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Three Misconceptions (And Three Bizarre Facts) About 'The Wizard of Oz'

DIWIDA.NEWS entertainment, history, movies, pop culture, popular culture

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 The Wizard of Oz
 
 It became a major cultural sensation almost immediately after the release of the initial Frank Baum book in 1900. Just two years later, a theatrical musical rendition was staged across the nation.
 A 15-minute silent film came next in 1910.
 When Hollywood was just beginning to take shape.
 A much better one
 arrived during the peak of the silent film period in 1925 alongside Laurel and Hardy's turn as the Tin Woodman. In the last century since then, we've witnessed countless adaptations.
 
 Wizard of Oz
 
 --projects to reference, moving towards
 the release of
 
 Wicked
 
 this past week.
 
 
 But one
 
 Wizard of Oz
 
 adaptation stands taller than all of them, even so
 
 Wicked
 
 Of course, we’re referring to the 1939 MGM film featuring Judy Garland. When this cinematic marvel debuted during the transition from black-and-white to Technicolor movies, it created quite a stir. Over time, its reputation continued to expand through frequent TV broadcasts. Nowadays, it’s exceptionally challenging to captivate contemporary children using films produced before 1980; however, the enchantment of this particular classic endures.
 
 The Wizard of Oz
 
 rarely fails to captivate.
 
 
 This film has generated more myths and urban legends than any other movie in Hollywood’s history. We often encountered these stories during our childhoods, and dispelling them was particularly challenging before the advent of the internet—though today, they continue circulating on platforms like TikTok and X (previously known as Twitter). The film's dreamlike quality rendered every aspect of its creation plausible, regardless of how far-fetched the claims might be. In fact, several bizarre and troubling incidents occurred throughout the shooting process. Let's examine six such occurrences.
 
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 <h2 class="heading larva // lrv-a-font-primary-l" id="false-a-munchkin-did-not-hang-himself-on-set">
 False:
 
 A Munchkin did not commit suicide on set.
 
 </h2>
 
 One of the longest-standing myths surrounding this film revolves around an alleged incident involving a Munchkin performer who reportedly took their own life during filming. According to various versions of the tale, one of the members of the Singer Midgets company purportedly killed themselves following unreciprocated advances towards another Munchkin actress. Supposedly, you could spot him hanging from above in the scene where Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man initially venture into the Enchanted Forest. This particular frame became famous as viewers frequently paused videos at this exact point on VHS recordings.
 The alleged ghost scene in
 
 Three Men and a Baby
 
 )
 
 
 This assertion is preposterous for several reasons: To start with,
 
 The Wizard of Oz
 
 The filming took place out of order, with the particular scene captured well before the arrival of the Munchkin performers. Additionally, despite being challenging to discern during the era of VHS tapes, what momentarily appears on screen is actually a big bird. This film was entirely produced indoors within studio sound stages; hence, they utilized creatures loaned from the Los Angeles Zoo to create an outdoor appearance. A prominent peacock can be spotted close to the dwelling of the Tin Woodman.
 
 
 Ultimately, consider this assertion for more than three seconds. Should an actor have passed away during filming, they would
 
 really
 
 Include the footage in the final edit of the film? This misconception persists, but take our word for it. There isn’t a dangling munchkin; it’s just a bird. (And indeed, there are)
 several videos on YouTube
 Where cunning tricksters altered the video to appear as though a figure was dangling in the backdrop.
 have all been debunked.
 )
 
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 <h2 class="heading larva // lrv-a-font-primary-l" id="true-there-were-a-number-of-serious-injuries-on-set">
 True:
 
 Several severe injuries occurred during filming.
 
 </h2>
 
 In the 1930s, Hollywood studios lacked the extensive safety measures we see nowadays. Injuries were quite common back then, and litigation was rare because people feared being ostracized from the film industry. The original Tin Man actor, Buddy Ebsen, became the first casualty after inhaling aluminum particles from his silver costume makeup, which almost cost him his life. After Ebsen’s incident, Jack Haley took over the role; however, he achieved greater recognition much later when he portrayed Jed Clampett.
 
 The Beverly Hillbillies.
 
 Nevertheless, he experienced respiratory issues throughout his life, which he attributed to the film.
 
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 The actress who played the Wicked Witch of the West, Margaret Hamilton, was injured next as she sustained severe second and third-degree burns on her face and hands during filming of her exit sequence from Munchkinland. This forced her absence from the production for six weeks. ("Watch the fireball at the 1:49 point in the video provided and envision it striking you," says the article). She stated, "I have decided not to file a lawsuit since I understand how things operate within this industry, and doing so would mean an end to my career." She added with conditions, "I am willing to come back only under one stipulation – absolutely no more pyrotechnics!"
 
 
 The small Toto was also hurt when an actor portraying a Winkie guard accidentally stepped on its paw, causing a sprain. This Careen Terrier spent two weeks recuperating at Judy Garland’s residence and eventually fully recovered. It went on appearing in films up until just before passing away at the age of 11 in 1945.
 
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 <h2 class="heading larva // lrv-a-font-primary-l" id="false-the-munchkins-did-not-have-wild-drunken-parties-during-the-shoot">
 False:
 
 The Munchkins did not engage in raucous drinking sessions while filming.
 
 </h2>
 
 Leopold Singer had 124 dwarves under his employ.
 
 The Wizard of Oz
 
 The performers who were part of his Singer Midgets vaudeville troupe. (It should be noted that this term is clearly outdated now but reflected the common usage at the time). Even though they had minimal experience in Hollywood, they performed their parts with remarkable professionalism. However, exaggerated stories about them emerged and circulated for decades following the film’s completion.
 
 
 He mentioned they were all drunk," Garland explained to Jack Paar in 1967. "A well-mannered man around forty approached me asking for dinner; I didn’t feel right saying 'I can't dine with you as you’re a little person,' so instead, I simply stated, ‘My mom would not approve.’ He responded, ‘Oh please, invite her along too!’ The management housed them together at an inn in Culver City where they partied heavily each evening until they eventually ended up being scooped up using butterfly nets.
 
 
 Garland was right that the Singer Midgets all lodged at a hotel in Culver City, an idea that sparked the 1981 film starring Carrie Fisher and Chevy Chase.
 
 Under the Rainbow
 
 It mostly unfolds within the hotel where the Munchkin performers engage in excessive drinking and raucous behavior. However, this depiction is purely fictional. According to almost all reliable reports, stories about their conduct were often grossly embellished or fabricated altogether.
 
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 <h2 class="heading larva // lrv-a-font-primary-l" id="true-judy-garland-was-hooked-on-barbiturates-and-amphetamines-during-filming">
 
 True: During production, Judy Garland became dependent on barbiturates and amphetamines.
 
 </h2>
 
 When Garland was only 16, she secured the role of Dorothy. Despite this young age, she had extensive experience from her days performing with the Gumm Sisters vaudeville act since childhood. During the making of the film at MGM, they closely monitored her weight and energy levels.
 
 The Wizard of Oz
 
 , and they provided her with medication to curb her hunger and enable her to work for extended periods. This resulted in a persistent dependence on barbiturates and amphetamines, which contributed to her demise in 1969 at just 47 years old.
 
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 <h2 class="heading larva // lrv-a-font-primary-l" id="false-pink-floyd-didn-t-sync-the-movie-to-dark-side-of-the-moon">
 False:
 
 Pink Floyd didn't synchronize the film to
 
 The Dark Side of the Moon
 
 .
 
 </h2>
 
 In the Nineties, a tale spread like wildfire across the internet claiming that Pink Floyd had covertly synchronized their 1973 album.
 
 Dark Side of the Moon
 
 n to
 
 The Wizard of Oz.
 
 To be honest, there are several peculiar coincidences that occur when you begin playing the album precisely as the MGM lion roars for the third time during the introduction. When Clare Torry’s wails echo through “The Great Gig in the Sky,” it aligns with the moment the tornado strikes. Similarly, the sound of a cash register ringing in “Money” syncs up perfectly with the film transitioning to color. Finally, the last heartbeat concluding the album mirrors the precise instant when Dorothy hears the Tin Man’s heart.
 
 
 None of this happened deliberately. As the band members have repeatedly clarified, they did not own VCRs in 1973, nor did they play the film on a screen during the creation of their album. Most tracks on the record do not correspond with what’s happening visually at all; even those few instances that seem to match are merely accidental. This simply demonstrates how easy it is to rationalize an initial assumption by working backward—you might end up believing nearly every claim presented to you.
 
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 <h2 class="heading larva // lrv-a-font-primary-l" id="true-you-can-pause-the-movie-and-see-some-fun-inconsistencies">
 True:
 
 You can pause the movie and see some fun inconsistencies.
 
 </h2>
 
 As many times as this movie has been viewed, it still manages to captivate its audience.
 
 The Wizard of Oz
 
 
 Various small discrepancies can easily be spotted. Take for instance this video showing an apple-picking sequence; freeze-frame it precisely at the 1:05 timestamp. You’ll notice that Garland has swapped out her iconic ruby slippers for plain black footwear during this particular moment. Another significant mismatch occurs right as Dorothy encounters the Scarecrow. The length of her braids fluctuates across different shots due to them reshooting parts of the segment roughly half a year apart before stitching these segments into one cohesive scene.
 
 Now fast-forward to another clip and hit pause consecutively at points 2:09 and then merely four seconds afterward around 2:13. Here lies perhaps the starkest illustration of such irregularities appearing within mere moments. Was a mischievous little person meddling with her hairstyle between camera setups? Or did Pink Floyd’s guitarist pen “Brain Damage” inspired by this very conundrum? Not really—this is simply part of filmmaking. So everyone should take a deep breath and unwind.
 
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<div>
 <div>
 
 More from Rolling Stone
 
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</div>

Three Misconceptions (And Three Bizarre Facts) About 'The Wizard of Oz'

The Wizard of Oz It became a major cultural sensation almost immediately after the release of the initial Frank Baum book in ...

Explore the Most Stunning Royal Palaces in Europe

DIWIDA.NEWS architecture, culture, europe, monarchies, tourist attractions

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 Europe's numerous monarchies have bestowed an invaluable architectural legacy, particularly stunning royal palaces. Here we will explore the five most magnificent of these royal residences that you should visit when you're traveling through the region.


 
 Stunning architectural achievements, vast art collections, intriguing history... Language falls short when trying to capture the extravagance and luxury evident in these places.
 <a href="https://www.en-vols.com/en/inspirations-en/culture-en/royal-family-residences/" rel="noreferrer noopener">
 royal palaces
 </a>
 That’s Europe. These remarkable remnants of a bygone era can transport you directly into a shared history that remains just as captivating to this very day.
 


 
 
 Do you have a passion for history? Check out these articles you may enjoy:
 
 


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 For 800 years, this impressive castle in Slovenia has clung to a cliffside.
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 This tour of historic pubs in London has been ranked as one of the top travel experiences globally.
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 Suscinio Castle, residence of the Dukes of Brittany
 </a>
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 </ul>


 <h2 class="wp-block-heading">
 5 European Royal Residences You Must Visit
 </h2>


 <h3 class="wp-block-heading">
 The Palace of Versailles, located in France,
 </h3>


 
 The Palace ofVersailles, embodyingthe ambitions of theSun King as an architec-tural marvel, stands asthe ultimate emblemof the monarch's un-questioned authority.It undoubtedly ranksamong the most stunningroyal residences inEuropa, truly exemplifyinga blend of classicaland Baroque design.
 


 
 
 Must-see locations:
 
 The private quarters, the iconic 73-meter-long Hall of Mirrors, the French gardens crafted by Le Nôtre, and the Queen’s Hamlet—a quaint, deliberately rustic hamlet constructed for Marie-Antoinette, where she enjoyed unwinding.
 


 <h3 class="wp-block-heading">
 Buckingham Palace, United Kingdom
 </h3>


 
 Buckingham Palace is nearly as famous as the Palace of Versailles, largely due to the popularity of the British royal family; it's an essential stop for visitors.
 <a href="https://www.en-vols.com/en/getaways/travel/london-secret-places/" rel="noreferrer noopener">
 trip to London
 </a>
 , and upon entering, you can easily imagine the lifestyle of the modern royal family.
 


 
 
 Must-see locations:
 
 The changing of the guard, along with the throne room and private apartments, becomes accessible to visitors during the summertime. These areas are adorned with pieces from the Royal Collection.
 


 <h3 class="wp-block-heading">
 The royal palace in Madrid, Spain
 </h3>


 
 Utilized exclusively by the Spanish monarchy for official state functions, the Royal Palace in Madrid leaves an impressive mark: it encompasses nearly 3,500 rooms sprawled across a total area of at least 135,000 square meters.
 
 2
 
 - exceeding double the size of Buckingham Palace or the Palace of Versailles. The building’s Baroque style and lavish interior designs are guaranteed to impress, offering an intimate glimpse into Spain’s historical and cultural heritage.
 


 
 
 Must-see locations
 
 
 :
 
 The stunning throne room, along with the gallery featuring works by renowned artists like Goya, Velázquez, and Caravaggio, the Royal Armory, and the Royal Kitchen—which illustrates the progression of royal cuisine through the ages—make up this remarkable ensemble.
 


 <h3 class="wp-block-heading">
 Schönbrunn Palace, Austria
 </h3>


 
 Sissi
 Fans – and everyone else too! – should definitely check out Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, an impressive example of Baroque and Rococo architecture, also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This palace served as a summer home for the Habsburgs and showcases their grandeur through its lavishly decorated interior spaces reflecting the imperial luxury of those times.
 


 
 
 Must-see locations:
 
 The magnificent gallery featuring frescoes adorning the ceilings, the living quarters of Franz Joseph and Sissi, the baroque-style gardens, and the world’s oldest zoo—the Schönbrunn Zoo.
 


 <h3 class="wp-block-heading">
 Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
 </h3>


 
 Even if you've never laid eyes on it before, you'll instantly know it! Nestled in the Bavarian Alps,
 <a href="https://www.en-vols.com/en/styles-en/architecture-en/germany-beautiful-castle/" rel="noreferrer noopener">
 Neuschwanstein was the inspiration
 </a>
 For numerous castles within Walt Disney’s realms, this stunning neo-Gothic palace was constructed by King Ludwig II of Bavaria toward the end of the 19th century.
 
 th
 
 A century is akin to revisiting the dream-filled realms of our childhood for numerous individuals, not to mention the stunning vistas of the nearby landscape.
 


 
 
 Must-see locations
 
 
 :
 
 The throne room styled after Byzantine design, the monarch's chamber featuring intricately carved wooden panels, and the specially constructed Singers' Hall intended for musical performances.

Explore the Most Stunning Royal Palaces in Europe

Europe's numerous monarchies have bestowed an invaluable architectural legacy, particularly stunning royal palaces. Here we will expl...

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DIWIDA.NEWS crime, movies, mysteries and investigations, popular culture, thriller movies

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1uJJhs" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1uJJhs.jpg"/>

 Below is a collection of 7 essential American thriller novels, spanning from classics to modern works. Every book offers a distinctive journey through intricate storylines and well-drawn personalities.


 
 
 Searching for additional titles to include in your reading list? You may want to check out these articles:
 
 


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 <h2 class="wp-block-heading">
 The Maltese Falcon
 (1930) by Dashiell Hammett
 </h2>


 
 Private investigator Sam Spade becomes entangled in a perilous affair centered around an exquisite golden figurine encrusted with gemstones. As he navigates this treacherous landscape, he encounters deceitful individuals, cunning schemers, and deadly hitmen adept at obfuscating their actions. Through his concise prose, Dashiell Hammett establishes the blueprint for contemporary crime fiction by portraying a realm dominated by wealth and avarice—a swift route to ruin. Boasting numerous plot twists and dramatic shifts, the narrative has earned acclaim partly due to its acclaimed cinematic rendition.
 


 <h2 class="wp-block-heading">
 The Mailman Always Knocks Twice
 (1934) by James M. Cain
 </h2>


 
 Frank Chambers, an ordinary young wanderer, becomes captivated by Cora, the alluring spouse of a diner proprietor. United by their desire, they conspire to eliminate her problematic mate. Despite its brief length, this gripping American noir novel explores profound themes of ardor and remorse. Employing his characteristic unadorned prose, Cain masterfully unveils the mental states of the protagonists as their tale weaves together romance and criminality, leading them down paths both dark and dire. Following its release, the book has inspired numerous cinematic adaptations over time.
 


 <h2 class="wp-block-heading">
 The Big Sleep
 (1939) by Raymond Chandler
 </h2>


 
 Hired by affluent General Sternwood to address a blackmail issue concerning his younger daughter, private investigator Philip Marlowe finds himself entangled in a web of escalating complications—murders, treacheries, and long-buried familial secrets. In this grim portrayal of corrupted Los Angeles, Raymond Chandler revitalized the literary landscape through his evocative writing style and impactful conversations. As an archetypal figure marked by cynicism yet inherently virtuous, Marlowe stands as an indelible icon within literature.
 <a href="https://www.en-vols.com/en/inspirations-en/culture-en/nordic-thrillers/" rel="noreferrer noopener">
 noir stories
 </a>
 .
 


 <h2 class="wp-block-heading">
 The
 Grifters
 (1963) by Jim Thompson
 </h2>


 
 Roy Dillon, a petty swindler, sees his world upended when an elaborate fraud spirals out of control. Trapped amidst the schemes of his cunning mother, Lilly, and his seductive yet perilous partner, Myra, he becomes entangled in a vortex of deceit and brutality. This grim suspense novel delves into poisonous bonds, deception, and the dire outcomes of challenging decisions. Throughout the narrative, Thompson masterfully crafts a tour de force within the genre of criminal literature.
 


 <h2 class="wp-block-heading">
 The Black Dahlia
 (1987) by James Ellroy
 </h2>


 
 Inspired by an actual homicide, this book tracks two investigators, Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard, as they tackle the mystery surrounding Elizabeth Short, known as "the Black Dahlia." As their probe unfolds, they delve deep into the underbelly of 1940s society.
 <a href="https://guide.en-vols.com/en/destination/los-angeles/" rel="noreferrer noopener">
 Los Angeles
 </a>
 In this setting, corruption, scandal, and personal obsessions dominate daily life. Ellroy’s unfiltered, powerful prose conveys the somber yet captivating ambiance of a metropolis submerged in secrecy.
 


 <h2 class="wp-block-heading">
 Where the Cra
 w
 dads
 Sing
 (2018) by Delia Owens
 </h2>


 
 Kya, a young girl, grows up solitary in the
 <a href="https://www.en-vols.com/en/getaways/travel/north-carolina-places-to-see/" rel="noreferrer noopener">
 North Carolina
 </a>
 Outdoors after being forsaken by her kin. Upon discovering a man’s corpse in the marshlands, she finds herself as the primary person of interest. Delia Owens interweaves a police inquiry with
 bildungsroman
 In a touching narrative about solitude, endurance, and societal scrutiny, the vivid portrayal of natural splendor intensifies the emotional resonance of this distinctive story.
 


 <h2 class="wp-block-heading">
 Forgotten Roads
 (2020) by S.A. Cosby
 </h2>


 
 Beauregard "Bug" Montage, once a skilled getaway driver now working as a mechanic, battles to maintain his family’s auto shop. Struggling with economic hardships, he agrees to take on one final mission, aiming to ensure his loved ones' security. However, this decision plunges him into an abyss of conflict and deceit. The gripping narrative delves into ethical quandaries, allegiance, and selflessness within the backdrop of socially charged small-town America.

7 Must-Read American Thrillers That Will Leave You Breathless

Below is a collection of 7 essential American thriller novels, spanning from classics to modern works. Every book offers a distinctive jo...

Sony Raises PlayStation 5 Price by 11% Across Europe

DIWIDA.NEWS economics, news, playstation, playstation 5, technology

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 (Corrects PS5 euro price in paragraph 2)


 TOKYO (Diwida >) - Sony announced plans to increase the price of its PlayStation 5 console in European markets, as well as in Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, due to rising inflation and volatile currency exchanges.


 The Japanese tech and entertainment giant is increasing the price of a PlayStation 5 console without a disk drive by 11%, upping it to €499.99 ($569.59) starting April 14th.


 The cost of the identical item will increase by 10% in Britain to £429.99 ($566.90).


 Electronics manufacturers are encountering challenges such as disrupted trade due to the tariffs implemented under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.


 Earlier this month, Nintendo announced that it would be postponing the commencement of pre-orders for the Switch 2 gaming console in the U.S., as they assess the possible effects of tariffs.


 The Switch 2 is set to release on June 5.


 ($1 = 0.7585 pounds)


 ($1 = 0.8778 euros)


 (Kiyoshi Takenaka and Sam Nussey reported this)

Sony Raises PlayStation 5 Price by 11% Across Europe

(Corrects PS5 euro price in paragraph 2) TOKYO (Diwida >) - Sony announced plans to increase the price of its PlayStation 5 console...

Readers Respond: How Did Humans Master the Art of Baking?

DIWIDA.NEWS bread, bread baking, culture, food and drink, food preparation

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 How on Earth did humans manage to start baking? The brief response would be "by experimenting," yet what drove them to turn wheat grains into flour initially? Then again, why combine it with water and yeast before cooking it?
 Ellie Westcombe, London


 Send new questions to
 
 nq@
 
 .

<h2>
 Readers reply
</h2>

 This is merely a tiny fragment of my vast, continuous inquiry into how on earth humans managed to figure out survival tactics.
 Consuming the liver of fugu
 (puffer fish), for example. I mean, why?
 How
 ? How many individuals passed away before they figured out what part needed to be rejected? People can really be strange, I must say.
 Weird
 .
 
 EBGB
 


 In part because consuming that particular item might lead to our demise; however, abstaining from eating altogether would undoubtedly result in certain death as well. It's plausible that bread emerged when people began crushing seeds that were too difficult for some individuals—possibly elders—to chew, mixing them with water to improve their texture. With consistent access to fire, it isn't far-fetched to envision someone accidentally discovering—or curiously experimenting—that one can create something akin to a flatbread on a heated rock. In times of scarce provisions, such fortuitous mishaps become sustenance. Furthermore, leaving damp crushed grain unattended could cause fermentation over time. One probably wouldn't discard an altered substance if it still seemed somewhat edible post-cooking on a stone surface. These tales sound fanciful, yet within extensive periods, they appear quite conceivable.
 
 MattB13
 


 
 Related:
 
 How baking played a crucial role in saving my life


 Learning how to bake is straightforward. You don’t need a teacher, you just knead a bit of dough to get started.
 
 EddieChorepost
 


 The earliest evidence of grinding grain and bread-making is from
 about 14,000 years ago in Jordan
 . It was wild varieties of wheats and barleys, mixed with starchy tubers. That’s long before any cereals were cultivated and before pottery was developed; an age with flint tools only. No yeast was needed, but they had fires and had been roasting meat for thousands of years, so the idea of cooking food to make it easier to digest was familiar. The great advantage of grains (along with nuts and any other collectable seeds) over fresh fruits is they can be stored for months between growing seasons when there might be little available to hunt and nothing fresh to gather.
 
 leadballoon
 


 More interesting still – how did nomadic hunter-gatherers learn to stay in one place long enough to grow a wheat to make bread? Farming must be the single most socially disruptive invention ever – and there have been plenty of competitors.
 
 Randomusername222
 


 Ask Yuval Noah Harari.
 He writes in Sapiens
 that wheat domesticated humans, not the other way round.
 
 WaveletFRA
 


 Gruel, a porridge or barley or wheat or both, in the climate of ancient Egypt, would ferment with wild yeasts and then make a very thick rising dough if left to dry in the heat of the midday sun. This could be transported, whereas gruel can’t. Thus deliberate baking was a refinement – evolution, not revolution. Bread from ancient Egyptian tombs has the density of something like rye bread; pretty solid. Evidently, the process was still being learned. Gruel left over in the UK’s climate doesn’t ferment, it just goes mouldy. But bread was created in the hot countries of
 the fertile crescent
 , where nature lends a hand.
 
 Socialismnow

Readers Respond: How Did Humans Master the Art of Baking?

How on Earth did humans manage to start baking? The brief response would be "by experimenting," yet what drove them to turn whe...

The Top 5 Airlines That Shaped Aviation History

DIWIDA.NEWS air travel, airline industry, aviation, flights, flying

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 Last month, J Martin Schröder, who founded Europe’s inaugural budget airline, passed away at the age of 93. Although he wasn’t widely recognized in Britain, his impact extended well past his home country of the Netherlands. The company named after him, Martinair, took on KLM, the prominent Dutch flag carrier, and set a blueprint for subsequent pioneers in affordable air travel like Michael O'Leary from Ryanair and Stelios Haji-Ioannou from easyJet.


 His
 Telegraph
 obituary
 Recalling Schröder’s brilliant move was realizing how easily he could transform his plane between passenger and cargo services just by installing or removing the seats. He found this transformation only took a few hours; however, some travelers grumbled about catching whiffs of livestock—horses, pigs, or cattle—that the airplane had transported previously during the night.


 Which other airlines could be considered the most influential in history? Here’s what I think:

<h2 class="u-heading-size-large u-heading-style-normal">
 BOAC: 1940-1974
</h2>

 In May 1952, the British Overseas Airways Corporation led the way into the modern jet era and later evolved into "the world's favorite airline" —British Airways.
 BOAC de Havilland Comets
 A four-engine airplane roughly the same size as a Boeing 737 departed from London, making stops in Nairobi before reaching Johannesburg, and also passing through various locations in the Far East en route to Tokyo. Each leg of this journey carried 44 passengers. These flights marked the beginning of regular international commercial jet service.


 Six years afterward, the company succeeding Imperial Airways achieved yet another "first". On October 4, 1958, BOAC’s De Havilland Comet 4 commenced flights from London to New York’sIdlewild Airport, which is now known as JFK. This marked the start of the transatlantic jet era. By the latter part of the 1950s, BOAC was boasting itself as the "worldwide airline," serving destinations across all continents excluding Antarctica.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1uI5B5" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1uI5B5.jpg"/>

 In the 1970s, when the Boeing 747 entered service, yearly passenger counts surged dramatically, enabling BOAC to start making profits. Numerous people consider the BOAC jumbo with its distinctive livery to be the most aesthetically pleasing version of the aircraft.


 In the past, well-traveled routes have remained quite similar to those of today—such as the journey from London to New York, which was initially flown by the 747, along with trips from London to Johannesburg, Tokyo, and the Kangaroo Route to Sydney. This continuity can be traced back to 1955.
 Traveling from London to Sydney lasted for four days.
 Including stops in cities such as Zurich, Beirut, Karachi, Kolkata, Singapore, Jakarta, and Darwin—a stark contrast to current operations—Qantas is set to initiate direct flights from London, which will last approximately 19 hours. During the 1950s and 1960s, passengers favored dishes like Maine lobster, Parma ham cornets, and roasted sirloin of beef, along with beverages including highballs and Campari and soda.


 In 1974, BOAC combined forces with British European Airways to create British Airways. Even now, BA retains BOAC’s call sign for communications with air traffic control: "Speedbird."

<h2 class="u-heading-size-large u-heading-style-normal">
 Pan Am: 1927-1991
</h2>

 While BOAC might have claimed victory in the race to launch the first passenger jet services, it was Pan American Airways – commonly known as Pan Am – that took the lead.
 put the glamour into flying
 , coining the term “the jet set”. For some, the appeal was the trademark blue-and-white globe logo. For others, it was the stewardesses’ electric blue uniforms, with jaunty pillbox hats. Everyone agreed that its first transatlantic route in 1958, linking the city that never sleeps, New York, with the city of love, Paris, was the most romantic of the new jet age. Breakfast at Maxim’s, anyone?


 Pan Am became part of popular culture, featuring in hit movies of the 1960s. In
 Dr. No
 , Sean Connery’s James Bond arrives in Kingston, Jamaica, aboard a Pan Am 707. The 1968 science fiction classic
 2001: A Space Odyssey
 included a futuristic Pan Am Space Clipper heading to a space station orbiting Earth. When the Beatles landed in New York in 1964 for their first US television appearance on
 The Ed Sullivan Show
 , they did not step off a BOAC jet but rather a Pan Am 707 named, appropriately enough, Clipper Defiance.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1uI5Bb" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1uI5Bb.jpg"/>

 The job of Pan Am flight attendant – or air hostess, as it was then – was highly coveted. “It was one of the best jobs a woman could get,” Christel Vane, a former Pan Am hostess,
 told
 Telegraph Travel
 back in 2013
 . “There was nothing else open for women, unless you wanted to be a secretary.”


 In 1970, Pan Am launched operations with Boeing’s 747, which earned the nickname "the Queen of the Skies." The company effectively served as America's de facto national airline, yet its financial situation started deteriorating following the 1973 oil crisis, during which crude prices surged fourfold, rendering the operation of its 747s economically unviable. Additionally, lacking substantial domestic routes within the U.S., the airline struggled to maintain full flights. By November 1978, it only serviced 65 destinations globally. Despite this decline, Pan Am continued operating until around a decade later when it filed for bankruptcy in 1991.


 Despite its closure, Pan Am continues to be held in such high regard that over twenty years after it ceased operations, it became the focus of a 14-part TV period drama series featuring Margot Robbie as an airline stewardess. The distinctive blue luggage adorned with the white globe emblem seen in the show still commands top dollar at auction sales today.

<h2 class="u-heading-size-large u-heading-style-normal">
 Pacific Southwest Airlines: 1949-1988
</h2>

 Even though it may seem otherwise, flying has become more affordable now than ever before due to the emergence of low-cost airlines. Companies such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air trace their roots back to Southwest, which is currently the largest budget carrier in America. Interestingly, Southwest itself can attribute its origins to a California-based startup known as Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA). According to Herb Kelleher, who established Southwest, the success of his company wouldn’t be possible without PSA. But what exactly made PSA significant, and how did it leave an impact?


 On May 6, 1949, it made its maiden flight. The rented Douglas DC-3 plane left San Diego Airport, formerly called Lindbergh Field, with 24 passengers aboard, making stops at Hollywood Burbank Airport before reaching Oakland Airport. The company’s founder, Kenny Friedkin, capitalized on the advantage that being an intra-California air carrier provided him; exempting them from U.S. federal price controls allowed him to reduce ticket costs significantly.


 He provided nothing extra. There wasn’t any special branding for check-ins at airports, and luggage was measured with basic home scales. The service included just one class of travel and utilized only one kind of airplane—an idea later adopted by every contemporary budget airline. PSA became profitable during its inaugural year of business.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1uI3k4" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1uI3k4.jpg"/>

 During the 1950s, Friedkin utilized Douglas DC-4 planes to broaden operations, initiating routes between San Diego and cities like San Francisco, San Jose, and Ontario. In the following decade, the company went public, providing funds necessary for expansion through the acquisition of newer models such as the Boeing 727 and subsequently the Boeing 737 jetliners, adorned with their signature orange, red, and white color scheme. Known for friendly service and competitive pricing often half that of competitors including TWA, PSA branded itself as "the world’s friendliest airline."


 In 1978, the U.S. Airline Deregulation Act removed federal oversight of ticket prices, leading to increased competition and expansion opportunities. Recognizing this potential for growth, PSA extended its routes past California into cities such as Reno, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. To prepare for significant expansion, PSA placed an order for specially adapted Lockheed L-1011 wide-body aircraft.


 In 1986, USAir, which would later be renamed US Airways, purchased the airline for $400 million. By 1988, PSA had been absorbed into the bigger company. However, the effective business strategy employed back then has become standard practice nowadays for many short-haul airlines globally, even extending to certain companies like British Airways who might not have followed this path otherwise.

<h2 class="u-heading-size-large u-heading-style-normal">
 Emirates: 1985-present
</h2>

 Three decades back, Emirates was an unfamiliar entity for most individuals, and locating Dubai on a map posed challenges for many. During this period, British Airways stood as the global favorite airline, transporting a higher number of international travelers compared to all other airlines. The transformation over time has been remarkable. Nowadays,
 The biggest international airline is Emirates.
 by scheduled available seat kilometers — totaling 344.7 billion in 2023-24 — with its main hub being Dubai International,
 the most heavily used international airport globally
 , managing 90 million passengers annually.


 Emirates has established itself as a major player under the leadership of two British executives—Chief Executive Sir Tim Clark and Head of Dubai International Paul Griffiths—by developing a hub-and-spoke system. This approach has redirected the focus of international air traffic from Europe towards the Middle East. As a result, travelers from Europe use Dubai as their gateway for flights to destinations like Australia, Asia, and Africa. Similarly, Chinese passengers often stop over in Dubai when heading to Africa. Due to the high volume of Indian passengers connecting through Dubai instead of taking non-stop flights from cities such as Delhi or Mumbai, Emirates has earned the moniker "India’s unofficial flag carrier."

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1uI3k8" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1uI3k8.jpg"/>

 Clark has also achieved the rare feat of “owning” passengers’ favourite aircraft. He has bought more than 120 Airbus A380 superjumbos and made them Emirates’ calling card by installing showers for first-class passengers, a large bar for business-class fliers, a class-leading premium-economy cabin in the front nose cone, and a not-too-shabby economy. Passengers love the innovations. By contrast, Emirates’ nearest rivals operate no more than a dozen A380s each.


 If all that weren’t enough, Emirates has all but single-handedly created the city state of Dubai. Many locals in Dubai joke that it is “an airline with a city attached”.

<h2 class="u-heading-size-large u-heading-style-normal">
 Qantas: 1922-present
</h2>

 The Flying Kangaroo has conquered what Vanessa Hudson, its chief executive, calls “the tyranny of distance”. It pioneered ultra-long-haul services, flying 15-hour routes from Sydney and Melbourne to Los Angeles, Dallas and Johannesburg – while also maintaining one of the best safety records in the industry. It moved on to establish the first non-stop routes from Europe to Perth, with 17-hour flights between London, Paris and Rome and Perth.


 Now it is about to do something few aviation analysts thought possible:
 start 21-hour non-stop services from London and New York to Sydney and Melbourne
 . From 2026, QF2 will leave London before lunch and arrive in Sydney in the late afternoon of the following day. QF1 will leave Sydney in the evening and arrive in London the next morning.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1uI0L8" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1uI0L8.jpg"/>

 At 10,978 miles, the services eclipse
 the longest flight at present
 – Singapore Airlines’ service between New York and Singapore, which travels 9,500 miles in just under 19 hours.


 I was one of 34 passengers on a non-stop London-to-Sydney test run that Qantas flew in 2019, crossing 10 time zones and 11 countries. We headed east over northern Europe, Russia, Kazakhstan and China, and then south across the South China Sea, before making landfall near Darwin in the Northern Territory and crossing Australia. “You are now members of the Rare and Secret Order of the Double Sunrise,” announced Captain Helen Trenerry, as she flew Qantas flight 7879 into the second dawn of our record-breaking journey. “No one else has seen two sunrises in one flight and got to Sydney faster than you.”


 In 2026, the inaugural group of paying travelers will embark on a comparable journey aboard an Airbus A350 equipped with an additional fuel tank and reduced seating capacity to minimize overall weight. According to Hudson, traveling non-stop to Sydney in first class will become the pinnacle of prestige in aviation—akin to "the new Concorde." Currently, she is determining just how exorbitant she can set the ticket price. I would bet on around £20,000 for a round trip.


 Recommended


 Top-rated airlines globally, listed and scored


 Read more


 
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The Top 5 Airlines That Shaped Aviation History

Last month, J Martin Schröder, who founded Europe’s inaugural budget airline, passed away at the age of 93. Although he wasn’t widely rec...

British Scientist Unearths Oldest Water in History and Takes a sip

DIWIDA.NEWS drinking water, food and drink, life sciences, science, water

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/BB1pcQ4k" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1pcQ4k.jpg"/>

 A scientist who found the oldest water ever discovered on Earth decided the best course of action was, of course, to drink it.


 Professor Barbara Sherwood Lollar was leading a team of geologists studying a
 Canadian
 mine in 2016 when she made the remarkable discovery.


 The flowing water about three kilometres below the surface was between 1.5bn and 2.6bn years old, according to tests, making it the oldest
 water
 found on Earth.


 “When people think about this water they assume it must be some tiny amount of water trapped within the rock,” said Prof Sherwood Lollar.


 “But in fact it’s very much bubbling right up out at you. These things are flowing at rates of litres per minute – the volume of the water is much larger than anyone anticipated.”


 Upon tasting the
 ancient
 water, she found that it was “very salty and bitter” and “much saltier than seawater”.


 That was an encouraging sign, because saltier water tends to be older. In this case, where the water has been ageing for billions of years, it is hardly surprising.


 “If you’re a geologist who works with
 rocks
 , you’ve probably licked a lot of rocks,” said Sherwood Lollar.


 Her team also found that life had once been present in the water, by looking at the sulphate – the composition of
 salts
 – in it.


 “We were able to indicate that the signal we are seeing in the fluids has to have been produced by microbiology – and most importantly has to have been produced over a very long time scale.


 “The microbes that produced this signature couldn’t have done it overnight.


 “This has to be an indication that organisms have been present in these fluids on a geological timescale.”


 Fortunately, the scientist had no terrifying
 sci
 -fi movie-esq reaction to drinking the ancient water, and lived to tell the tale.


 The paper was published in
 Nature
 in 2016.


 
 This article was first published on October 26, 2023
 


 
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British Scientist Unearths Oldest Water in History and Takes a sip

A scientist who found the oldest water ever discovered on Earth decided the best course of action was, of course, to drink it. Profess...

Conduent Claims Hackers Stole 'Limited' Client Data

DIWIDA.NEWS business, cybercrime, hackers, news, security breach

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CUKjK" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CUKjK.jpg"/>

 (Diwida >) -- Conduent Inc., which provides business process services, stated that a hacker obtained entry into a "restricted" part of the company’s systems and took hold of client files for certain customers.


 The firm based in Florham Park, New Jersey, stated in a regulatory document submitted on Monday that an "operational disruption" took place on January 13th. The company mentioned that they managed to get the impacted systems back up and running within days; however, for certain instances, recovery happened within just hours.


 The purloined documents were linked to a "restricted" group of clients. Given their intricacy, Conduent brought in specialists for data analysis and concluded that the datasets included details related to "many individual’s private information connected to our clients' final users." The firm is still examining the situation to gauge the extent of damage caused by the lost data and is notifying clients "when necessary according to federal and state regulations" to decide subsequent actions accordingly.


 The stolen information has not been uploaded to the dark web or released elsewhere publicly, according to the firm.


 Confluence claims to provide "a range of digital business solutions and services covering the commercial, governmental, and transportation sectors." In its government sector offerings, it encompasses digital payment systems as well as child support payments. Additionally, the firm assists with "streamlining Medicaid healthcare claim processes and ensuring benefit distribution to those who need them most."
 according to
 This document is the 2023 annual report. Confluence is recognized as "a leader in government payment disbursements" for federally funded initiatives such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which was previously referred to as food stamps.


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Conduent Claims Hackers Stole 'Limited' Client Data

(Diwida >) -- Conduent Inc., which provides business process services, stated that a hacker obtained entry into a "restricted...

3 Job Interview Red Flags from a Recruiter Who's Screened Thousands: Arriving Too Early Can Backfire

DIWIDA.NEWS business, employees, job, job interviews, manners and etiquette

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1uzyjp" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1uzyjp.jpg"/>

 During a job interview, be it online or face-to-face, ensure you adhere to proper etiquette.


 "As perquisites, ensure that you maintain proper eye contact," he mentions.
 Emily Levine
 , Executive Vice President at the recruiting company
 Career Group Companies
 you gauge the situation to determine the right moment for speaking up and when it’s suitable to pose your questions.


 Levine mentions that throughout her career, she has conducted interviews with "thousands upon thousands of individuals," frequently representing high-profile celebrities seeking personal assistants or chiefs of staff.


 Below are Levine's finest recommendations for steering clear of her most common warning signs during a job interview.

<h4>
 Avoid arriving too soon.
</h4>

 Firstly, ensure you reach your destination at a suitable time, particularly if you plan to be present physically.


 Show up too late, and you could miss part of your interview, which would waste your interviewer’s time and create a poor impression. However, arriving excessively early can be seen as overly enthusiastic and may put pressure on the interviewer, according to Levine. The ideal time to arrive is approximately ten minutes before your scheduled meeting.


 Levine suggests arriving at the building 15 to 20 minutes ahead of schedule as a safety measure. This way, you'll have ample time to locate the specific suite or office number without being too early for your scheduled interview.

<h4>
 I aim to present myself with the utmost professionalism.
</h4>

 Presentation is also key.


 Whether you’re online or in-person, “avoid chewing gum and refrain from wearing your sunglasses on your forehead” during the interview, advises Levine. Such behaviors are considered overly casual and not professional enough.


 If you're attending in person, ensure you aren’t “reeking of tobacco or doused in fragrance,” she advises. Many individuals have sensitivities to smells, so you should guarantee their comfort when they’re in your presence.


 She states, "Your desire should be to make an impact grounded in your actual experiences, rather than based on your attire or scent."

<h4>
 Don't divulge confidential information
</h4>

 Ultimately, irrespective of your previous career experience, be deliberate in how you discuss it.


 Steer clear of speaking negatively about past bosses or sharing excessive details that might be protected under nondisclosure agreements, advises Levine. In her field, many of her clients require new hires to agree to such terms. If job seekers claim they’ve agreed not to disclose sensitive data yet go ahead and reveal private info from former workplaces, it raises concerns for her.


 No matter how discreet your potential employer has been, disclosing confidential details suggests that if they were to hire you and share sensitive information, you would probably do the same with their competitors down the line, according to Levine.


 
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3 Job Interview Red Flags from a Recruiter Who's Screened Thousands: Arriving Too Early Can Backfire

During a job interview, be it online or face-to-face, ensure you adhere to proper etiquette. "As perquisites, ensure that you mai...

Top 5 Reasons to Invest in This Index Fund Forever

DIWIDA.NEWS investing, investing company news, investing market news, investing news, investors

It’s likely you’ve come across the saying, “Nothing lasts forever.” This holds up for most facets of life. However, when it comes to investing, this statement isn’t entirely precise, though it’s pretty spot-on. Should there be an eternal option in investments, it would probably be an index fund. Given how unpredictable individual companies can be, index funds stand out because they mirror baskets of stocks selected from the larger market.


 One potential timeless
 index fund
 you could purchase and retain it indefinitely is the concept
 
 Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
 
 
 (NYSEMKT: VOO)
 
 This ETF is my top choice for an index fund to get exposure to the market.
 
 S&P 500
 
 index
 , potentially the most remarkable market index globally.


 
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 Below are five arguments for why the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF ought to have a permanent place in your investment portfolio.

<h2>
 1. This provides a simple method for achieving portfolio diversity.
</h2>

 One of the key aspects of responsible investing is diversification. Have you been advised against putting all your eggs in one basket?


 The concept remains similar when dealing with an index fund. Despite doing thorough research, unforeseen issues may arise concerning businesses that even experts couldn’t anticipate. By diversifying your funds among different investment options, you safeguard against significant losses from a single error or unfortunate turn of events affecting your overall financial profile.


 The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF mirrors the performance of the S&P 500, which represents 500 leading U.S. corporations. Essentially, each share gives you ownership of small portions across these numerous firms. Investing in such an S&P 500 index fund is among the simplest methods for spreading out investments within your portfolio.

<h2>
 2. It provides access to the S&P 500 index.
</h2>

 If there's an index you want to follow, it's the S&P 500. Since expanding to 500 companies in 1957, it has created staggering wealth for investors:


 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1uynAd" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1uynAd.jpg"/>


 The approach is straightforward yet efficient. A panel chooses from leading U.S. firms that meet particular requirements.


 The index is adjusted based on
 market cap,
 Therefore, a business that flourishes and expands will receive greater importance. By doing this, it basically favors successful stocks. Should a corporation underperform, it might be removed from the index and substituted with another one.


 It has functioned exceptionally well that
 most professional investors underperform
 The S&P 500 over an extended period.

<h2>
 3. It has minimal fees.
</h2>

 The great aspect of the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF is that owning it comes with minimal expenses. Most exchange-traded funds have fees attached.
 expense ratio
 , a charge for managing the fund. The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF has an expense ratio of merely 0.03%. This implies you would pay $0.30 each year for every $1,000 invested.


 The fund’s minimal fees stand out as a clever advantage. Fee structures may differ, yet typically, the greater the management activity of a fund, the steeper the costs. While in many aspects you usually receive value proportional to your spending, this isn’t necessarily true when it comes to investment funds. Exorbitant charges do not ensure superior performance (as most experts underperform compared to the S&P 500 index).


 Paradoxically, high fees might cause greater damage compared to benefits over an extended period as they accumulate. Keep in mind: These fees are calculated according to your overall investment sum rather than your profits.

<h2>
 4. Trustworthy is Vanguard
</h2>

 You can trust Vanguard with your investments as they have an extensive track record dating back to the 1970s. Currently, their asset base exceeds $9 trillion. They lead globally as both the biggest mutual fund provider and the second-largest exchange-traded fund firm after BlackRock.
 
 BlackRock
 
 .


 Significantly, individuals who invest in Vanguard funds actually become owners of the company rather than owning shares directly in specific companies within the fund. Because the very same people funding these Vanguard funds also own the company, this alignment fosters shared goals and minimizes potential conflicts. Given its scale and organizational design, the firm’s stature ought to encourage investors to adopt a long-term holding strategy.


 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1uyj8C" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1uyj8C.jpg"/>

<h2>
 5. This machine compounds effectively, making it excellent for various investment strategies.
</h2>

 Finally, the S&P 500 provides a diversified mix of assets, making the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF suitable for nearly every investment portfolio. As you've observed, this index has shown remarkable growth over time. Interested in dividends? It distributes one with a current yield of about 1.3%. Overall, the S&P 500 has traditionally provided substantial total returns.
 roughly 8% annual returns
 .


 Should you put money into the S&P 500 and past patterns continue,
 your money will double
 roughly every nine years. Thus, $10,000 grows to become $160,000 within 36 years, highlighting the significant effect of compound interest when it has sufficient time to operate effectively.


 No matter if you're a beginner starting out or a retiree aiming to extend your savings, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF should consider having a place within your investments. This might very well turn into the most advantageous long-term bet you could possibly make with every single dollar.

<h2>
 Is it wise to put $1,000 into the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF at this moment?
</h2>

 Before purchasing shares of Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, keep these points in mind:


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Top 5 Reasons to Invest in This Index Fund Forever

It’s likely you’ve come across the saying, “Nothing lasts forever.” This holds up for most facets of life. However, when it comes to inves...

I've Planned Luxury Walt Disney World Vacations for Hundreds of Clients — Here are 3 Ways to Elevate Your Trip

DIWIDA.NEWS disney parks & resorts, disneyworld, travel, travel planning and tips, travel recommendations

Whether you’re a Disney enthusiast or not, these tips will be sure to make your next family trip to the parks a breeze.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1uqXmn" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1uqXmn.jpg"/>

 In all of my years as a travel agent, I’ve dealt with a wide range of enthusiasm when it comes to trips to Walt Disney World — from “we’ve been waiting for this moment since our baby was born” to “I’m dreading this trip and only booking it out of parental obligation.” Even as a Disney enthusiast, the latter is perhaps my favorite type of client because there's nothing better than a positive review from a parent who was sure they would be miserable when visiting Walt Disney World.


 Here are three ways to elevate a Walt Disney World vacation, no matter the occasion.

<h2>
 Travel during off-peak times.
</h2>

 Let’s be honest, there's no longer a slow season at Walt Disney World, but there are times when the parks are less crowded than others. To avoid the throngs, I recommend avoiding the park over Christmas break or other federal holidays because, chances are, if your child has a school holiday, so does most of America — and every parent is trying to capitalize on the extra day off. I would also recommend checking the
 runDisney
 calendar of events, as races in the parks tend to amass large crowds.


 If you don’t have a problem with heat, consider traveling during the summer. In July and August, you’ll see some of the lowest wait times of the year. Disney also tends to offer resort discounts when occupancy is at its lowest, so traveling during off-peak times will be better for your wallet, too.


 Related:
 The Best Times to Visit Disney World for Fewer Crowds and Good Weather

<h2>
 Prioritize convenience.
</h2>

 As a mom of two, I value convenience above most other things. There's nothing worse than spending hours walking with no clear destination or waiting in a long line with cranky kids. Thankfully, Disney offers a wide range of “pay to play” conveniences that might actually make or break your trip. At varying price points, it’s up to you to decide which of them is worth it, but here are a few I've found helpful over the years.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1uqV0k" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1uqV0k.jpg"/>
<h3>
 Staying in a Walt Disney World Property
</h3>

 This is a no-brainer for my family and most of my clients. I would even encourage you to take it a step further and narrow down your options to the resorts that offer
 alternatives to bus transportation
 . For example, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort offer monorail transportation to Epcot and Magic Kingdom, minimizing the number of times you'll have to wait for a bus. In addition, Disney offers perks like early park entry to guests at their resorts, and extended evening hours for Deluxe Resort guests.


 Related:
 18 Best Disney World Hotels for an Extra-magical Vacation

<h3>
 Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass
</h3>

 Similar to what you may remember as the old FastPass+ system,
 Disney’s Lightning Lane
 is the company’s current solution to the waiting in line problem. Seven days prior to check-in (three days for off-property guests), Walt Disney World Resort guests can choose to purchase the Lighting Lane Multi Pass and/or Lightning Lane Single Pass for shorter lines on your
 favorite rides
 . My family never travels without it.

<h3>
 Walt Disney World VIP Tour Services
</h3>

 Coming in at the most expensive of all Walt Disney World conveniences, private VIP tours range from $450 to $900 per hour depending on the season, with a seven-hour minimum. While pricey, if you’re willing to pay for it, you’ll experience the highest level of service the theme parks offer (think conveniences like private vehicle rides, back entrances to the park, reserved parade viewing, and a dedicated guide utilizing unlimited Lightning Lane entry and often, alternate ride entrances to bypass lines entirely).

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1uqV0r" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1uqV0r.jpg"/>
<h2>
 Add downtime to your schedule.
</h2>

 One habit I see time after time is stressed-out clients who have not booked enough time for a Disney trip. With four theme parks and two
 water parks
 , Walt Disney World’s property is about the size of San Francisco, and there are few things more stressful than feeling like you're trying to cram everything into a few days. It’s no secret the parks are overstimulating for parents and children alike, so resist the urge to do too much.


 Add resort breaks or even full pool or rest days into your schedule. If you're traveling with children, follow their lead; if they're shutting down, take a break. Missing a ride or Lightning Lane won’t be the end of the world, but a toddler hitting the wall might be.


 With infinite options to elevate your Walt Disney World vacation, a great way to determine what additions or upgrades might be worth it for your family is consulting with a travel agent. An experienced agent will be able to walk you through the various options so you can make an informed decision. Because with proper planning, there's no reason your theme park experience can’t be just as magical as your kids’ experience.


 
 Mary Helen Law
 is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in Disney trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Law by contacting her at
 maryhelen@mousecounselors.com
 .

I've Planned Luxury Walt Disney World Vacations for Hundreds of Clients — Here are 3 Ways to Elevate Your Trip

Whether you’re a Disney enthusiast or not, these tips will be sure to make your next family trip to the parks a breeze. In all of my y...

Time-Tested Diets: Cottage Cheese and 1,000 Calories a Day Keep Winning Back Fans in the UK

DIWIDA.NEWS diet and nutrition, healthy weight loss, nutrition, weight loss, weight loss diets

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1uqx4w" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1uqx4w.jpg"/>

 We're a country obsessed with diets. Around four out of ten people say they're attempting to shed pounds by jumping onto each new dietary trend, frequently without considering if these trends hold any real scientific merit. Back in the day, we would gather advice from magazines, which offered detailed instructions highlighting the benefits of various approaches.
 cottage cheese
 to cabbage soup. While
 weight-loss drugs
 Promise a speedy path to shedding pounds today; however, the reality is that for those aiming to lose even a small amount of weight, certain fundamental principles will always remain constant.


 In this section, specialists delve into the beginnings of well-known eating plans – and discuss how we might utilise them nowadays to aid with weight management.

<h2 class="u-heading-size-large u-heading-style-normal">
 The 1,000-calorie diet
</h2>
<h2 class="u-heading-size-medium u-heading-style-normal">
 History
</h2>

 "In the 1960s, counting calories gained significant popularity," states Dr. Myriam Wilks-Heeg, who lectures on 20th-century history at the University of Liverpool. "This trend paralleled worries about obesity, an expanding market for food products, and women's magazines embracing various diet trends." This led to
 Woman’s Own
 In 1966, she released a diet plan allowing only 1,000 calories per day, she mentions.


 Diets that involve reducing calorie intake continue to be widely favoured nowadays. These encompass various approaches such as:
 5:2 diet
 – developed by the late Dr Michael Mosley in 2012 – which entails consuming only 500 to 600 calories for two days per week and eating as usual during the remaining five days.

<h2 class="u-heading-size-medium u-heading-style-normal">
 What leads to weight reduction?
</h2>

 It's true that burning more calories than you consume is essential for losing weight. Therefore, reducing your caloric intake has become one of the most common methods to achieve this.


 By inducing an energy shortfall, low-calorie diets result in weight reduction as the body utilises more calories than it takes in," explains Kim Pearson, a specialist in nutritional weight management. "The lesser the intake, the greater reliance there is on the body’s stored fat deposits to meet its energy requirements.

<h2 class="u-heading-size-medium u-heading-style-normal">
 What lessons can be gleaned from it today?
</h2>

 Milder reductions in calorie intake are advised for a more wholesome and enduring approach to losing weight. As an illustration, British health recommendations suggest decreasing daily caloric consumption by 600 calories. This equates to approximately 1,400 calories per day for women and around 1,900 calories for men.


 Eating
 too few calories can
 This can result in nutrient shortages, impacting bone density, immune response, and skin condition, since it gets challenging to ingest all the vital vitamins, minerals, and proteins required by the body, according to Pearson.


 Moreover, very-low-calorie diets lead to fatigue, mood swings, and low energy. According to Pearson, these diets may increase the likelihood of binge eating and make it more difficult to sustain long-term weight loss.


 Nevertheless, under the supervision of a healthcare professional, very-low-calorie diets can be effective. For instance, the NHS provides a three-month liquid diet, consisting of soups and shakes, for certain patients.
 type 2 diabetes
 People who are overweight or obese participate in this regimen involving only 800 calories per day. Studies have demonstrated that it aids in shedding pounds and can lead to remission of diabetes for approximately half of those treated. Nonetheless, these individuals receive close monitoring to make sure they obtain all necessary nutrients.


 Aside from aiding in weight loss, calorie restriction has also been found to decelerate aging by reducing the creation of damaging molecules known as free radicals, which harm cells and accelerate aging, according to Pearson. Furthermore, this dietary approach can boost the body’s repair processes.
 improve the longevity
 of cells, she adds.

<h2 class="u-heading-size-large u-heading-style-normal">
 The one-ingredient diet
</h2>
<h2 class="u-heading-size-medium u-heading-style-normal">
 History
</h2>

 The one-ingredient diet is a fad diet that has endured in one form or another for decades. It involves restricting what you eat to a single food or food group.


 The diet plans featuring only meat and those consisting solely of fruits, suggested within the book’s pages,
 Woman’s Own
 In the late 1960s, we saw some of the first instances of this phenomenon, according to Dr Wilks-Heeg. This approach has since been relabelled as the carnivore diet (entailing consumption of animal products exclusively) and has attracted a dedicated online community.


 Other variations encompass the cottage cheese diet, which entails consuming only
 cottage cheese
 , as explained by Dr Wilks-Heeg. Although this approach is now less popular, it involves maintaining a diet with reduced calories.
 cheese has remained
 widely favoured by those watching their diet and has recently gained traction among Generation Z, leading to a significant uptick of 40 percent in sales this year, as reported by certain dairy producers.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1uqx4F" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1uqx4F.jpg"/>

 “She mentions the tin opener diet, where one would only consume tinned fruits and meats while completely avoiding all carbs.”


 The much-feared cabbage soup diet requires consuming only cabbage-based meals for ten days, although certain versions permit additional items like fruits and dairy products. While the inception of this regimen remains obscure, it became popular during the 1980s and has lately made a comeback through platforms like TikTok.

<h2 class="u-heading-size-medium u-heading-style-normal">
 What leads to fat loss?
</h2>

 Limiting your diet to just one type of food or a specific food group will probably lead to quick weight reduction because individuals generally eat fewer calories overall, according to Pearson.


 “They gain popularity because, theoretically, these diets are simple to follow,” she explains. “Just consuming one kind of food is simpler than mastering the guidelines of a more intricate dietary regimen.”

<h2 class="u-heading-size-medium u-heading-style-normal">
 What lessons can we draw from it today?
</h2>

 "These one-ingredient regimes typically revolve around nutritious options," Pearson points out, implying that the components of these plans can easily fit into an overall wholesome dietary approach.


 For instance, "we might suggest starting with a bowl of cabbage soup – this could serve as an ideal appetiser for those watching their weight since it’s low in calories yet rich in fibre, which helps you feel more satiated before the primary course."


 Yet, avoid attempting a single-ingredient diet, she advises. These diets are overly limiting and could result in nutritional deficiencies if adhered to for extended periods, as they fail to provide all the vital nutrients your body requires to operate properly, according to Pearson’s warning.


 Moreover, adhering to a single-ingredient diet can result in losing both muscle mass and body fat. This reduction in metabolic rate occurs because your body adjusts to receiving fewer nutrients. As explained by her, this makes maintaining weight loss more challenging and heightens the likelihood of regaining lost pounds.


 "Many individuals would likely find these eating plans quite difficult to stick with over extended periods," she remarks. "A well-balanced diet tends to promote healthier, more efficient, and lasting weight reduction compared to focusing solely on specific components," she adds.

<h2 class="u-heading-size-large u-heading-style-normal">
 The air hostess diet
</h2>
<h2 class="u-heading-size-medium u-heading-style-normal">
 History
</h2>

 In the 1960s, being an air hostess was considered a stylish career option for women," says Dr Wilks-Heeg. "Airlines had very strict criteria when it came to physical appearance back then." She adds, "It was thought that this role offered chances to interact with affluent male passengers like pilots or businessmen who frequently travelled.


 As a result,
 Woman’s Own
 released "The Air Hostess Diet" in 1969, aimed at women looking to attain a similarly slender physique.


 It involved eating a
 a single scrambled egg for breakfast
 , accompanied by a fresh green salad and a glass of milk for lunch. Her dinner consisted of an 85g serving of lean meat (approximately half a chicken breast) along with another green salad, totaling just about 354 calories for the entire day.

<h2 class="u-heading-size-medium u-heading-style-normal">
 What leads to weight reduction?
</h2>

 “Eating such a limited number of calories will inevitably lead to weight loss,” Pearson states. “Nevertheless, this is probably going to include both muscle and fat reduction, potentially jeopardising overall health and sustained weight management,” she adds.


 This minimal calorie consumption can disturb hormonal equilibrium, potentially impacting women’s menstrual cycles and reproductive health, as Pearson points out. Similar to other reduced-calorie regimes, this approach may lead to nutritional shortfalls and tends to be hard to sustain over time.

<h2 class="u-heading-size-medium u-heading-style-normal">
 What lessons can we glean from it today?
</h2>

 Consuming only 350 calories daily is "far too little to sustain over an extended duration," according to Pearson. Nonetheless, the items included in the flight attendant’s diet, when eaten in greater quantities, can serve as the foundation of a well-balanced regimen that promotes weight reduction, she notes.


 For instance, eggs are rich in nutrients and packed with protein, helping to reduce feelings of hunger and cravings—though individuals should consume three to four at breakfast rather than just one, she advises. Additionally, meat provides crucial amino acids that aid in maintaining muscles, she points out.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1uqEdw" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1uqEdw.jpg"/>

 Salads prepared using fresh veggies boost fibre, vitamins, and minerals in your diet, aiding digestion and providing essential nutrients.
 stabilise blood sugar levels
 Pearson states, 'Combined with some beneficial fats such as olive oil, these ingredients form well-rounded, fulfilling meals that promote sustainable weight reduction.'

<h2 class="u-heading-size-large u-heading-style-normal">
 A history of dieting
</h2>

 "People often express surprise upon learning that many popular diets have existed for over five decades," notes Dr Wilks-Heeg, explaining that dieting and weight loss gained significance during the interwar era.


 She attributes this partly to the rise of the "new woman" concept.


 This concept suggested that women were no longer restricted to their conventional roles as homemakers, with numerous individuals entering employment and acquiring disposable income. According to her, flapper girls symbolised this shift within British society. "Clearly, this necessitated a specific slender figure," notes Dr Wilks-Heeg, adding that it led women to aspire towards achieving similar slimmer physiques.


 She explains, “It wasn’t until the 1960s that commercial weight loss became widely prevalent.” This period witnessed an eruption of dietary guidance appearing primarily through magazine articles.
 Woman’s Own
 , a prominent magazine from post-war Britain, featured clubs like Silhouette Slimming along with diet experts such as fitness trainer Eileen Fowler and nutrition scientist Professor John Yudkin.


 Advice on weight loss for men became more prevalent in the 1960s, with the belief that having a trim figure was crucial for achieving career success. Meanwhile, dietary guidance aimed at women frequently revolved around the notion that maintaining a slender physique would ensure their spouse’s contentment. As worries grew over
 the looming obesity crisis
 The significance of body weight for overall health gained more attention, as stated by Dr Wilks-Heeg.


 Even with progress in nutritional science, dietary recommendations were based on concepts that remain significant nowadays, like cutting down carbs and increasing protein intake.


 Recommended


 Why the rational iDiet plan will assist you in maintaining your slimmer figure for an extended period.


 Read more


 
 Enjoy The Telegraph’s extensive selection of Puzzles – getting smarter daily has never been more enjoyable. Sharpen your mind and enhance your spirits with PlusWord, the Compact Crossword, the challenging Killer Sudoku, and yes, even the traditional Cryptic Crossword.

Time-Tested Diets: Cottage Cheese and 1,000 Calories a Day Keep Winning Back Fans in the UK

We're a country obsessed with diets. Around four out of ten people say they're attempting to shed pounds by jumping onto each new...

Is walking farther or faster better for you? Here's what doctors say

DIWIDA.NEWS exercise, health, health & fitness, health and exercise, health benefits

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1umuuE" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1umuuE.jpg"/>

 For years now,
 walking
 has gradually gained a posse of devoted supporters who cherish the ritual for both physical and mental health reasons. Going on a walk activates your vascular system, increases circulation, improves blood sugar utilisation, and helps manage inflammation, says Johanna Contreras, MD, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital. Basically, it’s a low-impact activity accessible to even the most beginner of exercisers that boasts *a lot* of benefits for both the brain and body.


 But while you might not need to
 shoot for 10,000 steps
 every day, there’s still the question of whether distance is most important when it comes to a walk. Or, should you focus on speed to get the most out of the exercise?


 The truth is that walking both farther
 
 and
 
 faster is ideal, says Dr. Contreras. But, you might only have the time—or energy—for one. Whichever you choose to do, 'All walking is important,' says Dr. Contreras. Whether it’s doing an extra lap in the supermarket or taking the stairs, you’re making a difference, she says. If you’re deciding between tacking on an additional half-mile to your daily walk or zooming through your usual route faster than usual, here’s what you need to know about the benefits of prioritising each one.


 
 Meet the experts:
 
 Lauren Hannon Redler
 , MD, is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
 Johanna Contreras
 , MD, is a cardiologist at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital.

<h2 class="body-h2">
 
 Walking farther boosts your endurance.
 
</h2>

 Before we go deep, it’s worth noting that there *is* a minimum speed you want to achieve to make sure you’re getting a good enough workout during any walk.


 This pace will look different on every person, but you want to feel challenged—and you’ll know you’re going fast enough if your heart rate starts to increase, even ever-so-slightly. Even if you’re going for distance, by the end of your walk, you still want to have broken a sweat, Dr. Contreras says. (Target heart rates vary based on age, but are published by the
 British Heart Foundation
 .)


 The biggest perk of walking a far distance: you improve your
 endurance
 , or your ability to sustain exercise without overtaxing your heart, because it gets you used to having your heart rate elevated for an extended amount of time. Walking for longer is key to conditioning your heart to keep working in an elevated state for longer periods of time, says Dr. Contreras. And, BTW, as you age, walking farther might be the better option because you don’t need to elevate your heart rate quite as much to get the same benefit—and you may not want to put too much demand on your heart, she notes.


 Walking for a longer distance also means that you’re getting even more benefits beyond what you get beyond walking for a shorter distance at the same pace. And, if you’re someone who can’t walk faster or
 run
 , walking farther will also eventually even out to what you can get out of those activities in a shorter amount of time, says Dr. Contreras. (One minute of walking at a high intensity by picking up your speed generally equals about two minutes of walking at a lower intensity, per the
 CDC
 .)

<h2 class="body-h2">
 
 But, walking
 
 
 
 faster
 
 
 
 conditions your heart.
 
</h2>

 Walking faster puts more demand on your heart, which means your heart rate goes up even higher than walking at a slower pace. 'Walking faster definitely helps stimulate more of a cardiovascular response,' says Lauren Hannon Redler, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. 'Your heart pumps blood around your body more quickly, which helps your muscles improve how they use oxygen and makes them more efficient.'


 The higher you elevate your heart rate, the better a workout it is for your heart, which will help increase your exercise capacity, demand more of your metabolism, and manage blood pressure, says Dr. Contreras. Also, since it’s more taxing, you can get the same benefit as walking at a slower pace for longer, potentially even cutting the time required in half.

<h2 class="body-h2">
 
 Is one better for weight loss?
 
</h2>

 Experts are mixed on whether walking farther or faster is better for weight loss. Walking slower, but farther is Dr. Redler’s preference because it keeps you in
 zone 2
 cardio (a level of heart rate training categorised as 60 to 70 percent of your heart rate max). While zone 2 training, your body uses fat as its primary source of fuel, though this does not equate to losing fat from your body, says Rachelle Reed, PhD, an exercise scientist in Athens, GA. Still, walking at a slower speed for a longer period of time (about three miles per hour for an hour) led to greater total fat loss in postmenopausal women in a 2023 study in
 
 Nutrients
 
 .


 Meanwhile, walking faster demands more of your metabolism and burns more calories because it’s a harder workout, says Dr. Contreras. 'If people want to lose weight, they need to think about increasing that exercise level,' she says. Focusing on burning calories—rather than using an energy source of fat versus glucose—is probably more important for a weight loss goal, says Reed. Plus, even though you’re walking faster, you’re likely still in zone 2 anyway.


 Ultimately, weight loss is tricky—and determined by a lot more than your exercise selection. For example, genetics, nutrition, and environment all play a role,
 according to the National Institute of Health
 . Keep in mind that walking slower for longer can eventually even out to walking faster for a shorter amount of time, so the “better” between the two might just be what feels best for you, especially since exercising
 
 consistently
 
 is most important to reap health and weight loss benefits, says Reed.

<h2 class="body-h2">
 
 Ultimately, it’s ideal to mix up your routine with both short and speedy walks and longer, slower ones.
 
</h2>

 Let’s be real: most people don’t have the time to make every walk miles long *and* at a power walking pace. And you don’t have to. Our experts recommend you do both versions of
 walking workouts
 —whether long and more leisurely or short and quicker—as suits your lifestyle best at any particular moment, or from day to day. 'They both count,' according to Dr. Redler.


 Although walking at a quicker pace provides a more rigorous cardiovascular exercise, extending the duration enhances stamina as the heart operates for a prolonged period. Rather than focusing solely on either distance or speed walking, consider varying your approach by switching methods on alternate days, recommends Dr. Redler.


 Two more things: when you’re walking long distances, you want to be careful to avoid overuse injuries. You can do this by gradually building up your mileage over time and wearing the proper footwear, says Dr. Redler.


 If you’re looking to increase your speed, walking with intervals might be a great way to get there. Walk at a slower pace for three minutes, then increase to a faster one for one minute, alternating until you’ve come to the end of your route. Eventually, you can decrease the amount of time you spend walking at slower intervals and increase the amount of time you’re going faster.

<h3 class="body-h3">
 
 More fitness stories:
 
</h3>
<ul>
 <li>
 What is Pilates? 34 exercises, benefits + 15 best online classes
 </li>
 <li>
 Weight training for beginners: Benefits, tips, lingo + workouts
 </li>
 <li>
 20 best HIIT workouts for all levels, from 5 to 45 minutes long
 </li>
</ul>

 
 
 Cut through the noise and get practical, expert advice, home workouts, easy nutrition and more direct to your inbox. Sign up to the
 
 
 
 
 WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Is walking farther or faster better for you? Here's what doctors say

For years now, walking has gradually gained a posse of devoted supporters who cherish the ritual for both physical and mental health re...

How to Slash Your Company Car Tax Bill in the UK

DIWIDA.NEWS business, cars, money, personal finance taxes, taxes

<div>
 
 To misquote an age-old adage, two things are certain in life: death and
 company car tax
 . You cannot evade the initial cost, and no matter how much effort you put into avoiding the secondary one, you will ultimately have to pay something.
 
 
 Certainly, this presupposes that you have access to a company vehicle; however, considering approximately 700,000 individuals currently benefit from such an arrangement, the likelihood seems quite substantial.
 
 
 For the tax authorities, a company car is like a golden goose: in the fiscal year 2021/22, the overall taxable amount from company car benefits reached £3.95 billion. Nevertheless, as another adage goes, the times they are a-changing.
 
 
 Two words:
 electric cars
 These attract significantly lower levels of taxation compared to petrol and diesel vehicles, making them extremely popular among company car drivers.
 
 
 For instance, during the tax year 2021/22, the count of beneficiaries was
 company cars
 With CO2 emissions of 75g/km or lower, there were 243,000 vehicles, up from 137,000 in the prior fiscal year, and fully electric cars made up 17% of vehicle beneficiaries. This data is from three years back, after which the share of such vehicles has continued to change.
 company EVs
 has surged significantly due to their rising popularity and schemes like salary sacrifice.
 
 
 To put it briefly, the tax authorities are facing financial losses, yet they aren’t ready to surrender just yet. Therefore, here’s how you can exit this situation still fully dressed metaphorically speaking.
 
 <h2>
 What does "company car" mean?
 </h2>
 
 This is a vehicle provided by your employer alongside your regular pay, allowing you to utilize it both for personal trips and work-related travel. Personal use encompasses daily commutes.
 
 <h2>
 What does company car tax entail?
 </h2>
 
 It’s a levy on a perk, specifically a company car. While you might consider the vehicle distinct from your wages, from HMRC's perspective it's just another type of compensation—hence subject to taxation. This is precisely why they refer to it as Benefit-In-Kind tax.
 
 <h2>
 What is the method for calculating company car tax?
 </h2>
 
 The tax calculation hinges on the sum of the car’s listed price inclusive of VAT along with additional features (referred collectively as the P11d value). This total figure is then adjusted using the vehicle's officially recorded CO2 emission levels stated as a percentage—termed the BIK rate. By multiplying this outcome by the individual's income tax bracket, one arrives at the taxable amount that the employee needs to cover for their company car usage.
 
 
 The BIK rates vary between a maximum of 37% for cars releasing over 170g/km CO2 and a minimum of 2% for zero-emission vehicles. In the case of hybrid models, their electric-only driving range influences these percentages as well. Additionally, an extra charge of 4% is applied to diesel-powered vehicles failing to meet the stringent RDE2 emission criteria.
 
 
 
 Example:
 
 
 
 The P11D valuation for the vehicle stands at £20,000. The CO2 emission level is recorded as 95 grams per kilometre. It runs on petrol fuel. The Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) percentage assigned to this car is 24%. If we consider your individual income tax bracket which is set at 20%, then the calculated BIK amount based on the P11D price would be £4,800. Consequently, the taxable sum you must pay annually equates to £960, translating into a monthly figure of £80.
 
 <h2>
 What benefits does having a company car offer?
 </h2>
 
 Despite covering the taxes, an employee provided with a company car still ends up financially ahead compared to someone purchasing their vehicle using after-tax earnings. For instance, they would struggle to find a new car costing £80 per month through personal means alone.
 
 <h2>
 What steps can I take to lower my company car tax liability?
 </h2>
 
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/BB1nj7pk" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1nj7pk.jpg"/>
 
 
 
 Choose an EV
 
 
 
 HMRC has spent the past 20 years using company car tax to incentivise low-CO2 vehicles, and there's none lower than an electric car.
 
 
 Until April 2025 electric cars (rated at 0g/km CO2) are taxed based on 2% of their P11d price, whereas even the most efficient petrol and diesel models start at 25%. That’s usually enough to reduce your tax bill by 90%.
 
 
 For context, a 20% taxpayer in a £30,000 Vauxhall Astra GS Line diesel would pay around £158 in benefit-in-kind per month, whereas their boss on a 40% income tax band would pay just £83 for a £120,000 BMW iX M60.
 
 
 It’s hardly surprising that battery-electric has become the most popular powertrain type for new fleet lease cars, according to the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA).
 
 
 
 Or choose a hybrid
 
 
 
 If you are not ready to ditch combustion engines completely, the BIK rates also heavily incentivise plug-in hybrids with the longest electric range – and this can offset their higher list price.
 
 
 For example, the
 Toyota RAV4
 Plug-in has an electric-only range of 46 miles, so it falls into the 8% BIK band, whereas the
 Ford Kuga
 2.5 PHEV ST-Line X Edition travels up to 35 miles on a full charge and is taxed at 12% of the list price. Despite the Toyota’s £4500 list price disadvantage, drivers will pay around 25% less in tax than they would on the Ford.
 
 
 
 Be selective with options
 
 
 
 In 2017, Europe’s automotive industry switched to a new fuel efficiency test, catchily known as the worldwide harmonised light vehicles test procedure, or WLTP.
 
 
 Alongside tougher test conditions, it produces more granular data, including recognising differences between trim levels and the effects of optional equipment on efficiency.
 
 
 Before you get carried away adding options, it’s worth double-checking that the larger wheels or panoramic sunroof you’ve just selected don’t push the car into a higher tax band. They can turn into expensive luxuries over a three-year lifespan.
 
 
 
 Look out for fleet trims
 
 
 
 Fleets and leasing companies have enough buying power to negotiate discounts on new cars that private buyers wouldn’t be able to access. Unfortunately, this isn’t reflected in the list price and those discounts won’t result in lower benefit-in-kind for drivers.
 
 
 Instead, to help pass those savings on, some manufacturers offer fleet-focused trim levels that add essential kit but in effect have the discount built into the list price. The result is lower benefit-in-kind payments than for an equivalent retail-focused version.
 
 
 
 Select a commercially viable vehicle with tax benefits
 
 
 
 Commercial vehicles weighing less than 3500kg and with a payload of 1000kg are a bit of a bargain in benefit-in-kind terms. Instead of being taxed based on a CO2-weighted percentage of their list price, they attract a standard tax charge. Until the end of the 2025/26 tax year it is £3960, which means they can be a tax-efficient alternative to a large car. It's even better news for electric commercial vehicles, whose standard tax charge is set at £0.
 
 
 This loophole for light commercial vehicles with a 1000kg payload has created a market for double-cab pickups among open-minded company car drivers.
 
 
 These provide dual rows of seating, top-tier trims, and greater towing capability than most households could possibly require. Should you be able to overlook their heavy fuel consumption and somewhat bumpy ride quality, these vehicles serve as a far less expensive corporate car option compared to an equivalent-sized sports utility vehicle.
 
 
 Nevertheless, the additional row of seating might reduce the cargo space and payload capacity for certain double-cab variants; thus, ensure that your chosen model meets this criterion: these vehicles along with similar ones having a maximum carrying weight under 1000 kg are classified as automobiles and therefore subject to taxation based on their CO2 emissions.
 
</div>

How to Slash Your Company Car Tax Bill in the UK

To misquote an age-old adage, two things are certain in life: death and company car tax . You cannot evade the initial cost, and no...

Maximize Your Retirement with These Smart Costco Membership Tips

DIWIDA.NEWS costco, costco shopping, money, retirement, senior citizens

<div class="image">
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AAQZZmI" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AAQZZmI.jpg"/>
</div>

 A lot of individuals begin to fret about finances after they retire and cease working. This concern is quite reasonable.


 Learn More: Grab up to $845 in cashback this year simply by altering your payment method at Costco!
 
 Learn more here.
 


 Transitioning from receiving regular wages to managing with a set budget can be challenging. Therefore, every expenditure should provide excellent value. This principle applies even when shopping at Costco.


 The positive aspect is that seniors can truly gain advantages from having a Costco membership through various means. Below are some strategies for maximizing your Costco membership benefits.

<h2 id="1.-load-up-on-vitamins-and-supplements">
 1. Stock up on vitamins and dietary supplements
</h2>

 The requirement for vitamins and supplements might rise as you age. However, such over-the-counter tablets can become quite costly.


 Step into Costco. Purchasing vitamins and supplements in large quantities might assist you.
 save money
 while also reducing the chance of you depleting resources prematurely.


 As one example, the regular price for a 200-count bottle of Schiff Move Free Advanced Joint Supplement costs $27.99 at Costco.com, which brings the price per pill to $0.12. And that's just the online price. At a Costco store, you're likely to pay less, since online prices are commonly marked up a bit to account for the cost of shipping and handling.


 On Amazon, that same product is now on sale for $17.84 for a 120-count if you sign up for Subscribe & Save. But even with that discount, which is 41% off the usual price, you're still paying $0.15 per pill.

<h2 id="2.-use-the-right-credit-card-for-your-purchases">
 2. Use the right credit card for your purchases
</h2>

 Costco is known for its low prices. But did you know that using the right credit card when you shop there could result in even more savings?


 
 Take a look at this list of the best credit cards for Costco
 
 
 .
 
 Using one of these cards could put extra cash back in your pocket, allowing you to save even more money at a time when you may be on a pretty tight budget.

<h2 id="3.-book-your-travel-for-less">
 3. Book your travel for less
</h2>

 Being retired gives you more time to travel. Another great way to squeeze more value out of your membership is to book a vacation through Costco. You may find that you not only save money, but get access to unique itineraries and travel deals you won't find elsewhere.


 Plus, when you book travel through Costco, you get the help of experienced travel professionals who can help you narrow down your choices. So if you're not sure which vacation package best meets your needs, all you have to do is call and ask.

<h2 id="4.-fill-up-your-car-at-a-lower-price-per-gallon">
 4. Fill up your car at a lower price per gallon
</h2>

 Even if you're retired and no longer drive to work every day, you need to fill your tank at
 
 some
 
 point. And when you do, getting gas at Costco could lead to tremendous savings.


 Not only is Costco's gas typically less expensive than what you'll pay at nearby fuel stations, but it also carries the TOP TIER™ certification. This means it's designed to clean your engine and lead to superior performance. Put another way, filling up at Costco might give you more miles per gallon, allowing you to stretch your budget nicely.

<h2 id="5.-shop-when-the-store-is-least-crowded-for-a-better-experience">
 5. Shop when the store is least crowded for a better experience
</h2>

 Costco tends to be a nightmare on weekends and during certain hours of the day. Some people have no choice but to hit Costco on a Saturday morning, or on a weekday evening once they're done with their workday.


 But as a retiree, you likely have more flexibility in your schedule to visit the store when it's most quiet. That generally means shopping during the day, or when the store first opens. Plus if you visit Costco during the day when people are at work, you'll have less competition once those free food samples become available.


 If your income is set, it’s crucial to ensure you’re receiving excellent value from your Costco membership. Implement these tactics to boost your savings and enhance your Costco shopping journey.


 <h2>
 Best credit card for using both at Costco and all other places!
 </h2>
 
 We adore all-purpose credit cards that provide substantial rewards at various places, such as Costco!
 This card
 stands out as one of America’s preferred credit cards due to its straightforward $200 cash bonus offer and its unending 2% cash back on all your purchases, including those made at Costco.
 
 
 Include the extended 0% interest period, and it’s clear why we named this card the Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
 
 
 
 Tap here to access our comprehensive review at no cost.
 And make sure to apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer expires!
 
 
 
 
 We strongly adhere to the Golden Rule, hence our editorial opinions are solely ours and haven’t undergone prior review, approval, or endorsement by featured advertisers. Motley Fool Money doesn’t encompass every offer available in the marketplace. The editorial material from Motley Fool Money stands apart from The Motley Fool’s editorial content and is produced by a distinct group of analysts. John Mackey, who formerly led Whole Foods Market—an affiliate of Amazon—is part of The Motley Fool’s board of directors.
 Maurie Backman
 has investments in Amazon. The Motley Fool holds stakes in and endorses Amazon and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a
 disclosure policy
 .

Maximize Your Retirement with These Smart Costco Membership Tips

A lot of individuals begin to fret about finances after they retire and cease working. This concern is quite reasonable. Learn More...

Los Mejores Ejercicios Para Una Espalda Fuerte Y Saludable

DIWIDA.NEWS back pain, health, health & fitness, health and exercise, lower back pain

El ritmo de vida contemporáneo, caracterizado por extensas jornadas ante el monitor del ordenador o permaneciendo sentados en una silla, podría generar efectos perjudiciales para nosotros.
 
 espalda
 
 Por esta razón, es necesario llevarlo a cabo.
 
 ejercicios
 
 ejercicios para potenciar y/o perfeccionar esa sección del organismo.


 De acuerdo con la Asociación Americana de Quiropráctica (AAC), el dolor lumbar es uno de los motivos más comunes para consultar a un profesional de salud, impactando al 80% de la población en alguna etapa de sus vidas.


 La buena noticia es que existen
 
 ejercicios
 
 que no solo ayudan a aliviar las molestias, sino que también fortalecen los músculos y mejoran la postura, previniendo futuros problemas.

<h2>
 Ejercicios para la espalda
</h2>

 El yoga es una herramienta eficaz para la salud de la espalda. Según un estudio publicado en el
 
 Journal of Physical Therapy Science
 
 , ciertas posturas de yoga, como el perro boca abajo, la postura del niño o la cobra, son altamente beneficiosas para estirar y fortalecer los músculos dorsales. Además, esta disciplina promueve la flexibilidad, alivia tensiones y mejora la postura corporal, todo mientras reduce el estrés.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1uf3mj" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1uf3mj.jpg"/>

 Además, el Journal of Physical sugiere que la natación es un ejercicio seguro para individuos con dolencias en las articulaciones y la espalda. La hidroterapia disminuye la presión sobre las articulaciones permitiendo al mismo tiempo una eficaz activación muscular. Las técnicas como la braza o el estilo libre resultan excelentes para potenciar la musculatura de la zona dorsal y conservar la columna vertebral correctamente alineada.


 
 Mayo Clinic
 
 sugiere incorporar movimientos como:


 
 - Plancha abdominal:
 
 fortalece el core, esencial para el soporte de la columna.


 
 - Superman:
 
 acostado boca abajo, eleva brazos y piernas para trabajar la zona lumbar.


 
 - Puente de glúteos:
 
 eleva las caderas para fortalecer los glúteos y la espalda baja.


 Estos ejercicios son seguros y efectivos si se realizan correctamente, y pueden ser el complemento perfecto para una rutina diaria.


 Según
 
 Harvard Medical School
 
 , movimientos como el
 
 gato-vaca
 
 ayudan a relajar los músculos de la columna y mejorar la flexibilidad. Estos estiramientos son esenciales para prevenir tensiones y garantizar una buena movilidad a lo largo del día.


 Si el dolor de espalda persiste o es intenso, es fundamental consultar a un profesional de la salud.


 Un diagnóstico adecuado es clave para prevenir complicaciones y diseñar un plan de ejercicios que se adapte a tus necesidades. Fortalecer la espalda no solo mejora la calidad de vida, sino que también protege contra lesiones a largo plazo.

Los Mejores Ejercicios Para Una Espalda Fuerte Y Saludable

El ritmo de vida contemporáneo, caracterizado por extensas jornadas ante el monitor del ordenador o permaneciendo sentados en una silla, p...

Rock from 4,200,000,000 years ago confirms something we wondered about the moon

DIWIDA.NEWS geology, moons, news, science, volcanology

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1udcb9" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1udcb9.jpg"/>

 
 Volcanoes erupted on the mysterious far side of
 the moon
 billions of years ago, new research confirms.
 


 Scientists analysed lunar soil brought back to Earth from
 China
 ’s Chang’e-6 spacecraft, the first to return with a haul of rocks and dirt from the little-explored far side.


 Two separate teams found fragments of volcanic rock that were about 2.8 billion years old. One piece was even more ancient, dating back to 4.2 billion years.


 ‘To obtain a sample from this area is really important because it’s an area that otherwise we have no data for,’ said Christopher Hamilton, a planetary volcano expert at the University of Arizona.


 Scientists know there were active volcanoes on the near side, the part of the moon seen from Earth, dating back to a similar time frame.


 Previous studies, including data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, suggested the far side might also have a volcanic past.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1ud9M4" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1ud9M4.jpg"/>

 The first samples from that region facing away from Earth confirm an active history. The results were published Friday in the journals Nature and Science.


 China has launched several spacecraft to the moon.


 In 2020, the Chang’e-5 spacecraft returned moon rocks from the near side, the first since those collected by NASA’s Apollo astronauts and Soviet Union spacecraft in the 1970s.


 The Chang’e-4 spacecraft became the first to visit the moon’s far side in 2019.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1ue7gF" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1ue7gF.jpg"/>

 The moon’s far side is pockmarked by craters and has fewer of the near side’s flat, dark plains carved by lava flows.


 Why the two halves are so different remains a mystery, said study co-author Qiu-Li Li from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.


 Li said the new findings reveal over one billion years of volcanic eruptions on the lunar far side.


 Future research will determine how the activity lasted so long.


 
 
 
 Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at
 webnews@.co.uk
 .
 
 
 


 
 For more stories like this,
 
 
 check our news page
 
 .


 Get your need-to-know latest news, feel-good stories, analysis and more by signing up to
 's News Updates newsletter

Rock from 4,200,000,000 years ago confirms something we wondered about the moon

Volcanoes erupted on the mysterious far side of the moon billions of years ago, new research confirms. Scientists analysed lu...