Latest news with #addictive
BBC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
British Open pickleball player says it is most addictive sport
A pickleball player who is one of 2,000 competing in the English Open in Shropshire has said the game is "the most addictive sport" she has played. Sally Grace turned to the sport after spending much of her life playing tennis, which once saw her compete for Great Britain as a junior. Despite taking on pickleball as a hobby, Ms Grace has ended up competing internationally, and picked up two gold medals at last year's competition. For the third time, the 2025 British Open is taking place across 40 courts at Telford's International Centre. Ms Grace said she quickly "caught the bug" three years ago, when she started pickleball - a smaller version of tennis using a foam paddle and hollow plastic ball. "I just thought it would be something I do for fun, having had a lifetime of competing, and here we are at the English open which is such a phenomenal event," she said. "I didn't think it would be all these competitions - I just thought it would be a nice Monday night. "But the thing with pickleball is its completely addictive, so as soon as you start playing you get the bug you just want to be out there." Ms Grace, competing in the over 50s tournament, is one of 2,348 players from 41 countries playing this competing is a team of Ukrainian players who are attending the event for the first time. Anna Glotova co-founded the Ukrainian Pickleball Federation for people who had been injured or affected by the war in her home country. "We want to help our people to be resilient and to go back to normal, for our veterans and our civilians who got injured during the war," she said."Many many people have been injured, so it's important for us to bring them back into society because it's about movement, it's about being involved, it's about not being isolated." Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Time Out
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Celebrate all things K-Pop at the Crypto.com Arena this weekend
For K-Pop stans, Christmas comes in August when KCON returns to Los Angeles and the Arena for a weekend of fans and artists uniting in their love of the music, the choreography and the art. The global phenomenon is officially here to stay in the U.S., thanks to its slick dances, addictive hooks and rabid fandoms all wrapped in dazzling technicolor. And KCON brings it all together under one roof for unmissable performances—all boasting precisely choreographed moves, of course. Since its creation in 2012, KCON has welcomed hundreds of thousands of fans to celebrate K-Pop and Korean culture, including food, fashion and more. The 2025 KCON looks to build on the huge success of last year's installment, running August 1–3 with performances by top K-Pop stars including NCT 127, aespa, Baby Don't Cry, AllDayProject, MONSTA X, Hwasa, P1Harmony, ZEROBASEONE, RIIZE, Lee Young-ji, Roy Kim, Jackson Wang, MEOVV and many more. In addition to the performance, fans will also have opportunities to enjoy panel discussions, K-beauty workshops, and authentic Korean cultural experiences. (Not to mention that L.A.'s very own Koreatown is just a quick drive away from the arena.) Sung Han Bin will serve as MC for all three days, with additional MCs Seok Matthew, Ricky, and Zhang Hao joining for one day each. Last year's KCON included a primetime live broadcast on the CW, the very first time a K-pop concert aired nationwide, as well as a diverse lineup of K-pop artists from the first to the fifth generation. The 2024 installment saw over 125,000 people attend in person, with 5.8 million viewers tuning in via digital platforms. The ultimate celebration of Korean pop culture, what started as a niche convention has exploded into a global phenomenon, drawing thousands of fans to immerse themselves in all things Hallyu. Part music festival, part cultural fair and all screaming fans, KCON has become a love letter to Korean culture. Whether you're a longtime stan or just curious, KCON offers an unforgettable weekend of connection, creativity and choreography.
Daily Mail
29-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Inside the wildly popular gas station drug RFK Jr. wants to ban to prevent the next opioid crisis
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is cracking down on an opioid-like substance that has gone wildly viral for its addictive properties, misleading marketing and its wide availability. The Department of Health and Human Services recommended on Tuesday that the Drug Enforcement Agency schedule 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) - a compound that appears in kratom leafs - as a class one illicit substance. Kennedy says the hope is that scheduling it as a controlled substance will help 'prevent the fourth wave of addiction' in the U.S. and Food and Drug Commissioner Marty Makary says it's 13 times more potent than morphine. Currently, drinks, gummies and supplements with trace amounts of 7-OH from the kratom plant are widely available for purchase at smoke shops and convenience stores. Some kratom plant products – like Feel Free botanical tonics – have recently gone viral with consumers claiming they quickly became addicted and dependent on the substance available at their local gas stations. HHS recognizes the increase in reports of overdoses and emergency room visits linked to products containing 7-OH, many times from young people, veterans and people suffering from chronic pain. Many who consume 7-OH claim they were not aware they were taking an addictive product. Others who bought it thought they were purchasing a product with the potency of an energy drink. RFK Jr. and Makary warn that if 7-OH is allowed to remain on shelves, it will result in another opioid-crisis like in the 1990s and 2010s. During a Tuesday press conference, the two officials announced they are initiating the process to have the DEA classify 7-OH as an illegal controlled substance. They cited its opioid-like effects on the brain as justification for the scheduling. It can take months and even years for drugs to get official scheduling by the DEA, but leadership at HHS and FDA make clear that this is a priority and suggest the process will be expedited. The DEA must review the recommendation, which can take between two and six months. Then the rule must be opened for a public comment period, which is between 30 and 60 days. During this time, advocates for the use of kratom leaf are likely to come out in opposition of the drug classification. There are many kratom leaf products, like teas and other drinks, that do not fall in the same category as products that have trace amounts of 7-OH. Makary made very clear that the FDA was not focusing on kratom leaf and only the 7-OH compound. Companies that use kratom leaf with trace amounts of 7-OH in their products claim they help with relaxation and pain, as well as assist with productivity and focus. Makary said: '7-OH is not just like an opioid, it does not just have opioid binding properties. 7-OH binds to the mu receptor, which means, scientifically by definition, it is an opioid.' Products with 7-OH claim to help people with relaxation, pain management, productivity and focus. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said at a press conference on Tuesday: '7-OH binds to the mu receptor, which means, scientifically by definition, it is an opioid' 'And yet it is sold in vape stores, in smoke shops and convenience stores and gas stations that are popping up all over the United States, and nobody knows what it is,' Markay lamented during a press conference at the HHS building on Tuesday. 'It is a synthetic concentrated by-product of kratom. Our focus is not on kratom. Our focus is on 7-OH,' he added. Deputy HHS Secretary Jim O'Neill warned: '7-OH carries a high risk of addiction, on purpose. It is a powerful opioid agonist, many times more potent than morphine,' sold online and in stores with no quality or dosage constraints. 'Young people, veterans and people who suffer from chronic pain or addiction are being misled into thinking that these are safe alternatives. They are not,' he concluded. RFK Jr. opened up about his years-long struggle with heroin addiction and said part of the HHS effort to schedule 7-OH is also to educate the American public about the threat it poses. 'When there is availability that can become a crisis,' Secretary Kennedy said. 'And my addiction started because of, let me say this, it was precipitated by availability.' Kennedy said that he met with Attorney General Pam Bondi this week regarding the action and that she showed the correlation between a high concentration of vape and smoke shops to areas where addiction-related deaths are happening in higher volumes. 'Vape stores are popping up in every neighborhood in America, and many are selling addictive products like concentrated 7-OH,' Makary said. 'After the last wave of the opioid epidemic, we cannot get caught flat-footed again.'
Winnipeg Free Press
28-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Winnipeg Free Press
Chutney is perfect for warm-weather cooking and eating
What are you topping your favourite summer foods with this season? Ketchup, relish, mustard, mayo and barbecue sauce may be your go-to condiments, but there are more choices to kick up the flavour in your summer fare. Hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, barbecued meats, sandwiches, salads or skewers will all be tastier with chutneys. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Fruit-rich summer is the perfect season to experiment wirh chutneys, such as (clockwise from top) Tomato-Strawberry Chutney, Pineapple Chutney, Mint-Cilantro Chutney, Mango Chutney and Coconut Chutney. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Fruit-rich summer is the perfect season to experiment wirh chutneys, such as (clockwise from top) Tomato-Strawberry Chutney, Pineapple Chutney, Mint-Cilantro Chutney, Mango Chutney and Coconut Chutney. With origins in India, chutneys are a sauce-like mixture made from fruits, vegetables or dried fruits, combined with vinegar or lime juice, salt, sugar, spices and herbs. Hailing from the Hindi word 'chatna' which means 'to lick,' chutneys are sometimes referred to as a side dish, owing to their chunky, thick texture. They're also visually appealing: the redness of tomato-strawberry chutney, the deep green of mint- cilantro chutney and the golden yellow of mango or pineapple chutney are eye-catching. Chutneys are a unique blend of salty, sweet, sour and spicy flavours. The acidity of vinegar or lime juice gives them their tanginess and also preserves them. Chutneys are so addictive, you can easily enjoy a spoonful or two on their own. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Chutneys make great gifts if you are going to a picnic or barbecue. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Chutneys make great gifts if you are going to a picnic or barbecue. Unlike store-bought condiments, where salt, sugar and additive levels can be high, homemade versions are fresh, natural and healthy. You could say no Indian meal is complete without at least one chutney. They are also a complement to Indian appetizers and snacks, both hot and cold. For samosas or vegetable fritters, as well as the street-food snacks bhel puri and papri chaat, tamarind chutney and mint-cilantro chutney are the signature condiments. The versatility and variety of this condiment will bring out your creative touch. Think of a fruit and you probably can make a chutney: mango, pineapple, papaya, pear, plum, coconut, cherry, strawberry, tomatoes and apples all work well. Fruit-rich summer is the perfect season to experiment, and they make great gifts if you are going to a picnic or barbecue. While fruit chutneys tend to be more popular than vegetable varieties, some veggie options are onion, pumpkin, sweet potato, rhubarb and zucchini. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Tomato-Strawberry Chutney pairs two summer stalwarts. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Tomato-Strawberry Chutney pairs two summer stalwarts. There are some distinct chutneys made with herbs and spices as the main ingredients, such as mint- cilantro and ginger. They have a pungent aroma and sharp taste. If you can handle the heat, then try green or red chili chutney. Dried fruits — think dates, prunes, raisins, tamarind, cranberries, apricots and figs — make festive chutneys that offer sweetness, warmth and spice. While chutneys can be eaten right away, it is preferable to preserve them in air-sealed, sterilized jars stored in a dry, dark and cool space. The flavour will be enhanced when the condiment is stored for a while, from a few weeks to a month. Once opened, the jar of chutney must be refrigerated and eaten within a few weeks. This season, reach for some colourful and creative chutneys to pair with summer menus. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Pineapple is one of many fruit that can be quickly made into a chutney. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Pineapple is one of many fruit that can be quickly made into a chutney. Preparation: 20 minutes Serves: 7-9 people Wash mango, green chilies and cilantro. Chop mango and discard mango seed. Chop green chilies and cilantro. Place all ingredients, including garlic, ginger, lime juice, salt and sugar in blender. Blend on high for 2-3 minutes. Ensure mixture is thoroughly blended. Blend for 1-2 minutes more, if necessary. Use as a condiment for summer foods. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Don't forget herbs, as in this Mint- Cilantro Chutney. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Don't forget herbs, as in this Mint- Cilantro Chutney. Preparation: 20 minutes Serves: 7-9 people Wash and chop cilantro and remove excess stems. Wash and chop mint leaves and remove excess stems. Place cilantro, mint leaves, green chilies, garlic, ginger, lime juice, salt and sugar in blender. Blend on high for 2-3 minutes. If using mango pulp, add here and blend for 2 minutes. Ensure mixture is thoroughly blended. Blend for 1-2 minutes more, if necessary. Serve with Indian appetizers and fritters. Romona Goomansingh is an educator, freelance writer and author in Winnipeg.
Indian Express
17-07-2025
- Indian Express
Gujarat ATS nabs major distributors of Alprazolam, Tramadol drugs from MP, Rajasthan
Six months after arresting six persons for 'illegally' manufacturing highly addictive and regulatory restricted-class of benzodiazepine and opioid psychotropic drugs in Gujarat, the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Thursday said it had placed under arrest three major dealers who had purchased stockpiles from the manufacturers. The manufacturers are based in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. On January 23 this year, the Gujarat ATS had raided Greenlife Industries in Neja village of Anand district's Khambhat taluka. They had uncovered an illicit manufacturing unit producing narcotic substances and seized 107 kg of Alprazolam, valued at around Rs 107 crore, along with 2,518 kg of other chemicals, which were enough to manufacture 42.8 crore more tablets of the restricted drug. By January 28 this year, the ATS had seized 500 kg of Tramadol linked to this same criminal operation, from a warehouse in Dholka, Ahmedabad. A total of five accused, involved in this illegal drug manufacturing racket, had been arrested. They were identified as Vijay Makwana, Hemant Patel, Lalji Makwana, Ranjit Dabhi, and Jaydeep Makwana. The ATS also arrested a sixth person, Ajay Jain, who was purchasing the drugs from these manufacturers. A case had been registered against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act at the ATS police station. Now, six months later, the Gujarat ATS has arrested three men — two from Madhya Pradesh and one from Rajasthan — for not just purchasing stockpiles of these illegally manufactured drugs but also for allegedly having paid advance amounts for manufacturing more illicit products. A statement from the ATS on Thursday said that during the probe, Inspector C H Panara, the Investigating Officer (IO), along with his team, discovered that the accused Ajay Jain was illegally obtaining psychotropic substance Alprazolam from co-accused Vijay Makwana and selling it to Aslam Khan, Kaluram Patidar, and Sakil Mohammad. 'It was further revealed that previously Aslam Khan had paid Rs 15 lakh through angadia (traditional cash courier) for a 5-kg consignment of Alprazolam, while Kaluram Patidar and Sakil Mohammad had paid Rs 30 lakh for an 11 kg consignment of Alprazolam. Additionally, it was found that an advance payment of Rs 30 lakh had also been made by these individuals for the production of 107 kg of Alprazolam,' said the statement. Based on the investigation, a team led by Police Inspector D D Rahevar was formed to locate, apprehend and arrest these wanted accused. The team apprehended Aslam Khan from Jaora in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam, Kaluram Patidar from Jiriyakhedi in MP's Rajgarh district, and Sakil Mohammad from Bhawani Mandi in Rajasthan's Jhalawar, within 72 hours. A senior ATS official, speaking to The Indian Express said that the probe into the case remained underway as investigators were trying to bust the entire racket. Alprazolam, which falls under the benzodiazepines class of drugs, is a tranquillizing agent used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Its manufacture is highly restricted in India due to scope of misuse and is also an offence under the NDPS Act. Tramadol is an opiate pain reliever whose manufacturing and sale is highly restricted in India owning to the possibility of misuse as well.
