Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are said to be ‘distressed’ by the fresh claims in an explosive Vanity Fair expose. The glossy US magazine, which has traditionally favoured the Sussexes, has made a series of blistering allegations in a cover article about the couple for its latest issue, cryptically headlined ‘American Hustle’. One claim centres…
On the Shelf ‘Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I’d Known About Menopause’ By Naomi WattsCrown: 256 pages, $29If you buy books linked on our site, The Times may earn a commission from Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookstores. “This will definitely end my career.” That was Naomi Watts’ initial response to the prospect of writing her first book, “Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I’d Known About Menopause.” Through her menopause-focused wellness brand, Stripes Beauty, and openness about her experiences with perimenopause in her late 30s while also trying to conceive her children with then-partner Liev Schreiber, Watts was already one of the foremost celebrities to address the aging process for women. “Dare I Say It,” to be published by Crown on Jan. 21, builds on her earlier efforts. It melds expert medical opinion, case studies from other women and Watts’ own experience. “I hope it feels like an honest, cozy chat with a girlfriend and that will lead them to having that conversation in real time if they’re too scared to open up,” Watts says. She’s candid about getting “baby Botox” (a small dose of the injectable) between jobs to preserve her facial expressions onscreen. The actor recently received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her performance as Babe Paley in Ryan Murphy’s “Feud: Capote vs. the Swans,” which she calls “a role of a lifetime. One of if not my best role.” In her book, she shares an endearing anecdote about husband Billy Crudup, whom she married in 2023, assuaging her fears about exposing her hormone patch during their first tryst by pointing out the gray hairs on his testicles. “Those to date remain the most romantic words I’ve ever heard,” Watts writes.That levity was intentional. “I was always wanting to bring humor into it because we know the pain points,” she tells The Times. After overcoming her fear of the unknown as it relates to being a debut author, Watts aimed to write the kind of book she wished she had when she was struggling through symptoms alone. Watts’ mother entered menopause early too, at the age of 45, but they never spoke about it until Watts mustered up the courage to bring it up with her.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowThis article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.If you’re thinking of launching a business in 2025, check these expert tips to make your start-up thrive 🚀Nearly half of UK adults are considering starting a business or side hustle in 2025Entrepreneurship is driven by passion, with many seeking to turn hobbies into careersFamily members are key role models for aspiring entrepreneurs, more so than public figuresTechnology and community support are shaping the modern start-up landscapeExperts share insights into what it takes to launch and grow a successful ventureWith nearly half of UK adults (47%) considering launching a business or side hustle in 2025, entrepreneurship is booming.Interestingly, while well-known entrepreneurs like Sir Richard Branson and Stormzy inspire some, a fifth of aspiring business owners say their primary role models are family members, with more than a third struggling to find relatable public figures.For many, the journey is about more than financial gain – it’s an opportunity to pursue a passion, with 36% of young people citing doing something they love as a motivator. To delve deeper into what it takes to start a successful business, we spoke to four experts from diverse entrepreneurial backgrounds. Here are their insights, tips and ideas…(Photo: Pexels)
Morocco’s Minister of Tourism, Fatima Zahra said domestic tourism, which gained momentum during the pandemic, now accounts for a significant portion of Morocco’s tourism sector.
In 2024, domestic visitors recorded 8.5 million overnight stays in classified hotels, representing 30% of total hotel stays.
Ammor emphasized that the government is capitalizing on this trend by developing a diverse range of tourism products to appeal to Moroccan tourists, tailoring offerings to their purchasing power and interests.
Nancy Greenberg has a particularly good feeling about the three films that are going to be seen at the 18th Central Mass. International Jewish Film Festival presented by the Worcester Jewish Community Center.”I’m really happy with the films I’m going to show,” said Greenberg, cultural and arts director of the Worcester JCC and festival organizer. “It’s always special, but this year I feel the films are really outstanding.”The festival gets underway on Jan. 25 with a screening of “Seven Blessings,” an award-winning 2023 dramedy from Israel set around a wedding. The film will be shown at 7:30 p.m. in Founders Hall at St. John’s High School, Shrewsbury. Tickets are $20.Lucky 18The rest of the lineup will be shown at Preservation Worcester’s Park View Room, 230 Park Ave., Worcester.Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.”Running on Sand,” also a 2023 comedy-drama from Israel, will be shown at 2 p.m. March 2. “Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire,” a new documentary about the writer and Holocaust survivor, is set for at 2 p.m. March 9. Tickets for each film are $15.That this is the 18th Central Mass. International Jewish Film Festival film festival is a good omen, Greenberg observed. In Hebrew, 18 is the symbolic number for life — “chai” — and is considered lucky. The three films at the festival “are all winners,” she said.The film festival is made possible by a grant from the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts with the goal of “celebrating the Jewish experience through film.” The screening and after-program of “Seven Blessings” are co-sponsored by Congregation B’nai Shalom, Hadassah Greater Boroughs Chapter and Chaverim of JFCM.”Seven Blessings” won 10 Israeli Academy Awards (Ophir Awards), including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actress. Set in early 1990s Jerusalem, a boisterous Moroccan-Jewish family reunites for a cross-cultural wedding and the weeklong ritual of sheva brachot (seven blessings) — celebratory meals hosted by family members in honor of the newlyweds. But there is an undercurrent of family secrets that get revealed as the week unfolds. The Jerusalem Post called the film “an impressive and compelling story of women struggling to right past wrongs and move forward.”Following the screening of the film there will be a “talkback” with Shulamit Reinharz, the Jacob Potofsky Professor Emerita of Sociology at Brandeis University, and a dessert reception.The festival is returning to Founders Hall at St. John’s High School for its opening night after being unable to book the venue for the date it needed last year. “It’s such a nice space to show films,” Greenberg said.Meanwhile, the Park View Room is a first-time venue for the festival, although the intimate room has seen plenty of movies screened over the years, including by Cinema Worcester.Also screeningIn “Running on Sand,” a young Eritrean refugee is about to get deported from Israel due to a technicality but gets mistaken for a Nigerian soccer player just signed to the soccer team Maccabi Netanya. “Somehow he is able to hide that he does not play soccer and becomes a great teammate,” Greenberg said. “It’s a sweet film.” “Running on Sand” was nominated for four Israeli Academy Awards and has been picking up awards recently at film festivals in the United States.”Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire” is a documentary about the late writer, teacher and activist who was a survivor of Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps. He lost his parents and younger sister in the Holocaust and wrote the memoir “Night.”The film is written and directed by Oren Rudavsky, an acclaimed American documentary filmmaker, and will be released theatrically later this year. “I am excited to be able to show the film in Worcester before it gets out to the world,” Greenberg said.She was drawn to view the documentary because the subject, Wiesel, “was such a great humanitarian.””Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire” is “a great film,” she said.For more information and tickets visit worcesterjcc.org.
Have you ever wondered what makes data science one of the most sought-after fields today? With its ability to solve real-world problems and drive decision-making across industries, data science is changing how we live and work. However, succeeding in this field requires more than just technical knowledge. It demands a unique mix of skills that blend math, technology, and business insights.
In this blog, we will share the key skills you need to thrive in the exciting world of data science.
1. Strong Foundation in Mathematics and Statistics
At the core of data science lies mathematics and statistics. These subjects help you understand patterns, analyze trends, and make predictions. Knowing topics like probability, linear algebra, and calculus can significantly boost your ability to process data effectively. Statistics, in particular, is vital for interpreting data accurately. It allows you to test hypotheses and assess the reliability of your results.
Without these skills, making sense of large datasets can be a real challenge. Taking time to brush up on these subjects will lay a strong foundation for your journey in data science. Mathematics and statistics skills are the building blocks for learning advanced techniques, such as machine learning. They are the key to developing models that analyze data and predict outcomes. Mastering these areas will give you the confidence to tackle complex problems.
2. Proficiency in Programming
Programming is an essential skill for any data scientist. Languages like Python, R, and SQL are commonly used to collect, clean, and analyze data. Python is especially popular because of its versatility and the availability of libraries like Pandas, NumPy, and TensorFlow. These tools simplify data manipulation and machine learning. SQL, on the other hand, is indispensable for working with databases. It helps you query, manage, and organize data efficiently.
If you are pursuing a masters degree in data science, programming will likely be a major focus. You will learn how to use programming to automate tasks, visualize data, and even build predictive models. Spending time on hands-on projects can enhance your programming skills. Building your own datasets, creating visualizations, or contributing to open-source projects are excellent ways to learn by doing. With practice, programming will become second nature.
3. Analytical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Data science is all about solving problems. Analytical thinking helps you break down complex challenges into manageable pieces. It enables you to approach problems logically and make informed decisions. This skill is crucial when working with messy or incomplete data. Analytical thinking helps you identify patterns and draw meaningful insights from raw information.
For example, if sales are declining, a data scientist can analyze customer behavior, identify trends, and recommend actionable solutions. Strong problem-solving skills go hand-in-hand with analytical thinking. The ability to troubleshoot issues and find creative solutions will set you apart in the field. These skills are not only valuable for data scientists but also highly transferable to other roles.
4. Communication Skills
While technical skills are critical, being able to communicate your findings effectively is just as important. Data scientists often need to present their insights to non-technical audiences, such as business executives. This requires translating complex data into simple, actionable information. Visualization tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Python’s Matplotlib can help you create compelling charts and graphs.
But communication goes beyond visuals. You must also be able to explain the “why” behind the data—why a trend matters or why a particular solution is recommended. Practicing storytelling with data can make your insights more impactful. Think of it as creating a narrative that connects the numbers to real-world outcomes. Strong communication skills can make your work more accessible and valuable to your team or organization.
5. Domain Knowledge
Having expertise in a specific industry can greatly enhance your effectiveness as a data scientist. For instance, if you work in healthcare, understanding medical terminology and patient data can make your analyses more accurate. Similarly, knowledge of finance can help you better interpret market trends and financial reports. Domain knowledge allows you to ask the right questions and frame your analysis in a meaningful context.
It bridges the gap between data and actionable insights. Without it, your findings might lack relevance or fail to address the needs of the business. Building domain expertise takes time, but it’s worth the effort. By immersing yourself in your chosen field, you can position yourself as an indispensable asset to your organization.
6. Data Visualization Skills
Raw data is often overwhelming, but data visualization turns it into a story that anyone can understand. This skill helps you highlight key insights and communicate your findings effectively. Tools like Tableau, Power BI, and Python libraries such as Seaborn and Plotly are widely used for this purpose. Good visualizations go beyond aesthetics. They clarify the data and help decision-makers grasp complex information quickly.
Whether it’s a line graph showing sales growth or a heatmap identifying customer preferences, the right visual can make your analysis stand out. Practicing visualization techniques will improve your ability to tell stories with data. Try creating dashboards or infographics to summarize your findings. This skill is invaluable for making your work accessible to a broad audience.
7. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
As data science evolves, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming must-have skills. ML techniques allow you to build models that learn from data and make predictions. AI takes this a step further by enabling systems to adapt and improve over time. Knowing how to apply algorithms like decision trees, neural networks, and support vector machines is essential.
Familiarity with ML frameworks such as Scikit-learn, Keras, and PyTorch can also be beneficial. These tools simplify the process of building and training models. While not every data scientist specializes in ML or AI, having a basic understanding can make you more versatile. It’s a skill set that opens doors to cutting-edge projects and career opportunities in the field.
8. Curiosity and Lifelong Learning
Data science is a dynamic field that constantly evolves. New technologies, tools, and techniques emerge all the time. Staying curious and committed to learning will help you keep up with these changes. Attending workshops, earning certifications, and joining online communities are great ways to expand your knowledge.
Following industry trends and engaging with thought leaders can also inspire new ideas. Your willingness to learn will keep you competitive and ready to tackle future challenges. Curiosity drives innovation. It’s the spark that motivates you to explore new datasets, test hypotheses, and push boundaries. By staying curious, you’ll continue to grow both personally and professionally.
In conclusion, data science is a rewarding field that combines creativity, logic, and technology. To thrive, you need a well-rounded set of skills—from math and programming to communication and problem-solving. Each skill complements the others, creating a foundation for success. As you build these skills, remember that data science is more than just numbers. It’s about understanding the world through data and using that knowledge to make a difference. Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow, the journey is as exciting as the destination.
Erika Balla
IATA Director General, Willie Walsh said it was ‘bewildering’ that the British Government is proposing an increase in ETA costs just one week after the system’s introduction.Currently, UK aviation and tourism supports 1.6 million jobs, providing USD 160.7 billion to the UK’s GDP.“If implemented it would be a self-inflicted blow to the UK’s tourism competitiveness,” said Walsh.“In November the government laid out plans to increase tourist arrivals by 30% to reach 50 million annually by 2030 in pursuit of tourism’s economic benefits. Gouging these travelers with a 60% increase in the ETA is a very bad start.”Walsh noted that the added cost would come on top of the Air Passenger Duty (APD), the biggest travel tax of its kind, which is already set for an increase in April.He said that travelers have choice and noted that ‘the EU’s ETIAS will be far better value’ as it costs roughly a third of the proposed ETA pricing and lasts a year longer.“It’s time for the UK government to see the big picture,” the Director General continued.“It has everything to gain by making the UK a more cost-competitive travel destination—including the substantial tax revenues that travelers generate. It makes no sense to discourage visitors with high costs even before they set foot in the country.”Click here to see further information on the IATA Value of Air Transport to the United Kingdom study.Image credit | Shutterstock
IATA Director General, Willie Walsh said it was ‘bewildering’ that the British Government is proposing an increase in ETA costs just one week after the system’s introduction.Currently, UK aviation and tourism supports 1.6 million jobs, providing USD 160.7 billion to the UK’s GDP.“If implemented it would be a self-inflicted blow to the UK’s tourism competitiveness,” said Walsh.“In November the government laid out plans to increase tourist arrivals by 30% to reach 50 million annually by 2030 in pursuit of tourism’s economic benefits. Gouging these travelers with a 60% increase in the ETA is a very bad start.”Walsh noted that the added cost would come on top of the Air Passenger Duty (APD), the biggest travel tax of its kind, which is already set for an increase in April.He said that travelers have choice and noted that ‘the EU’s ETIAS will be far better value’ as it costs roughly a third of the proposed ETA pricing and lasts a year longer.“It’s time for the UK government to see the big picture,” the Director General continued.“It has everything to gain by making the UK a more cost-competitive travel destination—including the substantial tax revenues that travelers generate. It makes no sense to discourage visitors with high costs even before they set foot in the country.”Click here to see further information on the IATA Value of Air Transport to the United Kingdom study.Image credit | Shutterstock
Drone GIS Mapping Market to Hit USD 174.32 Billion by 2032, Growing at 22.14% CAGR Driven by Tech Advancements – Technology Today – EIN Presswire
Public Health Wales wants to use a Bangor business unit as an eye test clinic. Plans have been lodged with Cyngor Gwynedd to change the use of the unit at Parc Menai. According to planning documents, it is part of a bid to “economically improve” the provision of the service in Gwynedd. The planning submission…