Creative studio D/Dock has transformed a hall inside Amserdam’s former Westergasfabriek gasworks into Fabrique des LumiĂšres â billed as the largest immersive art centre in the Netherlands.
Commissioned by Parisian company Culturespaces, D/Dock‘s design and build team transformed the double-height 3,800-square-metre hall into an exhibition space where bright, colourful artworks are projected across the floor and walls.
D/Dock transformed a gasworks hall into an immersive exhibition space
The space can be adapted through the use of movable seating and adjustable sound and light systems to suit the needs of various exhibitions on everything from space travel to the work of architect Antoni GaudĂ.
“[The space] serves as a versatile canvas set against an industrial backdrop, where over 100 projectors and speakers transform the venue into dynamic worlds, from a lively jungle to an interstellar journey or an evocative art gallery, offering a spectrum of cultural and sensory experiences adaptable to various exhibitions,” managing director of D/Dock Sven Butteling told Dezeen.
The 17-metre-tall exhibition space has a viewing platform and moveable seating
To achieve a continuous space suitable for light projections, any openings of the 1885 building were closed up with cladding and painted to blend in with the existing brick interior.
Taking advantage of the building’s height and scale, an internal staircase wraps around the rear facade and leads to a raised platform providing views of the main space.
Newly built elements echo the building’s industrial heritage
Two newly built pavilions provide more enclosed immersive experiences within the main exhibition space while also operating as projection surfaces in the main hall.
Among them is the mirror pavilion, which D/Dock clad in mirrored panels and shiny flooring tiles to create “an infinite projection space”.
During construction, the building’s interior was carefully restored to maintain its industrial character, with the addition of newly built and digital elements creating a contemporary arts centre that blends the old and new.
The addition of lightweight insulation on the roof and windows, as well as acoustic and fire-rated doors, helped to enhance the energy performance of the hall.
Pavilions provide enclosed immersive spaces for visitors
D/Dock is a creative studio of architects, artists, designers and engineers based in Amsterdam.
Two years ago, a farmer found three cattle dead and covered in a massive number of ticks.
The ticks turned out to be an invasive species, the Asian longhorned tick, newly established in Ohio.
The ticks reproduce asexually, so thousands can spring up quickly in new regions.
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In the summer of 2021, Risa Pesapane, an assistant professor of veterinary preventive medicine at Ohio State, got a call about three dead cattle on a farm in eastern Ohio, near the border of West Virginia. The farmer had never seen animals so infested with ticks, Pesapane told Insider.
In a recent paper, published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Medical Entomology, Pesapane and her colleagues documented the case, stating it was the first established population of Asian longhorned ticks in Ohio. But Ohio isn’t the first place these ticks have turned up.
ALTs are an invasive species native to East Asia. It’s been in the US since at least 2010 and found in at least 19 states, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
The 19 states where Asian longhorned ticks have been found, per the USDA. Note that the placement of the red star doesn’t indicate anything about where the ticks were found in the state.
Oleksandr Melnyk/iStock via Getty Images; Insider
“The tick will be a nuisance and it is spreading,” Kevin Lahmers, a clinical associate professor at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, told Insider. “It will cover most of the eastern half of the US â that’s most likely.”
That’s a concern since these ticks not only pose a threat to livestock but, to a lesser extent, people too. “The reason that people are following the ticks so aggressively is because of concern for public health, not just animal health,” Lahmers said.
Thousands of Asian longhorned tick clones
When Pesapane and her colleagues showed up at the farm in Ohio, they used a drop cloth and lint roller to collect over 9,000 ticks from around the property in about an hour and a half.
“There were just thousands of ticks present,” she said. “I knew immediately that we were not dealing with a tick that we know to be native to the United States.”
“They just show up in such incredibly large numbers,” Joellen Lampman said. She’s an Extension Support Specialist in integrated pest management with Cornell University.
These ticks show up in such large numbers because they can reproduce asexually. None of the experts knew of any other tick species in the US that reproduces this way. On top of that, the ALT can “complete its life cycle in a shorter period of time than the ticks previously native to the United States,” Pesapane said.
So, if a female ALT gets transferred all by itself to a new location, it can still establish a new population. “She’s basically cloning herself,” Lampman said. All her offspring can then go on to lay between 1,000 and 2,000 eggs.
The curious case of the dead cattle
Asian longhorned ticks are tiny and can be difficult to distinguish between other species.
Risa Pesapane/Ohio State University
Pesapane and her colleagues suggest the Ohio cattle died from blood loss. However, Lahmers is more skeptical that blood loss, alone, was the culprit.
“It would take an awful lot of ticks in order to take enough blood from that animal to” kill it, Lahmers said, adding that because the cattle were buried before Pesapane arrived, it’s difficult to know for sure what killed them.
While Pesapane understands Lahmers’ concern, she said that USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and studies in New Zealand also support the hypothesis that these ticks can cause death in livestock due to severe blood loss.
She added that it’s essential to understand the mechanism that kills livestock as the tick spreads. However, it’s been difficult to find carcasses to study because cattle owners typically bury them too quickly.
“Some [pathologists] have hypothesized that there may be an interaction between severe anemia and some sort of toxicosis from compounds in tick saliva, but this is just speculation until a study is conducted,” Â Pesapane said.
That said, the cattle’s death from another common tick-borne disease, Theileria orientalis, is unlikely since the farm’s remaining live cattle tested negative for it, per Pesapane’s study.
Lampman noted that similar cattle deaths have happened in North Carolina. “This is not an event that is unique and we’re going to see more of it, unfortunately.”
Asian longhorned ticks are hard to spot, contain, and kill
Tiny and brown, the ALT is hard to distinguish from other types of ticks, making it difficult to spot.
The ALT seems to thrive in tall grass and wooded areas. While existing pesticides will kill them, they need to come in direct contact with the ticks. “If the ticks are hiding deep down in leaf litter or in dense grass, the pesticides just aren’t going to reach,” Lampman said.
Controlling an ALT population would take re-application of a pesticide every five weeks, Pesapane said. That’s not feasible because the chemicals would affect the grass the cattle eat as well as any pollinators in the area.
Cattle are the preferred meal of Asian longhorned ticks.
Getty Images
Another challenge is that the ticks feed on a slew of different animals. All the experts agreed that animals like cattle and horses seem to be their favorite, but ALTs have been found on dozens of animals.
“It’s sort of tasting the buffet of all the new possible hosts in the United States, but it has some sort of tried and true favorites,” Pesapane said.
“We’re finding them on raccoons, skunks, possums,” in addition to deer, dogs, and birds, Lampman said.
Birds and other wildlife may help spread the ticks, especially locally, but Pesapane said moving livestock between states could also be a culprit. “There’s probably some combination of wild and domestic animals that are responsible for this” spread, she said.
Asian longhorned tick-borne diseases
In other countries, these invasive ticks spread several pathogens in humans and animals. Right now, they mainly seem to be a threat to animals, but they could potentially transmit diseases to humans, too, Pesapane said.
For example, Pesapane has seen several cases of the disease Theileria orientalis Ikeda in livestock. It causes jaundice and anemia and lowers milk production. Pregnant, infected cows can also lose their fetuses.
“Theileria orientalis Ikeda was not known or not widespread in the United States before this tick,” Pesapane said.
This type of Theileria isn’t a risk to humans or most other species, Lahmers said. However, the ticks can pass on other pathogens.
While it doesn’t seem effective for passing on Lyme disease, the tick has been shown to transmit other human diseases in lab settings. They include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Heartland virus, and Powassan virus.
Powassan is currently rare but is increasing. With Lyme disease, transmission takes hours. Ticks can pass Powassan on in just 15 minutes, according to the Yale School of Public Health.
“I’m very, very concerned about Powassan virus,” Lampman said. “Here’s a potentially fatal disease that can get transmitted within minutes. We just don’t want to get bit by ticks.”
When it comes to staying safe from the ALT, the advice is the same as with other ticks, like covering up bare skin and wearing permethrin-treated clothing. Lampman cites the Swiss cheese method: “The more things that you do, the less likely you are to be bit by a tick.”
Pesapane also notes that the ticks seem to love biting dogs, so it’s important to protect pets, too.
For livestock, the approach is also similar to dealing with other types of ticks. Pesapane recommends checking animals for ticks, treating infected animals, and maintaining pastures.
All three experts urged people to reach out to their state universities or local agriculture departments if they see an unusual tick.
Music has long been known to have a positive effect on child development. From soothing lullabies to upbeat nursery rhymes, music can calm, inspire, and engage young minds. But not all types of music are created equal when it comes to child development. In this article, we will explore the best types of music for child development and how they can benefit children of all ages.
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Classical Music
Classical music is often considered the gold standard when it comes to music and child development. It has been shown to have a calming effect on infants and young children, helping them to relax and fall asleep. Studies have also found that listening to classical music can improve cognitive skills, such as spatial reasoning and memory, in children of all ages.
One study conducted by the University of Helsinki found that children who participated in music lessons that included classical music performed better on cognitive tests than those who did not. Another study conducted by the University of California found that children who listened to classical music for just 20 minutes a day scored higher on tests of spatial reasoning than those who did not listen to music.
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Children’s Music
Children’s music, including nursery rhymes, songs, and stories, is another great type of music for child development. Children’s music is designed to be fun and engaging, with catchy melodies and simple lyrics that are easy for young children to learn and remember. This type of music can help young children develop language skills, including vocabulary and grammar, as well as social skills, such as taking turns and sharing.
In addition to its educational benefits, children’s music can also help young children develop a love of music and an appreciation for the arts. Many children’s musicians incorporate instruments, dance, and other forms of performance into their shows, exposing children to a wide range of music and creative expression.
Nature Sounds
Nature sounds, such as birdsong, ocean waves, and rainstorms, can also be beneficial for child development. These sounds have a calming effect on children, helping them to relax and fall asleep. They can also help children develop a connection to nature and an appreciation for the environment.
Some studies have also found that exposure to Nature sounds can improve cognitive function in children. For example, a study conducted by the University of Chicago found that children who spent time in natural environments performed better on tests of attention and memory than those who spent time in urban environments.
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World Music
Exposing children to a variety of musical styles and cultures can also be beneficial for their development. World music, which encompasses a wide range of musical styles from different cultures and countries, can help children develop an appreciation for diversity and multiculturalism. It can also help children develop a sense of empathy and understanding for people from different backgrounds.
In addition to its social and emotional benefits, world music can also help children develop their musical abilities. Many world music styles incorporate complex rhythms and melodies, which can help children develop their sense of rhythm and pitch. Some studies have also found that exposure to world music can improve cognitive function in children, including memory and attention.
To sum it all up, the best types of music for child development include classical music, children’s music, nature sounds, and world music. These types of music have been shown to have a wide range of benefits for children of all ages, including improved cognitive skills, language development, social skills, and emotional well-being. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or teacher, incorporating music into children’s lives can help them develop into happy, healthy, and well-rounded individuals. Moreover, picking a well-fitting and durable set of earphones such as theBonoBeats Lite and C450S model from Phiaton can go a long way to ensure that kids grow up listening and paying attention to music lessons. Both headphones and earphones come in multiple colors and can fit a wide range of ears ensuring the greatest possible chance of finding an affordable and durable set for most kids.
Bank of America changed its Fed outlook on Tuesday after a softer-than-expected CPI report.Â
Strategists wrote that they believe the rate-hiking cycle is now over.Â
October CPI came in at 3.2% year-over-year, down from 3.7% in September.
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October’s softer-than-expected inflation reading prompted Bank of America on Tuesday to change its outlook on further interest rate increases, with strategists declaring that the Federal Reserve’s rate hiking cycle is over.Â
Inflation in October came in at 3.2% year-over-year, down from 3.7% in September and the lowest reading since June. Core inflation, meanwhile, accelerated 4% year-over-year, also below the consensus forecast.
In its note on Tuesday, the bank called the report “the straw that broke the hiking cycle’s back.” Before this week, the bank had argued that Fed officials were leaning toward a no-hike move in December, though it still adopted a “wait and see” approach with incoming data. Tuesday’s benign reading affirmed that forecast, in the bank’s view.Â
“Therefore, we have changed our Fed call,” the strategists said. “We now think that the hiking cycle is over. Markets agree: at the time of this writing, they are pricing less than a 10% probability of another hike.”
Bank of America said that it would take a significant re-acceleration in inflation for the Fed to resume hiking its benchmark rate in 2024, a scenario that does not fall within the firm’s base case.
The strategists expect cuts to begin in June 2024, and move at a pace of one cut per quarter.
“The October CPI report is undeniably good news,” strategists maintained. “However, we must remember that September was bad news and that monthly inflation data can be very choppy. That said, we have seen significant disinflation to date, which is good news for the Fed. The path forward is likely to remain bumpy, but we do think that further disinflation is likely over the coming years.
The stock market, meanwhile, reflected BofA’s optimism.
By midday in New York, the S&P 500 had climbed 1.8%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.46%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq was up more than 2%.
Fairlead Strategies’ Katie Stockton on Tuesday said the S&P 500’s strong gains over the last several days point to bullish seasonality, and that the index should push higher as the year winds down.
“The S&P 500 confirmed its breakout above minor resistance from the daily cloud model yesterday in a positive short-term technical catalyst,” Stockton said. “The breakout increases the likelihood of a test of more important resistance near 4,600 between now and year-end.”
For many companies its important to have an experienced employee able to guide and train new employees on procedures and customer support. In order to do this a company needs to utilize three main items. The first is a headset and the second is a training cable and the third is either a bottom cable or an amplifier.
There are three different companies that have training cables for use with corded headsets.
This cable allows to plug in 2 Jabra corded headsets for training purposes, allowing to mute one of the microphones (trainee) and splitting to outgoing sound to 2 people at the same time, this cable is fully compatible with the Jabra link 860 Digital amplifier and with all the button cable from Jabra for desk phones.
For people who have the Jabra Link 850 amplifier there is a training cable specifically designed to work with it and has its own jack on the side of the amplifier. This cable allows a second headset to be plugged into the Link 850 and has capability of being muted by changing the setting on the cable.
The last Jabra/GN Netcom training cable is designed specifically for soft phones and has a USB connector that plugs directly into the computer. This cable works specifically with corded quick disconnects such as these headsets. This training cable is unique in that it has a volume/mute button built directly into the cable in case the trainer needs to mute themselves or adjust the volume.
(Side note:There is no training cable on the market that allows two USB headsets to be connected to it for training purposes.)
Plantronics only has one training cable which has a mute toggle switch allowing only one person to talk at a time depending on which side of the switch is down/up.
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This cable works with all Plantronics QD h-series headsets and can also connect to a computer with a QD to USB training cable such as the Poly DA 75:
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By connecting this cable to the bottom of the training cord you can plug in corded headsets to the computer in case your company switches to soft phones in the future.
This is an amplifier is fully compatible with any desk phone in the market, no matter if its analog line or VoIP as long as you have a corded handset (receiver). The Y-Training cable mutes one of the microphones for training purposes while the M22 offers a rich sound quality for both parties at the same time. Fully compatible with with all Plantronics H-series headsets.
The Zoomswitch adapter is designed to work with any wireless headset no matter the brand with your desk phone. The switch will split the incoming sound into both wireless headset and allows to mute one or both microphones of the wireless headsets. This adapter is recommended for wireless headsets and is not EHS compatible, for the same reason even if your VoIP has the EHS capability you will need to get a mechanical lifter for remote answer.
All of the training cables mentioned above work with their corresponding manufacturers headsets and only those headsets. For example: Only Plantronics training cables work with Plantronics H-series headsets.
If you have any questions or need any further assistance please call Jeremy at 1877 999 3838 or email at jeremy@headsetplus.com.
The Maxillo Tandem clinic in the city’s TechnopĂŽle Angus neighbourhood provides maxillofacial surgery, which deals with diseases, injuries and defects of the mouth, teeth and jaws.
Appareil Architecture designed the dental clinic to feel more like a home than a medical facility
“The clinic adopts a residential aesthetic with durable materials to create an inviting, refined space that centers on well-being,” said the studio.
Built-in seating wraps around the perimeter of the reception area
Upon entering, patients are met by a reception desk clad in vertically laid, off-white ceramic tiles that also cover the wall behind.
“Their vertical positioning adds texture and rhythm to the wall, bringing the space to life, while remaining functional and easy to maintain,” Appareil Architecture said.
Pale upholstery, linen curtains and beige walls all add to the serene atmosphere
The waiting area to the left is furnished with built-in seats that form a U shape around the perimeter and under a large window, while a double-sided island in the central adds additional seating.
Polished concrete flooring and beige walls complement the pale upholstery and linen curtains, together creating a serene atmosphere.
Off-white tiles clad the reception counter and the wall behind, adding texture and rhythm
“All lend a reassuring character to the space,” said the architects. “In addition to a soft, peaceful colour palette, these materials contribute to the soothing, comforting ambiance.”
On either side of the symmetrical reception counter, oak-framed doors with fritted glass panes both lead through to the treatment area.
Oak-framed doors with fritted glass panes lead from reception to the treatment areas
A central block of rooms for staff â also wrapped in the off-white tiles â runs back from the reception area, dividing the clinic into two sides.
“This central structure naturally delineates the space, creating an efficient traffic flow that allows people to move easily in both directions,” the studio said.
A U-shaped corridor connects the dentists’ offices, operating rooms and staff areas
The corridors continue the white and wood material palette and provide access to the dentists’ offices on the left side and operating rooms along the right.
All of these rooms are also sparsely furnished and have a clean aesthetic, and are purposefully placed away from the reception area for patient privacy.
At the back of the clinic is a space with a communal kitchen for employees to take breaks, which is oriented to enjoy afternoon light.
“In the morning, the dentist’s offices, positioned on the window side, are flooded with natural light,” said Appareil Architecture.
A minimalist approach was also taken in the consultation rooms
“In the afternoon, this light pours into the staff areas and illuminates the central structure,” the team added.
A wood-panelled wall topped with clerestory windows incorporates the staff kitchen facilities and storage, while a concrete island with rounded ends incorporates a cylindrical structural column.
A communal kitchen for staff is located behind a wood-panelled wall at the back of the clinic
Since Maxillo Tandem is part of an ecological real-estate project, the architects had to comply with strict energy efficiency targets, on top of meeting the medical operating standards.
Overall, the clinic has been well-received by both patients and staff, according to Chouinard. “The customer feedback is very positive,” she said. “They feel like they’re in someone’s home, rather than a clinic. That was my intention.”
A kitchen island with rounded ends incorporates a structural concrete column
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Black Friday, the biggest deals event of the year, is set for November 24. But Amazon is getting in on the festivities early. The online retailer will officially launch its Black Friday sale on November 17, and you can already snag some early Amazon Black Friday deals right now.
Last year’s top Amazon Black Friday deals included all-time low prices on tech, gaming, furniture, kitchen, apparel, beauty, and more. We expect to see much of the same once November 17 rolls around, but if you want to get some shopping in now, Amazon is offering some sweet discounts ahead of its official sale. From getting 50% off the new Fire TV Stick 4K to an excellent discount on a Spiralizer vegetable slicer, there’s plenty of savings to score ahead of Black Friday. You can even get $60 off a bundle with the brand-new slim version of the PS5.Â
Below, we’re rounding up the best early Amazon Black Friday deals to help you find great discounts right now. Keep scrolling to learn more about what to expect from Amazon’s Black Friday sale, along with other helpful advice to get you ready for November 17. And for more holiday shopping coverage, check out our full roundup of all the best Black Friday deals.Â
Apple’s 2021 9th-gen 10.2-inch iPad is an absolute steal at $249 for the 64GB model. With a gorgeous screen, high-end design, and support for Apple Pencil, most people will be happy to own this tablet, especially at this lowered price.
Amazon’s latest Fire TV Stick 4K has an upgraded processor, Wi-FI 6 support, and more storage space. This is the best deal we’ve seen on the new 2023 model.
Amazon’s latest Fire TV Cube offers 4K streaming support, hands-free Alexa, an HDMI input, and video upscaling. This deal price matches what we saw on Prime Day.
The brand-new slim version of the PS5 is already available in a discounted bundle with Spider-Man 2. At this deal price, you’re basically getting the game for free. And in a addition to a smaller design, this redesign of the PS5 includes a larger 1TB hard drive so you can store more games.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is still brand new, much like the PS5 Slim, and yet here we are, looking at a $60 discount at launch. Actually, you’re saving ten bucks on top of that given the new COD is $70 at retail.
As one of Sony’s best controllers to date, the DualSense for PS5 feels great in the hands and features next-gen haptic feedback. It’s rare to find one on sale, and this deal matches the best price we’ve seen.
This simple Keurig coffee maker supports six, eight, and 10 ounce K-Cups, and comes with a removable 36 ounce water reservoir. If youâre a K-Cup fanatic, this is the perfect single-serve machine. Every color option except gray is back down to the lowest price we’ve ever seen.
The Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer is the 8-quart version of our favorite large-capacity air fryer. It features two baskets, so you can cook an entree and sides simultaneously. At nearly $70 off, this is the best price we’ve seen since last year at this time.
The 8-quart model from Chefman can feed a medium-sized household with crispy fries, juicy wings, and anything else you dream of air frying. This deal price matches what we saw during last year’s Black Friday sales, and you can get an additional $15 off by clicking the coupon on Amazon’s listing page.
Hisenseâs U6K is one of the best budget TVs you can buy. The 4K display boasts quantum dots, local dimming, and a Mini LED backlight to deliver better contrast and color performance than most competitors in its price range. This is the lowest price yet and an absolute steal for a TV like this.
The Omni Series isn’t the best when it comes to picture quality but boasts handy smart TV features like hands-free Alexa support and video calling (camera sold separately), along with the latest Fire TV software. The 43-inch model is $120 off right now, which is the lowest price we’ve seen since Prime Day over the summer.
Though people who sleep in various positions have positive things to say about it, the Leesa Mattress provides an exceptional balance of comfort and support for stomach-sleepers. This is the lowest we’ve seen it priced since last Cyber Monday.
The Tempur-Pedic body pillow is the best for back pain that our body pillow expert tested. It’s versatile and supportive, with a firmness ideal for heavier people. It’s currently $72 off on Amazon, not the lowest price we’ve seen but close.
Whether you’re recovering from an intense workout or just want to soothe your typical aches and pains, the Mebak 3 is a quiet and versatile massage gun to help you out. It comes with seven different attachments to help target your problem areas. Clip the on-page coupon to bring it down to $80, matching deals weâve seen for it in the past.
Clip the on-page coupon
From squash to the ever-popular zucchini, the Spiralizer Seven-Blade Vegetable Slicer will make quick work of your produce with little waste. It typically sells for around $24, so this is an excellent deal price.
The 15-inch MacBook Air (2023) gives you more screen space without breaking the bank. This 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD base model is just $50 more than its an all-time low price.
With powerful hardware and a vibrantly bright screen, the Dell G15 is one of the best budget gaming laptops on the market. Right now the RTX 4050 model, which can play nearly any game at high settings, is down to an all-time low price. An already great deal gets even better.
Counting down the days to Christmas is always more fun with an advent calendar, and this one is perfect for little lovers of Lego. Down to a new all-time low, this is an excellent deal price to get one at before December.
For the adult in your life who loves Lego, this replica of the Pyramid of Giza is a beautifully designed set that will be fun to put together and an excellent display piece afterward. This deal price is the best we’ve seen on it so far.
These Soundcore earbuds already offered great sound quality and water-resistance for a low price, but this deal will fit into even the tightest budgets.
This Anker power bank can charge nearly any device quickly, and holds enough power to fully recharge a MacBook Pro. This sale price matches the best deal we’ve ever seen for this model. Note: You need to be an Amazon Prime member in order to access this discount.
Most hand mixers have motors in the 100- to 150-watt range, but the Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus 9-Speed Handheld Mixer packs 220 watts of power. Itâs not uncommon to find on sale, but this is an especially good deal for it.
Amazon Black Friday 2023: What to expect
Amazon has left us no time to breathe between sales this year; with Prime Day in July and Prime Big Deal Days in October, Black Friday will be its third major deal event of 2023. However, that doesn’t mean you should expect any less from the massive retailer â in fact, we expect this will be its best sale so far.
Amazon’s Black Friday event will be a huge affair, with discounts across the board. That includes home goods, furniture, tech, gaming, smart home, kitchen, fashion, beauty, and much more. It’s the perfect time to shop for yourself, your family, and friends. Â
Ahead of the event, the retailer has already announced some key Amazon Black Friday deals to look out for this year, including up to 70% off Echo device bundles, up to 44% off Ninja kitchen appliances, up to 30% off Lancome beauty products, and up to 30% off Dyson vacuums.Â
When is Amazon’s Black Friday sale?
Black Friday lands on November 24 this year. However, Amazon has announced that it will launch its Black Friday sale early on November 17. And though that’s when we expect to find the best deals, you can already snag some great discounts on popular products right now.Â
Is Black Friday better than Prime Day?
Black Friday is better than Prime Day in just about every way. Because it’s a multi-retailer event and not just an Amazon-specific one, brands big and small jump on participating. That means incredible low prices not only from Amazon, but from competing stores and its small business sellers too.Â
So, as great as Prime Day was this year, you can expect to see even more fanfare for Black Friday.Â
Do you need to be a Prime member to shop Black Friday at Amazon?
Unlike Prime Day, Black Friday is not a sale locked only to Prime members. However, we highly recommend considering at least a trial of the subscription service. Members get tons of Amazon Prime benefits, including free two-day shipping. And Prime members can now register early for invite-only deals on popular items like Blink security cameras. It’s a way to sweeten the Black Friday shopping experience, especially with holiday stock shortages and shipping delays sure to come.
Luckily, first-timers can get a month of Prime for free. If you don’t plan on signing up for the service in full, hopping on the trial when it will overlap with Black Friday is a handy way to lock in free shipping for all of your deal shopping.
As a Tech Deals and Streaming Reporter for Insider’s Reviews team, Sarah covers the latest movie and series releases along with the best sales on products we recommend. Prior to joining Insider Inc., she was a Deals Writer at Wirecutter, a New York Times company. After graduating from California State University, Fullerton with a degree in Marketing, Sarah started out as a Freelance Deals Writer at Wirecutter; there she focused on newsletter creation, social media promotion, and syndication in addition to deals writing before stepping into a full-time role. Her accomplishments from this position, in addition to the countless deals she’s written, include implementing multiple social media marketing campaigns and launching a Deals Facebook group for the company. Say hi (or send a picture of your pet) to Sarah at ssaril@insider.com, or reach her on Twitter at @sarahhahr or on Instagram at @lord_ponty. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Learn more about how we research deals.
A lion escaped from a circus in Italy on Saturday and spent several hours on the loose.
Residents were warned to stay at home until the lion was captured.
The town’s mayor used the incident to call for an end to the use of animals in circuses.
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A lion spent more than five hours roaming the streets of an Italian town on Saturday after escaping from a circus.
Residents of Ladispoli, a seaside town near Rome, were warned by the local mayor, Alessandro Grando, to stay at home as police and circus workers attempted to catch the lion.
Videos seemingly shot by locals show the eight-year-old lion prowling along dark streets.
đŠOggi un leone Ăš scappato da un circo a Ladispoli!
Quinta fuga di un animale detenuto in un circo in un anno.
Ă ora di dire basta agli “spettacoli” con animali e che nessuno faccia male al leone! @g_sangiuliano altrui legge delega sul riordino dello spettacolo in tempi brevi! pic.twitter.com/BVGJvh9c5O
A police helicopter eventually tracked the lion to a field using an infrared camera, La Repubblica reported. Authorities continued to monitor the animal until vets were able to sedate it.
In a second Facebook post, Grando confirmed that the lion had been “sedated and captured” and would be returned to circus staff.
He also used the incident to call for an end to the use of animals in circuses.
“I hope that this episode can stir some consciences and that we can finally put an end to the exploitation of animals in circuses,” he wrote.
Local media said investigations into what happened would be carried out, but the circus operators suggested that the lion may have been released intentionally.
“We are victims of sabotage. We found the cage open and someone saw three people fleeing on foot,” they said, per La Repubblica.
Eight US states had “banned or restricted the use of wild animals” in travelling circuses as of 2022, according to the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
Are you looking for a luxurious facial treatment that you can do between your visits to the spa? Facial steaming is a simple way to pamper your skin in the comfort of your own bathroom. Read on to find out what products youâll need to do it safely and effectively with minimal cost or equipment to achieve maximum skin glow.
What Is Facial Steaming?
While some concepts in the skin care world are complex, facial steaming is quite simple. This classic treatment allows steam from hot water to make contact with the skin and provide certain benefits, including cleansing, releasing trapped sebum, hydrating, promoting circulation and helping the skin absorb skin care products more deeply. If youâve ever placed a warm, moist towel on your face, spent time in a steam room at the gym or taken a long, hot shower, you know what weâre talking about. Bonus: itâs a skin care ritual that can easily be performed at home.
The first purpose-built facial steamers date back to the early 1900s, but the use of steam itself as a method of relaxing and cleansing the body can be traced back to the Ancient Greeks and Romans. These days, there are a lot of facial steamers on the market, but you can also DIY at home with a big bowl or sink of warm water and a towel.
Benefits Of Facial Steaming
As mentioned, there are a number of ways that steam applied to the skin on your face can benefit the health and condition of your complexion. It can also help with other issues, including sinus congestion and stress. Weâll explain some of the benefits here:
Cleanses
Steaming is an excellent option for removing buildup, especially if a deeper cleanse is needed. It lifts dirt and impurities from the skin, purges excess sebum and loosens unwanted substances like pollutants, leaving your skin thoroughly cleansed and refreshed for a glowing complexion.
Helps Release Acne-Causing Bacteria And Cells
Acne happens when your skin cells trap sebum in your follicles, which can lead to the growth of bacteria and inflammation. Using steam to loosen up dirt and oils can help free the sebum and stop pimples from forming. âThere is a misconception that steaming the face opens pores and unclogs them,â board-certified dermatologist Dr. Caroline Robinson tells SELF Magazine. She continues, explaining that our pores are âfixed structures that do not open or close in response to changes in temperature.â In other words, warm steam doesnât open pores and cool water doesnât close them. But what steam does do is soften the very top layer of dead skin, making it more permeable, loosening up any oils, dirt or acne-causing bacteria hanging out on the skin surface so it can be removed.
Promotes CirculationÂ
Heat from steaming â and the perspiration it causes â can encourage blood flow by dilating your blood vessels, which sends more oxygen to the skin. Proper circulation is not only ideal for your overall health, it has specific benefits to the skin, including the prevention of dryness. Additionally, steam promotes blood circulation and causes the skin to flush temporarily â making it look glowy, healthy and plump.Â
Hydrates
Hydration helps your skin retain its strength and elasticity. Regardless of skin type, youâve probably dealt with uncomfortable bouts of dehydration. Not to be mistaken with moisturizing â which you can do with facial oils and creams â hydration comes from water, which is why facial steaming is a great way to give your skin a shot of H20. Â
Helps With Absorption Of Skin Care Products
Steam increases the permeability of the skin, allowing it to better absorb topicals. Try steaming before you introduce products like toner, serums and moisturizers to your skin. Steam has the ability to increase skin care product penetration to give you more bang for your skin care buck.Â
Helps Relieve Stress
Carving out a few minutes for self-care can do wonders for your stress levels, and using those minutes to steam your face can relax your mind and body, while also enhancing the skin. While youâre at it, add some soothing herbs like mint or rosemary, or essential oils like lavender for an extra boost. Â
Helps Relieve Sinus Congestion
A steam bath may conjure up memories of mom placing your head under a towel to help clear your cold symptoms â and, as usual, mom knew what she was doing! Steam lightly inhaled through the nose and mouth can help relieve sinus congestion and headaches in a gentle and soothing way.Â
Step By Step Facial Steam
There are a few ways you can enjoy this versatile skin practice at home. It can be simple and free or as luxe as you choose. A quick search will bring up a huge selection of electric facial steamers, but if you like a DIY approach, the process can be done with nothing but hot water and towels. Here are some general guidelines to help you create this eco-friendly and relaxing skin care ritual in your own bathroom.Â
Step 1
Start by cleansing your face. You want all oil, dirt and makeup gone to prevent them from seeping deeper into your skin as you steam. A gel or foaming cleanser is a good idea to help get rid of the oil and dirt. Some good options for all skin types include the Stone Crop Gel Wash or the Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser.
Step 2
Heat water and carefully pour into a large, heat-safe ceramic or glass bowl or into the bathroom sink (with the stopper in place). Plastic bowls are not recommended. Tap water is a great, accessible option, but if you want to get fancy, try distilled or filtered water.
Step 3 (Optional)Â
For a fragrant experience, essential oils or herbs can be added to the warm water. However, before doing so, we recommend consulting with a skin care professional on correct usage and determining what works for your skin. Essential oils can irritate the skin and need to be properly diluted before use. If used correctly, tea tree oil contains cleansing, anti-inflammatory and healing properties and is known to assist in regulating sebum production. Lavender oil is known to lessen redness and irritation caused by dry skin and eczema. Pro tip: If you donât have herbs or oils available, adding a couple of tea bags can help achieve the same results. Organic chamomile and peppermint are calming to the skin, while green tea has polyphenols that can fight against infection and bacteria.Â
Step 4
Place a towel over your head so that it is trapping all the steam inside and position your face about 10 inches above the bowl. Donât get too close to the steam â the ritual should be pleasant, not painful. Stay in the position for 8 â10 minutes for best results.Â
Following your steam and mask, youâve already treated your skin to exactly what it needs; but thereâs still more you can do to get the most out of the process. If youâre hitting the sheets, choose an Eminence Organic Skin Careserum that best suits your needs. If youâre steaming earlier in the day while the sun is still out (even if itâs cloudy), apply a moisturizing SPF like Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40 or Radiant Protection SPF Fluid to get the added benefits of bakuchiol and niacinamide.
Does Facial Steaming Work For Everyone?Â
While this relaxing ritual has many benefits, certain skin conditions donât mesh well with hot steam. Dr. Robinson says: âHeat and steam are known triggers for many dermatologic conditions, such as rosacea, melasma and eczema.â Since heat can provoke inflammation, anyone whoâs prone to skin conditions that involve inflammation should stay away from at-home steaming practices.Â
Facial Steaming Safety Guide
Water can cause a burn in 5 seconds or less at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the American Burn Association â thatâs about 70 degrees below waterâs boiling point of 212 degrees Fahrenheit. That means youâll have to be extra careful if youâre steaming your face at home. Make sure to have everything you need within armâs reach and perform the ritual without distractions. Consider starting with your face further than the recommended 10 inches and then lowering it as your get more comfortable. Spend those 8 â10 minutes deep breathing or meditating for an extra boost of relaxation. Before starting new skin care techniques, we recommend consulting a skin care professional for safety tips and determining what works best for your skin.
Don’t forget to follow up your at-home skin care rituals with regular trips to the spa for professional care. Visit your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner to find out more.
A private mezcal bar forms the heart of this house that Amsterdam interior architecture firm Barde vanVoltt has overhauled in Mexico City‘s La Condesa neighbourhood.
Working for longstanding Dutch clients who live in Mexico, Barde vanVoltt transformed a historic, dilapidated building into a contemporary residence that respects the heritage of the existing structure.
The building’s former life as a mezcal tasting venue influenced Barte vanVoltt to create a bar in its central courtyard
The three-storey house had previously been used as a mezcal tasting venue, and the duo used this as a starting point for the design.
Arched openings create routes through the home, passing through the open kitchen, living and dining space
A primary aim of the renovation was to create a “vibrant oasis in the city” with a better connection to the outdoors.
This was achieved by connecting a series of courtyards, terraces and semi-enclosed corridors to form a route and airflow through the building.
An earthy colour palette was chosen for the minimalist interiors to create a relaxing aura
“We worked together with Thalia from Aldaba Jardines, a talented landscape designer, to create a seamless flow from the indoors to the outdoors and back again,” said the studio..
In the central courtyard, Barde vanVoltt removed the roof from the double-height space and replaced it with operable glass panels to let in more light.
Multiple openings onto courtyard spaces encourage indoor-outdoor living
The designers turned this space into a mezcal bar as a nod to the building’s former life that the owners could use for entertaining friends and family.
Backed by a semicircular brass panel, upon which shelves for liquor bottles are mounted, the rounded bar counter is wrapped in narrow terracotta tiles.
The back courtyard is used as an outdoor lounge and features planting up the grey plaster walls
A five-metre-tall guayabo tree was also planted in the courtyard, casting shadows across the surrounding walls.
Open archways lead from this central space into various rooms including the kitchen and living area, which features dark cabinetry, open shelving, and a large bespoke wooden dining table.
Floors for the stairs, bathroom and outdoor areas are tiled with handmade bricks by Tata Mosaicos
Beyond a row of French doors is the back courtyard that forms an outdoor lounge, and an annex that accommodates a home office on the upper level.
To retain some of the original character, the architects recreated the cast iron, Art Deco windows and Spanish-style railings. and extended them to the back of the house.
The neutral-toned decor continues in the three bedrooms on the first floor
The overall layout of spaces was kept largely the same, aside from a few walls that were removed to combine or create bigger rooms.
For example, the primary bedroom and bathroom now flow together as one space, divided only by a partition of angled bricks that forms a backdrop to the freestanding bathtub.
The primary bedroom and bathroom were combined into one space, with only a partition of angled bricks dividing them
“We included the bathroom into the space to create a home sanctuary to rest and refresh,” said Barde vanVoltt.
Two further bedrooms are located on the first floor, the other side of the central courtyard void at the front of the house.
A series of semi-enclosed loggias connect the first-floor rooms
The roof terrace features a plunge pool, an outdoor shower, a row of loungers and built-in seats, all accessed via a spiral staircase from the loggia outside the main bedroom.
The building’s exterior is covered in greige-coloured plaster, as a nod to Mexico’s prevalent concrete architecture, while warmer earth tones decorate the minimalist interiors.
Moss green sofa covers and bed linens visually tie to the plants outside, and wood, terracotta and off-white hues complement one another.
“We love the natural feel these colours have together,” said the designers. “According to colour psychology, nature-inspired hues are the best for interiors as they soothe and invigorate.”
The building’s original cast iron handrails were recreated and extended to the back of the property
Floors for the stairs, bathroom and outdoor areas are tiled with handmade bricks by Tata Mosaicos, made from compacted earth sourced from different regions throughout Mexico.
“This unique structure means they need 50 per cent less cement, using the sun and shade to dry naturally and secure the structure,” Barde vanVoltt said. “An environmentally friendly solution, sourced locally.”
Custom lighting and Mexican objects, textiles, sculptures and other wall art are also found throughout the residence.
The terrace also has multiple seating areas so that the family and their friends can gather outside
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