The Int'l Man's Hot Links Archive 2025: January 1 -

Hot Links Archive 2025: January

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• Climate Clock - "The science is clear: we are in a Climate Emergency. Decades of increasing carbon emissions are harming the natural and societal systems upon which humanity depends, threatening untold ecological and human devastation if we do not #ActInTime. The good news: there is still time."
• Climate Change - "Check out all about climate change: 1700+ evidence, facts, information, news, reviews and resources."
• Doomsday Clock Keeps Ticking - "Are humans the only beings in the universe confronting global self-destruction? Or just the last ones standing?"
• Our world in data - "Research & data to make progress against the world's largest problems."
• Artificial Intellignce: Apps, Books, Chatbots, News, Resources & Tutorials - "Everything you need to know about AI and Chatbots! 700+ resources."
• Ukraine war live - "Live coverage of the all the latest developments in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine."
• Middle East crisis live - "Live coverage of all the latest developments in the Middle East."
• Catch up on today's global news - "CNN Fast is a curated channel covering major news events across politics, international, business, and sport, and showcasing the most impactful stories of the day."
• Covid & mpox - "3800+ Up-To-Date Advice, Facts, News & Recources."

January 2025

• THIS WEEK'S ACRONYM - DOGE.
• THIS WEEK'S BUZZWORD - NEOLOGISM.
• Decoding Donald Trump's new official portrait - "Photographers describe the photo as 'serious', 'ominous' and a 'message picture'."
• An Arctic blast will give Trump the coldest inauguration in 40 years - "The coldest air of winter so far will blast into Washington, DC, on Monday as President-elect Donald Trump stands up in front of the capitol to take his oath of office. The temperature on Inauguration Day at noon - when the president-elect swears in - is expected to be in the low-20s, which is around 20 degrees below normal."
• TikTok says it will 'go dark' on Sunday without US government action - "The Supreme Court earlier upheld a law that would ban the video app in the US unless its Chinese parent-company sells it. TikTok has said it will be forced to 'go dark' in the US on Sunday unless the government intervenes before a ban takes effect."
• The Movies That Fashion Designers Watch Again and Again - "Nine designers discuss the films that continue to inform their aesthetics, from 'In the Mood for Love' to 'The Exorcist.'"
• The age we start turning into our parents - it’s 43 - "According to a new poll the shift to embracing parent-like habits hits at the average age of 43. Complaining about the weather is the most glaring sign that you've become your mum or dad, with 36 per cent choosing this trait as the top indicator."
• 15 predictions Bill Gates made in 1999 that will amaze you with their accuracy - "Bill Gates' 1999 book Business @ the Speed of Thought predicted 15 tech trends that have become integral to modern life."
• 10 Chinese New Year traditions everyone should know about - "From sharing food with family to visiting temples, here are common Chinese New Year traditions you need to remember for a prosperous year."
• The family home next to Auschwitz is opening its doors to the world - "With its manicured garden and spacious interior, the three-story villa was once described as 'paradise' by the mother who raised her five children there. And much was done to preserve the household’s tranquility, given its immediate neighbor: the largest and most notorious Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz."
• The world’s most turbulent flights revealed - "Turbulence on flights is usually caused by mountains, storms or powerful jet stream currents, so it’s not surprising that rocky ranges feature prominently in a new list of flight routes that had the most turbulence in 2024, according to tracker site Turbli.com."
• Here’s Who’s Attending Trump’s Inauguration, From Foreign Leaders to Big Tech Executives - "President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration will be attended by some of America’s most influential billionaires and politicians as well as some foreign leaders and celebrities who have embraced the incoming President. Read here for some of the notable guests who will be in attendance."
• Scientists say they are close to resurrecting a lost species. Is the age of de-extinction upon us? - "Advances in genetic engineering and synthetic biology are making resurrecting animals once lost to this world a tangible prospect. The organizations and companies at the forefront of de-extinction efforts are promising success — and surprisingly soon."
• David Lynch, director of ‘Twin Peaks’ & ‘Mulholland Drive’, dead at 78 - "Lynch’s almost-50-year cinematic career was distinguished by a series of distinctive, highly stylized films that often feature surreal situations, fragmented timelines, and supernatural elements."
• Why David Lynch's Mulholland Drive is the greatest film of the 21st Century - "It puzzled many viewers but delighted critics. We explain why the late, great David Lynch's Mulholland Drive topped BBC Culture's poll to find the greatest films of the 21st Century."
• The secret to Hollywood’s greatest comebacks, from John Travolta to Demi Moore - "If there's anything that audiences and awards voters alike love, it's seeing a faded star revitalise their career with one breathtaking performance. But finding the right role to reannounce yourself to the world is a real art."
• How AI can spot diseases that doctors aren't looking for - "Applying AI in the background to systematically comb through scans and automatically identify early signs of common preventable chronic diseases that might be brewing - regardless of the reason the scan was originally ordered - is new."
• A million-dollar challenge to crack the script of early Indians - "For over a century, experts - linguists, scientists and archaeologists - have tried to crack the Indus script. Theories have linked it to early Brahmi scripts, Dravidian and Indo-Aryan languages, Sumerian, and even claimed it's just made up of political or religious symbols."
• Pompeii excavation unearths private spa for wooing wealthy guests - "Thermal bath complex is latest discovery among ruins of Italian city destroyed by Vesuvius eruption in AD79."
• Do I Need to Worry About Microplastics in Tea Bags? - "Not all tea bags shed them. We asked experts if it’s risky to use the ones that do."
• Sharing a few drams leads to £158,914 whisky bar bill - "Scotch enthusiasts ran up the eye-watering tab at The Fife Arms in Aberdeenshire sampling rare tipples."
• New Obesity Definition Challenges Current Use of B.M.I. - "An international commission made the case for focusing on body fat quantity and the illnesses people experience."
• 7 Ways to Improve Your Heart Health - "We asked cardiologists for their advice on how to keep your heart healthy for years to come: Regular exercise strengthens the heart muscle and makes the body more efficient at pulling oxygen out of the blood. It also brings down blood ..."
• The 25 best places to travel in 2025 - "From bubblegum-coloured lakes in Australia to a solar-powered safari camp in Botswana, these are BBC journalists' top destinations this year."
• BAFTA Film Awards nominations revealed - "Holy smokes, a film that dramatizes the process to choose a Pope leads the 2024 BAFTA Film Awards. 'Conclave' earned 12 nominations, beating out the musical about a drug lord getting gender affirming care, 'Emilia Pérez,' which had 11. Period drama 'The Brutalist' scored nine nominations."
• Swapping red meat for plant-based proteins could reduce your dementia risk by nearly 20%, study says - "Keep your red meat to these limits to protect your brain health, experts say. A serving of red meat is usually around 3 ounces, which would be either two slices of bacon, 1.5 slices of bologna or one hot dog, according to a news release on the study. Researchers also found that an extra daily serving of processed red meat on average was associated with a 1.6-year acceleration in brain aging, according to the study."
• Jeff Bezos blasts into commercial space race with rocket launch - "Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's space company has blasted its first rocket into orbit in a bid to challenge the dominance of Elon Musk's SpaceX. The New Glenn rocket launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 02:02 local time (07:02 GMT)."
• What's the secret to Denmark's happy work-life balance? - "'Danes are actually happy at work,' he tells the BBC. 'Almost 60% of Danes say they would continue to work if they won the lottery and became financially independent.' Policies include the right to a minimum five weeks of paid vacation per year, in addition to public holidays. In the UK most workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid leave, but in the US it can be as low as just 11 days."
• The Decade That Changed Fitness Forever - "The ’70s brought American exercise into the modern era. Here are five workouts that changed the game."
• Not Drunk, Not Dry: What it Means to Be ‘Soberish’ - "Conscious of the health risks of alcohol, more people are experimenting with cutting back on drinking."
• AI Brad Pitt dupes French woman out of €830,000 - "A French woman who was conned out of €830,000 ($850,000) by scammers posing as actor Brad Pitt has faced a huge wave of mockery, leading French broadcaster TF1 to withdraw a programme about her."
• She Is in Love With ChatGPT - "A 28-year-old woman with a busy social life spends hours on end talking to her A.I. boyfriend for advice and consolation. And yes, they do have sex."
• Endangered heritage list reaches final frontier: the moon - "The moon was nominated to become one of the 25 at-risk places on the World Monuments Watch by the International Council on Monuments and Sites. As a new age of space exploration dawns, the World Monuments Fund says 90 historical areas on the celestial body are at risk. Plus, see our gallery of the other sites that are under threat."
• Ranked: The 50 Most Valuable Companies in the World in 2024 - "See a breakdown of the world's 50 most valuable companies, which represent $34 trillion in combined market capitalization."
• 7 Most Expensive Private Helicopters in the world 2025 - "The list includes a presidential helicopter, a special-edition ACH130 co-designed by Aston Martin, and the sleek Bell 525, appropriately named 'Relentless.'"
• The World's Safest Airlines for 2025 - "AirlineRatings.com, the world’s only airline safety and product rating website, has announced its Top 25 Safest Full-Service Airlines and Top 25 Safest Low-Cost Airlines for 2025 from the 385 airlines it monitors."
• Europe’s biggest airline wants a 2-drink limit for passengers at airports - "Ryanair, Europe’s biggest airline, has called for the sale of alcohol to be limited at European airports to minimize the disruption caused by drunk passengers onboard flights."
• Starbucks ends its ‘open-door’ policies -"A 'back to Starbucks' approach: Starbucks doesn’t want to be America’s public bathroom anymore. Starbucks is scrapping a policy that had let anyone hang out at its cafes or use the restrooms without making a purchase. The new rules are part of a larger effort to improve Starbucks’ cafe experience and deter homeless people and non-paying customers who have come to use Starbucks solely for shelter and bathroom access."
• 10 Wake-Up Calls We Often Get a Little Too Late in Life - "There’s a big difference between empty fatigue and gratifying exhaustion. Life is too short not to focus more on what matters most."
• The art of not caring: 8 simple ways to live a happy life - "Living a happy life isn’t about pleasing everyone around you. It’s about mastering the art of not caring – not in a cold, indifferent way, but a liberating, stress-free kind of way: 1) Embrace imperfections - 2) Learn to say no - 3) Spend time in nature - 4) Practice ..."
• Families of Jack the Ripper victims call for inquest - "Relatives say recent DNA evidence should lead to the killer being named in court after 130 years. Descendants of some of the victims murdered by the unidentified serial killer known as Jack the Ripper have backed calls for the investigation to be reopened after new evidence emerged. Eleven murders between 1888 and 1892 around Whitechapel, east London, have been linked to the Ripper."
• 11 architecture projects set to shape the world in 2025 - "The past year has seen the opening of the world’s second-tallest skyscraper, the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral and the announcement of countless futuristic urban mega-projects. Yet, the architecture world has, increasingly, recognized the value of altogether humbler pursuits."
• 15 Modern Words With Unusual Medieval Origins - "Many everyday words have roots in the Middle Ages but have come to be used in surprising ways in modern times. From medieval philosophies to long-forgotten customs, these words reveal how the past continues to shape our language in unexpected ways. Here are 15 examples of this fascinating evolution."
• Maps & images reveal scale of LA wildfire devastation - "It's a rapidly changing situation - these maps and pictures show the scale of the challenge, where the fires are and the damage they have caused. The largest blaze, in the Pacific Palisades area is the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history. More than 23,000 acres have now burnt."
• Prince Harry & Meghan Markle described as 'disaster tourists' - "Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are 'offended' by Justine Bateman's claims that they were only helping out in the LA wildfires for a 'photo op' as they are 'disaster tourists'."
• What is RedNote, the Chinese social media app that US TikTokers are flocking to? - "As Supreme Court justices ponder the future of TikTok in the United States, a growing number of American social media users have responded by moving to an unlikely alternative: Xiaohongshu, a hugely popular social media app in China. The app, which means 'Little Red Book,' often shortened by US users to RedNote, surged to the top position on Apple’s US App Store on Tuesday."
• One of the world’s greatest religious spectacles is underway & the numbers are staggering - "Millions of Hindu devotees are bathing in sacred waters as the world’s biggest religious gathering begins in India’s northern state of Uttar Pradesh. Over the next six weeks, a staggering 400 million people are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela, or the festival of the Sacred Pitcher, on the riverbanks in the city of Prayagraj."
• Oscars 2025: Our predictions for next week's nominations - "Ahead of next week's announcement, BBC Culture's film critics forecast the likely contenders – from a musical about a trans crime boss to an architectural epic with Adrien Brody."
• Where to go in 2025: The best places to visit - "CNN Travel’s belief is that every place has reasons that make it worth visiting. However, our staff has curated this list of 25 destinations we think are particularly worth visiting in 2025."
• A brief history of sunglasses, from Ancient Rome to Hollywood - "Sunglasses, or dark glasses, have always guarded against strong sunlight, but is there more to 'shades' than we think? The pupils of our eyes are delicate and react immediately to strong lights. Protecting them against light - even the brilliance reflected off snow - is important for everyone. Himalayan mountaineers wear goggles for this exact purpose."
• Queen not officially told for years about Palace spy, MI5 papers reveal - "Queen Elizabeth II was not officially informed for almost a decade that one of her most senior courtiers had confessed to being a Soviet spy, according to newly released MI5 files. Art historian Anthony Blunt was for decades Surveyor of the Queen's Pictures, overseeing the official Royal Art Collection, and in 1964 admitted he had been a Soviet agent since the 1930s."
• How often should you wash your towels? - "Why you probably aren't washing your towels often enough. The towels we dry ourselves with get a lot of use and pick up a lot of microbes along the way. But how long should you wait before throwing them into the laundry? If you share a towel with others, the risk of picking up something unpleasant increases. 'Home hygiene is all to do with prevention, and prevention is better than treatment.' Professor Elizabeth Scott suggests laundering towels once a week. However, this recommendation is not a set rule."
• le canard À la presse (pressed duck): Why France's most elaborate & macabre recipe is back on the menu - "France has more than its fair share of flamboyant dishes – but the most elaborate of all is pressed duck, where a roast duck's bones are crushed to create a decadent 'blood sauce'."
• 35 Simple Health Tips Experts Swear By - "Here on the Well desk, we’re constantly asking experts for research-backed advice on how to eat better, stress less and generally live healthier, happier lives. But which habits really make the biggest difference?"
• Do Our Dogs Have Something to Tell the World? - "Many owners think so, thanks to the 'talking buttons' craze on TikTok and Instagram. Scientists are less convinced."
• How Sign Language Can Help Us All Be Better Communicators - "The emotionality of ASL can free you from the trap of precision."
• Royal treasures hidden since World War II recovered from cathedral - "Historical treasures hidden for decades have been uncovered in the crypts of a cathedral, with items including burial crowns and insignia belonging to Medieval European rulers. The cache from Vilnius Cathedral, in Lithuania, has not been seen since the outbreak of World War II in 1939, according to a press release from Go Vilnius tourism promotion agency on Wednesday."
• 20 things you must do on the French Riviera - "The place is a dream come true for travelers, explorers, swimmers, sun-bathers, and fans of art, food, and sunshine. Few coastal regions can compare to the Cote d'Azur, a stretch of turquoise ocean that spans from St. Tropez to the Italian border. Inspiring artists and tourists for centuries, it's a wonderful dream for all."
• The Best Places to Go in Europe in 2025 - "For barely trodden islands, historic villages, and storied wine trails. From new hotel openings in Marseille to celebrations of musical legends in Vienna, and Geneva taking center stage in the global sporting arena."
• In pictures: From the Swiss Alps to the Rocky Mountains, these are the world's most incredible train journeys - "Pass through awe-inspiring mountain ranges while eating delicious food on these once-in-a-lifetime train journeys."
• This Stealthy Charger Promises Endless iPhone Battery Life - "Believe us, you’ve never seen a smartphone charger like this before."
• 5 Things to Know Before Buying a Rolex GMT-Master II - "The Rolex GMT-Master II is an icon of horology. Embodying the perfect blend of functionality, craftsmanship, and style, it is a watch that gets seasoned collectors and first-time buyers equally excited with its rich history, timeless design, and impact on watch-collecting culture that it is arguably Rolex’s most desirable collection outside of the Daytona."
• 5 Largest Private Jet Charter Providers In The US - "In this article, we will take a deeper look at the five largest jet charter companies operating in the United States today: 1 NetJets, Inc. Total 2023 flight hours: 609,515. 2 FlexJet, Inc. Total 2023 flight hours: 204,836. 3 Vista Global Holding Limited. Total 2023 flight hours: 136,511. 4 Wheels Up, Inc. Total 2023 flight hours: 127,685. 5 flyExclusive. Total 2023 flight hours: 55,211."
• ‘We’re in a New Era’: How Climate Change Is Supercharging Disasters - "Extreme weather events - deadly heat waves, floods, fires and hurricanes - are the consequences of a warming planet, scientists say."
• 2024 Brought the World to a Dangerous Warming Threshold. Now What? - "Global temperatures last year crept past a key goal, raising questions about how much nations can stop the planet from heating up further."
• How Much Would Buying Greenland Cost? - "President-elect Donald Trump wants to buy the territory from Denmark, which says it’s not for sale. DealBook asked experts how they’d approach the deal. For the low-end valuation, he adjusted the purchase price of the Virgin Islands for the 500-fold growth in Denmark’s G.D.P. since 1917. That implied a Greenland price tag of $12.5 billion. Adjusting the $7.2 million cost of the Alaska purchase for the growth in U.S. G.D.P. produced the high end of $77 billion."
• Google searches for deleting Facebook, Instagram on the rise after Meta ends fact-checking - "Google searches for how to cancel and delete Facebook, Instagram, and Threads accounts have seen explosive rises in the U.S. since Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that the company will end its third-party fact-checking system, loosen content moderation policies, and roll back previous limits to the amount of political content in user feeds."
• Why have car headlights got so bright & what are the dangers? - "The sheer power of LEDs isn't the only factor in play. 'They give off a higher colour temperature compared to the old-style bulbs,' said Paramdeep Bilkhu, clinical adviser at the College of Optometrists. 'They're whiter, closer to daylight.'"
• My day wearing Meta smart glasses, secretly filming everyone - "Would you notice the little white light on my Ray-Bans? It’s the only signal they’re recording."
• Is Flying Business Class Actually Worth The Cost? - "Put simply, you will get more done while you travel. In lounges and on the flight itself, you'll be set up to work far better than in economy."
• Visualizing the Top 20 Most Valuable Companies of All Time - "1. Dutch East India Company: $8.28 trillion. 2. Mississippi Company: $6.8 trillion. 3. Saudi Aramco: $6.58 trillion. 4. South Sea Company: $4.5 trillion. 5. Apple: $3.29 trillion. 6. Microsoft: $3.21 trillion. 7. Nvidia: $2.86 trillion. 8. Alphabet: $1.95 trillion. 9. Amazon: $1.94 trillion. 10. META (Facebook) $1.35 trillion."
• On Meds? You May Be Able to Eat Grapefruit Again Someday - "Scientists have identified a gene that causes production of a substance in some citrus that interferes with many medications."
• 11 Surprising Things You Can Put in Your Dishwasher (& 7 You Can’t) - "In a perfect world, all the dirty dishes and utensils piled up in your sink would be safe to toss in the dishwasher. But in reality, some items require a more delicate approach."
• Best of CES 2025: The top 25 new gadgets - "Our pick of the best gadgets at this year's show. Here’s the top 25 gadgets of CES."
• Weirdest gadgets from the CES technology show - "Want a robot to cool your tea? Or a solar panel hat to charge your phone on the go? The Las Vegas exhibition has you covered."
• Massive ice core is a ‘time machine’ that could help solve an ancient climate mystery, scientists say - "An international research team has successfully drilled and retrieved a 9,186-foot-long (2,800-meter-long) ice core from Antarctica that dates back 1.2 million years. The sample extended so deep that it reached the bedrock beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet."
• Danes struggle with response to Trump Greenland threat - "Copenhagen's gloomy January weather matches the mood among Denmark's politicians and business leaders. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen downplayed Trump's own suggestion that the US might use military force to seize Greenland. 'I don't have the fantasy to imagine that it'll ever get to that,' she told Danish TV."
• Inside the mind of Elon Musk, by those who worked for him - "Insiders reveal the moods and methods of Donald Trump’s ‘first buddy’ - as we track his increasing fixation on Keir Starmer and visualise his inner circle."
• Generation Beta is here - what kind of world will it inherit? - "AI might cure their diseases, or steal their jobs. And they could see the first global population decline in 700 years. So what else is in store for those born in 2025."
• The world’s most turbulent flights revealed - "In travel news this week: misbehavior on planes, secrets of a cruise ship doctor and the flight routes that were most prone to turbulence in 2024. Turbulence on flights is usually caused by mountains, storms or powerful jet stream currents, so it’s not surprising that rocky ranges feature prominently in a new list of flight routes that had the most turbulence in 2024, according to tracker site Turbli.com."
• A Finnish ironwoman's guide to Finland's best outdoor icy plunges - "Elina Mäkinen was the first Finnish woman to complete the Ice Mile. Here are her top ice bathing experiences, from plunges under the Northern Lights to paying homage to Arctic gods."
• How to transform your home with art - "'It's about what speaks to you': Displaying paintings, prints, textiles and sculptures can all help create a fresh living space for the new year - here's how, according to the experts."
• As Art Sales Fall, Auction Houses Pivot to Luxury - "With both supply and demand for big-ticket art in a slump, Sotheby’s and Christie’s are making major bets on selling handbags, classic cars and niche experiences."
• The top 10 largest economies in the world in 2025 - "Get insights into the top 10 largest economies in 2025, and learn about the global economy's growth as the world propels itself towards a prosperous future."
• 100 Years Since Patek Philippe Released the First Perpetual Calendar Wristwatch - " 2025 marks 100 years since Patek Philiipe introduced the first perpetual calendar wristwatch, the Patek Philippe 97975."
• CES 2025 Day 4 - 9 new gadgets you need to see - "Flying cars, AR glasses, AI pillows and more. CES 2025 saw the Land Aircraft Carrier on show, showing off a Cybertruck-looking design that houses an eVTOL Air Module in the back."
• USA TODAY's 50 Top Picks for CES 2025 - "These are tech expert Marc Salzman's top CES picks for USA TODAY after his hands-on with future gadgets and gear in Las Vegas."
• All the Best Speakers, Headphones & Hi-Fi Gear from CES 2025 - "Another year of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is nearly in the books (it technically ends on January 10th). And, as is tradition, a lot of new audio gear has been announced - everything from noise-canceling headphones and portable Bluetooth speakers, to high-end turntables and hi-fi separates."
• Trump to endure embarrassment of criminal sentencing after last-ditch Supreme Court appeal fails - "The court’s 5-4 decision Thursday to deny the president-elect’s last-minute effort to delay sentencing in his New York hush money case sets up a stunning moment - a Friday court date just 10 days before Trump is sworn in for a second term."
• Earth has entered ‘a new era’ with its hottest year on record - "Scientists say climate change caused by humans pushed 2024 above the 1.5C warming target set by the Paris Agreement almost ten years ago."
• L.A. Fires Show the Reality of Living in a World with 1.5°C of Warming - "The planet crosses an important temperature threshold while wildfires ravage southern California."
• Could the humble Birkenstock be elevated to a work of art? - "Beuys, Bauhaus ... Birkenstock? That is the question confronting judges at one of Germany's highest courts as they prepare to rule on whether four lines of footwear from the sensible sandal-maker should be protected as works of art. The German sandal-maker is seeking protected status to ward off copycat fashions."
• ‘Ultra-penthouse’: $1-billion skyscrapers to be linked by infinity pool - "$1-billion Dubai skyscrapers to be linked by daring rooftop pool. Two new 591-foot-tall skyscrapers, linked across the top by a daring 'sky pool,' are set to rise above Dubai’s Marasi Marina."
• 10 Ways to Eat Better - "We consulted nutrition experts for their best advice on how to eat for improved health: 1. Eat more legumes. 2. Scale back on sweet drinks. 3. Put vegetables in everything. 4. Eat fewer ultraprocessed foods ..."
• How to Grocery Shop Like a Nutrition Scientist - "Today we’re looking at ultraprocessed foods in the wild."
• New AirTag Max could be Apple’s next best move after AirTag 2 - "Apple could expand its AirTag lineup by launching not just the AirTag 2, but also a new AirTag Max product. AirTag Max would do basically what TimeCapsule does today: offer significantly longer battery life in exchange for a bulkier case. 10 years of battery for an AirTag with no add-ons required?"
• A Masterpiece of Sound: The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius - "A rare chance to acquire a legendary "Golden Period" Stradivari Violin, one of the most important musical instruments ever to appear at auction. Crafted by the legendary Antonio Stradivari in 1714, the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius is an embodiment of over three centuries of musical history."
• CES 2025 Day 3 - 11 new gadgets you need to see - "There's almost too many great announcements to keep up."
• Weirdest gadgets & tech announced at CES 2025: See list - "CES delivered a treasure trove of quirky and innovative gadgets that push the boundaries of creativity and utility."
• Anti-ageing vaccine is ‘closer than ever’ - but what helps now? - "Some scientists believe mobilising the immune system against decline is no longer fantasy."
• How to supercharge your brain - the experts’ rules - "Want to know the secret to improving your cognitive function? Two leading neuroscientists have whittled it down to a nine-point plan: 1. Risk failure to improve your cognitive flexibility. 2. Why 'running therapy' can boost your mood. 3. Cardio and strength training can improve ..."
• Salmon among quarter of freshwater species threatened with extinction - "Of almost 24,000 species worldwide, 24 per cent are at high risk of becoming extinct, primarily because of water pollution including sewage spills."
• The Massive Difference Between A 'Tourist' & A 'Traveler,' Per Rick Steves - "Rick Steves told the The New York Times that one can travel like a tourist, a traveler, or a pilgrim."
• The Best Transportation Method For Efficient Sightseeing In European Cities, Per Rick Steves - "If you are exploring an unfamiliar European city, intelligent and purposeful sightseeing is key to tick everything off your list. The most efficient transportation method for sightseeing in European cities is the humble subway system, according to Steves."
• CES 2025 Day 2 - 11 new gadgets you need to see - "But day 1 was only a taste of what CES has to offer, with day 2 offering even more incredible reveals. Whether you’re looking for new gaming handhelds, bizarre new TV concepts, robot companions, or even solar power for the beach, CES apparently has something to offer. And we’re still pretty early on in the show."
• Trump’s threats to Greenland, Canada & Panama explain everything about America First - "There was a characteristic element of farce as the president-elect’s son, Donald Jr., flew the family’s Boeing to Greenland, with a bobblehead of his father perched on the cockpit control panel. 'Make Greenland Great Again!' the president-elect posted on his Truth Social network shortly before his son landed."
• Why Trump is so interested in Greenland - "Trump wants to buy Greenland again. Here’s why he’s so interested in the world’s largest island."
• 52 Places to Go in 2025 - "Where will the new year take you? Kick-start your travel plans by selecting favorites from our annual list."
• This is the 'World's Healthiest Meal', According to Science - "A leading food researcher has created an ultra-healthy three-course meal based on thousands of health claims."
• The 9 things you should eat every day to stay healthy - "From avocados to apples, Peta Bee on the easy-to-find foods that will deliver big benefits."
• How long does it take to walk 10,000 steps? - "‘Walking 10,000 steps a day depends on your cadence - how many steps you take per minute, which depends on the length of your legs, your stride, your age, and your fitness level. For a cadence of 100 steps per minute, walking 10,000 steps could take you one hour and 40 minutes. Walking at a cadence of 130 steps per minute would take you one hour and 16 minutes."
• Ranked: the world’s best beaches for 2025, according to Lonely Planet - "The publication’s latest guide encompasses coasts from Thailand to Norway, Mexico to Australia."
• Revealed: The world's 15 most stunning train rides (& three you should probably avoid) - "'Here are my absolute favourite rides out of the hundreds I've been on - and one or two that should be avoided...'"
• 7 Apps To Learn A New Skill For 15 Minutes A Day In 2025 - "Mastering a new skill doesn't need to overhaul your already hectic schedule. Gone are the days of poring over books for extended periods of time, or lavishing money on expensive training courses. The future of upskilling in 2025 is simple, affordable, flexible, AI and games-driven, and adaptable to individual learning preferences."
• Morning coffee could reduce risk of heart disease - "Good news for those who love their morning caffeine habit as research suggests getting your fix before lunch is good for you."
• How AI & Nasa can help gardeners lacking a green thumb - "A ‘Nespresso for houseplants’ is one of the gadgets that aims to take the hassle - and the heartbreak - out of amateur gardening."
• CES 2025 day 1 - 9 new gadgets you need to see - "Here are the best new reveals at CES 2025 so far."
• Apple Releases iOS 18.2.1 With Bug Fixes - "According to Apple's release notes, iOS 18.2.1 addresses important bugs, and it is recommended for all users."
• Meta platforms ditching third party fact-checking - "Meta is getting rid of fact checkers. Zuckerberg acknowledged more harmful content will appear on the platforms now. Meta is abandoning the use of third party fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram and will replace it with X-style 'community notes', where commenting on the accuracy of posts is left to users."
• What We Know About HMPV, the Virus Spreading in China - "While cases are climbing in China, the situation is very different from what it was when Covid-19 emerged five years ago, medical experts say. HMPV is common and decades old."
• How lead pollution reduced the Romans’ IQs - "Chemical deposits in Arctic ice reveal high atmospheric concentrations that caused ‘widespread cognitive decline’ across the empire, scientists believe. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, concluded that the levels of lead in the air seen during the Pax Romana would have knocked 'at least' 2.5 to 3 points off the average IQ at the time."
• The rise, fall & rise again of Demi Moore - "Derided as a ‘popcorn actress’ and damaged by drugs, the star experienced difficulties in her career and married life. But at 62, she has finally received recognition."
• 10 Simple Bodyweight Exercises To Build Strength All Over - "These exercises meet you wherever you are in your fitness level."
• The 10 most comfortable walking shoes, according to podiatrists & shoe experts - "Walking can be an excellent form of exercise for people of all ages. But in order to stay healthy, comfy and, most importantly, free from injury, you’ll want to be sure you’re wearing the right pair of walking shoes. Luckily, you have a variety of brands, styles and materials to choose from these days. To better help you in your quest, we asked multiple podiatrists and seasoned long-distance walkers exactly what to look for when selecting the best walking shoes."
• 8 Countries Where You Can Get Citizenship If You Buy Property - "Make expat dreams your new reality. In many of these destinations, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to buy a home."
• ‘A Floating Piece of History’: How the Gucci Family Restored This 214-Foot Sailing Yacht - "Moving beyond fashion, Maurizio Gucci and his daughters, Allegra and Alessandra, became avid sailors. Their prized possession? The world's largest wooden sailing boat, Creole, which the family rescued and restored to its former glory."
• Why the Swiss Water method is a game changer for decaf coffee lovers - "Clean Label Project urges decaf coffee drinkers to learn about the Swiss Water decaf coffee method, an alternative, water-based process for decaffeinating coffee without using chemicals."
• Best moments from the 2025 Golden Globes - "The Golden Globes aired Sunday night and the unofficial kickoff to Hollywood’s award season served glamour, laughs and a few sentimental tears. Globe voters honored TV and films that explored themes of aging, immigration, acceptance and survival, but the tone of the show was largely light and celebratory, in keeping with an event historically considered Hollywood’s biggest - and booziest - party."
• Motorcycle-sized tuna fetches more than $1 million at Japan auction - "Michelin-starred sushi restaurateurs Onodera Group claimed the 608-pound (276-kilogram) fish with its million-dollar bid at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market on January 5, Japanese news agency Kyodo reported."
• Drinking plant-based milk ‘increases risk of depression’ - "People who consume semi-skimmed are less likely to suffer from low mood and anxiety. People who drink plant-based milks are more likely to suffer from depression than those who drink cow's milk, according to a study."
• Brain implant that’s ahead of Elon Musk in the race to read minds - "A stent with a set of electrodes is allowing paralysed patients to send WhatsApp messages. Are we on the brink of a revolution in neuroscience?"
• Safari on Your Bucket List? Pick the Right One - "Choosing an operator that is conservation-minded, with ties to the local community and well-trained guides can add up to the trip of a lifetime and also nurture nature."
• American Skiers Are Rapidly Discovering Andermatt, Switzerland - "Tucked away in the majestic Swiss Alps, Andermatt offers both skiers and non-skiers the opportunity to experience one of the country’s true hidden gems with activities both on and off the slopes. In 2022, Vail Resorts acquired the majority of Andermatt's ski operations, so Epic Pass holders have access to the slopes. As a result, Andermatt is rapidly becoming the go-to European ski destination for American visitors, with a 70% increase in overnight stays from U.S. guests between 2022 and 2023."
• Coffee flavor can be greatly improved with a simple trick - "By adding a small amount of water to the beans before grinding, the researchers showed that static electricity could be reduced. This simple adjustment produced a smoother grind and improved consistency, enhancing the quality of the coffee."
• What's The Difference Between Espresso & Coffee? - "You’ll need more than your coffee maker for this Italian classic. Espresso is bold, creamy, and intensely concentrated, while coffee is lighter and often served in much larger quantities."
• Scandi Sleeping - "What Is the Scandinavian Sleep Method? In the Scandinavian sleep method, couples use two separate duvets to lessen sleep disruption."
• The Most Popular visualizations on Voronoi in 2024 - "In 2024, there were over 3,000 visualizations posted on Voronoi by 100 different data creators. We round up the most popular, most discussed, and most liked visualizations of 2024 on Voronoi, our new data storytelling platform."
• Apple Intelligence now requires almost double the iPhone storage it needed before - "Apple Intelligence launched with 4GB of storage requirements, but now that number has almost doubled already - and adds up with each device."
• I Updated My iPhone to iOS 18.2, So Why Does Siri Look the Same? - "If you're not seeing the new Apple Intelligence design on your iPhone, this is why. After installing iOS 18.2 (or iPadOS 18.2 or MacOS Sequoia 15.2), you need to go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and tap Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist > Join Waitlist. The new Siri effect shows up only after you've requested and been granted access."
• Robert De Niro: ‘How am I as a father? I try my best’ - "At 81, the actor is in the Caribbean overseeing his most ambitious hotel project yet, where rooms cost $2,500 a night - and doing the morning feeds with his baby daughter Gia."
• How Nobu became the ultimate celebrity hotspot - "Thirty years ago, a tiny sushi joint in New York became the A-list’s favourite hangout - and it still is."
• 27 Shows to Watch This Winter - "A ton of intriguing shows are coming, including the gruesome frontier drama 'American Primeval' and Robert De Niro’s first American regular-series role."
• Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Golden Globes - "The 82nd Golden Globes will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Sunday, January 5 at 5 PM PT/8 p.m. ET."
• Why We Say Yes When We Don’t Want To - "Even in our personal lives, studies show that those who are conscientious or have agreeable dispositions are more likely to acquiesce to others' demands. It's no wonder, then, that saying 'yes' feels easier, safer, and even expected—while saying no can feel like swimming against a tide of social conditioning."
• The Fitness Trends That Experts Hate - "If you want to get fitter this year, here’s what to focus on instead: Skip the '75 hard' challenge. - Don't be fooled by targeted weight-loss workouts. - Steer clear of 'what I ..."
• Do Your iPhone a Favor in 2025 & Start Clearing Your Cache - "A monthly clear of your browser cache only takes a few seconds and will clear out old webpage data. It's a great time to decide how you want to spend 2025. My recommendation: Start clearing your iPhone's browser cache more regularly. Your browser cache stores website data for faster retrieval, which can keep things a little snappier when everything matches up."
• 10 Tips to Help You Eat Healthier in 2025 - "Throughout the past year, we reviewed seed oils, ultraprocessed foods, Bruce Springsteen’s diet and more. Here’s what we learned."
• Simple 'ancient' exercise used by military 'improves strength & breathing' - "Callisthenics has been practised since the time of the ancient Greeks and doesn't require any equipment."
• Yes, You Can Get a Workout in 10 Minutes - "This full-body routine fits into even the busiest schedule. If you're truly exercising at high intensity, you can expect your muscles to burn and you shouldn't be able to talk by the end of each interval."
• 3 Books To Read & Master In 2025 For Success - "As we look ahead to 2025, three books stand out as must-reads for anyone seeking to achieve success: 'Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway' by Susan Jeffers, 'Shoe Dog' by Phil Knight, and 'Getting Things Done' by David Allen."
• How to Improve Your Life - "From home organizing ideas to beauty advice to travel hacks, here’s a roundup of practical guides for the New Year."
• Ranked: The World’s Top Companies by Revenue in 2024 - "Looking beyond the U.S., many of the world’s leading companies by this measure are in the energy sector. Notable heavyweights, such as Saudi Aramco and China National Petroleum, are predominantly state-owned with expansive global operations. Here are the world’s leading companies by annual revenues in 2024, including both public and private companies that report financial data."
• 9 Personal Branding Trends For 2025 - "In 2025, video remains critical to effective personal branding. As remote and hybrid work persist, video's ability to create a richer, more engaging experience will continue to grow in importance. Platforms like LinkedIn have proven that video posts receive significantly more engagement than text-based updates."
• 11 Phrases Nice People Use To Politely Say No To Things They Don’t Want To Do - "Saying no doesn't have to be a bad thing."
• 12 Ways to Get Fitter in 2025 - "At its core, the secret to a healthy fitness routine is simple: Find ways to move. There are limitless options these days, but the best exercise is whatever you enjoy enough to keep doing it. Here are some ideas to get you moving in the year ahead."
• 9 European Exhibitions Worth Traveling for in 2025 - "From big shows in London and Amsterdam to a Cézanne tribute in the south of France, these art experiences will be worth the journey."
• Scientists Are Racing to Develop a New Bird Flu Vaccine - "Scientists are working on an updated vaccine for H5N1, or bird flu. The most promising approach uses mRNA."
• What Makes Rembrandt So Great? A Look at 10 of His Most Iconic Works - "From 'Night Watch' to loving portraits of his wife, these are the paintings that define the Dutch Old Master."
• 7 Best Places In The World To Live Rich Without Much Money - "Beautiful cities you can call home for a smaller price than you might think."
• 10 Upper-Class Lessons Men Learn Too Late In Life - "This requires understanding the difference between wealth and income, developing multiple revenue streams, and making intelligent investments."
• Singles Differ in Personality Traits & Life Satisfaction Compared to Partnered People - "New research finds that lifelong singles have lower life satisfaction scores compared to those in relationships."
• The only movies to ever win ‘The Big Five’ Academy Awards - "Keen not to sideline the majority of technical awards, the ‘Big Five’ refers to the awards that the Academy simply gives the most attention and most significance. As well as the crowning achievement of ‘Best Picture’, the other four awards include ‘Best Director’, ‘Best Actor’, ‘Best Actress’ and ‘Best Screenplay (either Original or Adapted)’. To gain these statuettes is to etch yourself into the history of cinema."
• New year goals: 25 ways to make your life easier, cheaper and more fun in 2025 - "Expert tips and handy hacks for saving on bills, bagging a bargain, kicking fitness targets and boosting your wellbeing: 1. Incorporate short bursts of vigorous activity into your everyday life. - 2. Use half the recommended amount of laundry powder. - 3. Use the timer on your appliances to run them during peak power generation. - 4. Take the 4-45-3 approach to make your fitness goals stick ..."
• New Year’s celebrations around the world - in pictures - "Fireworks are lighting up night skies around the world as New Year’s revelers ring in 2025. It takes 26 hours for the new year to be welcomed across 39 different time zones. Christmas Island in Kiribati, an island country in the central Pacific Ocean, is the first to celebrate every year. Hawaii, American Samoa and many of the US outlying islands are among the last places."