The fire and the fury: a city consumed by chaos (Fallas de València)

The Fallas in Valencia are a complex phenomenon that goes beyond a simple celebration, becoming a festival of sensations in which the line between cultural devotion and pure hedonistic excess becomes blurred. For the uninitiated, the city transforms into a cacophonous labyrinth, defined by the relentless roar of the mascletàs —orchestrated pyrotechnic displays in which the rhythmic vibration of gunpowder resonates deep within one’s gut— and the imposing, omnipresent monuments that serve as ephemeral satires of modern society. 

This logistical maelstrom pushes the urban infrastructure to the limits of its capacity, whilst millions of revellers make their way through a chaotic landscape of fire, smoke and deafening music, creating a palpable tension between the sublime beauty of the craftsmanship and the overwhelming physical strain of the crowds.

Image credit: https://www.adzucats.com/fallas-2026-caos-indefinido-resumen-analisis-por-adzucats/

The sheer scale of the festivities is a testament to the city’s capacity for extravagance, though at the same time it teeters on the brink of total chaos, where every street corner is occupied by a falla and every open space is permeated by the scent of fried dough and gunpowder.

The soundscape is particularly relentless; from the morning despertà, which rouses the city with a brazen barrage (burst) of firecrackers, to the midnight street parties that make the foundations of historic buildings tremble, there is no refuge from the noise. This saturation of the senses is not merely an accidental by-product of the event, but a deliberate, ritualistic pursuit of intensity that tests the limits of human endurance and urban organisation.

In short, the Fallas are an unashamed celebration of the colossal; they are a ritual cleansing through noise and flames that demands total surrender to chaos, leaving those who experience it completely exhausted and, at the same time, inexplicably captivated by its magnificent and unbridled spirit. It is a moment when the usual rules of civilised life are suspended in favour of a collective, fiery purge that burns brightly before fading into the Mediterranean night, leaving behind nothing but ashes and the lingering echo of a thousand explosions. The beauty of the festival lies precisely in this contradiction: a meticulous year-long preparation for a moment of absolute and unbridled destruction.

A study on urban paralysis and sensory overloading

For many residents of Valencia, the arrival of March is met with as much anxiety as excitement, as the city’s day-to-day functioning is sacrificed in the name of tradition. The main drawback is the total paralysis of urban mobility; with over 400 streets cordoned off for the erection of marquees and monuments, the simple act of getting to work becomes a logistical nightmare. Public transport offers little respite, as the metro is on the verge of collapse due to the huge volume of tourists and bus services are frequently suspended.

Furthermore, the relentless auditory assault of firecrackers and round-the-clock street parties make sleep a rare luxury, leading to what locals describe as ‘Fallas fatigue’. Beyond the noise lies the ever-present smell of grease and gunpowder that clings to everything, coupled with the frustration of limited access to local shops, which are inaccessible due to dense, slow-moving crowds. 

Consequently, a significant proportion of the local population chooses to flee the city altogether, seeking refuge from the beautiful but undeniably exhausting pandemonium that transforms their home into a strange and impenetrable landscape.

Vocabulary with related sentences:

• Testament: Proof, evidence, or a hallmark. A piece of evidence or a sign that something exists or is true. It is a very formal way to show proof.
  The intricate detail on each ninot is a testament to the artist’s year of hard work.
  
  
• Permeated: Suffused, pervaded, or saturated. To spread throughout (something); to pervade. It is often used for smells or abstract feelings.
  By the end of the week, the smell of gunpowder has permeated every piece of clothing in my wardrobe.
  
  
• Brazen: Audacious, blatant, or flagrant. Bold and without shame. In this context, it describes a "loud and proud" noise that doesn't care if it wakes you up.
  The brazen blasts of the morning despertà are a shock to the system for any unsuspecting tourist.
  
  
• Saturation: Surfeit, glut, or engorgement. The state or process that occurs when no more of something can be absorbed, combined with, or added. It perfectly describes "too much" sensory input.
  After three days of the festival, I reached a state of sensory saturation and needed a quiet room.
  
  
• Colossal: Gargantuan, prodigious, or herculean. Extremely large or great. It is a more powerful synonym for "huge" or "giant," fitting the "excess" theme.
  The colossal main monument in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento towers over the surrounding buildings.
  
  
• Unbridled: Unfettered, unrestrained, or unchecked. Uncontrolled or unconstrained. It describes something raw, natural, and free from any "brakes."
  The night of the cremà is a scene of unbridled energy as the city celebrates the arrival of spring.
  
  
• Meticulous: Scrupulous, painstaking, or fastidious. Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise. It provides a sharp contrast to the "chaos" mentioned elsewhere.
  It seems almost tragic to burn something that required such meticulous craftsmanship to create.
  
  
• Uninitiated: Laypeople, novices, or neophytes. Referring to people who lack specialized knowledge or experience of a particular field. In this context, it suggests that if you haven't lived through Fallas, you cannot truly understand the scale of it.
  To the uninitiated, the thunderous mascletà might sound like a war zone rather than a celebration.
  
  
• Cacophonous: Discordant, strident, or dissonant. Involving or producing a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds. It is the "extreme" version of noisy, implying a lack of harmony.
  The cacophonous blend of brass bands and firecrackers echoed through the narrow alleys.
  
  
• Resonates: Reverberates, vibrates, or echoes. To produce or be filled with a deep, full, reverberating sound. Physically, it describes the feeling of sound waves vibrating through an object (or a person’s body).
  The bass from the street party resonates through the glass windows of the apartment.
  
  
• Omnipresent: Ubiquitous, pervasive, or rife. Widely or constantly encountered; widespread. It emphasizes that during March, you cannot look anywhere in Valencia without seeing a monument or a firework.
  The scent of gunpowder becomes omnipresent in the city air during the final week of the festival.
  
  
• Ephemeral: Transitory, fugacious, or fleeting. Lasting for a very short time. This is a quintessential C2 word to describe the Fallas monuments, which take a year to build but only minutes to burn.
  There is a haunting beauty in such ephemeral art that is destined for the flames.
  
  
• Maelstrom: Vortex, turbulence, or upheaval. Originally a powerful whirlpool in the sea, it is used metaphorically here to describe a state of confused or violent turmoil—specifically the logistical "mess" of the city.
  We were swept up in a maelstrom of crowds as we tried to navigate the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
  
  
• Palpable: Tangible, perceptible, or discernible. A feeling or atmosphere so intense that it seems almost tangible (able to be touched). It is used to describe strong emotions like tension or excitement.
  As the fuse was lit, the silence in the square was palpable.
  
  
• Consequently: Accordingly, ergo, or hence. An adverb used to show a cause-and-effect relationship. At a C1-C2 level, it is a more formal and sophisticated alternative to "so" or "as a result."
  The city center is closed to traffic; consequently, walking is the only viable way to get around.
  
  
• Flee: Evacuate, retreat, or decamp. To run away from a place or situation of danger or extreme discomfort. It implies a sense of urgency or a strong desire to escape something overwhelming.
  Many residents flee to the countryside to escape the non-stop noise of the firecrackers.
  
  
• Refuge: Sanctuary, haven, or asylum. A condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble. In this context, it refers to the mental and physical peace found outside the city.
  The quiet mountain trails provided a much-needed refuge from the city's chaos.
  
  

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Word of the week: Conundrum

As seen in: I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pratchett

/kəˈnʌndrəm/  •  noun

What does this word mean?

A conundrum is a confusing or difficult problem or question, particularly one that is hard to resolve or that has no obvious or clear-cut answer. It often implies a sense of puzzlement or perplexity, a situation in which all possible solutions seem equally unsatisfactory or uncertain.

The word can refer to:

    • An intricate riddle or brainteaser, usually one involving a pun or clever wordplay

    • A broader dilemma or puzzling situation with no straightforward solution

How to use It?

Conundrum is typically used as a countable noun. It is often preceded by words such as:

    • a real conundrum — to stress the genuine difficulty of the problem

    • face / present / pose a conundrum — to describe encountering or creating a difficult challenge

    • at the heart of the conundrum — to identify the core of a complex issue

It suits formal, semi-formal, and literary registers equally well. In everyday conversation, it conveys a slightly elevated, thoughtful tone — making it particularly fitting for academic writing, literature, and intellectual discussion.

⚠️  Note: Avoid using it for simple or trivial problems, as it implies genuine complexity and difficulty.

Synonyms

The following words share a similar meaning, though each carries its own nuance:

    • Puzzle — a problem that demands clever thinking to be solved.

    • Enigma — something mysterious and difficult to understand, often with a deeper sense of intrigue.

    • Dilemma — a situation in which a difficult choice must be made between two or more options.

    • Quandary — a state of uncertainty or perplexity, especially about what to do next.

    • Paradox — a seemingly contradictory statement or situation that may nonetheless be true.

    • Riddle — a question or statement with a concealed meaning, intended to be solved.

Example Sentences

Study how conundrum is used across a variety of contexts:

The philosopher posed a conundrum that none of his students could resolve: if everything has a cause, what caused the very first thing?

Tiffany Aching found herself facing a conundrum — she could not protect the villagers without revealing that magic was at work.

The recruitment team was presented with a real conundrum: their most qualified candidate had no prior experience in the sector.

Climate change represents one of the greatest conundrums of our time, as no single nation can solve it alone.

At the heart of the ethical conundrum lay a simple question: is it ever justifiable to deceive someone for their own good?

His request put her in an awkward conundrum — refusing would seem rude, yet agreeing would compromise her principles.

The detective sat in silence, turning the conundrum over in his mind until a seemingly insignificant detail suddenly made everything clear.

The author deliberately leaves the ending unresolved, inviting the reader to wrestle with the moral conundrum themselves.

Economists continue to grapple with the conundrum of how to stimulate growth without fuelling inflation.

For a child who had never left the village, the wide world beyond the hills was itself a kind of delightful conundrum.

The management team faced a strategic conundrum: cutting costs would protect short-term profits, but could jeopardise long-term growth.

She smiled at the conundrum her grandmother had posed: 'What gets bigger the more you take away from it?' The answer, of course, was a hole.

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Spain: The imperfect paradise expats can't resist

There is something almost indescribable about Spain that continues to attract people from all over the world to settle within its borders. Whether it is the golden coastal lines of the Mediterranean, the winding streets of its historic centres, or the contagiously warm nature of its people, the country ranks consistently among the most desirable destinations for expatriates worldwide. However, as with any move, the reality of everyday life reveals a much more nuanced picture than the postcard images suggest.

The charms (Pros)

Spain's appeal lies primarily in its extraordinary quality of life. The slow-paced, sociable lifestyle, firmly rooted in the present, contrasts sharply with the fast-paced lifestyle that characterises much of northern Europe. Spaniards don't just eat, they enjoy their meals. They don't just socialise, they cultivate relationships between generations, weaving a rich web of community and tradition.

This lifestyle is complemented by the country's desirable climate. While cities such as London and Berlin endure months of persistent grey rain, most of Spain enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year. For those accustomed to seasonal affective disorder and thermal underwear, this alone is a game-changer.

The natural landscape further enhances the country's magnetism. From the volcanic terrain of the Canary Islands to the rugged peaks of the Pyrenees and the fertile plains of Andalusia, Spain's geographical diversity is breathtaking. Add to this a culinary heritage—tapas, Iberian ham, paella, and world-class wines—that elevates food to an art form, and the case for moving here becomes irresistible.

The exceptions (Cons)

However, Spain is not without its drawbacks. The housing market, especially in Madrid and Barcelona (and also in Valencia, my city), has become increasingly inaccessible, with rents rising dramatically in recent years. Bureaucratic procedures, from obtaining residence permits to registering a company, are known to be complicated and lengthy ("a real hell of burocracy), often requiring almost superhuman patience.

The language barrier is another significant obstacle. Outside of major urban centres, English proficiency remains limited, making basic administrative tasks unexpectedly difficult for newcomers. Furthermore, the job market offers comparatively fewer opportunities for highly skilled individuals than its northern European equivalents, posing a real challenge for expatriates with professional ambitions.

The verdict

Spain, in its true sense, is a country that rewards those who are willing to adapt. Its imperfections are real, but for the vast majority of expatriates, these are more than made up for by the richness, warmth and extraordinary beauty that this country so generously offers. It is, without a doubt, a place worth calling home.

Vocabulary related with example sentences

Indescribable: too extraordinary to be put into words

"The feeling of arriving in a new country for the first time is almost indescribable."

Expatriate: a person living outside their native country

"As an expatriate in Tokyo, she quickly learned that patience and curiosity were essential."

Nuanced: having subtle distinctions; not straightforward

"His nuanced view of immigration went far beyond the simplistic headlines in the press."

Cultivate: to develop or nurture something carefully over time

"Living abroad forced her to cultivate friendships in ways she never had back home."

Persistent: continuing firmly despite difficulty or opposition

"The persistent rain throughout November made her seriously reconsider staying in Dublin."

Magnetism: he quality of being powerfully attractive

"The magnetism of Mediterranean life is hard to resist once you've experienced it firsthand."

Elevate: to raise something to a higher level or status

"A great chef can elevate the simplest ingredients into something truly memorable."

Inaccessible: difficult or impossible to reach or afford

"Central city housing has become increasingly inaccessible for young professionals."

Proficiency: a high degree of skill or competence

"Language proficiency opens doors that no amount of charm or goodwill can substitute for."

Equivalents: things that are equal in value, function, or meaning

"The Spanish qualifications are broadly recognised as equivalents to those issued elsewhere in the EU."

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Most companies say AI hasn't improved their productivity, and the numbers back it up

Based on reporting by El Chapuzas Informático (February 2026)

For years, we have been told that artificial intelligence would transform the way we work. Faster results, smaller teams, unbeatable efficiency... The promises were ambitious, and investment followed right behind. However, according to a surprising new survey by the National Bureau of Economic Research, the reality on the ground tells a rather different story.

The study, which involved more than 6,000 CFOs and senior executives from companies across Europe and the United States, revealed that more than 80% of companies using generative AI have not experienced a significant improvement in productivity. Let's think about that for a moment. The vast majority of companies that have actively integrated AI into their workflows are not getting the benefits they were promised.

Speed isn't everything

It's easy to assume that since AI can generate content at a pace no human could match, productivity should naturally follow. But speed is only part of the equation. If the output consistently requires extensive review, data verification, or structural rewrite, the time saved in creation is often lost in correction. Many professionals have quietly come to this conclusion on their own: AI can draft a paragraph in seconds, but turning it into something truly useful can take as long as writing it from scratch.

This subtle point tends to get lost in the broader debate about AI, which has often fluctuated between wild enthusiasm and total rejection. When generative AI first entered the public eye, sceptics were quick to dismiss it as a passing fashion. Those voices have largely been silenced, as adoption has grown steadily year after year. But now, the pendulum may be swinging in a more measured direction: not rejection, but honest re-evaluation.

Adoption is high, impact is low

The survey reveals that around 70% of companies already use AI on a regular basis, with newer companies particularly keen to adopt it. Despite this wide adoption, over 80% of those companies say it has not had a significant impact on productivity over the past three years. The rest reported modest and limited improvements, a far cry from the transformative leap the industry has been heralding.

Interestingly, more than 66% of senior executives say they use AI tools on a regular basis, although the actual time they spend on them is surprisingly low: only about 1.5 hours per week on average. This suggests that, at least at the management level, AI is used for very specific and concrete tasks, rather than becoming a fundamental part of daily decision-making.

A bubble that has not yet burst

There is a growing sense that the AI sector is caught in a peculiar bubble, with investment continuing to pour in at an extraordinary rate, while profits remain hard to come by. Companies are betting heavily on a technology they do not yet know how to use effectively, and employees are being pressured to adopt tools that may not be truly useful for their specific roles. In some sectors, such as video game development, the pressure to integrate AI has met with significant resistance from workers, who feel it is undermining their craft rather than supporting it.

None of this means that AI is useless or that it will disappear. Quite the contrary: it is here to stay, and dismissing it entirely would be as short-sighted as blindly defending it. But the data suggests that simply implementing AI is not, in itself, a strategy.

What comes next?

Despite disappointing results so far, most companies remain optimistic about the medium-term future. The survey suggests that executives anticipate productivity improvements of around 1.4 per cent over the next three years, along with an increase in output of approximately 0.8 per cent. However, when it comes to employment, there is a telling divergence: companies anticipate a reduction in jobs of around 0.7%, while employees themselves believe that AI will actually create a net increase of approximately 0.5% in available positions. Two groups, same technology, very different expectations.

The gap between what AI promises and what it currently delivers is not necessarily a reason to abandon it, but it is a reason to approach it with greater clarity. Real productivity gains, when they occur, will likely require more than just access to the tools. They will require careful integration, adequate training, and a willingness to honestly evaluate what works and what does not.

So far, evidence suggests that most companies have not yet reached that point.

---

Source: El Chapuzas Informático, February 2026. Original reporting by el-brujo. Data sourced from a National Bureau of Economic Research survey of over 6,000 financial directors and executives across Europe and the United States.

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Tympanoplasty and the reality of public healthcare in Spain

A friend of mine recently received the news that she will need to undergo tympanoplasty—a procedure to repair a perforated eardrum—in the coming months. However, the exact date depends entirely on how long the waiting list is. And that uncertainty speaks volumes about the current state of public healthcare in Spain.

Tympanoplasty is not a minor operation. Surgeons carefully reconstruct the eardrum using tissue grafts, often taken from behind the ear, to restore hearing and prevent recurrent infections. Recovery can take several weeks, and although the results are usually positive, the process requires patience and constant monitoring.

Spain's public healthcare system, the Sistema Nacional de Salud, is considered one of the best in the world in terms of coverage and quality. However, it is seriously overburdened. Waiting lists for non-urgent surgeries have grown considerably, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic created a huge backlog of postponed procedures.

For patients like my friend, this means living with discomfort and uncertainty for months, waiting for surgery that could truly transform their quality of life. Universal healthcare is a remarkable achievement, but its sustainability and efficiency remain pressing issues worth discussing.

Key vocabulary with example sentences

• Perforated (adj.) — having a hole or tear
  "The doctor confirmed she had a perforated eardrum after the infection."
• Graft (n.) — tissue taken from one part of the body to repair another
  "The surgeon used a small skin graft to reconstruct the damaged area."
• Recurring (adj.) — happening repeatedly over time
  "She suffered from recurring ear infections throughout her childhood."
• Overstretched (adj.) — under too much pressure due to limited resources
  "The public health system became overstretched during the pandemic."
• Backlog (n.) — a buildup of work or cases that haven't been dealt with yet
  "There is a significant backlog of surgeries that were postponed last year."
• Waiting list (n.) — a list of people waiting for a service or treatment
  "My friend was placed on a waiting list and could wait up to six months."

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Just another voice...

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The Doctor's warning: How your phone habit is changing your brain

Dr William Arias has become famous for helping patients combat obesity and diabetes. However, he has recently raised the alarm about another pressing problem: “brain rot”. According to Arias, “that finger movement with your mobile phone is killing your brain”, which is a shocking warning coming from someone so well versed in how our body's systems can fail. The evidence also supports his claims. In 2024, ‘brain rot’ was named Word of the Year by Oxford, as its use skyrocketed from the previous year, going from internet slang to a major health concern.

The intersection of metabolism and neuroscience

Arias offers important insights into how metabolic dysfunction and brain deterioration mirror each other. His research shows intriguing links between conditions such as obesity and diabetes and the deterioration of cognitive functions, including an elevated risk of dementia. However, mindless scrolling attacks our brains in a different way: through dopamine hijacking.

With each scroll on the screen, dopamine is released, creating unpredictable reward patterns similar to those found in gambling machines. A key region of the brain, known as the habenula, becomes locked into these scrolling loops, draining motivation and making it harder to stop. Over time, this leads the brain to physically restructure itself to long for these dopamine hits.

The effects of this scrolling habit are quantifiable. Even brief periods of regular internet use can decrease attention span capacity, and the impact lasts long after the phone is put away. Intensive use of social media can cause neural loss, reducing the areas of the brain responsible for emotional regulation and decision-making. Brain imaging studies indicate that frequent users have reduced dopamine production in regions crucial for habit formation.

The vicious cycle

When your brain constantly receives pleasurable rewards without the corresponding effort, it begins to produce less dopamine independently. This means that you need even more stimulation just to maintain a sense of normality. Although this resembles a metabolic dysfunction, it affects your attention span more than your blood sugar levels.

Researchers define ‘brain rot’ as cognitive decline and mental fatigue, especially evident in young people who consume excessive amounts of low-quality digital content. Today, a significant number of teenagers claim to be connected to the internet almost all the time, making their still-developing brains particularly vulnerable.

Finding a solution

The answer is not to disconnect completely from digital devices. Studies suggest that modest, sustained reductions, such as cutting back by one hour a day, are more effective than trying to quit altogether, which often leads to relapse.

Consider deleting distracting apps, turning off notifications, and removing features that encourage endless scrolling, such as autoplay functions.

Arias' message rings deeply because he understands the challenges of behavioural change. Whether helping someone reverse diabetes or break free from excessive scrolling, he recognises that people are fighting against systems specifically designed to keep them hooked. That innocent swiping of your finger across the screen is not as harmless as it seems; it is training your brain to need constant stimulation, which impairs your ability to concentrate and think deeply.

‘Brain rot’ is more than just a buzzword; it is a serious warning about cognitive health that requires the same urgency often given to metabolic diseases.

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For more detailed insights about Dr. Arias and his views on "brain rot," you can visit the article directly here.

Vocabulary with related sentences

Combat (verb) - to fight against or attempt to reduce something harmful

The government has introduced new policies to combat rising unemployment rates.

Pressing (adjective) - urgent; requiring immediate attention

Climate change remains one of the most pressing issues facing humanity today.

Skyrocket (verb) - to increase rapidly and dramatically

Housing prices have skyrocketed in major cities, making it difficult for first-time buyers to enter the market.

Deterioration (noun) - the process of becoming progressively worse

The patient's rapid deterioration forced doctors to reconsider their treatment approach.

Hijacking (noun) - the act of illegally seizing control of something

The hijacking of public discourse by extremist voices has become a concerning trend on social media.

Habenula (noun) - a small region of the brain involved in reward processing and motivation

Neuroscientists have discovered that the habenula plays a crucial role in depression and decision-making.

Quantifiable (adjective) - able to be measured or expressed as a quantity

The company needs quantifiable results to justify the investment in the new marketing campaign.

Neural (adjective) - relating to nerves or the nervous system

Researchers are studying neural pathways to better understand how memories are formed and stored.

Fatigue (noun) - extreme physical or mental tiredness

Many healthcare workers experienced severe fatigue after working long shifts during the pandemic.

Relapse (noun/verb) - a return to a previous undesirable condition or behaviour

After six months of sobriety, he suffered a relapse and returned to his old drinking habits.

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Understanding the fight against sleep problems

Sleep problems are becoming increasingly common in modern society and affect millions of people around the world. Although occasional restless sleep may seem trivial, chronic sleep disorders can seriously affect our physical and mental well-being. The causes are often multifaceted, range from stress and anxiety to poor sleep habits and underlying medical conditions.

One of the main contributing factors is our constant exposure to screens before bedtime. The blue light they emit disrupts our natural circadian rhythm, making it difficult to fall asleep. In addition, many people overlook the importance of maintaining a consistent sleep routine. Going to bed and waking up at different times confuses our internal clock, contributing to poor sleep patterns.

The consequences go far beyond feeling tired. Lack of sleep deteriorates cognitive function, weakens our immune system, and increases the risk of serious health problems, such as cardiovascular disease and depression. It also affects our emotional regulation, making us more irritable and less able to cope with daily challenges.

A holistic approach is necessary to deal with sleep problems. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine, limiting caffeine intake, and ensuring that the bedroom is dark and quiet can make a significant difference. However, persistent problems require professional help, as they may indicate conditions such as insomnia or sleep apnoea.

Some practical tips that can help you improve the quality of your sleep

- Create a consistent routine. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Your body loves routine, and this helps regulate your internal clock naturally.

- Properly relax. About an hour before bedtime, start turning down the lights and engaging in relaxing activities. Put away your phone and laptop, as blue light actually interferes with melatonin production. Instead, try reading a physical book, listening to soft music, or doing some light stretch exercises.

- Watch what you consume. Avoid caffeine after 2 p.m. and be careful with alcohol. Although it may make you sleepy at first, it actually interrupts your sleep cycles later in the night. A light snack is fine, but heavy meals close to bedtime can cause discomfort.

- Optimise your bedroom environment. Keep it cool (ideally between 18 and 19 °C), dark and quiet. If noise is a problem, consider using earplugs or a white noise device. Also invest in comfortable bedding: you spend a third of your life in bed, so it's worth it.

- Exercise regularly, but not too close to bedtime. Physical activity during the day helps you sleep better, but exercising within three hours of bedtime can be too stimulating.

If you've tried everything and still have problems, consider seeing your doctor. Sometimes there is an underling issue that requires professional attention.

Vocabulary with examples sentences

- Prevalent: "Anxiety disorders are particularly prevalent among young adults today."

- Restlessness: "Her restlessness during the night left her exhausted the next morning."

- Chronic: "He's been dealing with chronic back pain for over five years now."

- Multifaceted: "Climate change is a multifaceted problem requiring solutions from multiple sectors."

- Circadian rhythm: "Jet lag occurs when your circadian rhythm is disrupted by crossing time zones."

- Perpetuating: "By avoiding difficult conversations, we're just perpetuating the problem."

- Deprivation:  "Sleep deprivation can seriously affect your ability to concentrate at work."

- Cognitive function: "Regular exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function in older adults."

- Irritable: "I get really irritable when I haven't had my morning coffee."

- Holistic: "The doctor recommended a holistic approach that included diet, exercise, and meditation."

- Warrant: "These symptoms are serious enough to warrant a visit to the doctor."

- Insomnia: "She's suffered from insomnia ever since starting her stressful new job."

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Some articles on sleep problems

The Global Problem of Insufficient Sleep and Its Serious Public Health Implications

Good sleep is necessary for good physical and mental health and a good quality of life. Insufficient sleep is a pervasive and prominent problem in the modern 24-h society. A considerable body of evidence suggests that insufficient sleep causes hosts of adverse medical and mental dysfunctions. An extensive literature search was done in all the major databases for “insufficient sleep” and “public health implications” in this review. Globally, insufficient sleep is prevalent across various age groups, considered to be a public health epidemic that is often unrecognized, under-reported, and that has rather high economic costs...

Sleep Deprivation

Millions of adults aren’t getting the sleep they need. Around 1 in 5 U.S. adults sleep less than five hours a night, far below the recommended seven to nine hours. Chronic sleep deprivation is a condition that can take a serious toll on your physical and mental health, often without you realizing it. In this article, we’ll explore the symptoms of sleep deprivation, how it’s diagnosed, and practical ways to prevent and treat it...

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The dance between nature and nurture

The nature versus nurture debate explores whether our characteristics are determined more by innate biological factors or by life experiences. For decades, psychologists argued about which of these forces had greater influence, but modern science reveals a more nuanced truth.

Nature refers to genetic inheritance and biological factors, while nurture covers environmental influences after conception, including experience, environment, and learning. Rather than being conflicting forces, these elements interact in complex ways. Research shows that nature and upbringing participate in continuous cycles of feedback that shape the physical structure of our brains. Discoveries in neuroplasticity demonstrate that our brains remain adaptable throughout our lives.

The field of epigenetics has transformed our understanding by showing how life experiences can affect gene expression. A child may inherit genetic predispositions, but the full development of those traits depends largely on environmental factors such as nutrition, education, and relationships. For example, intelligence involves hundreds of genetic variants acting in conjunction with environmental opportunities.

The current view rejects extreme points of view. As one researcher noted, diseases are both 100% genetic and 100% environmental; they do not compete with each other, but rather work together. Understanding this interaction helps us appreciate the true complexity of human development, while recognising both our inherited potential and the transforming power of experience.

Vocabulary terms from the nature vs. nurture topic with example sentences

Trait: A distinguishing quality or characteristic of a person, which can be physical, behavioral, or psychological.
Example: Intelligence is a complex trait influenced by both genetic inheritance and environmental opportunities.

Heredity: The transmission of features from parents to children through genes.
Example: Heredity determines physical characteristics such as eye colour and height.

Environmental factors: External influences that affect development and behaviour.
Example: Environmental factors such as education and nutrition play a crucial role in child development.

Genetic predisposition: Hereditary likelihood of developing certain characteristics or conditions.
Example: She had a genetic predisposition to diabetes, but her healthy lifestyle habits reduced her risk.

Epigenetics: The study of how behaviour and environment can cause changes in gene expression. Example: Epigenetic research shows that stress can alter gene function without changing DNA sequences.

Neuroplasticity: The brain's ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections.
Example: Neuroplasticity allows patients who have suffered a stroke to regain lost abilities through rehabilitation.

Innate: Existing from birth; natural or congenital
Example: Some psychologists believe that certain fears are innate and not learned.

Upbringing: The influence of external factors after conception, including education and experiences. Example: The upbringing a child receives at home has a significant impact on their emotional well-being.

Behavioural characteristics (traits): Characteristics related to how someone acts or responds.
Example: Behavioural characteristics such as aggression can be the result of both genetic and environmental influences.

Gene expression: The process by which information from a gene is used to create functional products. Example: Diet and exercise can influence gene expression related to metabolism.

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Journalism: the Good, the Bad, and the Paparazzi

 

A brief history

Journalism began with the printing press in the 15th century, but really took off in the 17th and 18th centuries, when newspapers began to appear throughout Europe and America. At that time, newspapers were quite one-sided, basically propaganda tools for different political groups. The idea of objective information did not emerge until the 19th century, especially with the cheap newspapers known as the ‘penny press’ aimed at the general public. The profession became more mature in the 20th century with the rise of journalism schools and codes of ethics. The Watergate scandal in the 1970s showed how powerful investigative journalism can be. Now, the digital age has changed everything, bringing new challenges around the credibility and financial viability of the media.

Respect for journalism

Whether journalism is respected really depends on where you are. In democracies, people say they value press freedom, but trust in journalists has fallen sharply. It's ironic: we claim that journalism is vital to democracy, but many people think journalists are biased or dishonest. In authoritarian countries, journalism is heavily controlled or openly dangerous. Even in countries with press freedom, scandals and the fact that a few companies own most of the media have damaged the profession's reputation. That being said, investigative journalists who expose corruption continue to be held in high esteem, so public opinion is complicated.

The BBC and CNN

The BBC and CNN represent different journalistic models. The BBC is publicly funded and is supposed to be editorially independent, although people across the political spectrum accuse it of bias. Its international coverage is strong, but critics say it sometimes reflects the views of the establishment. CNN pioneered 24-hour news and has global coverage, but as a commercial enterprise, audience ratings can take priority over content. Both employ professional journalists with data verification processes, but both are subject to criticism: the BBC for its institutional bias and CNN for its sensationalism. Quality varies depending on the programme or individual journalist.

Truth in journalism

Good journalism seeks the truth through verification and multiple sources, but it is not as simple as ‘reporting the facts.’ Journalists choose what to cover and how to approach it, which involves interpretation. ‘Objectivity’ is questionable: while accuracy is important, reporting without any perspective is likely impossible. Deadlines, limited access, and financial pressures can compromise quality. Some journalism is openly based on opinion, which is different from straight news. Corporate ownership and political pressure can distort coverage, and today, misinformation is often disguised as journalism. So, while ethical journalism aspires to the truth, it is a human effort with innate limitations.

Paparazzi and tabloids

Paparazzi aggressively hunt celebrities for spontaneous photos, raising serious privacy concerns. Princess Diana's death while fleeing photographers highlighted the dangers. Tabloids prioritise scandal and sensationalism over serious news, and sometimes publish controversial or invasive content. However, tabloids occasionally publish important news stories that are missed by mainstream media, and reach audiences who would otherwise not be interested in the news. The real question is ethical: are the facts checked, are people treated fairly, does it serve the public interest? While intrusion is clearly wrong, where to draw the line between aggressive news gathering and unethical behaviour remains controversial, revealing tensions between press freedom, privacy and basic decency.

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Journalism vocabulary with example sentences

Core journalism terms

Byline (noun) - the line in a newspaper or article that shows the writer's name

• The investigative report had a byline crediting three different journalists who worked on the story.

Headline (noun) - the title of a newspaper article printed in large letters

• The headline "Mayor Resigns Amid Scandal" grabbed everyone's attention this morning.

Breaking news (noun phrase) - news that is just happening or has just happened

• All the TV channels interrupted their regular programming for breaking news about the earthquake.

Scoop (noun) - an important news story that one newspaper gets before all the others

• The reporter got a major scoop when she was the first to interview the whistleblower.

Source (noun) - a person, document, or organization that provides information for a news story

• Journalists must protect their sources, especially when those sources could face danger for speaking out.

Fact-check (verb) - to verify that information is accurate and true

• Before publishing, the editorial team spent hours fact-checking every claim in the article.

Circulation (noun) - the number of copies a newspaper or magazine sells

• The newspaper's circulation has dropped by 40% over the past five years.

Editorial (noun) - an article that expresses the opinion of the newspaper's editors

• Today's editorial strongly criticized the government's new housing policy.

Correspondent (noun) - a journalist who reports on news from a particular place or on a particular subject

• Our Middle East correspondent has been covering the conflict for over a decade.

Leak (noun/verb) - secret information that someone gives to journalists or the public

• Government officials are investigating who leaked the confidential documents to the press.

Types of journalism

Investigative journalism (noun phrase) - in-depth reporting that uncovers hidden information, often about corruption or wrongdoing

• The Watergate scandal was exposed through months of investigative journalism by Washington Post reporters.

Yellow journalism (noun phrase) - sensational, exaggerated, or biased reporting (historical term)

• Critics accused the tabloid of yellow journalism for publishing unverified rumors about the celebrity.

Citizen journalism (noun phrase) - news reporting by ordinary people, not professional journalists

• With smartphones everywhere, citizen journalism has become crucial for documenting events as they happen.

Photojournalism (noun) - journalism that uses photographs to tell news stories

• His photojournalism from war zones won him a Pulitzer Prize.

Broadcast journalism (noun phrase) - journalism on TV or radio

• She started her career in print but later moved into broadcast journalism.

News coverage terms

Cover (verb) - to report on an event or topic

• Which journalist will cover the presidential debate tonight?

Angle (noun) - the particular perspective or approach taken in a story

• The magazine took a human interest angle, focusing on families affected by the policy.

Lead/Lede (noun) - the opening paragraph of a news story

• A good lead should grab the reader's attention and summarize the most important facts.

Soundbite (noun) - a short, catchy statement from an interview used in broadcast news

• The politician's soundbite about tax reform was played on every news channel.

Off the record (adjective phrase) - information given to a journalist that cannot be published or attributed

• The official spoke off the record, so we can't quote him directly in the article.

On background (adjective phrase) - information that can be used but not attributed to the source by name

• The diplomat briefed reporters on background, allowing them to write "according to administration sources."

Embargo (noun) - an agreement not to publish information until a specific time

• The company sent the press release under embargo until 9 AM tomorrow.

Retraction (noun) - a public statement that something previously published was wrong

• The newspaper published a retraction after discovering their story contained false information.

Negative terms

Tabloid (noun) - a newspaper that focuses on sensational stories and gossip rather than serious news

• Tabloids are obsessed with celebrity scandals and rarely cover international politics.

Clickbait (noun) - online content with sensational headlines designed to get clicks rather than inform

• The article was pure clickbait—the headline promised a scandal but the story had no substance.

Fake news (noun phrase) - false information presented as news

• Social media platforms are struggling to combat the spread of fake news during elections.

Spin (noun/verb) - to present information in a biased way that favors a particular viewpoint

• Political advisors tried to spin the scandal as a minor administrative error.

Propaganda (noun) - biased or misleading information used to promote a political cause

• State-controlled media often serves as propaganda rather than independent journalism.

Libel (noun) - a false published statement that damages someone's reputation

• The actor sued the magazine for libel after they printed false accusations.

Slander (noun) - spoken false statements that damage someone's reputation

• While libel is written defamation, slander refers to spoken defamation.

Paparazzi (noun, plural) - photographers who follow famous people to take candid pictures

• The paparazzi camped outside the hospital hoping to get photos of the newborn royal baby.

Sensationalism (noun) - presenting news in an exaggerated or shocking way to attract attention

• Critics argue that sensationalism has replaced serious journalism on many cable news networks.

Professional standards

Objectivity (noun) - reporting without bias or personal opinion

• True objectivity in journalism is impossible, but reporters should strive for fairness and accuracy.

Impartiality (noun) - treating all sides of an issue fairly

• The BBC is required to maintain impartiality in its political coverage.

Credibility (noun) - the quality of being trusted and believed

• The newspaper's credibility suffered after they published several stories based on unreliable sources.

Whistleblower (noun) - someone who exposes wrongdoing in an organization

• The whistleblower revealed that the company had been dumping toxic waste illegally.

Freedom of the press (noun phrase) - the right of journalists to report news without government censorship

• Freedom of the press is considered essential for democracy.

Censorship (noun) - suppression or prohibition of information

• The authoritarian regime imposed strict censorship on all media outlets.

Gag order (noun phrase) - a legal order preventing people from discussing something publicly

• The judge issued a gag order preventing journalists from reporting details of the trial.

Modern digital terms

Go viral (verb phrase) - to spread rapidly across the internet

• The video of the protest went viral, getting millions of views within hours.

Paywall (noun) - a system requiring payment to access online content

• Many quality newspapers have introduced paywalls to fund their journalism.

Livestream (verb/noun) - to broadcast live video over the internet

• The reporter livestreamed the protest directly from her phone.

Aggregate (verb) - to collect content from various sources in one place

• News aggregator sites compile stories from hundreds of different publications.

Algorithm (noun) - computer code that determines what content users see

• Social media algorithms often prioritize sensational content over quality journalism.

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Anthropic's Chief Executive warns of challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence

An AI industry update, January 2026

Dario Amodei, chief executive of Anthropic, has drawn attention to the risks that artificial intelligence could pose to society and the need for humanity to become aware of them.

In a lengthy essay entitled "The Adolescence of Technology", Amodei argues that the world is entering a phase of AI development that "will test our identity as a species", with social and political institutions potentially unprepared for the power that advanced models could soon achieve.

According to his estimates, AI systems capable of acting autonomously and surpassing humans in multiple disciplines could be just one or two years away.

"Humanity is about to receive almost unimaginable power, and it is unclear whether our social, political and technological systems possess the maturity necessary to wield it", Amodei wrote.

The executive defines "powerful AI" as models that exceed the expertise of a Nobel Prize winner in fields such as biology, mathematics and engineering, and which could direct humans, control robots or even design new machines.

These statements come as Anthropic, the company behind the Claude chatbot, continues to position itself as a leader in AI safety. The firm recently published an 80-page "constitution" outlining Claude's ethical principles and announced its collaboration with the UK government to develop AI tools for public services, including support for jobseekers.

Amodei also criticised what he describes as a lack of accountability amongst some AI developers, pointing to recent controversies surrounding explicit deepfakes and allegations that some chatbots have generated child abuse material. Such incidents, he argues, raise serious doubts about whether companies are prepared to manage far greater risks in future systems.

Beyond safety concerns, Amodei reiterated his worries about economic disruption. He has previously warned that AI could eliminate a large number of entry-level administrative jobs, potentially raising unemployment to 20 per cent within five years. The appeal of productivity gains, he notes, could make it politically and commercially difficult to slow development.

Despite the alarm, Amodei adopts a cautiously optimistic tone: if governments, companies and researchers act decisively, he believes the risks can be managed.

"There is a vastly better world on the other side. But we must understand that this is a serious challenge for civilisation", he concluded.

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Related vocabulary with example sentences

1. To pose (verb) - to present or constitute (a problem, danger, or difficulty)

• Climate change poses a significant threat to coastal communities worldwide.

2. Chief executive (noun) - the highest-ranking person in a company or organisation

• The chief executive announced major restructuring plans during yesterday's press conference.

3. To draw attention to (phrasal verb) - to make people notice or become aware of something

• The documentary draws attention to the plight of endangered species in the Amazon.

4. Lengthy (adjective) - considerable or relatively great in duration

• After a lengthy debate, parliament finally approved the new education bill.

5. To argue (verb) - to give reasons or cite evidence in support of an idea or theory

• Scientists argue that renewable energy is essential for combating global warming.

6. Unprepared (adjective) - not ready or able to deal with something

• Many businesses were unprepared for the sudden shift to remote working.

7. Autonomously (adverb) - in a way that is independent and self-governing

• Self-driving cars operate autonomously without human intervention.

8. To surpass (verb) - to exceed or be greater than

• This year's sales figures have surpassed all previous records.

9. To wield (verb) - to hold and use (power or influence)

• The prime minister wields considerable influence over economic policy.

10. Expertise (noun) - expert skill or knowledge in a particular field

• Her expertise in cybersecurity made her the ideal candidate for the position.

11. To position oneself (phrasal verb) - to place or arrange oneself strategically

• The company has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable fashion.

12. Accountability (noun) - the fact or condition of being responsible and answerable for one's actions

• There have been calls for greater accountability in the banking sector.

13. Allegation (noun) - a claim or assertion that someone has done something wrong, typically without proof

• The minister denied all allegations of corruption.

14. To reiterate (verb) - to say something again or repeatedly

• The headteacher reiterated the importance of punctuality during the assembly.

15. Entry-level (adjective) - at the lowest level in an employment hierarchy

• Entry-level positions often require little previous experience but offer opportunities for advancement.

16. Disruption (noun) - disturbance or problems that interrupt an event, activity, or process

• The strike caused significant disruption to rail services across the country.

17. Decisively (adverb) - in a manner that settles an issue or produces a definite result

• The government must act decisively to address the housing crisis.

18. Vastly (adverb) - to a very great extent or degree

• Working conditions have improved vastly over the past decade.

19. To constitute (verb) - to be or form part of a whole

• Women constitute approximately 51% of the population.

20. Plight (noun) - a dangerous, difficult, or unfortunate situation

• The charity works to improve the plight of homeless people in urban areas.

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