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Time to Look Forward: Why Newcastle United need to move on from St James’ Park

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Time to Look Forward: Why Newcastle United need to move on from St James’ Park

As Newcastle United fans, we hold St James’ Park close to our hearts.

It’s one of the Premier League’s most iconic grounds, a place where legends like Sir Bobby Robson patrolled the touchline, where Alan Shearer’s record-breaking goals echoed in history, and where unforgettable nights like the 4-1 triumph against PSG unfolded.

St James’ Park has been a fortress for generations (apart from the Ashley years), uniting fans from all walks of life.

However, as much as we cherish those memories, we must ask ourselves: is staying in the past holding us back?

The time has come for Newcastle United to seriously consider moving to a new stadium. Whether it’s built next to, on, or near the current location, a modern home could propel the club into a new era of success. Here’s why.

Since the Saudi-backed takeover, Newcastle United has re-emerged as a club with serious ambition. We’re no longer content with just avoiding relegation or settling for mid-table finishes. The goal is European football, and to compete consistently with the elite, we need the infrastructure that reflects our ambitions. As beloved as it is, St James’ Park presents real limitations.

With a current capacity of just over 52,000, St James’ is simply too small for what this club can achieve. Demand for tickets is enormous and every home game sees thousands of fans unable to attend. A new, larger stadium would not only accommodate more supporters but also bring in additional revenue—vital in an era where commercial strength is as crucial as success on the pitch.

Look at Tottenham Hotspur. They moved to a state-of-the-art stadium and are now reaping the financial rewards: increased matchday income, lucrative sponsorship deals, and world-class facilities. While we don’t want to lose the identity that makes Newcastle United special, moving to a modern home would allow us to grow and compete with the best. Staying at St James’ risks us being left behind commercially.

A common concern is that moving would mean losing our memories. It’s an understandable fear. Who wouldn’t feel sentimental about leaving St James’ Park?

Let’s be honest though: memories aren’t tied to bricks and mortar. They’re shaped by the experiences we share as fans. A new stadium wouldn’t erase the past; it would allow us to create new memories. Fans of the future deserve the same magic we felt and that magic can still happen in a modern arena.

Every iconic moment we associate with St James’ Park was once new. The same will be true of a new stadium. Whether it’s in Leazes Park or elsewhere, young fans will build their own cherished memories. The roar of the crowd won’t disappear with a change in venue; the spirit of Newcastle United will always live within its fans.

Time to Look Forward: Why Newcastle United need to move on from St James’ Park

We need to ensure new generations of Geordies can experience that same magic by giving them a stadium that fits our ambitions.

Some fans have suggested expanding St James’ Park instead of moving. While that sounds like an ideal compromise, the reality is far more complicated. The surrounding area presents significant logistical challenges, which we are all aware of.

Building a new stadium—whether next to St James’ or elsewhere in the city—opens up far more possibilities.

We could design a ground with better facilities, greater capacity, and a vision that’s rooted firmly in Newcastle. A new stadium could even incorporate elements of St James’ into its design, preserving our history while embracing the future.

Of course, any discussion about building on Leazes Park or nearby spaces would be controversial, but it’s worth remembering that green spaces can be replaced or reimagined. Modern stadium developments often include public areas, green spaces, and recreational zones that benefit the local community. This isn’t about ripping up Leazes Park to pour concrete; it’s about finding a balance between development and preserving Newcastle’s heritage.

We can build a stadium that honours the city’s history while creating something new and exciting. Leazes Park could be redesigned to complement the stadium, offering more accessible public spaces for families and residents. The goal isn’t to destroy the heart of the city but to make it beat stronger.

Ultimately, Newcastle United must answer this: do we want to compete at the highest level, or are we content to stand still?

A new stadium isn’t about forgetting our past; it’s about building a future where the club can thrive on and off the pitch.

With the right design, location, and mindset, we can create a stadium that future generations will look back on with the same pride we feel about St James’ Park, but to achieve that, we need to embrace change.

Newcastle United is evolving. The fans, the city, and the club are ready for something bigger. It’s time we look ahead, starting with a new home that matches our ambitions.

We’ll never forget where we’ve come from but it’s time to plan for where we’re going.

Howay the lads!


Solving the Mystery of the Arcouzan Glacier

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Solving the Mystery of the Arcouzan Glacier

Nestled in the remote heights of the Ariège national park along the French-Spanish border, the Arcouzan glacier is one of the Pyrenees’ most unique and isolated ice masses.

Standing between 2,320 and 2,520 meters, this relatively low glacier with its distinct funnel shape was first scaled by mountaineer Jean Pierre Pages in 1808.

With glaciers and ice caps melting rapidly across the globe, curiously the Arcouzan glacier appeared to be bucking the trend. Evidence from 2005 to 2018 indicated that the glacier had in fact grown in size, puzzling researchers as to why it was behaving in such an exceptional way. In response, a team recently set out to unravel the mystery and clarify the glacier’s true state. Working alongside TERIA, as well as scientists and academics at the site, Topcon was called upon to provide geospatial technology that would assess the glacier’s movements and solve the riddle of its supposed growth.

Solving the Mystery of the Arcouzan Glacier

Equipment that delivers
The team’s first priority was to secure an accurate overview of the glacier’s movements and activity to check the validity of previous research. The harsh, unpredictable weather at this altitude presented a significant challenge, requiring robust, highly precise technology capable of performing in extreme conditions. Topcon’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), a proven pioneer in GNSS tracking and positioning, was chosen for the task. Thanks to its Universal Tracking Channels technology, the system leveraged satellite constellations from GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou, to provide a complete overview of the glacier and its movements.

Topcon account manager Jasper Vos explained: “This full-constellation service ensured that the data was as accurate and reliable as possible, even under the harshest of environmental conditions, allowing scientists to track changes with unmatched precision.”

To support the work, the Topcon GLS-2200 3D laser scanner and FC-5000 Field Notebook, paired with TERIA PYX receivers, were deployed. The GLS-2200 simplified complex scanning processes, capturing intricate surface details with a 200-meter range and HDR imaging for superior 3D model rendering. This made it ideal for high-pressure and time-critical glacial monitoring. Complementing the scanning equipment, the Topcon FC-500 Field Notebook was chosen for its rugged build and ease of use in the harsh mountain terrain. Its seven-inch screen remained bright and readable even under direct alpine sunlight, while its waterproof, scratch-resistant design ensured durability amid the volatile conditions of high-altitude glacial research.

“Together, these technologies provided the precision and reliability the team needed to capture accurate data in one of the most extreme environments,” added Jasper.

Identifying and addressing ecological change
Following three days of intensive fieldwork, the team’s findings told a very different story from earlier reports. Topcon’s GNSS technology revealed that the Arcouzan glacier had not been growing; it had been shrinking. The glacier had lost 3.9 meters of water blade between 2021 and 2023, largely due to reduced snowfall and increasing temperatures in the region. This new data decisively refuted previous research, highlighting the glacier’s vulnerability to the ongoing effects of climate change.

The accurate, real-time measurements provided by Topcon technology left no room for doubt: the glacier’s surface area and thickness are diminishing at an alarming rate. Glacial change is widely recognized as one of the most visible and immediate indicators of global climate shifts, and Arcouzan’s initial resilience, followed by rapid decline, mirrors larger environmental changes occurring across the Pyrenees and beyond. This provides critical information, not only for scientists but also for policymakers as they strategize responses to climate change.

Having spent three days on the glacier, Jasper described the experience of working in the Pyrenees: “These remote and truly quiet mountains of the Pyrenees are one of the last wildernesses of Europe. They have so much to teach us if we are prepared to listen. Spending time there and seeing the effects these environmental changes are having on the planet is a moving experience. I just hope that our research can have an effect and help to cut through any apathy that still exists around climate change.”

Reflecting on the role that technology can play in addressing the climate emergency, Michael Gomes, vice president of global sustainability at Topcon, emphasized the broader implications of this work: “This project is a prime example of how precision technology can be used to measure and understand the impacts of climate change. By creating accurate data layers, we are contributing to the documentation of ecological change, which supports global sustainability efforts like SDG #15 – Life on Land. The transparency and accuracy provided by Topcon systems are indispensable tools for scientists and the broader global community as we grapple with the realities of climate change.”

The Arcouzan Glacier is not an isolated case. From rising sea levels to altered weather patterns, the effects of glacial melt extend well beyond local environments. Topcon’s involvement in the Arcouzan project not only solved a scientific mystery, but also demonstrated the essential role of cutting-edge technology in understanding and addressing climate change. As glaciers continue to retreat, the data provided by advanced systems like GNSS will be vital for both monitoring these changes and informing strategies to mitigate their impact.

Website Topcon Positioning

MCAT Prep by MedSchoolCoach is the Only MCAT Study App You’ll Ever Need!

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MCAT Prep by MedSchoolCoach is the Only MCAT Study App You’ll Ever Need!

 

MCAT Prep by MedSchoolCoach is the Only MCAT Study App You’ll Ever Need!

By: MedSchoolCoach

 

MCAT Prep by MedSchoolCoach is the Only MCAT Study App You’ll Ever Need!

 

(This is a Sponsored post from MedSchoolCoach. To see all the companies that help support #LifeofaMedStudent, check out the Sponsors page.)

 

Studying for the MCAT exam can be difficult for pre-med students – and expensive. This is no longer the case. MedSchoolCoach launched a new mobile app called MCAT Prep designed to be comprehensive, used on the go, and for a limited time is entirely free.

 

A Leading MCAT Educator Created MCAT Prep Especially for Future Doctors

Ken Tao is a national authority on the MCAT and is the MedSchoolCoach Director of MCAT Tutoring. He has worked with thousands of undergraduate students in helping them boost their MCAT scores. Before MedSchoolCoach, he was one of the highest-rated MCAT tutors of all-time at Princeton Review. Ken has also written content for dozens of MCAT books and guides.

“These days a typical MCAT course can cost students over $2,000, which many students cannot afford. MCAT Prep provides another study option for students that is both accessible and effective” said Ken Tao. “Furthermore, it’s the only MCAT study tool designed primarily for use on a mobile device. It was our goal to build a comprehensive resource, as opposed to existing mobile applications that offer just limited features.”

 

A Comprehensive MCAT Study Resource in One Place

For the first time, MedSchoolCoach created an all-encompassing solution built specifically for the MCAT. While institutions like Khan Academy historically have provided great resources for premeds, none provide a solution for a complete MCAT course from start to finish. MCAT Prep is jam-packed with features:

  • Video Tutorials – Watch more than 250 high-quality MCAT videos with 80 hours of high-yield content across all AAMC sections and topics. Most of the videos are shorter than 10 minutes, which allow students to comprehend the material easily.
  • Study Scheduling & Progress Tracking – Students can plan what they need to do each day during MCAT prep and track their completion through the entire MCAT journey.
  • Flashcards – 1,000+ flashcards present a term or concept for the user to define. Flipping the card reveals the proper definition and students can flag cards for later review.
  • Practice Questions – 1,000+ questions that allow students to check their comprehension of the science concepts in each video. Each question also includes a detailed explanation.

 

 

Money is No Object as High-Quality MCAT Content is Now Available for the Masses

Today, more than ever, the inequalities of being able to access a $2,500 prep course are apparent. While good content exists for those who can afford it, those who cannot are left to study on their own. Adding to the already expensive process of applying to medical school (not to mention getting through an undergraduate degree), an MCAT prep course is simply not feasible for thousands of prospective physicians.

MCAT Prep by MedSchoolCoach leveled the playing field. The app trial is completely free. Plus, premium features include customizable question banks and the ability to download class notes across hundreds of test topics!

 

Students Are on the Go, and Textbooks Are Heavy

MCAT Prep was created with mobile in mind. While all students would love to have eight hours a day for ten weeks to study for the MCAT, that isn’t the reality for most.

Between classes, extracurriculars, volunteering, jobs, and family, it is increasingly difficult for students to find dedicated study time. Students can take MCAT Prep on the go wherever they are. Plus, they can also use it while studying at home on a desktop, laptop, or tablet, picking up seamlessly wherever they left off on their mobile device.

No other MCAT course was built with mobile in mind the way MCAT Prep was.

 

Download MCAT Prep by MedSchoolCoach Today

“MCAT Prep enables MedSchoolCoach to assist a much wider group of students than they can with their one-on-one tutoring alone. The app’s suite of services is accessible to all students, regardless of means,” Ken Tao added. “I cannot wait for you to try MCAT Prep on your iPhone, iPad or Android device.”

Download MCAT Prep for iOS from the Apple Store.

Download MCAT Prep for Android from the Google Play Store.

 

MedSchoolCoach:

MedSchoolCoach was founded in 2007 with a simple premise: physicians should help future physicians. Since that time, we’ve helped more than 12,000 students get into and through medical school.

Our advisors are actual physicians with admissions committee experience. Our tutors go through the most rigorous selection process in the industry. Our company is focused just on one thing: build future physicians.

 

A New Season Back to School Moodboard

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A New Season Back to School Moodboard

A New Season Back to School Moodboard

 

Photos by Beatrice Granados

It’s around this time of year, the new pencil case nostalgia and back to school playground bells ringing in my ears, that I start itching to spend money like I have the stuff to burn. LEAVE MY POCKETS AND REPLACE YOURSELVES WITH BURGUNDY CORD, I dramatically bellow into the distance, patting myself down and rifling through old handbags like I’m looking for treasure.

Obviously it’s the breath of fresh air into my most-worn that I’m really craving and definitely not the urge to empty my bank balance, and with this knowledge in mind (and before The Big Wardrobe Sort Out which admittedly I never got round to doing for summer)- I thought I’d share some of images and outfits that have been re-inspiring me before I go on a total bender on Vinted (have you ever heard a less poetic sentence? No, me neither). Whether that’s Pinterest ideas or outfit recipes that I turn to again and again this time of year- half of the fun is shaking up what you already have and wearing it again with brand new eyes in just a bit of a new way.

When it comes to dressing any time from late September, the below are a series of outfits that I find myself coming back to again and again. All rooted in a heavy dose of nostalgia, a sprinkling of sixties and some true 70s news anchor energy for good measure. They are as follows:

THE MINI:

A pinafore dress, layered with frilly or dagger collared shirt/slim roll neck, tights and Mary Janes (I feel like over the knee boots also work very well for this).

THE CORDS:

Cords in a warm tonal colour, paired with a denim jacket (the perfect thing to go underneath coats for when it’s colder too), a buttoned up cardigan, t-shirt and fun trainers or fun ankle boots.

THE DENIM:

Double denim galore! Denim is a true baseline for my autumn wardrobe and really does the most in an outfit when it’s paired with beautiful tan pieces and a silky neck scarf, or even a bomber jacket for a real Sex Education cast member feel. In short, if it’s good enough for George Harrison or Aimee Gibbs, it’s a go go.

 THE SUIT:

A two (or three) piece suit for a lifestyle I frankly do not lead and class I do not teach, but every September convince myself it could be a valuable addition to my wardrobe (surprisingly they always *do* get worn- there’a a corporate girl in me forever waiting for her time to shine).

 

 

And! If I’m not abiding by one of the four styling pillars above, chances are I’ll be taking inspiration from the below three styling seasonings, which always help draw my focus onto the things I’m particularly attracted to during a season (especially if I’ve just seen something I’m giddy for, and can *really* pick apart what I’m loving about it and whether I can find something similar secondhand) whether that’s the…

 

COLOUR

Whether that’s primary-coloured socks to make summer shoes autumn friendly or a soft pastel blouse to add a little softness to richer autumn tones or for A* under-knit layering- the power of mixing up the colours you think ‘match’ and go together can truly open up so many avenues. So often I’ll see a knit and perhaps realise it’s not the jumper I love but the colour and the way it’s been styled unexpectedly. After my pal Kerry introduced it to me (a woman who is also so, so brilliantly versed in styling colour), for my birthday I received this Japanese colour dictionary which is truly WONDERFUL at helping you work out complimentary colours and the way tones work together. I’ve always been a stickler for textbook traditional coordination when it comes to getting dressed, and this truly spins it on it’s head which has been truly refreshing when putting an outfit together.

 

SHAPES

‘Tis the season where a summer solely built on ethereal floaty dresses merges with a juxtaposition of mannish tailoring, three tiered layering (give me a roll neck, sweater vest and blazer as a minimum pls) and interesting shapes to really help create outfits that feel pulled together and ‘me’. I feel like I’ve properly learnt about the shapes that work for me from season to season; whether that’s a particular shape of jeans (normally sailor cut, with front pockets), a dress length that I know will work well with boots (longer than a midi but not quite full length) or the type of coat I’ll wear every day- I know I’m far more likely to feel confident in what I’m wearing (and keep comparison at bay) when I’ve stuck to the shapes I know.

 

TEXTURES

I think one of the most exciting things about autumnal dressing are the total collage of textures that you can play with when getting dressed. We’re striding out of linen season and into a time where anything from jumbo cord, thick aran knits, rich velvet, silky satins and silks, indigo denims, smooth leathers and cosy cashmeres are all on the agenda. Nothing is off limits! As well as cheese and pickle, Lea & Perrins and macaroni and a hot chocolate and an autumnal walk; a vintage printed silk blouse and a great pair of cords or some dark denim and rich oranges truly make for two of the iconic duos of autumn.

x

New MS Treatment Shows Promise in Trial

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New MS Treatment Shows Promise in Trial

New MS Treatment Shows Promise in TrialBy Amy Norton HealthDay Reporter

An experimental antibody therapy for multiple sclerosis can cut symptom flare-ups by half, versus a standard treatment, a new clinical trial has found.

The drug, called ublituximab, beat a standard oral medication for MS in reducing patients’ relapses — periods of new or worsening symptoms. It also proved better at preventing areas of inflammatory damage in the brain.

Ublituximab is not yet approved for treating MS; the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reviewing the trial data and is expected to make a decision by the year’s end, according to drugmaker TG Therapeutics.

If approved, ublituximab would be the latest in a newer group of MS therapies called anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies: lab-engineered antibodies that target specific immune system cells that drive the MS process.

The new findings offer more proof that the approach benefits patients, according to an expert who was not involved in the trial.

“Is this revolutionary? No. But it’s further confirmation of a clinical benefit from targeting this population of cells in the blood,” said Dr. Lauren Krupp, who directs NYU Langone’s Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center in New York City.

MS is a neurological disorder that usually arises between the ages of 20 and 40. It’s caused by a misguided immune system attack on the body’s own myelin — the protective sheath around nerve fibers in the spine and brain. Depending on where the damage occurs, symptoms include vision problems, muscle weakness, numbness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.

Most people with MS have the relapsing-remitting form, where symptoms flare for a period, then ease. Over time, the disease becomes more steadily progressive.

Immune system cells called B cells seem to play an especially key role in driving MS. So recent years have seen the development of monoclonal antibodies that deplete the blood of B cells. One, called ocrelizumab (Ocrevus), was approved in the United States in 2017. A second — ofatumumab (Kesimpta) — followed in 2020.

Both antibodies deplete B cells by targeting a protein on the cells called CD20. Ublituximab has the same target, but it’s engineered to be more potent at killing B cells, said Dr. Lawrence Steinman, lead researcher on the new trial.

The trial did not compare ublituximab against either existing anti-CD20 antibody, stressed Steinman, a professor of neurology at Stanford University. So it’s not known whether it’s any more or less effective.

But a potential advantage of the new antibody, Steinman said, is that it can be administered rapidly.

Both Ocrevus and ublituximab require patients to go to a medical facility for infusions every six months. But an Ocrevus infusion takes about three hours, while ublituximab can be given in one hour.

Kesimpta, meanwhile, avoids infusions altogether. It’s taken at home once a month, using an auto-injector.

“There are different solutions for different people,” Steinman said. “I think it’s always good to have options.”

The findings, published Aug. 25 in the New England Journal of Medicine, are based on more than 1,000 patients with MS, mostly the relapsing-remitting form. A small percentage had secondary progressive MS, a second phase of the disease that follows the relapsing-remitting years.

About half were randomly assigned to ublituximab infusions, while the other half took the oral medication Aubagio (teriflunomide).

Over 96 weeks, ublituximab patients were half as likely to have a relapse — with an average annual rate of just under 0.1, versus almost 0.2 among Aubagio patients. And on MRI scans, they showed fewer areas of inflammation in the brain.

B cells are responsible for churning out infection-fighting antibodies. So a main safety concern with B-cell depletion is that it can leave people more vulnerable to infection. That was the case in this trial: 5% of ublituximab patients developed a serious infection, including pneumonia, versus 3% of Aubagio patients.

There are many drugs approved to treat MS. But Krupp said some recent studies are showing that patients fare better long term when they get “high-efficacy” medications — which include anti-CD20 antibodies — versus older drugs with more-moderate effects.

To Steinman, earlier is better when it comes to starting high-efficacy treatment.




SLIDESHOW


What Is Multiple Sclerosis? MS Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis
See Slideshow

“My philosophy is, if insurance will cover it, knock the disease down hard and fast,” he said.

That brings up the real-world issue of cost: CD20 monoclonal antibodies are expensive; the current list price for Ocrevus is about $68,000 per year, according to drugmaker Genentech.

So often, both Krupp and Steinman said, medication decisions depend on which ones are covered by a patient’s insurance plan.

More information

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has more on treating MS.

SOURCES: Lawrence Steinman, MD, director and professor, neurology and neurological sciences, and pediatrics, Beckman Center for Molecular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.; Lauren Krupp, MD, director, NYU Langone Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center, and professor, pediatric neuropsychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City; New England Journal of Medicine, Aug. 25, 2022

MedicalNews

Copyright © 2021 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


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Joy’s 7-Day Mediterranean Meal Plan

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Joy’s 7-Day Mediterranean Meal Plan

There’s a reason why the Mediterranean Diet reigns supreme as one of the most popular—and effective— diets of all time. It’s an easy, evidence-based eating plan full of delicious whole foods with numerous health benefits.

In fact, year after year, the Mediterranean Diet ranks number one on U.S. News & World Report Best Diets list, and once again, it slips into the first-place spot for 2024.

This accessible approach to healthy eating emphasizes nutrient-rich plant-based foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes) and heart-healthy fats. The Mediterranean Diet has been shown to support weight loss, cardiovascular health, brain power, and promote graceful aging.

Numerous studies suggest that sticking to a Mediterranean Diet can lower a person’s risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, dementia, depression, and other serious health conditions.

If you’re in search of a diet that’s not only easy to stick to but also budget-friendly and scientifically backed, the Mediterranean Diet might just be your perfect match. Need a starting point? Check out this 7-day meal plan to effortlessly prepare a week’s worth of deliciously nourishing meals.

What is the Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean Diet is less of a diet and more of a lifestyle approach for good health and well-being. It’s all about savoring nutrient-dense, whole foods that you already love, rather than restricting food groups or counting calories.

While there aren’t strict rules about what you cannot eat, the Mediterranean Diet does

emphasize consuming only moderate amounts of poultry, dairy, eggs, and wine…. while placing stricter limits on red meat and sweets.

The Mediterranean Diet is based on the traditional foods and eating habits of people in the countries neighboring the Mediterranean Sea, including Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Morocco, and Croatia.

There are actually 16 countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, and each varies in terms of the foods available, cuisine, spices and cooking methods. However, the same overall basic diet principles apply:

  • Eating is focused primarily on plant-based foods, including vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
  • Butter is replaced with olive oil.
  • Fish, eggs and poultry are the animal proteins of choice.
  • Dairy such as yogurt and cheese, is limited to a few times per week.
  • Red meat is limited to no more than a few times a month.
  • Meals are flavored with various herbs and spices.
  • Food is shared and enjoyed with friends and family.

Joy’s 7-Day Mediterranean Diet Plan

This plan provides approximately 1,600 calories per day, offering individuals seeking weight loss a reference point for portion size. Note: the plan includes the option for a glass of wine, a small daily treat and unlimited non-starchy vegetables; see below. Tailor it to suit your personal weight management and wellness goals—adjust portions up or down as needed.

Joy’s 7-Day Mediterranean Meal PlanClick graphic above to download the plan!

  • Eat on a schedule: Have a meal or snack at least every four to five hours.
  • Mix and match any of the meal and snack options. Repeat favorite meals/snacks as often as you’d like.
  • Plan your menu the night before, so you’re armed with a game plan.
  • Drink water throughout the day. Keep a reusable water bottle on hand for continuous sipping.
  • Stick with healthier snacks when watching TV or a movie: such as light popcorn or veggies.
  • Enjoy unlimited amounts of non-starchy vegetables (carrots, tomatoes, peppers, celery, cucumbers, etc.) at any point in the day.
  • Be selective with treats and alcohol. Try your best to stick with small portions of sweet treats and moderate your alcohol consumption.

Breakfast options

  1. Greek Omelet: Combine 1 egg and 3 egg whites with spinach, dill and optional feta. Enjoy with 1 slice of whole-grain toast on the side.
  2. PB & Berry Breakfast Bowl. This easy morning meal has got everything you need for a magnificent day.
  3. Oatmeal with Fruit and Nuts. Combine ½ cup dry oats with 1 cup milk of choice (almond milk, low-fat cow’s milk, etc.).Top with ½ cup chopped fruit, 1 tablespoon chopped nuts and 1 optional teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon.
  4. PB & Banana English muffin. Toast 1 whole-grain English muffin. Top with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, ½ sliced banana and a sprinkling of cinnamon.
  5. Avocado ‘n Egg Toast. Level up the classic avocado toast with a protein-rich twist. Enjoy with any preferred vegetables or seasonings.
  6. Longevity Smoothie. Make this delicious superfood smoothie. To increase the protein, add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder, or enjoy with a hard-boiled egg or container of single-serve Greek yogurt on the side.
  7. Overnight Oats. Enjoy one of these delicious “make ahead” variations: Banana Bread Overnight Oats, Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats or Key Lime Overnight Oats.

Lunch options

  1. Grilled Fish and Veggies. Enjoy 6 ounces of any preferred fish with 2 cups vegetables, grilled, roasted or sautéed in olive oil.
  2. Mezze Plate with Hummus, Nuts and Fruit. Create a Mezze plate with ¼ cup hummus (try my Lentil Hummus or Edamame Hummus) and unlimited crudité or raw veggies, 1 small whole grain roll or ½ large pita, 1 cup grapes, and 10 almonds or walnuts (or 1 ounce of cheese).
  3. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. This Mediterranean masterpiece incorporates all the amazing and tasty standouts of the health-promoting diet.
  4. Lentil Veggie Superfood Stew. Enjoy 2 cups of this super scrumptious stew that will nourish your body from head to toe. Enjoy with fresh fruit on the side (1 cup grapes or berries, or 1 apple, pear, orange, grapefruit, or banana).
  5. Chicken Caesar Wrap. Enjoy this Chicken Caesar Wrap made with a creamy avocado dressing. Bonus points for crunchy carrot sticks or bell peppers on the side.
  6. Wild Salmon and Chickpea Salad. Make this delicious Mediterranean-style salmon salad.
  7. Mediterranean Harvest Bowl. Build a nourishing bowl where each bite brings savory-sweet, crisp, crunchy goodness… and a cornucopia of nutrients.

Dinner options

  1. Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers with Tahini Drizzle. Make stuffed peppers and enjoy with a side salad of mixed greens and non-starchy vegetables topped with 2 teaspoons olive oil and unlimited balsamic vinegar or fresh lemon juice.
  2. Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo. Combine tender chicken, delicate orzo and citrusy goodness for a great big bowl of sunshine. Enjoy with a chopped salad dressed with 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil and unlimited vinegar or fresh lemon juice.
  3. Grilled fish with Superfood Minestrone. Enjoy any roasted, grilled or baked fish of choice with 2 cups of this flavorful and veggie-packed minestrone soup.
  4. Shrimp Broccoli Scampi. Make this light and flavorful pasta dish that’s fast enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but fancy enough to serve for a special get-together.
  5. Greek Burgers with Feta and Roasted Red Pepper. Make this Mediterranean-inspired turkey burger.Add a side salad dressed with 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil and unlimited vinegar, lemon juice or lime juice.
  6. One-Sheet Mediterranean Shrimp with Charred Vegetables. Make this one-and-done meal with shrimp, broccoli, and green beans. Enjoy this recipe with a baked sweet potato or 1 cup cooked rice, quinoa or whole-grain pasta.
  7. Chicken Bruschetta. Elevate your bruschetta game by making Chicken Bruschetta. Enjoy it with a side of preferred veggies and a baked sweet potato or 1 cup cooked rice, quinoa, or pasta.

Snack options

• Dried apricots and almonds: 8 dried apricots (or 3 dates) with 10 almonds.

• Light popcorn: Enjoy 4 cups of any store-bought light popcorn, or make these tasty variations Rosemary-Parmesan Popcorn or Fiesta Lime Popcorn.

• Veggies and ¼ cup hummus or Creamy Guacamole.

• Hummus deviled eggs (8 halves)

• Apple with 1 Tbsp Peanut Butter. 

• Greek yogurt (1 cup) + berries

• Zucchini Walnut Muffins

Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket Review

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Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket Review

Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket Review

Last weekend I hit the Arc’teryx Climbing Academy to test out the latest GORE-TEX Epe membrane technology in the form of the Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight GORE-TEX Jacket. This jacket is a game-changer, promising top-tier performance while significantly reducing its environmental impact. Let’s see how it held up in the rugged terrain of the Lake District.

The new GORE-TEX innovative Membrane

So, what sets this jacket apart? It’s all about the ePE membrane. GORE-TEX has engineered this remarkable technology to be thin, strong, and incredibly durable, all without sacrificing an ounce of performance. But the real game-changer is its reduced carbon footprint.

How, you ask? Durability is key. A jacket that lasts longer spends less time in the production cycle, saving energy and resources. Plus, the Beta Lightweight incorporates recycled materials, further minimising its environmental impact.

arcteryx beta jacket review

You might be surprised to learn that even the colour of the Beta Lightweight plays a role in its eco-friendly design. The solution-dyed fabric drastically reduces water and chemical use compared to traditional dyeing methods. This, combined with the PFC-free DWR finish, proves that you don’t have to sacrifice performance for sustainability.

Testing the GORE-TEX technology in Action

The Arc’teryx Academy event was in Great Langdale in the Lake District and been the UK a whole host of different weather was forecast across the weekend, Giving perfect testing conditions for this latest technology GORE-TEX has to offer. 

Across the weekend I seriously put this jacket through its paces! The first clinic I attended was a rescue skills course high in the hills of Great Langdale. This is were breathability was really tested, The approach to the crag was steep with mixed spells of sun then cloud with a gentle breeze.

In a lot of shell jackets I have worn in the past this could prove quite troublesome due to breathability issues and getting really hot fast on approach. However in this jacket my body temperature seemed regulated and due to the jacket been so light and thin I was really comfortable whilst carrying a lot of climbing gear. 

arcteryx beta jacket review

The second half of the day I attended a trad climbing clinic, This is were I wanted to really test out the Epe membrane from a comfort point of view. 

Trad climbing in the UK can throw so much different weather at you in one afternoon so a shell jacket is often a vital bit of kit, however compared to hiking etc a lot more dynamic moves are made during trad climbing and this is were this thin yet durable membrane really shines for me. 

With the Epe membrane technology been so thin and light yet strong the jacket offered a lot more freedom of movement which is usually reserved for thinner less durable garments. To me this is vital as I can be more dynamic without compromise in performance at the crag.

The next morning in typical UK fashion we were hit with some seriously heavy rain for the entire day in Great Langdale. Sundays clinic was multi pitch rock climbing at Raven Crag on a Diff graded climb called Middlefell Buttress, The short pitches interspersed with large plateaus meant we could still get on rock despite heavy rainfall. 

arcteryx beta jacket review

For the days wet multi pitch climb the jacket had its chance to prove its waterproof capabilities. The first thing I noticed with this jacket which as a climber is a huge plus point is due to the jacket been thin it tucks very nicely under a climbing harness, and feels comfortable. 

The next point is waterproof performance, this jacket was battered by wind and rain all day and scraped against rocks during a multi-pitch and came out unscathed and I was completely dry underneath after a morning of multi-pitch in heavy rain. 

Durability was very surprising too, GORE-TEX have nailed it here! Never have I wore such a light yet robust feeling shell jacket. 

arcteryx beta jacket review

Many of the pitches during climbing I was leaning on rock placing gear and this is often when a lightweight shell jacket can really take damage as you move on upwards, not a mark on the jacket at all except the odd bit of dirt and mud which is to be expected. 

Which brings me to my next point… caring for the product. 

Caring for Your Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket

After an awesome and inspiring weekend climbing alongside some amazing Arc’tyrex athletes and absolutely brilliant guides its time to head home and wash the jacket which is mega easy. 

To Wash:

  1. Prep: Close all zippers, pockets, and fasten straps.
  2. Wash: Machine wash at 40°C (104°F) with liquid detergent ONLY.
  3. Rinse: Rinse twice with minimal spinning.

To Dry:

  1. Tumble Dry: Use a warm, gentle cycle, OR line dry.
  2. Reactivate DWR: Tumble dry for 20 minutes OR iron on low heat with a towel between the iron and the jacket.

To Reapply DWR (When Water No Longer Beads):

  1. Choose Product: Select a DWR treatment like Grangers.
  2. Apply: Either wash-in or spray-on, depending on the product.
  3. Dry: Follow the drying instructions above to reactivate the DWR.

Additional Tips:

  • Avoid fabric softeners, bleach, and dry cleaning.
  • Wash your jacket regularly to maintain its performance and longevity.

Phil

EDITOR: Always on the lookout for the next outdoor challenge. Currently training for the Welsh 3000s. Qualified PT and nutritionist. Product and landscape photographer.

Find me on: Instagram

Event Marketing Statistics & Worldwide Trends In 2024

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Event Marketing Statistics & Worldwide Trends In 2024

Age, gender, region, and income stances on event marketing in 2024

Over 65s are the majority involved in event marketing 

The event marketing industry includes a diverse range of age demographics. The majority of survey respondents seen in this particular survey highlight the significant presence of older event marketers, signifying that a more mature perspective is extremely relevant in the current landscape. 

Event Marketing Statistics & Worldwide Trends In 2024

 

With 21.6% of respondents being over 65 years old and only 15.6% being younger than 25, it appears that the influence of senior event marketers is stronger than previously anticipated.

The other age group’s engagement levels stack up as follows: 

  • 55-64: 20.4%
  • 45-54: 18.5%
  • 35-44: 14.2%
  • 25-34: 9.8%

Over 50% of event marketers are female 

The event marketing industry is female-dominated, meaning that there are more women (52.8%) actively working in this industry than men (47.2%) or other gender identities. 

 

Research from IBTM had similar findings: as many as 77% of people working in the event marketing industry were female in 2022, and 83% of respondents were women with executive positions in their company. 

However, women’s prevalence in event marketing still has hurdles to get over. According to the same IBTM survey, of the people who responded, only 16% were women with director-level positions, while 32% were men with director-level positions. This could indicate that despite a strong female presence in the industry, women are still outnumbered by their male counterparts when it comes to upper-level corporate positions. 

The majority of engagement is from US event marketers

Our data revealed where the highest and lowest engagement levels were for event marketers, and the graph below shows us this, and who’s in between:

The survey we conducted found that a whopping 63.5% of respondents were located in the US. Considering that the US holds the biggest market share of this industry globally, this isn’t surprising. 

But the US is not the only region to crop up—our survey showed that many other nationalities are represented in the event marketing industry, including the UK in second place with 11.7%, Germany with 7.1%, Australia with 4.1%, and Italy with 4%. Canada and France share similar engagement levels of 3.8% and 3.6%, while Spain only gets 1%, Mexico 0.8%, and Poland 0.4%.

Most workers in the industry earn between $40k and $80k annually

The engagement levels in our survey revealed who earns what every year:

A mere 0.6% of event marketers earn over $1 million per year, and just 8.4% take home between $500,000 and a million. The vast majority (27.8%) earn a much lower annual wage of between $40,000 and $80,000 on average. Considering that the average annual income for a US adult is $63,795, this information is consistent with the average event marketing earners from our survey. However, our data showcases a healthy bracket of earners (25.9%) who make between $200k and $500k per year, demonstrating that the income tiers for people working in this industry are extremely varied. 

More data from Glassdoor suggests that the average annual income for event marketers is between $55,000 and $103k, which ties in with the 16.2% who make $80,000 to $200,000. However, the amount ultimately depends on work experience, where you live, and whether you operate as a freelancer or under a company. Those earning the least also racked up the second lowest engagement, at just 2.6%.
successful career in this sector.

The figures in our data paint an interesting picture and highlight that, although there are challenges in events marketing, there are also plenty of opportunities to make money and enjoy a

LLM-based spatial analysis assistants for QGIS

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LLM-based spatial analysis assistants for QGIS

After the initial ChatGPT hype in 2023 (when we saw the first LLM-backed QGIS plugins, e.g. QChatGPT and QGPT Agent), there has been a notable slump in new development. As far as I can tell, none of the early plugins are actively maintained anymore. They were nice tech demos but with limited utility.

However, in the last month, I saw two new approaches for combining LLMs with QGIS that I want to share in this post:

IntelliGeo plugin: generating PyQGIS scripts or graphical models

At the QGIS User Conference in Bratislava, I had the pleasure to attend the “Large Language Models and GIS” workshop presented by Gustavo Garcia and Zehao Lu from the the University of Twente. There, they presented the IntelliGeo Plugin which enables the automatic generation of PyQGIS scripts and graphical models.

The workshop was packed. After we installed all dependencies and the plugin, it was exciting to test the graphical model generation capabilities. During the workshop, we used OpenAI’s API but the readme also mentions support for Cohere.

I was surprised to learn that even simple graphical models are actually pretty large files. This makes it very challenging to generate and/or modify models because they take up a big part of the LLM’s context window. Therefore, I expect that the PyQGIS script generation will be easier to achieve. But, of course, model generation would be even more impressive and useful since models are easier to edit for most users than code.

LLM-based spatial analysis assistants for QGIS
Image source: https://github.com/MahdiFarnaghi/intelli_geo

ChatGeoAI: chat with PyQGIS

ChatGeoAI is an approach presented in Mansourian, A.; Oucheikh, R. (2024). ChatGeoAI: Enabling Geospatial Analysis for Public through Natural Language, with Large Language Models. ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf., 13, 348.

It uses a fine-tuned Llama 2 model in combination with spaCy for entity recognition and WorldKG ontology to write PyQGIS code that can perform a variety of different geospatial analysis tasks on OpenStreetMap data.

The paper is very interesting, describing the LLM fine-tuning, integration with QGIS, and evaluation of the generated code using different metrics. However, as far as I can tell, the tool is not publicly available and, therefore, cannot be tested.

Image source: https://www.mdpi.com/2220-9964/13/10/348

Are you aware of more examples that integrate QGIS with LLMs? Please share them in the comments below. I’d love to hear about them.

How to make the most of your summer vacation

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How to make the most of your summer vacation

How to make the most of your summer vacation
Develop your employability skills…

With exams over and the summer vacation stretching before you, it may be tempting to switch off and take a well-deserved break before it’s back to the grindstone in the autumn term. And of course, balancing work with some time out to relax is an important factor in helping to maintain your wellbeing. However, you may find that after a week or two of inactivity you are twiddling your thumbs and eager to get on with something productive. So how can you make the most of your summer vacation? Read on for some ideas that will not just fill your free time but will also develop your skills and employability to make you more competitive when applying for your next steps after graduating – whether that be going into employment or further study.

Internships

It’s not too late to find an internship and gain some valuable work experience. Although many students will have secured internships earlier in the year, some employers are still advertising for positions this summer. It’s worth checking out the various jobs boards, such as Bright Network, Gradcracker, Rate my Placement, Target Jobs, for example for opportunities. However, if you can’t find something advertised that suits your requirements, availability or area of interest, there are other options you can consider…

Virtual internships and virtual work experience

Virtual internships such as Bright Network’s Internship Experience UK (IEUK) allow you to explore career possibilities and gain a competitive edge without leaving the comfort of your own home. Or try a free virtual work experience programme via theforage.com website which hosts a range of job simulations in a wide range of sectors.

Paid work

A summer job can be a valuable addition to your CV, whether it is directly related to your chosen career path or not. Paid work in any sector, and even at entry level such as a shop floor role or bar work, will give you opportunities to evidence your transferable skills that all employers are looking for, such as teamwork, communication, leadership, problem-solving and customer service.

Freelance work

Tap into your entrepreneurial skills and consider enterprises such as pet sitting, tutoring, upcycling, or selling online – all great ways to show your independence, motivation and drive.

Volunteering

Employers will value the skills demonstrated by volunteering

Work doesn’t have to be paid to be of value. Volunteering not only develops your skillset but also enables you to contribute to your local community – a great trait that will appeal to future employers. To find out more about reasons to volunteer and ideas for how to do it, read the What Uni? Ultimate guide to student volunteering.

Online courses

Perhaps there is a skill you have always wanted to learn. Or you are keen to explore a career area of which you have little experience. Why not look for an online course? Coursera, Future Learn and Udemy are just some examples of providers you could explore. However, remember to keep an eye on costs – some may be free to access while others may charge varying prices. Warwick University IT services provide free training for all students at the university – see more about IT Training here.

Pursuing your hobbies and interests

Completing a personal project – such as writing a blog, building a website, learning to code or taking up photography – is another way of developing and showcasing your skills and can be added to your CV or discussed in future interviews and applications to illustrate how you meet the essential requirements for further study or employment.

Travelling

Perhaps you have planned a holiday but aren’t sure how this could develop your employability. Consider the intercultural and language skills that you are learning by meeting and interacting with people from different backgrounds – read more about why employers value intercultural skills and think about how you can articulate these by talking about your experiences in other countries.

Researching careers and potential employers

Research employers requirements to increase your understanding of the job market

Thinking about your career options can help you focus on how to prepare for your next steps. If you’re not yet sure what you want to do after you graduate, you can start with some useful resources on the Prospects website. Try reading What can I do with my degree? Complete the career planner quiz and explore job profiles in various industries.

Keeping up to date with the latest news and developments in your chosen sector will give you more to talk about in applications and interviews and may help you discover more opportunities. Try reading books, articles, and news items. Follow companies on social media and join relevant LinkedIn groups to be part of the conversation.

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