Latest news with #Western-style
Indianapolis Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
New boots inspired by the vinyl on Chili's booths start at $345
Chili's fans may soon be new boot goofin'. The Tex-Mex and American restaurant chain has partnered with Tecovas, a Texas-based cowboy boot and Western-style retailer, to release Booth Boots. The deep red cowboy boots, marketed as being made from the same material as Chili's restaurant booths, are available only on the Tecovas website, starting July 29. "The limited-edition Chili's x Tecovas collection pays tribute to two American originals, pairing the design and craft of Tecovas with Chili's iconic red booth, where so many good stories begin," Sam Fodrowski, Tecovas' vice president of brand and product marketing, said in a news release. "It's unexpected, fun and crafted with the same care and attention to detail we bring to everything we do." The Booth Boots are available in men's and women's. The women's boot is based on Tecovas' best-selling Annie design. The 14-inch-tall boot features a forward snip toe and 2-inch heel. The men's boot is based on Tecovas' Garrett design. The 12-inch-tall boot features a snip toe, 1.2-inch leather heel and pull tab. Both boots are adorned with chili pepper stitching. In addition to the two boots, Tecovas and Chili's are offering a Booth Belt, a handcrafted belt embellished with a chili pepper and brass buckle. Interested in getting your hands on a pair of the Booth Boots? Here's what we know. No April Fools': Chili's is opening a 'Scranton Branch' that celebrates 'The Office' The Booth Boots will only be available on the Tecovas website, while supplies last, starting at 10 a.m. CT on July 29. Both the men's and women's Booth Boots are $345. The Booth Belt is $75. No, the Booth Boots are not made from old Chili's booths. The boots are though made from red vinyl, the same material used to craft Chili's booths, Jesse Johnson, Chili's vice president of marketing, told USA TODAY. Several Tecovas locations are celebrating the Booth Boot with free Chili's margaritas, exclusive Chili's pepper branding irons and other giveaways. Here's a look at the schedule: TikTok creator Fernanda Castro described the Chili's and Tecovas collaboration as a "Texas version of a royal wedding," as both brands are based in Texas. Notably, the Chili's at 4420 N. Lamar Boulevard in Austin, Texas – which is where Tecovas is based – has garnered widespread attention online for its plethora of positive online reviews. Ahead of the widespread release, several content creators were sent their own pairs of Booth Boots, which have been circulating on social media for a few days. "This reminds me of the time where I'm about to put on my Chili's Booth Boots and go to the booth at Chili's and sit in with my Booth Boots in the booth," content creator Robert Rausch said in a TikTok video.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Hovering over the toilet? You may be hurting your bladder
New Delhi: Hovering over public toilets to avoid germs may seem hygienic, but doctors warn it can harm your bladder. The half-squat position often adopted by women prevents full bladder emptying, increasing the risk of urine retention, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and long-term pelvic floor issues. "It causes increased bladder pressure and can raise the risk of UTIs, bladder irritation, and even long-term problems," said Dr Nikhil Khattar, associate director, urology, PSRI Hospital. He explained that when this posture is used regularly, it trains the body into a habit of incomplete urination. This affects how the bladder muscles function, and may eventually cause symptoms like frequent urgency, leakage or difficulty emptying the bladder fully. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi "Retained urine also provides a good environment for bacteria to grow, which increases the chance of recurrent UTIs and, in some cases, even kidney infections," he said. The risks are similar when people delay urinating for too long, which many do in public places to avoid using unclean restrooms. "Whether you are holding your urine or not sitting properly while passing it, both habits harm the pelvic floor muscles and interfere with normal bladder emptying," Dr Khattar added. Dr Neelam Suri, senior consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said the full squat position — as used with traditional Indian toilets — is much healthier. "In a full squat, the pelvic muscles relax fully, making it easier to empty both the bladder and bowel," she said. "Half-squatting or hovering keeps the muscles tense and doesn't allow proper urination." According to her, many women hover over Western-style toilets out of fear of infection. But the posture itself can do more harm in the long run. "Studies suggest that hovering increases the risk of incomplete urination and pelvic strain, which can lead to chronic issues," she added. Dr Gaurav Garg, senior consultant, urology, Max Smart Hospital, Saket, also said long-term half-squatting can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction and stress incontinence — where urine leaks out during coughing, sneezing or physical activity. "Many women who come to us with these issues don't realise it's linked to their posture during urination," he said. Doctors also clarified a common myth: simply sitting on a public toilet seat doesn't directly cause UTIs. "UTIs are primarily caused by bacteria like E. coli entering the urethra and multiplying in the urinary tract," said Dr Khattar. "Poor hygiene, improper wiping, touching contaminated surfaces or not washing hands properly are bigger risks. The toilet seat itself is rarely the cause." D r Atul Goswami, director of urology and uro-oncology at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, said awareness is key and women should feel empowered to sit properly by using tools like disposable seat covers or toilet seat sanitisers when using public toilets. "Touching the seat is not as dangerous as incomplete urination, which can cause real and lasting harm," he said. Experts stressed the need to educate women about proper toilet habits and break the widespread fear around public toilet seats. "We must spread the message that sitting properly and emptying the bladder fully is essential for good urinary health," said Dr Suri. In a country where access to clean public toilets remains a challenge, doctors say small changes — like carrying hygiene products and choosing to sit instead of hover — can help protect long-term health. What feels like a quick fix may be doing silent damage, and the best choice might just be the one that feels most uncomfortable: sitting down.
The Mainichi
3 days ago
- The Mainichi
Retro Japan: 1907 mansion with 1st electric lights, phone in Tottori Pref. retains elegance
TOTTORI -- The " Jinpukaku" mansion built in 1907 had the first electric lights and telephone line in west Japan's Tottori Prefecture and still retains its grace nearly 120 years later. Within the Tottori Castle ruins in the city of Tottori stands the elegant white Western-style mansion. This two-story wooden structure based on the French Renaissance style with a tiled hipped roof was constructed by Marquis Nakahiro Ikeda (1877-1948), the 14th head of the Tottori Ikeda family, in 1907 as a lodging for then Crown Prince Yoshihito (who would later become Emperor Taisho between 1912 and 1926) during his visit to the Sanin region. Designed by Tokuma Katayama (1854-1917), who also worked on the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace, in Tokyo among other buildings, the mansion was named by the then Imperial Japanese Navy's Admiral Heihachiro Togo (1848-1934), who accompanied the crown prince. The building's facade features semicircular gable ornaments, with an octagonal spire accentuating the right side. An open veranda graces the rear of the mansion. Inside, a spiral staircase with its beautiful curves and without pillars remains as it was originally. Jinpukaku was the first location in Tottori Prefecture to have electric lights and a telephone, symbolizing modernization. It withstood both the 1943 Tottori earthquake and the 1952 Tottori Great Fire. The building overcame the threat of demolition due to aging through preservation efforts and was designated an important cultural property of Japan in 1973. Currently, the mansion is undergoing major renovations and is scheduled to reopen in 2028. (Japanese original by Takao Kitamura, Osaka Photo and Video Department) * * * The Japanese version of this article was originally published on April 23, 2023. * * * This series explores Japan's architectural wonders and secrets of yesteryear. Read more Retro Japan articles here.
Los Angeles Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Hong Kong police offer rewards for tips leading to the arrest of 19 overseas activists
HONG KONG — Hong Kong police announced rewards for information leading to the arrest of 19 overseas-based activists for their roles in what they called a subversive organization abroad, accusing them of violating a national security law imposed by Beijing. Police said in a statement Friday that the group, Hong Kong Parliament, aimed to promote self-determination and establish a 'Hong Kong constitution,' alleging it was using illegal means to overthrow and undermine China's fundamental system or usurp the institutions in power in Hong Kong or Beijing. At the request of the police, the city's court issued arrest warrants for activists Elmer Yuen, Johnny Fok, Tony Choi, Victor Ho, Keung Ka-wai and 14 others. They are alleged to have organized or participated in an election abroad for the Hong Kong Parliament, as well as setting up or becoming members of the group. According to a Facebook statement by the group on June 30, its election drew some 15,700 valid votes through mobile app and online voting systems. It said the candidates and elected members came from various regions, including Taiwan, Thailand, Australia, the U.S., Canada and Britain. While the group calls itself Hong Kong Parliament, its electoral organizing committee was founded in Canada and its influence is limited. Police already offered 1 million Hong Kong dollars, or about $127,400, for information leading to the arrest of Yuen, Ho, Fok and Choi when previous arrest warrants were issued against them. For the other 15, rewards of 200,000 Hong Kong dollars were offered, and residents were urged to provide information about the case or the people. 'The investigation is still ongoing. If necessary, police will offer bounties to hunt down more suspects in the case,' police said. They also called on the wanted activists to stop their activities, saying that they hoped they 'will take this opportunity to return to Hong Kong and turn themselves in, rather than making more mistakes.' Yuen said in a Facebook Live broadcast that the election was not quite successful in drawing active participation, and that the police campaign would help the group rally support for the resistance movement. 'It helps us with a lot of advertising,' Yuen said. During the live chat with Yuen, Sasha Gong, another activist targeted by the bounties, accused Hong Kong of becoming a police state. She said she is a U.S. citizen and would report her case to the American authorities and lawmakers. Over the last two years, Hong Kong authorities have issued arrest warrants for various activists based overseas, including former pro-democracy lawmakers Nathan Law and Ted Hui. Authorities also canceled the passports of some of them under a recent security law introduced to the city last year. The moves against overseas-based activists have drawn criticism from foreign governments, especially given the former British colony was promised that its Western-style civil liberties and semi-autonomy would be kept intact for at least 50 years when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997. U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said in a joint statement that the warrants and bounties on people living in Britain are 'another example of transnational repression,' and that the act encourages reckless behavior on U.K. soil. In March, the United States sanctioned six Chinese and Hong Kong officials who it alleged were involved in 'transnational repression' and acts that threaten to further erode the city's autonomy. Beijing and Hong Kong contend that the national security laws were necessary for the city's stability. Hong Kong police have maintained that the Beijing-imposed law applies to permanent residents in Hong Kong who violate it abroad. In retaliation for the U.S. move, China in April said it would sanction American officials, lawmakers and leaders of nongovernmental organizations who it says have 'performed poorly' on Hong Kong issues. Leung writes for the Associated Press.
Boston Globe
4 days ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Hong Kong police offer rewards for tips leading to the arrest of 19 overseas activists
Advertisement According to a Facebook statement by the group on June 30, its election drew some 15,700 valid votes through mobile app and online voting systems. It said the candidates and elected members came from various regions, including Taiwan, Thailand, Australia, the US, Canada, and Britain. While the group calls itself Hong Kong Parliament, its electoral organizing committee was founded in Canada and its influence is limited. Among the 19 activists, police have already offered 1 million Hong Kong dollars ($127,400) for information leading to the arrest of Yuen, Ho, Fok, and Choi when previous arrest warrants were issued against them. For the remaining 15 people, rewards of 200,000 Hong Kong dollars ($25,480) were offered, urging residents to provide information about the case or the people. Advertisement 'The investigation is still ongoing. If necessary, police will offer bounties to hunt down more suspects in the case,' police said. They also called on those wanted to stop their actions while they still can, saying that they hoped the activists 'will take this opportunity to return to Hong Kong and turn themselves in, rather than making more mistakes.' Yuen said in a Facebook live broadcast that the election was not quite successful in drawing active participation, and that the police campaign would help the group rally support for the resistance movement. 'It helps us with a lot of advertising,' Yuen said. During the live chat with Yuen on Facebook, Sasha Gong, another person targeted by the bounties, accused Hong Kong of becoming a police state. She said she is US citizen and would report her case to the US authorities and lawmakers. Over the past two years, Hong Kong authorities have issued arrest warrants for various activists based overseas, including former pro-democracy lawmakers Nathan Law and Ted Hui. They also canceled the passports of some of them under a recent security law introduced in the city last year. The moves against overseas-based activists have drawn criticism from foreign governments, especially given the former British colony was promised that its Western-style civil liberties and semi-autonomy would be kept intact for at least 50 years when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997. In March, the United States sanctioned six Chinese and Hong Kong officials who it alleged were involved in 'transnational repression' and acts that threaten to further erode the city's autonomy. But Beijing and Hong Kong insist the national security laws were necessary for the city's stability. Hong Kong police have maintained that the Beijing-imposed law applies to permanent residents in Hong Kong who violate it abroad. Advertisement In retaliation for the US move, China in April said it would sanction US officials, lawmakers, and leaders of non-governmental organizations who it says have 'performed poorly' on Hong Kong issues.
