Latest news with #expert
CNET
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- CNET
Why Your Bathroom Desperately Needs Cleaning Now
Summer is in full swing. Between vacations, pool and beach trips, keeping your bathroom clean can feel like an impossible task. It's a room that's used every day, but knowing where to start can be a chore in itself. Cleaning may not be the most exciting thing for everyone to do, but your bathroom is one of the rooms you should regularly spruce up. This will help eliminate and limit the amount of germs and bacteria from festering in your home. It doesn't matter if your powder room is long overdue for a deep clean or if you're just curious about a cleaning cadence; we will provide you with insight. Whether scrubbing your toilet or degunking your shower head, this guide makes freshening up your restroom easy and simple. Read more: 15 Filthy Spots That Survived Your Spring Cleaning Rampage, According to an Expert 8 bathroom items you should clean regularly Bathroom rug Once a week, toss the bathroom rug in the washer. Wash it on the gentle cycle in warm water and let it air dry (especially if it has a no-slip grip on the back) before putting it back in place. If you're unsure, always follow the washing instructions on the tag. Toilet David Watsky/CNET If you live alone, you can probably get by cleaning the toilet every few days. If you have kids, the rules change. The outside, handle and seat should get a once-a-day wipedown with an antibacterial cleaner or wipe. Most families can get by with cleaning the bowl once a week, particularly if you use this toilet tank tip. If you have tough stains or gunk in your toilet bowl, we advise pouring Coke (yes, the soda) into a spray bottle and then saturating the stain with the drink. Let it sit for a few hours. You can then easily scrub away the stain with a toilet brush. Shower curtain Once a month, you should take down your fabric or plastic shower curtain and throw it in the wash. Here are five tips for cleaning your shower curtain in the washing machine. Shower and tub You only need to clean your shower and tub once a week, but if you have a glass shower door, it needs a little more attention. To prevent the build-up of soap scum and keep the glass looking spotless, use a squeegee to wipe away water after every shower. These few seconds can save you from scrubbing at the end of the week. Bath towels Josh Miller/CNET My family has had this debate for years. How often should you wash bath towels? Well, it depends. Every three to four uses is a good rule of thumb, but there are some conditions where a towel should be washed after one use. Here's how to know when to wash your towels. Sink The germs from your hands collect on the sink knobs and in the sink bowl when you wash your hands. So, even if you live alone, the sink needs a good wipe down every day with an all-purpose cleaner or antibacterial cleaning wipe. Mirror Like the sink, the mirror needs a daily wipe down to remove lint, dust and toothpaste specks. Simply wipe it down with a microfiber cloth after you step out of the bath or shower. Hair dryer Yes, even your hair dryer needs a proper cleaning schedule to prevent it from overheating. Here's a simple way to clean a hair dryer in just a few minutes. More cleaning tips and tricks
New York Times
a day ago
- Business
- New York Times
Live Q&A: Blue Jays trade deadline talk with Mitch Bannon at 11:30 a.m. ET Tuesday
The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching. After 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, teams will be unable to deal players on the 40-man roster this season. Our Blue Jays expert Mitch Bannon will answer your questions about the team's deadline approach, and whatever else you might want to know about the surging club, beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday. Feel free to leave your questions below before then.
Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
5 ChatGPT Prompts To Become The Go-To Expert In Your Niche Overnight
5 ChatGPT prompts to become the go-to expert in your niche overnight Nobody gives you authority. You earn it by being clear, consistent and useful. Most people stay general because they're scared to own their edge. But playing safe keeps you invisible while your dream clients are looking for someone who actually gets them. What if you could position yourself as the obvious expert by tomorrow morning? Stop trying to appeal to everyone and start speaking directly to the people who need exactly what you offer. The difference between forgettable and unforgettable is specificity, and these prompts can help. Copy, paste and edit the square brackets in ChatGPT, and keep the same chat window open so the context carries through. Use ChatGPT to claim your expert status If you don't claim your niche, someone else will. Most people describe their audience in vague terms like "entrepreneurs" or "busy professionals." That's not an audience. That's a category. Get laser focused on exactly who you serve. Name them, know their specific struggles, understand what keeps them up at night. The clearer you are about who you help, the easier it becomes for them to find you. Make yourself the obvious choice by being impossibly specific. "Based on what you know about me and my business, help me define my exact target audience in 10 words or fewer. Ask me clarifying questions about who I've helped most successfully, what transformations I create, and what specific problems I solve. Then create three versions of my audience definition, each more specific than the last. End with the most focused 10-word description that makes it crystal clear who I serve." Your audience doesn't buy what they need. They buy what they think they need. There's always a gap between the actual problem and what they believe the solution looks like. The experts who win understand both sides. They speak to what clients think they want while delivering what actually works. Stop guessing what matters to your people. Let them tell you exactly where they're stuck, then position yourself as the bridge between their current reality and their desired outcome. "Based on what you know about my target audience from our previous discussion, list the top 5 problems they face in their own words. For each problem, identify: 1) What they think they need to solve it, 2) What they actually need, 3) Why there's a gap between the two. Then suggest how I can position myself as the expert who understands both their perceived and real needs. Ask for more detail if required." Content without structure doesn't serve anyone. The go-to experts don't post randomly hoping something sticks. They build authority through consistent themes that showcase their expertise from every angle. Pick the areas where your knowledge runs deepest and your passion is the highest. These become your lanes. Stay in them. Own them. Let everyone else spread themselves thin while you go deep. "Based on our conversation about my audience and their problems, create 3 content pillars that position me as the authority on solving their challenges. For each pillar: 1) Name it in 3-5 words, 2) List 5 specific topics I could cover within it, 3) Explain how it showcases my unique expertise. Make sure these pillars work together to create a complete picture of my authority in my niche." Playing it safe is playing to lose. Every expert has a perspective that goes against conventional wisdom. What's yours? The thing you believe that makes other people in your industry uncomfortable is your edge. When you take a stand, you give people something to remember. Some will disagree. Good. You're not trying to be liked by everyone. You're positioning yourself as the expert for your specific people. Say what others won't. Become unforgettable. "Based on what you know about me and my industry views, help me craft my boldest take on the industry I serve. First, identify 3-5 conventional wisdoms in my field that I disagree with. For each one, help me articulate why the common approach is wrong and what I believe instead. Then combine these into one powerful, tweet-length statement (280 characters or fewer) that captures my contrarian perspective. Make it memorable and slightly provocative." Not theory. Not possibility. People follow experts who deliver results. Actual transformation. Your signature solution shows exactly how you take someone from stuck to successful. Make it concrete, make it quick, make it yours. Demonstrate competence through a clear process that only you deliver in your unique way. When someone can picture exactly how you'll help them, buying becomes the obvious next step. "Based on everything we've discussed about my audience, their problems, and my expertise, help me create a digital guide I can give to prospects or use as a lead magnet. It is titled 'How I'd solve [their main problem] in 7 days.' Structure it as: Day 1-7 with specific actions for each day. Make it practical and achievable while showcasing my unique approach. Include unexpected elements that only someone with my specific expertise would suggest. End with what they can expect by day 8 if they follow this plan." Build authority with strategic positioning: become the go-to expert People follow experts who speak with conviction. The ones who know exactly who they serve and aren't afraid to take a stand. Define your exact audience in ten words or fewer. Map the problems they think they have versus what they actually need. Build three content pillars that showcase your deepest expertise. Write the industry hot take that others are too scared to say. Create a signature solution that demonstrates exactly how you deliver transformation. Your dream clients are looking for the expert who gets them. Stop making them search. Make yourself known. Access all my best ChatGPT content prompts.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
What the smell of your BREATH says about you, according to science
From the ridges on your fingernails to the colour of your tongue, there are plenty of signs that something might be wrong with your health. Now, an expert has revealed the smell of your breath is something to keep an eye on, too. Many might assume that bad breath – also known as halitosis – is the result of poor teeth cleaning or drinking too much coffee. However, research suggests breath odour may be an early warning sign of systemic health issues. Certain scents could indicate diabetes, while others could point to liver dysfunction. 'Your breath can offer a surprising window into your health,' dental technologist Allen Zhang said. He said there are five commonly overlooked types of breath that could signal a health issue. So, do you recognise any of them? FRUITY OR ACETONE-LIKE This odour could indicate poorly-controlled diabetes, Mr Zhang explained. Research suggests that fruity-smelling breath can be a sign of high ketone levels in the blood, which can occur in individuals with the condition. Those affected might have breath that smells like pear drop sweets or nail polish remover. METALLIC This smell could suggest someone is suffering from kidney dysfunction or heavy metal exposure. This symptom arises when the kidneys are unable to effectively remove waste from the body – including urea, which forms ammonia when mixed with saliva. The presence of ammonia in breath can sometimes be perceived as having a metallic tinge. FISHY A fishy-smelling breath could indicate a condition called trimethylaminuria, Mr Zhang said. This is a metabolic disorder where the body cannot break down trimethylamine, a compound that smells like rotten fish. Fishy breath can also be a symptom of liver problems, specifically related to a condition called fetor hepaticus. Fetor hepaticus, often described as 'breath of the dead', arises when the liver is unable to properly filter certain toxins from the blood. These toxins, like dimethyl sulphide, can build up in the blood and be exhaled, causing the characteristic odour. Breath that smells sulphurous or like rotten eggs, can be an indicator of gastrointestinal issues. The smell is called by hydrogen sulphide gas, which can be produced during digestion. MUSTY Finally, musty breath could mean there is something wrong with your kidneys or be a sign of liver failure. 'These are diagnostic clues and not just hygiene red flags,' Mr Zhang said. 'New tech is emerging to help clinicians detect disease risk via oral biosignatures, including volatile sulphur compounds and ketones in the breath.' Mr Zhang is the founder of ProDENT, a company developing intraoral imaging solutions for early detection. CAUSES OF BAD BREATH (HALITOSIS) There are a number of possible causes of halitosis: Poor oral hygiene This is the most common cause. Bacteria that build up on your teeth – particularly between them – as well as your tongue and gums, can produce unpleasant-smelling gases. These bacteria are also responsible for gum disease and tooth decay. Food and drink Eating strongly flavoured foods, such as garlic, onions and spices, is likely to make your breath smell. Strong-smelling drinks, such as coffee and alcohol, can also cause bad breath. Bad breath caused by food and drink is usually temporary. Good dental hygiene will also help. Smoking As well as making your breath smell, smoking stains your teeth, irritates your gums, and reduces your sense of taste. It can also significantly affect the development of gum disease, another major cause of bad breath. Crash dieting Crash dieting, fasting, and low-carbohydrate diets are another possible cause of bad breath. They cause the body to break down fat, which produces chemicals called ketones that can be smelled on your breath. Medication These include: nitrates – these are sometimes used to treat angina; some chemotherapy medication; and tranquillisers (phenothiazines). If the medication you're taking is causing bad breath, your GP may be able to recommend an alternative. Medical conditions In rare cases, bad breath can be caused by certain medical conditions. In dry mouth (xerostomia), the flow and composition of saliva may be affected. Dry mouth can sometimes be caused by a problem in the salivary glands or by breathing through your mouth instead of your nose. In some cases, gastrointestinal conditions can also cause bad breath. For example, a bacterial infection of the stomach lining and small intestine (H. pylori infection) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) have been linked to bad breath. Other medical conditions that can cause bad breath include diabetes and lung, throat, or nose infections – for example, bronchiectasis, bronchitis, tonsillitis, and sinusitis.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
The 6 Best Bamboo Sheets Sets To Keep You Cool As Temperatures Rise
Bamboo can be a comfortable bedding material for any sleeper, but it's especially advantageous for individuals who are prone to sleeping hot. The best bamboo sheets tend to be soft, smooth, lightweight and moisture-wicking—a winning combination when it comes to regulating temperature. Not only do they feel dreamy to tuck yourself into, but they also boast a subtle, cool-to-the-touch feel and are more wrinkle-resistant than cotton or linen bedding. Our top choice is the Quince Bamboo Sheet Set, which was personally tested by our team. The sheets have all the qualities you'd expect from high-end bamboo bedding, with a buttery-soft feel and a competitive price tag. Our editors rounded up the best bamboo sheets for cooler, more comfortable rest through the whole ... More night. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILER In addition to the Quince Set, we mention five more worthy options below that were either tested firsthand by a member of our team or chosen based on our expertise and backed by thousands of customer reviews. Whether you're looking for a set with deep pockets to fit your big-and-tall mattress or a luxury set to complete your cozy bed setup, we have you covered. In addition to our recommendations, we spoke with an expert on choosing the best bamboo sheets and how the material compares to other natural fibers like cotton or linen. Material: 100% viscose from bamboo | Thread count: 300 | Weave: Sateen | Mattress depth: 16 inches Pros: Affordable price Variety of color options available Soft and silky sateen weave Cons: Some reviewers comment they wrinkle easily due to the sateen weave High-quality bamboo sheets can easily run over $200, but the organic Bamboo Sheet Set from Quince utilizes premium bamboo viscose and a silky sateen weave for a luxurious feel at a great value. The material is Oeko-Tex Standard 100-certified, which means the brand upholds strict manufacturing standards set by a third-party organization and is free of harmful chemicals and substances. They have a silky-soft sateen weave and a 300-thread count, which 'gives these sheets a smooth silkiness and a nice luster,' says one tester. 'They've held up beautifully, too, with no pilling or snags, even with dogs on the bed,' she adds. Senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman also owns the pair and praises their comfort. Chapman says, 'These sheets from Quince are so incredibly soft and have a nice weight to them where they're very breathable but not too thin nor too heavy.' Shoppers can choose between 12 colorways, six sizes and can opt for a set with or without a flat sheet. Material: 100% rayon from bamboo | Thread count: 225 | Weave: Twill | Mattress depth: 16 inches Pros: 25 different colorways Most affordable option listed in our roundup Envelope pillowcase enclosures Cons: Twill weave is not as breathable as sateen You don't have to splurge on bamboo bedding to get your hands on a quality pair. The Bamboo Sheets from Bedsure have a 4.4-star rating on Amazon with over 60,000 reviews and counting. They're made with rayon from bamboo and have a twill weave that's more durable and wrinkle-resistant than sateen, though it is more heavyweight and may sleep warmer than the Quince or Ettitude Bamboo Sets mentioned in our list. Although you're paying a lower price for the Bedsure Sheet Set, you don't have to compromise on comfort or safety, as the bedding is Oeko-Tes Standard 100-certified. According to the brand, a fitted sheet suits mattresses up to 16 inches tall and features a 360-degree elastic band for a tight fit. Plus, the pillowcases have envelope enclosures that keep your pillow more secure than open-ended cases. Material: 100% viscose from bamboo | Thread count: Not specified | Weave: Not specified | Mattress depth: 20 inches Pros: Oversized fit for a draped look or taller mattresses Long warranty and trial Made from high-quality bamboo viscose Cons: Might be too loose for mattresses under 12 inches tall Cozy Earth gained somewhat of a cult following after its best-selling Bamboo Sheets made Oprah's coveted Favorite Things List—and thousands of reviewers confirm they're worth the splurge. Made with 100% viscose from bamboo, these sheets offer a buttery-soft and drapey feel that's lightweight and airy at the same time. I have been sleeping on these sheets for two years and they are constantly in my bedding rotation (especially in the summertime) as they're some of the softest, most comfortable linens I own. They've also held up through countless cycles in the wash with very little pilling. With a 20-inch-deep fitted sheet and an oversized fit, these linens fit big-and-tall mattresses best unless you're looking for a more relaxed and lived-in look for your bedding. Your purchase is accompanied by a 100-night risk-free trial and a ten-year limited warranty, which are uncommon and generous policies for bedding. Material: 100% bamboo lyocell | Thread count: 312 | Weave: Sateen | Mattress depth: 17 inches Pros: Eco-friendly design with an FSC certification Hypoallergenic properties Moisture-wicking and lightweight design Cons: Most expensive option on our list While other brands utilize bamboo viscose or rayon, which undergo chemical processes during manufacturing and contain a synthetic blend, the Ettitude CleanBamboo Sheets contain bamboo lyocell, and the brand uses a patented nontoxic, closed-loop process. The bamboo is grown in FSC-certified forests using 100% rainwater and ultra sustainable farming methods. The result? A clean, irresistibly soft and smooth feel that the brand compares to a 1,100 thread count. I own these and think they match up to my Cozy Earth Set when it comes to softness, but they have a slightly more lightweight profile that's even more beneficial for people who sleep hot. For more details and testing insights, see my full Ettitude Sheets review . Puffy Mattress Material: 100% bamboo viscose | Thread count: 300 | Weave: Sateen | Mattress depth: 15 inches Pros: Hypoallergenic properties Lengthy trial (101 nights) and warranty (lifetime) Equipped with elastic straps to ensure a secure fit Cons: Only two colorways available The Puffy Signature Sheets Set is made with 100% bamboo viscose that's Oeko-Tex Standard 100-certified, a sateen weave and 300-thread count, giving them a fresh and cozy feel that Chapman loves. 'These were the first bamboo sheets I owned and they got me hooked on the material,' she says. 'They're soft and breathable without sacrificing quality. They're a great value overall.' Arguably the best part about these linens, besides their snuggly feel, are the elastic straps fixed on each corner of the fitted sheet that keeps it in place–no slippage here. Not to mention, Puffy is the most flexible with its company policies, as you receive a 101-night trial and lifetime warranty on your sheets, and the brand offers the same deal on all of its products. Material: 100% bamboo viscose | Thread count: 250 | Weave: Twill | Mattress depth: 18 inches Pros: Corner straps on each end of the fitted sheet Soft and smooth feel for hot sleepers Split-king size available Cons: For a set of soft and breathable sheets that feels silky smooth to the touch, yet more substantial and durable than sateen, the Classic Bamboo Set from Cariloha fits the bill. It has a twill weave that should make it more durable and long-lasting than a sateen weave, and its slightly courser feel gets softer with each wash. The bamboo viscose is also sustainably sourced and backed by a list of green-friendly certifications including FSC, B Corporation and Fair Trade, which is a testament to the brand's commitment to sustainability, responsible farming and low environmental impact. I've tried these sheets myself and think they offer a great value with a luxurious feel that reminds you of climbing into a soft, 5-star hotel bed. I also appreciate the straps on each corner of the fitted sheet, which saves me the hassle of tugging and pulling it back into place each night. Cariloha doesn't offer as vast a color selection as some brands, but limited-edition colorways can pop up. We have a vast library of mattress and sleep content from seasoned writers and editors who built it from the ground up. Together, we have over a decade of experience testing mattress and sleep products, and consult with other professionals like medical or textile experts to help inform our articles. Our category has covered everything from the best hybrid mattresses and platform bed frames , down to small sleep accessories, such as the best sunrise alarm clocks and pillows . McKenzie Dillon is a mattress and sleep editor at Forbes Vetted and has earned her sleep science coach certification. With over six years of sleep-product testing behind her, she has personally tried over 20 pairs of sheets, including several of those listed in our roundup. Bridget Chapman is the senior mattress and sleep editor at Forbes Vetted and she oversees the category. She also has years of testing experience to rely on when selecting products for our roundups, and she has also included her insight on her favorite bamboo sheets. This article was edited by Forbes Vetted commerce editor Christine Colby, who has over five years of product testing and recommendations experience. She recently covered the best cooling blankets and contributed a full tested review of the Titan Plus Luxe mattress. We spoke with Phoebe Street, brand marketing manager at luxury nightwear brand Pretty You London, to discuss the benefits of bamboo fabric and bedding and other considerations to keep in mind while shopping. There seems to be a never-ending list of bamboo sheets to pick from online, but not all live up to their cooling and comfort claims. Here's how we identified the best bamboo sheets that are worth the money. We sorted through dozens of sheet sets online from our favorite and trusted brands as well as top-sellers on Amazon with overwhelmingly positive customer reviews. We prioritized bamboo sheet sets from companies who place value on sustainability and eco-friendliness. We also took softness, weave and thread count into consideration. We relied on our own firsthand experience with testing the best bamboo sheets on the market and included insights from our editors who stand behind their picks. We routinely revisit our content to ensure that it remains accurate and relevant. This article was first published in July 2025. If you're a hot sleeper looking for temperature relief or you simply prefer eco-friendly linens, here are the main things to consider for bamboo bedding. Temperature Bamboo bedding ensures heat doesn't get trapped within the microclimate under your sheets. According to Phoebe Street, brand marketing manager at luxury nightwear brand Pretty You London, 'They breathe better, allowing air to flow freely and helping to regulate your body temperature,' she says. In addition to bamboo's subtly cool and smooth profile, 'it pulls moisture away from your skin, helping you stay dry and comfortable through the night, even if you're a little sweaty,' she continues. In addition to bamboo, she recommends cotton and linen sheets for hot sleepers, 'but they don't wick moisture quite as well as bamboo.' Natural fibers also make some of the best bedding and sleep material because of their hypoallergenic properties. Weave A sheet's weave helps determine its feel and refers to the pattern in which its threads are interwoven. The most common weaves for bamboo sheets are sateen, percale and twill, and each one comes with its own benefits and drawbacks. Sateen is known for being silky, smooth and buttery with a slight sheen. Percale is a common weave for hotel sheets and delivers a cool and crisp feel. Twill is more structured like percale, and tends to be more coarse than sateen. Thread Count Although thread count isn't the end-all-be-all measurement for softness and quality in sheets, it does contribute to bedding's general feel. The higher the thread count, the more substantial and soft they feel, so we recommend that hot sleepers opt for sheets with lower thread counts that provide a more lightweight feel. 'Aim for a thread count between 200 and 400,' says Street. 'But it's not the whole story. What matters more than the number is the quality of the fibers and the weave.' Viscose Vs. Rayon Vs. Lyocell Bamboo requires less water than cotton, naturally regenerates and grows quicker than cotton, which is why it's deemed a more sustainable bedding material. However, viscose and rayon from bamboo must undergo certain chemical treatments to be manufactured into fabric, while fabric from bamboo lyocell is made in a closed-loop system that requires less water and has a lower environmental impact. Care To avoid shrinking your bamboo sheets in the wash, most brands recommend you use a cold temperature setting on delicate and tumble dry on low. Remember to remove your linens from the dryer as soon as you can to help minimize wrinkles, and avoid using dryer balls on bamboo, which contribute to pilling. What Are The Highest Quality Bamboo Sheets? We named the Ettitude Bamboo Sheets the best luxury pair because of their soft and silky feel, and the brand's sustainable practices throughout the manufacturing process and supply chain. What Is The Downside To Bamboo Sheets? Aside from being more costly than your typical cotton sheets, bamboo can also be prone to wrinkles and more cumbersome to care for. Can Bamboo Sheets Go In The Dryer? Most of the time, but be sure to check your bedding's care instructions before throwing it in. A majority of brands say to tumble dry on low, and avoid using dryer balls to help keep your sheets from piling.
