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Wearing a weighted vest can promote bone health and weight loss, but it's not a cure-all
Weighted vests are among the latest fitness trends. But like any tool, their effectiveness depends on their use.
CNBC making changes to business day programming
CNBC editor in chief David Cho sent out the following on Friday: Team, I want to share some exciting updates to our Business Day programming that will help strengthen our editorial strategy, sharpen our on-air voices, and position us for continued growth across platforms. In addition to their current on-air responsibilities,Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli will serve […]
Voices: Amid significant threats, Utah will prioritize public health funding, evidence-based programs and the workforce that protects us all
“In 2026, public health is neither retreating nor standing still,” write Caitlyn Jasumback and Morgan Hadden in an op-ed. “It is adapting to a challenging landscape while continuing work that directly affects the lives of Utahns.”
How Recent Developments Are Shaping The Sphere Entertainment (SPHR) Investment Story
The latest valuation work on Sphere Entertainment has lifted the fair value estimate from US$75.30 to US$88.30, supported by a slightly lower discount rate at 9.87% and a small increase in the revenue growth assumption to 6.03%. These tweaks build on Street research that has become more constructive, with bullish voices pointing to Las Vegas Sphere performance, a fuller content pipeline and recent earnings data. Cautious analysts, however, still question how durable current attendance trends...
Some voices conspicuously silent when it comes to Trump’s science ...
Research-intensive universities have been targeted in an unprecedented and unrelenting manner since Donald Trump retook the White House on 20 January. In April, nearly a third of the 6000-plus members of the US National Academies of Sciences, which is a nonpartisan organisation charged with providing evidence-based science and technology advice ...
Google Voice is about to get a powerful upgrade thanks to Gemini
Your personal note-taker is almost here
Looking for a subscription-free Whoop band? This screenless rival could be the voice-led wearable you’re looking for
Who needs a screen anyway?
Introducing Alexa.com, a completely new way to interact with Alexa+
From quick answers to completed tasks, Amazon now offers an AI assistant experience across voice, mobile, and web.
Another Democrat — this one the son of Somali immigrants — is running for Utah’s new left-leaning congressional seat
Liban Mohamed joined a crowded field of candidates vying for a Democratic-leaning district in Utah's new congressional maps. Mohamed, who is the son of Somali immigrants, is young, Black and Muslim, and says he can bring new voices to the political process.
‘A silent majority’: MPs underestimate support for green policies, study reveals
Exclusive: From solar subsidies to meat taxes, minority rightwing voices appear to drown out the consensus
Subtle releases ear buds with its noise cancelation models
Subtle's new $199 earbuds will also let you dictate in any app on desktop or phone
Mamdani says he called Trump to voice opposition to Maduro capture
"It was an opposition based on being opposed to a pursuit of regime change," Mamdani said.
Stop Using Your Keyboard and Start Using This Simple, Free Speech-to-Text App
It’s called Handy, and it uses AI models to accurately convert your speaking voice into text—all for free.
A new Deux Ex isn't coming in 2026 as people in charge are "psychopaths", jokes series voice lead
Voice actor Elias Toufexis has assured fans a new Deus Ex game isn't coming in 2026, states the people in charge are "psychopaths".
South County Politics Are…Complicated
The more you learn about the region’s tribal feuds, diverse communities and uncategorizable people, the more you realize how wrong conventional wisdom really is.
Student Voices: Learning To Judge: Rediscovering Finance, Wisdom & Community At Harvard Business School
What begins as technical training in finance becomes an education in values, writes Harvard MS/MBA student Abhi Gunasekar.
Blog: Bridging science and humanitarian action – an internship at the Climate Centre
By Annalena Bacher (The Climate Centre is happy on New Year’s Day to open its coverage for 2026 with a young voice – that of its latest intern, Annalena Bacher, who worked with us from September to December 2025.) I have long been fascinated by climate change and extreme-weather events: their impacts on people, how […]
The year the Capitol Christmas tree was delivered by a senator
The voice on the phone was familiar, but the request was not. It was the latter part of September 2000. The person on the other end of the line was U.S. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell. Over the years I had a number of calls with Ben as he served in different elected roles, so I was […]
Cook County Health chief medical officer voices concern as ACA subsidies set to expire Thursday
Without an extension of ACA subsidies, premiums are expected to double and triple for the 550,000 Illinoisans enrolled in the marketplace, making it unaffordable for many.
Health officials warn public after coyote injures person in Warwick Township
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is searching for the animal, but officials don't know if it is rabid.
Report cards are in for Philly's sports teams
What grades do the Philly pro teams deserve for their 2025 seasons? We handed them out to each one.
Editors Pick: Sense, Nonsense and Science Columns
Seed World Europe features the columns of Dr. Joe Schwarcz, Director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society, for readers who appreciate science with clarity, curiosity, and wit. Known for demystifying chemistry and challenging misinformation, Joe brings an engaging, no-nonsense voice to topics spanning food, biotechnology, health claims, and the science behind everyday phenomena. Each column helps readers separate evidence from hype while exploring how science shapes our world—and the seed sector.
The best AI-powered dictation apps of 2025
AI-powered dictation apps are useful for replying to emails, taking notes, and even coding through your voice
Lawmakers to consider funding options for mental health help line
With funding for the Oklahoma mental health crisis hot line set to run out at the end of the budget year, lawmakers will have to determine how to fund 988 this session.
Oklahoma's National Guard deployment to D.C. is a disheartening political stunt
I was disheartened to read that Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt is sending members of the Oklahoma National Guard to Washington, DC , to participate in the federal surge in the nation’s capital.
Lloyds Shelves Invoice Financing as Small Businesses Shift Away
British bank Lloyds is reportedly ending its small-business-focused invoice financing program. The factoring program will close by the year’s end, the
The biggest entertainment and fashion moments of 2025, as seen in AP photos
Bad Bunny performs during the iHeartRadio Music Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, March 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File) By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Updated 6:00 AM CST, December 4, 2025 For many, 2025 felt like a blur and that was true in the world of entertainment, which saw happy reunions, somber farewells and introductions to fresh voices and faces. Sabrina...
With embrace of Native culture, St. Paul student finds his voice in state politics
Dexter Paasch of Harding High took advocacy to the State Capitol and will return next year as a student leader.
Lloyds shuts invoice financing service as small businesses feel squeeze
UK lender is latest major bank to retreat from sector in pivot towards lucrative corporate clients
Austin business owner voices frustration after yearlong wait for arrest in food truck theft
What’s next for Medi-Cal? A former state health leader weighs in • The Mendocino Voice
‘What does the future look like?’: As California braces for Medicaid cuts, former health secretary to lead new commission in creating plan to protect care
Central Colorado Humanists Sunday Science Offers "Insights from a Geriatrician", Jan. 4 - by Ark Valley Voice Staff
“Insights from a Geriatrician” is the title of the Central Colorado Humanists Sunday Science program for Jan. 4, 2026. Dr. Erika Altneu, M.D., will
Philly sports' top 10 figures of 2025
Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts, Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber and Union coach Bradley Carnell were all instrumental in Philly sports this year.
Philly sports' top 10 games of 2025
From Cutter Gauthier's first visit to Philly to VJ Edgecombe's debut, Kyle Schwarber's four-homer night, and of course, the Super Bowl, Philly sports had a year to remember.
New Media TV-format talk show showcases Tulsa entertainment
The entertainment series emphasizes quality production and local voices
Voices: Women’s voices in sports media aren’t just valuable, they’re necessary
“Varied perspectives don’t just influence how we tell stories; they determine which stories get told at all,” writes Jaydin Kroutil in an op-ed.
She goes to police calls in a Prius. It’s part of a new approach to mental health emergencies
Briana Fair, a mental health clinician with the San Mateo Police Department, received a dozen voicemails from the same distressed caller over a single weekend this month.
The top 10 Philadelphia sports moments of 2025
This year, the Eagles and Phillies gave Philadelphia fans moments they'll never forget. Let's take a look at the 10 most memorable ones.
Against Iran’s politics of exclusion, pluralism is the point
There is a cruel ritual in Iranian opposition politics: some voices abroad constantly interrogate the “purity” of activists inside—why they did not speak more sharply or endorse maximalist slogans, why survival itself looks insufficiently heroic.
Nine mental-health tips for a happier 2026
Regardless of any resolutions you may have for 2026, one thing is for sure: Everyone wants to have a happy new year.While losing weight or saving money may be great goals, the most straightforward path to happiness is caring for your mental and emotional health. A robust body of research shows that simple cognitive and behavioral strategies can reliably boost happiness and reduce stress – and they’re generally free and accessible to all.These strategies don’t have to be super time-consuming, but they do require intention: They only work if you do them.Here, psychologist Valentina Ogaryan, PhD, clinical director of the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, shares her top tips for cultivating more calm, centeredness and happiness in the new year (or anytime):Make time for playPlay isn’t just for kids, and it’s far from frivolous. The National Institute for Play says engaging in silliness, fun and just-for-pleasure activities reduces stress and increases optimism and resilience. A recent review also found that play improves mental health.“Adults can benefit from play as much as children,” Dr. Ogaryan says, “not just as a reward, but something that helps regulate.”So go ahead and dance with your dog, build something with Legos, tell a joke, sing karaoke or do anything else that feels like fun. Don’t worry about being productive, just enjoy yourself. And, if you can, opt for more analog play, Dr. Ogaryan suggests, as a respite from our ever-more-digital world. Move your bodyWhether you dance, ski, do yoga, play pickleball, ride a bike, roller-skate, hike or lift weights, physical movement benefits overall happiness and well-being. A 2018 review study of more than 1.2 million adults in the U.S. found that doing any kind of exercise was “significantly and meaningfully associated” with better self-reported mental health.The sweet spot was 45 minutes of movement three to five times a week, but even short bursts of physical activity can boost brain health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.“Movement helps support mood and regulate the nervous system,” Dr. Ogaryan says.Plus: exercise can improve sleep quality, and sleep is essential for mental health.Prioritize sleep“Sleep plays a major role in managing stress,” Dr. Ogaryan says. Research shows that lack of sufficient sleep increases the risk of various diseases, including depression.While stress can interfere with sleep, practicing good sleep hygiene can make logging ZZ’s easier. That means maintaining a consistent bedtime; keeping the bedroom cool, dark and quiet; and avoiding social media, news and stimulating shows before bed.Consume lessWe live in a consumer culture, inundated by endless streams of content and advertising everywhere we go, which makes it easy to get overstimulated.“Something really helpful for stress reduction is to simply consume less,” Dr. Ogaryan says – less news, less social media, less information, less noise, less screen time. “It’s about reducing the input,” she says.Consider setting a maximum number of news articles per day, for example, or a time limit on scrolling. Maybe even go device free for an afternoon or a whole day.Practice present-moment awarenessWith so much coming at us all the time, focusing on the here and now can make life feel more manageable, Dr. Ogaryan says: “When everything feels super overwhelming, when everything feels larger than life, let’s make our world a little bit smaller for that moment in time.”She suggests taking things one day, or even one hour, at a time. Ask yourself: What’s my next right action? Release the need to know how everything turns out and liberate yourself from having to handle everything right now. Let the future take care of itself and just focus on the current moment. Then the next one. Have a daily anchorFrom work to the daily commute to family and life responsibilities, our days can feel jam-packed. Dr. Ogaryan recommends creating a centering daily anchor that can fit into even the busiest day.Maybe it’s a 10-minute walk during your lunch break or mindfully enjoying your coffee in the morning. Let your anchor adapt to your needs each day, she says, but be intentional about using that time to ground yourself and calm your nervous system. You might even say to yourself, “I choose this walk to help me become centered,” or “My day already feels stressful, so I’m going to take the next 10 minutes to enjoy this cup of coffee, feel the warm mug in my hand and just be present.” Having an anchor won’t erase the busy-ness from your day, but it will allow you to approach it more calmly.Be kind to yourselfMost of us have a harsh inner critic in our heads who works overtime. But that critical voice only increases our stress, triggering the same fight-or-flight response as caustic words from another person.To feel happier, we need to replace that inner critic with a kinder, more compassionate voice, Dr. Ogaryan says. Studies show that self-compassion is a source of eudaimonic happiness – the kind of happiness associated with purpose and meaning in life.While our knee-jerk reaction may be to self-criticize – “How could you let it get to this point? You didn’t manage your time well and now the project is going to be late. You’re so inept.” – we fare better mentally by treating ourselves with kindness, like we would a friend. That might sound like, “You’ve got a lot on your plate, but you are capable and you’ll get it done. I believe in you.”We may think that speaking kindly to ourselves means letting ourselves off the hook, so we end up becoming lazy do-nothings. But research shows the opposite: People who are self-compassionate are more likely to try harder in the face of failure and ultimately reach their goals.You can thank your inner critic for its good intentions, but resolve to talk to yourself in a kind, compassionate voice.Connect with othersHumans are social animals built for connection. Stress can be isolating and cause us to withdraw, but connecting with others is a salve for the psyche, Dr. Ogaryan says.“We know that not all relationships are always easy, but if we can think about intentional, nourishing connection – even in really small doses – it could really help center us,” she says.Take a moment to laugh with your colleagues, hug your pet, have a conversation with a friend or smile at the barista making your coffee. A study found that even tiny interactions with casual acquaintances and strangers decreases loneliness and improves happiness and well-being.Seek supportIf you try these practices and happiness remains elusive, or if you can’t access the wherewithal to follow these tips, seek support from your physician or a therapist. Mental health conditions are among the most common health issues in the U.S. and around the world – more prevalent than diabetes or heart disease. One in five people in the U.S. experiences a mental illness each year, with depression and anxiety the most common, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.“We can all think about these tips,” Dr. Ogaryan says. “But it’s important to recognize if you’ve done everything you can and you’re still really struggling, it’s really important to seek help.”
When local news and science go dark, the river loses its voice: A warning and a rallying cry from Stroud Water Research Center
As federal money fades and science comes under fire, supporters of the Delaware River should find ways to advocate for the waterway.
Party politics: Defining ‘conservative’
Re: “Partisanship: ‘Elections have consequences’ ” (Dec. 18, Northwest Voices): I question the boilerplate use of the label “conservative” as the opposite of “progressive” in articles and opinion pieces discussing party politics. “Regressive” would be a more accurate label in most...
Cronos: The New Dawn Is Getting An Easy Difficulty Setting In Early 2026
"We've heard your voices"
Maggie O'Farrell didn't want to write 'Hamnet's' script. How Chloé Zhao changed her mind
From their first Zoom call to a 58-minute voice note, Maggie O'Farrell details how she and Chloé Zhao came to co-write the screenplay for 'Hamnet' across continents and time zones.
Voice of business: Healthcare shift for businesses in region
I’ve been watching closely as a growing number of our region’s small businesses are making a strategic pivot this December, moving from traditional small-group or individual health insurance plans to health coverage through business associations.
Jerusalem hosts fourth-annual ‘Own Your Voice’ business conference
The fourth annual Jerusalem Business Conference, this year’s titled “Own Your Voice: Building Business and Community,” took place on November 19 at the Nefesh B’Nefesh Campus in Cinema City.
Michele Gallagher: Quiet lessons on resilience from Rhode Island women business leaders
Over the course of the last ten months, we’ve been introduced to some inspiring women in this “Voices of Rhode Island Women” series. With every interview, I have been impressed about how intrepid, passionate and resilient these women leaders are. They don’t just show up for work every day, they show up and stand up, […]
Frustrations mount among survivors about House Democrats’ selective releases of Epstein files and photos
A number of Jeffrey Epstein survivors voiced their concern in a private meeting with female Democratic lawmakers earlier this week about the intermittent disclosure of Epstein-related documents and photos by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, sharing that the selective publication of materials was distressing, four sources familiar with the call told CNN.
Westwood One Sports Unveils Sports Talk Lineup
ATLANTA and NEW YORK, Dec. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cumulus Media’s Westwood One today unveiled its new Sports Talk lineup, debuting Monday, December 29, 2025. This bold expansion delivers nonstop sports conversation, expert analysis, and fan engagement across all major platforms. The new programming lineup features a mix of established voices and rising stars, giving listeners access to compelling content around the clock. The Jim Rome Show will remain in its prime 3 pm – 6 pm ET weekday sl
Tom Durkin | The journey: People over politics
“Everyone’s on a journey,” Dianna Hill used to remind me gently whenever I got upset with what someone did or didn’t do. Maybe 5’2” in heels and just barely topping 100 pounds, Dianna had the look and soft voice of the perfect kindergarten teacher. She taught 8th-grade algebra. Dianna was empathy personified. She could feel […]
A new era for sports communication at UNC Hussman | UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
As director of UNC Hussman’s Sports Communication Focus Program, Distinguished Associate Professor of Sports Communication Livis Freeman is building on the work of the school’s legendary Distinguished Professor for Sports Communication John Sweeney. Sweeney, who retired last year, developed one of the most respected sports communication programs in the country. Freeman, now in his 12th year at the school, is launching an ambitious expansion of the program that is transforming how UNC prepares students for careers in sports media. The most visible change came this fall with a reimagining of “MEJO 377: Sports Communication.” Previously offered as two sections with 30 students each, the course expanded to 96 students and welcomed former UNC basketball star and NBA veteran Tyler Hansbrough as the co-instructor with Freeman, bringing real world professional experience directly into the classroom every week. The course has been a huge success. Students have participated in recording a podcast with Hansbrough and learned from an impressive lineup of guest speakers. Steve Kirschner, UNC’s senior associate director of athletics for communications, was the first in the course’s guest speaker series, followed by UNC Hussman alumni including Kaitlyn Schmidt ’23 from Bleacher Report, Deaton Bell ’90 from Turner Sports and Becca Royer ’19 from the Philadelphia 76ers. Travis Tygart, CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, also shared his insights with the class. The highlight of the semester came when Roy Williams, who coached Hansbrough and the Tar Heels to a national championship in 2009, visited the classroom. Former UNC men’s basketball players Luke Maye and Marcus Ginyard showed up to support their former coach and Hansbrough, creating an unforgettable experience as Williams entertained students with stories and insights that captivated the room. Student demand has been overwhelming. The course reached capacity within two days of registration opening, with more than 40 students on the waitlist. “Students want to learn from people who have actually lived these experiences,” Freeman said. “Tyler shares insights into media relations, broadcast production and athlete communications that you simply can’t get from a textbook.” The model proved so successful that the school secured funding to continue it for the next five years, with a different former professional athlete co-teaching each fall. The school’s curriculum committee approved a proposal to expand the course to 150 to 200 students starting in fall 2026. This change will make it an introductory course accessible to students from across the University, transforming it into a showcase course for the entire campus. The course redesign represents just one piece of a broader sports communication program overhaul. This fall, the curriculum committee approved “MEJO 390: Sports Play by Play,” the first course of its kind at UNC. Limited to 10 advanced students, the course will be taught by Matt Krause, the current voice of UNC women’s basketball and an ACC Network broadcaster. Students will call actual games across multiple sports including women’s softball, soccer, volleyball, field hockey and lacrosse, as well as men’s soccer and lacrosse. They will also shadow broadcasts of men’s and women’s basketball games. “The sports broadcasting industry is exploding with streaming platforms and conference networks creating unprecedented demand,” Freeman said. The course emerged directly from student advocacy, led by Anna Laible ’26 and others who pushed for hands-on broadcasting experience. Professional equipment has been acquired, partnerships with UNC Athletics are in place and a soft launch began this semester with three experienced students calling games to test the system. The program’s growth extends into other specialized areas as well. Last spring, Stembler Professor Charlie Tuggle launched a new sports event management and hospitality course in partnership with On Location, a company that manages major sporting event experiences. The course provided students with opportunities to travel to the Super Bowl and NFL Draft, and Tuggle plans to take a group to the 2026 Milan Olympics this spring. Looking ahead to spring 2026, Associate Professor Ryan Thornburg will debut a sports data visualization course, adding another dimension to the program’s skill-building offerings. The curriculum expansion reflects the increasingly diverse career paths available in sports media, from traditional journalism and broadcasting to digital analytics and strategic communication. The program is also diving into one of college athletics’ most transformative developments: Name, Image and Likeness rights. Freeman’s “MEJO 466: Sports Marketing” class collaborated last spring with Associate Professor Gary Kayye’s “MEJO 371: Advertising Creative” class on a project with UNC’s Carolina NIL group to help rebrand their organization. That same semester, Kayye’s class envisioned Chapel Thrill, UNC football’s new pregame concert and entertainment experience. And Shaun Anderson, the school’s Knight Chair in Sports, Race and Media, continues to explore the broader implications of NIL through his research and teaching. These NIL-focused initiatives give students direct exposure to the business side of college athletics at a moment when the landscape is rapidly evolving. “Our students aren’t just learning about these changes,” Freeman said. “They’re actively helping shape how schools and athletes navigate them.” The transformation of UNC Hussman’s sports communication program reflects a broader philosophy about how to prepare students for careers in a rapidly changing industry. By bringing in professional practitioners like Hansbrough and Krause, partnering with industry leaders like On Location and ACC Network, and engaging with current issues like NIL, the program ensures students graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. For alumni who remember the foundations John Sweeney built, the expansion represents an evolution rather than a departure. The program still emphasizes strong reporting, strategic communication, ethical communication and critical thinking. But now it also offers students the chance to call live games, work on real NIL campaigns and learn directly from former professional athletes. “We’re not just teaching students about sports media,” Freeman said. “We’re giving them the tools, experiences and connections to actually build careers in it.” With new courses launching, professional partnerships deepening and enrollment expanding, UNC Hussman’s sports communication program is positioning itself as a national leader in preparing the next generation of sports media professionals. For current students, the message is clear: if you’re interested in sports communication, there’s never been a better time to be at UNC Hussman. And for the hundreds of students trying to get off waitlists and into these new courses, the school is working to create more opportunities. The program John Sweeney built is growing in ways that honor his legacy while meeting the demands of a new era in sports media.
Help Shape the Health of Spokane County — Apply to Join the Board of…
Have you ever thought about how public health decisions are made in our community? Many people haven’t and that’s why your voice might be needed. The…
'Schoolyard bullies' or voice of the police? Signal 99 shapes debate
As Signal 99, Carolyn Adams and her collaborators have become an increasingly prominent voice in Cincinnati-area politics.
Alexa Plus’s website is live for some users
Amazon’s AI-powered voice assistant has a new home on the web.
Meta's AI glasses can now help you hear conversations better
Conversation focus uses the AI glasses' open-ear speakers to amplify the voice of the person you're talking to, says Meta.
Neenah comms director talks high school sports in Hallway Voices
We asked Jim Strick five questions about his work and life, including his passion for sports announcing and the importance of getting the names right.
Marjorie Taylor Greene announces engagement to pro-Trump media figure
Retiring George Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announced on Monday her engagement to Brian Glenn, a pro-Trump pundit who works for Real America’s Voice, the far-right news network Real America’s Voice.
Some Republican lawmakers call for mass expulsion of American Muslims
Comments from Rep. Randy Fine (R-Florida) and Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) reflect a brazen Islamophobic sentiment being voiced by some in the party.
TeraWulf says A.I. data center is for science and education in zoning appeal. Critics call it a work around.
ITHACA, N.Y. — The land-use moratorium that would have halted the construction of a proposed data center has been withdrawn, but the company behind the project still has more bureaucratic […]
Rob Reiner supported social justice causes, political issues
Rob Reiner, who famously played Archie Bunker's liberal son-in-law, went on to be an outspoken supporter of social causes and Democratic voices.
Rob Reiner used his fame to advocate for progressive causes. 'Just a really special man. A terrible day'
The Hollywood director known for 'Stand by Me' and 'When Harry Met Sally' was also a political force and an outspoken voice for same-sex marriage and early childhood education.
Will concert tickets ever be accessible in Canada?
Most people are familiar with the pains associated with buying tickets for high-profile events: Face value tickets are expensive — if they’re even available, and tickets often sell out fast, only to pop up on resale sites, where they’re sold for exorbitant prices. But there are ways to push back, experts say, especially as people voice increasing dissatisfaction.
Winter Doesn't Slow Down Entertainment in Buena Vista - by Carly Winchell
Buena Vista (BV) has become known as a small town with a lively music scene. Entertainment does not die down during the winter months either. Below are a
Teen’s video a ‘Breakthrough’ in science communication
Seventeen-year-old Grace Lee from Chula Vista is gaining national attention as a finalist in the global Breakthrough Junior Challenge, an annual competition that invites students to create original videos explaining complex scientific ideas in creative and engaging ways. Founded in 2015, the contest encourages young people to break down advanced scientific theories using imagination and storytelling— “Steven Spielberg meets Albert Einstein,” as organizers describe it. Lee’s submission centers on the principle of least time in physics, a concept that explains why light always travels the path that takes the least amount of time. To bring the idea to life, she used intricate origami characters and stop-motion animation, along with simple at-home experiments, she said. “The fact that light always travels via the path that takes the least amount of time sounds simple at first, but nature is full of surprises,” she said. “This principle is actually very profound and underlies many different fields in physics that seem completely unrelated, from optics to Newton’s laws to Einstein’s theory of relativity.” Also, origami has long been one of her passions and integrating it into her project felt natural. She often makes origami gifts for friends and teaches origami in her school clubs. “A single 10-second scene would take hours to craft,” she said, noting the mixture of stop-motion and post-production editing required to animate expressions and movement. To ensure the science remained accurate and accessible, she spent time reading books and online resources, writing a script, creating a storyboard, and filming and editing repeatedly until the visuals worked.The experiments were among the biggest challenges. To demonstrate water waves, she used everyday household items — “a spatula and an electric toothbrush to vibrate the waves, glass in a baking pan for different depths, and an iPhone flashlight so the waves would be visible.” She also put careful thought into explaining the principle through analogies, including a gingerbread man and a fox. “Analogies and visuals are incredibly important,” she said. “Visual demonstrations allow viewers to see how the science actually works.” Beyond the competition, Lee is deeply involved in science leadership and advocacy. She serves as International President of miRcore, the world’s largest student computational biology organization, with 136 chapters across five countries. She leads a 20-member executive board, organizes outreach connecting schools worldwide, and has helped run workshops at locations including Scripps Research Institute and the University of Michigan. “I used to be intimidated,” she said, but she gradually grew her skills and confidence. “Now I am no longer afraid to use my voice and enthusiasm to bring out the best in others.” Her research experience includes two peer-reviewed papers on asthma and vaping. Misconceptions around vaping, she said, show why clear science communication matters. “Our research shows that there is long-term harm to your lungs on the cellular level that isn’t obvious unless you come down with an illness like the flu,” she said. Lee also founded Full Hearts at Eastlake High School, transforming the small club into one of the school’s largest, with hands-on service projects in partnership with local nonprofits. She continues mentoring younger students to sustain the mission. If she wins the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, Grace hopes the $100,000 science lab prize for her school will expand opportunities for students who have limited access to equipment and hands-on science outside the classroom.
As Netflix and Paramount circle Warner Bros. Discovery, Hollywood unions voice alarm
Several Hollywood unions, including the Writers Guild of America and Teamsters, have expressed serious concerns over a potential sale of Warner Bros. Discovery or its assets to Netflix or Paramount.
Five Bold Moves for the Astros This Offseason
The MLB offseason is always overflowing with rumors and ideas, major national voices saying where players could sign or who could be traded. It makes for a lot of fun in the winter keeping the hot stove burning. In keeping with this tradition, here are 5 bold moves the Astros could make this offseason that […]
WhatsApp is trying to reinvent voicemail
It’s now easier to send a voice or video message when someone doesn’t answer their phone.
Democrats voice concerns about Venezuelan tanker seizure: ‘sounds a lot like the beginning of a war’
Senator Rand Paul said it was ‘not the job of the American government to go looking for monsters around the world’
Shapiro talks of national 'crisis' around political violence in Washington
WASHINGTON — Under the massive vaulted ceiling that made their voices echo through the ornate Washington National Cathedral, Pennsylvania’s...
‘Boo-yah!’: Stuart Scott’s unique voice, sportscasting rise documented in new ’30 for 30′
Scott burst onto the broadcasting scene with an authentic voice and style in the late 1980s after graduating from North Carolina.
‘It’s time to move on’: Longtime Somerville state senator says she won’t run for re-election
Senator Patricia Jehlen, a longtime fixture and voice for progressive politics on Beacon Hill, announced Tuesday that she would not seek reelection.
Pebble's founder introduces a $75 AI smart ring for recording brief notes with a press of a button
After rebooting the Pebble smartwatch, founder Eric Migicovsky is expanding his company's device lineup with a new smart wearable: an AI-powered smart ring known as Index 01. Named for the finger where the ring is meant to be worn, the new $75 ring is not meant to be a competitor to the always-on, always-listening AI devices, like the AI pendant Friend, but instead offers a way to record quick notes and reminders with a press of a button on the ring's side. AI only comes into play via the open source, speech-to-text, and AI models that run locally on your smartphone, via the open source Pebble mobile app. That is, if the Ring's button is not being pressed, it's not recording. (And this is a press-and-hold gesture, too, which means you can't start the ring's recording and then let go to surreptitiously record a conversation.) You can wear the stainless steel ring while in the shower, washing hands, doing dishes, or in the rain, but you would have to take it off for other water-related activities, like swimming. At launch, it's water-resistant to 1 meter. The ring is also not a fitness tracker or sleep monitor. It doesn't record details about your heart rate or health. And it's not there to be your AI friend. "I'm not trying to build some AI assistant thing," Migicovsky told TechCrunch in an interview. "I build things that solve one main problem, and they solve it really well," he explains. "I think of as external memory for my brain...that's what this is. It's always with you." Plus, the ring has been designed to be highly reliable and privacy-preserving, he says, as all your thoughts are stored on your phone, not in the cloud. There is no subscription. Migicovsky has been wearing the ring for three months now and says he cannot imagine going back to a world where he doesn't always have a memory device with him. "The problem is that, during the day, I get ideas or I remember something, and if I don't write it down that second, I forget it," he says. The ring solves this problem, he adds, without becoming another device you need to charge. "The battery lasts for years," Migicovsky claims. Technically, the ring is said to support roughly 12 to 14 hours of recording. On average, the founder says he uses it 10-20 times per day to record 3-6 second thoughts. At that rate, he'll get about two years of usage. When the ring's battery dies, you can ship it back to the company for recycling. When using Index, you can record up to five minutes of audio, which can be saved to the ring and synced to your phone later. This makes sense for recording briefer, personal thoughts and notes, even when you don't have your phone handy, but it wouldn't work for recording a longer chat, like a presentation, meeting, or in-person interview of some kind. The ring also supports 99+ languages and has a bit of on-device memory, in case you're not in Bluetooth range of your device, where the recording is ultimately saved and transcribed. (The raw audio is retained, too, in case the speech-to-text is garbled due to loud background noise). If you own a Pebble smartwatch or one from another brand, your recorded thought can even appear on the watch's screen so you can verify it's correct. The ring works with Pebble's mobile app, which offers notes and reminders, but can optionally integrate with your phone's calendaring system, too, or other apps, like Notion. And the ring's software is open source, which makes it hackable by the community, the founder points out. Because of its open nature, the ring's button is already programmable. In addition to the press-and-hold gesture, you can program the ring to do other things with a single or double press, like play or pause your music or control the shutter on your phone's camera. You could use it to send a message through the universal chat app Beeper, which Migicovsky also created, or you could add your own voice actions via MCP. A new approach to hardware Migicovsky acknowledges that hardware can be difficult to get right -- as the previous exit of Pebble to Fitbit showed. (Fitbit, too, was later acquired by Google in 2021). "I didn't earn any money during Pebble -- we exited, but it was not a great exit," Migicovsky admits. This year, however, he decided to reboot the Pebble project after Google open sourced the PebbleOS, which opened up the door to new hardware. With his new company, Core Devices, Migicovsky plans to do things differently. Still, the founder doesn't regret his previous choices, he clarifies. "I wouldn't have gone back and changed anything. I loved what we built. I loved what we did. I love the company that we built, but it's not the only way to build a company," he told TechCrunch. " And, speaking as an ex-YC partner, there are -- there's a time and a place for building a venture-backed startup. Some companies are phenomenal when they raise money and build a big team, and I tried that...I think what I'm doing now is trying an alternative path, which is start from profitability," he says. The new company is a small team of five, self-funded, and focused on sustainability. So far, Core Devices has shipped the Pebble 2 Duo smartwatch with a black-and-white display. Its first run sold out, and the company is now preparing to ship the upgraded version, the Pebble Time 2. The newer device, which has seen 25,000 pre-orders, is a stainless steel watch with a larger, color e-ink screen. As for the Index 01, the ring's pre-order offer ends in March 2026. After that, the price increases to $99. It currently comes in silver, polished gold, and matte black and works with iOS and Android devices. Customers can select from eight ring sizes and three colors.
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