Latest news with #isolation
Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
'28 Years Later' Is an Incredibly Tense, Thoroughly Fascinating Zombie Tale
28 Years Later is never exactly 'scary,' but it's constantly uncomfortable. Director Danny Boyle, returning to the franchise he helped create along with writer Alex Garland, tells this latest zombie tale with a kinetic and engrossing filmmaking style that makes even the most mundane actions unsettling. A walk through the woods. A splash of water. The rising of the sun. You'll never jump out of your seat, but you'll be on the edge of it the entire time, and we think that's a whole lot more rewarding. Set, you guessed it, 28 years after the 'Rage virus' took over the United Kingdom in the 2002 original, 28 Years Later centers on a nice but troubled family living in a safe, isolated community. While the mainland is filled with infected and has been quarantined from the rest of the world, this place is accessible only by a small walkway visible for a few hours a day. That's how young Spike (Alfie Williams), his mom Isla (Jodie Comer), dad Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), and the rest of the bustling, happy community have remained safe for decades. For a good third of 28 Years Later, you don't know exactly what the story is going to be. We follow Jamie taking Spike to the mainland for the first time as a way to introduce us to them as people and the world at large. They see slow, fat zombies and fast, fit zombies, and even though the movie takes a good long while to fully reveal itself, it's constantly engaging thanks to our interest in the world and the specificity of the characters. We want to learn and see more about all of it. That's also bolstered by Boyle's filmmaking, which brings back so many of his trademark techniques—jump cuts, pulse-pounding music, sound, and purposeful B-roll—to create a palpable unease that also keeps your mind working. We're watching a father and son bond, but also thinking about this world from a multitude of different angles, all while chewing off our fingernails with dread. It's a potent combination. Eventually, the film does find a focus, and it involves Comer's character, Isla. She's sick, and Spike is desperate to find her help, which takes them on a whole new adventure. Here's where both Comer and especially Williams really get to flex their acting muscles. Williams may just be a kid but he's a dynamic presence and easily carries the movie. However, once they become the focus, 28 Years Later does shift a bit. Boyle's hyper-energetic style gets dialed back, almost in tandem with the more nurturing relationship between mother and son as opposed to son and father. It's here that we both get to see Spike and Isla in a different light, but it's enough of a change that it's not immediately cohesive. Something that does keep everything cohesive, though, is the action and violence. You can't have a movie filled with tension and dread without some payoffs and Boyle gives us plenty of those in the film. There are big battles, exciting chases, and quick moments of intensity all of which come at a moment's notice. Plus, any time there's a kill—be it human or zombie—it's handled with care. With each gory murder, the film slows down for a beat, and even throws in a freeze frame on the moment of death, just so we understand the value of life on both sides. It's a fun and effective tool that's used throughout and you really feel like you're in the hands of a filmmaker with something to say. Later, through circumstances that are a little spoilery, Ralph Fiennes joins the story as the mysterious Dr. Kelson. Kelson's story is a fascinating one, giving both the film and its world a whole new perspective, which Fiennes brings to life beautifully. His introduction also marks yet another shift in the film, this one into an almost spiritual existentialism. It's welcome, it works, but it again adds to the film's slight unevenness after we've become acclimated to the mother-son story. That's really the only downside to 28 Years Later. The characters are fantastic, the filmmaking is breathtaking, the action is intense, and the story is emotional. It's just so ambitious that there are just moments along the way where those shifts leave the film feeling slightly disjointed, almost like you turned the channel to something new. Anytime it happens, though, after a few minutes of confusion, we settle back in because everything else around it is so good. There are also scenes and ideas in the movie that I don't think I've ever seen explored in a zombie film before. What would 28 years without humans do to an ecosystem? What human mistakes may have lingered over that time? What, if any, human traits do the zombies still carry with them? Is there a zombie pecking order? 28 Years Later consistently fires on all cylinders but then also hits you with a moment or idea that pushes things to a whole new level, and you almost wish there was a whole movie just about that. 28 Years Later isn't your typical zombie movie. The zombies in this world are an unfortunate, undeniable reality and, over the course of 28 years, they've evolved, as have the surviving humans. As a result, everything has a more grounded, relatable feel about it, which makes it that much more thrilling. Boyle and Garland then allow us to explore this world and its characters in a manner that keeps us interested, guessing, and entertained all at the same time. While the ending isn't as strong as the rest of the film, thankfully, this is the first film of a proposed trilogy, the second of which is out in January. We can't wait to go back. There's still so, so much to chew on. 28 Years Later opens June 20.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Think diet and exercise are enough? Ignoring this one thing still puts your health at risk
We often hear that preventing heart disease , stroke, and high blood pressure depends heavily on our diet, exercise routine, and lifestyle habits. But what if the missing piece to a longer, healthier life isn't on your plate or at the gym—but sitting across the dinner table? A growing body of research suggests that social relationships may be just as crucial to your health as quitting smoking or reducing salt intake. According to a detailed analysis highlighted by the American Sociological Association , the quality and quantity of our relationships could have a measurable impact on our physical well-being. The Friendship Factor in Health It's not just feel-good sentiment—there's hard data backing it. The ASA's report found that adults with robust social networks were significantly more likely to live longer than those experiencing isolation. These relationships offer more than companionship; they seem to build resilience against chronic illnesses and even reduce mortality risk. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo And the effects go far beyond longevity. Studies now show that social isolation doesn't just correlate with poor mental health—it may directly contribute to serious conditions like stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. A systematic review of 19 studies conducted across 12 countries, with nearly 1.7 million participants, found a strong link between poor social ties and a heightened risk of stroke. iStock The ASA's report found that adults with robust social networks were significantly more likely to live longer than those experiencing isolation. (Image: iStock) Why Loneliness Hurts More Than We Think While the scientific community is still working to understand the mechanisms behind this connection, some theories suggest that positive social bonds foster better mental health and healthier behaviors. In other words, people who feel connected to others may be more motivated to take care of themselves—physically and emotionally. MORE STORIES FOR YOU ✕ « Back to recommendation stories I don't want to see these stories because They are not relevant to me They disrupt the reading flow Others SUBMIT Researchers also propose that social engagement might buffer stress responses and reduce inflammation, both of which are known to contribute to chronic diseases. This isn't to say that diet and exercise don't matter. But perhaps it's time we expanded the conversation about health to include emotional nourishment and social intimacy. Next time you think about skipping a gathering with friends or putting off that phone call, remember—those small interactions could be as vital as your morning jog. In the end, it's not always about what you eat—but who you're eating with.
RNZ News
12-06-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Covid-19 isolation and testing rules in 2025: What you need to know
Do you still have to isolate if you get Covid? Photo: FANATIC STUDIO / SCIENCE PHOTO L Explainer - We know, nobody wants to think about Covid these days if you can help it. However, it's still out there, and a recent surge in cases and a persistent new variant are driving a new wave of concern. We're a long way from lockdowns and mandates, but are you still required to isolate and how can you do testing? RNZ is here with what you need to know. Nope, and with winter weather and influenza as well, it's a good time to remember how to take a few precautions for yourself and others. There has been a sharp jump in Covid and other respiratory infections including influenza in the past few weeks. Yet another new variant, NB.1.8.1, has also developed and become the dominant strain in Asia and is rising quickly in Australia and New Zealand. It has been about a year since the last large wave of Covid cases, and University of Otago epidemiologist Dr Amanda Kvalsvig said many people have become complacent. "To those of us watching the Covid evidence closely, it's clear that NZ is under-reacting to this virus and unprepared for a winter wave," she said. It is still strongly recommended to isolate for at least five days if you test positive, even if your symptoms are mild. "This is to prevent spreading Covid-19 to other people," Health New Zealand says . "You would start your isolation at Day 0 - this is the day your symptoms started or when you tested positive, whichever came first." University of Otago epidemiologist Dr Amanda Kvalsvig. Photo: Amanda Kvalsvig Dr Kvalsvig said a New Zealand study in 2023 estimated that even with a five-day isolation period, around two in five people were still potentially infectious at the end of that time. "So five days of isolation is really an absolute minimum. To protect those around us, we should all take extra precautions for a few more days, such as wearing a mask and delaying visiting friends and family members who might be vulnerable." All legal mandates to isolate were dropped in 2023 , but there are still strong recommendations in place. "I do think people are less cautious now regarding the Covid-19 virus," said Dr Joan Ingram, medical advisor at the University of Auckland's Immunisation Advisory Centre. "To an extent that is to be expected now that most of us have some hybrid immunity from both immunisations and previous infection with the virus." Still, Covid remains a serious illness for many, she said. "So it is sensible and considerate for those with Covid-19 to stay away from others, especially for the first few days of the illness when they are more likely to spread the virus." "When I have Covid-19, I stay in a room away from others and stay home until my tests are negative. "We also need to recommend this for other respiratory infections, such as influenza. Think of others and keep your infections away from others if possible. Going to crowded, poorly ventilated settings when you are coughing and sneezing is unhelpful and inconsiderate. Consistently wear a mask if you do have to be near others." RAT tests are no longer free but still widely available. Photo: AFP You do not need a negative RAT result to return to work or school, but use common sense and talk with your employer before rocking up sneezing and coughing. "Employers should support employees to isolate in line with health guidance," Employment New Zealand says . "Asking a worker to come to work while sick could put the health of other workers at risk, and result in further disruption." For many families who are struggling, staying away from work may be difficult but a good employer can help, Dr Kvalsvig said. "Employers that ensure good indoor air quality, provide test kits for their employees, and support staying home when sick are likely to see multiple benefits with reduced levels of sickness absence and Long Covid." The Covid-19 leave support scheme, which helped employers pay employees who had to self-isolate due to the virus, ended in August 2023 . "Many still aren't well enough to be at work or school when their five-day isolation period is over," Dr Kvalsvig said. "Resting well is an important part of recovery from Covid and it would be good to see employers and schools supporting people to take an appropriate amount of sickness absence." Unfortunately, free rapid antigen tests (RATs) provided by the government ended in September 2024 . The typical cost of a RAT test is around $5, or multipacks of 5 can be had for under $20 at pharmacies and other markets. When the free tests were dropped there were concerns the move would hit low-income people harder. Many people may still have stockpiles of expired RAT tests in their cupboard. Ingram said it is best to get an unexpired test, but one can check the American FDA's website for an idea of the total shelf life of certain tests. Photo: Supplied / ESR Reported case numbers dropped starting in 2022 and "it's never really recovered," Dr Kvalsvig said. "Unfortunately, people were not testing or reporting much even when RAT tests were free," Dr Ingram said. "It would be good if they were still freely available, but I am not sure how much it would change the reporting." However, wastewater testing by crown research institute ESR has shown a large leap in SARS-CoV-2 traces in recent months. Its figures show a dramatic rise in the past month in wastewater testing samples compared to reported case numbers. The Auckland region shows an even more dramatic spike in wastewater levels. Photo: Supplied / ESR "Wastewater levels are currently the best indicator we have of community cases," Dr Kvalsvig said. "We're very lucky that the team at ESR are providing this vital information and there's a huge amount of hard work going on behind the scenes to analyse the variants and make sense of the data. We would be in a very difficult situation without this information, with no early warning of Covid waves and no idea about what variants might be spreading." New Zealand still needs more community-driven reporting, such as the Well Kiwis studies, she said. You can still report your own RAT test results through . Yes, Covid vaccines are available free for everyone aged 5 and over. However, if you've already had a vaccine and booster, as most people have by now, generally only those over age 30 are able to get multiple boosters, at least 6 months apart. Younger people can get additional doses if they are at risk of severe illness - see Health NZ's website for the full rundown. Influenza also remains a big concern and people should get their annual vaccinations, Dr Ingram said. "The US had more influenza hospitalisations over their recent winter than they have had since the 2010-2011 season, so I urge all people (including children) to have an influenza immunisation even if they are healthy." Flu vaccines are free for people aged 65 and over , pregnant women and those with some pre-existing conditions. Otherwise the vaccine runs between $25 to $45, Health NZ says. Covid is likely here to stay in some form, epidemiologists have said. But as always, the disease remains changing. "Covid is more manageable now and we have better strategies and tools in the toolbox: we just need to use them," Dr Kvalsvig said. "Aside from staying home when sick, clean indoor air and good quality masks are highly effective protections that NZ has been really slow to pick up. Once we do, we'll never want to go back to the same level of sickness we experience each winter." 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The Guardian
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Twelve of Brian Wilson's greatest songs – from surf to psychedelia and beyond
Although co-written with Gary Usher, this reflective hymn to isolation was pure Brian autobiography, conceived as the pressures of pop success loomed. 'I had a room I thought of as my kingdom,' Wilson said, 'somewhere you could lock out the world.' The domain in question was the Wilson family's music room where Brian slept 'right beside the piano'. Part-inspired by the Charms' 1956 doo-wop hit Ivory Tower, which the Wilson brothers sang themselves to sleep with, In My Room sonically recreates Brian's feelings of sanctuary by blending his brothers' sweet-sad harmonies with finger cymbals, harp glissandi and Santo & Johnny-style Sleep Walk guitar. Soothing yet eerie, the song spoke to the nation of 60s teenagers whose only refuge was their bedroom, and whose worries and fears all waited for them outside that door. Only Brian Wilson could hear the Ronettes' Be My Baby and think it lacked a sense of dread. Originally written for Ronnie Spector and co as a sequel to their 1963 pop hit, Don't Worry Baby was finally recorded by the Beach Boys and released as flip-side to the exhilarating Saturday night cruisin' anthem I Get Around. Both are car songs but Don't Worry Baby taps into the shame and insecurity behind the A-side's masculine braggadocio. A love song told in the third person, with the girlfriend's titular words of reassurance sung in the high vulnerable falsetto of their fearful recipient, Don't Worry Baby is also one of Brian's finest productions, the longing and reassurance of the lyrics echoed in both the group's lush vocal arrangements and the warm click of Al Jardine's Fender Precision bass. Conceived while Brian was playing the piano in the wake of an acid trip, this knowing throwback to the group's early Chuck Berry-style list songs like Surfin' Safari and Surfin' USA is the sound of teen naivety realigned by LSD. A lyrical collaboration with Mike Love, it's a song that exists as both high art and disposable pop. Note how its divinely beautiful proto-psych opening bars – with those twin electric 12-string guitars played in chamber echo – give way to Al De Lory's almost comical roller-rink organ, or the way the vocal harmonies on that 'I wish they all could be California girls' chorus come with a note of weary disenchantment, as if to say: I've been around the world and had my fun but I'd just like to go home now. Simultaneously a work of artistic maturity and emotional anguish, God Only Knows captures the duality of Brian Wilson's genius better than any other Beach Boys composition. Lyrically, the song's opening two verses are a cumulative denial of love, a declaration of eternal love, a surrender to the heavens and a kind of emotional threat ('If you should ever leave me … '). Nothing is simple here, least of all the music. From the intro's union of french horn, piano and bells that suggest both sacred and sentimental to the angelic, interweaving harmonies that convey everything from contented sigh to delicate apprehension, God Only Knows is the pop song as exalted state, a transformative ineffable experience where euphoria and despair are one and the same. Once described by Brian Wilson as 'my whole life performance in one track', this psychedelic Rhapsody in Blue took eight months, and cost nearly $70,000, to record. Well, it was worth it, wasn't it? Recorded as six separate movements in four studios, Good Vibrations is boy-girl pop as abstract cut-up. Rooted in the simple idea of a young man spying a woman from afar, it blossoms into a swirling sonic puzzle whose miraculous beauty can be broken down into constituent parts – the ghostly female vocal of Paul Tanner's electro-theremin, those throbbing primal cellos, the boys' wordless, choir-like harmonies that turn lust into a prayer – but never fully comprehended. What is with that opening? Those four bars of Jerry Cole's detuned 12-string guitar that sound like a child's music box and then the cold thud of Hal Blaine's snare drum? Well that's the song: naivety and hope v the slammed-shut door of reality. Brian and his co-writer Tony Asher wrote the lyric from the perspective of a teenage boy dreaming of a serious relationship with a woman: standard 60s pop sentiments. But the rhetorical nature of those lyrics, the semi-mocking tone of Mike Love's middle eight ('Maybe if we think and wish and hope and pray, it might come true') and Brian's key changes and tempo shifts lend the song a curiously introspective tone. Yes, it's bright, happy radio pop and you can always hear it as that, but it's one where the dream is forever out of reach. What price genius? Here is the answer. Working with the Mississippi-born poet and songwriter Van Dyke Parks in a fevered attempt to top Good Vibrations, Brian set about transforming a Marty-Robbins-style country ballad into an overstuffed, wild west operetta that became a sonic encapsulation of Brian's own encroaching paranoia. The song went through dozens of variations before Parks was fired over 'indecipherable' lyrics, and a shorter, rougher incarnation was recorded for 1967's Smiley Smile. Although dismissed by Jimi Hendrix as 'psychedelic barbershop', it now sounds stranger than ever, a baroque layering of weird instruments and complex vocal harmonies hurtling towards a mournful second half that signifies both artistic contentment and psychic exhaustion. A cornerstone of 1967's unfinished Smile project, Surf's Up is an abstract three-part suite lovingly reassembled by brother Carl for the Beach Boys' album of the same name in 1971. Overdubbed with Moog synthesiser bass, and Carl's 1971 vocals perfectly blending with Brian's original 1966 take, the finished LP version is an undeniable masterpiece. It moves with stoned certainty through florid 19th-century imagery heavy with portent, before repurposing a line from an 1802 Wordsworth poem – 'the child is father to the man' – into a beautifully multilayered song of innocence and experience that repeatedly reflects back upon itself until it vanishes. Written in an hour-and-a-half at his Bellagio mansion, following a sudden late-night feeling that 'the whole world should be about love', this speedily recorded paean to global happiness, less than two minutes long, might be one of the most uplifting songs Brian ever wrote. On the one hand, it's rooted in loneliness and insomnia, centred on the pointed and painful line 'but when they leave you wait alone'. Yet the way the harmonies weave in and out of each other and the keys repeatedly take the song on different pathways feels so adventurous and optimistic that joy is undeniable. It's one thing for a lyric to remind you that you're 'happy 'cause you're living and you're free' but it's another for the song itself to actually make you feel that way. That's genius. Effectively a solo LP, with Brian producing and playing keyboards, synthesisers and drums, 1977's The Beach Boys Love You is one of the stranger recordings in the group's back catalogue. Yet, among the endearingly lo-fi songs about Johnny Carson, the solar system and 'honking down the highway' is this heartbreakingly fragile tune. Over quacking synths and synthetic chords, a vocally ravaged Brian and Dennis trade verses about losing out to the other man before Carl comes in on the bridge, insisting 'Don't you ever tell me that you're leaving' – his soaring vocal sounds like the angelic Beach Boys of bygone years. The result is a small moment of bittersweet perfection that captures Brian and the group between joy and despair. A semi-autobiographical song influenced by Jackie DeShannon's 1965 version of Bacharach and David's What the World Needs Now Is Love, and bound up in Brian's own desire to 'give love to people', this vulnerable benediction begins in the real ('I was sitting in a crummy movie with my hands on my chin') with Brian despairing at the state of the world ('A lot of people out there hurtin'') before realising that he has the power to bestow compassion on the world. If only through multitracked harmony vocals. Like This Whole World, it's a song that notices a lack of something in the world while simultaneously filling that lack, an exuberant secular blessing from a pop god. With their references to Surf's Up, Pet Sounds and such early melancholy Brian compositions as The Warmth of the Sun and Surfer Girl, the final three tracks on the last Beach Boys studio LP work as a kind of mournful valedictory suite. Lyrically, the individual songs – From There to Back Again, Pacific Coast Highway and Summer's Gone – reference familiar Beach Boys themes of sunshine, California and dreams of escape but shot through with thoughts of mortality and death. 'Sunlight's fading and there's not much left to say,' he laments on Pacific Coast Highway, and it's one of the finest songs about the acceptance of old age and the loss of inspiration. Arranged and produced by Wilson, the suite is as warm, poignant and wistful as a summer sunset, a quiet acceptance of beauty in its final dying moments.
Man of Many
10-06-2025
- Man of Many
RØDE's NTH-50 Headphones Punches Well Above Its $199 Price Point
By Jacob Osborn - News Published: 10 June 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 3 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. Audio legends RØDE hail from the heart of Sydney and remain best known for their industry-leading microphones. However, don't sleep on the brand's award-winning range of headphones, which deliver professional-grade specs at an unbeatable value. A new on-ear model has just joined the family, and it's their most affordable one to date. Dubbed the NTH-50, it continues the value trend in style, offering top-notch design and performance for the exceptionally reasonable cost of AUD$199. Tailor-made for DJs, RØDE's latest release simultaneously goes out to pretty much anyone who's passionate about sound reproduction. These headphones have been expertly engineered to cultivate natural and balanced audio with ultra-low distortion and passive noise isolation. Matching the NTH-50's sonic prowess is an ergonomic, flexible, and durable design, the kind that starts comfortable and stays there for hours on end. Suffice it to say, these babies were built to last. RODE NTH-50 Headphones | Image: Rode Whether you're mixing tracks on a laptop, spinning wax, or streaming music on the go, the NTH-50 has you covered…literally. Here's a quick rundown of its core features: Custom-matched 40mm driver housed within a resonant chamber for deep, balanced bass, as well as supreme clarity across the midrange and top end. An innovative acoustic design that yields precise frequency response with ultra-low distortion. Passive noise isolation for interruption-free listening and monitoring. A contoured headband and adjustable design for prolonged wearability and a tailored fit. Lightweight but sturdy construction and a sleek aesthetic. A detached cable with a locking connector and dual-sided attachment for improved flexibility. Crafted using high-grade components in RØDE's state-of-the-art facilities. Backed by a lifetime warranty. RØDE's NTH-50 follows the NTH-100 and NTH-100M, two over-ear headphones that similarly punch well above each device's respective price tags. The brand hasn't released any wireless models just yet, but given its history, we imagine it's only a matter of time. RODE NTH-50 Headphones | Image: Rode Meanwhile, the NTH-50 is every bit as dependable as its quality features would suggest. Balanced pressure distribution and a fully adjustable design provide a tailored fit for every type of user, including those who wear glasses. Under the skin, top-notch components generate crystal-clear audio no matter the environment. And did we mention that the headband, ear cushions, and cables are all easily replaceable? It's no wonder that RØDE backed this one up with a lifetime warranty, as the NTH-50 was indeed built to last a lifetime. For AUD$199, this one is a freaking steal!
