Latest news with #Galloway
The Independent
3 hours ago
- General
- The Independent
Viking-age jar found by metal detectorist to go on display for first time
A Viking-age rock crystal jar previously owned by a bishop which was part of a hoard found by a metal detectorist is to go on public display for the first time later this year. The jar is part of the Galloway Hoard, a collection of objects from Ireland, the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, and as far away as Asia. It was buried near Kirkcudbright in Dumfries and Galloway around 900AD, where it remained until it was discovered by a metal detectorist in 2014. The jar is due to go on display at Kirkcudbright Galleries on November 8, near where it was discovered. The 5cm high jar resembles an ornate perfume bottle and is decorated in gold filigree. It is thought to have had an ecclesiastical function within the Catholic Church, as the gold inscription written on the jar says 'Bishop Hyguald had me made'. Due to gaps in church records in the 9th century, finding out who Bishop Hyguald was has proved difficult for researchers, but they have concluded he was most likely a Northumbrian bishop. Dumfries and Galloway was previously part of the medieval kingdom of Northumbria. A further translation of an Old English runic inscription from the arm ring in the Galloway Hoard has been proposed, describing a portion of the hoard as 'the community's wealth'. The jar, found wrapped in linen, was carefully unwrapped over a number of months in order not to damage the item, meaning it is only now available for display. Martin Goldberg from National Museums Scotland said: 'The rock crystal jar is one of the highlight objects from the Galloway Hoard. 'From the beautiful rock crystal itself, originally carved in the form of a classical Corinthian column two thousand years ago, to the incredibly intricate gold decoration added hundreds of years later and including a clear inscription identifying its owner, this one object exemplifies the complex, connected and historic nature of the Galloway Hoard. 'The jar was the subject of international attention when we first revealed the inscription, and it's great to be able to put it on display it for the first time in Kirkcudbright.' Maureen Johnstone, chairwoman of Dumfries and Galloway Council's education, skills and community wellbeing committee, added: 'We are excited to see this important and unique object in Kirkcudbright. 'Dumfries and Galloway Council is very proud of the ongoing partnership with National Museums Scotland which has already produced two superb exhibitions at Kirkcudbright Galleries. 'I have no doubt the rock crystal jar will be a fascinating exhibit, I am looking forward to it.' The Viking Age hoard was acquired by National Museums Scotland in 2017 with the support of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Art Fund, and the Scottish Government, as well as a major public fundraising campaign.
International Business Times
6 hours ago
- International Business Times
Meet the Futurist Re-Engineering Tech Intimacy for the 2030s and Rewriting the Code of Love in a Lonely Age
In the middle of a recent TED conference futurist Cathy Hackl captivated audiences with an experiment that explored the blurry intersection of human emotion and artificial intelligence. Known for her pioneering work at Magic Leap, where she helped launch the virtual human Mica and introduced C-level executives to embodied AI for the first time, Hackl has long been at the forefront of human-computer interaction. Her latest experiments take that vision even further, probing how we might use AI not just to assist us, but to understand and evolve our most human experiences: connection, heartbreak, and love. Her TED journey began with a matchmaking experiment using AI, an unconventional but compelling approach that earned her an invitation to the main stage. But Hackl isn't done. In her next experiment, she'll spend a week "dating" four different AIs, allowing them to compete for her attention and even advise her on who to choose and how to end things. It's part social study, part tech demo, and part emotional audit. Recently, she also turned to AI vibe-coding tools to help navigate the emotional fallout of a breakup, effectively gamifying grief and reframing romantic recovery. All of this is in service of a bigger idea: The Tech Intimacy Scale, Hackl's soon-to-launch framework designed to help people measure and improve their digital relationships. As we shift from the attention economy to what she calls the "intimacy economy," Hackl believes that the future of tech is not about replacing human connection, but enhancing it. From low-intimacy interactions like swiping on dating apps to high-intimacy tools like immersive storytelling in augmented and virtual reality, the scale assesses not just how we use technology, but how it makes us feel. Her goal is not to vilify technology, but to encourage a more thoughtful, emotionally intelligent design and use of it. Just as Brené Brown brought the language of vulnerability and shame to the forefront of emotional literacy, Hackl is crafting a new vocabulary to measure and guide intimacy in digital environments. Brown's groundbreaking work helped people see the power of vulnerability in forging trust and belonging, Hackl takes this further by exploring how technology can either amplify or diminish those vulnerable moments. Similarly, Scott Galloway has repeatedly emphasized how macroeconomic and demographic shifts have eroded traditional relationship structures, especially among young men. In his books and interviews, Galloway points to declining male participation in romantic relationships as both a symptom and cause of broader social detachment. Hackl's ideas provide a complementary lens, while Galloway diagnoses the problem, Hackl begins to architect solutions, imagining digital ecosystems that foster emotional intelligence and nuanced human interaction through immersive tech, gamification, and AI-powered connection tools. Derek Thompson, writing in The Atlantic, has expertly unpacked the "loneliness epidemic" and its correlation to technology, noting how social platforms create an illusion of community while often leaving users feeling more isolated. Hackl acknowledges this dissonance and instead seeks to reverse the trend by advocating for intentional, emotionally aware technology that prioritizes genuine connection. Where Thompson cautions about technology's unintended consequences, Hackl outlines a roadmap for repurposing those same tools to rebuild social capital and emotional resonance. Mel Robbins, known for her practical advice and behavioral triggers like the "5 Second Rule," focuses on motivating individuals to take action in their personal and professional lives. Hackl's approach similarly invites users to be proactive, but in their digital relationships, urging individuals not to passively consume connection through endless swipes, but to "play more," engage authentically, and use immersive storytelling to build emotional presence. Robbins encourages behavior change in daily life; Hackl extends that to the virtual spaces where people increasingly spend their time. What makes Hackl's work particularly timely is that it doesn't exist in a vacuum. She is both reflecting on and contributing to a wider movement toward intentional living, vulnerability, and connection. Hackl is building a framework that acknowledges our loneliness crisis without resigning to it. Instead, she invites creators, developers, and users to take part in a more emotionally intelligent technological future one that, like the work of Brown, Galloway, Thompson, and Robbins, reminds us that connection is both a need and a skill, whether offline or on. Technology isn't the enemy of intimacy. When used with awareness and intention, it can be its greatest ally.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Scott Galloway Says People Are Still Spending, Shopping At Whole Foods, And Vacationing Despite 'Irrational Economic Policy.' Why Is That?
On a recent episode of 'Prof G Markets,' marketing professor and investor Scott Galloway noted that Americans are still eating out, booking trips, and shopping at places like Whole Foods, even though the economy feels increasingly uncertain. In his view, consumer spending habits haven't yet reflected what he calls 'irrational economic policy.' 'If you didn't know all of this was going on, I'm not sure you would know what's going on,' Galloway said, referring to President Donald Trump's policies and global instability. Markets remain near record highs. People are spending. Unemployment is still low. On the surface, the economy looks fine. Don't Miss: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Many are rushing to But podcast guest, economist Kathryn Anne Edwards, warned it's more complicated than it seems. 'We are witnessing... a slow slowing of the U.S. economy,' she said. Job growth has been revised downward in recent months, and more people are quietly dropping out of the labor force. For job seekers, it's already feeling like a recession. One key reason for the economy's resilience, according to Edwards, is that the threats haven't fully materialized yet. 'Trump has more bark than bite,' she said. 'Were he to pursue [his policies] fully... we'd start to see declines in the labor force, massive shortages, and reductions in government spending.' In short, the damage hasn't kicked in because many of the policies are still just talk. Businesses are holding back but not retreating, waiting to see what happens. 'They're terrible, but they're also not in full practice,' she said. Trending: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:. Beneath the headline numbers, there are warning signs. Healthcare jobs are growing, but Edwards said that's due to an aging population, not economic strength. Podcast co-host Ed Elson cited LinkedIn data that says entry-level hiring is down 23% from March 2020, with recent college grads facing some of the highest unemployment rates in years. 'The unemployment rate for young people is always higher,' she said, with Elson adding that it's the highest in years. The conversation also turned to long-term economic policy and the ongoing push for more tax cuts. '37% of the increase in the federal debt [since 2001] comes from tax cuts,' Edwards explained. 'That's a pretty large number for what I would struggle to point to a single clear accomplishment.' She argued that policymakers have done little to reduce inequality and that tax cuts are more political than economic. Galloway agreed: 'We've been pursuing a strategy of tax cuts for several decades and it isn't working.' As for raising the minimum wage, Edwards said it's more reasonable to link it to average or median wages in the economy instead of productivity growth, which can be distorted by factors like corporate profits or acknowledged the difficulty younger workers face but suggested part of the issue may be expectations. 'I don't believe they can't get jobs,' he said, referring to recent college grads. 'I just don't think they're willing to take the jobs that are available.' He argued that high salary expectations, especially among elite college graduates, may not match the current hiring climate. 'The average compensation at [New York University] Stern is $212,000. I think there's an absence of $212,000 a year jobs at Salesforce being product managers.' Elson pointed a finger at universities. 'The colleges should be on the hook for a low employment rate if you graduate at that time and can't find a job,' he said. Maybe it's not just the market or the student—maybe it's the college, too. Read Next: Here's what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy. Inspired by Uber and Airbnb – Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets – Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Scott Galloway Says People Are Still Spending, Shopping At Whole Foods, And Vacationing Despite 'Irrational Economic Policy.' Why Is That? originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Stagecoach to axe bus services across Dumfries and Galloway
Stagecoach has announced it will end almost all of its bus services in Dumfries and Galloway because they are "no longer commercially viable".The bus firm said that during the tender process to run new services from August it had found a liability clause that was "far in excess of the value of the contracts".It has told Dumfries and Galloway Council (DGC) that it would drop all but two of its services in the council has not confirmed if another operator will take over the routes. It said negotiations over the tender process were "ongoing and confidential". Stagecoach said current contracts with the council and transport partnership SWestrans would expire on 6 August."We're unfortunately unable to agree to a contract on these disproportionate terms," it said."We've been working with the council and SWestrans to find a solution to the procurement ask, but unfortunately the liability levels required by the council have made this impossible."As a result, our tender submissions have been disqualified as non-compliant." Stagecoach said it had given 70-day notice in May to deregister its services apart from the X74 Dumfries to Glasgow also said its 79 service from Dumfries to Carlisle would continue to firm said it was committed to ensuring communities in the region could "remain connected" and it was working closely with affected staff at its Dumfries and Stranraer depots. 'Protect public interest' DGC said SWestrans was responsible for delivery of the local bus network, while the home-to-school transport network was the council's said it took its statutory duties "very seriously" and was prioritising school transport routes.A spokesperson added: "As part of the tender process, the council and SWestrans need to ensure that we have bus operators that meet minimum requirements on a range of industry-standard terms and conditions."This is in order to protect the public interest."DGC and SWestrans continue to work through a tender process that has supporting and connecting the communities of Dumfries and Galloway firmly at its heart."
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Could ‘Jeffing' be the secret to running faster? — I tried it, and here's what happened
A couple of weeks ago, I told you how I'd discovered Jeffing for the first time, despite running and writing about health and fitness for the past decade. I was inundated with messages from readers, some telling me how they'd 'Jeffed' all of their PR's, others asking for more advice. And I decided my dalliance with this run/walk method was far from over. With no races on the calendar for the foreseeable future (I'm still returning to fitness following the birth of my son, and have little time to think about training for a race right now), I decided to put the method to the test. One week I ran 10K, the next week, I 'Jeffed' the same route, and the results really surprised me — read on to find out more. As a reminder, for those who are new to the idea, Jeffing is a run, walk technique developed by US Olympian Jeff Galloway. In simple terms, you run for a bit, then you walk, allowing you to keep going for longer. 'By alternating running and walking from the start, runners stay strong, recover faster and finish feeling good,' says Galloway. As long as there's some form of walking interval from the offset, you're Jeffing. Instead of setting out for a run, and continuing at the same pace, Jeffing involves running for between 10-60 seconds, then walking for 30 seconds, from the beginning of the workout. The intervals are flexible — if you're a more experienced runner, you might want to increase the running element, or decrease the amount of time spent walking. As long as there's some form of walking interval from the offset, you're Jeffing. As mentioned above, I set out and ran a 10K on Monday, June 9. I ran without looking at my pace, and followed my regular route along the river. According to my Garmin Forerunner 570, I ran 6.5 miles, with an average pace of 8:09 minute miles. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. My average heart rate was 159 beats per minute (bpm), and my max heart rate was 178 bpm. A week later, I set out on the same run, but this time, I added walking intervals to see what Jeffing would do to my overall performance. I set up the run on the Garmin Connect app beforehand, programming five minutes of running, followed by a 30-second walk. Sure, these are slightly longer intervals than some run/walk plans, but as mentioned above, I'm an experienced runner. If you're new to running, I'd recommend a minute or two of running, followed by a walking break. The surprising thing was, when Jeffing a 10K on Monday, June 16, I ran 6.74 miles (to finish my final five-minute interval), at an average pace of 8:09 minute miles. My average heart rate was 163 bpm, and my max heart rate was 180 bpm. As well as keeping my pace and heart rate pretty much the same, I actually burned more calories while Jeffing, compared to running at a steady pace for the entire time — 606 calories, compared to 563 calories the week before. My splits were also more consistent. As I ran at a steady pace, I slowed down as I neared the end of my run and fatigued, whereas this wasn't the case while Jeffing. Split times and calories burned aside, I really enjoyed the Jeffing workout. The way I'd set it up on my Garmin beforehand meant I could only see what was happening in that segment of the workout. I didn't focus on my average pace; instead, I ran each five minutes to feel, and ended up consistently running a 7:45-7:50 minute pace throughout the workout. The 30-second walks felt a lot shorter than I thought they'd be as I set up the workout — it was barely long enough to catch my breath, and I was moving again. However, these little walking breaks allowed me to stop, breathe, and mentally reset for the next five minutes. I hadn't believed the hype when I started this Jeffing journey, but I've been humbled. Perhaps I'll join fellow Jeffers at my next major race!
