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Miami Herald
30-04-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
This rising trend terrifies the alcohol industry
Remember when not drinking at a party meant you either had to fake it with a soda or brace for endless questions? Those days are finally fading. Skipping alcohol isn't just accepted - it's becoming cool. And honestly? I'm fully here for it. Related: CEO of popular beer brand spots concerning consumer trend Personally, after listening to Dr. Andrew Huberman's eye-opening podcast on what alcohol actually does to your brain and body, I easily made the decision to go fully sober myself. It's one of the best choices I've made - not just physically, but mentally and socially, too. And it turns out, I'm not alone. More people are rethinking their relationship with alcohol - not because they "have to," but because they genuinely want to. They're swapping vodka sodas for sparkling adaptogens, trading hangovers for early hikes, and realizing you don't need booze to have a good time. And the numbers show it's not just a passing phase. Image source: Shutterstock According to a new survey from NCSolutions, one in four Americans report that they did not drink any alcohol at all in 2024. In addition, 49% of Americans say they are trying to drink less alcohol in 2025, up from 41% in 2024. And it's not just an individual shift - it's a full-on cultural one. With Gen Z leading the way, the interest in sober options keeps climbing. So much so that 58% of Americans say they plan to try a nonalcoholic beverage in 2025. This data suggests more and more Americans are embracing nonalcoholic choices and questioning the social culture that once made drinking feel like a requirement. Related: White Claw creator adds a whole new alcohol line For brands that built their empires on alcohol being a social default, this shift threatens to change the game. But for new businesses who are paying attention: sales of nonalcoholic beer, wine, and spirits are booming - growing so fast that even traditional alcohol brands are scrambling to launch zero-proof options. From sophisticated mocktails to curated nonalcoholic bars, the sober-curious movement is quickly reshaping what socializing, celebration, and even weekends look like. At its core, being sober-curious isn't about restriction - it's about freedom. Freedom to go out without worrying about tomorrow. Freedom to have meaningful conversations without feeling foggy. Freedom to prioritize wellness without sacrificing fun. And it's refreshing to see that more people are realizing you don't have to drink to have a good time - or a good life. As the trend keeps building momentum, the alcohol industry might finally be facing a shift it can't outrun. Because when the choice is between another hangover or an energizing morning workout, more people are starting to realize which one feels better - and that's a reality no brand can ignore. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Miami Herald
26-04-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
Forget Apple Watch and Fitbit - try these AI smart shirts instead
What if your shirt knew you were slouching - before you did? Forget bulky straps, awkward bands, and wrist-based guesswork. A new generation of AI-powered smart clothing is being built to do what your fitness tracker can't: read your body, track your posture, and learn your movement - all without you logging a thing. Related: Popular fitness tracker's latest update outrages users This isn't the future. It's already here. And it looks like a T-shirt. Meet SeamFit - a smart T-shirt developed by researchers at Cornell University. It looks like your everyday workout tee, but inside the seams? Tech that tracks your form without changing your routine. The shirt uses flexible conductive threads sewn into the neck, arms, and sides. These threads respond to motion - sensing stretch, pressure, and positioning as you move. A small circuit board clipped at the neckline gathers that data and sends it via Bluetooth to a paired device, where lightweight AI models interpret what's happening in real time. Related: Nike rival hits sneaker giant where it hurts No button pressing. No app logging. No special movements required. In testing, SeamFit recognized 14 different exercises with over 93% accuracy. It also tracked reps with near-perfect precision - all without needing to calibrate for individual users. What makes SeamFit stand out isn't just what it tracks - it's how wearably normal it is. Most smart clothing in this category relies on compression fits, stiff fabrics, or rigid sensors. SeamFit keeps the feel and flexibility of a regular tee. After your workout, you simply remove the clip-on board and toss the shirt in the laundry. That simplicity opens the door for wider use. Researchers envision the shirt as not just a fitness tool, but also a rehab and recovery companion - perfect for physical therapy patients who need posture cues or rep monitoring without clinical setups. As doctoral researcher Catherine Yu puts it: "We wanted to push the practicality, so that people can treat it the way they would usually treat their clothing." And this could be just the start. The team sees a future where replacing a single thread in a production line could turn any shirt into a smart one. "I'm imagining one day, you open your closet and there's really no difference between smart and nonsmart clothing," Yu said. So maybe your next fitness upgrade isn't on your wrist or your phone. Maybe it will be hanging right in your closet. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Miami Herald
25-04-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Here's what the average American spends on their pets each year
If your dog's bed is nicer than your own or your cat's snacks cost more than a dinner out, you're not alone. Pet care isn't just a line item anymore - it's a lifestyle. From gourmet treats and luxury grooming to holiday gifts and birthday parties, pet spending has gone far beyond the basics. In many households, pets are the most pampered family members, and the receipts show it. Related: White Board Finance shares how to not get ripped off buying a car According to a new survey from ValuePenguin, American pet owners are spending big on their furry friends, and many are doing it without a financial plan. In fact, most aren't just willing to stretch their budgets - they're willing to break them. The survey reveals that 73% of pet owners would be willing to go into debt to save their pet's life, but just 28% have pet insurance to help them do it. That mismatch highlights a growing financial tension in the U.S. People treat pets like family, but don't budget for them the same way. On average, Americans spend about $1,750 per year per pet - a total that includes food, grooming, toys, and medical expenses. Related: Here's Kim Kardashian's key to business success But it's the surprise vet visits that can throw even the most loyal pet parent off course. Nearly half of pet owners (49%) have faced an emergency vet visit or serious medical issue. When those unexpected moments hit, they cost an average of $902 - a sum many households aren't prepared for. Despite rising costs, most owners are still operating without a safety net. Pet insurance adoption remains low, with many citing confusing policies or believing they simply "won't need it." But the data suggest otherwise. From unexpected injuries to chronic conditions, veterinary care is one of the fastest-growing segments of pet spending. And unlike a phone or a car, skipping a fix isn't an option. This financial strain doesn't always look like a crisis. Sometimes it's just one more credit card charge. Other times, it's a tough decision at the vet's office. Either way, the survey shows one thing clearly: Americans are emotionally ready to do anything for their pets - but financially, most aren't even close to being prepared. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Miami Herald
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Money expert shares how to not get ripped off buying a car
Buying a car can be one of the most confusing financial decisions the average person makes. It's packed with paperwork, aggressive sales tactics, and a maze of numbers that can leave you second-guessing everything. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Dealerships are experts at making the process feel urgent, emotional, and complex. That pressure leads many buyers to focus on the wrong things - like the monthly payment - without fully understanding the cost of the deal they're signing. Related: Your car dealership experience is about to get much, much worse It's no accident that so many buyers leave feeling unsure if they actually got a good deal. That's exactly what Marko from WhiteBoard Finance wants to help you avoid. In a video titled "How To Buy a Car & Not Get Ripped Off," Marko walks through how the Four Square method works - and how dealerships use it to their advantage. Marko explains this system - a paper with four boxes used to negotiate: your trade-in value, the vehicle price, your down payment, and your monthly payment. "These are all meant to be negotiation pieces," he says. The tactic starts with "silently devaluing your trade," like pointing out minor chips or dents to make your car seem worth less. Then they present inflated monthly payments to provoke a reaction. Related: This travel trend is growing fast, and it's not about luxury "The numbers are meant to offend you," Marko explains. "They want you to beat them up so you feel like you got a deal." He describes how salespeople walk buyers through the form quickly, often asking them to initial the page. "That initialing portion is very important... it's psychological," he says. "You feel bad about initialing and going back on your word." He warns that most people will focus only on down payments and monthly payments- and that's where dealerships make their money. "Payments are most important to them. Remember that." Marko's advice is clear: take control before you walk into the dealership. Get pre-approved. "Talk to a local credit union… get pre-approved or even get a certified check."Negotiate the car first. "Do not tell them you have a trade. Negotiate the car that you really like and act as if you don't have a trade."Keep numbers separate. Dealers may give you a good deal on the car, but only by lowballing your your limits. "People have needed to be at $300 a month for the last 20 years. That's where everyone wants to be." He emphasizes: the money isn't made on selling the car - it's in financing. "They don't make money selling cars… that's the smallest portion of profit." Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Walmart Selling $1100 Samsung Smart TV for $600: 'Truly a Game-Changer'
The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Walmart has marked down a highly-rated 70" Samsung TV to a remarkably affordable price. If you're needing a smart TV to watch the rest of March Madness, or you just want a great screen for spring and summer movie nights, this TV could be the right choice for you. The Samsung 70" QLED 4K Smart TV is on sale for $603.75, regularly $1100. This impressive TV boasts a 4.6 out of 5 star rating, with reviewers raving about the television's ease of setup and breathtaking picture quality. The TV boasts features you might expect in a much more expensive model. It has 100% color volume with Quantum Dot technology for a "lifelike" picture, a quantum processor lite with 4k optimization, warm and cool Dual LED backlights, quantum HDR, Motion Xcelerator for smooth clarity, AirSlim design, and more. And right now, shipping is free. One person writes, "The Q60C's Quantum Dot technology is truly a game-changer, delivering an astonishingly vibrant color palette that breathes life into every scene... Paired with its 4K resolution, the level of detail is simply breathtaking." Walmart writes about the TV: "This lean, mean 4K machine is primed for your leap into Quantum Dot technology—and a bold new world of color and contrast. Take your entire viewing experience to the next level with the elevated audio and astounding picture quality of Samsung QLED. Not only will you see your TV shows and movies instantly transformed into 4K, but you'll also take in a billion shades of unwavering color, beautifully balanced by dedicated warm and cool Dual LED backlights. Details are unveiled with contrast adjusted to ideal levels as each frame is analyzed and refined with Quantum HDR. Beyond amazing visuals, you'll be drawn in by 3D surround sound that moves alongside the action–with even more immersive sound available with the addition of a Samsung soundbar." One reviewer writes, "The channels and applications are very easy to navigate through and adding additional subscriptions is a breeze via the Home Screen. Watching football is like being stood on the sideline. My favourite sport the MotoGP is fabulous viewing, almost like standing on the edge of the track and experiencing the atmosphere." Another customer shares, "I'm in my 70s and had no problem setting this TV up and operating. Great picture. I really like the simplicity of the remote control." A third customer notes, "The picture quality is simply breathtaking, with vibrant colors and sharp details that bring every scene to life." At Walmart, you can get expert help with TV wall mounting for just an additional $79. And the TV comes with a free 30-day return option.
