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Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Tom's Guide
I haven't stopped thinking about the Sennheiser IE 200 buds since I tested them — and they're currently on sale
I'm a self-professed music nerd, and very rarely will you find me not wearing earbuds or over-ear headphones. I love listening to music a lot. I also play the guitar and bass so it's very important to me that I hear every instrument in a track. While wireless earbuds have become the norm today, there are some wired earbuds — or in-ear monitors, to be precise — that give the best of the best a run for their money. The Sennheiser IE 200 buds are one such pair. I tested them back in March and, honestly, I haven't stopped thinking about them since. What's even better is that the buds are currently 19% off at Amazon U.S., bringing them down to $129 from their retail price of $159. And if you're in the U.K., they're available for £109 instead of £129. A win! The Sennheiser IE 200 buds are ideal for audiophiles and music technicians as they feature a wide soundstage and fantastic instrument separation. The bass sounds powerful while vocals sound crystal clear. The earbuds are very lightweight and comfortable too. So what makes the IE 200 a downright fantastic, powerful, must-have pair of earbuds that help you appreciate music in a whole new way? First of all, they feature a braided cable which gives them a premium edge, and the wires are detachable too so you don't have to worry about not being able to use the IE 200s if the stock cable breaks. They are mighty comfortable and lightweight too, and their cables wrap around your ears to ensure they don't fall off. But what good is a pair of earbuds if it doesn't make music sound as God intended? The IE 200s also have a frequency range of 6Hz-20KHz, so they can reproduce most sounds accurately, and boy do they make music sound absolutely incredible! Sound technicians will also appreciate Sennheiser's patented True Response technology which helps reproduce sound with precision so you can appreciate every single instrument in a song. Fret not, my British comrades! The Sennheiser IE 200 earbuds are discounted in the U.K. too, currently available for £20 off at Amazon U.K. The IE 200s' bass response is outstanding as you can hear every single note plucked in the likes of 'Money' by Pink Floyd and 'Every Other Freckle' by Alt-J. Instrument separation really shines in tracks such as these, as you can make out each guitar riff and bassline. They work in harmony together but also really shine — perfectly balanced, as all things should be. Vocals and details are super clear and distinguishable, especially when there are multiple voices harmonizing, like in 'Labour — The Cacophony' by Paris Paloma or 'Ballad of the Witches' Road' from Agatha All Along. High notes never sound piercing either, and it really feels like the artists are in the room (as Sennheiser intended). Even if you use wireless earbuds on, say, your commute or when you're out and about, I still think you need to own a pair of the IE 200s, especially if you want to enjoy music to the fullest. They've made me appreciate music in ways I didn't think were possible. And now, you can save big by taking advantage of the 19% discount at Amazon U.S. or the 16% discount at Amazon U.K. Trust me, these deals are too good to pass up on.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Major decision on €325 weekly payment for thousands of Irish in 6-month move amid fresh ‘kicking can down the road' fury
THOUSANDS of Irish people getting a €325 weekly payment have been handed a six-month lifeline - in a move that's been slammed as "kicking the can down the road". The Basic Income for the Arts is a pilot The main aim of the payment is to address the job and financial instability faced by many in the creative industry. There were 2,000 creatives selected to The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan confirmed today the pilot scheme will be extended for a further six months. The READ MORE IN NEWS He said the six-month extension will allow for both allow time for "the full evaluation of the pilot" and "stakeholder engagement". "Confirming the plans in a statement today he said: "The Programme for Government commits to assessing the Basic Income for the Arts pilot research scheme to maximise its impact. "In order to allow for the preparation of proposals for a new scheme, based on the research and consultation with the sector, I am today announcing a six-month extension of the current scheme. "I fully appreciate the importance of the Basic Income support for artists and am glad to be able to bring some certainty to those currently on the scheme." Most read in Money He continued: "I know there is broad-based support for the scheme, and I intend to bring proposals for a successor scheme to Cabinet as part of Budget 2026. "The extension I am announcing today will provide time to finalise the research programme and to undertake stakeholder engagement which will provide the Government with a comprehensive evidence base upon which to base future policy decisions about the Basic Income for the Arts. New online application system opens for €360 or €180 Domiciliary Care Allowance applications "To facilitate this work, I am extending the pilot scheme for those currently participating in the pilot for six months to February 2026.' However, the move has been met with strong criticism claiming it leaves artists in "limbo" rather than aids them. The Labour Party blasted Minister O'Donovan and claimed the extension was part of a "drip feed of promises". Labour's Arts spokesperson Rob O'Donoghue said the TD was "kicking the can down the road" with the new extension. He fumed: "This scheme has been a tremendous success, with artists across the board stating how it has been instrumental in their ability to work more effectively and more creatively in their vocations. "Why then has the Minister simply added a 6-month Sword of Damocles hanging over their heads? With no further information as to what the successor scheme will entail, how can the Minister leave artists in limbo?" 'BEGGING BOWL' He added: "We know there are some adjustments that require addressing for example the criteria for entry, the lack of inclusion of certain artistic forms, and the nebulous appeals process for those who did apply for the scheme in the first place. But will these really be addressed with a six month extension?" 'Ireland has always managed to produce some of the best artistic talent the world has ever known. Our support for our artists must be extended and done so with a clear vision. 'I'm calling on the Minister to stop kicking the can down the road. Artists need security and not have to worry about bringing the begging bowl back to the Government table.' 'CONSISTENT, POSITIVE IMPACT' As part of assessing the current benefits the Basic Income for the Arts payment is providing the Department of Finance is preparing a report on the first two years. The Department detail while research is ongoing, current data highlights a positive impact. They said: "It is clear from evidence collected to date that the BIA payment is having a consistent, positive impact across almost all indicators - affecting practice development, sectoral retention, well-being, and deprivation." Artists receiving the payment are reported able to produce more work and devote more time to their work. Those on the scheme have also reported a wellbeing boost and the reduction of anxiety. 1 Thousands will continue to receive the payment over the next half a year Credit: Getty Images
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Cardi B debuts fiery new track Outside at Cannes
Cardi B made a bold splash at her debut performance in Cannes, premiering her fiery new single Outside during a Spotify-hosted event on the beach. The rapper, known for her unfiltered lyrics and commanding stage presence, delivered the song ahead of its official June 20 release, and it didn't take long for fans to start speculating that the track is aimed at her estranged husband, Offset. Produced by Charlie Heat and HeyMicki, Outside is packed with pointed lyrics that many believe target the Migos rapper. 'When I tell you these n—–s ain't shit, please believe me,' Cardi raps. 'They gon' f—k on anything, these n—–s way too easy / Good for nothing, low-down, dirty dogs, I'm convinced / Next time you see your momma, tell her how she raised a b—ch.' The speculation comes after weeks of Cardi posting cryptic (and not-so-cryptic) messages online about relationship drama and betrayal, fuelling rumours of a full-blown fallout with Offset. Though she hasn't confirmed the diss, the message in the lyrics is hard to miss. The cover art for her single, which Cardi teased on Instagram, features a vivid scene of a classic NYC summer day — a burst fire hydrant, red Solo cups, lipstick, dominoes, and blunt wrappers scattered across a sidewalk with a caption that said, 'We OUTSIDE this Friday'. In addition to debuting Outside, Cardi lit up the Cannes stage with a high-energy set featuring hits like Bodak Yellow, Money, I Like It, Up, and Bongos, her collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion. She closed the show with the fan-favourite WAP, marking her first performance in Cannes as nothing short of unforgettable.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
110,000 extra households in Wales will see energy bills cut by £150
110,000 extra households in Wales will see energy bills cut by £150 The warm home discount is being extended, which means thousands of more households in Wales will see their energy bills slashed by £150 this winter An additional 110,000 households in Wales are set to receive a £150 reduction on their energy bills this winter as the warm home discount scheme is extended, the UK Government has confirmed. The latest measure comes after a series of cost of living support initiatives were made through the government's Plan for Change. As a result approximately 110,000 extra households in Wales will get a £150 decrease in their energy bills this winter. For money-saving tips sign up to our Money newsletter here. In the UK more than six million households will receive the discount, which will see 2.7m more households receive support including 900,000 families with children and a total of 1.8m households in fuel poverty. According to the UK Government every billpayer on means-tested benefits will be eligible, eliminating previous restrictions that excluded those in need in the past. On the UK Government's website they say their Plan for Change initiative aims to stabilise the economy, adding: "Our missions – growing the economy, an NHS fit for the future, safer streets, opportunity for all, and making Britain a clean energy superpower – are part of a decade of national renewal built on the foundations of a stable economy, secure borders, and national security." It comes after First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan said she would hold the UK Government's 'feet to the fire' after receiving what she said were categorical assurances that Prime Minister Keir Starmer would follow through on a manifesto pledge of returning the running of post-EU structural funding to the Welsh Government. You can read more about this here. Article continues below In regards to the £150 reduction to thousands of households in Wales Mr Starmer said: " I know families across Wales are still struggling with the cost of living and I know the fear that comes with not being able to afford your next bill. "Providing security and peace of mind for working people is deeply personal to me as Prime Minister and foundational for the Plan for Change." Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens added: "This big increase in the number of households receiving money off their energy bills will make a real difference to working people and families right across Wales. "Our key objective is putting more money in people's pockets, firstly by growing the economy but also by increasing the minimum wage, making increases to universal credit and the state pension, and providing support with energy bills." The energy price cap is set to reduce this July with the additional £150, which was announced on Wednesday, June 18, aiming to further help households. Households can find out if they are eligible with the UK Gov website here. Article continues below
CNBC
3 days ago
- Business
- CNBC
Senate tax bill includes $1,000 baby bonus in 'Trump accounts' — here's who qualifies
A new savings account for children with a one-time deposit of $1,000 from the federal government remained in the U.S. Senate's version of President Donald Trump's budget bill. Under the proposal, so-called "Trump accounts," a type of tax-advantaged saving accounts, would be available to all children under the age of eight years old who are U.S. citizens. In earlier versions of the proposal, Trump accounts were termed "Money Accounts for Growth and Advancement" or "MAGA accounts." If the bill passes as drafted, parents will be able to contribute up to $5,000 a year and the balance will be invested in a diversified fund that tracks a U.S.-stock index. This part of the Senate Republicans' version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was largely unchanged from the House plan advanced in May. More from Personal Finance:'SALT' deduction in limbo as Senate Republicans unveil tax planFed is likely to hold rates steady this week. What it means for youThe economic cost of Trump, Harvard battle over student visas Not unlike a 529 college savings plan, Trump accounts come with a tax incentive. Earnings grow tax-deferred, and qualified withdrawals are taxed as long-term capital gains. Under both the House and Senate versions of the bill, withdrawals could begin at age 18, at which point account holders can tap up to half of the funds for education expenses or credentials, the down payment on a first home or as capital to start a small business. At 25, account holders can use the full balance for expenses that fall under those same guidelines and at 30, they can use the money for any reason. Distributions taken for qualified purposes are taxed at the long-term capital-gains rate, while distributions for any other purpose are taxed as ordinary income. For children born between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2028, the federal government will deposit $1,000 into the Trump account, funded by the Department of the Treasury, as part of a "newborn pilot program," according to the Senate Finance Committee's proposed text released on Monday. To be eligible to receive the initial seed money, a child must be a U.S. citizen at birth and both parents must have Social Security numbers. If a parent or guardian does not open an account, the Secretary of Treasury will establish an account on the child's behalf. Parents may also opt out. The White House and Republican lawmakers have said these accounts will introduce more Americans to wealth-building opportunities and the benefits of compound growth. But some experts say the Trump accounts are also overly complicated, making it harder to reach lower-income families. Universal savings accounts, with fewer strings attached, would be a simpler alternative proposal at a lower price tag, according to Adam Michel, director of tax policy studies at the Cato Institute, a public policy think tank. "I'm disappointed the Senate did not take the opportunity to improve these accounts," Michel said. Still, "provisions that remain in both the House and Senate text, we should expect them to become law, and this provision fits that criteria." Mark Higgins, senior vice president at Index Fund Advisors and author of "Investing in U.S. Financial History: Understanding the Past to Forecast the Future," said the key is "if the benefits comfortably exceed the cost." According to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, Trump accounts would add $17 billion to the deficit over the next decade.
