I won the MegaMillions jackpot in 2016. Ask Me Anything

[ad_1] Just like the title says. In 2016, I won the MegaMillions jackpot and took home, after taxes, mid-eight figures. Ask me anything!!! (Edit: requests for money will result in blocking.) (Additional edit: asking for specific details about amount won, where I live, or general doxxing questions will result in blocking.) [ad_2] View Reddit by Opposite-Purpose365 – View Source

Continue reading

Police open investigation after two Paralympic athletes from Congo are reported missing during Paris Games

[ad_1] Two athletes have been reported as missing following the Paralympic Games The missing pair are Congo’s Emmanuel Grace Mouambako and Mireille Nganga They were flagbearers for their country during last month’s opening ceremony  By Robert Summerscales Published: 12:15 EDT, 13 September 2024 | Updated: 12:19 EDT, 13 September 2024 Two Congolese athletes have been reported as missing following the Paralympic Games in Paris. Visually impaired sprinter Emmanuel Grace Mouambako, 35, and 48-year-old Mireille Nganga – who recorded no mark in the seated javelin and shot put competitions – have been missing since September 5, according to Le Parisien. Police have since opened an investigation. It has been claimed that although the athletes’ luggage had also gone, their passports were still with the Congolese delegation. The Paralympic Committee from Congo did not comment on the case when contacted by the Associated Press. Emmanuel Grace Mouambako (second from left) and Mireille Nganga (front centre) pictured at the opening ceremony ahead of this summer’s Paralympic Games in Paris The missing athletes had both been flagbearers at the opening ceremony on August 28.  A member of Rwanda’s Paralympic women’s sitting volleyball team also went missing in Paris last month. The athlete did not appear at the opening ceremony, despite arriving in the French capital on time. On August 20, she left her accommodation in Paris to visit a restaurant with a group of people but did not return. A police statement later said the ‘worrying disappearance’ was being looked into and that it had been referred to the BRDP [the Brigade for the Suppression of Crimes against Persons].’  While it is highly concerning and there are genuine fears for the safety of the missing people in Paris, athletes disappearing at an Olympic, Paralympic or Commonwealth Games is something that has happened many times before. More than a dozen athletes – including two from Rwanda – were declared missing during or immediately after the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia.  The closing ceremony for the 2024 Paralympic Games took place in Paris on September 8  It is understood that many of them ran away to claim asylum. However, it is not known if the athletes currently missing after Paris fled deliberately. Share or comment on this article: Police open investigation after two Paralympic athletes from Congo are reported missing during Paris Games [ad_2] Source link

Continue reading

Vodafone clashes with UK’s competition watchdog over Three merger

[ad_1] Vodafone and Three have rejected claims by the UK’s competition watchdog that their proposed merger would lead to higher prices for millions of mobile users. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has “provisionally concluded” the deal would weaken competition between mobile networks. It has particular concerns that customers who are least able to afford mobile services would be most affected. The findings are the latest from the CMA’s ongoing probe into the merger, which it launched in January. The regulator will now consult on its findings and potential solutions to its worries over competition. These solutions could include legally binding investment commitments, and measures to protect both retail and wholesale customers. Vodafone’s CEO for European Markets, Ahmed Essam, told the Today programme, on BBC Radio 4, that he still believed the merger would make a better network for customers, and add to the competition in the market. “We’ve made a significant commitment to an £11bn investment,” he said. “We’re willing to make sure that this is legally binding, and we undertake a commitment to deploy this.” He also said the firm had already traded part of its radio spectrum with a competitor. But the CMA said it is “not convinced” that it would be good for consumers. “The main knockback to the merging parties is that the CMA considers claims of superior network quality post integration to be “overstated”,” said Kester Mann from analysis firm CCS Insight. But he said the regulator was not shutting the door on the deal. “Vodafone and Three should be encouraged by the tone of the CMA’s report, which appears more open to the merger than I was expecting.” But Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at consumer group Which?, took a different view. “The regulator’s finding has set a high bar for the merger to proceed,” she said. “It is clear from those findings that the planned merger between Vodafone and Three could have a negative impact on millions of consumers.” But she warned it would be “challenging” for the regulator to find remedies for its concerns. Vodafone and Three revealed plans to merge their UK-based operations in June last year, creating the biggest mobile network in the UK with around 27 million customers. But the CMA provisionally concluded on Wednesday that such a deal would lead to a “substantial lessening in competition”. In addition to worries over price and service levels, the regulator is also concerned that the deal may make it more difficult for smaller players such as Lyca Mobile, Sky Mobile and Lebara – who rent space from the bigger operators – to get a good deal. Vodafone and Three have said the tie-up would lead to an additional investment of £11bn in the UK. The CMA found that a merger of the two could improve the quality of mobile networks and accelerate next generation 5G networks and services, as claimed by the companies. But it considered these claims were “overstated”, and that the merged firm would not necessarily have the incentive to carry out planned investment after the merger. In a statement, Vodafone and Three said they disagreed with the CMA’s findings. “By all measures, the merger is pro-growth, pro-customer and pro-competition. It can, and should, be approved by the CMA,” they said. The CMA will issue a final report into the deal in December. The firms added they would be working with the regulator to secure approval for the tie-up. [ad_2] Source link

Continue reading

Influencers Who Died Following Extreme Diets, How It Can Pose A Threat To Your Health

[ad_1] Influencers Who Died Following Extreme Diets, How It Can Pose A Threat To Your Health (Image Credits: iStock) In the age of social media, influencers often play a significant role in promoting various lifestyle choices, including fitness routines and diets. While many followers attempt these diets in hopes of achieving fast results, some influencers have tragically lost their lives due to the extreme diets they followed. Here we have listed five influencers who lost their lives due to following extreme dietary regimens. Zhanna Samsonova (Age 39) Zhanna Samsonova, a popular vegan influencer, tragically passed away at the age of 39 after allegedly following a strict raw vegan diet for several years. She was known for advocating a diet primarily consisting of raw fruits and vegetables, with little to no intake of protein or fats. Zhanna’s death reportedly resulted from malnutrition and multiple organ failure, which doctors attributed to her extreme diet. Studies have shown that while plant-based diets can be beneficial when balanced, excessively restrictive diets like raw veganism can lead to nutrient deficiencies. For instance, a 2014 study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association highlighted that extreme vegan diets lacking essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids can cause long-term health complications, including irreversible nerve damage and organ failure. Linda Stasi (Age 40) Fitness and diet influencer Linda Stasi, aged 40, promoted a diet that involved consuming only water, fruits, and a limited number of supplements. Her followers admired her slim physique and dedication to fasting, but her extreme diet eventually led to fatal consequences. Linda collapsed after experiencing severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance due to prolonged fasting. Her death highlighted the risks of extreme caloric restriction and unbalanced electrolyte levels. According to research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), fasting and severely restricting caloric intake can lead to dangerous health issues like electrolyte imbalances, which may result in life-threatening heart arrhythmias or sudden cardiac arrest. The body’s organs rely on balanced electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, to function properly. Michelle Mohr (Age 33) Michelle Mohr, a fitness influencer known for promoting the ketogenic diet (keto), died at age 33 due to complications from an overly strict keto regimen. The ketogenic diet involves consuming high fats, moderate proteins, and minimal carbohydrates to induce ketosis—a metabolic state where the body burns fat for fuel. Michelle took the keto lifestyle to an extreme, limiting her carb intake to dangerous levels. While the keto diet has proven short-term benefits for weight loss, long-term adherence, especially without medical supervision, can lead to serious health problems. A 2019 study published in the Lancet Public Health Journal found that very low-carb diets may increase the risk of mortality, largely due to nutrient deficiencies and cardiovascular risks caused by an excess of saturated fats. Nasim Najafi Aghdam (Age 38) Nasim Aghdam, a fitness influencer and advocate for fruitarianism (a diet primarily focused on fruits), passed away at age 38 after suffering from severe malnutrition. Aghdam’s extreme fruit-based diet left her severely deficient in essential vitamins and minerals. The lack of sufficient protein, fats, and diverse nutrients weakened her immune system and led to fatal complications. A study in Frontiers in Nutrition revealed that fruitarian diets, while rich in certain vitamins like vitamin C, lack critical nutrients such as protein, calcium, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, making the body vulnerable to malnutrition, muscle wasting, and immune system failure. Brittany Morgan (Age 29) Brittany Morgan, an influencer promoting the “dry fasting” trend, died at the age of 29 after attempting an extended dry fast. Dry fasting involves abstaining from both food and water for extended periods, a practice that some believe can “detoxify” the body. However, the scientific evidence points to severe dangers, including dehydration, kidney damage, and death. A Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics study in 2020 emphasized that while intermittent fasting can have benefits when done under medical supervision, extreme practices like dry fasting can lead to fatal dehydration and acute kidney failure. The lack of hydration strains the kidneys, leading to electrolyte imbalances and other organ failure. How Can Extreme Diet Pose A Threat To Your Health? We got in touch with Ms Parmeet Kaur, Head and Chief – Nutritionist and Dietician, at Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurugram who shares how extreme diets can pose a threat to your health. Following extreme diets looks attractive to people who want to lose weight quickly or see significant physical changes because they frequently offer quick results. Usually, these diets demand drastically reducing the number of calories consumed, cutting out whole food groups, or consuming an uneven combination of nutrients, explains Dt Parmeet. Here’s how it can pose a risk to your health: 1. Health Risks Associated with Severe Caloric Restriction: People who drastically reduce their caloric intake run the risk of developing a number of health concerns, such as heart difficulties, weakened immune systems, and malnutrition. In a well-known case, an influencer followed a very low-calorie diet, which caused serious electrolyte imbalances and dehydration that ultimately led to cardiac arrest. 2. Extreme diets can deprive people of vital nutrients: Those who adopted a rigid diet that excluded several food groups experienced significant vitamin shortages that eventually resulted in organ failure and death. These deficits have the potential to compromise organ function, erode the body’s defences, and create potentially fatal situations. 3. Metabolic Disruptions: Severe dieting can cause serious dehydration and electrolyte imbalances by upsetting the body’s natural metabolic processes. Severe diets can result in several health problems: 1. Nutrient imbalances: The body needs a balanced diet that includes the right amounts of lipids, proteins, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. Severe nutritional imbalances may result from extreme diets that eliminate entire food groups or sharply limit calories. For example, low levels of critical fatty acids can affect hormone production and brain function. 2. Slowing Down of Metabolism: When the body reaches a starvation state, severe calorie restriction can cause the metabolism to slow down. Weight maintenance may become

Continue reading

Pedraum Pardehpoosh Joins Automattic as VP of Product – WP Tavern

[ad_1] Last week, Automattic announced Pedraum Pardehpoosh as its new Vice President of Product. Though a new face in the WordPress arena, he brings extensive tech experience from both startups and major corporations like Walmart, Apple, and Airbnb. In the announcement, Automattic shared, “As VP of Product, Pedraum will oversee product excellence across Automattic, beginning by immersing himself in the open source WordPress ecosystem that drives innovation for 43% of the Internet.”  I’m thrilled to be joining Automattic. My top focus will be to understand the WordPress ecosystem deeply, first and foremost. After that, I hope to help foster a culture of product development, befitting a company of Automattic’s stature. With so much talent and so many great ideas that go along with that, I expect the top challenges will be prioritization and focus. – Pedraum Pardehpoosh Automattic’s product portfolio includes WordPress.com, Woo, Jetpack, WordPress VIP, Simplenote, Longreads, The Atavist, WPScan, Akismet, Gravatar, Crowdsignal, Cloudup, Tumblr, Day One, Pocket Casts, Newspack, and Beeper.  Pedraum’s appointment comes during an exciting time for Automattic as they migrate Tumblr to WordPress. The company is actively hiring for this migration and other roles, with open positions listed here. [ad_2] Source link

Continue reading

Tragic life and death of NHL’s Stephen Peat: Tormented 44-year-old lived in his truck and pleaded guilty to arson during turbulent post-hockey days as father blamed the league

[ad_1] Six years before his tragic death, former NHL enforcer Stephen Peat issued a harrowingly prophetic summation of his feelings. ‘I can’t even describe [the pain] right now,’ he told CBC. ‘My head feels like it’s gonna fall off,’ Peat said. ‘But I’m doing all right. I mean what can I do? Hopefully not die.’ Peat, 44, struggled with chronic headaches, addiction and depression – all symptoms associated with CTE – following his 130 games in the NHL, as his life sadly spiraled into homelessness. He died this week from injuries sustained after he was hit by a car while crossing the street on August 30, according to the AP. Canadian former NHL player Stephen Peat tragically died at the age of 44  Peat, facing camera, was employed as an enforcer in the NHL and frequently fought opponents And while no one can be certain yet of what contributed to his physical and mental health issues, his family and friends strongly believe that his time in the NHL as an enforcer (someone whose primary role is to fight players from opposing teams) – and the concussions that ensued – are to blame. Peat, who spent separate stints in the NHL with the Washington Capitals from 2001-06, would go on to battle substance abuse issues with painkillers and alcohol, and also showcased signs of memory loss. He described to the New York Times how he was routinely prescribed Percocet during his career and ‘self-medicated’  with prescription painkillers after his playing days had finished. There was cocaine use as well, and he tried to combat his substance issues by going to rehab. Peat found work doing various jobs after his final hockey stint, in which he played one game in the American Hockey League in the 2006-07 season. He worked as a bouncer at one point and had found work as a landscaper by the time he spoke to the Times. But as headaches and anxiety became increasingly frequent visitors in his life, Peat found himself embroiled in legal troubles. He was convicted of smaller offenses like driving without a license and uttering threats. Peat reportedly died from his injuries after he was hit by a car while crossing the street But things got much worse when he pleaded guilty to arson in 2016 – as well as ‘arson by negligence’ – after he burned down his father’s home in British Columbia, Canada. Peat has claimed the incident was accidental, but said he pleaded guilty to ‘avoid the publicity of a trial.’ He avoided prison time and received just a year of probation, but the episode left a permanent scar.   ‘Part of me was like, I want to sit and burn with this house,’ Peat told the Times ‘Because I knew the consequences of doing something like that, and embarrassing myself like that. It wasn’t my first tragedy in life, you know?’ While Peat spent time at rehab trying to address his substance abuse issues, his father noted that ‘the root cause of his pain’ needed to be addressed, and not just his reliance on pills. With a record as a convicted arsonist, health issues and no stable income, Peat found it hard to find a place to rent, and said in 2015 that he was largely sleeping in his truck or on the couches of friends. The former hockey player did get some help from the NHL, as a representative reportedly reached out to him and referred him to a neurologist in Vancouver. Nonetheless, his father has placed blame on the NHL for not doing enough to help him, and Peat’s family were said to be keeping track of the class-action lawsuit against the NHL which claimed that the league hid information about concussions.  The player himself also railed against the league for being in ‘denial.’ ‘Hockey’s been the greatest thing in my life, but it’s also been the worst thing in my life,’ Peat told the Times.  ‘It was great while I was playing, but what has it done lately? My peers of enforcers have become statistics and the NHL is in denial. They’re denying that the job I did even existed, even though I sacrificed my quality of life, my well-being and my future greatly by being there for my teammates in the present.’ Peat – along with the likes of Derek Boorgard, Wade Belak, Rick Rypien – has now joined a tragic list of enforcers to have died early deaths. However, those close to Peat want to make sure that he is not forgotten. The Washington Capitals, his former team, extended ‘ their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of former Capitals player Stephen Peat. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.’  His friend Howie Zaron had a simple ask for the public when it came to remembering Peat, whose enforcer role often comes with a bad reputation.  ‘We just want to make sure people know that Peaty was a good person. People always want to home in on the struggles, but he was a good person,’ Zaron said to The Province.  ‘He was a protector, he didn’t like teammates being pushed around.’ [ad_2] Source link

Continue reading

Cristiano Ronaldo first to hit 1bn social media followers

[ad_1] Cristiano Ronaldo has hit 1bn total followers across his various social media accounts – making him the first person to reach that mind-boggling figure. The number is calculated by combining his total number of followers across Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Chinese social media sites Weibo and Kuaishou. It does not equate to one billion individual followers, as many people will follow him across multiple platforms, and some will be fake accounts, known as bots. Nonetheless social media expert Paolo Pescatore, from PP Foresight, described it as a “staggering number” that media and brands would pay close attention to. “What an achievement, and it further underlines the fundamental shift taking place in media.” It showed “the power to reach new, younger audiences thanks to technology”, he told the BBC. On the pitch, Ronaldo was famed for his rivalry with Argentinian star Lionel Messi. But off it, there is no competition for who is winning the social media contest – Messi has a mere 623 million followers. It’s not just sport: Ronaldo is also ahead of some of the biggest names in entertainment, including singers Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez. Even those known primarily for their work online cannot compete – MrBeast, the top YouTuber in the world, has 543m total followers. Part of the reason the footballer crossed the 1bn boundary first comes down to his decision to join YouTube last month, where his channel rocketed to 50 million subscribers within a single week. Compare that to Messi, whose channel has just 3.5m subscribers, despite having uploaded videos since 2011. The reason for the difference comes down to the rule that governs YouTube: content is king. Messi’s channel has only uploaded one video in the past three years, a flashy ad for a football experience based around him that lasts half a minute. His other videos are similarly short – while the longer ones are usually montages or feature him speaking in his native Spanish. So far, Ronaldo’s channel consists mainly of conversations between him and his wife Georgina Rodríguez, as well as his former Manchester United colleague Rio Ferdinand. But all this content has been tailored for an English-speaking audience – and even when Ronaldo is talking in Spanish or Portuguese, the videos are often dubbed into English. That, coupled with near-daily uploads and bright and colourful YouTube thumbnails. show Ronaldo (or more likely his social media team) know exactly how to make a video popular on the platform. He announced the news in a post shared across his various social media platforms. Cristiano Ronaldo has made a career out of breaking records. His successes include being top scorer in Uefa Champions League history, having the most goals in the European Championship, and making more international appearances than anyone else. Last week he became the first footballer to score 900 top-level career goals. As with his playing career, he still has scope to improve his numbers on social media too, as unlike some of his rivals, he is not on TikTok or Threads. All of which is likely to add to another figure he dominates: earnings. According to Forbes, his total earnings now stand at $260 million – the highest of any athlete. [ad_2] Source link

Continue reading

Latest lifestyle News, Live Updates Today September 13, 2024: Sepsis and stroke: Decoding the link and prevention tips

[ad_1] Live Stay informed with Hindustan Times’ live updates! Track the latest lifestyle news including fashion trends, style guide & Tips, India & World Events. Don’t miss today’s key news for September 13, 2024. Latest news on September 13, 2024: Sepsis can cause organ dysfunction and shock. Get the latest news updates and breaking news stories from the world of lifestyle. Track all the latest fashion trends, delicious recipes, travel tips and more. Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated live blog and has not been edited by Hindustan Times staff.…Read More Follow all the updates here: Sep 13, 2024 8:42 PM IST Health News LIVE: Sepsis and stroke: Decoding the link and prevention tips From knowing the early signs to creating awareness and making healthy lifestyle changes, here are a few ways to prevent sepsis-induced stroke risk. Read the full story here Sep 13, 2024 7:50 PM IST Relationships News LIVE: Do you avoid getting attached in relationship? Therapist decodes reasons From shutting down emotionally to having the fear of being vulnerable, here are the reasons why we may avoid being attached in a relationship. Read the full story here Sep 13, 2024 7:02 PM IST Fashion News LIVE: Best New Balance running shoes for men in 2024: Top 10 options that blend comfort, performance and style Discover the top 10 New Balance running shoes for men, including their features, pros and cons. Find the perfect pair that fits your needs and budget. Read the full story here Sep 13, 2024 6:36 PM IST Health News LIVE: Don’t skip your broccoli. It can prevent blood clots and stroke; study states Broccoli’s natural compound, in addition to stroke treatment, can help in improving success rate by 60 percent. Read the full story here Sep 13, 2024 6:28 PM IST Health News LIVE: Manage PCOS like a pro: Top tips to improve your reproductive health and unlock fertility Don’t let PCOS define you. Here are lifestyle changes that can help manage PCOS and take control of your reproductive health and fertility Read the full story here Sep 13, 2024 5:48 PM IST Health News LIVE: Is your poop schedule telling you something? How your bathroom habits reveal hidden health issues From constipation to colon cancer: Why you shouldn’t ignore your gut’s red flags as your poop schedule could be a warning of serious health risks Read the full story here Sep 13, 2024 5:01 PM IST Art and Culture News LIVE: The streaming wars are over, and you’ve lost See why it’s becoming so much harder to find something good to watch — and how ‘good’ itself is being redefined — amid the rise of Mid TV. Read the full story here Sep 13, 2024 4:32 PM IST Travel News LIVE: Europe travel nightmare: Snow and flood alerts grip Austria, Germany, Czech Republic Travel halted as snowstorm blankets Alps and flood warnings hit southern Europe, causing chaos in Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic Read the full story here Sep 13, 2024 4:29 PM IST Art and Culture News LIVE: Post-nuclear: What’s next for the modern family? In India, even the nuclear family comes with extensions. See how new terms are being coined for these. Plus, what happens as more of our lives gets outsourced? Take a look. Read the full story here Sep 13, 2024 4:29 PM IST Health News LIVE: Best protein powder for weight loss: 10 top choices to control your appetite and support your weight management goals The best protein powder for weight loss can help to control your appetite, stop frequent eating and support your weight management goals. Read the full story here Sep 13, 2024 4:01 PM IST Art and Culture News LIVE: Amazon special deals on home decor: Transform your space with up to 87% off on showpieces, paintings, mirrors, and more Looking for amazing home decor deals? Amazon’s special deals on home decor offer huge discounts on stunning showpieces, wall art, tabletop decor and much more. Read the full story here Sep 13, 2024 3:58 PM IST Art and Culture News LIVE: Roman runes: The ancient roots of the nuclear family When it was coined in 1924, the term signalled modernity. But the format has roots in Ancient Rome. See how the tiny unit has changed shape, and how it has shaped us. Read the full story here Sep 13, 2024 3:20 PM IST Art and Culture News LIVE: Best bookshelf with glass doors: Top 10 options that are a perfect blend of style and functionality A bookshelf with glass doors combines style and protection, offering an elegant way to display and safeguard books and items. Read the full story here Sep 13, 2024 3:03 PM IST Health News LIVE: Laughter can cure dry eyes. Literally Vocalising laughing terms with exaggerated facial expressions and squinted eyes four times a day can decrease eye discomfort. Know from the study here. Read the full story here Sep 13, 2024 2:56 PM IST Travel News LIVE: Delhi Metro just launched this must-have feature: Multiple journeys, one QR code for seamless travel Say goodbye to daily tickets as Delhi Metro launches new Multiple Journey QR Ticket (MJQRT) to eliminate the need for purchasing daily QR tickets. Read the full story here Sep 13, 2024 2:40 PM IST Art and Culture News LIVE: This is us: How the nuclear family changed the world The term is now 100 years old, but the format goes back thousands of years. It has shaped housing and phone plans, careers and ‘family packs’. Now, new formats are emerging. Read the full story here Sep 13, 2024 2:21 PM IST Art and Culture News LIVE: An Indian Woman in Islamabad: Read an exclusive excerpt from Ruchi Ghanashyam’s new book This section from the chapter ‘LoC Heats Up Conflict in Kargil’ delves into the surprising kindness extended to her by the average Pakistani, even in tense times. Read the full story here Sep 13, 2024 2:20 PM IST Art and Culture News LIVE: Hello from

Continue reading