Monthly Archives: September 2024

[ad_1] England Futsal have made history by naming squad for qualifiers in October The Lionesses are fighting to be one of four European teams at the tournament The 2025 World Cup held in the Philippines will include 16 teams  By Lewis Browning Published: 10:12 EDT, 13 September 2024 | Updated: 10:18 EDT, 13 September 2024 England have named their first ever Lionesses futsal squad in their hunt for a spot at the World Cup. The team will take on Finland, Moldova and Slovenia in October in UEFA qualifiers for the 2025 World Cup, which will include 16 teams and be held in the Philippines. The competition, which was founded by FIFA in December 2022, will include four teams from Europe, three from Asia, two from Africa, two from North America, three from South America and one from Oceania, as well as the host nation. England named their 14-woman squad on Friday, which includes Mail Sport’s Commissioning Editor Kate McGreavy. England confirmed in June that they had reached their fundraising threshold for the women’s team and that they would therefore be able to compete in the main round of qualifying for the tournament. England have named their first ever Lionesses futsal squad in hunt for a spot at the World Cup There will be four groups of six competing in the initial qualifying stage, with group winners going through to the next stage, where the teams will join Spain and Portugal – two sides with recent success in the European Championship – in two groups of four, with the top two teams in each group qualifying for the World Cup. Sion Kitson, England Futsal Head of Development and Technical, wrote on X on Friday: ‘This is a monumental moment for everyone linked to English Futsal. ‘@EnglandFutsal are extremely proud to announce this squad. It is a testament to the player’s dedication to the sport. This group has a great blend of youth & experience & I’m excited to see them take to the court.’ McGreavy added: ‘I’m honoured to be selected to represent my country and to be part of such a talented group. ‘This is a pivotal and special moment for England Futsal after huge support, dedication and commitment behind the scenes from so many individuals – and just the start of the journey. ‘We’ve been working hard in recent months to prepare for the upcoming qualifiers and the work continues for Moldova. Let’s go.’ Ben Tadmor, England Futsal Board Member and Performance Manager, said in June: ‘It’s a hugely exciting time to be a part of futsal in England. The implementation of a women’s pathway has been one of the goals since the formation of England Futsal. ‘To have female role models representing England in futsal on the biggest stage will no doubt inspire the next generation of players to join clubs up and down the country.’ Share or comment on this article: England name first EVER futsal Lionesses squad as they fight for a place at the first Women’s World Cup in 2025 [ad_2] Source link

[ad_1] Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg and X owner Elon Musk are “the worst polluters in human history”, Stephen Fry has said. The actor and comedian made the claim during a lecture at Kings College, London. “You and your children cannot breathe the air or swim in the waters of our culture without breathing in the toxic particulates and stinking effluvia that belch and pour unchecked from their companies into the currents of our world,” he said of the pair. The BBC has approached the two men’s companies for comment. Mr Fry has a track record of being an early adopter of technology – and was once a regular poster on X, when it was known as Twitter. He stopped posting in 2022, a few months after the platform was purchased by Mr Musk, but has retained his account. He is no longer active on any social networks. “I’m the chump who thought social media could change the world,” he told his audience at the Digital Futures Institute. He said he was at first enthusiastic about the potential of social media to unite people around the world and bring about positive change in society, citing the Arab Spring protests which were coordinated online as an example – but added that he had been proved wrong. He described what he considered to be a fatal flaw in attempts by early Facebook algorithms to “maximise engagement”, saying nobody had predicted that engagement would be “most maximised by… the worst passions” such as anger, shock and horror. “We are decidedly hopeless at knowing where technology will take us or what it will do to us,” he said. He returned to the theme several times throughout his one hour speech, in which he also considered the future of artificial intelligence. Mr Fry argued that AI was “poised to disrupt every space we have”. He said he hoped corporate greed would not corrupt the development of AI tech at the expense of safety. “The best I can do is this – Einstein and Russell said in their manifesto on nuclear weapons – we appeal as human beings to human beings, remember your humanity and forget the rest,” he said. Mr Fry’s broadside was not the only attack on Mr Musk. Earlier on Thursday, senior Meta executive Sir Nick Clegg, talking at Chatham House, in London, had been similarly scathing of Mr Musk’s platform X. The former deputy prime minister called it “a tiny, elite, news-obsessed, politics-obsessed app” and added that in his view the social network had become “a one-man hyper-partisan hobby horse.” In March 2024 X claimed to have 550 million monthly visitors. Facebook has just over 3bn. Additional reporting by Liv McMahon [ad_2] Source link

[ad_1] Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS is a common disorder affecting many women today and with the wealth of information available online, many women often self-diagnose as having PCOS, leading to unnecessary anxiety about its implications. Manage PCOS like a pro: Top tips to improve your reproductive health and unlock fertility (Photo by Suhyeon Choi on Unsplash) Understanding the Reproductive Window In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Anuja Thomas, Consultant – Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital in Kharghar, Mumbai, opined, “Women’s reproductive choices are changing. Increased access to education and career opportunities often leads women to delay motherhood until their 30s or later. Additionally, the age of menarche (the onset of menstruation) has decreased, resulting in more menstrual cycles over a woman’s lifetime. Early menarche can deplete a woman’s stock of healthy eggs, while the cumulative effects of menstruation may contribute to conditions like endometriosis.” According to her, modern sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to irregular menstruation and ovulation issues, affecting both women and men’s reproductive health. PCOS is just one of many lifestyle-related disorders impacting female hormones, and it’s important to understand that it is not the sole factor complicating conception. The Role of Insulin Resistance Dr Anuja Thomas shared, “Insulin resistance is a significant aspect of PCOS that warrants attention. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels, and the condition often stems from lifestyle factors rather than solely from ovarian dysfunction. Insulin resistance contributes to the polycystic nature of the ovaries, leading to menstrual and ovulatory issues.” She added, “This connection underscores the need for a healthy lifestyle from a young age. Poor blood sugar regulation can lead to weight gain, making weight loss difficult and increasing the risk for long-term health complications such as diabetes and heart disease.” Steps to Manage PCOS 1. Prioritise Overall Health – A healthy lifestyle is crucial for everyone, particularly for those with PCOS. Focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and weight management to improve insulin sensitivity and enhance fertility. While immediate weight loss may not occur, adopting healthy habits can yield long-term benefits. 2. Consult a Gynecologist – Tracking menstrual cycles and using ovulation prediction kits can assist in planning for conception. Addressing underlying health issues, such as thyroid disorders or obesity, can also enhance your chances of conceiving. 3. Monitor for Pregnancy Complications – Women with PCOS have a higher risk of gestational diabetes. Regular prenatal care, including blood tests and ultrasounds, is essential for prevention and early detection. 4. Consult a Fertility Specialist – A fertility specialist can provide tailored guidance and recommend treatment options, including ovulation-stimulating medications or IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). 5. Seek Emotional Support – Managing PCOS and pregnancy issues can be emotionally challenging. Building a support network through friends, family, or support groups can provide comfort and understanding. Is Egg Freezing and IVF a Simple Solution? Dr Anuja Thomas answered, “It’s crucial to understand that egg freezing and IVF are not universal solutions for all facing fertility challenges due to PCOS. Advancing age, along with factors like high weight and elevated blood sugar, can create a challenging environment for fetal development. These conditions may increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and abnormal birth weights. This is not meant to scare women and families but to empower them to make informed decisions. Optimising womb health is essential for the best possible outcomes in pregnancy and beyond.” By staying informed and proactive, individuals with PCOS can increase their chances of a healthy pregnancy and enjoy a positive family-building experience while adopting a preventive healthcare plan. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition. [ad_2] Source link

[ad_1] Video | Harris wil wel nieuw televisiedebat, maar Trump zegt nee [ad_2] Source link

[ad_1] I’m Home Alone 2 years old [ad_2] View Reddit by griftertm – View Source

[ad_1] By Tum Balogun Published: 01:36 EDT, 13 September 2024 | Updated: 03:22 EDT, 13 September 2024 Just two years on from playing in a Champions League semi-final, a former Tottenham midfielder has taken up another sport entirely.  The 36-year-old, who also spent time in the Premier League with Watford, enjoyed a successful three-year spell in LaLiga with Villarreal.  Etienne Capoue played a total of 148 games for the Yellow Submarine, including 40 in all competitions last term but his contract with the club was not renewed and he has been a free agent since the summer.  But instead of finding another club in one of Europe’s top leagues or even further afield, the former France international has reportedly joined a Spanish fourth-division basketball side.  According to Relevo, Capoue has is currently training with CB Jovens L’Eliana, who are based in Valencia. The commanding central midfielder even competed in recent friendly for the outfit, which they won.  Former Tottenham midfielder Etienne Capoue enjoyed a successful three-year stint in LaLiga with Villarreal The 36-year-old has been training with a fourth-division Spanish basketball team. Pictured: Capoue (second from the left, back row) The former France international was playing in a Champions League semi-final against Liverpool only two years ago Capoue is known for his love of basketball and passionate support of the NBA. Unfortunately for the former Spurs man, he is yet to gain a license, which means he is unable to compete in official competition for the squad. An Instagram post from the club’s account shows Capoue all smiles alongside his team-mates following the victory this week. The midfielder had been linked with a return to English football with his former club Watford when his Villarreal contract expired over the summer. Capoue established himself at Vicarage Road during a five-and-a-half-year stay.  During his time with the club, he scored 14 goals in 181 games, quickly becoming a fan favourite. Following his departure from the side in 2021, Capoue went on to help Villarreal claim the Europa League later that season when they defeated Manchester United on penalties in the final. The next season he faced English opposition once again but this time in the Champions League as Unai Emery’s side looked poised to claim a shock win over Liverpool in the semi-final. Capoue’s most successful years in the Premier League came while he was at Watford Capoue assisted Boulaye Dia’s opener before the Spanish side, through Francis Coquelin, grabbed another before the break to recover from a 2-0 first-leg deficit.  However, goals from Fabinho, Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane ensured the Reds progressed to the final in Paris.  Share or comment on this article: Former Premier League star joins fourth-division BASKETBALL team just two years after playing in a Champions League semi-final [ad_2] Source link

[ad_1] Sony Bot the difference: Astro Bot features dozens of cameos from well-known PlayStation characters It’s just a few hours before reviews of one of the year’s biggest PlayStation 5 releases arrive, and its director is talking about food. Buffets, to be precise. You might get a lot for your money, but how do you feel afterwards? “Bloated, you’ve eaten too much and you just want to go and sleep,” says Nicolas Doucet, head of Sony-owned studio Team Asobi. Gamers are fond of food metaphors. Developers don’t just make games, they “cook”. If you’re spoilt for choice with high quality new releases, you’re “eatin’ good”. But Nicolas is referring to the sense that blockbuster publishers have tended to have an all-you-can-eat approach when it comes to making games. For a while now, the industry’s biggest players have been focused on producing open-world titles offering dozens of hours of gameplay, or on attempts to muscle into the lucrative online market. Both genres have produced some huge hits, but Nicolas wonders if there is an appetite for something more like “that two-course meal that is going to be just the right amount”. Astro Bot could be just the recipe Sony has been looking for. Earlier this week the Japanese company announced it was pulling Concord – one of its other recent big games – from sale after a tepid response from critics and players. The online shooter is the latest high-profile bid to corner the so-called “live service” market dominated by the likes of Fortnite and Apex Legends that’s failed to attract a large audience. But in a quiet year for first-party PlayStation releases, Astro Bot has received some of the highest review scores of 2024 and some critics say it’s one of Sony’s best in ages. At its heart it’s an old-school 3D platformer that’s crammed full of references to PlayStation’s 30-year history. The game’s main objective is to rescue 300 Astro Bots hidden around various themed levels, with about half of those decked out in cosplay to resemble characters from the console’s past. But as much as it’s a nostalgic reminder of Sony’s great successes, could it also be a lesson for the company’s future? Team Asobi Catstro Bot: Astro Bot picks up powers throughout the game that allow it to change size, shape and, in one case, species If you’re one of the world’s 60 million PlayStation 5 owners, you’re almost certainly familiar with Astro Bot. The cute mascot character appeared in 2020’s Astro’s Playroom, a short, three-hour adventure pre-installed on every machine. It was designed to act as a tech demo for the hardware and its advanced controller, but people loved it. “And it did highlight perhaps the fact that people are craving for these kind of games,” says Nicolas. Releasing a 3D platformer in 2024 is, on paper, a daunting prospect. Nicolas admits the genre – a staple of the PlayStation 2 era – isn’t very common these days. And, he says: “The ones that do exist are very, very high quality from people who’ve been making them for years and years.” It’s also a genre Sony has moved away from recently, and its biggest releases have been more adult, cinematic titles such as God of War and The Last of Us. Nicolas thinks this is a sign of audiences, and the developers making games for them, maturing. But he admits that left a gap which Team Asobi – a relatively young studio – was eager to fill. “I think there needs to be more games that are there just to relax, have a little bit of fun, that are not dramatic, that are not necessarily heavily story driven, where you can just mess around with a game and it’s fun,” says Nicolas. “But, of course, it needs to be executed well.” Astro Bot’s been widely praised for its polish, attention to detail and the way it plays, drawing comparisons with Mario – for many, the undisputed king of 3D platformers. Nicolas considers descriptions of Astro Bot as “old school” a compliment and that going “back to basics” helped with the game’s development. As concerns grow over spiralling budgets, Astro Bot was made in three-and-a-half years by a team of about 65 people – a relatively short time and small staff by modern standards. Nicolas says the game’s bite-sized nature – it’s divided across 50 short, playable stages – helped to simplify development and made it easier to “swap things around”. “Whereas when you’re tied to something that is one storyline, one timeline that is set, it’s very difficult,” he says. “You have less flexibility.” Team Asobi The PS5’s DualSense controller is a key part of the Astro Bot experience, throbbing and humming as players jet into a new level Sony will now be hoping that Astro Bot’s glowing reception translates into big sales, but comparisons with Concord’s swift fall have already begun. It’s also shone a light on characters Sony could revive, and prompted some people to question whether the company will shift its recent focus on the live-service market. Under previous PlayStation boss Jim Ryan, the company announced plans to launch 12 online-focused games. It’s since scaled that back to six. As for single-player titles, some of Sony’s biggest in-house studios haven’t yet revealed PS5 projects. Hermen Hulst, one of two new CEOs in charge of Sony’s gaming division, told the BBC in a statement it was “very important we offer a wide variety of titles to our community” and that “Astro Bot fills an important part of our portfolio”. He praised Team Asobi for creating “something special that is light-hearted and delightful” with “incredibly fun gameplay”. Astro Bot is also “a great opportunity for families to game together”, he said. Nicolas opts not to comment on the Concord situation or bigger, strategic moves, but he does agree with his boss that Astro Bot has given PS5 a game that can “bridge generations”. Many reviewers have remarked on how cameos from the past have

[ad_1] In 2024, fitness is no longer just about looking good or fitting into a smaller size—it’s about overall health, mental well-being, and longevity. With evolving trends and a growing awareness of the connection between physical health and mental wellness, people are more committed than ever to making fitness a part of their daily lives. Whether you’re new to working out or a seasoned athlete, understanding the latest trends and how they can benefit you is essential for staying motivated. Here’s what you need to know about fitness in 2024 and how to get started. 1. The Rise of Hybrid Workouts Hybrid workouts, which combine elements of cardio, strength training, flexibility, and mindfulness practices like yoga or meditation, have gained significant popularity. These workouts help you achieve a balanced fitness routine that addresses both physical and mental well-being. Popular formats include HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) combined with yoga or Pilates. The combination offers the benefits of intense fat-burning while promoting flexibility and relaxation. 2. Wearable Technology and Data-Driven Fitness Wearable fitness technology continues to dominate the fitness world. From smartwatches to fitness trackers, people are leveraging data to improve their workouts, monitor progress, and stay motivated. With advanced features like heart rate tracking, sleep monitoring, and GPS for tracking runs, these devices provide insights that help individuals adjust their routines for better performance and health outcomes. 3. Mental Fitness and Mind-Body Connection In 2024, fitness isn’t just about the body—it’s also about mental health. The concept of “mental fitness” has emerged as a key aspect of health, focusing on maintaining emotional resilience and cognitive strength. Activities like mindfulness meditation, breathwork, and stress management techniques are being integrated into fitness routines to promote overall well-being. 4. Functional Training for Everyday Life Functional training is about strengthening muscles to perform everyday tasks more efficiently. Movements like squats, lunges, push-ups, and kettlebell swings mimic real-life activities, making daily tasks easier and reducing the risk of injury. Functional fitness is an excellent choice for people of all ages because it enhances balance, coordination, and endurance. 5. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Fitness Sustainability has made its way into the fitness world. From eco-friendly activewear made from recycled materials to gyms adopting green energy practices, many fitness enthusiasts are choosing environmentally conscious options. Outdoor fitness activities, such as hiking, trail running, and cycling, are also becoming more popular as they provide a way to connect with nature while staying fit. 6. Getting Started: Tips for Fitness Beginners For those just starting their fitness journey, it’s important to focus on consistency and gradual progress. Here are a few tips to help you begin: Set realistic goals: Start with small, attainable goals that you can gradually build on, such as walking 10,000 steps a day or exercising for 30 minutes, 3 times a week. Find what you enjoy: Whether it’s dancing, cycling, swimming, or weightlifting, choose activities you genuinely enjoy to make the process fun and sustainable. Prioritize recovery: Rest and recovery are essential components of a fitness routine. Incorporate stretching, foam rolling, and adequate sleep to ensure your body has time to heal and strengthen. Conclusion As we move further into 2024, fitness continues to evolve, emphasizing a holistic approach to health that includes the mind, body, and environment. By staying updated on the latest trends and incorporating these practices into your routine, you can achieve lasting results while maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Related Discover more from Vents Magazine Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. [ad_2] Source link

[ad_1] Vliegtuigbouwer Boeing heeft het aan de stok gekregen met het eigen personeel. Werknemers accepteren geen loonsverhoging van 25 procent en willen nog wat meer uit de kan hebben. Daarom starten vandaag 33.000 werknemers in de Verenigde Staten een staking. [ad_2] Source link