A screen displays the portraits of the laureates of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry (L-R) John Goodenough of US, Britain's Stanley Whittingham and Japan's Akira Yoshino during a press conference at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm, Sweden, on Oct 9, 2019. (Photo: Naina Helen Jama/TT News Agency/AFP) John Goodenough of the United States - at 97 the oldest person to be awarded a Nobel prize - Britain's Stanley Whittingham, and Japan's Akira Yoshino will share the nine million Swedish kronor (about US$914,000 or €833,000) prize equally, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said. "This lightweight, rechargeable and powerful battery is now used in everything from mobile phones to laptops and electric vehicles ... (and) can also store significant amounts of energy from solar and wind power, making possible a fossil fuel-free society," the jury said. "Lithium batteries have revolutionised our lives since they first entered the market in 1991," it said, adding … [Read more...] about US UK Japan trio win chemistry Nobel for lithium ion battery
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The Beauty of Doing Nothing When Traveling
Updated: February 14, 2014 On my first backpacking trip through Europe when I was 17, my travel partner and I spent a few days at a hostel villa in Tuscany. After a few weeks of city-to-city backpacking all I wanted to do was breathe, so I plucked a VHS of Serendipity from the hostel library and spent a few happy hours watching a bad 90’s chick flick. “You really shouldn’t spend the day doing something you can do at home,” my travel partner said. “But I’m so tired!” I’m sure I whined. That moment taught me an important lesson about travel- living your life to the fullest at every moment quickly becomes exhausting. So on my first full day in Istanbul, I did absolutely nothing. And it was wonderful. My cousin Suzy and her boyfriend, Serkan, showed me around their beloved neighborhood of Taksim. Taksim is a neighborhood located on the Asian side of Istanbul- the side known for being residential, upscale and largely tourist-free. I … [Read more...] about The Beauty of Doing Nothing When Traveling
9 Tips for Savvy Plus-Size Travelers
One size does not fit all when it comes to traveling and exploring the world. For plus-size globetrotters, that presents some challenges along the way, whether it’s too-snug airplane seats or spa robes meant for someone of more diminutive stature. Take heart, though—the problems are surmountable. Where there is a desire to take a journey, there are workable solutions to ensure grand experiences. Tips for Plus-Size Travelers Here are tips geared to fellow voyagers of size, gleaned from my own travels as a Rubenesque gal who has racked up visits to more than 70 countries. Choose Size-Friendly Airlines In the U.S., most airlines require that you be able to lower both armrests and buckle up your seatbelt (using one extender). That’s the litmus test in determining whether you may be required to buy an adjacent (aka “comfort”) seat. If you do need an additional “comfort” seat, you’ll need to call the airline directly to book them. Policies … [Read more...] about 9 Tips for Savvy Plus-Size Travelers
5 Ways to Make Your Bedroom Feel like a Hotel Room
I can’t tell you how to get turndown service every night, but I can show you the best ways to make your bedroom feel like a hotel room. It’s easier than ever to find the same sheets, mattresses, and more that your favorite hotels use. Follow these tips to get five-star-worthy sleep every night: Recreate Your Favorite Hotel Bed Want to recreate the feel of your last Marriott stay at home? You can buy the same experience on Marriott’s online shop, which sells the same brand of mattresses, bedding sets, and pillows that are used in the hotels. The shop is also available on Amazon if you want to Prime your new bed over immediately. Want to find your favorite hotel’s beds at a more affordable price? It’s fairly easy to find what mattress the property uses with a quick online search. For example, Westin touts its world-famous Heavenly Bed, but it’s a widely known secret that the Heavenly Bed is just a Simmons Beautyrest mattress, which you can find for … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Make Your Bedroom Feel like a Hotel Room
10 of the most beautiful Maldives resorts to dream about
Need a break? Take 5 to dream about these 10 incredibly beautiful island resorts. There’s nowhere else on earth quite like The Maldives, with its impossibly pure waters scattered with sandy slides of paradise. Whether you’re looking for rustic Robinson Crusoe style, or contemporary outposts from big-name brands – more and more resorts are opening each year, meaning there’s something to suit all tastes. Constance Moofushi As soon as you hop off the seaplane and walk onto the jetty, you’re greeted with a sign that says ‘no shoes, no news beyond this point’ – and that sets the scene for the rest of your stay on this idyllic barefoot resort. Once your shoes have been confiscated and you’ve got a refreshing cocktail in hand, you’re led to your accommodation – either a wooden beach bungalow or over water villa depending on what you’ve chosen. It’s an all-inclusive resort – but the food standard here is … [Read more...] about 10 of the most beautiful Maldives resorts to dream about