In recent years, scientists have increasingly emphasized the powerful connection between the gut and the brain. Often referred to as the gut–brain axis, this two-way communication network links digestion, immunity, mood and cognitive function. What we eat plays a central role in keeping this system balanced. Functional foods — foods that provide benefits beyond basic… Continue reading Top 5 Functional Foods That Boost Gut and Brain Health
Author: Jai Thakkar
Are AI Misfires and Fragmented Suppliers Just a Temporary Storm in Starbucks’ Coffee Cup?
NEW YORK — For years, Starbucks has blamed inconsistent sales in the United States on a familiar culprit: stores that can’t reliably keep basics on hand. Missing milk deliveries, unavailable pastries, or even a lack of cup lids have repeatedly disrupted the customer experience across the company’s thousands of U.S. locations. The issue has persisted… Continue reading Are AI Misfires and Fragmented Suppliers Just a Temporary Storm in Starbucks’ Coffee Cup?
Jennie Marks Milestone Birthday Amid Buzz Over Party Footage
BLACKPINK’s Jennie recently gave fans a glimpse into her 30th birthday celebration, sharing photos and a brief message of thanks that quickly reignited online conversations surrounding the event. On Wednesday, the singer uploaded a series of images to her social media accounts, writing simply, “Thank you for celebrating my birthday.” The photos capture moments from… Continue reading Jennie Marks Milestone Birthday Amid Buzz Over Party Footage
Just Between You and Me: Gender and Pronouns in Japanese
In modern English, pronouns have taken on a significance far beyond simple grammar. Asking someone which pronouns they use can reveal how they see themselves — and, increasingly, where they stand socially or politically. Words like “he,” “she,” and “they” now function not just as linguistic shortcuts, but as markers of identity. Japanese, however, approaches… Continue reading Just Between You and Me: Gender and Pronouns in Japanese
Korea Plans Culinary School for Foreigners as Global Demand for K-Food Grows
South Korea is moving ahead with plans to establish a new culinary school dedicated exclusively to Korean cuisine, aiming to welcome foreign students as early as the second half of this year. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced Monday that the proposed institution, tentatively named “Sura School,” will focus on training international… Continue reading Korea Plans Culinary School for Foreigners as Global Demand for K-Food Grows
Cha Jun-hwan and Park Ji-woo Selected as Korea’s Flag Bearers for Winter Olympics
South Korea has chosen two of its most experienced winter sports athletes to lead the national delegation at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy. Figure skater Cha Jun-hwan and speed skater Park Ji-woo were named co-flag bearers for the opening ceremony of the Milan–Cortina Games, the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) announced Monday. The… Continue reading Cha Jun-hwan and Park Ji-woo Selected as Korea’s Flag Bearers for Winter Olympics
The Age of AI Media Is Arriving — Ready or Not
Is artificial intelligence about to save creative industries, or burn them down? For decades, storytelling has been the domain of humans. Novelists, photographers, filmmakers, musicians and journalists shaped culture through lived experience, craft and imagination. Today, that long-standing creative order is facing its most disruptive force yet: artificial intelligence. From fiction writing and commercial imagery… Continue reading The Age of AI Media Is Arriving — Ready or Not
Don’t Let Japan’s Next Winter Storm Catch You Cold
Hidaka, Hokkaido — Japan’s reputation as a powder paradise for skiers can be misleading. While the country’s mountain resorts are famous for their deep, dry snow, winter storms in Japan are by no means confined to high elevations. In fact, some of the most disruptive snowfall each year occurs in cities, coastal towns and residential… Continue reading Don’t Let Japan’s Next Winter Storm Catch You Cold
Uber’s Long Road Into Japan Runs Through a Quiet Hot-Spring Town
Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture — On a gray December morning, far from Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi found himself outside an aging municipal building in Kaga, a modest hot-spring town along Japan’s Sea of Japan coast. The moment was symbolic: instead of launching a bold new service in a major metropolis, Uber’s latest push… Continue reading Uber’s Long Road Into Japan Runs Through a Quiet Hot-Spring Town
Thailand’s Cannabis Experiment Faces Backlash as Youth Use Raises Alarm
Thailand’s bold move to decriminalize cannabis was once promoted as a key driver of economic recovery after the pandemic. Just a few years later, that same policy is fueling mounting public concern — particularly over rising cannabis use among children — and could soon be reversed following next month’s national election. In 2022, Thailand made… Continue reading Thailand’s Cannabis Experiment Faces Backlash as Youth Use Raises Alarm