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Why fast-food dining rooms are so quiet these days

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 16:50:00 GMT

If it seems as if fast-food dining rooms are emptier than they used to be, it's because they are.Dine-in customers now represent less than 10% of all sales at McDonald’s restaurants compared to roughly 25% before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.The shift was already underway before the pandemic with more fast-food customers opting for drive-thru, take-out or delivery.Across all U.S. fast-food chains, dining-in represented 14% of orders through the first five months of 2023, the WSJ reported, citing data from market research firm Circana. That percentage was around 21% just before the pandemic, and 22% in 2015.For the most part, restaurant chains welcome the trend since to-go orders are more profitable and efficient to handle, and reduce the work needed to keep dining areas clean.“You don’t necessarily need the big dining rooms that you needed in our traditional restaurants,” McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski said during an investor cal...

What is bed rotting...and is it actually good for you?

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 16:50:00 GMT

It may sound like a painful medical condition, but the TikTok trend of "bed rotting" is actually a form of self-care, some claim.The practice involves spending the day in bed, scrolling through social media, binge-streaming one's favorite shows, sleeping or doing other relaxing activities."Younger generations are really embracing this concept of soft living, being able to live a more stress-free life," according to one TikTok video, which shows a young woman in a gray sweater lying in bed, a calico cat kneading her back. "It's time with yourself and your loved ones in bed and it's intentional. So we're definitely for it."At least one sleep scientist is fully on board."There's a new trend called bed rotting, and it's actually perfect," PhD candidate Vanessa Hill said in a TikTok video. "Bed rotting is when they do literally nothing but lay in bed. It's the end of optimization, and anti-productivity because you are wasting away under a blanket and the nothingness is your best life. I'...

The Highland Serenade: An Intrepid Adventure Hopping Isles in Scotland’s Inner and Outer Hebrides

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 16:50:00 GMT

As the wind whips against the rugged cliffs and the ocean whispers stories of old, the islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland exude an almost mythical charm. This vast expanse of islands, each with their own unique allure, offers an unforgettable experience for those willing to veer off the beaten track.Beginning the Journey: The Isle of SkyeSkye, the largest of the Inner Hebrides, is a feast for the senses with its dramatic landscapes that change as quickly as the Scottish weather. Traverse through the magical Fairy Pools in Glen Brittle or dare to challenge the towering Old Man of Storr, and you’ll quickly realise that Skye has a peculiar way of seeping into your soul.A Castle Suspended in Time: Dunvegan CastleWhile in Skye, a visit to Dunvegan Castle is a must. Dating back to the 13th century, it is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Each stone and tapestry is drenched in history, offering a captivating window into the clan-domin...

Flight Connections for Adventure Travel: Reaching Remote Regions of Iceland

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 16:50:00 GMT

Iceland, with its diverse landscapes of volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and geysers, offers a unique playground for adventure seekers. From the iconic Golden Circle to the remote Westfjords, this Nordic island nation boasts an array of awe-inspiring destinations waiting to be explored. As travellers plan their Icelandic adventures, they often wonder about the best flight connections to reach remote regions and flight tickets to Iceland. In this article, we will delve into the various flight options available, connecting travellers to the most breathtaking and off-the-beaten-path locations in Iceland.Keflavik International Airport: The Gateway to IcelandFor most international travellers, their journey to Iceland begins at Keflavik International Airport (KEF). Located about 50 kilometres (31 miles) southwest of Reykjavik, KEF is Iceland’s primary international airport and serves as the main entry point for visitors from around the world.The airport offers numerous flight connec...

Reality Through the Lens of Xiaoli Zhang: A Digital Compositor’s Craft

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 16:50:00 GMT

For many of us, getting swept away in the fantastical worlds that unfold on screen is part of the entertainment experience. As a result, it’s easy to overlook the fine craftsmanship behind what we see. While actors and directors receive the lion’s share of the spotlight, the digital artisans behind the scenes are the silent crafters of these magical worlds. A leading digital compositor in film and television, Xiaoli Zhang, is one such magician whose work breathes life into the unreal, making it indistinguishable from our reality.According to Xiaoli, the beauty of compositing lies in the seamless marriage of artistic sensibilities and technical skills. “Compositing is a combination of artistic sense and technical skills. We are artists before technically skilled workers. Passion for art is what drives us,” she proclaims. For her, each project is a new canvas, waiting to be transformed into a stunning visual narrative fueled by her observations and creativity.Success...

Your Personal Oasis of Wellness: Unlocking the Power of Cannabis with Granny Za Weed

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 16:50:00 GMT

Embark on a transformative wellness journey with Granny Za Weed Marijuana Dispensary – your gateway to a healthier, happier life through the power of cannabis. At Granny Za Weed, we put you, the customer, at the heart of everything we do. Experience the true potential of cannabis for health and wellness as we guide you, support you, and ensure easy access to premium products, right where you are.Health and Wellness: Your Guiding Light:Your well-being is our top priority at Granny Za Weed Marijuana Dispensary. We firmly believe in the incredible benefits of cannabis in enhancing lives and addressing various health challenges. Whether you seek relief from chronic pain or desire a natural remedy for stress and anxiety, we understand the diverse therapeutic potential of cannabis. Your unique needs drive our thoughtfully curated selection of cannabis products, making it easier for you to find the perfect solution tailored to your wellness goals. Let us guide you on your path to improved ...

Enhancing Fire Safety with Integrated Fire Alarms

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 16:50:00 GMT

Fire safety is a paramount concern in every setting, be it residential, commercial, or healthcare. To ensure the well-being of occupants and the protection of property, reliable fire alarm systems are essential.Integrated Fire Alarms (IFA), a leading player in the fire safety industry, is revolutionizing the way we approach fire safety with their innovative solutions. In this article, we will explore the critical role of fire alarms in safeguarding lives and property, focusing on the advanced features and benefits offered by IFA’s integrated systems.Fire alarms are the first line of defense against fire emergencies, providing early detection and warning capabilities. IFA’s bespoke fire alarm systems utilize cutting-edge technology to tailor each installation to the specific needs of the environment. These systems take into account factors such as building structure, usage nature, and potential fire risks, ensuring optimal performance and timely response.One of the key ad...

Lucca Beach and Lucca by the Sea: Visiting Bodrum’s Hotspots for a Chic Mediterranean Summer

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 16:50:00 GMT

Located along Turkey’s Aegean coast, Bodrum has emerged as one of Turkey’s — and all of Europe’s — most luxurious summer holiday destinations. Bodrum is a stunning seaside city that is known for its world-class resorts, beaches, restaurants, and nightlife. With a focus on high-end travelers, Bodrum boasts stylish fashion shops, classy eateries, and marinas full of billionaires’ yachts.While there was a lull during the pandemic years, the first part of 2022 saw a 76.8 percent increase in Americans visiting Turkey, according to Forbes. This summer, there are expected to be even more American and global visitors to the region with celebrities and cultural icons leading the charge.Bodrum gets very warm in the summer, with daily temperatures reaching around 35 degrees Celsius — or 95 degrees Fahrenheit — in July and August. Bodrum is a very multidimensional city with a lot to offer its guests. The city has been dubbed “Turkey’s St. Tropez,” as more people flock to Bodrum’s beach clubs an...

Mattel announces limited edition ‘Weird Barbie’ for sale

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 16:50:00 GMT

By Eva Rothenberg | CNNSome might say Weird Barbies are made, not sold. Mattel, however, begs to differ.The toy company behind the iconic Barbie brand has announced a signature doll modeled after Kate McKinnon’s character from Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster “Barbie.” In the movie, McKinnon’s character helps send Margot Robbie’s Barbie on her journey.“Barbie” is produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, which is owned by CNN’s parent company Warner Bros. Discovery.The limited-edition toy features a hot pink outfit almost identical to the one McKinnon wears in the movie, complete with markings on her face and oddly cut and colored hair “to emulate a doll that’s been played with just a little too much,” Mattel said in the product description.The doll is one of seven products in an expanded collection stemming from the billion-dollar hit movie, including various Barbie and Ken dolls modeling outfits they wore on-screen and a Hot Wheels corvette set.“With the latest editions to the collection, we a...

Niger coup leaders refuse to let US diplomat meet with president

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 16:50:00 GMT

By Sam Mednick and Ellen Knickmeyer | Associated PressNIAMEY, Niger — A senior U.S. diplomat said coup leaders in Niger refused to allow her to meet Monday with the West African country’s democratically elected president, whom she described as under “virtual house arrest.”Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland also described the mutinous officers as unreceptive to U.S. pressure to return the country to civilian rule.“They were quite firm about how they want to proceed, and it is not in support of the constitution of Niger,” Nuland told reporters. She characterized the conversations as “extremely frank and at times quite difficult.”She spoke after a two-hour meeting in Niger’s capital, Niamey, with some leaders of the military takeover of a country that has been a vital counterterrorism partner of the United States.In speaking to junta leaders, Nuland said, she made “absolutely clear the kinds of support that we will leg...