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Lifestyle
Here Are World’s Most Relaxing Places For 2025, New Rankings Say Here Are World’s Most Relaxing Places For 2025, New Rankings Say
Here Are World’s Most Relaxing Places For 2025, New Rankings Say Looking for a peaceful escape in 2025?  New rankings reveal the top 25 most relaxing destinations on the planet. These serene spots are perfect for those hoping to avoid overcrowded tourist traps. BookRetreats.com's Global Relaxation Index analyzed 76 destinations based on crowd density, safety, noise levels, and access to nature and wellness experiences. The results highlight a shift away from traditional hotspots toward quieter, more spacious locales. Key Highlights: Australia ranks first, boasting just 8.8 people per square mile and nearly 30 percent of its land protected as natu…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
FDA Bans Red No. 3 Due To Cancer Concerns About Artificial Coloring In Many Foods FDA Bans Red No. 3 Due To Cancer Concerns About Artificial Coloring In Many Foods
FDA Bans Red No. 3 Due To Cancer Concerns About Artificial Coloring In Many Foods The Food and Drug Administration has officially banned Red No. 3, a synthetic dye that gives certain foods their vivid cherry-red hue, due to cancer concerns in lab animals. The FDA revoked the authorization for the coloring's use in food products, oral drugs, and dietary supplements, the agency said in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 15. Manufacturers have until Friday, Jan. 15, 2027, to remove Red Dye 3 from food products and Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2028, for drugs. Products made before these deadlines may still appear on shelves if they were manufactured before …

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by Chris Spiker
News
FDA Proposes Nutrition Labels On Front Of Food Packages To Fight Chronic Disease FDA Proposes Nutrition Labels On Front Of Food Packages To Fight Chronic Disease
FDA Proposes Nutrition Labels On Front Of Food Packages To Fight Chronic Disease The Food and Drug Administration has proposed moving nutrition labels to the front of most packaged foods, aiming to help consumers make healthier choices, officials said. The FDA officially unveiled its proposal requiring front-of-package nutrition labels, the agency said in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 14. This effort is part of a broader strategy to combat chronic diseases, which affect about 60 percent of Americans and account for $4.5 trillion in annual health care costs. The proposed "nutrition info box" would display saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars content i…

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by Chris Spiker
Lifestyle
Melissa Joan Hart Shares Touching Connection To Late 'Cassius The Crocodile' Melissa Joan Hart Shares Touching Connection To Late 'Cassius The Crocodile'
Melissa Joan Hart Shares Touching Connection To Late 'Cassius The Crocodile' New York native Melissa Joan Hart revealed a special connection to the late Cassius the Crocodile. The saltwater croc, who measured 18 feet long and weighed nearly 2,870 pounds, died Saturday, Nov. 2, at an estimated age of 120, Marineland Melanesia in Australia announced on Facebook. Cassius received the Guinness World Record as the largest living captive crocodile in 2011. Marineland Melanesia said he was “very old and believed to be living beyond the years of a wild croc.” “It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved mate Cassius,” the organization said. “He was mor…

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by Michael Mashburn
Business
Sweeping Change: Instagram Moves Teens Into Private Accounts 'Guided By Parents' Sweeping Change: Instagram Moves Teens Into Private Accounts 'Guided By Parents'
Sweeping Change: Instagram Moves Teens Into Private Accounts 'Guided By Parents' Millions of teenage Instagram users are being forced into private accounts with enhanced security features aimed at limiting their exposure to harmful content. Meta, the social media platform’s parent company, unveiled its “Teen Accounts” feature on Tuesday, Sept. 17, automatically placing anyone under the age of 18 into a default private account. Teens with a private account must accept new followers and people who don’t follow them can’t see their contact or interact with them. It also comes with strict messaging settings, making it so they can only receive messages from people they foll…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Invasive Tick Found In Fairfield: Could Have 'Significant' Health Impact, Researchers Say Invasive Tick Found In Fairfield: Could Have 'Significant' Health Impact, Researchers Say
Invasive Tick Found In Fairfield: Could Have 'Significant' Health Impact, Researchers Say Following the third confirmed discovery of an Asian longhorned tick in Connecticut, researchers are warning of the potential health impacts that the invasive arachnids could bring to the state.  The Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory identified one Asian longhorned tick in Fairfield County over the summer after it was submitted by someone in the town of Fairfield, University of Connecticut officials announced on Thursday, Sept. 7. The tick is the third case that the laboratory has seen in Connecticut since the species arrived in the US in 2017. The firs…

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by Ben Crnic
Lifestyle
‘Record-Breaking’ Fourth Show Added For Comedian Matt Rife's Connecticut Leg Of World Tour ‘Record-Breaking’ Fourth Show Added For Comedian Matt Rife's Connecticut Leg Of World Tour
‘Record-Breaking’ Fourth Show Added For Comedian Matt Rife's Connecticut Leg Of World Tour Tickets to see comedian Matt Rife on his first ever world tour are in such demand that a Connecticut venue is adding more shows to its lineup. In a Facebook post Thursday, June 8, Mohegan Sun Area, located in Uncasville in New London County, announced it was adding a “record-breaking FOURTH show” for Rife’s “ProbleMATTic World Tour.” The 27-year-old comic, who has amassed nearly 18 million followers on TikTok and Instagram, is now set to perform in Connecticut from Thursday, Feb. 22 through Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. Rife announced the tour Monday, June 5, in a TikTok video featuring fellow …

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
Biden Nominates Caroline Kennedy, Figure Skater Michelle Kwan For Ambassador Posts Biden Nominates Caroline Kennedy, Figure Skater Michelle Kwan For Ambassador Posts
Biden Nominates Caroline Kennedy, Figure Skater Michelle Kwan For Ambassador Posts A pair of prominent public figures have been tabbed for ambassadorships by President Joe Biden. The White House announced that Caroline Kennedy, age 64, the last surviving child of former President John F. Kennedy, has been nominated to serve as an ambassador to Australia after previously filling the same role in Japan for former President Barack Obama. “I am always grateful to the courageous Solomon Islanders and Australian coast watchers who rescued my father during World War 2, and if confirmed, I will work hard to repay this debt," Kennedy said in a statement. "I look forward to collabo…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: New Variant's 50 Mutations Make It Different From Original Virus, NIH Director Says COVID-19: New Variant's 50 Mutations Make It Different From Original Virus, NIH Director Says
Covid-19: New Variant's 50 Mutations Make It Different From Original Virus, NIH Director Says Why are scientists so concerned about the new strain of COVID-19? Simply stated, when it comes to Omicron, it's all about the sheer numbers -- as in the number of mutations. "The main thing that has us focused on this and has caused us to be sort of 24-7 on Zoom calls the last four days is that it has so many mutations," Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), said Sunday morning, Nov. 28 on CNN. "Omicron has more than 50 variants that make it different from the original virus, including more than 30 that are in the spike protein." The spike proteins …

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Recall Issued For Boneless Beef Products Due To Possible E. Coli Contamination Recall Issued For Boneless Beef Products Due To Possible E. Coli Contamination
Recall Issued For Boneless Beef Products Due To Possible E. Coli Contamination Nearly 5,000 pounds of a boneless beef product shipped to the East Coast are being recalled due to potential E. coli contamination. Colorado-based JBS USA Food Company is recalling approximately 4,860 pounds of imported boneless beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced this week. According to the company, the frozen, boneless beef products were imported in November and later distributed for additional processing in New York and Pennsylvania. Only 60-pound cardboard boxes c…

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by Zak Failla
Business
Here's How Netflix Is Now Cracking Down On Password Sharing Here's How Netflix Is Now Cracking Down On Password Sharing
Here's How Netflix Is Now Cracking Down On Password Sharing Netflix is testing ways to stop customers from sharing the service they purchased with people living outside the paying subscriber’s home. In some markets, including Australia, Netflix interrupts streaming on home televisions where there is no registered user. When Netflix detects this, the screen turns black with a couple of white print sentences including: “If you don’t live with the owner of this account, you need your own account to keep watching.” The streaming video service is offering new customers a free 30-day trial. For years streaming services such as Netflix and HBO Max hav…

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by Kristin Palpini
News
Recall Issued For Popular Canned Beef Product Recall Issued For Popular Canned Beef Product
Recall Issued For Popular Canned Beef Product Nearly 300,000 pounds of canned corned beef products that were shipped across the country are being recalled due to a lack of federal inspection. California-based Milky Way International Trading Corp., which was doing business as MW Polar, announced that it was recalling approximately 297,715 pounds of ready-to-eat canned corned beef products. The recalled items were imported and distributed in the United States without the benefit of a U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) import re-inspection. FSIS said that the canned corned beef items were imported…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Three New Cases Of More Contagious 'Super Strain' Of Virus Confirmed In NY COVID-19: Three New Cases Of More Contagious 'Super Strain' Of Virus Confirmed In NY
Covid-19: Three New Cases Of More Contagious 'Super Strain' Of Virus Confirmed In NY Three new cases of the COVID-19 variant so-called "Super Strain" that is said to be approximately 70 percent more contagious have now been confirmed in New York. That brings to four the total number now reported in the state. One of the new cases is on Long Island, in Nassau County. That case is a 64-year-old Massapequa man, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Saturday, Jan. 9. The other two new cases are related to the state's first case - a Saratoga Springs man in his 60s who had been symptomatic and is now feeling better. That case was reported on Mondy, Jan. 4. The man works …

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by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19: First NY Case Of More Contagious 'Super Strain' Of Virus Confirmed In Store Worker COVID-19: First NY Case Of More Contagious 'Super Strain' Of Virus Confirmed In Store Worker
Covid-19: First NY Case Of More Contagious 'Super Strain' Of Virus Confirmed In Store Worker A case of the COVID-19 variant so-called "Super Strain" that is said to be approximately 70 percent more contagious has now been confirmed in New York. An upstate man in his 60s who had been symptomatic is now feeling better, according to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday, Jan. 4. The man works at  N. Fox Jewelers on Broadway in Saratoga Springs, which has been closed since Thursday, Dec. 24. The state is asking anyone who visited the store from Friday, Dec. 18 to Christmas Eve Day to get tested and notify state or local health authorities. "Because the virus strain is more transm…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19: First Person In US Tests Positive For New, More Contagious Strain Of Virus COVID-19: First Person In US Tests Positive For New, More Contagious Strain Of Virus
Covid-19: First Person In US Tests Positive For New, More Contagious Strain Of Virus The first case of the COVID-19 variant strain that is said to be approximately 70 percent more contagious has been confirmed in the United States. The case has been identified in Colorado, that state's governor, Jared Polis, said in a statement issued late Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 29. The man is in his early 20s, recovering in isolation and has no recent travel history, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said, meaning he was infected by another Colorado resident who has contracted the variant. The strain was discovered in the United Kingdom before spreading to other Eu…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
Save On Wine, More Wine, And All The Accessories You Need To Enjoy It Save On Wine, More Wine, And All The Accessories You Need To Enjoy It
Save On Wine, More Wine, And All The Accessories You Need To Enjoy It Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just like to enjoy a glass to wind down at the end of the day, we think you'll want to get in on these vino must-haves that are all on sale right now. World Wine Tour CollectionWorld Wine Tour 1. World Wine Tour Collection: 18 Bottles of Wine + Free Shipping It's always smart to have a bottle of wine on hand, whether that's to drink it yourself or to give as a gift. With this deal from the World Wine Tour Collection, you'll have more than enough bottles to share or keep. You'll get 18 half-price bottles of wine from countries including Spain, Italy,…

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by Daily Voice Shop
Politics
COVID-19: US Image Plummets Internationally Over Handling Of Pandemic, Survey Reveals COVID-19: US Image Plummets Internationally Over Handling Of Pandemic, Survey Reveals
Covid-19: US Image Plummets Internationally Over Handling Of Pandemic, Survey Reveals With hundreds still dying daily from COVID-19, views of the United States by citizens of other countries’  continue to crater due to America's response to the crisis, according to a brand-new Pew Research Center survey. The Pew Research Center released the 13-nation survey that shows America’s reputation has also rapidly declined since Donald Trump assumed the office of president in 2017, but now, especially so, during the COVID-19 outbreak. According to researchers, the favorable view of the United States is the lowest it has been since polling began more than 20 years ago. Countrie…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
COVID-19: Will You Get A Coronavirus Vaccine? Here's Percentage Who Said Yes In New Survey COVID-19: Will You Get A Coronavirus Vaccine? Here's Percentage Who Said Yes In New Survey
Covid-19: Will You Get A Coronavirus Vaccine? Here's Percentage Who Said Yes In New Survey Based on a survey of 20,000 worldwide conducted by the World Economic Forum, about three-quarters of people say they would get a COVID-19 vaccine if one was available.  Among that 74 percent, 37 percent "strongly agree" that they will get a vaccine, while 37 percent somewhat agree.  In the United States, 67 percent of those polled would get an inoculation against COVID-19 if one were available. The most common concern amongst those who had trepidations about a vaccine were possible side effects.  Except for the U.S., all of the countries most willing to take a vaccine are t…

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by Christina Coulter
News
NY, CT Residents Among Hundreds Charged In Takedown Of Largest Darknet Child Porn Website NY, CT Residents Among Hundreds Charged In Takedown Of Largest Darknet Child Porn Website
NY, CT Residents Among Hundreds Charged In Takedown Of Largest Darknet Child Porn Website Men from Connecticut and New York are among those charged in the takedown of the largest Darknet child pornography website. Jong Woo Son, 23, a South Korean national, was indicted this week for his operation of Welcome To Video, the largest child exploitation market by volume of content, officials said. Son has also been charged and convicted in South Korea and is currently in custody serving his sentence in South Korea.   An additional 337 site users residing in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jers…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
Here's When Four McDonald's Worldwide Favorites Will Be Available In US Here's When Four McDonald's Worldwide Favorites Will Be Available In US
Here's When Four McDonald's Worldwide Favorites Will Be Available In US Four popular and mouthwatering options from McDonald’s restaurants worldwide will be making their U.S. debuts this summer. The following four items will become available at participating U.S. McDonald's locations starting Wednesday, June 5: Stroopwafel McFlurry (From the Netherlands): Hard to say, fun to eat! This sweet treat consists of vanilla soft serve mixed with decadent caramel swirl with authentic chopped Dutch Daelmans Stroopwafel caramel waffle cookie pieces. Yum! Grand McExtreme Bacon Burger (From Spain): This monstrosity isn’t like any bacon burger you’ve had before - it consist…

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by Valerie Musson
Obituaries
Longtime New Canaan Resident and IBM Employee Andrew W Knight Dies Suddenly At Age 61 Longtime New Canaan Resident and IBM Employee Andrew W Knight Dies Suddenly At Age 61
Longtime New Canaan Resident and IBM Employee Andrew W Knight Dies Suddenly At Age 61 Andrew W. Knight, 61, of New Canaan died suddenly at his residence on Tuesday, April 23. Andrew was born on May 9, 1957 in Queens to Irving David Knight and Barbara Ann Knight. Andrew started his career with IBM in the mailroom at age 17 and later became a driver for the corporate executives before moving into management with the corporate security organization.   He was continually promoted throughout his career and spent six months in Australia on a special project as part of IBM’s Real Estate Strategy Organization, where he spent the majority of his career. He was a valued an…

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by Daily Voice
Politics
Area Founder Of 'Proud Boys' Denied Australian Visa For 'Deplorables' Tour Area Founder Of 'Proud Boys' Denied Australian Visa For 'Deplorables' Tour
Area Founder Of 'Proud Boys' Denied Australian Visa For 'Deplorables' Tour The Westchester founder of "Proud Boys" recently was denied a visa to Australia for a speaking tour called "The Deplorables." Australia labeled  Gavin McInnes, 48, of Larchmont, of "bad character," according to this report. Last week, the co-founder of Vice Media, stepped down as leader of Proud Boys, saying the group "is not racist. It is pro-Trump. The media lies about this club constantly." His visa application to enter Australia was blocked by the Home Affairs Department. McInnes was due to visit the land down under for a speaking tour early next year Immigration offici…

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by Jon Craig
News
Woman Who Embezzled $1.1M From Darien Auto Dealer Sentenced Woman Who Embezzled $1.1M From Darien Auto Dealer Sentenced
Woman Who Embezzled $1.1M From Darien Auto Dealer Sentenced A Hudson Valley woman is heading to prison after admitting to embezzling more than $1 million from a BMW dealer she worked at in Fairfield County. Vanessa Vence-Small, 50, of New Windsor in Orange County, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling $1.1 million from Continental BMW of Darien. From October 2014 to June 2017, Vence-Small made 65 unauthorized electronic fund transfers, totaling $904,659.29, from the dealership’s bank account to her personal American Express account. She also issued and signed 28 checks drawn on the d…

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by Zak Failla
News
Brother Of Fairfield County Man Dies After Fall While Hiking Brother Of Fairfield County Man Dies After Fall While Hiking
Brother Of Fairfield County Man Dies After Fall While Hiking A 43-year-old man from Westchester died after losing his footing while hiking on a mountain in the state of Washington. James Rothwell, who grew up in Mount Pleasant and graduated from Westlake High School in 1992, was with two other hikers on Buck Mountain in Chelan County, when he fell about 50 feet on Saturday, Aug. 4, according to the Seattle Times. After obtaining a bachelor of science degree in environmental studies from SUNY Plattsburgh, Rothwell moved to Washington state and had lived there for the past 20 years. Rothwell climbed Mount McKinley four years ago. In addition to hikin…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
Shake It Off: Norwalk’s Kure Spa Offers Vibrosaun Therapy Shake It Off: Norwalk’s Kure Spa Offers Vibrosaun Therapy
Shake It Off: Norwalk’s Kure Spa Offers Vibrosaun Therapy Ten years ago, Liz Lew found herself suffering from such extreme fatigue that she had to leave her job and spent 20 or more hours a day in bed. “I would take three steps and became exhausted,” said the Norwalk resident. “That’s why my life was like for many years.” After various traditional medicine cures didn’t work, Lew sought out alternative treatments. First she changed her diet, becoming a vegan (and temporarily a raw vegan), and then she discovered Vibrosaun, a pod (reminiscent of the "Mork from Ork" egg with your head sticking out) developed in Australia that delivers user-…

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by Vira Mamchur Schwartz
Schools
Darien Teen Earns Spot In National Geography Bee Finals Darien Teen Earns Spot In National Geography Bee Finals
Darien Teen Earns Spot In National Geography Bee Finals Only 54 finalists remain in competition to display their knowledge of the world's geography. A 13-year-old boy from Darien is among the lucky contestants headed to the National Championship at National Geographic Society Headquarters on May 20 through 23 in Washington, D.C. James Leone, a Darien eighth-grader, won the state competition in April to qualify for the national geography bee. The winner receives a $50,000 college scholarship and a trip to the Galapagos Islands. Leone also hopes to travel to Iceland, South Africa, Europe and Australia some day.

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by Daily Voice
Business
G'Day: Enjoy Australia Day At Flinders Lane In Stamford G'Day: Enjoy Australia Day At Flinders Lane In Stamford
G'Day: Enjoy Australia Day At Flinders Lane In Stamford STAMFORD, Conn. -- You don't have to go down-under to enjoy the tastes of Australia. Friday, Jan. 26 marks National Australia Day and Flinders Lane in Stamford is celebrating with some  Aussie favorites. Officially, Australia Day marks the anniversary of the First Fleet of British settlers arriving in Port Jackson Harbour, Sydney in 1788. Unofficially, though, it’s an excuse to party with a gusto that few other nations can match (think Fourth of July, Cinco de Mayo, and Halloween combined).  The Flinders Lane celebration starts at 5 p.m. and features Triple J’s hottest 100 best tracks. In …

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by Jeanne Muchnick