Glossy walls, ruched curtains and oversized flower-shaped cushions characterise this eclectic 1970s-style Paris apartment, designed and owned by Uchronia founder Julien Sebban.
Called Univers Uchronia, the apartment is in the city’s 18th arrondissement, close to the Uchronia office – a Parisian architecture and interiors studio known for its bold application of shape, colour and reflective surfaces.
Julien Sebban designed Univers Uchronia as his home
Sebban designed the dwelling as his home, which he shares with his husband and Maison Royère artistic director Jonathan Wray.
The Uchronia founder created the apartment as an extension of his studio – “it’s truly a manifesto of our universe,” he told Dezeen.
Colourful interiors anchor the apartment
Sebban worked with local studio Atelier Roma to create all the walls and ceilings, which are either lacquered and glossy or made of matte pigmented concrete, respectively reflecting or absorbing light throughout the day.
Finished in hues ranging from cloud-like pale blue to lemony yellow, the walls and ceilings complement the poured-in-place resin floor that spans the apartment and features a bold motif that “waves and moves in relation to the architecture”.
A metallic island features in the open-plan kitchen
The home is anchored by a predominantly pink living space, which includes Uchronia-designed pieces such as low-slung interlocking coffee tables made from walnut burl and orange resin.
Translucent and gathered pink curtains were paired with a geometric vintage bookshelf and a blocky but soft sofa finished in purple and orange.
A bespoke onyx dining table was created for the home
“The apartment is very colourful with ’60s and ’70s inspirations and a mix of our contemporary pieces and vintage objects,” said Sebban.
In the open-plan kitchen and dining room, a veiny Van Gogh onyx table was positioned next to a metallic kitchen island, illuminated by a blobby seaweed-shaped table lamp.
Ornamental jellyfish decorate the home office
A portion of the otherwise orange wall was clad with tiny, mirrored tiles. Reflected in the gleaming ceiling, the tiles have the same effect as a shimmering disco ball.
Opposite the dining area is Sebban and Wray’s home office, characterised by a bright orange, built-in day bed topped with silk flower-like cushions and a wave-shaped backrest.
The dwelling’s bathrooms follow a similar design
Above the bed, ornamental jellyfish were suspended like planets against a constellation of gold stars, which decorate the ombre orange and yellow wall that nods to the colour-drenched interior of the city’s Cafe Nuances – also designed by Uchronia.
The dwelling’s bathrooms follow a similar design. Accents include dusty pink alcoves and ceramic tiles depicting underwater scenes, as well as a lily pad-shaped rug and a mirror resembling a cluster of clouds.
“The apartment defines the codes we have tried to develop at Uchronia over the last four years,” concluded Sebban.
“It’s a play on colours, textures and materials, and a love letter to French craft.”
Univers Uchronia is “a love letter to French craft”
Uchronia was named emerging interior designer of the year at the Dezeen Awards 2023. The studio previously renovated a Haussmann-era apartment for a pair of jewellery designers with multifaceted furniture pieces created to mirror the appearance of precious stones.
Various architects have designed their own homes, such as John Pawson, who created this minimalist second home in the Cotswolds in the UK.
A Manhattan judge on Wednesday rejected a “presidential immunity” bid by Donald Trump, saying the effort was too little and too late.
Trump had sought to delay his hush money trial and to keep jurors from seeing statements he made while president about the apparent $130,000 payment that silenced porn actor Stormy Daniels just 11 days before the 2016 election.
The GOP frontrunner had hoped to delay the hush money trial start date until after the US Supreme Court decides on whether presidential immunity protects him in his federal election interference case; oral arguments in that case are set for April 25.
But Trump failed to explain why he waited until early last month to raise presidential immunity in a pre-trial motion in his hush money case, according to Wednesday’s ruling by state Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan.
State law generally requires such motions be filed within 45 days after arraignment, Merchan noted, calling Trump’s excuses for the late motion “inadequate and not convincing.”
Trump had blamed the timing of his motion on prosecutors, and on the US Supreme Court’s February 28 decision to hear his federal presidential immunity claims.
Even so, Trump has been on notice for months that the hush-money case prosecutors intended to use statements he made while president, Merchan wrote.
“The Defendant had ample notice that the People were in possession of, and intended to use, the various statements allegedly made by Defendant on social media, in public, and in various interviews,” Merchan wrote.
“He was also well aware that the defense of presidential immunity, even if unsuccessful, might be available to him,” the judge wrote.
“This Court finds that Defendant had myriad opportunities to raise the claim of presidential immunity well before March 7, 2024,” when Trump’s lawyers raised the matter, the judge wrote.
“Defendant’s motion is DENIED in its entirety as untimely,” the judge’s ruling concluded.
“The Court declines to consider whether the doctrine of presidential immunity precludes the introduction of evidence of purported official presidential acts in a criminal proceeding,” the ruling said.
Trump had specifically sought to preclude jurors from hearing about what prosecutors are calling his “pressure campaign” to keep his personal attorney at the time, Michael Cohen, from cooperating with a federal probe of the payments.
A tweet Donald Trump had hoped to exclude from his hush money trial on grounds of “presidential immunity.”
Business Insider
Tweets Donald Trump hoped to exclude from his hush money trial on grounds of “presidential immunity.”
Business Insider
The defense had also claimed Trump was acting in his role as president on April 5, 2018, when he denied knowing about the hush-money payment while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One.
“Then why did Michael Cohen make those if there was no truth to her allegations?” a reporter asked.
“Well, you’ll have to ask Michael Cohen. Michael is my attorney,” Trump said.
When asked if he knew where Michael Cohen got the money to make that payment, Trump responded, “No, I don’t know.”
Trump was acting “in his official capacity as the nation’s chief executive,” when he made the statements, Trump attorneys Susan Necheles and Todd Blanche had argued.
“Therefore, President Trump respectfully submits that an adjournment of the trial is appropriate to await further guidance from the Supreme Court, which should facilitate the appropriate application of the presidential immunity doctrine in this case to the evidence the People intend to offer at trial,” their filing said.
The hush money trial remains on track for jury selection on April 15.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg alleges that Trump falsified 34 business documents in order to disguise the payment to Daniels as legal expenses. The falsifications violated campaign finance regulations and tax laws, Bragg has alleged.
Trump has pleaded not guilty and says the allegations are part of a politically-motivated “witch hunt.” He has also denied that he had a sexual relationship with Daniels.
Trump has one last hush-money delay card up his sleeve. Merchan has yet to rule on defense arguments that Trump cannot get a fair trial in Manhattan anytime in April due to “prejudicial pre-trial publicity.
While acne breakouts on the face tend to steal the spotlight, there’s a good chance that if you’ve experienced acne on your face, pimples have also popped up south of your chin. Here’s a breakdown of what causes body blemishes, how they can differ from facial acne and some effective strategies for treating them.
Body acne is acne that occurs on parts of the body other than the face, such as the back, neck, chest, shoulders, arms or any other area where pimples can emerge. These breakouts are classified similarly to acne on your face. They are often accompanied by oily skin, scarring and blackheads. While body acne can appear anywhere (aside from oil-free zones on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet), it tends to show up most commonly on the back, chest and shoulders where there is a higher density of hair follicles and oil-and-sweat-producing glands. To make matters worse, the pores and hair follicles on your body are much larger than those found on your face and the skin on your back is extremely thick. These factors heighten the potential for dirt and oil to become trapped, block pores and cause breakouts.
How To Improve The Appearance Of Back, Shoulder & Chest Acne
Eminence Organics Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar tells us that the primary causes of body and facial acne are in sync: “Body acne is caused by the same factors as facial acne – bacteria, overactive oil glands and excess dead skin cells.” As with facial acne, oil and dead skin cells block a pore, mix with acne-causing bacteria and trigger an immune response that presents as pimples, blackheads, redness, cysts or a combination of these. There are a few additional factors that contribute to breakouts on your back, chest and shoulders. These include:
1. Shampoo & Conditioner
Believe it or not, keeping clean can actually contribute to body acne. As you rinse shampoo and conditioner from your scalp, the oils and other ingredients from your hair products can run down your back and clog pores. And the location of body breakouts doesn’t help. Unless you’re an expert contortionist, it’s likely that you’re missing patches of hair product during your daily scrub. A few tips to keep in mind:
Rinse shampoo and conditioner off to the side
Wash your body after your hair care ritual to make sure you catch any lingering residue
Use a clean body brush to access hard-to-reach spots
Dry the area thoroughly with a clean towel after your shower
2. Sweaty & Tight-fitting Workout Wear
One of the most common contributors to body acne is sweaty, tight-fitting clothing. While they can be great for the gym, clingy fabrics trap sweat and bacteria on the skin, which can lead to clogged pores and body breakouts. Natalie adds: “When acne affects the body, it’s also good to note that the rubbing of clothing and sports equipment can add to irritation due to the extra heat and sweat.” The best way to tackle this trigger: Opt for loose-fitting workout wear when possible and remove it (and hit the showers) immediately after you hit the gym.
3. Dirty Shower Accessories
Dirty shower accessories can quickly undo the good done by your daily cleanse. Wet loofahs, damp towels and moist bath brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria which can compromise clear skin. You should always allow time between uses for your tools to dry, use a clean face towel each time and if you’re using a loofah, you’ll need to replace it every three weeks. Better yet, if you like manual exfoliation, ditch the loofah altogether and use one of our body scrubs.
How To Treat Back, Shoulder & Chest Acne
Body breakouts may be caused by the same triggers as problem skin on the face, but they can be more challenging to improve. Because hair follicles and pores are spaced further apart, the skin tends to be tougher in these areas, making it difficult for topical products to penetrate the skin and work as quickly as they do for problem skin on the face.
Below, we’ve gathered the best ways you can adjust your body care routine to battle the look of breakouts on your back, shoulders, chest and beyond. Before you dive in, you can also watch this video from Natalie on how to reduce the look of problem skin in these areas:
1. Avoid Creamy Body Wash
The skin on your back has more sweat and oil gland activity than elsewhere on the body, but it also happens to be the area that is least thoroughly cleansed. Due to the difficulty in reaching inaccessible spots like the skin between your shoulder blades, oil, dead skin, sweat and dirt easily build up and clog pores. For starters, Natalie advises avoiding ultra-creamy body washes and choosing treatments that contain potent ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid (an AHA that dissolves dead skin cells to prevent spots) or lactic acid (a gentle AHA that helps smooth skin and prevent pimples). Cleansers designed to treat acne on the face are safe and effective on the chest, back and arms. Try the Acne Advanced Cleansing Foam or the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser. If you have sensitive skin, try the Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser as it gives you a gentler approach to cleansing. GQ also recommends using a long-handled cleansing sponge or body brush to help reach every nook and cranny.
Cleansers designed to help the appearance of breakouts on the face are safe and effective on the chest, back and arms. Try the Acne Advanced Cleansing Foam or the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser. If you have sensitive skin, try the Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser as it gives you a gentler approach to cleansing. GQ also recommends using a long-handled cleansing sponge or body brush to help reach every nook and cranny.
2. Moisturize — Lightly
While it may seem counterintuitive to add moisture to already oily and acne-prone skin, it’s a skin care step you can’t skip — even when dealing with body acne. It’s counterintuitive, but less moisture can cause the skin to produce more pore-clogging sebum in an effort to stay lubricated. Keeping your skin’s moisture barrier intact is essential to lock in hydration as well as protect your pores from bacteria and other acne-causing irritants. Yet, not all moisturizers are made equal. Like your body wash, you’ll want to steer clear of rich creams designed for dry skin and, instead, choose a lightweight lotion that will keep your skin hydrated and its oil balance in check. Natalie recommends the Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer to clear the appearance of problem skin, while minimizing the look of clogged pores.
3. Spot Treat Blemishes
The same spot treatments you apply to your face can be used for your back, chest and shoulders. Experts agree that products that contain acne-fighting salicylic acid are your best bet against body blemishes; this superstar ingredient not only clears clogged pores but also helps prevent breakouts from recurring. With regular use, it has the power to keep skin clear and breakout-free for good. Plus: Unlike benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid is extremely gentle and will not bleach fabric. When choosing the right spot treatment, we recommend reaching for products with a light but creamy consistency that can be easily spread across your back, chest and shoulders.
For spot treatments, you should try the Charcoal & Black Seed Clay Masque to draw out impurities and leave the skin feeling refreshed. In addition, the Acne Advanced Clarifying Masque is a two-in-one mask that uses potent ingredients to help reduce the look of current blemishes and prevent the appearance of future breakouts. Another great option to help the look of your blemishes is the Clear Skin Probiotic Masque.
One customer, Megan, says of the mask: “I couldn’t believe how much better my skin looked after just using 2 or 3 times. I’m obsessed. I have oily, combo skin and it helps hydrate as well as reduce the redness. My skin also feels so soft after. It certainly feels like a spa treatment. Couldn’t be happier with my purchase.”
4. Fade Dark Marks
The skin on your back, being more resilient and having a slower cell turnover than facial skin, tends to heal more slowly. This slower healing process heightens the risk of scarring from body acne and prolongs the fading of dark spots. The tendency of back skin to heal slowly and be more prone to scarring makes it especially important not to pick, squeeze or scratch at spots. If you do give in to the urge, counteract the effects by promptly applying a serum like the Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster-Serum. This serum helps the skin appear brighter and balances the look of congestion in the pores.
5. Schedule A Back Facial
Acne facials aren’t just for the face. In fact, many spas and salons now offer back facials to specifically target the hard-to-reach spots you can’t tackle at home. Not only do these professional treatments clean your skin at a deeper level, but they also include professional-strength exfoliation and extractions to encourage skin cell turnover and clear clogged pores.
If you’re concerned about back acne, watch Natalie in this In The Mix video explaining how to help the look of “backne.”
Keen to learn more about body acne? Visit our spa locator and find out more at your nearest authorized Eminence Organics Spa Partner.
Interviews by Shirin Mehta. Photographs by Angus Guite. Styling by Shweta Navandar. Art direction by Asad Sheikh. Model: Milonee Madiyar. Make-up by Laila Dalal at Inega. Hair by Daksh Nidhi at The Artists Project. Fashion assistant: Samidha Jain.
1. Blue peplum dress, from Rajesh Pratap Singh; white shirt, from Quod; brocade koti jacket, from Nikyta; vintage gold earrings (used as brooches), from Beg Borrow Steal Studio; printed socks, from Theater; footwear, from Melissa. 2. Velvet bandhgala, from Rajesh Pratap Singh; dress reworked as headgear by Raw Mango.
“The cut of the jacket has been inspired by Yohji Yamamoto. It presents a blend of elegance and playfulness with its uneven panels and reversible character. The slits, where the panels are, allow for a sari to effortlessly blend and play hide-and-seek with it…. There are a multitude of ways to style it.”
-Nikyta Dhiman of Nikyta
Black-and-white striped jacket, from Ka-Sha; hand-painted woollen felt dress, from Ashish Karmali; white trousers, from Chola by Sohaya Misra; black pumps, from Christian Louboutin.
“The jacket is free size which allows our Indian consumers to layer it in interesting ways with multiple pieces, Western or Indian…. Following the pandemic, people have become more mindful of what they buy. They want to invest in pieces that are multifunctional. The construction of our overlays has a lot of wear which gives them a longer life cycle.”
-Karishma Shahani-Khan of Ka-Sha
1. Crochet tops and pants, from Hook; choga chintz-printed jacket, from Torani; naturally dyed socks, from Kokun. 2. Quilted kimono jacket, from SWGT; buttoned overlay, from Button Masala; mesh skirt, from Shia Rai; off-white platform shoes, from Aroka.
“Jackets have always had a core place within the Indian subculture of fashion. I remember my school teachers wearing woollen trenches over their saris during school assemblies in Delhi winters…. However the experiential designs and sheer variety have made it go far beyond utility and it has transitioned into luxury.”
-Karan Torani of Torani
Velvet bandhgala, from Rajesh Pratap Singh; handwoven metallic silk scarf, from Vaishali S Couture; handwoven structured silk dress in stripes (worn as skirt), from Raw Mango.
“The jacket is our go-to garment…it is a part of our design vocabulary… And as with everything else, with the new found confidence in our culture, this jacket represents us perfectly.”
-Rajesh Pratap Singh of Rajesh Pratap Singh
1. Peplum silk handwoven jacket, handwoven scarf, both from Vaishali S Couture; metallic skirt, from Rajesh Pratap Singh; leather boots, from Christian Louboutin. 2. Black dress, black underskirt, both from Quod; metallic sherwani jacket, from Rajesh Pratap Singh; black metallic stockings, from Theater; hand stack, from Foundree Jewelry.
“The current surge in the popularity of the jacket can be attributed to its versatility and ability to cater to diverse fashion preferences. Designers and consumers alike appreciate the jacket’s ability to seamlessly blend different cultural elements, making it a symbol of global fashion. Additionally, the rise of social media and the fashion-conscious consumer has contributed to the visibility and desirability of the jacket, further fuelling its popularity on the contemporary fashion scene.”
–Shweta Gupta of SWGT
1. Ceramic earring, from Foundree Jewelry; black pumps, from Christian Louboutin.
“The jacket has always been there in many forms in the history of Indian fashion. But I would say that in my collection, it is about giving Indian handmade weaves a global language and wearability, especially if we think about the materials that I use. My last collection was the result of who I think about while creating — a woman anchored in traditions but not caged in by them, a woman who wants to interpret traditions in her own way, with freedom. While I am very emotionally close to my khun jackets, I just loved the outcome of the experimentation with metal handmade weaves used for jackets in the last collection.”
Dogs are known for putting anything in their mouths, including art supplies. This happens especially when they are puppies because they use their mouths to explore their environment. If your dog ate a crayon, there’s usually no need to worry, as crayons are not toxic to pets. That said, in some rare cases, swallowed crayons can lead to stomach upset, obstruction, or choking.
Should I Worry If My Dog Eats a Crayon?
Crayons are made of paraffin wax and pigment and are considered non-toxic. After all, the companies that make crayons make them for children, and just like dogs, kids like to put everything they touch in their mouths.
So, if your dog eats a crayon, it most often will come out the other side nearly unchanged. Sometimes, though, dogs can get an upset digestive system. Other problems that can occur rarely are choking/suffocation if the crayon gets stuck in your dog’s throat or obstruction of the digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, or intestine), especially if you have a small dog that eats a large piece of crayon or several crayons.
Image Credit: NASDAQ chives, Shutterstock
What to Watch For If Your Dog Eats a Crayon
Crayons are not toxic to dogs and can pass through their digestive system unchanged. Large dogs will usually have no problems if they eat a crayon. However, small and toy dogs may experience some digestive issues.
1. Clinical Signs of an Upset Stomach
Even if crayons are not considered toxic to dogs, they can still cause an upset stomach. Clinical signs may include:
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Drooling
Diarrhea or lack of bowel movement
Lack of appetite
Gas
Lethargy
If these clinical signs occur after your dog ate a crayon, a visit to the vet is essential.
Image Credit: A-photographyy, Shutterstock
2. Clinical Signs of an Obstruction
If your dog ingests multiple crayons, they can get stuck in the esophagus, stomach, or intestine, causing an obstruction. Unfortunately, obstruction of the digestive tract is a condition that can put your dog’s life in danger, so you must act fast. In general, surgery is needed to remove the obstruction for your dog to be saved. The clinical signs may include:
Vomiting (repetitively)
Diarrhea (possibly bloody)
Weakness
Bloating
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Dehydration
Whining
Hunching
If these clinical signs occur or they persist or worsen, contact the veterinarian immediately for an evaluation.
3. Clinical Signs of Choking
In other cases, the crayons don’t even reach your dog’s stomach because they get stuck in the throat, possibly causing suffocation. Clinical signs may include:
Pawing at the mouth
Difficulty breathing
Distress
Drooling
Coughing
Gagging
Retching
Blue gums (cyanosis)
Panic
Panting
Dog lying down or sitting in unusual positions
This is considered a medical emergency and you must act immediately.
Image By: Mary Swift, Shutterstock
Here is what you can do:
Gently open your dog’s mouth, and try to dislodge the crayon(s) with your fingers or hand (if they are visible). Be careful not to hurt yourself.
If step one does not work or the crayons are not visible, get to a vet immediately.
What You Should Do If Your Dog Ate a Crayon
If you see your dog with a crayon in their mouth, remove it as soon as possible, and prevent them from consuming more. The more crayons they ingest, the more severe the effects will be on your pet. If you have seen or suspect that your dog has already eaten a crayon (or several), here is what you can do:
Do not induce vomiting at home. Always talk to your vet when your dog swallows a foreign body, including a crayon (even if it’s not toxic). In some cases, it may not be necessary to do this. In addition, inducing vomiting can be harmful to your dog.
Monitor your dog. Watch your dog’s behavior and the clinical signs that may appear after they swallow a crayon. If they stop eating, vomit, or have diarrhea, contact the vet. You should also monitor your dog’s bowel movements to see if they pass the crayons in their stool. If your dog does not have a bowel movement, contact the veterinarian because it is possible that the crayons got stuck somewhere in the digestive tract.
Contact the veterinarian. Contact the veterinarian even if your dog seems fine. They can tell you exactly what to do depending on your pet’s breed and weight and how many crayons they have ingested. If your dog has eaten several crayons, contact the vet immediately because they can get stuck in the esophagus, stomach, or intestine and put your pet’s life in danger.
How to Prevent Your Dog From Eating Crayons
Even if the chances of your dog getting sick from eating crayons are small, you must take certain measures to prevent this behavior in the future. After all, even if crayons are not considered dangerous for dogs, there is a possibility that your dog may consume something else that could harm them next time.
Therefore, here’s what you can do:
Keep your pet away from your kids’ rooms, especially if your kids don’t clean up (yet) after themselves. Keep your dog away from the trash bin, garage, or any other place that presents a potential risk.
Give your dog chew toys or chew treats, especially if you have a puppy that is teething. These items can also help your dog with boredom, which is why they usually chew and eat things that they aren’t supposed to.
Contact a vet or animal behaviorist who can help you with your dog’s chewing problem.
Image By: AlyssaRich, Shutterstock
Conclusion
Swallowing a crayon should not cause concern because in most cases, nothing bad will happen, and there is no need for treatment or veterinary intervention. However, in rare cases, some dogs (especially small ones) can suffer from digestive problems (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain).
In severe cases, such as when your dog swallows several crayons, there may be a risk of esophageal, stomach, or intestinal blockage. Blockage of the digestive system is considered a medical emergency because it can put the pet’s life in danger. Moreover, there are cases in which crayons do not reach the stomach because they get stuck in the throat, which can lead to suffocation. In this case, you must intervene immediately to remove the crayons from your dog’s throat.
An expanded hush-money gag bars attacks on the judge’s daughter, a Democratic campaign consultant.
On Tuesday, Trump found a way around the gag, attacking the daughter in a legal filing instead.
She is “making money” through “campaign advocacy for President Trump’s opponent,” the filing says.
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Donald Trump has found a work-around for a newly-expanded gag order that bars him from attacking the Democratic campaign-consultant daughter of his hush-money judge: attacking the daughter through legal filings instead.
Trump himself has refrained from attacking Loren Merchan, daughter of New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, at least since the judge expanded the gag order on Monday night.
But by Tuesday night, Trump’s lawyers took up the attack.
In a new filing, they demanded that the judge recuse himself from the case, which is scheduled to begin jury selection in Manhattan on April 15.
Their proposed reason for recusal? Loren Merchan’s work on behalf of such A-list Democrats as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris creates a conflict of interest for her father the judge, the defense argued.
The daughter, through her left-leaning political consultancy, Authentic Campaigns, is “making money” off of Trump’s legal travails — and her father the judge, they argued, is somehow complicit.
“Authentic has received millions of dollars in disbursements from entities associated with President Trump’s political rivals since the Indictment was returned,” read Tuesday night’s letter to judge, signed by defense attorneys Susan Necheles and Todd Blanche.
“Some of those funds were paid to Authentic by entities associated with legislators and PACs that have used email and/or social media to solicit contributions specifically based on this case,” the letter continued.
“Thus, there is strong evidence that Authentic has used this case to make money,” the letter argued.
“There is an unacceptable risk that the Court’s family relationships will influence judicial conduct,” the letter concludes.
The letter requests Merchan’s permission to expand on their recusal request by filing “a motion in support of these arguments that includes briefing and evidence on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.”
Loren Merchan has not responded to repeated requests for comment. Manhattan prosecutors did not immediately respond to the recusal request, but have called Trump’s attacks on the judge’s family members “dangerous” and “reprehensible.”
Prosecutors argued Monday that Trump’s personal attacks on people related to the case “threatens the integrity of these proceedings and is intended to intimidate witnesses and trial participants alike — including this Court,” meaning the judge.
The judge did not immediately rule on Tuesday’s request, but he has rejected all defense claims that his daughter’s consultant work presents a conflict of interest.
Since the technology of our time has become a part of our everyday lives, the mission to identify a pair of Bluetooth earbuds that combine quality and affordability is no less than discovering something that was lost for many years. This quest often leads us through many choices. Still, today, we narrow our focus on a brand making waves for the right reasons: the Phiaton BonoBuds series, including BonoBuds Lite, BonoBuds, and BonoBuds Plus. These models represent how new tech can be brought within reach of every consumer at a decent price.
The Quest for Affordable Excellence: BonoBuds Series
Phiaton, a brand known for its values of quality and affordability, has developed the BonoBuds line, a collection of three models expected to serve different populations. Our lineup of BonoBuds – the BonoBuds Lite, BonoBuds, and BonoBuds Plus – is designed to balance quality and affordability. Each model boasts a handpicked set of features that aim to elevate your listening experience at a lower cost than what is customary for high-end earbuds.
BonoBuds Lite: The Entry-level Power horse
TheBonoBuds Lite is the gateway to enter the universe of the aural wonders of Phiaton. Designed for the quality-conscious consumer who shuns taking chances on quality, these earbuds offer crystal-clear stereo sound and Bluetooth connectivity, which is as reliable. The BonoBuds Lite clarifies that affordability can include more than sacrificing performance or good quality. The earbuds boast impressive battery life and a comfortable design, making them ideal for wearing daily while commuting, working out, or just unwinding with your favorite music.
BonoBuds: The Middle Ground Marvel
Going a step higher than the Lite version, the BonoBuds is the mid-level offering in the series. The BonoBuds are not your high-end headphones, but they do the job. This Lite version laid the groundwork for these earbuds, offering more sophisticated audio quality with clearer highs and deeper bass levels. TheBonoBuds features advanced noise isolation, presenting a perfect choice for people deeply into good audio without any disturbances from the outside world. Moreover, both of these models, the BonoBuds included, have a sophisticated design and touch controls that combine functionality and style.
BonoBuds Plus: The Best in the Class Without a Hefty Price Tag
At the top of the BonoBuds range is the BonoBuds Plus, which targets the existing market belief that only premium prices are meant to be charged for premium features. These earbuds come with an ultra-modern noise cancellation feature, which helps to take users in the audio experience and, hence, prevents interruption from the external environment. The BonoBuds Plus is a wireless earphone with a fast charging option, extended battery life, and customizable sound profiles, enabling it to cater to different musical genres and listening environments. These high-end features are, however, less expensive than their features, making them an ideal choice for audiophiles on a budget.
The Verdict: High Quality Yet Cheap
The Phiaton BonoBuds series proves that one can always enjoy the true sound without spending a fortune. Each of them is unique, from the BonoBudsLite to the BonoBudsPlus, providing incredibly cheap prices. Provided they are casual listeners or dedicated audiophiles, the BonoBuds series has something that can give them a good service.
Why Choose BonoBuds?
Buying the BonoBuds line is choosing between high quality, low price, and unparalleled fashion. These earbuds provide excellent audio quality and ensure a comfortable fit, great battery, and a robust setup of features that help enhance the listening experience. BonoBuds Lite by BonoBuds is perfect for everyone who wants to enjoy high-quality music.
Conclusion
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People keep dogs for all sorts of reasons, from companionship to having a work partner or an excuse to get them out of the house more often. Dogs have also been kept as guardians for livestock and humans for centuries, and many people still keep dogs for protection today.
The belief that all dogs will protect their owners is a bit of a myth, though. Many people believe that their dog will rush to their rescue whenever they need it, only for said loyal pup to turn tail and hide instead. This doesn’t mean that your dog doesn’t love you or that a protective dog won’t defend you to the best of their ability. It all comes down to the dog’s breed, temperament and their training.
To clear up the confusion, we explore the reasons that some dogs protect their owners and others don’t. We also examine common ways that dogs try to protect you even if they do run away or attempt to make friends with your attacker.
Do Dogs Protect Their Owners?
The question of whether dogs will protect their owners is one that’s asked frequently and many people assume that the answer is always, “Yes, absolutely!” In practice, however, this is rarely the case. Most dogs won’t protect you at all if you’re attacked. This can be due to many reasons.
Breed
Perhaps the biggest factor in whether your dog will protect you if necessary is their breed. While all dogs have a natural protective instinct, some breeds were developed with a stronger guard-dog temperament than others. Well-known guardians include livestock guardians like the Anatolian Shepherd Dog or ancient war dogs like the Cane Corso.
That said, having a guardian breed doesn’t necessarily mean these dogs will protect you. There are plenty of other factors to consider too.
Image Credit: Hoika Mikhail, Shutterstock
Temperament
Although breed plays a huge part in the reason that some dogs are more likely to protect you than others, you also have to consider the temperament of the dog as an individual. For example, German Shepherds might be well known for being excellent police dogs, but not all of them make it through K9 training. It’s similar to how not all Labrador Retrievers have the focus and dedication to make good guide dogs.
They’re still good dogs even if they don’t meet the standards required for police work or other jobs. They simply don’t have the right temperament for a job that someone wants them to do. Your protective German Shepherd might be terrified of loud bangs or not have the confidence that makes them an excellent guard dog.
While you can train a dog to protect you if they don’t already have that spark, they’ll struggle to excel as much as another dog would.
Image Credit: Gajus, Shutterstock
Training
Something you do have to remember about dogs is that from a very young age, they learn that humans are good. They might be wary around strangers or aggressive toward everything that they’re unfamiliar with, but with proper socialization and obedience training, people are seen as good things. Most of all, they’re a source of food and ear scratches.
This is partly what makes small dogs more likely to snap at threats than large breeds. Large dogs are more likely to be taught good manners and to be gentle when they’re puppies because they quickly get bigger, stronger, and harder to control. Small breeds stay small and cute, and their aggressive behavior isn’t seen as a problem by most owners until it already is one.
Unfortunately, your dog’s good behavior often leaves them confused about how they’re supposed to protect you. If they’ve been taught not to bite, bark, or jump up at people, they won’t know how to protect you. However, you can train dogs to protect you on command. This gives them a direction to follow that will tell them when and where their protectiveness needs to come into action and when to back off.
Image Credit: Jumpstory
How Do Dogs Protect Their Owners?
Most dogs might be inclined to run the other way or sit and watch when someone attacks you, but many of them still protect you. They might not be the dramatic, snarling, and biting heroes that you imagine them to be, but they can and do protect you in their own way.
Presence
The fact that there are so many misconceptions about dogs shows that they can be effective in protecting you from attackers. Perhaps not in the way that you imagined them to be, but their presence can be a deterrent alone.
Take a breed like the Great Dane, for example. Their size is intimidating, even to people who are familiar with dogs. Even if you didn’t know that they once hunted wild boars and are dedicated home guardians, they are likely to scare away an attacker simply by bounding up to them and barking.
That said, if you’re attacked by someone who knows that Great Danes are massive softies, their presence won’t be much of a deterrent at all. A kind word, a treat, and ear scratches are often more than enough to make a new friend. This is why training your massive guard dog to use their instinctive protectiveness can help.
Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock
Watchdogs
Dogs are equipped with impressive senses that help alert them to trouble. Their nose, ears, and eyes all work together to observe their surroundings and keep them safe. Your Basset Hound might become best friends with a burglar, but they also won’t be quiet when said burglar walks up to your back door.
In many cases, a dog’s bark might be worse than their bite, but it can also be a good deterrent. If your dog isn’t known for making excessive noise all the time, the more noise they make when they need to, the more attention they’ll draw. For an attacker who wants to make a quick stop and an easy getaway, attention is the last thing that they’ll want.
Don’t rely on this alone, though. Unless you train your dog specifically to react to certain triggers, it’s difficult to say what sets them off. It’s also easy to quiet them down. After all, few dogs will say “no” to a handful of treats or a juicy bone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can You Protect Yourself From Attackers?
Hopefully, you and your dog will never experience a situation where you’ll need them to protect you. There are a few ways that you can defend yourself and your dog without relying solely on them to protect you. Here are a few quick tips:
Invest in guard dog training.
Stay alert, and avoid dangerous situations or walking routes.
What’s the Difference Between Protection and Aggression?
Many people don’t realize that there’s a big difference between protective behavior and aggression. This is often why a dog owner will let their tiny Chihuahua “guard” their lap by snapping at anyone who comes close—the tiny dog’s overprotectiveness is adorable.
Unfortunately, this behavior often isn’t a response to an actual threat to you; it’s your dog’s response to their jealousy or possessiveness toward you. It can also escalate until your dog is reacting to everything with snarls, bites, or other unwanted behavior.
When your dog reacts aggressively to everything, even when it’s not a threat, they’re not being protective, they’re just reacting. Aggression is a common problem in dogs and needs to be corrected through training and socialization.
Conversely, protectiveness is an instinctive behavior that all dogs have, especially the breeds that are bred for guarding. Most of the time, it isn’t a bad thing either; it’s just your dog being loyal, observant, and dependable. Dogs will also react to your emotional response to situations.
Protectiveness can lead to aggression in certain cases, but with the right training, you can teach them to assess the situation and decide whether there’s a threat before they overreact. Protective dogs will also back down and relax as soon as they realize that there isn’t a threat. This can be after they’ve assured themselves that everything is safe or with a command from you.
Conclusion
Despite popular belief, many dogs won’t protect you if you’re attacked, and these can include breeds that are known to be naturally protective. In many cases, dogs that protect their owners are trained to do so and will respond to a command that tells them to act in a certain way. It’s rare for a dog to protect their owner instinctively, and many are happy to make friends with your attackers.
Even if your dog is a well-known guard dog breed, don’t rely on them to protect you. Invest in guard dog training, but also take steps to protect yourself by carrying pepper spray, learning basic self-defense, or walking with a friend.
Architecture office Destudio has remodelled an apartment in Valencia for a couple of empty nesters, swapping the positions of the living and sleeping areas so they perform better for the owners’ lifestyles.
The clients, who recently worked with Destudio to design their pharmacy in the Spanish city, invited the studio to oversee the renovation of the 150-square-metre apartment that had been their home for two decades.
The couple’s grown-up children no longer live with them and Destudio saw this change in circumstances as an opportunity to create an entirely new and more appropriate layout.
Destudio swapped the positions of living and sleeping areas in Casa Inversa
“We worked with the owners to convince them to make a ‘tabula rasa’ of how they lived in this house for the last 20 years and find a better distribution for their actual needs,” Destudio creative director Gabi Ladaria told Dezeen.
“It was tough for the family to recognise that every wall had to be demolished,” he added, “but when they saw the first plans and 3Ds they realised there were better ways to live in their house, being more honest with their needs in the coming years.”
An initial survey of how the existing spaces were used informed the decision to switch the position of the private and communal areas so the main living space receives the best of the available sunlight. This act gave the project its name, Casa Inversa.
The dining area was positioned in the corner of the living room
Conversations with the clients revealed that they wanted the kitchen to be the heart of the house as this is where they spend a lot of time preparing and eating meals throughout the day.
This informed the decision to reduce the size of the dedicated dining area by incorporating it into a corner of the living room.
The kitchen was designed as the heart of the home
A cantilevered bench minimises the floor area used so the adjacent lounge feels more generous.
“We use this strategy in our restaurant projects to maximise the number of diners,” Ladaria pointed out, “but here it is used to maximise the space in the other part of the corner bench where the living room is located.”
The studio added that the table is likely to be used infrequently, mostly when friends or family come to visit, so it was designed like a restaurant booth to make the dining experience feel like eating out.
The kitchen opens onto a terrace with outdoor seating, while on the opposite wall a wine display backed with semi-opaque glass provides a visual connection with the adjoining utility space. Sliding glass doors can be closed to separate the kitchen and the adjacent sitting room if required.
Sliding glass doors separate the living area and kitchen
The apartment’s three bedrooms were relocated to the opposite end of the floor plan, where they overlook the building’s internal courtyards.
The principal bedroom and one of the guest rooms are accommodated in an angular corner that previously housed the living room. The main bedroom’s dressing area features cupboards that extend along one wall, making the most of the space.
A material palette consisting of clay-rendered walls, oak joinery and porcelain tiles acts as a warm backdrop for the clients’ art collection.
Clay render covers the walls
Where possible, Destudio specified furniture from local brands, including the sofa, armchairs and the living room’s library shelving.
Destudio was founded in 2014 by architects Gabi Ladaria and Nacho Díaz, who studied together at Valencia’s Polytechnic University.
Donald Trump’s defense lawyers and his Manhattan hush-money prosecutors intensified their war over his gag order on Monday, with prosecutors calling the GOP frontrunner’s ongoing attacks on the judge’s daughter “reprehensible” and “dangerous.”
“Defendant’s dangerous, violent, and reprehensible rhetoric fundamentally threatens the integrity of these proceedings and is intended to intimidate witnesses and trial participants alike — including this Court,” prosecutors said in a fiery court filing.
Despite past warnings and last week’s gag order, Trump has “refused to refrain from his disruptive and terrifying speech,” prosecutors for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg complained to the trial judge, New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan.
Instead, Trump has launched attacks “not only on this Court but also on a member of the Court’s family — including by posting a photo of the family member,” prosecutors said.
They are asking the judge to “clarify” that last Tuesday’s gag order bars Trump from making public statements about the judge’s family members.
Trump’s Truth Social attacks on the judge’s progressive, political-consultant daughter, Loren Merchan, included false claims that her “X” account had a profile picture that depicted Trump behind bars, prosecutors said.
Loren Merchan helps run the Chicago-based, progressive political consulting firm Authentic Campaigns, which has worked on campaigns for key Trump rivals, including Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
“There is no constitutional right to target the family of this Court, let alone on the blatant falsehoods that have served as the flimsiest pretexts for defendant’s attacks,” said Monday’s filing, which was signed on Bragg’s behalf by Matthew Colangelo, an assistant district attorney.
“Defendant knows what he is doing, and everyone else does too,” the DA filing continued.
“He has said for decades that he attacks his perceived opponents ‘viciously’ and ‘violently’ both ‘because it is a good feeling and because other people will see you doing it.’
“And he promised very recently that ‘IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I’M COMING AFTER YOU!’” the filing added. “He is carrying out that promise right now.”
“Contrary to the People’s argument, the gag order — which President Trump reserves all right to appeal — plainly does not apply to ‘family members of the Court [and] the District Attorney,” the defense said in a filing signed by attorneys Susan Necheles and Todd Blanche.
Last week’s gag order bars Trump from making statements about “court staff” and the family members of court staff, but does not specifically bar Trump from statements about the judge himself or the judge’s family members.
In seeking to expand the gag order, prosecutors are trying “to further restrict President Trump’s constitutionally protected speech,” the defense wrote.
“Your Honor’s daughter and her company, Authentic Campaigns, Inc., profited from offering strategic advice; preparing text for emails and social media posts, as well as other consulting services regarding campaign advocacy; and fundraising for President Trump’s political rivals — including advertisements that specifically referenced, and solicited funds based on, this case,” the defense wrote.
Monday’s defense filing went on to suggest Trump’s team will continue to seek to remove the judge from the case, a request the judge declined in August.
Because of her consultancy job, the judge’s daughter had “a financial interest in all ongoing attacks on President Trump, including this case, by virtue of her senior role at Authentic,” the defense wrote.
“President Trump’s comments concerning Your Honor’s daughter are, properly understood, a criticism of the Court’s prior decision not to recuse itself,” the defense filing said.
Merchan has yet to say if he will weigh revising or clarifying the gag order. The judge’s daughter did not immediately return a request for comment.
