Photo by Luján Agusti @lujanag | The experience of traversing the frozen contine…

[ad_1] Photo by Luján Agusti @lujanag | The experience of traversing the frozen continent often felt like stepping onto another planet. Here, hikers along a ridge in Neko Harbour, Antarctica, appear to be floating on a delicate line of snow and sky. This photo was captured during a Lindblad-National Geographic Expedition in January. To explore more of my work, follow me at @lujanag. @natgeoexpeditions [ad_2] Source

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WordPress XML Files: What They Are and How to Open Them

[ad_1] WordPress XML files see a lot of use for me as a content creator, and site owner. They let me perform many different tasks when running a site, developing layouts and designs, and much more. For you, WordPress XML files can help you to run an online store, or even set up crucial Search Engine Optimization (SEO). In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through what WordPress XML files are, the importance of them for the platform, and much more. First, let’s look at what these types of files are. What a WordPress XML File Is In my years of working with WordPress, I’ve come to appreciate the versatility of eXtensible Markup Language (XML) files. As the name implies, it’s a markup language that lets you store and transport data in a format that’s both human-readable and machine-readable. My opinion is that XML is similar to HTML. However, while you use HTML to display data, XML describes and organizes it. This makes XML valuable for tasks in WordPress such as content migration, plugin configuration, and theme customization. Using XML files is a lot like using JSON in its application. For WordPress it plays a crucial role in various aspects of managing a site and shuttling data around. The Advantages of Using XML in WordPress There are a few positives in using XML over other formats relating to WordPress. First of all, XML provides a clear structure for complex data, which is useful for WordPress exports. What’s more, I can create custom XML structures for specific WordPress plugins or themes as I need to. For practical uses, XML is a great fit for WordPress: Compatibility. Various plugins and themes can read XML files, which makes data transfer between different WordPress installations or even different platforms smoother. Readability. Unlike some data formats, I can open an XML file and understand its contents, which is helpful if I need to troubleshoot a problem. Validity. You can validate XML documents against a schema, which ensures data integrity when you migrate WordPress content. These advantages means that WordPress XML files come in handy for a number of different tasks. Common Uses of XML Files in WordPress You’ll likely come across XML a lot when using WordPress. You can find the language in a number of areas, thanks to its readable format and simple customization: Content migration: WordPress uses the WordPress eXtended RSS (WXR) format to import and export content. WXR is a subset of XML, in that all WXR files are XML, but not the other way around. Plugin configuration. Some plugins use XML files to store complex configuration settings. Theme customization. You can sometimes use XML to define custom post types, taxonomies, or widget areas in classic themes. Content feeds. WordPress generates its syndicated content feeds in XML format for blog posts and user comments. Generating sitemaps. XML is the markup language a sitemap will use, and later, I’ll discuss how you can achieve this, and why a plugin could be the best option. API Interactions: Some external services interact with WordPress using XML-based APIs. I’ll look at a few of these aspects later, but before that, I want to show you the structure of an XML file and how to work with them. The Structure of WordPress XML Files I understand XML structure as three aspects. First up are elements. These are the building blocks of XML. In WordPress, you’ll often see elements such as , , or : My First Blog Post Welcome to my WordPress blog! From there, attributes provide additional information about those elements. For example, WordPress export files might use post_type or status: Finally, the date the element contains is its values. In practical terms, this will be whatever is in between elements: At the top of the XML file, there will likely be a declaration: This simply specifies the XML version and encoding the file uses. It’s similar to the declaration for that language. How to Open and Edit a WordPress XML File There are a few ways you can open an XML file within WordPress. Some are better than others, and I tend to opt for the simplest method unless I need to do heavy work on a file. For me, this is a text editor—TextEdit on the Mac: If you work on Windows, Notepad is just as good. Sometimes I will open the XML in a dedicated code editor, such as JetBrains’ PhpStorm: If I just want to quickly view the file structure (or the ‘tree’), I’ll drag-and-drop the file into a web browser window: There are other dedicated XML editors, such as XMLSpy or Oxygen XML Editor. However, I rarely (if ever) turn to these. For WordPress-specific tasks, they don’t hold much value for me. When editing XML files for WordPress, I try to remember and follow a few good practices: Always create a backup of the original XML file. Choose a tool that can read the WXR format, even if you may not work in that particular markup. Once you make your changes, I always validate the XML to catch any errors. I’ll take care with special characters. For instance, I’ll use entity references (such as & for &) when including special characters in content. Make sure to save the file with the correct encoding (usually UTF-8) to avoid issues with non-English content. Unless I work with web development projects that use JavaScript, PHP, CSS, and HTML files, I’ll simply open in a text editor. I may also use a lighter code editor to take a look, such as Sublime Text or my personal favorite, Onivim2. It all depends on the application and my specific need, and the options come in handy when deciding on the task at hand. Working With WordPress XML Files: 3 Use Cases I want to show you some typical ways you’ll use XML in WordPress. These are all tasks I carry out either very often or enough that it’s worth highlighting as part of my job: Let’s

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AIO for being upset when my stepdad brings random men into my room

[ad_1] I (16f) live with my mom (32f) and my Stepdad (44m) and twice know he has brought male freinds of his (who I have never met) into my room while i was sleeping. for some context my mother recently redid the room. The first time this happened I asked him to not do that again seeing that being woken up by strangers in my room is both frightening and puts me in a very vulnerable state. After that we got to do an argument about boundaries. But it happened again earlier this morning he brought a neighbor into my room while I was sleeping around 9:30 am to look at the newly painted walls. Both times I have asked my mother to talk to him about privacy but she says it's not a big deal so am I over reacting? Thank you to everyone suggesting I get a a portable door wedge for a door alarm looking at them on Amazon as we speak [ad_2] View Reddit by Affectionate-Deer570 – View Source

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Disaster for footy fans who ‘paid up to $900’ for flight to see their team’s finals clash as they’re left stranded at airport

[ad_1] High demand for tickets sent prices surging Flight was cancelled due to engineering issue  Footy fans now hoping they can get to their finals match  By Josh Alston For Daily Mail Australia Published: 21:54 EDT, 19 September 2024 | Updated: 21:54 EDT, 19 September 2024 Desperate Port Adelaide footy supporters are facing a mad dash to Sydney for the preliminary final AFL clash on Friday after their Qantas flight was cancelled. The airline has confirmed that QF734 from Adelaide to Sydney was grounded due to an engineering issue. It has been scheduled to depart at 10am Adelaide time. It was a disastrous outcome for Port Adelaide supporters who had been forced to pay huge amounts for tickets because of sky-high demand. Thousands of footy fans are traveling from Adelaide to Sydney, with the SCG sold out.  Not only are footy fans trying to move en masse across the country, but the finals have also clashed with school holidays across Australia.  ‘Disaster at Adelaide Airport this morning as punters who paid $900+ to get to the Preliminary Final have had their flight cancelled,’ ABC Sport broadcaster Aaron Bryans posted on Friday. ‘A shocker for how much they were charged,’ a follower replied. ‘9 hours by road it can be done,’ suggested another.  Footy fans trying to get to Sydney from Adelaide were met with a cancelled flight this morning Thousands of Port Adelaide supporters have been travelling from Adelaide to Sydney this week (pictured) after paying top dollar because of sky-high demand Qantas is now scrambling to get all stranded passengers to Sydney. Stranded fans received food vouchers, and the airline is working to reroute passengers through alternative airports to reach Sydney.  ‘All customers have been reaccommodated onto the earliest possible services into Sydney, with some passengers travelling to Sydney via Canberra and Melbourne,’ the airline confirmed. ‘Majority of customers impacted are due to arrive into Sydney before 3.30pm, with the remaining customers arriving by 6.45pm. Kick off is at 7.40pm at the SCG.  A Qantas flight was set to leave Adelaide for Sydney at 11am. Meanwhile, a Virgin flight was scheduled to depart at 11:25am, followed by a Jetstar flight at 12pm, all heading to Sydney.  Qantas said that an engineering issue was responsible for the cancellation and new flights were being arranged for passengers (stock image) The setback will have left some Power fans panicking about how they’ll make it to the SCG in time for the game (pictured, supporters with Port star Charlie Dixon) ‘We understand this disruption is frustrating and apologise to passengers the inconvenience,’ a Qantas spokesperson said. ‘Our teams have worked hard to get footy fans on their way as soon as possible and all customers impacted are due to arrive into Sydney in time for the game.’ The Port Adelaide players and coaching staff, along with a legion of supporters, managed to arrive safely in Sydney on Thursday. Other desperate fans are travelling to Sydney via buses travelling through Melbourne and regional areas on the way to the NSW capital. Port Adelaide booked its place in the preliminary final after a tense three-point win over the rising Hawthorn Hawks last week. Sydney are the reigning minor premiers and enjoyed the week off after beating crosstown rivals GWS in week one of the finals. The winner will progress to the AFL grand final where they will play the winner of the Geelong v Brisbane clash.  Share or comment on this article: Disaster for footy fans who ‘paid up to $900’ for flight to see their team’s finals clash as they’re left stranded at airport [ad_2] Source link

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Nintendo sues ‘Pokémon with guns’ video game firm

[ad_1] Nintendo and its partner The Pokémon Company have filed a legal case against the maker of the hit survival adventure game Palworld over alleged patent infringement. Palworld quickly earned the nickname “Pokémon with guns” when its first trailer was unveiled in 2021. Just days after the game’s release in January this year, The Pokémon Company said it would investigate the copycat claims. Palworld’s developer, Pocketpair Inc, acknowledged the lawsuit in a statement on Thursday and apologised to fans for “any worry or discomfort” caused. Pocketpair’s boss previously said the game had passed legal checks. But Nintendo is known for fiercely protecting its intellectual property and brand. Pokémon said in statements posted on their websites that Palworld “infringes multiple patent rights”. “This lawsuit seeks an injunction against infringement and compensation for damages”. Palworld has become a major hit, with more than 25 million players within a month of its release. Like the popular franchise of Pokémon video games, it also centres around collecting strange creatures with different powers. Pocketpair’s website describes the game as seamlessly integrating “elements of battle, monster-capturing, training, and base building.” Players, known as “pal-tamers”, travel around a large map battling human foes and creatures known as “pals” which can be captured and recruited. The monsters can either fight alongside the player in battles, or be put to work at a base, crafting supplies and items for use in the field. In January, The Pokémon Company said it planned to investigate claims that Palworld had copied its games, after fans pointed out similarities. The Pokémon Company said at the time it would take “appropriate action” if it found its copyright had been breached. Pocketpair said in response to the lawsuit on Thursday it would begin taking action on and investigating The Pokémon Company’s claims. But it added that it was “unaware” of the specific patents that it had been accused of infringing. “We have not been notified of such details,” it said. A Nintendo spokesperson told the BBC it would “refrain from commenting on topics that relate to the content of the lawsuit”. The company “has a track record of suing organisations and individuals which it feels has infringed upon its IP,” said gaming industry analyst Piers Harding Rolls. He told the BBC its latest lawsuit “continues this trend” – and reflects the importance of the Pokémon franchise to the gaming giant. “Nintendo is part owner of The Pokémon Company and the Pokémon franchise, and the series of games are inextricably linked to Nintendo’s console business,” he said. Earlier this week, Pokémon reportedly won a $15m legal fight against several Chinese game developers it accused of infringing its copyright. Pocketpair, meanwhile, said it was “truly unfortunate” that, as a smaller, independent game developer, it would now have to allocate time and resources to the lawsuit, rather than to Palworld. “However, we will do our utmost for our fans, and to ensure that indie game developers are not hindered or discouraged from pursuing their creative ideas,” it added. [ad_2] Source link

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New study finds toxic metals in tampons – are they still safe?

[ad_1] Tampons have been a convenient, discreet menstrual product since the 1930s. About 70% of people who menstruate use tampons and can go through several a day or 20 per cycle. However, researchers have discovered metals present in 14 mainstream tampon brands. Sixteen potentially toxic metals, including measurable concentrations of arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury and nickel, were detected in 30 tampons tested.  The study didn’t name the tampon brands, but the researchers chose popular brands from online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores. Both organic tampons and non-organic tampons were tested for heavy metals. Researchers noted that non-organic tampons had a higher level of lead and organic had higher levels of arsenic. How did heavy metals get in tampons? “It most likely has to do with the manufacturing process,” says Nebraska Medicine OB-GYN Jennifer Griffin Miller, MD. “The cotton and cardboard applicators used may have been inadvertently exposed. Metals can sometimes be used in tampons for odor control, antimicrobial purposes, and lubrication.” Water, soil and air can all transfer heavy metal, exposing plant-based materials (cotton, rayon or both) in tampons during the growing process. This also includes store and name-brand tampons, organic tampons and tampons with plastic applicators.  Should I be concerned?  “The most important take home is that this research study was designed to see if heavy metals were present in tampons,” says Dr. Griffin Miller. “Right now, we have no data to determine if the presence of these metals causes negative health effects or how much is being absorbed.” The study measured heavy metals but not if tampon users were exposed to these metals. The vaginal epithelium can absorb medications, but whether or not metals in tampons can be absorbed into the body has yet to be determined.  “The question is: How much of this can be absorbed, if at all, from a tampon? In our food and other things we consume, trace metal levels can be considered non-harmful to humans. This is just a preliminary assessment, and more research needs to be done.” If someone who uses tampons is concerned about metal absorption, there are other menstrual products to consider, such as period underwear and menstrual cups. “If people aren’t wanting to use tampons, silicone menstrual cups are getting more popular, and they’re a safe alternative. Generally speaking, avoiding tampons, pads and lubricants that are odor-absorbing or fragranced is best because they don’t have additional chemicals. But at this point in time, I wouldn’t suggest using regular tampons is a public health concern.” Dr. Griffin Miller says she’s never had a patient with lead poisoning or symptoms of exposure to toxic metals related to tampons. Toxic metals in tampons also have nothing to do with toxic shock syndrome, which is bacteria-related.  What will be the impact of this study?  The Food and Drug Administration classifies tampons as a medical device, meaning they’re regulated, but testing for harmful chemicals isn’t required. The FDA only requires no presence of pesticide residue or environmental pollutant dioxide. Data on the long-term effects of tampon use, the health of consumers and how to improve menstrual products is lacking currently. “This will give researchers more to look into and provide consumers more data in the future,” says Dr. Griffin Miller. “It’s important because people want to use safe products that won’t pose potential harm or future health risks. We’ll have to keep our eye on this.” For more information on feminine hygiene products or to schedule an appointment with an OB-GYN, call 800.922.0000. [ad_2] Source link

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