means that you can carry forward your leftover data to the next month, and 100 SMS per day. You also get Airtel Xstream Premium and Wynk subscriptions. Additionally, this plan allows you to add more family members at Rs. 249 per connection. This will include unlimited calls, 10GB data, and 100 SMS per day.

Next value for money Airtel plan costs Rs. 499 and includes unlimited calls (local + STD + roaming), 75GB monthly data with rollover up to 200 GB, and 100 SMS per day (local + STD + roaming). You also get one year of Amazon Prime membership, Shaw academy lifetime access, Airtel Xstream Premium subscription and Wynk Premium subscription. It also includes handset protection and access to Juggernaut Books. Additional family members can be added here as well.

If you are looking for even more benefits in a postpaid plan, the Rs. 749 Airtel plan offers unlimited calls (local + STD + roaming), 125GB monthly data with data rollover of up to 200GB, and 100 SMS per day (local + STD + roaming). There are additional benefits here as well including a one-year free subscription to Amazon Prime Video, Airtel Xstream subscription, handset protection, and VIP subscription to Disney+ Hotstar. Further, you can add two free add-on numbers to this plan, one of which will be a regular connection and the other will be a data-only connection.

Is Mi QLED TV 4K the best affordable smart TV for enthusiasts? We discussed this on Orbital, our weekly technology podcast, which you can subscribe to via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or RSS, download the episode, or just hit the play button below.

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