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  • Is Charcoal Good For Your Skin? The Truth Behind The Trend

    Is Charcoal Good For Your Skin? The Truth Behind The Trend

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    As natural skin care ingredients gain popularity, charcoal has become increasingly recognized for its ability to detoxify and purify the skin. But does charcoal live up to its reputation? You may be surprised to learn that this ingredient is very effective in reducing excess oil and impurities from your skin, which helps to eliminate buildup and tackle pore congestion — like blackheads. It also gives your skin a matte finish, taking away the unwanted shine that comes with oily skin, leaving it looking clear and refined. Let’s take a closer look at charcoal in skin care, examining its benefits and effectiveness.  

    Types Of Charcoal In Skin Care

    Derived from natural sources like coconut shells, bamboo and oak, charcoal is renowned for its ability to detoxify and balance the skin naturally. In the context of skin care, we’re looking at two main types: activated charcoal and binchotan charcoal. Let’s explore the most common benefits and claims about charcoal’s effectiveness in more detail.

    Activated Charcoal

    Activated charcoal is derived from natural materials, such as coconut shells or oak wood, and is effective in reducing comedones, which can be partly attributed to its capacity to absorb excess oil and prevent pore clogging. Its porous texture means it’s often used for deep-cleaning the skin. 

    Binchotan Charcoal

    Binchotan isn’t as well-known in Western skincare, but it’s a traditional Japanese form of charcoal, deriving from the high-quality Ubame oak wood. It also detoxifies and balances the look of the skin. It is acclaimed for its ability to adsorb — rather than absorb — impurities. This means that impurities on the skin are sucked up and stick to the charcoal’s surface. This adsorbing action makes activated charcoal a popular choice for refining and balancing oily or blemished-looking skin. Now that you know the types of charcoal to look for in your products, let’s take a look at its benefits.

    What Are The Benefits Of Charcoal In Skin Care?

    Charcoal is beneficial in treating pore congestion, a condition often marked by the accumulation of debris, dead skin cells, makeup and other impurities in the pores. You might have congested pores if you notice symptoms such as:

    • Excess oil
    • Enlarged pores
    • Blackheads
    • Whiteheads
    • A distressed or dull appearance
    • Rough, bumpy, uneven skin texture

    Charcoal can help with:

    Managing Sebum & Enlarged Pores To Remove Impurities

    For those with oily or acne-prone skin, activated charcoal can help manage the overproduction of sebum, which is responsible for enlarging pores. Enlarged pores tend to get clogged with oil, dirt and dead skin cells, potentially leading to uneven skin texture. By drawing out oil and debris, charcoal may reduce the likelihood of pores becoming clogged. 

    Balancing The Skin Through Oil Regulation

    By effectively eliminating debris and excess sebum (the culprits behind clogged pores), charcoal aids in creating a smoother and more refined-looking skin texture. This makes it particularly advantageous for those with oily or combination skin types

    Detoxification & Deep Cleansing

    One of the central claims is that charcoal can act as a magnet for impurities, drawing them out of the skin’s pores. This is based on its highly porous structure, which gives it a large surface area for trapping impurities. This detoxifying property helps improve skin health by removing trapped dirt and reducing congestion by getting rid of bacteria and oil from the pores. 

    Exfoliation & Brightening

    Activated charcoal is known for its exfoliating power due to its fine, gritty texture, which makes it ideal for use in facial and body scrubs. Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, making the skin appear more radiant and refreshed. This texture allows it to gently but effectively polish the skin’s surface, helping to remove dead skin cells and reveal a brighter, smoother-looking complexion.

    Is Charcoal Good For Skin? Considerations & Recommendations

    While the benefits of charcoal in skin care are numerous, it’s important to approach its use with certain considerations in mind, as different skin types and sensitivities can have varied responses to charcoal-based products.

    Skin Type & Sensitivity

    Not all skin is created equal; naturally, this means different skin types have distinct needs. Those with dry or sensitive skin might find charcoal products a little intense, as they could exacerbate dryness or cause irritation. But, this doesn’t mean they’re off limits. It’s important to do a patch test and to introduce any new product gradually to see how your skin reacts. Many find that with the right frequency and product formulation, charcoal can be a beneficial addition to their routine, regardless of the skin type.

    Proper Usage & Frequency

    Skin care is not one-size-fits-all and this is especially true for charcoal products. The key to harnessing the benefits of charcoal without overdoing it lies in understanding proper usage and frequency. This includes considering other products in your routine, how often you’re using charcoal-infused products and in what form it is used. 

    So, back to the burning question — is charcoal good for your skin? It appears that when used correctly and with consideration for individual skin types, charcoal can indeed benefit skin, from aiding in the reduction of imperfections to polishing the skin’s surface. Skin care success relies not on a singular ingredient, but on a thoughtful regimen tailored to your skin’s unique needs. If you’re considering introducing charcoal into your routine, do so with an informed approach. Visit a professional esthetician for an assessment and take the time to understand your skin’s requirements and how it responds. After all, the best skin care routine is one that makes you feel comfortable and confident in your skin.

    Have you ever used charcoal on your skin? Let us know in the comments below. Visit an Eminence Organics Spa Partner and an esthetician can professionally diagnose your skin type and recommend products that will help it look and feel its best.

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  • Poly (Plantronics) PC/ Deskphone, Switches

    Poly (Plantronics) PC/ Deskphone, Switches

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    Plantronics MDA100

    If you have an existing Plantronics headset for your VoIP phone, such as a Cisco, Avaya, Polycom, Nortel, or NEC, etc. and you want to use the headset with your computer’s softphone such as Avaya, Microsoft, Cisco, and Skype. Plantronics MDA100 is the device that will allow you to switch between computer softphone (via the USB port) and desktop office phones.  MDA100 is compatible with 99% of the desk phones on the market.  This is possible because it has a 6 position switch setting for compatibility with just about all the phones on the market.  You can pick from any of the Plantronics H-series headsets for the MDA100 if you don’t have a headset already.

    The Plantronics MDA100 is packaged will all the connectors and cables you need:  (1) 10-foot coil Plantronics Quick Disconnect cable, (2) Short RJ9 cable  (use between the phone and MDA100), and (3) USB to micro USB cable (to connect to the computer)

    Once installed, Plantronics MDA100 has a toggle that the user can switch back and forth between desktop phone and your PC. It’s also Apple Mac compatible. No power adapter needed, as the same computer will be powering the switch.

    The past switch will be your basic setup for a corded Poly QD headset, such as the HW510 or HW750 EncorePro. Main functions include selecting where the audio will come from (PC or Desk phone) and mute the microphone. Volume controls will be mandated by the PC or desk phone directly.

    For more advanced settings included volume control for Poly QD corded headsets we can use the Plantronics Poly MDA 524 Corded Switcher/Mixer for QD Headsets. This unit is fully compatible with corded desk phones and with any computer via USB-A. The keyplantronics poly mda524 corded switcher/mixer for qd headsets view differences among the MDA 524 and the entry level MDA 100 are among them:

    • Independent volume control from source (PC or desk phone) on switch by itself.
    • Capability to record phone calls on the PC (Third party software required).
    • Conference Mode, joining calls from 2 different sources (PC and desk phone) in one call all together.
    • EHS and HL10 mechanical lifter compatible for desk phones, allowing the user to answer the call from the switcher directly, so no need to pick up handset to answer (HL10 lifter will require the power adapter to fully lift receivers).
    • LED with Mute reminder on switch when on an active call.

    As you can see, the MDA524 offers more customization on the incoming calls and the capability to create the conference call by pressing both keys on switch while on an active call for 2 seconds.

    Plantronics Poly MDA524 Corded Switcher/Mixer for QD Headsets

    The MDA500 series has an alternative for major deployment of Poly QD corded headsets, that for the same reason requires of Inventory Control, Best practices and Assetplantronics mda526 corded switcher/mixer for digital qd headsets view Management using the Plantronics Manager Pro software. This is the perfect tool for bigger deployments and to keep track on the best practices on call centers. The Manager Pro software allows one person if desired, remotely to update the firmware on a full call canter headsets to get the best performance for their agents while on calls and advise on best practices on how long a person had been using a headset on a call or to avoid high pitch levels of sound before reaching the user’s ears to avoid damage.

    Same as with the MDA524 sibling, the Plantronics MDA526 Corded Switcher/Mixer for Digital QD Headsets allows the user to merge 2 call from different devices together and create a Conference Call with same process of pressing both keys on the switch for 2 seconds while on a call.

    Plantronics Poly MDA524 Corded Switcher/Mixer for QD Headsets

     

    The MDA526 is designed to work with any of the Poly (Plantronics) QD corded headsets with a 6-pin end. These headsets can be easily recognized on their label with the letter “D” or the phrase “Digital” on the model’s name. This is a differentiator code used by Manager Pro for those massive deployments. As the MDA524, the MDA526 is fully compatible with EHS adapters and HL10 lifters (HL10 lifter will require the AC adapter in order to have enough power to lift receiver remotely).

    We had discussed switches compatible with Call Center style corded headsets that allows to use Poly QD headsets with the computer and desk phone. But, what if I am working from home, and have a more basic setup with a USB Plantronics corded headset?

    The answer for this questions comes in the shape of the MDA220 USB PC/Phone Switch for USB Headset. This device allows you to use your USB Plantronics headset as theplantronics mda220 usb pc/phone switch for usb headset view Blackwire 5210 or any of your Poly UC Bluetooth headsets as the Voyager 5200 UC with your home office desk phone (as long as has a corded handset), and your computer at the same time. The MDA 220 is powered by the computer as it comes with the built in USB-A cable for the PC and with the Telephone Interface cable to be able to be plugged into a desk phone.

     

     

    Simply plug in your Poly USB corded headset or your Bluetooth Dongle (BT700 and later not supported) into the USB port of the MDA220 and then using the top part of the switch select which device you want to use.

    Plantronics MDA220 USB PC/Phone Switch for USB Headset

    The MDA220 switch is fully compatible with EHS adapters and H10 lifter from Plantronics for the remote answer of the desk phone (HL10 lifter will need the AC/DC adapter in order to have enough power to lift the receiver).

    Plantronics MDA220 USB PC/Phone Switch for USB Headset

    Another common use for the MDA220 USB Switch is for people with Bluetooth enable Hearing Aids, as this device works with the SSP2714-01 Dongle for the hearing aid, allowing people to use their Bluetooth enable Hearing Aids as a wireless headset for their work desk phone.

    The built in LEDs on the MDA220 switch let you know the status of a call, from flashing green from Incoming calls, to flashing yellow to alert a call on hold to solid red to let know firmware updating or if loosing power when using a HL10 lifter.

    If you have further questions regarding the Poly MDA switches or other Plantronics  headsets, call HeadsetPlus.com at  877-999-3838, our headset specialist will answer any questions you may have.

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  • Video Shows What’s Inside the Apple Vision Pro Headset. Take a Look.

    Video Shows What’s Inside the Apple Vision Pro Headset. Take a Look.

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    But what about the hardware inside that makes the “spatial computing” magic happen?

    Understandably, most people aren’t racing to break open their new headsets, especially after shelling out $3,500 for them.

    Fortunately, a new video from the tech repair experts at iFixit offers an inside look at the cogs and gears inside the headset.

    It gives us a closer look at the Vision Pro’s display layers, lenticular lenses that make the headset’s stunning visuals possible, some cameras and fans, and a whole lot of screws, brackets, and connectors.

    Judging by how complex the engineering is, it makes more sense why it costs a small fortune to repair.

    Check out iFixit’s teardown of the Vision Pro here:

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  • ALA draws on West Village history for Talea taproom interiors

    ALA draws on West Village history for Talea taproom interiors

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    New York studio Alda Ly Architecture has designed a taproom for female- and veteran-owned brewery Talea in the city’s West Village neighbourhood, which includes a place for groups to “scheme”.

    Talea West Village is the beer company’s third outpost and its first Manhattan location, following two established in Brooklyn.

    Bar area with stools surrounding a purple-fronted counter
    The main dining and drinking area at the Talea West Village taproom is anchored by a colourful bar

    The space is located in a 1920s building on Christopher Street, an iconic thoroughfare that’s home to several landmarks, businesses and historic spaces associated with the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

    “This new taproom on Christopher Street reclaims the masculine identity of a West Village saloon to celebrate voices of women and LGBTQ+ communities in the Village, all while serving Talea’s popular sour brews in an elevated, vibrant space,” said Alda Ly Architecture (ALA).

    Bar with built-in seating on the left and counter on the right
    Bright hues chosen by ALA for the space include yellow for tiles, green seat backs and red dining chairs

    Flooded with natural light thanks to large windows along the street facade, the main space is anchored by a purple-fronted bar with a curved white quartz countertop in one corner.

    Behind, numerous beer taps are mounted onto a yellow-tiled partition, while glassware and cans are displayed on shelves above.

    View towards an exposed brick wall with seating in front
    Exposed brick and stone floors allude to a saloon-style aesthetic

    The bar is lit by Junit oak pendants from Schneid Studio and brass Dottie sconces by Visual Comfort are mounted around the perimeter.

    “We opened up the space to provide as much open area for the front dining room, and brought the bar front and centre to highlight the taps with their extensive selection of beers,” said ALA founder Alda Ly.

    Dining area and bar counter with street windows behind
    The taproom was designed to celebrate its location in the West Village, which has played an important role in LGBTQ+ history

    “We wanted the bar to be a welcoming beacon for all people in the neighborhood,” she added.

    The other side features built-in, stained-oak seating and small circular tables against an exposed brick wall.

    Brick-wrapped room with a skylight over a large table
    Behind the bar is The Revolution Room, intended for larger groups to gather

    Pale green backrests and muted red Scroll dining chairs from Industry West continue the interior’s bright colour palette, which is also echoed in the works by local artists displayed on the walls.

    “It was important to us to capture the spirit of Talea in a space that felt elevated but also very warm and welcoming,” said ALA project director Marissa Feddema.

    Past the bar is a more intimate space called The Revolution Room, designed for groups of eight to 10 people to “scheme, hang and gather” according to the team.

    A large table sits below a Nuura Miira 8 Oval chandelier that’s suspended from a skylight, and more brickwork is exposed to add to the saloon-like vibe.

    Dimly lit room with dark walls and colourful furniture
    At the back is the Snug, a cosy space furnished with jewel-tone pieces

    Further back still, patrons will find the Snug – a much darker and cosier room decorated with jewel-toned furniture, navy limewash painted walls and a vintage fireplace mantle.

    The moody bathrooms are adorned with images of prominent local residents and gender activists through the years, further emphasising the neighbourhood’s importance to the LGBTQ+ community.

    Bathroom with dark blue tiles, paintings on the walls and an oval mirror above a sink
    Images of prominent local residents and gender activists are displayed in the moody bathrooms

    The West Village is packed with bars and restaurants, from upscale dining spots like Cecchi’s to casual cocktail places like Donna.

    Close by, in the Union Square area, ALA has previously designed the interior for a doctor’s office and clinic with earthy and homey details.

    The photography is by Brooke Holm.


    Project credits:

    Architect and interior designer: ALA (Alda Ly, Marissa Feddema, Sheridan Treadwell, Marlee Anderson)
    MEP engineer: Tan Engineering
    General contractor: Aerial Design & Build

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  • Trump Not ‘Calling the Shots’ in House Over Immigration

    Trump Not ‘Calling the Shots’ in House Over Immigration

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    • Speaker Mike Johnson on Sunday dismissed the idea that Trump was “calling the shots” in the House.
    • On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Johnson defended the House GOP conference’s position on border security.
    • The Senate is set to unveil a border security plan this week, but House conservatives panned it.

    House Speaker Mike Johnson on Sunday rejected the idea that former President Donald Trump was “calling the shots” on border security.

    Johnson made the remarks on NBC’s “Meet the Press” after he was pressed by anchor Kristen Welker about Trump’s continued influence on legislative affairs on Capitol Hill and whether the former president was dictating the party’s approach to tackling immigration reform.

    “Of course not. He’s not calling the shots. I am calling the shots for the House,” Johnson said. “That’s our responsibility.”

    “And I have been saying this far longer than President Trump has,” he continued. “I have been saying what the requirements are to fix the problem. I don’t care if they call the legislation HR 2 or not. What we’re saying is you have to stem the flow.”

    Johnson during the NBC interview insisted that President Joe Biden had the executive power to curtail illegal border crossings at the US-Mexico border, a huge point of contention for Republicans since the president’s first year in office. HR 2, the hardline immigration bill passed by the House GOP majority last year, is the only piece of legislation that many conservatives will embrace — but it is a nonstarter with the White House and Senate Democrats.

    “The president has executive authority right now,” the Louisiana Republican said. “As Congress does this negotiation and the debate and the discussion, the president could stop it.”

    “He could close the border literally overnight,” the speaker continued, referring to Biden.

    The president last month said that if the Senate passed a bipartisan border security bill, he’d “shut down the border” whenever it was overwhelmed with attempted crossings.

    Trump, the GOP presidential frontrunner, has staked his 2024 candidacy on immigration, arguing that Biden has refused to secure the southern border properly. The former president has encouraged Republicans to walk away from the Senate’s border security plan, which will be paired with additional funding for Ukraine and is set to be unveiled this week.



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  • Mayorkas Says the US Still Aims to Be a Country of Immigrants

    Mayorkas Says the US Still Aims to Be a Country of Immigrants

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    Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in a recent interview said he believes that the United States “very much so” wants to remain a country comprised of immigrants.

    “We define ourselves by the opportunities that we have and we create,” he said.

    Mayorkas, who was born in Cuba, noted during the interview that he had immigrated to the United States while also remarking on the immigrant background of Lulu Garcia-Navarro, the reporter who interviewed him for the magazine.

    “We are two immigrants in positions of responsibility,” he said. “You have significant responsibilities as a journalist. I have a serious set of responsibilities as a secretary of homeland security.”

    “What a wonderful country this is,” he added.

    Since leading the Homeland Security Department, Mayorkas has become a lightning rod for Republicans frustrated with President Joe Biden’s immigration policies. GOP lawmakers argue that the president’s policies have led to a surge in crossings along the US-Mexico border.

    In December 2023, illegal border crossings from Mexico led to an all-time monthly high of nearly 250,000 arrests, according to the US Border Patrol.

    Earlier this week, the Republican-led Homeland Security Committee voted to send impeachment articles for Mayorkas to the House for a vote, arguing that the secretary has failed to secure the border.

    Mayorkas has blasted the impeachment effort and said he is fully focused on pushing Congress to strengthen the nation’s immigration laws.

    “There isn’t a week that has gone by that we haven’t discussed new solutions, new ideas,” he told the Times. “And I have to return to this: Fundamentally, we are working within a broken system, and Congress, most importantly, needs to pass legislation that fixes it.”

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  • UNStudio unveils Huawei flagship store with “petal-like” facade

    UNStudio unveils Huawei flagship store with “petal-like” facade

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    Dutch firm UNStudio has revealed a two-storey flagship store for Chinese technology company Huawei in Shanghai with a facade clad in ivory-coloured petal-like forms.

    Drawing from Huawei’s global operating system, named Harmony, UNStudio‘s design aimed to generate biophilic associations between the brand and its technology by integrating organic geometric shapes throughout the scheme.

    Facade of UNStudio Huawei flagship store in Shanghai
    UNStudio has completed the Huawei flagship store in Shanghai with a petal-like facade

    “Among the many interfaces found in retail nowadays, the flagship store we have created for Huawei in Shanghai is one that blends interactive experiences, technology and community creation,” UNStudio founder and principal Ben van Berkel said.

    “The new store reimagines modern retail spaces as inviting environments that promote a sense of community and provide a contemporary venue for consumers and visitors to meet, share and innovate,” he continued.

    Southern facade of UNStudio Huawei flagship store in Shanghai
    The store’s southern facade integrates undulating floor-to-ceiling glazing. Image courtesy of Huawei

    The store’s double-height frontage is defined by a series of overlapping elements that the studio described as “petal-like”, which fold together to form a raised band across the facade glazing.

    Each ivory-coloured ‘petal’ weaves down to meet the ground as ‘stems’, configured to hide the structural mullions between glass panels and create the sense of a frameless facade.

    Soft lighting was also integrated between the petal edges to illuminate the store’s exterior at night.

    Internal tree column in UNStudio Huawei flagship store in Shanghai
    A spiralling column was positioned as a visual marker within the central atrium

    Positioned directly behind the facade, a spiralling column named the Tree of Harmony continues the organic geometries internally.

    The column was positioned to the side of the central atrium as a focal point for visitors and is wrapped by stairs that lead to the upper mezzanine floor.

    To further the store’s biophilic character, the southern facade was finished with undulating glazing and seating that folds around the building’s curves.

    Display zones in UNStudio Huawei flagship store in Shanghai
    The studio used neutral and clean internal finishes to complement the ivory-coloured store frontage

    Internal finishes were kept warm and neutral to match the facade’s clean tones and extensive white overhead lighting.

    The studio used wood and glassfibre-reinforced cement for the store’s ceilings, floor and columns, while product tables and furniture were also made from wood and natural-toned materials to add to the organic feel of the space.

    According to UNStudio, the store integrates high-performance materials and prefabricated, detachable finishes to increase the building’s longevity, while the quality of the air inside the store is monitored by climate control technology.

    “Huawei TKL flagship store re-crafts Huawei’s innovative technology into a design aesthetic,” UNStudio partner Hannes Pfau said.

    “It seamlessly creates a unified facade and interior narrative, while using high-performance, certified and recycled materials.”

    Display zones in UNStudio Huawei flagship store in Shanghai
    A central product display avenue spans the length of the store

    The store has a central product display avenue that spans the length of the ground floor, with two further experiential zones interspersed for increased user interaction.

    A Signature Experience zone will host featured events and exhibits, while the Consumer Full Scenario Experience zone lets visitors use and test Huawei products.

    Undulating glazed facade in UNStudio Huawei flagship store in Shanghai
    Undulating floor-to-ceiling glazing was used for the store’s southern facade

    Both floors were designed with open and flexible spaces in which the store can host lectures, activities and classes.

    To complete the store’s functional offerings, UNStudio also created a minimalist interior cafe to blend with the rest of the store for customers awaiting after-sale services.

    Open gathering spaces in UNStudio Huawei flagship store in Shanghai
    The store hosts flexible spaces to be used by the community

    UNStudio was founded in Amsterdam in 1998 by Van Berkel and Caroline Bos.

    The studio has also recently completed the Booking.com headquarters in Amsterdam and the YG Entertainment headquarters in Seoul featuring metallic surfaces and geometric forms.

    The photography is by Wen Studio unless otherwise stated

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  • Ukraine Made Surprisingly Realistic Decoys of Weapons to Fake Out Russia

    Ukraine Made Surprisingly Realistic Decoys of Weapons to Fake Out Russia

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    New photos and videos seem to suggest Ukraine has continued to up its decoy game.

    One of the realistic mock-ups may have tricked Russia into wasting a missile on it, highlighting the role decoys play in the war.

    Earlier this week, a video of a AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar system decoy and a photo of an IRIS-T medium-range surface-to-air defense system decoy appeared on open source intel accounts across Telegram and X, with commentators noting how authentic the fakes appeared to be.

    The video of the AN/MPQ-64 shows the system actually mechanically functioning with moving parts, an impressive feature that helps sell it as a real radar. And the IRIS-T SLM has a realistic-looking launcher able to lift up into position, giving the appearance of a legitimate air defense system.

    As the footage of the decoys was shared online, reports of a successful Russian strike on a Ukrainian air defense system spread across Russian Telegram channels. Milbloggers praised the strike, sharing a video online of what they claimed was a real hit against an IRIS-T system in the village of Lisne in the Kharkiv region.

    Ukrainian sources countered that the strike hit a decoy, not a real IRIS-T SLM, which had been placed there after the air defense site had been abandoned.

    According to a Telegram post from Insider UA, a Ukrainian news outlet, Russia had launched an Iskander ballistic missile at the IRIS-T system. It compared the cost of the decoy weapon — roughly $10,000 — with the $3 million price tag of the missile.

    Business Insider was unable to independently verify the claims that either side made, but Russia has definitely claimed victory after striking nothing more than a decoy in the past.

    An inflatable decoy of an M1 Abrams tank.

    A Czech company producing inflatable weapon decoys such as Himars rocket launchers has seen profits soar since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started last year, its officials said on March 6. The Inflatech company based in the northern Czech city of Decin and founded eight years ago makes more than 30 types of inflatable weapons.


    MICHAL CIZEK/AFP via Getty Images



    The Ukrainian decoys seen in the recent photos and videos — fakes that appear a lot better than earlier attempts, such as wooden HIMARS, howitzers made out of pipes, and radar systems from oil barrels — are the latest examples of how both sides have employed decoys to trick and deceive force their enemy into wasting expensive missiles and drones in these attacks.

    Back in December, Ukraine got Russia to expend a munition on what looked like a fake Su-25 ground-attack aircraft.

    Russia has likewise used decoys. Satellite images have shown fake aircraft painted on the flight line at its airbases. In September 2023, Ukraine’s 116th Mechanized Brigade published a video of an inflatable Russian T-72 decoy. At first, the tank looked somewhat deceiving, although the unit said they were able to identify it as a fake.

    An expert previously said there’s a “decoys arm race” underway in Ukraine, explaining to Business Insider that technological advancements are pushing Ukraine and Russia to make fakes appear as real as possible in order to fool the enemy, not always the easiest of tasks.

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  • Ultimate Guide To The Eco-Friendly Everything Shower

    Ultimate Guide To The Eco-Friendly Everything Shower

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    Ever wondered how to turn your daily shower into a spa-like retreat? The “Everything Shower” goes beyond a quick wash. This popular wellness TikTok trend has encouraged us to transform the regular shower into a luxurious, multi-step experience. But, in this era of environmental consciousness, we need a sustainable twist. Enter the “Eco-Friendly Everything Shower.” This approach combines the rejuvenating experience of the Everything Shower with eco-friendly practices like using natural, sustainable products or water conservation methods. In this guide, we will explore how to transform your shower routine into an indulgent yet environmentally responsible ritual.

    What Is An Everything Shower?

    This ritual is more than just cleansing; it’s a therapeutic spa session that you give yourself at home so that you can unwind and pamper yourself from head to toe — think a nourishing hair mask, facial cleansing and all-over exfoliation — to nurture every inch of your body. Keep in mind, the Everything Shower isn’t all about spending every minute under the flowing water or soaking in the tub. That would rack up quite a water bill and isn’t exactly eco-friendly. Instead, it’s about creating a personal spa experience right in the comfort of your home both in and out of the shower over the course of 1-2 hours.  

    Rather than rushing through a shower while on autopilot, we’re going to show you how to turn the ordinary shower into a relaxing wellness ritual. But before we dive into the steps, you may want to know how to turn the Everything Shower into an eco-friendly routine.

    The Benefits of an Eco-Friendly Everything Shower

    Incorporating eco-friendly practices into your Everything Shower is much easier than it sounds. You might consider using water-efficient showerheads, for example, which are designed to minimize the amount of water used. Or you could simply take shorter showers, turning off the water while shampooing. That way you significantly cut down on water consumption, which is not only good for the environment but can also reduce your water bills. 

    You might also want to think about the skin care products you purchase. One of the steps in this routine is exfoliating your body. If you’re using plastic loofahs to apply exfoliating washes, these are surprisingly pretty high on the list of waste culprits because they can’t be recycled. Luckily, the humble washcloth is a fantastic swap and, chances are, you’ve already got a stash of these at home. When they’ve lived their best life, you can either compost them if they’re 100% cotton or repurpose them into handy cleaning rags.​ Something else you could do is replace disposable plastic razors with metal safety razors. It’s a one-time purchase where you only need to replace the metal blades — recyclable and cheaper in the long run.

    Step-by-Step Guide to an Eco-Friendly Everything Shower

    Below, our Product Support Team has shared a detailed guide on conducting an environmentally-conscious Everything Shower.

    Pre-shower Steps:

    Set The Atmosphere

    Before diving into the Everything Shower, transform your bathroom into a sanctuary by setting the right atmosphere. Lighting candles and incense and selecting your favorite music helps to create a serene environment. Choose relaxing music, like a gentle acoustic playlist, tranquil nature sounds or even your favorite mellow artist. 

    Cleanse Your Face

    You’ve set the mood but, before you step into the shower, you need to cleanse your face thoroughly to remove the buildup of oil, dirt or grime on your skin. The Product Support Team recommends the Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser (suitable for all skin types) in tandem with the Herbal Eye Make-up Remover. Crafted with targeted micellar technology, this liquid-to-foam cleanser refreshes the look of the skin without over-stripping moisture. At the same time, the Herbal Eye Make-up Remover is formulated to gently remove makeup. 

    Do A Pre-shower Hair Mask 

    After cleansing your face, give your hair and scalp some attention by using a hair oil treatment, massaging a generous amount right into the roots to nourish and strengthen the scalp. Then, apply a deep-conditioning mask for the ends of your hair, which often need extra attention. Let both sit for around 15 to 20 minutes while you continue to prep for your shower.

    Dry Brush

    Before you jump into the shower, take a moment for dry brushing. It’s an incredible way to get your circulation going and give your skin a little wakeup call. Using a dry brush with a handle is perfect for those hard-to-reach areas like your back. You can read the full guide to dry brushing here.

    Shower Steps:

    Body Scrub

    Now for the fun part! Once you’re in the shower, smooth and exfoliate the skin across your entire body by using a body scrub, something gentle like our Stone Crop Revitalizing Body Scrub. This resurfacing exfoliant contains hydrating stone crop as a key ingredient and lathers into a creamy foam to brighten the appearance of your skin.

    Shampoo, Conditioner & Hair Mask

    Give your hair the royal treatment by using your favorite shampoo and conditioner plus a second hair mask. These steps are like a spa experience for your hair, providing intensive moisture and repair.

    Second Cleanse

    One of our secret skin care strategies for healthy-looking skin is double cleansing. To provide your face with the ultimate nourishment, perform a second cleanse — this time in the shower using the Stone Crop Gel Wash. This cleanser is designed for all skin types and hydrates your complexion thanks to the inclusion of stone crop and shea butter ingredients. 

    Face Mask & Shave

    Apply the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque and leave it on for at least five minutes before rinsing off. This mask is formulated with citrus fruit oils (lemon and grapefruit) that tone and refresh the skin. It is a source of naturally occurring Vitamin C that helps protect the skin against the visible signs of aging. While the mask works its magic, use the time to perform the next step of shaving leg and body hair, if desired. During the masking or shaving step, consider switching off the water to save more; this simple action can make a big difference. 

    Body Wash 

    Finally, for the grand finale of your shower routine, it’s time for a thorough body cleanse. This step ensures you wash away any remaining shaving cream or any other residue. 

    Post-shower:

    Body Oil Or Moisturizer  

    After your shower, it’s time to wrap yourself into a fluffy robe, secure your hair with a soft towel, then reach for a hydrating body product. Our Apricot Body Oil is an ultra-hydrating product that moisturizes using ingredients pressed from grape seed and jojoba. You can also use the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Body Lotion to smooth and brighten the skin. These products can be used on their own or layered together. 

    Hair Serum And Leave-in Conditioner 

    Next, turn your attention to your hair care and apply a nourishing hair serum to your scalp. Follow this up by working a leave-in conditioner through the ends of your hair. This step is essential for maintaining healthy, luscious locks after your shower.

    Hydrating Serum For The Face

    Serums will help give your skin that extra boost of moisture. You’ll love our Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum that deeply hydrates for a smoother-looking complexion. This formula also contains a unique Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex that deeply hydrates and preserves moisture in the skin.

    Facial Moisturizer 

    Finally, it’s time to lavish your skin with a good facial moisturizer. The Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream helps your skin appear luminous and hydrated thanks to its exclusive Peptide Illuminating Complex.

    Visit your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner to make sure you have everything you need for the ultimate Eco-friendly Everything Shower.

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  • The Worst Type of Flooring for Kitchens, According to Interior Designers

    The Worst Type of Flooring for Kitchens, According to Interior Designers

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    The kitchen is the heart of the home, and when you’re ready to sell, one of your home’s most (or least) attractive features. Replacing your kitchen flooring can be expensive but provides a good return on investment, especially when you pick a timeless and long-lasting option.

    Wooden Kitchen Flooring

    To help you get the most bang for your buck, we interviewed interior designers and flooring manufacturers to discover which flooring types you should avoid. Here’s what they had to say.


    Carpet is a Big No-No

    Carpet is the worst flooring choice in the kitchen, according to almost every expert we spoke with. “Water flooding and spills will get trapped under the carpet and between the subfloor causing a mold problem you don’t want,” says FLOOR360 interior designer Courtney Wollersheim. “Even if you can soak up the surface spill, moisture damage can still occur and, in the worst cases, rot the wood flooring underneath.”

    Instead of carpet, Courtney encourages waterproof flooring options like luxury vinyl plank. She adds that if you want carpet in the kitchen, low-pile, easy-to-clean area rugs in high-traffic spots are the best option.


    Laminate Floors Can Warp When Exposed to Moisture

    Laminate flooring offers an inexpensive and easy-to-install option that mimics the look of natural wood. While these floors are stylish, they are composed of several layers, including a fiberboard core that can warp when exposed to moisture. When a drink is spilled on a laminate floor and not cleaned in a timely manner, the floor’s core will absorb the moisture, causing warping, buckling, and, ultimately, a wavy-looking floor.

    There have been some advancements in laminate floors in recent years. So, if you’re opting for this route, pick a waterproof laminate. These floors have a water-resistant top layer that can give you extra time to clean up spills.


    Hardwoods Aren’t Always a Good Choice

    Hardwoods work well in some circumstances, like in kitchens that don’t fare many spills or have heavy foot traffic. In busy kitchens, not so much. Here’s what Alice Moszczynski, a New York-based Interior Designer at Planner 5D, had to say, “Wood, though visually appealing, can be a bit high maintenance in the kitchen. It’s prone to scratches, water damage, and stains, making it a high-maintenance choice for this high-traffic area. Spills can turn into a real-life kitchen horror story.”

    Alice recommends stone or porcelain tile as a durable, long-lasting kitchen flooring. “Porcelain flooring is like the superhero of kitchen floors – tough and practical. These tiles can take a beating without showing wear, scratches, or chips, perfect for a bustling kitchen.”


    Marble is Prone to Scratches

    While beautiful, marble doesn’t stand up to heavy foot traffic like porcelain or ceramic tile. Here’s what Rotem Eylor, the CEO and founder of Republic Flooring had to say when asked about the worst kitchen flooring choices. “The worst type is obviously carpeting, but also marble is not ideal because it can scratch so easily.” Instead, he recommends sticking with easy-to-clean waterproof flooring for the kitchen.


    Better Flooring Alternatives for the Kitchen

    According to the experts we interviewed, the top flooring choices for kitchens include porcelain tile, luxury vinyl plank, sealed natural stone, and glazed ceramic tile. In some households, hardwood floors or waterproof laminate will hold up well depending on lifestyle factors.

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