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Half of adults want more effort from partners on Valentine’s Day

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Valentine’s Day has been dubbed a waste of money with novelty mugs and cheap underwear amongst the worst presents.

More than half of the 2,015 adults polled, said their partner should make more effort, rather than splurge on presents they don’t even want.

Respondents reported the rubbish gifts they had received included ‘wrong’ perfume, socks, candles and even, a car mat.

But while most said the day of lovers is a waste of time, one in three said they’d be gutted if their better half did nothing to celebrate.

Travel together

The research by Railcard.co.uk, found that one in five said a trip away would be the best romantic gesture with the Lake District top destination in the UK.

Relationship expert and coach, Sarah Louise Ryan, said: “Couples who travel together often end up more fulfilled and happier in their relationship.

“There are many reasons for this; inclusive of the fact it encourages communication and can deepen feelings of commitment as they plan their trips ahead of time, looking towards the future.

“Travel allows more opportunities for romance and time outside of the day-to-day routine, meaning romantic sparks can be reignited.

“Where flowers and chocolates can play a part, this Valentine’s Day I’d encourage all couples to carve out some time to book and experience a romantic getaway, whether for a day trip or a long weekend.”

The study also found 36% had considered a trip together as a way to rekindle a floundering relationship.

New Science Museum Gallery Explores Urgent Energy Transition

New Science Museum Gallery Explores Urgent Energy Transition

Unveiling the Future of Sustainable Energy

Today marks a significant milestone at the Science Museum as it unveils a major new gallery dedicated to addressing one of the paramount challenges of our era: the imperative transition towards sustainable energy to combat climate change. Titled “Energy Revolution: The Adani Green Energy Gallery,” this immersive exhibit delves into the urgent need for global decarbonization and showcases a diverse array of historical artifacts and cutting-edge technologies that illuminate the path towards a low-carbon future.

https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/energy-revolution-adani-green-energy-gallery

The gallery, located on Level 2 of the museum, invites visitors to explore the multifaceted dimensions of the energy transition through captivating displays, interactive installations, and insightful narratives. Divided into three thematic sections—Future Planet, Future Energy, and Our Future—the exhibit provides a comprehensive examination of the past, present, and envisioned future of energy systems, underscoring the pivotal role of human ingenuity and collective action in shaping our energy landscape.

At the heart of the gallery stands “Only Breath,” a mesmerizing kinetic sculpture crafted by artists Alexandra Carr and Colin Rennie from Torus Torus Studios. Composed of repurposed mirrors, recyclable stainless steel, and windblown wood, this art installation serves as a poignant symbol of nature’s influence on technological innovation.

Visitors are guided through a journey of discovery, exploring pivotal technologies such as nuclear fusion, hydrogen power, solar energy, and tidal turbines. From the historic experiments of British scientists in the 1950s to the groundbreaking renewable energy projects in Orkney, Scotland, the gallery offers a glimpse into the diverse spectrum of solutions driving the global energy transition.

Among the highlights is a display featuring the Zero Energy Thermonuclear Assembly (ZETA), a relic from the early days of nuclear fusion research, alongside state-of-the-art models of small modular nuclear reactors and innovative hydrogen electrolyzers. The exhibit also showcases the vast potential of solar energy, from parabolic solar trough mirrors to ambitious transnational projects like the Xlinks ship, designed to harness solar power from Moroccan solar farms for the UK.

In addition to technological innovations, the gallery examines the societal implications of the energy transition, including the evolution of transportation infrastructure, sustainable building practices, and energy storage solutions. From early electric vehicles to innovative building materials like the “urine bio-brick,” visitors gain insight into the myriad ways in which energy shapes our daily lives.

Reflecting on the significance of the gallery, Oliver Carpenter, Lead Curator of Energy Revolution, emphasizes its role in inspiring visitors to envision a low-carbon energy future. By showcasing both historical achievements and contemporary endeavors, the exhibit seeks to ignite dialogue and spur collective action towards a sustainable energy paradigm.

The gallery’s inauguration coincides with a record-breaking year for the Science Museum, with over three million visits expected by the end of March, including a significant influx of schoolchildren and families. Sir Ian Blatchford, Director and Chief Executive of the Science Museum Group, lauds the gallery as a catalyst for curiosity and conversation, underscoring the museum’s commitment to fostering public engagement with pressing global issues.

The Energy Revolution gallery is made possible through the generous support of Adani Green Energy, a leading renewable energy company based in India. Mr. Sagar Adani, Executive Director of Adani Green Energy, emphasizes the gallery’s role in advancing education and inspiring innovation towards a carbon-free future.

As visitors embark on a journey through the Energy Revolution gallery, they are invited to imagine a world powered by clean energy, where creativity and collaboration pave the way towards a sustainable future.

Strategic Alliance Formed Between NetXL and Shelly Group AD for the Distribution of IoT Solutions in the UK

NetXL Distribution Ltd (NetXL) together with Shelly Group AD (ISIN: BG1100003166) have announced a strategic partnership for the distribution of Shelly’s IoT and smart building solutions across the UK.

Shelly’s impressive sales figures, with over 13 million devices sold worldwide, highlight the demand for their innovative Plus, Mini, Pro, and PM series. These products offer advanced control over lighting, power, and heating, featuring energy management, sensory technology, and various control options.

The small footprint of Shelly’s retrofit devices makes them ideal for discreet installation behind existing switches, while the Pro series is perfectly suited for seamless integration into smart home systems through DIN rail mounting.

Commenting on the partnership, Matt Mansell, CEO of NetXL, said, “With a new device installed every 6.5 seconds, we’re confident we’ve found the right partner in Shelly and are more than excited to bring them to the UK market en masse”.

Shelly’s integration capabilities extend to over 200 partners, including household names like Amazon Alexa and Google Home, supported by versatile connectivity options such as MQTT and WebHooks, all controlled via a dedicated management app.

Shelly’s CEO, Wolfgang Kirsch, shared his optimism about the partnership, stating: “NetXL’s extensive reach and proven track record driving the success of innovative brands will undoubtedly amplify our UK adoption. We’re delighted to welcome NetXL as a strategic partner to our network.”

To discover more about Shelly and their extensive product range, please visit www.netxl.com/shelly/.

Feast Magazine’s Latest Feature: Unlocking the Secrets of White Noise Sleep Sound Machines

In its ongoing commitment to providing readers with valuable insights into the latest trends in wellness and technology, Feast Magazine turns its attention to white noise sleep sound machines. In its latest feature, the magazine presents an expert review on the Best White Noise Sleep Sound Machines for 2024, offering readers a comprehensive overview of these innovative devices and their potential to enhance sleep quality.

White noise sleep sound machines have gained popularity in recent years for their ability to create a soothing auditory environment conducive to sleep. By emitting a constant, unobtrusive sound that masks other noises in the environment, these devices help individuals achieve a deeper and more restful sleep experience.

Feast Magazine’s expert review explores the various features and functionalities of best white noise machine, providing readers with valuable insights to assist them in selecting the perfect device for their needs. Whether readers are seeking relief from insomnia, looking to improve their focus and concentration, or simply hoping to create a more peaceful sleep environment, the review offers practical recommendations to suit a variety of preferences and lifestyles.

As individuals increasingly prioritise their sleep health in an age of constant connectivity and digital distractions, Feast Magazine’s expert review serves as a timely resource for those seeking to optimise their sleep environments and prioritise their well-being. Access the full analysis and discover the Best White Noise Sleep Sound Machines for 2024 by visiting here.

Brighton Welcomes Innovative Lucy and Yak Concept Store Designed by Miranda Loveluck-Taplin

Today marks the grand opening of Lucy and Yak‘s new concept store in Brighton, designed with flair and creativity by Miranda Loveluck-Taplin of No13 Interior Design. The store is situated on the bustling Ship Street, ready to draw in shoppers with its captivating design and unique shopping experience.

Miranda Loveluck-Taplin has masterfully crafted the store’s design to offer an immersive atmosphere that engages shoppers’ senses from the moment they step inside. The store’s environment is constructed to evoke warmth and invitation, mirroring the playful and intriguing narrative of Lucy and Yak.

The store boasts high ceilings and an expansive layout bathed in natural light, with bespoke fixtures that highlight the merchandise in an innovative manner. The interior’s colour scheme blends muted orange with soft pink hues, reminiscent of the 1970s, enhanced by detailed touches like sunrise-themed walls, verdant plants, and soothing lighting. The use of sustainable materials throughout the design underscores the brand’s dedication to environmental responsibility.

Lucy and Yak’s new space is designed as a hub of inspiration and education for customers, promoting exploration and interaction through engaging displays and regular workshops.

Miranda shared her enthusiasm about the project, stating, “My design studio began this project 4 weeks to the day, and I am immensely proud of what can be achieved in such a short amount of time. I feel we have taken the brand to a new level where it will appeal to a wider range of shoppers.”

The innovative design of the Lucy and Yak store in Brighton is a testament to the brand’s ethos of creativity, sustainability, and customer engagement, promising a distinct and memorable shopping experience.

Exclusive Partnership: Giant Bicycles UK and Touch Up Paint Factory Launch Custom Paint Line

Touch Up Paint Factory, a leading UK provider of automotive touch up paints, has announced a strategic partnership with Giant Group to introduce a tailored touch up paint collection for the Giant, Liv, and Momentum bicycle brands.

Under the brand Touch Up Paint Factory UK by Chipex Ltd, a collaborative effort with Giant Group UK has birthed a series of over 130 exclusive touch up paints, each carefully crafted to align with their vibrant colour palette.

Specialising in customised touch up paints for a variety of vehicles, Chipex & Touch Up Paint Factory serve both end consumers via e-commerce and global car manufacturers directly. The brands offer:

  • Chipex™: A premium selection of rapid-drying paints and a unique blending solution.
  • Touch Up Paint Factory™: Comprehensive aerosol, paint pen, and bottle product ranges.

Johnny Graham, CEO of Chipex Ltd, remarked: “Collaborating with Giant Group UK to create an exclusive range of touch up paint products for their bicycle model range was an extremely exciting project in this untapped marketplace, especially given that they are the worlds largest manufacturer of bicycles. Formulating in excess of 130 bespoke colours was a sizable project, in addition to designing and creating a dedicated website pages and databases. Giant Group UK requested that we cater for two of their other bicycle brands Liv and Momentum so as to include the whole range. The colour range is available to purchase through the Touch Up Paint Factory website as aerosols, paint pens and paint bottles.

Key motivations for the collaboration with Giant Group UK included:

  • Strong product demand
  • Exclusive colour range
  • Largest bicycle manufacturer in the world producing in excess of 6.5 million bicycles per year
  • Patented All in One Paint system that negates the requirement of having to apply a separate clear coat that improves colour finish and reduces application time
  • Pricing – Cost from £19.95

Web Summit Qatar 2024: Sachin Dev Duggal leads ‘The AI Moment’

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Web Summit Qatar recently hosted an enlightening session titled ‘The AI Moment’, where industry leaders converged to discuss AI’s burgeoning role and its implications. Julia Sieger of FRANCE 24 moderated the session, featuring insights from Mohamed Al-Hardan of the Qatar Investment Authority and Builder.ai’s visionary, Sachin Dev Duggal.

Sachin Dev Duggal shared his insights on the evolution of AI, drawing from his tenure at Builder.ai. He reminisced about significant milestones such as Google’s BERT model, introduced a decade ago, and how the year 2022 marked a paradigm shift not just in AI technology but in enhancing user interaction through design improvements. This shift made AI more accessible and easier for people to adopt.

With the Qatar Investment Authority recently backing Builder.ai’s Series D funding, Mohamed Al-Hardan discussed the strategic motives behind their investment. He praised Builder.ai for its innovative approach in streamlining the development process and its proactive engagement with AI, while also stressing the importance of meticulous due diligence for AI’s practical application. Al-Hardan highlighted the proactive stance of AI startups in navigating AI’s potential risks and their ambition to lead in technological adaptation.

The discourse then transitioned to the impact of AI on employment, where Duggal and Al-Hardan expanded beyond the traditional narrative of job displacement. Sachin Duggal envisioned a future where people are celebrated for their creative capabilities rather than repetitive tasks, reshaping our understanding of work. Al-Hardan concurred, emphasising the need for continuous adaptation to thrive in an AI-integrated world.

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Regarding AI governance, both speakers discussed the ethical and regulatory complexities associated with AI’s expansion. Al-Hardan voiced concerns over restrictive over-regulation potentially hampering innovation, advocating for collaboration between regulators and technologists to bridge their understanding gap.

The session concluded with a unified call for educational reforms to equip future generations for an AI-driven era. Sachin Dev Duggal highlighted the importance of fostering human-centric skills like creativity and adaptability within educational frameworks to ensure their adaptability to diverse scenarios.

Their profound insights shed light on the humanistic, ethical, and responsibility aspects in the era of AI, emphasising the need for a focus on human-centered AI innovation.

London mayoral candidate, Brian Rose, confronts YouTube with free speech messages

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Brian Rose, aspiring to be London’s next mayor, recently stirred up a debate on censorship with YouTube, following his audacious move to decorate the facade of the company’s King’s Cross headquarters in London with posters underscoring the importance of free speech.

The event unfolded on the 15th of March, a Friday, when Rose managed to display several posters with slogans such as ‘Free speech matters’, ‘Say no to censorship’, and ‘Be more Elon’, a homage to the vociferous entrepreneur behind X, before staff at YouTube intervened.

Rose articulated his stance, stating, “I know first-hand how censorship can affect people and I know first-hand how much power a platform such as YouTube has over everyone who uses it. I was deplatformed by YouTube last year and, at a stroke, my business was put at risk. I had done nothing illegal and yet YouTube was able to freeze me out of my own channel, arbitrarily and without having to explain what was happening and why. Platforms such as YouTube hold great power over all their users, and make a great deal of money from those users, and yet they are not held to account for their abuses.”

Promoting London as a world-leading digital innovation hub is at the heart of Rose’s electoral manifesto for the May 2 election. He emphasizes the necessity for enhanced protections against censorship for users, alongside ensuring that digital platforms are safeguarded against external pressures to censor.

Rose has previously highlighted the perils posed by tech conglomerates when they assume unilateral control over content moderation, all while generating substantial revenue from their platforms.

Adding to his earlier remarks, Rose declared, “What I am fighting against here is a clear violation of human rights, an abuse of power that allows global mega-brands to crush the digital freedoms of the very people they rely on to make their vast profits. London – and the world – deserves better and, as Mayor, I will leverage my powers to work with the tech giants to ensure our capital is a best-in-class example of how we can embrace technology and, at the same time, protect our hard-won freedoms.”

The Princess of Wales announces cancer diagnosis in moving message

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The Princess of Wales has been diagnosed with cancer and revealed her illness to the world in a moving video message.

Kate Middleton (42) said that cancer was found when she underwent planned abdominal surgery in January.

Her medical team had advised her to start preventative chemotherapy.

In her video, which was filmed at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, triggered an outpouring of support from well-wishers.

In it, she said: “This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.

“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.”

https://youtube.com/watch?v=A_jE1j_KOZk%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26color%3Dred%26rel%3D0%26controls%3D1%26start%3D%26end%3D%26fs%3D0%26iv_load_policy%3D0%26autoplay%3D0%26modestbranding%3D0%26cc_load_policy%3D1

The news is another blow to the royals, with King Charles having already recently announced he has pancreatic cancer.

But he praised Catherine for the way she spoke with courage about her news.

The palace said Catherine had wished to provide a medical update in order to put an end to the speculation sparked by her admission to the London Clinic for her surgery.

At the time, the palace refused to confirm what Catherine was being treated for, but said the condition was non-cancerous.

Jewson Live is back – and going on tour

Jewson Live – the annual event for the UK’s professional tradespeople – is returning to the Birmingham NEC.

The flagship show of Jewson Live, hosted by national builders’ merchant Jewson – now part of STARK UK – will take place from 8am until 2pm at the NEC on Friday, April 26, covering three distinct areas – the Trading Zone, Future Zone, and Wellbeing Zone. 

In each area, high profile speakers and trade experts will share the latest industry news and developments, detailing how they impact tradespeople on a day-to-day basis. There will be product demos and exclusive on-the-day deals available from many of the 150 Jewson suppliers and partners exhibiting, as well as a wealth of competitions and giveaways.

Darts legend Phil Taylor and darts commentator Emma Paton will host the show at the NEC, with several other celebrity guests expected to make an appearance. 

The NEC show will also be used to officially launch Jewson’s company rebrand, with representatives of parent group STARK UK taking to the main stage to explain more about the company’s vision for the future. Attendees will also get a sneak preview of Jewson’s ‘branch of the future’, which will provide insights into the transformation of the Jewson brand and how it is changing to meet the future needs of the trades.      

Live tour

In addition, the winners of Jewson’s inaugural Making Better Homes Awards – celebrating the UK’s tradespeople dedicated to building sustainable homes – will be announced.  Businesses will take home the winning prizes for each of the competition’s three categories – Best Use of Renewable Energy in a Project, Best Building Fabric in a Project, and Sustainable Project of the Year. 

Following the event at the NEC, Jewson Live will then begin a tour of the UK, heading to Kent Exhibition Centre, Maidstone, on Thursday, May 16; SEC, Glasgow, on Thursday, June 6, and Westpoint, Exeter, on Thursday, June 13. 

John Carter, CEO of STARK UK – which acquired a collective of businesses including Jewson from Saint-Gobain in March 2023 – said: “Jewson Live has long been recognised as one of the standout exhibitions in the construction calendar. With the industry facing a particularly challenging period, we believe this is the perfect time to support the UK’s tradespeople even more and host a series of live events that builders and tradespeople can look forward to and get a lot out of. 

“We’re proud to partner the trades and that’s why we’re offering not one but four regional events – starting here in the Midlands – to give our hardworking customers and industry friends a great day out. Our branches are at the heart of communities, so it makes a lot of sense to take Jewson Live on tour – bringing it closer to the people we work with every day. We’ll bring our suppliers and partners on the road with us, so existing, returning and prospective customers in the region can enjoy all the benefits of Jewson Live much closer to home.

“Starting with our flagship show at the NEC, each of the Jewson Live On Tour events promises to be informative, productive and invaluable for tradespeople who want to grow their business; and as well as that, it’ll be exciting and a lot of fun. We can’t wait to welcome the tradespeople of the Midlands to the NEC for what promises to be our best Jewson Live yet.”

Register here for Jewson Live at the NEC.  

Victoria House Manchester Elevates Residential Connectivity with Kloud9 and Salboy

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Kloud9, a trailblazer in the realm of internet infrastructure, is proud to partner with Salboy in unveiling Victoria House Manchester, a contemporary residential endeavour housing 177 apartments across 25 stories. This collaboration ensures that residents will enjoy blazing internet speeds up to 1 gigabit per second, making Victoria House a benchmark for modern living in the urban landscape.

Strategically located in Manchester’s bustling hub, Victoria House mirrors the city’s dynamic and progressive spirit. Through Kloud9’s provision of ultra-fast internet, the development promises a living experience where luxury, convenience, and superior digital connectivity converge.

“We aim to revolutionise how residents experience their home by providing them with the fastest internet speeds. Kloud9’s technology ensures that Victoria House will be at the forefront of digital innovation in residential living,” declared Alex Jackson, CEO of Kloud9.

Salboy, distinguished for its dedication to creating high-quality property developments, has conceptualised Victoria House with the contemporary city dweller’s lifestyle in mind.

Simon Ismail, Managing Director at Salboy, remarked, “Integrating Kloud9’s high-speed internet into Victoria House aligns perfectly with our vision of providing residents with a living space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also technologically advanced.”

This partnership is poised to redefine the standard of living in Manchester, placing Victoria House at the forefront of digitally integrated residential communities.