2025 - Page 71 of 179 - Usa Time Press

Auction sales fall 6% in the first half, raising fears of an art market shift

24 Jul

Art market at risk as auction sales fall 6% in the first six months

Auction revenues declined by around 6% in the first half of the year compared with the same period last year, prompting fresh concerns about the global art market's strength. This occurs amid broader weakening in fine‑art sales, signaling a shift in collector behavior and challenging prevailing business models.Although leading institutions such as Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Phillips maintained their dominance, their total sum decreased to slightly below $4 billion in the first half of 2025. The central aspect of their operations, fine-art auctions, declined by around 10%. This indicates a market that is either stabilizing at a reduced level or potentially…

Ireland 'not exactly celebrating' Trump's deal with EU

24 Jul

Ireland shows little enthusiasm for Trump-EU agreement

Roger W. WatsonEconomy

When former U.S. President Donald Trump brokered a trade understanding with the European Union, reactions across Europe were mixed. In Ireland, the reception was particularly reserved. Far from celebrating the deal, Irish leaders and stakeholders expressed a blend of cautious skepticism and concern over its potential consequences, particularly for key sectors like agriculture and technology that are deeply tied to transatlantic trade.While the announcement of the trade agreement was framed by the Trump administration as a breakthrough in reducing economic tensions between the U.S. and the EU, many Irish policymakers viewed it through a more critical lens. From their perspective,…

Sen. Lindsey Graham says there's no way for Israel to negotiate an end to the war with Hamas

24 Jul

Sen. Lindsey Graham insists Israel cannot negotiate to end war with Hamas

Roger W. WatsonInternational

Senator Lindsey Graham has asserted that Israel cannot realistically reach a peace agreement with Hamas through diplomatic means. Instead, he emphasized that the only viable solution to the conflict is through military strength, arguing that Hamas is not a group that can be reasoned with at the negotiating table.During a recent interview, Graham compared the situation to historical conflicts where military force preceded political reconstruction. He suggested that Israel may need to take full control of Gaza, eliminate Hamas's influence, and only then begin the process of rebuilding the region with potential involvement from neighboring Arab nations. His comments reflect…

Early results from major clinical trial show healthy lifestyle slows cognitive decline

24 Jul

Major clinical trial reports early results: Healthy lifestyle key to slowing cognitive decline

Roger W. WatsonHealth

Emerging data from an important clinical study indicates that upholding a healthy way of life might assist in decelerating the advancement of cognitive deterioration, bringing fresh optimism to older populations worried about memory impairment and dementia. The results offer additional scientific support for the long-standing notion that everyday actions—like nutrition, exercise, and social interaction—can affect brain health as time progresses.The preliminary data, drawn from one of the most comprehensive lifestyle-focused studies on cognitive function to date, indicates that people who adhere to multiple healthy behaviors experience a slower deterioration in memory and thinking skills compared to those with less healthy…

Crypto kidnapping: How armed gangs are hunting the internet's high rollers

24 Jul

Crypto kidnapping: The rise of armed gangs targeting internet high rollers

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business

In today’s digital economy, cryptocurrencies have created a new class of millionaires. But this digital wealth has also attracted a dangerous kind of attention — not from hackers, but from armed criminals. These groups are now targeting individuals known to hold significant crypto assets, leading to a troubling rise in what has become known as “crypto kidnappings.”A new kind of targetUnlike traditional bank accounts, cryptocurrency wallets can sometimes be accessed from any device — and in many cases, they are not protected by the same safeguards as financial institutions. For criminals, this presents a unique opportunity. All they need is…

Patients allege that cosmetic surgeries led to disfiguring injuries

24 Jul

Disfiguring injuries linked to cosmetic surgeries, patients allege

Roger W. WatsonHealth

A rising number of people are sharing their experiences with cosmetic surgeries that ended not in improved looks but in distressing, altered appearances. With failed facelifts and breast augmentations, as well as subpar liposuction and rhinoplasty operations, individuals are starting to voice their worries about the safety and oversight of an industry that pledges transformation but, in certain cases, results in lasting harm.These accounts are not unique. Throughout the United States and in nations with thriving aesthetic sectors, individuals have recounted experiencing cosmetic surgeries that resulted in infections, nerve injuries, uneven outcomes, or even lasting facial and body deformations. Despite…

Gen Z is staring at you. It may be more than just a quirk.

24 Jul

Gen Z is staring at you—here’s what it could mean

Roger W. WatsonFashion and Trends

In a time characterized by endless scrolling and short attention spans, one remarkable tendency among Generation Z is their steady, direct eye gaze. Both on social platforms and face-to-face, it has been observed that Gen Z is not hesitant to maintain eye contact. Although some might find it intense or uncomfortable, this generational habit signifies profound transformations in cultural principles, communication standards, and the digital environment that influenced their development.This generational shift goes beyond simple social awkwardness or self-awareness. It speaks to how Gen Z is renegotiating the rules of engagement—visually, emotionally, and socially—in a hyper-connected world.Raised with smartphones in…

24 Jul

Graphic: Track grocery price trends

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business

Over the past few years, grocery shopping has transformed from a routine errand into a financial balancing act for many households. Price changes across food categories have caused consumers to shift their buying habits, rethink priorities, and search for affordable alternatives. While prices often fluctuate due to predictable factors like seasons or supply chain costs, recent global events, economic pressures, and shifting demand have significantly disrupted this once-stable routine. Understanding grocery price trends not only helps with personal budgeting, but also reveals larger patterns in food systems and economic health.A change in consumer habitsInflation has significantly influenced consumer behavior regarding…

24 Jul

Russia’s Aeroflot cancels flights after pro-Ukrainian hackers claim massive cyberattack

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

The main airline of Russia, Aeroflot, experienced a significant interruption when a cyberattack resulted in the collapse of its systems, necessitating the cancellation of multiple flights. This event caused extensive delays and disarray in airports, especially at Moscow's Sheremetyevo, where travelers faced long queues and scant information as a consequence of the breakdown of digital services.The internal systems of the airline unexpectedly ceased functioning, disrupting a wide range of operations such as flight planning, luggage handling, and customer assistance. More than 50 round-trip flights faced issues, affecting both national and international connections. Due to the website being unreachable and call…

24 Jul

Lindsay Lohan’s Latest Look Is Pure Cher (Horowitz)

Roger W. WatsonFashion and Trends

Lindsay Lohan has once again captured public attention—not through a new film or scandal—but with a striking sartorial choice that evokes the iconic style of Cher Horowitz, the beloved character from the 1995 teen classic Clueless. By embracing the instantly recognizable fashion of the fictional Beverly Hills high schooler, Lohan taps into a powerful wave of '90s nostalgia currently reshaping pop culture and celebrity aesthetics.Cher Horowitz, played by Alicia Silverstone, emerged as an icon of effortless elegance, with her yellow plaid outfit, tall socks, and a digital wardrobe that left a lasting impression on an entire generation. Almost thirty years…