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A recent article published in October 2024 in Food Chemistry: X highlights edible crickets as a potential answer to the persistent problem of protein malnutrition, especially in developing regions. As global populations rise and traditional livestock becomes both environmentally taxing and insufficient to meet demands, alternative protein sources are gaining attention.

Crickets stand out due to their impressive nutritional profile, providing high-quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and even essential fatty acids like omega-3. Significantly, the article notes that several edible insect species, including the common house cricket, are no longer considered “new foods” in regulatory frameworks in places such as Canada.

Beyond nutrition, the sustainability of cricket farming is a major advantage. Unlike livestock, crickets have a much smaller environmental footprint. Their cultivation produces fewer greenhouse gases, requires less land and water, and generates less waste.

However, the article also emphasizes some concerns. Allergenicity and safety must be closely monitored as edible cricket products become integrated into global food systems. Continued research and regulatory oversight are needed to ensure these products are safe for widespread consumption.

Overall, edible crickets are positioned as a sustainable, nutritious option that could play a crucial role in fighting protein deficiency and supporting both food security and environmental health worldwide.

Durian lovers — and the durian-curious — take note. In an Instagram reel posted March 21, 2025, botanist and food writer James Wong (@botanygeek) distilled dozens of options down to three absolute must-try durian spots in Singapore. His picks capture three very different ways to enjoy the “king of fruits,” from rustic alfresco charm to bustling market energy and a more upscale, inventive approach.

1) AH DI DEMPSEY DURIAN (@ahdidempseydurian)
Wong describes this as the most beautiful setting: alfresco tables set among fruiting durian trees and the owner’s bonsai collection. The atmosphere sounds almost magical, and he singles out the woman who runs it as warm and friendly — the kind of place that can make a durian visit feel like a memorable, personal experience.

2) Wonderful Durian
Located at a central crossroads in Chinatown’s street markets, this is Wong’s pick for people-watching. He praises the impressive range on offer and the clear labeling — a useful touch for first-timers who may be navigating durian varieties and flavour expectations for the first time.

3) 99 Old Trees (@99oldtrees)
If you’re after something more “atas” (Singapore slang for “fancy”), Wong recommends this spot. He notes twinkly outdoor lighting and an inventive menu that puts durian twists on French patisserie — a sign that durian in Singapore isn’t just eaten by the bowl but is being reimagined in modern, upscale ways.

Wong’s short reel is a neat reminder that Singapore’s durian scene is varied: intimate garden settings, noisy market corners, and chic, durian-forward patisseries all have a place. If you’re in town and want to sample the fruit, these three picks offer markedly different experiences — each one a quick passport into Singapore’s durian culture.

Campbell County Health (Dec 1, 2023) celebrates the humble apple with a timely reminder: this familiar fruit offers more than convenience and crunch. Citing Healthline and recent coverage, their article “An Apple A Day: 10 Health Benefits of Apples” highlights several clear reasons to make apples a regular part of your plate.

Why apples? The article emphasizes that apples are nutritious — a simple, healthful snack that delivers useful nutrients without fuss. Beyond basic nutrition, apples are presented as a food that may support weight loss: easy to grab, filling, and helpful for people trying to manage calories and appetite.

The write-up also notes links between apple consumption and lower risk for certain chronic conditions. In particular, apples are described as being linked to a lower chance of diabetes, and the article states they may lower your chance of developing other health problems. While the language is cautious — using “may” and “linked” — the takeaway is that regular apple-eating can be part of a healthy lifestyle.

Gut health gets a mention, too: apples may promote gut health, making them a simple way to support digestion as part of an overall balanced diet.

The title promises ten benefits, and the article draws on Healthline and related sources to round out that list. Whether you’re celebrating “eat a red apple day” or just looking for an easy, nutritious snack, the message is straightforward: apples belong on your grocery list. Small, portable, and versatile, they’re an accessible step toward healthier eating.

Source: Campbell County Health (article published Dec. 1, 2023; based in part on Healthline).

New for 2021, Aurora Lodge arrives as a striking example of understated luxury tucked deep into the wilds of Norway. Featured on Black Tomato and written about by Jessica Wells, the lodge is described as an exclusive-use property designed for those who want to immerse themselves in Arctic solitude without sacrificing comfort.

Fully staffed and able to sleep up to 12 guests, Aurora Lodge is aimed at small groups or families seeking a private escape. The property’s exclusive-use setup promises attentive service and a tailored stay — whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply chasing the sky. Rates vary depending on the size of your party and specific requirements, making it a flexible option for bespoke trips.

What really sets Aurora Lodge apart is its setting: remote, wild and one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights. For travelers whose primary goal is aurora watching, the lodge’s location provides an intimate base from which to experience the nightly spectacle.

If you’re dreaming of a Northern Lights getaway that pairs solitude and luxury, Aurora Lodge offers a compelling mix — private, well-staffed, and positioned in Norway’s dramatic wilderness to maximize your chances of catching nature’s most dazzling light show.

In a stark analysis published on January 21, 2025, Otto Svendsen warns that any attempt to take Greenland “through force or coercion” would be far more than a diplomatic misstep. Svendsen’s central claim is blunt: such an act would not merely produce a bad deal for the United States — it could become a legacy-defining, unforced error for the Trump administration.

That warning echoes a firm political response from Greenlandic leadership. As Svendsen notes, Egede has made clear that “Greenland is for the Greenlandic people,” a simple but powerful assertion of sovereignty that frames the dispute as one about self-determination as much as strategy.

Svendsen’s piece reads as both a practical and moral caution. Practically, the idea of seizing territory by coercion carries obvious diplomatic and reputational costs; morally, it challenges norms about the rights of peoples to determine their own future. Framed this way, the article suggests the risks far outweigh any transactional gain.

The takeaway is straightforward: the conversation about Greenland should center on respect for Greenlandic agency and sober assessment of long-term consequences. Svendsen’s conclusion is a reminder that geopolitical ambitions pursued without consent can leave a political legacy worse than any failed negotiation.

If you’re dreaming of deep, light powder and a ski trip that blends world-class terrain with unmistakable cultural charm, SnowPak’s roundup of the 11 best ski resorts in Japan for the 2024/25 season should be your next read. The piece highlights why Japan remains a bucket-list destination for powder hounds — the much‑talked‑about “JaPow” that draws skiers and snowboarders from around the globe.

More than just great snow, the article paints a picture of authentic Japanese ski towns where friendly locals and even English signage make getting around refreshingly easy. That combination — epic on‑mountain conditions paired with warm off‑mountain hospitality — is a recurring theme across the resorts featured. Off‑slope activities and local culture are emphasized as essential parts of the experience, giving visitors plenty to do when they’re not chasing turns.

The feature also showcases resort highlights visually, including scenes from places like Nozawa Onsen, and makes the case that each of the eleven resorts offers its own mix of powder, personality, and amenities. Whether you want quiet village vibes or a livelier town atmosphere, the article suggests Japan’s ski areas cover the spectrum while delivering unforgettable snow.

If your next winter trip is to Japan, SnowPak’s selection for 2024/25 is a great starting point — it captures the allure of JaPow and the cultural touches that turn a ski holiday into a genuinely memorable Japanese adventure.

A surprising new study suggests that your next workout might be a dance class rather than a jog. Researchers working with the University of Brighton investigated the physical (and psychological) effects of different dance sessions and found that certain styles of dance can burn more calories per hour than cycling, running or swimming.

In one striking example, participants in a 30‑minute street dance class burned an average of 303 kcal—an intense short session that rivals traditional cardio workouts. The research involved a small group of 15 students, aged between 24 and 38, and scientists tracked measures such as heart rate, distance covered, energy expended and psychological states to build a fuller picture of how dance impacts the body and mind.

Beyond calorie counts, the study emphasized that dance delivers both physical and psychological benefits. That combination—vigorous movement plus social and creative engagement—helps explain why dance can be such an effective and enjoyable form of exercise.

The takeaway? If you find running, swimming or cycling monotonous, try a high‑energy dance class. Not only could it match or beat those activities for calorie burn, but it may also offer an uplifting boost to mood and motivation that keeps you moving.

TechCrunch reported on Dec. 7, 2017 that Honda has announced a partnership with Chinese AI startup SenseTime to help power its self‑driving car efforts. The move signals Honda’s decision to put artificial intelligence at the center of its autonomous‑vehicle strategy.

SenseTime is described in the piece as a Chinese “unicorn,” valued at more than $1 billion. The company recently closed a $410 million funding round and counts Qualcomm among its investors — details that underscore why Honda would seek its expertise.

According to the article, the partnership is aimed at advancing the autonomous cars Honda plans for the future by leveraging SenseTime’s AI capabilities. For Honda, the deal represents a clear effort to accelerate development by collaborating with a leading AI firm; for SenseTime, it’s a high‑profile partnership that reinforces its role in the growing autonomous‑vehicle ecosystem.

Reported by Jon Russell, the story frames the Honda–SenseTime tie‑up as another example of traditional automakers turning to specialized AI companies to help bring self‑driving vehicles closer to reality.

A quick Reddit thread on r/Flooring asked whether indoor epoxy floors carry long‑term health risks. Posted by u/exo‑XO, the discussion drew a small but engaged response (7 votes and 5 comments).

The top reply summed up the consensus in blunt terms: there’s no long‑term risk from being around cured epoxy. Commenters acknowledged that most epoxy products — and many other building materials — can produce a noticeable smell during or shortly after installation, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were mentioned as part of that concern.

In short: the leading comment in the thread reassured readers that once epoxy is fully cured it isn’t associated with long‑term risks, while noting that smells and VOCs are common around the time of application. For more perspectives and the rest of the conversation, see the original r/Flooring thread.

Short, friendly and ubiquitous, the little word “hi” does a lot of work. Merriam‑Webster’s entry (dated Jan. 12, 2026) defines “hi” chiefly as an exclamation used especially as a greeting—think the familiar line, “just called to say hi.” It’s the informal hello that opens conversations without fanfare.

The dictionary entry also highlights that capitalized HI serves as an abbreviation with several distinct senses. As listed there (under “HI 2 of 2 abbreviation”), HI can stand for: 1) Hawaii, 2) high intensity, and 3) humidity index. Those brief, practical uses show how the same two letters shift from casual salutation to technical shorthand depending on context.

That dual life—gentle greeting and compact abbreviation—reminds us how flexible language is. Whether you’re answering a call from a friend or reading a report that cites HI, those two letters convey very different tones, all while remaining succinct and instantly recognizable.