For some people, the kitchen is just a place to reheat takeout food, and drink water. They hate doing the dishes or cleaning up after cooking. However, there are also other kinds of people, who are passionate about their kitchen. They love cooking, feeding others and maintaining a well-functioning, well-equipped, spotless kitchen. If you find yourself relating to the latter, you might just be like Monica Geller from ‘F.R.I.E.N.D.S’. Now, there may be chances that you have a BFF like Rachel or a partner like Chandler, but when it comes to the kitchen, you are completely Monica Geller.
Here Are 6 Signs You Are A Monica Geller In The Kitchen:
1. You Love Cooking And Are A Pro
Photo: YouTube/WarnerBros.TV
You may not be a professional chef like Monica, but you are a wonderful cook. You enjoy cooking and everybody loves your food. You love getting attention when people appreciate your cooking and always play the best host, even if it is a mundane Tuesday.
2. You Never Lose A Single Cup (Or Let Anyone Else)
Photo: YouTube/WarnerBros.TV
Monica is so particular about things in her kitchen that she even numbers the mugs so that if one of them goes missing, she will know which one it is. If you are anything like Monica, you can tell if there are suddenly fewer spoons in your kitchen or if someone broke a plate and never told you about it (Lord help them!).
3. Your Maid Can Never Clean As Good As You (Or So You Think)
Photo: YouTube/WarnerBros.TV
If you have a house help, they probably need a raise for dealing with a boss like you. While you may be kind and generous, nobody can match the standard of your cleaning, especially when it comes to the kitchen. Sometimes, you might drive your maid crazy and we won’t be surprised if they keep quitting.
Also Read:‘Sheldon Cooper-Approved’ Foods to Enjoy While Re-Watching ‘The Big Bang Theory’
4. You Have A Designated Place For Every Thing
Photo: YouTube/WarnerBros.TV
In your own whimsical ways, much like Monica, you have some kind of logic behind why a certain thing goes at a certain spot. With your sense of logic, pattern and design, you have fixed a place for every small and big thing in the kitchen. The key part – no one is allowed to change it. Remember when Chandler cleaned the house? Monica immediately sensed “everything was different,” including the pattern of placing the fridge magnets. She even neatly arranges the sponges that are used to clean the dishes.
5. “Not Just Clean, Monica Clean!”
When Monica gets a new job at a restaurant, she approves the kitchen by saying “It’s clean, not just health department clean, but Monica clean”. People like Monica have high standards of maintaining cleanliness and they are delighted to meet the few like them, who like their kitchen nothing less than squeaky clean.
Also Read:6 Foods We Secretly Crave From ‘Friends’ (No Central Perk Coffee Included!)
6. You Are The ‘Crazy Plate Lady’
When it comes to expensive items in the kitchen, such as Monica’s wedding China, you become the ‘Crazy Plate Lady’. You are scared of using these plates and only want to reserve them for extra special occassions. You cannot tolerate the tiniest scratch on your precious China, and might faint if a single plate gets broken.
Well, did you find Monica Geller’s traits relatable? Tell us in the comments below. If you love the show ‘Friends’, click here for Joey Tribbiani’s funniest food moments.
Back in school, we all learned about various organs in our body, including the liver. The liver is one of the most important organs, quietly carrying out several functions. From detoxifying harmful substances to processing nutrients, it plays a vital role in keeping you healthy. But when the liver becomes stressed or overworked, it may struggle to perform at its best, causing you to feel more unusual than before. So, how does your body signal that your liver is overworked? If you’re curious about your liver health, you’ve landed on the right page. Let’s dive into the signs of an overworked liver.
Also Read: Liver Diet: What To Eat To Keep Your Liver Healthy – Expert Diet Tips
Here Are 5 Signs You Have Overworked Your Liver:
As per dietitian Manpreet Kalra, these 5 signs could indicate an overworked liver:
1. Chronic Fatigue
Do you feel tired all the time, even after an 8-hour sleep? If so, you might have chronic fatigue, which is a sign of an overworked liver. When the liver is overworked, it struggles to remove toxins from the body, leading to a buildup of toxins, as per the expert. This causes fatigue, and even normal daily activities can feel exhausting.
2. Digestive Issues
Are you frequently experiencing bloating, nausea, or discomfort after eating, especially after consuming fatty and greasy foods? This could be a sign of an overworked liver, according to the dietitian. These issues may suggest that your liver isn’t producing enough bile or digestive enzymes. For the unversed, the liver is responsible for secreting bile, which helps break down fats in the digestive system. When overworked, bile production slows down, leading to poor digestion.
3. Fat Around The Abdomen
If you’ve experienced unexpected weight gain, especially around your abdomen, it may indicate your liver is under stress. As per the expert, this could be a sign of fatty liver disease, where excess fat is stored in liver cells due to overwork. This may happen because of a poor diet, alcohol consumption, or other stressors.
4. Skin Changes
You might be surprised to learn that your skin can reflect how well your liver is functioning. If you’ve noticed sudden skin changes like rashes, acne breakouts, or even a yellowish tint, it could mean your liver is overworked and struggling to process toxins, according to the expert. As mentioned earlier, the liver filters waste products from the blood, but when overworked, it fails to do so.
5. Hunger Pangs And Cravings
Lately, if you’ve been experiencing intense cravings for sugar or carbohydrates or noticing fluctuations in your blood sugar levels, it may be a sign your liver is overworked. It could also indicate your liver is struggling to regulate glucose metabolism. As a result, you might experience hunger pangs or cravings, particularly for sugar-rich foods that provide a quick energy boost.
Watch the full video below:
Also Read: 7 Signs You Might Have A Fatty Liver, According To A Nutritionist
To learn about 5 healthy drinks that can cleanse your liver naturally, click here.
Kiyan Anthony, the 17-year-old basketball prodigy and son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, is charting his own course in the world of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. Recently, Kiyan signed with WME Sports for exclusive NIL representation, aligning himself with the same agency that represents his mother, La La Anthony. This significant move marks a new chapter in Kiyan’s growing career as he prepares for his college basketball decision.
The highly ranked high school player, who shines as a guard for Long Island Lutheran, is not only building an impressive athletic rsum but also expanding his business portfolio. WME Sports celebrated Kiyan’s signing with a statement highlighting his scoring prowess. As New York’s top-ranked player in the 2025 class, Kiyan made waves at the NBPA Top 100 Camp, leading in scoring with an average of 28.5 points per game. He continued to impress in the Nike EYBL, where he scored 19.6 points, grabbed 4.6 rebounds, and contributed 1.5 assists per game for Team Melo.
Kiyan, Carmelo Anthony’s son, shines with a spectacular dunk at the Bronx tournament
Kiyan has already secured several lucrative NIL partnerships in the past year. His deals with brands like PSD Underwear, Nerf, and the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation have propelled his NIL valuation to an impressive $1.1 million, ranking him 11th among high school basketball players. This robust brand presence, combined with his athletic potential, places Kiyan in a prime position as he approaches his college choice.
College decision approaching for the Four-Star recruit
Kiyan’s path forward in basketball is as anticipated as his business ventures. He has narrowed down his college options to three: USC, Syracuse, and Auburn. The four-star recruit recently hinted at an upcoming announcement, scheduled for Friday, November 15, on his father’s popular podcast, 7PM in Brooklyn. Fans are eagerly awaiting his decision, especially given Carmelo’s legacy at Syracuse, where he won an NCAA championship. However, Carmelo has stated that he won’t pressure Kiyan to follow in his footsteps, allowing him to make his own choice.
With both his parents’ strong influence in sports and entertainment, Kiyan Anthony is well-positioned to navigate the dual worlds of college athletics and business. His recent move to join WME Sports mirrors his mother’s approach to off-court representation, while his decision to announce his college choice on his father’s platform keeps family at the heart of his journey. Whether or not Kiyan follows his father’s legacy at Syracuse, his future in sports and business is undeniably bright.
Cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone,” is crucial for our body’s response to stress. Cortisol is a crucial hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It plays a vital role in regulating various bodily functions, including metabolism, immune response, and blood pressure. While short-term cortisol spikes are normal, chronic stress can lead to prolonged elevated cortisol levels, which can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health. Recognizing the signs and taking steps to manage it is essential.
Also Read: Do You Tend To Stress Eat? Nutritionist Shares 3 Simple Foods That May Help
High cortisol levels can lead to a range of health issues, such as:
Weight Gain: Increased appetite and altered metabolism can contribute to weight gain, particularly around the midsection.
Impaired Immunity: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
Digestive Issues: High cortisol levels can disrupt digestion, leading to problems like constipation or diarrhoea.
Sleep Disturbances: Elevated cortisol levels can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to insomnia and fatigue.
Mood Disorders: Chronic stress can contribute to mood disorders like anxiety and depression.
High Blood Pressure: Prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels can increase blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and stroke.
Here Are 5 Signs of High Cortisol
In an Instagram post, dietitian Manpreet Kalra revealed 5 signs that indicate high cortisol levels in the body.
Difficulty Waking Up: If you find yourself struggling to wake up in the morning, even after a full night’s sleep, it could be a sign of high cortisol levels.
Back Hump: A rounded upper back, often referred to as a “buffalo hump,” can be a physical manifestation of chronic stress and high cortisol.
Extreme Morning Hunger: Increased appetite, particularly in the morning, can be a symptom of elevated cortisol levels.
Moon Face: A round face with a puffy appearance can be a result of high cortisol, as it can lead to fluid retention.
Chronic Fatigue: Persistent fatigue, even after adequate sleep, can be a sign of chronic stress and high cortisol.
Also Read: 5 Herbs That Are Also Natural Anti-Depressants
How To Manage High Cortisol
Start your day with a glass of warm water mixed with a quarter teaspoon of rock salt. This simple practice can help regulate cortisol levels and hydrate your body.
Avoid caffeine in the first hour after waking up. Caffeine can disrupt your body’s natural cortisol rhythm, leading to increased stress and anxiety.
Spend some time outdoors, especially in the morning, to regulate your circadian rhythm and reduce cortisol levels.
Consider supplementing with vitamin D, as it plays a crucial role in regulating cortisol production.
Instead of completely avoiding carbohydrates at night, opt for balanced meals that include complex carbohydrates like whole grains. This can help stabilize blood sugar levels and promote better sleep, leading to balanced cortisol levels.
Balanced Dinner Meal Ideas For High Cortisol:
Here are some balanced dinner meal ideas dietitian Manpreet Kalra suggested to help manage cortisol levels:
Samak Rice and Yellow Moong Dal Daliya with Veggies: This light and nutritious meal is easy to digest and provides essential nutrients.
Oats and Green Moong Dal Appe: A delicious and healthy twist on the traditional appe, this dish is packed with protein and fibre.
Millet Missi Roti with Seasonal Vegetables: Millet roti is a healthier alternative to wheat roti and can be paired with a variety of vegetables for a balanced meal.
Paneer Stuffed Millet Roti with Sauteed Vegetables: A flavorful and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare.
Sattu Stuffed Roti with Coriander Chutney: Sattu, a roasted gram flour, is a rich source of protein and fibre. It can be used to make delicious and healthy rotis.
By incorporating these tips and dietary changes into your daily routine, you can effectively manage cortisol levels, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being.
There are two main types, ischaemic strokes (accounting for around 87% of all cases) are caused by a blockage (eg a blood clot) in an artery that supplies blood to the brain.
Haemorrhagic strokes (account for 13%) are when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding and damage to the surrounding brain tissue. The signs of both are the same.
“Early recognition of a stroke is crucial – it can save lives and prevent long-term disability,” says Dr Branimir Nevajda, a consultant in neurology and stroke medicine at Basildon University Hospital.
He explains how the FAST acronym serves as a quick guide to identifying the signs of a stroke and taking action. “Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a stroke, even if they seem to come and go or they disappear completely.” Do the following:
This FAST method has remained unchanged for years, though in some regions around the world, this has been expanded to BE-FAST – which includes additional early warning signs related to balance issues and eye problems:
Balance
Check for sudden loss of balance or co-ordination.
Eyes
Check for blurred or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
Stroke is New Zealand’s second single biggest killer and a leading cause of serious adult disability. Photo / 123rf
“During a stroke, the brain is deprived of oxygen, and neurones die at a staggering rate – approximately 1.9 million neurones are lost every minute,” says Dr Nevajda. “This is why acting quickly is so important in stroke treatment. People need to recognise the signs and get help faster. This expansion of the acronym helps identify strokes that may not show the classic ‘FAST’ signs, and thereby increase the chances of getting timely medical intervention.”
Symptoms
Nevajda explains that each stroke symptom, listed below, gives a clue about what’s happening in the brain:
1. Sudden numbness or weakness
This occurs when a stroke disrupts blood flow to areas of the brain that control muscle movement or sensation. As a result, the affected area of the brain can no longer send or receive proper signals to the corresponding body parts.
2. Trouble speaking or understanding speech
Strokes that affect the brain’s language centres, such as Broca’s area (responsible for speech production) or Wernicke’s area (responsible for speech comprehension), disrupt communication pathways, leading to difficulties in speaking clearly or understanding others. This can result in slurred speech or inability to find the right words.
3. Vision problems
If a stroke occurs anywhere along the visual pathway (ie. the occipital lobe, the optic nerve, optic pathways or the eye itself) it can cause blurred or double vision or even partial or complete loss of vision in one or both eyes.
4. Severe headache
This is commonly associated with haemorrhagic strokes. It occurs because bleeding in the brain increases the pressure inside the skull.
5. Dizziness or loss of balance
When a stroke affects the posterior regions of the brain (such as the cerebellum or brainstem) that control balance and coordination, it can lead to symptoms of dizziness and vertigo.
6. Difficulty walking
Strokes can impair movement in legs, either through weakness or paralysis in the leg muscles themselves (because of damage in the motor cortex) or because of balance problems stemming from affected cerebellar function.
Severe headaches are commonly associated with haemorrhagic strokes. It occurs because bleeding in the brain increases the pressure inside the skull. Photo / 123rf
What causes strokes?
The underlying cause depends on the type of stroke it is, says Nevajda, but they generally relate to problems affecting the blood circulation or blood vessels. Key causes include:
Causes of ischaemic stroke
Atherosclerosis – the narrowing of arteries because of cholesterol build-up into plaques.
Blood clots – often originating from the heart and especially common in individuals with an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation.
Causes of haemorrhagic stroke
High blood pressure – longstanding hypertension can lead to the weakening of blood vessel walls, making them more susceptible to rupture.
Aneurysms – these are weak or thin areas in the walls of the blood vessel that can bulge and rupture.
“Up to 80 to 90% of all strokes are preventable and evidence shows that acting to lower blood pressure can significantly reduce the risk it poses to health,” says Maeva May, an associate director at the Stroke Association.
High blood pressure contributes to around half of all strokes, making it the single biggest risk factor. Hypertension also affects the heart and causes atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib). This can lead to blood clots forming in the heart, which can often cause strokes. The best way to check for atrial fibrillation is to monitor your pulse; it’s normal for occasional beats to be irregular, but if it is continually inconsistent then let your GP know.
Check your blood pressure regularly with a monitor at home, at a pharmacy or at your doctor’s surgery. If you are consistently getting readings over 140/90, it is important to let your GP know. For most people, simple lifestyle changes, and sometimes medications, are enough to lower the reading.
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to stroke risk. Photo / 123rf
Who is most at risk of a stroke?
The following factors strongly affect your chance of having a stroke:
Age: Strokes are more frequently seen in individuals over 55.
Gender: Men are more likely to have a stroke than women.
Race: People of Afro-Caribbean descent are at an increased risk.
Medical conditions: Chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and atrial fibrillation all increase the risk of strokes.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, diabetes and lack of physical activity all contribute to the risk.
How are strokes usually treated?
Treatment for strokes depends on the type of stroke and how quickly the patient receives medical attention. Here are the primary treatment approaches:
Ischaemic stroke:
Clot-busting medications (thrombolytics): These drugs can dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow. They are only effective when given within a few hours of symptom onset, usually up to 4.5 hours.
Mechanical thrombectomy: This procedure involves using a catheter to physically remove the clot, depending on the patient’s condition and the location of the clot itself. It’s worth mentioning that this pioneering procedure is recognised as one of the most beneficial procedures in medicine currently.
Haemorrhagic stroke:
Surgery: In cases of significant bleeding, surgery may be required to repair the damaged blood vessels or remove excess blood from the brain to relieve pressure within the skull.
Endovascular procedures: These minimally invasive techniques can be used to seal off the bleeding vessel or to repair an aneurysm to reduce the risk of future aneurysmal ruptures.
Rehabilitation: After the initial treatment, many stroke survivors require rehabilitation to recover lost functions. This may involve physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to help regain strength, mobility, co-ordination, and communication skills.
Lifestyle changes: Long-term treatment often involves lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of future strokes. This involves adopting a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, managing stress, and adhering to prescribed medications for conditions like diabetes, atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Stroke symptoms FAQs
How do you know a stroke is coming?
Strokes often strike suddenly, but sometimes there are warning signs. The BE-FAST acronym can help recognise early signs of stroke. In addition to these signs, sometimes individuals may experience mini-strokes also known as transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) before a major stroke. These episodes are temporary, causing stroke-like symptoms that appear suddenly and resolve within a few minutes to a few hours. TIAs serve as critical warning signs, indicating that a full stroke may be imminent (especially in those with pre-existing risk factors). Seeking immediate medical attention can help reduce the risk of a major stroke.
What does a mini-stroke look like?
A Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) presents with similar symptoms to a full stroke. The key difference is that these symptoms are temporary and completely resolve within minutes to a few hours. More importantly, TIAs do not cause permanent brain damage; however, they are strong indicators of an increased risk for future strokes and provide a window of opportunity for medical interventions.
The FIA has signed the ‘Sports for Nature Framework’ during its Sustainable Innovation Series at the 2024 Motorsport Games as it commits to reducing its impact on nature and biodiversity.
The motorsport governing body signed the framework – a joint global initiative between the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy – in Valencia, Spain.
The Sports for Nature Framework aims to commit sports such as motorsport to protecting and reducing their impact on biodiversity by 2030 and beyond. By joining the initiative, the motorsport governing body hopes that teams will follow suit.
FIA senate Carmelo Sanz de Barros explained: “By becoming a signatory to the Sports for Nature Framework, we are taking a step further in our commitment to sustainability.
“We encourage all the motorsport stakeholders to join us and take an active part in this important initiative. Together we hold the power to create lasting change and a better future for our sport and our planet.”
The signing of this framework means the FIA will work to produce a plan of action to promote sustainable development, the preservation of natural habitats and the protection of biodiversity – for its internal operations and its championships including Formula 1.
Programme leader Meredith McCurdy said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome the FIA into the Framework and we look forward to working with the Federation to further integrate nature conservation into the world of motorsport.”
FIA Sustainability and D&I Director Sara Mariani added: “Today, we are proud to make a strong commitment to nature. We aim to help build a positive future, halting and reversing its loss.
“Our organisation will take measures to protect and avoid damage to biodiversity, taking actions to restore and regenerate it.”
Motorsport teams such as those in F1 have taken greater steps to reduce their impact on the environment in recent years – and recent months.
Mercedes recently revealed that, during the European leg of the 2024 F1 season, it had increased its use of biofuel from 74% to 98% to save more than 500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
Moreover, Aston Martin’s new F1 factory has been built with a strong emphasis on protecting the local environment near Silverstone having planted more than 72,000 square metres of wild meadow, and more than 31,000 shrubs, plants and trees.
Meanwhile, F1’s technology centre in Kent, UK, has used 100% renewable energy as the world championship pushes to a net zero carbon target by 2030.
Guests are set to be welcomed in H2 2025. Credit: Stefan Lehner via Unsplash.
Valor Hospitality Partners has signed a new lifestyle property in the city of Abha, Saudi Arabia, named Hijla Hotel.
The upscale property is expected to welcome guests in the second half (H2) of 2025.
It is a collaborative effort with the country’s Tourism Development Fund and the property’s owners, Mohammed Manaa Almounis and Samir Muhammad Al Qahtani, both of the Kayan Almusanada company.
Hijla Hotel will be a part of Le Premier, a high-end mixed-use development that includes a retail promenade with international brands and a variety of cafés and restaurants.
The hotel will feature 151 rooms and suites, two dining venues comprising an all-day deli, and a rooftop speciality restaurant.
Among other amenities to be provided at the hotel include meeting rooms, a convention centre, an enclosed swimming pool, and a fitness and wellness centre.
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles
on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Company Profile – free
sample
Your download email will arrive shortly
We are confident about the
unique
quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most
beneficial
decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by
submitting the below form
By GlobalData
The property will also provide ample private parking facilities.
Almounis said: “We are honoured to partner with Valor Hospitality Partners to manage Hijla Hotel, marking a significant milestone as their first managed property in Saudi Arabia.
“This collaboration not only elevates our commitment to exceptional hospitality but also positions Hijla Hotel as a premier destination in the country and the region.”
Valor Hospitality Middle East, CIS & Central Asia co-founder and managing partner Julien Bergue said: “We are extremely grateful and pleased to have found visionary owners in Mohammed Manaa Almounis and Samir Muhammad Al Qahtani and adding Hijla Hotel to our portfolio, making it our first property in Saudi Arabia and introducing Valor Hospitality Partners diverse offering to the thriving hospitality sector in the country, which falls in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s [goal] to promote the country through tourism.”
This August, Valor Hospitality Partners took over operations of the Hilton Garden Inn Haymarket hotel in Virginia, US.
Sign up for our daily news round-up!
Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights.
Guests are set to be welcomed in H2 2025. Credit: Stefan Lehner via Unsplash.
Valor Hospitality Partners has signed a new lifestyle property in the city of Abha, Saudi Arabia, named Hijla Hotel.
The upscale property is expected to welcome guests in the second half (H2) of 2025.
It is a collaborative effort with the country’s Tourism Development Fund and the property’s owners, Mohammed Manaa Almounis and Samir Muhammad Al Qahtani, both of the Kayan Almusanada company.
Hijla Hotel will be a part of Le Premier, a high-end mixed-use development that includes a retail promenade with international brands and a variety of cafés and restaurants.
The hotel will feature 151 rooms and suites, two dining venues comprising an all-day deli, and a rooftop speciality restaurant.
Among other amenities to be provided at the hotel include meeting rooms, a convention centre, an enclosed swimming pool, and a fitness and wellness centre.
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles
on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Company Profile – free
sample
Your download email will arrive shortly
We are confident about the
unique
quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most
beneficial
decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by
submitting the below form
By GlobalData
The property will also provide ample private parking facilities.
Almounis said: “We are honoured to partner with Valor Hospitality Partners to manage Hijla Hotel, marking a significant milestone as their first managed property in Saudi Arabia.
“This collaboration not only elevates our commitment to exceptional hospitality but also positions Hijla Hotel as a premier destination in the country and the region.”
Valor Hospitality Middle East, CIS & Central Asia co-founder and managing partner Julien Bergue said: “We are extremely grateful and pleased to have found visionary owners in Mohammed Manaa Almounis and Samir Muhammad Al Qahtani and adding Hijla Hotel to our portfolio, making it our first property in Saudi Arabia and introducing Valor Hospitality Partners diverse offering to the thriving hospitality sector in the country, which falls in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s [goal] to promote the country through tourism.”
This August, Valor Hospitality Partners took over operations of the Hilton Garden Inn Haymarket hotel in Virginia, US.
Sign up for our daily news round-up!
Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights.
PELLSTON – As the Inland Lakes offense trotted out for its first possession on Saturday, a dream came true for one Bulldog.
Playing quarterback since third grade, Ty Kolly got the start for the Bulldogs on the road against the Pellston Hornets.
A few plays later, he had Inland Lakes in the end zone by throwing a touchdown pass to junior Andre Bradford. It ended up being a strong display from Kolly, who threw for three scores in a dominant victory over the Hornets.
“It’s something you work for,” Kolly said. “It’s something I’ve been dreaming about since I was young, so it felt good.”
INLAND LAKES ROUTS PELLSTON:Bradford, Inland Lakes football shine in emphatic road victory over Pellston Hornets
CHEBOYGAN AT KINGSLEY:Cheboygan football’s postseason chances take hit in road loss to Kingsley Stags
In addition to his nice offensive day, Kolly was one of the standout Bulldogs on defense. With this being the final year for superstar signal-caller Aidan Fenstermaker, somebody’s going to have to take the reins next season. That appears to be Kolly, who has shown that he’s more than capable of being a potent performer under center.
As for what Kolly has to his advantage, his teammates know, especially Bradford, one of his junior classmates.
“I’ve played with Ty forever, ever since peewee – he’s really smart,” Bradford said. “He makes the right throws when he needs to make them, and he knows when to tuck it and run. He’s smart when it comes to football and that’s what I like about him. He might not be the fastest, but he’s smart.”
Echoing Bradford was Inland Lakes coach Travis Meyer, who’s been highly impressed with Kolly throughout his time in the program.
“He’s got a great understanding of the game,” Meyer said. “His athleticism has started to catch up in the last year, and he’s become a heck of a player on defense, and obviously he managed our offense well. He always knows what’s going on, and he knows more than just his job, and so he’s able to kind of direct kids in case there’s questions in the huddle.”
Late in the first half, Kolly threw a TD pass to Fenstermaker, somebody he’s learned under. After Saturday’s win, Kolly delivered praise to one of the best players in I-L history.
“It’s the leadership he gives off,” Kolly said of Fenstermaker. “He’s always working hard and always striving for everybody else to be better, too.”
FOOTBALL LANDING PAGE:High school football in the Cheboygan area: Complete coverage of 2024 season
WEEK 7 SCOREBOARD:Scores and updates from Week 7 of the Cheboygan-area high school football season
While Fenstermaker is still QB1, Kolly could be the next man up. At the same time, he knows he’ll have to earn it.
“You don’t want to embrace (being the starter) too much because you never know what’s going to happen next – you’ve just got to keep working hard,” Kolly said. “If you keep working hard, it’s going to happen.”
For Meyer, he’s more than thankful he’ll have Kolly for at least one more season. He’s also confident Kolly will deliver just like he’s doing now.
“Ty’s been a part of our program for a while as a manager and as an athlete, so it’s always fun to watch those kids grow up and get involved at a whole new level,” Meyer said.
Undefeated Inland Lakes (7-0, 3-0 Ski Vallley 8-Player Conference) hosts Bellaire at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a pair of proposals Sunday aiming to help shield minors from the increasingly prevalent misuse of artificial intelligence tools to generate harmful sexual imagery of children.
The measures are part of California’s concerted efforts to ramp up regulations around the marquee industry that is increasingly affecting the daily lives of Americans but has had little to no oversight in the United States.
Earlier this month, Newsom also has signed off on some of the toughest laws to tackle election deepfakes, though the laws are being challenged in court. California is wildly seen as a potential leader in regulating the AI industry in the U.S.
The new laws, which received overwhelming bipartisan support, close a legal loophole around AI-generated imagery of child sexual abuse and make it clear child pornography is illegal even if it’s AI-generated.
Current law does not allow district attorneys to go after people who possess or distribute AI-generated child sexual abuse images if they cannot prove the materials are depicting a real person, supporters said. Under the new laws, such an offense would qualify as a felony.
“Child sexual abuse material must be illegal to create, possess, and distribute in California, whether the images are AI generated or of actual children,” Democratic Assemblymember Marc Berman, who authored one of the bills, said in a statement. “AI that is used to create these awful images is trained from thousands of images of real children being abused, revictimizing those children all over again.”
Newsom earlier this month also signed two other bills to strengthen laws on revenge porn with the goal of protecting more women, teenage girls and others from sexual exploitation and harassment enabled by AI tools. It will be now illegal for an adult to create or share AI-generated sexually explicit deepfakes of a person without their consent under state laws. Social media platforms are also required to allow users to report such materials for removal.
But some of the laws don’t go far enough, said Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, whose office sponsored some of the proposals. Gascón said new penalties for sharing AI-generated revenge porn should have included those under 18, too. The measure was narrowed by state lawmakers last month to only apply to adults.
“There has to be consequences, you don’t get a free pass because you’re under 18,” Gascón said in a recent interview.
The laws come after San Francisco brought a first-in-the-nation lawsuit against more than a dozen websites that AI tools with a promise to “undress any photo” uploaded to the website within seconds.
The problem with deepfakes isn’t new, but experts say it’s getting worse as the technology to produce it becomes more accessible and easier to use. Researchers have been sounding the alarm these past two years on the explosion of AI-generated child sexual abuse material using depictions of real victims or virtual characters.
The issue has prompted swift bipartisan actions in nearly 30 states to help address the proliferation of AI-generated sexually abusive materials. Some of them include protection for all, while others only outlaw materials depicting minors.
Newsom has touted California as an early adopter as well as regulator of AI technology, saying the state could soon deploy generative AI tools to address highway congestion and provide tax guidance, even as his administration considers new rules against AI discrimination in hiring practices.
