US surgeons perform world's first whole eye transplant
A team of surgeons in New York said Thursday they had performed the world's first transplant of an entire eye in a procedure described as a medical breakthrough, although it isn't yet known whether...
2023-11-09 23:56
Chris Pratt sparks debate over when parents should throw away childhood trophies
Chris Pratt has asked the question almost every parent wonders when raising their children: Is it okay to throw away childhood trophies? The Guardians of the Galaxy star, 44, recently posed the question to his social media followers after he and his wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, came across all her childhood trophies kept by her parents, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver. Pratt took to Instagram on 24 October, where he shared several photos of the children’s book author, 33, holding up some of her many childhood trophies - including “Problem Solving Super Star 4th Grade 2000” and “most improved two-year-old in swim class”. In the lengthy caption, the Parks and Recreation alum explained that Schwarzenegger’s mother had been “storing special items” from her daughter’s childhood for years, which he noted was “so very thoughtful”. “To see my darling wife beaming with sentiment as she opens these crates of meticulously organised keepsakes, remembering her cherished youth, makes me grateful for the efforts her folks put into archiving,” Pratt wrote. “I suppose that’s the payoff for the work it took to store this stuff, the smile on her face as she relives moments of her youth. To pray one day that your children will look back on their childhood with glee is a blessing. It is the hope of parenthood.” However, as the couple - who have been married since 2019 - perused Schwarzenegger’s prized possessions, it got him thinking about how long he’s supposed to hold onto his own children’s mementos. Pratt shares an 11-year-old son, Jack, with ex-wife Anna Faris and two daughters - Lyla, three, and Eloise, one - with Schwarzenegger. “Real talk,” Pratt said. “Once your kid goes through the stuff, is it okay to toss? I mean… do we need the ‘I was on a sports team trophy?’ Can they be donated? Repurposed? How many do we gotta keep? Not all of them right? Any of them? Is there a grading scale? Like, did you win? Were you a champion? Is there a specific sentimental connection? Help me out here. Do they go back in storage?” His relatable question prompted many parents in the comments section to sound off on how long they’ve kept their children’s trophies. Some users admitted that they wished their own parents had held onto their accolades for so long. “Wait this is amazing. I’ll be saving my children’s stuff for sure,” one person commented. “Well, I have no keepsakes from childhood and I wish I did. So there is that,” another said. “I had my boys go through their boxes and they kept what was special to them. I tossed the rest,” a third fan wrote. “FREEDOM!!!” Others revealed what they did to cherish their children’s precious memories while still saving some room in the storage bin. “I donated all my old trophies to an organisation that removes the labels and repurposes them for fun awards,” wrote one fan. “For those sentimental ones, we peeled off the engraved part and kept it in a plastic pocket notebook and tossed the trophy part,” said someone else. Another user suggested: “Give them out as prizes when your friends come over for game night.” Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger joked that her husband was simply jealous she’s acquired so many trophies over the years. “Feels like someone is a litttlllee bit jealous of my natural athleticism from birth and ability to solve problems,” she commented. Pratt’s mother-in-law also weighed in on the debate, as she applauded herself for saving almost every prized possession for her four children. “Omg I’m so happy,” Shriver commented. “Here’s to story trophies and school work and dresses and party outfits I feel vindicated.” The Jurassic World star was married to Faris in 2009. The former couple announced their split in August 2017 and finalised their divorce in October 2018, four months after he began dating Schwarzenegger. He proposed to the author in January 2019 and they were married in June that year. Pratt has often shared glimpses into his life as a father of three on social media. Most recently, he went viral when he posted a photo of the glittery makeover he received from his two daughters. He shared two photos of his new look, including one where his forehead was bedazzled with teal, purple, and silver gems. The other photo showed Pratt with pearl-like gems dotting his face, as well as a teal manicure. “All I have to say is… Jack would never do this to me,” he captioned the post. Read More Gym maths: How to optimise 22 minutes exercise a day according to fitness experts Jasmine Harman tearfully recalls mother’s struggles with hoarding Neglecting women’s health at work could cost UK economy £20.2bn a year – analysis Gym maths: How to optimise 22 minutes exercise a day according to fitness experts Jasmine Harman tearfully recalls mother’s struggles with hoarding Neglecting women’s health at work could cost UK economy £20.2bn a year – analysis
2023-10-25 22:52
A Week In Austin, TX, On A $60,000 Salary
Welcome to Money Diaries where we are tackling the ever-present taboo that is money. We’re asking real people how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last dollar.
2023-05-15 23:52
The three-year cruise hits another obstacle
Just weeks before it's due to set sail, the three-year cruise appears to be in disarray having yet to have secured a ship for the voyage, despite passengers paying out tens of thousands of dollars for what some hoped would become their new home.
2023-10-07 01:16
F1 British Grand Prix LIVE: Qualifying updates and results as Lewis Hamilton eyes pole at Silverstone
Formula 1 heads back to one of its most famous sites as Silverstone hosts the 2023 British Grand Prix this weekend. Last time out in Austria, Max Verstappen continued his dominant form with a fifth straight win this season, extending his lead in the world championship to 81 points, with team-mate Sergio Perez in second. EXCLUSIVE: 20 years since Irish ‘lunatic’ invaded the track at Silverstone Lewis Hamilton endured a mixed weekend in Spielberg, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished on the podium. Hamilton, George Russell and Lando Norris will be eyeing strong results this weekend at their home race, with recent upgrades for both Mercedes and McLaren renewing optimism in both camps. On Friday at a bright and sunny Silverstone, Max Verstappen was quickest in first and second practice. Carlos Sainz won last year’s action-packed race for Ferrari, his first and only win in F1. Follow British Grand Prix live updates with The Independent this weekend - qualifying started at 3pm (BST). Read More Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes struggle as British Grand Prix gets Hollywood sprinkling Why is Brad Pitt filming at Silverstone during the British Grand Prix? Jackie Stewart suffers stroke and falls ‘unconscious’ in frightening health scare
2023-07-08 23:16
5 memorable races staged at Silverstone
Lewis Hamilton and Co will this week descend on Silverstone for the British Grand Prix. Here, the PA news agency looks at five key races staged at the Northamptonshire venue. 1987 Nigel Mansell was forced to pit for a new set of tyres after reporting vibrations on his Williams. With 30 laps remaining he was the best part of half-a-minute behind his team-mate and fierce rival Nelson Piquet. The chase appeared impossible but, spurred on by his home crowd, Mansell smashed the lap record on nine occasions before catching and passing Piquet after an exquisite move at Stowe with only two laps left. The home crowd were euphoric and Mansell responded by leaping out of his Williams and kissing the tarmac. 1994 Michael Schumacher illegally overtook pole-sitter Damon Hill on the parade lap and was punished with a stop-and-go penalty – which he ignored. He was issued with a black flag – which should have resulted in his instant disqualification – but Schumacher kept driving before serving his stop-and-go punishment on lap 27. Hill went on to claim a crucial victory and was presented the winner’s trophy by Princess Diana. Schumacher finished second, but he was later disqualified and banned for two races. 1998 Schumacher was at the centre of controversy four years later after winning – while stationary in the pit-lane. Mika Hakkinen led from the start, but as the rain fell and conditions deteriorated, the Finn lost control of his McLaren and spun. The safety car was deployed, and while Hakkinen remained in the race, he had sustained damage to his front wing. His 40-second lead was wiped out and Schumacher looked odds-on to win. However, Schumacher had illegally passed Alexander Wurz under a yellow flag, which resulted in a stop-and-go penalty. But the haphazard stewards only announced his punishment with two laps left. At the end of the final lap, Schumacher entered the pits to serve his penalty, but had already crossed the start-finish line and won the race. The bizarre result stood despite McLaren’s protests. 2008 Lewis Hamilton arrived at his home race fourth in the drivers’ standings but left on top after storming to victory in one of his outstanding performances. In torrential rain, Hamilton blitzed the field, finishing the race almost 70 seconds ahead of second-placed Nick Heidfeld and lapped the entire pack up to third. Hamilton’s championship rival Felipe Massa spun five times. 2021 Hamilton sent Max Verstappen into the wall at Copse following a devastating 180mph collision. Verstappen was taken to hospital with concussion, while Hamilton was hit with a 10-second penalty. Hamilton served his punishment and fought back through the field, passing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in the final laps to take a remarkable, if not controversial, victory. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live David Coulthard looks at the key issues surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s next deal Phenomenal circuit and incredible atmosphere – Mark Webber remembers Silverstone It hurts – Lando Norris reflects on his ‘toughest season’ ahead of British GP
2023-07-05 17:51
Naomi Campbell and Gigi Hadid lead first Victoria’s Secret runway show in five years
Naomi Campbell, Gigi Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski stormed the runway as the Victoria’s Secret fashion show returned for the first time in five years. On Monday (25 September), the lingerie company broadcast Victoria’s Secret: The Tour ‘23 on Prime Video. Part fashion show, part documentary, it marked the brand’s first televised catwalk show since 2018. It also follows a major rebrand for Victoria’s Secret, after the company was accused of promoting unrealistic body image and failing to protect its models against sexual misconduct. The Tour ‘23 – described as a “reimagined fashion show with a new generation of women from around the world” – is narrated by Hadid, who also appears on the catwalk. Doja Cat provides the musical accompaniment for the show. The feature-length film began with a black screen, before a statement said: “In 2021, Victoria’s Secret began a journey. The goal was to give a new generation of creatives from around the world the opportunity to tell their stories and see their creations brought to life on the world stage. The platform? The VS Show.’ Hadid then appeared barefoot in a nude tasselled dress, walking alongside other models around Barcelona. Campbell, meanwhile, donned a black leather trouser suit and corset-style top as she stood beside Hadid. In a later clip, Hadid was shown in a gold jewelled bustier and matching shorts, teasing in the voiceover: “I mean, come on. We had to bring back a little of the old show.” Also taking part in the show were Hailey Bieber and Emily Ratajkowski, who wore a crystal-encrusted strapless top and a crocheted bikini, respectively. Julia Fox, meanwhile, showed off a vibrant yellow dress, while Winnie Harlow appeared in a gold sequin crocheted outfit. Also modelling the collection were Amelia Hamlin, Abby Champion, and Ziwe Fumudoh. Several former Victoria’s Secret Angels, including Candice Swanepoel, Adriana Lima and Lily Aldridge, also returned for the fashion show. Following criticism, Victoria’s Secret got rid of its team of Angels in 2021. Over the years, Tyra Banks, Rosie Huntington-Whitley, Chanel Iman, Heidi Klum, and Lily Aldridge were all part of the group. The Angels were replaced by the VS Collective, a group of seven successful women. The group now includes models Adut Akech, Paloma Elsesser and Valentina Sampaio, as well as journalist Amanda de Cadenet, athlete Eileen Gu, footballer Megan Rapinoe, and actor Priyanka Chopra Jones. Members of the VS Collective and some classic Angels, as well as models Campbell and Gisele Bundchen, recently appeared in the brand’s Icons campaign. Last year, the brand faced further criticism after it was the subject of Hulu documentary series Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons. The documentary delved into the brand’s “misogynistic culture” under former chief marketing officer Ed Razek, who had previously been accused of multiple incidents of inappropriate contact with models. Razek previously denied the allegations, calling them “categorically untrue, misconstrued or taken out of context”. Read More Naomi Campbell wears black lingerie on Dolce and Gabbana catwalk Cindy Crawford reflects on ‘traumatising’ haircut in her early career Fans convinced that Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell are ‘feuding’ after Instagram snub Kim Kardashian unveils ‘iconic’ new look for magazine cover Travis Kelce wears ‘1989’ inspired outfit after leaving NFL game with Taylor Swift See Cate Blanchett champion sustainable fashion at glamorous Giorgio Armani show
2023-09-26 18:19
Westwood Financial Successfully Closes Off-Market Acquisition of Northview Plaza in Dallas, TX
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 31, 2023--
2023-07-31 19:15
Best hotels in Hanoi 2023: Where to stay in the French Quarter, the Old Quarter and more
A chequered history has created a beautiful mess of contrasting neighbourhoods in Hanoi. There’s the labyrinthine Old Quarter; tree-studded French Quarter; lake-filled Tay Ho District; and the glistening modernity of the rapidly developing westside precincts. Meaning there is something for everyone. This fast-paced city (Vietnam’s capital) has everything from a fantastic food scene – in our Hanoi city guide, our writer recommends a banh mi sandwich as a great place to start – to plenty of green space for when the honking scooters get too much. But whether you’re here to take an eco-cruise along the Mekong River or want to visit Hanoi’s historic sites – such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of the man referred to as “Uncle Ho” – you’ll want the perfect hotel to rest your head. Fortunately, accommodation options are spread throughout this southeast Asia city, so, you can pair your personality with the neighbourhood. From boutique charm squeezed into the Old City, to spacious modern creations from award-winning architects, there’s an option for all tastes. The best hotels in Hanoi are: Best hotel for culture vultures: Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi MGallery Best hotel for the Old Quarter experience: The Chi Boutique Hotel Best hotel for romantic getaways: Silk Path Boutique Hotel Hanoi Best hotel for art-lovers: Apricot Hotel Best hotel for sunset cocktails: Pan Pacific Hanoi Best hotel for lake views: InterContinental West Lake Hanoi Best hotel for family getaways: Elegant Suites Westlake Best hotel for mixing business and pleasure: Lotte Hotel Hanoi Best hotel for the celebrity guestbook: Sofitel Legend Metropole Best hotel for culture vultures: Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi MGallery Neighbourhood: French Quarter As the name suggests, Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi is a stone’s throw from the Hanoi Opera House, a wedding cake structure built during the French colonial period and modelled on Paris’s Palais Garnier. This lavish hotel, with colourful rooms and a courtyard cafe, rests on Trang Tien Street, which connects the opera house with Hoan Kiem Lake. The hotel is part of the MGallery Collection, managed by Accor. An eye-catching Art Deco building across the street houses L’Espace, a French cultural centre, while the Vietnamese Women Museum is just around the corner. Best hotel for the Old Quarter experience: The Chi Boutique Hotel Neighbourhood: Old Quarter The Chi Boutique Hotel couldn’t be better placed for absorbing the cluttered atmosphere of Hanoi’s fabled Old Quarter. But despite its sardine-tin location, most rooms are refreshingly spacious, with trendy (sometimes daring) design features and chic bathrooms with bathtubs. A hip rooftop bar offering fresh angles of Hanoi’s iconic St Joseph’s Cathedral is a highlight, but The Chi’s location, just steps from some of Hanoi’s trendiest shops and restaurants, including fashion boutique Chula Fashion and artisanal restaurant TUNG, is the cherry on the cake. Best hotel for romantic getaways: Silk Path Boutique Hotel Hanoi Neighbourhood: Hoan Kiem Lake Walk out from this boutique treasure and find Hoan Kiem Lake resting right on your doorstep. Located within one of Hanoi’s characteristic “tube houses” – narrow buildings designed to allow road access for as many families as possible – rooms are typically tight, but comfortable. The hotel comes into its own on Saturday and Sunday, when the temporarily pedestrianised lake road erupts into a frenzied playground of toddlers driving miniature Ferraris and teenage dance troupes filming their next big hit. Front-facing executive rooms offer views of the lake, while solid triple glazing keeps out any noise disturbance – a necessity during weekends. Best hotel for art-lovers: Apricot Hotel Neighbourhood: Hoan Kiem Lake From the outside, Apricot Hotel may look like any other luxury city property, but drift through the entrance, ignoring the gaudy chandelier, to gaze at magnificent pieces of art that adorn a dazzling lobby. The art-loving owners have adopted the hotel to display their sought-after collection of paintings and sculptures from well-known Vietnamese artists. Bright and airy rooms, also decorated with local art pieces, serve as a calm escape from the outside bustle, while the broad rooftop swimming pool and sky bar are additional perks. Best hotel for sunset cocktails: Pan Pacific Hanoi Neighbourhood: Truc Bach If you like your sunsets dramatic and your cocktails colourful, the Pan Pacific Hanoi never fails to impress (unless it’s cloudy). The Summit is the hotel’s pride and joy; a west-facing sky bar offering spellbinding views over the twin lakes of West Lake and Truc Bach, elegantly partitioned by tree-lined Thanh Nien Street and Tran Quoc Pagoda. This is Hanoi’s best view, so it’s worth making the trip to The Summit even if you’re not staying in the hotel. If you do decide to stay, you’ll encounter near-equivalent views from the tasteful rooms. The hotel is also situated in Truc Bach, one of Hanoi’s most charming lakeside neighbourhoods, and perfect for a morning stroll. Best hotel for lake views: InterContinental West Lake Hanoi Neighbourhood: West Lake Swap a cacophony of motorbike horns for the soothing sounds of lapping water at InterContinental West Lake Hanoi. The “over-water” rooms are particularly appealing, as they fan out on small man-made islets from the central sunset bar. After watching the sun sink over the water and enjoying one too many cocktails, you can stagger back to your room in just a couple of lurches. The hotel is within easy reach of Hanoi’s best international restaurants and cafes, such as Argentinian steakhouse El Gaucho and Australian-owned coffee specialists Maison de Tet Decor. Best hotel for family getaways: Elegant Suites Westlake Neighbourhood: West Lake In Hanoi for more than a few days? Consider a serviced apartment right in the middle of the city’s expat enclave, walking distance from international restaurants, cafes, bars and, more recently, a cinema. All rooms enjoy a living room space, small kitchen, dining area and balconies – most with views of West Lake. There’s a range of room types depending on the size of your party, from single-room studios to three-bedroom suites, and you’ll have access to a capacious pool and fitness room to boot. Best hotel for mixing business and pleasure: Lotte Hotel Hanoi Neighbourhood: New central business district Hoan Kiem Lake may be Hanoi’s heart and soul, but the Lotte Centre Hanoi building, at the crossroads of two of Hanoi’s main traffic arteries, is increasingly thought of as the city’s central point. Occupying the upper tier of this 65-floor skyscraper, all the Lotte Hotel Hanoi rooms offer spellbinding views whatever the direction: West Lake to the north, the old city to the east and the new business district to the southwest. The variation in viewpoints reflects the ideal location, especially if you’re mixing business with pleasure – everywhere you could possibly want to be is no more than 15 minutes by cab. Best hotel for architecture enthusiasts: JW Marriot Hotel Hanoi Neighbourhood: French Quarter On the lookout for something completely different? Journey to the west to uncover Hanoi’s newest precinct and the city’s most dazzling contribution to contemporary architecture: the JW Marriot Hotel Hanoi. Extravagance is served up in buckets, with crisply designed rooms and various private lounges spread throughout the hotel. Plus, there are no fewer than six fabulous restaurants, including French Grill, serving (you guessed it) fine French food, and John Anthony Cantonese Grill & Dim Sum, which specialises in Cantonese cuisine. JZ Best hotel for the celebrity guestbook: Sofitel Legend Metropole Neighbourhood: The French Quarter If you’re after luxury with a healthy injection of heritage, look no further than The Sofitel Legend Metropole in Hanoi’s French Quarter. It became the first five-star hotel in Asia when it was built in 1901 and has welcomed celebrities through its Belle Epoque doors ever since (it’s where Charlie Chaplin spent his honeymoon). With several bars and restaurants, a tranquil swimming pool and spa, and staff that cater to your every whim with a smile, you’ll be hard-pressed to leave the French colonial environs – though the central location means a street food tour is never too far away. Choose between the original Indochinese or modern wings – and be sure to tour the bunker built during the American War. HH Read more of our hotel reviews: Best Cape Town hotels Where to stay in Dubai The USA’s best hotels Read more about Asia travel: Thailand travel guide: Everything you need to know Asia’s most cycling-friendly cities The best Japanese destination swaps Read More The best countries to travel to in southeast Asia Vietnam travel guide: Everything you need to know before you go The 10 best UK city breaks for a weekend trip in 2023 Best UK hotels 2023: Where to stay for a luxury or affordable break Why this Moroccan mountain town should be your next short break The best wild swimming stays in the UK
2023-06-23 23:22
Snag this refurbished Echo Show 15 for 31% off
Save $70: As of August 4, you can get a refurbished Echo Show 15 at
2023-08-07 23:19
Record-breaking mountaineer Kristin Harila ready for a normal life
Newly minted world record-breaker Kristin Harila is done with 8,000-metre mountains and ready for a "normal life" after achieving her goal of giving women a...
2023-07-31 21:15
Access courses on coding, business management, art, and more for $119.99
TL;DR: As of May 19, get the Ultimate Lifetime Bundle of StackSkills, Infosec4TC, and Stone
2023-05-19 18:28
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