The Int'l Man's Hot Links Archive 2022: Jan 1 - June 30

Hot Links Archive 2022 (1): January 1 - June 30

June 30, 2022

• Coronavirus: A-Z - everything you need to know | Face Masks - "3500+ Coronavirus COVID-19 Advice, News & Resources." UPDATED DAILY!
• Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases - by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University (JHU).
• CORONAVIRUS GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TRACKER - "Governments are taking a wide range of measures in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. This tool aims to track and compare policy responses around the world, rigorously and consistently."
• Tracking Covid-19 vaccinations worldwide - "At least 218 countries and territories have administered more than 10 billion doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, since the first Covid-19 case was reported in China in late 2019. Several different vaccines have been developed at record speed, in large part due to years of research on related viruses and billions of dollars in investment."
• Climate Change - "Check out all about climate change: 1000+ evidence, facts, information, news, reviews and resources."
• Our world in data - "Research & data to make progress against the world�s largest problems."
• Russia-Ukraine war: Nato says Moscow is biggest �direct threat� to west; Lysychansk under relentless shelling, governor says - live news - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 127 of the invasion - "Nato says Moscow �most direct threat� to security; Putin warns over installing military infrastructure in Finland and Sweden."
• 'We're stepping up': US to increase military forces across Europe, Joe Biden announces - "President says �US and its allies are going to step up� as he arrives for summit of Nato leaders in Madrid."
• Russia's attack on Mariupol theatre a clear war crime, Amnesty says - "A Russian air strike on a theatre in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol where hundreds of civilians had been sheltering in March was a 'clear war crime' that killed at least a dozen people, human rights group Amnesty International said."
• Richard Branson tours bombed-out Ukrainian airport & views charred remains of world's biggest jet - "British billionaire Sir Richard Branson travelled to Ukraine yesterday, where he met president Volodymyr Zelensky and visited Hostomel airport - the scene of a bloody and destructive battle early in the war."
• Oligarch loses superyacht as US plans public auction - "The US authorities seized the yacht in Fiji and the Larsson-built superyacht Amadea has now arrived in San Diego having crossed the Pacific with an American crew, as reported by Superyacht Times."
• WHO warns 'sustained transmission' of monkeypox risks vulnerable groups - "The World Health Organization says 'sustained transmission' of monkeypox worldwide could see the virus begin to move into high-risk groups, such as pregnant women, immunocompromised people and children."
• Coca-Cola among brands greenwashing over packaging, report says - "Research �exposes litany of misleading claims� by household names, including Coca-Cola and Unilever."
• Coke has a new flavor. It took inspiration from McDonald's - "The new flavor, which also comes in a zero-sugar variety, will be available for purchase starting on July 11 in the United States for a limited time. It will be offered in other countries later this summer."
• Vermont ski resort to change 'insensitive' name - "A popular Vermont ski resort originally known as Suicide Six has announced that it will change its 'insensitive' name in the weeks to come."
• The mystery of how dinosaurs had sex - "The strange search for dinosaur genitals. The sordid details of how dinosaurs had sex have long eluded scientists. Now there's a new idea emerging - could their most eccentric features tell us how they did it?"
• Once Upon a Time in Tabernas: Spanish spaghetti western set for sale - "An eight-hectare set built in the 1960s for one of Sergio Leone�s films is up for sale for €2.8m."
• Sea change: Magnum�s new NFT Collection - in pictures - "From Bob Dylan at work to the Hong Kong stock exchange, these images form part of Magnum�s first ever venture into the world of non-fungible tokens."
• �A massive betrayal�: how London�s Olympic legacy was sold out - "After so many other Olympic sites ended up left to rot, London 2012 was supposed to be different. But who has really benefited from this orgy of development?"
• How teapots were used to spread Russian propaganda - "In 1917, pastoral scenes gave way to smoking chimneys and telegraph wires on porcelain manufactured by a factory in St Petersburg, writes Deborah Nicholls-Lee."
• The last of Ireland's rare wild salmon - "Sally Ferns Barnes' wild smoked salmon is beloved by epicureans, yet the dwindling numbers of the fish in Irish rivers mean it becomes rarer with every passing year."
• The World�s Best Scotch Whisky - According To The 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition - "The San Francisco World Spirits Competition celebrated its 22th iteration back in April, and this time around it was bigger than ever. 'With over 5000 entries from 40 countries we are by leaps and bounds the largest and longest running blind judging event [in the world],' according to Amanda Blue, president of the event. 'This year cemented our status as the preeminent spirits competition in the world.'"
• How Are Auction Houses Preparing For A Potential Economic Downturn? - "A panel of auction-world and watch-industry experts respond - and try to forecast what might happen next."
• The Filson Dryden Backpack Is a Bag You'll Own Forever - "This bag may look basic, but it's capable of carrying everything you need (and then some) for years to come."

June 29, 2022

• The iPhone at 15: Steve Jobs Revealed His Greatest Product in 2007 - "The first iPhone went on sale on June 29, 2007 and it helped Apple grow into a $3 trillion company over the next 15 years."
• The iPhone at 15, through pro photographers' eyes - "This week marks 15 years since the iPhone first went on sale and ushered in a new era: the age of the smartphone. The modern smartphone has changed photography. To capture a snapshot of that change, we asked more than a dozen Associated Press photographers across the world who use iPhones - some of the most talented journalists in the business - to capture an image on their phone and submit it."
• Russia-Ukraine war: Zelenskiy calls Russia a �terrorist� state at UN; Biden hails Nato deal for Finland and Sweden - live news - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 126 of the invasion - "Zelenskiy calls on UN to visit site of Kremenchuk shopping centre attack as Turkey lifts objections to Finland and Sweden joining Nato."
• 22 Nostalgic Photos of the Royals at Wimbledon - "Since its inception in 1877, the British royal family has been a key component of the Wimbledon tennis championships. From Princess Margaret bringing a touch of fabulous to the tournament in the �60s, through to the Duchess of Cambridge (now patron of the All England Club) presenting the winners with their trophies on court, the royal family is as much a constant at Wimbledon as Pimm�s and strawberries and cream."
• Serena Williams' return to Wimbledon ends with dramatic defeat against Harmony Tan - "Serena Williams' return to singles tennis after a year-long absence ended with a dramatic 5-7 6-1 6-7 (7-10) first-round defeat against France's Harmony Tan at Wimbledon."
• Air New Zealand to install world-first economy bunk beds on long-haul flights - "By 2024, passengers will be able to book four-hour sessions in flat sleeping pods on ultra-long-haul routes."
• Inside Kim Kardashian�s US$150 million private jet, aka Kim Air - "The cashmere-clad Gulfstream plane seats 18 and is pricier than even Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk�s rides."
• Ghislaine Maxwell sentenced to 20 years in prison for sex trafficking crimes - "Maxwell�s attorneys had pushed for leniency after 60-year-old was convicted in US in December of five of the six charges she faced."
• Move yourself happy! How to exercise to boost your mood - whatever your fitness level - "There are plenty of workouts to improve your physical health - but what if you are exercising to improve your mental health? Experts offer their tips."
• How I Build a Good Day When I�m Full of Despair at the World - "Be the person you want to live with every day of your life."
• Italian tourism boss suggests stopping watch theft with cheap alternative - "A tourism chief in Naples has come up with a unique solution for any visitors worried about theft in the southern Italian city, after reports the French actor Daniel Auteuil recently had his luxury watch stolen in the area."
• 'Top Gun: Maverick' becomes the first $1 billion Tom Cruise film - "The sequel to the 1986 blockbuster, in which Tom Cruise reprises the famed role of Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell, has crossed the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office, according to Paramount. 'Maverick' is the first film in Cruise's more than 40-year career to reach the billion-dollar milestone - and it's also the second-highest-grossing film in Paramount's long history in terms of domestic figures, behind only 1997's 'Titanic'"
• Outcry in Egypt as iconic Nile houseboats are destroyed - "For many locals and foreign tourists, the brightly painted wooden houseboats dotted along the River Nile are an iconic part of Cairo's rich cultural and architectural heritage."
• Airbnb permanently bans parties and events around the world - "Airbnb has permanently banned parties and events at homes on its platform, after a temporary measure during the pandemic proved popular with hosts."
• Why modern dating is exhausting - "Can online dating burnout be stopped? Scrolling, chatting, meeting, ghosting: online dating can be a depressing grind that leaves many singles feeling burnt out."
• Paris men�s fashion week SS23: the key collections - in pictures - "Great balls of fire! Jock straps! Cowboy boots! The Paris spring-summer 2023 collections were anything but dull."
• The genetic power of ancient trees - "Even as we discover the incredible benefits of the world's most ancient trees, we are losing them to climate change. But cloning could offer an answer."
• Woody Allen confirms he will shoot 50th film in Paris - but it may be his last - "In an Instagram Live interview with Alec Baldwin, Allen has said filming will begin in the French capital this autumn, but that much of the thrill of moviemaking has gone."
• how Prince Charles pressured ministers to change law to benefit his estate - "Newly discovered documents show government yielded to heir�s demands amid fears of a constitutional crisis."
• Cadillac�s Lyriq SUV is the exact EV it needed to build - "It's the automaker's first car on GM's Ultium battery platform."

June 28, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: rescuers dig for survivors of Kremenchuk shopping centre attack amid global outrage - live news - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 125 of the invasion - "Russia�s attack on a shopping centre in Kremenchuk met with global outrage as officials confirm at least 16 killed in the strike."
• G7 pledges to stay with Ukraine until the end - "Leaders of the world's seven richest nations have promised to support Ukraine "for as long as it takes" on the second day of a summit in Germany."
• CDC adds a Caribbean beach hot spot to its 'high' Covid-19 risk list - "The Dominican Republic and Kuwait, a Middle Eastern country known for its cultural offerings, are both now listed as 'Level 3: Covid-19 High.'"
• Chinese censors scramble after senior official suggests 'zero-Covid' could last 5 years - "Chinese censors scrambled to delete what appears to be a misleading quote by a senior Communist Party official published in state media Monday, which claimed the 'zero-Covid' policy would remain in place in Beijing 'for the next five years,' in an effort to tame an online backlash."
• France asks citizens to wear masks again on public transport - "French people should start wearing masks again in crowded areas, especially in public transport, as France has to deal with a new wave of COVID-19 infections fuelled by new variants of the disease, Health Minister Brigitte Bourguignon said on Monday."
• All of Monaco�s coronavirus indicators on the rise - "Monaco�s coronavirus incidence rate rose again over the seven days to Sunday, June 26, to 501 per 100,000 population from 411 one week earlier."
• Life expectancy at birth - Monaco's inhabitants' average life expectancy is 89.52 years - the longest in the world. The World Factbook.
• Live Long & Prosper: Five Countries Where People Live The Longest - "When it comes to life expectancy, Okinawa prefecture and its semi-tropical islands off Japan�s south coast have long been referenced as the benchmark location for living a long life. According to the WHO, the global trend for how long we live increased by more than six years over the first 20 years of the 21st century, with the average global life expectancy increasing from 66.8 years in 2000 to 73.4 years in 2019."
• UN head declares �ocean emergency� as global leaders gather in Lisbon - "António Guterres says the world must turn the tide of rising sea levels, ocean heating, acidification and plastics pollution."
• Elon Musk now has over 100 million Twitter followers - "But how many of them are bots?"
• Toblerone loses Swiss exclusivity as production shifts east - "Toblerone maker Mondelez will shift some production of its triangular chocolate bars to Slovakia from Switzerland at the end of next year, losing the 'Swiss' attribute on its packaging in the process."
• 14 Gardens Every Design Lover Must See in Person - "Architectural Digest ADPRO tapped experts to name the most inspiring gardens around the world that have influenced their work�here�s what came back."
• Flight attendants reveal how they stay rested on long-haul flights - "There are some secret areas on widebody aircraft, where the pilots and cabin crew go to rest during long flights. Passengers can't access them under any circumstance and they're well hidden from view."
• Frescoes from the time of Hadrian unveiled at ancient Roman baths - "Frescoes dating back almost 2,000 years to the time of the Roman emperor Hadrian will now be on display to the public when they visit Rome's ancient Baths of Caracalla."
• How orange juice took over the breakfast table - "Orange juice used to be a treat you had to squeeze out yourself. More than a century ago, an overproduction of oranges helped create the morning staple we know and love."
• The Barkley Marathons: the hellish 100-mile race with 15 finishers in 36 years - "Participants in the Tennessee race must negotiate extreme temperatures, wild terrain and more than 50,000 feet of accumulated ascent."
• Do we need a new theory of evolution? - "A new wave of scientists argues that mainstream evolutionary theory needs an urgent overhaul. Their opponents have dismissed them as misguided careerists - and the conflict may determine the future of biology."
• �It�s dopamine�: why we love to track our watching & reading habits - "Sites such as Letterboxd and GoodReads encourage us to document our cultural consumption. But does gamification get in the way of actually enjoying the arts?"

June 27, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Zelenskiy likely to push for more weapons in address to G7 - live news - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 124 of the invasion - "G7 leaders to address Ukrainian grain crisis at summit on Monday as Russia renews attacks on Kyiv."
• How Rage Giving Became Philanthropy�s New Normal - "A perfect storm of polarized politics, horrific headlines, and social media has transformed our giving habits."
• Prince Charles 'accepted a suitcase with 1m euros', report claims - "The Prince of Wales accepted a suitcase containing a million euros in cash from a former Qatari prime minister, the Sunday Times has reported."
• Prince Charles: calls for investigations into �cash in bags� controversy - "Government and Charity Commission urged to examine claims Qatari sheikh donated €3m."
• Don't mention the smut! Warning to Queen over Denmark's porn industry before Her Majesty met monarch - "It is hard to imagine that the Queen would feel the need to discuss Denmark�s thriving pornography industry. But before she met Margrethe II during the Queen of Denmark�s state visit to the UK in 1974, she was advised not to mention the nation�s �reputation as the pornography capital of Europe�."
• �There is a lot of excitement�: Tour de France comes to Denmark - "Anticipation mounts in greatest cycling nation in the world for world�s greatest cycling race."
• BET Awards 2022: See the complete list of winners - "The BET Awards, which celebrate Black excellence in music, culture and sports, were presented Sunday."
• Cold War warning sirens are sounding across France. Here's why - "In France, on the first Wednesday of every month, sirens - initially envisaged as Cold War bombing warnings - let rip as a test of the alarms in some 2,000 towns and villages across the country."
• Prada & Louis Vuitton are using blockchain to stop fakes - "Crypto is crashing but the tech behind it could save luxury brands billions. Counterfeits are a huge problem for high-end designers around the globe: luxury brands lost $98 billion worth of sales to counterfeits in 2017 alone."
• Can you solve it? Are you smart enough to work for Elon Musk? - "The favourite interview question of the world�s richest man."
• 6 European villages tell hidden histories, from ruined castles to Tudor inns - "Intriguing signs of the past fill throwback towns in Spain, Hungary, and beyond."
• Kate Middleton�s Life in 14 Show-Stopping Dresses - "Ever since Kate Middleton showed off her dazzling sapphire engagement ring back in 2010, her fashion choices have been under close scrutiny. Thrust into a world of black tie balls, international tours and centuries-old ceremonies, the Duchess of Cambridge had to quickly get up to speed and ensure that her wardrobe matched the demands of her new public-facing role."
• The Worst Fashion Trends of Every Decade - "It's easy to romanticize the style of past decades as always inspiring, elegant, and magical�but in reality, bad fashion has been around since the start of mankind. If you're still having PTSD from the traumatic trends of the early 2000s, take comfort in the fact that every other decade has also faced many questionable sartorial choices. From squeezing into corsets to exercising in leg warmers to accessorizing every outfit with a Von Dutch hat, here's a roundup of the most cringe-worthy fashion trends from the past century."
• Madonna Then & Now: Photos Of The Music Icon�s Evolution - Hollywood Life.
• Who was the real Elvis Presley? - "How does the portrayal of 'The King' in Baz Luhrmann's new biopic compare to the reality? Kaleem Aftab explores the complex debate around Presley, civil rights and cultural appropriation."
• Why criticism lasts longer than praise - "Most of us are subjected to insults, sarcastic comments or bad feedback in our everyday lives. But we weren't built to deal with torrents of criticism."
• �All her movies are nonfiction�: remembering the life & work of Nora Ephron - "In an expansive new biography, the acclaimed writer and director�s complexities are explored and contextualised."
• 'I'm buying HermÈs bags to beat the stock market' - "As share prices falls, investors are turning to luxury goods and fine wines to protect their savings."
• Rolls-Royce Phantom 6×6 Conversion Proves The World Has Gone Mad - "It's like a posh monster straight out of a Mad Max movie. The Phantom has been hacked apart and extended, with creator Alexandre Danton making it 6.3 meters in length and 2.3 meters wide."

June 26, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv hit by missile strikes; G7 leaders gather in Germany - live updates - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 123 of the invasion - "Focus of Russia�s campaign shifts to Lysychansk, as Putin says Russia will send missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads to Belarus."
• Russia on brink of default as debt deadline looms - "Russia is on the brink of its first debt default since 1998 as the Sunday deadline to make a $100m interest payment seems certain to be missed."
• UK, US, Canada and Japan will ban imports of Russian gold in an effort to hit Moscow's ability to fund the war in Ukraine - "Together, the G7 will announce that we will ban the import of Russian gold, a major export that rakes in tens of billions of dollars for Russia."
• Greta Thunberg makes surprise appearance at Glastonbury festival - "19-year-old activist warns world faces �total natural catastrophe� unless citizens take urgent action."
• Macca, Greta & two sexy kangaroos: Saturday at Glastonbury - in pictures - "From the ultra-vivacious Yves Tumor, Megan Thee Stallion and Yungblud, to punters dressed as disco balls, feast your eyes on a spectacular day at Glastonbury 2022."
• Energy prices are causing chaos in Asia. Here's why the rest of the world should worry - "Wholesale electricity prices in the first quarter of 2022 were up 141% from last year; households are being urged to cut down usage and on June 15 - for the first time - the Australian government suspended indefinitely the national electricity market in a bid to bring prices down, ease pressure on the energy supply chain and prevent blackouts."
• WHO says monkeypox is not an international public health emergency, but it should continue to be monitored - "The WHO convened an emergency committee meeting Thursday to discuss the severity of the monkeypox outbreak. The result of the meeting was announced Saturday. 'Overall, in the report, they (the emergency committee) advised me that at this moment the event does not constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, which is the highest level of alert WHO can issue but recognized that the convening of the committee itself reflects the increasing concern about the international spread of monkeypox,' WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in the statement released Saturday."
• Dressing Simply, but Well. It�s Not So Simple - "Upselling the suit was on the agenda during this Milan Fashion Week, when Italian men�s wear returned in glory."
• �Shopping is a nightmare�: how ADHD affects people�s spending habits - "Research shared exclusively with Guardian Money shows the effects the condition can have on finances."
• Boeing 737 Max disaster casts long shadow as planemaker tries to rebuild fortunes - "As they host the world�s media in Seattle, Boeing�s leadership team must restore its reputation and its balance sheet amid an uncertain future for the industry."
• THE BEST INSTANT CAMERAS YOU CAN BUY RIGHT NOW - The Verge.
• Guide to Capri: Where to Eat, Sleep & Sunbathe on the Mystical Island - "The mystical, magical island of Capri has bewitched visitors for centuries. Located off the Bay of Naples, the island sits like a generous dollop of volcanic rock in the Tyrrhenian Sea." VOGUE.
• 5 Things You Didn�t Know About Anne Hathaway - "Over the past few months, Anne Hathaway has returned to the spotlight with a series of high-profile roles (and some seriously impressive bombshell style along the way)."

June 25, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Sievierodonetsk defence being �reconfigured�, says UK; Germans face tripling of gas prices - live news - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 122 of the invasion - "German gas prices could triple as Russia cuts supply; Ukrainian forces prepare Severodonetsk retreat; thousands of Black Sea dolphins killed."
• What happened in the Russia-Ukraine war this week? Catch up with the must-read news and analysis - "EU leaders welcome Kyiv�s �historic� bid to join union; documenting the scale of abuse against civilians; Kyiv residents strive for a sliver of normality."
• Chinese premier calls for more coal production as electricity demand soars - "Records for electricity usage broken in Shandong, Henan and Jiangsu after early summer heatwaves."
• World leaders are facing crises on all fronts. Putin will be watching if they fail - "Over the next few days, the leaders of Japan, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, the European Union and host Germany will meet amid the seclusion of Bavaria's luxurious Schloss Elmau retreat."
• 10 million of Ireland's citizens left. Here's why you should visit - "With St. Patrick's Day a global phenomenon and Irish pubs found everywhere from Peru to Lanzarote, it can be easy to think you have a sense of Ireland without visiting, especially if you're one of the 70 million people worldwide who can claim Irish heritage."
• French government likely to re-impose health pass at borders from August - "According to a leaked document published by the Atlantico site, France is planning to re-introduce a health pass at its borders from August 1."
• You'll be charged to visit Europe from 2023 - "The EU has announced the launch of its long-awaited visa waiver scheme, ETIAS, to debut in May 2023."
• USS Samuel B Roberts: World's deepest shipwreck discovered - "The USS Samuel B Roberts went down during the Battle Off Samar in the Philippine Sea in October 1944. It lies in 6,895m (22,621ft) of water."
• Amber Heard is officially ordered to pay Johnny Depp $10M for damaging his reputation - "Lawyers for Johnny Depp and Amber Heard have failed to reach a last-minute agreement which might have seen the damages the actress owed to her former husband be reduced, following their six week defamation trial which ended earlier this month."
• The Best Movies on Amazon Prime Video Right Now - "New films, and classics, just keep coming, but you don�t have to drill down to find the finest selections to stream. We�ll do the heavy lifting. You press play."
• The 50 Best Movies on HBO Max Right Now - "In addition to new Warner and HBO films, the streamer has a treasure trove of Golden Age classics, indie flicks and foreign films. Start with these."
• How to Shop for the Perfect Plain White Sneaker - VOGUE.
• Scottish castle on market for £1.25m after battle over £230 debt ends - "Previous owner of Knockderry Castle was evicted after refusing to pay bill that then spiralled to £30,000."
• Tom Hanks: the all-American good guy who stopped playing it safe - "After graduating from America�s best pal to America�s dad, the actor has been taking more risks in his later career, including a transformative role in Baz Luhrmann�s Elvis."
• �Mid-century millennial� - the ubiquitous look that took over a generation�s homes - "Curvy sofas, industrial finishes, pastel overload ... mid-century-ish furnishings have come to define the millennial look. What�s the appeal - and what will our homes look like next?"
• Nothing's Carl Pei thinks everyone else's smartphones are boring - "Nothing isn�t trying to reinvent the wheel with the Phone 1, but it is trying to be different."
• Hublot�s Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Cathedral Minute Repeater - "So what�s a minute repeater anyway? First of all, it�s one of my favorite complications in all of watchmaking, not only because it�s a challenge to construct, but also because it adds an aural feature I really enjoy. Minute repeater watches comprise an independent chiming mechanism that strikes different tones for hours, quarter hours, and minutes with the help of two small hammers, actuated on demand."

June 24, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine troops will have to withdraw from Sievierodonetsk, says governor - live news - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 121 of the invasion - "Zelenskiy welcomes approval of Ukraine�s application to join EU as �historic moment� while battle for two key cities in eastern Ukraine edges towards �fearsome climax�."
• The Fisherman�s Hut: inside the luxury Russian dacha linked to Vladimir Putin - "Leaked emails reveal complex with marble floors, a private brewery and a $10,000 bidet."
• A Guide to Social Media Image Sizes in 2022 - "An up-to-date guide on the best image sizes you should upload to the most popular social media services such as Facebook and Instagram."
• The first official joint portrait of Prince William & Kate has been unveiled - "The first official joint portrait of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge has been revealed to the public at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, England."
• Watch Auction Trends Midway Through 2022 - "Ten Major Trends And Takeaways From The Spring 2022 Watch Auction Season."
• Glastonbury Festival fashion history: Remember when Kate Moss wore rain boots? - "As the historic festival returns to Worthy Farm for the first time since 2019, we look back at one of its most memorable fashion moments. After all, no British summer would be complete without copious amounts of mud."
• Abu Dhabi Fossil Dunes: A beautiful frozen landscape created by climate change - "150,000-year-old fossil dunes could be clues to Noah's flood."
• Full Metal Jacket & Kubrick: The ultimate anti-war films - "Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket was released 35 years ago. Gregory Wakeman explores how the film, and others by the director, revealed 'the mindlessness and cruelty of conflict' - as well as the transformation of young men into killing machines."
• Vaio laptops are back & they�re surprisingly affordable - "The Vaio laptop brand is dipping its toe into the affordable space with a new series of notebooks featuring several impressive specs at prices under $950."

June 23, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: EU leaders to decide on Kyiv bid; Russia aims to turn Donbas cities into a Mariupol, Zelenskiy says - live news - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 120 of the invasion - "Forces edge closer to seizing last pocket of Ukraine resistance in Luhansk; footage shows drone crashing into oil refinery in Russia."
• What happens if Russia turns off Europe�s gas supply this winter? - "European countries are racing to prepare for the risk of Russia cutting gas exports. Here�s how things look."
• Western sanctions are 'weaponizing' world economy, China's Xi says - "Xi, who spoke at a business forum ahead of the virtual summit Thursday with leaders from the BRICS economic bloc of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, portrayed the world as being at a critical juncture as it struggled to recover from the pandemic amid what he termed new 'security challenges.'"
• New coronavirus subvariants escape antibodies from vaccination & prior Omicron infection, studies suggest - "Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 appear to escape antibody responses among both people who had previous Covid-19 infection and those who have been fully vaccinated and boosted, according to new data from researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, of Harvard Medical School."
• The world's most liveable cities for 2022 - "Overall, Europe dominated the list, with six spots in the top 11 (there was a tie for 10th place). Copenhagen, which CNN Travel pronounced Europe's capital of cool in December 2021, nabbed second place on the Global Liveability Index."
• She's visited every country in the world. Here's what she learned - "It has taken more than 450 flights and over a million air miles, but she'd made it to all 195 UN-recognized countries on the globe."
• This airplane seat could be the future of business class - "The airplane seat with headphones installed into the headrest."
• Global 8000 - "The Global 8000 private jet is the flagship for a new era where the fastest speed, the longest range and the smoothest ride converge in a single business aircraft with proven reliability and the healthiest, best-connected cabin in the industry."
• They Inherited Billions Upon Billions: Meet America�s Richest Heirs - "One of them, Rob Walton, just led a family group to bid $4.65 billion for the Denver Broncos NFL team. Here are the other heirs that rank the highest on Forbes� list."
• Rupert Murdoch & Jerry Hall reportedly to divorce - "The divorce would be a fourth for Mr Murdoch, 91. Ms Hall, 65, was previously married to Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger."
• The 76 Best Romantic Comedies of All Time - VOGUE.
• The 43 Most Anticipated TV Shows of 2022 - VOGUE.
• Dior Sauvage Sales Are Through The Roof Because Of Johnny Depp - "Dior�s long-standing partnership with Depp dates back to 2015 and centres around what is now the bestselling perfume worldwide - Dior Sauvage."
• Wobbly on one leg? Ability to balance is linked to a longer life, study finds - "An inability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds in later life is linked to nearly double the risk of death from any cause within the next decade, according to a new study."
• How Aussie farmers are hoping to win over tequila fans - "Thousands of large, spikey, cactus-like plants poke out of sun-baked earth, watched over by green-brown hills. When they reach maturity - in six to eight year's time - this crop, known as agaves, will be harvested. The plant hearts will be cooked, fermented, and then distilled to make Mexico's favourite type of spirit. Just don't use the word tequila, this crop is located 14,000km (8,700 miles) away from Mexico in Australia."
• How Studying Karsh, the Man & the Artist, Can Make Us Better Portrait Photographers - "Yousuf Karsh is widely regarded as one of the greatest portrait photographers of the twentieth century. In this essay, I discuss five ways that studying Karsh's life and photos can impact our own work as portrait artists."
• APPLE MACBOOK PRO 13 (2022) REVIEW: NEW CHIP, OLD THREADS - "Apple has put a 2022 CPU in a 2016 computer."
• Focus mode in iOS 16: How to link with Lock Screens, create custom Home Pages, use filters - "Alongside the ability to create custom Lock Screens for iPhone with iOS 16, Focus mode gets some useful upgrades that make it easier to set up as well more flexible and powerful. New features include Focus filters, the option to link Focus modes to specific Lock Screens, setting a custom Home Page, and more. Here�s a hands-on look at how to use Focus mode in iOS 16."
• iOS 16 Compatible iPhone List - "If you have an iPhone, you may be curious if your device can support the upcoming iOS 16 update."
• Suitcase packing tips: 'Stop rolling' - The wrinkle-free 'folding' method to 'carry more' - "Travel restrictions have eased around the world. But how can you fit more into your luggage allowance?"
• Montblanc Summit 3 is the latest Wear OS 3 smartwatch - "The Montblanc Summit 3 is the first smartwatch outside of Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4 to deliver Wear OS 3, a milestone for the platform."
• Bucherer, Jacob & Co. & Sotheby�s Collaborate On An Out-Of-This-World Triple Tourbillon - Forbes.

June 22, 2022

• See a rare alignment of all the planets in the night sky - The celestial show, best viewed between June 17 and June 27, will be the last time the five brightest planets cluster in the sky until 2040.
• Russia-Ukraine war latest: �significant� blow against Snake Island occupiers, says Ukrainian army - live news - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 119 of the invasion - "Ukraine launches airstrikes on Snake Island; Russians reportedly capture settlements near Lysychansk and Sievierodonetsk."
• Covid surges across Europe as experts warn not let guard down - "Calls grow for greater measures against wave of BA.4 and BA.5 cases in countries from Spain to Denmark."
• Ben Stiller meets Zelensky in Kyiv as ambassador for UN refugee agency - "US actor Ben Stiller has met with Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, as part of his role as ambassador for the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR). Stiller told the Ukrainian president that he was his hero, and complimented his previous acting career."
• Bill Cosby found guilty of sexually abusing minor at Playboy Mansion - "Jurors at the civil trial ruled in favor of Judy Huth who accused the comedian of forcing her to perform a sex act in 1975 at 16 years old."
• Martin Sheen regrets changing his name - "While Martin Sheen says his name is still legally Ramon Estévez, he regrets changing it for his career."
• Elon Musk�s daughter legally changes name & cuts ties with her father - "�I no longer live with or wish to be related to my biological father in any way, shape or form,� she said in a petition."
• Mount Everest might have to move Base Camp - "According to Nepal's Department of Tourism Director-General Taranath Adhikari, Base Camp's location faces some risk from the melt of nearby Khumbu glacier."
• Dubai restaurants awarded first-ever Michelin stars for the Middle East - "The Michelin Guide Dubai 2022 was launched Tuesday, comprising 69 restaurants. Eleven were awarded Michelin stars and 14 received a Bib Gourmand (deemed to provide value for money) - along with 44 more 'Michelin-selected' restaurants. Spanning 21 cuisines, the guide aims to reflect the culinary diversity in a place where the vast majority of the population are foreign workers from around the world."
• Are you wasting your money on supplements? Most likely, experts say - "Vitamin, mineral and multivitamin supplements aren't likely to protect you from cancer, heart disease or overall mortality, the US Preventive Services Task Force said in updated guidelines released Tuesday in the journal JAMA. Since its last recommendation in 2014, the task force reviewed 84 studies testing vitamins in almost 700,000 people, including 52 new studies on the topic."
• Conservationists in court bid to halt $16bn Scarborough gas project citing damage to Great Barrier Reef - "Australian Conservation Foundation says global heating from fossil fuel development will compound coral bleaching on Great Barrier Reef."
• What if all roads went underground? - "Roads pollute cities, eat up public space and fragment habitats. Could moving them underground help?"
• Reinventing the airship for the 2020s - "Airships could offer a much cleaner and quieter alternative for some aspects of the aviation market. In a former airship factory, a new generation are taking shape."
• Why You Need To Stop Closing Apps On Your iPhone - "When an app launches, additional power and memory needs to be used in order to properly start the application. Doing this multiple times can cause a lot of battery drain on your iPhone, as former Genius Bar technician Scotty Loveless explained on LifeHacker."
• 10 AirPods Pro Tips to Master Your Wireless Headphones - "Get the most out of your AirPods Pro."
• A Sneaky Way to Message Someone on iPhone Without Anyone Ever Seeing - "All you need is this built-in Apple app."
• iOS 16 - here's all the new features for your iPhone - "iOS 16 bring some big changes including a reworked lock screen."
• Test-Driving The Lamborghini Huracan EVO RWD Spyder - "Drive an Italian supercar with that famous charging bull on the badge and you know it�s not going to be a somber experience. You figure there�s going to be plenty of visual, audible, and gravitational stimuli. But if you think you�re fully prepared for what the Lamborghini Huracan EVO RWD Spyder is going to deliver in those areas, well ... you�re probably not."

June 21, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow to summon EU ambassador over �openly hostile� Kaliningrad cargo transit ban - live news - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 118 of the invasion - "Moscow threatens to retaliate after Lithuania bans transit of goods to the Russian outpost of Kaliningrad; EU calls blockade of the Ukrainian grain a war crime."
• Russia tells Lithuania: your citizens will feel the pain over Kaliningrad - "A top ally of President Vladimir Putin told Lithuania on Tuesday that Moscow would respond to its ban on the transit of goods sanctioned by the EU to Russia's exclave of Kaliningrad in such a way that citizens of the Baltic state would feel the pain." Reuters.
• Two months on, Russia is still struggling to capture this small Ukrainian city - "It's been nearly two months since Russian forces began their assault on the city of Severodonetsk. But despite overwhelming firepower, they still can't dislodge determined Ukrainian resistance - nor cut the supply lines that provide the city's remaining defenders with a drip-feed of weapons and ammunition."
• Russian emails appear to show �network� holding $4.5bn assets linked to Putin - "Questions over palaces, vineyards and yachts run by entities that appear to be part of a cooperative."
• From New Zealand to Nigeria: the global toll of the cost of living crisis - "Unsparing inflation across basics from food and energy to housing is pushing millions into poverty."
• 'Wishing The Duke of Cambridge a very happy 40th birthday!' - "Prince Charles leads the family tributes as he marks his eldest son's milestone with a sweet collection of throwback pictures."
• Truthful climate reporting shifts viewpoints, but only briefly, study finds - "Ohio State University researchers gauged responses to climate science versus scepticism and suggest facts bear repeating."
• Life will find a way: could scientists make Jurassic Park a reality? - "Just a few years from now, herds of woolly �mammoths� could be roaming the Siberian tundra. Are dodos and dinosaurs next for de-extinction?"
• Boeing unveils new 777 'ecoDemonstrator' test jet - "US aircraft maker Boeing has just revealed its new 2022 ecoDemonstrator plane - a converted, 20-year-old 777-200ER that will be tasked with testing new technologies aimed at making air travel more sustainable and safer. The ecoDemonstrator will reportedly go through a six-month series of tests both on the ground and in the sky, starting this summer. Among the 30 or so technologies set for testing during the campaign include projects designed to reduce fuel use, emissions and noise, while incorporating more sustainable materials."
• What sitting in economy on Qantas' 20-hour flights will be like - "The world's longest flight: nonstop, 20 hours, as you recline in your wide armchair and decide whether you want to relax with the very best Champagne, enjoy a chef-designed meal with a traveling companion seated opposite, or get the crew to make your sumptuously soft bed with fresh linens. That's what's on offer for the six first-class passengers on board Qantas' Project Sunrise direct flights to Sydney from London and New York starting three years from now, and they can expect to pay the best part of five figures for it. What about the 140 economy class passengers who will be at the back of the 12 Airbus A350-1000s that the airline has ordered to work on the service?"
• THERE HAS TO BE A BETTER WAY TO BINGE - "There�s a lot of big shared universes that should be easier to binge."
• World's biggest freshwater fish, a 660-pound stingray, caught in Cambodia - "Cambodian villagers on the Mekong River have caught what researchers say is the world's biggest freshwater fish ever recorded, a stingray that weighed in at 661 pounds (about 300 kilograms), and took around a dozen men to haul to shore."
• Running 104 marathons in 104 days - "'It showed me how strong our bodies can be,' says amputee athlete Jacky Hunt-Broersma after running 104 marathons in 104 days."
• Hong Kong: Iconic floating Jumbo restaurant sinks - "A floating restaurant that was a famous Hong Kong landmark has sunk, days after it was towed away from the harbour where it operated for nearly 50 years."
• 11 of the best restaurants in Lisbon to try - "The Lisbon restaurants we recommend, from fine dining to a twist on Portuguese." CN Traveller.
• The surprising benefits of fingers that wrinkle in the bath - "The skin on our fingertips and toes shrivels like prunes when soaked for a few minutes in water. But is this an adaptation that occurred to help us in our evolutionary past? And what can it reveal about your health today?"
• Stonehenge & the eerie allure of ancient stone circles - "Ancient stone circles act both as portals and reminders of a different time, writes Rosalind Jana, as an exhibition at the British Museum explores the mysteries of the deep past."
• Leadership by Henry Kissinger review - lessons in diplomacy from a master of the dark arts - "In this analysis of six national leaders, the grand old man of US politics offers a broad-brush history of international statecraft but ignores the death and destruction that sometimes resulted."
• �It�s a middle-class dream come true!� How the utility room became the new status symbol - "Once they were grim spaces to stash away the mop. Now they�re must-haves for the rich and aspirational. What�s fuelling the desire for laundry-room luxe?"
• iOS 16 will let you bypass CAPTCHAs on some apps & websites - "It can automatically identify that you�re a real human."
• Japanese whisky fetches $600,000 in NY auction - "A bottle of Japanese whisky has fetched 600,000 dollars in a New York auction. The Yamazaki 55 single malt whisky by Suntory Spirits was sold by Sotheby's on Friday. The price was 100,000-200,000 dollars higher than expected."
• Why is the Cartier Tank watch so famous & is it a good investment? - "Ralph Lauren, Princess Diana, Yves Saint Laurent and Catherine Deneuve all owned one for a reason."

June 20, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Zelenskiy sounds warning as EU decision nears; European ministers to meet on grain blockade - live news - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 117 of the invasion - "Zelenskiy says he expects Russia will intensify attacks on Ukraine and possibly strike other European countries this week."
• Ukraine war could last for years, warns Nato chief - "The West must prepare to continue supporting Ukraine in a war lasting for years, Nato's chief has warned."
• From Vanuatu law school to the Hague: the fight to recognise climate harm in international law - "Vanuatu is leading a campaign to have the international court of justice issue an opinion on climate change � which could have huge legal ramifications."
• Bitcoin recovers, climbs as much as 7.6% to pass $20,400 - "Bitcoin, the world's biggest and best-known cryptocurrency, was up more than 16% from this year's low of $17,592.78 on June 18, when it tumbled on investor worries about growing troubles in the crypto industry and amid a general pull-back from riskier assets."
• Why 'natural' products aren't always better - "From sharks' livers to endangered plants - some claims about 'natural' products should be interpreted with caution."
• Social media is rife with skin-whitening products. But little is being done to regulate the market - "Skin-lightening products, from big brand names to homemade concoctions, have exploded in their availability on major social media platforms where there are few rules about how they are promoted or sold."
• 10 of Europe�s most enchanted off-the-radar islands - "Find unspoiled nature, uncrowded shores, peace and tranquillity on these small islands."
• A floating city in the Maldives begins to take shape - "A city is rising from the waters of the Indian Ocean. In a turquoise lagoon, just 10 minutes by boat from Male, the Maldivian capital, a floating city, big enough to house 20,000 people, is being constructed."
• A local�s guide to Hamburg: concerts, cocktails & dockyard cuisine - "Concert pianist Alexander Krichel reveals his pick of the best bars, vintage stores, ferry rides and sailor-sized dishes of Germany�s second largest city."
• E-scooters were supposed to fix travel in Rome. Then they became 'death traps' - "The current invasion of the Italian capital comes from e-scooters - more than 14,000 of them - modern chariots that block sidewalks, unnerve drivers and kill. Only 2% (around 270) of the foot scooters for rent are used on a daily basis."
• Heartwarming video shows penguins return home after being rehabbed in Argentina - "These Magellanic penguins were facing malnutrition and dehydration before they were rescued and rehabilitated by the Mundo Marino Foundation."
• The troubling legacy of the Lolita story, 60 years on - "The dubious aesthetic of Kubrick's film has endured in pop culture. But is it the film or the original book that is to blame for this perplexing phenomenon, asks Steph Green?"
• These Cupcakes Are Pure Childhood Magic - "Yotam Ottolenghi�s cream-soda-and-raspberry cupcakes can�t heal the troubles of the world. But they help for a moment."
• Gucci Ventures Into Mixology With Branded Cocktail - "The luxury brand tapped mixology maestro Giorgio Bargiani to develop Elisir d'Elicriso, its first signature cocktail."
• The resurgence of Venice's prized dorona grape - "Long thought to be extinct, the dorona grape was prized above all others by wealthy Venetians. Now, its chance rediscovery has ignited a revival in Venice's wine."
• Rowan Atkinson: �In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything� - "The actor talks to Patrick Freyne about Mr Bean and Blackadder, cancel culture and his first starring TV role in decades."
• Jovial Jeff Goldblum steals Prada�s spring/summer 2023 show - "Actor was one of several celebrities in front row for parade of familiar yet trendsetting garments."
• You�re Still on Mute - "Hybrid or remote work is settling in as a permanent reality for millions. Their setups and technical skills can still feel like a temporary solution."

June 19, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Nato head says war could last years; Ukraine governor reports �tough battles� near Sievierodonetsk - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 116 of the invasion - "Nato chief warns war could last years; Russia sends many reservists to Sievierodonetsk battle, says regional governor."
• �Marching towards starvation�: UN warns of hell on earth if Ukraine war goes on - "Unprecedented food shortages could spark riots in dozens of countries as Black Sea blockade adds to pressures, says WFP chief."
• North Korea reports 'epidemic' of unidentified intestinal disease after Covid wave - "North Korea has dispatched medical crews and epidemiological investigators to a province battling the outbreak of an intestinal disease, state media reported on Sunday. At least 800 families suffering from what North Korea has only called an 'acute enteric epidemic' have received aid in South Hwanghae Province so far."
• �We worry about it disappearing�: alarm grows over Italy�s drought-hit Po River - "Drought blighting country�s longest waterway continues as economic hub battles climate crisis."
• In pictures: Europe swelters in blistering June heat - "Parts of western Europe are experiencing more extreme heat this weekend under a wave of hot air that has moved north from Africa."
• Bitcoin value slumps below $20,000 in cryptocurrencies turmoil - "Digital asset slides to lowest level since November 2020 as rate rises increase pressure on markets."
• Is remote work worse for wellbeing than people think? - "Remote work is consistently touted as the best way for workers to feel mentally and physically well. But the reality is more complicated."
• Ghislaine Maxwell�s lawyers spin her childhood as a tale of neglect & abuse - "The socialite�s defense team seek a reduced sentence by depicting a woman made vulnerable to Epstein�s by a domineering father."
• Buckingham Palace 'BURIES' report on Meghan's 'bullying' - "Official inquiry into allegations the Duchess of Sussex bullied staff before Megxit 'will never be published'."
• Johnny Depp Through the Looking Glass - "Examining the madness that male beauty elicits."
• From Trump Nevermind babies to deep fakes: DALL-E & the ethics of AI art - "A neural network that can transform a text phrase into an artwork is transforming our understanding of creative thinking, but it opens new issues."
• TOP 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL SQUARES IN ITALY - "Italy has many beautiful squares and many worth mentioning, but we tried to highlight only ten of them, which we consider to be the most interesting. If you do not agree, tell us in a comment below." ITALYscapes.com.
• What Makes a Bathing Suit So Expensive? - "Inside the construction of a one-piece swimsuit, a complicated symbol of 'the most vulnerable time of the year.'"
• Why Are So Many Cakes Named After Fabric? - "Silk, satin, lace, and fur, but make it cake. It was kind of a logical thing to use fabric because fabric is so visual and textural, as are a lot of cakes and cookies and pies and tarts.� Beranbaum points out that the crossover language between fashion and cake can account for texture, but also presence and persona."
• Hands-On With iPhone 14 Models Showing New Sizes & Camera Design Updates - "Prior to the launch of new iPhone models, case makers often create dummy models based on leaked schematics and specifications. We've known about the design of the iPhone 14 lineup for some time now, and this week, we got a set of dummy units to see the design updates for ourselves."
• These are the only laptops thinner than the M2 MacBook Air - "The new M2 MacBook Air is incredibly thin - 0.44 inches (11.2mm), to be specific. But numbers don�t quite do it justice. Unless you were to hold this thing in your hands yourself, you might not realize just how thin this really is. But Apple didn�t claim this to be the thinnest laptop ever made - because it�s not."

June 18, 2022

• See a rare alignment of all the planets in the night sky - "The celestial show, best viewed between June 17 and June 27, will be the last time the five brightest planets cluster in the sky until 2040."
• Russia-Ukraine war: heavy fighting continues in Donbas; Russia renews push south of Izium, UK says - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 115 of the invasion - "Putin says he has �nothing against� Ukraine membership of EU; German chancellor calls for direct talks with Russian leader to end war."
• What happened in the Russia-Ukraine war this week? Catch up with the must-read news & analysis - "Life inside Mariupol after it fell, fighting in Sievierodonetsk - a battle that could decide the course of the war - and the Russians fighting for Kyiv."
• Russia's Putin condemns 'mad & thoughtless' Western sanctions - "Speaking at a forum in St Petersburg, he said 'the economic blitzkrieg against Russia had no chance of succeeding from the very beginning'. Speaking at the annual St Petersburg International Economic Forum, President Putin claimed the EU could lose more than $400bn (�326bn) because of its sanctions against Russia."
• Compound extremes�: why a cocktail of natural disasters is battering the US - "As world heats up, �historic� weather events will increase and overlap, testing the limits of nation�s resiliency and recovery."
• Everest�s base camp is melting - "Nepal is planning to move the camp off a glacier."
• Airline changes livery as passengers link it to Russian invasion symbol - "Tokyo-based Zipair - a lowcost subsidiary of JAL, Japan Airlines - has announced that it'll be removing the 'Z' from its tailfins as of June 18, replacing them with a geometric pattern of stripes."
• The World's Top 10 Airports of 2022 - "The World's Top 10 Airports of 2022, voted for by airport customers from across the world during the 2021-2022 World Airport Survey. View the Top 10 Airport Ratings 2022. Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, is named the World's Best Airport 2022, with Tokyo Haneda Airport in 2nd place and Changi Airport Singapore ranked 3rd."
• We�re number one! Copenhagen rated the world�s most liveable city - "Monocle magazine praised the Danish capital for its culture, security, public transport and ability to constantly rethink itself."
• Summer in Copenhagen: Biking, Dining & Celebrating - "Add the Tour de France - starting in Denmark�s capital this year - to the roster of summer activities, which also includes music festivals, design exhibitions and indulging in buttery pastries."
• Can running shoes be used for walking? - "We speak to a footwear expert and ask can running shoes be used for walking? The answer is yes. And it is pretty good for you. It is best to wear road shoes for walking on sidewalks and smooth surfaces but switch to trail shoes if walking off-road or on muddy ground."
• Is walking cardio? - "With key studies proving the effectiveness of walking as a cardiovascular activity, the science is firmly behind you, should you elect to prioritize heels over wheels, weights or a trip to the swimming pool. As Ryan McLean puts it, 'Walking is great, it's easy, it's accessible and the risk of injury is low.'"
• Shanghai surprise: How I survived 70 days confinement in the world's strictest Covid lockdown - CNN World.
• Mapping the Migration of the World's Millionaires - "This graphic maps out the migration of millionaires across the globe, showing the top 10 countries the ultra-rich are moving to and from."
• Julian Assange can be extradited, says UK home secretary - "Wikileaks founder Julian Assange�s extradition to the US has been approved by UK Home Secretary Priti Patel."
• Paul McCartney at 80: A life of fun-loving fashion - "Renowned musician and former Beatle Paul McCartney has always had a playful sense of style. To celebrate his birthday on Saturday, we take a look back at his best fashion moments."
• French screen icon Jean-Louis Trintignant dies aged 91 - "Trintignant featured in Three Colours: Red, Z, The Conformist and Amour - which won an Oscar and the Palme d'Or."
• Jean-Louis Trintignant - a life in pictures - "Trintignant, the French actor closely associated with the European new waves of the 1960s and 70s, has died aged 91."
• Kim & Khloe Kardashian fuel rumours they've 'ditched implants' with 'shrinking curves' - "Kim and Khloe Kardashian have fuelled rumours they've gone back to their 'natural' ways after recent snaps showed the sisters looking slimmer and less curvier."
• The best art of Basel 2022 - "The Basel edition of Art Basel brings the international art world together this week. It features over 200 leading galleries and more than 4,000 artists from five continents. It�s the first Art Basel without masks, without restrictions. There was a buzz, which we�ve only known from pre-pandemic times."
• Sunday Times Giving List 2022 - "Find out who made the 2022 Sunday Times Giving List. Download the full list of the top 100 philanthropists in the UK."
• 29 Changes In Clothing Fashion That Made Stealing Easier Or Harder - "As Shared By Former Pickpockets And Magicians Online."
• The 100 Best Clothing Stores in the World - "Whether you go for the pants, to sip a matcha, or just to soak up some rarefied ambience, these 100 stores from around the world demand a visit."
• Mystery of Waterloo�s dead soldiers to be re-examined by academics - "Modern techniques to test traditional explanation that most bones from 1815 battle were ground into powder for fertiliser."
• Destination masterpiece: 75 great artworks to see across the UK - "From a Nubian god in Edinburgh to a Banksy in Bristol, our critics choose the most intriguing and important paintings, sculptures, installations for you to take in this summer."
• Inside London's The Savoy's swanky £16,000-a-night Royal Suite - "Gucci-designed furniture, Christie's curated artwork and TWO butlers."
• Test Driving The $500,000 Healey By Caton In The English Countryside - "For its first Healey example, Caton has kept things classically simple. Green-over-tan is always a winning formula when it comes to British sports cars from the 1950s, and it suits the Healey perfectly. Beneath that all-new aluminum body sits the foundations of an original Austin-Healey 100 - more specifically, this is based on a BN1-series built between 1953 and 1955. Its chassis number is enough for this creation to retain the identity of an Austin-Healey."
• Chopard Unveils 2 New Mille Miglia Watches For The 40th Anniversary Of Iconic Car Rally - "The 2022 Mille Miglia has begun and Chopard is once again the sponsor, official timekeeper and participant in this historic antique car rally in Italy. This year the four-day rally will run till June 18. A total of 404 cars by 63 car manufacturers are participating in the 1,000-mile route that begins and ends in the historic city of Brescia in Lombardy."
• A Brief Tour Of Piaget's Modern History In Nine Watches - "Piaget's Head Of Patrimony walks us through the brand's archive."

June 17, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: EU to give fast-tracked opinion on Kyiv bid; Russia low on troops and missiles, UK defence chief says - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 114 of the invasion - "The leaders of France, Germany and Italy have vowed to support Kyiv�s bid to join the EU as Lavrov accuses the west of �dragging Ukraine into Nato�."
• Russia has �strategically lost� war, says UK defence chief, as Lavrov says Moscow unashamed - "�Russia is not squeaky clean. Russia is what it is� - Kremlin foreign minister�s response to UN report claiming atrocities in Ukraine."
• Stock markets plunge again as flurry of interest rate hikes fuels recession fears - "Investors wary as other central banks follow US Federal Reserve in raising borrowing costs."
• How Long Does Covid Immunity Last? Will a Second Illness Be Worse? How Can I Prepare? - "Some reinfection questions, answered."
• Some Greenland polar bears adapt to hunt without sea ice - "Polar bears have long been seen as a symbol of global warming's damaging impact on the natural world."
• Congo peat: The 'lungs of humanity' which are under threat - "A giant slab of carbon-rich peat, discovered in central Africa, is under threat from uncontrolled development - posing a significant risk for future climate change."
• Denmark Overtakes Switzerland as World�s Most Competitive Nation - "Denmark rose from third place last year to take 2022�s top spot for the first time in the 34 years that the IMD Business School has published its World Competitiveness Ranking, according to a statement on Wednesday."
• Edmond Safra�s supposed killer arrested in Texas after vehicle theft - "Ted Maher, who spent eight years in jail after allegedly setting fire to a Monaco penthouse in 1999, killing two people, has been arrested in San Antonio, Texas following a FBI investigation. However, the Safra case was shrouded in uncertainties and doubts, despite Maher�s conviction for setting a fire that led to the billionaire banker�s death. Famously, Maher escaped from Monaco�s jail before being apprehended again in Nice."
• This European airline just ordered a fleet of airships - "As the quest for less environmentally damaging aviation continues, one Spanish airline has thrown its hat into the ring by ordering new hybrid airships - which pack as much of a punch visually as they are said to do environmentally. Air Nostrum, which operates flights under the Iberia Regional umbrella from its Valencia base, has ordered 10 Airlander 10 aircraft, with delivery scheduled for 2026."
• Lightyear 0 solar-assisted car will go into production this year - "Dutch company Lightyear has announced that this fall it will start making the world's first production car fitted with solar panels."
• Kim Kardashian did not damage Marilyn Monroe's dress, according to Ripley's - "That's according to Ripley's Believe It Or Not!, which owns Monroe's dress and lent it to Kardashian for the May event. The museum and events franchise said in a statement Thursday that despite claims otherwise, Kardashian 'did not, in any way, damage the garment in the short amount of time it was worn at the Met Gala.'"
• �The nation had lost its mind�: the extraordinary new documentary about the death of Princess Diana - "The team behind new film, The Princess, explain why the royal family possess all the vital ingredients to make them the perfect cinematic subjects."
• How 'bland' tofu became one of the world's hottest foods - "How an ancient Chinese elixir became today's 'it' food."
• Why Is My Sleep So Messed Up in the Summer? - "Though seasonal shifts can derail your sleep, there are things you can do to snooze more soundly when it�s hot out."
• How Useful Are Supplements? - "Multivitamins. Herbal remedies. A spoonful of cod liver oil. It�s estimated that the global market for supplements could be more than $65 billion dollars and as much as $200 billion."
• Post-pandemic home design trends reflect a need for more fluidity & nature - "After a year off due to the pandemic and a scaled-down iteration in September 2021, Milan's Salone del Mobile - the international design fair that's been held annually since 1961 - was back in full force last week. From sustainability to boundary-pushing designs and an emphasis on craft, here are some of the highlights and takeaways from the event."
• The Offer to Loot: the seven best shows to stream this week - The Guardian.
• The films showing sex workers in a new light - "New films like Good Luck to You, Leo Grande are challenging cinematic tropes about sex workers. It's a refreshing change, writes Rafa Sales Ross."
• Revlon files for bankruptcy - "Revlon, the 90-year-old cosmetics giant, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection because of its crippling debt and mounting celebrity competition. The nail polish and lipstick maker said the move will allow it to 'strategically reorganize' its finances, pointing to 'liquidity constraints' sparked by supply chain disruptions and inflation. Revlon is receiving $575 million in debtor-in-possession financing to help support its day-to-day operations."
• IWC Made a Pilot�s Watch Just for Owners of the Mercedes-AMG One Hypercar - "IWC's constant-force technology helps the timepiece stay accurate throughout its 96-hour power reserve."
• 4 rare, unique whiskies with stand-out flavour & design, from the Macallan 72 Years Old in Lalique to decades-old bottles from Glenlivet & Yamasaki - "Only 600 decanters of the Macallan 72 Years Old in Lalique, whose packaging is architecturally beautiful too, were ever produced, making the spirit a rare luxury to own indeed. The decanter mirrors the roof of Macallan�s new US$173 million Speyside distillery, while the crystal reflects its commitment to craftsmanship inherent in every dram."

June 16, 2022

• The strawberry moon - in pictures - "The moon reached its full stage on Tuesday, during a phenomenon known as a supermoon because of its proximity to Earth, and it is also called the strawberry moon because it is the full moon at strawberry harvest time."
• Russia-Ukraine war: European leaders expected to meet in Kyiv; US pledges further $1bn arms package - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 113 of the invasion - "Ukraine defies Russian ultimatum to surrender Sievierodonetsk as hundreds remain trapped in bunkers beneath chemical plant."
• Dr. Anthony Fauci tests positive for Covid - "Fauci, who has received two booster shots, is experiencing mild symptoms, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases."
• Eight million Australians urged to turn off lights - "Australia's energy minister has urged households in New South Wales - a state that includes the country's biggest city Sydney - to switch off their lights in the face of an energy crisis. Chris Bowen says people should not use electricity for two hours every evening if they 'have a choice'."
• New data reveals extraordinary global heating in the Arctic - "Temperatures in the Barents Sea region are �off the scale� and may affect extreme weather in the US and Europe."
• Queen�s �seabed rights� swell to value of £5bn after auction of plots - "British crown estate portfolio rises in value by 8.3% to £15.6bn."
• Bill Gates says crypto & NFTs are a sham - "Those digital asset trends are '100% based on greater fool theory,' the Microsoft co-founder said Tuesday at a TechCrunch conference, referencing the notion that investors can make money on worthless or overvalued assets as long as people are willing to bid them higher. Gates added that he's 'not long or short' crypto. And he mocked Bored Apes NFTs, joking that 'expensive digital images of monkeys' will 'improve the world immensely.'"
• John Hinckley gains full freedom 41 years after Ronald Reagan assassination attempt - "Hinckley, who shot and wounded the president in 1981 but was acquitted by reason of insanity, had decades of mental health supervision."
• Amber Heard says she still loves Johnny Depp & knows she's not 'a perfect victim' - "Amber Heard is afraid of potentially being sued again by her ex-husband Johnny Depp - even as she admits to still loving him."
• DNA analysis reveals source of Black Death - "The world's most devastating plague outbreak that is estimated to have killed half of Europe's population in the space of seven years during the Middle Ages."
• This classic Italian destination just limited tourist access - "With its cliff-chiseled road, dramatic curves and sheer drops towards the turquoise sea far below, the Amalfi Coast has become an iconic road trip destination."
• A first look at Ryan Gosling in 'Barbie' has sent the internet into a frenzy - "Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie' film won't hit theaters for another year and change."
• How human-like are the most sophisticated chatbots? - "Chatbots have hit the headlines over the past few days after a Google engineer claimed that the firm's most advanced system has developed human-like feelings, or become sentient. Simply put, a chat bot is a computer program deliberately designed to mimic and respond to human speech."
• Personality Test: Your Nose shape reveals these personality traits - "For ages, there have been several studies and research to study the link between the shape of our noses and our genetic history. Scientists all over the world have studied 3D scans of people from distinct races and climate zones to decipher types of nose shapes. Experts look into the width of nostrils, the distance between nostrils, the height of the nose, length of the nose bridge, protrusion level of the nasal tip, area of the nostrils, and external area of the nose."
• Hong Kong bids farewell to Jumbo Kingdom, the world's largest floating restaurant - "A unique icon for residents and tourists alike, Jumbo Floating Restaurant has stood proud in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island for the past 46 years. Throughout this journey, it has been a great honor for us to share beautiful collective memories with local and foreign visitors."
• Is progress slowing down? - "Do we need a better understanding of 'progress'?"
• Expert shares impact Diet Coke can have on your body just one hour after drinking - "For many, nothing beats a refreshing Diet Coke when craving a satisfying, low-calorie beverage. However, some claim the fizzy favourite can have alarming effects just one hour after drinking."
• The UK's haven for alternative thinking - "Trailblazing scientists, architects and engineers are flocking to a sleepy Welsh town, where their environmental breakthroughs are changing � and helping to save - the world."
• �Wallets & eyeballs�: how eBay turned the internet into a marketplace - "The story of the modern web is often told through the stories of Google, Facebook, Amazon. But eBay was the first conqueror."
• How to make the perfect chocolate sorbet - recipe - "Harder to find than chocolate ice-cream, chocolate sorbet has an elegance other flavours cannot match and is surprisingly easy to make at home."
• Tag Heuer watches to display NFTs: The ultimate status symbol? - "Displaying NFTs in real life is the new cool. Frédéric Arnault, CEO of LVMH-owned Tag Heuer, explains all."
• Philips� new projector looks like one I�d actually want in my living room - "A big image from a vanishingly small box."
• Bowmore�s Latest 52-Year-Old Single Malt Comes in a Futuristic Decanter by Aston Martin - "The Islay distillery and luxury automaker team up on a $125,000 scotch."

June 15, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Russia tells Sievierodonetsk defenders to surrender; 500 civilians attempt to flee Azot plant - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 112 of the invasion - "Zelenskiy says outcome of battle for Donbas will determine course of the war; Russia calls on Ukrainian forces in Sievierodonetsk to lay down arms."
• Sanctions force Russia to produce popular car without air bags, other safety features - "The first Russian car produced since the invasion of Ukraine had to sacrifice safety due to sanctions in "a very symbolic step backwards" for Russia's standing globally, experts said."
• IKEA takes the next step to scale down in Russia & Belarus - "The war in Ukraine has already had a terrible impact on so many people�s lives. It is a human tragedy that is continuing to affect people and communities."
• China's borders are closed, but it's building bridges to Russia - "For decades the Amur River has separated modern China and Russia - its waters cutting though more than 1,000 of their roughly 2,500 border miles. But it's always lacked one thing: a vehicle bridge. Now - as Russia's economic isolation in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine pushes it closer to Beijing - that is changing, with fanfare."
• For Its Next Zero Covid Chapter, China Turns to Mass Testing - "Residents in many cities must show negative P.C.R. tests to go shopping or use public services. The policy may hamper efforts to revive the economy."
• New Tools Can Make Our Covid Immunity Even Stronger - The New York Times.
• Vanuatu, one of the last Covid hermit nations, to open to tourists after two years - "The tourism-dependent Pacific country will reopen with almost no restrictions in July, though there are concerns about lack of airline deals."
• UN chief says the dash for new fossil fuels is 'delusional' - "Rich countries have made a dangerous dash for fossil fuels in response to the Ukraine war, the U.N. secretary-general said on Tuesday, warning that new investments being made in coal, oil and gas were 'delusional' given their impact on climate change."
• The 1977 White House climate memo that should have changed the world - "Years before the climate crisis was part of national discourse, this memo to the president predicted catastrophe."
• Sea level rise in England will put 200,000 homes at risk by 2050, data shows - "Due to the climate crisis, within 30 years these coastal properties will be potentially unsalvageable, researchers say."
• The 22 wildest lines from Donald Trump's 12(!)-page statement on the January 6 committee - "In response to the second public hearing of the January 6 committee, former President Donald Trump released a 12-page statement - yes, 12 full pages! - seeking to rebut the charges leveled against him."
• Trump�s raising of $250m for fund that �did not exist� suggests possible fraud - "'The big lie was also the big rip-off,' says Democrat Zoe Lofgren after January 6 panel appears to make case for fundraising fraud."
• America�s Richest Self-Made Women - "Forbes� Ranking Of The Country�s Most Successful Women Entrepreneurs, Executives And Entertainers."
• 9 Things To Pack For Paris To Avoid Looking Like A Tourist - "Trying to look like a local rather than a tourist does not mean that you will have to forgo comfort, ease, or security. You can still wear shoes which you can walk in for hours, you can wear comfortable clothes, and you might even be able to wear a backpack - for that, read on."
• The biggest bridal style trend in 2022? Whatever you please - "Wedding season is in full swing after two years of delayed or pared down 'micro' ceremonies, and one thing is clear: Classic is out, wear-what-you-want is in."
• Here's what it might be like to travel on a double decker airplane seat - "Flying economy for any extended period of time is an experience usually endured rather than enjoyed, but one airplane seat designer reckons his design could revolutionize budget travel."
• Ditch Siri & Put Alexa on Your iPhone Home Screen Instead - "Adding the Alexa widget to your iOS home screen puts Amazon's voice assistant just a short tap away. Here's how to set it up."
• iOS 16: New iPhone Features We're Excited to Try - "Your iPhone will become more customizable in iOS 16. You'll be able to choose how your lock screen looks, down to the font and color. You can even set up multiple customized lock screens with different widgets and easily swipe to switch between them."
• You can use your iPhone to unlock & start your car with amazing hidden CarKey feature - "Contactless payments boomed during the pandemic, but few people realise that you can actually use contactless to unlock and start your car - all you need is an iPhone or an Apple Watch."
• 5 reasons you should buy MacBook Air 2022 instead of the new MacBook Pro - "Since both the MacBook Air 2022 and MacBook Pro 2022 contain the latest slice of Apple silicon, it naturally leads to questions about which device is the better option. Given the 'Pro' moniker, and the fact that it costs $100 more than the Air, you might be tempted to say the new Pro is the one to buy. However, the MacBook Air is better in several ways."
• Apple M2 vs M1 chip: What's the difference? - "Apple's M2 chip is a notable upgrade over the M1 - here's how."
• SMART SWITCHES OR SMART BULBS? HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SMART LIGHTING FOR YOUR HOME - "Switches, bulbs, plugs, remotes, bridges, and hubs - smart lighting can be complicated. We�ll help you get it sorted."
• Microsoft to retire Internet Explorer browser & redirect users to Edge - "Company says decision to disable desktop app comes as web developers less likely to make sites compatible with browser, which first graced computers in 1995."
• Why cats go so crazy for catnip - "Catnip isn't just intensely pleasurable for cats. It's also practical."
• People in Pakistan urged to drink fewer cups of tea - "People in Pakistan have been asked to reduce the amount of tea they drink to keep the country's economy afloat. Sipping fewer cups a day would cut Pakistan's high import bills, senior minister Ahsan Iqbal said. Pakistan is the world's largest importer of tea, buying in more than $600m worth last year."
• Why top chefs are leaving Paris - "The exodus of Paris' chefs to the countryside. Many top culinary masters are abandoning the French capital in favour of greener pastures, where they can have a hand not just in choosing, but in growing their ingredients."
• The race to reclaim the dark - "Some 200 places around the world have now achieved Dark Sky status. Frankie Adkins explores the benefits nights without light pollution can bring."
• Yellowstone Park, Staggered by Rain & Floods, Will Stay Closed for Days - "Parts of the national park may stay off-limits for the rest of the season. Visitors were evacuated after record rainfall washed away roads and bridges, the authorities said."
• Test-Driving The 273mph Bugatti Chiron Super Sport - "This Is What It�s Like To Drive The 273mph Bugatti Chiron Super Sport."
• 101-Carat Diamond Could Fetch $10 Million At Sotheby�s New York Auction - "The 101.41-carat Juno diamond is the top lot at Sotheby�s New York Magnificent Jewels sale on Thursday. The internally flawless, D-color pear-shaped gem is named after the queen of the gods and the goddess of light and fertility. Juno reigned supreme in the Roman pantheon. She was worshipped for her radiance and auspicious nature, serving as an apt namesake for this majestic and exquisitely voluptuous pear-shaped diamond. Its estimate is reportedly $10 million."

June 14, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Donbas battles �most brutal� Europe has seen, Zelenskiy says; civilians trapped in Sievierodonetsk - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 111 of the invasion - "Zelenskiy calls fighting in Sievierodonetsk �one of the most violent battles in Europe� as Russia destroys all three bridges to city."
• More than 15,000 millionaires expected to leave Russia in 2022 - "Data suggests exits after invasion of Ukraine, and UAE to overtake US and UK as top destination for world�s wealthy."
• Plastitar: mix of tar & microplastics is new form of pollution, say scientists - "Researchers in Canary Islands coin term for new type of marine pollution they say could be leaking toxic chemicals into oceans."
• How Covid Did Away With the Sick Day - "Some workers have no choice but to clock in. Others find the flexibility of remote work leads them to log in from their sick beds."
• Think you're OK because you only drink on weekends? Think again, study says - "'What this means is that an individual whose total consumption is seven drinks on Saturday night presents a greater risk profile than someone whose total consumption is a daily drink with dinner, even though their average drinking level is the same.'"
• Refresh your routine with this summer drink - "You're starting to slump but don't want another turbocharged cup of coffee. Why not turn to a refreshing glass of iced tea?"
• Top 10 attractions & amusement parks for 2022, according to Tripadvisor - "A dreamy, uniquely designed cathedral in Europe that's been under construction since 1882 is the top attraction in the world for 2022, according to Tripadvisor's reviewers."
• 9 Most Walkable Cities Around The World - "TravelAwaits� 2022 Best Of Travel Awards."
• iOS 16: The complete guide to the next big iPhone update - "iOS 16 was announced at WWDC. Here's what you need to know about the new features, release date, and compatibility."
• How Apple is making its many devices more alike than ever - "Apple isn't simply trying to look to what's next, but to fix what's come before and level the playing field across all its platforms."
• Amazon to begin drone deliveries in US this year - "Amazon to begin drone deliveries in Lockeford, California this year. Amazon says it will begin delivering parcels to shoppers by drone for the first time later this year, pending final regulatory approval."
• North America�s 50 Best Bars 2022 - "New York�s Attaboy Wins Top Spot."
• 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet America Edition Revealed - "Porsche is commemorating the 70th anniversary of the iconic 356 America Roadster with a new 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet America Edition. The limited-edition convertible sports car - only 115 will be built in total - will arrive in showrooms later this year for the 2023 model year. The America Edition will only be sold in North America. With such a low production volume, the vehicle will be one of the rarest Type-992 models that Porsche has ever released."
• Bob Mackie says Kim Kardashian wearing Marilyn Monroe's gown to Met Gala was a 'big mistake' - "'It was designed for her. Nobody else should be seen in that dress,' the famed designer who drew the original sketch for star's 1962 Jean Louis gown, tells EW."
• Oskar Barnack�s Leica Sells for $15M, is Now World�s Priciest Camera - "The 40th Leitz Photographica Auction has concluded with the sale of the most expensive camera ever. Oskar Barnak�s Leica 0-Series No. 105 sold for nearly five times the highest estimation: over $15 million."
• Sony would love if you bought its $3,700 Walkman for over-the-top audiophiles - "Are you the sort of music listener who'll happily pay more for a set of earphones than you would on a nice computer? If so, Sony has the MP3 players for you. The company has released two ultra-high-end Walkman MP3 players aimed squarely at audiophiles."

June 13, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: river crossing operations in Donbas likely to determine course of the war, UK MoD says - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 110 of the invasion - "Fierce street fighting continues in Sievierodonetsk, where Russian forces destroyed a bridge cutting off possible evacuation route."
• �Ferocious� Covid outbreak in Beijing traced to raucous bar - "Cluster comes week after city eased restrictions, raising fresh concerns over �zero Covid� policy and economy."
• Stocks are falling & prices are skyrocketing. Here's how to protect your money - "Anyone expecting inflation to have peaked by now got a rude surprise this week. The latest inflation report showed prices in May rose 8.6% from a year ago - the fastest rate in 40 years. Add to that declining stocks, climbing interest rates and global economic troubles caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and it's understandable why people may not be feeling great about the economy, despite a still-strong job market. So if you're looking for ways to protect yourself financially, while also making the most of what you have, here are some options to consider."
• Travel news: US drops Covid testing & even Japan is relaxing entry - "This week in travel news, the United States is set to drop its Covid-19 testing requirement for inbound air travelers, and Japan is now allowing international tour groups. Plus, the world's most expensive cities and the country with Europe's cleanest bathing spots have been revealed."
• Dubai - a bolthole & a gateway - "A common refrain in Monaco when business owners are asked what happened to Russian clients after sanctions is: 'They�ve gone to Dubai.'"
• Best running gear: top gadgets to keep you motivated - "From music on the go to GPS watches and apps such as Strava, tech to help you clock up the miles."
• The 8 Best Whiskeys In The USA 2022 - "The Ultimate Spirits Challenge just announced their best of the best American whiskeys. Here are our tasting notes on each one."
• Simple eye examination could predict heart attack risk, says study - "Researchers find that patterns of blood vessels in the retina could help identify those likely to experience cardiac problems."
• World Cup 2022: When is it taking place & why is Qatar hosting? - "The last two spots in football's 2022 World Cup finals will be decided this week when the intercontinental play-offs are held in Doha, Qatar."
• CNN goes inside rebranded McDonald's restaurant in Russia - "Russia has relaunched McDonald's under new branding and ownership. CNN's Fred Pleitgen visited Moscow's Pushkinskaya Square, the same location where McDonald's first opened in Russia in 1990."
• What is 'low-carbon gardening'? - "How to turn your garden into a carbon sink. From patches of wilderness to decomposing plants, turning your garden into a carbon sink isn�t just about adding lots of trees."
• How Fashion Giants Recast Plastic as Good for the Planet - "An influential system overseen by retailers and clothing makers ranks petroleum-based synthetics like 'vegan leather' as more environmentally sound than natural fibers."
• Why you may have a thinking digital twin within a decade - "Most of us have been told by a friend that we have a doppelganger - some stranger they passed on the street who bore an uncanny resemblance to you. But imagine if you could create your very own twin, an exact copy of yourself, but one that lived a purely digital life?"
• Zhang Daqian, the Chinese painter who outsold Van Gogh - "Zhang Daqian may not be a household name in the West, but in China - and the global art market at large - he is on par with the likes of Warhol and Monet."
• A Restored Painting Recalls the Colosseum�s Christian Past - "The restoration of a wall painting depicting an idealized Jerusalem is a reminder that the Roman monument, known best for gladiatorial combat, was a sacred Christian space for centuries."
• Lolita at 60: Stanley Kubrick�s daring drama is a deft tightrope act - "The first, and greatest, adaptation of Vladimir Nabokov�s troubling 1955 novel still possesses a strange and unnerving power."

June 12, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: fierce fighting in Sievierdonetsk, as EU to decide on Ukraine candidacy - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 109 of the invasion - "EU to make recommendation on Ukraine�s candidacy this week; Biden says Zelenskiy didn�t want to hear warnings of Russian invasion."
• Ukraine war in maps: Tracking the Russian invasion - "Heavy fighting continues in east Ukraine, with key locations under intense bombardment from Russian forces."
• Climate change a bigger threat than war, Fiji tells security summit - "Fiji has told an Asian security summit that climate change is a bigger threat to the Pacific than military tensions."
• Thirty years of climate summits: where have they got us? - "Highlights and lowlights of Cop since Rio 1992, when countries set up a system to tackle climate crisis."
• Donald Trump, American Monster - "A man of pure narcissistic psychopathy feels no guilt and has no sense of the damage he does."
• Personality Test: Your sleeping position reveals these personality traits - "Why do you sleep on your stomach? Why do you on your side? Why do you sleep with a pillow? Today, we tell you your personality traits based on your favorite sleeping position."
• Punctuality Is Having a Moment - "'Fashionably late' falls out of fashion after more than two years of remote work, when, for many people, there was no good reason to be tardy."
• Transforming an Airbus A330 into a yacht-like luxury experience - "The fact that the mega rich go to great lengths to customize their private planes to fit their lifestyles is not new."
• Saudi money, blockbuster names & a unique format: everything you need to know about the LIV Golf series - "The new golf tour began on Thursday in London, with fans arriving at the Centurion Club to witness some of the sport's biggest names playing in the inaugural event just north of London."
• The Shocking History of Arsenic-Laced Wallpaper - "When we think of arsenic today, it�s pretty much synonymous with poison. But in the 19th century, as much as its lethal qualities captivated the public imagination, the substance became more and more common in everyday life. Newspapers sensationalized murder trials of wives who supposedly killed their husbands with 'inheritance powder,' while the average Victorian home often contained medicines, makeup, aphrodisiacs, clothing, children�s toys, and wallpaper laced with the very same chemical. So how, exactly, could a health hazard this serious remain so prevalent?"
• 8 Ingenious Ways to Repurpose Used Coffee Grounds - "Few give a thought to its byproduct, coffee grounds, which most people unceremoniously dump into the garbage. And that's a mistake, as there are a surprising number of things you can do with used coffee grounds. Some of this versatility comes from the fact that coffee is filled with valuable nutrients. Researchers from Spain's University of Granada found coffee grounds are rich in fiber and phenols, and their antioxidant effects are 500 times greater than those found in vitamin C. The grounds' coarse texture is another advantage, as is their ability to stain. Intrigued? Here are eight creative ways to reuse your old coffee grounds."
• Confessions of a 1980s flight attendant - "Remember when flying was glamorous and sexy, even fun? When airline food was gourmet, everyone dressed up for a flight, and stewardesses catered to our every need-at least in our imaginations?"
• Hollywood producer's quest to restore English stately home - "When US film-maker Hopwood DePree discovered his family's derelict English ancestral home a decade ago, he left Hollywood and started a new life near Rochdale to save the crumbling mansion. He has now told the story in a book called Downton Shabby."
• Welcome To Bezel World - "A look at the single most talked-about watch component of all time."
• The State Of Champagne: An Interview With G.H. Mumm - "With so many sparkling wine competitors in the world market, from Spain, Italy and California, Champagne has managed to maintain a healthy growth rate, even with the introduction of smaller estates in Reims and Epernay joining the big established marques. To assess the current state of Champagne, I interviewed Laurent Fresnet, Cellar Master at G.H. Mumm, while he was visitng New York last month."
• Mo Donegal crosses finish line first at Belmont Stakes - "Mo Donegal won the 154th running of the Belmont Stakes in Elmont, New York, on Saturday."
• This is the Harrison Ford scene you didn�t see in �E.T.� - "E.T. did not phone Harrison Ford. The megawatt movie star was supposed to be in Steven Spielberg�s 1982 blockbuster - which turns 40 on June 11 - but his scene ended up on the cutting-room floor."
• Hands on: Everything new with CarPlay in iOS 16 - "Apple heavily featured CarPlay during this year's WWDC keynote. There are several changes planned - some imminent and some for down the line. Here is what's new with CarPlay and what we'll actually see in iOS 16."
• Everything new with Apple Music on iOS 16 - "One of the reasons to be excited about a WWDC is previewing what�s coming to Apple Music. With iOS 16, unfortunately, Apple didn�t announce a ton of new features to its music streaming service - different from all the other years. That said, there are still a few functions and tweaks that users will love when using Apple Music with iOS 16."

June 11, 2022

• The week around the world in 20 pictures - "The shelling of Sievierodonetsk, the aftermath of Hurricane Agatha, wildfires near Bras�lia and the Queen�s platinum jubilee celebrations in London: the most striking global images this week."
• Russia-Ukraine war: �intense street fighting� in Sieverodonetsk with both sides suffering heavy casualties, says UK - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 108 of the invasion - "Cholera warning as Russia accused of razing high-rises in Mariupol without removing bodies; Serbia rejects call to impose Russia sanctions; fighting rages in Sievierodonetsk."
• What happened in the Russia-Ukraine war this week? Catch up with the must-read news and analysis - "Ukraine �almost out of ammunition�; death sentences at a show trial; the battle for Sievierodonetsk."
• Restoration of empire is the endgame for Russia's Vladimir Putin - "'Peter the Great waged the Great Northern War for 21 years,' a relaxed and apparently self-satisfied Putin said. 'On the face of it, he was at war with Sweden taking something away from it... He was not taking away anything, he was returning. This is how it was.'"
• Burger & two fries? Russia unveils logo as it replaces McDonald�s - "More than 1,000 former restaurants of US fast-food chain to be taken over by as yet unnamed brand."
• Five key takeaways from the Capitol riot hearing - "After 11 months of work, the congressional committee investigating the 6 January 2021 attack on the US Capitol - and the events leading up to it - held its first public hearing to announce their findings."
• C.D.C. Dismisses Airborne Transmission of Monkeypox. Some Experts Disagree - "The virus 'is not known to linger in the air,' agency officials said. But the research is far from definitive."
• Singleness Is Not a Stigma - "It�s time we stop privileging romantic connections over all others."
• 'End of life' doctor reveals what happens when we die is 'best kept secret in medicine' - "Dr Kathryn Mannix, from Northumberland, specialises in palliative and end of life care and believes death is a 'process' which mirrors birth and is probably quite relaxing for most."
• When we'll be able to 3D-print organs & who will be able to afford them - "The soonest that could happen is in a decade, thanks to 3D organ bioprinting, said Jennifer Lewis, a professor at Harvard University's Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering. Organ bioprinting is the use of 3D-printing technologies to assemble multiple cell types, growth factors and biomaterials in a layer-by-layer fashion to produce bioartificial organs that ideally imitate their natural counterparts, according to a 2019 study."
• Tiger Woods Officially A Billionaire, No Thanks To The Saudis - "He reportedly turned down a 'high nine digits' deal to play on the new Saudi-backed golf tour, but no matter. Thanks to endorsements and real estate, he is a billionaire anyway."
• How psilocybin, the psychedelic in mushrooms, may rewire the brain to ease depression, anxiety & more - "Shrooms, Alice, tweezes, mushies, hongos, pizza toppings, magic mushrooms - everyday lingo for psychedelic mushrooms seems to grow with each generation. Yet leading mycologist Paul Stamets believes it's time for fans of psilocybin mushrooms to leave such childish slang behind."
• 20 Everyday Carry Brands You Should Know - "Even if you�ve never heard of the concept before, there�s a pretty solid chance you�ve got an everyday carry loadout you rely on to get you through your days. This could be as simple as just a wallet, keychain, and smartphone. Or it could be far more comprehensive - comprised of a bevy of tools, devices, a blade or two, etc. The greater point is this: EDC is pretty damn ubiquitous, even for those not in the know. And that probably explains why there are so many options out there for good everyday carry gear."
• 30 Best Accessories For Everyday Carry of 2022 - HiConsumption.
• From the 'Clapper' to arsenic wallpaper, why objects go extinct - "The 'Clapper', literal snail mail, anti-gravity underwear - there are reasons why all of these objects are extinct. But now, a new book is exhuming them from the trash heap of history."
• Secrets of a prize-winning Sicilian gelateria - "Pizza, pasta and gelato: the holy trinity of Italian food. And while the first two have conquered the rest of the world, no other country yet has succeeded in making gelato quite like the Italians do. A more intense form of ice cream, containing less dairy and served slightly warge.. and spring... and winter."
• ET the Extra-Terrestrial at 40: Spielberg�s sci-fi smash remains a wonder - "The director�s lauded 1982 hit is about childhood empathy - four decades later, it�s still one of his most complete experiences."
• How to turn spent coffee into a brilliant vegan dessert - "This plant-based tiramisu is a fantastic way to make your ground coffee go even further."
• Bullet Proof Armored BMW I7 Electric Limousine On Its Way - "BMW will build an armored version of its super-luxury i7 limousine, sources at the German premium automaker have confirmed. An official announcement on the BMW i7 Protection is likely to be made after this month�s G7 economic summit in Germany, but the project will be BMW�s first official armored electric car."
• FIREFOX & CHROME ARE SQUARING OFF OVER AD-BLOCKER EXTENSIONS - "Mozilla will let extensions use the most privacy-preserving blocking techniques on network traffic."
• The Best Movies on Amazon Prime Video Right Now - "New films, and classics, just keep coming, but you don�t have to drill down to find the finest selections to stream. We�ll do the heavy lifting. You press play."
• Tom Sachs' NikeCraft General Purpose Shoe could be Nike's most wearable shoe ever - "Tom Sachs has unveiled his NikeCraft General Purpose Shoe and it's one of Nike's most wearable shoes ever (and it won't cost the earth)."
• Limited Edition Gold Leica M10 is Being Released in Honor of the Thai King - "In a collaboration with Thai Beverage, Leica is set to make 10 gold Leica M10 cameras available in honor of the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and each is expected to cost around $50,000."

June 10, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: UK MP says captured Britons sentenced to death are �essentially being used as hostages� by Russia - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 107 of the invasion - "Vladimir Putin compares his actions in Ukraine to conquests of Peter the Great; Zelenskiy says Ukraine �holding on� to key frontline cities in Donbas."
• Putin compares himself to Peter the Great in quest to take back Russian lands - "President draws parallel with tsar who waged war on Sweden and says campaign in Ukraine stems from Russia�s �basic values�."
• Putin: West unlikely to reject Russian energy for years - "Russian President Vladimir Putin says the West will not be able to cut itself off from Russian oil and gas for several years."
• Mission accomplished? The meaning of Russia�s claimed land bridge to Crimea - "As its defence minister trumpets a key goal, Russia is pushing hard to subjugate areas of southern Ukraine it controls."
• Why Chinese warplanes are 'playing chicken' with US allies & why they're doing it now - "Chinese warplanes are targeting US allies in a high-stakes 'game of chicken' over the Asia-Pacific that risks spiraling out of control - raising the risk of an incident that could spark war."
• My Family Got Covid. So Why Did We Test Negative? - "The key to this household mystery may lie in our vaccination status, experts say."
• How to age well - Live for today the philosophical way - "What�s gone is gone, but don�t waste time worrying about that. Or on what comes next. The ideal way to age is to be in the moment."
• Trump's Air Force One plan has a paint problem (among many other issues) - "The two new Air Force One jets currently being built by Boeing are facing costly delays. Now there is a new potential problem to contend with: the paint job that former President Donald Trump ordered. Trump had criticized the jet's current color scheme, which has changed little since the Kennedy Administration, particularly the light blue stripe that runs the length of the plane. Trump instead wanted a red, white and dark blue palette that more closely matches the colors of the US flag."
• Nasa forms independent team to study unexplained UFO sightings - "The space agency�s mission chief said scientific community may see it as �selling out� with study expected to begin this fall."
• With Elon Musk, the Drama Is the Point - "Elon Musk may be looking for a better Twitter deal as $44 billion seems too high with 20% of users being fake or spam accounts."
• The best podcasts of 2022 so far - "From the astounding story of magicians Siegfried and Roy to an addictive series on our obsession with reality TV, here�s the most essential listening from the last six months."
• Apple Announces iOS 16: It Could Disappoint Millions Of iPhone Users - "Surprisingly, it�ll work with fewer iPhones than many had predicted."
• #worktok: The surge of venting about the worst of work - "A couple of years ago, happy hour at the pub was workers' go-to destination for whinging about work. But after two years of social distancing during the pandemic, that's changed. Now, workers across the world have instead picked up their smartphones to vent about the 9-to-5 on TikTok, the social media app with a billion monthly users."
• A gourmet revival of Sierra Leone's bold flavours - "Sierra Leone recently got its first traditional fine-dining restaurant: a buzzing oasis where West African history and culture meet haute cuisine. Since November 2021, a new restaurant, The Cole Street Guest House, has put Sierra Leone's ancestral flavours front and centre, creating a buzzing oasis where history and culture meet haute cuisine."
• Where To Stay While Visiting The World's Greatest Beaches - "Each summer millions of vacationers flock to beaches throughout the world in order to soak up some rays and to feel the soft sand beneath their feet. With a seemingly endless array of beaches on the planet, travelers have plenty of choices from which to choose. From the shores of Ramatuelle to the beaches lying just above the equator in Thailand and Malaysia, water enthusiasts won�t be shortchanged. Of course, just as important as the beach you ultimately select are the accommodations you choose. These exquisite accommodations are sure to enhance any beach vacation."
• �So gorgeous you�ll shed tears of joy�: readers� favourite beaches in Greece - "From Ithaca to Milos via the Peloponnese, our tipsters wax lyrical about glorious beach sojourns."
• Alexander McQueen fashion & the art it inspired - in pictures - "A new collection sits beside works by 12 female artists, turning the brand�s Mayfair store into an art gallery."
• Magnus Carlsen is closing in on his target of a 2900 rating - The Guardian.
• How Skagen Turns Ocean Plastic Into Watches For The Many - "The Danish-inspired brand is making waves with horological sustainability efforts."
• The DeLorean Is Back With An 88-Unit �Alpha V� EV Concept - "Not many cars have the emotional pull of a DeLorean, the Future-Is-So-Bright 1980s automotive icon that was cemented into the public zeitgeist like few other cars after a star turn as a rolling time machine in the mega-hit movie Back To The Future - and the sudden and swift demise of the company and the man who created it."
• Ikea announces record player that might actually make it to stores this time - "Designed in collaboration with Swedish House Mafia for the collection called OBEGRÄNSAD, launching in Fall 2022."

June 9, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Zelenskiy says Sievierodonetsk seeing most difficult fighting so far in war - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 106 of the invasion - "Zelenskiy describes the battle for Sievierodonetsk as the most difficult seen so far as Russia claims to have begun to send grain from occupied areas of Ukraine to Turkey and the Middle East."
• War in Ukraine threatens to unleash �unprecedented wave� of global hunger & destitution, warns UN Chief - "More than three months since the start of the war in Ukraine, people globally are facing a cost-of-living crisis not seen in more than a generation, with escalating price shocks in the global food, energy and fertilizer markets - in a world already grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. An estimated 1.6 billion people in 94 countries are exposed to at least one dimension of the crisis, and about 1.2 billion of them live in �perfect-storm� countries which are severely vulnerable to all three dimensions - food, energy and finance - of the cost-of-living crisis, according to the latest findings of the United Nations Secretary-General�s Global Crisis Response Group (GCRG) on food, energy and finance systems."
• US has a "very serious" problem with Covid-19 vaccine uptake - "According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 48.7% of people over the age of 12 have been fully vaccinated and received at least one booster dose in the US. That is a lower rate than in other countries with similar access to vaccines. For example, 69.6% of people over the age of 12 have been boosted in the United Kingdom and 55.5% in Canada. Across the 27 European Union countries, 62.6% of adults have been boosted."
• Parts of Shanghai return to lockdown, Beijing district shuts entertainment venues - "Shanghai and Beijing went back on fresh COVID-19 alert on Thursday after parts of China's largest economic hub started imposing new lockdown restrictions while the most populous district in the Chinese capital shut entertainment venues."
• Gruelling gaokao exams put China�s �epidemic generation� to the test - "The class of 2022 is the first to have completed the entire high school curriculum under the shadow of Covid-19. As students across the country line up for the first day of the college entrance exam, Shanghai candidates must wait another month."
• Trials of new Covid vaccine raise hopes of once-a-year booster - "Moderna shot is said to produce eightfold increase in antibody levels against Omicron in first four weeks."
• Scientists have for the first time found microplastics in freshly fallen Antarctic snow - "Researchers from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand collected samples from 19 sites in Antarctica and each contained tiny plastic fragments."
• New Zealand's plan to tax cow & sheep burps - It would make it the first nation to charge farmers for the methane emissions from the animals they keep.
• Should we detach ourselves from nature? - "In the face of environmental collapse, humanity may need to turn to artificial replacements for nature - how might we avoid the most dystopian of these futures?"
• Prince Albert 0f Monaco joins the ranks of authors - "'Man and the Ocean' by HSH Prince Albert has been published by Editions Flammarion to mark World Oceans Day on June 8."
• The best test tracks to trial your hi-fi system - "Test tracks that are particularly telling of a system's talents."
• The ugly economics behind Apple�s new Pay Later system - "Apple�s foray into the buy now, pay later scheme poses some serious questions about consumer safety."
• Stage Manager is the new Mac multitasking interface we didn�t know we needed - "Apple new windows organizer in macOS 13 Ventura can be very helpful."
• The Toilet Paper So Soft Prince Charles Betrayed the Official Royal Supplier - "Charles�s affinity for Kleenex Velvet was revealed to Brown by Michael Fawcett, former senior valet to the prince."
• TikTok is Convincing People to Scratch Their Camera Lenses with Rocks - "Some photographers on TikTok are trying an unconventional technique for unusual results: taking a rock to the front of their lenses, scratching the glass, and destroying them in the process."
• The man who bought an entire village in Italy - "Italy has in recent years sold off hundreds of dilapidated homes for next to nothing, thanks to schemes to attract new residents triggering a wave of regeneration for rural communities. For one man, buying a single house wasn't enough. He bought an entire village."
• THE LIGHT OF AFRICA DIAMOND - A SENSATIONAL DIAMOND - "Sold for US$20,084,000 on June 8 at Christie's. 103.49 carats, D color, Flawless, excellent polish and symmetry, Type IIa."
• The New Dream List: 12 Once-In-A-Lifetime Travel Goals - "The old 'bucket list,' with its crowded monuments has given way to a new collection of dream trips�heavy on the nature and remote culture."
• ALL THE BIGGEST NEWS FROM NETFLIX GEEKED WEEK 2022 - "Sandman, Umbrella Academy, Resident Evil, and much more."
• The country calling 2022 the 'year of coffee' - "Coffee isn't just a drink in Saudi Arabia, it's an ancient tradition of hospitality - and as the country opens to tourism, it's also one of its most interesting draws."
• Beetroot juice may aid people with coronary heart disease - study - "Research suggests a daily glass reduces harmful inflammation by boosting nitric oxide levels."

June 8, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine defences in Sievierodonetsk holding, says UK�s MoD; Chornobyl radiation detectors re-start - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 105 of the invasion - "Ukrainian forces fight to stave off Russian attacks in Sievierodonestk as 800 civilians reportedly take refuge in a chemical factory in the city."
• Mystery Russian superyacht sets sail for the US after Fiji court ruling - "Russian oil boss, Eduard Khudainatov, linked to �Putin�s yacht� at centre of US court case."
• The world's most expensive cities for 2022 - "Global mobility company ECA International has released its annual list of the world's most expensive cities to live in, and once again Hong Kong has landed at the top of the list."
• 25 Most Affordable & Most Expensive Michelin Restaurants in Europe - "You�ll be glad to know that there are very affordable options in the world of Michelin stars, where you can enjoy a fabulous meal for 30 euros or less." Chef's Pencil.
• The Best Luxury Luggage for Traveling in Style - "Bring back the golden age of travel with these gorgeous designer suitcases and weekenders."
• The best games of 2022 so far - "From racing round the Nürburgring and cerebral androids on the run, to compiling the first Pokédex and tackling robot dinosaurs, here are the best games of the year so far."
• Japan to let in foreign tourists, but only if masked & accompanied by chaperone - "Visitors from select countries will be allowed to return to Japan from Friday but will only be allowed to travel under strict conditions."
• �Gold rush� for gas production threatens to lock in global heating - "New dash for gas driven by energy disruption and rising prices spurns warnings to cease exploration to meet 1.5 heating limit."
• Airline asks passengers to prove nationality with language test - "Ryanair under fire for asking South Africans to prove nationality with Afrikaans test."
• How Updates in iOS 16 & Android 13 Will Change Your Phone - "Soon, iPhone owners will be able to edit text messages, and Android owners will be able to send high-resolution photos. Many of the changes are long overdue."
• Apple explains how it�s making your iPhone a full-fledged webcam for your Mac - "A WWDC session details the new Continuity Camera for macOS 13 and iOS 16."
• Apple will be required to support USB-C charger under new EU policy - "Apple and other smartphone makers will be required to support USB-C as part of a single charging standard for mobile devices across the European Union by as early as the fall of 2024 under a new law announced Tuesday by EU officials."
• 'Napalm Girl' at 50: The story of the Vietnam War's defining photo - "The girl, since identified as Phan Thi Kim Phuc, ultimately survived her injuries. This was thanks, in part, to Associated Press photographer Nick Ut, who assisted the children after taking his now-iconic image. Fifty years on from that fateful day, the pair are still in regular contact - and using their story to spread a message of peace."
• A sponge may not be the most hygienic way to clean dishes, study suggests, but there is an alternative - "'Salmonella and other bacteria grow and survive better in sponges than in brushes, the reason is that sponges in daily use never dry up,' said Trond Møretrø, a research scientist at Nofima, a Norwegian food research institute. 'Brushes are the better choice to clean dishes, from an hygienic point of view.'"
• A tiny hotel on the edge of the world - "Norway's creative, isolated Arctic hideaway. On a remote island deep into the Arctic Circle, a passionate jazz musician runs a hospitality project like no other - and it takes all his improvisational skills to keep it going."
• Regent Seven Seas 2025 World Cruise To Stop In 97 Ports, Here�s How Much It Will Cost - "Here�s your chance to see the entire world! You just have to be willing to spend about 5 months on a cruise ship and fork over some serious money."
• Could we live without plastic? - "What would happen if we stopped using plastic? Plastic has seeped into every aspect of our existence. Can we live without it?"
• How to spot a fake Louis Vuitton bag, according to Dublin designer expert - "Sustainable fashion is the way forward - so investing in a luxury handbag is beneficial for both consumers and the planet. Paddy also counts the stiches and measures the zips to check for authenticity. The Louis Vuitton branding stamp is also one to look out for. Paddy makes sure that the distance between letters are all equal. 'There will be a date code inside these bags as well which will tell us what month or year the bag was made.'"
• The Ancient Greek Roots of Feta, The Oldest Cheese in Recorded History - "Feta is the soft white 'king' of Greek cheeses, renowned around the world. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times as the first mention of the famous cheese is as old as Homer�s Odyssey. In fact, it�s the oldest cheese in recorded history."

June 7, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Sievierodonetsk sees �fierce street fighting�; Zelenskiy says peace talks �at level zero� - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 104 of the invasion - "Zelenskiy says Sievierodonetsk and sister city Lysychansk are �dead cities� as UN warns war is creating a human trafficking crisis."
• Federal judge authorizes US to seize two of Roman Abramovich�s private jets - "US justice department prosecutors say both jets flew to Russia in March, violating export restrictions."
• How do you get 20m tonnes of grain out of Ukraine? - "War presents diplomatic and logistical challenges as silos of world�s fifth-biggest wheat exporter fill up."
• Russia Seeks Buyers for Plundered Ukraine Grain, U.S. Warns - "American diplomats have alerted 14 countries, most in Africa, that Russian ships filled with stolen Ukrainian grain could be headed their way, posing a dilemma to countries facing dire food shortages."
• Singapore's dengue 'emergency' is a climate change omen for the world - "Singapore says it is facing a dengue 'emergency' as it grapples with an outbreak of the seasonal disease that has come unusually early this year. The Southeast Asian city-state has already exceeded 11,000 cases - far beyond the 5,258 it reported throughout 2021 - and that was before June 1, when its peak dengue season traditionally begins."
• Apple WWDC 2022: the 16 biggest announcements - "Here�s everything announced at the big event."
• Hands-on with the new, more colorful, M2-powered MacBook Air - "What Apple�s new laptop looks like in person."
• MacBook Air M2 hands-on: Bye-bye wedge - "Highlights include a new look, TouchID and bigger screen."
• Apple's next-gen CarPlay will better integrate with your car's infotainment system - "In-dash displays could soon mirror your iPhone screens."
• Apple will let you use iPhones for video chats on Mac - "(Because its webcams stink). iPhone users are walking around with great cameras in their pockets, so why not use that with their Macs? That's the basic idea behind Continuity Camera, a new feature coming to macOS Ventura that'll let you plop an iPhone on top of your Mac, and use those mobile cameras to power video chats in FaceTime, Teams and any other conferencing app."
• The symbolism behind the Queen's jubilee surprise - "Aware of the optics surrounding her unprecedented Platinum Jubilee, the Queen made sure to give the public a look at the future of the monarchy by opting to have Britain's next three Kings - Princes Charles, William and George - standing alongside her on the balcony."
• Elon Musk threatens to walk away from Twitter deal - "Elon Musk has threatened to walk away from his $44bn takeover of Twitter, accusing the social media company of 'thwarting' his requests to learn more about its user base."
• This landlocked country has been named Europe's best for bathing - "The quality of Europe's bathing waters has improved dramatically in recent decades, and a new report released this week by the European Environment Agency (EEA) reveals that almost 85% of its bathing sites now rank as 'excellent.' The annual Bathing Water Report monitored nearly 22,000 inland and coastal swimming spots across EU member states, Albania and Switzerland in 2021. The UK, having left the EU, was absent from the report for the first time. The landlocked country of Austria, known for its many beautiful lakes including the Alpine waters of Achensee in Tyrol and the emerald-hued Weissensee in Carinthia, is at top of the ranking, with 97.7% of its waters declared excellent."
• Rare inlaid Stradivari violin could fetch $11 million at auction - "The 'Hellier' Stradivarius 'is the finest inlaid violin ever made by... Stradivari and one of the finest Stradivarius instruments in existence,' said auction house Christie's which is offering the instrument as the top lot in its July 7 'The Exceptional Sale'."
• Overweight people lost 35 to 52 pounds on newly approved diabetes drug, study says - "A weekly dose of a medication recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat type 2 diabetes may help adults without diabetes lose weight as well, a new study found."
• Princess Charlene of Monaco tests positive for coronavirus - "HSH Princess Charlene has tested positive after showing symptoms of coronavirus infection and will not be taking part in the Riviera Water Bike Challenge on Sunday, June 5."
• Who really shot Bobby Kennedy? - "Sirhan Sirhan was convicted of the crime, but many - including Kennedy's friend Paul Schrade - suspect another gunman was involved."
• A seaweed drink that tastes of eggnog - "Belize's sweet, sustainable 'seaweed shakes'."
• Ukraine winery in area shelled by Russia wins gold at Decanter wine awards - "Beykush winery struggled to get bottles to judges in UK from its site on edge of Russian-occupied territory."
• �He has been forgotten�: why humorist Art Buchwald should be remembered - "A new biography celebrates the sharp humour and difficult life of the Pulitzer-winning newspaper humourist, once known as �the wit of Washington�."
• Ian Rankin: �The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie is a perfect gem of a story� - "The crime writer on being fascinated by A Clockwork Orange, inspired by Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and taking comfort in Muriel Spark�s novel."
• Image Quality is More Than Megapixels - "People often think higher megapixels equals higher image quality, but image quality is about a lot more than megapixels in a camera sensor."

June 6, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Putin warns of new targets; Zelenskiy visits troops on eastern front - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 103 of the invasion - "Putin warns that Moscow will hit new targets if west supplies Ukraine with long-range missiles as Kyiv reels from first attack in more than a month."
• WWDC22 | APPLE WORLDWIDE DEVELOPERS CONFERENCE - "Code one, code all." Join developers worldwide from June 6 to 10 for an inspiring week of technology and community. Get a first look at Apple�s latest platforms and technologies in sessions, explore the newest tools and tips, and connect with Apple experts in labs and digital lounges. All online and at no cost.
• �Humbled & deeply touched�: Queen thanks nation as four-day jubilee ends - "In a message at the climax of celebrations, monarch acknowledges her fragility but commits to continue her reign."
• Fashion highlights from the Queen's Platinum Jubilee - "The Platinum Jubilee weekend was full of memorable fashion, from the Queen's pearl-embellished Trooping the Color outfit to Prince Louis' little sailor suit."
• Monkeypox: Cases outside Africa rise to 780 in three weeks - "There have been 780 confirmed cases of monkeypox in countries where the virus is not usually found, the World Health Organization says."
• Twilight of the NIMBY - "Suburban homeowners like Susan Kirsch are often blamed for worsening the nation�s housing crisis. That doesn�t mean she�s giving up her two-decade fight against 20 condos."
• Val Kilmer�s Top Gun: Maverick dialog was all AI since he can no longer speak - "Following a very difficult battle with throat cancer, which ultimately left him without much of his voice, the possibility of Kilmer returning to the role of Iceman might have seemed impossible. But, thanks to a special voice AI program, Kilmer was able to revisit his role, and catch up with his old friend Maverick. Val Kilmer�s voice in Top Gun: Maverick was actually created by an AI."
• Are You Rich? Updated Study Defines What It Means To Be Wealthy - "It's a common question that people ask themselves - how well off am I compared to the rest of the population? Am I earning above, below or about average for someone of my age and background? Well, a new report from L�Observatoire des Inégalités, an independent organisation which studies inequality in French society, has defined what it means to be wealthy and how many people that includes. To be considered rich, a person must have a revenue of €3,673 per month ($3,903) - this amount is double that of the average person and comprises 4.5 million people in France."
• 'Nightmare airport' debuts new $4 billion terminal - "Travel news: LaGuardia's makeover, the world's largest cave and destination inspiration."
• Why one of world's poorest countries adopted Bitcoin - "The Central African Republic's decision to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender came as a surprise to many, but the government argues that it will secure an independent financial future for the country, as the BBC's Damian Zane and Guy Bandolo report."
• Seven queens star in Sotheby�s show of power, prestige & pearls - "Exhibition brings together portraits, many held in private collections, of queens from Tudor times onwards."
• The 7 Best Nike Workout Shoes for Every Activity - Footwear News.

June 5, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: explosions shake Kyiv; Ukraine counterattacks have blunted Russian gains, says UK - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 102 of the invasion - "Ukrainian forces push back in Sievierodonetsk and Kyiv rebukes Emmanuel Macron for saying Russia must not be humiliated."
• Queen�s Platinum Party at the Palace - in pictures - "Elton John, Queen with Adam Lambert and Diana Ross among stars paying tribute to Her Majesty�s platinum jubilee at a concert held in her honour at the Mall."
• Which Tom Cruise film has made the most at the ticket booth? - "Tom Cruise is one of the most popular movie stars in Hollywood history. Here's a list of Cruise's biggest blockbusters at the domestic box office, adjusted for inflation, according to Comscore (SCOR)."
• Glasses or no glasses, this year�s WWDC is all about AR - "Apple needs to show us what a world looks like after smartphones."
• Apple Starts Connecting the Dots for Its Next Big Thing - "The company has enlisted Hollywood directors like Jon Favreau to help its effort to create products that blend the physical and virtual worlds."
• This illusion, new to science, is strong enough to trick our reflexes - "'Expanding hole' deceives our pupils to expand in anticipation of expected decrease in light."
• Climate-friendly diets can make a huge difference - even if you don�t go all-out vegan - "Changing habits can be hard but even partial shifts from meat-based menus could significantly decrease planet-heating emissions."
• Global heating is turning white Alps green, study finds - "Vegetated areas above treeline have increased by 77% since 1984, satellite data shows."
• How a hybrid tree conquered the world - "The world's cities have always been radically hostile environments for trees - but there�s one variety that�s proved to be remarkably resilient."
• Former Empress Farah Pahlavi on the Future of Iran - "In a rare interview - nearly 50 years after her iconic T&C cover - the former Empress of Iran, Her Imperial Majesty Farah Pahlavi, contemplates her role as a force of modernity in the Middle East and as a symbol of what was and what could be for Persians around the world."
• Is this the end of retirement as we know it? - "The �retirement ideal� has been changing for years. Older people are increasingly unretiring, changing the shape of this life stage."
• The Official Bitcoin Billionaire's Handbook - "How to speak, act, and shop like a cryptocrat - even if you have no idea what a blockchain is."
• One of the most useful Microsoft Word features is finally coming to Mac - "It�s a good day for slow-typing Mac owners."
• The 10 Best Nike Walking Shoes, According to an Expert - "Walking shoes are a smart wardrobe staple for any person to have. They�re great for those who go out of their way to walk, of course, but they�re also great for running errands, exploring a new city or taking out the dog."
• �I�m living in the bubble�: the man who helped bring Nixon down, 50 years on - "John Dean speaks on the 1972 Watergate break-in and why he has never been more concerned about US democracy than now."
• How India�s new taste for local whisky is shaking up the global drinks market - "Sales of Indian single malts are booming as a new generation sheds old notions about the superiority of imported brands."

June 4, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Ukrainians push back in Sievierodonetsk; Africans are victims of the war, Putin told - live - The Guardian.
• What happened in the Russia-Ukraine war this week? Catch up with the must-read news & analysis - "100 days of Vladimir Putin�s war; fight for Sievierodonetsk as eastern city becomes key war aim for Moscow; a closer look at Biden�s pledge to send high-tech rocket systems."
• Chernobyl scarred by Russian troops' damage & looting - "Ukraine says the Russian army looted or damaged more than 1,000 computers at the Chernobyl nuclear power station and stole trucks and radiation dosimeters."
• Carbon Dioxide Levels Are Highest in Human History - "Emissions totaled 36.3 billion tons in 2021, the highest level in history. As the amount of carbon dioxide increases, the planet keeps warming, with effects like increased flooding, more extreme heat, drought and worsening wildfires that are already being experienced by millions of people worldwide."
• Covid: Why do some vaccines protect you for longer than others? - "A measles vaccine can protect you for a lifetime. Tetanus gives you about 10 years of cover, while flu vaccines need updating every year. When it comes to Covid-19, we�re still not sure exactly how long protection from the vaccine lasts."
• How to Watch the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations This Weekend - VOGUE.
• Queen�s absence strikes symbolic note as royals gather at jubilee service - "Charles stands in for his mother at St Paul�s Cathedral in ceremony that pays tribute to her seven-decade reign."
• All the Best Photos of Trooping the Colour 2022 - "Under blue skies in London, the British royal family kicked off the Platinum Jubilee celebration weekend in style."
• IOS 16, NOTIFICATIONS & MACS: WHAT TO EXPECT AT WWDC 2022 - "Will once again be an online-only event when it takes place from June 6th through June 10th."
• Stream These 11 Titles Before They Leave Netflix This Month - "A lot of great movies and TV shows are expiring for subscribers in the United States in June. Here are the ones worth finding time for."
• The Greatest Life Hacks in the World (for Now) - The New York Times.
• Why Turkey changed its name: populism, polls & a bird - "The nation of Turkey has had it with being associated with a large bird that is best known as a symbol of the North American Thanksgiving holiday."
• NASA probably won't need Russia to send more astronauts to the ISS - "The agency arranged enough SpaceX flights to keep the ISS crewed through 2030."
• Nuclear power could be the future of expedition cruises - "The proposed 500-foot-long vessel is called Thor - a reference to both the Norse god of thunder and the element thorium, which would power its on-board nuclear reactor."
• New York state passes first-ever �right to repair� law for electronics - "�Repairs should become less expensive and more comprehensive� because of the new measure, says iFixit."

June 3, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: UK warns of Russian tactical success in Donbas as war enters 100th day - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 100 of the invasion - "Russian forces now occupy about 20% of Ukraine�s territory as Zelenskiy notes �some success� in battles at Sievierodonetsk."
• Devastation & defiance in Ukraine: 100 days of a war that is reshaping Europe - "How the Russian invasion has unfolded, from the desperate fight for Mariupol to economic turmoil around the world."
• 100 days of war in Ukraine: how the conflict has developed - "Today marks the 100th day of Vladimir Putin�s war in Ukraine. This is how the Russian president�s �special military operation� evolved into a bloody war of attrition."
• After 100 days of war, Putin is counting on the world's indifference - "100 days later, whatever plans Putin may have had for a victory parade in Kyiv are on indefinite hold. Ukrainian morale did not collapse. Ukrainian troops, equipped with modern anti-tank weaponry delivered by the US and its allies, devastated Russian armored columns; Ukrainian missiles sank the guided-missile cruiser Moskva, the pride of Russia's Black Sea Fleet; and Ukrainian aircraft stayed in the air, against the odds."
• How Russian TV has reported the 100 days of conflict - "TV viewers in Russia see only the Kremlin�s version of events in Ukraine. At the start of the invasion, they weren�t even told it was a war. Now, the strident talk shows that dominate the schedules say repeatedly that Moscow faces a Third World War with the West."
• US Treasury sanctions Monaco-based Imperial Yachts & owner - "The Treasury Department�s Office of Foreign Assets Control also announced on Thursday, June 2, that Imperial Yachts, a Monaco yacht management company, and its Russian CEO, Evgeeniy Kochman, are now subject to US sanctions."
• Queen pulls out of jubilee service due to 'discomfort' during Thursday's parade - "Britain's Queen Elizabeth II will miss a service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral for her 70 year reign on Friday, after experiencing 'some discomfort' during the first day of her Platinum Jubilee celebration."
• Prince Louis steals the show at Queen's Jubilee - "See Prince Louis' reaction to royal flypast at Queen's jubilee."
• Queen Elizabeth II's line of succession - "Who's who in the House of Windsor."
• BEHIND THE HIGH-TECH COVID-19 TESTS YOU PROBABLY HAVEN�T HEARD ABOUT - "OTC molecular tests combine PCR accuracy with the convenience of rapid antigen tests. WhenWhen you think about getting tested for COVID-19, you�re most likely picturing two types of tests: the at-home rapid antigen tests you can buy at the drugstore and the PCR test where the results are processed by a lab. What you�re probably less familiar with are at-home molecular tests that you can buy online."
• �Apocalyptic skies�: the dust storms devastating Gulf states & Syria - "Rising frequency of storms due to climate crisis is causing more loss of life and more destruction, say experts."
• New York lawmakers pass a moratorium on Bitcoin mining - "It was down to the wire. The Bitcoin mining boom in New York state hit a roadblock as the State Senate passed a bill that will halt new permits for certain fossil fuel power plants to be used in Bitcoin mining. The measure, which also initiates a study on the environmental impact mining facilities are having in the state, passed in the State Assembly earlier this year."
• Turkey has officially changed its name - "Turkey rebrands as 'Türkiye,' changing name at the United Nations."
• Scientists can reverse aging in mice. The goal is to do the same for humans - "Using proteins that can turn an adult cell into a stem cell, Sinclair and his team have reset aging cells in mice to earlier versions of themselves. In his team's first breakthrough, published in late 2020, old mice with poor eyesight and damaged retinas could suddenly see again, with vision that at times rivaled their offspring's."
• Sony says smartphones will be better cameras than DSLRs in two years! - "'We expect that still images will exceed the image quality of single-lens reflex cameras within the next few years,' said Terushi Shimizu, Sony Semiconductor Solutions CEO."
• The 12 best films of 2022 so far - BBC Culture.
• The $35 million 'oasis in the sky' that became a Netflix sensation - "SAOTA: How architects from 'one end of the world' created luxury homes around the globe."
• Dubai's luxury island where every room opens onto a private beach - "It is in fact part of the latest in Dubai's attention-grabbing mega-projects, Anantara World Islands, tucked just 15 minutes away from the city's shoreline. The resort is the first to open on the World Islands, an archipelago of 300 islands in the shape of, as its name suggests, the world. Think Dubai's very own Hamptons on the Persian Gulf."
• How to pick the right high jewellery to invest in: consider buying from Cartier, Tiffany & Co, Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels & other luxury brands - "Considering investing in high jewellery? Rarity is a most valuable commodity, apart from colour, clarity, cut and carat ... but don't forget ..."
• Why you have a favourite colour - "Why your favourite colour is probably blue. From a young age we are primed to choose a favourite colour, but strangely as we grow up our preference often changes - and it's largely due to influences outside our control."

June 2, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Zelenskiy says 243 children so far killed in war; Russia claims latest US weapons package is �direct provocation� - live - The Guardian.
• 100 days of war in Ukraine: how the conflict has developed - "Friday marks the 100th day of Vladimir Putin�s war in Ukraine. This is how the Russian president�s �special military operation� evolved into a bloody war of attrition."
• Russian oligarch goes to court in bid to open MC bank account - "Boris Rotenberg, a close ally of Putin, is trying to use his status as a Monaco resident in order to oblige a bank to open an account in the Principality, various news sources reported on Wednesday, June 1."
• �We were all wrong�: how Germany got hooked on Russian energy - "Germany has been forced to admit it was a terrible mistake to become so dependent on Russian oil and gas. So why did it happen?"
• Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee: Your guide to the celebrations - Queen Elizabeth II is the UK's longest-reigning monarch. This year, she became the first British sovereign to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee - that's 70 years on the throne.
• Depp-Heard trial verdict: jury rules in favor of Johnny Depp - "The focus of the case was a 2018 editorial Heard wrote calling herself �a public figure representing domestic abuse�."
• This verdict is much bigger than Depp or Heard - "The outcome of this trial affects far more than Depp and Heard, because it epitomizes just how much our society has regressed since the peak of the #MeToo movement."
• North Korea: The mystery of its Covid outbreak - "It's been three weeks since North Korea announced its first ever Covid case. The government claims to have the outbreak under control, but the details remain a mystery."
• Covid in North Korea is likely 'getting worse, not better': WHO - "North Korean state media has said the Covid wave has abated, after daily numbers of people with fever topped 390,000 about two weeks ago."
• Why city trees die young - "Why city forests are getting sick. The world's cities have always been radically hostile environments for trees - and they�re getting worse."
• Kim Kardashian�s New Skin Care Line Is Not for Quitters - "The nine-step beauty regimen mirrors her elaborate daily routine."
• Marilyn Monroe�s Definitive Bombshell Beauty Rules, Straight From the Icon�s Mouth - "Monroe�s own beauty routine is the stuff of legend, scoured over by countless women who remain captivated by her fresh-faced yet sultry look. Of course, few people have shed more light on her beauty philosophies and rituals than Monroe herself - and research turns up more than a few well-conceived pieces of advice. Here, in honor of her birthday, we break down Monroe�s five best secrets, in her own words."
• If you drink these types of coffee, you could have a lower death risk - "The earthy, caffeine-infused coffee drink may hold more power than waking you up in the morning. Drinking either sweetened or unsweetened coffee is associated with a lower death risk compared with not drinking the beverage, according to a new study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine."
• 70 things we know about the Queen - from corgis & cornflakes to HMY Britannia & Bond - "She has carried out more than 21,000 engagements during her reign and sent 300,000 birthday messages to centenarians."
• How the Queen became a style icon - "From ballgowns to Barbours, why Her Majesty's evolving dress sense is a masterclass in royal image making."
• Prince Albert of Monaco opens up to Financial Times in frank interview - "In a wide-ranging and frank interview with the Financial Times, HSH Prince Albert spoke about several topics, from Russian residents to transparency to environmental concerns."
• What if airplanes were wider? Plane interior concept re-imagines inflight seating - "You might not know that the standard for today's airline seat sizing goes all the way back to 1954."
• 20 classic French dishes everyone needs to try - "Whether it's country fare or haute cuisine that inspires, French food is rife with dishes that could captivate even the most discerning of critics. Take a look at 20 of them."
• The US couple who bought a 48-room chateau in France - "Chateau Avensac, which measures roughly 1,200 square meters, with just under 3 hectares of land, set them back around US$1.2 million, including taxes."
• Borgen review - this antidote to real-life politics is like The West Wing 2022 - "The Danish political drama is a breath of fresh air, given the unbearableness of Westminster. How lovely to have it back."
• MB&F Unveils A World�s-First Chronograph: Two In One For Its 20th Caliber - "The all-new MB&F Legacy Machine Sequential EVO watch unveiled to the world today is a pretty big deal. Maybe not for some big group-owned brands, but for independent brand MB&F - this new watch houses the brand�s 20th caliber made since the brand�s founding just 17 years ago. Even better, it is a world�s first when it comes to chronographs - another feat not often reserved for the indie brands."
• Deep in Vatican Archives, Scholar Discovers �Flabbergasting� Secrets - "David Kertzer has spent decades excavating the Vatican�s hidden history, with his work winning a Pulitzer and capturing Hollywood�s attention. A new book examines Pope Pius XII�s role in the Holocaust."

June 1, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Biden approves medium-range rocket systems to bolster Ukraine defences - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 98 of the invasion - "Sievierodonetsk mostly under Russian control; Kremlin further cuts gas supplies to Europe; seed bank in Kharkiv at risk."
• Himars: what are the advanced rockets US is sending Ukraine? - "High Mobility Artillery Rocket System can hit Russian targets up to 50 miles (80km) away, helping to �even the playing field�."
• China has the power to take Taiwan, but it would cost an extremely bloody price - "Many analysts say an invasion of Taiwan would be more dangerous and complex than the Allied D-Day landings in France in World War II. US government documents put the number of killed, injured and missing from both sides during the almost three-month-long Normandy campaign at almost half a million troops."
• We cannot adapt our way out of climate crisis, warns leading scientist - "Katharine Hayhoe says the world is heading for dangers people have not seen in 10,000 years of civilisation."
• Greenhouse gas removal �not a silver bullet to achieve net zero� - "UK scientists say carbon capture is �hard and expensive� and focus must be on reducing emissions."
• Trump Policies Sent U.S. Tumbling in a Climate Ranking - "The Environmental Performance Index, published every two years by researchers at Yale and Columbia, found only Denmark and Britain on sustainable paths to net-zero emissions by 2050."
• Shanghai lockdown: Relief & caution as city returns to life - "It was supposed to last just nine days - a staggered lockdown to lessen the impact on Shanghai's economy, state media said."
• During the Omicron Wave, Death Rates Soared for Older People - "Last year, people 65 and older died from Covid at lower rates than in previous waves. But with Omicron and waning immunity, death rates rose again."
• Your walking speed could indicate dementia - "A slower walk as you age has always been a warning sign of increasing frailty that could lead to falls and other disabilities, experts say. Emerging research in small groups of elderly subjects has also found that a slower gait from year to year may be an early sign of cognitive decline."
• Get louder every decade: the new rules for dressing your age after 50 - "In the rulebooks of how to age gracefully the don�ts make a lot more noise than the dos. Worrying about what to put on as you get on? Relax, we�ve got you covered."
• Kevin Spacey to Voluntarily Travel to Britain to Face Sexual Assault Charges - "The actor said in a statement to 'Good Morning America' that he will seek to prove his innocence against the charges."
• Val Kilmer on the Tom Cruise 'Top Gun: Maverick' reunion, that final hug: 'Straight from the heart' - "The beating heart of Tom Cruise's screen return as Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell after 36 years is the emotional meeting with one-time 'Top Gun' pilot rival Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky, played by Val Kilmer."
• 10 of the best films to watch this June - "Featuring an Elvis biopic, the Buzz Lightyear origin film and a gentle stop-motion about a shell - these are June's unmissable releases."
• F1 schism with FIA deepens after controversial decisions in Monaco - "Formula One�s owners are understood to be deeply dissatisfied with the sport�s governing body, the FIA."
• See baby sloth reunite with mom after rescue team finds it crying - "After a baby sloth fell from a tall tree, staff members at the Jaguar Rescue Center in Costa Rica worked to make sure it was healthy before reuniting it with its mom."
• 'Completely unhenged': Stonehenge lights up with portraits of the Queen - "In the lead-up to Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, marking 70 years of her reign, there has been no shortage of the 96-year-old British monarch's visage on 'Team Queen' T-shirts, commemorative plates and decorative flags."
• 300lb of muscle in a a XXXXL T-shirt: how the World�s Strongest Man contest reinvented itself - "Once it was a sideshow - but this year, Ukranian soldiers competed with LGBTQ+ pioneers in a sport that�s being taken seriously."
• From fast food to fine art: the US chef who helped ramen conquer the world - "Ivan Orkin spent years learning about Japanese cooking - and especially how to perfect the celebrated noodles. He reveals the secret to the perfect bowl."
• Golden Goose Launches Sustainable Sneaker Made Out of Plant Material, Biodegradable Sole for Earth Day - "Golden Goose has teamed up with Italian materials production company Coronet to launch a new sustainable sneaker. Launching for Earth Day, Yatay, the made-in-Italy style is bio-based, made with material derived from vegetable sources. Components include recycled polyester and biodegradable rubber."

May 31, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: EU agrees �landmark� Russian oil ban; Moscow claims a third of Sievierodonetsk under its control - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 97 of the invasion - "EU leaders reach �landmark decision� to back an embargo on almost 90% of Russian oil to the 27-nation bloc by the end of the year."
• Ukraine war is Putin's death warrant, says wife of jailed politician - "Vladimir Kara-Murza�s wife Evgenia says Russian president will fall over war in Ukraine."
• China sends 30 warplanes into Taiwan air defence zone - "It came days after US President Joe Biden warned China against invading Taiwan, and on the same day as a US official visited the island to discuss security with leaders."
• Shanghai aims for business as usual but hurdles remain - "China's richest and most international city is trying to return to business as usual after a two-month lockdown, but some restrictions will remain in place."
• Monkeypox - how does it spread & what are the symptoms? - "The monkeypox virus is a less severe cousin of the smallpox virus. Dr. Sanjay Gupta says it has been spreading among younger people as they are less likely to have been inoculated against Smallpox, which was eradicated in 1977."
• Unlikely monkeypox outbreak will lead to pandemic, WHO says - "The World Health Organization does not believe the monkeypox outbreak outside Africa will lead to a pandemic, an official said on Monday, adding it remains unclear if infected people who are not displaying symptoms can transmit the disease."
• Coffee drinkers may be at lower risk of early death, study suggests - "Even people who take sugar seem at lower risk, say experts, but results may be due to coffee drinkers being more affluent."
• Qatar World Cup criticised for �problematic� carbon footprint promises - "Carbon Market Watch says emissions likely underreported. Organisers have claimed that the 32-team showpiece will be the first �carbon neutral� World Cup, meaning any emissions would be limited and offset."
• The 'Mona Lisa' has been caked in attempted vandalism stunt - "The 'Mona Lisa' was the subject of attempted vandalism on Sunday when a visitor to the world-famous Louvre museum in Paris smeared frosting all over the Renaissance-era painting's protective glass."
• Vietnam's new glass bridge sets Guinness World Record - "A glass-bottomed walkway in Vietnam, which opened to much public fanfare in April, has been declared the world's longest bridge of its kind by Guinness World Records."
• Life-changing dishes that inspired famous chefs to start cooking - "These dishes made famous chefs fall in love with cooking."
• Over 100 previously unknown Iron Age settlements found north of Hadrian's Wall - "The 134 sites correspond to Indigenous settlements that date to Roman occupation. A study detailing the findings published Tuesday in the journal Antiquity."
• 11 TV shows to watch this June - BBC Culture.
• Why people believe their own big lies - "How self-deception allows people to lie. Self-deception can fool us into believing our own lies - and even make us more convincing."
• How to rescue the world's biggest cargo ships - "Enormous container ships ferry goods all over the world, but when one of them gets into trouble - as happened with the Ever Given and Ever Forward recently - how can they be saved?"
• The man who built his own cathedral - "For nearly 60 years, a former monk toiled almost single-handedly on an extraordinary building outside Madrid. Is it a folly or a masterpiece?"
• �File fashion�: how to organise your wardrobe to make getting dressed easier - "A well-organised wardrobe saves time and stress when getting dressed, and can help cut down on dry-cleaning bills and time spent ironing too."
• Mouratoglou Tennis Academy - "World Academy of Tennis." The world's most successful tennis academy founded in 1996 by Patrick Mouratoglou. 3550 Route des Dolines, 06410 Biot, France.
• DeLorean offers first look at its Alpha5 four seater EV - "It's targeting a 100kWh battery pack, 0-60 MPH in 2.99 seconds and $175,000 price."
• Glenfiddich�s New Grand Series Encourages Unexpected Food Pairings, Like Caviar & Crudo - "Whisky, particularly expertly aged single malt Scotch, isn�t traditionally associated as a complement to cuisine but rather an indulgence in itself, acting as a liquid dessert, perhaps with a sweet bite of chocolate, or a night cap. Glenfiddich's latest Grand Series, however, makes a statement that single malt Scotch can in fact elevate certain culinary experiences, just as well as a dram can stand on its own."
• Tom Cruise runs. But is he any good at it? - "IN 2018, TOM CRUISE finally joined Instagram, and fans sure felt the need for speed: He picked up 550,000 followers in less than an hour. Now he's up to 6.5 million followers, and they're greeted by the actor's self-assessment of his own career in his bio. He could have gone with 'Three-time Oscar nominee,' or 'Sold $10 billion worth of movie tickets.' But instead, he picked: 'Actor, producer, running in movies since 1981.'"
• How to turn your digital camera or iPhone into a powerful webcam - "Level up your Zoom meetings, Twitch streams, and even Skype calls by shifting away from the built-in webcam in favor of a better camera."

May 30, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: �heavy battles� taking place in Sievierodonetsk; Zelenskiy to address EU leaders - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 96 of the invasion - "Russian shelling of Sievierodonetsk has destroyed �entire critical infrastructure� of largest city still held by Ukraine in the Donbas, Zelenskiy says."
• �We need to lift the blockade�: Ukraine farmers unable to export grain - "Russia has blockaded and occupied all of Ukraine�s seaports, meaning about 22m tonnes of produce is stuck."
• Beijing man sends 5,000 people into quarantine after breaking Covid isolation - "Actions spark angry reactions amid growing frustration with China�s zero-Covid policy though some restrictions begin to ease."
• Can I Stop Isolating If I�m Still Testing Positive for the Virus? - "Some people may test positive for the coronavirus for 10 days or longer, but interpreting those results remains difficult, experts said."
• Nuclear fusion is the holy grail of clean energy. We're closer to it than ever - "Bottling the sun. The world has been trying to master this unlimitless clean energy source since the 1930s. We are now closer than ever."
• The trains of the future are coming at 400 mph - "Faster, cleaner, greener: What lies ahead for the world's railways."
• After court, Johnny Depp & Amber Heard's careers face another trial - "After six weeks of testimony in a defamation trial that has aired the good, bad and the very ugly of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's former relationship, the case is now in the hands of the jury."
• 'Top Gun: Maverick' soars to a big opening at the box office - "The sequel to the 1986 blockbuster, which has Tom Cruise reprise his most iconic role of Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell, made an estimated $124 million domestically for its three day opening weekend, according to Paramount."
• Can Paramount Go It Alone? - "The dominance of Netflix and Disney in streaming has forced many companies to join forces. So far, Paramount has gone its own way."
• Sergio PÉrez triumphs in Monaco GP as Charles Leclerc fumes at botched stop - "Mexican roars to win after Ferrari errors hamstring Leclerc."
• Dropping Monaco would be a mistake for F1, says Ecclestone - "The Principality is in contract discussions amid plenty of debate about the future of the showcase race on a crowded calendar set to expand to other alluring venues such as Las Vegas. There has been speculation the race, part of the fabric of the sport since the first world championship season in 1950, could alternate."
• TAG Heuer Unveils New Monaco 'Dark Lord' Watch - "The new TAG Heuer Monaco Dark Lord watch, released in 2022, with expert analysis, specs, price, and photos."
• Why some animals appreciate art - "The animals with an artistic eye. Appreciating beauty may be one of the traits which makes us human, but some animals also seem to share it."
• Switzerland's ingenious cooling caves - "Nothing is more representative of Ticino life than its 'grottos', village taverns whose forerunners were natural caves used to store wine, cheese and meat."
• How to print from a Chromebook - "Even digital cloud-dwellers occasionally need paper."

May 29, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Russian authorities in Crimea ordering hospitals to refuse civilian patients, says Ukraine - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 95 of the invasion - "Ukraine pleads for heavy weapons as Russia advances in the east, claiming to have captured strategically important Lyman."
• What happened in the Russia-Ukraine war this week? Catch up with the must-read news & analysis - "Moscow gaining the �upper hand� in Donbas ... the horrors endured by Mariupol�s survivors ... Russia�s use of cluster bombs and unguided missiles."
• Russia won't use tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine, says ambassador to UK - "Russia's ambassador in Britain has told the BBC he does not believe his country will use tactical nuclear weapons in the war against Ukraine."
• Russia-linked superyachts �going dark� to avoid sanctions threat - "Vessels with ties to Russian oligarchs hit by sanctions are no longer reporting their position to an automatic global locator."
• Charles Leclerc claims superb Monaco F1 GP pole as PÉrez & Sainz collide - "Ferrari occupy front row of grid with Carlos Sainz second. Charles Leclerc certainly had the feel for his home streets with some fine touch and judgment to secure pole for the Monaco Grand Prix. He has every chance to see off the curse that has blighted his luck here."
• 75th film festival de Cannes winners' list - Official Website.
• Cannes 2022 week two roundup: a bloated Elvis & a brush with greatness - "Baz Luhrmann�s Presley biopic was an extravagant bust, but Ruben Östland and Kelly Reichardt offered satirical entertainment and quiet wonder."
• Cannes 2022: South Korea scoops record awards haul - "Parasite star Song Kang-ho becomes first South Korean male to win an acting prize, while director Park Chan-wook wins for Decision to Leave."
• Why it matters that 'Top Gun: Maverick' is so much better than the original - "'Top Gun: Maverick' may well be the box-office hit of the year, thanks to a perfect storm of circumstance. It's Memorial Day weekend; people are feeling a tiny bit more adventurous; everyone needs an escape from the horrors of the real world; and... Tom Cruise."
• The Branded Marriage of Kourtney Kardashian & Travis Barker - "The latest wedding in the family became a walking ad for Dolce & Gabbana. Is this a new model for celebrity matrimony?"
• Canned cocktails & bolder seltzers are set to dominate summer - "When you crack open a cold one this summer, you may be drinking something other than beer."
• Inside Gucci Town, the Fashion House�s New Interactive Neighborhood in the Metaverse - "The permanent space features a cafe, exhibition spaces and a gaming zone, organized around a piazza shaped like the brand's logo."
• A Face Search Engine Anyone Can Use Is Alarmingly Accurate - "PimEyes is a paid service that finds photos of a person from across the internet, including some the person may not want exposed. 'We�re just a tool provider,' its owner said."
• PimEyes: Face Recognition Search Engine & Reverse Image Search - "PimEyes is an online face search engine that goes through the Internet to find pictures containing given faces."
• See Inside Yves Saint Laurent�s Lush Garden Villa in Morocco, Which Just Hit the Market for $4.2 Million - "The late designer and his partner Pierre Bergé bought the place in 1980."
• Apple Documents Reveal Futuristic MacBook Plans - "New documents from Apple suggest that the MacBook team are working on some radical ideas for future macOS laptops. Apple�s MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops have ripped up the form book on benchmarking when they were launched in 2020 but they rarely started away from a traditional laptop design. In fact, they were almost identical to the Intel-based laptops that hadn�t changed since 2016."
• Lester Piggott: Former champion jockey & nine-time Derby winner dies aged 86 - "Piggott won his first race at the age of 12 at Haydock in 1948 and went on to ride more than 4,000 winners before his first retirement in 1985; In 2021, Piggott was selected in the first draft of inductees into the British Champions Series Hall of Fame."

May 28, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Donbas will stay Ukrainian, vows Zelenskiy, as fighting rages in east - live updates - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 94 of the invasion - "Moscow planning �full-scale victory in Ukraine by autumn� and besieged Sievierodonetsk almost completely surrounded by Russian forces."
• �Ukraine�s heritage is under direct attack�: why Russia is looting the country�s museums - "2,000 stolen artworks attest to Putin�s desire to erase a nation�s history - like so many despots before him."
• North Korea stockpiled Chinese masks, vaccines before reporting COVID-19 outbreak - "In the months before it acknowledged its first official COVID-19 outbreak, North Korea suddenly imported millions of face masks, 1,000 ventilators, and possibly vaccines from China, trade data released by Beijing showed."
• Monkeypox outbreak could be just �the peak of the iceberg�, WHO warns - "Pandemic preparedness chief Sylvie Briand says �unusual� spread of virus can be easily contained with the right measures."
• Clamour on the Croisette: Cannes film festival - in pictures - "The street photographer Andy Hall turns his lenses on the hustle and bustle - as well as contradictions - as movie world descends on the French Riviera city."
• Eat plants, try pilates & stay positive: how to keep your body younger than your years - "Do blueberries make you live longer? Is pilates proper exercise? How do you avoid loneliness? Botox, yes or no? Here�s how to age better."
• Make Swimming Your Summer Workout - "With just 30 minutes and a few useful tricks, a trip to the pool can become serious exercise."
• Paris Hilton wants to be the 'Queen of the Metaverse' - "'I've always been an undercover nerd, so I've been obsessed with anything to do with technology and the future,' Hilton told CNN Business in an interview last month. 'Now my new nickname is 'The Queen of the Metaverse,'' she added, referring to a sobriquet she has used on the red carpet and in a number of her social media posts, which, according to her company 11:11 Media, first emerged in the NFT space on Twitter."
• The 'worst' drivers in Europe revealed - "A new survey has found that 79% of them have a negative opinion of their fellow drivers - while, of course, 97% of them take pride in their own excellent driving."
• The trap of unlimited paid time off - "The smoke and mirrors of unlimited paid time off. Having as much holiday as you want? Sounds great - until it�s not."
• The 50 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now - The New York Times.
• Ray Liotta - a life in pictures - "The star of Field of Dreams, GoodFellas and Cop Land has died aged 67. Here we look back at some of his best known roles."
• There�s now a $950 Gucci version of the Oura Ring - "The Oura Ring was one of the buzziest gadgets during the pandemic. Not only did it spark a weird sleep competition between Gwyneth Paltrow and Kim Kardashian, but it was also featured in the NBA�s COVID prevention plans, and there were several studies to see whether wearables could predict COVID-19. And now, there�s a Gucci version that costs an eye-watering $950."
• The Only Living Pay Phones in New York - "At one point in time, you couldn�t walk 30 feet on a New York City block without encountering a pay phone. A look at the last ones."
• Chanel Dresses Up The J12 With A High Complication & A High Jewelry Red Ruby Edition - "Chanel�s J12 Tourbillon Diamant and J12 X-Ray Red editions are evidence of the magic that can happen when a legendary haute couture brand reinterprets haute horlogerie - it�s the ideal mashup of hand finished Swiss watchmaking and high fashion sensibility. The Tourbillon Diamant contains a new movement, the Chanel caliber 5, the first flying tourbillon movement made in-house. The flying tourbillon has no upper bridge, so the rotating carriage can be admired without obstruction. This one has another special a touch: a solitaire diamond is set into the center of the carriage, where it rotates with the entire mechanism."

May 27, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Russian attack kills nine civilians in Kharkiv; Zelenskiy accuses Moscow of �genocide� in Donbas - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 93 of the invasion - "Fresh strikes in Kharkiv kill nine civilians as Ukrainian officials admit Russia has the �upper hand� in fighting in the country�s east."
• Ukraine's richest man plans to sue Russia for huge losses - "Ukraine's richest man says he plans to sue Russia over what he said was $17 billon to $20 billion in losses caused by its bombardment of steel plants he owns in the devastated city of Mariupol."
• Where Death Rates Rose the Most During the Pandemic - "The United States had more deaths above normal levels during the pandemic than most other wealthy countries, according to data released by the World Health Organization this month. U.S. deaths were 15 percent above normal - a number surpassed by only four other large countries in the same income group: Chile, the Czech Republic, Poland and Romania."
• Who Is Protected Against Monkeypox? - "Older people who received smallpox vaccinations may yet have some immunity, researchers say. Healthy children and adults generally do not become severely ill."
• The Joy Workout - "Six researched-backed moves to improve your mood."
• Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making - "Tony Fadell led the teams that created the iPod, iPhone and Nest Learning Thermostat and learned enough in 30+ years in Silicon Valley about leadership, design, startups, Apple, Google, decision-making, mentorship, devastating failure and unbelievable success to fill an encyclopedia. So that�s what this book is. An advice encyclopedia. A mentor in a box." Amazon.com.
• The Dos & don'ts of recycling - "How does recycling work? While the specifics of recycling vary around the globe, there are some common rules - and pervasive myths. Here's everything you ever wanted to know about it."
• People in US & UK face huge financial hit if fossil fuels lose value, study shows - "Strong climate action could wipe $756bn from individuals� pension funds and other investments in rich countries."
• The Azores: Nine island gems with a volcanic past & a magical present - "Traveling to a paradise on Earth doesn't necessarily require a long, arduous or perilous journey."
• Edible tape invented to stop your burrito from falling apart - "The exact ingredients are a closely guarded secret due to a pending patent application, but the team says everything used is 'edible, food safe, GRAS [generally recognized as safe], and are common food ingredients or additives.'"
• Ray Liotta, Actor in �GoodFellas,� Dies at 67 - "A good guy who played lots of bad guys, he also sparkled in 'Something Wild,' as Shoeless Joe Jackson in 'Field of Dreams' and on TV's 'Shades of Blue.'"
• Ellen DeGeneres walks away from her talk show empire & leaves behind a mixed legacy - "DeGeneres won over audiences after she came out in 1997. But recent criticism of a hostile work environment undermined her friendly reputation."
• Val Kilmer was once one of Hollywood's biggest stars. 'Top Gun: Maverick' could be his last role - "Val Kilmer returns to the screen to reprise his role as Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky in the long-awaited sequel to the 1986 blockbuster. Although Cruise is the marquee star of 'Top Gun: Maverick,' Kilmer has a notable role, but some younger moviegoers may not realize just how big of a star he once was."
• Charles Manson follower Patricia Krenwinkel recommended for parole - "She has been denied parole 14 times for the killings of actor Sharon Tate and four other people in 1969. She wrote 'Helter Skelter' on a wall using the blood of one of their victims."
• V&A to host exhibition on Coco Chanel�s career & designs - "Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto will display 180 designs, jewellery, accessories and perfumes."
• World�s Largest Whisky Bottle - 86 Gallons Of Macallan - Sells For $1.4 Million At Auction - "At nearly 6 feet tall and more than twice the width of the average man, the bottle - dubbed 'The Intrepid' - was certified by Guinness World Records as being the largest bottle of scotch, whisky or whiskey in the world when it was filled last year."
• Behind The Making Of The Newest Rolls-Royce Boat Tail - "This Is What It�s Like To Order A One-Of-Three Rolls-Royce Boat Tail."
• AMAZON ASTRO REVIEW: TOO MUCH ALEXA, NOT ENOUGH ARMS - "While it�s not the robot we were looking for, Astro is rolling in the right direction."

May 26, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Russia says it will reopen Black Sea; Truss to warn against appeasement - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 92 of the invasion - "Eastern city of Sievierodonetsk increasingly in danger of being encircled as Ukraine�s foreign minister says his country �badly� needs multiple launch rocket systems to match Russian firepower."
• Zelensky condemns Kissinger idea for negotiations with Russia as 1938-style appeasement - "Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky has made a blistering attack on former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who suggested on Tuesday that peace negotiations should be aimed at creating borders along the 'line of contact' in Donbas as it existed on the eve of the Russian invasion."
• Ukraine war weighs heavy as apocalyptic mood shrouds Davos - "From a warning of third world war to global stagflation or depression, gathering is unsurprisingly sombre."
• Vaccines offer little protection against long Covid, study finds - "The vaccines provide robust protection against hospitalization and death, but when it comes to long Covid, the protection is 'very modest.'"
• Scientists identify �trigger molecule� for Covid-related changes to smell - "Molecule found in coffee typically described by people with parosmia as disgusting or repulsive."
• Roche develops unique PCR tests to detect the monkeypox virus - "Roche and its subsidiary TIB Molbiol have developed three different LightMix Modular Virus kits for the detection of the monkeypox virus."
• �It seems this heat will take our lives�: Pakistan city fearful after hitting 51C - "Residents of Jacobabad say loss of trees and water facilities makes record-breaking temperatures unbearable."
• Big Tech is pouring millions into the wrong climate solution at Davos - "The carbon removal tech they�re funding isn�t really meant to tackle Big Tech�s own emissions."
• Kevin Spacey charged in UK with 4 counts of sexual assault - "British prosecutors said Thursday they have charged actor Kevin Spacey with four counts of sexual assault against three men."
• Major New Zealand salmon producer shuts farms as warming waters cause mass die-offs - "Up to 42% of company�s fish have died in warm water areas this year, with CEO warning climate change is �faster than people think�."
• Made to measure: why we can�t stop quantifying our lives - "From ancient Egyptian cubits to fitness tracker apps, humankind has long been seeking ever more ways to measure the world - and ourselves. But what is this doing to us?"
• The train ticket that revolutionized European rail travel - "The Interrail pass was dreamed up by the International Union of Railways (UIC), a body overseeing Europe's railways that's since ceded control of Interrail to the independent Eurail company. The European Interrail pass, which allowed young people under 21, across 21 participating countries, to buy a £27.50 (at the time about $67) ticket for unlimited travel across Europe by train for a full month."
• People in China are paying over $3,000 to travel - "How airline ticket scalpers took over the Chinese travel market."
• You need to try Bionic Reading on the Amazon Kindle - "Bionic Reading revises texts so that the most concise parts of words are highlighted. This guides the eye over the text and the brain remembers previously learned words more quickly. The eye is guided through the text by means of typographic highlights."
• HOW TO ADD BIONIC FORMATTED BOOKS TO KINDLE - "Bionic reading is not yet built into the Kindle ecosystem. However, if you are excited about this revolutionary reading method, you can download bionic formatted books manually."
• 11 of the best products at High End Munich 2022 - "The hi-fi highlights from this year's show."
• The 10 best opening scenes in cinema history - "First impressions are everything, making the start of any movie one of the most important moments of any film. Whether a filmmaker is trying to envelop the viewer into the thematic world of their creation or attempting to give an early impression of the film�s intricate characters, there are many different ways a compelling introduction can welcome us into the world of the film."
• Why humans get less sleep than other primates - "The amount of time we spend awake and asleep compared to our relatives among the apes, monkeys and lemurs may have played a key role in our evolution."
• Thailand�s record-breaking schoolboy could shake up pro golf - "Golf's history-making schoolboy: The hectic double-life of 15-year-old Ratchanon 'TK' Chantananuwat."
• I Tried Apple�s Self-Repair Program With My iPhone. Disaster Ensued. - "Apple�s do-it-yourself tools and instructions are far from ideal for most of us. I know this because I broke my phone trying to use them."
• Biscotti So Good They Made Me Cry - "These chocolate biscotti, spiked with chiles and studded with cashews, possess the power to persuade even the staunchest doubters."
• Southeast Asia's 600-year-old fusion cuisine - "Six hundred years ago, women created Peranakan cooking - a Southeast Asian cuisine with multicultural roots - and have been shaping it ever since."
• Breitling Unveils Cosmonaute To Honor 60 Years Since Its First Historic Space Flight - "Breitling does it again. Today, the brand makes a real statement about its heritage and watchmaking prowess at a huge product-release event in Zurich. Not only is the Swiss watch brand releasing an all-new beloved Cosmonaute watch, but also it is recalling its rich aviation history for this release. The new timepiece recalls the watch worn by American astronaut Scott Carpenter in a space mission in 1962. Additionally, to set the tone for the release event, Breitling even brings the original watch worn by Carpenter (and fairly well destroyed in the seawater landing) to the forefront for the first time since the mission."
• Harley-Davidson made an electric mountain bike without front or rear suspension - "It's basically a '90s mountain bike."
• A Vogue Editors� Guide to Palm Beach: Where to Sleep, Eat & Shop - "The savvy traveler knows not only of TSA PreCheck, they know to read up on the history of where they�re about to holiday. Those headed to Palm Beach should familiarize themselves with two people: Henry Flagler and Addison Mizner - individuals who put Palm Beach on the map. Without their contributions, the storied town would certainly not be the beachside Xanadu it is today, where glossy green lawns sit adjacent to sandy beaches and no one waits till cocktail hour to get things shaking."
• Gwyneth Paltrow�s vagina candle erupted in my front room - "Flames roared half a metre out of the jar and bits of molten wax flew out as it fizzed and spat."

May 25, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Russians trying to destroy Donbas, says Zelenskiy, as fighting intensifies - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 91 of the invasion - "Invasion in �most active phase�, says Ukraine; Russian forces take control of three Donetsk regions; 200 bodies found in Mariupol basement."
• Ukraine invasion may be start of �third world war�, says George Soros - "Veteran philanthropist tells World Economic Forum civilisation �may not survive� what is coming."
• Declassified US intel shows Russian blockade of Ukraine that risks global food crisis - "Russia's invasion has effectively halted all maritime trade at Ukrainian ports, according to declassified US intelligence, blocking grain exports and risking a global food crisis. The EU has accused Russia of 'weaponizing' food supplies."
• Kissinger Warns World Unprepared if Putin Uses Nukes - "Former U.S. Secretary of State warns we are in a �totally new era.�"
• We Must Prepare for Putin�s Worst Weapons - "Russia�s foreign minister and its ambassador to the United States have both signaled that Russia�s debacle in Ukraine could lead to a nuclear strike. By claiming that Russia is readying its weapons, by warning of a 'serious' risk of nuclear escalation and by declaring 'there are few rules left,' they purposefully rattled the ultimate saber. Vladimir Putin himself has noted that he has weapons his opponents do not and that he will 'use them, if needed.' Even the C.I.A. director, William Burns, has warned of the possibility that Mr. Putin could use a tactical nuclear weapon, even if there is no 'practical evidence' right now to suggest it is imminent. Nevertheless, we should be prepared; the former secretary of state Henry Kissinger has argued that we should give the threat consideration."
• The sanctioned oligarch�s son & a £160m London property empire - "Said Gutseriev says he has no financial or commercial links to his father, who was sanctioned last year for �supporting� dictator of Belarus."
• Monkeypox: Cases detected in three more countries for first time - "The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has became the first Gulf state to record a case of monkeypox."
• Monkeypox outbreak was waiting to happen, say scientists - "Proportion of people protected has fallen substantially in decades since smallpox vaccination ended."
• Shiny but deadly - don�t throw goldfish in rivers, pet owners told - "Unwanted lockdown goldfish pose a triple threat to native species in UK waterways, study reveals."
• How American-style cheesecake was born in ancient Rome - "It was nutritious, easy to prepare and great as a snack, especially when sprinkled with poppy flower seeds and served in cubes. The ancient Romans feasted on a delicious honey-crusted cheesecake called Savillum, which is believed to be the real ancestor of modern US-style cheesecake."
• 'Dr. Beach' names the top 10 US beaches for 2022 - "Coastal scientist Stephen Leatherman, also known as 'Dr. Beach', a professor and director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University, has been ranking America's best beaches since 1991. He uses 50 criteria to evaluate 650 public beaches in the US. The criteria include beach width, sand softness, water temperature and color, wildlife and more."
• Tech neck: what are smartphones doing to our bodies? - "Bending your head to use a phone stresses the spine, say chiropractors � and that�s not the only way the devices are injuring and changing us."
• Can Protein Powders Help Aging Muscles? - "Older adults typically need more protein than younger people. Here�s how to ensure you�re getting enough."

May 24, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war updates: Moscow to deepen ties with China, Lavrov says; west pledges to send more advanced weapons to Ukraine - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 90 of the invasion - "A veteran Russian diplomat has resigned over his country�s invasion of Ukraine as a Kyiv court sentences a Russian soldier to life in prison."
• Davos 2022: Global economy faces 'its biggest test' since WWII - "The global economy is being brought to the edge of a precipice by crisis upon crisis. As the first World Economic Forum to be held in person since 2020 opened in Davos, Switzerland on Monday, the International Monetary Fund said the economy faces 'perhaps its biggest test since the Second World War.'"
• War in Ukraine could cause recession in weaker economies, IMF boss warns - "Speaking at Davos, Kristalina Georgieva said anxiety about food prices was �hitting the roof� globally."
• The War in Ukraine Is Getting Complicated & America Isn�t Ready - "U.S. support for the war is not guaranteed."
• Monkeypox virus outbreaks are containable - WHO - "Monkeypox can be contained in countries outside of Africa where the virus is not usually detected, the World Health Organization (WHO) says."
• Covid can cause ongoing damage to heart, lungs & kidneys, study finds - "One in eight Covid hospital patients have heart inflammation up to two months later, researchers find."
• European fruit with traces of most toxic pesticides �up 53% in nine years� - "Analysis of nearly 100,000 samples found residues in a third of apples and half of blackberries."
• A new billionaire has been minted nearly every day during the pandemic - "Some 573 people have joined the billionaire ranks since 2020, bringing the worldwide total to 2,668, according to an analysis released by Oxfam on Sunday. That means a new billionaire was minted about every 30 hours, on average, so far during the pandemic."
• World's fastest passenger jet goes supersonic in tests - "The in-development Global 8000 will be 'the world's fastest and longest-range purpose-built business jet.'"
• What would a flying-free world look like? - "Aeroplanes are incredibly polluting, but could we ever live completely without them?"
• Catch a Rising Star at the Auction House - "No longer does museum validation or scholarly attention determine a painting�s value. Now, the collectors� hunger comes first, and institutions must follow."
• 'The Love Boat': How a TV show transformed the cruise industry - "From steam-powered ships, to mega-liners, the cruise industry has been through quite a transformation over the years. And the market has skyrocketed."
• Elizabeth line London: Crossrail complete after decades of struggle - a photo essay - "After years of knockbacks and fights over funding, this amazing feat of engineering is ready to open."
• London�s railway of the future is finally here - "Crossrail is one of Europe�s biggest modern infrastructure projects."
• The Kystriksveien: Earth's most beautiful road trip? - "Bucking and weaving along the rugged contours of Norway's fractured coastline, the 670km road to the Artic is a triumph of human ingenuity and perseverance."
• Test-Driving The Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible - Forbes.
• Logitech�s new mouse & keyboard offer a quieter click & more clack, respectively - "Say hello to the MX Master 3S and the MX Mechanical."
• best laptops 2022 - "'There's no shortage of sleek and powerful laptops out there. These are our favorites.'"

May 23, 2022

• TIME 100: The most influential people of 2022 - TIME.
• Russia-Ukraine war: up to 100 Ukrainians dying every day in east, Zelenskiy says - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 89 of the invasion - "Kyiv says it will not agree to a ceasefire that involves handing territory to Russia; Ukrainian president says up to 100 Ukrainians dying every day on eastern front."
• Russia's brutal 'filtration' camps - "Ukrainians must endure a brutal 'filtration' process to escape Russian-held territory. Here's what that means."
• Kim Jong-un buries mentor amid North Korea Covid crisis - "State media photos show Kim carrying Hyon Chol-hae�s coffin and throwing earth into his grave as country battles �fever� cases amid Covid outbreak."
• 'Formidable' challenges as monkeypox spreads - "World faces big challenges over Covid, monkeypox and wars - WHO."
• Cannes 2022 week one roundup: a return to form & Top Gun reborn - "Back in its traditional May slot, the film festival was in boisterous spirits. Week one�s wildly eclectic offerings ranged from Italian arthouse grandeur to Tom Cruise flying high."
• Food & energy billionaires $453bn richer than two years ago, finds Oxfam - "While elite gather in Davos, charity calls for wealth tax after rich benefit from soaring energy and food prices."
• South Korea's coolest export isn't K-Pop, it's this drink - "Makgeolli: How Korean rice wine is stepping out of soju's shadow."
• Pampered pooches ride Japan's bullet train in style - "Oh to be a pampered pooch on one of Japan's iconic Shinkansen trains heading to a beautiful resort town."
• Welcome to the Era of Unapologetic Bad Taste - "Bad taste is in. An over-the-top aesthetic connects with consumers who just want to feel something. ... In 2022, pop culture is doing the most." TIME Magazine.
• Inspired by spiders, one Japanese startup is inventing a new generation of textiles - "Five times stronger than steel, spider silk's unique qualities were recognized by the Ancient Greeks - and more recently, scientists have looked at applications from medicine to engineering."
• The world's true cradle of chocolate - "There are nearly a dozen artisan chocolate companies in Belize taking cacao from bean to bar, part of a robust movement to reclaim the small country's rich chocolate heritage."
• Want to become Italian? The 007 of lost Italian documents may be able to help - "Want to become Italian? If you have Italian ancestors in your family tree, it might be easier than you realize."
• The �E-Pimps� of OnlyFans - "Clever marketers have figured out how easy it is to simulate online intimacy at scale, ventriloquizing alluring models with cheap, offshore labor."
• How to Read a Whiskey Label Without Embarrassing Yourself - "We�ve been making whiskey for centuries. Over that period of time things have gotten ... complicated."
• Why some ancient societies were more unequal than others - "Inequality affected some ancient societies, but not all. Changes in farming - and the animals used in it - might have been a factor which caused it to spiral."
• Inside �Secret,� the Lavish 271-Foot Superyacht Owned by Walmart Heiress Nancy Walton Laurie - "Walmart heiress Nancy Walton Laurie's 271-footer has an eclectic interior of black and gold, along with splashes of red, as well as other, well, secrets."
• Hayden Christensen on Star Wars & daring to return as Darth Vader - "When he first portrayed Darth Vader in the much-panned Star Wars prequels 20 years ago, fans vented their anger at him. So why is he risking more in a new TV series? He talks about George Lucas, the pressures of fame and his love of bulldozers."
• Maldives� plan to reclaim atoll land for tourist resorts may �choke ecosystem� - "Vulnerable island nation split over project to dredge millions of tonnes of sand to create land for resorts and industry at Addu Atoll, made a Unesco reserve for its seagrass and mangroves."
• MbappÉ saga shows football�s power lies with players, not clubs - "Mbappé staying in Paris has angered Real Madrid and La Liga but PSG argue the eye-watering numbers add up in their favour."
• Why Salmon & Rice Go So Well Together - "With a funky, umami-packed sauce this salmon bowl highlights the old saying: What grows together goes together."
• On a Remote Mountain, the �Sistine Chapel of Socialism� Awaits Its Fate - "An enormous monument to the Communist Party in Bulgaria is now a decrepit ruin. The country is wrestling with how to deal with a symbol of an unwanted and, in many ways, deeply ugly past."
• Haiti's Lost Billions - The New York Times.
• How a French Bank Captured Haiti - "It helped finance the Eiffel Tower as it drained millions from Haiti."

May 22, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Zelenskiy says only diplomacy can end war; Polish president to address Ukraine parliament in Kyiv - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 88 of the invasion - "Moscow considers prisoner swap for Putin ally; Russia bans 963 Americans including president Biden from entering the country."
• Where things stand after nearly three months of war - "It is nearly three months since Russia invaded Ukraine - a 12-week period in which Russian forces have wrought devastation on the country and its people, resulting in death on a vast scale and causing millions to flee."
• Zelensky: Only diplomacy can end Ukraine war - "The war in Ukraine can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', President Volodymyr Zelensky has said."
• The Russian Orthodox Leader at the Core of Putin�s Ambitions - "Patriarch Kirill I has provided spiritual cover for the invasion of Ukraine, reaping vast resources for his church in return. Now, in an extraordinary step, the E.U. is threatening him with sanctions."
• Shanghai reopens some public transport after months-long Covid lockdown - "Partial restart comes as curbs tightened in other areas, highlighting difficulties of resuming life under China�s strict zero-Covid policy."
• Monkeypox: Time to worry or one to ignore? - "If you're still reeling from the Covid pandemic, well sorry but there's another virus to get to grips with. This time it's monkeypox and there are around 80 confirmed cases in 11 countries, including the UK, that would not normally expect to have the disease."
• Apocalypse now? The alarming effects of the global food crisis - "The Bank of England governor warned last week of �apocalyptic� food price rises. Yet war in Ukraine, climate change and inflation are already taking their toll all over the world."
• Air travel is harming the planet. Here's how to fly greener - "From alternative fuels to rationing trips: A guide to more sustainable flying."
• A Daily Aspirin Regimen May Hurt More Than Help, Experts Warn - "Millions of Americans take aspirin to prevent a first heart attack or stroke. Now, doctors are advising against it - especially for people over 70."
• Elon Musk denies sexual misconduct allegations - "The world's richest man, Elon Musk, has denied claims that he groped and exposed himself to an employee at his SpaceX rocket company six years ago."
• The death of 'mandatory fun' in the office - "The pandemic put an end to required birthday cupcakes, team happy hours and forced �fun� activities. Many workers are deeply relieved."
• In Court, Johnny Depp & Amber Heard Dress to Suggest - "Honesty, respectability, sincerity - the clothes make the argument."
• Samsung�s new Freestyle projector is ultra tiny, portable & the perfect home accessory - "Samsung always brings something wild to CES, and this year is no different. The Freestyle is a teeny, tiny $899.99 projector that feels tailor-made for the millennial generation. Yes, it can be your TV with the ability to project up to a 100-inch screen on seemingly any surface - but it can also be a speaker, a light or a groovy star show projector. Plus, you can even screw it into a standard lightbulb socket to power it."
• APPLE SHIPPED ME A 79-POUND IPHONE REPAIR KIT TO FIX A 1.1-OUNCE BATTERY - "'I�m starting to think Apple doesn�t want us to repair them.'"
• Boeing's Starliner successfully docks with the ISS despite issues - "This critical flight test will determine whether the capsule is ready to ferry astronauts to orbit."
• Why is there a global scarcity in luxury watches? Not just Rolex - "Demand is outstripping supply for Cartier, Audemars Piguet, Tudor and Patek Philippe too."
• Engraving Your Watch Case Back Is (Still) Such A Cool Thing To Do - "Check out these great examples and their stories from our very own Fratello readers."
• How to recover data from a hard drive - "Here's how to recover data from a hard drive on Windows and macOS."

May 21, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow declares victory in battle for Mariupol steel plant; Russia halts gas supplies to Finland - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 87 of the invasion - "Last group of Ukrainian soldiers in Azovstal steelworks surrendered, Russia�s defence ministry said late Friday."
• Mariupol: Russia declares complete victory at Azovstal plant - "The last fighters defending the city's Azovstal steel plant have now surrendered, Moscow officials said."
• Cosmopolitan no more: Russians feel sting of cultural & economic rift - "Magazines, production lines and consumer choices suffer as isolation from the west bites."
• US intel skeptical Putin will be swayed by Russian public opinion over war in Ukraine - "US intelligence officials are skeptical that any change in Russian public opinion against the Kremlin's war in Ukraine - even a dramatic one - would have an effect in persuading Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the conflict, according to multiple sources familiar with the latest intelligence."
• Two types of Omicron classified as Covid variants of concern in UK - "Small number of BA.4 and BA.5 cases identified but data suggests �growth advantage� over dominant BA.2."
• Monkeypox: 80 cases confirmed in 12 countries - "The World Health Organization has said another 50 suspected cases are being investigated - without naming any countries - and warned that more cases are likely to be reported."
• North Korea is facing a Covid disaster. What does that mean for Kim Jong Un? - "In a largely undeveloped and famously isolated country of 25 million, where the vast majority of people are thought to be unvaccinated, it has the potential to be a humanitarian disaster on the sort of scale that would threaten the grip on power of just about any government in the world. But Pyongyang isn't like any other government. In fact, some experts say that rather than weaken Kim the outbreak could make him more powerful - by giving him an excuse to tighten his grip."
• Global heating is cutting sleep across the world, study finds - "Data shows people finding it harder to sleep, especially women and older people, with serious health impacts."
• All the Best Fashion From the 2022 Cannes Film Festival - "Fashion lovers, rejoice! The Cannes Film Festival 2022 officially kicks off today. Held in Cannes, France, the annual event produces one of the glitziest red carpets in the world (competing only with the Oscars and the Met Gala). A-list stars will travel over from Hollywood to climb the event�s signature red steps, rocking their best suits and gowns, which are often custom, haute couture, or fresh off the runway. After being canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, Cannes came roaring back in full swing last year, and stars are clearly once again ready to channel some extremely-glamorous energy this year."
• William & Kate join Tom Cruise on 'Top Gun: Maverick' red carpet - "British royalty and Hollywood royalty came together on the red carpet for the charity premiere of the new Tom Cruise movie, 'Top Gun: Maverick,' on Thursday night."
• Tom Cruise is Hollywood�s Last Real Movie Star - "At a time when superheroes dominate the box office, the film industry hopes the actor can bring grown-ups back to theaters. He�s the last remaining global star who still only makes movies for movie theaters. He hasn�t ventured into streaming. He hasn�t signed up for a limited series. He hasn�t started his own tequila brand."
• High End Munich 2022 - "The Leading International Audio Show." May 19-22, 2022.
• You can get unlimited summer travel for $9.50 in this European country - "Pack your bags, because the most affordable travel destination this summer, if we're going by transport, appears to be Germany. The German government has today approved the creation of a €9 ($9.50) monthly public transport ticket. It will be launched in June - just in time for a summer trip. The card can be used across the entire country, on local and regional transport - trains, buses and trams."
• Bill Gates reveals why he uses an Android & NOT iPhone as his personal mobile - "The Microsoft founder admits he's used Google-powered phones for years, but still occasionally dabbles with Apple gear."
• Bodies Pulled From Parched Lake Mead Stir Wise-Guy Ghosts of Las Vegas - "As climate change fuels grim discoveries across the West, Las Vegas is awash in bets on the identity of a suspected murder victim dumped in a barrel."
• How to turn keyboard lighting on & off - "There isn't just one way to turn on your keyboard lights. It can vary wildly among laptop and peripheral manufacturers and even among different laptop lines from the same brand. To bring a bit of clarity to the situation, we've gathered together six possible ways to turn your keyboard backlighting on or off. Read on to find the best method for your laptop or desktop keyboard."
• France's mustard shortage leaves sour taste - "French shoppers are facing a sour sight in supermarkets this summer - no mustard. The nationwide shortage is due to a lack of mustard seeds needed to produce the condiment. Severe drought in Canada, poor harvests in France and the war in Ukraine have combined to reduce the supplies of mustard seeds available to producers."
• Meet Artle, The Wordle Spinoff For Art Lovers - "The National Gallery of Art (NGA) in Washington, D.C. has jumped into the game craze with a Wordle spinoff called Artle, which gives players four guesses to identify the creator of four works of art."
• LG's latest 4K CineBeam projector pumps the brightness up to 3,700 lumens - "The ultra short throw model projects a 120-inch screen from seven inches away."
• Versace & Fendi: Fendace men's collection - "The Versace by Fendi Collection." A coming together of two Italian brands, the Fendi by Versace collection stems from mutual friendship and respect. Discover men�s hoodies, belt bags, shoes and more with signature Greca, Barocco and FF motifs in unique Fendace designs.
• Louis Vuitton Meets Nike in Virgil Abloh�s Dream Sneaker - "The Air Force 1, manufactured in Italy, will be unveiled in a new installation in Brooklyn. It was one of the designer�s final projects before his death."
• Why Are We All Obsessed With Dirty Sneakers Again? - "Last week, Balenciaga released a pair of dirty sneakers - well, actually destroyed sneakers. The brand led with a photo of shoes as tattered as if they had survived an act of God, like a mudslide or a shredding by a rabid dog. A less distressed version are being sold as a limited edition of 100 pairs that will go for $1,800. For a more commercial option, Balenciaga is offering pairs that look as if they have been worn on countless subways, substantial walks, and late nights. These come in high-top and backless mule form, priced from $495 to $625."
• The best grilling gear - "Grills, gadgets and a very necessary sous vide."
• Aurangzeb: Why is a Mughal emperor who died 300 years ago being debated on social media? - "A Mughal emperor who died more than 300 years ago has become a hot topic of debate in India in recent months."
• JEANNE LANVIN�S APARTMENT, DESIGNED BY ARMAND-ALBERT RATEAU, 1924-1925 - "In 1920, the great fashion designer Jeanne Lanvin bought the mansion that formerly belonged to the Marquise Arconati-Visconti at 16, Rue Barbet-de-Jouy in Paris. She added a reception wing whose rooms (hall, library, gallery and dining room) were furnished by the designer Armand-Albert Rateau from 1921 to 1924."
• Orson Welles� 'Don Quixote' & the Dangers of Uncontrolled Genius - "A deep dive into the unmade masterwork from one of cinema's greatest, and most egotistical, minds."

May 20, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Russia has turned Donbas into �hell�, Zelenskiy says; US Senate approves $40bn in aid for Ukraine - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 86 of the invasion - "Donbas region has been �completely destroyed�, Zelenskiy says; Russia will consider opening Ukraine�s Black Sea ports only if western sanctions lifted, Moscow says."
• Ukraine war in maps: Tracking the Russian invasion - "Russian forces are continuing to focus their attacks on the east of the country but resistance from Ukrainian troops is slowing their progress."
• Russia's laser weapon claim derided as propaganda - "Russia claims to have used laser weapons on the battlefield in Ukraine, although the US says it has seen no evidence of this and Ukraine has derided it as propaganda. What are laser weapons and how effective could they be in the conflict?"
• Putin�s daughter flew to Munich �more than 50 times� in two years, leaks reveal - "Investigation also suggests president�s youngest daughter is in a relationship with ballet dancer Igor Zelensky."
• Govor agrees to buy all McDonald�s in Russia & rebrand them - "Alexander Govor pays undisclosed fee after US burger chain pulls out of Russia over invasion of Ukraine."
• North Korea�s Covid caseload passes 2 million amid global concern about regime�s pandemic plan - "Experts believe North Korean authorities are underreporting deaths to prove that their response has been effective."
• Monkeypox cases investigated in Europe, US, Canada & Australia - "Cases of Monkeypox are being investigated in European countries as well as the US, Canada and Australia, according to health authorities and local media reports. The latest new cases were reported in France, Italy, Sweden and Australia."
• Environmental toxins are worsening obesity pandemic, say scientists - "Pollutants can upset body�s metabolic thermostat with some even causing obesity to be passed on to children."
• BMW IX XDRIVE50 REVIEW: A HIGH-TECH BEAST WITH BLING - "BMW�s all-electric crossover is packed to the gills with technology, power, and range."
• Coke's new bottle cap doesn't come off - "Coke knows that its soda caps often end up as litter. So it's trying to solve the problem by tethering them to the bottle, at least in the United Kingdom. Earlier this week, the British arm of the beverage company announced that it has started rolling out new versions of its plastic bottles. The new bottles feature an attached cap, a design that is supposed to make it easier to recycle the whole package at once - and keep caps out of the trash."
• Mercedes just sold the world's most expensive car for $142 million - "Mercedes-Benz confirmed on Thursday that it recently sold the world's most expensive car. A very rare 1955 Mercedes-Benz SLR coupe that had been kept in the German automaker's collection was sold to a private owner for €135 million, the equivalent of $142 million. That price makes it the most expensive car known to ever have been sold, according to Hagerty, a company that tracks collector car values."
• What's in those shoes, Tom? 5ft 7 Cruise stands shoulder-to-shoulder with 5ft 9 Kate Middleton at Top Gun: Maverick premiere - "She's already two inches taller than him and took herself over 6ft in a pair of stilettos. Tom, widely thought to wear lifts in his shoes, boosted his height with a pair of black suit shoes with a stacked heel as he stepped out in a black tuxedo at the premiere."
• Sean Connery's own classic Aston Martin is for sale - "The Bond car that the late actor Sean Connery first drove in the 1964 film "Goldfinger" was an Aston Martin DB5 replete with gadgets like machine guns, an ejector seat and an oil slick maker. More than 50 years later, Connery sought out a 1964 DB5 for himself and, after looking for over a year, finally bought one - without the movie car's guns and gadgets - in early 2018. Connery died almost two years later at the age of 90. His DB5, the only one he ever actually owned, will be offered for sale at an auction this summer. The car is expected to sell for between $1.4 million and $1.8 million, according to the auction company Broad Arrow Group. The car will be offered at Broad Arrow Group's Monterey, California, auction on August 18."
• Princess Diana�s Wedding Tiara Goes On Display For Queen Elizabeth�s Platinum Jubilee - "The tiara worn by the late Princess Diana on her wedding day will go on display in London this summer for the first time since the 1960s as part of a landmark exhibit of aristocratic tiaras to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee, which marks her 70th year on the British throne."
• Fyre Festival fraudster Billy McFarland released from prison early - "Billy McFarland, the fraudster behind the ill-fated Fyre Festival, was sprung from prison this spring after serving less than four years of a six-year sentence in connection with his disastrous 2017 Caribbean retreat."
• Louis Vuitton�s Cruise 2023 Show Was All About Monograms & Metallic - "On a bright, sunny day in California, Louis Vuitton presented its Cruise 2023 show. It was a perfect day yesterday for a runway show at the Salk Institute, which is located in Southern California. With this presentation, Nicolas Ghesquiere continued his ongoing tradition of staging Louis Vuitton�s cruise runway shows at some of the world�s most renowned architectural spaces."
• Does hypnosis really work? - "With a history spanning the origin of psychotherapy, to bizarre experiments with snakes and acid, hypnosis is emerging as a powerful medical treatment. Can it shake off its reputation as a stage magician's trick?"
• �Really cool, day or night�: readers� top modern European architecture - "From a giant Gulliver in Spain to a sleek basking whale in Budapest, readers tip 10 destinations with stunning contemporary buildings." The Guardian.
• What Your Dog Wants - "Dogs are 'really good at reading our emotions,' says one expert. But we�re not so good at reading theirs."
• The week in wildlife - in pictures - "The best of this week�s wildlife pictures, including an injured bird, hungry jackals and a rescued dolphin."
• MacBook buying guide: The right M1 laptop for each use case - "Still on Intel? Here's a quick primer on your options for an M1-based laptop."
• Breville�s PolyScience Control Freak is a pricey yet precise induction cooktop - "At $1,500, you might want to leave this one to the pros."

May 19, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: culture of cover-ups and scapegoating impacting Russian military efforts, says UK - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 85 of the invasion - "Zelenskiy says Russian use of laser weapons shows invasion has failed; World Bank agrees $30bn global food aid plan."
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Is Putin Sick - Or Are We Meant to Think He Is? - "An oligarch close to the Kremlin was recorded on a tape saying the president is �very ill with blood cancer.� Is this true, idle speculation or disinformation designed to make an erratic and paranoid dictator vulnerable?"
• Ukraine war has stoked global food crisis that could last years, says UN - "Shortages of grain and fertiliser could cause �mass hunger and famine, says chief, as World Bank pledges another $12bn to ease shortfall."
• North Korea promotes traditional medicines in bid to fight Covid outbreak - "State media have told patients to use painkillers as well as unverified home remedies such as willow leaf tea."
• What to do if you test positive for Covid-19 now - "Covid-19 infections are on the rise, with most US states reporting an increase in cases. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the highly contagious BA.2.1.21 subvariant of Omicron is now the dominant strain of coronavirus nationwide."
• Since you're already getting a flu shot, why not one for covid, too? - "Scientists and federal health officials are debating plans to pair coronavirus and flu vaccinations in the fall."
• Climate change is making record-breaking heatwaves in India & Pakistan 100 times more likely - "Climate change has made the odds of a record-breaking heatwave hitting northwestern India and Pakistan 100 times more likely to happen, scientists said Wednesday, as the two countries experience high temperatures that are disrupting daily life."
• Do Airline Climate Offsets Really Work? Here�s the Good News & the Bad - "Carbon credits could eventually play an important role in fighting climate change, but right now a few dollars� worth won�t change much."
• Cost of living: Stock markets fall amid concern over rising prices - "Stock markets in Asia and the US have fallen over concerns that rising prices could send the global economy into a slowdown."
• Apple�s hidden setting instantly makes your video & audio calls sound better - "It doesn�t work everywhere, but when it does, it�s magic."
• 30 of the best fried foods around the world - "These are the world's best fried foods. How many have you tried?"
• How to make the most of that Instant Pot you just bought - "Few kitchen appliances have reached the same cult status as the Instant Pot. Years after its initial rise to fame, it�s as popular as ever, with new and improved models coming out every year. There always seems to be additional functions like customizable buttons, sous vide cooking or air frying. With more than 100 fan-created online groups, over 140,000 reviews on Amazon and accolades from the likes of The New York Times, it's no question that this kitchen marvel is a hit. Plus our favorite accessories and recipe sources."
• The endurance of Japan's simple street snack - "Eaten right off the coals, yaki-imo (roasted sweet potatoes) are a beloved centuries-old food, whether they're served by old-fashioned street vendors or modern 'imo' girls and boys."
• Have your cake & eat it: how to cut down on sugar - "As a doctor and baking columnist Tamal Ray was better placed than most to understand the pitfalls of his lifelong sugar crush. How can even the most sweet-toothed among us cut down?"
• What you should know to master portion control, according to an expert - "Portion sizes of some of your favorite foods have been getting bigger and bigger. Ultraprocessed foods and beverages, including chocolate, french fries, fast-food hamburgers and soda, are being sold in sizes up to five times larger than when they were first introduced, according to a December 2021 study in the American Journal of Public Health."
• One of the World's Greatest Watch Collections Is Going on Display - "One-hundred-and-sixty rare and exclusive watches go on display this week at the Design Museum."
• Can Bags Be Powerful? - "Especially in pop-movie culture, the concept of a 'Power Bag' belonging to the 'Boss Lady' seems particularly relevant, with the trusty carryalls of glamorous CEOs serving as perfect outfit inspirations to masses of devoted onlookers."
• The unusual new superyacht concept with a giant glass eye - "The 110-meter vessel, named Zion, features a stunning glass dome that looks like a gigantic eye, or a 'black hole.'"
• Porsche Design: 50 Years of Making Things Better - "In 2022, Porsche Design is paying tribute to some of its most iconic product creations. Among them is a faithful re-edition of 'the first all-black chronograph' from 1972, the legendary Chronograph 1."
• LEGO has reimagined Van Gogh's 'The Starry Night' in 2,316 little bricks - "When New York's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) bought 'The Starry Night' from a private collector in 1941, the painting was not well known. In the 81 years since, Vincent van Gogh's masterpiece has gone on to inspire everything from a hit single for singer Don McLean in 1971 to mass-produced merchandise including scarves, umbrellas and water bottles."
• Art auction fetches $922 million for high-profile divorce settlement - "More than three years after the high-profile divorce proceedings of New York real estate developer Harry Macklowe and his wife, Linda, their art collection has become the most expensive to ever sell at auction, raking in $922.2 million over the course of two different sales."
• The remarkable story behind one of Asia's most beautiful trains - "How an open letter turned an 'aesthetic catastrophe' into an award-winning Taiwan tourist train."
• Bob Mackie, designer who sketched famous Marilyn Monroe dress, says it was a 'big mistake' for Kim Kardashian to wear it - "Early in his career, Mackie worked as a sketch artist for Paramount costumier Edith Head, and Jean Louis, for whom he illustrated the skin-tight gown worn by Monroe when she sang 'Happy Birthday, Mr. President' to John F. Kennedy in 1962."
• The 50 Best Movies on HBO Max Right Now - "In addition to new Warner and HBO films, the streamer has a treasure trove of Golden Age classics, indie flicks and foreign films. Start with these."
• Netflix vs TikTok: The Battle Between Long & Short - "From the outside Netflix and TikTok may not look like competitors, but they are."
• Tom Cruise on Why �Top Gun� Sequel Would �Never� Go to Streaming & Why He Does His Own Stunts - "Prior to 'Top Gun: Maverick' making its Palais debut at the Cannes Film Festival, the superstar sat down for a conversation about his career."
• Leaky Gucci & Adidas 'sun umbrella' sparks China outcry - "A parasol set to be sold in China by top western brands Gucci and Adidas for 11,100 yuan (£1,329) is causing an outcry for not keeping out the rain. It comes as Gucci's website says it is 'not waterproof and is meant for sun protection or decorative use'."
• Juan Carlos: Spain's ex-king to return after two-year exile - "Spain's former King Juan Carlos will return to the country this week after nearly two years in exile in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Spanish royal palace has confirmed."
• Britain's biggest ever EuroMillions winners are revealed as hairdresser, 44, & civil engineer, 49, from Gloucester after they scooped £184million jackpot off a lucky dip - "The winners of Britain's lottery winners have been revealed as a hairdresser and sales engineer with two children - winning on a lucky dip ticket. Joe and Jess Thwaite, a couple from Gloucestershire in their 40s, won the whopping jackpot on Tuesday."

May 18, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: UK says Russia has �significant resourcing problems�; fate of Azovstal soldiers remains unclear - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 84 of the invasion - "Russia and Ukraine trade blame for stalled peace talks; Finland and Sweden to submit Nato bids on Wednesday."
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• The Answer to Stopping the Coronavirus May Be Up Your Nose - "A nasal vaccine could enter the mucus layer inside the nose and help the body make antibodies that capture the virus before it even has a chance to attach to people�s cells. This type of immunity is known as sterilizing immunity."
• Shanghai declares zero-Covid milestone but residents cast doubt on reopening - "Shanghai officials on Tuesday said they had achieved 'zero-Covid at the community level' in what appeared to be a turning point in a heavy-handed and costly campaign to tame an Omicron outbreak - but many residents remain skeptical the city will reopen anytime soon."
• World's largest aircraft owner lost 113 planes to Russia due to sanctions - "AerCap Holdings, the aircraft leasing giant that is the world's largest owner of jets, lost 113 planes and 11 jet engines worth $2.7 billion when Russia seized them in response to sanctions triggered by the war in Ukraine."
• Elon Musk's mother becomes oldest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model - "Her billionaire son may have dominated headlines recently, but 74-year-old Maye Musk is now in the spotlight after becoming the oldest model to feature on the Sports Illustrated (SI) Swimsuit cover."
• This band-aid like tracker could shed light on your insomnia - "We spend around a third of our lives asleep. At least, we're supposed to. In reality, many of us aren't getting enough sleep - in a global study conducted in 2020, over a third of adults reported sleeping problems, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic."
• Palau's world-first 'good traveller' incentive - "In a world-first initiative, visitors to Palau will be offered exclusive experiences based on how they treat the environment and culture, not by how much they spend."
• The Most Exclusive Place To Stay In Aspen - "No, it�s not a hotel. Rather, Aspen Valley Ranch is a gated community with homes that spans more than 800 acres and is just 10 minutes from downtown Aspen. Comprised of residences, the property is unlike anything else that currently exists in town. It�s a self-encompassing retreat with every imaginable luxury and amenity, and like any exceptional place to stay, it also offer amenities that you would never be able to imagine."
• The link between imposter syndrome & burnout - "Feeling like you�re bad at your job is miserable. Worse, it�s also more likely to lead to professional burnout."
• Tedcore: the self-help books that have changed the way we live, speak & think - "Bestsellers like Atlas of the Heart and Atomic Habits use feel-good philosophy to turn our anxieties into our identity."
• Going solo: Eating alone in public - in pictures - "For three decades, New York photographer Nancy A Scherl has shot solo diners in fancy eateries, burger joints and even makeshift tents during the pandemic. What do her images say about loneliness, social behaviour and our evolving attitudes in public spaces?"
• Plant-based 'whole' eggs could be served in US restaurants this year - "If you�re a vegan or eco-conscious consumer, there are plenty of options when you want a burger or chicken nuggets. But there aren�t many plant-based eggs. Sure, you can find powdered substitutes, but a �whole� egg with a runny yolk is a different matter. A startup wants to change that."
• 21 Cars From Eric Clapton's Rock N' Roll Car Collection - "Some of these cars were used as inspiration for songs of his, but the best of the bunch were bought to be driven."

May 17, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: bloodiest battle ends as Ukrainian fighters evacuated from Mariupol steel plant - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 83 of the invasion - "Fighters evacuated from steelworks in Mariupol; Ukrainian troops push back Russian forces from Kharkiv as far as Russian border."
• Mariupol: Hundreds of besieged Ukrainian soldiers evacuated - "Ukraine has confirmed that hundreds of its fighters trapped for more than two months in Mariupol's Azovstal steelworks have been evacuated."
• How Often Can You Be Infected With the Coronavirus? - "The spread of the Omicron variant has given scientists an unsettling answer: repeatedly, sometimes within months."
• The COVID Testing Company That Missed 96% of Cases - "State and local officials across Nevada signed agreements with Northshore Clinical Labs, a COVID testing laboratory run by men with local political connections. There was only one problem: Its tests didn�t work." ProPublica.
• Apple rolls out iOS 15.5 with upgrades to Apple Cash & Podcasts. Everything New in iOS 15.5 - "The new updates aren't as feature rich as the prior updates and focus primarily on under-the-hood changes."
• Japan prepares to reopen to tourists for first time since 2020 - "�Test tourism� to begin in May in the form of limited package tours as a way of gathering information prior to full reopening."
• Europe's coolest metro line is upside down - "Unlike boring ordinary train lines that stay determinedly fixed to terra firma, suspension railways dangle beneath a track suspended from pylons. Their carriages swoosh over roads, rivers and other obstructions, while passengers get to enjoy the view. Today, the only suspension railways in operation are to be found in Japan and Germany. And it's in Germany that the original, and still very much the best, can still be found still going strong in all its steampunk glory - the Wuppertal Schwebebahn."
• Visiting Venice this summer? Here's the best art on show at the Venice Biennale - "If you're planning on being one of the millions of visitors flooding into Venice this summer and you're looking for an alternative way to enjoy the floating city, why not tour it with art as your guide?"
• Cannes 2022: 10 movies to watch out for in this year�s festival - "Austin Butler shakes his stuff as Elvis, Cronenberg gets creepy, Claire Denis takes on colonial agony and Hirokazu Kore-eda unwraps his first Korean-language film."
• Why the Queen is the last Royal icon - "From fairytale and formal to satirical and subversive - the art and photography that depict Her Majesty the Queen reveal some interesting truths. Holly Williams takes a look."
• Ferdinand Marcos Jr urged to stop pretending he has an Oxford degree - "University has said Philippines leader was awarded �special diploma in social studies� in 1978, not a BA."
• Missing Picasso Found? Photo Suggests Philippines� Imelda Marcos Might Still Have It - "What might be a lost painting by Pablo Picasso was spotted at the home of Imelda Marcos, the former first lady of the Philippines and the widow of dictator Ferdinand Marcos�who allegedly embezzled billions of dollars from the Philippines before he was ousted�after her son Ferdinand Marcos Jr. won the presidential election this week. The Marcos family is believed to have embezzled as much as $10 billion from the Philippines, the majority of which has never been recovered."
• How timing your meals right can benefit your health - "Eating well doesn�t necessarily just mean concentrating on the right diet � the time you eat (or don�t) can also make a big difference to your wellbeing."
• Number crunching: why ultra-processed foods have a calorie problem - "How we process a calorie depends on genetics, hormones and the food it�s in. The trouble is that 50% of our calories come from ultra-processed foods - everything from biscuits to hummus."
• The true origin of French macarons - "The French macaron shrouded in secrecy. The recipe for Macarons des Sœurs is only passed on orally to the succeeding pâtissier, who is the only one who makes the macaron, 'alone and away from prying eyes'."
• 10 little-known Mac features that will transform your desktop - "Here are ten macOS tips and features that you may not know or have forgotten about that can help you get more out of your Mac. Some of these are old, some just arrived in the past year, but all of them are incredibly handy to have in your arsenal."
• Can gravity batteries solve our energy storage problems? - "Could a cutting-edge technology that harnesses one of the universe's fundamental forces help solve our energy storage challenge?"
• Who owns Einstein? The battle for the world�s most famous face - "Thanks to a savvy California lawyer, Albert Einstein has earned far more posthumously than he ever did in his lifetime. But is that what the great scientist would have wanted?"
• Hot desking, tea rounds & surviving meeting irl: the new rules of the office - "Many of us have forgotten how it feels to be sharing a space with colleagues - and hybrid working has only added to the problems. Here�s how to navigate your post-pandemic workplace."
• Super flower blood moon - in pictures - "Dramatic total lunar eclipse coincided with a super moon, when the moon is at its closest point to Earth and reflects a red and orange light."

May 16, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest news: Swedish PM to seek parliament�s support for joining Nato - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 82 of the invasion - "Sweden follows Finland in application to join Nato; Nato pledges open-ended military support to Ukraine; British intelligence estimates Russia has lost a third of invasion force."
• After 32 years, McDonald�s plans to sell its Russia business - "'This is a complicated issue that�s without precedent and with profound consequences,' said Chris Kempczinski, the chief executive of McDonald�s."
• Kim Jong-un calls in the army to respond to North Korea�s Covid-19 crisis - "Leader criticises healthcare officials and orders army to distribute medicine as more than one million are infected by �fever�."
• North Korea: More than a million Covid cases feared - "North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un has lambasted health officials and ordered the army to help distribute medicine, as a wave of Covid cases sweeps through the country."
• Covid has hit China's economy harder than expected - "Retail sales contracted 11.1% in April from a year ago, according to China's National Bureau of Statistics on Monday. That was well below the 6.1% drop forecast in a Reuters survey of economists, and also much lower than the 3.5% decrease seen in March."
• How Australia Saved Thousands of Lives While Covid Killed a Million Americans - "The United States and Australia share similar demographics, but their pandemic death rates point to very different cultures of trust."
• why are masks still worn in Japan & South Korea? - "Covid cases are stabilising in the countries but many may continue to wear face coverings, even if rules change."
• Full lunar eclipse creates rare super blood Moon - "Stargazers have been treated overnight to a stunning and unusual sight - a super blood Moon. Shortly after 03:30 GMT on Monday, Earth's orbit meant that for several minutes our planet was positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon."
• How 'revenge travel' became the latest trend - "The idea of 'revenge travel' seems to be more about loving to travel rather than expecting a specific destination to make amends."
• How long-haul travel will change post-Covid - "Airlines are rethinking long-haul travel as passengers cautiously return to flying. What�s likely to change?"
• Man Ray's 'Le Violon d'Ingres' photograph sells for record $12.4 million - "The original print of the masterpiece, widely considered to be Man Ray's most famous work, sold for $12.4 million, smashing sale estimates. Prior to the sale, it was expected to fetch between $5-7 million, the highest estimate for a single photograph in auction history, according to Christie's, which sold the work."
• Home decor ideas: 40 ways to make your home beautiful - "From simple home decor tricks to more dramatic room makeover, these ideas will help you transform your home."
• 12 Best Uses For Old iPhones - "Here are some novel ways you can give your old iPhone the second life it deserves."
• A Monument Rises From the Sand: Louvre Abu Dhabi - "The tale of the world�s newest cultural monument is tied to one of its oldest, though their evolutions bear little resemblance."
• This decadent dish showcases the famous black truffle - "'Essence of the Woods Pasta With Porcini and Truffle.' The dish combines the delicious flavors of beetroot, porcini mushrooms and black garlic to create a mouthwatering pasta sauce that complements but doesn't upstage the star of the show - a whole lot of truffle."
• Retsina - The 2,000-Year Old Wine Synonymous with Greek Summer - "Retsina is a refreshing Greek wine with a long history dating back to over 2,000 years. The beloved drink is linked to the warm summer months in the country."
• The 'can do' attitude that defines Hong Kong - "Many of Hong Kong's 7.4 million residents remain proud of their 'Lion Rock Spirit': a collective determination to better their lives against seemingly insurmountable odds."
• Guide to the Platinum Jubilee, Celebrating 70 Years of Queen Elizabeth�s Reign - "On February 6, 2022, the Queen became the first British monarch in history to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. Seven decades have passed since she acceded to the throne at the age of 25 following the death of her father, George VI. In the intervening years, she has advised 14 prime ministers, met 13 U.S. presidents and acted as a steadfast figurehead as the nation navigated countless crises. To mark this unprecedented milestone, events will be organized throughout the year, culminating in a four-day weekend in June. The main events are set to take place between Thursday, June 2 and Sunday, June 5."
• Butt Lifts Are Booming. Healing Is No Joke - "Beauty, pain, race and money play out in Miami�s post-surgical recovery houses."
• 2022 Historic Grand Prix returns in deafening 13th edition - "The 2022 Historic Grand Prix can be marked as another success by the Automobile Club of Monaco, as thousands of spectators came out to see passionate drivers compete in their period-correct race cars from the golden age of motorsport."
• The Tesla Effect: Snowmobiles, Boats & Mowers Go Electric - "They�re quieter and better for the climate. But snow and water create new technological challenges for designers."
• The world's largest musical instrument - "Hear the epic sound of a 33,112-pipe organ in Atlantic City."
• Metatext Meets Murder in HBO�s Addictive The Staircase - "Ever since Big Little Lies became a TV phenomenon, HBO has cleared a lane for well-heeled crime dramas that are addicting as they are ludicrous. And now comes The Staircase, which shares DNA with the above: A-list cast, interesting director (Antonio Campos, whose film Christine has echoes here), a story that wraps up privilege, legal wrangling and violent death in a handsome eight-part package."
• Pro-Ject E1 Turntable Serves Up Crystal Clear Sound Without Deleting Your Wallet - "The Pro-Ject E1 Turntable is a fine example of what a re-energised industry can offer, as a quality entry point into the world of traditional hi-fi, which is priced to encourage people to join the wax-pressed revolution. Hand-made in Europe by the Austrian hi-fi company, the E1 features a 33/45 RPM electronic speed switch so you can enjoy any record from the comfort of your own home."
• Hands-On With GÉrald Genta's Personal Royal Oak - "Typically, a two-tone Royal Oak will also contain central bracelet links made of gold, but here only the bezel is crafted from the precious metal. According to Evelyne Genta, Gérald's longtime partner and widow, it was fitted to the watch by the man himself after acquiring the Royal Oak directly from Audemars Piguet. 'Gérald didn't own a Royal Oak until May 15, 1978, though he was obviously the Royal daddy,' she says. 'He bought that watch and told me he wanted to make it special, he wanted something more. In those days he already had his own workshop so he made that yellow gold bezel; it's not an original bezel. It's the ultimate combination of Audemars Piguet and Gérald Genta. He wore it quite often and it's unique. There's nothing more I can say other than it's unique.'"

May 15, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Russians have �lost momentum� in Donbas, says MoD; Finland set for Nato decision - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 81 of the invasion - "A convoy evacuating refugees from Mariupol arrives safely in Zaporizhzhia; US senators visit Kyiv; Ukraine rides wave of support to win Eurovision."
• Zelensky hails his country's Eurovision win & vows to hold next year's event in MARIUPOL - "President Zelensky has vowed to hold Eurovision in Mariupol next year after an outpouring of support from the European public propelled Ukraine to victory - as Britain's Sam Ryder earned a shock second place. Britain surprisingly topped the jury vote and led for most of the night before Ukraine were awarded a mammoth 439 points in the public vote."
• Ukraine�s �hero river� helped save Kyiv. But what now for its newly restored wetlands? - "Kyiv repelled Russian forces by opening a Soviet-era dam on the Irpin River. Now, ecologists hope Ukraine�s newest wetlands can survive, or even thrive, after the war."
• Finland confirms Russia has cut electricity supply - "In a call with Finland's President Sauli Niinistö, Putin warned that joining NATO 'would be a mistake', as the Nordic country edges closer to becoming a member of the US-backed alliance."
• May's flower full moon will blossom in the sky this weekend - "May's full moon, known as the flower moon, will blossom in the sky on Sunday night into Monday."
• Full lunar eclipse to bring super blood Moon - "One of our planet's most stunning sights is coming to the skies - a super blood Moon."
• Coffee bad, red wine good? Top food myths busted - "We�re being bombarded with conflicting advice on what we should and shouldn�t put into our bodies. Finally, here are the definitive answers, according to the experts."
• Go with your gut: scientist Tim Spector on why food is not just fuel - "The scientist has spent years studying how gut health relates not just to nutrition, but to all aspects of our everyday wellbeing. He explains why it really is what�s inside that counts."
• Meal of a lifetime: what to eat at every age - "From training toddlers to socialising septuagenarians - here are the ideal ingredients to eat healthily at every stage of life."
• How to Grill the Perfect Steak - "Reverse-seared tri-tip may be the tastiest dish you grill all summer. Steven Raichlen guides you through the process."
• �This is about survival�: will Cop27 bring action on Glasgow climate pact? - "Amid an energy crisis caused by war in Ukraine, climate experts say November talks must act on plans to limit global heating."
• The World�s a Mess. So They�ve Stopped Saving for Tomorrow - "Many adults under 35 are throwing financial caution to the wind. It�s all about saving less, spending more and pursuing passions."
• Everything You Thought You Knew & Why You're Wrong - "A scientist and policy analyst examines the systems that rule our world, denounces easy solutions and makes the case for uncertainty."
• Fossils of a dinosaur that inspired 'Jurassic Park' sold for over $12 million - "His name is 'Hector,' he's over 100 million years old, and his fossils sold for more than $12 million in auction at Christie's. Hector is the most complete skeleton of Deinonychus antirrhopus ever found, according to Christie's. The specimen, excavated in Montana in 2013, dates back to the early Cretaceous period: 115 to 108 million years ago. It's in a 'remarkable state of preservation,' the auction house says of the specimen, consisting of 126 original fossils on a custom-built frame."
• The Rich Are Not Who We Think They Are. And Happiness Is Not What We Think It Is, Either - "A groundbreaking 2019 study by four economists, 'Capitalists in the Twenty-First Century,' analyzed de-identified data of the complete universe of American taxpayers to determine who dominated the top 0.1 percent of earners. The study didn�t tell us about the small number of well-known tech and shopping billionaires but instead about the more than 140,000 Americans who earn more than $1.58 million per year. The researchers found that the typical rich American is, in their words, the owner of a 'regional business,' such as an 'auto dealer' or a 'beverage distributor.'"
• An Outsider Takes an Inside Look at the Oxford �Chums� Who Run the U.K. - "Simon Kuper has written a book that captures Boris Johnson and other future Conservative politicians when they were ambitious and misbehaving undergrads, planning their rise to power."
• In London, a Long-Awaited High-Tech Train Is Ready to Roll - "The Elizabeth line, 13 years in the making, will soon uncoil under central London with cathedral-like stations and roomy cars. Its managers say it�s a testament to the power of public transportation."

May 14, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Ukrainian general predicts when war will end; UK warns Russia likely to rig referendums in Ukraine - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 80 of the invasion - "Ukraine appears to have successfully driven back Russian forces from Kharkiv; Russia to suspend electricity to Finland after Helsinki announces Nato bid."
• What happened in the Russia-Ukraine war this week? Catch up with the must-read news and analysis - "Russia marks Victory Day, the last civilians leave Mariupol�s Azovstal steelworks, and Ukraine prosecutors set for first war crimes trials."
• LIVE: Ukraine wins battle for city of Kharkiv - reports - "More now on reports that Ukraine has forced Russian forces to withdraw from Kharkiv - apparently 'winning the battle' for the city, as a respected US think tank describes it."
• Ukraine is 'losing many more men now,' lawmaker says - "Situation on battlefield is 'far worse' than it was at the start of war, Ukrainian official says."
• Ukraine begins first war crimes trial of Russian soldier - "Ukraine has started its first war crimes trial since the beginning of Russia's invasion, with a 21-year-old soldier appearing in the dock accused of killing an unarmed civilian."
• United States passes one million Covid deaths - "The US has passed more than one million Covid-related deaths, says the White House."
• China tightens ban on 'non-essential' overseas travel as lockdown anger rises - "The administration justified the measures by claiming it was necessary to 'reduce the risk of infection when leaving the country, and of carrying the virus when entering the country.' Travel will only be permitted for 'essential' purposes, defined by the administration as resuming work, study, business and scientific research, as well as seeking medical care."
• North Korea: Kim Jong-un declares Covid outbreak a �great disaster� - "Pyongyang reports 21 more deaths as it scrambles to slow spread of the virus across unvaccinated population."
• �Cash, coal, cars and trees�: what progress has been made since Cop26? - "Six months on, the war in Ukraine and ongoing Covid-19 pandemic have derailed some changes agreed on in Glasgow."
• 60 quick ways to make yourself slightly happier - "Things feeling a bit stale? These small tweaks to your routine will turn things around, boost your mood and could even make you a better person ..."
• Longest suspension footbridge ever opens - 721-meter/2,365 feet-long-span - "Spectacular world's longest suspension footbridge opens in Czech Republic."
• Cannolo: The 'erotic' origins of Sicily's top pastry - "Making a trip to Sicily without indulging in a delicious cannolo pastry is akin to visiting Naples without tucking into an authentic pizza. Practically unheard of."
• Saudi man charged after Maserati driven down Rome's Spanish Steps - "When in Rome, don't drive your fancy sports car down historic stairways."
• Lewis Hamilton could face ban from racing in 2022 Monaco GP - "Lewis Hamilton has been warned that he could face substantial ramifications if he does not remove his permanent jewellery by the time the Formula 1 circus has arrived to the Principality for the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix."
• Test-Driving The McLaren 765LT Spider - "McLaren 765LT Spider: The Pinnacle Of The Pure Combustion Supercar."
• Cannes Film Festival: 75 years of era-defining fashion - "As the world's most glamorous film festival celebrates its 75th anniversary, take a look back at decades of red carpet highlights."
• Best Places To Retire In 2022: Sioux Falls & Other Hot Spots - "Forbes compared more than 800 locales in America on everything from housing costs and taxes to healthcare, air quality, crime and climate change and natural hazard risk. These are the top 25 cities for retirees."
• The iPod created the two-headed monster that finally killed it - "Apple's music player led to smartphones and streaming, both of which made the iPod obsolete years ago."

May 13, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine latest: first war crimes trial in Kyiv; UK says Russian commanders �under pressure� after failed river crossing - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 79 of the invasion - "Kyiv court set to hear first war crimes trial of Russian soldier; Moscow threatens retaliation after Finland announces Nato plans."
• Two battlegrounds are emerging in Ukraine - "A meandering river in eastern Ukraine is hindering both sides in the war."
• Putin �very ill with blood cancer says top oligarch caught in secret recording' - "An oligarch with close ties to the Kremlin has been secretly recorded as saying that Vladimir Putin is 'very ill with blood cancer' it is reported, with his identity not revealed for his safety."
• Senator Rand Paul single-handedly holds up $40bn US aid for Ukraine - "Democratic and Republican Senate leaders both supported package but Paul objected to scale of spending."
• Forgetting the apocalypse: why our nuclear fears faded & why that�s dangerous - "The horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki made the whole world afraid of the atomic bomb � even those who might launch one. Today that fear has mostly passed out of living memory, and with it we may have lost a crucial safeguard."
• North Korea says six dead after admitting Covid outbreak for first time - "Regime has said it is imposing �maximum emergency measures� and 187,800 people are being �isolated and treated� after showing signs of fever."
• Monaco Mask rules abolished - almost - "Friday the 13th will be a lucky day for residents and visitors who have been looking forward to a further relaxation of the mask rules in Monaco."
• Elon Musk says his deal to buy Twitter is on hold - "'Twitter deal temporarily on hold pending details supporting calculation that spam/fake accounts do indeed represent less than 5% of users,' Musk tweeted on Friday."
• The Mundane Thrill of �Romanticizing Your Life� - "A trend that took off early in the pandemic encourages people to appreciate life�s simple pleasures, a philosophy that resonates just as strongly two years later."
• The World�s Largest Hotel, Restaurant & Leisure Companies In 2022 - "With increasing vaccination rates and an eagerness among consumers to return to normalcy, many of the biggest names in the hotel, restaurant and leisure sectors have begun to rebound in Forbes� annual ranking of 2,000 the world�s largest public companies. Fast-food chains have weathered the pandemic better than the rest of the restaurant sector, largely thanks to drive-thru service and digital ordering. Two prime examples are McDonald�s, the world�s largest fast-food chain, and Starbucks, which are the only restaurant companies in the top 500, at no. 222 and no. 301, respectively. Our rankings are based on a composite score calculated from revenue, profits, assets and market value."
• The Italian place where you don't eat 'Italian' food - "Everyone who travels to Italy knows the drill. A day of culture and maybe a little shopping, followed by aperitivo and piles of pasta for dinner. Or, possibly a pizza - or even risotto. Because that's what they eat in Italy, right? The people of Lake Trasimeno would beg to differ."
• There�s Never Been a Better Time to Visit Amsterdam�s Breathtaking Gardens - "This year, there�s a particular wealth of green-fingered delights to be had in the city, in no small part thanks to the return of the Floriade Expo, an international horticulture exhibition which takes place every ten years, this time situated in the nearby town of Almere. And while the kaleidoscopic fields of the Bollenstreek (the flower-growing region just south of the city) and the breathtaking tulip gardens of Keukenhof are undeniably at their best during the spring, there�s a case to be made for the city as a year-round destination for horticulturalists."
• How high is your toxic 'body burden'? - "The chemicals that linger for decades in your blood. Environmental journalist Anna Turns experienced a wake-up call when she had her blood tested for toxic synthetic chemicals - and discovered that some contaminants persist for decades."
• Your Next iPod Could & Probably Should, Be an Apple Watch - "'I ditched my iPod ages ago, because the computer on my wrist was more convenient.'"
• Here's How Apple's iPod Lasted for 20 Years - "The gadget survived music streaming, rival players and the iPhone."
• You�re Cleaning All Wrong - "A science-based guide for fellow germaphobes."
• The design that changed European cities - "In the 1930s, Slovenia's Jože Plečnik created a unique architecture utterly different from the prevailing style of the time - and changed the way we think about cities."
• Nicole Kidman�s 11 Best Onscreen Beauty Transformations - "Nicole Kidman�s Most Dramatic Onscreen Beauty Transformations, From Bold Wigs to Facial Prosthetics."
• This $59 Million Waterfront Mansion In Miami�s �Billionaire Bunker� Could Become America�s Most Expensive Bitcoin Real Estate Deal Ever - "For roughly 1,903 Bitcoin at today�s conversion rate, Ivanka Trump, Spanish crooner Julio Iglesias, billionaire investor Carl Icahn, and dozens of other A-listers and titans of industry could soon become your neighbors in Miami�s most coveted address. Locally known as �Billionaire Bunker�, Indian Creek Island on Biscayne Bay on the backside of Miami Beach is by almost every measure the most exclusive, secure, and celebrity-saturated residential enclave in America (sorry Hamptons and Palo Alto). If it had its own zip code, it would be the most expensive as well, with most properties trading hands these days for north of $40 million."

May 12, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Moscow is �most direct threat� to world order, EU leader says; Finland expected to launch Nato bid - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 78 of the invasion - "Russian-controlled administration in Kherson plans to request annexation; Ukraine claims it has recaptured Pytomnyk, north of Kharkiv."
• Inside the Azovstal steelworks - in pictures - "A series of photos published on the Azov Regiment�s Telegram channel this week appears to show the squalid conditions of wounded Ukrainian defenders holed up under the Azovstal steelworks in besieged Mariupol. The Azov regiment retains some far-right affiliations."
• Russia pushed back from Kharkiv - report from front line - "Ukraine says its forces have recaptured villages from Russian troops north and north-east of Kharkiv, pushing them back towards the border. The continuing offensive could signal a shift in the war's momentum and jeopardise Russia's main advance further south."
• Russian-linked billionaires have given enormous sums of money to the West's leading educational & cultural institutions - "Their names are etched in stone alongside some of the most powerful people and companies in American history - the Rockefellers, the Walgreens, and the Coca-Cola company."
• North Korea admits to Covid outbreak for first time and declares �severe national emergency� - "Omicron infections create �biggest emergency incident in the country�, according to state media, as Kim Jong-un chairs response meeting."
• the �carbon bombs� set to trigger catastrophic climate breakdown - "Oil and gas majors are planning scores of vast projects that threaten to shatter the 1.5C climate goal. If governments do not act, these firms will continue to cash in as the world burns."
• Luxury Watch Brands Are Showing How Circularity & Sustainability Can Co-Exist - "There has been a sudden enthusiasm amongst luxury brands for embracing the resale model to both increase revenues and meet their sustainability targets. This is true for watches too. After all, the circular economy creates economic value through reuse and preservation, whereas its opposite, the linear economy functions on the concept of 'more' and waste."
• 'Succession' star glues hand to Starbucks counter in protest - "Actor and activist James Cromwell has gone from 'Succession�s' Uncle Ewan to real-life supergluin� - pasting his hand to a midtown Manhattan Starbucks counter on Tuesday to protest the coffee chain�s extra charge for plant-based milk."
• Can We Still Be Optimistic About America? - "This is a season - an age, really - of American pessimism. The pessimism comes in many flavors. There is progressive pessimism: The country is tilting toward MAGA-hatted fascism or a new version of 'The Handmaid�s Tale.' There is conservative pessimism: The institutions, from primary schools to the Pentagon, are all being captured by wokeness. There is Afropessimism: Black people have always been excluded by systemic, ineradicable racism. There is the pessimism of the white middle and working classes: The country and the values they�ve known for generations are being hijacked by smug, self-dealing elites who view them with contempt." The New York Times.
• US passes 1m overdose deaths since records began - "2021 was a record year for overdose deaths with an estimated 107,622, CDC says, an increase of 15% from the previous year."
• Elon Musk just made Donald Trump's life a lot more difficult - "On Tuesday, Elon Musk confirmed it: He wants Donald Trump back on Twitter. 'I do think it was not correct to ban Donald Trump, I think that was a mistake,' Musk, who is in the process of buying the social media company, said at a Financial Times conference. 'I would reverse the perma-ban. ... Banning Trump from Twitter didn't end Trump's voice, it will amplify it among the right and this is why it's morally wrong and flat out stupid.'"
• Covid mask rules relaxed for EU air travel - "Face masks will no longer have to be worn on flights and in airports in EU countries from next Monday, according to new official guidance."
• US airline passengers aren't happy. Here's why - "The airports are crowded, the flights are packed and air travel in the US is back in full swing. But the return to the skies in the wake of the pandemic hasn't been entirely smooth: passengers seem more badly behaved than ever, flight cancellations feel increasingly commonplace and airlines are hiking fares as fuel prices soar."
• Google Maps adds an �Immersive View� of major cities - "Pan around popular tourist destinations directly from your phone."
• Why Larry Gagosian Bought Andy Warhol�s Marilyn Monroe Portrait For A Record $195 Million - "When the gavel came down Monday evening at Christie�s for Andy Warhol�s 1964 portrait of Marilyn Monroe, the $195 million price broke multiple auction records, including a new high for the Pop master himself. Like Warhol and Monroe, the buyer, art dealer Larry Gagosian, is also a familiar face."
• 'The Rock,' the largest white diamond ever auctioned, falls short of expectations - "The largest white diamond to ever come up for auction has been sold for 21,681,000 CHF ($21.9 million) at Christie's in Geneva. The auction house had given the diamond a 30,000,000 CHF ($30.2 million) high estimate."
• Fragment of the asteroid that killed off the dinosaurs may have been found - "A tiny fragment of the asteroid that hit Earth 66 million years ago may have been found encased in amber - a discovery NASA has described as 'mind-blowing.'"
• 23 of the world's best sandwiches - "Is there a food more humble yet universally adored than the sandwich? And while one person's go-to hamburger snack might be another's katsu sando or chivito, there's hardly a country on the planet that doesn't turn to some type of bread with something stuffed inside it to cure a craving. Traveling the world's sandwiches is, in a way, like traveling the world."
• Why Ancient Greeks Mixed Wine With Seawater - "Seawater gives the wine a curious salinity which mixes with the sweetness of the grape and produces a delicate taste while at the same time preserving the wine longer."
• On Strawberry Fanta & Other Treats Imbued With Divine Status - "Whether because of religion, fad dieting or Instagram, humans have long made food offerings in the hope of connecting with the sublime."
• How nature & 'extreme wilding' can re-boot our minds - "Is it possible to 're-wild' ourselves, and find peace by living a slower, more rural existence in harmony with nature? Lindsay Baker speaks to the authors who think we can."
• �People say they want me arrested�: the owners putting their pets on vegan diets - "The vegan pet food industry is now worth billions. But can plant-based meals really meet a dog or cat�s nutritional needs?"
• One UK ticket holder has scooped a record-breaking £184m Euromillions jackpot - "The winning EuroMillions numbers were 3, 25, 27, 28 and 29 - plus the Lucky Star numbers 4 and 9. One ticket matched all seven numbers to win £184,262,899.10."
• Curse of lottery winners who have suffered after winning life-changing sums - "We all dream of winning the National Lottery one day - and one lucky winner in the UK woke up this morning to discover they have amassed £184 million on EuroMillions - making them richer than Ed Sheeran."

May 11, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: trapped and wounded Azovstal soldiers plead for rescue; Ukraine to suspend Russian gas pipeline to Europe - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 77 of the invasion - "US spy chief suggests Russia could use nuclear weapons if war continues to stall; Odesa comes under renewed missile attacks."
• Putin preparing for long haul, US intelligence says - "Vladimir Putin is preparing for a long war in Ukraine, with even victory in the east potentially not ending the conflict, US intelligence has warned."
• Putin's current dilemma was JFK's worst fear - "Reflecting on the Cuban missile crisis, President John Kennedy once warned that nuclear powers 'must avert those confrontations which bring an adversary to a choice of either a humiliating retreat or a nuclear war.' The showdown with Russian President Vladimir Putin over Ukraine does not yet mirror the one-minute-to-midnight brinkmanship that brought the Soviet Union and the West to the cusp of Armageddon in October 1962."
• How junk revealed life on Soviet bases - "The revealing junk of abandoned Soviet nuclear bases. From toys to toothpaste, the forgotten possessions left behind on former nuclear weapons bases in Poland reveal fascinating insights about the Soviet officers and families who once lived there."
• Shanghai moves to impose tightest restrictions yet - "Shanghai officials will over the next few days further restrict access to food and hospitals in some parts of the city, the most severe phase of its extended lockdown yet."
• Lifting zero-Covid policies in China could risk 1.6m deaths, says study - "Authorities might let people isolate at home instead of quarantine centres but anger continues in Shanghai about heavy-handed tactics."
• WHO chief censored on China's internet after calling zero-Covid unsustainable - "The censorship on Weibo and WeChat, China's two largest social media platforms, targets WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus' comments that expressed rare disagreement with Beijing's policies."
• Bill Gates tests positive for COVID-19, says he's experiencing mild symptoms - "The 66-year-old tech giant wrote in a tweet Tuesday that he is experiencing mild symptoms and is 'following the experts' advice' by isolating himself until he's healthy. 'I'm fortunate to be vaccinated and boosted and have access to testing and great medical care,' Gates tweeted."
• �Devastating�: 91% of reefs surveyed on Great Barrier Reef affected by coral bleaching in 2022 - "Report reveals extent of sixth mass bleaching event with worst-affected reefs between Cape Tribulation and Whitsundays."
• Vanuatu�s push for legal protection from climate change wins crucial support - "1,500 civil society groups from 130 countries back Vanuatu�s move to seek protection from the international court of justice."
• How long will inflation last? The answer lies in the past - "The Federal Reserve's favorite inflation-related adjective used to be transitory, as in: Inflation is transitory and price increases should be temporary. That is no longer the case. Inflation rates have been increasing sharply since August 2021 and have been out of the normal 2%-to-4% range for a full year. The Consumer Price Index rose 8.5% for the year ending in March, a rate that hadn't been seen since December of 1981. So the central bank has broken up with 'transitory' and set its eyes on a new inflation-modifying term: entrenched."
• Prince Charles delivers Queen's Speech for the first time - "Britain's heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles and Prince William took center stage at the opening of parliament on Tuesday, replacing the 96-year-old Queen Elizabeth who missed the grand set-piece event for the first time in almost six decades."
• Elon Musk says he would reverse Twitter's Trump ban - "Elon Musk said Tuesday that he would restore former President Donald Trump's banned account on Twitter if his deal to acquire the company is completed."
• What to expect at Google I/O 2022 - "Android 13, the Pixel 6a and Pixel Watch could all take the spotlight. May 11-12."
• A passenger with no flying experience landed a plane in a Florida airport after the pilot became incapacitated - "As the situation unfolded, the passenger can be heard telling air traffic control that he doesn't know how to fly the plane, according to LiveATC.net audio CNN obtained."
• The 2,000-year-old city where the language of Jesus is still spoken - "Mardin: Turkey's ancient treasure trove."
• Balenciaga selling destroyed sneakers for $1,850 - "Luxury fashion house Balenciaga has unveiled a new campaign promoting a series of roughed up sneakers with an eye-watering price tag, and the internet has thoughts."
• Luxury destination Monaco promoted as new air link launched - "Leading representatives of the Principality�s tourism sector have been in New York to promote Monaco as a luxury tourist destination now that coronavirus travel restrictions have ended. Another incentive for the initiative was the launch of a direct link from New York�s Newark airport to Nice Côte D�Azur."
• When a Warhol for $225 Has More Heft Than One for $195 Million - "Unlike the Christie�s retread, the Pop master�s 1962 'Green Marilyn' was crudely silk-screened, with blotches that convey the decay of a fallen star. It was a pathbreaking original."
• There's more to eyebrows than you might think - "She is bullied for her brows. Who decides what's beautiful?"
• All pandas look the same - but smart tech can tell the difference - "Smart tech is helping to save China's giant pandas. The giant panda has long been the face of animal conservation, ever since WWF adopted the adorable black-and-white bear as its logo in 1961. But, after decades of intensive conservation programs, pandas are no longer endangered."
• Remember this dancing baby? It's back with a new look - "The internet's famous dancing baby from 1996 is getting a new look."
• Who really discovered Tutankhamun's tomb? - "Howard Carter lead the team of archaeologists in finding Tutankhamun's tomb, but not much is said about the Egyptians who helped him. On the 100th anniversary of the discovery, an exhibition at the University of Oxford in the UK showcases some forgotten stories."
• �The spirit lives on�: Apple to discontinue the iPod after 21 years - "Apple is discontinuing its MP3 player, bringing an end to device that transformed how we listen to music."
• Who needs recipes? Why it�s time to trust your senses and cook intuitively - "Could off-the-cuff cooking help you be more relaxed and confident in the kitchen? Here are some tips for making dishes you love from what you have to hand."
• Bold Ventures by Charlotte van den Broeck review - architects of their own demise - "A poetic tale of 13 flawed buildings that spelled catastrophe for their designers."
• Sotheby�s Sells Gerald Genta�s Royal Oak For $2.1-million; Double-Signed Patek/Tiffany Pieces Up Next - "Gerald Genta, known as the Picasso of watches, famously designed the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. His personal Royal Oak, a customized version of the model, made in 1978, is the only known steel ref. 5402 with a gold bezel, sold at a Sotheby�s watch auction in Geneva on May 8 for CHF 2,170,000 (about $122,676)."
• An Exclusive Look at the OAK Collection, One of the World�s Finest Assortments of Watches - "Several hundred watches, collected over 35-plus years, at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars, curated down to 160. . .The numbers alone are enough to make The OAK Collection - which is about to open at The Design Museum in London ahead of its bow in New York this Fall - a must-visit for any horolophile, anywhere."
• Checking Out Karl Lagerfeld's Black-PVD Royal Oak - "The Royal Oak Supposedly Worn By Chanel Designer And Goth Lord Karl Lagerfeld. 'I donned my best all-black outfit to size it up at Phillips HQ in Geneva before it heads to auction this Friday.'"
• DJI Mini 3 Pro review: The most capable lightweight drone yet - "Advanced obstacle detection, 4K 60p video, tracking and superb maneuverability."
• How to make NFC automations to use with your iPhone - "Using the Shortcuts app on your iPhone, you can automate common tasks with just a tap. Here are some useful ideas from logging your coffee consumption to starting your workout."

May 10, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Russia trying to storm Azovstal plant, says Kyiv; US plans $40bn aid package for Ukraine - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 76 of the invasion - "Azovstal defenders under attack after UN convoy leaves; missiles hit Odesa as president of European Council visits."
• Russia fires hypersonic missiles at Odesa - "Ukraine says second hotel, shopping mall hit as Russia fires hypersonic missiles at Odesa."
• Russia needs to sell oil. It's running out of options - "Russia has long been powered by oil and Europe's addiction to it. Now, Moscow is faced with an unprecedented challenge: If the continent bars imports of millions of barrels of crude, can it find new customers?"
• �No end in sight�: Shanghai residents chafe at harsh Covid measures - "Tensions rise again as lockdowns grind on and the city�s population tire of strict zero-Covid policy."
• Here Is What One Million Covid Deaths In The U.S. Looks Like - "According to official estimates from the CDC, Johns Hopkins University and other organizations that collect public health data, the United States is nearing the grim milestone of one million deaths from Covid-19."
• Climate change: 'Fifty-fifty chance' of breaching 1.5C warming limit - "The likelihood of crossing a key global warming threshold has risen significantly, according to a new analysis."
• Tony Nominations 2022: The Full List of Nominees - "The 2022 Tony Award nominations are here, and as ever, the shoo-ins, snubs, and surprises abound."
• What Is Happening to the People Falling for Crypto & NFTs - "What Is Happening to the People Falling for Crypto and NFTs. Web3, billed as the future of the internet, might create more problems than it solves. To understand the latest incarnation of the colossal crypto grifts that continue to engulf the internet, I suppose we should start with all those bored apes, because how could we not?"
• Why Bored Ape Avatars Are Taking Over Twitter - "N.F.T. clubs are all the rage among cryptocurrency enthusiasts. Are they a get-rich-quick scheme or the future of culture?"
• Spot the difference: the invincible business of counterfeit goods - "Selling cheap fakes of a successful product makes horribly good business sense. Is there any way to stop it?"
• How Many Friends Do You Really Need? - "Social circles were shrinking even before the pandemic. Here�s what the science says about the number of close friendships we should have."
• Are decaffeinated coffee alternatives better for health? - "Many people are swapping coffee for alternatives, partly out of concerns about coffee's effect on health. But could sticking to decaffeinated coffee be a better decision?"
• TikTok May Be More Dangerous Than It Looks - "The app is best known for viral dance trends, but there was a time when Twitter was 140-character updates about lunch orders and Facebook was restricted to elite universities. Things change. Perhaps they have already changed."
• Elon Musk plans to quintuple Twitter revenue by 2028 - "If Elon Musk�s $44 billion bid to acquire Twitter is greenlit by shareholders and regulators in the coming months, the wealthy entrepreneur believes he�ll be able to quintuple the company�s revenue by 2028."
• 10 AirPods Pro Tricks You Should Be Taking Advantage of Every Day - "There's a lot you can do with Apple's AirPods Pro. Here's how to make them work best for you."
• Top 10 hotels in the world & the US for 2022, according to Tripadvisor - "Tulemar Bungalows & Villas in Costa Rica is the top hotel in the world for 2022, according to Tripadvisor's annual Travelers' Choice Awards. The travel site's hotel rankings come on the heels of top destinations and top beaches earlier this year."
• The world's most incredible rail journeys - "Free from the rigors of the daily commute, traveling by train is by far the most civilized way to get around and really get to know a new country."
• Tuscany's 'unattractive', unmissable town - "In the 1800s, Livorno boasted Italy's top seaside resorts and most famous guests. These days, it's largely ignored - and tourists are missing out on a vibrant city full of surprises."
• Shrinking Las Vegas lake reveals more human remains - "More human remains have been found in Lake Mead, just one week after the body of a suspected murder victim was found in the rapidly shrinking reservoir."
• Andy Warhol portrait of Marilyn Monroe fetches a record $195 million - "One of Andy Warhol's iconic Marilyn Monroe portraits has become the most expensive 20th-century artwork ever to go under the hammer. The 40-square-inch 'Shot Sage Blue Marilyn,' one of dozens of images the artist made of Monroe in the 1960s, sold for a record $195 million at Christie's in New York Monday evening."
• Boeing is losing the plane race. So it packed up and left for Washington - "The company's Thursday announcement that it will move once again, to Arlington, Virginia, only gives critics more fuel: By moving into the shadow of both the Pentagon and Congress, Boeing seems to be signaling it has lost the commercial race to Airbus and wants to be seen as primarily a defense and space contractor."
• 'The Rock', a record-setting white diamond, goes up for auction - "The largest white diamond ever auctioned will go under the hammer in Geneva this week, part of a sale by Christie's that features two stones weighing more than 200 carats each. 'The Rock', a 228.31 carat pear-shaped stone roughly the size of a golf ball, is expected to sell for up to $30 million, the auctioneer said."
• The magic of silver - "Jony Ive reflects on the mystery of the noble metal, and selects his favourite pieces." Financial Times.
• How do art auctions really work? - "From the lead up to the sale to the moment the hammer comes down, former CEO of Christie's and art adviser Steven Murphy explains what happens at an auction."
• Buenos Aires' unusual pizza topping - "A century ago, Italian immigrants in Argentina's capital gave pizza an unusual new topping: a chickpea pancake known as 'fainá'."
• The New Porsche 911 Sport Classic & Porsche Design Watch To Go With It - "The iconic 911 Carrera RS 2.7 gets rejuvenated into a new 911 Sport Classic, with a new watch to boot."
• DJI officially announces Mini 3 Pro - "New image sensor, larger aperture, vertical filming, bigger battery, and a lot more expensive."
• How to care for special occasion clothes - "Beading, tulle, lace, and pleats: occasion wear can be difficult to clean and mend but there are tips to make it easier on you - and your dry cleaner."
• Hats off! How Frank Horvat changed fashion photography - in pictures - "The Italian-born photographer Frank Horvat, (1928-2020), took models out of the studio and shot them in inventive locations, as a new exhibition at Photo London 2022 shows."

May 9, 2022

• LIVE - Putin defends Ukraine invasion in Victory Day speech - "BBC News coverage as Russia marks Victory Day."
• Russia's annual Victory Day parade to feature aerial "Z" formation, defense ministry says - "Russia is marking Victory Day, an annual commemoration of the country's defeat of Nazi Germany at the end of World War Two, as Western officials speculate President Vladimir Putin could use the day to formally acknowledge Russia's war with Ukraine, allowing him to step up his campaign."
• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Putin to give speech to mark WW2 Victory Day - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 75 of the invasion - "Around 60 people sheltering in a school near Luhansk killed in Russian bombing; more than 170 civilians evacuated from Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol."
• Jill Biden makes unannounced visit to Ukraine and meets first lady - "Surprise trip on Mother�s Day as Biden meets with Ukraine�s first lady, Olena Zelenskiy."
• Zelensky's iconic fleece sold for over $100,000 at Ukraine fundraiser - "A fleece jacket worn and signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sold for £90,000, or around $111,000, at a fundraiser for Ukraine in London on Thursday."
• Seizing an Oligarch�s Assets Is One Thing. Giving Them to Ukraine Is Another. - "It could take years for Russian assets seized by the United States to be permanently confiscated and sold to benefit the Ukrainian people. The Biden administration wants to speed up the process."
• How much travelers pay for some of the world's most expensive passports - "These are some of the world's priciest passports, plus some more standard price points. The costs below are in local currencies and US dollars for adult passports that last 10 years, unless specified otherwise. Currency conversions are approximate as of early May 2022."
• How to get a free pair of Nike sneakers & other life hacks - "Reading the fine print or understanding available offers means you could be saving money or taking advantage of refunds or freebies that you might not have otherwise known about, like a brand-new pair of Nike sneakers."
• New Brands at AXPONA | AXPONA 2022 - "I decided to focus on the new brands exhibiting at AXPONA 2022, or at least some of the companies that had returned with completely new or redesigned product line-ups. Of those, three loudspeaker manufacturers caught my immediate attention: Aretai, Rethm, and Valorem." Part-Time Audiophile.
• How to Pick a Projector - "If you want to buy a projector but are confused by the terminology, price points, and accessories, it�s okay. We�re here to break it all down for you and provide the basic knowledge you need to ensure you choose a projector that�s perfect for you."
• Behind the scenes of a famous James Bond shoot - How the 'Goldfinger' Alpine sequence gave rise to Bondmania.
• Why human brains were bigger 3,000 years ago - "Our modern civilisation may be the most advanced to ever exist on Earth, but around 100 generations ago, our ancestors had brains that were larger than our own."
• How our brains work when we love a book or audiobook - "Empathy and imagination help us to engage when we enjoy a book or an audiobook - but why do we feel so sad when we come to the end? Howard Timberlake survives the post-book blues."
• New Digital Guide Honors Pioneer of Landscape Architecture Frederick Law Olmsted - "Celebrating the bicentennial of the birth of Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr., known as 'the father of landscape architecture', the Cultural Landscape Foundation has created an ever-growing digital guide of Olmsted�s most notable works. The illustrated guide features more than 300 landscapes throughout North America, including Canada and 30 U.S. States, along with stories by practitioners who worked for, with, or were otherwise associated with Olmsted, Sr. and his successor firms."
• Sissy Spacek on acting, grief & her sci-fi debut at 72 - "The star of Carrie, Badlands and Coal Miner�s Daughter talks about losing her brother, working with Hollywood�s greats and infuriating Harvey Weinstein."
• Silent salons: why people are choosing to keep quiet at the hairdresser - "Requests for no-talking haircuts are becoming more common. Now some salons even provide pre-treatment questionnaires about the practice."
• Huge Solar Flare Bursting From The Sun Is Second of Its Kind This Week, NASA Says - "The X-class flare, the strongest produced by our star, was recorded by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory as it burst from a sunspot on the lower left limb of the Sun at 9:25 am EDT (13:25 GMT) on Tuesday (May 3)." ScienceAlert.

May 8, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: dozens feared dead after bombing of Luhansk school; Kyiv claims sinking of second Russian ship - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 74 of the invasion - "Latest evacuation from Mariupol steelworks completed; missiles hit Odesa; Ukraine says it has destroyed another Russian ship."
• What happened in the Russia-Ukraine war this week? Catch up with the must-read news & analysis - "Evacuees share horror of months in Avozstal steelworks bunker; why Putin�s shift to the east could lengthen the war; and tattoos of Ukraine resistance."
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Putin now faces only different kinds of defeat - "Whatever else Russia's Victory Day parade is supposed to represent, it won't be any sort of victory over Ukraine, regardless of the spin President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin will try to put on it, writes defence analyst Michael Clarke."
• Video - Moment Italian police storm £570m superyacht 'owned by Vladimir Putin' - "Officers seize giant vessel near Pisa and serve papers to its British captain as part of sanctions against Russia over Ukraine invasion."
• Elon Musk thinks he can double Twitter�s revenue through subscriptions alone - "Musk expects 69 million Twitter Blue subscribers by 2025."
• Long-shot Rich Strike stuns crowd & wins the 148th Kentucky Derby - "Horse with longest odds in the field wins Kentucky Derby 2022."
• Best & Biggest Hats At The 2022 Kentucky Derby - "You have to tip your hat to the fans at Churchill Downs. For nearly 150 years, they have shown up on the first Saturday in May wearing their Sunday best - or better."
• Michelin menus in turmoil as France faces foie gras crisis - "France faces crisis over one of its favorite foods."
• Casu marzu: The world's 'most dangerous' cheese - "It's the world's 'most dangerous' cheese. Here's what it tastes like."
• Isso vade: The spicy snack that unites Sri Lanka - "These prawn-topped lentil fritters are beloved throughout Sri Lanka, managing to bring together locals across ethnicities, religion and class."
• What Is a �Nepotism Baby�? - "Gen Zers have turned a term of derision into one of admiration. That doesn�t mean they�re not jealous, though."
• want to stay asleep through the entire night? avoid these 6 foods before bed - "6 Foods & Drinks To Avoid Before Bed, According To A Dietitian."
• And Now, the $200,000 Face-Lift - "Luxury cosmetic procedures reach next level prices."
• In Honor of Their Red-Carpet Debut, a Timeline of Kim Kardashian & Pete Davidson�s Relationship - "In honor of Kardashian and Davidson�s big step, we�ve taken a little walk down memory lane. Below, find a breakdown of the pair�s relationship, from its humble beginnings to its present-day status." Vogue.
• Princess Diana�s �Wicked� Stepmother review - AKA, why Di never stood a chance - "Raine Spencer was appalling, dazzling and pathologically bouffanted - no wonder her stepchildren gave her Marie Antoinette�s biography for Christmas."

May 7, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: conflict taking �heavy toll� on Russian units, says UK; US defends passing intelligence to Ukraine - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 73 of the invasion - "Zelenskiy says Mariupol being �tortured to death�, as UN security council omits words �war� and �invasion� from its first statement."
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Superyacht allegedly linked to Putin blocked from leaving Italian shipyard - "Minister says there is evidence that connects the Scheherazade to senior members of the Russian government."
• Xi Jinping sends warning to anyone who questions China's zero-Covid policy - "China's top leader Xi Jinping has issued the strongest warning yet against anyone who questions the country's zero-Covid policy, as stringent, frequent lockdowns fuel public discontent and deal a devastating blow to the Chinese economy."
• �Record after record�: Brazil�s Amazon deforestation hits April high, nearly double previous peak - "Climate analysts are astounded by such a high reading during the rainy season, and is the third monthly record this year."
• �Nature doesn�t fix itself fast�: Greenland weighs up economy v climate crisis - "As the island eyes tourism and mining it is also mindful of controlling the cost."
• No Harry, Meghan or Andrew on balcony at start of jubilee events - "Queen decides only working royals will appear after the platinum jubilee trooping the colour on 2 June."
• Harry & Meghan will attend Queen's jubilee, but they're not invited onto Buckingham Palace balcony - "Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex will travel to the UK with their children for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee next month - but the couple, along with Prince Andrew, have not been invited to join the monarch on the Buckingham Palace balcony."
• Prince Philip's Secret to a Long-Lasting Marriage with Queen Elizabeth - "Before he passed away, Prince Philip shared the secret to his 73-year-long marriage with the Queen."
• Tom Cruise, 59, looks as youthful as ever as he reprises Maverick role in Top Gun sequel 36 YEARS after starring in the original - "He was just 24 years old when Top Gun was first released in 1986. And 36 years later, Tom Cruise didn't look like he had aged a day as the sequel Top Gun: Maverick prepares for release after years of delays. The 59-year-old movie star is reprising his role as LT Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell and looked as comfortable as ever as he slipped back into his pilot uniform."
• 41 super-rich's stunning planes, trains, automobiles & yachts - "Magnificent modes of transport that will make your jaw drop. Billionaires like to go from A to B in supreme comfort and style, and think nothing of splurging on the finest and most exclusive modes of transport imaginable. Read on to see the private jets, opulent trains, prestige cars and magnificent megayachts of the planet's richest people."
• Flight attendant explains 'how to ask' for free upgrade - "A FLIGHT ATTENDANT has revealed a few ways passengers can get free food and drinks on board, as well as an upgrade, but warned travellers about being 'dramatic' or 'lying' to the crew as this could have the 'opposite effect'."
• Why the airport 100ml rule could end soon - "We have the technology to end the airport liquid ban, so why is it still in place?"
• Celebrity-Favorite Cartier Crash Watch Sells For $1.5 Million, Nearly Doubling Previous Auction Record - "A Cartier Crash from the first release of the model sold for $1.65 million at auction Thursday, nearly double the previous auction record for the rare and recognizable watch that has surged in popularity in recent years."
• How the Cartier Crash Became The Most Important Vintage Watch of 2021 - "A new world-record auction price for the Crash is just the latest chapter in the history of this surreal Cartier."
• Your Mac can finally have a great webcam, thanks to your iPhone - "It�s no secret that the webcams on Apple�s Mac devices leave a lot to be desired, with no better example than the Studio Display�s recent issues. But the Camo app looks to solve this, with a new update that enables it to be used for FaceTime calls, alongside native support for Discord, WhatsApp, Slack, and more."
• AirTags are sending a new kind of false alarm, report says - "Apple�s anti-stalking features still need some fine-tuning."
• US Treasury issues first-ever sanctions against a cryptocurrency mixer - "North Korea allegedly uses Blender to launder stolen crypto."
• The Best Movies & TV Shows Coming to Netflix in May - "Here are the most promising new and returning titles for U.S. subscribers this month, including a new season of 'Stranger Things.'"
• The 50 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now - "The sheer volume of films on Netflix - and the site�s less than ideal interface - can make finding a genuinely great movie there a difficult task." The New York Times.

May 6, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Russia continues assault on Azovstal plant in likely attempt to capture Mariupol for upcoming Victory Day, UK says - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 72 of the invasion - "Russia violated its promise of Mariupol ceasefire, Kyiv says, as US says it shared intel on the location of Moskva cruiser sunk by Ukraine."
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Putin hopes to claim Mariupol as key prop in Victory Day, May 9, celebrations - "As large-scale propaganda campaign gets underway, fighting continues in the Azovstal steelworks."
• Vladimir Putin's army will DISOBEY nuclear bomb order as he's gravely ill, expert says - "Expert's say Putin's officers are not willing to risk being hauled before a modern equivalent of the Nuremberg trials for unleashing Armageddon if he will not be around to protect them."
• EU plans to put Putin�s rumoured girlfriend on sanctions list - "Alina Kabaeva likely to join Patriarch Kirill, who supports war in Ukraine, on draft document of travel bans and asset freezes."
• Moskva sinking: US gave intelligence that helped Ukraine sink Russian cruiser - reports - "The US provided intelligence that helped Ukraine sink the Moskva, Russia's flagship Black Sea missile cruiser, several US media report."
• Xi Jinping attacks �doubters� as he doubles down on China�s zero-Covid policy - "President defends �scientific and effective� mass lockdowns despite protests, shortages and damage to economic growth."
• The Vanishing Variants: Lessons from Gamma, Iota & Mu - "Studying the coronavirus variants that have faded away could help us prepare for what comes next, scientists say."
• Death Toll During Pandemic Far Exceeds Totals Reported by Countries, W.H.O. Says - "Nearly 15 million more people died during the first two years of the pandemic than would have been expected during normal times, the organization found. The previous count of virus deaths, from countries� reporting, was six million."
• Bill Gates doubts Musk's Twitter buy, says draft SCOTUS decision overturning Roe is 'pretty disappointing' - "Bill Gates sounded a note of caution this week on Elon Musk's $44 billion acquisition of Twitter, saying the Tesla CEO 'actually could make it worse' despite a strong track record with his other business ventures."
• How Italy created a delicious new type of chocolate - "Why Italy's 'king of chocolate' is so delicious."
• Vegan diet can help overweight people shed pounds, study shows - "Eating vegan for 12 weeks also led to lower blood sugar levels in overweight people or with type 2 diabetes."
• Swiss police seize 500kg of cocaine at Nespresso factory - "Workers at plant in Romont alert authorities to mysterious white powder found in sacks of coffee beans."
• Qianlong dynasty vase found in kitchen could be worth up to $186,000 - "The vase was purchased by a surgeon in the 1980s for a few hundred pounds, according to UK-based auction house Dreweatts, which is handling the sale later this month. The surgeon later passed it onto his son who, not realizing its value, kept it in the kitchen."
• This solar-powered plane could stay in the air for months - "Skydweller Aero aims to produce the world's first commercially viable 'pseudo-satellite' - a solar-powered airplane capable of staying in the sky for months at a time."
• Why one firm is banking on carbon fibre bikes in Europe - "There is growing demand from amateur cyclists for more affordable, carbon fibre bike frames. The material is light and strong, and among other things enthusiasts hope it will improve their speed. In Portugal, Carbon Team and its investors are betting on this appetite for high-end bikes growing in Europe."
• Why people behave badly on dating apps - "Cheating, ghosting and swiping - online dating brings out the worst in many people. Does it have to be this way?"
• Xinjiang cotton found in Adidas, Puma & Hugo Boss tops, researchers say - "Researchers say they have found traces of Xinjiang cotton in shirts and T-shirts made by Adidas, Puma and Hugo Boss, appearing to contradict the German clothing companies� promises to revise their supply chains after allegations of widespread forced labour in the Chinese region. Recent reports have suggested more than half a million people from minority ethnic groups such as the Uyghurs have been coerced into picking cotton in Xinjiang, which provides more than 80% of China�s and a fifth of the global production of cotton."
• How to secure your phone before attending a protest - "If you�re attending or even just watching the protests, then be aware: not only is your phone a trove of information about you and the people you communicate with, but it also functions as a tracking device. That�s why it�s important to keep your digital footprint as small as possible - any evidence placing people at protests could be enough to get them arrested. You should account for the fact that your phone may get lost, stolen, or broken. There�s also a risk of your phone being confiscated by authorities - which means that if they�re able to unlock your phone, they�ll have access to data on you and people you know. In other words, it never hurts to prepare for the worst, especially considering recent events. The steps we�ve listed here are a basic start toward protecting your privacy before you attend a protest."
• Apple, Google & Microsoft will soon implement passwordless sign-in on all major platforms - "The tech giants want to roll out FIDO passkey technology in the coming year."

May 5, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: �bloody battles� inside Mariupol steelworks; Ukraine claims it has retaken areas near Kherson - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 71 of the invasion - "Russian and Ukrainian forces remain engaged in �bloody battles� inside Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol as 344 more people are evacuated."
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Brazil president lashes out at Leonardo DiCaprio after actor tweets about Amazon rainforest protection - "Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has lashed out at Leonardo DiCaprio, saying it would better for the actor to 'keep his mouth shut' after he spoke out about the environmental importance of the Amazon. The rainforest has sustained severe deforestation since Bolsonaro took office and weakened its environmental protections."
• Stanford Gets $1.1 Billion for New Climate School From John Doerr - "The billionaire venture capitalist said the study of climate change and sustainability would be the 'new computer science.'"
• Why you are blamed for climate change - "How companies blame you for climate change. Businesses shape how we talk about climate change, and sometimes this can stop us from paying attention to their actions."
• Swapping 20% of beef for microbial protein �could halve deforestation� - "Move would also lower emissions by reducing razing of trees and methane emissions from livestock, scientists say."
• How Covid-scarred Shanghai will finally exit lockdown - "It's taken more than a month, but Shanghai's leaders now think the city's Covid outbreak is almost contained."
• Are nasal sprays the answer to stopping Covid transmission? - "With the virus rampant despite jabs, trials are underway to create intranasal vaccines to block infections from the body."
• The Top Ten Safest Countries In The World To Visit - "The Institute for Economics and Peace conducts an annual ranking of which countries in the world are the safest, called the Global Peace Index. The 2020 report showed that the world was less peaceful than it was the year before, due to the pandemic, and the most recent report for 2021 shows that the world is still deteriorating in terms of global peacefulness, if only by 0.07% - it is the ninth year that global peace has deteriorated."
• Is reality TV also fuelling obesity? - "Love Island, Married at First Sight and Keeping Up with the Kardashians bombard viewers with junk food in up to 90% of episodes. Nine in 10 reality TV episodes show junk food, at a rate of once every 8 minutes."
• Bill Gates on Elon Musk feud & Jeffrey Epstein meetings - "In a wide-ranging interview with the BBC's Today programme, Bill Gates says conspiracy theories about him are 'crazy' and that being shouted at in public is 'awful'. He also told the BBC's Mishal Husain that meeting Jeffrey Epstein was a 'mistake' and talks about Elon Musk's recent public criticism of him."
• Most Americans don't know about these secret presidential powers - "Our Founding Fathers believed constitutional checks and balances among the branches of government would prevent the concentration of political power in the hands of a dangerous few. But they did not reckon with the accumulation of secret presidential powers to be used in times of national emergencies or threats to national security. Among the most shrouded are emergency powers created by presidential administrations in response to crises, real or imagined. They fall under the heading of Presidential Emergency Action Documents, or PEADs, and they only require the president to declare a national emergency in response to a crisis, which can then result in the suspension of many of our constitutional rights."
• The Stories Behind Some of the Weird Stuff on �Severance� - "Catherine Miller, the show�s prop master, talks about how her team sourced and made the eerie objects that define Lumon."
• How to build a runway out of solid ice - "See how planes land in Antarctica."
• Kim Kardashian has a second sex tape: Ray J speaks after '14 years in the shadows' - "In a bombshell exclusive interview Ray J lays bare the truth about the sex tape with Kim Kardashian that became an international sensation."
• Gianni Versace's lavish New York mansion is on sale for $70 million - "The late fashion designer bought the seven-bedroom mansion in 1995 and fully refurbished the interior, according to the Sotheby's International Realty listing. The mansion, built in 1950, offers the buyer the chance to 'live like royalty' and 'own a piece of real estate and fashion history,' the listing says."
• Boris Becker faces DEPORTATION after his 30-month jail term - "Tennis ace does not have UK citizenship so could be booted out by the Home Office like any foreign criminal sentenced to more than a year."
• Inside the space hotel scheduled to open in 2025 - "Waking up in a chic hotel room with a view of the solar system could be the future of travel, at least if space company Orbital Assembly has anything to say about it."
• One euro home sell-off has created a 'Little America' in Italy - "There's a place on the Italian island of Sicily where you're increasingly likely to hear an American accent wafting down its narrow streets instead of the local language."
• Recreate the 2022 Met Gala Dinner With These Recipes - "Not everyone can attend the Met Gala dinner - but now, everyone can enjoy it. The chefs behind this year�s menu - Lauren Von der Pool, Melissa King, Marcus Samuelsson, and Amirah Kassem - are sharing their recipes for the delectable dishes served on fashion�s biggest night."
• The marine creature ancient Americans ate billions of that's now a delicacy - "Ancient humans ate copious quantities of oysters - shucking billions of shells over thousands of years in a way that did not appear to cause oyster populations to collapse as they have in many places today."
• Cabaret review - Liza Minnelli musical still divinely decadent and chillingly relevant - "Minnelli brings the razzle dazzle to a Berlin determined to ignore the gathering storm in this cinematic masterpiece."
• Diego Maradona�s �Hand Of God� Jersey Sells For Record-Breaking $9.3 Million Amid Controversy - "A soccer jersey its sellers said was worn by Diego Maradona when he scored his notorious 'Hand of God' goal during the 1986 World Cup quarter final match sold for $9.3 million Wednesday, the highest price yet fetched by a piece of sports memorabilia at auction, despite claims by Maradona�s family that the jersey isn�t authentic and a reported attempt by Argentina�s soccer association to have it returned to Maradona�s home country."

May 4, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Russia attacks Azovstal steel plant after first evacuated civilians reach safety - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 70 of the invasion - "Evacuees from Azovstal steelworks arrive in Zaporizhzhia, while Russia continued attacks on the plant where 200 civilians remain trapped."
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Why Putin might declare war on May 9 - "It's a symbolic date in Russia, and a declaration of war against Ukraine would give Putin options. But it would also represent a big risk."
• Putin puts West on notice: Moscow can terminate exports & deals - "Russian President Vladimir Putin put the West on notice on Tuesday that he could terminate exports and deals, the Kremlin's toughest response yet to the sanctions burden imposed by the United States and allies over the Russian invasion of Ukraine."
• Fiji court rules US can seize yacht said to belong to Russian oligarch - "Vessel docked in port of Lautoka is believed to be owned by Suleiman Kerimov, who is facing sanctions."
• Horror as elderly man taken to morgue in body bag in Shanghai - while still alive - "The latest sign of dysfunction in the Covid-stricken city where millions of people remain under government-enforced lockdown."
• Beijing reopens mass isolation centre in fight against Covid - "Chinese capital ramps up efforts to control Omicron outbreak and avoid lockdowns."
• �A worldwide public health threat�: Rob Bilott on his 20-year fight against forever chemicals - "Chemical companies hid their knowledge of the damage caused by PFAS for decades. With a new class-action lawsuit, Bilott intends to hold them accountable."
• The Era of Cheap & Plenty May Be Ending - "Supplies of goods are coming up short in the pandemic, and prices have jumped. Some economists warn that the changes could linger."
• 103-Carat �Light Of Africa� D-Flawless Diamond Could Fetch $18 Million - "In addition to its other attributes of size and purity, this emerald-shaped diamond also possess excellent polish and symmetry, according to Christie�s. It belongs to the rare Type IIa category, which make up less than 2% of all diamonds, making this one of the most rare and valuable diamonds. It was graded by the Gemological Institute of America. The diamond will go on a world tour beginning in Geneva May 6 - 11, followed by Hong Kong May 22 - 24, before returning to Christie�s New York Rockefeller Center headquarters where it will be on exhibit June 3 - 7, before June 8 auction."
• How the hamburger became an American staple & where to get classic burgers today - "The surprising origins of the classic American hamburger. The hamburger has a well-traveled history. The hamburger's origin story starts in 13th-century Mongolia when Mongols and Tatars were fighting."
• This iconic Paris attraction is now an Airbnb - "Stay in a sumptuous room inside the Moulin Rouge. Sitting atop one of the world's most famous nightclubs is a scarlet red windmill. And inside the windmill lies a secret room, hitherto unseen by the public. Next month, a select number of travelers will take a peek inside, as the Moulin Rouge partners with Airbnb to give a handful of guests the opportunity to stay inside the Parisian institution."
• Conscious spending: The finance approach that's both smart & fun - "When you think of money, do you feel like living in the moment and being responsible are mutually exclusive? Does guilt eat at you when you go out for lunch or a $7 oat milk latte? You don't have to think or feel this way, thanks to a flexible personal finance approach called conscious spending."
• Musk says Twitter may see 'slight cost' for businesses & governments - "Business and government users on Twitter may need to pay a 'slight' fee to stay on the social media platform, Tesla boss Elon Musk has said. It comes after the board of Twitter agreed to a $44bn takeover offer from Mr Musk."
• The only man Elon trusts to look after his $240 billions - "Secretive friend who runs Musk's family office controls his wealth - but also helped him investigate 'pedo guy' and was fired by Merrill Lynch. Jared Birchall, aged 47 or 48, is head of Elon Musk's 'family office' - the asset management firm to handle his finances."
• �I caused pain�: Bill Gates responds to allegations of affair a year after divorce - "Microsoft co-founder reflects on �a tough year� after end of 27-year marriage to Melinda French Gates."
• New York City Eliminates the Rules That Govern Art & Other Auctions - "Auction houses like Sotheby�s and Christie�s will no longer need to be licensed as part of a sweeping package designed to promote a business-friendly climate."
• People can now get contact info cut from Google search results - "Personal contact information such as your phone number, email or home address, can now be removed from Google search results."
• Rail route of the month: Basel to Locarno, the slow Swiss Alps classic - "Astonishing scenery and glimpses of Switzerland�s history are offered up to passengers gliding along this classic line."
• Watch These 12 Titles Before They Leave Netflix in May - "A ton of movies and TV shows are disappearing for U.S. Netflix subscribers next month. These are the ones worth catching before they�re gone."
• The best days of disco: New York nightlife by Bill Bernstein in pictures - "From Studio 54 to Paradise Garage, Bernstein was there to document the euphoric late 70s peak of the New York City disco scene."
• The World's Largest Bottle Of Whisky - 5'11" & 86 Gallons Of Macallan - Could Break An Auction Record This Month - "The world�s largest bottle of scotch - which contains the equivalent of 444 standard bottles - could also break the record for the most expensive bottle ever sold when it goes to auction this month, auctioneers said."
• Anker�s new double-thick MagSafe battery is all about the mAh - "If you took one look at the first wave of modular magnetic wireless charging battery humps for the iPhone and thought, �Wake me up when they give us more than one full charge!� � then Anker may have the battery pack for you. The new Anker 633 Magnetic Battery, now available for $80 on Amazon, has twice the capacity at 10,000mAh. That�s enough to charge an iPhone 12 twice or an iPhone 13 Pro up to 1.8 times, according to Anker."

May 3, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow plans to annex Donetsk and Luhansk, US says; European Union preparing sanctions on Russia oil - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 69 of the invasion - "Evacuees from besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol reportedly arrive in Ukraine-held territory; US says Russia making �minimal� progress in east."
• Germany will support an EU oil embargo on Russia - "Germany is ready to support a European ban on imports of Russian oil, and won't be 'blackmailed' by Moscow into paying for natural gas in rubles."
• Israel summons Russia envoy over minister�s Hitler comments - "Israel condemns comments by Sergei Lavrov, who said Hitler �had Jewish blood� and the �most rabid antisemites tend to be Jews�."
• How Rich Is Putin�s Right-Hand Man? - "Inside The Murky Fortune Of Igor Sechin, The Darth Vader Of The Kremlin. The CEO of state-owned oil company Rosneft has most of his known fortune tied up in superyachts that have been frozen or seized by Western authorities."
• Why China is ignoring the science on Covid transmission & sanitizing everything - "China is obsessed with disinfection against Covid. But is it causing more harm than good? Hazmat suit-clad workers spraying clouds of disinfectant over city streets, building fronts, park benches and even parcels have become a common sight in pandemic-era China."
• Inside the 2022 Met Gala - "After hours of getting ready in their gilded glamour best, making their way through New York City traffic, and ascending the cacophonous red carpet, celebrities, fashion designers, and other notables finally entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art�s Great Hall for the 2022 Met Gala. Greeting them? The artistic lenses of Hunter Abrams and Flo Ngala." Vogue.
• Met Gala 2022: Best fashion from the red carpet - "See all the best looks as the stars arrived at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday evening."
• What�s for Dinner at the 2022 Met Gala? A Look at the Menu & Table Settings - Vogue.
• The Met Gala accessory of the night - "ith a dress code honoring America's Gilded Age, the Met Gala's guests looked to the past for inspiration. And there was one accessory that stole the show Monday night: the vintage tiara."
• Kim Kardashian Takes Marilyn Monroe's �Happy Birthday, Mr. President� Dress Out for a Spin - "No one loves a Met Gala surprise more than Kim Kardashian - so it�s no wonder rumors of her dramatic transformation into Marilyn Monroe were swirling 48 hours before the ball."
• Ron Galella, Celebrity-Hounding Photographer, Dies at 91 - "He personified the paparazzi - brazen and relentless in chasing the famous, particularly Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. But his pictures also came to be admired."
• Why is it so hard to control our appetites? A doctor�s struggles with giving up sugar - "We�ve become convinced that if we can eat more healthily, we will be morally better people. But where does this idea come from?"
• Vegetarian & meat-eating children have similar growth & nutrition but not weight, study finds - "If you're wondering how your child might fare on a vegetarian diet, a new study offers some factors to consider. Children eating a vegetarian diet and children who ate meat were similar in terms of growth, height and nutritional measures, but vegetarian children had higher odds of being underweight, according to a study published Monday in the journal Pediatrics."
• Jacky Hunt-Broersma: The cancer survivor who ran 104 marathons in 104 days - "A woman who took up running after she lost her left leg to cancer has passed the Guinness World Record for most consecutive marathons."
• Garbology: How to spot patterns in people's waste - "Whether it's indulgent food choices, sexual habits or North Korean secrets, the stuff that people throw away can reveal all."
• The world's most dangerous road - "A drive down Bolivia's infamous 'Death Road' takes travellers into a world where two resources have provoked fascination, misunderstanding and controversy for centuries: coca and gold."
• The Ultimate Dinner Party Guests - "Who wants to dance and drink and eat alone? Certainly none of the soigne bons viveurs celebrated here. Though they were all well acquainted with the finest wines and the most succulent dishes known to man, this magnificent seven were far from being simply 'browsers and sluicers', as Sir PG Wodehouse used to put it."
• Try before you buy: how to spot well-made clothes in the change room - "From feeling the lining to moving around in the garment, here�s how to check the quality of clothes when trying them on."
• What a billion square feet of warehouses looks like - "E-commerce takes up a lot of space."
• Rare �Wicked� bible that encourages adultery discovered in New Zealand - "First copy of the 1631 bible, which mistakenly reads �thou shalt commit adultery�, to be found in the southern hemisphere."
• Sony's Quantum Dot OLED TVs will start at $3,000 - "The company's overall 2022 lineup will begin at $1,400."
• KARL, Karl Lagerfeld�s Estate III, Evening Sale - 4 May 2022 - 19:00 CEST - Cologne. Sotheby's.

May 2, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Mariupol evacuations set to continue; explosions reported in Russian city of Belgorod - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 68 of the invasion - "Around 100 civilians released from Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he hopes evacuations will continue on Monday."
• Russian forces reportedly came close to capturing Zelenskiy during first hours of invasion - "Interview with Time magazine reveals that Russian troops made two attempts to storm the presidential compound while Zelenskiy and his family were inside."
• Ukraine war: A wake-up call for India - the world's biggest cooking oil importer - "Indonesia, the world's biggest producer of palm oil, announced last week that it would halt exports to stabilise spiking prices at home, which it blamed on the war in Ukraine and the pandemic. Cooking oil is an integral part of the Indian diet. So much so that India is the world's second-largest consumer and largest importer of vegetable oils. Some 56% of its requirements are imported from more than seven countries."
• 3 signs that prices could soon come down - "Inflation is at a 40-year high, and Americans are feeling it. The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta breaks inflation into two categories: sticky and flexible. Sticky inflation is a basket of goods that tends to change more slowly and permanently in price, things like the cost of education, public transportation and motor vehicle insurance. Flexible inflation includes items that move up and down in cost more quickly: gas, clothing, milk and cheese."
• The U.S. Is in a 'Controlled Pandemic' Phase of COVID-19. But What Does That Mean? - "Why COVID-19 Isn't the Endemic Phase in the U.S. Yet." TIME Magazine.
• This Eminent Scientist Says Climate Activists Need to Get Real - The "The 'really' in the title of Vaclav Smil�s newest book, 'How the World Really Works: The Science Behind How We Got Here and Where We�re Going,' is doing some heavy lifting. He aims to correct that - to recenter materials rather than electronic flows of data as the bedrock of modern life - largely through examining what he calls the four pillars of modern civilization: cement, steel, plastics and ammonia."
• Is veganism always best for the planet? - "The climate benefits of veganism and vegetarianism. In a two-week experiment, BBC Future tracked emissions from a vegan, vegetarian and omnivorous diet - and found some thought-provoking ways to lower emissions from our food."
• Rarely seen photos from the Met Gala show celebrities letting loose - "The Met Gala, known as fashion's biggest night, returns to its typical slot - the first Monday of May - after two years of disruptions due to the pandemic. The event, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City coincides with the opening of part two of the exhibition, 'In America: An Anthology of Fashion,' hosted by the museum's Costume Institute. Guests have been asked to dress in 'Gilded Glamour and White Tie,' referencing the lavish Gilded Age, a three-decade period at the end of the 19th century that transformed American infrastructure and society life."
• How Technocrats Triumphed at Apple - "The man who helped give the world candy-colored computers eventually walked out the door. What does that mean for the company�s next big thing?"
• Apple Inc., �After Steve� - "A new history of the trillion-dollar company in the wake of Steve Jobs."
• After Steve: How Apple Became a Trillion-Dollar Company and Lost Its Soul - "From the Wall Street Journal�s Tripp Mickle, the dramatic, untold story inside Apple after the passing of Steve Jobs by following his top lieutenants - Jony Ive, the Chief Design Officer, and Tim Cook, the COO-turned-CEO - and how the fading of the former and the rise of the latter led to Apple losing its soul." Amazon.com.
• Asia's 50 best bars for 2022 revealed - "With pandemic travel restrictions easing in much of the region, the annual Asia's 50 Best Bars ceremony took place in front of a live audience for the first time since 2019 on Thursday evening. A celebration of the region's best bars and the people behind them, the 2022 event was held at Bangkok's Mandarin Oriental hotel."
• Does 'dressing for success' still matter? - "Workplaces once had both official and unofficial uniforms. Now that work looks completely different, is the idea of 'dress for success' even still relevant?"
• Qantas announces plans for non-stop flights from Sydney to New York & London - "Airline plans flights from south-east Australia by end of 2025 to run up to 20 hours and be among world�s longest. Qantas has unveiled details of the ultra-long-haul aircraft it plans to run on non-stop flights from Sydney and Melbourne to London and New York by the end of 2025, as questions are raised about the emissions benefits and spending priorities of the airline. The airline says the planes will be 'capable of flying direct from Australia to any other city' in the world, while being 25% more fuel-efficient than previous aircraft."
• The Wikimedia Foundation has stopped accepting cryptocurrency donations - "The WMF received around $130,000 (0.08 percent) in crypto donations last year. After a lengthy discussion with almost 400 members of the WMF community, the majority voted to do away with crypto contributions 234 to 94. Some of the main arguments concerned the environmental implications of Bitcoin."
• RÉgine, Whose Discotheque Gave Nightlife a New Dawn, Dies at 92 - "Credited with opening the first disco, she built an empire of glittering playgrounds for the Beautiful People in Paris, New York and beyond."

May 1, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: civilians escape from Azovstal steel works in besieged city of Mariupol; Nancy Pelosi visits Kyiv - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 67 of the invasion - "UK foreign office says Russia using a troll factory to spread disinformation, as handful of civilians escape Mariupol steel plant."
• Vladimir Putin, 69, 'has two secret sons with his gymnast lover Alina Kabaeva, 38' - 'says source close to obstetrician who attended both births.'
• Megayachts & oligarchs: �We�re scared of getting close to wrong money� - "It's a seven-star resort you can take anywhere - the epitome of freedom and luxury. But as the West goes after the assets of wealthy Russians, the industry is bracing itself for stormy seas ahead."
• �A horrible plague, then Covid�: Biden & correspondents joke in post-Trump return to normality - "White House Correspondents� Association dinner is first attended by a sitting president in six years after Donald Trump�s snubs, then pandemic."
• Washington parties on, as Covid threatens to crash the festivities - "Even as case numbers rise locally, thousands gather for the White House Correspondents' Dinner and a string of related gatherings for the first time since 2019."
• Met Gala 2022: The opulent fashion that inspired the 'Gilded Glamour' theme - "When celebrities take to the Met Gala red carpet on May 2, there will likely be no shortage of corset boning and bustles. That's because the dress code for this year's event, hosted by the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, is 'Gilded Glamour and White Tie,' referencing the lavish era of American fashion in the last decades of the 19th century, when industrialization rapidly amplified the country's wealth gap."
• Anna Wintour is still queen of fashion, but glitz won�t reign at her Met gala - "Guests at the New York event have been urged to �embody glamour� as a new biography lauds the Vogue chief�s influence and power."
• Martha Stewart Welcomes You to Generation Ageless - "The octogenarian is the new face of skin care on TikTok."
• Is American Democracy Built to Last? - "Yascha Mounk�s new book questions deeply held beliefs about the stability of Western societies."
• New Yorkers don't feel safe at home anymore - "Residents say they're overwhelmed with fear and anxiety, as the NYPD struggles to rein in crime."
• What Is White Tie? The Definition - And Origins - Of Society�s Most Formal Dress Code - "The dress code for the 2022 Met Gala offers two style directives: the first, gilded glamour. The second, white tie."
• 54 Portraits of the British Royal Children Over the Years - "For fans of all things monarchial, a royal portrait release is an exciting time. And while any Windsor family moment is a fascinating one, there�s a particular frenzy around snapshots of the children - George, Charlotte, Louis, and Archie - since they aren�t seen at events quite as often as their parents. The most recent example? An adorable picture of Prince Louis playing on the beach, in honor of his fourth birthday."
• Bill Murray admits behaviour on set towards a woman led to halt to film - "Actor describes incident that took place during production of Being Mortal as a �difference of opinion�."
• Wky Ikea sells Swedish meatballs - "Ikea's restaurants were failing. Then it turned to Swedish meatballs."
• How to check if your AirPods Pro are eligible for free replacement - "If you�re experiencing staticky audio or sub-par noise cancellation, you might be able to swap out your earbuds for a new pair."

April 30, 2022

• Ukraine latest news: Russia forced to redeploy units in battle for east, says UK, after reports of �colossal losses� - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 66 of the invasion - "Ukraine claims Russia has suffered �colossal� losses as Pentagon press secretary condemns Putin�s �cruelty and depravity�."
• Ukraine war in maps: Tracking the Russian invasion - "Russian forces are continuing to make advances in east of the country but strong resistance from Ukrainian troops is slowing their progress."
• Russian state TV simulates nuking Europe - "Propaganda show calculates missile strikes on London, Paris and Berlin would hit up to 200 seconds after launch and there would be 'no survivors'."
• Putin keeps the ruble surging as Russia makes 11th-hour effort to avoid default - "Russia's currency hit a two-year high against the US dollar Friday. The ruble gained ground after the country said it managed to pay back creditors with dollars as Russia tries to avoid a default."
• As China looks on at a world opening up, can Xi Jinping survive zero-Covid? - "With 340m people living under lockdown or restrictions, the administration are sticking to their stance. But at what cost?"
• Shanghai�s month under lockdown - in pictures - "Shanghai city authorities have said they will start Covid-19 testing over the next few days to determine which neighbourhoods can safely be allowed a limited amount of freedom of movement. The city�s lockdown began a month ago, taking a toll on residents confined to their homes. While a small, lucky portion of people have been allowed to leave their homes in the past week, the vast majority of people remain confined."
• Venus & Jupiter Conjunction: Planets to almost touch in night sky - "Look up in the sky at the right moment on Saturday and you could see two of the solar system's brightest planets almost touching."
• Elon Musk sells $8.5bn-worth of Tesla shares after Twitter deal - "The Tesla chief executive has committed $21bn of his own money to the funding package for acquiring the social media platform, which he agreed to buy for $44bn on Monday. Since then Musk has sold 9.6m Tesla shares, or about 5.6% of his stake in the business, according to filings with the US financial regulator."
• Every ridiculous thing we learned today about Elon Musk�s plan to take over Twitter - "CEO Parag Agrawal told employees that executives hadn�t seen Musk�s plans for the company."
• Boris Becker jailed for two years for hiding assets after bankruptcy - "Former tennis star found guilty of four charges by a jury at Southwark crown court earlier this month."
• Prince Harry 'not the brightest' - "Veteran broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby has branded Prince Harry as �not the brightest� and claimed he is �led by the nose� by wife Meghan."
• Depp v Heard: What you might have missed this week - "We're now three weeks into Johnny Depp's defamation trial against his former partner, Amber Heard. Mr Depp has sued Ms Heard for $50m over an article she wrote in which she claimed to be a victim of domestic abuse. Ms Heard is countersuing for $100m."
• Michael Douglas says Debra Winger bit him, confirming longtime Hollywood rumors - "Appearing on the 100th episode of Rob Lowe's podcast 'Literally!,' the 77-year-old star confirmed longstanding Hollywood rumors that Winger lost the female lead role in the 1984 action adventure 'Romancing the Stone' following their bizarre encounter."
• Five Action Movies to Stream Now - "This month�s picks include a Polish gangland film recalling 'A Clockwork Orange,' an Indonesian fight flick interrogating toxic masculinity and more." The New York Times.
• Theranos merchandise on eBay sparks bloodlust among Elizabeth Holmes fans - "Demand for products emblazoned with �Theranos� logo have soared with set of five pens selling for a eye-popping $150."
• 40 of the best beaches in Europe - "From flamingo-pink shores to wild coastlines and everything in between, our travel writers pick the continent�s finest sands, and places to stay nearby."
• British Virgin Islands: UK minister dispatched for governance talks - "The UK government has sent a minister to the British Virgin Islands after an inquiry called for a return of UK rule."
• �Deep-sea gold rush� for rare metals could cause irreversible harm - "Mining companies are planning to profit from the new industry, but environmental campaigners warn of disastrous consequences."
• Picture perfect: how to take, store & print photos from your phone - "If you keep precious camera moments locked away on a mobile they are at risk of being lost."

April 29, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine decries �barbaric� missile strikes on Kyiv; Russian gains in Donbas come at �significant cost�, says UK - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 65 of the invasion - "The Ukrainian capital was rocked by Russian missile strikes while the UN secretary general visited."
• Five days that changed the war in Ukraine - "This was the week when the war in Ukraine truly transitioned from one nation's bloody fight for liberation against Russia's vicious onslaught to a potentially years-long great power struggle."
• Biden wants to use assets seized from Russian oligarchs to help Ukraine - "The House on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed a mostly symbolic bill urging President Biden to sell the frozen luxury assets of Russian oligarchs hit with sanctions and use the funds to provide additional military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine."
• US tries to seize yacht in Fiji. But which oligarch owns it? - "A judge in Fiji is due to rule Tuesday on whether U.S. authorities can seize the luxurious superyacht Amadea - worth some $325 million - which has been stopped from leaving the South Pacific nation because of its links to Russia. But a vital question remains over which oligarch really owns the Amadea. Only one of the two possible candidates faces sanctions."
• What�s Elon Musk Actually After? - "The world�s richest man has bought Twitter for $44 billion. This cash could completely cancel world hunger (with seven bil to spare) or give every American citizen a cold million in the bank."
• The world's most challenging cruise ship routes - "Navigating a colossal ship is no mean feat under any conditions, but certain routes, like the sandstorm-prone, narrow Suez Canal - infamously blocked by a container ship last year - or the windy, glacier-lined waterways of Alaska, are particularly challenging."
• 'Leonardo da Vinci of violins' goes up for auction in France - "Crafted in 1736 by revered Italian luthier Giuseppe Guarneri, it is owned by virtuoso Regis Pasquier and its sound has graced concert halls around the world."
• Virtual meetings can crush creativity, new study finds - "Collaboration has been behind some of humanity's greatest achievements - the Beatles' biggest hits, putting a man on the moon, the smartphone. Do Zoom and other forms of video interaction crush the creative process that led to such feats? Yes, according to new research published Wednesday that found it's easier to come up with creative ideas in person."
• Met Gala 2022: Everything you need to know about the 'Gilded Glamour' theme - "This year's event, hosted by the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, is 'Gilded Glamour and White Tie,' referencing the lavish era of American fashion in the last decades of the 19th century, when industrialization rapidly amplified the country's wealth gap."
• See the world's best food photographs of 2022 - "An exhibition of the 2022 finalists will be shown at The Royal Photographic Society, one of the world's oldest photographic societies, in Bristol, England. It will run from November 20 to December 12, 2022. Entry will be free."
• British Virgin Islands: Premier Andrew Fahie arrested in US drug sting - "The leader of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has been arrested for alleged drug smuggling and money laundering in the US."
• 11 of the best films to watch this May - "May sees the release of the much-delayed Top Gun sequel, a documentary to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee and two chilling horrors about children with superpowers."
• Dog behaviour has little to do with breed, study finds - "Research shows high degree of variability between individual animals - with implications for owners."
• Should people get rid of their garden lawns? - "Perfectly manicured lawns have been status symbols for centuries. Many of us create or maintain lawns in our gardens without giving it a second thought. But could these innocent patches of greenery be a colossal waste of space?"
• Hidden France: why I fell in love with peaceful, scenic Auvergne - "From volcanoes to Vichy springs, this slice of dramatic rolling countryside below Burgundy is a revelation, complete with medieval villages and Michelin stars."
• Seven hours� sleep is ideal amount in middle to old age, study finds - "Too much and too little sleep linked with worse cognitive performance and mental health."
• SNAPCHAT�S FLYING CAMERA - "Snap takes another stab at hardware with a selfie drone called Pixy."
• Inside The $20 Million �Ballers� Mansion - "Contemporary Hollywood Hills Mansion Seen In HBO�s �Ballers� Lists For $20 Million."

April 28, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Putin using energy as weapon, says Zelenskiy; Russia could become �cancerous growth� in Ukraine, UK warns - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 64 of the invasion - "Vladimir Putin warns against western intervention in Ukraine; Liz Truss says the war must be a �catalyst for change�; Ant�nio Guterres visits Kyiv."
• Russia deploys trained dolphins at Black Sea naval base, satellite images show - "Two dolphin pens were moved to the Sevastopol harbor base in February, concluded the US Naval Institute�s review."
• Russia's tanks in Ukraine have a 'jack-in-the-box' design flaw - "And the West has known about it since the Gulf war. The problem relates to how the tanks' ammunition is stored. Unlike modern Western tanks, Russian ones carry multiple shells within their turrets. This makes them highly vulnerable as even an indirect hit can start a chain reaction that explodes their entire ammunition store of up to 40 shells."
• US left behind $7 billion of military equipment in Afghanistan after 2021 withdrawal, Pentagon report says - "This equipment is now in a country that is controlled by the very enemy the US was trying to drive out over the past two decades: the Taliban. The Defense Department has no plans to return to Afghanistan to 'retrieve or destroy' the equipment, reads the report, which has been provided to Congress."
• Boeing 'probably shouldn't have taken' Trump-negotiated Air Force One deal, CEO says - "Boeing's CEO on Wednesday called the unusual deal his predecessor negotiated with then-President Donald Trump for the next generation of Air Force One a one-off that he hopes not to repeat."
• China grapples with political challenges as Covid death toll mounts - "For two years, China's Communist Party has enforced a costly regime of strict border quarantines, snap lockdowns, and mass digital tracking in the service of a single goal: Zero Covid cases. And Beijing points to the past successes of this strategy - including only two reported Covid-related deaths for all of 2021 - to burnish its claims of superiority over Western governments."
• China cracks down on price gouging amid food shortages - "Authorities warn against lockdown profiteering in Shanghai, as fears in Beijing also prompt run on supermarkets."
• Measles cases surge nearly 80% in wake of Covid chaos, with fears other diseases could follow - "Unicef says virus is �canary in the coalmine� that shows up the gaps in vaccination campaigns for preventable illness."
• Which Animal Viruses Could Infect People? Computers Are Racing to Find Out - "Machine learning is known for its ability to spot fraudulent credit charges or recognize faces. Now researchers are siccing the technology on viruses."
• China detects first human case of H3N8 bird flu strain - "Experts say widespread transmission of flu in birds is increasing scope for avian viruses to mix and mutate."
• �Potentially devastating�: Climate crisis may fuel future pandemics - "�Zoonotic spillovers� expected to rise with at least 15,000 instances of viruses leaping between species over next 50 years."
• Queen will NOT strip Prince Andrew of last royal title despite mounting pressure - "Queen Elizabeth II will not force her son Prince Andrew to give up his Duke of York title which was bestowed upon him by the monarch in 1986 as a lifelong honorary position."
• 5 places business travel has changed post-pandemic - "As Covid restrictions and quarantines continue to lift around the world, work-related trips are bouncing back in a big way in 2022."
• Tourists crash drones into Italy landmarks in Rome & Pisa - "An out-of-control drone operated by a tourist crashed onto the roof of Rome's historic Palazzo Venezia on April 23, in Italy's third such drone-related incident this month."
• �Drone with a seat� to make world debut in Monaco - "A few years ago a flying car from Slovakia created a lot of interest at Top Marques, the supercar show, and since then the drone has become ubiquitous as a camera platform and so much more, and especially as a weapon of war." Monaco Daily News.
• 9 of the world's best wellness retreats - "Whether you're looking for deep cleanses amid the snowy peaks of New Zealand, massages in the Maldives and Saint Lucia, or spa therapy in Saint Lucia, here are some of the best rejuvenation hotspots the world has to offer."
• 8 Celebrity-Favorite Hotels for Met Gala Weekend - Vogue.
• Is This the Most Expensive Pilates Class? - "Has inflation hit boutique fitness, or have workouts reached a new level of exclusivity?"
• Elon Musk Is a Problem Masquerading as a Solution - "It is a perfect marriage for an age of plutocracy: Twitter with its serious problems and Elon Musk, the embodiment of those problems. What happens when the incarnation of a problem buys the right to decide what the problem is and how to fix it?"
• World's largest blue diamond to come to auction has sold for $57.5 million - "Named 'The De Beers Cullinan Blue,' the massive 15.10-carat step-cut gem sold at Sotheby's in Hong Kong after an eight-minute bidding war among four hopeful buyers, according to Sotheby's. The winning bid, which surpassed its high estimate of $48 million, came from an anonymous buyer by telephone."
• Natural diamond engagement ring sales are falling. Here's why - "Why lab-grown diamond sales are surging."
• Venice Biennale 2022: Highlights From The Olympics Of The Art World - "The Venice Biennale, often described as the Olympics of the art world, can be a gruelling experience as there�s so much to see and experience. This year�s main exhibition features 213 artists from 58 countries, alone. There are also two other venues, the Giardini and the Arsenale, as well as countless offsite venues, official and unofficial. This year�s biennale is heavily female focused with 90% female artists in the main exhibition. And the artistic director of the 2022 biennale is Cecilia Alemani, curator of New York�s Highline contemporary art project. Golden Lion winners were just announced as American artist Simone Leigh for her brilliant sculpture in the Arsenale and Sonia Boyce�s UK pavilion."
• The 130 Best Met Gala Looks of All Time - "The Met Gala is where celebrities ascend to style icon status. On the first Monday in May, stars don�t just walk the red carpet, they climb the steps of the Metropolitan Museum in statement couture presenting their interpretation of the exhibition�s theme to the entire world. Unlike an awards show or a premiere, the goal isn�t to shine for a moment, it�s to create a look that resonates for decades."
• What Exactly Goes Into the Met Gala Seating Chart? - "Every successful party planner knows the key to a good event is good company. Eaddy Kiernan, the woman tasked with organizing Vogue�s Met Gala, takes that concept to a whole new level while masterminding the seating chart for the high-profile event that attracts hundreds of actors, singers, and society swans each year."
• Only at the Met: An Oral History of the World�s Most Glamorous Gala - "It was once the Party of the Year, now it�s the Met gala or the Met ball, and sometimes it�s the Costume Institute Benefit. Either way, it�s an event that no one forgets. But don�t let us tell you - in 2020, we compiled the memories of the people who know it best. To honor its heralded return to the first Monday in May, here is our oral history of the Met gala - from staffers, producers, starry attendees, and all sorts of characters in between."
• 61 Best Met Gala Dress-Code Rejectors of All Time - "There is a sub-section of stylish dressers who subvert the rules in more subtle ways: Enter the theme rejectors. Over the years, a number of stars have ignored the Met Gala�s dress code and marched to the beat of their own drum-like when Jennifer Love Hewitt wore a marabou-feathered ball skirt to the 1999 rock and roll-themed gala. Vogue is rounding up the 61 best moments where individuality ruled."
• Bitcoin becomes official currency in Central African Republic - "The Central African Republic (CAR) has approved Bitcoin as legal tender - just the second country to do so. CAR is one of the world's poorest countries, but is rich in diamonds, gold and uranium."
• The shipwrecks rewriting ancient history - "For centuries, historians believed that any physical evidence of the pivotal Battle of the Aegates was long gone. Then came a chance discovery - which led to dozens of shipwrecks."
• Henry Winkler Breaks the Curse of Stardom - "Now in his 70s, the pop culture icon has found his true calling on 'Barry,' as the king of character actors."
• The Flanders phenomenon: how Belgian buildings went from joke to genius - "Once derided as �the ugliest country in the world�, Belgium now has some of the greatest public architecture on Earth, from sculptural water silos to bombastic port HQs. What happened?"
• Bernie Madoff�s Former Hamptons Home Is Back On The Market For $22.5 Million - "Late disgraced financier Bernie Madoff�s former Hamptons home is back on the market, this time for $22.5 million. Madoff, who orchestrated one of, if not the largest, Ponzi schemes in history, was arrested in 2008 and pled guilty to 11 felonies, including securities fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. He was sentenced to 150 years in prison and died at the age of 82 in 2021 during his sentence."

April 27, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: blasts heard in Russian city of Belgorod; UK to call on Ukraine�s allies to �double down� on military aid - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 63 of the invasion - "Russia halts gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria; Volodymyr Zelenskiy accuses Moscow of seeking to destabilise Moldova region."
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Russia begins �gas blackmail� of Poland & Bulgaria ahead of UK call to boost Ukraine military aid - "Move follows Warsaw�s imposition of sanctions on 50 entities and individuals including Russia�s biggest gas company."
• UN chief appeals to Putin while Russia cuts gas to Poland - "It was a day of diplomacy over Ukraine as the UN's Secretary General Ant�nio Guterres travelled to Russia and met President Vladimir Putin while Russia showed the first signs of following through on threats to restrict gas supplies to EU states."
• DJI suspends sales in Russia & Ukraine to prevent its drones from being used in combat - "Ukraine previously said that Russia was using DJI products to navigate its missiles."
• 5 signs Vladimir Putin is suffering from major illness - "From limp to violent shaking. The Parkinson's theory was sparked in November 2020 when political analyst Professor Valery Solovei cited Kremlin sources when he claimed tyrant Vladimir Putin is suffering both thyroid cancer and Parkinson's."
• Who is Putin's reputed girlfriend Alina Kabaeva? - "CNN's Nic Robertson reports on Alina Kabaeva, a woman linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin."
• What do we know about the new omicron mutant? - "A new omicron mutant that is a descendant of the earlier 'stealth omicron' has quickly gained ground in the United States."
• More than half of Americans have had Covid, including three of four children - "A CDC report showed a striking increase in those with coronavirus antibodies between December and February."
• Do Vaccines Protect Against Long Covid? - "Maybe, according to a growing number of studies, but there�s not yet a definitive answer."
• Global mystery hepatitis outbreak spreads to Asia & Canada - "Japan reports child with acute liver disease of unknown origin, and Canada investigating similar cases, with nearly 200 now recorded worldwide."
• As international travel picks up, several popular destinations remain off limits to tourists - "A scroll through the UNWTO's Destination Tracker reveals the majority of the places reliant on tourism dollars have dropped quarantine restrictions and are welcoming travelers - albeit some still come with a few caveats such as mandatory Covid-19 tests on arrival, tests before you fly, mandatory quarantines if tests come back positive and so on. But while most of world's popular destinations have reopened, there are a few tourism favorites that remain off limits to leisure travelers - regardless of their willingness to test, get vaccinated and quarantine. And the bulk of them are in the Asia-Pacific region."
• From Amman To Zurich, Forbes Travel Guide�s 2022 Star Award Winners - "Forbes Travel Guide has announced its 64th annual Star Awards for the world's most outstanding hotels, restaurants and spas."
• The World�s Best & Worst Passports, �As New Iron Curtain Descends� - It's clear that the war in Ukraine has radically changed the power of certain passports in the region and beyond. How powerful is yours?
• A major recession is coming, Deutsche Bank warns - "Deutsche Bank raised eyebrows earlier this month by becoming the first major bank to forecast a US recession, albeit a 'mild' one. Now, it's warning of a deeper downturn caused by the Federal Reserve's quest to knock down stubbornly high inflation."
• The big winner in Elon Musk's Twitter deal - "Even the world's richest person needs financial advice. That's great news for Morgan Stanley, the investment bank of choice for Elon Musk."
• Concern over Elon Musk�s Twitter takeover wipes $126bn off Tesla value - "Fears that carmaker�s CEO may have to sell shares to fund $44bn acquisition of social network."
• What You Don�t Know About Amazon - "If you are like most Americans, you think you know Amazon. Recent polling shows that 72 percent of us view the company favorably. This makes it the second-most-trusted institution in the country, after the military. Industry research estimates that there are now 153 million Prime members in the United States, nearly as many as the number of voters in the 2020 election."
• Open-source encyclopedia puts 10,000 years of Indian art history in one place - "From prehistoric Bhimbetka cave paintings to works by contemporary art stars like Atul Dodiya and Shilpa Gupta, India has a rich cultural heritage dating back over 10,000 years. So, it came as a surprise to one of the country's leading collectors, the textile tycoon and philanthropist Abhishek Poddar, that there was no single source of authoritative information on the subcontinent's art history. Hoping to address this deficit, he has helped launch an encyclopedia of South Asian art with over 2,000 entries spanning famous artifacts, folk traditions, craft techniques and cultural institutions from the region."
• 30 classic Italian dishes that everyone should try - "Think of Italy and you're likely to think of food first, and all the other beautiful things it offers second. Italian cuisine - or some version of it - has colonized the rest of the world so successfully that there are probably uncharted corners of the Amazon rainforest where you can sit down at a red-and-white checkered tablecloth and order up a plate of pasta and sauce. There's a reason it's so good. Actually, there are hundreds of reasons scattered throughout the different regions Italy. But here are 30 of them."
• The surprising complexity of a classic Chinese condiment - "Oyster sauce is a cult ingredient of the Chinese dinner table. How is it made, and why is it so irresistible?"
• Watch the Venus-Jupiter conjunction at the end of April - "Venus and Jupiter will appear to touch each other in the sky at the end of the month, despite actually being millions of miles apart. The two planets will appear closest together around 3 p.m. ET on April 30, with Venus 0.2 degrees south of Jupiter, according to EarthSky. The distance is less than the diameter of the moon, the space site added."
• Against all odds, a Ukrainian artist & his curators bring 'Fountain of Exhaustion' to Venice - "As Russia continues to attack Ukraine, Pavlo Makov's work for the Venice Biennale carries with it a powerful message of determination and resilience."
• Why we snap-judge some people as 'boring' - "Why do people with certain professions and interests make us yawn - even before we get to know them?"
• The New Coussin De Cartier Takes The Brand�s Legacy Of Shaped Watches To The Next Level - "Cartier's shaped watches generally take their names from tangible objects or living things."

April 26, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: military aid means Nato is �in essence engaged in war with Russia�, claims Lavrov - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 62 of the invasion - "Western military support means the Nato alliance is �in essence engaged in war with Russia�, says Russian foreign minister."
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Russia accuses Nato of �proxy war� in Ukraine as US hosts crucial defence summit - "Ukraine dismisses as scare tactic Sergei Lavrov�s war comments as diplomats from dozens of countries gather in Germany for US-hosted talks to navigate �critical� phase."
• China & Russia Are Giving Authoritarianism a Bad Name - "The last decade looked like a good one for authoritarian regimes and a challenging one for democratic ones."
• Beijing tests 20 million residents amid 'fast & furious' Omicron outbreak - "Beijing has rolled out mass Covid testing for nearly 20 million residents in most of the city, as authorities race to contain a fresh Omicron outbreak that has sparked panic buying amid fears of a Shanghai-style lockdown."
• CDC moves Caribbean island from low travel risk to high for Covid-19 - "The tiny Caribbean island of Saba - a special municipality of the Netherlands known for its rugged hiking terrain and having the world's shortest commercial runway - was moved up to Level 3."
• Covid Lockdowns Revive the Ghosts of a Planned Economy - "China is meddling with free enterprise as it hadn�t in decades. The results are familiar to those old enough to remember: scarcity, and the rise of black markets."
• Covid Drugs Save Lives, but Americans Can�t Get Them - "Almost two months after President Biden promised to make lifesaving drugs against Covid widely available to Americans, the medications remain hard to get for many, despite supplies, leaving large numbers of Americans to face increased risks of avoidable death and serious illness."
• Elon Musk to buy Twitter in $44 billion deal - "What Elon Musk's $44 billion purchase of Twitter means for the platform."
• Jeff Bezos is already testing Elon Musk�s commitment to free speech by trolling - "Just asking questions."
• Take a look inside Elon Musk's $70 million private jet - "Which he says is the only exception to his disdain of luxuries like yachts and vacations."
• Alec Baldwin: Police release footage from set of Rust shooting - "Police have released footage from the set of the film Rust, including of the aftermath of the fatal shooting of a cinematographer by actor Alec Baldwin."
• AirPods Pro Tricks You Should Be Using Every Day - "With spatial audio, transparency mode and active noise cancellation, there's a lot you can do with the AirPods Pro."
• Dreamy beaches, no airport: A beautiful unspoiled corner of the Mediterranean - "Kaş: A beautiful unspoiled corner of the Med."
• Get Ready For the New, Improved Second - "Scientists are preparing to redefine the fundamental unit of time. It won�t get any longer or shorter, but it will be more precise - and a whole lot more powerful."
• How to save energy at home - "Soaring gas prices have increased demand for more energy-efficient, eco-friendly homes."
• This unusual fuel could power your car - "Whisky generates a lot of waste. It could soon help fuel your car. About 44 bottles of Scotch whisky are shipped around the globe every second, making it the world's most internationally traded spirit and generating export revenues of £4.5 billion ($5.9 billion) last year. But for every liter of whisky, there is a huge amount of waste: around 2.5 kilograms of solid by-products known as draff, 8 liters of liquid known as pot ale, and 10 liters of spent lees, a watery residue. This amounts to 684,000 metric tons of draff and over 2.3 billion liters of pot ale every year, according to Zero Waste Scotland. Some is used for animal feed, and some goes to landfill or is dumped in rivers and oceans."
• The large fruit that once fed mastodons - "The revival of a forgotten American fruit. Across large swaths of North America, an ancient fruit is growing wild but largely forgotten. However, a community of foodies, farmers and scientists is eagerly trying to change that."
• How 15 minutes of mental health hygiene can change your whole day - "You brush your teeth twice a day to keep plaque from building up and see a dentist regularly for extra maintenance. It's just good hygiene. But how often are you practicing mental hygiene? Whether you have a specific concern or are just trying to get through your day a little better, taking about 15 minutes each morning to maintain your mental health is something everyone could benefit from."
• The fascinating story behind Louis Vuitton�s iconic trunks: Steamships & railways, mahjong & Supreme - "The journey of Louis Vuitton�s trunks began with innovation in the 19th century and continued with evolution in the 20th - ever since then, those qualities have remained at the forefront of the maison�s creations."
• Amazon's proposed new building looks like this emoji - "The shape of Amazon's screwy new headquarters inspires mock and awe." CNN Videos.
• Ferrari Daytona SP3 Filmed Looking Like Two Million Bucks - "Ferrari brought the Daytona SP3 to the UK to attend the 2022 Salon Prive London where it wowed the crowds with its stunning design."

April 25, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Blinken and Austin in Kyiv for Zelenskiy talks; Russian oil depot on fire near border in Bryansk - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 61 of the invasion - "Most senior US delegation yet visits Kyiv for talks as concerns rise of a staged referendum in southern city of Kherson."
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Covid lockdown fears spark panic buying in Beijing as largest district begins mass testing - "Residents hope to avoid Shanghai-style shortages as Chinese authorities rush to stamp out outbreak in the capital."
• US can manage BA.2 variant �without disruption�, top Covid adviser predicts - "Ashish Jha says spreading variant unlikely to have much effect on the nation�s pandemic recovery."
• Climate change linked to fewer bugs, study finds - "The research builds on a body of work that has some scientists ringing alarms about the pace of the decline of insect populations."
• Nano state: tiny & now everywhere, how big a problem are nanoparticles? - "Nanoparticles are added to food, fabrics, cosmetics and drugs with few controls - and often end up in the sea. Now scientists are asking how safe they are."
• How to make plastic disappear - "Most of human history has been plastic free, but it�s now become hard to imagine a world without it. Luckily, several entrepreneurs are working on it, and this Earth Day issue of Current Climate highlights innovations that aim to make plastic disappear. A few key words dominating those conversations: scale, pricing and integration into existing value chains."
• Why Buy a Multimillion-Dollar Home When You Can Live Aboard a Yacht? - "Wealthy boat owners are trading life on land for the high seas - but some are finding living on a large yacht for months on end comes with a cost."
• How to Charter a Superyacht: Everything You Need to Know About Booking a High-Seas Vacation - "Considering a yacht vacation this summer or even into 2023? Here are the ABC's to finding the best maritime fit for your family and friends."
• Elon Musk's next massive payday looms - "Does the richest person on the planet need another massive pay package? That's the decision facing the Tesla board of directors."
• Twitter �in takeover talks with Elon Musk� after pressure from shareholders - "Company negotiating with Tesla CEO, say sources, after he wooed investors with details of his $43bn offer."
• 7 Celebrity-Owned Wineries & Vineyards - "These famous winemakers do more than just put their name on the bottle."
• The De Beers Blue - "Sotheby�s is proud to present The De Beers Blue, an extraordinary natural treasure and one of the most valuable blue diamonds ever to be offered at auction. This extraordinary 15.10 carat step-cut blue has been cut from an exceptional rough stone discovered in April 2021." Live Auction: 27 April 2022 - 8:00 PM HKT - Hong Kong.
• The island banning private vehicles - "La Digue: The Seychelles' tropical biking paradise. There are more bicycles than cars on La Digue, a 10-sq-km island that is doing everything it can to save itself - and one rare bird species - from overtourism."
• Tour a Hilltop Los Angeles Home That Features the Most Enviable Pool - "Constructed by Bestor Architecture to accompany a modernist gem, the house is all about indoor-outdoor living."
• A crystal-clear issue: The White House is in desperate need of new glassware - "It was during the George W. Bush administration that it was first noticed in earnest, and the massive state dinners of the Barack Obama era only solidified the situation: The White House was desperately in need of crystal. Not crystal balls, not crystal chandeliers - just crystal, the kind one drinks from."
• Construction starts on world's largest wildlife crossing to let animals roam over 10 lanes of L.A. highway - "Wild animals in Southern California soon will have more turf to roam thanks to the world's biggest wildlife crossing, which will span 10 lanes of Highway 101 in northwest Los Angeles to close a crucial gap for habitats."
• How to connect AirPods, AirPods Pro & AirPods Max to a Mac & how to control Audio Handoff - "Apple's AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max can be used with any and all Apple devices, but you need to know how to make them switch - and how to make them stop switching, too."
• best full frame mirrorless camera in 2022: Sony vs Canon, Nikon & Panasonic - "Choosing the best full frame mirrorless camera means choosing you want most � value, resolution, speed or video!" Digital Camera World.
• Meet Guo Pei, the world's most fantastical fashion designer - "Raised in the Cultural Revolution and inspired by her grandmother's tales of past dynasties, the visionary couturier is now the subject of a major US exhibition. Cath Pound speaks to China's queen of couture."
• Trump predicts to Piers Morgan that Prince Harry�s marriage to Meghan Markle will end - "Former President Donald Trump says Prince Harry is 'an embarrassment' for turning his back on Buckingham Palace - and predicted the runaway royal�s controversial marriage to Meghan Markle will have a 'bad' ending."
• Sharon Osbourne found herself blacklisted in the United States after defending Piers Morgan's right to condemn Meghan Markle - "'They were going to cut my throat': Sharon Osbourne slams cancel culture and admits she underwent ketamine therapy after fiery on-air debate led to TV suspension and death threats."

April 24, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Top US officials to meet Zelenskiy in Kyiv; eight killed in Russian attacks in Luhansk, governor says - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 60 of the invasion - "Volodymyr Zelenskiy to meet US secretary of state Antony Blinken in Kyiv on Sunday as Russia continues attacks on southern and eastern Ukraine."
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Ukrainian Military Intelligence reported on April 22 that several Russian officers have been fired or imprisoned for failures in Ukraine - Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 22. ISW | Institute for the Study of War.
• Back in the USSR: Lenin statues and Soviet flags reappear in Russian-controlled cities - "Colonisation appears to have superseded �denazification� in Putin�s military goals for eastern Ukraine."
• Beijing races to contain 'urgent & grim' Covid outbreak as Shanghai lockdown continues - "Beijing is racing to track a Covid-19 outbreak that may have been spreading in the capital for a week, city authorities said on Saturday, raising the prospect more stringent restrictions could soon be implemented in line with other Chinese cities."
• How Covid Breaks All the Rules of Human Narrative - "How Covid Breaks All the Rules of Human Narrative. We have neither a shared language nor a shared understanding of what we've just been through."
• Twitter uses Earth Day to announce ban on climate denialism ads - "The platform has been a source of a growing wave of climate misinformation and said denialism �shouldn�t be monetized�."
• Living inside the box: my life with agoraphobia - "As a student, Graham Caveney suffered a severe panic attack while on a coach trip, a terrifying event that changed his life. He writes about the daily challenges of living with a fear of open spaces."
• Greece is grateful as the tourists flock back - "Not since the pre-Covid season, when 33 million holidaymakers visited, has business been as good. The buskers are out, hotels are full, archaeological sites are heaving, shopkeepers are smiling, and good luck if you want a table in a decent restaurant."
• Canouan Is the Charming Caribbean Island You Need to Visit Next - "Being relatively unfamiliar with the region myself and craving a quiet Caribbean jaunt, I set my eyes on Canouan, a 3.2 square mile island that�s just a 40-minute plane ride from Barbados. Canouan�s neighboring islands - which include Bequia, Mustique and Petit St. Vincent - draw high-profile crowds to its idyllic, yacht-dotted marinas and shores. And while Canouan has its fair share of jet-setting activities, including a $250 million marina full of retail shops and restaurants called Sandy Lane Yacht Club, it's the unobstructed mountainsides and quiet streets that allow the island to unfold slowly."
• The 17 Oldest Hotels in the World That Have Stunning Interiors - "From a big game reserve in South Africa to a landmarked masterpiece in Brazil, these stylish haunts are just as popular now as they were when they first opened."
• The World�s 6 Most Beautiful Buildings That Redefine Sustainable Architecture - "From Singapore to the UAE, these net zero structures are setting a new green standard."
• Inside Julia Roberts's Eclectic Real Estate Portfolio - "The Hollywood icon owns homes in New Mexico, New York, California, Hawaii, and more."
• How to Use the Gender Neutral Siri Voice - "Siri now has a non-binary gender neutral voice option available to users who prefer to not have a stereotypically male or female Siri voice."
• Have an old iPad lying around? Add a $20 wall mount & turn it into a HomeKit controller - "Making it easier to work to control my HomeKit accessories is something I am always thinking about. As easy as using the Home app on my iPhone is or turning items off and on with Siri, sometimes you want to make it even easier - especially for guests and non-smart home fans. You could certainly use the Brilliant panel, but what if you want something a bit easier to install? For example, have you considered an old iPad mounted on the wall? Read on to see how easier it is to configure so it can only work in the Home app."
• Here�s Everything Coming to Netflix in May - Vogue.
• 11 of the Most Compulsively Watchable True-Crime Documentaries on Netflix Now - "Almost seven years after the release of the Emmy-winning Making a Murderer, true-crime documentaries are still wildly popular on Netflix. The latest hits to have become part of the canon? The tale of a charismatic con artist which became a word-of-mouth sensation and birthed countless think pieces, and a staggering four-part saga involving a vegan restaurant owner, siphoned funds, a prized pitbull, and promises of immortality."
• The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent review - "Enjoyably meta Nicolas Cage buddy movie. Cage attempts to satirise himself and Hollywood in this goofy action comedy, but ends up part of an endearing double act with the charming Pedro Pascal."
• Andy Warhol Was Fragrance-Obsessed - Here Are the Perfumes He Loved Most - "As if he ever left, Andy Warhol is back in the cultural consciousness. From the recently released Netflix docuseries The Andy Warhol Diaries, which explores Warhol�s enigmatic life behind the lens, to the Brooklyn Museum�s current 'Andy Warhol: Revelation' exhibit, examining the influence of Catholicism on his work, there�s never been a better time to delve deeper into the world of the iconic artist. In fact, as part of the 'Revelation' exhibition, Jessica Murphy, a fragrance culture writer, educator, and manager of visitor experience at the Brooklyn Museum, is shedding light on Warhol�s lesser-realized olfactory imagination and passion for fragrance. Through June, Murphy is hosting monthly scent tours that hone in on Warhol�s longstanding interest in scents while pairing works from the exhibit to a special collection of perfumes."
• The Palace Papers review - "Rollicking ride through recent royal family history. Tina Brown�s sparkling prose and eye for detail enliven an entertaining exposé - with a little help from Prince Andrew and his 50-strong crew of teddy bears."
• 2023 BMW 7 Series: See The New Design Compared To Its Predecessors - "The new 7 Series polarizes like never before. Were its predecessors prettier?"
• This man is trolling his airline with PowerPoint presentations to find his missing bag - "From Dublin - the starting point for their trip, since flights were much cheaper - they were due to fly again with Aer Lingus to London Heathrow. Only, when they reached Dublin, their bags didn't turn up. Luckily, Sharod had a secret weapon: AirTags. He'd bought three of the Apple products, which emit tracking alerts via Bluetooth, and hidden one in each suitcase."

April 23, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Kremlin wants to invade other countries, says Zelenskiy; �heavy fighting� reported in Mariupol - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 59 of the invasion - "Zelenskiy warns Russia�s invasion of Ukraine just the �beginning� as the Kremlin will push to capture other countries."
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• 4 ways Russia is trying to prove it can live with sanctions - "The scale of the economic counter-offensive waged by the West since the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, along with the rising tide of companies cutting off business with Russia to guard against reputational risk or future sanctions, was a shock. Meanwhile, here are some of the ways companies, industries, and officials are scrambling to live with Russia's new normal."
• Twenty photographs of the week - "A burial in Bucha, a holy week procession in Canosa di Puglia, the Russian bombardment of Kharkiv and demonstrations in Colombo: the most striking images from around the world this week."
• World's biggest food company has hiked prices by 5% - "Nestlé (NSRGY), the world's biggest food and drinks company, raised prices by more than 5% in the first three months of this year as it passed on rising costs to shoppers."
• World's largest brewer sells stake in 11 Russian breweries - "Budweiser brewer AB InBev is selling its stake in 11 Russian breweries."
• Why India can buy Russian oil & still be friends with the US - "All of a sudden, the West's tune changed. When Biden met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi this month, it was all diplomatic backslapping and soundbites about 'a deep connection between our people' and 'shared values.' Then on Friday UK leader Boris Johnson flew into Delhi to talk up trade ties and pose for costumed photo ops, all while glossing over 'differences' regarding Russia."
• UK gave sanctioned Russians �golden visas� after first Ukraine invasion - "Government accused of �shocking complacency� over awards to seven Putin cronies."
• Secrecy, sex & sun: captain reveals life aboard superyachts - "Billionaires� excesses are under scrutiny like never before after Russia�s invasion of Ukraine. The secretive world of superyachts is the ultimate in billionaire excess, where tycoons cavort with celebrities, politicians and sex workers, and where privacy is protected by non-disclosure agreements ensuring absolute discretion from well-paid staff."
• Mount Everest: Even world's highest peak not immune to the Ukraine war - "Mountaineering in the Everest region has been hit hard by the pandemic. This season the sherpas were looking for things to pick up - then Russia invaded Ukraine."
• Venice to charge daytrippers up to €10 to enter in 2023 - "As the poster child for overtourism, Venice has long been a city of mounting lines, uncomfortable crowding and mushrooming Airbnbs which are blamed for pricing locals out of the city. Now, the city's mayor has announced that visitors can make reservations from this summer, with an entrance fee due from January 2023."
• French Polynesian island locking locals out of beaches - "A huge tourist boom on Mo�orea Island has seen privatisation of coastline, with just three public beaches left."
• How to blur sensitive information in images on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac - "If you're looking to share a screenshot or photo, but you don't want to expose anything too personal, here's how you can blur or otherwise censor them on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad."
• The Best Movies & Shows on Hulu Right Now - "We�ve handpicked the finest movies and television shows currently streaming on Hulu in the United States. Take a look." The New York Times.
• Netflix may clamp down on password sharing. Here's what that means - "Netflix shares plunged this week after the platform reported its first subscriber loss in more than a decade. One factor the company pointed to as hurting revenue: widespread password sharing."
• You can make Netflix forget - "You can actually make Netflix forget what you watch if you know where to look."
• Bill Murray reportedly accused of �inappropriate behaviour� on film set - "Production of Being Mortal suspended by studio Searchlight while an investigation is being conducted."
• Forget the FAANGs. It's a stock picker's market now - "Investors who have been blindly buying all big techs got a rude awakening this week after Netflix imploded. But the good news from Tesla proves that some top momentum stocks can still thrive in this rocky market. The latest results from Tesla (TSLA) and Netflix (NFLX) show how silly it is for investors to buy into themes and memes like the FAANGs, or MT. FAANG, if you want to add Microsoft (MSFT) and Tesla to the Facebook (FB) (Meta)/Amazon (AMZN)/Apple (AAPL)/Netflix/Google (GOOGL) (Alphabet) quintet. This is a stock picker's market."
• Can The One Who Invented The �Roman IIII� (the �watchmaker�s four�) Numeral Please Stand Up? - "Some more and less plausible explanations for its existence."
• A. Lange & SÖhne Works Magic In German Watchmaking With Minute Repeater, Titanium Odysseus & More - "German watch brand A. Lange & Söhne is one of the most sought-after brands by serious watch collectors today. Not only are its timepieces exclusive and created in limited numbers, but also, they offer some of the most subtle German-influenced clean designs on the market. This year, when everyone was wondering if there was anything else this brand could introduce to surprise and delight watch lovers, the brand worked magic with several new timepieces."

April 22, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: satellite images appear to show mass graves in Mariupol; humanitarian corridors remain closed - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 58 of the invasion - "Zelenskiy says Russia has rejected a proposed Easter truce, but remains hopeful of prospects for peace, as Moscow faces accusations of war crimes in Mariupol."
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?
• Google doodle marks Earth Day 2022 with stark images of climate crisis - "Time-lapse satellite images show glacial retreat at Mount Kilimanjaro, Great Barrier Reef coral bleaching, deforestation in Germany and Greenland glacial melt."
• What�s Happening to Mask Mandates in the U.S.? - "At this stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping track of mask-wearing protocols can feel like an exercise in futility as governmental advice keeps shifting, and the Republican governors of states like Texas and Florida seem diametrically opposed to mask mandates in any capacity."
• Shanghai escalates Covid lockdown restrictions - "Authorities in Shanghai have said they will tighten the enforcement of lockdown measures, as a Covid surge continues in China's financial capital."
• See Queen Elizabeth�s Official Portrait for Her 96th Birthday - "In it, the monarch stands between two of her white fell ponies - named Bybeck Katie and Bybeck Nightingale - on the grounds of Windsor Castle. She wears a muted green coat in a shade that is similar to Prince Philip's official livery color."
• 31 Iconic Photos of Queen Elizabeth - "This April 21, Queen Elizabeth II turns 96 years old. To reach such an age is impressive for anyone - but especially for the royal, who continues to lengthen her record as the longest-serving monarch of the United Kingdom."
• Why Disney has its own government in Florida & what happens if that goes away - "Florida's legislature passed a bill Thursday that would eliminate the special legal setup that allows Disney to operate as an independent government around its Orlando-area theme parks. The move comes as Florida's Republican-led government has taken aim at Disney - the largest single-site employer in the state - for its opposition to a law restricting education on LGBTQ issues in schools."
• 20,000th Lamborghini HuracÁn delivered to client in Monaco - "The Lamborghini Huracán has been nothing short of a success for the storied Italian marque, and this fact has been further confirmed as the 20,000th Lamborghini Huracán has been sold and delivered to a lucky client in Monaco. This particular Lamborghini is a Huracán STO, perhaps the most extreme Huracán currently on offer, finished in a Grigio Acheso Matt colour otherwise known as grey."
• Why Argentina is embracing cryptocurrency - "In Argentina, there are traces everywhere of distrust and even trauma related to the economy."
• What is Bitcoin? An eight-step guide to the cryptocurrency - "Bitcoin is back in the news. Hackers tried to scam Twitter users to send them money via Bitcoin using high-profile social media accounts."
• Inside Chicago O'Hare Airport's $8.5 billion revamp - "The lion's share of the investments will go into modernizing the terminals, which will transform the passenger experience at O'Hare."
• Switzerland to build world's tallest timber residential tower - "World's tallest timber residential tower to be built. The project, named Rocket&Tigerli, will consist of four buildings including one that boasts a 100-meter-tall (328-foot) tower. The development will be built in the Swiss city of Winterthur, which is located near Zurich."
• The World's 25 Tallest Buildings Currently Under Construction - "Responding to the global challenges of dense cities and the inability to cater to the world�s 7.8 billion population living and working in congested urban areas, architects have been exploring the skyscraper typology for decades now, integrating commercial spaces and public amenities within residential buildings to offer tenants an all-inclusive experience."
• Elon Musk thinks Twitter's algorithm should be public. Here's what that could mean - "On March 24, weeks before he offered to buy Twitter, Elon Musk posted a poll on the social media platform: 'Twitter algorithm should be open source,' he wrote, with options for users to vote 'yes' or 'no.' Some of Twitter's technology is already open source, which means it's publicly available for anyone to view, rework, and use for other purposes. But what Musk was asking, essentially, was whether the rules that computers follow to determine what you see in your Twitter (TWTR) feed should be public, too. Over a million votes were tallied by the time the poll closed, with an overwhelming amount of 'yes' votes (82.7%)."
• World's richest man just got a whole lot richer! - "Elon Musk is poised to collect $23bn bonus after Tesla reports record profits."
• Is �manifesting� dangerous magical thinking or a formula for success? - "The practice�s popularity picked up when it went viral on TikTok in 2020 - but indulged without action, it could untether us from our sense of agency."
• �The Northman� Review: Danish Premodern - "Alexander Skarsgard, Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicole Kidman star in Robert Eggers�s bloody Viking revenge saga."
• Norse code: are white supremacists reading too much into The Northman? - "Robert Eggers� Viking blockbuster has already been hailed by white nationalists keen to exploit European mythology. Can Hollywood tell historical tales without unwittingly appealing to toxic ideologies?"
• The 1972 conspiracy that shaped the US - "Gaslit and Watergate: The enduring draw of a 1972 conspiracy. Fifty years after the Watergate scandal, a new TV series and exhibition explore the events that led to one of the biggest political crises in US history, writes Diane Bernard."
• �My dog�s haircut costs more than mine!� A day at the groomers with Oscar, Bear, Otis & Zorro - "With more than 12 million dogs in Britain, the grooming industry is booming. But what does all this pampering say about our changing relationship with man�s best friend?"
• Four New IWC Top Gun Pilot�s Watches Combine Military Colors With Ceramic Cases - "Lovers of ceramic watches - and all things military - will appreciate the four new Top Gun Pilot�s Watch models introduced by IWC at Watches and Wonders earlier this month. They represent two of the brand�s specialties: military pilot�s watches and ceramic case technology. Two of the debuts are Top Gun Chronographs in new colors - Woodlands (green) and Lake Tahoe (white) - both with 44.5mm ceramic cases. The other two are black models: the Pilot�s Watch Top Gun Ceratanium chronograph with a 41mm case made of black Ceratanium (which combines ceramic with titanium); and the Big Pilot�s Watch 43 Top Gun, made of black zirconium oxide ceramic."
• The New Ulysse Nardin Freak S - "Proving That The Freak Concept Is As Brilliant And Relevant As Ever. A technological statement that propels us into space and beyond."
• CNN+ will shut down April 30, just one month after launch - "Warner Bros. Discovery has decided to shut down CNN+ just weeks after it launched. Fewer than 10,000 people were watching CNN+ each day."

April 21, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Ukraine offers unconditional talks on Mariupol; Russian forces advancing on Kramatorsk, says UK - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 57 of the invasion - Ukrainian officials offer special negotiations in Mariupol as west warns of Russian cyberattacks against Ukraine�s allies.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?
• Donald Trump appears to storm out of Piers Morgan TV interview in advert - "Piers Morgan Uncensored 30-second trailer apparently shows former president irritated by US 2020 election questions."
• Shanghai�s Low Covid Death Toll Revives Questions About China�s Numbers - "The country�s largest city has recorded just 17 Covid deaths, despite surging cases. How China defines a Covid death may be part of the reason."
• This controversial rule is ruining Hong Kong's status as an aviation hub - "Hong Kong's Covid-19 curbs are continuing to severely limit travel into the city, with only one flight from outside the Asia Pacific region landing on Tuesday and Wednesday."
• Should you cancel your travel plans now that masks aren't required on planes & trains? - "How can people continue to keep safe on planes now that masks are no longer required? What about vulnerable individuals like immunocompromised people and young children who aren't yet vaccinated? Do you need to quarantine if you're visiting vulnerable people and you were just on a flight? Should people consider canceling their travel plans?"
• 10 travel firms turning green: new initiatives to boost sustainability - "Ahead of Earth Day on Friday, we pick operators taking action to help the planet and limit overtourism, with eco stays, fewer flights and support for local people."
• 5 unusual airlines that really existed - "In the late 1970s, the US government deregulated the airline industry, removing federal control over fares, routes and the entry of new airlines into the market. As a result, a flurry of new airlines appeared from the 1980s onward, and some of them were particularly unusual. Let's take a look."
• Luxury private island resort in Panama reveals new 'aerial' beach - "The adults-only resort, located in Panama's Bocas Del Toro province, has just revealed what its owner refers to as the 'world's first aerial beach.' Named Kupu-Kupu - borrowed from the Indonesian word for butterfly - the beach is approximately 90 feet long and 20 feet wide. Built on pilings over the water, it features white sand, palm trees, lounge chairs and a bar. A 10-foot-wide wooden boardwalk connects it to the island."
• How to convert a van into a home on wheels - "The travelers who created their own cozy campervans."
• How Loneliness Is Damaging Our Health - "Even before the pandemic, there was an 'epidemic of loneliness,' and it was affecting physical health and life expectancy."
• Scientists Find No Benefit to Time-Restricted Eating - "In a yearlong study, participants who confined meals to certain hours lost no more weight than those who ate at any time."
• We need to stop complimenting weight loss. Here's what to say instead - "If your friend has recently lost weight, you might want to tell her how great she looks. Maybe you also say that you wish you had her body or self-control or you ask her how she did it. Perhaps you've been on the receiving end of such a 'compliment' in the past. Such comments are well meaning but can have unintended negative consequences."
• The return of Bali's lost 'superfood' - "During Covid-19, people once again began to latch onto the benefits of moringa, a tree that's a highly nutritious food, medicine and magical talisman all rolled into one."
• Climate crisis could lead to rise of smaller bees, study finds - "Danger looms for larger species such as bumblebees, which have lower heat tolerance, leading to �cascading effects� on ecosystems."
• Protected areas don�t always benefit wildlife, global study finds - "Study of wetland birds in national parks and other reserves shows that species-specific management is crucial to success."
• Europa's resemblance to Greenland bodes well for possible life on Jupiter's moon - "The landscape has parallels here on Earth."
• Alec Baldwin: Rust film producers were indifferent to gun safety - report - "The producers of a film whose cinematographer was accidentally shot dead on set by Alec Baldwin have been fined and strongly criticised by authorities for failing to follow safety guidelines."
• Netflix's world has been turned upside down as stock plunges 35% - "The company reported Tuesday that it lost subscribers for the first time in more than a decade. The news shocked Wall Street and sent shares plummeting 35% Wednesday morning, wiping out $50 billion in market cap. And this was after the company's stock had dropped more than 40% year to date. Simply put, Netflix's terrible 2022 has now become disastrous."
• 'It wasn't not racist': Netflix documentary charts the troubling rise of Abercrombie & Fitch - "Abercrombie & Fitch's website is, today, awash with Gen-Z-friendly nods to diversity and inclusion. There are people of color, sizes up to 3XL and even a Pride-themed collection featuring 'gender inclusive' rainbow tees. The brand's Instagram account, meanwhile, proudly promotes models in wheelchairs, stories of body-positivity and statements of LGBTQ solidarity. Yet, barely disguised in the label's new tagline, 'This is #AbercrombieToday,' is an admission that there is a yesterday it would rather we forget."
• Lincoln�s new electric concept car uses lo-fi beats & �fragrances� to elevate your state of mind - "The Ford-owned automaker plans on introducing three new EVs by 2025."
• Lincoln's first electric vehicle concept is the Star SUV - "Ford's luxury brand promises four production EVs by 2026."
• Meghan Markle's favourite handbag brand Strathberry launch a unique new style for spring - "The latest Strathberry bag is sure to get the Duchess' seal of approval."
• The 20 Best Films To Celebrate 420 With On April 20 - "April is full of reasons to celebrate, from Easter to Arbor Day, from Earth Day to April 20th, or as it�s commonly known in cannabis culture circles, 420. Marijuana legalization continues to make headway in state after state, with Congress passing the MORE Act to end federal prohibition of marijuana and a sizable majority of U.S. states having already legalized medical or recreational marijuana, or both. So here are the top 20 best films to watch, to celebrate 420 this month."
• Apple�s MagSafe Battery Pack can charge iPhones faster with a new firmware update - "You can wait for an update over the air, or plug a Lightning to USB cable from the pack to a connected Mac or iPad to get the fix, and then you�re off to the races, as they say."
• How to Watch the 2022 Met Gala Red-Carpet Livestream - "Ever wish you could be a part of the star-studded action at the annual Met Gala? With Vogue�s official livestream of the soiree, you now can: On Monday, May 2, the official Met Gala livestream will be hosted by Vogue and will give you a front-row seat to the event�s legendary red carpet. The stream will kick off at 6 p.m. E.T. and will be broadcast live across our digital platforms (as well as on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter)."

April 20, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: war would have �already ended� with more weapons, says Zelenskiy; Mariupol �facing last days� says commander - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 56 of the invasion - "Zelenskiy says Russia blocking humanitarian corridors in besieged city of Mariupol as fighting intensifies in the Donbas region."
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• �Russian warship, go ...!�: Ukrainians queue for stamp celebrating act of defiance - "Country takes pride in limited-edition design featuring soldier giving middle-finger salute."
• Sea levels are rising in most of the world. Not in this country - "A drop in the ocean. As the world experiences sea level rise, Iceland�s waters are falling - and flowing to the other side of the planet."
• Plans for New York's largest 'all-electric' skyscraper unveiled - "American banking giant JPMorgan Chase has unveiled plans for its new global headquarters: a 60-story skyscraper powered entirely by renewable energy. Set to complete in 2025, the 1,388-foot-tall tower will become New York's largest 'all-electric' building, according to Foster + Partners, the architects behind the design."
• How the African rainforest is helping fight climate change - "In the midst of the African rainforest, one elusive animal wreaks havoc on vegetation - and in doing so, offers a big favour for the climate."
• Hunger & anger in Shanghai's unending lockdown nightmare - "With lockdown measures turning increasingly draconian, a once almost-unthinkable topic has struck a chord with residents in the city and beyond, more so than anything else: people going hungry in Shanghai in 2022."
• World�s richest man Elon Musk says he�s homeless & �rotates� among friends� houses - "Tesla and Space X founder has an estimated net worth of $251bn."
• They Are the Heirs of Nazi Fortunes & They Aren�t Apologizing - "The backbone of Germany�s economy today is the car industry. It�s not just that it accounts for about 10 percent of G.D.P.; brands like Porsche, Mercedes, BMW and Volkswagen are recognized around the world as symbols of German industrial ingenuity and excellence. These companies spend millions on branding and advertising to ensure they are thought of this way. They spend less money and energy on discussing their roots. These corporations can trace their success directly back to Nazis: Ferdinand Porsche persuaded Hitler to put Volkswagen into production. His son, Ferry Porsche, who built up the company, was a voluntary SS officer. Herbert Quandt, who built BMW into what it is today, committed war crimes. So did Friedrich Flick, who came to control Daimler-Benz. Unlike Mr. Quandt, Mr. Flick was convicted at Nuremberg."
• Masks & flying: Everything you need to know about new US rules - "What are the new rules? Do they apply to international travel? Will the Department of Justice appeal the judge's ruling? How safe is flying maskless? Here are the answers to some of the key questions."
• Does My Mask Protect Me if Nobody Else Is Wearing One? - "Masks work best when everyone in the room has one on, but you�ll still benefit from masking up even when those around you aren�t."
• Prince Harry said he is 'making sure the Queen is protected & has the right people around her' - "After Megxit, that Oprah interview and missing Philip's memorial, Harry tells US television he is 'making sure the Queen is protected and has the right people around her' - with the Palace braced against more sensational claims later today."
• 'The Batman' director Matt Reeves explains The Joker reference in the movie - "At the end of 'The Batman,' director Matt Reeves has a scene where Paul Dano's The Riddler is at Arkham Asylum, sharing a cell with an 'Unseen Arkham Prisoner' with a distinct laugh. Reeves has since revealed that the character, played by actor Barry Keoghan, is The Joker."
• Johnny Depp v Amber Heard: Actor says he never hit a woman - "Actor Johnny Depp has testified in his $50m defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard that he never struck her."
• Jennifer Grey Opens Up About Plastic Surgery, Patrick Swayze, Former Loves & a Dirty Dancing Sequel - "In Jennifer's memoir, Out of the Corner, she revises her own mythology, from childhood lessons on beauty and work ethic to her notable relationships with Matthew Broderick and Johnny Depp, formed at the height of her fame. She also revisits her rhinoplasty, two nose jobs which left her unrecognizable to some - and set up a legend she was shunned by Hollywood. 'I spent so much energy trying to figure out what I did wrong, why I was banished from the kingdom. That's a lie. I banished myself.'"
• Nicolas Cage reveals why he turned down roles in The Matrix & Lord of The Rings - "Actor says he rejected the film parts in the late 1990s and early 2000s."
• Ultimate sleazeball or tortured romantic? The truth about serial seducer Casanova - "He�s been portrayed as a lascivious lothario, a likable scamp and even a female librarian. But who was the real Casanova? As the world�s most infamous lover returns to the stage, our writer reveals all."
• Venice pushes ahead with €10 entry fee plan as tourists flock back - "Authorities hope charge for day-trippers will help control numbers after visitors hit pre-pandemic levels."
• 10 of Europe�s best holiday sites with natural pools - "From a treehouse camp in France to an organic farm in Ibiza, the author of new guide The Green Traveller picks 10 places to stay with eco swimming pools."
• A TikTok dentist says cavities are contagious - is the viral claim true? - "A Houston dentist is confronting TikTok with a brutal truth: you can get cavities from kissing."
• Audi�s Urbansphere EV concept is built for tomorrow's megacities - "Audi asks, what can a car be when it must no longer be just a car?"
• Louis Vuitton Watchmaking Factory Tour - "A Visit To La Fabrique Du Temps, Louis Vuitton's Audacity-Inspiring Temple To Fine Watchmaking. The world's largest luxury brand has an eye for detail."
• Charles Leclerc has 300,000 euro Richard Mille watch stolen from wrist in Italy - "Charles Leclerc became the victim of theft when his custom-made Richard Mille watch was stolen in the Tuscan region of Viareggio in Italy on Monday, April 18. The incident occurred at around 22:00, when the Monegasque Formula 1 star was recognised while out with friends, and obliged to sign autographs for a group of fans. In that moment the watch was stealthily swiped from the driver�s wrist."
• The Lingerie Addict Says Goodbye - "Since 2008, the blog has explored the ins and outs of intimate apparel with a fervor that has earned its creator, Cora Harrington, a considerable following."
• Espadrilles Are (and Will Always Be) the Only Shoe You Need For Summer - Vogue.
• Why Cockpit Doors Are Open During Boarding - "Overall, cockpit doors need to be kept open due to the number of people that need to enter and exit the flight deck prior to departure. For instance, the First Officer is required to leave to conduct an external walk-around preflight before returning. Along with this, keeping the door open allows the Captain to monitor the boarding procedure. Additionally, many ground staff members are also meant to keep in continuous contact with the pilot. These include technicians, fueling staff, and those responsible for cleaning and catering the aircraft."
• In 1903, New York Times predicted that airplanes would take 10 million years to develop - "Only nine weeks later, the Wright Brothers achieved manned flight. The pathologically cynical always will find a reason to complain."

April 19, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Zelenskiy says battle for Donbas has begun; dialogue between Macron & Putin stalls - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 55 of the invasion - "Volodymyr Zelenskiy says �battle for Donbas� has begun as Russia mounts anticipated offensive in the eastern part of Ukraine."
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• CDC mask mandate for travelers no longer in effect following judge's ruling, official says - "A federal judge in Florida struck down on Monday the Biden administration's mask mandate for airplanes and other public transport methods, and a Biden administration official says the order is no longer in effect while the ruling is reviewed."
• When Covid Enters the House, What Should We Do? - "When someone in the family tests positive for the coronavirus, there are some guidelines to follow."
• The end of the suit: has Covid finished off the menswear staple? - "While formal clothing was already in decline in the years before the pandemic, working from home has accelerated the trend, and in the office smart casual rules."
• Why It�s Time to Start Caring Much More About Clean Hydrogen - "Today�s energy crisis has a familiar ring. In the wake of Russia�s invasion of Ukraine, energy supplies have faltered and prices have skyrocketed. Americans are seeing costly gasoline, and in Europe, natural gas prices are around five times typical levels for this time of year, driving up the price of electricity and even threatening bankruptcies across industries that depend on gas."
• Julia Roberts Hasn't Changed. But Hollywood Has - "Julia Roberts is one of those few actors who have achieved a stardom that never really fades: She�s always up there in the pop-culture firmament, flashing that famous smile. So it comes as a bit of a surprise to learn that her role as the Watergate whistleblower Martha Mitchell in the new Starz mini-series 'Gaslit,' which premieres April 24, is her first acting work in four long years. As if making up for lost time, Roberts has found in the part of Mitchell - wife of the former attorney general and Nixon confidante John N. Mitchell, played in the series by Sean Penn - a character that affords her the opportunity to deliver the full Julia experience."
• Jennifer Aniston's insomnia is just her latest sleep issue - "Jennifer Aniston says she has long suffered from sleep problems. It has manifested as sleep anxiety, sleep walking and most recently insomnia that has had her counting the minutes she's not been able to drift off."
• The world's most over-the-top cruise ship cabins - "What's it like sailing the seas at the very height of luxury? The most lavish suites on cruise ships fuse the best cutting-edge technology with the timeless luxury of 24-hour butler service, catering to your every whim. The world's most incredible floating accommodations all have one thing in common: stunning views. Behold the wonder of glaciers and fjords or a chance encounter with dolphins and whales as you float by in the privacy of your own expansive terrace."
• A stunning drive in the French Riviera - "France's 130km Mimosa Route. Showcasing eight towns and villages, the stunning road brings a different kind of sunshine to the French Riviera, when the region breaks out in giant brushstrokes of rich yellow."
• �Spain is ugly�: El PaÍs editor takes on his country�s �cultural catastrophe� - "Andrés Rubio charts the growth of towering megahotels and half-built structures in a provocative new book."
• Experts are predicting a summer of travel chaos. Here's why - "Countries on both sides of the Atlantic are seeing a slew of canceled flights due to lack of crew, long lines at airports thanks to understaffing, and the kind of rates for rental cars that make buying a vehicle look cheap. That's, in part, because everyone has the same idea as you. Facing unprecedented demand, the much-reduced industry is struggling to cope."
• World Car Awards Names 2022 Winners - Forbes.
• Is Balenciaga the New Gucci? How the Fashion House Became the Hottest Luxury Brand of 2022 - "Balenciaga has had a great couple of years, recently outpacing Gucci as the 'it' luxury brand. Both fashion houses now have broad appeal beyond the confines of designer fashion, but in 2022, Balenciaga has been in the news nonstop. Since its mainstream arrival, Balenciaga has been spotted on just about every A-list celebrity and was even jokingly said to be the sponsor of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West�s highly publicized divorce."
• Fighting with a loved one is healthy if you do it right. Here's how - "Forget the adage 'all's fair in love and war' when it comes to verbal sparring with a loved one. Low blows are definitely out, experts say, and sticking to loving, honest and open communication should be a priority."
• Japan researchers develop electric chopsticks to enhance salty taste - "Japanese researchers have developed computerized chopsticks that enhance salty tastes, potentially helping those who need to reduce sodium in their diets."
• Bloomsbury Group & Its Painterly, Mishmashed Aesthetic - Is Making a Comeback - "Designers are looking to these irreverent British bohemians for decorating inspiration."
• Coachella: high-energy hedonism, surprise stars & Covid concerns - "The first weekend of the returning California mega-festival brought with it a host of big names, albeit a lack of heritage acts, and a crowd of fans eager for fun."
• 19 Thoughts I Had About Harry Styles�s Dazzling Coachella Performance - "If you woke up in the wee hours of Saturday morning feeling a mysterious mix of FOMO and titillation, it was likely because at 11:35 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, Harry Styles was emerging in a Gucci sequined jumpsuit and beginning his first-weekend headlining set at Coachella. 'We have a full moon, you have a ticket, and I have the flavor,' the consummate showman promised before delivering 80 minutes of sonic joy in the desert. So here are 19 thoughts I had about Styles�s Coachella debut (which you can also watch by scrolling back through the video below)."
• How to use AirDrop on Apple�s iPhone & iPad - "Share with friends or between your own Apple devices."
• Bang & Olufsen's Beoplay EX earbuds offer an AirPods-like design - "Would you pay $399 for that design?"
• Hands-on: Five must-have Mac accessories to streamline your setup - 9to5Mac.
• Samsung The Freestyle - "The hottest in entertainment from Samsung." Take your entertainment on-the-go with The Freestyle portable big screen experience. The 180 degree design gives you the flexibility to point, play and enjoy a big screen experience. The projector optimizes screen size, auto-focuses, and levels the image even when pointed on an angle. Access your streaming apps, listen to your favorite playlist, use voice assistants. The speaker sound waves in every direction for a deeply immersive and cinematic audio experience.

April 18, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Lviv hit by missiles as cities targeted; Mariupol fighters ignore surrender demand - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 54 of the invasion - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• First pictures of sinking Russian warship Moskva as survivor describes horrors on board - "Photos thought to have been taken by a passing Turkish ship show Russia's flagship Moskva before it sank after allegedly being struck by Ukrainian missiles."
• The biggest risk to the global economy no one is talking about - "Nearly 400 million people across 45 cities in China are under full or partial lockdown as part of China's strict zero-Covid policy. Together they represent 40%, or $7.2 trillion, of annual gross domestic product for the world's second-largest economy, according to data from Nomura Holdings. Analysts are ringing warning bells, but say investors aren't properly assessing how serious the global economic fallout might be from these prolonged isolation orders. 'Global markets may still underestimate the impact, because much attention remains focused on the Russian-Ukraine conflict and US Federal Reserve rate hikes,' Lu Ting, Nomura's chief China economist and colleagues wrote in a note last week."
• Is Covid More Dangerous Than Driving? How Scientists Are Parsing Covid Risks - "The coronavirus remains new enough and its long-term effects unpredictable enough that measuring the threat posed by an infection is a thorny problem."
• Mar-a-Lago Machine: Trump as a Modern-Day Party Boss - "Hoarding cash, doling out favors and seeking to crush rivals, the former president is dominating the G.O.P., preparing for another race and helping loyalists oust officials who thwarted his attempted subversion of the 2020 election."
• Disney, Built on Fairy Tales & Fantasy, Confronts the Real World - "The entertainment behemoth spent decades avoiding even the whiff of controversy. But it has increasingly been drawn into the partisan political fray."
• Striking portraits of British queens to go on show to mark Platinum Jubilee - "A showcase of portraits of queens who have ruled Britain will feature in a month-long program of exhibitions, events and auctions celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee."
• The revival of ancient beauty rituals - "Beauty and grooming wisdom from thousands of years ago is increasingly in demand. Bel Jacobs explores the ancestral methods that are helping people to live more consciously, for themselves and for the planet."
• Ajvar: The vegan 'caviar' of the Balkans - "Similar to how hummus is viewed in the Arab world, practically every Balkan country claims ajvar - a popular vegetable spread based on roasted red peppers - as its own."
• Should we be eating three meals a day? - "The idea that we should eat three meals a day is surprisingly modern. How many meals a day is best for our health?"
• The $1m challenge: �If the Turin Shroud is a forgery, show how it was done� - "Expert on revered relic calls on British Museum to back up the results of its disputed carbon dating tests."
• A local�s guide to Rennes, France: Brittany�s medieval but vibrant capital - "Chef Arnaud Guilloux leads the way to the best street food, galleries, music haunts."
• Pots of gold: the world�s most expensive house plants - "With people paying upwards of £40,000, the rise of the �It plant� has sparked a speculative frenzy not seen since tulipmania - and with it a green-fingered crimewave."

April 17, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Russian deadline for Mariupol defenders to �surrender or die� passes - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 53 of the invasion - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• �A Beautiful Person:� Why Sanctioned Russian Oligarch Roman Abramovich Finds Sympathy On St. Barts - "The Russian tycoon�s years of island spending and giving endeared him to a number of locals. They�re not the only ones whose love Abramovich has apparently bought."
• �You have to do things perfectly ... but it�s so secret�: how to build an oligarch�s yacht - Designers from Norway, construction workers from Germany and UK crews balance discretion with flamboyance in the finished product.
• (Video) Highlights from the Time to Watches 2022 Fair - "Although Watches and Wonders 2022 dominated the news cycle for the last few weeks, it wasn�t the only show in town, literally. Alongside the massive trade show was Time to Watches, an event of 30-something brands that took place at HEAD Genève, an art and design school."
• Can the world's largest plane ever fly again? - "Ukraine wants the world's largest plane to fly again. Here's what it will take."
• Here Are the 15 Most Expensive Artworks Sold at Auction Around the World in March 2022 - "Surrealism dominated the top and bottom of our list this month." Artnet News.
• Sun screens: 10 of the best - "Creams with a good SPF always used to be a bit thick and sticky, but the modern versions are light, easy to wear and should be part of your daily regime."
• The Unseen Scars of Those Who Kill Via Remote Control - "Capt. Kevin Larson was one of the best drone pilots in the U.S. Air Force. Yet as the job weighed on him and untold others, the military failed to recognize its full impact. After a drug arrest and court martial, he fled into the California wilderness."
• I Despise Festival Style, Except for Kate Moss�s - "When I run a Google Image Search for 'Coachella style,' I receive a flower-crown-wearing barrage of the same results: Cutoff denim shorts! Bandeau tops! A wide-brim hat! Something with fringe! While this look is largely for the people enjoying the beating sun and pulsating tunes of Coachella on the West Coast, let�s not forget Kate Moss, a festival icon in her own right." Vogue.
• Apple Watch: Four advanced health features you�re probably not using - "This in-depth guide covers four hidden Apple Watch health features that offer advanced insight to your current and future health."
• Fugitive Hong Kong tycoon Joseph Lau makes HK$64 million after auctioning off 414 wines at Christie�s - "Lau is selling off eight pieces of Chinese imperial porcelain at Sotheby's, plus rare wines at Christie's."

April 16, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Ukraine PM to head to Washington; Russian warship sunk by Ukraine missile strike, say US officials - live - The Guardian.
• Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 52 of the invasion - "Ukraine braces for revenge attacks after Russian warship Moskva sunk; bodies of more than 900 civilians found in Kyiv region."
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Russia near to defaulting on overseas debts, says rating agency - "Attempts by Moscow to pay creditors in roubles as a result of being cut off from foreign currency reserves could breach loan terms."
• Spy games: expulsion of diplomats shines light on Russian espionage - "The war in Ukraine has prompted an exodus of Russian �diplomats�. Does it mark the end of an era?"
• The multi-million-pound UK homes of sanctioned oligarchs - "A dozen sanctioned Russians are linked to an estimated £800m worth of property in the UK, analysis by the BBC reveals."
• China is sending its most advanced fighter jet to patrol disputed seas - "China has begun sending its most advanced fighter aircraft, the J-20, to patrol the East and South China Seas."
• US zoo celebrates 50 years of giant pandas - "The tradition of gifted pandas to the US from China hits a 50-year mark at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. It all began after US President Richard Nixon's historic visit to China."
• In pictures: Good Friday around the world - "Millions of worshippers marked the Christian festival with processions."
• Want Property In Europe? €1 Houses, Digital Nomad Visas, Cash & Other Enticing Offers - Forbes.
• The 50 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now - "The sheer volume of films on Netflix - and the site�s less than ideal interface - can make finding a genuinely great movie there a difficult task. To help, we�ve plucked out the 50 best films currently streaming on the service in the United States, updated regularly as titles come and go. And as a bonus, we link to more great movies on Netflix within many of our write-ups below. (Note: Streaming services sometimes remove titles or change starting dates without giving notice.)" The New York Times.
• Freedom & fear: life in one of the few countries that Covid hasn�t touched - "Pacific island countries like Tuvalu are among the very last places that have remained Covid-free throughout the pandemic."
• Our food system isn't ready for the climate crisis - "The world's farms produce only a handful of varieties of bananas, avocados, coffee and other foods - leaving them more vulnerable to the climate breakdown."
• Seed banks: the last line of defense against a threatening global food crisis - "As climate breakdown and worldwide conflict continue to place the food system at risk, seed banks from the Arctic to Lebanon try to safeguard biodiversity."
• Iraq�s ancient buildings are being destroyed by climate change - "Iraq is known as the cradle of civilisation. It was here that agriculture was born, some of the world�s oldest cities were built. Water shortages leading to rising salt concentrations and sandstorms are eroding world�s ancient sites."
• Twitter adopts �poison pill� plan to shield itself from Elon Musk takeover - "The social media company adopted a shareholder rights plan to protect itself from the billionaire�s bid."
• Elon Musk says his offer to buy Twitter is about 'the future of civilization,' not making money - "Elon Musk defended his offer to purchase Twitter on Thursday, saying during an on-stage interview at the TED conference that he sees the acquisition as nothing less than a turning point for civilization."
• Coachella is back. But have festivals escaped the problematic legacy of 'boho chic'? - "While the event was once classed among the most stylish outings on the cultural calendar - thanks to its celebrity attendees and exclusive adjacent parties hosted by a growing list of fashion brands, from Lacoste to H&M - recent editions have hardly set the tone for the rest of the summer."
• How ending mining would change the world - "Mining fuels the modern world, but it also causes vast environmental damage. What would happen if we tried to do without it?"
• The Wolf of Crypto - "Jordan Belfort, the inspiration for 'The Wolf of Wall Street,' is marketing himself as a cryptocurrency guru."
• Riding in the Mercedes Vision EQXX, the ultimate endurance EV - The automaker bets on efficiency for the future.
• Dogs use fast-acting face muscles to help them make puppy-dog eyes - "Dogs have more 'fast-twitch' muscle fibres around their eyes and mouths than wolves do, which allows them to make more facial expressions."

April 15, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: explosions heard in Kyiv as Russia threatens more missile strikes after Moskva sinks - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Moskva sinking: What really happened to the pride of Russia's fleet? - "The Russian guided-missile cruiser Moskva rests deep beneath the Black Sea this morning. Whether it lies there as the victim of Ukrainian missiles, Russian incompetence, bad luck or a combination of all three is unclear. What is certain, though, is that the biggest wartime loss of a naval ship in 40 years will raise troubling questions not only for Moscow, but for military planners around the world."
• China's Covid controls risk sparking crisis for the country & its leader Xi Jinping - "Across China, cities are locking down their residents, supply lines are rupturing, and officials are scrambling to secure the movement of basic goods -- as its largest ever recorded outbreak of Covid-19 threatens to spiral into a national crisis of the government's own making."
• The training that helps your dog lead a better life - "Dogs, like humans, need to learn basic 'life skills'. The training helps them deal calmly with other dogs and humans - and lets them live a happier, stress-free life."
• Why Nicolas Cage is Hollywood's most misunderstood star - "n new film The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Cage plays himself and pokes fun at his OTT persona. But his genuine greatness should not be forgotten, writes Anna Bogutskaya."
• The World�s Best Airline - What Makes Flying Better? - "The 'Best' airline status is most importantly conferred by London-based research group Skytrax, long the gold standard of ratings for all things aviation. Its annual World Airlines Awards is the most important ranking of its kind. But when it comes to recognizing the quality of Qatar Airways, other travel and aviation industry heavyweight tend to pile on."
• How Porsche�s Jewish Cofounder Was Driven Out Of The Company By The Nazis - "In an exclusive excerpt from Nazi Billionaires, German entrepreneur Adolf Rosenberger helped the famed car company get rolling in the early 1930s - until Hitler rose to power."

April 14, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Russia says warship �seriously damaged� after ammunition explosion; Zelenskiy calls for EU to stop �sponsoring Russia�s military machine� - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Russian navy evacuates flagship in Black Sea. Ukraine claims it was hit by a missile - "One of the Russian Navy's most important warships is either floating abandoned or at the bottom of the Black Sea, a massive blow to a military struggling against Ukrainian resistance 50 days into Vladimir Putin's invasion of his neighbor."
• Abramovich hit by multibillion-pound crackdown on assets in Jersey & France - "More than £5.4bn of Chelsea FC owner�s assets frozen in Jersey and 12 luxury French properties seized."
• Roman Abramovich Has $7 Billion In Suspected Assets Frozen In Jersey - "The Channel Island of Jersey, located between England and France, froze more than $7 billion in assets Wednesday suspected to be connected to Roman Abramovich, according to the Jersey government, as Russian billionaires face sanctions for Russia�s invasion of Ukraine."
• Germany seizes the biggest superyacht in the world from Russian oligarch's sister - "512ft-long, US$648m vessel Dilbar with 80ft pool and two helipads is impounded at shipyard. A painstaking investigation revealed it belonged to Gulbakhor Ismailova. Ismailova is the sister of Uzbek-born Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov."
• Kremlin-connected children grew up in the very countries whose societies their parents claim to reject - "Theirs is a world of private jets, posh Parisian apartments, Austrian ski vacations and schooling at elite universities in London and New York. Their parents own prime real estate on the most exclusive avenues of Europe's capitals. Their social media profiles are filled with designer dresses and red-carpet events."
• How we verify social media posts from the war in Ukraine - "How do you tell if a photo or video posted online is real or fake? Here's a look at how the BBC's Disinformation team check and verify content shared online about the war in Ukraine."
• Germany faces $240 billion hit if Russian gas is cut off - "Germany would plunge into a deep recession if its supply of Russian natural gas was suddenly shut off, the country's top forecasters warned on Wednesday."
• Finland & Sweden move ahead toward possible NATO membership - "European Union nations Finland and Sweden have reached important stages on their way to possible NATO membership."
• Steven Seagal travels to Moscow for a 70th birthday party with some of Putin's closest henchmen - "Steven Seagal has been filmed expressing his love and support for close allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin during a lavish meal in Moscow on Sunday to celebrate his 70th birthday."
• The Easter treat uniting two religions - "Maamoul: A sweet celebration for Christians and Muslims. Maamoul is made at the end of both Lent and Ramadan, leading up to Easter and Eid al Fitr. But this year, the biscuit is extra sweet as both religions celebrate it at the same time."
• 3 reasons Shanghai's lockdown matters to the global economy - "Located on the east coast of China, Shanghai is the country's biggest and most affluent city and one of the largest metropolises in the world. Together with the neighboring city of Kunshan - which locked down earlier this month - it plays an outsized role in the global economy."
• iPhone supplier Pegatron suspends production at two factories in China - "One of Apple's top suppliers is stopping work at its factories in and around Shanghai as the city of 25 million people remains under a strict Covid lockdown. Pegatron announced Tuesday that it had suspended production at its facility in China's largest city, as well as the nearby city of Kunshan, until further notice."
• Elon Musk offers to buy Twitter for $41.4bn - "Tech entrepreneur makes offer of $54.20 a share in cash for microblogging site."
• America's Highest Earners & Their Taxes Revealed - "Secret IRS files reveal the top US income-earners and how their tax rates vary more than their incomes. Tech titans, hedge fund managers and heirs dominate the list, while the likes of Taylor Swift and LeBron James didn�t even make the top 400." ProPublica.
• America's Top 15 Earners & What They Reveal About the U.S. Tax System - "An unprecedented trove of leaked IRS data shows who reported the most income in America from 2013 to 2018, as well as their tax rates, revealing that the very richest pay lower rates than the merely rich." ProPublica.
• How to File Taxes If You Used Cryptocurrency in 2021 - "What if I mined crypto or got paid for goods or services via crypto? Each of those is considered taxable income, which should be reported on your tax return on Schedule 1, as 'Other Income.' The value you must report is from the day and time you earned the cryptocurrency (as opposed to the day you filed the taxes)."
• CDC Extends Travel Mask Requirement to May 3 as COVID Rises - "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it was extending the order, which was set to expire on April 18, until May 3 to allow more time to study the BA.2 omicron subvariant that is now responsible for the vast majority of cases in the U.S."
• Covid shook up the world's top destination rankings. These places now lead the list - "There are many ways to judge a city's success as a tourist destination beyond the number of visitors it gets. There's infrastructure, sustainability and economics; how it copes with the challenges of attracting and accommodating travelers while maintaining quality of life for residents; and then there's the efficacy of its response to the Covid-19 pandemic."
• global climate plans can now keep heating below 2C, study shows - "But goal of limiting global heating to 1.5C will fail without immediate action, scientists warn."
• A hidden part of Venice opens for first time - Never-before-seen Venice landmark opens to the public. The Procuratie Vecchie in St. Mark's Square - one of the most famous buildings in one of the world's most famous city spaces - has opened to the public for the first time in history.
• Ancient altar rediscovered in Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre - "Pressed against a wall in a back corridor of Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a stone slab bore testimony only to the graffiti etched on it by multitudes of pilgrims through the ages."
• Rodrigues: The Indian Ocean island time forgot - "Marooned 600km north-east of Mauritius, and close to no other landform, Rodrigues is a world unto itself. It is also one of the world's most remote inhabited islands."
• Giant 205-Carat �Red Cross Diamond� To Be Sold, With Some Of Proceeds Going To Namesake Aid Group - "One of the world�s largest diamonds is going up for auction next month, with a portion of proceeds from the sale set to go to the International Committee of the Red Cross, the world�s largest humanitarian organization, which it has been associated with for more than 100 years. The auction will be held May 11 in Geneva, and Christie�s told Forbes a a 'significant' cut of the proceeds will be donated to the International Red Cross."
• How tall will Mount Everest get before it stops growing? - "Arching over 8,849 metres (29,032ft) into the sky, Everest is the world�s tallest mountain. But will it always be?"
• �Mountain of trash�: how Gibraltar was almost buried under post-Brexit rubbish pile - "As the territory grappled with post-EU paperwork, 6,000 tonnes of waste were left with nowhere else to go."
• Meet the people who want to spend the rest of their lives on cruise ships - "Considering retiring on a cruise ship? You're not alone. Deciding to retire or work aboard a cruise ship is rare overall, but not new."
• Gilbert Gottfried's final Instagram post was about Chris Rock - "'Which is the worst crime?,' the caption on the photo of Gottfried and Rock read. 'Chris Rock being physically assaulted or Chris Rock telling a joke?'"
• MARK ZUCKERBERG�S AUGMENTED REALITY - "Meta is racing to release its first AR glasses in 2024, but sources believe it�ll take a lot longer for them to become mainstream."
• Michel Bouquet, Award-Winning French Actor, Dies at 96 - "One of his country�s great theater performers, he went on to appear in more than 100 films playing ordinary men whose surface blandness masked complex lives."
• The �Consummate� London Restaurateur Is Briskly Shown the Exit - "Jeremy King fell out with his Bangkok-based partner. His A-list customers vow never to return to the restaurants he made famous. It was a swift defenestration for a celebrated London restaurateur whose travails had become an anxious topic of conversation among his devoted diners. They spoke of it, sotto voce, as Mr. King glided past their tables at the Wolseley, the Delaunay, Bellanger, Colbert, Fischer�s and Zédel - glittering jewels in a gastronomic empire that many credit with transforming the city�s once-fusty restaurant scene. Princess Diana was a regular at his first place, Le Caprice."
• Google has a secret iOS app to help you switch to Android - "The unlisted Switch to Android app for iOS is now available to download."
• A new free app makes using iPads easier for people with hand tremors - "Its creators want to expand the tech to other devices, too."
• The New York Public Library makes four banned books free nationwide on its e-reader app - "The books will be available via NYPL�s 'Books For All' program for a month."

April 13, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Biden accuses Putin of genocide; Russia building up troops on eastern border, satellite images show - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Joe Biden accuses Vladimir Putin of committing genocide in Ukraine - "US president says Russian leader is �trying to wipe out the idea of even being Ukrainian� in comments welcomed by Voldymyr Zelenskiy."
• Name, phone, address: The writing on a child�s back is now a symbol of Ukrainian parents� terror - The New York Times.
• Fugitive Putin ally Medvedchuk arrested - "Ukraine says it has arrested fugitive pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk, seen as President Vladimir Putin's closest ally in the country. President Putin is godfather to his daughter."
• Roman Abramovich has 12 properties seized including £90m chateau & Caribbean estate - "Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by several governments since Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to invade Ukraine nearly two months ago. Roman Abramovich's luxury estate on the Caribbean island of St Barts and his �90m chateau are among the latest assets to be seized by the authorities. Most of Abramovich's properties were bought using specially created French companies. They include Chateau de la Croe - his villa in Cap d'Antibes, a resort town located near Cannes - which was once the Riviera holiday home of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor."
• Italian Police seize properties valued at €105 million belonging to former Haas F1 driver Nikita Mazepin - "The former Haas driver and his father are included on a list of individuals sanctioned by the EU in early March following Russia's invasion of Ukraine."
• Taiwan issues first war survival handbook amid China threat - "Taiwan's military released a handbook on civil defence for the first time on Tuesday, giving citizens survival guidance in a war scenario as Russia's invasion of Ukraine focuses attention on how the island should respond to China's pressure."
• The climate crisis is supercharging rainfall in hurricanes, scientists report - "The rainfall from hurricanes during the deadly, record-breaking 2020 season was as much as 11% higher because of the human-caused climate crisis, scientists reported Tuesday."
• Shipping generates more CO2 than aviation. This solar-powered boat could change that - "Maritime transport drives over 80% of global trade, but it disrupts marine ecosystems, contributes to ocean acidification and accounts for more CO2 emissions than aviation each year."
• how Warhol overtook Picasso to become the most prized artist of the 20th century - "One of his portraits of Marilyn Monroe is expected to shatter records at auction next month. But was Andy Warhol just an �affectless hero� of the media age? Or was he the greatest and most profound artist of his era?"
• The plane wing design that changed flying - "Why modern airplanes have winglets."
• Why City Pigeons Are Worth Watching - "It has much to do with learned behaviors and unique local conditions. To evade predators, lizards can shed their tails in an instant. How?"
• San Marino appoints world�s first openly gay head of state - "The world�s oldest republic has established itself as among the most progressive after naming the world�s first openly gay head of state. Paolo Rondelli named as one of two captains regent in country making strides on gay rights."
• The Met Gala 2022 Dress Code? Gilded Glamour - "At the bottom of the Met Gala invitations sent every spring is an inscription small in size but vital in importance: the dress code. In 2020, for 'Camp: Notes on Fashion,' it was studied triviality. In 2021, for 'In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,' it was American independence. And come May 2, 2022, for 'In America: An Anthology of Fashion,' it will be gilded glamour, white-tie."
• London Wine Competition (LWC) Announces The Top Wines Of 2022 - "The wines are rated across three main criteria: quality, value and packaging. To win a medal, wines must score a top rating in each of the three categories, although the score for quality is given disproportionate weight."
• How Coco Chanel�s orphanage upbringing inspired the 2.55 bag - "The iconic clutch with the chain strap that changed the world. How was a 1920s flapper to flourish a cigarette, grasp a champagne glass and dance a Charleston while holding a clutch? And so Coco�s revelatory chain strap was born. Named after its eventual design date in February 1955, the beloved Chanel 2.55�s distinctive diamond-shaped quilting was inspired by childhood home Aubazine Abbey�s windows."
• �People really need to know�: can we trust beauty products to be safe? - "In a shocking new docuseries, the highly unregulated and highly dangerous world of cosmetics is thrust into the spotlight."
• Actor Frank Langella, 84, is at center of sexual harassment probe over behavior on Netflix limited series The Fall of the House of Usher - "Langella, 84, being investigated over claims of inappropriate behavior. The Oscar-nominated actor has not been fired or suspended from show. He is accused of telling a joke that had sexual overtones."
• Prince Andrew spent two days alone on a luxury Californian estate watching porn on cable TV - "Prince Andrew spent two days alone on a luxury Californian estate watching porn on cable TV a year after he split from Sarah Ferguson, a new bombshell book has claimed. The Duke of York allegedly made a private visit to a 200-acre golf ranch in 1993 as a guest of Lee Annenberg, the wife of former US ambassador, Walter, at their Sunnylands Palm Springs property."
• The Palace Papers: Inside the House of Windsor--the Truth and the Turmoil - "The gripping inside story of the British royal family�s battle to overcome the dramas of the Diana years - only to confront new, twenty-first-century crises." Amazon.com.
• �Can you hear me now?� Study reveals why voices are raised on video calls - "Scientists find that as video quality deteriorates, people speak louder and alter gestures to compensate."

April 12, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Mariupol mayor says more than 10,000 civilians killed; Zelenskiy taking chemical weapons threat �seriously� - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Extreme populists rise again in the US & Europe as Putin assaults the world order - "A fresh tide of extreme populism - feeding on economic strain, hostility to immigrants and cultural warfare - is challenging key democracies from the inside at the same time Russia escalates the most brutal assault on the liberal Western order in decades."
• �Firms will go bust�: Germany prepares for a future without Russian gas - "Germany is bracing for supplies to be cut by Moscow in retaliation for sanctions or as part of an energy embargo."
• Globalization Is Over. The Global Culture Wars Have Begun - "But globalization as the driving logic of world affairs - that seems to be over. Economic rivalries have now merged with political, moral and ..." The New York Times.
• Russia sets plan to steal $10 billion worth of foreign planes held in the country - "Russia has paved the way for domestic airlines to appropriate hundreds of foreign-owned planes trapped in the country, after foreign registries suspended certification of planes leased by Russian airlines."
• Russian law creates new hurdle for foreign plane lessors - "Russia on Monday passed a law allowing the country's airlines to place airplanes leased from foreign companies on the country's aircraft register - a manoeuvre likely to stoke Western fears of a mass default involving hundreds of jetliners."
• Hundreds of Russia plane leases to be axed after Western sanctions - "Aircraft leasing firms are set to terminate hundreds of leases with Russian airlines following Western sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine that give the sector a month to act."
• Tracking re-registered Russian jets - "The Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority has provisionally suspended the certificates of airworthiness of all aircraft operated by Russian airlines on the Bermudan registry. The suspension affects roughly 700 aircraft, including nearly 600 operated for Russia�s largest passenger airlines. Irish authorities have also suspended the certificates of airworthiness for Russian operated aircraft on the Irish registry."
• How a mysterious Putin ally, the �Russian Gatsby,� moves his billions - "A trove of leaked financial records illustrates the difficulties regulators will face in enforcing sanctions on Russian oligarchs like Suleiman Kerimov."
• Hidden wealth of one of Putin�s 'inner circle' revealed - "Leaked documents seen by BBC News show how a sanctioned oligarch from Putin's 'inner circle' hid his wealth. They reveal how a Swiss tattoo artist was falsely named as owner of a company that transferred over $300m to firms linked to Suleiman Kerimov."
• FinCEN Files - "An ICIJ investigation reveals the role of global banks in industrial-scale money laundering - and the bloodshed and suffering that flow in its wake."
• Global banks defy U.S. crackdowns by serving oligarchs, criminals & terrorists - "The FinCEN Files show trillions in tainted dollars flow freely through major banks, swamping a broken enforcement system."
• An ocean of noise: how sonic pollution is hurting marine life - "Today�s oceans are a tumult of engine roar, artificial sonar and seismic blasts that make it impossible for marine creatures to hunt or communicate. We could make it stop, so why don�t we?"
• This airport has reclaimed its title as the world's busiest - "Move over, Guangzhou. Georgia's Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is once again the world's busiest airport."
• Johnny Depp & Amber Heard court battle: What you need to know - "Three years after Johnny Depp filed a defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife Amber Heard, the case is going to trial Monday in Fairfax County Circuit Court in Virginia. Here's a refresher on what you should know."
• Top luxury watches unveiled for 2022 - "9 striking luxury watches coming to the market this year."
• Five Shades Of Blue, From Breitling, Rolex, Cartier, Lange & SÖhne & Swatch/Omega - "Sometimes it�s the subtleties that count the most. Take watch dial colors. First there were ordinary navy blue dials, then bright, intense blue dials, and they have reigned supreme for the past five years. Now, it�s all about ice blue, and as it turns out, there are several shades of the new blue hue. These five watches, from Breitling, Rolex, Cartier, A. Lange & Söhne and Swatch/Omega, demonstrate that icy blue is the new black for luxury watches. No collection should be without one."
• Hands-On: The New Santos De Cartier - "A Sporty Twist Of Color For A Cartier Classic. Because 'un petit peu de bleu' goes a long way."
• The 22 Most Beautiful Beaches For 2022 By European Best Destinations - "Assembled by European Best Destinations (EBD), a wing of the European Commission�s EDEN Network (European Destinations of Excellence), the 2022 list has something for everyone: from golden sand and secluded, hidden or wild beaches, for romantic escapes or family adventures, from intense water sports to unspoiled nature . and more. The 22 beaches selected are the most-voted by thousands of travelers from 82 countries - with 16% of the votes from the United States."
• When Concorde was the most glamorous way to travel - "Revisiting the luxury and glamour of Concorde."
• The surprising benefits of a whodunnit - "Mystery games are hugely popular and have inspired generations of amateur sleuths. But their appeal is more than trivial - they have surprising mental and emotional benefits, and can even help to explain the biases of real eyewitnesses."
• Email Is Slow & Creates Distance. That�s Why It�s Great - The New York Times.
• How to travel internationally with your pets - "A beginner's guide to pet passports."
• Art Deco: How Discovery, Invention & Fashion Created a Movement - "Art Deco or Arts Décoratifs originated in the 1920's, following the Exposition Internationale des Arts DÉcoratifs et Industriels Modernes held in Paris (1925). However, it wasn�t until the 1930�s that the movement gained momentum across both Europe and the US, broadening Art Deco to cover all elements of decorative art including furniture, interior design, jewelry and architecture. Its popularity stems from its unique origins. Rather than a design movement driven by political or philosophical forces, it was created for the desire of glamorous and alluring change, a reflection of the golden age in Hollywood and a widespread economic boom."
• Why scientists want you to take your shoes off indoors - "Leave your shoes outside, these scientists say. You probably clean your shoes if you step in something muddy or disgusting. (Please pick up after your dog!) But when you get home, do you always de-shoe at the door? Plenty of people don't. For many, what you drag in on the bottom of your shoes is the last thing on the mind as one gets home. Although our examination of the indoor environment, via our DustSafe program, is far from complete, on the question of whether to shoe or de-shoe in the home, the science leans toward the latter. It is best to leave your filth outside the door."
• A Full-Body Strength Training Workout at Home - "If you�re willing to be creative, a set of elastic bands can be as effective as a gym full of weights."
• Queen Elizabeth's Favorite Handbag Brand Launches New Retro Style in Honor of Queen's Jubilee - "No accessory is more iconic than the Queen's handbag."

April 11, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Austrian chancellor to meet Putin; Ukraine prepares for fresh onslaught in east - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Ukraine economy to shrink by almost half this year, World Bank forecasts - "Bank says many surrounding countries will suffer severe hardship as result of invasion, with Russia predicted to fall into recession."
• Witnessing atrocities in real time in Ukraine is changing everything - "Daily on-the-ground evidence makes it more straightforward for the International Criminal Court to indict Vladimir Putin with war crimes."
• Chechen chief Kadyrov says Russian forces will take Kyiv - "Ramzan Kadyrov, the powerful head of Russia's republic of Chechnya, said early on Monday that there will be an offensive by Russian forces not only on the besieged port of Mariupol, but also on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities."
• One of the most powerful tools against Covid-19 is finally gaining traction - "Two-plus years into the Covid-19 pandemic, you probably know the basics of protection: vaccines, boosters, proper handwashing and masks. But one of the most powerful tools against the coronavirus is one that experts believe is just starting to get the attention it deserves: ventilation."
• Covid left me �exhausted�, Queen tells bereaved couple - "Monarch discusses experience with former Covid patient and wife during virtual visit to Royal London hospital."
• Shanghai Covid lockdown spurs race to stockpile food across China - "Reports of food shortages in the country�s commercial capital have prompted a flurry of interest in what essentials to hoard. Multiple survivors guides are circulating online and some bloggers are even selling survivalists guides."
• Satellite pollution is threatening to alter our view of the night sky - "The night sky has been a source of information and wonder since the dawn of humankind - and it looks almost the same now as it did then. But the night sky as we know it is on the precipice of changing dramatically due to the proliferation of satellites just a few hundred miles above Earth."
• Putin�s war shows autocracies & fossil fuels go hand in hand. Here�s how to tackle both - "Democracies are making more progress than autocracies when it comes to climate action. But divestment campaigns can put pressure on the most recalcitrant of political leaders."
• �Black carbon� threat to Arctic as sea routes open up with global heating - "As climate crisis allows new maritime routes to be used, sooty shipping emissions accelerates ice melt and risk to ecosystems."
• SpaceX just launched paying customers to the ISS. Here's everything you need to know - "A SpaceX rocket carrying three paying customers and a former NASA astronaut took off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday morning, kicking off a first-of-its-kind mission that will take the group on a 10-day mission to the International Space Station."
• Twitter CEO: Elon Musk will not join Twitter board - "Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who recently bought a large stake in Twitter, has decided not to join the social media company's board. Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal tweeted the news Sunday night."
• Traveler told TSA he had 'no idea' a sword was concealed in his cane - "Transportation Security Administration officers at Boston's Logan International Airport discovered a long blade inside a traveler's cane on Tuesday."
• A Look At The Dreamiest Treehouses From Around the World - "At first, treehouses may seem like an unlikely choice of dwelling, particularly in our modern age. Humans, after all, are not natural climbers, nor does a sky-high locale lend itself to utilities like running water or electricity. Yet, somehow, we continue to romanticize treehouses in childhood and beyond, muses Philip Jodido in Treetop Hideaways: Treehouses for Adults."
• Dramatic photos cast Europe's ancient castles in a new light - "For centuries, medieval castles - hulking, isolated triumphs of masonry - have held a special place in the Western imagination, evoking at once a sense of history, fantasy, war and romance. They are the perennial backdrops for period dramas and children's books, travel brochures and fashion spreads."
• Sleeping pill dangers & how to avoid them - "If you are using, or thinking of using a prescription or over-the-counter sleep aid, what do you need to know to do so safely? We asked Dr. Jing Wang, an assistant professor of pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City."
• Rags-to-Riches Stories Are Actually Kind of Disturbing - "From Horatio Alger and E.L. James to T. Boone Pickens and Charles Koch, books by and about the ultrawealthy reveal some of our darkest American fantasies."
• The First Lady review: A clunky show about White House wives - "This Showtime historical drama has some eye-opening moments but doesn't live up to its starry cast including Viola Davis, Gillian Anderson and Michelle Pfeiffer, writes Caryn James."
• Here�s what happens when cops pull over a driverless Cruise vehicle - "It�s been a little over two months since Cruise started letting the people of San Francisco catch rides on its driverless robotaxis, and one of its cars already had a run-in with police. In a video originally posted to Instagram last weekend, the user captures the awkward - and somewhat comical - interaction between the San Francisco Police Department and the autonomous vehicle after it�s pulled over for not having its lights on."
• Lifted Rolls-Royce Cullinan Overlander Has Roof-Top Tent & A Snorkel - "If you're going to go on an adventure, why not do it in style?"
• Gallery: 2022 GMC Hummer EV Pickup - "2022 GMC Hummer EV Is Big, Brash, and a Beast Off-Road. The Hummer EV not only weighs twice that of many cars - which helps explain why it�s the least efficient electric vehicle on the market - it also moves like a boss, both on road and off."

April 10, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Zelenskiy pushes for oil embargo to curb Russia�s �sense of impunity�, UK pledges to send more arms - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• How will Russia attack Ukraine's new front lines? - "The conflict in Ukraine has shifted to the east of the country where Ukrainian forces are battle-hardened and well-prepared."
• UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson & President Volodymyr Zelensky tour near-empty streets in Kyiv - "Mr Johnson's last minute visit to the capital was unannounced - the first sign he was there, came with a tweet by the Ukrainian embassy in London showing a photo of him meeting President Zelensky. Downing Street said the PM travelled to Ukraine in an attempt to show solidarity with Ukrainian people."
• Understanding Vladimir Putin, the man who fooled the world - "The Russian president has always shown us exactly who he is. So why did it take the invasion of Ukraine for us to believe him?"
• Putin takes 'nuclear football' to funeral of Russian politician - "Mourners were cleared from the cathedral amid fears of an assasination attempt on Mr Putin. Mr Putin was accompanied by a man in a dark suit who was carrying a briefcase, which contains the codes needed to authorise a nuclear attack remotely."
• Banks are making big money off of Russian debt - "The sell-off of Russian debt associated with Russian President Vladimir Putin's campaign on Ukraine and the sanctions that have ensued have created a window for a new type of arbitrage that some in the finance world are gobbling up, seeing it as easy money. The idea is what's known as a negative-basis trade, or purchasing dirt-cheap Russian government or corporate bonds along with credit-default swaps which act as insurance on the potential default of a borrower."
• Why Trump Jr. started pushing for a coup before Biden won the 2020 election - "A coup. That's what Donald Trump Jr. was advocating for in a text message to his father's then-chief of staff Mark Meadows that laid out ways to subvert the Electoral College process and keep his father in power."
• Chris Rock won't talk Oscars slap ... until he 'gets paid' - "Chris Rock seems to be showing a bit more of his cards on how he really feels about the Will Smith slap at the Oscars."
• Live the dream - Real Estate, Superyachts, Private Jets & Cars - "Our mission is to deliver the very best luxury solutions to ensure complete customer satisfaction. We work very hard to select the object we would want to own ourselves and never compromise with our quality. Our due diligence process mean that we never offer anything we have not vetted thoroughly. This way whatever you desire, you can be sure that what we offer will live up to your expectations." Wall Street Luxury.
• The rise of TikTok: why Facebook is worried about the booming social app - "Chinese-owned video platform is set to overtake the advertising scale of Twitter and Snapchat combined."
• How to Improve Heart Health After Covid - "Evidence suggests that Covid survivors have substantially higher chances of developing cardiovascular disease. But experts say there are effective ways to minimize the risk."
• What to Know About the XE Variant - "A new strain of Omicron, called XE, is spreading in the U.K., and a few cases have been identified elsewhere in the world. Here�s what we do - and don�t - know about the variant."
• Why �eco-conscious� fashion brands can continue to increase emissions - "Nike and H&M are among firms whose environmental scores suggest progress. But how are these calculated?"
• He won $217 million in the lottery, then spent nearly all of it to help save the planet - "A lucky Frenchman has decided to dedicate most of his record-breaking $217 million lottery jackpot to a nature foundation he created, he told Le Parisien in an exclusive interview published Wednesday."
• A local�s guide to Valencia: home of paella, one of Europe�s best food markets & a unique green space - "Architect and graphic artist Juan Suay on the city�s rainbow-coloured market, bistros, bars and its unifying riverbed greenbelt."
• End of the line? Vintage train journeys at risk as coal supply fails - "Heritage railways, which make millions for UK economy, axe services as mines close and Russian sources are ruled out."
• Boris Becker: from tennis greatness to financial disaster - "German tennis star once worth £38m has been found guilty of four offences under the Insolvency Act."
• This motorized gaming bed lets you rest your gamer head - "I just wish it looked more comfortable."
• The Shocking True Story of the Kidnapping That Rocked European Society - "A thrilling new book tells the tale of the violent 1978 abduction of Baron Édouard-Jean Empain in Paris - an ordeal that changed the world of French privilege forever."
• The Last Baron: The Paris Kidnapping That Brought Down an Empire Hardcover - Amazon.com.

April 9, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Kyiv calls for global response to Kramatorsk �war crime�; reports of Russian military shake-up - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Abramovich-linked yacht in Netherlands changed hands on day of Ukraine invasion - "The 50-metre Aquamarine, modest by oligarch standards, is covered in scaffolding and sitting under a hangar in dry dock, one of many such boats being refitted in the Dutch port of Vlissingen."
• Finland & Sweden could soon join NATO, prompted by Russian war in Ukraine - "NATO officials told CNN that discussions about Sweden and Finland joining the bloc have gotten extremely serious since Russia's invasion, and US senior State Department officials said the matter came up at this week's NATO foreign ministerial, which was attended by the foreign ministers from Stockholm and Helsinki."
• Actor Will Smith banned from attending Oscars for 10 years - "'The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards,' Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement on Friday."
• Discovery takes control of HBO, CNN & Warner Bros., creating new media giant - "The newly formed company, Warner Bros. Discovery, will begin publicly trading on Monday. Zaslav said he will hold a town hall event for employees of the combined company later in the week. The deal, first announced last May, is a climactic moment for Zaslav and his longtime deputies at Discovery, best known for brands like Animal Planet, TLC and HGTV. The merger adds HBO, CNN, TNT, Turner Sports, the Warner Bros. movie studio, and a huge raft of other media assets to the company."
• How to Sleep Better: The 4 Best Strategies, According to the Experts - "An irregular sleep pattern has been linked to everything from poor work performance and relationship problems (it�s a real libido killer), to heart disease and weight gain. So on World Sleep Day, experts weigh in on how to sleep better, from striking the right balance between quantity and quality to tips for relaxing and de-stressing."
• Paypal founder launches tirade against �gerontocracy� over bitcoin - "Peter Thiel, the libertarian tech investor, says figures such as Warren Buffett are hindering cryptocurrency."
• Tax the rich: these one percenters want people like them to pay higher taxes - "Members of the Patriotic Millionaires say the income gap in the US has become a disaster � and it�s time to �take that money back�."
• The world's most polluted capital city - "Twenty-one of the world's 30 cities with the worst levels of air pollution are in India, according to data compiled in the 2021 World Air Quality Report. Six Indian cities are in the top 10. New Delhi has the highest exposure to toxic air in the country. People in India had the fifth highest annual recordings of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a particularly harmful form of air pollution. The year-round average for PM2.5 pollution in New Delhi was the worst of any capital city in the world by a large margin."
• What is the healthiest way to walk? We ask an expert - "Annabel Streets, author of 52 Ways to Walk, on how to get the most out of walking � for both your mental and physical health."
• Stream These 10 Titles Before They Leave Netflix This Month - "U.S. subscribers are losing a bunch of titles in April. Here are the best of the bunch."
• How Bourdain's favorite songs, movies & books inspired a film about his life - "'Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain' premieres Sunday, April 10, at 9pm ET on CNN. The film traces Bourdain's rapid transformation from line cook to writer to globe-trotting television host."
• World Press Photo winners 2022 - in pictures - "A selection of images from this year�s World Press Photo 2022 contest, with regional as well as overall winners for the first time, supported by a regional judging process."
• He bought a cruise ship on Craigslist. Here's what happened next - " It's not every day that you spot a cruise ship for sale on Craigslist. So Chris Willson was immediately intrigued when he stumbled across a 293-foot vessel listed on the classified advertisements website back in 2008. The retired 'pocket' cruise ship, built in Germany, was moored in the California Delta at the time, and its then owner was keen to offload it. He discovered that it was constructed by the Blohm+Voss shipyard in 1955, and had been the first significant passenger liner built by Germany after World War II."
• Princess Margaret's Love Affair With the Island of Mustique - "More than any palace, Margaret loved her villa on Mustique and the freedom she enjoyed on the private island."
• Danes revel in �dancing cow day� for first time since Covid outbreak - "National event to mark organic dairy cattle�s release from winter barns has been online only since 2020."
• Grand Marnier Releases 1,000 Bottles Of Quintessence Cognac - "Cognac, orange essence, wood, and time: with the launch of Quintessence, Grand Marnier is proving how deep and complex a combination of these four elements can be in hands of a Master Blender. Grande Cuvée Quintessence is the first of two grand cuvées in the French Maison's Exceptional Range, both of which will be debuted this year in very limited quantities. (The second, Révélation, will launch later in 2022.)."
• Patek Philippe�s 1/10th Second Chronograph Ref. 5470P Redefines The High-Frequency Movement - "The new Ref. 5470P-001 1/10th Second Monopusher Chronograph is Patek Philippe�s first high frequency movement (5Hz, compared to the usual 4Hz), its first 1/10th seconds movement, and a new way to display 1/10ths of a second on a dial. Patek Philippe holds no less than 31 patents on the movement, seven of which are applied specifically to this reference. Essentially, its technical feat is the display of 1/10th of a second on the central dial simultaneously with the central chronograph seconds hand."
• Hummer EV first drive: An enormous electric super truck - "Military-grade EV fun in the desert of Arizona. The Hummer has always been ostentatious. So it should have been a surprise to no one that the Hummer EV is not only large, but also heavy, and really not all that efficient as an EV. But what it lacks in miles per kilowatt, it makes up for in over-the-top fun."
• DJI Mini 3 Pro leaked images & video show exciting redesign - "It looks like the DJI Mini 3 Pro could be here in a matter of weeks, thanks to a leaked video."

April 8, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest news: Borrell & Von der Leyen off to Kyiv; Zelenskiy says Borodyanka �much worse� than Bucha - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Russia has lost 79 commercial jets to sanctions - "Sanctions put in place in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine have caused the nation's air carriers to lose 79 of their commercial jets, nearly 10% of their combined fleets."
• Artwork worth $46 million heading back to Russia seized by Finnish Customs - "Customs said that, due to European Union sanctions, it had confiscated three shipments of Russian paintings and sculptures over the weekend at Vaalimaa, a southeastern border crossing point. The artwork was returning to Russia via Finland after being part of international exhibitions in Italy and Japan."
• Maldives shelters sanctioned Russian billionaires� yachts - "The cautious approach by authorities in Maldives to enforcing the sanctions imposed after Russia�s invasion of Ukraine means that the Indian Ocean island nation has emerged as an attractive destination for yacht-owning Russian oligarchs."
• The Forbes Ultimate Guide To Russian Oligarchs - "For a quarter-century, Forbes has been investigating billionaire oligarchs, digging into their political connections, murky holdings and maze of offshore assets. Here�s everything you need to know about the wealthy elite who have profited under Vladimir Putin�s rule."
• Omicron variant does cause different symptoms from Delta, study finds - "Data from UK�s Zoe Covid study confirms reports Omicron patients recover more quickly and are less likely to lose sense of smell or taste."
• As Yet Another Wave of Covid Looms, New Yorkers Ask: Should I Worry? - "The Omicron subvariant BA.2 is causing an increase in infections, especially in Manhattan. But hospitalizations have yet to rise."
• Do Home Covid Tests Expire? - A quirk in the regulatory process for home tests can mean the real expiration date doesn�t always match what�s on the box.
• One-Third of Americans Faced Extreme Weather in Recent Years, Survey Finds - "Hurricanes and winter weather, such as snow, ice storms and blizzards, were the most common events cited, according to a Gallup poll."
• French winemakers fan flames to save 2022 crop - "Climate extremes in France this spring have again made it a race against time for vineyard owners to protect their crops. March warmth and April frosts in 2021 resulted in one of the country�s lowest wine production in years. This year is proving every bit as tough."
• The least polluting way to shower - "Are homemade shampoos better for the climate? Ingredients like palm oil are criticised, often correctly, for their impact on our climate. But what else in our shampoos and soaps could be increasing our shower emissions?"
• I test-drove the all-electric Hummer. Can it win over America�s EV skeptics? - "A climate-friendly version of the macho, gas-guzzling pickup is aimed at obdurate devotees of US�s supersized car culture."
• Leonardo DiCaprio & Jeff Bezos have backed this lab-grown sushi startup - "How lab-grown sushi could help tackle overfishing."
• Trump says he regrets not marching on Capitol with supporters on January 6 - "Ex-president also rejects suggestions he used �burner phones� on day of the assault in Washington Post interview."
• Mark Zuckerberg thinks this looks like a home office - "The Meta CEO�s vision of a VR workspace leaves a little to be desired."
• Warren Buffett is buying big again - "For years, billionaire investor Warren Buffett has been sitting on a mountain of cash. But with stocks at record highs, he struggled to find deals that caught his eye. Now, with many other investors in selling mode, he's going shopping. What's happening: Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway just disclosed that it bought almost 121 million shares of HP worth about $4.2 billion, giving Buffett a stake of more than 11% in the technology company."
• How to Invest in the Skyrocketing Watch Market - "The watch world has never been hotter, with demand skyrocketing right as supply slows to a trickle. But if you know where to look - and who to talk to, and how to spot value in an ocean of excess - there's no better time than now to find an investment-grade grail."
• Jason Isaacs: �Daniel Craig is more comfortable naked than with clothes on� - "The Liverpool-born actor on going to school with Mark Kermode, massages with Mel Gibson and why he will never be James Bond."
• 10 of Europe's most beautiful train journeys - "It's where the 'flight shame' movement was born and no wonder - Europe is home to a superb rail network, including some truly spectacular journeys which are a vacation in themselves. Here are 10 of the most beautiful rides."
• One of the world's smallest capital cities - "Built on land reclaimed from the sea, Seychelles' tiny capital city can't get any bigger - but with a vibrant culture and fascinating history, it doesn't need to."
• World�s Favorite Scent Is Vanilla, According to Science - "Some smells are perceived as more pleasant than others, which means preferences for certain odors could have evolutionary roots in our past."
• Chemical analysis & origin of the smell of line-dried laundry - "We show that the smell of line-dried laundry is due to the unique combination of traces of atmospheric hydrocarbons, sunlight and a wet fabric surface. This surface photochemistry is likely to be widespread in the environment on surfaces of natural materials."
• LG OLED65G2 2022 OLED TV review - "LG dazzles with its finest OLED yet. The G2 is truly a thing of beauty: while clearly targeted at the no-expense-spared crowd, it will tempt many to step up to it from the C2, despite the high price."
• A Van With a View? This New Camper Concept Has Better Windows Than Your Condo - "Now you can take in your surroundings without every leaving your van."
• Apple WWDC 2022: Looks Like iOS 16 Will Be Revealed June 6 - "Apple's developers conference has been held entirely online the past two years. The tech giant will stick with that again this year."
• How to use Apple TV�s picture-in-picture mode to view a HomeKit camera feed - "Watch your home security camera while watching TV."
• How to use AirDrop on a Mac - "It�s one of the best features on Apple devices: Open a Finder window and select AirDrop in the 'Favorites' section of the sidebar. Alternatively, you can click on Go in your Mac's menu bar and then choose AirDrop. On the AirDrop screen, you'll see nearby AirDrop recipients. Simply drag and drop the file you want to share onto the person you're sending it to."

April 7, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine pleads for more weapons from Nato as Zelenskiy dismisses fresh sanctions - live news - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Why Tracking Putin�s Wealth Is So Difficult - "Amid speculation that oligarchs are holding cash and luxury assets for the Russian president, many of his extravagances can be traced elsewhere: the Russian state."
• Putin's daughters targeted by US sanctions - "The US has imposed sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle, including his daughters."
• U.S. seizes mega yacht owned by oligarch with close ties to Putin - "The immobilized yacht is reportedly Tango, a 78-meter (254-feet) vessel that carries Cook Islands flag, and is anchored in the port of Palma de Mallorca, Spain."
• From Marylebone to Caribbean: wealth of Abramovich�s business partners revealed - "Documents seen by Guardian show empire of Russian steel barons Alexander Abramov and Aleksandr Frolov."
• Non-doms: 12% of residents in London�s richest parts claimed status in 2018 - "More than one in 10 paid no tax on offshore income in Kensington and the Cities of London and Westminster."
• Rihanna's journey to Forbes' billionaire list is about much more than music - "The singer turned entrepreneur, who ranks 1,729 (out of 2,668) with a net worth of $1.7 billion, first achieved billionaire status in August. She is the first billionaire of her home country, Barbados."
• A Slap Could Sting the Smith Family Brand - "Will Smith has spent decades radiating boundless likability. His family has become known for sharing therapy sessions online. His smack at the Oscars has complicated all of that."
• The world's skinniest skyscraper is ready for its first residents - "Steinway Tower, or 111 West 57th Street, has a height-to-width ratio of 24:1, making it 'the most slender skyscraper in the world,' according to the developers. At 1,428 feet, it is also one of the tallest buildings in the Western hemisphere, falling short of two others in New York City: One World Trade Center at 1,776 feet and Central Park Tower at 1,550 feet."
• New blood test predicts risk of heart attack & stroke with twice previous accuracy - "New technique, already available in US, could aid in development of cardiovascular drugs."
• Covid: Blood clot risk higher for six months after having virus - "After a Covid infection, there is an increased risk of developing a serious blood clot for the next six months, a study from Sweden suggests."
• Study reveals how Covid-19 infections can set off massive inflammation in the body - "From the early days of the pandemic, doctors noticed that in severe cases of Covid-19 - the ones that landed people in the hospital on ventilators with shredded lungs - most of the internal wreckage wasn't being directly inflicted by the virus itself but by a blizzard of immune reactions triggered by the body to fight the infection."
• Covid linked to 33-fold increase in risk of pulmonary embolism - "Infection with virus also associated with fivefold increase in risk of deep vein thrombosis, data suggests."
• Microplastics found deep in lungs of living people for first time - "Particles discovered in tissue of 11 out of 13 patients undergoing surgery, with polypropylene and PET most common."
• Is 30 Minutes of Exercise a Day Enough? - "Science says you may need less exercise than you think to live a long and healthy life."
• Why beer bottles are usually brown glass - "When hops in beer are exposed to strong light, a photooxidation reaction takes place, creating the compound 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol. To prevent the process of skunking from occurring, beer brewers have opted for darkly tinted glass. It's why you see so many beers in brown glass bottles today."
• The Royal Oak: A Watch Masterpiece at 50 - "Gerald Genta's design for Audemars Piguet, widely considered one of the most influential designs of all time, reaches a milestone."
• How to become a cruise ship captain - "It's a job unlike any other. Leadership skills are a must, as is being able to handle a crisis. Then there's understanding the oceans - the complex world of currents, tides and winds. Maritime engineering knowledge is a plus. As is the ability to command the logistical demands of a small city. At sea."
• The most-viewed episodes of 'Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown' - "The legacy of the late Anthony Bourdain is a long and complicated one. The new CNN Film 'Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain' attempts to contend with that legacy and reopen the conversation about how Bourdain is remembered. It may inspire you to do some remembering as well by revisiting Bourdain's extensive television catalog."
• America�s Best Whiskeys: The International Wine & Spirits Competition - "In the American Whiskey category, a total of six whiskeys, five bourbons and one rye whiskey were awarded the coveted Gold Outstanding medal. The winners ranged from iconic brands like Knob Creek and Larceny to less well-known brands like Distillery 291, one of Colorado�s preeminent craft distillers."
• Why It�s so Satisfying to Watch a World Built From the Ground Up - "In the fantasy depicted by the Primitive Technology YouTube channel, it is possible to bring a task to completion without interruption."
• Nakagin Capsule Tower to be Demolished Mid-April - "Following months of uncertainties and preservation attempts, Kisho Kurokawa's iconic Nakagin Capsule Tower will be demolished on April 12th of this year. Tatsuyuki Maeda, one of the current owners of the tower, explained that a team will try to preserve some of the capsules, and regenerate them as accommodation units and museum installations across the world."
• 5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Renaissance Music - "Here�s your introduction to the shining, stirring sounds of a revolutionary period in cultural history."
• 5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Classical Music - "We asked some of our favorite artists to tell us about the sounds they cherish. Listen to their choices. In the past we�ve chosen the five minutes or so we would play to make our friends fall in love with piano, opera, cello, Mozart, 21st-century composers, violin, Baroque music, sopranos, Beethoven, flute, string quartets, tenors, Brahms, choral music, percussion, symphonies, Stravinsky, trumpet, Maria Callas, Bach, the organ, mezzo-sopranos, music for dance and Wagner."

April 6, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: fresh sanctions loom as Ukraine says more than 4,000 alleged war crimes being investigated - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Satellite images of corpses in Bucha contradict Russian claims - "Analysis of the images date massacre to before Russian forces evacuated the Ukrainian city."
• �I couldn�t keep it inside�: ballet star Olga Smirnova on quitting the Bolshoi & fleeing Russia - "After Putin invaded Ukraine, the Russian dancer denounced the war, left the Kremlin-allied company - and flew out of Moscow that night. As she prepares for her debut at the Dutch National Ballet, Smirnova speaks for the first time."
• Why Germany Can�t Just Pull the Plug on Russian Energy - "Under increasing pressure to sever the country�s reliance on Russian energy, German officials must contend with deeply rooted economic ties."
• Chanel Restricts Sales to Russians Abroad - "The French luxury giant is refusing to sell to Russians unless they can prove they live outside the country and declare they will not take purchases to Russia, upsetting some clients."
• Shanghai�s �grim� Covid outbreak threatens more global supply chain disruption - "Lockdowns imposed over China�s worst Covid outbreak has hit manufacturing and may lead to delays and higher prices."
• When will the world reach 1.5C of global heating? - "With 1.5C of heating now all but inevitable, scientists say the focus must turn to mitigation measures."
• Elon Musk is the richest person ever, Forbes says - "Elon Musk is worth more than twice Warren Buffett & has $100 billion on Jeff Bezos."
• The Richest Woman In The World 2022 - "For the second year in a row on Forbes� list of the World�s Billionaires, the planet�s richest woman is L�Oréal heiress Françoise Bettencourt Meyers of France. Worth an estimated $74.8 billion, Bettencourt Meyers is an estimated $1.2 billion richer than a year ago, making her the fourteenth richest person in the world."
• World's most powerful passport list impacted by Ukraine conflict - "The closure of airspace due to Russia's military aggression and the opening of borders to Ukrainian refugees has begun to exert influence on global travel freedoms, according to the latest data complied on the world's most travel-friendly passports. While there's been little change at the at the top of a list of countries with so-called powerful passports - meaning those with the most visa-free travel options around the world - the recent conflict is starting to shake things up lower down the index compiled by London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners."
• 42 previously unknown genes discovered for Alzheimer's disease - "'Lifestyle factors such as smoking, exercise and diet influence our development of Alzheimer's, and acting to address these now is a positive way of reducing risk ourselves,' she added.'However, 60-80% of disease risk is based on our genetics and therefore we must continue to seek out the biological causes and develop much-needed treatments for the millions of people affected worldwide.'"
• Long-lost Charles Darwin notebooks worth millions returned with a mysterious note - "'Happy Easter X': Missing set of valuable Charles Darwin notebooks returned with note. A set of rare notebooks filled with notes by Charles Darwin have been anonymously returned to the University of Cambridge, over 20 years after they were initially reported missing."
• German airline unveils candy-striped aircraft - "German airline Condor is the latest carrier to step up its livery game with a simple yet stylish paint job. Condor's fleet will soon be tricked out in candy-colored bold stripes, inspired by 'parasols, bath towels and beach chairs,' according to the airline."
• Watches And Wonders 2022 - Wrap-Up & Highlights from Rolex, Tudor, Patek Philippe, Cartier & More - "'It�s over, ladies and gentlemen. A whole seven days of Watches And Wonders in an unseasonably cold and snowy Geneva. And as unexpected as the sub-zero temperatures and frozen precipitation were, there were plenty of surprises taking place within the beige-cloth-lined plywood walls of Palexpo. Especially in the not-so-plywood comfort of the Rolex booth. But it�s not all about Rolex. Around 38 brands shared their latest creations with us these past few days.'"
• Mercedes-Benz launches limited-edition car designed by Virgil Abloh - "German car brand Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a car designed in collaboration with Virgil Abloh along with a collection of clothing designed by the late fashion designer's Off-White brand. Named Maybach by Virgil Abloh, the car is a Mercedes-Maybach S-Class S680 model."
• London�s Best & Most Secretive Address - "The longstanding rules governing life at Albany - the stately Georgian pile situated surprisingly, if conveniently, in the heart of Piccadilly - are mercifully straightforward: no pets, no children, no whistling, no noise and absolutely no publicity. Photographers have found themselves escorted from the premises, London�s oldest block of flats and one of its most exclusive addresses, for snapping off a frame of the interior courtyard. Residents who are deemed indiscreet risk a ritual scourging by the trustees."
• Humans bred dogs to have puppy-dog eyes - "in fact, we bred those doleful eyes into today's domesticated dogs starting some 33,000 years ago."
• How many HermÈs Birkins does Jane Birkin have? - "The Birkin was famously created after Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas bumped into Jane Birkin, who at the time was using a Kelly bag she thought was too small. Millionaires and celebrities hoard dozens of the expensive bags, but its namesake has only ever owned five or six, just using one at a time - and donating it to charity before replacing it."
• Twitter confirms it is working on an edit button - "Twitter has confirmed that it is working on an edit button that would allow users to change tweets after they have been posted."
• What�s better for cooking, gas or induction hobs? - "Do you go for the efficiency, cleanliness and response of induction, or the char-ability of gas - or both? We ask some of our favourite cooks what they prefer."
• �Mind-blowing�: Ai-Da becomes first robot to paint like an artist - "AI algorithms prompt robot to interrogate, select, and decision-make to create a painting."
• VanMoof refreshes its e-bike lineup with the $3,000 S5 & A5 - "The new models have a built-in halo ring interface, a phone charger and across-the-board upgrades."
• TEST-RIDING VANMOOF�S NEW S5 & A5 E-BIKES - "First look at the next, next generation."
• Nikon Z9 review: A versatile camera with solid 8K video recording - "All with no physical shutter."
• How to View & Clear Safari Download History on a Mac - "To clear the entire list of downloads, click the 'Clear' button in the upper-right corner of the Downloads pop-up window. Safari will wipe the Downloads list and the downloads (arrow) icon in the toolbar will disappear."
• How to enable Walking Steadiness notifications in iOS 15 - "Older and unfit people may have a higher risk of falling over, which could cause an injury. Here's how to check how sure you are on your feet with the iPhone's Walking Steadiness feature."

April 5, 2022

• Forbes Billionaires 2022: The Richest People In The World - "There are 2,668 of them on Forbes� 36th-annual ranking of the planet�s richest people - 87 fewer than a year ago. They�re worth a collective $12.7 trillion - $400 billion less than in 2021."
• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Zelenskiy to address UN after warning Borodyanka atrocities may be worse than Bucha - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• could Vladimir Putin be prosecuted for war crimes? - The Guardian.
• The West is running out of ways to punish Putin - "Western outrage, new sanctions, and promised state-of-the-art weapons came too late to save the man found shot dead next to his bike on a grassy bank outside Kyiv. But the awful tragedy being revealed in Ukraine is that all of the measures the West is prepared to contemplate to punish Moscow and impact the long-term course of the war cannot do much to save civilians being targeted now."
• The big idea: how to win the fight against disinformation - "From Covid conspiracies to lies about the Ukraine war ... traditional fact-checking is no match for the power of the crowd."
• IPCC report: �now or never� if world is to stave off climate disaster - "Greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2025, say climate scientists in what is in effect their final warning."
• Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change - "The Working Group III report provides an updated global assessment of climate change mitigation progress and pledges, and examines the sources of global emissions. It explains developments in emission reduction and mitigation efforts, assessing the impact of national climate pledges in relation to long-term emissions goals." The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
• 5 Takeaways From the U.N. Report on Limiting Global Warming - "Current pledges to cut emissions, even if nations follow through on them, won�t stop temperatures from rising to risky new levels." The New York Times.
• Shanghai to New York in two hours? China joins the hypersonic flight race - "Beijing-based Space Transportation (aka Lingkong Tianxing in China) aims to make this prospect a reality with the development of a passenger-carrying vehicle that can hurtle across the skies at one mile per second - over twice the speed of Concorde."
• Images show destruction of world's largest airplane in Ukraine - "The full extent of the damage to the aircraft, named 'Mriya,' or 'dream' in Ukrainian, was seen by CNN journalists after Russian troops withdrew last week from Hostomel airfield outside Kyiv, which was among the first strategic targets of the invasion of Ukraine."
• How can US law enforcement agencies access your data? Let�s count the ways - "A hack using a forged legal request that exposed consumer data collected by Apple and Meta shed light on the reach of the law."
• Elon Musk buys 9.2% stake in Twitter, making him the largest shareholder - "News of the purchase sent shares of Twitter (TWTR) soaring 22% in early trading. Musk did not disclose what he paid for the shares, but his stake was worth $2.9 billion as of the close of trading Friday, and $3.5 billion after the spike early Monday."
• Amazon CEO Andy Jassy's total compensation package topped $212 million - "Nearly all of Jassy's compensation comes in the form of stock options that will vest over 10 years, according to the filing. Jassy's 2021 compensation marks a sixfold increase to his pay in 2020, when he was head of Amazon's profit-generating cloud-computing arm AWS."
• Why does coffee make you poop? Experts explain - "Coffee's effect on colon activity might have more to do with special compounds than just caffeine."
• The world's oldest dessert? - "Although chickpeas and beans don't usually belong in a pudding, they are core ingredients in one of the oldest - and, some say, one of the most delicious - desserts in the world."
• Samsung's 2022 TV lineup has something for everyone - "Samsung is even releasing its first new OLED TV in almost a decade."
• IT�S HARD TO BELIEVE SAMSUNG�S NEW, MATTE THE FRAME IS ACTUALLY A TV - "A matte finish makes The Frame�s signature trick even more convincing."
• I SAW SAMSUNG�S FIRST-EVER QD-OLED TV, AND IT�S IMPRESSIVE - "QD-OLED isn�t some revelatory improvement, but you can see the difference."
• Montblanc Unveils 1858 Geosphere Zero Oxygen Watch - "At the Watches & Wonders Geneva 2022 exhibition taking place live and digitally this week in Switzerland, a host of watch brands are releasing some world-first watches. Among them: Montblanc. The brand just releases its 1858 Geosphere Zero Oxygen watch, which will be tested in an ascent of Mount Everest on the wrist of mountaineer Nimsdai Purja beginning in May. The Everest ascent by Purja, an ex-Gurkha, will be done without the assistance of supplemental oxygen. The Zero Oxygen watch is also going to be oxygen free. It is cased in an oxygen-free vacuum compartment by Montblanc�s watchmakers to ensure no oxygen gets inside the case, which can affect the movement."

April 4, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Zelenskiy calls Russian forces �butchers� after civilian mass graves found around Kyiv - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• How alleged atrocities in Bucha compare to previous Putin campaigns - "Russian president appears to have operated by a strict playbook in northern Ukraine that has served him well for decades."
• Oligarch chopper seized in Monaco - "Beneficial owner was Alisher Usmanov." Monaco Daily News.
• Walk like the KGB: get Vladimir Putin's 'gunslinger gait' - "The Russian president appears to have adopted a style of walking already favoured by several of his associates. Here�s how civilians everywhere can get the tough-guy look ..." British Medical Journal.
• Grammy winners 2022: The full list - "You can see the full list of nominees and winners in more than 80 categories here."
• Grammy Awards 2022: Best fashion on the red carpet - "The red carpet turned pink as music's biggest names brought fluorescent colors, playful accessories and plenty of drama to the 64th Grammy Awards in Las Vegas."
• Denzel Washington speaks publicly about Will Smith Oscar slap - "'Who are we to condemn?' Washington asked. 'I don't know all the ins and outs of the situation, but I know the only solution was prayer.'"
• A Ramadan etiquette guide for non-Muslims - "There are about 7.6 billion people in the world. And around 24% of them - 1.8 billion - are fasting from sunup to sundown. Every day. For an entire month. It's Ramadan, the holiest month of the Muslim calendar. You can earn some cool points if you follow these 10 tips."
• 13 of the best TV shows to watch this April - BBC Culture.
• How to Watch All 15 of 2022�s Oscar-Winning Movies - "Now that the dust has settled, here is where to watch all of 2022�s Oscar-winning movies."
• The Best in Show From Watches & Wonders 2022 - "With almost 40 brands showcasing the latest pieces, here are what we thinks are candidates for Best in Show." Monochrome.
• Why The Vacheron Constantin Les Historiques 222 Is My Sublime Favorite From Watches & Wonders - "This story is about one single piece of horology. One that, for me, stood out like a shining totem in the Vacheron press releases. The Vacheron Constantin Les Historiques 222 has the power to put diamonds, tourbillons, and perpetual calendars in the shade, and it seems very familiar." Fratello.
• A Private Collection of 128 Patek Philippe Contemporary Timepieces Heads to Auction - "A collection of 128 Patek Philippe contemporary timepieces, which Christie�s touts as the finest to appear at auction, will be offered across three sales this spring. Dubbed the Kairos Collection, it�s been assembled by a private, anonymous collector who has actively collected watches for more than 35 years, Christie�s said. The collection is named to reflect the two sides to the concept of time in ancient Greece, chronos and kairos."
• Everything You Need To Know About The 2022 Met Gala - "The 2022 Met Gala theme, In America: An Anthology of Fashion, is built around the tenets of American style, and celebrates unsung heroes of US design. Even though only eight months will have passed since Kim Kardashian climbed the Met steps in her Balenciaga mask by then, this year�s ceremony will take place on May 2nd - a return to the event�s traditional first Monday in May slot after two years of COVID chaos. The 2022 Met Gala will take place on Monday 2 May in New York City."
• Upon my death, delete: how to plan your digital legacy - "Whether you want your information destroyed, stored or memorialised, many tech platforms now offer options for handling users� data after death."
• On Daylight Saving, There Are More Options Than You Might Think - "There are only so many hours of light in the day. When should we enjoy them?"
• Q. & A.: How to Fuel Your Runs - "What's the real benefit in refueling soon after a run? Can eating mid-run help speed recovery? Your nutrition questions, answered."
• In the Ocean, It�s Snowing Microplastics - "Tiny bits of plastic have infiltrated the deep sea�s main food source and could alter the ocean�s role in one of Earth�s ancient cooling processes, scientists say."
• German man suspected of having 90 Covid jabs to sell vaccination cards - "Police in Saxony investigate 60-year-old for issuing documents without authorisation and forgery."
• Intuition: When is it right to trust your gut instincts? - "Intuition is often lauded as the key to decision making. Should you always follow your gut, or is it more complicated?"
• BMW XM Voted World's Most Beautiful SUV - "The challengingly styled SUV has been a hit with trendy types." CarBuzz.
• Best external hard drives & SSDs for Mac in 2022 - "If you need more storage space on your new Mac, you have plenty of different options to choose from. Here are our favorite external hard drive and SSD choices for Mac, from smaller, zippy options to rugged hard drives that will protect your data, drop after drop."

April 3, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Russian retreat reveals atrocities against civilians; explosions seen in Odesa - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Why people are cold calling strangers in Russia - "The people cold calling to chip away at Russia's digital iron curtain."
• Who has Putin�s ear? Inside the president�s inner circle - "Western intelligence claim Russia�s leader is out of touch. But who has the upper hand in the Kremlin�s jostling factions - and is there a chance of a palace coup?"
• Trump's phone log gap could be much worse than Nixon's Watergate tape erasures - "A lot can be said in 457 minutes."
• Netflix Backs Away from Will Smith Film �Fast and Loose� - "The project had already lost director David Leitch before the infamous Oscars slap, and now the streaming service has quietly moved the film to the back burner in the awards ceremony�s wake, according to sources."
• Prince Andrew �will chaperone Queen to the Derby� - "Despite being told by Charles and William to �disappear� following rape case payout."
• Lord Norman Foster - "�I still get the same buzz from designing buildings.�"
• Covid cases rise in Shanghai as millions remain in lockdown - "Daily case numbers are some of the largest seen in China since the virus was first detected in Wuhan."
• Covid lockdown dreams reflected our claustrophobia & lack of control - "From the scary to the truly weird, our nights were full of apt visions in the early days of the pandemic, a study at University College London found."
• Wake up to a happy home: how to design a feelgood house - "Banish the gloom from every room with these 25 tips to give your house a mood-boosting makeover."
• Want to See the Weirdest of Wikipedia? Look No Further - "Look No Further. On @depthsofwikipedia, Annie Rauwerda is compiling some of the crowdsourced site's most bizarre pages. Did you know that there�s a Swiss political party dedicated to opposing the use of PowerPoint? That some people believe Avril Lavigne died in 2003 and was replaced by a look-alike? Or that there�s a stone in a museum in Taiwan that uncannily resembles a slab of meat?"
• SWEARING CAN INCREASE SELF-CONFIDENCE, PHYSICAL STRENGTH & RISKY BEHAVIOUR - "Keele University researchers have found that swearing can increase self-confidence and risk-taking behaviour, as well as boosting physical strength. Led by Dr Richard Stephens, the team carried out a study which aimed to identify the psychological pathway by which swearing can have beneficial effects on physical tasks. They were particularly interested in whether swearing increased �state disinhibition�, which is a state of lowered self-control and lack of restraint."
• The world's best breakfasts, pancakes & other morning snacks - "Why tiptoe into your day with a piece of toast when you can set yourself up for success with a 30-dish all-day breakfast banquet? If that's got your belly rumbling, take a look also at the Philippines' best breakfast foods, the world's most delicious pancakes and how people serve up morning meals around the world."
• 19 facts about the 2022 Grammy Awards - "The first awards will be handed out in Las Vegas at 12:30 on Sunday, a thrombosis-inducing eight hours before the album of the year prize is presented at 20:30 local time (04:30 in the UK). There are 70 categories in total, with everyone from Lady Gaga to Barack Obama on the nominations list."
• These 5 artists could make history at the Grammys - "After a delay of more than two months caused by an unpredictable pandemic, the Grammy Awards return Sunday with a slew of potential historical moments. For the first time, the 64th annual ceremony will be held in Las Vegas - away from its traditional home in Los Angeles. This year's event, hosted by Trevor Noah, also brings voting changes and two new categories. And several artists from this year's class of nominees - from hip hop to jazz to pop music - could potentially break records."
• PLPs: The platonic partnerships that pair up friends for life - "Do all primary-partner relationships have to be romantic and sexual? People choosing platonic life partnerships say a resounding no."
• Medieval Cambridge colleges demanded their rent in saffron - "The rich used saffron as a disinfectant, scattering it on floors and sprinkling it in fires. Known as 'red gold' in Britain, it was thought to ward off the plague, as well as adding flavour and a golden hue to food. All across medieval Europe, it was revered by aristocrats and royalty alike."
• THE REAL MAGIC MOUSE IS MADE BY LOGITECH, NOT APPLE - "And it hasn�t changed since 2017."
• DJI Mini 3 Pro leak shows obstacle avoidance sensors & a slightly bigger battery - "It will still weigh less than 250 grams."

April 2, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Russians are mining homes and corpses as they withdraw - Zelenskiy; US to give tanks to Kyiv, report says - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• �No hope for science in Russia�: the academics trying to flee to the west - "Russian scientists are turning to partners abroad to help them escape, but face an uncertain future even if successful."
• Apple Releases iOS 15.4.1 With Fix for Battery Drain Issue - "According to Apple's release notes, the update fixes an issue that could cause the battery to drain more quickly than expected after updating to iOS 15.4. It also includes fixes for Made for iPhone hearing devices and Braille devices."
• Will Smith resigns from Academy, saying he betrayed its trust - "Actor will accept �any further consequences� the body�s board considers appropriate after Oscars slap."
• Will Smith: Can his career recover after Oscars slap? - "Will Smith went from beloved film favourite to Hollywood villain when he slapped Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars last weekend. Has he done permanent damage to his image and career, and what punishment might he face?"
• Can the 64th Annual Grammy Awards yield as much drama as last week�s Oscars? - "The fallout from Will Smith�s slap threatens to overshadow music�s big night, but focus on the material and there is much to admire - particularly in 11-time nominee Jon Batiste." To be held on Sunday, April 3, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV, USA.
• Sean Penn calls for billionaire to step up and buy aircraft for Ukraine - "Actor urges someone to spend $300m on �12 aircraft with better tech than Russian MiGs or SU�s�."
• The Ukraine war's $7 billion hit to global tourism has Middle East hotspots 'trying to survive' - "As Russia's war rages in Ukraine, its impact on the Middle East is beginning to stretch beyond the food shortages that already had some policymakers worried. Home to some of the world's oldest civilizations and glitziest cities, the Middle East is one of its top tourist destinations. Cities like Dubai, Cairo and Istanbul are regularly listed among the top ten global tourism hotspots."
• Tripadvisor's most popular world destination for 2022 is ... - "Tripadvisor says a 20th-century fishing village that has boomed into a 21st-century global hot spot for high-end travel is its most popular destination in the world for 2022."
• The 2022 World's Best Cities To Live In: Discover the Top 20 - "Global Finance's ranking of the world's best cities to live in, during 2022 has just been released. Centered on 8 different parameters that calculate and compare the quality of life of people living in urban areas such as economy, culture, population, environment, etc., this year�s edition also took into consideration Covid-19 deaths per thousand for each country, to reflect the new reality we live in. With data from the Global City Power index, Johns Hopkins University, Statista, and Macrotrends, the list seeks to have a complete vision, putting together traditional metrics with new factors."
• Why this city is the world capital of breakfasts - "While Turkey is famed for its breakfasts, Van is the capital of the epic, sprawling serpme kahvalt, or breakfast spread. These morning banquets can contain up to 30 different dishes, and they often have a heavy emphasis on the prized dairy produce from livestock that graze on the surrounding Anatolian plateaus."
• Still hungry? How we fell out of love with small plates - "It�s over a decade since seven perfectly arranged beans came to constitute dinner. But is the age of small plates dining coming to an end? And if so, what�s next?"
• The 50 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now - "The sheer volume of films on Netflix - and the site�s less than ideal interface - can make finding a genuinely great movie there a difficult task. To help, we�ve plucked out the 50 best films currently streaming on the service in the United States, updated regularly as titles come and go. And as a bonus, we link to more great movies on Netflix within many of our write-ups below." The New York Times.
• The truth about cats� & dogs� environmental impact - "UCLA researcher finds that feeding pets creates the equivalent of 64 million tons of carbon dioxide a year."
• Vacheron Constantin Unveils Updated Legendary 222 Watch - "It was 45 years ago in 1977 that the oldest continually operating Swiss watch brand, Vacheron Constantin, unveiled the 222 watch - better known by collectors as the Jumbo. It was designed by Jorg Hysek and created in celebration of the 222 anniversary of the brand. Now, to celebrate 45 years of that distinctive sporty-chic watch, Vacheron Constantin unveils the new 222 timepiece in 18-karat yellow gold."
• Raphael was radical & relentlessly inventive - "500 years later a new exhibition of his work will show he still is." National Gallery, London, 9 April - 31 July.
• French farmer finds rare coin featuring Charlemagne just before his death - "The portrait confirms that Charlemagne had a short neck."

April 1, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest news: Germany rejects Putin�s gas supply �blackmail�; Russia drawing on forces from Georgia, UK says - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• IAEA investigates claim Russians fled Chernobyl with radiation sickness - "As occupiers abandon site and IAEA moves back in, power company says soldiers were exposed by digging trenches in radioactive zone."
• Razzies rescind Bruce Willis award after family reveals actor has aphasia - "The Razzies, a tongue-in-cheek award show that hands out honors to the worst cinema of the year, has rescinded its prize for Bruce Willis after the actor's family revealed he is struggling with aphasia, a medical condition that affects his cognitive abilities."
• �He just looked lost�: worries over Bruce Willis�s cognitive state surface - "Concerns over Willis, who is �stepping away� from acting after an aphasia diagnosis, had been circulating on sets, report says."
• Why experts say Will Smith's Oscars 'act of love' is dangerous - "'Love will make you do crazy things.' That's what actor Will Smith said during his Oscars acceptance speech at Sunday's Academy Awards ceremony. That shouldn't include resorting to violence, said Joel Wong, professor and chair of the counseling and educational psychology department at Indiana University Bloomington."
• First-of-its-kind Covid study yields valuable new insight on how we get infected - "It takes just a tiny virus-laden droplet - about the width of a human blood cell - to infect someone with Covid-19."
• What Are COVID-19 Antiviral Pills & How Do They Work? - "There is some hope on the horizon in the fight to bring COVID-19 to heel. New antiviral pills have been introduced to manage the disease�s symptoms, but there�s been some confusion about President Joe Biden�s 'test to treat' initiative, which would allow COVID-positive individuals to access antivirals on the spot at various clinics, pharmacies, and other care providers. Here�s everything you need to know."
• Covid lockdown extended in Shanghai as outbreaks put economy on the skids - "China�s largest city and financial powerhouse is struggling to cope with the country�s worst outbreak since the start of the pandemic in Wuhan."
• Scientists sequence the complete human genome for the first time - "In 2003, the Human Genome Project made history when it sequenced 92% of the human genome. But for nearly two decades since, scientists have struggled to decipher the remaining 8%. Now, a team of nearly 100 scientists from the Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) Consortium has unveiled the complete human genome - the first time it's been sequenced in its entirety, the researchers say."
• World Cup 2022 draw: Everything you need to know - "The draw for an unprecedented FIFA World Cup takes place Friday as teams discover their fates for the first winter edition of football's flagship event, in Qatar this December."
• Why is the Qatar World Cup so controversial? - "World Cup 2022: How has Qatar treated stadium workers? It is most controversial World Cup ever, with questions about the way Qatar won the right to hold it, how it's treating workers building the stadiums, and whether it is even a suitable location."
• Revealed: migrant workers in Qatar forced to pay billions in recruitment fees - "Guardian investigation finds labourers - including those on World Cup-related projects - were left with huge debts."
• Lewis Hamilton opens up on struggling 'mentally and emotionally for a long time' - "Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton said he has 'struggled mentally and emotionally for a long time' in a candid social media post on Thursday."
• The world's most agile countries - "With international travel opening up again, travellers may find more security visiting countries with a strong track record of adjusting their policies appropriately and swiftly."
• Why seed banks aren't just for doomsday - "Across the world, strategic seed banks keep safe seeds that could replenish agriculture after a cataclysm. But they aren't just for a worst-case scenario."
• 10 of the best films to watch this April - "Including a postmodern riff on fame with Nicolas Cage, a modern French fable, and Jared Leto as a 'pseudo-vampire' in Morbius, these are this month's unmissable releases."
• Liza Minnelli�s 20 best films - ranked! - "Her turn presenting best picture at the Oscars with Lady Gaga was a bit overshadowed, so ahead of the 50th anniversary of Cabaret, we give you the all-singing, all-dancing Minnelli Top 20."
• HermÈs Adds A World-Class World-Timer To Its Arceau Collection - "The watch division of Hermès has become distinctive for its decorative dials coupled with interesting complications, and the result is a unique approach to the classic genres of watchmaking. The Arceau Le Temps Voyageur is the latest example: it�s a standout in the world of World Time watches."
• This 308-Year-Old Violin - Heard On The �Wizard Of Oz� Soundtrack - Could Break A World Record At Auction - "The violin was handcrafted in Italy in 1714 by Antonio Stradivari, the famed craftsman who made violins for the ultra-rich, including King James II of England, King Charles III of Spain and Ferdinando de' Medici, Grand Prince of Tuscany. Tarisio, a New York-based auction house that specializes in stringed instruments and bows, expects the violin to go for between $15 million and $20 million."
• THE BEST ROBOT VACUUM YOU CAN BUY RIGHT NOW - "These wonderful little robots do all the hard work for you."

March 31, 2022

• World Backup Day - March 31st - "Be prepared against data loss and data theft. March 31st is the day to backup and better protect your data."
• Russia-Ukraine war latest news: Ukraine braces for attacks in east; US says Putin �misled� by advisers - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Putin indicates he may turn off gas supplies to Europe overnight - Russian president signals supplies could be halted from Friday unless �unfriendly� states start paying in roubles.
• Putin being misled by fearful advisers, US says - "Russian President Vladimir Putin is being misled by advisers who are too scared to tell him how badly the war in Ukraine is going, the White House says."
• Why is Vladimir Putin demanding Russian gas is paid for in roubles? - "Plan could be extended to include exports of oil, grain, fertilisers, coal, metals and other key commodities."
• Major jewellers to cease buying Russian-origin diamonds after increased scrutiny - "Several big name brands including Tiffany, Pandora and Chopard announce a pause on buying raw materials of Russian origin amid war in Ukraine."
• Will Smith refused to leave Oscars, Academy says & could face disciplinary action - "Academy initiates 'disciplinary proceedings' against Will Smith over Oscars incident."
• For Will Smith, the damage has been done - "Smith chose a totally theatrical and violent route, getting up from his seat, walking purposefully, uninvited, onto the Oscar stage and throwing a slap-punch at Rock's face, instantly turning a huge TV production - the most important night of the year for movie-making and the celebration of the life's work of dozens of winners (and nominees) - into a 'hey-look-at-me' moment destined to be all anyone would talk about or remember. Then he turned his acceptance speech into more 'look-at-me' theatrics, seeking to justify an ugly act of violence as some form of noble family values, even saying, 'Love will make you do crazy things.'"
• Chris Rock publicly addresses Oscars incident for first time - "Chris Rock made an emotional return to the stage on Wednesday night for the first time since Will Smith slapped him at the Academy Awards."
• Bruce Willis steps away from acting after aphasia diagnosis - "In a post on his daughter Rumer's verified Instagram account, the caption on a photo of the "Die Hard" actor read: 'To Bruce's amazing supporters, as a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities.'"
• Understanding the brain disorder affecting Bruce Willis - "You may have never heard of aphasia, but the brain disorder is 'more common than Parkinson's Disease, cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy,' and affects some 2 million Americans, according to the National Aphasia Association. In fact, about 180,000 people are diagnosed each year, the association said."
• Who really needs a second COVID booster? Here's what to know - "Many Americans can now get a second COVID-19 booster, but it�s hard to tell who really needs another shot right now and who could wait."
• A new world's longest flight route could break the 10,000-mile record - "Russian airspace rerouting may create a new world's longest flight. Cathay Pacific may be about to operate the world's longest commercial flight by redirecting its regular service from its hometown of Hong Kong to New York over the Atlantic - a route that would steer clear of Russian airspace - instead of taking its usual path over the Pacific. Although it has yet to fully commit to the route, Cathay says its transatlantic flightpath would cover just under 9,000 nautical miles - equivalent to 10,357 standard miles or 16,668 kilometers. If confirmed, that would exceed the current world's longest flight for distance, which is 9,534 standard miles between Singapore and New York."
• An A380 superjumbo just completed a flight powered by cooking oil - "It's huge, it's wide, and it's potentially a lot more sustainable. The Airbus A380, a behemoth of the skies, has completed a trial flight powered on cooking oil. The test airplane completed a three-hour flight from Blagnac Airport in Toulouse - Airbus' French headquarters - on 25 March. It was powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel, or SAF - predominantly made of used cooking oil and waste fats - and operating on a single Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engine."
• An average of 500 climate-damaging ghost flights left the UK each month in 2021 - "MPs criticise �climate-degrading� and �nefarious� practice of flying near-empty planes to retain landing slots."
• How to be a sustainable fashion lover & why it matters - "Upcycling, visible mending and organising are among the ways fashionistas are giving their wardrobes a longer life. Bel Jacobs explores how caring for our clothes also means caring for the planet."
• Why 'bio' & 'green' don't mean what you think - "The reason to avoid 'green' buzzwords. The language brands use to promote their environmental sustainability can be misleading and unverifiable. How do you spot a buzzword from a real claim?' The language brands use to promote their environmental sustainability can be misleading and unverifiable. How do you spot a buzzword from a real claim?"
• Britain hands billions to projects linked to labour abuse & climate damage - "UK Export Finance used £5.24bn of taxpayer money to fund overseas energy and infrastructure ventures - despite its own review raising concerns."
• 8 Dreamy Airbnb Cabins to Fantasize About, From Finland to the Catskills - Vogue.
• 13 Best Luggage Brands 2022 for Every Type of Traveler - "From high-tech Away suitcases to classic duffles by T. Anthony."
• Jeff Koons� Sculptures Are Going To The Moon As Part Of An NFT Launch - "Jeff Koons - who holds the record for highest auction price for a work by a living artist - hopes to take his pop art sculptures to even greater heights later this year when he launches a series of physical artworks into space, part of his first foray into non-fungible tokens."
• How Similar Are You to the Adults Who Raised You? - The "What personality traits do you share with your parents and other family members? How do you feel about those similarities?"
• Scientists Solve Mystery of High Quality Sound at Theater of Epidaurus - "The ancient mystery of the great sound quality at the ancient Greek theater of Epidaurus has finally been solved, researchers posit in a recent study."
• How to make omelette Arnold Bennett - recipe - "A step-by-step guide to mastering the super-rich brunch classic, featuring a smoky, fish-studded sauce and a melting, cheesy topping."
• How to remote access & control your Mac remotely from your iPhone - "Yes, you can control a Mac from your iPhone."
• Here�s why your iOS auto-updates often arrive late - "iOS chief Craig Federighi said Apple takes feedback from those who update early into account."
• You Can Scan Film with Your Smartphone Using Lomography�s New Kits - "I should note that Lomography sells a bunch of different film scanning kits, including one that only works with smartphones but costs just $40."
• Traeger's redesigned Timberline is full of smart grilling tech - "Touchscreen controls, induction side burner and wireless meat probes."

March 30, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest news: Russian troop withdrawal designed to �mislead�, says Ukrainian military - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Why is Abramovich playing peacemaker after Russia�s invasion of Ukraine? - "The presence of previously publicity-shy billionaire at talks in Istanbul has surprised many. Sanctioned billionaire Roman Abramovich is not officially part of the Russian delegation, but has apparently played a major role behind the scenes, jetting between Moscow, Kyiv and Istanbul since Russia invaded Ukraine."
• UK seizes first superyacht in British waters - "The £38m yacht, named Phi, is owned by an unnamed Russian businessman. The 58.5m (192ft) Phi was first identified as being potentially Russian-owned on 13 March but its ownership is "deliberately well hidden", the government said."
• Trump brazenly asks Putin to release dirt about Biden's family - "In a new interview published Tuesday, former President Donald Trump called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to release any damaging information he has about the Biden family, in a brazen request for domestic political assistance from America's top adversary."
• How an Oscars photographer captured the moment Will Smith slapped Chris Rock - "The Reuters photojournalist Snyder was one of the photographers who captured the moment Sunday and his photo - which captured Smith slapping Rock at the moment of contact - would soon be everywhere, immediately going viral. Snyder was among a pool of photographers from various news outlets who were covering the show from the projection booth in the back of the Dolby Theatre. He said that he had two long lenses (200-400mm and a 600mm) and his responsibility for Reuters was to cover the show - onstage and the audience."
• Could the Academy take Will Smith�s Oscar back after he slapped Chris Rock? - "The Academy will meet later this week to determine if action will be taken against the Oscar-winner over the incident."
• Zelenskyy Didn't Speak at Oscars, So Sean Penn May Publicly Destroy His Awards - "On Saturday, Penn told CNN he'd publicly destroy the Oscars he's won if the academy didn't ask Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to speak virtually during the event."
• Asia's best restaurant is Den in Tokyo & this is what it's like to eat there - "What it's like to eat at Asia's best restaurant."
• Covid closures still affecting 400 million pupils - Unicef - "Schools in 23 countries, with 405 million pupils, are still partially or fully closed because of Covid, the United Nations Children's Fund says."
• �We have waited so long�: a cautious Tokyo celebrates cherry blossoms in shadow of Covid - "Rise in infections since quasi-emergency restrictions were lifted sparks concern that long-awaited hanami season could help fuel a resurgence."
• Climate groups say a change in coding can reduce bitcoin energy consumption by 99% - "A simple switch in the way transactions are verified could reduce bitcoin�s energy-guzzling mining habits."
• Is it cheaper to have a bath or a shower? Your energy questions answered - "From boiling pasta to vampire devices, experts explain how you can reduce your bills."
• Does Moderate Drinking Protect Your Heart? A Genetic Study Offers a New Answer - "By studying the relationship between gene variants and alcohol consumption, scientists found no real cardiac benefit to drinking, even modestly."
• Fast fashion: EU Europe plans fast fashion crackdown - "Europe is to crack down on fast fashion through proposals to make the clothing made and worn there more durable, reusable, repairable and recyclable."
• Secrets of Playboy - "Breaking Down the A&E Docuseries' Biggest Bombshells About Hugh Hefner's Empire."
• Mick Jagger on acting: �Jack Nicholson told me to start with a character�s sex life� - "He stripped off in Performance, dragged up in Bent and wore a bucket on his head in Ned Kelly. As he lends his glorious voice to new spy thriller Slow Horses, the Rolling Stone relives his greatest roles."
• Johnnie Walker Releases Its First 50-Year-Old Whisky For $25,000 - "As the luxury whisky market keeps on booming, more Scotch whisky companies are looking to catch up with Macallan, eagerly jumping in with new high-end releases. This has included the blends. Some blended whisky brands already have edged into the premium market with bottles as expensive as some of the costliest single malts. Now, top blended-whisky brand Johnnie Walker has thrown its proverbial tam o'shanter into the ring by releasing its oldest whisky yet, the 50-year-old John Walker Masters� Edition."
• Dyson�s bizarre new headphones have a built-in air purifier - "Dyson is getting into headphones in the most Dyson way possible: the Zone, a pair of noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones with air purification technology built in, thanks to a bizarre-looking magnetic face visor. It�s both the strangest and most ambitious product that the company has ever made."
• The Lotus Eletre is an electric SUV with hints of hypercar - "British sports car maker Lotus is jumping on the electric bandwagon with the reveal of the Eletre, a plug-in crossover SUV with design language inspired by the automaker�s Evija hypercar. The Eletre will also be the first of three new EVs that Lotus plans to roll out over the next four years, including a sports car (natch), a coupe-sedan, and another SUV."
• Kia's EV9 SUV will move from concept to reality in 2023 - "If you thought it wouldn't be long before Kia turned the Concept EV9 into a production model, you guessed correctly. The automaker has revealed that a road-ready version of the electric SUV will be available in Europe in 2023."
• The Rolex Daytona 116508 Yellow Gold with Green Dial - "'It wasn�t until I received ownership of one of my personal grail watches - the yellow gold, green sunray dial work of horological magnificence known as the reference 116508 - that I understood how a modern Daytona is that extraordinary combination of heart-stopping, almost constant palpitation-inducing beauty with ease of use and reliability that are without equal.'"
• The History of the World�s Most Famous Pilot�s Watch - "There is perhaps no wristwatch still in production that�s more associated with flight and pilots than the Breitling Navitimer."

March 29, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest news: Don�t push us into a corner, Kremlin warns Nato; Ukrainians paying for �weak� sanctions with their lives, says Zelenskiy - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• �I make no apologies�: Biden stands by �Putin cannot remain in power� remark - "President says he was not calling for regime change but was expressing personal �moral outrage� over Russia�s invasion."
• Roman Abramovich & Ukrainian Peace Negotiators Suffer Suspected Poisoning - "Russian oligarch developed symptoms that people familiar with the matter blamed on hard-liners in Moscow who they say want to sabotage peace talks." The Wall Street Journal.
• A familiar plot but truth may never be known about latest �Russian poisoning� - There is a murky history behind the apparent targeting of Roman Abramovich and two Ukrainian negotiators.
• Kremlin: No need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine - "The next round of in-person talks between Russia and Ukraine will be held today in Istanbul, according to Russian and Turkish officials."
• Russian officials seize Swiss watches apparently worth millions - "According to Switzerland's NZZ am Sontag newspaper, the watches were seized by agents working for Russia's FSB security service from a Moscow subsidiary of Audemars Piguet. It happened just days after Switzerland abandoned its traditional neutrality to join Western countries in imposing sanctions against Russia after the invasion of Ukraine."
• Has Anyone Ever Given an Oscar Back Before? - "Violence, particularly a public display of it like Smith offered at the Oscars, should never be normalized or condoned, but it�s worth noting that accused sex offenders, including Woody Allen and Roman Polanski, have not only not been asked to return their Oscars in the wake of the sex-abuse allegations made against them by women under the legal age of consent, but they have actually been honored by the Academy after those allegations were brought to light. (Polanski was awarded his Oscar in 2003, 26 years after he pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old, while one of Allen�s four Oscars came after his adoptive daughter Dylan Farrow first accused him of sexual abuse in 1992.)."
• Will Smith issues apology to Chris Rock over slapping incident at Oscars - "Will Smith has issued an apology for striking presenter Chris Rock at Sunday's Academy Awards. In a post on Instagram on Monday afternoon, Smith called his behavior 'unacceptable and inexcusable.'"
• We Aren�t Just Watching the Decline of the Oscars. We�re Watching the End of the Movies - "Everyone has a theory about the decline of the Academy Awards, the sinking ratings that have led to endless Oscar reinventions. The show is too long; no, the show is too desperate to pander to short attention spans. The movies are too woke; no, the academy voters aren�t diverse enough. Hollywood makes too many superhero movies; no, the academy doesn�t nominate enough superhero movies."
• The 23 Most Shocking Moments in Oscars History - "For all its predictability, the Academy Awards ceremony has managed to serve up several surprises throughout the years�fashion risks, onstage mishaps, and powerful speeches among them. Here, we take a look back at some of the most shocking moments in Oscars history."
• Rolex & Cinema - "A movement perpetually reinvented." In 2017 Rolex became a partner to the film industry's highest authority, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. For the sixth consecutive year, Rolex is the Proud Sponsor of the Oscars ceremony held at the Dolby Theatre, Hollywood.
• Shanghai is locking down over 10 million people at a time. Why that's a big deal - "Many countries around the world have decided to live with the coronavirus, even as a new subvariant fuels another wave of infections. But China is an extremely important exception."
• Elon Musk reports testing positive for Covid-19 for second time - "�I supposedly have it again (sigh), but almost no symptoms,� Tesla and SpaceX billionaire tweets."
• Extraordinary Antarctica heatwave, 70 degrees above normal, would likely set a world record - "Scientists were shocked this month when a research station in Antarctica reported extraordinarily warm weather. The temperature at Concordia Research station atop Dome C on the Antarctic Plateau - typically known as the coldest place on Earth - surged to an astounding 11.3 degrees Fahrenheit (minus-11.5 Celsius) on March 18."
• Biodiversity: What is it & how are we protecting it? - "Governments from around the world are meeting later this year, to discuss how to stop human activities from causing the extinction of animal and plant species."
• Can a garden last 1,000 years? - "How long can a garden last? Even when they're utterly forgotten, gardens can be surprisingly resilient."
• How we lost our sensory connection with food & how to restore it - "To eat in the modern world is often to eat in a state of profound sensory disengagement. It shouldn�t have to be this way."
• This $30 Million White Diamond Is The Largest To Ever Appear At Auction - "Dubbed 'The Rock,' the jewel is a 228.31-carat pear-shaped diamond that was mined and polished in South Africa 20 years ago, according to Christie�s, which said it was among the finest gemstones to pass through the auction house since its founding in 1766. The gem will break the record for the largest auctioned diamond set in 2017, when a 163.41-carat white diamond sold for $33.7 million, also through Christie�s Geneva. The Gemmological Institute of America graded the gem as a G color, VS1 clarity diamond, and the sale will include a letter from the laboratory stating 'The Rock' is the largest pear-shaped diamond to be graded by the institute, according to Christie�s."
• Seborga: The Italian village that wants to be a country - "Atop an idyllic hill in the Italian Riviera sits a tiny village with a big dream: becoming an independent nation. The Principality of Seborga already has its own flag, national anthem, passports, stamps, currency and, of course, a monarch. It hopes to one day back them up with legal recognition of its sovereignty, which it has been seeking since the 1960s."
• The challenges of designing airplane evacuation slides - "Gone in 90 seconds: The evolution of the airplane evacuation slide."
• Elon Musk says he's seriously considering creating a new social media platform - "Elon Musk said he is giving 'serious thought' to creating a new social media platform in a tweet Saturday. Musk's tweet follows criticism of Twitter, where he claimed the platform doesn't allow for free speech."
• Can the super-rich solve America's budget problem? - "The proposal aims to capture more of the wealth created by the soaring stock market of the last few years. Under the proposal, America's 0.01% richest would face a minimum 20% tax on income. Crucially, it changes rules on calculating income to include gains from stocks, even if they were not sold by the investor being taxed."
• How to master your iPhone's camera presets - "Apple's Photographic Styles started on the iPhone 13 series and are now on the iPhone SE. Here's how to master these smart presets."
• The Secrets of Lasting Friendships - "Time is one crucial element in friendship. Jeffrey Hall, an expert in the psychology of friendship, studied 112 University of Kansas first years and found that it took about 45 hours of presence in another person�s company to move from acquaintance to friend. To move from casual friend to meaningful friend took another 50 hours over a three-month period, and to move into the inner close friend circle took another 100 hours."
• Puttering around: Why small tasks feel so therapeutic - "Especially when you�ve got a lot on, tiny household tasks can be soothing. Why do pleasant distractions feel oddly good?"
• Artificial intelligence beats eight world champions at bridge - "Victory marks milestone for AI as bridge requires more human skills than other strategy games."
• CHIPOLO CARD SPOT REVIEW: A LESS CREEPY AIRTAG - "Find My adds a ton of perks to this item tracker."

March 28, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest news: Zelenskiy �looking for peace without delay� as talks to resume - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Biden's declaration that Putin 'cannot remain in power' was not a gaffe - "President Joe Biden concluded his powerful speech this weekend in Poland about Vladimir Putin's barbaric attack on Ukraine with this line about the Russian leader: 'For God's sake, this man cannot remain in power.'"
• Why Biden's off-script remarks about Putin are so dangerous - "Over the past week, US President Joe Biden has made a series of unscripted remarks that have upped the temperature of US-Russia relations to near boiling point."
• Zelensky: Ukraine ready to accept neutral status - "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is ready to accept a neutral status as part of a peace deal with Russia but any agreement would have to be put to the Ukrainian people in a referendum."
• Oscars 2022: the full list of winners - Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
• Apple becomes the first streamer to win a Best Picture Oscar with 'CODA' - "Netflix's 'Power of the Dog' also took a historic win for director Jane Campion."
• Historic wins, Will Smith�s punch & silk pyjamas: Oscars 2022 - in pictures - "A selection of the best images from the 94th Academy Award - a dramatic night that saw wins for Ariana DeBose, Troy Kotsure, Will Smith and Jessica Chastain among others, with Dune and Coda collecting several awards - the latter winning Best Picture."
• Will Smith hits Chris Rock over joke about Jada Pinkett Smith at Oscars - "During the third hour of the telecast, Rock took the stage to present the award for best documentary, and cracked a joke about Pinkett-Smith as being in 'GI Jane 2' - seemingly a reference to her shaved head. (Pinkett-Smith has been open in the past about suffering from alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss.)."
• Chris Rock�s GI Jane 2 joke explained after Will Smith smack at Oscars 2022 - "Chris Rock directed a GI Jane 2 joke at Will Smith's wife Jada Pinkett Smith, who suffers from alopecia."
• The Best, Worst, & Wildest Moments From the 2022 Oscars - TIME Magazine.
• Coda�s best picture win overshadowed by Smith slap - BBC Entertainment & Arts.
• The Best Dressed Stars at the 2022 Oscars - "There is no greater stage than the Oscars when it comes to red carpet fashion. Informed by decades of Hollywood glamour, the event is an opportunity for actors to become movie stars, presenting themselves in high drama custom looks that highlight the best aspects of their public personas. Fittingly, 2022�s guests explored modern movie star glamour with outfits that nodded to the past while keeping in step with current concerns."
• Oscars 2022: the after parties - in pictures - "Award winners and nominees celebrate into the night in Los Angeles after the 94th Oscars ceremony including the Governors Ball and the Vanity Fair party."
• MONACO�S WORLD PLASTICS SUMMIT MAKES ITS MARK FIRST TIME OUT - "It was only the first time the event had been held, but there was no doubt at all that Monaco�s World Plastics Summit 2022 was a blockbuster success in bringing together top minds from across the globe to address one of the world�s most pressing problems."
• Country Overshoot Days 2022 - "The calculated illustrative calendar date on which humanity's resource consumption for the year exceeds Earth�s capacity to regenerate those resources that year."
• Panic at the supermarket as Shanghai forces residents into lockdown - "The two-phase lockdown - which saw the eastern half of the city close at 5 a.m. Monday for four days of mass-testing, with the western half to follow on Friday - comes as Shanghai emerged as the new epicenter of China's worst outbreak of Covid-19 in two years, reporting a record 3,500 cases on Sunday."
• Putting your Covid diagnosis on blast is no longer a thing - "Contracting Covid will no longer be something to shout from the rooftops about, while simply getting on with life will be something to cheer."
• Russian oligarchs: Where do they hide their 'dark money'? - "For decades, Russian oligarchs have moved billions of dollars of ill-gotten money abroad, putting it in shell companies to make it extremely hard to trace. Now, countries around the world are taking steps to track it down."
• Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway is making a huge bet on this oil company - "Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate and investing firm run by billionaire Warren Buffett, increased its ownership stake in Occidental Petroleum to nearly 15% this week."
• Melbourne to Dallas in 17 hours: Qantas announces latest ultra long-haul flight to US - "As global travel continues to reopen in 2022, there will soon be another addition to the 'world's longest flights' list - a direct route between Melbourne, Australia and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) operated by Qantas."
• More than 5,000 worlds exist beyond our solar system. There could be billions more - "NASA has confirmed that we know of more than 5,000 worlds outside of our solar system. It's a groundbreaking moment for the fairly young field of exoplanet science - and experts estimate that there are likely billions of exoplanets waiting to be found."
• why do restaurants give us bread at the start of the meal? - "'Because more food is eaten. Bread causes a glucose and insulin spike, which results in you eating more and subsequently a blood-sugar crash 90 minutes later, so you are also more likely to order dessert.'" Readers reply.
• The 10 strangest artefacts in Australian museums - sorted - "From a hangman�s journal to �The Poo Machine�, here are some weird, unnerving and oddly touching objects in museums around the country."
• A new start after 60: I worked in a tiny office for 30 years - then I took up falconry & am out in rain, shine & cold� - "After decades working in IT, with a window overlooking a car park, Mitch Law took redundancy and now watches his Harris hawk soaring in the wind."

March 27, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Zelenskiy calls on west for planes and tanks; Biden says �butcher� Putin cannot remain in power - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Dubai throws open the doors for the rich Russians escaping sanctions - "Red carpet for rich Russians: Why oligarchs escaping sanctions are heading for Dubai. Roman Abramovich said to be among those looking for a luxury base in the UAE, which is unafraid to snub the west."
• Ukraine war: Chernobyl�s vodka producer remains defiant - "It started with 'Chernobyl moonshine'. Scientists who were studying crops grown in the Chernobyl exclusion zone decided to use some of their leftover grain to produce alcohol."
• oscar nominees 2022 | 94th Academy Awards - Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
• How to Watch the 2022 Oscars - on TV or Online - "Viewers can live stream the ceremony on abc.com or with the ABC app by signing in with your TV provider. You can also tune in to the proceedings via Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV, DirecTV, or FuboTV - most of which offer free trials."
• Oscars 2022: Hollywood gears up for its biggest night - "Hollywood is gearing up for its biggest night of the year, as the stars get ready to attend the 94th Academy Awards in Los Angeles later."
• Who�s Performing at the 2022 Oscars? Your Guide to the Night�s Events - "On March 18, Oscars producers Will Packer and Shayla Cowan announced that an 'all-star band' including Travis Barker, Sheila E., pianist Robert Glasper, and the evening�s music director, Adam Blackstone, would be on hand during the broadcast, as would DJ D-Nice. A few days later, the Academy revealed additional performers, covering four of the five best-song nominees: Beyoncé will sing 'Be Alive' from King Richard; Sebastián Yatra will sing 'Dos Oruguitas' from Encanto; Reba McEntire will sing 'Somehow You Do' from Four Good Days; and Billie Eilish will sing her James Bond anthem, 'No Time to Die,' with Finneas."
• Going for gold: where to stream the 2022 Oscar contenders - "In the run-up to Sunday�s awards ceremony, here are the films, shorts and documentaries tipped for a statuette - most of which can be found online."
• 70 Incredible Forgotten Photos From Oscar Nights Past - "Ahead of Oscar night 2022, immerse yourself in vintage photographs that capture the magic of Hollywood�s biggest night - from Cindy Crawford in full bombshell mode as Richard Gere�s date, to a red-carpet appearance from a young Lily Collins."
• 19 of the Best Oscars Beauty Looks of All Time - "Dakota Johnson made her Academy Awards debut with a bold red single-strap Saint Laurent gown offset by a youthful ponytail, a smudged smoky eye, and a simple wash of lip stain. Both Natalie Portman and Lupita Nyong�o found timeless winning looks via a glowing d�colletage echoed by a thin, shimmering headband. Gwyneth Paltrow was ever the minimalist with a simple, side-slicked chignon. Zendaya complemented her rose-hued glow with a cascade of hip-skimming waves that fell all the way down her back to mermaid-like effect. And Lauren Hutton�s golden glow and laid-back waves were the stuff of naturalist dreams. From Elizabeth Taylor�s bold brows and expertly delineated lipstick to Winona Ryder�s �20s-inspired pixie, here, 19 beauty moments to inspire this year�s Academy Awards attendees - and proof that you don�t have to take home an Oscar to go down in red carpet history."
• 'The most glamorous, radical and scandalous' Oscar looks & the stories behind them - "New book reveals real stories behind history's most unforgettable Oscar looks."
• Razzies: Diana the Musical named worst film at the awards - "Netflix�s filmed version of a Broadway show based on the Princess of Wales joins Jared Leto, LeBron James and Bruce Willis as the evening�s �winners�."
• Biden Administration Plans to Offer Second Booster Shots to Those 50 & Up - "After fraught discussions, officials decided that another shot might save thousands of lives if a new coronavirus wave hit before the fall. The F.D.A. could authorize the boosters next week."
• A superyacht is a terrible asset - "Russians hold a disproportionate number of the biggest ones."
• Take a closer look at Russian oligarch's $700 million superyacht that is one of the largest in the world - "Roman Abramovich is seemingly scrambling to avoid sanctions from the UK by moving his superyachts. One of those is The Eclipse, which cost $700 million to build and was once the biggest in the world. That yacht was once in New York City and we took some photos."
• Why Superyacht Owners Are Planting Verdant Gardens on Their Boats - "From the practical to the aesthetic, the benefits of having a yacht garden are bountiful."
• Drinking coffee could benefit your heart & help you live longer, research finds - "Contrary to worries among some doctors and the public, drinking coffee may actually protect your heart instead of causing or worsening heart problems. Drinking two to three cups of coffee daily has been associated with a 10% to 15% lower risk of getting heart disease, heart failure or a heart rhythm problem, or dying early for any reason, according to three research abstracts published Thursday."
• The Best White Jeans to Wear This Spring & Summer - "Whether you subscribe to the notion that white is meant to be worn in the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day, or you live for a winter white, ochre, and pristine ivory ensemble, the facts remain the same: white jeans are essential in any wardrobe."
• The Verge�s favorite pet tech - "Some of the gadgets we use to keep our dogs and cats comfortable, fed, and amused."

March 26, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Zelenskiy hails �powerful blows� by Ukrainian army as Russia hints at scaling back offensive - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• J.K. Rowling hits back at Putin after he likened Russia to her in rant against cancel culture - "J.K. Rowling has hit back at Vladimir Putin after the Russian President compared the West's treatment of his country to a public backlash faced by the Harry Potter author. In a message shared on her Twitter account on Friday, the writer said critiques of cancel culture are 'not best made' by those 'slaughtering civilians.'"
• Inside GRACEFUL Yacht - Blohm Voss - 2014 - 82m - Owner Vladimir Putin - "The Graceful yacht was built by Blohm & Voss in 2014. The superyacht is designed by H2 Yacht Design. Her owner is reportedly Vladimir Putin."
• Inside Putin's Secret $1 Billion Mansion - "An inside look at Vladimir Putin's secretive $1 billion dollar palace." YouTube 6:34.
• Louis Vuitton�s latest jewellery collection features controversial letter �Z� that attracts online condemnations & criticisms - "Z has gone from a military marking to the main symbol of public support for Russia�s invasion of Ukraine."
• oscar nominees 2022 | 94th Academy Awards - Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
• Oscars 2022: Who will win & who should? - "The Power of the Dog is the favourite for several awards - but there are bound to be a few surprises. Nicholas Barber and Caryn James give their predictions for the big categories."
• Everything We Know So Far About The 2022 Oscars - "From the date and venue to the nominees, this is your cheat sheet for the 94th Academy Awards."
• Netflix has a new 40-minute documentary that's Oscar nominated & 100% on Rotten Tomatoes - "The latest must-watch Netflix documentary tells an important story, with some stunning visuals."
• 13 Celebrities Who Have (Surprisingly) Never Won an Oscar - "An actor that you could swear is drowning in Academy Awards actually has no wins to their name. Is it fair? No. Should you and all the attendees at your Oscars party fight for hours about why these actors actually deserve the industry�s biggest awards? Yes."
• 48 Oscar-Nominated Movies You Can Stream Right Now - Vogue.
• 51 best Oscars red carpet dresses of all time - "The Academy Awards are one of the most-watched red carpet events in the world (along with the Met Gala, of course)."
• Was this the worst night in Oscars fashion history? - "This week marks two decades since Hollywood served up one of its worst-received red carpets of all time. On a night of big wins for 'A Beautiful Mind' and the first 'Lord of the Rings,' 2002's Academy Awards were - in true Y2K style - awash with spaghetti straps, visible midriffs and shapeless eveningwear."
• 52 Places for a Changed World - "The 2022 list highlights places around the globe where travelers can be part of the solution." The New York Times.
• How sanctions on Russia are shaking up the superyacht world - "Superyachts have been making headlines for all the wrong reasons in recent weeks as more and more vessels linked to Russian oligarchs are temporarily frozen."
• Museums Are Cashing In on NFTs - "There�s money to be made, though most institutions are wary of getting involved."
• There Is No Upside to an 8 A.M. Meeting - "The Early Bird in your office may do as he pleases, but he should not demand that you join him."
• The epic attempts to power planes with hydrogen - "During the Cold War, both the US and USSR researched liquid hydrogen as a way to fuel aircraft. Could this cleaner fuel finally be around the corner?"
• �Don�t get rid of your old Lego!�: Ryan �The Brickman� McNaught�s unlikely rise to fame - "McNaught is famous for his mastery of a toy. Now he�s got a following among �Adult Fans of Lego� - and an exhibition made of more than 6m pieces."
• Jacob & Co. Launches NFT Collection Of Digital & Physical Watches Inspired By The Metaverse - "Jacob & Co. is reentering the digital space with the launch of a new NFT and physical watch collection that takes full advantage of the metaverse. The collection, 'Astronomia Metaverso,' was created in partnership with UNXD, an NFT marketplace for luxury and culture. Appropriately, the collection builds upon Jacob & Co.�s storied Astronomia line, with its myriad depictions of the universe, while extending it into a digital, crypto-native future."

March 25, 2022

• Ukraine war latest news: sanctions �a little late� Zelenskiy tells European Council; Biden to visit Poland - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Questions swirl over whereabouts of Russia's defense minister - "Shoigu, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, has kept a low profile recently despite having a leading role in Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The independent investigative Russian outlet Agentstvo reported Wednesday that Shoigu was in poor health, citing anonymous sources in the ministry."
• The number that puts Vladimir Putin at risk - "The official Soviet death toll during the Afghan War, which lasted more than nine years, was around 15,000 soldiers. It is therefore quite telling that the Russians may have already lost as many 15,000 soldiers in just one month in Ukraine, according to estimates given to CNN by senior NATO officials."
• Russia considers accepting Bitcoin for oil & gas - "Russia is considering accepting Bitcoin as payment for its oil and gas exports, according to a high-ranking lawmaker. Pavel Zavalny says 'friendly' countries could be allowed to pay in the crypto-currency or in their local currencies. Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he wanted 'unfriendly' countries to buy its gas with roubles."
• �We�re going back to a USSR�: long queues return for Russian shoppers as sanctions bite - "After an hour and a half queuing for sugar, or worse still fighting for it in a market, Russians are feeling the effect of shortages caused by an unprecedented cutoff from the world."
• Want to talk? FBI trolls Russian Embassy for disgruntled would-be spies - "Recruitment ad hits social media feeds of mobile phones located outside or inside the diplomatic compound."
• 9 fossil fuel companies sent more than $15B in taxes to Russia since it annexed Crimea, NGOs say - "These fossil fuel companies sent more than $15B in taxes to Russia since it annexed Crimea, NGOs say. The groups, Global Witness, Greenpeace USA and Oil Change International, used data from the Oslo-based Rystad Energy, an independent energy research firm, to calculate how much money oil and gas companies based in North America and Europe had sent to the Russian state. They looked only at companies with exploration and production operations in Russia."
• Great Barrier Reef authority confirms unprecedented sixth mass coral bleaching event - "Aerial surveys show almost no reefs across a 1,200km stretch escaping the heat, prompting scientists to call for urgent action on climate crisis."
• The world�s forests do more than just store carbon, new research finds - "New data suggests forests help keep the Earth at least half of a degree cooler, protecting us from the effects of climate crisis."
• Satellite data shows entire Conger ice shelf has collapsed in Antarctica - "Nasa scientist says complete collapse of ice shelf as big as Rome during unusually high temperatures is �sign of what might be coming�."
• Flights are taking huge 'detours' around Russian air space. Here's what that means for the climate crisis - "Since Russia closed its airspace to airlines from dozens of countries at the end of February - in response to sanctions levied for its invasion of Ukraine - about 400 flights per month that had previously been routed over the country are being forced to take a wider berth, according to Flightradar24."
• Venice hotel guests issued with water pistols to shoot gulls - "Hoteliers find a solution to marauding birds that have become an increasing problem for guests dining al fresco."
• 7 Things You Need To Know About The New $5 Billion �Moon� Resorts Coming To Planet Earth - "Only 12 people - all white males�have ever set foot on the Moon. So why not build four mini-Moons on planet Earth so 10 million people can visit a mock-up lunar surface each year? That�s the visionary idea behind 'Moon,' a truly spherical 735 feet/224 meters high construction designed to be a unique and luxurious destination resort. Primed to cost $5 billion to construct, it�s the work of Moon World Resorts Inc. (MWR), a Canada-based architectural design and intellectual property licensor."
• Age gaps: The relationship taboo that won't die - "Societies are increasingly progressive; today, many people accept that love presents in many ways. So why do people still judge couples who are many years apart?"
• What stops people from being kinder? - "The Kindness Test is the world's largest survey on what it means to be kind. It's shed light on the barriers that stop us being kind - but also that empathy truly is international."
• �He helped shape the modern world�: gif inventor Stephen Wilhite dies after getting Covid - "He created the image file format that defined an internet culture for decades in 1987 while working at CompuServe."
• Nicolas Cage Can Explain It All - "He is one of our great actors. Also one of our most inscrutable, most eccentric, and most misunderstood. But as Cage makes his case here, every extraordinary thing about his wild work and life actually makes perfect ordinary sense."
• Liv Ullmann: �I ran after Greta Garbo in the street. She outpaced me� - "The actor and director answers your questions on how Ingmar Bergman changed her life, her feelings at receiving an honorary Oscar, and holidaying at a leper colony in Japan."
• �Jay-Z needs to decide which side he�s on�: Chateau Marmont workers to picket star�s Oscars after-party - "Jay-Z and Beyonce�s ultra-exclusive post-Oscars bash runs afoul of a worker boycott of the famed hotel, which laid off hundreds when the pandemic hit."
• Jeffrey Epstein�s Two Private Islands In The Caribbean List For $125 Million - "First reported by The Wall Street Journal, the pair of properties includes Great St. James and Little St. James. Great St. James is the larger of the islands, encompassing nearly 165 acres and situated near St. Thomas, and is fairly untouched. Little St. James, spanning roughly 72 acres, has a main residence, four guest houses, a helipad, private dock, gas station, three private beaches, two pools and a gym. The island, the same location where it was reported that underage girls were forced into sexual servitude, also has a flamingo-laden lagoon, library, cinema, and cabanas. The island also has a mysterious striped temple-like structure, and it�s unclear what the building�s purpose was."
• 10 new spectacular HQs in China designed by international architecture firms - "From Shenzhen to Beijing, the economic power of Chinese companies is represented through the spectacular 'globalized' architectures of Zaha Hadid Architects, Foster + Partners, BIG and others."
• Ambitious plans unveiled for a libertarian city in the metaverse - "One of the most prominent architecture firms in the world is designing a new metaverse - a virtual city that hopes to be a libertarian utopia. Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has revealed renderings of the 'cyber-urban' Liberland metaverse, a small virtual city made of futuristic, curving buildings in the architectural style that made the late architect's firm famous. When complete, it will offer users the ability to traverse the hub as an avatar, and feature a city hall, collaborative working spaces, shops, business incubators, and a gallery for NFT art shows. The community it hopes to foster will have a focus on self-governance as well as fewer rules and regulations."

March 24, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest news: Zelenskiy expects �meaningful steps� at Nato, EU and G7 summits; reports Berdyansk port on fire - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• One month on: how a tragedy has unfolded in Ukraine - "Russia�s failure to score a quick victory has led to a grimmer phase of the war, and much still hangs in the balance."
• US formally accuses Russia of war crimes in Ukraine - "Blinken cited �indiscriminate attacks and attacks deliberately targeting civilians, as well as other atrocities�."
• Russia's cost of living soars by more than 14% - "On Wednesday, Russia's economic ministry said annual inflation had jumped 14.5% in the week ending 18 March - the highest level since late 2015. The Federal State Statistics Service said the cost of sugar rose by as much as 37.1% in certain regions of the country and increased by an average 14%."
• MONACO YACHTING COMPANY AT CENTRE OF PUTIN YACHT REPORTS - "A yacht management and brokerage company with headquarters in Monaco has been thrown into the spotlight as speculation grows over the ownership of the Scheherazade, currently moored in Italy and reputed to belong to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin."
• How Europe Got Hooked on Russian Gas Despite Reagan�s Warnings - "A Soviet-era pipeline, opposed by the president but supported by the oil and gas industry, set up the dependency that today helps fund the Russian assault on Ukraine."
• Dumping vodka, banning Dostoevsky: some anti-Russian protests are empty gestures - "From cracking down on cultural figures to renaming food, disgust with Putin risks shifting into xenophobia. The reality is less than 1% of US vodka imports are actually made in Russia. Stolichnaya - which rebranded as Stoli this month - is produced in Latvia and was founded by a Putin critic who was exiled from Russia in 2000. Svedka? Made in Sweden. Smirnoff? Made in the USA."
• European countries now battling Covid BA.2 variant lifted restrictions too 'brutally,' WHO warns - "Several European nations are facing a new spike in Covid-19 cases because they scrapped pandemic restrictions too soon, a senior World Health Organization (WHO) official has warned. The coronavirus is back on the rise in 18 European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Germany, Hans Kluge, WHO's regional director for the continent, told reporters Tuesday."
• Fight Alzheimer's in your mid-30s by tracking these warning signs - "Having high cholesterol and blood sugar in your 30s may raise your risk for Alzheimer's disease decades later in life, according to a new study."
• 11 Most Exciting New Yachts at the Palm Beach International Boat Show - "From a $71 million, 206-foot superyacht to a 30-foot offshore dual console, this year's PBIBS has something for everyone."
• Maserati unveils new SUV - "Meet Maserati's new SUV Grecale. Maserati unveiled its new SUV Grecale only the second SUV in the Italian luxury brand's history. An all-electric version, releasing next year, will be the company's first EV SUV."
• Why the oldest jokes are still funny - "The jokes that have made people laugh for thousands of years. The phrase 'the old ones are the best ones' might not always be true. But some of the oldest jokes in history are still in use today. What makes a good joke? It�s worth going back a few thousand years to find out."
• Machu Picchu: Inca site �has gone by wrong name for over 100 years� - "Peruvian historian and US archaeologist say the pre-Columbian town was called Huayna Picchu by the Inca people."
• �He raids the bin & eats the cat�s food!� - the dangerous rise in obese pets - "A staggering 78% of vets say they have seen a rise in worryingly overweight pets in recent years, and lockdown has only made things worse. Could social media�s obsession with chonky cats and podgy pooches be to blame?"
• HBO Max adds a shuffle button to help you find something to watch - "Streaming made easy."

March 23, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest news: humanitarian convoy seized near Mariupol, says Zelenskiy, as he decries �constant bombing� of city - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Oligarch linked to billions in 27 Swiss bank accounts in sister�s name - "Leaked documents raise questions over financial relations between relatives of billionaire ex-Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov."
• Putin Made a Profound Miscalculation on Ukraine - "Ukraine is once again at the center of a potentially global conflict. World War I, as the historian Dominic Lieven put it, 'turned on the fate of Ukraine.' World War II, according to the legendary journalist Edgar Snow, was 'first of all a Ukrainian war.' Now the threat of a third world war hinges on what could happen in Ukraine."
• �Mysterious�: the $700m superyacht in Italy some say belongs to Putin - "Activists linked to Alexei Navalny believe the Scheherazade is owned by the Russian president. For several months, the mysterious 140-metre-long, six-floor superyacht has towered over the smaller boats in the shipyard in Marina di Carrara, a town on Italy�s Tuscan coast, arousing chatter among its people over the identity of its wealthy owner."
• Friends beg Putin�s lover Alina Kabaeva to persuade him to end the war - "Friends of Vladimir Putin�s 'Eva Braun,' Alina Kabaeva, are begging her to go to Moscow to persuade him to end the war - as she faces expulsion from Switzerland."
• Chechnya�s losses in Ukraine may be leader Ramzan Kadyrov�s undoing - "Putin�s ally needs to show enemies at home and abroad his strength, but needs his forces intact to prop up his brutal rule."
• How protected are we against Covid-19? Scientists search for a test to measure immunity - "Millions of Americans - not just those with weakened immune systems - are wondering about their protection after a winter of booster shots and Omicron infections. As mask mandates are lifted and restrictions removed in a step toward normalcy, a test to measure immunity would be a powerful tool to measure individual risk."
• What an expert says about the new BA.2 Omicron variant & whether it should affect your plans - "A subvariant of Omicron, BA.2, is leading to a new wave of Covid-19 infections across Europe. Cases in the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and other countries are going up, driven by this very contagious coronavirus strain."
• Who�s Performing at the 2022 Oscars? Your Guide to the Night�s Events - "After last year�s hostless Academy Awards ceremony - a situation that befuddles me every time (give us Billy Crystal back! We�ve earned it!) - things will look rather different at the 2022 Oscars on Sunday, March 27, with not one, not two, but three hosts helming the mic and a slew of presenters joining them to hand out awards. Get all the details on the famous faces due to appear at this year�s Oscars here."
• Why this Chinese tea costs more than $184,000 per kilogram - "The Niu Lan Keng Rougui, a rare variety of Rougui tea from a valley brook of the same name in the Wuyi Mountains. The retail price? HKD36,000 ($4,560) for 25 grams, or $184,615 for a kilogram, at the time of writing. Enjoying one brew of the tea at the restaurant costs HKD28,000 ($3,577). o put this into context, a small 150-200 ml pot of tea is usually made with about five grams of tea leaves."
• Inside London's new $25B 'Super Tube' - "When fully opened, the new Elizabeth Line - better known as Crossrail - will make that Canary Wharf to Heathrow journey just 38 minutes. That's slashing it from at least an hour on the current underground system or about double that in a taxi, even in normal levels of traffic."
• �The casino beckons�: my journey inside the cryptosphere - "Not all cryptocurrency investors fit the cliches. Many are people looking to somehow claw their way out of a life of constant struggle."
• Top 5 Largest �Must-See� Yachts At The 2022 Palm Beach Boat Show - "When it comes to yacht shopping in the United States (and easily being able to go aboard some of the world�s largest and most recognizable yachts that are for sale and/or available for charter), the Palm Beach International Boat Show that�s taking place along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach, directly across the Intracoastal Waterway from Palm Beach Island will be the place to be this weekend."
• Vivien Leigh & Laurence Olivier�s Turbulent Relationship, Retold With Compassion - "In 'Truly, Madly,' Stephen Galloway writes about one of the 20th century�s most glamorous couples, training an eye on Leigh�s mental health struggles."
• Bulgari Unveils Thin-As-A-Dime World Record Setting Octo Finissimo Ultra Watch - "Bulgari has been setting world records throughout the past decade, but this newest one - the 8th world record timepiece for the brand - shatters all the other records. The newest Octo Finissimo Ultra watch is the thinnest mechanical watch in the world. It measures just 1.8mm thick (the entire cased watch, not just the movement - meaning that it is just slightly thicker than the very thin American dime."
• The best Dolby Atmos scenes from the 2022 Oscar nominees to test your home cinema sound - "We run down our favourite scenes from this year�s Oscar nominees for best sound." What Hi-Fi?.
• Real-life �Succession�: LVMH�s billionaire owner Bernard Arnault to extend his tenure as CEO with his 5 kids in the running to take over - "In a regulatory filing, LVMH said it would seek to raise the age limit for its chief executive officer from 75 to 80 at its next annual general meeting. Arnault, who just celebrated his 73rd birthday this month, has run the company for almost four decades."

March 22, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war: Zelenskiy urges talks with Putin; Biden flags �clear sign� Russia considering chemical weapons - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• $17bn of global assets linked to 35 Russians with alleged ties to Putin - "International collaboration tracks wealth of oligarchs and officials accused by western governments of being president�s supporters."
• Russian asset tracker - "Introducing a project to track down and catalogue the vast wealth held outside Russia by oligarchs and key figures close to Russian President Vladimir Putin." OCCRP.
• Putin sports $14000 designer jacket during pro-war rally - "He teamed the jacket with a £2,400 roll-neck sweater by Italian brand Kiton. Putin is also a fan of a £8,800 black Blancpain Grande Date Acqua Lung watch. He has also been spotted in a £605 pair of Loro Piana suede trim trainers."
• Zelensky calls out NestlÉ over its ties to Russia - "'Good food. Good life.' This is the slogan of Nestlé. Your company that refuses to leave Russia."
• China's zero-Covid policy shows signs of strain. But ditching it could be a disaster - "For nearly two years, China's daily Covid caseload rarely extended into triple digits, and often weeks went by without a single case."
• Omicron vs Zero-Covid: How long can China hold on? - "China and Hong Kong are seeing their largest spike in Covid cases in more than two years, despite determinedly pursuing one of the world's strictest virus elimination policies."
• What happened to the world's ozone hole? - "Back in the 1990s, the hole in the planet's ozone layer was a pressing global crisis - if we had ignored it, today there would be several."
• Ukraine war threatens global heating goals, warns UN chief - "António Guterres says countries seeking alternatives to Russian energy may increase use of fossil fuels."
• The big idea: can forests teach us to live better? - "Community, family, connection ... how trees could be the model for a new way of being."
• 'The Worst Person in the World' is going to the Oscars - "Joachim Trier ripped up the rom-com script with 'The Worst Person in the World.' He could win an Oscar for it."
• There are more than 5,000 worlds beyond our solar system, NASA confirms - "The latest addition of 65 exoplanets to the NASA Exoplanet Archive contributed to the scientific milestone marked on Monday. This archive is the home to exoplanet discoveries from peer-reviewed scientific papers that have been confirmed using multiple methods of detecting the planets."
• Lake Geneva as Shelley & Byron Knew It - "Switzerland is rarely thought of as a wild artistic center. Most of us recall the harsh verdict of Harry Lime, the character played by Orson Welles in �The Third Man,� who declared that the country�s most creative achievement was the cuckoo clock. It wasn�t always so."
• Frankenstein's monster inspires travel trail - "Frankenstein is a niche but growing attraction in Geneva, fueled by the bicentenary of the monster's creation. It was in June 1816, 200 years ago, that a group of five young people from England gathered in a villa overlooking Lake Geneva and tried to scare each other with ghost stories."
• Aberdeen to Penzance: the spectacular sights of Britain�s longest train journey - "The 13-hour train adventure offers epic snapshots of both cities and countryside."
• AnaÏs Nin�s Los Angeles Hideaway Still Keeps Her Secrets - "Shrouded by the pines of Silver Lake, the erotic writer�s minimalist, midcentury residence is a lasting monument to her life and legacy."
• This famous logo is hidden in paintings by Picasso & Manet - "Fascinating stories behind the world's oldest logos."
• How to Toilet-Train Your Cat - "Tired of an overflowing litter box? Charles Mingus has a pamphlet for that."
• Paws off: protecting clothes from your pets & what to do when you�ve failed - "From removing stray hairs to repairing chewed shoes, much can be done to fix pet-related wardrobe problems; but prevention is often better than cure."
• Orangutans use slang to �show off their coolness�, study suggests - "Primates come up with new �kiss-squeak� alarm calls that spread quickly through communities, research says. Whether it is the rapidly shifting patois of teenagers or curious words found long-buried in the local argot of a rural community, our vocabularies are shaped by our social environs. Now, it seems, such influences might also be at play among orangutans."
• She Sells Cookie Dough That�s Better for You - "Sabeena Ladha is the founder of Deux, a raw cookie dough that is vegan and gluten-free."
• The Global Restaurant Brand With The Million Dollar NFT Membership Club - "Suppose you�re looking for an NFT with perks at a restaurant that is already open for business. In that case, you�re in luck: Chotto Matte, the pioneering global Nikkei dining destination with locations in London, Toronto and Miami Beach (and upcoming outposts in Doha, Riyadh, San Francisco and Beverly Hills), recently announced it would release its first NFT this April."
• Lucid Air Dream Edition review - "1,111 horsepower of EV luxury."
• DJI�s newest drone can fly in heavy rain & has its own robotic dock - "The DJI Matrice 30 Enterprise isn�t a hobby drone, though."

March 21, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest news: Kyiv rejects Moscow�s deadline for Mariupol surrender; Biden to visit Poland - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• What are hypersonic missiles and why is Russia using them? - "Russia has deployed manoeuvrable Kinzhal missiles that can fly at 10 times the speed of sound."
• Closure of Russian airspace forces airlines to go polar - "Polar express: How airlines are plotting a new route to Asia."
• Covid restrictions easing across Europe despite surge in cases - "Germany to lift most controls despite daily record as cases also climb in Austria, Spain and France."
• Oscars 2022: Five ways the Academy is trying to stay relevant - "The 94th Academy Awards take place this Sunday. But with last year's viewing figures at an all-time low, organisers are under pressure to make the ceremony relevant again, particularly to younger audiences."
• �Basic Instinct� at 30: A Time Capsule That Can Still Offend - "The erotic thriller starring Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone was a big hit that set off protests in its day, and it�s easy to see why even now."
• How Ikea tweaked its products to woo India's shoppers - "To better understand Indian consumers, Ikea visited more than 2,000 households with varying incomes in different cities. It placed furniture, home furnishing accessories and kitchens in many homes and tested them to see how they fared in the country's hot, humid and dusty cities."
• Manolo Blahnik & Birkenstock: Why high fashion finds this functional footwear brand irresistible - "Famed luxury shoe designer Manolo Blahnik and Birkenstock have unveiled a 'proudly glamorous' collaboration that reimagines two classic styles from the German brand - known for cork-soled comfort - in bright jewel colors and opulent materials."
• Louis Vuitton luxury trainers that cost £960 are compared to £12.99 pair designed by budget supermarket Lidl - "Top brand Louis Vuitton has been accused by some fashion fans of taking inspiration from budget supermarket Lidl."
• Norway�s £500m National Museum to open after eight-year wait - "Located on Oslo�s western waterfront, the £500m museum will be the biggest in the Nordic region when it opens on 11 June. Yet its director, Karin Hindsbo, has felt sufficiently contrite to apologise for extensive delays that kept renowned artworks such as Edvard Munch�s most famous version of The Scream out of public view for years."
• Butler to the World by Oliver Bullough review - bent Britain at your service - "This unmissable history traces Britain�s cynical transition over 70 years from imperial power to kleptocrats� best friend."

March 20, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Mariupol art school sheltering 400 bombed, say officials - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Ukraine war: Western agents seek to get inside Putin's head - "Russia's leader Vladimir Putin is trapped in a closed world of his own making, Western spies believe. And that worries them."
• Russia denies cosmonauts board space station in Ukrainian colours - "Russia's space agency has rejected claims that three Russian cosmonauts boarded the International Space Station wearing Ukrainian colours, in a possible statement against the war."
• TikTok was �just a dancing app�. Then the Ukraine war started - "Many have called the invasion of Ukraine the world�s first 'TikTok war', and experts say it is high time for the short video platform - once known primarily for silly lip syncs and dance challenge - to be taken seriously."
• The destinations dropping all Covid rules for entry & more of the latest in travel - "This week at CNN Travel, we look at the countries dropping all their Covid-related rules for entry, innovative airplane cabin designs, new breathtaking bridges and why Finland is living its best life."
• Say hello to Horridus, one of the most complete Triceratops fossils found on Earth - "It's called Horridus, a name given to the specimen by its new owner Museums Victoria, Australia's largest public museum organization. The nickname is derived from its full name Triceratops horridus, and it lived 67 million years ago."
• The Most Unusual Celebrity Baby Names: Y, Gravity, Pilot Inspektor, and More - "Celebrities often opt for the unique when it comes to their children: take Ed Sheeran and his wife, Cherry Seaborn, who named their newborn daughter Lyra Antarctica, or Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost's son Cosmo. Then there's rocker Frank Zappa�s crew of bizarrely-bestowed children: Moon Unit, Dweezil, and Diva Thin Muffin. And how could we forget Apple Martin and Blue Ivy?"
• Julia Fox Teaches Us How to Get Her Uber Low-Rise Jeans in Under 4 Minutes - "Last night, Julia Fox stepped out in the sauciest take on the Canadian tuxedo known to man�the lowest low-rise jeans, a denim bandeau top, denim boots, and a denim handbag fashioned out of a pair of upside-down jeans by Alexander Wang. Though, if you want to get her same pants, you�ll have to put in some muscle. They were created by Fox herself, who helpfully posted a simple tutorial on her Instagram page."
• Kanye West barred from Grammys over �concerning online behavior� - "Kanye West has been barred from performing at the Grammy awards next month due to 'concerning online behavior', a representative for the rapper and designer said."
• The Real-Life Newport Mansions That Inspired The Gilded Age - "'Why does everyone need to go to Newport now?' grumbles Christine Baranski�s grand dame character, Agnes Van Rhijn, in episode eight of The Gilded Age. While 'everyone' is an overstatement (New York�s population at that point was around two million), in Rhijn�s elite circle, it very much felt that way: the 1880s were the decade when the Rhode Island hamlet became the summer spot for the era�s tycoons. Indeed, the HBO show spends the next 40-or-so minutes laying the groundwork for its inevitable rise - and while, yes, the show is very much a piece of historical fiction, much of showrunner Julian Fellowes�s plot actually does borrow from real-life events."
• How Irving Penn �changed the way people saw the world� - "Alastair Smart and Photographs specialist Rebecca Jones examine the legacy of a photographer whose elegant minimalism broke down boundaries - illustrated with works offered at Christie�s."
• Why collectors love ChÂteau Lafite Rothschild - "Château Lafite Rothschild is undoubtedly one of the world�s most prestigious and collectable wines. Tim Triptree MW helps explain why it�s so highly sought after." Christie's.
• Porsche is working on all-electric Macan & 718 vehicles - "The VW-owned automaker aims to have 80 percent of its sales be electric by 2030."
• How to get your grill ready for the outdoor season - "Tips on cleaning and, in some cases, updating your backyard cooking gear."
• Watch: Joaquin Phoenix & Ridley Scott spotted at Lincoln Cathedral during Napoleon filming - "Hollywood director Ridley Scott, famed for Gladiator, Blade Runner, Alien and more, is currently in the city for his latest film Napoleon, with the title role played by star of Joker and Walk The Line, Joaquin Phoenix."

March 19, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: Zelenskiy urges �honest� peace talks without delay; Russian forces tighten grip around Mariupol - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Russian oligarch�s yacht stuck in Norway as suppliers refuse to refuel - "Fuel sellers in Narvik say they will not sell to crew of Ragnar, which is owned by Vladimir Strzhalkovsky."
• Jewellery industry accused of silence over Russian diamonds - "Russian mines produce 30% of the world�s diamonds, and many of the globe�s largest jewellers remain tight-lipped about whether they will continue to buy the Russian gems as the war with Ukraine drags on. nsiders say current sanctions do nothing to halt flow of Russian gems to the west because majority are exported rough and get reclassified in India."
• Burger King franchise 'refuses' to close 800 Russian restaurants - "Burger King is trying to suspend its operations in Russia, but that's proving difficult. A business partner controlling 800 restaurants has 'refused' to close them, the company said."
• Roman Abramovich's jet among 100 planes grounded by US - "Nearly 100 planes with ties to Russia have been effectively grounded by the US government, including one owned by billionaire Roman Abramovich."
• Russia sets plan to steal $10 billion worth of foreign planes held in the country - "Russia has implemented a new law making it harder for foreign aircraft leasing companies to repossess their planes in the face of Western sanctions."
• russians have up to $213 billion stashed offshore in swiss banks - "Switzerland's secretive banks hold up to $213 billion of Russian wealth, the country's financial industry."
• A Guide To The Private Jets & Helicopters Owned By Sanctioned Russian Billionaires - "The aircraft are registered in offshore jurisdictions like the Isle of Man and Bermuda that are attempting to make it harder for the oligarchs to keep flying."
• How hackers, Arnold Schwarzenegger & the State Department are trying to pierce Putin's digital Iron Curtain - "The efforts echo Cold War-era radio broadcasts into the Soviet Union, but messaging apps and other free digital tools mean that an array of outsiders, from digital activists to Schwarzenegger, the Hollywood icon who posted a video addressing Russians on Thursday, can more easily join the campaign."
• Finland named world�s happiest country for fifth year running - "Experts say social support, honesty and generosity key to wellbeing, as Afghanistan and Lebanon struggle in global ranking."
• How should the world respond to the next pandemic? - "As the WHO mulls when to call the Covid pandemic over, attention is turning to the future."
• Could Ukraine war help end west�s reliance on hydrocarbons? - "Russian invasion diverts attention but may ironically help push world towards cleaner future, say experts."
• Is This 663-Foot-Long Concept Design The �Superyacht Of The Century?� - "Here�s a question. How many people do you think can actually comprehend just how big a 663-foot-long private superyacht is? Can you? In fact, I�m not sure even I can even though I�ve been writing about the world�s largest and most over-the-top superyachts for a while now!"
• These airplane cabin designs could be the future of flying - "The airplane cabin designs shortlisted for the 2022 Crystal Cabin Awards."
• Turkey opens record-breaking bridge between Europe & Asia - "President Tayyip Erdogan opened a massive suspension bridge across Turkey's Dardanelles Strait on Friday, the latest in a series of major infrastructure projects which he has prioritized during his two decades in power. Connecting Turkey's European and Asian shores, the 1915 Canakkale Bridge was built by Turkish and South Korean firms with an investment of €2.5 billion ($2.8 billion). It has the longest main span - the distance between the two towers - of any suspension bridge in the world."
• How vegan cheese is made without milk - "Much like the processes used to make dairy cheese, artisan vegan cheesemaker Tyne Chease leaves fermented cashews to age for up to two weeks,"
• Julia Roberts & Sean Penn Are Unrecognizable in the First Trailer for Gaslit - "Julia Roberts is a movie star through and through, which means that you don�t often see the Oscar-winning 54-year-old on the small screen. Of course, there are notable exceptions - that episode of Friends where she steals all of Chandler�s clothes; Amazon Prime�s Emmy-nominated Homecoming - but her next TV role is set to be her buzziest yet. In the upcoming Starz series Gaslit, the actor will play Martha Mitchell, the Arkansan socialite who was married to John Mitchell (Sean Penn), the U.S. attorney general under Richard Nixon, and became a controversial figure after sounding the alarm on the president�s involvement in the Watergate scandal."
• Canon EOS R3 vs Nikon Z9 | Digital Camera World - We take look at the key specifications of the Canon EOS R3 and Nikon Z9, two top pro cameras, to see how they compare.
• James Bond photographer Greg Williams designs new professional course - "007 photographer Greg Williams' interactive 20-part course is designed to help professionals elevate their business. Features of the course include lifting the veil on the business side of photography, with Greg's unique advice on the commercial and copyright aspects of the industry through invaluable insight and technical specifics."
• Here�s how the new Mac Studio compares to the rest of the Mac lineup - "Apple introduced an all-new Mac category with the Mac Studio landing as the most powerful machine yet with Apple Silicon. And until Mac Pro transitions from Intel, Mac Studio will become the go-to for many creative pros and other power users. However, with more choice comes more to consider and while it looks tempting, Mac Studio could be overkill for many. Let�s dive into Mac Studio vs the rest of the Mac lineup."

March 18, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest news: blasts heard in Lviv; Biden to warn Xi against backing Putin - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• What it means for Russia to default on its debt - "Russia is barreling toward a default on its foreign debt payments, threatening to plunge its economy deeper into crisis. For those of us who slept through their Intro to Macroeconomics class in college, let's unpack just what we mean when talk about this historic (and still potential) Russian default."
• Elon Musk Has an Original Idea to End Russian Invasion of Ukraine - "The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX has already multiplied his gestures of support for Ukraine, which Russia invaded more than two weeks ago."
• Arnold Schwarzenegger appeals to Russian people to reject Kremlin misinformation - "The Hollywood star said in the nine-minute video on Twitter that the Kremlin was intentionally lying to Russians by saying the invasion was intended to'denazify' Ukraine. Russia describes its actions as a 'special operation'."
• �Stealth� Omicron Is Stealthy No More: What�s Known About the BA.2 Variant - "The subvariant of Omicron is becoming more common in the United States but probably won�t cause another large spike."
• The world's happiest countries for 2022 - "Devastating loss of life and growing uncertainty have the world very much on edge, but there is a bit of good news for humanity: Benevolence is surging globally. That's one of the key findings of the World Happiness Report, a publication of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network that draws on global survey data from people in about 150 countries. Marking its 10th anniversary, the report looks at happiness around the world - the happiest nations, those at the very bottom of the happiness scale and everything in between, plus the factors that tend to lead to greater happiness."
• A fine-dining restaurant is serving meals in toothpaste tubes - "The Italian chef who puts lasagna in a toothpaste tube."
• Mike Tyson Is Making Pot Edibles in the Shape of a Bitten Ear - "The marijuana candies, called Mike Bites, recall the 1997 fight where Tyson bit a chunk out of Evander Holyfield's ear. The 1990s were crazy."
• Amazon closes $8.5 billion deal to acquire MGM - "James Bond is now an Amazon employee. The deal, which was first announced in May, brings MGM and its more than 4,000 films and 17,000 TV shows under the Amazon umbrella. None of which is bigger than the James Bond franchise, which has racked up billions of dollars over the past 60 years. The suave British spy's latest film, 'No Time to Die,' has earned more than $770 million globally since its October release."
• Peter Bowles: To The Manor Born actor dies aged 85 - "Actor Peter Bowles, famous for starring opposite Penelope Keith in BBC comedy series To The Manor Born, has died at the age of 85, his agent has confirmed."
• The Rolex Daytona Is No Longer A Watch - It�s The Ultimate Get-Out-Of-Jail-Free Card - "When your Cosmograph becomes a currency or even a commodity, it�s no longer just any old chronograph."
• Frank Lloyd Wright Left 660 Unbuilt Designs & an Innovative New Project Brings Three of Those to Life - "There are no new Mozart symphonies to hear or paintings by Mark Rothko to see. Part of the sadness that comes from learning that an artist is gone involves the absence of getting to experience something new from them. At least, that�s how things usually go. But every once in a while, a previously-unseen work by a renowned creator is uncovered, or an incomplete posthumous work gets a technological boost and finds its ending."

March 17, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: one dead in Kyiv missile strike; Kremlin anger after Biden calls Putin a war criminal - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Russia says it made a payment to avoid default - "Russia says it has ordered the $117 million in interest payments it owes Wednesday to be sent to investors, attempting to avoid its first international default in more than a century. But it's not out of the woods yet."
• A short list of Russian yacht seizures - "Russian oligarchs have been looking for ways to park their money outside Vladimir Putin�s control for a long time, and the tackiest method available to them is the megayacht - so obviously, there are a lot of them. It is remarkably satisfying to see the yachts get seized."
• Russia moves to seize hundreds of planes from foreign owners - "Russia is seizing hundreds of commercial jets owned by US and European leasing companies, a further sign of the challenges the country's airline industry faces due to sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine. Western aircraft makers such as Airbus (EADSF) and Boeing (BA) have already cut off Russian airlines' access to the spare parts they need to maintain and safely fly their jets. Russian airlines operate 305 Airbus jets and 332 Boeing jets, according to data provided by aviation analytics firm Cirium."
• Russia�s richest man may have avoided freeze on £1bn Tui shares - "Alexei Mordashov sold most of 34% stake in world�s biggest tourism operator to firm in British Virgin Islands."
• The western elite is preventing us from going after the assets of Russia�s hyper-rich - "Why has no progress been made on an international financial registry? One simple reason: wealthy westerners don�t want one." Thomas Piketty | The Guardian.
• Covid. War. Inflation. Recession fears. The stock market can't keep up - "It's been a year full of worries for investors, from geopolitical conflict to inflation to the pandemic, and it doesn't look like the concerns will ease anytime soon."
• How countries get their national identities - "The easiest route to a strong national identity is to unite behind a common enemy."
• Germany hits record Covid infection rate since start of pandemic - "Over past 24 hours 262,593 cases have been recorded, but with testing facilities at capacity, number could be higher."
• Great Barrier Reef hit by sixth mass bleaching event, leading coral scientist says - "One of the world�s leading coral scientists claims a sixth mass bleaching event is unfolding across the Great Barrier Reef, with official monitoring flights now under way all along the Queensland coastline. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) has confirmed monitoring flights are being conducted 'along the length and breadth' of the 2,300km world heritage reef."
• Can oysters save New York City from the next big storm? - "A new project aims to shore up the disappearing coastline of New York City�s Staten Island, while reviving a once famously thriving oyster population."
• �Scarface� Mansion In Montecito Lists For $40 Million - "Treasured homes along the California coast often come with a Hollywood connection. In Montecito, El Fureidis, a grand mansion most notably featured as the home and symbol of extreme wealth for Al Pacino�s titular character in the 1983 film Scarface, is now on the market for $39,995,000. Designed by celebrated architect Bertram Goodhue for real estate tycoon James Waldron Gillespie - who is said to have traveled to Montecito because of its likeness to the fair-weather climates of the Mediterranean - the 10-acre estate was completed in 1906."
• Elite sleepers: are you one of the people genetically programmed to need less sleep? - "New research shows those who need less than six hours� kip are at less risk of cognitive decline. And they could hold the key to a scientific breakthrough."
• iPad Air review: cheaper iPad Pro for the rest of us gets M1 power upgrade - "Stunning 10.9in tablet gets Apple�s top chip, long battery life and best-in-class smart video call camera."
• Supermodel Bella Hadid regrets having cosmetic surgery - "Supermodel Bella Hadid has confessed that she regrets having a nose job as a teenager. Gracing the cover of American Vogue's April issue, the supermodel said she wishes she had not gone under the knife at 14."
• Ancient sarcophagus found under Notre Dame cathedral in Paris - "Archaeologists said the lead sarcophagus probably belonged to a high dignitary and said it could date back to the 14th century, which - if confirmed - would make it a spectacular find."
• In pictures: 2022 Sony World Photography Awards - "The winners of the Open category of the 2022 Sony World Photography Awards have been revealed. More than 170,000 images were entered into this year's Open competition, with over 100 photographers shortlisted. Each winner will go on to compete for the overall Open Photographer of the Year title and a $5,000 prize. The overall winners in the Open, Student, Youth and Professional competitions will be announced on 12 April."
• The most remarkable Star Trek episode ever made - "The sci-fi franchise has ventured far and wide over its many decades - but it has never been bolder than when it travelled back to 1950s America and tackled anti-black racism head on."
• IWSC | IWSC International Wine & Spirit Competition: The Best Single Malt Scotch Of 2022 - "The International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) has just announced the results of the 2022 spirits judging. A total of 85, predominantly UK based, judges evaluated over 4,000 entrants across more than a dozen major spirit categories. In the Scotch whisky category, traditionally one of the competition�s largest and most competitive segments, a total of 38 single malt Scotch whiskies were awarded the coveted Gold Outstanding medal. The top three Scotch whiskies, each scoring 99 points out of a hundred, were, surprisingly, from two of Scotland�s lesser-known distilleries: Tomatin and Deanston."
• Netflix is testing ways to end password sharing & push viewers to pay extra - "Netflix is not only getting more expensive, it�s getting stingy."
• Audi A6 Avant E-tron concept is an elegant electric wagon that looks production-ready - "The latest concept EV from the German automaker. The A6 Avant E-tron is the first 'completely tangible look at future production models' that will be built on the PPE platform, Audi Board Member for Technical Development Oliver Hoffmann said in a statement."
• Epson's latest laser projector promises 4K 120Hz output for $3,999 - "The LS11000 has many of the same features as the more expensive Pro Cinema LS12000."

March 16, 2022

• Ukraine-Russia war latest: Zelenskiy says peace talks are �more realistic�; three EU leaders vow support on Kyiv visit - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Marina Ovsyannikova: Russian journalist tells of 14-hour interrogation - "A Russian journalist has been fined and released after she protested against the war in Ukraine on a live TV news programme and made an anti-war video."
• Nordic countries wonder if they are next on Putin's list - "The West's almost unprecedented unity on sanctions, political and military action has left many in Europe, despite the horrors of Putin's war, optimistic that the continent will emerge from this better equipped to deal with security threats. Nowhere is this truer than in the three Nordic nations that sit on the Scandinavian Peninsula: Norway, Sweden and Finland. Both Norway and Finland share land borders with Russia, though Norway's is significantly smaller at under 124 miles, compared to Finland's 800-mile frontier. Norway, the Western-most of the three, is a member of NATO but is not in the European Union, while Finland and Sweden are in the EU, but not in NATO."
• Spain has seized Russian oligarch�s $140m superyacht in Barcelona, PM says - "Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez said �there will be more� after the seizure as the west targets Russia over its invasion of Ukraine."
• In China, 37 million people are in Covid lockdown. Here's what we know - "Tens of millions of people are living under lockdown in China, as the country battles its worst Covid-19 outbreak since the early days of the pandemic."
• Pfizer asks FDA to authorize 2nd Covid booster for people 65 & older - "If the FDA authorizes it, the additional shot would go to people who are among those with the highest risk of serious illness."
• What to Know About a Fourth COVID-19 Vaccine Dose - "Public health experts are leaning toward an additional booster dose for the COVID-19 vaccine, but only for certain people." TIME Magazine.
• The island nation that saved its ocean - "As tourism has impacted parts of Seychelles' environment, the island nation now aims to protect its 72 low-lying coralline 'Outer Islands' from development before it's too late. Made up of 115 islands dotting the Indian Ocean off East Africa, Seychelles is known as a global hotspot for biodiversity."
• How to recycle your used & unwanted gadgets - "Because you love the earth as much as you loved your iPhone, right? You're probably used to sorting your garbage into bins: green for paper or blue for plastic and glass. But when it comes to electronics, we're still used to selling those off or tossing them into the trash heap. Unfortunately, our gadget addiction has real consequences for the planet, making it imperative that we dispose of everything responsibly."
• China's White Rabbit candy is taking over the world - "How Shanghai's White Rabbit candy became a globally beloved brand. The candy, first manufactured in Shanghai in the 1940s, is known for its iconic red-white-and-blue packaging and beloved by kids all over China. And when Chinese people began emigrating all over the world, their love for the white, creamy candy went with them."
• 7 benefits of using a VPN (spoiler: it could save you money) - "We all regularly use the internet nowadays for a variety of different purposes. Whether it�s to keep in touch with friends and family, to work from home, or to conduct our banking and bill paying online, it�s important to be secure. One of the best ways to keep yourself secure and your activity private is to use a VPN."
• Best camera phone 2022 - "When it comes to the best camera phones, there are plenty of great options. Different smartphone manufacturers take different approaches to how best to capture great images which is why this list is so long. Before you dive in, think about if you need the lens overload and extensive zoom of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, or whether the point and shoot simplicity of the iPhone 13 Pro would suit you better. Alternatively, there's always the great software of the Google Pixel 6 Pro too."
• Apple iPhone SE Review: A Phone for the Anti-Consumer - Why spend more if you don�t have to? The new $430 iPhone meets all the criteria of what most of us need in a smartphone.
• Mac mini, iMac, Mac Studio - Which desktop Mac to buy at any pricepoint - "What desktop Mac you buy is an incredibly personal decision, driven by workflow as much as it is by financial considerations. Fortunately, there are wide varieties of machines you can buy at any price point. Here's how to pick."
• 5 ways to soothe a mind overstimulated by anxiety, stress & streams of information - "This Year, Try Spring Cleaning Your Brain."
• OK, but hear me out: the five best podcasts to change your mind - "Ready to refresh your brain? From reconsidering maligned public figures to reframing ideas around sex, there�s a podcast for that."
• It happened to me: I accidentally attended a crypto bro dinner - "At a Miami event, I found myself surrounded by a cult obsessed with minting bananas and trading Eth. Does it all mean anything?"
• Sun sets on Mexico�s paradise beaches as climate crisis hits home - "Rising sea levels and fierce storms threaten Quintana Roo�s coastline, and with it the ribbon of beach resorts and timeshares."
• Princess Charlene�s struggles with royalty exposed in throwback interview - "Princess Charlene of Monaco hasn�t just struggled with her health in recent days."
• Burkina Faso-born Kere First African to Win Pritzker Architecture Prize 2022 - "The Pritzker Prize, architecture's most prestigious award, was awarded Tuesday to Burkina Faso-born architect Diebedo Francis Kere, the first African to win the honor in its more than 40-year history."
• The Luxury Watch Market Presents Opportunities for the Savvy Investor - "The watch market has recently surprised even the most experienced watch experts."
• Answering The 'Dirty' Question - Is An Omega Speedmaster A Good Investment? - "Are you a flipper, or do you just want to make sure your money is well spent?"
• Jacob & Co Unveils $240,000 Batman-Inspired Gotham City Watch - "Working in collaboration with Warner Brothers Consumer Products and DC, Jacob & Co. unveils its newest horological hyper watch: Gotham City. Inspired by Bruce Wayne, aka, Batman, the 45.5mm watch features an artistic bat shaped dial outlined in bold yellow and a host of accents front and back that scream Batman."
• The private jet-inspired yacht concept that looks like a spaceship - "With more yachts being added to the global fleet than ever before, coming up with a concept that turns heads is no easy feat. However, the team at Lazzarini Design Studio have been doing their best to rise to challenge. Just months after unveiling a superyacht concept that can fly and sail, the Rome-based design company has released a new design for a futuristic vessel that wouldn't look out of place in a 'Star Trek' movie."
• Mercedes-Benz shows off the interior of the 2023 EQS SUV - "The optional 56-inch MBUX Hyperscreen steals the show once again."
• Manolo Blahnik Crystallizes Birkenstocks for His Most Memorable Collab to Date - "As far as collaborations go, Manolo Blahnik is not short of creatives lining up to work with him. (Remember the Rihanna tie-up?) But his latest is not perhaps the most obvious partner for the high-heel connoisseur who keeps Carrie Bradshaw in stilettos. Welcome to the world: Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock."
• Best Places to Order Cakes Online - "Cake makes everything better - all the more reason to get one delivered."

March 15, 2022

• Ukraine war: large explosions heard in Kyiv; Zelenskiy calls on Russian troops to surrender - latest news - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• News editor interrupts Russian TV in war protest - "A woman holding an anti-war sign ran on to the set of a Russian evening news programme on the state-controlled Channel 1 on Monday evening."
• Activists break into French villa of Putin�s daughter Katerina Tikhonova - "Group changes locks and declares house a shelter for Ukrainian refugees."
• iOS 15.4 Features: Everything New in iOS 15.4 - "Apple yesterday released iOS 15.4 and iPadOS 15.4, the fourth major updates to the iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 operating systems that first came out in September. iOS and iPadOS 15.4 are huge updates that bring quite a few useful new features to the iPhone and the iPad."
• It�s time to update your Apple Watch software with watchOS 8.5 - "After a few weeks of beta testing, Apple is releasing watchOS 8.5 to all Apple Watch users. Here�s what�s new with the software update."
• Hands-on: Here�s how to use iPhone�s Face ID With a Mask in iOS 15.4 - "Apple has delivered a lot with iOS 15.4 and one of the headlining features is the ability to officially use Face ID With a Mask. Support is also included for recognizing multiple pairs of glasses. Follow along for how to get going with the handy new feature."
• China Covid cases hit two-year high with millions in lockdown as outbreak spreads - "Nearly 90% of new infections in Jilin province, while tens of millions of people across the country remain confined to their homes."
• CDC adds 1 destination to 'very high' risk category for travel - the Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius.
• How Covid Changed Business Travel Forever - "Zoom meetings have fundamentally altered how and why people hit the road for work. Now 'bleisure' and 'return to base' are corporate travel buzzwords in the new normal."
• Are there more wheels or doors in the world? Why we can�t resist an internet debate - "Too many of us found ourselves hotly arguing about a pointless question last week. Why can�t we help wasting time on inconsequential online queries such as what colour is The Dress or how dogs would wear trousers?"
• Are NFTs really art? - "Collectible and cartoonish, these digital multiples, traded in cryptocurrency, confer membership of an exclusive club - sometimes literally. But do they have any aesthetic value? A critic weighs in."
• William Hurt obituary - "Acclaimed American stage and screen actor who starred in Body Heat, Broadcast News and Children of a Lesser God."
• US aircraft carrier that once collided with a Soviet sub sold for less than a dollar - "US aircraft carrier, USS Kitty Hawk, site of a 1972 race riot at sea, on way to scrapyard. It was once the biggest symbol of American military power in the Indo-Pacific, battle tested from Vietnam to the Persian Gulf and a survivor of a collision with a Soviet submarine."
• World's most delicious pancakes - "The traditional Christian feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday is celebrated as a chance to eat well before the 40 days of sacrifices in the lead-up to Easter."
• Pies around the world - sweet & savory pastries to celebrate Pi Day - "March 14 is Pi Day in honor of the first three digits of the mathematical constant (3.1415...). But it's also a flimsy, yet delicious, excuse to celebrate an enduring culinary concept: the many edible varieties of pie around the world."
• I transformed my sleep with a speaker that costs less than a deli sandwich - "Restless nights? You need to try an under-pillow speaker."
• Hennessy Unveils A $7,000 Bottle Designed By Legendary Architect Daniel Libeskind - "With his style of using sharp angles and asymmetrical planes, Architect Daniel Libeskind's designs have ranged from the new World Trade Center site to the Jewish Museum in Berlin and Denver Art Museum. His latest work however showcases a much smaller treasure, the redesigned bottle of Richard Hennessy, the cognac distiller's namesake tribute to its founder."
• How to clean your AirPods - And any other wireless earbuds you have.
• APPLE�S NEW IPHONE SE IS A MODERN PHONE STUCK IN YESTERDAY�S DESIGN - "Yesterday�s iPhone, today." Everything about the iPhone SE is designed for the next few years except for one very important component: the screen. More specifically, the thick bezels that border the 4.7-inch LCD on the top and bottom. It�s a tired design straight out of 2017 that makes an already-small screen feel even smaller than it could be. That�s a shame because, otherwise, the SE is a fantastic midrange phone. With a starting price of $429, it will give you an excellent return on your investment.
• How to master your equalizer settings for the perfect sound - "EQ settings can now be found in everything from phones and wireless speakers to home theater soundbars and streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music, but often in the form of safe presets such as 'Rock,' 'Hip-Hop,' or 'Bass Booster.' Understanding how exactly an EQ works and using it properly will put the power of sound-sculpting at your fingertips and can get you closer to the sound you want from your gear. But it can be intimidating, so we�re here to help with our top-to-bottom guide to mastering your equalizer for the perfect sound."
• Three Great Cameras in One. Leica M11 Review - "The Leica M11 is a fantastic camera that�s basically three cameras in one. Shooting at 60MP gets you tons of details. At 36MP, you�ll get a balance of details and a high dynamic range. At 18MP, you�ll get a small RAW file and lots of dynamic range. It also feels great in hand. But it�s also time for Leica to think about proper weather sealing, building in an EVF, and a new viewfinder style." The Photographer.

March 14, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest news: peace talks to resume; UK says Russian navy has blockaded Black Sea coast - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• Russian internet users are learning how to beat Putin's internet crackdown - "A digital Iron Curtain may be descending on Russia, as President Vladimir Putin struggles to control the narrative about his war in Ukraine. The Kremlin has already moved to block Facebook and Twitter, and its latest step in that direction came Friday as the government announced plans to block Instagram in the country, as well."
• Roman Abramovich 'fails to pay £10,000 rent to Queen' for land his mansion is on - "Chelsea's billionaire owner Roman Abramovich is unable to pay the Queen the £10,000 rent required for land on which his stunning £107million Kensington mansion is built."
• China shuts down city of 17.5m people in bid to halt Covid outbreak - "Authorities adopt a zero tolerance policy in Shenzhen, imposing a lockdown and testing every resident three times."
• Barack Obama announces positive test for Covid-19 - "Former president �had a scratchy throat but fine otherwise� Michelle Obama negative and both are boosted, tweet says."
• BAFTA Awards 2022: See the full list of winners - "The 75th British Academy of Film Awards were presented Sunday. The ceremony at London's Royal Albert Hall returned to an in-person event after going virtual in 2021 due to the pandemic. The Western drama 'The Power of the Dog,' directed by Jane Campion, won best film. The sci-fi film 'Dune,' which led nominations going into the night, won five awards."
• Oscar-winning actor William Hurt dies aged 71 - "Hurt won best actor Oscar for role in Kiss of the Spider Woman, before two more nominations for Broadcast News and Children of a Lesser God."
• The Godfather: Have we misunderstood America's greatest film? - "Fifty years after its premiere, Francis Ford Coppola's classic gangster movie is still considered one of the greatest artworks made about the US, but have we overlooked a key element, asks Nicholas Barber."
• Stonehenge was an ancient time-keeping system, archaeologist says - "The central axis of the megaliths was - and still is - aligned with the sunrise at midsummer and sunset at midwinter, the stones perfectly framing the rising and setting sun when days were at their longest and shortest."
• Blue-sky thinking: new rules allow digital nomads to work in the sun - "Setting up a remote �office� is a freedom many are now used to. So why not do it in a beautiful part of the world?"
• Peranakan food: A guide to one of Southeast Asia's most popular cuisines - "One of Southeast Asia's most interesting cuisines, Peranakan food is primarily found in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia."
• Asia's version of the 'greasy spoon' - "Hong Kong's 'greasy spoon' cafes. Serving up a rarely changing menu of quirky Canto-European concoctions, the cha chaan teng is at the heart of the city's singular cultural identity."
• The innovative surfing tech making waves - "With more than 35 million surfers around the world, the sport is big business. The industry is increasingly turning to technology for bigger, better and safer thrills."
• 11 Best Self-Tanning Drops for a Streak-Free, Sun-Kissed Glow - "Trick everyone into thinking you just got back from paradise - your secret is safe with us."
• THE MAC STUDIO IS MYTH FULFILLMENT - "The myth of xMac, the midrange Mac tower that never was. Apple�sApple�s announcement of the Mac Studio on Tuesday may have fulfilled a dream that some Mac users have been clinging to for a couple of decades. Finally, there�s a modular desktop Mac that�s more powerful than the Mac mini without carrying the Mac Pro�s high price tag."
• Compared: Mac Studio versus Mac Pro - "Apple's new Mac Studio is the company's most powerful Apple Silicon machine yet. Here's how it stacks up against the Mac Pro, Apple's most powerful Intel-based Mac to date."
• Why opposites don't attract in love & sex - "The old adage tells us opposites attract. Not only is it wrong - but it may be less true than ever."
• The Nordic way to stop bullying - "Bullying can make children's lives a misery and cause lifelong health problems - but scientists are discovering powerful ways to fight it."
• Princess Charlene back in Monaco - "In its statement the Palace said that the Princess will soon share special moments with Monegasques, as soon as her health allows. She will continue her convalescence in the Principality."
• 23 Tequila Drinks More Exciting Than A Basic Margarita - "From paloma cocktails to mezcalitas, here's what to make and order."
• How to enable or disable messages by category in Google Messages - "Categories not your thing? Disable them."

March 13, 2022

• Russia-Ukraine war latest: 20 people reportedly killed after military base near Polish border hit by missiles - live - The Guardian.
• Russia�s war in Ukraine: complete guide in maps, video & pictures - "What�s the latest? Where is fighting happening and how did we get here?"
• War has brought the world to the brink of a food crisis - "Two weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine, the prices of key agricultural products produced in the region have skyrocketed. The biggest problem is wheat, a pantry staple. Supplies from Russia and Ukraine, which together account for almost 30% of global wheat trade, are now at risk. Global wheat prices hit an all-time high earlier this week."
• Paris Fashion Week: How luxury fashion responded to the war on Ukraine - "A week of fashion shows in the French capital, against the backdrop of a full-scale crisis in Europe, saw symbolic gestures, quieter moments of reflection and pledges of financial support from a number of houses."
• Roman Abramovich: Rabbi investigated over Portuguese citizenship - "Mr Abramovich was granted Portuguese citizenship in April 2021 under a law that offered naturalisation to descendants of Sephardic Jews, who were expelled from the Iberian peninsula more than 400 years ago during the Inquisition."
• Italian authorities seize one of world�s largest superyachts from oligarch - "Sailing Yacht A, owned by Russian businessman Andrey Melnichenko, seized in Trieste on Friday evening."
• Saudi Arabia executes 81 men in one day - "Saudi Arabia says it executed 81 men on Saturday - more