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☆ Opinion: We all lose if the Olympic surveillance state becomes the norm
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( Opinion Jules Boykoff | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

He is the author of six books on the politics of the Olympic Games, most recently “What Are the Olympics For?” The views expressed here are his own. France enacted an Olympic Games Law in May 2023 that legalized the use of AI-driven video surveillance this summer and allowed experimentation with intelligent video surveillance until March 31, 2025. The law made France the first nation in the European Union to greenlight biometric surveillance systems. She told me that the Olympic Law “infringes the right to privacy, the right to be anonymous in the streets.”“Everything in this is political,” Levain said. The French Ministry of the Armed Forces unveiled plans to use HELMA-P, an anti-drone laser weapon system prototype, at the Paris Games.

Persons: Jules Boykoff, Emmanuel Macron, Jules Boykoff Jessi, –, ” Noémie, “, ” Levain, ”, Gérald Darmanin, we’ve, Amelie Oudea, Macron, Natsuko Sasaki, Laurent Nuñez, Le, Danielle Simonnet, Thomas Bach Organizations: Pacific University, Olympic Games, CNN, Olympic, Games, ISIS, Stade de France –, Law, European Union, Amnesty International, European Civic Forum, Human Rights, Ministry of, France’s, French Ministry of, Armed Forces, Paris Games, Stade de France, Paris Police, Le Parisien, Paris, Patriotes, Palais Royal, National Assembly, France Insoumise Party Locations: Paris, Palestinian, Atlanta, France, Le, Europe, Moscow

☆ Paris 2024: Olympic flame is lit in choreographed event high in symbolism
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( John Sinnott | Elinda Labropoulou | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Olympia, Greece CNN —The flame for the 2024 Paris Olympics has been lit in Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient Olympics. The flame will be carried through Greece for 11 days before being handed over to Paris organizers on April 26. Over 10,000 torchbearers and thousands of milesThe first runner of the Olympic torch relay is Greek Olympic gold medalist rower Stefanos Ntouskos. Elinda Labropoulou/CNNNtouskos said he was a little bit anxious ahead of competing at Paris 2024 but also very excited. The ancient Games served not only as a platform for athletic competition but also as a symbol of unity and promoting peace.

Persons: Hera, Thanassis, Stefanos, Ntouskos, ”, Stefanos Ntouskos, Labropoulou, CNN Ntouskos, Louisa Gouliamaki, Emmanuel Macron Organizations: Greece CNN, Summer Games, CNN, Paris, Paris Olympic, West Indies, Relays, Paralympic Games, UN Locations: Olympia, Greece, Paris, Athens, –, Marseille, Belem, West, France, Seine

Read previewIt appears Elon Musk and Grimes are getting along again after the former couple sued each other last year, kicking off a contentious legal battle over the three children they share. Grimes shared a clip from the video game "Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty" in which a character she voices performs a song onstage and appears suspended in a holographic spider web. Musk sued the musician on September 7, 2023, to "establish the parent-child relationship" with the children. Related storyOn September 29, 2023, Grimes sued Musk, asking for primary physical custody and joint legal custody of their three kids. AdvertisementNeither Musk nor Grimes, or their representatives, have commented publicly on the custody battle.

Persons: —, Elon Musk, Grimes, Musk, didn't, Matteo Milleri, Anyma, Milleri Organizations: Service, Business, Lone Star State Locations: Texas, California, Italian, Belgium, Indio , California

Among the best body pillows, Coop demonstrates how an adjustable memory foam design can transform and customize your comfort with the Coop Sleep Goods Original Body Pillow. Coop Sleep Goods Memory Foam Body Pillow The Coop Sleep Goods Body Pillow is soft, supportive, and perfect for any body type. I found that the shredded memory foam did an excellent job of breathing and not trapping heat, a common problem with solid memory foam. AdvertisementThe bottom lineDespite these concerns, I really like the Coop Sleep Goods Body Pillow. Though one person's favorite pillow may be horrible for others, I strongly recommend that all side sleepers give the Coop Sleep Goods body pillow a try.

Persons: It's, Suzy Hernandez, Coop Organizations: Business, Sleep Goods Locations: LA

☆ As Russia tests for weak spots, Ukraine is banking on enemy mistakes
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-06 | by ( Tim Lister | Victoria Butenko | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN —It generated little attention: another Russian assault in eastern Ukraine, across barren, pock-marked fields, met by determined, nimble resistance. But these frequent mechanized ground attacks by the Russians are like sand-blasting – eroding Ukrainian defenses in multiple spots along the frontlines. Yusov told CNN that recruitment in Russia continues, for contract soldiers, prisoners and international mercenaries. The Ukrainians won’t acknowledge such attacks but Yusov told CNN cryptically that refineries are military targets and “damage there is quite natural. Matthew Schmidt told CNN: “Whatever NATO can get to Ukraine is enough to stabilize its position, not to change it meaningfully.

Persons: Kateryna Stepanenko, Russia’s, ”, Narciso Contreras, Andriy Yusov, Kurt Campbell, Yusov, Matthew Schmidt, Oleksandr Syrsky, Ukraine “, –, Nazar Volosyn, “, Roman Pilipey, Putin, Jens Stoltenberg, Trump, what’s, Dmytro Kuleba, ” Kuleba, Andriі Kovalenko, Petr Pavel, Stepanenko, ” Stepanenko Organizations: CNN, Institute for, Russian, Anadolu, Getty, “, Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, UK’s Defense Ministry, National Security Department, New Haven University, NATO, Ukrainian, Congress, National Security and Defense Council, European Union Locations: Ukraine, Russian, Tonenke, Donetsk, Washington, Karlivka, Russia, North Korea, Ukrainian, Chasiv Yar, Kyiv, AFP, Rostov, Czech, Europe

☆ Boebert continues stoking controversy amid intense battle to keep her job
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-05 | by ( Melanie Zanona | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

“It hasn’t encumbered her job performance,” GOP Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida told CNN. I’m not afraid of a challenge though,” Boebert told CNN before the House left for a two-week break. And unfortunately, I’ve had a front row seat,” Boebert told CNN. “I did it because we don’t have to have two separate elections and cost the taxpayers two separate elections,” he told CNN. And she’s probably made more jokes about her own stupidity in that movie theater than I’ve heard elsewhere,” one GOP lawmaker told CNN.

Persons: Lauren Boebert, Donald Trump, Boebert, Trump, MAGA, carpetbagging –, Byron Donalds, we’re, I’m, ” Boebert, ”, Ken Buck, –, Buck, Greg Lopez, “ Greg, they’re, “ You’ve, Buck Still, Mike Johnson, Boebert’s, There’s, I’ve, “, ” Buck, Marjorie Taylor Greene –, She’s, Lauren Organizations: CNN, Colorado Republican, New York Young Republican, Trump, GOP, Pueblo Jobs, Democrat, Republican, Colorado Republicans, Boebert, Democratic, “, Caucus, Freedom Caucus Locations: Denver, Manhattan, Colorado, Florida, Colorado’s, Boebert

☆ China reopens Mount Everest access to foreigners
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Lilit Marcus | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —For the first time since the pandemic, China is allowing foreign climbers to access Mount Everest via Tibet. Rather than a tourism official or council in Beijing, all passes to use the Chinese route up the mountain, which is known in China as Qomolangma, are distributed by the China Tibet Mountaineering Association (CTMA). There is also no official announcement released by the Chinese government notifying the public that passes will be given out. Foreigners who obtain tourist visas to China must get an additional, separate visa for Tibet, which is a semi-autonomous region. Ballinger’s team will arrive in China on April 25 after pre-acclimatizing at home to save time.

Persons: Adrian Ballinger, Ballinger, Ballinger’s, ” Organizations: CNN, Alpenglow Expeditions, China Tibet Mountaineering Association, Everest Base, Foreigners Locations: China, Everest, Tibet, Nepal, Beijing, Lhasa

☆ Will Beyoncé announce the Cowboy Carter' tour? Fans think she may be hitting the road again soon.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Callie Ahlgrim | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The Renaissance World Tour wrapped last October in Kansas City. So it would stand to reason — financially and thematically — that Beyoncé would plan another tour leg for "Cowboy Carter." He celebrated the release of "Cowboy Carter" on X, writing, "This tour bout to B' Incredible!" pic.twitter.com/KNHQOuqFI9 — COWBOY CARTER TOUR (@CowboyCarterWT) March 31, 2024However, the six-month turnaround since Beyoncé's last concert does cast suspicion on these theories. Thanks to "Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé," we know the Renaissance World Tour took four years to ideate and execute.

Persons: Beyoncé, Carter, —, Cowboy Carter, Tina Knowles, Lawson, Instagram, Knowles, KNHQOuqFI9, CARTER, she's, Gtg7f2jvSG — Antoinette “, ” Childs, @Beyonce, …, GPhRrW1GiF — Nicolas Organizations: Service, Texas Locations: Kansas City, @TheFancyFriend

☆ Hot air balloon pilot had high level of ketamine in his system during crash that killed 4, toxicology report finds
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Eric Levenson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The pilot of a hot air balloon that crashed in Arizona in January, leaving four people dead, had high levels of the psychedelic drug ketamine in his blood system, according to a forensic examination report from the Pinal County Medical Examiner’s Office. Cornelius van der Walt, the 37-year-old pilot of the balloon, had ketamine levels of between 1.1 to 1.2 mg/L in his system, according to toxicology testing from the FAA and from NMS Labs. For comparison, the United Kingdom considers ketamine levels over .02 mg/L to be indicative of impaired driving ability, the report says. Van der Walt had no reported prescription for ketamine, and the drug was not used during resuscitation attempts, the report states. The medical examiner’s report stems from the hot air balloon crash in Eloy, Arizona, on January 14 in which the pilot and three other people were killed.

Persons: Cornelius van der Walt, Van der Walt, van der Walt, Chayton Wiescholek, Kaitlynn Bartrom, Atahan Kiliccote, Valerie Stutterheim, Cameron Balloons Organizations: CNN, FAA, NMS Labs, US Drug Enforcement Administration, US Food and Drug Administration, National Transportation Safety Board, ” Police, NTSB Locations: Arizona, Pinal County, United Kingdom, Eloy , Arizona, Eloy, Union City , Michigan, Andrews , Indiana, Cupertino , California, Scottsdale , Arizona

☆ Common flame retardants linked to deaths from cancer in people, study finds
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-01 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Flame retardants added for decades to thousands of consumer products in the United States may raise the risk of dying from cancer, according to new research. “The new study links PBDEs to deaths from cancer, building a case for the association between flame retardants and cancer mortality being real,” said Trasande, who researches the impact of plastics, flame retardants and other chemicals on children. Flame retardant chemicals also can pass to developing fetuses via the placenta and to newborns through breast milk, past research has found. In some cases, the industry has replaced these chemicals with newer phosphorus-based flame retardants, Trasande said, adding that researchers are now concerned these chemicals may be linked to cancer as well. When reupholstering older couches or chairs, be sure to replace the old foam with flame retardant-free foam.

Persons: Leonardo Trasande, ”, Trasande, ” Trasande, Tasha Stoiber, EWG Organizations: CNN, National Health, JAMA, NYU Langone Health, US Centers for Disease Control, Manufacturers, US Environmental Protection Agency, CDC, Environmental Locations: United States, PBDEs, New York City

☆ Netflix's '3 Body Problem' makes some big changes from the book. Here's how the show and novels differ.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( Palmer Haasch | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

AdvertisementNetflix's "3 Body Problem" is an adaptation of Liu Cixin's wide-ranging "Remembrance of Earth's Past" trilogy of novels. Speaking of Yun Tianming, he got turned into Will DowningWill Downing signs on to the Stairfacer Project in "3 Body Problem." Saul is based on a character named Luo JiSaul is chosen as a Wallfacer in "3 Body Problem." The VR headsets are way simpler in the seriesJack Rooney wears a virtual reality headset in "3 Body Problem." NetflixIn "3 Body Problem," Ye Wenjie's daughter Vera Ye dies by suicide in the first episode.

Persons: Liu Cixin's, —, David Benioff, Weiss, Alexander Woo, Auggie Salazar, Ed Miller, Wang Miao, Da Shi, Salazar, Eiza González, it's Wang Miao, Wang Miao's, Jin Cheng, Jess Hong, Jin, Copernicus, Wang, she's, Netflix Wang Miao, Cheng Xin, She's, Yun Tianming, Will Downing Will Downing, Will Downing, Oxford alums, He's, Jack Rooney's, Saul, Luo Ji Saul, Netflix Saul, he's, Saul isn't, Luo Ji, they're, Ye, ETO Jonathan Pryce, Mike Evans, Tatiana, Marlo Kelly, Sophon, Evans, Shimooka, Alicia Vikander, Evan Rachel Wood, Jack Rooney, we'd, Ye Wenjie, Vera Ye, Yang Dong, Yang Weining Organizations: Service, Netflix, intel, Stairfacer, Oxford, United Nations, UN, ETO, Trisolaris Organization, Red Coast Locations: China, England, San, Red

“Special services and law enforcement agencies in the Bryansk region, near the border with Ukraine, detained four suspects from among those who committed a terrorist attack in the Crocus City Hall concert hall,” the committee said. The terrorist attack in Crocus City Hall was carefully planned.”Neither agency specified the nature of the alleged contacts. Suspects detainedVideo footage from the Crocus City Hall showed the vast complex, which is home to both a music hall and shopping center, on fire with smoke billowing into the air. A person places flowers at a makeshift memorial in front of the Crocus City Hall. On Friday, following reports of the Crocus City Hall attack, it advised US citizens not to travel to Russia.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, “, ”, ” “, Maria Zakharova, Andrey Vorobyov, Rescuers, Putin, Stringer, Adrienne Watson, Washington Organizations: CNN, ISIS, Crocus City, Novosti, FSB, Security Service, Russian Federation, RIA Novosti, Tass, Russian Foreign Ministry, Renault, CNN State, ”, Telegram, Russian Emergencies Ministries, Kremlin, Getty, US National Security, State Department Locations: Moscow, Ukraine, Bryansk, Crocus, Crocus City, responsibiliity, Russia, ” Moscow, AFP, Russian, ”, Khorasan, Afghanistan

☆ A chef opened a tiny dessert spot in Tokyo that sells shaved ice for $18 a bowl. I know it's a massive markup, and I'd still pay for it again.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-23 | by ( Tammy Kwan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The shaved ice features unique textures, temperatures, and toppings. AdvertisementA few other customers ordered just before I did, so I patiently waited for my shaved ice to be prepared. But then, I started to taste the thinly shaved ice with the sweet red beans, fresh cream, and milk syrup. I would definitely come back againI have eaten my fair share of shaved ice around the world. In addition to kakigōri in Japan, I'm a fan of bingsu (milk-based Korean shaved ice) in Korea and ice kachang (shaved ice with mixed toppings) in Singapore.

Persons: —, Azuki, Miho Horio, Horio, Kouri, Tammy Kwan Azuki, Miho's, Tammy Kwan, would've, I'm Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Tokyo, Niseko, Yoyogi, Shibuya, Japan, Kouri, Korea, Singapore

☆ Haiti: Machete-wielding militias battle gangs in Port-au-Prince as elites vie for power
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-18 | by ( Caitlin Stephen Hu | David Culver | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Port-au-Prince, Haiti CNN —The wide road that passes in front of Haiti’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport has a post-apocalyptic stillness these days. But leaving the city isn’t an option this time; the airport, under siege by gangs, has been forced to close. Evelio Contreras/CNNPort-au-Prince’s gangs are still choking off the supply of food, fuel and water across the city. Gangs have long haunted the residents of Port-au-Prince, but their reach has dramatically expanded over recent years, covering 80% of the city today, according to UN estimates. Marie Suze Saint Charles in a hospital, Port-au-Prince March 17 Evelio Contreras/CNNThe proliferation of police, gang and civilian checkpoints meanwhile is fracturing Haiti’s capital into wary and anxious fiefdoms.

Persons: Haiti’s Toussaint, Ariel Henry, Evelio Contreras, ”, Marie Maurice, they’ve, Maurice, Prince, –, Marie Suze Saint Charles, Marie, Suze Saint Charles Organizations: Haiti CNN, National Penitentiary, CNN, Haiti’s National Police, Transnational, Refugees, Argentine, Armored, International Organization for Migration Locations: Prince, Haiti, Port, Haitian, Canapé, Swiss, Argentine Bellegarde, ”

☆ She was 'the other woman' in a love triangle with a coworker. Here are the red flags she ignored and what she learned.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-18 | by ( Jane Ridley | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. It made her feel "dumb" and "grimy," she told Business Insider. McCabe wrote about the doomed affair in her part-memoir, part-self-help guide, "The Red Flags I've (Repeatedly) Ignored, Love, Lust, and Lessons." "It should have been a deal breaker because I wanted a committed monogamous relationship," McCabe said. "He texted to say, 'I'm thinking about you, I had a dream about you, and I don't want to do this. "

Persons: —, Brianna McCabe, blindsided, McCabe, Briana McCabe, résumé, He'd, McCabe couldn't, she'd, I've Organizations: Service, Business, Flags Locations: Iceland

☆ 16,000 plastic chemicals exist, many of them hazardous and unregulated, report says
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-14 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

And with new plastic chemicals entering the market all the time, it’s been difficult for regulators and policy makers to determine the scope of the problem. Now, for the first time, researchers have pulled together scientific and regulatory data to develop a database of all known chemicals used in plastic production. It’s a staggering number: 16,000 plastic chemicals, with at least 4,200 of those considered to be “highly hazardous” to human health and the environment, according to the authors. Although grouping would capture about 1,000 of the most toxic chemicals in plastics, Wagner said, that still leaves about 2,600 chemicals that still need to be regulated. Missing hazard dataIn addition to the massive number of toxic chemicals, the report found that detailed hazard information is missing for more than 10,000 of the 16,000 chemicals.

Persons: it’s, It’s, “, ”, Martin Wagner, Wagner, Philip Landrigan, Landrigan, Matt Seaholm, ” Kimberly Wise White, ” Wagner, ” Landrigan, Tasha Stoiber, Stoiber, Jane Houlihan Organizations: CNN, Norwegian University of Science, Technology, Program, Global Public Health, Global, Planetary Health, Boston College, – Monaco, Plastics, Human, Plastics Industry Association, American Chemistry Council, International, United Nations Environment, Global Plastics, Environmental, Healthy Locations: Trondheim, United States

☆ Food prices hold steady, but Americans have a beef with the cost of a burger
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-12 | by ( Alicia Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

For burger proprietors — including smaller, mom-and-pop shops — and burger lovers alike, the price environment may not get any easier. Nearly eight decades later, the Owl Burger remains a draw, but it’s become noticeably more expensive since Covid. “Maybe 45 cents each year,” Argabright told CNN in an interview, adding that the Owl Burger sits at $7.95 now. “When you’re ordering pounds and pounds and pounds of it, it adds up pretty quick.”Beth Steele, founder of Beth's Burger Bar, in Edgewood, Florida. Where’s the beef price headedLike most aspects of inflation, there are several contributing factors behind higher burger prices.

Persons: that’s, ”, Tyler Schipper, Thomas, “ We’re, Wendy’s, Fries, Burger, Frank Chavez, it’s, Janice Argabright, ” Argabright, Beth Steele, Steele, “, hasn’t, we’re, Schipper, “ Don’t, ” Schipper Organizations: CNN, University of St, Trinity, Beth’s, Beth's, American Farm Bureau Federation Locations: Minnesota, San Antonio , New Mexico, Orlando, Beth’s Burger, Beth's Burger, Edgewood , Florida, Texas

☆ '3 Body Problem' is not 'Game of Thrones' with aliens — but it's just getting started
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-09 | by ( Palmer Haasch | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Similarly, it's hard to tell how "3 Body Problem" will pan out even from its first season, which by the end still feels like it's only barely gotten started. Netflix"3 Body Problem" is based on Chinese author Liu Cixin's "Remembrance of Earth's Past" trilogy. The modern-day storyline is less compelling — at least so farJin Cheng (Jess Hong) and Jack Rooney (John Bradley) in "3 Body Problem." "3 Body Problem" has a "Contact"-like bent, in that it attempts to use science and extraterrestrial life to interrogate the idea of God itself. But "3 Body Problem" is worth your time, if at least to see what some of television's greatest hitmakers have taken on next.

Persons: David Benioff, Weiss, Liu Cixin's, Alexander Woo, —, Benioff, Carl Sagan fan's, Ye Wenjie, Ye Zhetai, he's, she's, Wenjie, Rosalind Chao, Tseng, Derek Tsang, Jin Cheng, Jess Hong, Jack Rooney, John Bradley, Ed Miller, alums, Da Shi, Benedict Wong, Thomas Wade, Liam Cunningham, Ye, Woo, It's, Ye Wenjie's Organizations: Netflix, Service, HBO, Amazon's, Tsinghua University Locations: China, Mongolia, London, Oxford

☆ Nanoplastics linked to heart attack, stroke and early death, study finds
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

“Should exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics be considered a cardiovascular risk factor? Nanoplastics have been found in human blood, lung and liver tissues, urine and feces, mother’s milk, and the placenta. The examination found “visible, jagged-edged foreign particles” scattered in the plaque and external debris from the surgery, the study said. Presence of microplastics and nanoplastics, and subsequent inflammation, may act to increase one’s susceptibility to these chronic diseases,” Stapleton said in an email. However, calling the study results “a direct link to cardiovascular disease is a stretch for the findings,” she added.

Persons: ”, Raffaele Marfella, Marfella, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Philip Landrigan, ” Landrigan, nanoplastics, Landrigan, Mary Conlon, —, that’s, Andrew Freeman, Phoebe Stapleton, Rutgers University’s Ernest Mario, “, ” Stapleton, Leonardo Trasande, don’t, Trasande Organizations: CNN, New England, of Medicine, University of Campania, Boston College, Program, Global Public Health, Global, Planetary Health, International, Water Association, Surgeons, Jewish Health, Rutgers, Rutgers University’s Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Getty, American Academy of Pediatrics, NYU Langone Health, Natural Resources Defense Council, Invest Locations: Naples, Italy, Denver, Piscataway , New Jersey

☆ The eyes have it: The intriguing history of kohl
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-29 | by ( Zahra Hankir | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

A Palestinian woman Hadeya Qudaih applying traditional kohl eyeliner to her granddaughter in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip in March 2020. Hadeya Qudaih makes and sells traditional kohl eyeliner for medical and cosmetic purposes (photograph taken in February 2020). A Bedouin man wearing traditional kohl, photographed in the ancient Jordanian city of Petra. Kohl is so commonly worn in the area that girls are sometimes named or nicknamed Kahla by their parents or friends, roughly meaning “the girl who appears to have kohl around her eyes.” Kohl is also a feature of many millennia-old myths, rituals, and legends. “Even if she doesn’t (make kohl) anymore, I will for sure continue to do this myself,” Abu Issa said.

Persons: CNN — Kohl, kohl, Hadeya, kohl eyeliner, Khan Younis, Majdi, Tamam Farhan Abu Issa, Deir al Balah, “, Abu Issa, ”, ” Abu Issa, Issa, Qudaih, Hassan Jedi, Prophet Muhammad —, Alessandro Bigazzi, Jack Sparrow, eyeliner, Kohl, ” Kohl, Zarqa, TikTok, “ Blinkaria Kohl, tightlining, Eyeliner, Fatima Shbair, “ Kohl, I’ve Organizations: CNN, Crusaders, UNESCO, United, kohl, Quds Net News, ZUMA Press, UAE General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments Locations: East, North Africa, Egypt, Europe, Lebanon, Gaza, Gaza’s, Deir, United Nations, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Palestinian, Petra, Raed, Kohl, Eastern, “

☆ Why readers are falling for romantasy stories
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Scottie Andrew | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

But when it comes to the literary flavor that’s dominating readers’ attention in 2024, it’s clear: “Romantasy” reigns supreme. When romantasy protagonists (such as dragon-riders, fairies and fallen angels) aren’t busy saving their worlds, they’re falling deeply in love — often with someone they formerly considered an adversary (the “enemies-to-lovers” trope does big numbers with romantasy readers). Romantasy is breaking through among readers who previously didn’t browse the fantasy aisle — and delighting readers who’ve loved it for years. We talk to authors, experts, longtime fans and recent converts about why readers are flocking to romantasy stories, in which treacherous quests are punctuated by steamy trysts. It’s what bookseller and romantasy fan Gideon Ariel calls “Swiss Army lit” — a subgenre that all readers can enjoy, from longtime fantasy nerds to newcomers.

Persons: Romantasy, aren’t, —, ”, Sarah J, Maas, Rebecca Yarros ’, who’ve, steamy trysts, Taylor Su, CNN Romantasy, Frankie Diane Mallis, Yarros ’, Violet Sorrengail, Gideon Ariel, “, Ariel, romantasy, Diana Gabaldon, Nalini Singh, who’s, couldn’t, Stephanie Meyer’s, ’, Jennifer L, Armentrout, Mallis, TikTok, Patti McConville, I’ve, Gemma Todd, Jayashree Kamblé, ” Kamblé, ” Ariel, Beth Gabriel, ” Mallis, Yarros, Todd, “ Harry Potter ”, ” Todd, Gabriel, She’s, Tracy Deonn, ” Sarah J, ” Rebecca Yarros, ” Travis, ” Silvia Moreno, Garcia, ” Scarlett St, Clair, ” Jennifer L, Ash, ” Rebecca Ross, ” Tracy Deonn, ” Frankie Diane Mallis, ” Nalini Singh Organizations: CNN, New York Times, Arcadia University, Army, Guardian, Bloomsbury, LaGuardia Community College, International Association for, Milwaukee Public Library Locations: bibliophiles, Madison , Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Crescent, Yarros, Wisconsin

☆ The least-visited national parks in the United States in 2023
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( Marnie Hunter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

The state of Alaska — which covers 665,384 square miles (426 million acres) — is home to five of the 15 least-visited national parks for 2023. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Alaska - 78,305 recreation visitsAmerica’s largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias encompasses 13.2 million acres — or about the size of Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park and Switzerland combined, the Park Service says. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida - 84,285 recreation visitsThis island park in Florida is among 20 National Park Service sites that broke visitation records in 2023. Channel Islands National Park, California - 328,746 recreation visitsStretching over five islands and the surrounding ocean, Channel Islands National Park offer opportunities to hike, snorkel, kayak, birdwatch and more. While Pinnacles may rank among the 15 least-visited national parks, it gets very busy on weekends, holidays and throughout the spring, according to a notice on the park’s website.

Persons: Alaska’s Gates, “, ” Peter Christian, fa’asamoa, Gates, ”, Katmai, Brooks Camp, Elias, Lumir, Nabesna, McCarthy Organizations: CNN, &, CNN Travel, of, Park Service, National Parks, & Preserve, South Pacific, Hawaiian Airlines, Lake Clark, National Park Service, Getty, Isle Royale, NPS, Wolves, Elias, Park & Preserve, Yosemite National, Voyageurs National, Voyageurs National Park, ” Voyageurs, Voyageurs, Service, Channel Locations: Alaska’s, Fairbanks, Alaska, of American Samoa, South, Samoa, Smoky, Wild Rivers, American Samoa, Honolulu, , Alaska, Isle, Lake Superior, Isle Royale, Park , Michigan, Brooks, , Washington, Wrangell, St, Elias, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Switzerland, , Florida, Florida, Key, Fort Jefferson, , Nevada, Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park , Minnesota, Canada, Guadalupe, Park , Texas, Texas, Salt, , South Carolina, South Carolina, Congaree, There’s, Santa Cruz, , California, Southern California

☆ The proper reading order for TikTok-famous author Sarah J. Maas' 16 books, from 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' to 'The Assassin's Blade'
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-20 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

BookTok can't get enough of Sarah J. Maas' fantasy series, especially "A Court of Thorns and Roses." Here's the reading order I'd recommend as an avid fan of Maas' books. However, I don't think reading the "Throne of Glass" books in the order they were published offers the best narrative experience. After her two longer series, Maas readers will be ready for the 'Crescent City' booksHalf-fae Bryce Quinlan is at a crossroads when the "Crescent City" series begins, grieving the murder of her best friends by a demon. BloomsburyI would absolutely leave "Crescent City" as your third Maas series for a few reasons.

Persons: BookTok, Sarah J, Maas, —, she's, ahem, Feyre Archeron, Frost, Celaena, Adarlan, fae Bryce Quinlan, Bryce, Hunt Athalar, — they're, I'd, Bryce Quinlan's Organizations: Service, The New York Times, Marvel, Hulu, Wings, Silver Flames, Bloomsbury Locations: TikTok, Maas, Bloomsbury, Adarlan, Crescent, Crescent City

☆ How Beyoncé Jolted the Cuban Singer Daymé Arocena Into a Fresh Era
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-20 | by ( Ed Morales | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Running her fingers through her dreadlocks in an outdoor cafe overlooking San Juan’s grittily trendy Calle Loiza strip, Daymé Arocena reflected wistfully on an old flame. “There’s a song on the album, ‘American Boy,’ that I wrote 10 years ago,” she said, discussing a track from her latest LP, “Alkemi,” due on Feb. 23. “He was a serious bass player from New York, the first person who introduced to me free jazz. But I felt the song was so simple, so easygoing, so … pop, that it didn’t fit what I wanted” at the time. “I had that double world of rumba at home and Bach at school,” she said and smiled.

Persons: Arocena, ”, Santos Suárez, Amadeo Roldán, “, Bach Locations: San, New York, Santos, Havana

☆ Beyoncé Fan’s Radio Request Reignites Country Music Debate
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Emily Schmall | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

In Oklahoma, a small country music station that refused a listener’s request to play a new song by Beyoncé was forced to change its tune after an uproar from fans who say that Black artists are too often excluded from the genre. On Tuesday morning, Justin McGowan requested that the D.J.s at KYKC, a country music radio station in Ada, play “Texas Hold ’Em,” one of two new songs Beyoncé released as announced in a Super Bowl commercial on Sunday. Beyoncé, who grew up in Houston, sings about hoedowns, and the twangy song also features a fellow Black Grammy winner, Rhiannon Giddens, on banjo and viola. The station manager, Roger Harris, emailed Mr. McGowan back with a concise rejection: “We do not play Beyoncé at KYKC as we are a country music station.” In sending the email, Mr. Harris unwittingly ignited a new flame in a long-simmering debate over how Black artists fit into a genre that has Black music at its roots.

Persons: Beyoncé, Justin McGowan, Rhiannon Giddens, Roger Harris, McGowan, Harris Locations: Oklahoma, KYKC, Ada, Houston

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