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Snoring linked to behavioral problems in adolescents without declines in cognition‘Gave absolutely everything’: Qld swimming great McKeon retires
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s false claims linking autism to childhood vaccinations are receiving new scrutiny now that President-elect Donald Trump has selected him to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, a sprawling agency with a budget of $1.7 trillion that oversees research into both autism and vaccines. The myth that autism is caused by childhood vaccines — proposed in 1998 by a British doctor who was later banned from practicing medicine in the United Kingdom — has been thoroughly debunked . Hundreds of studies have found vaccines to be safe . The World Health Organization estimates that over the past 50 years, immunizations have saved 154 million lives around the world. Philadelphia news 24/7: Watch NBC10 free wherever you are Kennedy, who espouses a number of health-related conspiracy theories , has pointed to vaccines to explain the substantial rise in autism diagnoses in recent decades, which have ballooned from an estimated 1 in 150 children in 2000 to 1 in 36 today. Research suggests that much of that increase is due to increasing awareness and screening for the condition; changing definitions of autism to include milder conditions on the spectrum that weren’t recognized in previous years; as well as advances in diagnostic technology. “For a very long time, the anti-vaccine movement has been exploiting families of autistic people, promoting a market for pseudo-scientific treatments that don’t provide the answers they’re looking for and that can expose autistic people to real harm,” said Ari Ne’eman, co-founder of the nonprofit Autistic Self Advocacy Network and an assistant professor of health policy and management at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “More discredited conspiracy theories linking autism and vaccines are not the answer.” Timothy Caulfield, research director at the University of Alberta’s Health Law Institute in Canada, who studies health misinformation, said that people often are more willing to believe conspiracy theories about conditions such as autism, whose causes are complex and not fully understood, than diseases with clear causes. People seem less inclined to speculate, for example, about alternative explanations for Down syndrome, which causes intellectual disabilities and has long been known to be caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. Stories that affect your life across the U.S. and around the world. “It’s really a shame because there are vulnerable families [of people with autism] who need our support,” said Judith Miller, a clinical psychologist and senior scientist and training director at the Center for Autism Research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “Every dollar and hour spent trying to debunk a conspiracy theory is a dollar and an hour lost that could have been spent trying to understand how to help families.” A complex condition Finding the causes of autism is complicated, because it’s not a single disorder, said Manish Arora, a professor of environmental medical and climate science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. “Autism is a spectrum, not a single narrow disease,” Arora said. “It’s many, many things under one umbrella.” Although people diagnosed with autism often have similar strengths and challenges, “there are many paths to autism and many presentations of autism,” Miller said. Scientists have found a variety of risk factors for autism — most of which exist before birth — but there is no single cause for a neurological and developmental condition that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn and behave. A number of the traits sometimes seen in people with autism — such as being sensitive to loud noises, for example, or finding it difficult to interpret social cues — are also found in people who have not been diagnosed with autism. Doctors diagnose autism based on a person’s behavior, noting that there is no simple test for the condition, as there is for Covid or diabetes, said Arora, founder and CEO of a start-up company that researches biomarkers for autism and other neurological conditions. Finding the cause of an infectious disease — such as influenza, which is caused by the flu virus — is much more straightforward. While researchers continue to study the factors that influence the development of autistic traits, “the one thing we know doesn’t cause autism is vaccines,” said Catherine Lord, a psychologist and researcher at the Center for Autism Research and Treatment at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. Genetic vulnerability Doctors have long known that genes play a large role in autism, simply by noting that autism can run in families. For example, in identical twins — who share all of their DNA — if one twin has autism, the other usually does, as well. In the case of fraternal twins — who share about half their DNA — if one fraternal twin has autism, the chance that the other will have autism ranges from 53% to 67%, according to an analysis of research studies. Scientists have identified more than 100 genes related to autism, Miller said, and genes are believed to play a role in 60% to 80% of cases. “The genetics of autism have never been better understood,” said Dr. Gregory Cejas, medical director of the Autism Clinical Center and Fragile X Clinic at the Washington University School of Medicine. “We’re making leaps and bounds about known genetic causes of autism.” Yet genes clearly don’t explain every case of autism. Autism is very different from conditions like sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis, which are caused by a single gene. Scientists believe that people develop autistic traits due to a combination of genetic vulnerability and environmental exposures, Lord said. “People have found many, many different genetic patterns associated with autism, but none of them are only associated with autism and none of them are always associated with autism,” Lord said. For example, fragile X syndrome — caused by a mutated gene on the X chromosome — is the most common known cause of autism. But only a fraction of children with the genetic mutation actually develop autism, Miller said. It’s possible that this mutation leaves some people more vulnerable to developing autistic characteristics, while others with the same mutations don’t develop autistic traits, because they are shielded by protective factors that have not yet been identified. Some people blamed the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine with autism because symptoms of the condition often occur at around 12 to 15 months of age, the same time toddlers get that immunization. But Miller notes that “most of the genetic conditions that affect our life and health aren’t apparent at birth. Symptoms or characteristics won’t show up until later, but the genetic code will have been with us the whole time.” Prenatal vulnerability Many of the known risk factors for autistic characteristics occur before birth or at the time of delivery, Arora said. Babies who experience complications at birth , such as their umbilical cord becoming wrapped around their neck, have a higher risk of autism. So do babies born prematurely , perhaps because of something that happened in the womb. Children are also slightly more likely to be diagnosed with autism if they have older fathers and possibly if they have older mothers, Miller said. It’s not clear if something in the biology of older parents causes a child to have a higher risk of autism, or if socioeconomic issues could play a role. It’s possible that older parents have better access to health care, making it more likely for their child to receive an autism diagnosis. A mother’s health influences her child’s autism risk in several ways, according to multiple studies: Children have a greater chance of being diagnosed with autism if their mothers were exposed to high levels of air pollution or developed a serious infection , such as the flu or pneumonia, while pregnant. While Ne’eman, of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, said he’s not opposed to basic biological research on autism or its causes, he said those studies do little to help people with autism overcome the barriers they face in their everyday lives. He notes that only 8.4% of the $419 million spent on autism research in the United States is devoted to support and services for people with autism. “We need an autism research agenda,” he said, “that reflects the true priorities of autistic people and our families: supports across the lifespan and inclusion in the community.” This article first appeared on NBCNews.com . Read more from NBC News here:
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Uruguayans on Sunday voted in the second round of the country's presidential election , with the conservative governing party and the left-leaning coalition locked in a close runoff after failing to win an outright majority in last month’s vote . The closing of polls started a countdown to the announcement of official results as independent polling firms were preparing to release so-called quick counts. Depending on how tight the vote turns out to be, electoral officials may not call the race for days — as happened in the contentious 2019 runoff that brought center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou to office and ended 15 years of rule by Uruguay’s left-leaning Broad Front. Uruguay's staid election has turned into a hard-fought race between Álvaro Delgado, the incumbent party’s candidate who won 27% in the first round of voting on Oct. 27, and Yamandú Orsi from the Broad Front, who took 44% of the vote in the first round. But other conservative parties that make up the government coalition — in particular, the Colorado Party — notched 20% of the vote collectively, enough to give Delgado an edge over his challenger. Congress ended up evenly split in the October vote. Most polls have shown a virtual tie between Delgado and Orsi, with nearly 10% of Uruguayan voters undecided even at this late stage. Many said they believed turnout would be low if voting weren't compulsory in the country. “Neither candidate convinced me and I feel that there are many in my same situation," said Vanesa Gelezoglo, 31, in the capital, Montevideo, adding she would make up her mind at “the last minute.” Analysts say the candidates' lackluster campaigns and broad consensus on key issues have generated extraordinary indecision and apathy in an election dominated by discussions about social spending and concerns over income inequality but largely free of the anti-establishment rage that has vaulted populist outsiders to power elsewhere . “The question of whether Frente Amplio (the Broad Front) raises taxes is not an existential question, unlike what we saw in the U.S. with Trump and Kamala framing each other as threats to democracy," said Nicolás Saldías, a Latin America and Caribbean senior analyst for the London-based Economist Intelligence Unit. “That doesn't exist in Uruguay.” Both candidates are also appealing to voter angst over a surge in violent crime that has shaken a nation long regarded as one of the region’s safest, with Delgado promising tough-on-crime policies and Orsi advocating a more community-oriented approach. Delgado, 55, a rural veterinarian with a long career in the National Party, campaigned on a vow to continue the legacy of current President Lacalle Pou — in some ways making the election into a referendum on his leadership. He campaigned under the slogan “re-elect a good government." While a string of corruption scandals rattled Lacalle Pou's government last year, the president — who constitutionally cannot run for a second consecutive term — now enjoys high approval ratings and a strong economy expected to grow 3.2% this year, according to the International Monetary Fund. Inflation has also eased in recent months, boosting his coalition. Delgado served most recently as Secretary of the Presidency for Lacalle Pou and promises to pursue his predecessor's pro-business policies. He would continue pushing for a trade deal with China that has raised hackles in Mercosur, an alliance of South American countries promoting regional commerce. "We have to give the government coalition a chance to consolidate its proposals,” said Ramiro Pérez, a street vendor voting for Delgado on Sunday. Orsi, 57, a former history teacher and two-time mayor from a working-class background, is widely seen as the political heir to iconic former President José “Pepe” Mujica , an ex-Marxist guerilla who raised Uruguay's international profile as one of the region's most socially liberal and environmentally sustainable nations during his 2010-2015 term. His Broad Front coalition oversaw the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage and the sale of marijuana in the small South American nation of 3.4 million people. “He's my candidate, not only for my sake but also for my children's,” Yeny Varone, a nurse, said of Orsi. “In the future they'll have better working conditions, health and salaries.” Mujica, now 89 and recovering from esophageal cancer , was among the first to cast his ballot after polls opened. “Uruguay is a small country, but it has earned recognition for being stable, for having a citizenry that respects institutional formalities,” he told reporters from his local polling station. “This is no small feat.” While promising to forge a “new left” in Uruguay, Orsi plans no dramatic changes. He proposes tax incentives to lure investment and social security reforms that would lower the retirement age but fall short of a radical overhaul sought by Uruguay's unions. The contentious plebiscite on whether to boost pension payouts failed to pass in October, with Uruguayans rejecting generous pensions in favor of fiscal constraint. Both candidates pledged full cooperation with each other if elected. “I want (Orsi) to know that my idea is to form a government of national unity,” Delgado told reporters after casting his vote in the capital's upscale Pocitos neighborhood. He said that if he won, he and Orsi would chat on Monday over some yerba mate, the traditional herbal drink beloved by Uruguayans. Orsi similarly pledged a smooth and respectful transition of power, describing Sunday's democratic exercise as “an incredible experience" as he voted in Canelones, the sprawling town of beaches and cattle ranches just north of Montevideo where he served as mayor for a decade. “The essence of politics is agreements,” he said. “You never end up completely satisfied.” ___ Associated Press writer Isabel DeBre in Villa Tunari, Bolivia, contributed to this report. Nayara Batschke, The Associated Press
Share Tweet Share Share Email Home remodeling is an exciting opportunity to reimagine your living space and turn it into something that perfectly suits your lifestyle and tastes. However, a successful remodeling project requires careful planning and thoughtful execution. With a solid plan and a clear vision, you can bring your dream home to life while avoiding common pitfalls. Let’s explore the essential steps to plan your home remodel effectively. 1. Define Your Remodeling Goals Every remodeling project starts with a purpose. Ask yourself: What do you want to achieve with this remodel? Is the focus on aesthetics, functionality, or both? Are you upgrading for personal enjoyment, increased property value, or future resale? Clearly defining your goals will guide your decisions throughout the project and keep you focused on your priorities. 2. Establish a Realistic Budget Setting a budget is one of the most critical steps in home remodeling. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and allocate funds to different aspects of the project, such as materials, labor, and permits. It’s wise to leave a contingency fund for unexpected expenses that may arise during construction. For cost-effective guidance, consider consulting professional home remodelers in Kirkland who can provide budget-friendly solutions without compromising quality. 3. Create a Detailed Plan A detailed plan ensures that every aspect of your remodel is accounted for. Start by listing the areas you want to remodel and the changes you envision. Sketch rough layouts or collect inspiration from magazines, online platforms, or design apps. Collaborate with designers or contractors to refine your ideas into a practical blueprint. 4. Prioritize Functionality While aesthetics are important, functionality should always take precedence. Think about how you use each space daily and design accordingly: Optimize kitchen layouts for efficient cooking and cleaning. Add storage solutions to reduce clutter and maximize space. Consider open layouts for improved flow and connectivity. When functionality is a priority, your remodeled space will not only look great but also work seamlessly. 5. Choose the Right Materials The materials you choose for your remodel can significantly impact its durability and appeal. Select high-quality materials that align with your style and budget. For example: Quartz or granite for kitchen countertops. Hardwood, laminate, or tile for flooring. Energy-efficient windows to reduce utility costs. Balancing quality with affordability ensures a long-lasting and visually appealing result. 6. Incorporate Modern Trends While timeless designs are always a safe choice, incorporating a few modern trends can elevate your remodel. Some popular ideas include: Smart home technology for lighting, appliances, and climate control. Eco-friendly materials like reclaimed wood and low-VOC paints. Minimalist designs with clean lines and neutral palettes. These trends not only enhance your home’s functionality but also make it more appealing to future buyers. 7. Work with Trusted Professionals Choosing the right professionals is essential for a smooth and successful remodeling process. From architects and designers to contractors and tradespeople, experienced experts can bring your vision to life while ensuring quality craftsmanship. Businesses like New Day Construction offer expertise in all aspects of home remodeling, making them a valuable partner for your project. 8. Secure Necessary Permits Home remodeling often involves structural changes that require permits from local authorities. Ensure you research the permits needed for your project and obtain them before starting construction. Working with a licensed contractor simplifies this process, as they can handle the paperwork on your behalf. 9. Stay Flexible with Your Timeline While it’s important to establish a timeline for your remodel, unexpected delays are common in construction projects. Material shortages, weather conditions, or unforeseen structural issues can slow progress. Staying flexible and prepared for adjustments will help you navigate these challenges without undue stress. 10. Optimize Your Kitchen Remodel The kitchen is often the focal point of a home remodel, as it’s a space where functionality and aesthetics intersect. Consider these tips for a successful kitchen transformation: Use the “work triangle” principle to enhance efficiency. Add storage features like pull-out pantries or deep drawers. Invest in energy-efficient appliances to reduce operating costs. Thoughtful planning ensures your kitchen remains practical and beautiful for years to come. 11. Enhance Comfort and Livability Remodeling isn’t just about improving appearances—it’s also about creating a comfortable and welcoming environment. Incorporate features that enhance livability, such as: Insulated walls and windows for better climate control. Lighting systems that balance natural and artificial light. Cozy design elements like soft textures and warm tones. Your remodel should reflect your personal style while providing a space where you feel truly at home. 12. Don’t Overlook Outdoor Spaces Outdoor spaces are an extension of your home and deserve attention during a remodel. Upgrades like patios, decks, or landscaped gardens can enhance curb appeal and provide additional areas for relaxation and entertainment. Consider integrating indoor and outdoor spaces with large glass doors or seamless flooring transitions. 13. Stay Organized During the Process Home remodeling can feel overwhelming without proper organization. Keep track of your plans, expenses, and progress with a project management tool or a dedicated notebook. Regularly communicate with your contractors to ensure everything is on schedule and address any issues promptly. 14. Add Personal Touches Finally, make your remodeled space uniquely yours by incorporating personal touches. Whether it’s custom-built furniture, family photos, or a favorite color scheme, these details make a house feel like a home. Personalization transforms your remodel from a generic upgrade to a true reflection of your style and personality. Remodeling your home is a rewarding process that breathes new life into your living space. By focusing on careful planning, prioritizing functionality, and working with experienced professionals like New Day Construction , you can turn your dream home into a reality. With the right approach, your remodel will enhance your home’s value, comfort, and style for years to come. Read More From Techbullion Related Items: Outdoor , Touches Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you How Pergola and Parking Shades Enhance Outdoor Spaces in Summer How to Create the Perfect Fit Home Gym for Any Space? The Advantages of Living in a Mobile Home Park: Flexibility and Community Comments
Once seemingly outrageous predictions about the trajectory of cryptocurrency bitcoin now look much less crazy. The digital coin’s price has more than doubled year-to-date, inching closer to the $100,000 threshold and increasing the implied value of all bitcoin in circulation to almost $2 trillion. With a friendly White House, a buyer spending billions, and new financial products launching, there’s reason to think it could stay there. Donald Trump’s U.S. presidential election victory heralds an administration that has enthusiastically embraced crypto. During his campaign, the president-elect touted ideas like creating a strategic bitcoin reserve, support for “miners” who create new coins, and firing the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler, who has pushed back against exotic schemes. Already, Trump’s team has met with industry executives to discuss creating a White House job focused on cryptocurrency policy, Bloomberg reported. That could nix litigation against cryptocurrency purveyors, or speed crypto-friendly legislation, further solidifying bitcoin’s incursion into traditional finance. Under the first Trump administration, U.S. traders gained access to regulated products like futures and options contracts. In early 2024, exchange-traded funds run by giants including BlackRock that track the spot price won approval, and now collectively hold $85 billion in digital assets. Following their roll-out, which opened crypto up further to retail buyers, bitcoin’s price spiked. The latest novelty is options trading on those ETFs, which began Wednesday for BlackRock’s BLK.N iShares Bitcoin Trust IBIT.O, drawing $2 billion in volume that day alone, according to Bloomberg. A derivatives market could smooth bitcoin’s famed volatility, while pulling in buying from market makers. It also helps that there’s a $100 billion buyer with a seemingly inexhaustible appetite in MicroStrategy MSTR.O. The company owns about 1.6% of all bitcoin and said in October that it would raise $42 billion over three years to buy more. The market, for now, is eagerly feeding the beast: on Wednesday, MicroStrategy priced $2.6 billion of bonds bearing zero interest that can convert into stock. Others are joining in. Some 78 companies together hold more than $80 billion in bitcoin as treasury assets, according to data from BitcoinTreasuries.net. They may be encouraged by MicroStrategy’s example. Its shares, despite effectively being a bet on bitcoin, have outperformed the currency’s vertiginous rise. This is, to be clear, a moment of extreme hype, and “crypto winters” have crushed bitcoin’s price before. Yet it’s also a perfect storm of political and financial support. Now more than ever, the hype cycle might become self-sustaining. Source: Reuters (Editing by Jonathan Guilford and Streisand Neto)The Tube station where drivers won't stop if the train is too long
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Romania’s presidential elections are heading towards a shock result after the first round held on Sunday, November 24. With about 80% of the votes counted and centralized, independent candidate Calin Georgescu is in the lead, ahead of social democrat prime minister Marcel Ciolacu. Calin Georgescu, 63, has a doctorate in pedology and has worked as a specialist in the environment conservation sector. His messages position him as a candidate with strong nationalistic. The partial results indicated over 1.73 million votes for Georgescu, representing 22% of the 7.85 million ballots counted so far, versus 1.64 million votes (20.9%) for PM Ciolacu. Reformist candidate Elena Lasconi (USR) was third, with 1.33 million votes (17% of the total), followed by far-right leader George Simion (AUR), with 1.13 million votes (14.4% of the total). Liberal leader Nicolae Ciuca was fifth (9.3%) and independent Mircea Geoana, the former NATO deputy secretary general, was only sixth (6.0%). If the current hierarchy doesn’t change, the second round will be fought between independent Calin Georgescu and PSD’s Marcel Ciolacu. However, there were still almost 2 million ballots to count and centralize, mostly from Bucharest and bigger cities and from Diaspora, which may help the USR’s Elena Lasconi close the gap on the top two. The first results coming from abroad from countries such as Germany, Italy and Spain point to an overwhelming vote for Georgescu, according to data centralized by the platform . Meanwhile, the first results from Bucharest, where only 25% of the ballot have been centralized, indicate a score of around 33% for Elena Lasconi, about double compared with PM Marcel Ciolacu. This may result in a tight race for second place between Lasconi and Ciolacu, currently split by about 300,000 votes. If the PM fails to make it to the second round, this will be the biggest shock recorded in Romania's post-Communist elections and the first time that the Social-Democrats are left without a candidate in the final. Even with the PSD leader narrowly qualifying in second place, the results are a total shock for the political establishment in Bucharest, as nobody predicted such a high score for an independent candidate who was almost absent from mainstream media during the campaign. Instead, Calin Georgescu’s campaign focused almost exclusively on social media channels such as Facebook and TikTok, where he gained a lot of traction. The exit polls showed PM Marcel Ciolacu comfortably in the lead, with 25%, and Elena Lasconi second, with 18%, followed by Calin Georgescu with 16%. Meanwhile, the polls carried out since the beginning of November didn't even point to Georgescu as a potential contender for the second round, as his score was estimated at about 5%. Meanwhile, everyone expected a three-way battle for the second place between AUR leader George Simion, PNL's Nicolae Ciuca and USR's Elena Lasconi. The results also show that Romanian voters are profoundly unhappy with the governing parties - PSD and PNL - whose candidates took just about 30% of the votes. Meanwhile, the nationalist current, represented by AUR's George Simion and independent Calin Georgescu, has reached a score of 36%. This leaves the parliamentary elections scheduled for next Sunday, December 1 (Romania's National Day), open to a surprise result as well, depending on who Georgescu's voters decide to support. He is not currently affiliated with any political party, although he was AUR's proposal for the prime minister seat after the 2020 elections. Romania’s presidential elections are heading towards a shock result after the first round held on Sunday, November 24. With about 80% of the votes counted and centralized, independent candidate Calin Georgescu is in the lead, ahead of social democrat prime minister Marcel Ciolacu. Calin Georgescu, 63, has a doctorate in pedology and has worked as a specialist in the environment conservation sector. His messages position him as a candidate with strong nationalistic. The partial results indicated over 1.73 million votes for Georgescu, representing 22% of the 7.85 million ballots counted so far, versus 1.64 million votes (20.9%) for PM Ciolacu. Reformist candidate Elena Lasconi (USR) was third, with 1.33 million votes (17% of the total), followed by far-right leader George Simion (AUR), with 1.13 million votes (14.4% of the total). Liberal leader Nicolae Ciuca was fifth (9.3%) and independent Mircea Geoana, the former NATO deputy secretary general, was only sixth (6.0%). If the current hierarchy doesn’t change, the second round will be fought between independent Calin Georgescu and PSD’s Marcel Ciolacu. However, there were still almost 2 million ballots to count and centralize, mostly from Bucharest and bigger cities and from Diaspora, which may help the USR’s Elena Lasconi close the gap on the top two. The first results coming from abroad from countries such as Germany, Italy and Spain point to an overwhelming vote for Georgescu, according to data centralized by the platform . Meanwhile, the first results from Bucharest, where only 25% of the ballot have been centralized, indicate a score of around 33% for Elena Lasconi, about double compared with PM Marcel Ciolacu. This may result in a tight race for second place between Lasconi and Ciolacu, currently split by about 300,000 votes. If the PM fails to make it to the second round, this will be the biggest shock recorded in Romania's post-Communist elections and the first time that the Social-Democrats are left without a candidate in the final. Even with the PSD leader narrowly qualifying in second place, the results are a total shock for the political establishment in Bucharest, as nobody predicted such a high score for an independent candidate who was almost absent from mainstream media during the campaign. Instead, Calin Georgescu’s campaign focused almost exclusively on social media channels such as Facebook and TikTok, where he gained a lot of traction. The exit polls showed PM Marcel Ciolacu comfortably in the lead, with 25%, and Elena Lasconi second, with 18%, followed by Calin Georgescu with 16%. Meanwhile, the polls carried out since the beginning of November didn't even point to Georgescu as a potential contender for the second round, as his score was estimated at about 5%. Meanwhile, everyone expected a three-way battle for the second place between AUR leader George Simion, PNL's Nicolae Ciuca and USR's Elena Lasconi. The results also show that Romanian voters are profoundly unhappy with the governing parties - PSD and PNL - whose candidates took just about 30% of the votes. Meanwhile, the nationalist current, represented by AUR's George Simion and independent Calin Georgescu, has reached a score of 36%. This leaves the parliamentary elections scheduled for next Sunday, December 1 (Romania's National Day), open to a surprise result as well, depending on who Georgescu's voters decide to support. He is not currently affiliated with any political party, although he was AUR's proposal for the prime minister seat after the 2020 elections. Romania’s presidential elections are heading towards a shock result after the first round held on Sunday, November 24. With about 80% of the votes counted and centralized, independent candidate Calin Georgescu is in the lead, ahead of social democrat prime minister Marcel Ciolacu. Calin Georgescu, 63, has a doctorate in pedology and has worked as a specialist in the environment conservation sector. His messages position him as a candidate with strong nationalistic. The partial results indicated over 1.73 million votes for Georgescu, representing 22% of the 7.85 million ballots counted so far, versus 1.64 million votes (20.9%) for PM Ciolacu. Reformist candidate Elena Lasconi (USR) was third, with 1.33 million votes (17% of the total), followed by far-right leader George Simion (AUR), with 1.13 million votes (14.4% of the total). Liberal leader Nicolae Ciuca was fifth (9.3%) and independent Mircea Geoana, the former NATO deputy secretary general, was only sixth (6.0%). If the current hierarchy doesn’t change, the second round will be fought between independent Calin Georgescu and PSD’s Marcel Ciolacu. However, there were still almost 2 million ballots to count and centralize, mostly from Bucharest and bigger cities and from Diaspora, which may help the USR’s Elena Lasconi close the gap on the top two. The first results coming from abroad from countries such as Germany, Italy and Spain point to an overwhelming vote for Georgescu, according to data centralized by the platform . Meanwhile, the first results from Bucharest, where only 25% of the ballot have been centralized, indicate a score of around 33% for Elena Lasconi, about double compared with PM Marcel Ciolacu. This may result in a tight race for second place between Lasconi and Ciolacu, currently split by about 300,000 votes. If the PM fails to make it to the second round, this will be the biggest shock recorded in Romania's post-Communist elections and the first time that the Social-Democrats are left without a candidate in the final. Even with the PSD leader narrowly qualifying in second place, the results are a total shock for the political establishment in Bucharest, as nobody predicted such a high score for an independent candidate who was almost absent from mainstream media during the campaign. Instead, Calin Georgescu’s campaign focused almost exclusively on social media channels such as Facebook and TikTok, where he gained a lot of traction. The exit polls showed PM Marcel Ciolacu comfortably in the lead, with 25%, and Elena Lasconi second, with 18%, followed by Calin Georgescu with 16%. Meanwhile, the polls carried out since the beginning of November didn't even point to Georgescu as a potential contender for the second round, as his score was estimated at about 5%. Meanwhile, everyone expected a three-way battle for the second place between AUR leader George Simion, PNL's Nicolae Ciuca and USR's Elena Lasconi. The results also show that Romanian voters are profoundly unhappy with the governing parties - PSD and PNL - whose candidates took just about 30% of the votes. Meanwhile, the nationalist current, represented by AUR's George Simion and independent Calin Georgescu, has reached a score of 36%. This leaves the parliamentary elections scheduled for next Sunday, December 1 (Romania's National Day), open to a surprise result as well, depending on who Georgescu's voters decide to support. He is not currently affiliated with any political party, although he was AUR's proposal for the prime minister seat after the 2020 elections.
People Can Fly, the Polish developer of games including Bulletstorm, Gears of War: Judgment, and Outriders, has laid off more than 120 employees , a move the studio said was necessary "as external market pressures persisted beyond our forecasts." People Can Fly CEO Sebastian Wojciechowski said is a message posted to social media that the layoffs are the result of a change in the studio's self-publishing strategy, which includes the suspension of Project Victoria, a reduction of the team working on Project Bifrost, and "restructuring some of our supporting teams." "The videogame market is still evolving, and we have to adjust with where things are today," People Can Fly CEO Sebastian Wojciechowski wrote. "We are redoubling our efforts with new work for hire engagements and focusing on the development of a single independent game. "We believe in our teams, games, and their potential, and we remain extremely committed to continuing that journey, but we need to tailor our plans to our financial capacity." People Can Fly's website says the studio has more than 700 employees, presumably a pre-layoff headcount. Neither Project Victoria nor Bifrost had been publicly revealed, but People Can Fly have been working on both for at least two years. The studio referenced the games when it announced the end of its publishing deal with Take-Two Interactive in 2022, saying it would self-publish both. But it's had a rough time of things since then: Project Dagger, which it had been developing in partnership with Take-Two since 2020, ran into trouble in 2023 and was eventually axed earlier this year . Layoffs suck, and the decimation of the videogame industry we've witnessed over the past two years is an ongoing indictment of executive leadership virtually across the board. But as we said last week when Ubisoft, Torn Banner, and Sweet Bandits imposed layoffs of their own—which came just weeks after layoffs at other studios including Thunderful , Humanoid Origin , Reflector Entertainment , and Worlds Untold , and just before layoffs at Illfonic and Deck Nine , in case there was any doubt that there's something very wrong here—the timing of these cuts, which come just 15 days before Christmas, makes them especially ugly. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team. This will be the second round of layoffs at People Can Fly in 2024—the first happened in January, when more than 30 people working on yet another project, codenamed Gemini, were let go.1. Read your recipe all the way through (twice!) before starting your prep work — the last thing you want to do is get halfway through and realize you're missing a key ingredient or you accidentally added all of the lemon juice to the pan when you were supposed to reserve some for the sauce. We've all been there. And btw yes this is the spaghetti from The Bear — you can learn how to make it here. 2. Make sure your kitchen is properly stocked with the right knife for the task at hand. For example, you don't want to squish tomatoes with a chef's knife — you should be using a serrated one! Keep in mind the three *most* important knives to have in your kitchen: the chef's knife, the serrated knife, and the paring knife. You can basically do it all if you start with these bbs. Need the three basic knives? These are great options: — Victorinox 8-inch chef's knife ( $45.53 from Amazon) — J.A. Henckels 5-Inch Serrated Utility Knife ( $49.99 from Amazon — Victorinox 4-Inch Paring Knife ( $12.76 from Amazon) Learn more about every kind of knife at The Kitchn . 3. When prepping your ingredients for a recipe, make sure you're actually following the chopping guidelines. If it calls for a 1-inch dice, a julienne, or a mince, make sure you know what those words mean. And good news: we have a whole article dedicated to this! Check out The Complete Guide to Knife Cuts for everything you need to know to slice, dice, and chiffonade like a pro. Until you get the hang of it, you can always use a cutting board with measurements etched right on it so you always chop evenly, whether you're mincing or julienning! Get it from Amazon for $29.99 . Promising review: "My husband IS the obsessive chef! He is always very precise and careful in his cutting. If a recipe calls for dicing potatoes into one-inch chunks...that is what he will do. I really bought this for him as a joke because of how precise he is, but he LOVED it. He truly uses the gridlines and the measurements to accurately dice his food. Additionally, its a nice light weight cutting board. If you know a perfectionist chef, this is a GREAT gift idea." — TJ Callahan *Or* go for a ~TikTok-famous~ chopper that comes with four different blade sizes (two different dice sizes, and two different spiralizer sizes). Just press the lever and voila! Get it from Amazon for $29.97 (available in four colors and five styles). Promising review: "This is the best kitchen gadget I have ever purchased. It cuts prep time in half. I have had a food processor but I barely use it because it’s big, bulky, and has so many pieces. It’s also kind of hard to use and pretty much purées everything if you aren’t careful. This little tool has made me want to throw the food processor away all together. It is amazing! It is quick and easy. I don’t recommend it for eggs or tomatoes because they get stuck in the grooves and are hard to get out. Everything else has been super easy to clean up so far. It even comes with cleaning tools. I highly recommend this." — Kim 4. Season your food as you go, and when you do, sprinkle your salt from high up — that'll ensure a more even distribution and no salt stuck in a certain area (and therefore no weirdly salty mouthfuls when you finally dig in). This is one of 17 Genius Cooking Tips That Professional Chefs Want You To Know , so you know it's good. 5. And use the right salt for the right thing : cook with kosher salt (not table salt) for a more even flavor, and finish foods (everything from crispy chicken cutlets to chocolate chip cookies) with TikTok-loved Maldon flaked salt for texture *and* flavor. Salt flakes on fresh chocolate chip cookies?! Nothing better. Get a box of Maldon salt from Amazon for $7.98+ . Promising review: "Have I become a salt snob? I asked for a marble salt box for Valentines Day, and I couldn't very well put common table salt inside such a beautiful thing, could I? No. I did a bit of research and found out that Maldon's Sea Salt flakes are the gold standard... even better than the pink salt I bought at the big box store that rhymes with Bosco! This salt's texture is a delight and the flavor is clean and bright (without being sharp). This is a little luxury in my kitchen, and every time I use it, I'm like, 'Dang. This is the good life!'" — Indiana A. Check out 11 Tips for Perfectly Seasoning Your Food for more info. 6. Before you start cooking, prep your ingredients and put them in little containers or glass bowls (this is called mise en place) — that way you won't ever forget an ingredient or accidentally add the wrong amount. This set of 10 Anchor Hock bowls come in different sizes (1 ounce, 2 ounce, 4 ounce, 6 ounce, 10 ounce, 16 ounce, 1 quart, 1- 1/2 quart, 2-1/2 quart, and 3-1/2 quart) and nest for easy storage — and they're dishwasher, fridge, and microwave safe and can withstand quick temperature changes without shattering. Get the set from Amazon for $39.99 . Promising review: "These are the perfect glass mixing bowls! Clearly the best glass bowls I’ve ever used. The larger bowls are great for mixing ingredients and the smaller bowls are great to use while prepping supplies such as garlic, spices, etc to approach your cooking/backing with more organization. Definitely recommend 100%" — Susan 7. Master the one-pan dinner and you're basically already a master chef. All you need is a sheet pan + protein + veggies + salt + oil. That is IT. BuzzFeed has tons and tons and tons and tons of sheet pan meal ideas to get you started, but just get experimenting with your favorite flavors! Need some quality pans to get you started? Try Oxo's two-piece set of nonstick baking sheets (one half sheet, one quarter sheet) for easy clean-up! Get the set of two from Amazon for $39.45 . Promising review: "I haven't used these pans yet but I see they're thicker and well-made rather than the other brands and as long as I take good care of them, (washing them with soft dish cloths by hand) they'll last beautifully for years. I ADORE all Oxo products. They're worth every penny. I've bought almost all of their kitchen products and other gadgets through the years because they'll last forever! If anything is wrong, they'll make it right immediately." — Debbie Allen 8. Don't shy away from herbs and spices — they make all the difference between meals that are bland and meals that are bangin'. —Chili powder: ancho chile, paprika, cumin, and Mexican oregano —Za'atar: thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac —Herbs de provence: rosemary, marjoram, thyme, oregano, sage, and tarragon —Garam masala: chinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, mace, peppercorns, coriander, turmeric, and cumin —Ras el hanout: cardamom, clove, cinnamon, paprika, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, peppercorn, and turmeric —Curry powder: turmeric, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, and red pepper —Cajun seasoning: black pepper, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, and thyme —Chinese five spice: cassia, clove, fennel, star anise, Szechuan peppercorns Educate yourself when it comes to herbs and spices at Cook Smarts ! 9. And pro tip: keeping your spices *actually* organized is the best way to make sure you don't add cumin when you meant to add coriander. Spice racks only *wish* they could. These drawer liners are made of a soft foam to keep your jars in the right position (label up!) so you can quickly grab what you need. And you can trim 'em to fit your drawers! Get a 10-foot roll from Amazon for $16.99 (available in two colors and three sizes). Promising review: "This is one of my favorite things I've ever purchased from Amazon! I think this will be my go-to gift for all of my friends who love cooking as much as I do! Freeing up cabinet space and having something that can so easily be rinsed off in the sink makes this a for-sure buy! " — momonono 10. When zesting a lemon, use a microplane to remove only the top layer of skin, and try not to get too much of the white stuff (it's called the pith). You get all the delicate citrus-y flavor, with none of the bitterness! It's also ~grate~ for fine cheese shavings, easily minced ginger (a flavorful must), and more. Get a top-rated microplane from Amazon for $10.98 . Promising review: "Oh my gosh. I never thought I’d have such intense feelings for a lemon zester. This thing is AMAZING. Don’t bother looking at the other zesters just get this one. It’s so nice that it has a sheath to cover it. And oh my gosh this thing works so well. It showed that lemon who’s boss. I’m not even kidding. I zested a lemon with a regular small holed cheese grater yesterday before this came and then today I used this one and the zest from the regular cheese grader was like two tablespoons but with this zester it was like at least a cup. It’s so easy to use and the handle has a nice grip to it. Not to heavy or too light. Never thought I’d be so passionate about a kitchen tool. " — Gabrielle 11. Perfect the art of the poached egg so you can top every meal with an Instagrammable runny yolk! The key is to add a tablespoon of vinegar and keep the boiling water swirling around the egg. Find all the steps and learn How To Never Mess Up Your Poached Eggs Again . If you need help while you get the hang of it, you can try silicone poaching cups with perforations to mimic the traditional swirling method. Get a set of two from Amazon for $11.99 . Promising review: "FINALLY! My long search is over for a solution that really works! The eggs poach perfectly! The process involves simply dropping an egg into the poacher and waiting a few minutes for the desired level of firmness — no stirring the water to create a vortex or messing with the egg during cooking! This means that when you need to cook for several guests, multiple poachers can be used to prepare as many eggs as needed at the same time! There was even a handy chart with suggested poaching times which is dead-on accurate. Cleanup is a breeze! I am ordering another set and won't poach any other way than with Good Grips. My only negative comment is that I will probably eat way more Eggs Benedict than I should now that it is so easy to prepare the eggs!" — JoeBT 12. The easiest way to peel garlic is to crush each clove with the flat of a knife first. This trick is tried and true! Learn more about this technique at Here's How You Should Actually Be Peeling Garlic . If knives frighten you (honestly, I get that) you can also use a silicone tube designed to easily peel garlic . Just pop the clove in the tube and roll it back and forth against the table or counter. It totally works! Get it from Amazon for $7.95 . Promising review: "My husband surprised me this amazing garlic peeler. He didn't tell me what it was or what to expect. He just took a garlic clove and handed it to me with this peeler. My kids stood in silence as I tried the product. I rolled the clove in the peeler and three seconds later I had a peeled clove. We all screamed in amazement. I was shocked and amazed! I LOVE garlic but hate peeling so I had started buying pre-made crushed garlic in a jar which is not nearly as good as fresh garlic when cooking. Now I'm back to using fresh garlic thanks to this innovative garlic peeler. Its also lightweight and easy to clean!" — Crysta And hey, if you really hate mincing garlic, try a next-level garlic press , but not just *any old* garlic press. This one has a built-in spring-loaded scraper that sends all your nicely minced garlic right into your pan (no stinky garlic fingers here). And you don't even need to peel your cloves beforehand! Promising review: "Was desperately seeking a garlic press after my previous one started chipping and eventually fell apart. This press is obviously more money than the replacement one I bought at the supermarket but it is worth it. When you press a clove of garlic, the garlic actually gets minced and comes out of the press. It is easy to clean, insuring that there is never any leftover garlic bits to find on the next use. And you don't have to look around for the other piece to push through the little holes, because it is securely attached. No chipping despite the bright red color. Also lightweight." — Susan E. Get it from Amazon for $23.90 (also available in a metal version for $41.99 ). 13. When making stir-fries or cooking in a frying pan, don't add garlic too early — it might burn or brown too much. Toss it in towards the end to let the flavor bloom quickly! Learn more about this trick at The Kitchn ! Check out this tip in action in the recipe for Garlic Chicken Stir Fry at The Recipe Critic (pictured above). 14. Onions are amazing, but not all created equal. Don't buy sweet onions when you want to use shallots! Yes, it does matter what kind of onion you use, so learn which varieties to buy for which recipes ! Sweet onions are best for frying. Use for: onion rings, gratins, and roasted veggies. Red onions are best for eating raw. Use for: guacamole, pickled onions, salads, and sandwiches. White onions are crunchiest and have the sharpest zing. Use for: salsas, chutneys, and stir fries. Yellow onions are the best all-around cooking onion. Use for: meat roasts, braised meat dishes, sauces, soups, and stews. Shallots are milder and more subtle. Use for: vinaigrettes, egg casseroles, and garnishes. 15. When you're chopping an onion, make two horizontal slices before chopping down to keep it all together. Even if you're not keeping it all together yourself — I see those onion tears! Need more details and GIFs? Check out Here's Everything You Need To Know About Chopping Onions . 16. And use the ~claw hand~ technique to protect your fingers from your not-quite- Top Chef knife skills. Tuck your fingers in and maintain a firm grip on the vegetable. Learn more at The Kitchn . 17. Put those chopping skills to the test and whip up some caramelized onions to improve ANY meal. Yes, it takes time, but yes, it is totally worth it. Check out the ultimate tutorial for caramelized onions at Gimme Some Oven . 18. Know what kind of pan to use for what meals — cast iron for things you want to get a nice crust on (more on that in a bit) and nonstick for things like eggs or pancakes (foods you don't need to crisp up or sauces you don't want to get burnt on). This ceramic nonstick Always Pan (the 2.0 version now has upgraded nonstick and is oven safe!) is a BuzzFeed Shopping team favorite. It's designed to do the work of TEN pieces of regular old cookware if you've already reaaallllly run out of cabinet space. It comes with a lockable lid, steamer basket, pouring spout, and a nesting spatula with a built-in rest. Get it from Our Place for $95 (originally $150) or from Amazon for $150 (available in 10 colors). Promising review: "My daughter in law ❤️ gave me my pan for Mother’s Day. I love it so much I bought another one. I cook a lot and own a great deal of cookware. Our Place is a superior product. I have also given these pans as gifts." —Tia D. Our Place is a POC-owned business based in Los Angeles. All of their boxes are packaged with biodegradable and recyclable materials, and the Always Pan is made in a female-owned factory in China . 19. Don't let the idea of seasoning and cleaning cast-iron pans intimidate you; they're one of the most versatile tools in your kitchen. Use them on the stove, pop 'em in the oven. They're basically indestructible — we're talking magic pans, folks. We've got you covered — here's Everything You Need To Know About Cooking With Cast-Iron Pans . The basics? Never leave water in the skillet, use thin layers of oil heated past the smoke point to bond with it when seasoning, preheat it when you use it, and only use steel wool when bringing it down to the base layer. But if you do, you can always re-season! Looking for recipe ideas ? Check out 21 Cast-Iron Skillet Recipes You Should Try . Still don't have one? Get a top-rated Lodge cast-iron skillet from Amazon for $25.44 . 20. Stop overcrowding your pans. I mean it! The heat won't distribute evenly, and you won't get those lovely caramelized bits — no one wants bland chicken thighs. 21. Learn how to perfectly cook a steak, including searing it (in a HOT, HOT, HOT pan) and then basting it with butter and herbs. I watched this GIF and suddenly I'm hungry. We've developed the ultimate guide for cooking several cuts of steak ! 22. Keep under- or overcooking your meat? Keep a cooking temperatures guide for reference, and invest in a good meat thermometer to check *without* cutting into your meat (that's how you lose all those good juices!). Get the chart pictured above from Amazon for $9.87 , and get a top-rated meat thermometer from Amazon for $14.95 (available in four colors). 23. Don't cut into your meat to check how done it is; you'll lose the juices! Try the ~meat done-ness hand test~ for perfectly pink results every time — or use a cooking thermometer . The pad of flesh below the base of your thumb is your guide! When your hand is open, the pad feels like raw meat, when your index and thumbs touch, it feels like ratr, thumb and middle fingers touching feels like medium rare, thumb and ring touching feels like medium, and thumb and pinkie feels like (you guessed it) well-done. 24. And on that note, you need to let your meat rest after cooking! It helps the juices settle and get reabsorbed, so they don't all come running out when you cut in. Mmm, tender. While it varies by cut of meat and recipe, the rest time is usually 10–20 minutes . 25. As fellow fans of 90 Day Fiancé know well, cut your meat against the grain (or as Darcy likes to say, on the bias). It makes the meat easier to chew. Learn more about this tip at The Kitchn . It should look like this: 26. As one culinary school grad suggests , treat heat like an ingredient — don't use high heat when you want to go low 'n' slow, or keep your pan on a simmer when you're trying to develop a nice crust. 27. Unless you're making risotto, NEVER stir rice while you're cooking it! That's how it goes from fluffy to sticky and starchy. Other tips for making perfect rice ? If you're making it on the stove, use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning, and during the final stage, put a towel under the lid to avoid extra condensation making it mushy. Of course you can always use an Instant Pot ( $99.95 from Amazon) or a microwave rice steamer ( $19.99 from Amazon) for complete effortlessness. 28. And grain-to-water ratios depend on what you're making; keep these handy and you can venture out to fun, different grains like farro and quinoa. Keep this guide from Good Eggs (an organic grocery delivery site) handy! —Brown rice: 1 cup grains to 2 cups water, takes 30 mins —Basmati rice: 1 cup grains to 2 cups water, takes 20-25 mins —Steel-cut oats: 1 cup grains to 3 cups water, takes 30–40 mins —Wheat berries: 1 cup grains to 3 cups water, takes 40–40 mins —Sushi rice: 1 cup grains to 1 cup water, takes 20 mins —Farro: 1 cup grains to 4 cups water, takes 25 mins —Rolled oats: 1 cup grains to 2 cups water, takes 15-20 mins —Quinoa: 1 cup grains to 1 1/4 cups water, takes 25 mins 29. When you're making pasta, once it's just about al dente, finish cooking it in the sauce, adding in some of the leftover pasta water. Your sauce will get silkier and will cling to the pasta *so* much better, making for a real Italian restaurant-quality dish. Get all the steps for perfecting your pasta at Serious Eats . 30. And pair the right pasta with the right sauce for the best ~texture combos~. —Skinny and long pastas (like spaghetti, linguini, and angel hair) go with light, olive oil–based sauces or cream-based sauces —Twisty shapes (like fusilli, gemelli, and rotini) go with light, textured sauces —Tubes (like penne rigatoni, and macaroni) go with thick, chunky, meaty sauces —Shells (like conchiglie) go with thick, textured meaty sauces 31. Try your hand at roasting a whole chicken. It's easier than you think (we promise!), delicious, good for you, and cheaper than buying individual cuts, AND it makes THE BEST LEFTOVERS. BuzzFeed's food editors tried EIGHT recipes to find you the best (and easiest!) roast chicken recipe of all time. Here's LITERALLY all the things you need: a chicken (duh), reusable silicone cooking bands ( $6.99 from Amazon), a roasting rack ( $13.61 from Amazon), salt, and pepper. THAT IS IT!!!! No other ingredients, no other tools. SERIOUSLY. Side note: When I'm talking about leftover possibilities for a roasted or rotisserie chicken, they're basically endless. And it's already cooked, so you can assemble a fun new meal on a weeknight. Quesadillas, chicken salad, and fried rice OH MY! These are the joys that await you in Easy Meals You Can Make With Rotisserie Chicken . 32. Never buy salad dressing again — making your own vinaigrette is as easy as this ratio: one part vinegar/acid, two parts oil. Learn more about making your own dressings at Little Coconutty . Btw, you can just whip one up right in a handy salad dressing shaker with measurements printed on the side, an airtight seal, and a one-handed lever for easy pouring of your very own homemade vinaigrettes and dressings. Get it from Amazon for $17.99 . Promising review: "Best salad dressing shaker ever! This is really a great product if you like to make your own dressings. I find that many bottled dressings are too salty and full of preservatives as well. Making your own is embarrassingly easy and saves you money as well. The wide mouth makes it easy to add the oil, vinegar, etc. and it also has a handy rubber grip in case your hands are slippery! Never buy salad dressing again! " — Ella Dedman 33. If you're getting the hang of using your slow cooker , keeping in mind that the order you add your ingredients is important! Add dairy ingredients later, because adding them too early might cause them to curdle. And when it comes to pasta and beans, add those last too, because you do *not* want them getting mushy. For more slow cooker info, check out Genius Tips & Tricks For If You Own A Slow Cooker . And check out this recipe pictured here (it's slow cooker jalepeño corn chowder) at The Skinny Fork . Still don't have a slow cooker? Get a 6-quart programmable Crock-Pot from Amazon for $69.99 . 34. Don't sleep on the beauty of the Dutch oven . It's one of the most useful tools you have have in the kitchen for making one-pot dinners (aka tasty meal, basically no dishes). This 5-quart enameled Crock-Pot Dutch oven is beautiful *and* loved by reviewers. Get it from Amazon for $53.42+ (available in 13 colors and a 3-quart and 7-quart size). Promising review: "As great as Le Creuset, if not better! I am a big Le Creuset cookware fan and was considering paying the almost $300 for their Dutch oven. But I got this to see how often I would even use a Dutch oven before spending all that money on the name brand. Safe to say, I will probably just skip spending the money on the name brand because I am so pleased with this purchase. The color is way prettier than any of the other colors out there, and for this price, YOU CANNOT BEAT THIS DEAL. I would recommend this pot 20 times out of 10 if you are considering a Dutch oven. TRY THIS OUT YOU WILL NOT REGRET THIS PURCHASE!!!" — Nicole Carter Need some inspiration? Let me show you right over to 18 One-Pot Dinners You Can Make In A Dutch Oven . 35. Got brown bits stuck on the bottom of your pan? DO! NOT! Waste them. Deglaze your pan with a bit of wine or stock to keep building your flavor. Learn more at Food52 . 36. You should really be baking your bacon, not frying it in a pan. Why?? 1. It's easier to cook a bunch at once (the more bacon, the better) 2. It's wayyyyyyy less messy. 3. It stays flat rather than curling up (way better for using in sandwiches). 4. It cooks up perfectly every time! Without having to do any extra work! Check out all the steps for the best baked bacon (try saying that five times fast) at Food52 . 37. Learn how to bake something in ❤️ parchment paper ❤️ for a no-fuss (and like, no dishes!) dinner. Yes it's basically the easiest way to cook fish, but you can totally make chicken, shrimp, veggies, and eggs in it too! Take a 14"x12" rectangle of parchment paper, fold in half and cut into a heart shape (um, CUTE!), put your ingredients on one half of the heart, folding the other half over and crimp for a tight seal. You're ready to cook! ::Immediately clicks on 16 Parchment-Wrapped Dinners For People Who Hate Dishes :: These recipes include mains AND sides! Dinner = done. Get a 90-square-foot roll of parchment paper for $7.41 . 38. Amp up the moistness and flavor of standard chicken breasts by using a marinade. You can whip one up with as few as three ingredients!! This chart has a ton of suggestions, but you really just need 1/4 cup fat, 2 tablespoons acid, and 1–2 teaspoons salt. Mix it up however you'd like! Looking for something a little more impressive? We've got four-ingredient and five-ingredient marinades for you too! 39. And don't over- or under-marinate. Match your protein to the chart below for just the right amount of flavor (and no sogginess) every time. —Fish and shrimp: 15 to 30 mins —Tofu: 20 mins to 12 hours —Chicken: 30 mins to 6 hours —Lamb, beef, and pork: 4 hours to 12 hours 40. Combine butter and flour to make a roux, the base of tons of sauces (including bechamel, aka what you need to make a homemade and delicious mac 'n' cheese when you want to skip the boxed stuff). Get the how-to at The Pioneer Woman . 41. Master the art of making the perfect grilled cheese so you can always feed a crowd (or just yourself) without having to whip up anything fancy. No matter what kind of bread or cheese you want, create your own *uLtImAte* blend. Haven't been making your grilled cheeses with mayo ? Now is the time to start. 42. Clean up as you go using a Rachael Ray-style countertop garbage bowl or a handy dandy hanging compost bin that'll attach to the outside of your cabinets for easy disposal as you chop and cook. You'll save time prepping, chopping, *and* most importantly, cleaning when you're done eating. Yes, she makes a branded garbage bowl. You can get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in seven colors). 43. Still need some pointers? The bestselling book, How To Cook Everything: The Basics has all the ~truly basic~ techniques and recipes you need to impress a date... or your mom, who you can totally invite over for dinner now. It has over 1,000 photos, so you cannot screw this up. The reviews for this are straight-up glowing. Get it from Amazon for $22.49 . Promising review: "I just turned 25, and my lack of cooking skills was beginning to be embarrassing and unhealthy, so I began searching for a cookbook to help me out. I usually got recipes online, but they tended to be either too complicated or too expensive for someone who's not that well off. I am not exaggerating when I say that this book has turned my culinary life around. I cook pretty frequently now, and I basically exclusively cook out of this book. I'm going to list several things about this book that I like: * TONS of great tutorials for things like cutting up veggies, how to boil pasta the right way, etc. Along with these great helpers, every recipe includes page numbers to the relevant stuff, so you can easily flip back and forth to figure out how to do all of the mechanical stuff. * The recipes are arranged in each chapter from easiest to most difficult, so it's perfect for new cooks to build up their confidence. * The recipes are simple, and simple generally means cheap. It does NOT, however, mean flavorless. Everything I've made out of this book has been fantastic, even the super-simple chopped salad and homemade dressing. * The section on what tools/equipment needed in a kitchen has also helped me furnish my kitchen better. I would say that if you are a beginner cook, this book is absolutely the one to buy. It's affordable, well written, and will help you make fantastic food. Seriously. Look no further ." — Patrick Rinker Listen to Chef Auguste Gusteau: Anyone CAN cook!
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Tiny council pushing for fibre connectivity for inland residentsThe UK is prepared for “all eventualities” if Donald Trump slaps import tariffs on goods from Britain, Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said. The US president-elect has already announced plans to hit China, Canada and Mexico with tariffs as part of his efforts to crack down on illegal immigration and drugs. But he has indicated he is prepared to use tariffs far more widely as part of his plan to protect American industry. Mr Trump has suggested he wants to increase tariffs on goods imported from around the world by 10% or 20%, rising to 60% on items from China. The UK could retaliate in the form of tariffs targeted at symbolically important US products such as whiskey, blue jeans and motorbikes – hitting brands like Jack Daniel’s, Levi’s and Harley-Davidson – as Britain and the European Union did during trade wars in Mr Trump’s first term in the White House. Mr Reynolds would not be drawn on what actions he would take but insisted the UK was prepared. He told the Commons Business and Trade Committee: “This is the big question facing global trading relationships.” The UK should be an advocate for “open, transparent, free trading relationships around the world”, he said. “Yes, it’s true to say, if any country imposed tariffs on UK companies exporting, it would hurt our companies. “But let’s also remember that it also hurts the consumers in whatever country are being asked to pay those tariffs. And there’s an inflationary pressure, there’s an impact on the cost of living.” The Cabinet minister acknowledged that a 20% tariffs on goods exported to the US would result in a “not insignificant” impact on UK economic growth. Asked if the Government had options ready to respond to tariffs from Mr Trump, the minister said: “I wouldn’t want to speculate, but the committee should assume that all eventualities have been prepared for.” The options in any dispute would be to do nothing, retaliate or negotiate. Asked if retaliatory tariffs on goods such as Harley-Davidson bikes were already prepared, the Trade Secretary said: “You would expect this department to prepare for every eventuality. But I think we should just be a little bit sensitive at this stage about speculating about how we would respond to something which hasn’t happened.” Mr Reynolds said the trade deficits with the US in relation to other European countries did not apply to the UK so Mr Trump might not feel the need to act in the same way as he would with other nations. He said: “There are a whole range of areas where we, as a country, I think could and should – if we could do it – welcome closer trading relationships with the US. “The US is a fundamental ally of ours. We have an incredibly strong trading relationship as it stands, and when I look to areas like services, technology, critical minerals, if there was the opportunity to work more closely together, I don’t think anyone should turn around immediately and say ‘not interested in that’.” He acknowledged there were “challenges” in seeking a closer trading relationship, or even a free-trade deal, which would have knock-on impacts with other important markets for the UK in the EU and China. “I don’t see the need at this stage to rule anything out or in, but to be realistic about where our national interest lies and being frank with the committee about the fact that any negotiation in any major principal market that we might do has to be considered not in isolation, but its relationship to other key markets, and what the consequences of that negotiation would mean for business and trade in those areas.” But he insisted he did not see the coming years as a “binary choice” between trading more closely with the US or EU.None
We're now two years removed from OpenAI's launch of ChatGPT, and there's no doubt which company has been the biggest winner of the generative AI revolution so far. Nvidia ( NVDA -3.22% ) , now best known for making cutting-edge chips capable of powering AI applications like ChatGPT, has seen its stock jump by 10 times since the beginning of 2023, making plenty of investors significantly richer. This month, it again became the world's most valuable company, with a market cap of more than $3.5 trillion. Despite concerns that competition would bring it to heel or that the AI megatrend was inflating a bubble that would eventually burst, Nvidia has continued to deliver blowout results, and that pattern was on display once again in the fiscal 2025 third-quarter earnings report it delivered Wednesday. Total revenue in the quarter jumped 94% year over year to $35.1 billion, topping the consensus estimate of $33.1 billion. The data center segment, where revenue jumped 112% to $30.8 billion, drove that growth, as demand for its graphics processing units (GPUs) continues to outstrip supply. Profits also surged as the company continued to gain leverage on its operating expenses. On a generally accepted accounting principles ( GAAP ) basis, operating income jumped by 110% to $21.9 billion, and adjusted earnings per share surged from $0.40 to $0.81, ahead of the consensus estimate of $0.75. Nvidia is everywhere all at once Never before in history has a company as big as Nvidia grown so fast. Remarkably, its 94% revenue growth was its slowest pace on a percentage basis in six quarters, but it's sustaining blistering growth rates for much longer than analysts had expected. The amount of revenue in dollar terms that it's adding each quarter is also increasing sequentially, so the real growth of the business is accelerating even as its percentage growth moderates. Earlier this year, some analysts were questioning whether the level of dominance Nvidia has established in the AI chip sector was sustainable. Advanced Micro Devices and Intel have launched their own competing AI accelerators. However, they have struggled to make a dent in Nvidia's dominant market share. AMD disappointed the market with its latest earnings report and announced layoffs earlier this month, while Intel began a massive restructuring after its stock hit a 20-year low. At this point, the key constraint on Nvidia's growth is on the supply side, as CEO Jensen Huang recently said demand for its latest GPUs, built using its new Blackwell architecture, is "insane." Describing demand for the Blackwell chips on the earnings call, CFO Colette Kress said, "Every customer is racing to be the first to market." Management stressed how broad Blackwell's reach is in terms of applications and customer base, and how vast its partner ecosystem is. "[A]lmost every company in the world seems to be involved in our supply chain," Huang said. Beyond the concerns that rivals could make headway against it, the other bearish case about Nvidia revolves around the idea of an "AI bubble." Some onlookers think that market demand for AI applications won't justify the massive capital expenditures on AI infrastructure that are fueling Nvidia's growth. However, when asked about it on the earnings call, Huang pushed back on the idea that AI is reaching scaling limitations, saying, "Our foundation model pre-training scaling is intact, and it's continuing." He also said that it was key for post- training and inference to scale in order for large language models and other AI models to become more capable. Is Nvidia a buy? After having successfully withstood competition from AMD and Intel, and delivering another blowout quarter, Nvidia looks unstoppable. Its guidance for the fourth quarter calls for another surge in revenue to $37.5 billion, up 70% from the quarter a year ago even as "demand greatly exceeds supply. Huang has described a vision for the future that has Nvidia's technology at the center of AI factories -- data centers tasked with powering artificial intelligence applications -- and companies of all stripes are racing to get to that future. Nvidia's stock pulled back slightly in after-hours trading Wednesday, but that seemed to be more of a reflection of the stock's valuation and management's guidance. However, that misreads the business. Based on its run-rate EPS, the stock trades at a P/E ratio of 45, and its profits are likely to soar over the next year. Relative to its growth rate, the stock doesn't look overpriced. Nvidia remains in the driver's seat of the AI revolution, and the stock continues to look like a screaming buy.NoneNone
India says it wants the 2036 Olympics in what is seen as an attempt by Narendra Modi to cement his legacy but the country faces numerous challenges to host the biggest show on earth. The prime minister says staging the Games in a nation where cricket is the only sport that really matters is the "dream and aspiration" of 1.4 billion people. Experts say it is more about Modi's personal ambitions and leaving his mark on the world stage, while also sending a message about India's political and economic rise. Modi, who is also pushing for a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council, will be 86 in 2036. "Hosting the Olympics will, in a way, burnish India's credentials as a global power," said academic Ronojoy Sen, author of "Nation at Play", a history of sport in India. "The current government wants to showcase India's rise and its place on the global high table, and hosting the Olympic Games is one way to do it." Already the most populous nation, India is on track to become the world's third-biggest economy long before the planned Olympics. India submitted a formal letter of intent to the International Olympic Committee in October, but has not said where it wants to hold the Games. Local media are tipping Ahmedabad in Modi's home state of Gujarat, a semi-arid region where temperatures surge above 50 degrees Celsius (122F) in summer. Gujarat state has already floated a company, the Gujarat Olympic Planning and Infrastructure Corporation, with a $710 million budget. Ahmedabad has about six million people, its heart boasting a UNESCO-listed 15th-century wall which sprawls out into a rapidly growing metropolis. The city is home to a 130,000-seater arena, the world's biggest cricket stadium, named after Modi. It staged the 2023 Cricket World Cup final. The city is also the headquarters of the Adani Group conglomerate, headed by billionaire tycoon and Modi's close friend Gautam Adani. Adani was the principal sponsor for the Indian team at this summer's Paris Olympics, where the country's athletes won one silver and five bronze medals. Adani and his associates were Wednesday charged in the United States with paying more than $250 million in bribes to Indian officials for lucrative solar energy supply contracts. The Adani Group called the allegations "baseless". Despite its vast population India's record at the Olympics is poor for a country of its size, winning only 10 gold medals in its history. Sports lawyer Nandan Kamath said hosting an Olympics was an "unprecedented window of opportunity" to strengthen Indian sport. "I'd like to see the Olympics as a two-week-long wedding event," he said. "A wedding is a gateway to a marriage. The work you do before the event, and all that follows, solidifies the relationship." Outside cricket, which will be played at the Los Angeles Games in 2028, Indian strengths traditionally include hockey and wrestling. New Delhi is reported to be pushing for the inclusion at the Olympics of Indian sports including kabaddi and kho kho -- tag team sports -- and yoga. Retired tennis pro Manisha Malhotra, a former Olympian and now talent scout, agreed that global sporting events can boost grassroots sports but worries India might deploy a "top-down" approach. "Big money will come in for the elite athletes, the 2036 medal hopefuls, but it will probably end at that," said Malhotra, president of the privately funded training centre, the Inspire Institute of Sport. Veteran sports journalist Sharda Ugra said India's underwhelming sports record -- apart from cricket -- was "because of its governance structure, sporting administrations and paucity of events". "So then, is it viable for us to be building large stadiums just because we are going to be holding the Olympics? The answer is definitely no." The Indian Olympic Association is split between two rival factions, with its president P.T. Usha admitting to "internal challenges" to any bid. After Los Angeles, Brisbane will stage the 2032 Games. The United States and Australia both have deep experience of hosting major sporting events, including previous Olympics. India has staged World Cups for cricket and the Asian Games twice, the last time in 1982, but it has never had an event the size of an Olympics. Many are skeptical it can successfully pull it off. The 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi were marked by construction delays, substandard infrastructure and accusations of corruption. Many venues today are in a poor state. "India will need serious repairing of its poor reputation on punctuality and cleanliness," The Indian Express daily wrote in an editorial. "While stadium aesthetics look pretty in PowerPoint presentations and 3D printing, leaking roofs or sub-par sustainability goals in construction won't help in India making the cut."
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