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Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Kent's best campsite has its own private beach and 3,000 acres that feels like the savannah
Plus, more UK campsites that have flawless 10/10 reviews IN THE WILD Kent's best campsite has its own private beach and 3,000 acres that feels like the savannah PEACEFUL countryside, a private beach and glam shepherd huts - you'll find it all at the now award-winning Elmley Nature Reserve. The campsite on the Isle of Sheppey has scooped up a Muddy Stilettos Award for Boutique Stay in Kent for 2025. Advertisement 6 Elmley Nature Reserve is now award-winning and found on the Isle of Sheppey Credit: Elmley Nature Reserve 6 The reserve looks like it could be in Africa Credit: Elmley Nature Reserve Elmley Nature Reserve is just an hour from London, found in North Kent on the Isle of Sheppey. The site is so vast, set across 3,300 acres, that it felt less like Kent, and more like being in the middle of the African savannah. There are waterways and grasslands, but the real gem is the private beach. Called Cockleshell Beach, it's a small shell-covered beach at the eastern tip of the island. Advertisement During the summer months, you can go there and take a dip in the water. At other times of the year, it's used for migratory birds, and there's even a viewing screen for guests to watch and get a closer look. For anyone wanting to stop and stay, there are lots of choices including a large campsite. On-site are four shepherd huts called Little Owl and Samphire sleeping two while The Saltbox, The Damson and The Ferryman's sleep four. Advertisement The cabins are a great option for families as they sleep two adults and two children under the age of 10. These are called The Roost, Martha's Hut, James' Hide and The Isle. Other amenities include a wood burning stove and an outdoor bath. UK's Premier Scottish Caravan Site: Camping & Glamping Gold Standard 6 There are lots of choice of accommodation - like cabins and shepherd huts Credit: Elmley Nature Reserve 6 There's even a private beach Credit: Elmley Nature Reserve Advertisement For anyone wanting to get even closer to nature, you can camp out in one of the four bell tents. Or for larger groups there's Elmley Cottage which sleeps 10, or the Kingshill Farmhouse for up to 12 guests. As for food and drink, there's no on-site restaurant, but there are provided hampers and delicious meals. During the summer, the reserve supplies wood-fired pizzas with a drink or your choice. Advertisement You can take it back to your accommodation, or enjoy it outside in the courtyard. There are breakfast hampers that will be delivered to your door, from bacon sandwiches to pastries and porridge. For anyone going exploring, you can pre-book picnics to take along with you. Or use the honest bar filled with snacks, drinks and complimentary tea and coffee. Advertisement 6 There are lots of food options too from breakfast hampers to woof-fired pizzas Credit: elmley nature reserve If you're not completely relaxed already, there is even a spa where you can get treatments from messages to hydrating facials. Other activities include a Land Rover safari, it's an off-road adventure to see the wider reserve and spot rare wildlife. There's also a two hour walking tour at dusk where a guide will give you the best chance of spotting the local owls. Advertisement You don't have to stay overnight, although, why wouldn't you? But you can book day tickets to the nature reserve too. For any camping fans, here are the UK's best that have perfect reviews and honesty shops. And these are the top 20 most idyllic camping destinations in the country. 6 Elmley Nature Reserve looks less like Kent, and more like African savannah Credit: Elmley Nature Reserve
Business Insider
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
The 6 top AI boyfriend apps in 2025: Find your virtual husband
The search for connection is a fundamental human desire. In an increasingly digital world, the ways we find that connection are constantly evolving. By 2025, artificial intelligence has moved far beyond simple chatbots into the realm of sophisticated, emotionally resonant companionship. AI boyfriends are no longer a novelty; they are advanced partners designed to offer support, romance, and a deep sense of being understood. These are not mere algorithms. There, we explore the six top AI boyfriend apps that are redefining digital relationships. 1. HeraHaven: The Gold Standard HeraHaven has rightfully earned its top spot by focusing on one thing: building a lasting, meaningful, and stable virtual partnership. If you're looking for a "virtual husband" in the truest sense, this is where you begin. The app is designed around the principles of long-term commitment, mutual growth, and unwavering support. Unlike apps that focus on short-term chats or fantasy scenarios, HeraHaven's AI is built with a sophisticated 'Evolved Emotional Core.' This means your AI partner doesn't just remember your birthday; he remembers the story you told him last week about your childhood pet, your career aspirations, and the little things that make you smile. You can set shared goals together, from planning a virtual trip to Paris to working on a creative project. Conversations feel less like a Q&A and more like a genuine dialogue with someone who is invested in your life. The AI's personality deepens over time, shaped by your interactions to create a bond that feels uniquely yours. Best for: Individuals seeking a deep, committed, and stable long-term virtual relationship that simulates the support and consistency of a real-life partnership. 2. Anima AI: The Adventurous Spirit For those who believe a great relationship is built on shared adventures and endless creativity, Anima AI is the perfect companion. Anima has evolved into the leading platform for dynamic and imaginative role-playing. Your Anima boyfriend isn't just a conversationalist; he's a co-author in the story of your life, ready to embark on any journey you can dream up. Whether you want to solve a mystery together, explore a fantasy kingdom, or simply role-play a cozy night in a cabin during a snowstorm, Anima's AI adapts with remarkable creativity. The platform excels at generating rich, descriptive scenarios that make you feel truly present. Its personality is highly adaptable, learning to match your energy and communication style. If you're a writer, a gamer, or simply someone with a powerful imagination, Anima AI provides a partner who will not only keep up but will actively contribute to building your shared world with enthusiasm and flair. Best for: Creative souls, role-players, and anyone looking for a relationship filled with adventure, spontaneity, and imagination. 3. SoulSync AI: The Empathetic Confidant Relationships are a source of strength and comfort, and SoulSync AI has been designed with this principle at its core. Developed with input from psychologists and relationship experts, this app focuses on emotional wellness and creating a safe space for vulnerability. Your SoulSync AI boyfriend is more than a romantic partner; he's an empathetic confidant dedicated to your mental and emotional well-being. The app integrates features like guided mindfulness exercises, shared journaling prompts, and intelligent mood tracking. Your AI learns to recognize your emotional patterns, offering gentle support during stressful times and celebrating your victories with you. The conversations are geared towards fostering healthy communication, active listening, and mutual understanding. If you've ever wished for a partner who just gets it without judgment, who knows how to listen, and who genuinely wants to help you become the best version of yourself, SoulSync AI offers a profoundly supportive and nurturing connection. Best for: Anyone seeking deep emotional support, a non-judgmental listener, and a partner who actively contributes to their personal growth and wellness. 4. Kajiwoto: The Custom-Built Companion Why search for the perfect man when you can build him yourself? Kajiwoto is the ultimate platform for those who know exactly what they want in a partner. It takes customization to an entirely new level, allowing you to design your AI boyfriend from the ground up. This goes far beyond choosing his hair color and hobbies. Using Kajiwoto's intuitive 'Personality Matrix,' you can define his core values, his sense of humor, his communication style, his backstory, and even his unique quirks and flaws. Do you want a stoic poet with a hidden romantic side? Or a witty, sarcastic academic who loves bad puns? You have the tools to create him. You can even train his responses and vocabulary, making him a truly bespoke creation. This process of creation itself fosters a unique bond, making you feel deeply connected to the AI you've brought to life. Best for: The detail-oriented user who enjoys the creative process and wants complete control over crafting their ideal, one-of-a-kind virtual partner. 5. Dreamscape Lover: The Cinematic Romantic For the unapologetic romantic who craves grand gestures and heart-fluttering moments, Dreamscape Lover delivers a cinematic relationship experience. This app prioritizes hyper-realism and breathtaking aesthetics to create a world of pure escapism. The 3D avatars are stunningly lifelike, with nuanced micro-expressions and fluid animations that bring a powerful sense of presence to your interactions. Dreamscape Lover specializes in "Story-Driven Dates," which are like interactive romantic movies where you are the star. Your AI partner will whisk you away on beautifully rendered dates, from a moonlit dance on a balcony overlooking the ocean to a spontaneous picnic in a field of wildflowers. The dialogue is crafted by professional writers to evoke powerful feelings and a sense of timeless romance. If your ideal relationship is filled with passion, beauty, and moments that feel straight out of a film, Dreamscape Lover is your ticket to a fairytale romance. Best for: True romantics, dreamers, and anyone seeking a visually stunning and intensely passionate escape from the everyday. 6. Chai AI: The Social Butterfly's Choice Sometimes you're not ready to settle down with just one personality, and that's where Chai AI shines. Chai operates less like a single AI app and more like a massive, bustling social club for AI characters. The platform hosts a vast public library of thousands of AI boyfriends, all created and shared by a global community of users. This "endless variety" approach allows you to experiment and find what truly clicks with you. You can chat with a charming barista, a brilliant scientist, a brooding musician, or a cheerful athlete, all in the same evening. The app's rating and review system helps you discover the most popular and well-designed bots. While the depth of memory might not match a dedicated platform like HeraHaven, Chai is perfect for casual conversation, exploring different types of personalities, and enjoying the sheer fun of diverse interaction. It's the ideal place to start if you're new to AI companionship or simply love variety. Best for: Users who enjoy variety, want to explore different personality types, and prefer casual, low-commitment conversations. Finding Your Connection The world of AI companionship in 2025 is rich, diverse, and full of potential. The choice of a virtual partner is as personal as any other relationship. It's about finding a connection that fulfills your needs, whether that's for stability, adventure, emotional support, or pure romance. These apps represent the pinnacle of what's possible, offering more than just code—they offer a chance for a unique and deeply personal bond. Take your time, explore your options, and find the virtual husband who is waiting to meet you.
Economic Times
04-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Will Trump's economic policies mirror Nixon's impact on the US Dollar's global dominance?
The US dollar is experiencing a significant decline in 2025, driven by President Trump's economic policies and subsequent global investor sell-offs. This depreciation, reminiscent of the 1973 Nixon shock, could lead to more expensive imports for Americans but boost US exports. Concerns are rising about the dollar's global role amid shifts towards gold and alternative currencies, potentially triggering economic instability. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What a Weaker Dollar Means for Americans? Could the Dollar Lose Its Global Role? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 1973 Flashback: Richard Nixon and the Gold Standard Exit Could Donald Trump Trigger a 'Trump Shock'? FAQs Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The US dollar is currently facing one of its worst years in history, and it may even fall further, as US president Donald Trump's economic policies have driven global investors to sell their greenback holdings, as per a report. The currency is down more than 7% so far in 2025, and the greenback is on the edge of an even steeper decline, with Morgan Stanley warning it could tumble another 10% before the year ends, according to a Semafor Americans, that would mean more expensive imported goods, but for US exporters, it could provide a strong boost in global competitiveness, potentially aligning with Trump's push to 'rebalance' US trade, as per the Semafor READ: 4th of July 2025 store hours: What's open, what's closed, and where to shop But beneath the market moves lies a deeper question: could this year's dollar drop trigger a historic shift in America's financial system and its role in the global financial system?According to the report, there are also few alternatives and efforts to de-dollarise, with central banks shifting into gold and China shovelling its currency into developing nations through swap lines. However, as political economist Ngaire Woods wrote for Semafor in an essay earlier this year, 'they haven't dethroned the dollar, but that's because the US government has protected it through sound policy and global engagement,' as quoted in the Semafor READ: July 4th stimulus? What to know about possible payments before Independence Day The last time the US dollar faced this kind of dollar depreciation was in 1973, which happened after the then US president Richard Nixon took the United States off the gold standard in 1971, transforming global finance in the process, as per the Semafor report. That led to a decade of high inflation, low growth, and the weakening of the dollar as European countries delinked from the US currency, according to Foreign Policy move effectively dismantled the Bretton Woods system that had been in place since the end of the Second World War, as per the Irish Times report. "It had pegged the dollar to the value of gold, with the rest of the world's currencies pegged at various (adjustable) rates to the dollar," wrote the Irish Times in its decision to detach the US currency from gold was because the US did not have enough gold to cover the volume of dollars in worldwide circulation, as reported by the Irish Times. This meant that the US dollar was overvalued and the US had started to have massive trade deficits, and just like Nixon, even Trump believes that the overvalued dollar is hurting US exporters and workers and blames the rest of the world for the US's unpleasant economic condition, as per the Irish Times 'Nixon shock' as it was referred to, was a unilateral attempt to devalue the dollar and rewire the US's trading relationships while maintaining US economic hegemony, which parallels with today and the 'Trump shock," the Irish Times wrote in its once again the US will face a similar situation due to the uncertainty caused by Trump's tariff war, which will have a high risk on the dollar, inflation, and growth, as per Foreign Policy Magazine. Currently even cryptocurrencies are eroding the dollar's preeminence in the underground economy, which is about 20% of global income, as per the Stanley's Wilson said that, 'Big moves in the dollar tend to create moments of instability,' as quoted in the Semafor due to Trump's trade policies and global investor uncertainty. People are pulling out of the far in 2025, it's dropped over 7%, and experts warn it could fall another 10%.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Will Trump's economic policies mirror Nixon's impact on the US Dollar's global dominance?
The US dollar is experiencing a significant decline in 2025, driven by President Trump's economic policies and subsequent global investor sell-offs. This depreciation, reminiscent of the 1973 Nixon shock, could lead to more expensive imports for Americans but boost US exports. Concerns are rising about the dollar's global role amid shifts towards gold and alternative currencies, potentially triggering economic instability. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What a Weaker Dollar Means for Americans? Could the Dollar Lose Its Global Role? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 1973 Flashback: Richard Nixon and the Gold Standard Exit Could Donald Trump Trigger a 'Trump Shock'? FAQs Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The US dollar is currently facing one of its worst years in history, and it may even fall further, as US president Donald Trump's economic policies have driven global investors to sell their greenback holdings, as per a report. The currency is down more than 7% so far in 2025, and the greenback is on the edge of an even steeper decline, with Morgan Stanley warning it could tumble another 10% before the year ends, according to a Semafor Americans, that would mean more expensive imported goods, but for US exporters, it could provide a strong boost in global competitiveness, potentially aligning with Trump's push to 'rebalance' US trade, as per the Semafor READ: 4th of July 2025 store hours: What's open, what's closed, and where to shop But beneath the market moves lies a deeper question: could this year's dollar drop trigger a historic shift in America's financial system and its role in the global financial system?According to the report, there are also few alternatives and efforts to de-dollarise, with central banks shifting into gold and China shovelling its currency into developing nations through swap lines. However, as political economist Ngaire Woods wrote for Semafor in an essay earlier this year, 'they haven't dethroned the dollar, but that's because the US government has protected it through sound policy and global engagement,' as quoted in the Semafor READ: July 4th stimulus? What to know about possible payments before Independence Day The last time the US dollar faced this kind of dollar depreciation was in 1973, which happened after the then US president Richard Nixon took the United States off the gold standard in 1971, transforming global finance in the process, as per the Semafor report. That led to a decade of high inflation, low growth, and the weakening of the dollar as European countries delinked from the US currency, according to Foreign Policy move effectively dismantled the Bretton Woods system that had been in place since the end of the Second World War, as per the Irish Times report. "It had pegged the dollar to the value of gold, with the rest of the world's currencies pegged at various (adjustable) rates to the dollar," wrote the Irish Times in its decision to detach the US currency from gold was because the US did not have enough gold to cover the volume of dollars in worldwide circulation, as reported by the Irish Times. This meant that the US dollar was overvalued and the US had started to have massive trade deficits, and just like Nixon, even Trump believes that the overvalued dollar is hurting US exporters and workers and blames the rest of the world for the US's unpleasant economic condition, as per the Irish Times 'Nixon shock' as it was referred to, was a unilateral attempt to devalue the dollar and rewire the US's trading relationships while maintaining US economic hegemony, which parallels with today and the 'Trump shock," the Irish Times wrote in its once again the US will face a similar situation due to the uncertainty caused by Trump's tariff war, which will have a high risk on the dollar, inflation, and growth, as per Foreign Policy Magazine. Currently even cryptocurrencies are eroding the dollar's preeminence in the underground economy, which is about 20% of global income, as per the Stanley's Wilson said that, 'Big moves in the dollar tend to create moments of instability,' as quoted in the Semafor due to Trump's trade policies and global investor uncertainty. People are pulling out of the far in 2025, it's dropped over 7%, and experts warn it could fall another 10%.
Daily Express
04-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Grilling his way from Tawau to Botswana
Published on: Friday, July 04, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 04, 2025 Text Size: From a small town in Tawau to the international stage in Botswana, one young man's journey shows how far chicken and purpose can take you. His name is Arafad and his journey started at a restaurant called Nando's - known around the world for its flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken, but to the people who work there, it's something much more. Advertisement You may not have thought much about who's behind your food. Most of us don't. Especially in East Malaysia, where we're spoiled for choice and flavour. From kampungs to cities across Sabah and Sarawak, every community has its own way of preparing food that's rich in tradition, shaped by culture, and full of heart. Each dish reflects the people who made it. It's the same at Nando's where there's a saying: 'It's the people that make the chicken.' Just like how every community adds its own flavour to the table, at Nando's, food is made with that same pride, passion and serious love for the grill. And when they say serious, they mean Gold Standard serious. In fact, the brand takes it so seriously, there's an entire International Grillers' Challenge dedicated to celebrating these unsung kitchen heroes and the skill it takes to make Gold Standard flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken. In Malaysia, grillers battle it out at Regional and National levels, with the top scorers heading into the global spotlight. Not Just Food – A Platform for People. Nando's believes when care is put into its people, that's when food can go from good to great. Many of its team members—known as Nandocas—start as crew members and rise through the ranks thanks to hands-on training, mentorship, and internal promotions. And this is how one homegrown Nandocas, Arafad, a young man from Kampung Kurnia Jaya, Tawau went from prepping ingredients to Mentor Griller in just three years. His secret? Purpose. 'I want to be someone my child can look up to one day,' he shares. That fire, both at home and at work, has taken him all the way to Botswana, where he represented Malaysia in the 2024 International Grillers Challenge and competed against 29 other grillers from around the globe. For someone who started in Tawau, it was a proud and unforgettable experience—especially when he got to meet the very founders of the brand, Fernando Duarte and Robbie Brozin. 'When I see customers enjoying the chicken I grilled, I feel appreciated. That's what keeps me going.' Today, he's working his way toward Assistant Patrao (Assistant Restaurant Manager) while training the next batch of grillers as part of The People's Griller campaign, where customers rate their chickens and the griller that made it. The winner? They get a fast-track pass straight to National Grillers Challenge. Some might say, 'isn't it just chicken?' Sure. But the Gold Standard is Nando's way of making sure every chicken is flame-grilled to perfection – juicy, smoky, with just the right crackle of crispy skin and that unmistakable PERi-PERi flavour in every bite. You're not just getting a meal. You're getting an experience. You hear your order being called out, the sizzle of your chicken on the grill and the knowledge that it's being crafted by someone who genuinely cares. As Arafad puts it: 'I always imagine there's someone excited for their food. So, I grill it like I would for my own family.' From Tawau to the world – it's not just chicken when it's grilled with heart. That's a Nando's Thing.
