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By now most of us have settled on a preferred cloth mask to protect ourselves and others from coronavirus. But new research shows that a few simple upgrades in fabric, filters and fit are likely to provide even more protection. Linsey Marr, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech and one of the world’s leading aerosol scientists, led the research, which tested 11 different mask materials. The findings confirmed what other labs have found: You don’t need a gold-standard N95 medical mask to stay safe from coronavirus. The right cloth mask, properly fitted, does a good job of filtering viral particles of the size most likely to cause infection. But Marr and her colleagues found that small improvements to your mask can go a long way toward improving how well the mask protects you and others from potential infectious particles. They found that: — THREE LAYERS ARE BETTER THAN TWO: The best mask has two tightly woven layers of outer material with a filter … [Read more...] about Is it time to upgrade your mask for better protection against COVID-19?

WandaVision Episode 8 had a mid-credits scene, much like Episode 7. If you missed it, head back to Disney+ and give it a watch, because we're getting into spoiler territory here. If you've already watched the episode in full, it will come as no surprise: we need to talk about what's going on with Vision. The scene shoots us back to SWORD, in one of their compounds just outside the Hex, where Director Hayward has hunkered down--but we quickly learn he's not just twiddling his thumbs or patiently watching the Westview bubble for activity. No, it turns out that everything we'd been shown about Wanda's break-in at SWORD HQ was fabricated. She did enter the building, and she was looking for Vision, but she left without his corpse. Also, whatever Darcy found by hacking Hayward's files was likely doctored or misinterpreted as well--why would he have been tracking Vibranium within the Hex when he already had Vision's Vibranium parts? It turns out that SWORD had already secretly … [Read more...] about WandaVision Episode 8: What’s Up With Vision?

To say we're in the Christmas spirit is an understatement. Full disclosure: This ultimate gift list was concocted while wearing a novelty Christmas sweater, eating gingerbread men, drinking mulled wine and blasting carols on loop in the background. Because... Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? It’s been a tough 2020 for everyone and we’re all in need of some Yuletide cheer. And what brings more cheer than thoughtfully picked-out presents for our nearest and dearest? Whether they're into gadgets, beauty products or something else entirely, our gifts guide features a hand-picked selection of the best products out there – no halfhearted last minute shopping needed. Bonus hugs from the recipient guaranteed. READ: 'A gift and a lesson': Rebecca Lim and Elvin Ng reflect on 2020 this Christmas season READ: Christmas treats: Dark chocolate logcakes, cheddar cheese cookies and more FOR YOUR BIG BROOD OF GODCHILDREN The Lego Super Mario toy set The … [Read more...] about From Super Mario to whisky: Our ultimate Christmas gift guide for family and friends

Even at just age one, there are a variety of fun activities your little tots can participate in on their own – well, with a little help from you of course. These sensory activities for one-year-olds will not only help your bub develop new skills, they are also safe and possible to carry out at home! From arts, to physical play, to exploring sounds, your one-year-old will surely enjoy these simple sensory activities that will improve their cognitive skills, fine motor skills and creativity. Arts & crafts activities 1. Mess-free canvas art Provide your baby with a canvas, add a few drops of paint on it, then wrap plastic around it. With the drops of paint  inside the plastic, encourage your baby to push their little fingers around to draw shapes and mix the colours on the canvas. This way, your child can finger paint without having to get colourful paint all over them or your living room. Plus, you get a wonderful piece of art created by your little one! 2. Baby’s hand … [Read more...] about 41 fun sensory activities for your 1-year-old’s brain development

WASHINGTON: U.S. retail sales increased less than expected in October and could slow further, restrained by spiraling new COVID-19 infections and declining household income as millions of unemployed Americans lose government financial support. While other data on Tuesday showed production at factories accelerating in October, output remained well below its pre-pandemic level and the uncontrolled coronavirus outbreak could disrupt production. The public health crisis and frail economy are major challenges confronting President-elect Joe Biden when he takes over from President Donald Trump in January. Biden on Monday urged Congress to come together and pass another pandemic relief package. This is unlikely to happen before he is sworn on Jan. 20, putting pressure on the Federal Reserve to pump more money into the economy. "It looks like consumer spending is increasingly turning into a headwind for this recovery from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression," said … [Read more...] about US retail sales slow as pandemic, lack of fiscal stimulus weigh