I’ve travelled on long-haul flights all my life – there’s one item I’d never fly without

Travel

Growing up in New Zealand with all my extended family in  England, I’ve spent a considerable amount of time on long-haul flights.With an average flight duration of 23 hours between the two countries, it’s about as lengthy as flights come.It’s a challenging journey, even for those who enjoy flying, but there are ways to make it slightly more bearable. The contents of your carry-on bag are crucial for long-haul flights.There’s one item I would never take this journey without: a silk scarf. While it may seem like an unnecessary luxury, it serves a vital function.The air inside planes is recycled and treated, which can be extremely drying for your skin. I find that covering my mouth and nose with the lightweight scarf helps prevent my skin from drying out and aids my breathing – it’s also incredibly useful when you want to sleep.Simply drape the scarf over your face and relax. This cover ensures the air I breathe is less dry, and my skin doesn’t dehydrate as quickly.Another item I would never travel long-haul without is comfortable socks and slip-on shoes. This might be controversial, but the first thing I do when settling in for a 14-hour economy flight is remove my shoes, store them in my overhead locker bag, and put on some warm socks.Planes are typically chilly, and if I’m going to be confined on one for an entire day, I want to ensure I’m as warm as possible. My cosy socks make me comfortable – and the slip-on shoes that I store under the seat in front of me mean that I don’t have to tie my trainers every time I need to use the loo.It’s crucial to note that one should never venture into an airplane bathroom barefoot. Generally speaking, they’re not the cleanest, and the likelihood of that damp patch on the floor being just water is minimal.The third essential item for any flight is my personal headphones – ideally, ones with noise-cancelling capabilities. The headphones provided for plugging into the TV screen usually aren’t top-notch, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll be watching at least six films and whatever half season of Friends that all airlines seem to offer.Bringing your own headphones that can connect to the TV means comfort – and if they’re noise-cancelling, even better, because planes are incredibly noisy environments. As someone who experiences flight anxiety, being able to drown out the constant drone of the plane helps to calm me.When it comes to ensuring comfort on a long-haul flight, there are a few things I always do. Being nearly 6ft tall, I know I’m bound to be uncomfortable but I always inquire at check-in if there’s anything that can be done to alleviate this.The key here is to maintain politeness – and manage your expectations. However, I’ve had multiple successful experiences by simply inquiring with the staff at check-in if there’s any possibility of being seated either at a bulkhead (the seats at the front of the plane with no seats in front of them) or even if there’s an available row where I can be seated.A smile and some courteous conversation can go a long way!And if there’s nothing that can be done to reposition you, don’t become upset or angry – it’s never the fault of the staff member. If you find yourself cramped in economy, ensure you stand up when possible and stretch your legs – a trip to the lavatory doesn’t count.Try bouncing on the balls of your feet, touching your toes or pacing up and down the aisle a few times to stimulate blood circulation and prevent leg swelling due to the pressure change. Long-haul flights are seldom a barrel of laughs – but there are certain measures you can take to make it slightly more bearable.And remember, once those 23 hours have passed, you’re on the other side of the world!It’s incredible, and absolutely worth the effort.

I’ve travelled on long-haul flights all my life – there’s one item I’d never fly without

Travel

Growing up in New Zealand with all my extended family in  England, I’ve spent a considerable amount of time on long-haul flights.With an average flight duration of 23 hours between the two countries, it’s about as lengthy as flights come.It’s a challenging journey, even for those who enjoy flying, but there are ways to make it slightly more bearable. The contents of your carry-on bag are crucial for long-haul flights.There’s one item I would never take this journey without: a silk scarf. While it may seem like an unnecessary luxury, it serves a vital function.The air inside planes is recycled and treated, which can be extremely drying for your skin. I find that covering my mouth and nose with the lightweight scarf helps prevent my skin from drying out and aids my breathing – it’s also incredibly useful when you want to sleep.Simply drape the scarf over your face and relax. This cover ensures the air I breathe is less dry, and my skin doesn’t dehydrate as quickly.Another item I would never travel long-haul without is comfortable socks and slip-on shoes. This might be controversial, but the first thing I do when settling in for a 14-hour economy flight is remove my shoes, store them in my overhead locker bag, and put on some warm socks.Planes are typically chilly, and if I’m going to be confined on one for an entire day, I want to ensure I’m as warm as possible. My cosy socks make me comfortable – and the slip-on shoes that I store under the seat in front of me mean that I don’t have to tie my trainers every time I need to use the loo.It’s crucial to note that one should never venture into an airplane bathroom barefoot. Generally speaking, they’re not the cleanest, and the likelihood of that damp patch on the floor being just water is minimal.The third essential item for any flight is my personal headphones – ideally, ones with noise-cancelling capabilities. The headphones provided for plugging into the TV screen usually aren’t top-notch, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll be watching at least six films and whatever half season of Friends that all airlines seem to offer.Bringing your own headphones that can connect to the TV means comfort – and if they’re noise-cancelling, even better, because planes are incredibly noisy environments. As someone who experiences flight anxiety, being able to drown out the constant drone of the plane helps to calm me.When it comes to ensuring comfort on a long-haul flight, there are a few things I always do. Being nearly 6ft tall, I know I’m bound to be uncomfortable but I always inquire at check-in if there’s anything that can be done to alleviate this.The key here is to maintain politeness – and manage your expectations. However, I’ve had multiple successful experiences by simply inquiring with the staff at check-in if there’s any possibility of being seated either at a bulkhead (the seats at the front of the plane with no seats in front of them) or even if there’s an available row where I can be seated.A smile and some courteous conversation can go a long way!And if there’s nothing that can be done to reposition you, don’t become upset or angry – it’s never the fault of the staff member. If you find yourself cramped in economy, ensure you stand up when possible and stretch your legs – a trip to the lavatory doesn’t count.Try bouncing on the balls of your feet, touching your toes or pacing up and down the aisle a few times to stimulate blood circulation and prevent leg swelling due to the pressure change. Long-haul flights are seldom a barrel of laughs – but there are certain measures you can take to make it slightly more bearable.And remember, once those 23 hours have passed, you’re on the other side of the world!It’s incredible, and absolutely worth the effort.

The Issue of Abortion in the 2024 Election

2024 Election

The Issue of Abortion in the 2024 Election / Image courtesy of Enterprise College As the 2024 election approaches, the issue of abortion has taken center stage. Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have opposing views on this topic. Their differing opinions are shaping the election debate across the United States. In Proverbs 29:2 (NKJV),…

Watch Smile 2 Free Online – How To Stream Horror Film Smile 2?

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

The highly anticipated Smile 2 movie is generating buzz among horror fans eager to experience the next chapter in this chilling franchise. As the sequel to the unexpected hit of 2022, audiences are curious about where and when they can watch this spine-tingling continuation. The film promises to deliver more of the unnerving smiles and psychological terror that made the original a standout success.

➤➤ Watch Now ✅➤➤ Smile 2 (2024) Free online

For those looking to catch Smile 2, there are several viewing options to consider. This article will cover the theatrical release details, streaming platforms that may carry the film, rental and purchase possibilities, and where to watch the original Smile movie for a refresher. We’ll provide all the information you need to plan your viewing experience for this highly anticipated horror sequel.

Theatrical Release Details

Release dates

Horror fans eagerly awaiting the next installment of the chilling Smile franchise can mark their calendars for October 18, 2024. This release date places Smile 2 approximately two years after its predecessor, which premiered on September 30, 2022. The sequel is set to follow in the footsteps of the original by having a theatrical release, giving audiences the chance to experience the terror on the big screen.

The decision to launch Smile 2 in mid-October is a strategic move, positioning it at the heart of the spooky season. This timing is likely to capitalize on the Halloween spirit when audiences are particularly drawn to horror films. While the original Smile debuted in late September, the slight shift to October for the sequel might prove beneficial in capturing the peak horror-viewing audience.

Box office expectations

The box office expectations for Smile 2 are high, given the unexpected success of its predecessor. The original Smile was a standout success story in the post-Covid era of cinema, opening with an impressive USD 22.60 million and going on to earn USD 105.90 million domestically and USD 217.40 million worldwide. This performance was particularly noteworthy as the film was initially slated for a streaming release before being shifted to theaters after successful test screenings.

Current projections for Smile 2 suggest a strong opening weekend, with estimates pointing towards high-teens millions. Some tracking has indicated potential for over USD 20 million, although this will depend on various factors, including the turnout of Latino and Hispanic moviegoers. The sequel has a budget of USD 28 million, which is considered modest for a major studio horror release.

The film’s performance may be influenced by the current market conditions. Unlike its predecessor, which benefited from a relatively sparse release schedule in the fall of 2022, Smile 2 faces more competition. However, it has secured premium large format (PLF) screens across its 3,500-theater count, which could boost its box office numbers.

Comparison to first Smile movie

Comparing Smile 2 to the original presents an interesting challenge. Horror sequels often struggle to recapture the magic of their predecessors, especially when the original was a sleeper hit. However, Smile 2 has several factors working in its favor.

The return of writer/director Parker Finn suggests a continuation of the style and themes that made the first film successful. Additionally, the sequel has received positive early reviews, with an 86% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 36 reviews at the time of this writing.

One notable difference is the target audience. While the original Smile had broad appeal, early indicators suggest that Smile 2 is skewing towards females under 25. This demographic shift could impact the film’s performance compared to its predecessor.

The success of Smile 2 could pave the way for further sequels, potentially establishing a new horror franchise centered around the grinning and ghoulish otherworldly entity introduced in the first film. As the movie industry continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, the performance of Smile 2 will be closely watched as an indicator of the health of the horror genre and theatrical releases in general.

Streaming Platforms

Paramount+

For those eager to stream Smile 2, Paramount+ is likely to be the first platform to offer the film. As a Paramount Pictures production, the sequel is expected to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, which became available on Paramount+ on November 15, 2022. This streaming service has a solid track record for handling releases, making it possible to predict when Smile 2 might appear on the platform.

Paramount typically waits around 50 days after a movie’s theatrical release before making it available for streaming. Based on this pattern, Smile 2 is likely to be released on Paramount+ in December 2024, with an early December release being more probable than a late one. This timeline gives horror enthusiasts something to look forward to after the theatrical run.

Other potential streaming services

While Paramount+ is the most likely initial streaming home for Smile 2, other platforms may eventually offer the film as well. The original Smile is currently available on both Paramount+ and Hulu, suggesting that Hulu could be a potential secondary streaming option for the sequel in the future.

For those who prefer to rent or purchase digital copies, services like Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Spectrum might offer Smile 2 for a fee. The original Smile can be rented from these platforms for $3.99, while digital purchases are available on Prime Video and Apple TV+ for $7.99. Similar options may become available for the sequel after its initial streaming release.

It’s worth noting that Smile 2 is not expected to be available on Netflix or included with an Amazon Prime subscription, at least not in the immediate future. However, it may eventually be offered as a paid digital release on Prime Video.

Expected streaming release timeline

The streaming release timeline for Smile 2 can be estimated based on the pattern set by its predecessor and other similar releases. The original Smile hit theaters in September 2022, became available on Video on Demand (VOD) in November, and was released on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD in December of the same year.

Following this timeline, viewers can expect a similar rollout for Smile 2. After its theatrical debut on October 18, 2024, the film may become available for digital rental and purchase around December 2024 or January 2025. The streaming release on Paramount+ is likely to coincide with or shortly follow the VOD release.

For those who can’t wait for the streaming release, the theatrical experience remains the earliest option to watch Smile 2. The film is set to be shown in approximately 3,500 theaters, including premium large format (PLF) screens, providing an immersive viewing experience for horror fans.

While waiting for Smile 2 to become available for streaming, fans can revisit the original Smile on Paramount+ or Hulu to refresh their memory of the chilling story that started it all.

Rental and Purchase Options

Digital rental platforms

For those who prefer to watch movies from the comfort of their homes, digital rental platforms will likely offer Smile 2 after its theatrical run. While specific details are not yet confirmed, we can make educated guesses based on the release pattern of the original Smile and other Paramount Pictures films.

Popular digital rental services such as Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Spectrum are expected to make Smile 2 available for rent. If the sequel follows a similar pattern to its predecessor, viewers might be able to rent it for around USD 3.99. This affordable option allows fans to enjoy the movie without committing to a purchase or subscription.

Purchase options

In addition to rental options, Smile 2 is likely to be available for purchase on various digital platforms. Prime Video and Apple TV+ are among the services that may offer the movie for digital ownership. Based on the pricing of the original Smile, we can anticipate that Smile 2 might be available for purchase at around USD 7.99.

For those who prefer physical copies, Smile 2 is expected to have a 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD release. These formats offer the highest quality viewing experience and are perfect for collectors or those who want to add the film to their horror movie library.

Estimated availability dates

While exact dates have not been announced, we can estimate the availability of Smile 2 on various platforms based on typical release patterns:

Theatrical Release: Confirmed for October 18, 2024, in the USA and UK.

Digital Rental and Purchase: Paramount typically waits about one month after a film’s theatrical debut before making it available on major PVOD (Premium Video on Demand) platforms. This suggests that Smile 2 could have a digital release date in late November 2024.

Streaming on Paramount+: Based on the studio’s previous releases, Smile 2 may arrive on Paramount+ in February or March 2025. This would allow for about a month of exclusivity in theaters before a more cost-effective viewing option becomes available.

Physical Media: The 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD releases are expected sometime in 2025, possibly during the holiday season if following a similar timeline to the original Smile.

It’s worth noting that these are estimated dates, and the actual release schedule may vary. Paramount might adjust the timeline based on the film’s performance in theaters or other market factors.

For those eager to watch Smile 2 as soon as possible, the theatrical release remains the earliest option. However, patient viewers will have multiple choices for home viewing in the months following the cinema debut. Keep an eye on official announcements from Paramount Pictures for confirmed dates and availability across different platforms.

Where to Watch the Original Smile

For those who want to revisit the original Smile movie or catch up before watching the sequel, there are several options available. The 2022 hit horror film has made its way to various streaming platforms and is also available for rental and purchase.

Streaming platforms for Smile (2022)

The original Smile is currently streaming on both Hulu and Paramount+. Subscribers to these services can easily access the film by logging into their accounts and searching for it on the homepage.

Hulu offers a 30-day free trial for new users, which is an excellent opportunity to watch Smile without any cost. After the trial period, plans start at USD 9.99 per month. Hulu also provides a bundle option that includes Disney+ and ESPN+, all with ads, for USD 16.99 per month.

Paramount+, being the home platform for Paramount Pictures films, also streams Smile. New users can take advantage of a 7-day free trial to watch the movie at no cost. After the trial, a Paramount+ subscription begins at USD 7.99 per month.

Both streaming services offer additional benefits beyond just access to Smile. Hulu provides a vast library of shows and movies, including Hulu Originals and current episodes of popular TV series. The platform also allows up to six separate profiles per household, ensuring personalized recommendations for each viewer. Paramount+ offers a similar range of content, with a focus on Paramount productions.

Rental and purchase options for Smile (2022)

For those who prefer not to subscribe to a streaming service, there are rental and purchase options available. Amazon offers Smile for rent at USD 3.99, which is an affordable way to watch the movie without a long-term commitment.

If you’d like to own a digital copy of Smile, you can purchase and download it from Amazon for USD 7.99. This option allows you to watch the film as many times as you want without worrying about subscription fees or rental periods.

It’s worth noting that when renting, you typically have 30 days to start watching the movie and 48 hours to finish once you’ve begun. This flexibility allows you to rent the film in advance and watch it at your convenience within the given timeframe.

By exploring these various options to watch the original Smile, viewers can prepare themselves for the upcoming sequel. Whether through a streaming subscription, a free trial, or a one-time rental or purchase, there are multiple ways to experience the chilling story that started it all before diving into Smile 2.

Conclusion

The arrival of Smile 2 in theaters on October 18, 2024, gives horror fans plenty to look forward to. With its theatrical release, followed by digital rentals and purchases, and eventual streaming on Paramount+, viewers have multiple options to catch this chilling sequel. The movie’s performance at the box office and its reception among critics and audiences will likely shape its release timeline across different platforms.

For those eager to dive into the world of Smile, revisiting the original film is a great way to prepare. Whether through streaming services like Hulu and Paramount+ or by renting or buying the movie, there are numerous ways to experience the terror that started it all. As the release date for Smile 2 draws closer, fans can gear up for another round of spine-tingling scares and unsettling grins.

Rising tensions between Canada, India spark travel concerns among members of Indian diaspora

Travel

Open this photo in gallery:People at Toronto Pearson International Airport, on March 10, 2023.Nathan Denette/The Canadian PressAs tensions escalate between India and Canada, some in the Indian diaspora say they’re concerned about how the situation might affect travel between the two countries.The federal government expelled six Indian diplomats on Monday after the RCMP said it had credible evidence that Indian agents played a role in violent crimes on Canadian soil, including extortion, coercion and murder of Canadian citizens.India insists it has not been given evidence of any government involvement in crimes in Canada, and it has ordered six Canadian diplomats to leave.Fazle Baki, president of the South Asian Centre of Windsor in southwestern Ontario, says many community members he’s spoken to – particularly families and students – have expressed concern about their ability to travel between India and Canada if the conflict escalates to visa suspensions.In September of last year, India temporarily suspended visa services for Canadian citizens after Canada said there were “credible allegations” of Indian involvement in the killing of Sikh temple leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.Baki says many members of his community feel on edge because of the tense diplomatic relationship and its latest developments, and they hope to have clarity soon on whether it could impact securing and processing visas.“They’re tense, they’re concerned, they’re frustrated with the lack of information and they’re looking for guidance,” he said.Rama Singh, a retired McMaster University professor and co-chair of Hamilton’s annual Gandhi Peace Festival, has what’s known as an OCI card, which allows unlimited entry to India for its overseas citizens.But the Ancaster-Ont. resident says he’s still worried about his upcoming travel to India, and others who plan to visit the country in the coming weeks as Diwali and wedding season approach.“I’m concerned that I have bought tickets, and I would like to know soon which way things are moving,” he said.This week’s expulsion of Indian diplomats from Canada comes after more than a year of rising tensions between the two countries, which came to a head after Nijjar’s murder in June 2023.What followed were several months of strained diplomatic relations, including Canada postponing a trade mission to India and both countries expelling top diplomats.But amid the growing tensions, Singh says it’s important to remember how Indians have contributed to Canada’s social fabric, and the relationships created in local communities.“I think India and Canada’s relations are solid and long term, and will remain,” he said.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his government expelled six Indian diplomats linked to criminal activity after New Delhi refused to co-operate in the investigations. He says Canada is still asking India to co-operate with RCMP probes into violent incidents and coercive behaviour linked to agents of the Indian government.The Canadian Press

Milan hosted the “Armenia to Discover” event, attracting around 250 attendees and presenting Armenia as a travel destination to an Italian audience

Travel

On October 14, Milan hosted the “Armenia to Discover” event, attracting around 250 attendees and presenting Armenia as a travel destination to an Italian audience.
Supported by the Tourism Committee of Armenia, the event also featured a spokesperson from the committee in the “Visions of Armenia” panel discussion, which explored the essence of traveling to Armenia—its history, art, culture, traditions, and more.

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