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  • Sci-Fi RPG Exodus Gets A True Detective-Style Trailer

    Sci-Fi RPG Exodus Gets A True Detective-Style Trailer

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    A space ship flies through a nebula

    Screenshot: Archetype Entertainment / YouTube / Kotaku

    A space ship flying through a beautiful but menacing nebula. Cosmic horrors that feast on dreams and memories. That’s our latest look at Exodus, the sci-fi action RPG helmed by two ex-BioWare devs starring Matthew McConaughey, and it could very well be the most alluring and exciting this game is.

    10 Minutes From The Last Of Us Part II’s Roguelike Mode

    Exodus was revealed at last year’s Game Awards and the studio behind it, Archetype Entertainment, is building up to a proper gameplay reveal via additional cinematic trailers and Q&As with the studio founders, James Ohlen (Dragon Age: Origins) and Chad Robertson (Anthem). Maybe it’s all leading up to another big trailer at the next Game Awards this December. In the meantime we have 90 seconds of McConaughey reprising his energy from True Detective season 1 to describe the game’s main villains, The Mara Yama.

    “Do you know what fear is?” the Interstellar astronaut asks. “The Mara Yama do. They thrive on it. These monstrous celestials haunt the darkest corners of the cluster hunting for isolated targets, and, unfortunately for their victims, the Mara Yama are interested in stealing more than just cargo. They want minds. Memories. Emotions. The more twisted and tortured, the better.”

    Smell the psychosphere much?

    Exodus, which is promising to let players engage with the consequences of their actions between the past and future through a unique time dilation mechanic, might end up being the next Mass Effect or Destiny. Or it could be another interesting but flawed AAA experiment from a new studio still finding its footing amid a grim video game industry landscape. Either way, I’m willing to bet that it never feels as full of violent, weird, and imaginative possibility as it does in this trailer.

    Real games, the ones that survive a brutal series of trade-offs, compromises, and unexpected pitfalls to come out the other end a finished product on a store shelf or download queue, are almost never as good as the versions of them we dream up while we’re waiting for them to arrive. I don’t expect it to be any different with Exodus, which is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, but still doesn’t have any kind of release window. At least we’ll always have this incredible teaser.

           

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  • Efficient and Eco-Friendly Boat Paint & Antifouling Removal with Laser Cleaning

    Efficient and Eco-Friendly Boat Paint & Antifouling Removal with Laser Cleaning

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    Maintaining the exterior of a boat, especially removing old paint and antifouling layers, is essential to preserving the vessel’s performance. Traditional methods, such as sanding or chemical stripping, are not only labor-intensive but also harmful to the environment. However, laser cleaning technology offers a modern, eco-friendly, and efficient alternative for boat owners and maintenance professionals.

    What is Laser Cleaning?

    Laser cleaning is an advanced method that utilizes high-energy light beams to remove paint, rust, and contaminants from surfaces without damaging the underlying material. This non-abrasive process works by focusing a laser beam on the surface, vaporizing the paint and antifouling agents, leaving the hull clean and free from residue.

    Benefits of Laser Cleaning for Boat Paint & Antifouling Removal

    1. Non-Destructive to Boat Surfaces

    One of the major advantages of laser cleaning is its precision. Unlike sanding or blasting, which can cause wear and tear to the boat’s hull, laser cleaning preserves the surface. The laser only removes unwanted layers, ensuring the boat remains in peak condition.

    2. Efficient and Fast Process

    Laser cleaning is significantly faster than manual methods. The precision of the laser allows for targeted removal of paint and antifouling without the need for extensive preparation or cleanup. This makes it an ideal solution for boatyards and maintenance services looking to save time while delivering high-quality results.

    3. Eco-Friendly Solution

    Conventional antifouling removal techniques often involve harmful chemicals that can contaminate the surrounding environment, especially in marine settings. Laser cleaning, however, does not use any chemicals. It operates by vaporizing the paint layers, minimizing environmental risks and reducing the need for hazardous waste disposal.

    4. Improved Fuel Efficiency

    By removing antifouling agents and smoothing out the hull, laser cleaning helps to reduce drag. This directly translates into better fuel efficiency, as the boat moves through water more easily. A smoother hull also means reduced maintenance costs over time and improved vessel performance.

    5. Enhanced Safety

    Traditional methods like sandblasting pose risks to workers, exposing them to harmful dust and chemicals. Laser cleaning reduces this risk by eliminating the need for direct contact with harmful substances. This method provides a safer working environment for operators and surrounding areas.

    Applications of Laser Cleaning in Maritime Industry

    Laser cleaning is not just limited to paint and antifouling removal. It can also be used to clean rust, corrosion, and other contaminants from various parts of the boat, including the engine components and propellers. Its versatility makes it an indispensable tool for marine maintenance.

    Why Renovate RX is Your Best Choice for Laser Boat Cleaning

    When it comes to professional boat maintenance, Renovate RX stands out as a leading provider of laser cleaning services. With state-of-the-art laser technology, Renovate RX offers an eco-friendly, fast, and budget-friendly solution for removing boat paint, antifouling, rust, and more. Their team of experts ensures the safest and most effective cleaning for your vessel.

    For more information and to schedule a service, visit Renovate RX.

    Laser cleaning is revolutionizing the way boat owners maintain their vessels. With its efficiency, safety, and eco-friendliness, this technology offers a superior solution for removing boat paint and antifouling layers. Renovate RX’s professional services make this cutting-edge technology accessible to boat owners looking for the best care for their vessels. Choose laser cleaning for a smoother, faster, and more eco-friendly boating experience.

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  • Revolutionizing Medical Equipment Cleaning with Laser Technology

    Revolutionizing Medical Equipment Cleaning with Laser Technology

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    In the fast-paced world of healthcare, maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and sterilization is paramount. Traditional methods of cleaning medical devices and surgical instruments can sometimes fall short, leaving behind residues or contaminants that can compromise patient safety. Enter laser cleaning, a cutting-edge technology revolutionizing the way we sterilize medical equipment.

    What is Laser Cleaning?

    Laser cleaning uses highly focused laser beams to remove unwanted contaminants, such as dirt, organic residues, and even microscopic particles from surfaces. When applied to medical equipment cleaning, laser technology offers unparalleled precision and efficiency. By using laser pulses, contaminants are vaporized without causing any damage to the equipment itself, making this method both effective and safe.

    Why Laser Cleaning for Medical Devices?

    Medical devices and surgical instruments require meticulous cleaning to ensure they are free from harmful bacteria and viruses. Here’s why laser cleaning is ideal for these critical tools:

    1. Non-destructive Cleaning: Unlike traditional cleaning methods that may involve abrasive scrubbing or harsh chemicals, laser cleaning is gentle on delicate medical equipment. This is especially important for complex and sensitive instruments that are prone to damage.
    2. Eco-Friendly: Laser cleaning is a chemical-free process, reducing the need for harsh disinfectants or harmful cleaning agents. This not only minimizes environmental impact but also makes the workplace safer for healthcare professionals.
    3. High Precision: Laser cleaning provides incredible precision, targeting and removing even microscopic contaminants. This ensures a higher level of sterilization, ideal for surgical instruments and devices that must be free of any residue.
    4. Fast and Efficient: Time is crucial in healthcare. Laser cleaning rapidly removes contaminants, speeding up the sterilization process without compromising quality.

    Applications in the Medical Industry

    Laser cleaning can be applied to a wide range of medical devices, including:

    • Surgical instruments
    • Dental tools
    • Diagnostic equipment
    • Orthopedic devices
    • Implant components

    By adopting medical equipment cleaning using laser, healthcare facilities can improve sterilization practices, reduce the risk of infection, and extend the lifespan of their medical instruments.

    The Future of Sterilization: Laser Cleaning

    As technology continues to advance, laser cleaning is quickly becoming the preferred method for sterilizing medical equipment. Its ability to deliver quick, safe, and environmentally friendly results makes it a revolutionary solution in the healthcare industry.

    Why Choose Renovate RX for Your Laser Cleaning Needs?

    When it comes to expert laser cleaning services, Renovate RX stands out as the best in the industry. We specialize in medical equipment cleaning using laser, ensuring that every tool and instrument is cleaned with the utmost precision. Our eco-friendly, non-destructive approach guarantees that your medical devices are free from contaminants without causing any damage.

    With years of experience, a team of skilled professionals, and state-of-the-art laser cleaning equipment, Renovate RX is the trusted choice for healthcare facilities looking to improve their sterilization process. Whether you need routine cleaning or deep sterilization for complex medical tools, we have the solution.

    Contact Renovate RX today and discover how our advanced laser cleaning technology can benefit your healthcare facility!

    Visit us at: www.renovaterx.com

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  • Aaron Hibell, Alex Wann convene on ‘set me free,’ official single of Ultra Music Festival’s 2024 aftermovie

    Aaron Hibell, Alex Wann convene on ‘set me free,’ official single of Ultra Music Festival’s 2024 aftermovie

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    Aaron Hibell, Alex Wann convene on ‘set me free,’ official single of Ultra Music Festival’s 2024 aftermovieUnnamed 3 E1728005043712

    by: Rachel Narozniak


    Oct 3, 2024

    Some things just go together, like Aaron Hibell‘s trance sensibilities and Alex Wann‘s Afro-inflected signature. It’s no wonder then that “set me free,” the second single from Hibell’s forthcoming debut album, drummed up considerable interest in the weeks preceding its release. And while live play-out from RÜFÜS DU SOL and Adriatique further fanned the flames of anticipation, the song’s appearance as the official single of Ultra Music Festival‘s 2024 aftermovie trained seemingly all eyes (and ears) on “set me free.”

    Hibell and Wann’s collaboration is certainly timely; the Afro-infused number extends the dance/electronic genre’s recent streak of high-performing Afro House one-offs, most notably Keinemusik’s “Move” and more recently, HUGEL, Topic, Arash, and Daecolm’s “I Adore You.”

    “I love this song because it’s such a clear blend between both mine and Alex [Wann’s]’s styles,” Hibell wrote on Instagram.

    Indeed, the classically-trained producer’s inspiriting hybrid of trance and orchestral music complements the deep percussive rhythms and smoldering Afro House style for which Wann has become known (remember, Wann was behind the “Milkshake” remix that dominated dance/electronic’s live circuit last summer, a run that supported his selection as a Dancing Astronaut Artist to Watch in 2024).

    “set me free” is the propulsive second preview of what remains to come on Hibell’s LP, following his revelation of its lead single, “morning light,” at the end of August. Judging by the compelling sounds and overall polish of the album’s initial previews, the project already has the makings of a standout dance/electronic LP — a narrative that Hibell will only continue to strengthen as the rollout proceeds via Astralwerks.

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  • What Is Learned Helplessness? –

    What Is Learned Helplessness? –

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    by TeachThought Staff

    What is learned helplessness?

    Definition

    Learned helplessness is a psychological condition in which a person, after repeated failures or negative experiences, believes they have no control over situations’ outcomes and stops trying to improve or change them.

    Below is an example of Learned Helplessness in the classroom.

    YouTube videoYouTube video

    Instructor: The biggest fear for an adolescent, written throughout this text, is not fitting in. Jesse, you talked about acceptance. Now, to understand how this happens, how it looks, and what it feels like, we’re going to do an activity. This is an on-your-own activity, and it’s not meant to tax you—these are easy tasks. This is just to get you feeling what we’re going to go over.

    Everybody, if you would, take out a short piece of paper. I’m going to pass out these papers—keep them face down. And please, no one write on these; write on your own paper.

    Does everybody have one? Now, if you would, just do them one at a time. I’ll tell you when to do them.

    See also What Is The Cognitive Load Theory?

    Instructor: Everybody, turn over the paper and do your own work. This isn’t meant to be hard. These are anagrams—just do the first one only. Go ahead and solve it. An anagram is where you rearrange the letters to form a word.

    Once you’re done, I need to see your hand raised. Keep going, and we’ll wait.

    Keep your hands up, please. Just do number one. Don’t go on.

    Instructor: Alright, let’s move on to number two. Don’t worry about number one. Go to number two and solve it. Again, when you’re done, raise your hand.

    Okay, everybody’s hands down. We’re going to go ahead and do number three. For number three, rearrange the letters, and as soon as you’re done, put your hand up.

    Here’s what you need to know: you were given two different lists. This side of the room was given three words. The left side of the room was given these: “bat”—what would the word be? The second word was ‘lemon’—what’s the word, Brian?

    See also 8 Of The Most Important Critical Thinking Skills

    Brian: “Melon.”

    Instructor: Correct. They were easy words. But here’s the trick: both sides of the room were given the same third word, which was ‘cinorama,’ an anagram for “American.” However, your first two words on this side of the room were not solvable—they were impossible tasks.

    I’m sorry about that, but here’s why we did this. I was able to induce something called ‘learned helplessness’ in the left side of the room, very easily, within about five minutes. I want you to think about what happened to you, left side of the room, when you saw the right side of the room raising their hands because they had completed the task.

    What happened to you during that time? Jory?

    Jory: I felt stupid.

    Instructor: You felt stupid. Okay. What else?

    Joelle: I felt rushed.

    Instructor: You felt rushed. Joelle?

    Joelle: I was even more confused.

    Instructor: You were even more confused because they had already solved it, and you were still struggling. Chelsea?

    Chelsea: I was frustrated.

    Instructor: Frustrated. What happened by the time you got to the third word? Because I’m here to tell you, this side of the room is not significantly more intelligent than this side. It was a random assignment. So why did you have a more difficult time with the third word, which was the same word? Brian?

    Brian: My confidence was shot.

    Instructor: Exactly. What you experienced was a term called ‘learned helplessness.’ How many of you have heard of that term before?

    Instructor: ‘Learned helplessness’ is often used in academic literature. Jory, do you know what it means?

    Jory: Basically, they fail once or can’t do something one time, and then they apply that to everything in the future. So all future tasks become skewed by that.

    Instructor: Exactly. And this is what I want everyone to understand. It’s usually only used in academic research—you’ll see it in educational psychology books, in school textbooks. But I’m going to challenge us to think about how learned helplessness can apply to the social scene. Can someone give me an example of how that might look? Tasha?

    Tasha: It’s like when a guy asks a girl out and he gets turned down, he’s not going to keep trying. He just stops asking.

    Instructor: That’s correct. Now, I want us to think about girls. We’ve talked about Reviving Ophelia here. Think about how this applies to friendships. Can learned helplessness be induced in friendships? It’s tough to establish and maintain friendships—it’s a difficult process.

    If a girl sacrifices her morals once to gain the approval of her friends, or a guy, she’s more likely to keep doing it, right?

    Instructor: And I’ll just put this out there to be explicit: If Carl is victimized once in grade school, is he likely to stand up for himself the next time?

    Students: No.

    Instructor: And what happens the next time? And the next? What we know—and this is what we’ve been learning—is that girls have a cultural pressure to be quiet. Girls have a cultural pressure not to be angry, not to use their voices. So if someone is victimized once—if Alison is victimized once—we can take that same concept of learned helplessness and apply it to social relationships.

    So, the moral of the story is, it’s important for girls to practice dealing with failure. Because our gut response, when we fail, is to shut down. And when you shut down, you don’t open yourself up to learning new ways for relationships.

    This version separates out the speakers, clarifies transitions, and adds punctuation to make the flow clearer. Would you like any further edits?

    Full transcription provided by YouTube

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  • Garlic Butter Chicken | The Recipe Critic

    Garlic Butter Chicken | The Recipe Critic

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    This website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my disclosure policy.

    Garlic Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful one-pan recipe that’s on the dinner table in just 30 minutes! Seasoned, tender chicken breasts are pan-seared and then nestled in a simple yet tasty garlic butter sauce.

    Overhead shot of seared garlic butter chicken in a skillet.

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Crowd-Pleasing: This garlic butter chicken has the best flavor, yet it’s simple enough that even kiddos love this one!
    • Easy to Prepare: No need to marinate the chicken! You’ll have this ready to serve in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
    • Budget-Friendly: If you’re looking for a restaurant quality meal that won’t break the bank, this is the recipe for you!

    Ingredients You Need to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

    You probably already have most of the ingredients you need to make this garlic butter chicken recipe on hand. You will love how quickly it comes together! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.

    • Chicken Breasts: You’ll need four boneless skinless chicken breasts. Lightly pound them into thinner pieces so they cook evenly.
    • Salt & Pepper: To really bring out the flavor of the chicken.
    • Seasonings: We’re coating the chicken with a mix of parsley, oregano, and basil to add plenty of delicious herby flavor.
    • Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken.
    • White Wine Vinegar: Brightens the flavor and cuts the richness.
    • Chicken Broth: Adds flavor to the sauce and makes the consistency just right.
    • Butter: The butter creates a rich, delicious sauce, which will soak into the chicken for major flavor.
    • Shallot: Adds onion flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.
    • Garlic: Minced garlic provides a wonderful depth of flavor.
    Overhead shot of labeled ingredients. Overhead shot of labeled ingredients.

    How to Make This Easy Chicken Recipe

    Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you’re hosting guests, this garlic butter chicken recipe is perfect. It’s super easy to make, and it tastes great! Here’s how it all comes together in one pan:

    1. Prep: Prepare the chicken breasts by pounding them with a meat tenderizer until they are about 1.5 inches thick.
    2. Mix Seasonings: Mix the salt, parsley, oregano, basil, and pepper in a small bowl, then rub the chicken breasts with the dried herbs.
    3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, until a golden crust has formed. Flip the chicken and repeat on the other side.
    4. Make the Sauce: Remove the chicken from the pan, then add in the white wine vinegar, chicken broth, butter, and shallot. Saute until the shallot is tender, about 3-4 minutes.
    5. Add Garlic: Add the garlic to the pan and saute for another 2-3 minutes.
    6. Add the Chicken to the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and then add the chicken back to the pan. Coat each breast with the garlic butter sauce mixture. Continue basting the breasts with the sauce until the chicken is cooked through. Flip the chicken after 5 minutes to evenly cook. Remove the pan from heat and serve the chicken fresh with the sauce spooned over the top.
    Overhead shot of chicken breasts tenderized. Overhead shot of chicken breasts tenderized.
    Angle shot of chicken breasts being coated in seasonings. Angle shot of chicken breasts being coated in seasonings.
    Angle shot of chicken breast searing in a skillet.Angle shot of chicken breast searing in a skillet.
    Angle shot of white wine, vinegar, chicken broth, butter and shallots in a skillet. Angle shot of white wine, vinegar, chicken broth, butter and shallots in a skillet.
    Angle shot of chicken broth and white wine mixture with garlic added. Angle shot of chicken broth and white wine mixture with garlic added.
    Angle shot of browned chicken breasts in broth and garlic mixture in skillet. Angle shot of browned chicken breasts in broth and garlic mixture in skillet.

    Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken

    Your family is going to love this super flavorful chicken recipe, and I love how easy it is to make!

    • Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts, if they are bone-in skip the tenderizing process. 
    • Type of Butter: You can use salted or unsalted butter, just depending on your preference.
    • Chicken Doneness: You want your chicken cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer to be sure you have perfectly cooked chicken. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, look for the juices to run clear. 
    • Serving Suggestions: This chicken goes well with rice, orzo, spaghetti, or potatoes. 

    Close up shot of garlic butter chicken.Close up shot of garlic butter chicken.

    Storing Leftovers

    Garlic butter chicken makes great leftovers! It stays garlicy and delicious for days!

    • In the Refrigerator: Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    • Freezer: You can freeze your leftovers in a freezer safe plastic bag or container for up to 3 months.
    • To Reheat: Reheat leftovers in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth to add moisture if desired.

    Overhead shot of plated garlic butter chicken over mashed potatoes next to asparagus. Overhead shot of plated garlic butter chicken over mashed potatoes next to asparagus.

    Make it a Meal!

    One of my favorite things about this chicken recipe is that it pairs well with so many different sides! Here are a few of my favorites to make this a complete meal!

    Pin this now to find it later

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    • Prepare the chicken breasts by pounding them with a meat tenderizer until they are uniformly about 1.5 inches thick.

    • Mix the salt, parsley, oregano, basil, and pepper in a small bowl and rub the chicken breasts with the dried herbs.

    • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook, undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, until a golden crust has formed. Flip the chicken and repeat on the other side.

    • Remove the chicken from the pan. Add in the white wine vinegar, chicken broth, butter, and shallot. Saute until the shallot is tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic to the pan and saute for another 2-3 minutes.

    • Reduce the heat to medium and add the chicken back to the pan. Coat each breast with the sauce mixture. Continue basting the breasts with the sauce until the chicken is cooked through. Flip the chicken after 5 minutes to evenly cook.

    • Remove the pan from heat and serve the chicken fresh with the sauce spooned over the top.

    Standard practice is to use unsalted butter, you can use salted butter in this recipe, just season to taste. 
     
    You can use chicken thighs in this recipe. Do not tenderize the chicken if it’s bone-in thighs.

    Calories: 440kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 49gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 175mgSodium: 992mgPotassium: 905mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 437IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 1mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.



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  • Is Nutella Healthy? (Plus Healthy Alternatives)

    Is Nutella Healthy? (Plus Healthy Alternatives)

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    Many years ago, I spent a few weeks vacationing in Europe. I hiked, explored beautiful towns, tried local foods, and indulged in way too much of an Italian favorite: Nutella. I’d eat Nutella for breakfast and dessert, and it was a delicious, chocolatey treat.

    When I got home, I’d occasionally buy a jar of Nutella to enjoy. But I wondered, is Nutella healthy? As I learned more about the ingredients, I realized it wasn’t a good option. I created my own recipe for homemade Nutella, but that often takes more time than I have.

    I was determined to find a healthier, pre-made, lower-sugar version of this spread.

    What is Nutella?

    Chocolate hazelnut spread has been popular since the early 1800s when chocolate was scarce because of import laws. To stretch the chocolate they did have, chocolatiers started adding hazelnuts, which were abundant, to create a spreadable treat. They called it gianduia, and it maintained popularity through the years.

    During WWII, chocolate availability was again impacted by rationing. Pietro Ferrero, a chocolatier in Italy, revived the idea of adding hazelnuts to stretch chocolate. Thus, Nutella was born. Today, the spread is still very popular in Europe and the US.

    Unfortunately, the American version contains a high amount of sugar and questionable ingredients. While it was marketed as a healthy breakfast food, due to its high sugar content, I’d lump it in with donuts and pastries.

    Is Nutella Healthy?

    Based on the commercials, you may think Nutella is a health food worthy of a place on your breakfast (and lunch and dinner) table. It doesn’t contain many ingredients, and they all seem somewhat harmless. Unfortunately, those simple ingredients are hiding some problems:

    Nutella Ingredients: sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, cocoa, skim milk powder, whey powder, soy lecithin, and vanillin

    Seems like simple and relatively healthy ingredients, right? At least we can pronounce them all! Heck, even a 5-year-old could probably pronounce all of those ingredients. However, digging a little deeper into the ingredients shows hidden problems with this spread.

    Nutella Ingredients

    Unfortunately, several ingredients disqualify Nutella from health food status. It doesn’t have any nutritional value or health benefits. In fact, the amount of added sugar and artificial flavors means it’s something to avoid. If you wouldn’t eat a candy bar for breakfast or feed one to your child, then skipping Nutella is probably a good idea, too.

    Sugar

    The first ingredient is refined sugar… and not a small amount. Two tablespoons of this chocolatey spread contains 21 grams of sugar or five cubes of added sugar! That’s more than most candy bars and donuts!

    To make matters worse, the sugar is not organic. Nutella mainly uses sugar from beets, a highly refined sugar often containing large amounts of pesticides. Sugar beets are also often GMOs. Hardly a health food.

    There’s a time and a place for sugar consumption (in moderation, of course). But it’s important to choose organic and non-GMO sugar.

    Palm Oil

    Palm oil is a healthy fat that’s common in many things, including food, detergents, and beauty products. This oil grows in the tropics (mostly Southeast Asia) and is often harvested unsustainably. This contributes to deforestation, habitat destruction, water pollution, and human rights offenses.

    Thankfully, not all palm oil harvesting harms the environment. If properly sourced, it can be a very nutritious ingredient. Palm Done Right works to raise awareness about properly sourced palm oil and encourages consumers to choose ethical and healthier options. Nutella uses 100% certified sustainable palm oil that’s RSPO certified (one of the few good things about it).

    Soy Lecithin

    Another controversial ingredient in this spread is soy. Unless it comes from an organic source, soy is a highly sprayed crop (often GMO). It’s processed with hexane, a harsh solvent and gasoline byproduct. Soy also contains xenoestrogens, which are potent endocrine disruptors. Many experts think that these xenoestrogens may be partially to blame for rising rates of reproductive issues.

    While it’s hard to completely avoid soy lecithin, there are healthier alternatives. For example, sunflower seeds don’t have the same problems.

    Commercial Dairy

    Nutella also contains non-organic “skimmed milk powder.” Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with ethically sourced dairy, but that’s not what you’ll find in Nutella.

    Commercially sourced dairy comes from cows raised in terrible conditions and fed GMO grains and antibiotics. It’s also pasteurized and homogenized. By the time it becomes “milk powder,” it’s full of oxidized cholesterol, which forms during dehydration. This is one of the most harmful types of cholesterol.

    Hazelnuts

    Hazelnuts are a wonderful and nutritious food that originated near the Black Sea. Unfortunately, many modern hazelnuts grown in the US and Canada are sprayed with commercial pesticides. Always choose organic hazelnuts to avoid pesticide contamination.

    Cocoa Powder

    Cocoa is another nutritious food that has a place in a healthy diet. It’s got antioxidants, which are good for heart health. Unfortunately, much of the world’s supply is harvested in unethical ways, including child slave labor. It’s ironic and sad that forced child labor and slavery produce the treats we love.

    According to an investigation by the BBC, these child slaves work 80 to 100 hours a week without pay. They’re underfed, don’t receive education, and most will never see their families. An estimated 1.8 million children work in the cocoa fields in Ghana and the Ivory Coast.

    No matter how good something is for my health, I refuse to buy or consume any product that comes from children forced into slavery and inhumane conditions. Thankfully Nutella uses cocoa produced without child labor and supports healthy cocoa production.

    Vanillin

    It would be easy to glance over this ingredient and assume it’s just a technical name for real vanilla… but it isn’t. Real vanilla extract is essentially a tincture made from vanilla beans (here’s how to make it). It has a wonderful flavor and even contains some B vitamins.

    Vanillin isn’t so wholesome. It’s an artificial vanilla flavor combined with sugar or corn syrup. In stores, labels sometimes list it as “imitation vanilla.” It’s often derived from things like wood pulp… hardly what I want in my food!

    Nutella: Health Washing?

    You aren’t alone if you’ve thought Nutella was healthy (even though it isn’t). A 2012 lawsuit convicted Nutella’s parent company, Ferrero USA, of making misleading health claims in its advertising and packaging.

    The result was a $3 million settlement. The company was forced to reimburse consumers who had bought it, thinking it was healthy. It also required Ferrero USA to change its packaging, website, and marketing to reflect the high sugar content.

    Is There a Healthy Nutella?

    I know you might be thinking, Nutella is so delicious. Can’t we enjoy it in moderation?

    And normally, I’d say yes, we can enjoy things in moderation. But when it comes to a blend of refined, highly processed ingredients, I just can’t get on board with that.

    I created a homemade Nutella recipe that I make in the food processor. But I don’t always have the time to make it. It’s great to have a healthier store-bought option. Thankfully, I found Nutiva’s Organic Hazelnut Spread — a healthy alternative.

    A Healthy Alternative to Nutella

    Nutiva’s organic, non-GMO verified, dairy-free, gluten-free spread has all the deliciousness of Nutella without the harmful junk. My kids enjoy this nostalgic treat in moderation!

    Our family loves Nutiva’s spread because it’s:

    • Much lower in sugar: It contains 40% less sugar than other options. The name brand contains 21 grams of sugar per serving size. Nutiva has only 12 grams.
    • Ethically sourced: Most hazelnut spreads contain palm oil and cocoa, which can be problematic if not ethically sourced. All of Nutiva’s ingredients, including palm oil and cocoa, are ethically sourced (rainforest and animal-friendly).
    • More nutritious: Unlike other brands, this one contains 450 mg of omega-3s per serving! (That’s more per serving than sardines and tuna contain… and my kids certainly prefer the chocolate!)
    • Organic, non-GMO verified, and certified gluten-free: Other brands aren’t organic and contain ingredients that may be genetically modified.
    • Dairy-free: We aren’t vegan, but I prefer a dairy-free alternative when the dairy source is commercial dairy.

    Delicious Ways to Eat Hazelnut Spread

    Whether you make your own Nutella or save time and money and buy the organic pre-made version, there are so many delicious ways to eat this spread:

    • Dip for banana chips: My kids love dipping banana chips into it.
    • In a smoothie: They’ve found creative ways to use it in smoothies. Their favorites are hazelnut butter and jelly smoothie and chocolate hazelnut banana smoothie.
    • Topping for pancakes or waffles: My oldest likes to make pancakes for the family on Saturdays. The kids drizzle them with this spread and sliced strawberries.
    • Mocha coffee: Try blending a teaspoon of chocolate hazelnut spread into coffee for a natural creamer.
    • Nut butter substitute: Can’t have (or don’t love) peanut butter or other nut butter? Use delicious chocolate hazelnut spread in any recipe that calls for nut butter.
    • Hot chocolate: This recipe is one of the easiest ways to make a delicious, creamy hot chocolate.
    • Drizzle over ice cream: Warm up some spread and drizzle it over ice cream for a delicious treat!

    Swapping Out Your Nutella

    Switching to a healthier version of Nutella allows you to still enjoy this delicious treat without all the added sugar, artificial flavors, and questionable ingredients. I’d still recommend enjoying it in moderation. But with a healthier version, at least you’ll be enjoying something that’s got more nutritional value and less sugar!

    You can get Nutiva Chocolate Hazelnut Spread here. There are some other healthy options on the market now too. I also like this one from Artisana Organics which features ethically sourced, sustainable ingredients. Plus it’s sweetened with coconut sugar.

    Are you a Nutella fan? Will you switch to a better alternative?

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  • The Problem With Cash for Retirement Planning—And How Real Estate Solves It

    The Problem With Cash for Retirement Planning—And How Real Estate Solves It

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    “I saved up a million dollars—and all I got was this lousy $40,000 a year.”

    That’s the metaphorical T-shirt that the average retiree wears. 

    Actually, it’s worse than that. The average retiree aged between 65 and 74 doesn’t have a million dollars saved as a nest egg. They have $609,230, and that’s the mean average, not the median. You can be sure the median is a lot lower. 

    Based on the traditional 4% rule, the average retiree takes an annual income of just $24,369 from that nest egg. Don’t blow the party kazoos all at once. 

    All this means that the traditional retirement model just doesn’t work well. To put it bluntly, the math sucks. 

    I can do better—and so can you. 

    The Root of Paper Assets’ Problem: Volatility

    Over the long term, stocks perform pretty well as an asset class. The S&P 500 has averaged around a 10% annual return over the last century. 

    But “average” doesn’t mean “stable,” “dependable,” or “predictable.” In some years (and decades), it’s performed atrociously, losing massive amounts of money. 

    When Bill Bengen first developed the 4% rule back in the 1990s, he did it by looking back at stock and bond returns over every 30-year period in modern history. He honed in on the worst 30-year stretches over that time and calculated how much retirees could have withdrawn in the first year of retirement without draining their nest egg over those bad 30-year stretches. (There was more to it than that, but you don’t want to read a treatise on economic theory.)

    The bottom line: He determined that 4% is a safe withdrawal rate based on worst-case scenarios. Retirees who withdraw 4% of their nest egg in the first year of retirement and adjust upward by the inflation amount each year thereafter have almost no risk of running out of money over a 30-year retirement (assuming historical returns continue playing out).  

    The Result for Most Retirees: Oversaving

    Think about that: Retirees earn an average of 10% each year on their stocks but only withdraw 4%. 

    To avoid any risk of running out of money, retirees plan for the absolute worst-case scenario. This means most of them die with far more money than they actually need. 

    I don’t want to hustle and scrimp to save up a million dollars just to earn a measly $40,000 on it. I’m guessing you don’t either.

    How Real Estate Can Help

    In our real estate investment club at SparkRental, we meet and review different passive investments every month. We aim to earn 10% to 12% interest on real estate debt investments and 15%+ annual returns on our equity investments. 

    We collect the interest in real-time every month. The returns on real estate equity investments are a combination of income (distributions) and eventual profits upon sale. 

    “Yeah, but what about the risk on those investments? Don’t high returns come with high risk?”

    Not necessarily. In fact, there’s a term in finance for investments with high returns and low risk: asymmetric returns. Experienced real estate investors know what I’m talking about. 

    Ask someone who has flipped 300 homes about the risk in their flipping returns. Actually, I did. The operator responded, “Our win rate for flips is between 93%-95%. Occasionally, one misses because you can’t foresee every problem. But when you do 70-90 flips a year like we do, the profit averages are inevitable.” 

    Our Co-Investing Club invested with that operator for a note paying 10% interest. The note is backed by a personal guarantee from a multimillionaire, a corporate guarantee from his company that owns over $15 million in real estate, and a first-position lien under 50% LTV. 

    Does that sound like a high-risk investment? 

    A retiree could live on that 10% income (as part of a diverse portfolio, of course). And that changes the math for retirement. Instead of saving up $1 million to generate $40,000 in income, you’d only need to save $400,000. 

    Avoiding Sequence of Returns Risk

    The greatest risk from stocks comes from a market crash right after you retire. If a crash occurs too early in your retirement, you end up selling off too many stocks while prices are low, and then there’s not enough left to recover your portfolio even after stocks start climbing again. 

    Finance nerds call this “sequence of returns risk:” The timing of crashes matters just as much as your long-term average returns. 

    You can avoid it by simply not selling off stocks if a crash happens early in your retirement. That means you need enough to live on from other sources for the first few years of retirement in the event of a bear market. 

    My Approach: Real Estate for Now, Stocks for Late Life and Legacy

    You get it: Stocks make for great long-term investments, but you can’t predict what they’ll do in any given year. I can tell you with near certainty that my stock investments will have done great in 30 years from now, but I couldn’t tell you how they’ll do over the next three years. 

    I’ll feel comfortable selling off stocks later in my life to cover my living expenses. And they’ll make a straightforward inheritance for my daughter when I kick the bucket. But I also want to build predictable passive income and wealth in the short- and medium term. 

    Our Co-Investing Club invests in a mix of private partnerships, notes, debt funds, equity funds, and real estate syndications. Some pay strong income right away, such as the note outlined. We just invested in a land-flipping fund that pays 16% annualized income. 

    Most of the syndications pay solid distributions each quarter, with a cash-on-cash return between 4%-8%. Some will sell to cash out our profits over the next few years; others will refinance to return our initial capital while continuing to pay us distributions. A few growth-oriented investments don’t pay distributions for the first year or two. 

    The end result: I don’t worry about “safe withdrawal rates” or the 4% rule. I earn higher returns than that now, in real-time. 

    And by “now,” that includes the not-so-strong market we’re living in at this moment. The last two years have been a bear for many real estate investors—and we’re still doing well. Imagine how you can do in a decent market. 

    The Trick: Avoiding Downside Risk

    When we look at investments together as a club, we hone in on downside risk. 

    There’s no shortage of real estate investments promising 15%+ returns. But some of them come with high risk, and others with low or moderate risk. 

    If you want to build a portfolio that you can live on, seek out that extra downside risk protection. From there, your retirement planning opens up in a way that people following the 4% rule can only envy.

    Find the Hottest Deals of 2024!

    Uncover prime deals in today’s market with the brand new Deal Finder created just for investors like you! Snag great deals FAST with custom buy boxes, comprehensive property insights, and property projections.

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    Note By BiggerPockets: These are opinions written by the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of BiggerPockets.

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  • The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy, with Matthew Taylor

    The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy, with Matthew Taylor

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    In his new book, Dr. Matthew D. Taylor sheds light on the alarming rise of authoritarianism in Christian nationalist movements. In The Violent Take It By Force: The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy, Matthew explores the rise of the New Apostolic Reformation, a radical movement within American evangelicalism that is mobilizing in support of Trump and other far-right leaders. This week, he joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, host of The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio program and podcast, to discuss how this movement intertwines charismatic faith with extreme politics, a dangerous combination that culminated in the January 6th attack on the Capitol – and continues to hang over democracy as a major threat.

    Emphasizing the need for a cohesive pro-democracy movement, Matthew and Paul review strategies for countering the impact of extremist groups through education and persuasion – highlighting the importance of reaching out to those who may have been misled but can still be engaged in constructive dialogue.

    “We need to try to find all the allies we can, all the fellow travelers we can, and try to build a coalition that is pro-democracy. And I see the edges of that. I see the glimpses of that, and it fills me with hope because I think there are people who are listening to the better angels of our nature right now. We need their voices to be louder. We need them to be amplified.”

    – Matthew D. Taylor, Ph.D., senior scholar and the Protestant scholar at the Institute for Islamic Jewish Christian Studies, specializing in Muslim-Christian dialogue, Evangelical and Pentecostal movements, religious politics in the U.S., and American Islam. Before coming to ICJS, Matt served on the Georgetown University and The George Washington University faculty. He is a member of the American Academy of Religion and the North American Association of Islamic and Muslim Studies. Dr. Taylor’s literary and visual works include Scripture People: Salafi Muslims in Evangelical Christians’ America, the audio-documentary series “Charismatic Revival Fury: The New Apostolic Reformation,” and his latest book, The Violent Take It By Force: The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy.

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  • Starts With A Bang podcast #110 — Optical Interferometry | by Ethan Siegel | Starts With A Bang! | Oct, 2024

    Starts With A Bang podcast #110 — Optical Interferometry | by Ethan Siegel | Starts With A Bang! | Oct, 2024

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    This image shows the first of ten relocatable 1.4 meter telescopes arranged in a Y, or three-pronged, configuration. Telescopes can be separated by as little as 7.8 meters for wide-field viewing, or as much as 340 meters for extremely high resolution. At maximum, MROI can achieve resolutions superior to the Hubble Space Telescope by more than a factor of 100. (Credit: New Mexico Tech/EIE Group)

    Interferometry gave us a black hole’s event horizon, but that was in the radio. What can we accomplish with a new optical interferometer?

    It’s hard to imagine, but it was only five years ago, in 2019, that humanity feasted our collective eyes on the first direct image of a black hole’s event horizon. Thanks to the technique of very long baseline interferometry and the power of arrays of radio telescopes stitched together from all across the Earth, we were able to resolve the event horizon of the black hole M87*, despite the fact that it’s an impressive 55 million light-years away.

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