Simple Hacks to Make the Holidays Merrier (and Cheaper)
Holiday tournament takeaways from around the Bloomington-Normal areaSubscribe to our newsletter Privacy Policy Success! Your account was created and you’re signed in. Please visit My Account to verify and manage your account. An account was already registered with this email. Please check your inbox for an authentication link. Support Independent Arts Journalism As an independent publication, we rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. If you value our coverage and want to support more of it, consider becoming a member today . Already a member? Sign in here. We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. If you value our coverage and want to support more of it, please join us as a member . Since our founding in 2009, Hyperallergic has always been at the forefront of social media, from finding our first home on Tumblr to becoming one of the first 10,000 adopters of Bluesky . As Hyperallergic ’s Media Producer, it’s my distinct pleasure to animate the rich material provided by our writers through videos on our social media platforms, where we can show footage from the ground during developing events, hear directly from experts, and sometimes reach new audiences across the web who wouldn’t have discovered our publication otherwise. Now, as more and more social media websites copy TikTok’s magnetically infinite scroll of vertical videos, we’ve found an audience of millions of netizens. Even though I’ve been at it for years now, the responses of new viewers never cease to surprise me. I mean, who knew that so many people would be as excited as I was about the highly nerdy study of brain activity in the frontal cortex of viewers gazing upon an original Vermeer? Or how the fading bromide pigment in Van Gogh’s “Irises” (1889) changed his flowers from purple to blue? In no strict order, here are 10 of our top social media video highlights from 2024, which include a mixture of our most popular posts with those that sparked the most electrifying conversations. Get the latest art news, reviews and opinions from Hyperallergic. Daily Weekly Opportunities AI finishes Keith Haring’s intentional “Unfinished Painting” At the beginning of 2024, a likely troll posted a version of Keith Haring’s haunting “Unfinished Painting” (1989) that had been “completed” by AI . It spurred an understandable outcry from those who were quick to remind netizens that Haring intended to show the painting as “unfinished” to represent the unbearable number of lives cut short by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Were we victims of a classic piece of Twitter rage-bait? Perhaps. Even so, it still led to a fascinating discussion on yet another unexpected ethical conundrum posed by AI art. Hundreds were outraged by a post that used AI to “complete” this painting by Keith Haring. Were they being baited for engagement? #ElonMusk #KeithHaring #AI #AIArt #QueerArtist Rembrandt Making Gold But while AI art lurks on the sidelines, the science of human-made art was the hottest topic of our videos this year. 1.5 million viewers tuned in to our YouTube short to learn how Rembrandt concocted glowing gold paint. (Don’t try it at home; it turns out to be a fairly toxic combination of arsenic sulfide mineral variants, lead-tin yellow, and vermillion). Van Gogh’s Irises And another 1.5 million learned how the bromide-red pigment in Van Gogh’s “Irises” faded in the sun over a century, making the titular flowers fade from purple to blue. The Rush for Leopard Highlighters In the fast-moving world of Stationary Arts news, many were as astounded as we were that French TikTok tweens were pranking millions of their followers into believing there was a “leopard print highlighter.” Some were rightly indignant when I asked what you even do with one of those, since it would obscure any words you tried to highlight. “For crafts! Duh!” I have to hand my maximalist ID card back in. I should have guessed! Hurricane Helene Social media videos aren’t all about fun facts. Days after Hurricane Helene claimed the lives of over 160 people in the Southeastern United States, I wrote to my friend Saro Lynch Thomason , a folk singer in Asheville, North Carolina, to ask if she had footage from the destruction near her home. She sent back videos of murky brown water flowing through the beloved River Arts district, two-thirds of which was destroyed in the storm. Based on Rhea Nayyar’s reporting of the catastrophe , we published a video stitching together Lynch Thomason ‘s first-hand experiences with photos of Hyperallergic contributor Hannah Cole ’s recently submerged studio. Jeffrey Burroughs, president of the River Arts District Artists association, used a rare moment of internet connection to send me his footage as well. In an interview for Hyperallergic , he said that the scene was “completely apocalyptic,” and that watching art supplies float down the river was like “watching the spirit of Asheville being washed away.” Protest at the Met Gala When it came to political activism, this year showed that there’s nothing like videotaping what’s happening from the scene. When a large pro-Palestine protest at which multiple people were arrested erupted outside of the Met Gala, News Editor Valentina Di Liscia was on the scene reporting live. As she expertly narrated the unfolding events, she shot a video showing hundreds of protesters — some dressed in finery that paralleled the decadence of the event. A post shared by Hyperallergic (@hyperallergic) On the Ground at Columbia University In early May, student protesters were arrested en masse at Columbia University. As the police swept the encampment and charged into Hamilton Hall, recently occupied by protesters who renamed it “Hind’s Hall,” student journalists were live on radio reporting on how they were blocked from leaving the building. Amidst the chaos, police also disallowed news crews within a four-block radius of the campus, raising concerns for many about what was unfolding that they didn’t want the press to record. Hyperallergic staff writer Maya Pontone was at the chaotic scene, and in a video we posted days later, shared her experiences about what she saw. A post shared by Hyperallergic (@hyperallergic) Palestine Roundup There were so many stories about Palestine in 2024, warranting a round-up of eight art world reactions to the suffering in Gaza. A post shared by Hyperallergic (@hyperallergic) The Demise of Philadelphia’s University of the Arts Many in the art world were shocked when the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, a 148-year-old institution, shut down without notice due to deep financial troubles. The students did not find out until after the information had already surfaced in a Philadelphia Inquirer article , and erupted in anger. We published a video from the scene featuring students who had just recently been left without a school to attend. While shooting the video, a planned town hall was suddenly canceled, to which the students responded with the chant “Cowards! Cowards!” A post shared by Hyperallergic (@hyperallergic) Richard Serra’s Lost Paris Sculpture When Minimalism legend Richard Serra passed away in March , author Michelle Young reported on how she stumbled upon his gigantic and much-maligned 1983 sculpture “Clara-Clara” in the back of a water plant-turned-storage facility in Paris. The piece had been installed and uninstalled three times in the city, following a loud outcry from its many critics, who disliked how it cut across their view of the Tuileries Gardens. Young joined us for a video interview on how she made the discovery, and spoke about how Paris might be looking for a future home for the piece. A post shared by Hyperallergic (@hyperallergic) We hope you enjoyed this article! Before you keep reading, please consider supporting Hyperallergic ’s journalism during a time when independent, critical reporting is increasingly scarce. Unlike many in the art world, we are not beholden to large corporations or billionaires. Our journalism is funded by readers like you , ensuring integrity and independence in our coverage. We strive to offer trustworthy perspectives on everything from art history to contemporary art. We spotlight artist-led social movements, uncover overlooked stories, and challenge established norms to make art more inclusive and accessible. With your support, we can continue to provide global coverage without the elitism often found in art journalism. If you can, please join us as a member today . Millions rely on Hyperallergic for free, reliable information. By becoming a member, you help keep our journalism free, independent, and accessible to all. Thank you for reading. Share Copied to clipboard Mail Bluesky Threads LinkedIn Facebook
Breakthrough technology sees how cholesterol causes heart attacks
Former Razorback running back named to Forbes '30 under 30' listWe generally tend to think of development in terms of high rise buildings, roads and other infrastructure. But this is a quite wrong picture, because development in any form cannot take place without education and also health. An educated, healthy workforce is the foundation for developing any country. The National People’s Power (NPP) in its Presidential and General Elections manifestos pledged to allocate more resources to develop education. True to its word, the NPP Government has decided to provide a grant of Rs.6,000 for purchasing school books and supplies, not only for children of Aswesuma recipients but also for children from other low-income families, before the end of this year. Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr.Harshana Suriyapperuma said the Education Ministry will lead the initiative to identify eligible children and ensure the successful implementation of this benefit. Speaking at a special media briefing at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC), the Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of supporting the younger generation, who are seen as the country’s future. He has highlighted the Government’s commitment to enhancing educational facilities to help these children achieve their targets. Therefore, all eligible children from low income families will receive the Rs.6,000 grant through a proper procedure. It is still not clear whether the amount will be remitted to parents’ accounts or issued in cash at a central point like the Divisional Secretariat office. This is a praiseworthy step, as there are many instances where children drop out of school due to poverty and the inability to purchase school essentials. The school supplies list for grades 1 to 9 grows longer every year, along with a corresponding increase in the price. Many parents from poor and middle class backgrounds cannot afford to spend such a big amount of money upfront to buy school goods. This problem is compounded in families with two or more children of school going age. Thus this Rs.6,000 assistance will be of immense benefit to these families in today’s tight economy. Sri Lanka has received a grant of 11.28 million meters of blue and white fabric required for school uniform materials for 2025, from the People’s Republic of China. Robe materials for Samanera Bhikkus at Pirivenas will also be provided. This is highly welcome at a time when Sri Lanka is still recovering from the economic meltdown of 2022. However, in view of the high tailoring costs for both boys’ and girls’ school uniforms, the Government has also proposed that sewn or readymade uniforms should be granted to all schoolchildren. This too will save a significant amount of money for parents, especially those who have more than one child attending school. Textbooks too have been provided free of charge to school students since the early 1980s. This too eased the financial burden on parents who would otherwise have to spend heavily on the recommended textbooks. The Government should explore the possibility of using the Valachchenai paper plant to produce exercise books and other stationery, which can hopefully be sold at reduced rates. Likewise, it should make arrangements with manufacturers to bring down the prices of shoes and socks used by schoolchildren. All Governments have been heavily subsiding fossil fuel for transport at enormous cost – maybe it would have been more beneficial to subsidise educational items which could have made a bigger impact in the long run. Talking of transport, it is vital to widen the Sisu Seriya school bus service and also formulate a practical fare structure for school vans, whose operators have been jacking up monthly fees willy nilly every time fuel prices are increased. The same enthusiasm generally evaporates when fuel prices are reduced. Nevertheless, the best answer is to develop all schools on an equal footing, so that the children can attend the nearest school on foot or by bicycle, minimising the need for motorized transport. With textbooks and education in general increasingly taking the digital route, the Government should seriously consider removing or reducing import duties and Value Added Tax (VAT) on tablets and laptops. During the Covid period when schools went online, students who did not have enough funds to get tablets and smartphones went without lessons while the others received full access. That sort of disparity should be eliminated from schools. At least the senior students doing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects should be provided with tablets or laptops on concessionary terms. In fact, Education Technology (ET) has evolved to become a standalone subject as old methods of teaching are discarded and new ones introduced. If given a choice between a static image and an animated clip to understand a lesson, students will be drawn towards the latter, which is easy to comprehend and remember. Whether we like it or not, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are also coming to education. Granted, there are pitfalls of using AI for and in education, but the benefits seem to be greater, at least in these nascent days of the technology. In any case, AI needs humans to work and our education system should be able to produce citizens who can still thrive in the age of AI.
FAU_FG Suarez 20, 10:36. CHAR_Blake 54 pass from Purdie (Rusnak kick), 8:38. CHAR_FG Rusnak 50, 6:52. CHAR_FG Rusnak 45, 8:59. FAU_Terrell 21 run (Suarez kick), 4:59. CHAR_FG Rusnak 20, :34. CHAR_FG Rusnak 40, 10:11. FAU_FG Suarez 24, 1:59. CHAR_Blake 75 pass from Purdie (Rusnak kick), 1:47. FAU_O.Hayes 65 pass from Starks (Suarez kick), :49. FAU_Campbell 58 run (Suarez kick), 11:36. CHAR_Blake 47 pass from Purdie (run failed), 5:25. CHAR_Evans 22 fumble return (Rusnak kick), 2:05. RUSHING_Charlotte, Norton 14-38, Wilson 6-18, Purdie 1-(minus 4), (Team) 3-(minus 6). FAU, Campbell 21-150, Terrell 6-48, Sands 9-48, Mobley 9-46, Starks 5-(minus 13). PASSING_Charlotte, Purdie 16-30-1-396. FAU, Starks 12-23-0-179. RECEIVING_Charlotte, Blake 5-205, S.Brown 4-59, Jai.Mack 3-91, Thomas 2-7, Burris 1-16, Gainey 1-13. FAU, Campbell 3-25, M.Johnson 2-16, Hayes 1-65, E.Brown 1-22, Tucker 1-18, J.Smith 1-15, K.Brantley 1-10, G.Johnson 1-6, Moore 1-2. MISSED FIELD GOALS_None.The next LTS Linux kernel is no surprise but it is packed with goodies( ) is continuing to shine as one of the top-performing in 2024, extending its impressive streak of outperforming the broader market for the sixth consecutive year. With a staggering 48% year-to-date gain, DOL stock currently trades at $141.67 per share, far outpacing the ’s 18.6% rise. In recent years, the company’s strong , growing footprint, and ability to attract consumers even in challenging economic conditions have helped it maintain consistent growth and reward investors handsomely. But where will Dollarama stock be in three years? In this article, let’s explore Dollarama’s growth potential, key factors driving its performance, and what investors can expect over the next three years. Strong earnings growth track record Dollarama is known for consistently delivering strong earnings growth, and the recent financial results showed the continuation of this trend. The company reported a 5.7% YoY (year-over-year) increase in sales to $1.56 billion with the help of a 3.3% increase in its comparable store sales, reflecting sustained demand for its consumable products. However, a slight decrease in its average transaction size suggested that consumers are becoming cautious with spending amid economic pressures. Despite these challenges, Dollarama’s ability to cater to diverse income groups with affordable products keeps its customer base loyal. With this, the Canadian discount retailer’s revenue has gone up 8.2% YoY over the last 12 months, which helped it achieve over 18% adjusted earnings growth. This consistent growth is one of the key reasons why Dollarama stock is continuing to outperform the broader market. Focus on growth initiatives Besides its impressive financial performance, Dollarama is continuing to focus on long-term growth initiatives to scale up its operations. The company recently updated its long-term Canadian store target, increasing it from 2,000 stores by 2031 to 2,200 stores by 2034. This aggressive expansion plan reflects Dollarama’s confidence in its business model and the growth potential of value-focused retail in Canada. In addition, the company is also making investments to optimize its logistics operations. Notably, Dollarama plans to develop a new logistics hub in Calgary, Alberta, which is expected to be operational by 2027. This hub will complement its existing centralized distribution centre in Montreal and create a two-node logistics system that will improve efficiency and reduce costs. What investors can expect in three years Looking ahead, Dollarama’s strong financial growth trend is likely to continue as it focuses on store network expansion and improved logistics infrastructure. Also, its ability to attract budget-conscious consumers could help the company post steady earnings growth. We also shouldn’t forget that Dollarama’s ability to adapt and thrive in challenging economic environments makes it a very safe investment, especially for long-term investors. Even if inflation persists and consumer spending remains cautious, Dollarama’s affordable product offerings could continue to draw budget-conscious shoppers. While predicting the exact stock price is nearly impossible, Dollarama’s strategic initiatives and proven track record suggest it has the potential to continue outperforming the market index by a big margin in the years to come.
NEW YORK (AP) — No ex-president had a more prolific and diverse publishing career than Jimmy Carter . His more than two dozen books included nonfiction, poetry, fiction, religious meditations and a children’s story. His memoir “An Hour Before Daylight” was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2002, while his 2006 best-seller “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid” stirred a fierce debate by likening Israel’s policies in the West Bank to the brutal South African system of racial segregation. And just before his 100th birthday, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation honored him with a lifetime achievement award for how he wielded “the power of the written word to foster peace, social justice, and global understanding.” In one recent work, “A Full Life,” Carter observed that he “enjoyed writing” and that his books “provided a much-needed source of income.” But some projects were easier than others. “Everything to Gain,” a 1987 collaboration with his wife, Rosalynn, turned into the “worst threat we ever experienced in our marriage,” an intractable standoff for the facilitator of the Camp David accords and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. According to Carter, Rosalynn was a meticulous author who considered “the resulting sentences as though they have come down from Mount Sinai, carved into stone.” Their memories differed on various events and they fell into “constant arguments.” They were ready to abandon the book and return the advance, until their editor persuaded them to simply divide any disputed passages between them. “In the book, each of these paragraphs is identified by a ‘J’ or an ‘R,’ and our marriage survived,” he wrote. Here is a partial list of books by Carter: “Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President” “The Blood of Abraham: Insights into the Middle East” (With Rosalynn Carter) “Everything to Gain: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life” “An Outdoor Journal: Adventures and Reflections” “Turning Point: A Candidate, a State, and a Nation Come of Age” “Always a Reckoning, and Other Poems” (With daughter Amy Carter) “The Little Baby Snoogle-Fleejer” “Living Faith” “The Virtues of Aging” “An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood” “Christmas in Plains: Memories” “The Hornet’s Nest: A Novel of the Revolutionary War” “Our Endangered Values: America’s Moral Crisis” “Faith & Freedom: The Christian Challenge for the World” “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid” “A Remarkable Mother” “Beyond the White House” “We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land: A Plan That Will Work” “White House Diary” “NIV Lessons from Life Bible: Personal Reflections with Jimmy Carter” “A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power” “A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety”Michigan Senate Loser Is Out of the Running to Be FBI DirectorIt was the summer my mum unironically bought me a corrugated 'Live, Laugh, Love' sign. And everyone I knew (and didn't know) was somewhere either very hot or very cold. I was spending my days in the humidity that only inland New Zealand can bring, and every attempt at begging for the air con to be switched on was met with "Just open a window". And any reasoning was met with... the look (read: you're dreaming if you think I'm paying that power bill buddy). We spent our days with sweaty thighs firmly stuck to the couch, gorging ourselves on Christmas leftovers. And then, as per tradition, in the week that followed, everyone took turns opening and shutting the fridge, asking where all the leftovers had gone - hoping that somehow, like magic, every chicken drumstick and slice of cheesecake would be waiting for us, carefully re-constructed and covered in clingfilm, ready for a third hoorah - like the endless TimTam packet of TV old. My phone screen was taken up with everyone else having the best summer ever. Their photos showed cold Coke on warm sand, perfectly fitting fits, new tattoos, new loves of lives - new memories to last a lifetime. And I couldn't help but feel that perhaps I was missing out on something that I was supposed to be wanting for myself. For me, the cute dresses were left behind, in favour of sweats and top knots. The stack of books that I was never going to read, yet took up half the space in my suitcase, sat firmly untouched. And Christmas Hallmark-esque movies with their fake snow and actors you recognise from somewhere but can't quite place, were on high rotation. Leaving the house was only undertaken for the purpose of gentle strolls around the park, patting dogs, or a choc-dipped Mr Whippy. I remembered with a sudden "aha!" - that this was meant to be the year I did something with my summer. Drink cold Coke on the beach, wear something short and cute to show off the tattoo I would have gotten just a few days before, still neatly wrapped in clingfilm, lived, laughed, and loved it all up. But I had the exact same "aha!" moment the year before that one, and the year before that too... Like clockwork, summer had come around and as much as I told myself I would carpe that diem, I could think of nothing I would rather do less. By December, my social battery isn't just sitting at a deficit, it needs a full-blown replacement. See, my problem is and always has been: I enjoy doing nothing. In fact, I thrive on it. An empty calendar is a dream, something to which to aspire. It's not that I chose to be like this. It's in my DNA. Some people have sporty families, outdoorsy families, board game families - I have a tired family. We're all tired. Tired of remembering to take our vitamins, to do the washing, to fill the car up with petrol, of looking for carparks, of remembering to call this person or that person back, to take the chicken out to defrost, to buy the chicken, and before that to check your bank account before you reach the counter to make sure that you can buy the chicken in the first place, tired of catching colds, tired of being tired. Just flat-out tired. So, I push the fear of looking like I'm missing out aside and do what my heart truly desires, what will truly make me happy. When mum's not looking, I fire up the air con. I open and close the fridge door, analyse fake snow, and definitely do not leave the house - except for Mr Whippy. And in that living room I have all the living, loving, and laughing I need to get my battery back to zero - until next summer. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Breathe this! Delhi’s alarming AQI levels have reached a fuming 484 despite control measures in place, from bans on truck entries to suspension of construction projects. While Delhi has long been infamous and notoriously known for its high pollution levels, the present situation only adds a feather to its hat! Not just Delhi, other cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Kolkata too, seem to be worse affected. As per recent AQI readings, the National capital’s air quality has witnessed tweaks from a “Very Poor” to “Severe” only to further have leapt even into the “Hazardous” zone.
(NAPSI)—The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but when the average American is spending nearly $1,000 on gifts, food, and decorations, they can also be the most stressful. For many, the pressure to create a picture-perfect holiday can stretch budgets a bit too far. Many of today’s shoppers seek advice from their favorite online influencers, sourcing creative hacks, recipes, DIY projects, and tips to keep the holidays magical without overspending. In fact, 69% of consumers say they value and actively seek out influencer recommendations. Now, questions don’t need to get buried in the comments. This December, TextNow is flipping the script on holiday stress by introducing the Holiday Hotline , a free resource to help you navigate the season, with advice a mere text away. Whether it’s finding affordable gifts, creating a festive dinner on a budget, or even learning how to save on your monthly bills, the Holiday Hotline can make things simpler, cheaper, and—perhaps most importantly—more joyful. TextNow Holiday Hotline: Expert Advice at Your Fingertips From December 5–10, TextNow’s Holiday Hotline connects you with relatable experts (aka some of your favorite influencers including social media creator and podcast host Remi Cruz, Kayla Savings, and Melissa Weiss) who will share their go-to tips for a budget-friendly holiday. Here’s what you can expect: • Holiday Budgeting 101: Learn simple ways to stretch every dollar and avoid those dreaded post-holiday bills. • Affordable Gift-Giving Ideas: Thoughtful, creative gifts that won’t break the bank. • Festive Decorating on a Dime: Transform your home into a holiday wonderland with budget-friendly hacks. • Stress-Free Holiday Cooking: Recipes and meal-planning tips to impress your guests. Need more advice? Just text the hotline at 310-299-3584, and you’ll get personalized, practical tips sent straight to your phone. Win $1,000 for Your Holiday Dinner As if free expert advice wasn’t enough, TextNow is also giving you the chance to win big this holiday season. Enter the $1,000 Dinner Giveaway for a shot at a $1,000 gift card to cover your holiday expenses—whether it’s for food, gifts, travel, or whatever else makes your season special. Entering is simple: 1.Head to TextNow’s Instagram . 2.Like the giveaway post. 3.Share your best holiday tip in the comments (bonus: share the post to your story for an extra entry). 4.The giveaway runs from December 5-12, with winners announced from December 13-16. Save More This Holiday Season TextNow is more than just a phone service—it’s a way to take control of your budget, not just during the holidays but year-round. • Free Phone Service: Unlimited calling and texting on the nation’s largest 5G network free. No gimmicks, no contracts. • Free Essential Data: Get free data for such essential apps as maps, rideshare, and email when you activate your SIM card. • Additional Flexible Data Plans: Add extra data only when you need it, with hourly, daily, or monthly passes. Getting started with TextNow is easy. Download the app to call and text for free over Wi-Fi or unlock free cellular service with a $4.99 SIM card. Learn More For more details, visit www.TextNow.com . Word Count: 491
New Blueprint Partners Acquires 190,000-SF Manufacturing Facility In Fox Valley
Social media craze for teenage skincare has reached a 'crisis point', dermatologist warns as she reveals she's treated children as young as 8 for using bad products Children as young as eight are experiencing adverse reactions to skincare READ MORE: Dermatologists reveal common skincare mistakes made by teens By MARIA OKANRENDE FOR MAILONLINE Published: 17:14 GMT, 27 December 2024 | Updated: 17:14 GMT, 27 December 2024 e-mail View comments The current skincare craze sweeping social media has reached 'crisis point', with children as young as eight now obsessed with the products, a dermatologist has warned. Dr Tess McPherson, from the British Association of Dermatologists, told Sky News that the tween and teen - or Gen Alpha - fixation on anti-ageing creams and retinols could cause irreversible damage that is 'life long'. Retinol, which has become a skin staple in recent years, works by increasing the rate at which skin cells are produced and die, whim in turn exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores. It also increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. British TikToker, Layla Eleni, 13, is just one of many super famous child influencers taking the platform by storm with their get-ready-with-me style videos and beauty advice. A recent video showed her getting ready in Dubai , where she lathered a plethora of creams on her face while 'getting ready', meanwhile other videos reveal her personal and daily skincare routines. According to a Kantar study of the last two years, there's been a 21 per cent rise in Leyla's age group - 11 to 16-year-olds - using anti-ageing moisturisers, while Dr McPherson has admitted treating girls as young as eight who've been adversely affected by the products. '[These products] can not just cause irritation, but can actually develop contact allergies which can be life-long' she told Sky News. She also revealed that such products weren't created for young skin, and coupled with the fact that children may be unaware they have 'eczema-prone skin', it was highly likely they would later end up with facial eczema. The current skincare craze sweeping social media has reached 'crisis point', with children as young as eight now obsessed with the products, warns dermatologist Dr Tess McPherson (Pictured: 13-year-old influencer Layla Eleni on TikTok) The expert also warned that the creams were too costly for youngsters, and feared the mental impact continuous use would have on them. She said to Sky News: 'It doesn't make you happier. We know it can lead to mental health issues. We know it can lead to significant appearance-related concerns, and you might then be more likely to go for cosmetic surgery at a younger and younger age - spending money with risks to both your skin, your health, and your mental health'. Earlier this year Dr Emma Wedgeworth sent a similar warning - saying that some 10-year-olds were using skin creams designed for older women . The British Cosmetic Dermatology Group expert said children as young as 10 are using anti-ageing creams because of social media pressure. Pre-teens are begging parents for moisturisers costing around £50 a jar as they adopt complicated skincare regimes, according to dermatologists. Ingredients like retinol, which is a form of vitamin A, are popular but — while helpful for ageing skin — can cause redness, flaking and rashes on children's faces. Older teenagers risk worsening their acne by using unnecessary and expensive products. She said: 'There are children with extensive skincare routines, who wash their face before using a serum, then a mist, and next a toner, followed by an expensive moisturiser. The expert said fixation on anti-ageing creams and retinols could cause irreversible damage that is 'life long' (Stock image) 'This is completely unnecessary as children only need to wash their face with a gentle fragrance-free cleanser and use a light moisturiser, and sunscreen during the summer months. 'But social media is making children very aware of their appearance and skin, as they compare themselves to influencers, and that is also worrying for their mental health'. Parents are being pestered to buy expensive face creams for their children, because the youngsters see them being used on social media. However some of these products can irritate the skin of pre-pubescent children, and can block the pores of teenagers with more oily skin, making acne worse. Dr Anjali Mahto, a consultant dermatologist at Self London, said: 'I'm aware that at present there is a social media trend for teenagers showcasing their luxury skincare routines (often with many steps), especially on platforms such as TikTok . Dr McPherson also warned that the creams were too costly for youngsters, and feared the mental impact continuous use would have on them (Stock image) 'As a consultant dermatologist, I feel it is essential to emphasise that a 13-year-old's skincare routine should prioritise basic hygiene, rather than unnecessary complexity.' She added: 'Teenagers are sometimes overly concerned about premature ageing. Read More Dermatology experts reveal the common skincare mistakes made by teens and tweens 'I recently saw a 14-year-old in clinic who was concerned about crow's feet. 'She had undoubtedly been influenced by social media and influencers.' Dermatologists say teenagers are following online trends when they should seek medical help for problems such as acne. Dr Wedgeworth said: 'I see my own 12 year old daughter wanting to spend significant time on her skincare routine before and after school. 'I think much of this focus is coming from relatable "girl-next-door" influencers on social media. 'And as a result, many young children are scrutinising their skin, looking out for imperfections and blemishes, far more than is necessary at this age'. Influencer Dubai Share or comment on this article: Social media craze for teenage skincare has reached a 'crisis point', dermatologist warns as she reveals she's treated children as young as 8 for using bad products e-mail Add comment
Russia’s hypersonic missile prompts NATO and Ukraine emergency talksChatGPT explores ads as it works toward 1 billion users
JSW Group is in talks with multiple potential partners, including Chinese majors like Geely and BYD, in a quest to launch electric cars and e-trucks under its own brand, multiple people aware of the plans said. The Sajjan Jindal-owned group is looking for collaboration/s that may include potential licensing agreement or technology transfer for a full-fledged mobility company in addition to the existing JV it has with China's SAIC Motor, they said. ET Year-end Special Reads What kept India's stock market investors on toes in 2024? India's car race: How far EVs went in 2024 Investing in 2025: Six wealth management trends to watch out for With "high ambitions in the EV space," JSW has been holding "discussions with multiple established industry players in China" and the final plans-including the nature and areas of collaborations-are expected to be firmed up in 2025, one of the sources said. The paint-to-steel conglomerate has even selected platforms-two each for electric cars and commercial vehicles-for its own EV drive, people cited above said. The business is likely to be housed under JSW Green Mobility . Though the existing JV, JSW MG Motor India will have synergies with JSW Green Mobility, the two will have independent operations, the sources said. Queries related to the new business plan and talks with Geely and others sent to JSW over a week ago remained unanswered till the publishing of this report. 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BYD has a direct presence in India's emerging EV market. Led by electric two and three wheelers, India's EV market reached 1.87 million units in the first 11 months of 2024 and may end the year just short of the 2-million mark. JSW Green Mobility plans to invest ₹27,200 crore in central Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to make electric and hybrid cars. It would produce 500,000 electric cars and 100,000 commercial vehicles per annum. This was one among the seven projects approved by the state Cabinet in September 2024. In September, it appointed Rajiv Mehta as the chief of business. It has also hired Manoj Surana, a senior executive from electric bus maker Olectra Greentech , as head of homologation and technical. Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is December 31, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Lebanon is closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for a main one that links Beirut with the Syrian capital Damascus, the General Security Directorate said Friday. The decision came hours after an Israeli airstrike damaged a border crossing in northern Lebanon just days after it was reopened. Separately, Jordan’s interior minister said the Naseeb border crossing with Syria had been closed because of the security situation on the Syrian side. He spoke after Syrian opposition activists said insurgents had captured the main border crossing with Jordan, forcing the Syrian authorities to leave. Israel’s military said it planned to reinforce its positions in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights and near the border with Syria. Israel said it was “monitoring developments and is prepared for all scenarios, offensive and defensive alike.” Meanwhile, Syrian insurgents entered the central towns of Rastan and Talbiseh early Friday just north of the central city of Homs, bringing them closer Syria’s third largest city, an opposition war monitor and pro-government media both reported. The breakthrough came a day after jihiadi-led opposition fighters captured the central city of Hama , Syria’s fourth largest. In other developments, a Hamas official said international mediators have resumed negotiations with the Palestinian militant group and Israel over a ceasefire in Gaza, and he was hopeful a deal to end the 14-month war is within reach. Israel's war against Hamas has destroyed vast areas of Gaza and displaced 90% of the population of 2.3 million, often multiple times. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel in October 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage . Israel’s blistering retaliatory offensive has killed at least 44,600 Palestinians , more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were combatants. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. Here's the Latest: DEIR AL-Balah, Gaza Strip — An Israeli strike hit a residential building in central Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp on Friday evening, killing at least 12 people, including six children and four women, according to officials at Awda Hospital. The strike wounded at least 46 others, including 13 children and 12 women, and damaged several neighboring houses, the hospital said. Israel’s offensive has killed over 44,600 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. CAIRO — Israel said Friday that “thousands of food packages and sacks of flour” were delivered to the isolated northernmost reaches of Gaza, where hunger experts warn famine could be underway. The delivery would mark one of the first successful convoys to the area, which is besieged by Israeli troops that have mounted a fierce offensive in Gaza’s north since early October. COGAT, the Israeli military agency that controls the border crossings into Gaza, said the aid was delivered to the town of Beit Hanoun. Israeli authorities did not publicly say who delivered the aid, and did not provide details on the exact amount of aid involved. COGAT released photos of flatbed trucks driving past rubble, some carrying what appeared to be 25-kilogram (55 pound) sacks of aid and others with cargo covered under tarps. The U.N. has struggled to deliver aid to the area in recent weeks. Alia Zaki, a spokesperson for the World Food Program, told The Associated Press that nearly no food has entered the area for two months, and that the agency’s daily requests to enter the area have been denied by Israel. Of two missions that have been approved since Oct. 6, Zaki said, only two trucks of aid were delivered to a shelter that Israeli soldiers ordered to evacuate soon after and then burned. The situation in northern Gaza has prompted hunger experts to warn that famine is either near or may already be underway. BEIRUT — A Kurdish-led force in Syria that's backed by the United States says it has taken positions along the border with Iraq, replacing Syrian government forces. The move by the Syrian Democratic Forces to capture areas on the west bank of the Euphrates River is likely to cut the land line that links Iran with the Mediterranean coast. The SDF said in a statement that its fighters were deployed in the eastern city of Deir el-Zour and west of the Euphrates for the safety of civilians. “Our primary objective is to protect our security and the security of our people,” it said about the deployment. SDF spokesman Farhad Shami told The Associated Press that their fighters are not in control of the Boukamal border crossing with Iraq. Rami Abdurrahman of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said Iran-backed fighters have evacuated the border crossing point of Boukamal and the SDF is expected to control it later. The Boukamal border crossing has been a main supply line for Iran-backed fighters, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah, who had opened the corridor that links Iran with the Mediterranean in 2017. The developments come as jihadi-led insurgents in northwestern Syria have made stunning advances over the past week that have so far met little resistance from government troops. KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip — Crowds of displaced Palestinians, some carrying cooking pots and crying children, gathered at an aid kitchen in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis on Friday, but many left with nothing. “The food ran out,” said Adel Mohammad, who was hoping to get a meal of rice – the only food being served — for his children. “At night they wake up hungry.” After the kitchen shut down, children used their hands to scoop bits of rice left in large empty cooking pots. The World Food Program has warned that the humanitarian response in Gaza is “nearing collapse as famine looms.” The U.N. agency says Israeli restrictions on aid deliveries, along with the breakdown of law and order in Gaza, has made it difficult for aid convoys to reach displaced Palestinians. Concerns are growing with the onset of another winter of war. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, many displaced repeatedly by Israeli attacks, are living in tent camps, reliant on international aid. Experts have already warned of famine in northern Gaza, which Israeli forces have almost completely isolated since early October. BEIRUT -- Lebanon’s General Security Directorate said Friday the country is closing all land border crossing with Syria except for a main one that links Beirut with the Syrian capital Damascus. The decision by the security agency in charge of border crossings came hours after an Israeli airstrike damaged the Arida border crossing with Syria in north Lebanon, days after it was reopened. “Border crossings will be closed until further notice for the safety of travelers,” the agency said in a statement posted on X. It said that the only border crossing that will be kept open is Masnaa in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley. Lebanon’s state news agency said Friday the airstrike on the Arida crossing caused heavy material damage and cut the road. The Israeli military said fighter jets attacked the border crossing between Lebanon and Syria, adding that they were used to transfer munitions for Lebanon’s Hezbollah group. BEIRUT - Syrian opposition activists say insurgents have captured a main border crossing with Jordan forcing Syrian authorities to leave it. Shortly afterward, Jordan’s Interior Minister al-Frayeh said the Naseeb border crossing with Syria had been closed because of the security situation on the Syrian side. Opposition activists posted videos online showing people storming the border crossing with Jordan, which was in rebel hands until government forces regained control of it in 2018. Ahmad al-Masalmeh, an opposition activist based in France who covers events in southern Syria, told The Associated Press that local gunmen have captured the Naseeb crossing as well as several other areas in the southern province of Daraa where the uprising against President Bashar Assad began in March 2011. Syrian troops have evacuated checkpoints in several areas including the villages of Inkhil, Nawa and Jassem, he added. JERUSALEM — Israel’s military said on Friday that it planned to reinforce its forces stationed in the Golan Heights and near the border with Syria, where civil war has reignited between the government and rebel groups. The Israeli military said in a statement that it was “monitoring developments and is prepared for all scenarios, offensive and defensive alike.” After 13 years of civil war, Syrian insurgents are gaining ground, first taking cities in the country’s north and on Friday entering cities in central Syria. It comes as rebel groups mount new challenges to Russia- and Iran-backed Syrian forces, including in Aleppo, the country’s largest city. Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has intermittently struck areas in Syria seen as strongholds of Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group it is at war with in Lebanon. The advances of the Syrian insurgents adds new instability on Israel’s northern border, two months after it invaded neighboring Lebanon. Israel’s defense minister and military chief of staff met to discuss the situation Thursday. Israeli media reported there is concern in the country’s security establishment that the rebels would advance until they reached the Golan Heights, territory occupied by Israel, gaining control of Syrian weapons stockpiles along the way. Writing in the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahoronoth Friday, veteran military correspondent Ron Ben-Yishai wrote that Israel may “prefer” to destroy the weapons storehouses so they won’t fall into the hands of the rebels. Israel seized control of the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war. Syria has constantly accused Israel of launching attacks against it from territory it occupies in the Golan Heights. Israel has frequently struck Syria over the years. BEIRUT — Syrian insurgents entered two central towns early Friday just north of the central city of Homs, bringing them closer Syria’s third largest city, an opposition war monitor and pro-government media both reported. The break into Rastan and Talbiseh came a day after opposition gunmen captured the central city of Hama , Syria’s fourth largest, after the Syrian army said it withdrew to avoid fighting inside the city and spare the lives of civilians. The insurgents, led by the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have said that they will march to Homs and Damascus, President Bashar Assad’s seat of power. The city of Homs, parts of which were controlled by insurgents until 2014, is a major intersection point between the capital, Damascus, and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus where Assad enjoys wide support. Homs province is Syria’s largest in size and borders Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan. Insurgents are now 5 kilometers (3 miles) away from Homs, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor. “The battle of Homs is the mother of all battles and will decide who will rule Syria,” said Rami Abdurrahman, the Observatory’s chief. MANAMA, Bahrain — Iran said Friday it conducted a successful space launch, the latest for its program the West alleges improves Tehran’s ballistic missile technology. Iran conducted the launch using its Simorgh program , a satellite-carrying rocket that had had a series of failed launches, at Iran’s Imam Khomeini Spaceport in rural Semnan province. That’s the site of Iran’s civilian space program. The Simorgh carried what Iran described as an “orbital propulsion system,” as well as two research systems to a 400-kilometer (250-mile) orbit above the Earth. A system that could change the orbit of a spacecraft would allow Iran to geo-synchronize the orbits of its satellites. Tehran has long sought that ability. Iran also put the payload of the Simorgh at 300 kilograms (660 pounds), heavier than its previous successful launches. There was no immediate independent confirmation the launch was successful. The U.S. military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The announcement comes as heightened tensions grip the wider Middle East over Israel’s continued war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip and as an uneasy ceasefire holds in Lebanon. MELBOURNE, Australia — Arsonists extensively damaged a Melbourne synagogue on Friday in what Australia’s prime minister condemned as an antisemitic attack on Australian values. The blaze in the Adass Israel Synagogue is an escalation in targeted attacks in Australia since the war began between Israel and Hamas last year. Cars and buildings have been vandalized and torched around Australia in protests inspired by the war. A witness who had come to the synagogue to pray saw two masked men spreading a liquid accelerant with brooms inside the building at 4:10 a.m., officials said. About 60 firefighters with 17 fire trucks responded to the blaze, which police said caused extensive damage. Investigators have yet to identify a motive, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese blamed antisemitism. “This was a shocking incident to be unequivocally condemned. There is no place in Australia for an outrage such as this,” Albanese told reporters. “To attack a place of worship is an attack on Australian values. To attack a synagogue is an act of antisemitism, is attacking the right that all Australians should have to practice their faith in peace and security,” he added. ISTANBUL — A Hamas official says international mediators have resumed negotiating with the militant group and Israel over a ceasefire in Gaza, and that he was hopeful a deal to end the 14-month war was within reach. Ceasefire negotiations were halted last month when Qatar suspended talks with mediators from Egypt and the United States because of frustration over a lack of progress between Israel and Hamas. But there has been a “reactivation” of efforts in recent days to end the fighting, release hostages from Gaza and free Palestinian prisoners in Israel, according to Bassem Naim, an official in Hamas’ political bureau who spoke with The Associated Press in Turkey on Thursday. Another official familiar with the talks confirmed the return of Qatari mediators. The official spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the negotiations with the media. Since the talks broke down, there have been significant shifts in the global and regional landscape. Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election, and a ceasefire was declared last week between Israel and Hamas ally Hezbollah in Lebanon. Trump is a staunch supporter of Israel, but Naim said he believes the incoming administration could “affect the situation positively” given that Trump had made halting wars in the region part of his campaign platform. Trump this week called for the release of all hostages held in Gaza by the time he takes office on Jan. 20, saying there would be “hell to pay” if that doesn’t happen. WASHINGTON -- Three U.S. service members were being evaluated for potential traumatic brain injuries following an attack near a base in eastern Syria this week, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Thursday. Ryder said U.S. Central Command is still evaluating who was behind the attack near Mission Support Site Euphrates, which prompted the U.S. to conduct counter strikes on Tuesday. At the time, the Pentagon said rockets and mortars had landed in the vicinity of the base. The U.S. has about 900 troops in Syria to conduct missions to counter the Islamic Stage group. By Lolita BaldorNew York Medical Cannabis Industry Challenges The State's System: $20M Fee Per Operator At Stake
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Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers?Where is Downton Abbey Daisy Mason star now? Inside Sophie McShera's life after ITV showShould the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers?