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  • Studio Varey Architects celebrates natural light in Notting Hill house

    Studio Varey Architects celebrates natural light in Notting Hill house

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    London firm Studio Varey Architects has simplified this Victorian terraced house to create a light-filled home in Notting Hill, with timber-framed skylights designed to catch the sun.

    Set in the Westbourne Conservation Area, Huron House has belonged to its current owners for the last 25 years.

    Exterior of house in London by Studio Varey Architects
    Huron House is a renovated Victorian terrace in west London

    The overhaul of the 19th-century building started as a simple ground-floor renovation to replace the kitchen and improve the connection between the house and its garden.

    However, exploratory works showed the four-storey property to be in bad structural condition, which demanded major improvement works but also gave the owners an opportunity to reimagine their period home.

    Dining area of Huron House
    Decorative oak beams frame the skylight in the extension

    The new brief to Studio Varey Architects included a full house renovation and interior design, with special emphasis on the bathrooms as well as custom joinery and the rebuilding of the 1990s rear extension to create a new open-plan kitchen and dining room.

    “Our goal was to create an open-plan living space and bring lots of natural light into the ground floor, helping it to feel more inviting and better suited to entertaining friends and family,” the studio told Dezeen.

    Stairwell of house in London by Studio Varey Architects
    A simple white staircase leads upstairs

    The property sits on a rough east-west axis, giving it the potential to achieve great light levels throughout the day, with the sun moving from the back of the house in the morning to the front in the afternoon.

    “We wanted to ensure this natural light was captured through the architecture and design of the spaces,” the studio said.

    On the ground floor, Studio Varey Architects removed a structural post that supported the building but divided the back wall.

    Bathroom with light well in Huron House
    A skylight illuminates the top-floor bathroom

    This has been replaced with a steel frame, which allowed the studio to introduce slimline aluminium sliding doors that now run along the whole back of the property.

    An existing skylight in the flat roof here was enlarged and framed with oak beams, pulling more light into the centre of the hybrid kitchen-dining space.

    “Natural light cascades into the back of the house, while the introduction of oak beams created a feature that plays with the light as it travels through the property,” the studio said.

    The whole staircase was replaced and positioned further away from the home’s large rear windows, creating a lightwell funnels sun into the lower floors.

    On the top floor, an existing bathroom was fully renovated. Situated in the middle of the top floor it featured no windows save for a small skylight, meaning that light levels were totally inadequate.

    Here, Studio Varey Architects cut back the ceiling to create a multifaceted surface clad in birch plywood – its colour knocked back with a wash of soft white – to bounce light around the space.

    Timber-clad light well in Huron House
    The ceiling was cut back to allow more light into the interior

    “We created a splayed ceiling that increased the height of the space, allowing for the playful integration of materials to emphasise the new angles,” the studio said.

    “Naturally finished birch ply, leading from the skylight down into Tadelakt walls, beautifully captures sunlight creating a special warmth in the space.”

    Living room of house in London by Studio Varey Architects
    Oak forms bookcases in the sitting rom

    White oak can be found throughout the house in the form of built-in joinery from bookcases and wardrobes, as well as in the feature beams of the extension.

    “We wanted to simplify the material palette and keep it light, both in appearance and number of elements we used,” the studio said.

    “This was done to emphasise the quality of the materials themselves, highlight the craftsmanship of the work and establish a visual link between the interior spaces throughout the home.”

    Bedroom of house in London by Studio Varey Architects
    Oak joinery features in the primary bedroom

    Polished concrete, used for the floor at ground level, is underlaid with underfloor heating and provides a durable surface that is easy to clean for the owners after walking their dog.

    Other recently renovated houses in London include Sunderland Road House by 2LG, which features pastel-painted corniced ceilings, and Graphic House by Office S&M, which is defined by graphic shapes and bold hues.

    The photography is by Taran Wilkhu.

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  • Best Jumbo CD Rates of September 2023 (up to 5.85% APY)

    Best Jumbo CD Rates of September 2023 (up to 5.85% APY)

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    Our experts answer readers’ banking questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess banking products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.

    A jumbo CD is a type of CD with a high minimum deposit that pays a higher interest rate than a regular CD. A jumbo CD may be worthwhile if you have more than $100,000.

    Jumbo CDs aren’t common, and ones that pay high interest rates are even less common. If you’re also interested in other types of CDs, check out our overall best CD rates guide. Below, you’ll find our top picks for the best jumbo CDs, which have either competitive interest rates or a variety of terms.

    The Best Jumbo CD Rates

    Market Leader

    One American Bank 170-Day CD Special: 5.85% APY

    Top Jumbo CD Rates

    CIT Bank 18 Month Term CD

    3.5/5

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    Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

    4.60%


    Minimum Deposit Amount

    $1,000

    CIT Bank 18 Month Term CD

    3.5/5

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    Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

    4.60%


    Minimum Deposit Amount

    $1,000


    CIT Bank 18 Month Term CD

    Details


    Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

    4.60%


    Minimum Deposit Amount

    $1,000

    Pros & Cons
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    Highlights
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    Compare the Best Jumbo CDs

    One American Bank 170-Day CD Special

    3.5/5

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    Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

    5.85%


    Minimum Deposit Amount

    $100,000

    One American Bank 170-Day CD Special

    3.5/5

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    Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

    5.85%


    Minimum Deposit Amount

    $100,000

    On One American Bank’s website


    One American Bank 170-Day CD Special

    Details


    Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

    5.85%


    Minimum Deposit Amount

    $100,000

    Pros & Cons
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    Connexus Jumbo Certificates

    3.5/5

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    Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

    4.16% to 5.76%


    Minimum Deposit Amount

    $100,000

    Connexus Jumbo Certificates

    3.5/5

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    Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

    4.16% to 5.76%


    Minimum Deposit Amount

    $100,000

    On Connexus Credit Union’s website


    Connexus Jumbo Certificates

    Details


    Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

    4.16% to 5.76%


    Minimum Deposit Amount

    $100,000

    Pros & Cons
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    US Senate Federal Credit Union Jumbo CDs

    3.5/5

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    Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

    2.38% to 5.28%


    Minimum Deposit Amount

    $200,000

    US Senate Federal Credit Union Jumbo CDs

    3.5/5

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    Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

    2.38% to 5.28%


    Minimum Deposit Amount

    $200,000

    On US Senate Federal Credit Union’s website


    US Senate Federal Credit Union Jumbo CDs

    Details


    Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

    2.38% to 5.28%


    Minimum Deposit Amount

    $200,000

    Pros & Cons
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    Consumers Credit Union Jumbo CD

    4.25/5

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    Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

    0.50% to 5.15%


    Minimum Deposit Amount

    $250 to $100,000

    Consumers Credit Union Jumbo CD

    4.25/5

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    Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

    0.50% to 5.15%


    Minimum Deposit Amount

    $250 to $100,000

    Consumers Credit Union, NCUA Insured


    Consumers Credit Union Jumbo CD

    Details


    Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

    0.50% to 5.15%


    Minimum Deposit Amount

    $250 to $100,000

    Pros & Cons
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    USAA Jumbo CD

    3.75/5

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    Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

    0.05% to 5.00%


    Minimum Deposit Amount

    $95,000

    USAA Jumbo CD

    3.75/5

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    Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

    0.05% to 5.00%


    Minimum Deposit Amount

    $95,000


    USAA Jumbo CD

    Details


    Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

    0.05% to 5.00%


    Minimum Deposit Amount

    $95,000

    Pros & Cons
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    Navy Federal Credit Union Standard Certificate

    4/5

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    Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

    0.45% to 4.50%


    Minimum Deposit Amount

    $1,000

    Navy Federal Credit Union Standard Certificate

    4/5

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    Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

    0.45% to 4.50%


    Minimum Deposit Amount

    $1,000


    Navy Federal Credit Union Standard Certificate

    Navy Federal CD rates are high overall, with the exception of its 6-month terms — you’ll find the best 6-month CD rates elsewhere. The SaveFirst Account rates are only so-so, but they’re some of the few CDs out there that allow you to add more money to your account during the term.

    Details


    Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

    0.45% to 4.50%


    Minimum Deposit Amount

    $1,000

    Pros & Cons
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    Why You Should Trust Us: Experts’ Advice on Choosing the Best Jumbo CD

    We consulted banking and financial planning experts to inform these picks and provide their advice on finding the best high-yield savings accounts to use for your money. 

    PFI Banking Expert Panel that includes: Tania Brown, Roger Ma, Sophia Acevedo, and Mykail James

    Insider



    Here’s what they had to say about CDs. (Some text may be lightly edited for clarity.)

    What makes a jumbo CD good or not good?

    Sophia Acevedo, certified educator in personal finance, banking reporter, Personal Finance Insider:

    “The main benefit of a jumbo CD is that it can sometimes offer a higher interest rate than a regular one because you’re making a substantial initial deposit. However, if a bank pays the same interest rate regardless of how much money you deposit upfront, I would probably consider another financial institution or put my money in another type of account.” 

    How should someone choose a CD term length?

    Roger Ma, certified financial planner with lifelaidout® and author of “Work Your Money, Not Your Life”:

    “I would think about when you need the money and then compare that with what the prevailing CD rates are, and then what makes sense from a financial perspective, but also from your own personal timing perspective.”

    Mykail James, CFEI:

    “I believe in having a plan for whatever the funds are. If it’s supposed to be a house fund, and you want to wait for another two years to buy a house, that’s what you should be thinking of when you want to have this money.”

    How should someone decide whether to put their money in a high-yield savings account, money market account, or CD?

    Tania Brown, certified financial planner at SaverLife:

    “So I guess we’ll start off with how much money you want to put in and the level of transactions you want to have. If you want to have any transactions, that automatically takes out CDs. Then you’re stuck between the high-yield savings and the money market account.”

    Sophia Acevedo, Personal Finance Insider:

    “Generally, I think a high-yield savings account or money market account could be good options for an emergency fund or short-term savings goals. A high-yield savings account offers a higher interest rate than traditional savings accounts at brick-and-mortar banks. Meanwhile, money market accounts might be worth considering if you want more account accessibility — several offer paper checks, ATM cards, or debit cards. CDs could be worthwhile if you don’t need access to some of your money, since they have a fixed interest rate for a specific term.”

    Our Methodology

    Personal Finance Insider’s mission is to help smart people make the best decisions with their money. We understand that “best” is often subjective, so in addition to highlighting the clear benefits of a financial product or account — a high APY (Annual Percentage Yield), for example — we outline the limitations, too. We spent hours comparing and contrasting the features and fine print of various CDs so you don’t have to.

    We reviewed financial institutions to find banks that offered no-penalty CDs. For each account, we use our CD methodology to compare the minimum opening deposits, early withdrawal penalties, and interest rates. We also considered the overall banking experience at each bank by assessing customer support availability, mobile app ratings, and ethics.

    Jumbo CD Frequently Asked Questions

    A jumbo CD is a certificate of deposit that requires a high minimum deposit — usually around $100,000. As a reward for placing this large deposit, you’ll earn a higher interest rate than you would on a regular CD.

    The main distinctions are that a jumbo CD requires a higher deposit, and it usually pays a higher rate. Some banks also offer different term lengths for its jumbo and regular CDs. 

    The main pro of a jumbo CD is the guaranteed rate of return. You’re putting a lot of money into a jumbo CD. If you were to put that money into a riskier investment, such as the stock market, you wouldn’t know how much you’d end up with in a few months or years. With a jumbo CD, you know exactly how much you’ll earn.

    One con of jumbo CDs are the higher minimum deposits. Regular CDs typically require a few hundred or a few thousand dollars, but you’ll need around $100,000 to open a jumbo CD. Also, the rate isn’t always better. Banks usually pay higher rates on jumbo CDs — but not always. You could find a different bank that pays better rates on regular CDs than a certain bank pays on jumbo CDs.

    CDs aren’t generally considered investments the same way something like an index fund, which puts your money into the stock market, is. Instead, a CD is typically viewed as a type of savings account, and your potential for losses and gains — your risk — is much more limited. Because the stock market is risky, experts generally don’t advise investing money you’ll need in the next five years. In the case of a stock market drop, you wouldn’t have time to make up your losses.

    Jumbo CD Reviews

    One American Bank 170-Day CD Special

    One American Bank may be a good option if you are strictly searching for a high interest rate. The bank has a 170-day CD special that pays 5.85% APY. 

    One American Bank has three locations in South Dakota, but you can also open an account online from anywhere in the US.

    Term length options: One American Bank has CD specials ranging from 170 days to 18 months. The other CD specials only require a $5,000 minimum opening deposit. The bank also has standard CDs.

    What to look out for: The 170-day CD special has a penalty of 3 months of interest if you withdraw before the term ends. Other banks may have a more lenient early withdrawal penalty. 

    Connexus Jumbo Certificates

    Connexus Credit Union may be a great option if you prioritze banking with a credit union. Connexus offers particularly high CD rates on 1-year and 2-year terms.

    Term length options: Jumbo Certificates range from 1 year to 5 years.

    What to look out for: Connexus Jumbo Certificates have steep early withdrawal penalties.

    Connexus Credit Union requires membership. The easiest way to become a member regardless of where you live in the US is to join the Connexus Association by making an initial $5 donation.

    Connexus Credit Union Review

    US Senate Federal Credit Union Jumbo CDs

    US Senate Federal Credit Union might also be a good choice if you prefer credit unions over banks. It offers a variety of CD terms and pays great rates.

    Term length options: Jumbo CD terms range from 3 months to 60 months.

    What to look out for: US Senate Federal Credit Union jumbo CDs have a $200,000 minimum opening deposit. 

    You also need to become a member to open a CD. To join US Senate Federal Credit Union, you must work for a Select Employee Group, have a family member that’s a current member, or become a member of the U.S. Capital Historical Society or the American Consumer Council (you can join these organizations from anywhere in the US).

    Consumers Credit Union Jumbo CD

    Consumers Credit Union pays competitive rates on jumbo CDs, especially for longer terms. Consumers makes it easier to become a member than most credit unions do — you just have pay $5 to join the Consumers Cooperative Association, then deposit $5 in a Consumers savings account. Unlike most credit unions, Consumers compounds interest daily, meaning you can earn more money in the long run.

    Term length options: 91 days to 5 years

    What to look out for: Consumers Credit Union doesn’t have any major downfalls, but you might earn a higher rate at another institution, depending on the term length.

    Consumers Credit Union Review

    USAA Jumbo CD

    USAA has a wider range of term lengths than most banks, which makes it easy to find a jumbo CD that fits your needs. It also pays good rates on longer-term CDs.

    Term length options: 30 days to 7 years

    What to look out for: The other institutions on our list compound interest daily, but USAA only compounds interest monthly. This limits how much you’ll earn over the months or years.

    USAA Bank Review

    Navy Federal Credit Union Standard Certificate

    You’ll earn the highest rates with a $100,000 minimum. However, Navy Federal CD rates are still high regardless of your account balance. Navy Federal compounds your interest daily like most banks would, unlike many credit unions that compound monthly. Navy Federal also offers terms for up to 7 years, while many banks cap out at 5 years. 

    Term length options: 3 months to 7 years

    What to look out for: You or a family member must have ties to the military for you to become a member of Navy Federal. Or you can join by living with a Navy Federal member, or by being a Department of Defense civilian personnel or contractor.

    Navy Federal Credit Union Review

    Bank Trustworthiness and BBB Ratings

    We’ve compared each company’s Better Business Bureau score. The BBB grades businesses based on factors like responses to customer complaints, honesty in advertising, and transparency about business practices. Here is each company’s score:

    US Senate Federal Credit Union received an A- rating because it has failed to respond to one customer complaint.

    Both Navy Federal and USAA have NR (“No Rating) ratings from the BBB because they are responding to previously closed complaints.

    Navy Federal and USAA have also been involved in recent public scandals. 

    In 2020, a Navy Federal employee stated the lender pressured mortgage underwriters to approve loans even if they didn’t have sufficient reason to believe applicants could repay the loans. The employee filed a lawsuit and said Navy Federal retaliated against her whistleblowing by changing her job duties. She dropped the case in late 2020.

    In 2020, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency said USAA broke the law by failing to establish and carry out an efficient compliance risk management program and IT risk governance program.

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  • Far-Right German Politician, Scion of Nazi Leader, Smeared With Feces

    Far-Right German Politician, Scion of Nazi Leader, Smeared With Feces

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    • A German far-right politician had dog feces smeared on her at an event in Daun, southwest Germany.
    • Beatrix von Storch, the AfD’s deputy leader, is known for her controversial remarks on immigration.
    • She is the granddaughter of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler’s finance minister.

    A German far-right politician had feces smeared on her at an event in Daun, southwest Germany.

    Beatrix von Storch, the deputy leader of the Alternative for Germany party (AfD), said the attack was “disgusting” and vowed not let it discourage her politics.

    “Yesterday in Rhineland-Palatinate there was another disgusting attack on me [and] the AfD,” von Storch, 52, said in a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

    “We fight with arguments, AfD-haters fight with feces,” she added. “No matter what vile means they resort to, we will fight unwaveringly and now more decisively for the spiritual and moral renewal of our nation.”

    “Love will defeat hate. Therefore, we will defeat you who smear us with excrement because you have no arguments,” she said.”

    Police said in a statement that von Storch was attacked on Friday by a 35-year-old man who asked to take a photo with her and then smeared her with dog feces.

    The man briefly resisted arrest but was overpowered and is now under investigation.

    About 80 to 85 people attended the event, and police estimated that 100 to 120 protesters had gathered outside.

    The controversial politician, the granddaughter of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler’s finance minister and convicted war criminal, Graf Schwerin von Krosigk, has been the AfD’s deputy leader since 2015 and a member of the Bundestag parliament since 2017.

    She is known for her controversial remarks about immigration. She has previously been investigated over possible incitement to hatred for an anti-Muslim tweet, which led to her Twitter and Facebook accounts being temporarily suspended.



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  • Odami creates textured minty interior for Aesop Palisades Village store

    Odami creates textured minty interior for Aesop Palisades Village store

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    Mint green materials cover this store for skincare brand Aesop, which Toronto studio Odami designed for the Palisades area of Los Angeles.

    The Aesop store opened at the end of 2022 in the Palisades, a verdant corner of the city northwest of Santa Monica where several seminal modernist houses are located.

    Stainless steel sinks within green microcement counter
    In the center of the store are stainless steel sinks for testing the brand’s products

    “Aesop Palisades Village takes inspiration from its natural surroundings, as well as the area’s vernacular architecture, where local buildings are delicately perched within a cascading landscape of lush ridges and valleys,” said Odami.

    “Most notably, this includes celebrated local architect Ray Kappe’s own residence, a critical reference for the project.”

    Sinks with tropical foliage in planter behind
    Planters with tropical foliage are placed behind the sink and along the side wall

    The same shade of pale green is used across the walls, ceiling, floors, display stand bases, and a sink for testing products in the centre of the store.

    The velvet curtain and upholstery fabric is matched to the microcement surfaces, resulting in a monotone texture throughout the small shop.

    Display of Aesop bottles within wall niche
    Textured microcement surfaces and velvet curtains match to create a uniform effect

    Behind the full-height curtains, Aesop’s distinctive brown bottles are presented on shelves built using reclaimed walnut wood.

    The dark wood is also used for countertops, individual shelves, and a storage unit that sits below a large product display set into one wall.

    Walnut shelving behind green velvet curtains
    The mint-green curtains open to reveal more products displayed on reclaimed walnut shelves

    “Gently placed amongst this unfolding landscape, the various storage and display requirements are resolved as long horizontal planes, composed of either reclaimed wood or stainless steel, to create an interplay of levity and mass,” Odami said.

    The sinks, which are lined with stainless steel, face a planter brimming with tropical foliage – a feature repeated perpendicularly along the adjacent side wall.

    A skylight above the flora brings in extra natural light into the space, while a low bench offers customers a place to sit and pause.

    “Together, the design for Aesop Pacific Palisades aims to create a biophilic environment, elevating the ritual of self-care through the presence and evocation of nature,” said Odami.

    Bench beside products displayed on walnut shelving
    A bench is provided for customers to sit and pause

    The Toronto studio was founded in 2017 by Spanish architect Aránzazu González Bernardo and Canadian designer Michael Fohring.

    The team has completed a wide range of projects, from residential and restaurant interiors to a furniture collection, as well as another Aesop store located in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood.

    Aesop Palisades Village storefront
    The store is located in Los Angeles’ Palisades neighbourhood

    Aesop is renowned for the interiors of its stores, which each have a distinctive design relating to their location.

    Recently completed include an outpost in London’s Marylebone that’s organised to reference a bookshop, and another in Cambridge, England that features handwoven bulrush shelves.

    The photography is by Rafael Gamo.


    Project credits:

    Client: Aesop
    Design: Odami
    General contractor: Precise Contractor Inc
    Fabrication: Dayone Designs
    Architect of record: WORD Design x Architecture
    Engineering: RKM Consulting Engineers Inc

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  • Stormy Daniels Leads Mocking of Trump’s ‘215 Pounds’ Weight: Fulton Jail

    Stormy Daniels Leads Mocking of Trump’s ‘215 Pounds’ Weight: Fulton Jail

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    • Stormy Daniels says she does not believe Trump weighs 215 pounds.
    • His weight and height were released after he turned himself in to authorities in Fulton County, Georgia, on Thursday. 
    • This would mean Trump lost 25 pounds and grew an inch since he last reported his measurements in April.

    Stormy Daniels said she doesn’t believe that former President Donald Trump weighs just 215 pounds, as his booking record at the Fulton County Jail says.

    The adult film actress, who claims she had an affair with Trump years ago, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Mmmkay! And I’m 110lbs and a virgin!”

    “I’m not a scale or a doctor but I have spent some time beneath 215lb men and Tiny was not one of them,” she said, using her derogatory nickname for the former president.

     

    Trump turned himself into authorities in Fulton County, Georgia, on Thursday and was booked on 13 felony counts related to an alleged scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in the state.

    According to the jail records, the former president is 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 215 pounds.

    It would mean he had lost 25 pounds and grown an inch since he self-reported his measurements in April when he was separately booked in Manhattan over a “hush-money” payment to Daniels.

    Trump was last officially weighed in his annual physical as president in 2020, which said he was 244 pounds

    Trump turned himself in to authorities in Fulton County, Georgia, on Thursday and was booked on 13 felony counts related to an alleged scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in the state.

    According to the jail records the former president is 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 215 pounds.

    This would mean he had lost 25 pounds and grown an inch since he self-reported his measurements in April when he was separately booked in Manhattan over a “hush-money” payment to Daniels.

    Trump was last officially weighed in his annual physical as president in 2020 which said he was 244 pounds – which would put him in the obese category, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Adult BMI Calculator. 

    Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as he campaigns at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. August 12, 2023.

    Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as he campaigns at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. August 12, 2023.

    REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo



    Trump’s latest measurements in Georgia were pre-reported by his aides, The New York Times reported.

    His newly reported measurements have sparked mirth and speculation on social media, with some men of a similar weight and height comparing themselves to him on TikTok.

    Others have juxtaposed images of him with celebrities with similar measurements but very different builds, including boxer Muhammad Ali and “Thor” actor Chris Hemsworth. 

    Trump’s weight has long been a sore subject, and he has resisted advice to lose weight from people ranging from Dr. Mehmet Oz to his own White House doctor, Ronny Jackson.

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  • Donald Trump’s Mugshot Shows He’s Ready to Fight, Fear: Body Language Expert

    Donald Trump’s Mugshot Shows He’s Ready to Fight, Fear: Body Language Expert

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    • Former President Donald Trump is “ready for battle” in his Georgia mugshot, according to a body language expert.
    • But the expert said his pose “indirectly leaks a little bit of fear” over DA Fani Willis’ case. 
    • Trump’s history-making booking photo was released after he surrendered to authorities in Georgia.

    A body language expert says Donald Trump’s historic mugshot in Georgia shows he’s “ready for battle” — but also reveals a bit of fear at the strength of the criminal case against him.

    Trump voluntarily surrendered to Fulton County, Georgia authorities on Thursday after being charged in a sprawling indictment that alleges he and 18 co-defendants conspired to overturn the 2020 election in the state.

    Janine Driver, CEO of the Body Language Institute, told Insider said body language “can convey various messages and emotions without the need for words,” and that in Trump’s first mugshot, he “lowers his head, grimaces, and looks up, with his eyebrows down in anger, as he shoots an icy glare.”

    Driver said that his choice to tilt his head down can show “judgment or negative internal emotion and disapproval.” 

    “Lowering the head in body language can contribute to the perception of power and dominance” by projecting a “sense of being in control and aware of their surroundings,” Driver said, adding that it could also communicate a “sense of confidence and self-assuredness.” 

    Driver said she assumed Trump would have taken an alternate route, choosing to tilt his head back while the chin is up, which can show an attitude of “I’m looking down my nose at you” to communicate contempt, or moral superiority. 

    “And we don’t see that,” she said. “Instead, we see a guy that’s ready for battle,” adding that it “indirectly leaks a little bit of fear because he’s ready for battle instead of being contemptuous and saying ‘I’m above everybody,’ he’s saying ‘I’m not going to back down.’”

    This may indicate, Driver noted, that Trump “knew it was coming” and that he might be saying [Willis] has “got a case,” but that he is “going to go down fighting.”  

    She wondered if he chose this pose to evoke intimidation, like a “mother doing it to her teenager after coming home late, as a way of passing judgment and expressing disappointment.” 

    Plus, Driver added, lowering one’s head creates an optical illusion — “making the top of President Trump’s head appear wider” — which, according to studies and research Driver cited, shows “people may perceive individuals with bigger heads as more intelligent or powerful.” 

    “This perception may be due to the association between head size and brain size, which is often linked to intelligence,” Driver noted. “However, it’s essential to note that this perception is not always accurate, as intelligence and power are multifaceted traits influenced by various factors.”

    Driver noted of the mugshot, “This is, basically, ‘You’ve got a case, but I’m not backing down,’ versus ‘You’ve got nothing on me, this is a joke.’”

    Joe Navarro, CEO of JN Forensics, noted that the former president is “well aware that this photo will have a long shelf-life,” indicating he was thoughtful about his pose. 

    And Trump and his campaign are already seeking to profit off of it. Past media reports said his campaign staff were hoping to use a mugshot to hawk merchandise. Soon after being booked in Fulton Couty jail on Thursday, Trump posted to X for the first time in months with the mugshot — and shared a website to donate to his 2024 presidential campaign.

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  • Ramy Fischler creates Moët Hennessy’s first cocktail bar

    Ramy Fischler creates Moët Hennessy’s first cocktail bar

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    Belgian designer Ramy Fischler has collaborated with Moët Hennessy and cocktail creator Franck Audoux to create the Cravan cocktail bar in the heart of Paris‘ Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

    Named Cravan, the bar for luxury drinks group Moët Hennessy was a collaboration between architect Fischler and restaurateur, author, historian and cocktail aficionado Audoux.

    Ramy Fischler designed the Cravan bar for Moët Hennessy
    Ramy Fischler designed the Cravan bar for Moët Hennessy

    “The objective of the design was to amplify a story by Franck Audoux originating from his small bar in the 16th arrondissement of Paris and transforming it into a cocktail house over five levels in the centre of the capital – to imagine the creation of a new house of the Moët Hennessy group,” Fischler told Dezeen.

    “This is not a one-shot but the beginning of a long adventure. It was therefore necessary to define a harmony, a coherence, between all the ingredients of the project, whether it is the decoration, the service, the music or the lighting.”

    Cravan cocktail bar for Moët Hennessy
    The building features three separate bars

    The space takes its name from the avant-garde poet-boxer and sometime art critic, Arthur Cravan, a free-spirited figure greatly admired by Audoux, with whom Fischler worked closely on this project.

    “We share a common vision, based essentially on cultural references from literature and cinema, and above all a taste for scenic impact, framing a context, point of view, or narrative,” said Fischler.

    “We started with the desire to freely assemble codes, eras, and styles to craft a new repertoire which made sense to us and expressed the essence of Cravan.”

    Set in a 17th-century building in the heart of this historic and literary district, the space was arranged over five floors, with a small invitation-only space on the roof.

    The building has separate bars, each with its own distinct character on the ground, first and third floors, while the second floor hosts the Rizzoli bookstore-cum-library, where guests can come with their drinks to leaf through and buy books. On the fourth floor, there’s another invitation-only atelier-style space.

    Cocktail bar in Paris
    Each of the spaces was designed to combine modern elements with the building’s historic fabric

    According to Fischler, the whole project took its cues from the concept of the cocktail.

    “I would never have imagined this project in its current state if it were not a question of drinking cocktails” he said.

    “There are a number of ingredients that we blend together to create a unique whole, that seems offbeat but is actually very controlled,” he continued.

    “I thought of the spaces as cinematic scenes, hence the individual atmospheres on each floor which form different sets. You can sit in front of the stage, on the stage, or behind the stage, depending on the experience and viewing angle you prefer.”

    Moët Hennessy bar in Paris
    The bar is Moët Hennessy’s first

    To create these different scenes, the project makes use of a wide range of materials, often reclaimed salvaged pieces including parquet floors, stone floors and wood wall coverings, painstakingly installed by a large team of craftspeople.

    In Ramy Fischler’s projects, the textiles always play an important role and the practice features its own in-house textile designer.

    “For Cravan, we tried to use as much re-used material as possible, and in particular textiles from Nona Source, a start-up that makes available leftover, unused fabrics from the fashion houses of the LVMH group.”

    Cravan cocktail bar
    Historic elements were retained throughout the space

    The practice strived to create a contrast between the warm and natural colours of the historic fittings, and the colder and metallic colours of the contemporary furniture and fittings, “which cohabit one alongside the other”.

    “Depending on the level, the colour palette is totally different, and since no room is alike, and each colour has been chosen according to the universe we have sought to compose,” said Fischler.

    Glasses designed by Fischler
    Fischler also designed glasses for the bar

    All of Cravan’s furniture was custom designed and Fischler’s holistic approach extends to the cocktail glasses, which the practice designed for Cravan and which are displayed in the library.

    “Rather than creating new shapes, we preferred to select, from the history of glassware over the past 300 years, the models that we liked and that we wanted customers to rediscover,” explained Fischler.

    Other recent bars featured on Dezeen include an eclectic cocktail in Los Angeles designed by Kelly Wearstler to feel “like it has been there for ages” and the Ca’ Select bar and distillery in Venice.

    The photography is by Vincent Leroux and Alice Fenwick

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  • Candidates’ Red Ties Copied Trump’s Signature Style

    Candidates’ Red Ties Copied Trump’s Signature Style

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    At the first Republican debate of the 2024 presidential election, which Trump did not attend, every single male candidate wore a red tie.

    Candidates at the first Republican presidential debate in 2023. Aside from Nikki Haley, they all wear red ties.

    Republican presidential candidates (from left to right), former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and North Dakota governor Doug Burgum participate in the first debate of the GOP primary season hosted by FOX News at the Fiserv Forum on August 23, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

    Win McNamee/Getty Images


    Republican presidential candidates Asa Hutchinson, Chris Christie, Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, Tim Scott, and Doug Burgum attended the first debate of the GOP primary season wearing matching red ties. Nikki Haley, the only woman onstage, was also the only candidate not wearing the look since she was not wearing a suit.

    “They got the memo of what works on a Fox screen and the power of those visual cues when a lot of people are watching you, whether it’s from a bar stool on a big screen or at home over teenagers talking,” Rothman said. “You saw it last night if it was on mute or not.”

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  • How To Update Your Skin Care Routine For Seasonal Changes

    How To Update Your Skin Care Routine For Seasonal Changes

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    A new season can mean a fresh start. New foods, new clothes and new rituals are part of the shift. But what about skin care? Did you know that switching up your skin routine based on the time of year will help make the transition easier? The progress from one season to the next comes with environmental and weather changes that are likely to wreak havoc on your complexion if not addressed ahead of time. Let’s explore how the skin reacts differently based on what’s happening outside, and the most effective skin care products to use to ease into each new time of year. 

    How Do Seasonal Changes Affect The Skin? 

    If you’re noticing that your skin is drier, more irritated or less glowy than normal, it might be due to the arrival of a new season. Depending on where you live, seasonal weather changes may be dramatic. Regardless of severity, you’re likely to notice that your skin has different needs in the cooler months than at warmer times of the year. The effect that seasonal shifts have on our skin is most pronounced when summer fades into fall, and again when winter turns to spring. But this can happen anytime that there is a noticeable change in weather and humidity, and more frequently if you live somewhere with four distinct seasons.

    Skin appreciates consistency. Think about a time you discovered a skin care product you truly loved. While you may have enjoyed this product after your first use, you likely didn’t see the full effects until you had been using it for a while. Your skin needs time to adjust to products as well as the environment. So, in the middle of summer, your skin is more accustomed to sun, heat and humidity than it is in early spring. Similarly, in September, your skin is still adjusting to the seasonal change to fall, but February, you’ve likely eased into a winter skin care routine and you’ve made adjustments to deal with the cold, dry air outside and the hot dry air being pumped into your home and office.

    What Are Some Common Changes To The Skin? 

    Summer To Fall 

    Whether you’re a die-hard sweater-weather enthusiast or not, there are some challenges you’ll likely have to address to maintain your skin’s health as the hot days of summer shorten up and cool down. Suddenly, come autumn, your skin is coping with dropping temperatures, cool wind and rain for the first time in several months. Fall’s brisk weather comes along with a drop in humidity and your skin could react by becoming tight, dry, dehydrated, flaky or irritated. While your skin may feel drier than normal, it’s unlikely that your actual skin type will change. All skin, including oily and combination, can experience dehydration and irritation brought on by cold weather.

    Fall To Winter

    As winter arrives, the dry skin issues you noticed creeping in may be intensified by even cooler temperatures and more extreme weather. Snow, you’re beautiful but not always great for the complexion. This can be exacerbated by changes in your lifestyle. Many of us turn to artificial sources of heat in our homes or a long, hot shower or bath to help escape the cold. Both central heating and exposure to hot water can further strip skin of its natural oils, and you may find your skin becomes dry, itchy, cracked and flaky. 

    Winter To Spring

    The days are starting to get longer and less frigid and things feel lighter and brighter. Oh, but wait, there are a few hurdles to clear before spring really gets good. Your skin is coming out of a long, dry winter and that means it’s time to recover and rebalance things. That parched skin is ready to be restored. The trees and flowers are starting to bloom, which is gorgeous, but can trigger seasonal allergies. Opting for products that are lightweight with gentle or no fragrance can help keep those extra sensitive types a little more comfortable. 

    Spring To Summer

    Just as the cold of winter can cause skin havoc, a whole new crop of skin issues can be brought on by warmer weather. The level of humidity in the air increases when the sun emerges and the heat hits. You may notice a spike in oil production, acne breakouts, plus sun damage from too much (any) tanning! Obviously this is the time to amp up your already robust SPF routine. More time outdoors, more sun sneaking through car and office windows, plus more patio cocktail sessions all add up to more potential for sun damage. 

    Seasonal Skin Care Tips 

    Thinking about making changes to your routine to help maintain your skin’s health? To help get you started, you can watch this In The Mix video to see how Eminence Organics Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar suggests changing your skin care routine seasonally. 

     

    Read on for our top tips and recommendations for adapting your skin care products accordingly.

    Moving Into Fall 

    For the cooler months, we suggest putting aside your lightweight summer cleanser for one that’s rich and nourishing. This should help replenish your skin as you wash. The Stone Crop Gel Wash, ideal for all skin types (including sensitive), balances the skin and removes impurities for a bright, fresh appearance. For normal to dry skin types, our Coconut Milk Cleanser is also an ideal choice. This cleanser nourishes dry skin with hydration as it improves elasticity for a youthful radiance. 

    For combo and oily skin, a great fall option is the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Concentrate. This light serum gently refines the skin’s texture, revitalizing your complexion through the fall when skin often looks dull. For an evening routine, try the Marine Flower Peptide Night Cream. It protects the skin from environmental stressors that come along with the shifting seasons. This night cream also offers a boost of revitalizing moisture to all skin types — which is the perfect antidote for a parched post-summer complexion.

    Winter Options 

    When moving into the cooler months, you may notice your skin becoming dry and irritated. We suggest reducing the frequency of your exfoliating. Instead, reach for a mask or facial serum to improve dryness. One option we love for dry skin is the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that can hold hundreds of times its weight in water. When applied to the face, it draws moisture into your skin, providing long-lasting hydration, which is just what your winter skin is craving. 

    The Stone Crop Whip Moisturizer is a great winter staple for all skin types. Crafted with hydrating stone crop, Vitamin C-packed lemon and corn germ oil, this rich hydrator improves the appearance of dark spots and offers major moisture.

    Moving Into Spring

    As mentioned, spring brings with it an array of unique skin issues. With everything in bloom, allergies can kick in to defend your body against pollen, leaving you with itchy skin, a runny nose and watery eyes. Moving into spring, Natalie recommends balancing your skin with the Cornflower Recovery Serum. This light gel formula is gentle during allergy season with chamomile, clary sage, cornflower and seabuckthorn. Chamomile and clary sage balance the look of skin, while cornflower and seabuckthorn leave your skin feeling smooth, firm and youthful-looking.

    If you’re experiencing breakouts, it may be a sign that your skin isn’t as happy as you to see the spring season. It’s gotten used to winter and needs a minute to adjust. Again, switching up your cleanser could help. Moving from something that’s super moisturizing to a lighter cleanser could be your ticket back to Glow-town. You can view our range of cleansers that will leave your skin feeling refreshed and balanced.  

    When Summer Returns 

    With the warmer months, your skin can become a little oilier. From our Beyond Organic line, the Echinacea Recovery Cream softens and restores normal to oily skin. This creamy leave-on moisturizer is made with Biodynamic® echinacea, yarrow herb and aloe vera to revitalize and reduce the signs of irritation. Natalie also recommends the Lavender Age Corrective Night Concentrate. Formulated with argan oil, jojoba oil and shea butter, this concentrate is very moisturizing and helps your skin adapt. 

    When the heat outside ramps back up in the summer, you can switch back to lighter skin care products that help target oil levels and problem skin. However, there is one item you shouldn’t drop in the fall and winter. SPF! Though you may think of this as a summer staple, you can still incur sun and UV damage in the cool fall and winter months. To avoid sunburn plus premature aging, it’s vital to include sunscreen in your routine all year round.  

    While shifts in the seasons and weather are beyond our control, how we care for our skin is in our hands. Understanding how the different seasons affect your skin — and how your needs may change — will help you choose which products to include in your seasonal skin care routine. You can also speak to an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you to get professional guidance on your seasonal skin care needs. Tailoring your ritual to match the seasons can help you get healthy and glowing skin throughout the year.  

    How do you switch up your skin care seasonally? What are your favorite products for fall and winter? Let us know in the comments below! And if you would like some help choosing products to help the seasonal shifts run smoothly, book an appointment at your nearest Eminence Organics spa

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