Santa Clara, CA 21st May 2025 – Nomad, the global eSIM marketplace and business line of LotusFlare, today announced a refreshed suite of European eSIM data plans that deliver instant, contract-free connectivity in more than 40 countries across the continent. 

The launch widens Nomad’s portfolio of pay-as-you-go mobile data products and addresses the high roaming costs that still affect millions of international travellers.

Nomad’s new European line-up includes:

“Travelling should be about discovering new places, not hunting for Wi-Fi or worrying about bill shock,” said Sam Gadodia, Chief Executive Officer of Nomad. “Our updated European plans give travellers transparent pricing, 4G/5G speeds and the freedom to top up only when they need more data.”

Tackling roaming fees

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission notes that international roaming charges can reach US $20 per MB on some networks – equivalent to US $20,000 per gigabyte.

Nomad’s prepaid eSIMs eliminate these fees: travellers pay once in advance and monitor usage in real time inside the Nomad app or on getnomad.app.

Transparent pricing and simple activation

Plans start at US $0.96 per GB. After purchase, customers install the eSIM by scanning a QR code; the service activates automatically on arrival in Europe. No physical SIM swap or passport registration is required.

Limited-time launch incentive

Nomad offers a 30 per cent introductory discount on all European plans to mark the launch. The promotion is valid for one purchase per account until 23:59 PST on 31 August 2025 and can be redeemed with the code NOMADEUROPE30 at checkout.

Louis Sim, Marketing Manager at Nomad, added: “Whether you’re visiting Paris for a weekend or road-tripping across several countries, these plans were created to keep you online at affordable/competitively priced local rates while maintaining full control of your spending.”

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LONDON,UK. May 15th, 2025 – Microplastics are not just an environmental issue –they are a planetary emergency, according to Bengt Rittri, Swedish ecopreneur and founder of Bluewater, a global leader in clean drinking water and beverage solutions.

His warning follows a landmark study published in Nature that warned microplastics are now so deeply embedded in the ocean’s structure that they alter the Earth’s fundamental biogeochemical processes.

 

The international study, which rigorously analysed data from 1,885 ocean stations between 2014 and 2024 using state-of-the-art sampling and analysis techniques, found microplastic particles — ranging in size from 1 to 100 micrometers — permeating the entire water column, from the surface to depths of over 6,800 meters. Concentrations exceeded 13,500 particles per cubic meter in the Mariana Trench and averaged 2,200 particles per cubic meter in the upper 200 meters of the Atlantic Ocean.

 

Researchers documented that plastic debris, particularly buoyant polymers and dense materials like PET, now contributes ‘allochthonous carbon’ to marine ecosystems. This term refers to carbon that originates from outside the ecosystem, in this case, from the breakdown of plastic. This artificial carbon presence not only distorts carbon dating by up to 420 years but also threatens key biological processes such as nitrification and denitrification, which are essential for maintaining marine life and regulating the climate.

 

Rittri emphasized, “It is painfully clear that we’ve allowed plastic pollution to compromise the planet’s life-support systems. This is not just about litter or aesthetics, but protecting the integrity of Earth’s oceans and atmosphere. Microplastics are a planetary emergency.”

 

In response, Bluewater continues to scale up its efforts to prevent microplastics at the point of consumption. The company designs advanced water purifiers for home, workplace, and recreational use that remove micro- and nano-sized plastic particles, as well as other contaminants such as toxic PFAS chemicals and lead from tap water. Additionally, Bluewater promotes sustainable hydration through its range of reusable stainless-steel bottles, reducing the need for single-use plastic bottles while on the go.

 

“Every action matters, and every single-use plastic bottle not used is a step toward restoring planetary health,” Rittri added. “As a purpose-driven company, we call on global leaders, businesses, and citizens to act now to eliminate single-use plastic bottles and support sustainable water solutions.”

 

For more information about Bluewater’s innovations and impact, visit www.bluewatergroup.com.

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LOS ANGELES, USA. May 14th, 2025 – Britta Grubin, a certified evidential psychic medium known for her heartfelt connections and international life experiences, has made an unforgettable impact in Los Angeles.

Drawing from a lifetime of global adventures and profound personal growth, Britta brought her gifts to two powerful events that touched hearts and transformed lives.

On January 11th-12th, Britta hosted her first-ever two-day “The Soul Retreat” in Los Angeles, California. The retreat, focused on building intuition, psychic abilities, manifesting skills, and incorporating healing breathwork, was originally designed as an intimate in-person experience. 

However, with the unexpected threat of Southern California wildfires, Britta pivoted quickly — simultaneously offering the full retreat online via live stream for attendees unable to travel. One remarkable attendee, who lost their home in the Alta Dena fires, joined virtually and participated fully in the transformational weekend.

Despite the challenges, “The Soul Retreat” was a huge success, affirming Britta’s ability to create profound experiences across any medium. Plans are already underway for a return to Los Angeles in January 2026 for another two-day Soul Retreat, expected to draw even more participants seeking connection, healing, and personal growth.

In addition to the retreat, Britta partnered with the nonprofit organization Helping Parents Heal to offer a live mediumship demonstration on Sunday, January 5. Approximately 50 parents of deceased children gathered for this deeply emotional and healing event. 

Through Britta’s evidential mediumship, many parents were able to connect with their children in Spirit, receiving messages of love, hope, and affirmation. Tears, laughter, and heartfelt moments filled the room as families experienced the healing power of connection. Following the demonstration, an in-person breathwork session offered further opportunities for emotional release and inner peace.

Britta Grubin’s work is a reflection of her rich life journey as a devoted mother, daughter, sister, and friend — shaped by cultural exploration, personal resilience, and a deep commitment to service. Her dedication to healing and connection is evident in every event she leads, helping others rediscover hope, joy, and the power of Spirit.

For more information about Britta Grubin and upcoming events, please visit www.brittagrubin.com.

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NEW YORK, USA. March 12th, 2025 – Northpoles Technology, a leading innovator in digital marketplace solutions, has officially acquired Wedwinks.com, a premier platform specializing in wedding planning and vendor services. 

This strategic acquisition is set to reshape the wedding industry by enhancing vendor visibility, streamlining the booking process, and delivering seamless experiences for couples across the United States.

Empowering Wedding Vendors with Cutting-Edge Technology

With this acquisition, Northpoles Technology aims to leverage its expertise in AI-driven solutions, data analytics, and digital transformation to make Wedwinks.com the go-to marketplace for wedding vendors. The platform will now offer an upgraded vendor management system, enhanced marketing tools, and a seamless interface to connect couples with top-tier venues, photographers, caterers, makeup artists, and other essential wedding services.

“The wedding industry is rapidly evolving, and we see immense potential in digitizing and simplifying the vendor selection process,” said Ashutosh Bhatt, CEO of Northpoles Technology. “Wedwinks.com already has a strong presence in the market, and with our technological expertise, we will make it easier than ever for couples to find and book the best wedding vendors in the USA.”

What’s New for Wedding Vendors and Couples?

Following the acquisition, Wedwinks.com will introduce several innovative features, including:

Strengthening the Wedding Industry in the USA

This acquisition underscores Northpoles Technology’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the event and lifestyle industry. By integrating cutting-edge technology into Wedwinks.com, the company aims to empower both wedding professionals and engaged couples, creating a dynamic, user-friendly, and efficient wedding planning experience.

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TORONTO, ON. February 28th, 2025 – Artemis Alliance Inc. (est. 2005), the force behind the groundbreaking Aristoleo initiative, is proud to announce the launch of the Aristoleo Certification program, establishing a new gold standard for High Phenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (HP EVOO). This landmark certification gives consumers confidence in accessing the powerful health benefits of HP EVOO, officially validated by the European Union Health Claim 432-2012.

The certification arrives at a pivotal moment as public figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launch initiatives challenging the health impacts of seed and soy oils, creating unprecedented consumer interest in healthier oil alternatives. Aristoleo’s certification program provides a scientifically-backed solution amid this growing nutritional conversation.

The certification builds upon the comprehensive EU-funded ARISTOIL Interreg MED Program (2017-2020), a groundbreaking 3-year study across five countries that analyzed over 10,000 olive oil samples, positioning Aristoleo at the forefront of defining and regulating this emerging health and wellness category.

“We’re elevating HP EVOO beyond its culinary appeal to recognize its true potential as a powerful health catalyst,” says Marilyn Harding, Director of Artemis Alliance Inc. “The evidence is compelling and conclusive. Clinical trials have demonstrated its effectiveness, and consumers researching olive oil for specific health concerns or fitness goals deserve absolute certainty in their purchase.”

HP EVOO contains rich concentrations of polyphenol, phenolic compounds—including oleocanthal, oleacein, ligstroside aglycone, and oleuropein aglycone—which are derivatives of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol released through specialized production methods. Extensive clinical and human trials have demonstrated significant potential in combating chronic conditions including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, and various cancers. The EU health claim confirms these polyphenols protect blood lipids from oxidative stress, requiring a minimum of 5mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives per 20g of olive oil.

With growing consumer awareness comes the challenge of market misinformation. The Aristoleo Certification addresses this directly by establishing a transparent, merit-based system that endorses producers, distributors, and retailers meeting stringent criteria—including best practices in cultivation, harvesting, production techniques, and crucial storage requirements.

“Similar to fine red wine, HP EVOO demands precise temperature control to preserve its valuable phenolic content,” explains Athan Gadanidis, Marketing Director of Artemis Alliance Inc. “Our research demonstrates that storage between 12.5°-15°C (54°-59°F) is essential for maintaining phenolic potency. The Aristoleo Retail Cooler and Certification Protocol ensure consumers receive the highest quality product with intact health benefits.”

The Aristoleo Certification is offered as a complimentary designation for Aristoleo Award winners who meet the ARISTOIL Program’s rigorous standards, including laboratory-verified phenolic levels, sustainable cultivation methods, and proper storage conditions. This initiative also recognizes distributors and retailers who implement climate-controlled storage systems and demonstrate comprehensive understanding of HP EVOO’s health benefits.

“This isn’t merely olive oil; it’s a medicinal food, as Hippocrates recognized 2,500 years ago,” notes Gadanidis. “As influential voices raise concerns about industrial seed oils, our certification system empowers consumers to make informed health choices while encouraging producers to excel in this specialized market.”

Aristoleo, a tradename under Artemis Alliance Inc., has led this movement since 2016 through the Aristoleo Awards—the only international competition dedicated exclusively to HP EVOO. The company continues to drive industry innovation and consumer education, ensuring this extraordinary product reaches its full potential in the health and wellness sector.

Aristoleo is pleased to recognize and certify High Phenolic EVOOs from Greece, Spain, Slovenia and Croatia and looks forward to including more with Aristoleo Awards – 2025, celebrating its 10th anniversary.

LONDON, UK. 10th December, 2024 – A groundbreaking study of more than 100,000 singles has revealed a captivating connection between their favorite music genres and the qualities they prioritize in a partner.

The findings, unveiled by SALT’s 2024 Music and Attraction Survey, provide unprecedented insights into how musical preferences reflect core values and reveal what your playlist truly says about your personality.

The study also highlights how your favorite music genres can influence your chances of landing a date, revealing the most and least attractive genres to potential partners.

Indie fans claimed the top spot as the most popular singles, followed by K-Pop (2nd), Pop (3rd), Latin (4th), and Folk fans (5th). At the other end of the spectrum, Big Room (38th), Drill (37th), Dubstep (36th), Hardcore (35th), and Metal fans (34th) are least likely to find love.

‘Today’s research underscores the universal power of melodies to shape and reflect identity’ said Paul Rider from SALT. ‘Whether it’s the heartfelt lyrics of Soul or the energetic beats of Dance music, each genre carries a unique set of values which reveals our innermost desires in a partner. ‘These insights are a testament to music’s ability to bring out the best in us, offering a deeper understanding of how what we listen to shapes who we are.’

Other key insights from the research reveal that:

Paul Rider, Co-founder at SALT, continues, ‘The genres we gravitate toward mirror the qualities we hold dear as individuals. Music is an extension of our emotions, values, and personality, different genres align with our core traits and values, painting a picture of the personalities behind the playlists. This research reveals the personalities behind the playlists.’

See the full 2024 SALT Music and Attraction Survey below: https://www.be-salt.com/blog/salt-music-attraction-survey-2024/

GYEONGGI-DO, SOUTH KOREA. November 19th, 2024 – The sudden cancellation of an event organized by the Shincheonji Church of Jesus on October 30 in Gyeonggi Province has sparked controversy and protests.

The “Religious Leaders Forum and Completion Ceremony,” scheduled to take place at Paju Imjingak Peace Nuri, was called off by provincial authorities on the morning of the event. Gyeonggi Province cited security concerns as the reason for the last-minute cancellation, but Shincheonji Church officials have disputed the decision, calling it unconstitutional and discriminatory. The church will continue protests until an official apology has been sent and all accountabilities are addressed.

The cancellation notice came on October 29, just one day before the event was set to take place. Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization expressed regret over the short notice but maintained that the decision was made due to safety concerns. The authorities explained that the cancellation was necessary to prevent potential security risks, though they did not provide further details on the nature of those concerns.

Shincheonji Church has contested this explanation, arguing that the cancellation was politically motivated and influenced by external pressure from other religious groups, particularly the Metropolitan Christian Council of Korea (MCCK), which has historically been critical of Shincheonji. The church has stated that it was assured by venue management up until the day before the event that there were no plans to cancel.

In response to the cancellation, Shincheonji Church organized a peaceful protest rally on November 15 outside the Gyeonggi Provincial Office. The rally included a formal letter of protest and a meeting between church representatives and officials from Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization. 

During the meeting, Chief Public Relations Officer Song Jae-Woong expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of a public response from government bodies regarding the cancellation. While Gyeonggi Province officials explained that the decision was made to ensure public safety, Song emphasized that the short notice was problematic and called for an official statement of responsibility from the governor. The church also indicated that they are seeking compensation for financial damages incurred due to the event’s cancellation.

The controversy has raised concerns about religious freedom and potential discrimination. Shincheonji Church officials have argued that the cancellation violates the constitutional right to freedom of religion, as guaranteed under Article 20 of South Korea’s Constitution.

Protesters during the rally echoed these concerns, arguing that the government’s actions infringed upon their rights as citizens and violated the constitutional separation of religion and politics. “The decision to cancel the event, especially under the influence of external religious groups, raises serious questions about the protection of religious freedoms in South Korea,” one protestor remarked.

Shincheonji Church has announced plans for continued protests outside the Gyeonggi Provincial Office and Gyeonggi Tourism Organization until their demands are addressed.

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LONDON, UK. August 28th, 2024 – A massive global U.S. study indicates 40 percent of people worldwide are falling out of love with tap water amid fears it is unsafe is a shocking insight demanding urgent attention by governments worldwide, says Bluewater, a global innovator of water purification and beverage solutions. The study – published in the journal Nature Communications – was carried out among 148,585 adults in 141 countries by researchers at two U.S. universities, Northwestern University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

 

“This shocking revelation underlines the need for governments and water authorities worldwide to urgently tackle the contamination of our drinking water by toxic chemicals, microplastics, and other pollution,” said Bluewater founded and CEO Bengt Rittri. The Swedish ecopreneur added that public distrust of tap water was driving the sale of packaged water, which has a hugely negative impact on the planet’s health, environment, and inhabitants.

 

According to the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, over 600 billion single-use plastic bottles are produced yearly; most are not recycled but end up in landfills and oceans, where they release toxic chemicals and break down into micro and nanoplastic particles. A groundbreaking 2023 report entitled ‘Hidden Hazards: The Chemical Footprint of a Plastic Bottle’ concluded that the proliferation of PET plastics “may prolong the climate crisis, threaten human health, and promote environmental racism.” 

 

Mr. Rittri noted that the new study spotlights how difficult it is for consumers to judge the hazards and safety of their water supply because many contaminants cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. He said he was astounded that 39% of those polled in the United States believed they faced serious harm from drinking tap water in the short term. 

 

“When we launched Bluewater in 2013, it was with a planet plan rather than a traditional business vision, with the aim to develop technologies and solutions that would end the need for single-use plastic bottles,” Mr. Rittri said. He added that Bluewater continues to pursue its plan vigorously, with a steady stream of solutions giving consumers and businesses the means to turn tap water into purified water that is safer and healthier to drink.

 

In 2024 alone, Bluewater has launched a series of new products, including a unique kitchen station for homes and restaurants that removes up to 99.7 percent of contaminants like toxic PFAS chemicals and microplastics from tap water and adds vital minerals for enhanced health and taste.

 

Bluewater has also introduced a new range of public dispensers in Europe called Bluewater Flow for use in public spaces such as gyms, offices, hospitals, and schools, while other public dispensing solutions have proved hugely successful at mega sporting and other events looking to improve their sustainability credentials. These include golf, sailing, and running events like the British Open, The Ocean Race, America’s Cup, the Cape Town Marathon, governmental events such as COP 27 and 28, and myriad business conferences.

“We understand that the only way to tackle the plastic bottle menace is to restore public confidence in tap water, which will take substantial time, effort and money… or to increase awareness that solutions exist – like those provided by Bluewater that enable consumers to purify their tap water at point of use,” Mr Rittri said.

HAWAII, USA. 27th August, 2024 – On the morning of October 2, 2024, Hawaii will be treated to a spectacular celestial event—a rare annular solar eclipse. Eclipse Optics, a leading retailer of ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses, is excited to help skywatchers safely enjoy this breathtaking occurrence.

An annular solar eclipse takes place when the Moon is slightly farther from Earth in its elliptical orbit, causing it to appear smaller than the sun. This alignment results in the moon covering the central portion of the sun, but leaving a brilliant ring of sunlight visible around the edges—a phenomenon commonly referred to as a “ring of fire.” During the October 2 event from Hawaii, almost 55% of the Sun’s surface will be obscured by the Moon, offering a dramatic and unforgettable sunrise eclipse.

While the visual spectacle of an annular eclipse is captivating, it is essential to emphasize the importance of eye safety. Viewing an eclipse without proper eye protection can cause severe and permanent eye damage, including solar retinopathy or blindness. Eclipse Optics strongly advises using only ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses to safely view the event. These glasses are specifically designed to block harmful ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation, allowing observers to gaze at the eclipse without risk.

As was the case with the April total solar eclipse that impacted the mainland, these glasses can be hard to come by if consumers wait until the last minute to purchase them. Eclipse Optics strongly advises consumers to purchase the glasses while supplies last. This is especially true if items are being shipped from the mainland to Hawaii.

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LONDON, UK. August 15th, 2024 – Rawdog Simulator is based on the latest social media travel trend: rawdogging, which recently made it into headlines thanks to Man City ace Erling Haaland. It pits a dopamine-addled mind against 18 hours and 40 minutes of flight map goodness. No food, no water, no fun—that’s a guarantee! And there isn’t a way to outsmart the challenge–it is powered by cutting-edge face and eye-tracking software.

To Rawdog a flight is to embrace the bare minimum and tough out a journey, Rawdog Simulator is the perfect training exercise for anyone looking to rawdog a real flight – by flying with the virtual Rawdog Airlines.

Made by rawdog fans to help test rawness ability, it simulates taking the longest flight in the world (JFK to Singapore – all 18 hours 40 mins). During this time, the passenger’s phone or computer camera tracks concentration levels to ensure they are locked-in and deeply focused on the in-flight map for the duration of the journey.

To take part, prospective rawdog passengers have to check-in, download a boarding pass, take the last seat on a packed A350 and see how long they can rawdog a flight – no distractions allowed.

Depending on the duration the passenger manages to rawdog, each will receive a frequent flyer membership for Rawdog Airlines—Bronze, Silver, or Gold. Additionally, the top 10 longest times will have their times recorded on the Rawdog Airlines leaderboard.

Rawdog Simulator celebrates rawdogging, the extreme no-frills approach to air travel: enduring the flight without bringing any extra comforts like snacks, entertainment, or a travel pillow. It might also involve opting for a basic seat without upgrades and avoiding any additional amenities. A key aspect is staring at the in-flight map, the only source of entertainment and stimulation, and just getting through the flight with minimal preparation or comfort.

A spokesperson for Rawdog Airlines said: “It is an experimental transcendental treatment for brain rot.”

Follow Rawdog Simulator on Instagram or TikTok.

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