Latest news with #squeezing
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Dad of 2 Dies 10 Days After Brain Tumor Diagnosis, Holding His Family's Hands in Final Moments
Glenn Colmer struggled with headaches but was told he likely needed new eyeglasses The father of two had a sudden seizure and was diagnosed with a devastating brain tumor His widow, Ali, says he kept reaching for her and their children's hands as he was dying, "squeezing tightly as if to say 'goodbye' "A father of two died less than a week after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Glenn Colmer, 51, struggled for a year with headaches and body aches but was told to take pain medication. Some of his issues were chalked up to needing new eyeglasses, his wife, Ali, said, according to The Daily Mail. But that all changed when, on February 18, Glenn had a sudden, debilitating seizure at home in the English city of Southampton. He'd just gotten up that morning and started to put his bathrobe on when he suddenly froze, Ali said. 'I asked if he was okay. He replied, 'No, I'm not,'' she said, sharing that he began shaking and gasping for air. 'I called an ambulance, staying calm for his sake, whispering words of reassurance until help arrived. The paramedics were quick to respond. Although the seizure had passed, Glenn was in visible pain, particularly in his arm, which had locked during the seizure. His eyes were vacant.' 'The trauma was immediate and life-altering,' said Ali, who explained that scans showed that he had a mass on his brain. Four days after he arrived at the hospital, on February 22, Ali, Glenn, and their two children, Grace, 19, and Joe, 16, were given the devastating news: The mass was a high-grade glioma brain tumor. As the Mayo Clinic explains, it's a bleak diagnosis: 'There's no cure for glioblastoma. Treatments might slow cancer growth and reduce symptoms.' The news, Ali says, was 'horrendous.' 'My world fell apart. The doctor tried to explain the scan. Glenn didn't want to look. He couldn't. He wasn't ready. His expression, once so full of life, humor, and warmth, was robbed from him, replaced with silence and vacancy,' she said. When he was discharged and sent home for his final days, it was 'unbearable' for 'fit and healthy,' Glenn, who had worked as a Director of Curriculum for Sports and Protective Services at Itchen Sixth Form College, where he'd been a teacher for 20 years. 'His right side remained weak, and the vibrant man who once did every sport imaginable now needed help with the most basic tasks,' she said. 'He refused visitors. He didn't want people to see him this way.' Glenn's pain escalated, and on February 25, he was rushed back to the hospital where doctors confirmed he had a brain hemorrhage. 'He kept reaching for my engagement ring and the children's hands, squeezing tightly as if to say 'goodbye.' He placed my hand on his heart, as if to say, 'Thank you.' Though no one had said it yet, I could see that Glenn was dying,' said Ali. 'Even as his body began to shut down and he was unable to speak, Glenn remained present. He kept reaching out, holding hands, squeezing gently,' said Ali. Glenn died on February 28; a GoFundMe has been established to raise funds for a memorial bench in his honor. 'Glenn was more than his diagnosis. He was a mentor, a joker, a passionate teacher and friend,' said Ali who added that more than 500 people attended his funeral. 'He touched lives across the world. He made people feel seen, valued, and inspired.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Read the original article on People
Business Recorder
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Oil and gas sector tax proposals for Federal Budget 2025-26
The upcoming Federal Budget 2025-26 of the country is arriving in a scenario when world is reeling from the shocks of US sanctions on the rest of the world, especially China. The trade war between two superpowers of the world has sent the world economy, particularly oil and gas sector, into a recessionary circle, whereby Crude Oil prices and refinery margins are squeezing, leading to projected closure of upstream and downstream businesses world over. Simultaneously, contrary to the expectations from the alternate sources of energy, Oil and Gas demand continues to grow. Oil and gas sector is the biggest contributor to the national economy. Upstream Exploration and Production (E&P) and downstream (Refineries and Oil Marketing Companies) contribute a substantial chunk of country's budget in the form of Petroleum Development Levy (PDL), Windfall and Discount, Sales Tax and Income Tax and other Federal, Provincial and Local Government levies and taxes. In view of its importance, the budgetary policies and measures should be designed in a way so as to boost the earning capacity of this sector. Challenges being faced by Oil & Gas sector Last year, we witnessed some positive developments in oil and gas sector of Pakistan as major international players had entered the marketing business while all the local refineries of the country were gearing to sign their respective upgrade agreements under the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy-2023 for existing/ Brownfield refineries with potential investment of around US$ 6 billion to the ailing economy of the country. Ideally, the budgetary measures should have been positively inclined to facilitate this investment environment. Unfortunately, the measures adopted were contrary to the expectations; whereby in order to resolve the operational issue of outstanding refunds of OMCs, the major petroleum products were declared as 'Sales Tax Exempt Supplies' disallowing OMCs and refineries from adjusting their input sales tax. Proposals for upcoming budget The government is urged to adopt tax measures proposed by the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), which should restore the confidence of local and foreign investors and facilitate the implementation of Pakistan Oil Refining Policy — 2023 for existing/ Brownfield refineries. The OICCI urges the government to undo the exemption of sales tax on major petroleum products; namely, Motor Spirit (Petrol), High Speed Diesel Oil, Kerosene, and Light Diesel Oil, brought through Finance Act 2024 and these should be declared as Taxable Supplies at an appropriate sales tax rate. The disallowance of input tax has increased the operating costs as well as cost of infrastructure development of the industry; impact for TY 2025 is expected to be more than Rs. 33 billion. The excessive tax burden on the formal corporate sector and especially the oil industry, which is already bearing the brunt of compliance and regulation, requires urgent review to ensure long-term sustainability and competitiveness. Further, taxation regime of E&P companies is governed under the respective Petroleum Concession Agreements (PCAs) signed by the President of Pakistan. The PCAs contain a freezing clause for pricing and taxation to provide fiscal stability and long-term investment security to E&P Companies. Imposing Super Tax on E&P companies violates the fiscal stabilization/freezing clause of the PCAs. Super Tax, originally introduced as a one-time levy, has been extended well beyond its initial scope. In light of the current economic climate and the need to support documented and responsible businesses, OICCI recommends the gradual abolishment of Super Tax in three years. Prices of Petroleum Products (High Speed Diesel and Motor Spirit — Petrol) and the margins thereon are fixed by the Government of Pakistan and cannot be changed unless approval of the relevant Ministries of the Government is obtained. This fixed margin covers all costs related to establishment, development, and set-up of the business and running of the business, including capital cost and financial costs, at the current price, the Minimum Tax eats up around 16% of OMCs' fixed margin. It's recommended that Minimum Tax applicable on Refineries and OMCs should be reduced to 0.25% and abolished in the subsequent year. Since the early 1990s, petroleum products produced by refineries have been exempt from withholding tax under the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, with the Commissioner granting exemptions in accordance with the law. This exemption was provided because, despite the high sales volume of refineries, their profit margins are low. Due to this change, refineries are facing significant withholding tax liabilities without corresponding income to offset it. It is, therefore, OICCI's recommendation that the Commissioner's power for issuing Exemption Certificates should be reinstated. (The writer is the Managing Committee member of OICCI) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Vogue Singapore
22-04-2025
- Health
- Vogue Singapore
Are Australian sunscreens really the best on the market?
Daily SPF as a non-negotiable. It's a basic law of beauty and health that should, by now, be second nature. However, with increasing access to top-grade SPF formulas, it can be hard to sort out the best sunscreens for our complexions. With terms like 'broad spectrum', 'UVA' and 'UVB' adorning the shelves, how are we to know which products are truly the best for us? Enter Australian sunscreens. As of late, brands like Ultra Violette, Mecca Cosmetica and Bondi Sands have been earning international credence, widely regarded as some of the most superior formulas on the market. Picturing stereotypical images of Australia's sunny beaches and outdoor-heavy lifestyles, it's not hard to understand why their sunscreen should be a national treasure. But is it simply savvy marketing, or do these claims have truth to them? Vogue Singapore reached out to Dr Michelle Wong, Australian science educator, cosmetic chemist and founder of Lab Muffin, for her insight on what sets Australian SPFs apart. Read on for her expertise, alongside the best Australian sunscreens to shop in Singapore. What is it about Australian SPF formulas? As Dr Michelle Wong explains, it's true that Australian sunscreens face tough regulations to appear on the shelves. 'Australian sunscreens are regulated as therapeutic goods, which means they're subject to a higher level of scrutiny than in most other countries,' Wong advises. Consider the term 'broad spectrum'. A sunscreen that's broad spectrum will offer significant protection against UVA rays of longer wavelength, which 'are less associated with sunburn but still contribute to premature ageing, skin cancer and hyperpigmentation.' In Australia, a 'broad spectrum' sunscreen needs to fulfil strict criteria based on both the UVA ray wavelengths they protect against, and the UVA protection factor offered itself. 'Australia also has longer water resistance standards, with two- and four-hour protection claims being commonplace,' continues Wong. So while meeting these standards certainly makes a great case for the potency of Australian formulas, it's mostly important to have an understanding of how your SPF selection is working for you—regardless of its country of origin. Pressed for her advice on making a choice, Wong shares: 'The most important things to look out for are standardised claims (SPF, broad spectrum, and water resistance if you're planning to do a lot of activity), comfort and budget. You'll also want to look out for any specific ingredients you're allergic to. The best sunscreen is one that you'll be able to apply a lot of, consistently.' How should I apply my sunscreen? While other beauty bases may allow for a sparing attitude—from simplified skincare routines to light-handed make-up approaches—Dr Wong asserts that generosity is key where SPF is concerned. 'You want to aim for about a quarter of a teaspoon for your face alone,' Wong says. 'This is more than you'd expect, so I recommend squeezing out generous lines on two fingers, then scraping that into a quarter-teaspoon measuring spoon to see how close you are to the right amount.' 'For the whole body, you want to use the equivalent of a 30ml shot glass. Again, it's more than you'd expect, so I'd recommend measuring this out in a shot glass!' Reapplication is also an important, if oft-neglected, step to remember as part of your SPF routine. Dr Wong recommends setting a timer if you're outdoors for an extended period of time. 'It's generally recommended that you reapply sunscreen every two hours, and more often if you're sweating a lot or going into water.' Knowledge is power where sunscreen is concerned. With UV rays capable of wreaking damage that can manifest as wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and skin cancer, it pays to be informed—regardless of where your sunscreen comes from.
Reuters
21-04-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Russia's slowing economic growth cuts demand for Chinese imports
April 21 (Reuters) - Slowing economic growth and reduced demand for large purchases like cars, electronics and household appliances have curtailed the volume of Russia's imports from China, first-quarter customs data showed, just as Beijing faces serious trade headwinds from U.S. tariffs. Trade between Russia and China has soared since Western countries shunned Moscow over its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, ballooning to a record 1.74 trillion yuan ($239 billion) last year, despite payment disruptions caused by western sanctions. Russia's economy rebounded from contraction in 2022 following the imposition of sanctions over the war, thanks largely to soaring spending on the military, but high interest rates, labour shortages and limited production outside the defence sector are now squeezing Russia's economic growth potential. Customs data published on Sunday showed that Russia spent $22.7 billion on imports from China in the first quarter of 2025, down 6.9% compared with the same period last year, according to Reuters calculations. In February, Russia spent $5.8 billion on Chinese imports, the lowest monthly volume since June 2022, the data showed. In March, Russia's China imports increased by 1.9% to nearly $7.8 billion year on year. China's Commerce Ministry and Russia's Industry and Trade Ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Russia's cooling economy and saturation of markets that China dominates are partly behind the drop in demand, according to three analysts interviewed by Reuters. This was particularly visible in the autos sector where Chinese carmakers now hold a more than 50% market share from under 10% before the war, said Vladislav Onishchenko, head of the Agency for Economic Transformation and Development, a Russian think tank. The slowdown in auto imports comes partly as rumours swirl about the possible return of Western carmakers to Russia and as income growth slows. The initial enthusiasm for Western brands returning also contributed to a drop in demand for other goods like electronics and household appliances, Onishchenko said. Russia's economy is slowing across the board, with companies citing borrowing costs at 21% as reasons for slashing investment. "There is potential (to increase imports from China), but the question is how fast," said Onishchenko. "(Russia) needs to pursue investment demand, but the money has to come from somewhere." Industrial production growth has almost flatlined and both consumer and corporate lending growth have softened. Alexei Podshchekoldin, president of the Association of Russian Automobile Dealers, said imports of heavy equipment like cranes, diggers and other machinery had been falling since November-December. Although consumer activity continued expanding in February, the pace of retail sales growth fell to 2.2%, supported mainly by services, according to the central bank, while demand for the kinds of goods imported from China has fallen. "The population's interest in large purchases of non-food products has decreased, including passenger cars, household appliances and electronics," the central bank said in a March report. NO SUBSTITUTE FOR U.S. Russia accounted for 3.2% of China's exports last year, up from 2.0% in 2021. The United States accounted for 14.7% in 2024, according to Chinese customs data. China's trade with Russia is not large enough to compensate for any drop in exports to the United States due to President Donald Trump's tariffs, but those trade restrictions could further strengthen ties between Beijing and Moscow. China last week said it plans to increase its imports of Russian liquefied natural gas this year. Beijing, which imported 5% of its LNG from the United States last year, imported no U.S. LNG in March, data from Kpler and LSEG show. Payment restrictions and the threat of secondary sanctions on Chinese companies facilitating trade with Russia have also dampened trade flows in the last year. But Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, said sanctions enforcement is likely lower now because of the Trump administration's personnel cuts across government. The U.S. Treasury did not respond to a request for comment. Russia's cooling demand is a byproduct of an increasingly militarised economy but Chinese companies could be creative by reducing profit margins or offering discounts to try and dominate the market even more, Gabuev said. "Russia definitely cannot substitute for the U.S., but it is a sizeable market and I think a lot of Chinese feel that they don't have much to lose," he said. "There will always be a way." ($1 = 7.2873 Chinese yuan renminbi)
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Yahoo
We Can't Stop Staring at This Samsung Monitor Deal That's 44% Off Right Now
PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. Your desk deserves better than that old, mismatched second monitor you "borrowed" from an office cleanout. The Samsung 24-inch S43GC is a proper upgrade for just under $100, giving you crisp colors, a 100Hz refresh rate, and an adjustable stand that won't leave you hunching like a goblin. Whether it's for work, gaming, or just having Slack open so you look busy, this one's a steal. The IPS panel gives you bright, true-to-life colors and great viewing angles, while the height-adjustable stand makes this monitor easy to find a setup that works for you—whether you're tackling spreadsheets, catching up on a show, or squeezing in some casual gaming. It's got triple input options (including the latest DisplayPort) and combines AMD FreeSync with a 100Hz refresh rate to keep everything running smoothly, from multitasking to fast-paced videos. Plus, the monitor's eye care features help reduce strain, which is a bonus for those long days at your desk. In short, the is a no-fuss, affordable monitor that works for just about any setup, whether you're at home or in the office. For more details on Samsung monitors, take a look at . This is one upgrade that keeps things easy on your eyes—and your wallet. Alienware AW2725QF 27" 4K 180Hz IPS Gaming Monitor for $499.99 (List Price $599.99) Alienware AW3423DWF 34" 2K QD-OLED Curved Monitor for $649.99 (List Price $899.99) LG UltraGear 32GS60QC-B 32" 1440p 180Hz 1ms Curved Monitor for $199.99 (List Price $299.99) Asus ROG Strix XG27ACDNG 27" 1440p 360Hz QD-OLED Monitor for $699.99 (List Price $799.00) Samsung Odyssey G93SC 49" Dual QHD OLED Curved Monitor for $999.99 (List Price $1,599.99) *Deals are selected by our commerce team More Monitor Deals on Amazon More Monitor Deals on Walmart More Monitor Deals on Best Buy
