Eric Adams' 'shelter city' boast mocked by Texas as mayor moans about influx of migrants
Texas officials have challenged Eric Adams' stance, stating New York was dealing with only a fraction of the migrant influx that Texas was facing
2023-09-08 17:55
One Chip Challenge pulled from shelves following death of teenager
Yet another social media challenge has resulted in the tragic death of a young person, with the company behind by the viral ‘One Chip Challenge’ now confirming it is taking its product off US shelves. Harris Walobah, 14, told a school nurse last week that he had bad stomach ache after eating the chip given to him by a classmate – according to his mother Lois, who shared details of the incident with NBC10 Boston. In a description on its website, manufacturer Paqui states the chip – which comes in a coffin-shaped box – is seasoned with the Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers, with the former holding the Guinness World Record for the hottest pepper at an average of 1.5 million Scoville heat units (SHU) and up to 2.2 million SHU. After going home, Harris reported feeling better, but his brother yelled at 4:30pm that his sibling had passed out, with Harris taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. The family of the Massachusetts teenager claim he died from “complications” caused by the viral ‘One Chip Challenge’, though a post-mortem is yet to be carried out. A GoFundMe set up to help the family with funeral expenses stands at more than $34,000 at the time of writing. On the fundraiser, Harris’s cousin Tashia Roberts describes her relative as an “intelligent, quirky and incredibly talented young man” who “loved video games and playing basketball”. Now, Paqui have updated their page on this year’s challenge to stress: “The Paqui One Chip Challenge is intended for adults only, with clear and prominent labelling highlighting the chip is not intended for children or anyone sensitive to spicy foods or who has food allergies, is pregnant or has underlying health conditions.” They continued: “We have seen an increase in teens and other individuals not heeding these warnings. “As a result, while the product continues to adhere to food safety standards, out of an abundance of caution, we are actively working with our retailers to remove the product from shelves.” Meanwhile people who have already purchased the single-serve One Chip Challenge product can call a helpline for refunds. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-09-08 17:47
Hulk Hogan shares with Joe Rogan 'never-admitted' truth about legendary surfer Laird Hamilton
'Could you imagine riding one of those waves, bro? The rush?' Hulk Hogan asked
2023-09-08 17:47
This is why you have weird dreams in the heatwave
Everyone has a theory about their dreams and the science or meaning behind them. And when the weather hots up, the more bizarre they tend to get. “Dreams are a fascinating and enigmatic phenomenon that occur during sleep, encompassing a vast realm of imaginative experiences,” says sleep expert and CEO of MattressNextDay, Martin Seeley. “They are a collection of thoughts, images, sensations, and emotions that unfold within the theatre of our minds.” Why do we dream? When we sleep, our brain enters a complex state where it engages in various cognitive processes, explains Seeley, including memory consolidation, problem-solving and emotional regulation. “Dreams are thought to emerge from these processes, weaving together fragments of memories, desires, fears, and subconscious thoughts into a narrative or non-linear sequence,” adds Seeley. “And they can be surreal, vivid, or mundane, blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy.” While the precise purpose and meaning of dreams remains a subject of exploration and debate, Seeley says they can serve as a portal into the inner workings of our minds: “Providing a canvas for exploration, processing of emotions, and glimpses into the subconscious depths of our psyche.” Why do we dream more when it’s hot? Lisa Artis, deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity, says: “When the weather is hot, it can disrupt our sleeping patterns, making it difficult to fall asleep in the first place – and causes us to wake more often during the REM (rapid eye movement) sleep phase.” REM sleep is where we experience intense dreaming, explains Artis – so waking during or at the end of this cycle can mean we are more likely to remember our dreams. “Dreams happen regularly, but are often forgotten and our mind’s way of unpacking the day’s events, dealing with stress and sorting through our day-to-day thoughts,” notes Artis. Our body heat generally peaks in the afternoon then starts to drop over an evening to prepare us for sleep, says Artis. Melatonin, the sleep hormone, is produced when this happens.“An ideal temperature is around 16-18°C and anything around the 24°C mark can cause restlessness,” says Artis. “So, it’s no surprise that when we’re experiencing a heatwave with temperatures reaching over 30°C, it affects our sleep.”Can a heatwave really make dreams more surreal? The connection between heatwaves and the content or nature of dreams is not fully understood. However, there may be a few possible explanations if your dreams seem weirder when the weather heats up – although Seeley points out these are all speculative. First off, he agrees it may have a lot to do with the fact we’re less comfortable and waking more when it’s hot. “These frequent awakenings can interrupt the normal sleep cycle and result in a higher probability of remembering dreams, including the more unusual or vivid ones,” he notes. “So, during a heatwave, the increased frequency of waking up during the night might contribute to a greater recall of strange or funky dreams.” Secondly, the body’s physiological response to heat may influence brain activity, he adds: “Heat can affect neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a role in regulating mood and emotions. These alterations in neurotransmitter activity might impact the content and emotional tone of dreams, potentially leading to more surreal or bizarre experiences.” Psychological factors could also play a role. Heatwaves can cause restlessness and increased stress levels in some individuals. Seeley adds: “Stress and emotional fluctuations can manifest in dreams as strange or unusual scenarios, as the mind processes and attempts to make sense of these experiences.” Can we stop strange heatwave dreams happening? While it’s probably not possible to completely control the content of our dreams, there are certain strategies you can try to promote better sleep – and potentially reduce the likelihood of experiencing a restless night and unusual dreams during hot weather. Create a cool sleep environment: “Use fans, air conditioning, or open windows to circulate cool air in your bedroom – and consider using lightweight, breathable bedding materials,” says Seeley. Stay hydrated: “Drink enough water throughout the day to prevent dehydration, especially during hot weather,” he continues. “Being adequately hydrated can help maintain a balanced sleep cycle.” Practice relaxation techniques: “Engage in activities that promote relaxation before bed, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or taking a warm bath,” suggests Seeley. “These practices can help calm your mind and promote a more restful sleep.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live All the times Kate has channelled the late Queen’s style since her death It’s not just dry skin: 5 things everyone needs to know about eczema YouTube begins verifying videos by UK doctors to tackle health misinformation
2023-09-08 17:45
Inside the renovated White House Situation Room: Cutting-edge tech, mahogany and that new car smell
The White House Situation Room — a space of great mystique and even higher secrecy — just got a $50 million facelift
2023-09-08 17:20
Extinction Rebellion: Controversial group shuts down US Open for an hour
Extinction Rebellion is infamous for its provocative actions, including members sticking themselves to famous artworks and scaling structures
2023-09-08 17:20
'I was out of line': Country star Zach Bryan issues apology after arrest on obstruction charges
'I was just frustrated in the moment, it was unlike me,' Zach Bryan said
2023-09-08 17:20
Exclusive: How the Supreme Court's conservatives rebuffed Alabama
When the Supreme Court considered the challenge to an Alabama congressional map that shortchanged the state's Black voters, liberal justices expected the conservative majority to side with Alabama -- if not gut the 1965 Voting Rights Act altogether.
2023-09-08 17:19
Carmen Vargas: Authorities investigate Gilgo Beach serial murder suspect Rex Heuermann over 1989 unsolved murder
Carmen Vargas' body was found dumped on the side of the Meadowbrook Parkway, just seven miles from Gilgo Beach murder suspect Rex Heuermann's Massapequa Park home
2023-09-08 16:56
Joe Rogan and MrBeast once inspired Amouranth to create 'extraordinary' content
Amouranth has shared how she was inspired to achieve her own online fame after listening to Joe Rogan's podcast and seeing MrBeast
2023-09-08 16:55
Kansas school photographer Linda Gregory dies on athletics field in freak accident
The outpouring of tributes for Linda Gregory demonstrates the legacy the cherished photographer has left behind
2023-09-08 16:54
G20 gathers in India with Xi absent
G20 leaders began to descend on New Delhi Friday, hoping to make progress on trade, climate and a host of other global problems despite the Chinese...
2023-09-08 16:53
