Latest news with #Carissa
Motor 1
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
'Got A+ Rating and Took $20 Off:' Texas Woman Starts Driving With Progressive's Car Monitor. Then She Issues a Warning
A woman's vow to never again be yelled at by her Progressive insurance car monitor was tested sooner than she thought. And she's not the only one irritated by the device. TikTok user Carissa ( @chaoticallycarissa ) posted a video venting her frustration on June 12. Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . The video starts with Carissa pointing the camera at the Progressive Snapshot device plugged into her car. "If this lady yells at me one more time,' she says, before turning the camera around to display her annoyed expression. 'Ha ha. I'm gonna lose it.' The second clip is presumably right after 'this lady' yelled at Carissa again. 'Well, that didn't last long,' she says. 'If you know, you know. Suck it, Progressive." In the caption, she writes, 'It was real, but it wasn't real fun.' What Is the Progressive Snapshot? The Snapshot program is a device that plugs into a car's OBD-II port and determines a policy adjustment based on how you drive. It's what you call a telematics system, which uses GPS to track your vehicle's activities. That means Progressive will have access to the vehicle's driving data, including speeds, trip time, and hard brakes. Trending Now 'Did You Drive Off The Lot?:' Woman Gets Buyer's Remorse After Signing Car Paperwork. Now She Wants to Know If She Can 'Cancel' 'It's Bad:' Los Angeles Woman Heads to Her Mercedes Benz In Parking Lot. Then Firefighters Stop Her Drivers get an automatic discount at signup, which averages about $231, Progressive reports. If the driver is deemed safe by the Snapshot device, the average savings on their next policy is purportedly approximately $322. Customers can monitor their progress via a mobile app, but the Snapshot device also beeps to let drivers know that they've committed a hard brake. The fewer the beeps as they drive, the bigger the discount at the end of your policy period. To avoid these beeps, Progressive recommends driving more slowly, avoiding night driving, staying off your phone, and driving less overall. Of course, some users (like Carissa) might choose another option: Opting out of the program altogether. Viewers Weigh in on Snapshot In the comments section of the video, viewers took the opportunity to vent their own frustrations about the Progressive Snapshot program. "THAT THING KNEW WHEN I GOT ON MY PHONE," wrote one former program participant. "Got an A+ rating and it took $20 off of my insurance for six months of beeping," wrote a second. "Not worth it." Another person said, "I've never had one because it's not my insurance company's business to know my every move." One person defended the program. "Y'all act like it was mandatory," they wrote. "Y'all signed up voluntarily. So stop complaining." Does Progressive Snapshot Save You Money? According to Bankrate , the Snapshot program does provide drivers with the opportunity to save money on their insurance premiums. But the criticism from the commenters comes from a real place: Approximately 20% of Snapshot drivers actually see an increase in their premiums because of their driving habits, per Bankrate. So it's really up to the individual driver to determine whether they can commit to not slamming on their brakes, abstain from late-night driving, limit mileage, and eliminate speeding and cell phone usage. If they can't, they might want to follow Carissa's lead and forget about Snapshot. Motor1 reached out to Carissa via TikTok comment and direct message for comment. We also reached out to Progressive via email for comment. We'll update this if either responds. More From Motor1 'Her Insurance Card Is on Her Phone:' Range Rover Driver Gets Rear-Ended. Then the Person Tries to 'Gaslight' Her Over Damage Ford Will Cut You a Check If Your F-Series Truck is Stolen Allstate Allegedly Paid Smartphone App Developers to Track You You're Not Going Crazy. Auto Insurance Rates Are Skyrocketing Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
The Star
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Celebrating disco drinks
Iconic cocktail classics on the menu in KL rooftop bar Disco classic cocktails can be a rare find on contemporary menus, often overshadowed by more modern or Prohibition-era inspired drinks. However, at @21 Rooftop Bar within the Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur, a selection of disco-era cocktails has taken centre stage. Janelle Carissa, the bar mixologist responsible for the menu, explained her desire to revive these overlooked classics. 'Cocktails like these aren't often found on menus. 'So, I wanted to feature them for our guests. 'Alongside the disco classics, I've also added several of the bar's signature creations,' she said. A retro yet sophisticated vibe exuded from the bar of this new Kuala Lumpur F&B hotspot. The bar's design has masterfully blended rustic charm with an industrial aesthetic in homage to the city's history as a tin-mining hub. Vibe Check. A close-up view of towering Kuala Lumpur skyscrapers provided a striking contrast to the otherwise tranquil and comfortable space, perfect for meaningful engagement and intimate conversations. The Classic Disco Hits section of the cocktail menu highlighted six iconic disco-era creations: the Blue Hawaiian, Paradise, El Diablo, Brandy Alexander, The Godfather, and Midori Sour. The Brandy Alexander, for instance, was similar to a 'spiked milkshake' due to its rich, sweet profile. Mixed with Hennessy VS, crème de cacao and cream, this thick, foamy drink is topped with grated nutmeg for added aromatics. Guests can also enjoy something refreshing like the Midori Sour, a concoction of Midori Melon Liqueur, Belvedere vodka, lemon, lime and soda. As for the bar's signature cocktail menu, aptly named Retro Remixes, it showcased Carissa's innovative approach to mixology. 'I like adding a bit of fun to it and something that would appeal to Gen Z. Brandy Alexander. 'One of them is the Vibe Check which I wanted to be relaxing and fun; imagine a drink that is like enjoying a bubble bath,' she said. This orangey drink, a blend of Tanqueray London Dry Gin, Aperol, orange and lemon, was topped with an Asam Boi Espuma to reflect the bubble bath concept. It also came with a cute rubber duck on the side of the glass. Citrusy and refreshing, this sweet drink offered a delicate aroma of local favourite assam boi. Another highlight, Tropic Like It's Hot, has been playfully named after Snoop Dogg's song Drop It Like It's Hot due to the phonetic similarity. 'It's also a twist on the Blue Hawaiian cocktail to which I've added Sarawak langkau, or distilled rice wine. 'Then, it's topped with pineapple juice and spiced Blue Curaçao,' she said. Disco Beans and Cognac Dreams. Served on a mini float, the potent langkau added a rich flavour to this tropical, rum-based drink. The cocktail was effortlessly enjoyable and its presentation was spot on. For those who prefer a spirit-forward drink, there's the Disco Beans and Cognac Dreams cocktail. Mixed with Tia Maria coffee liqueur, crème de cacao, and coffee-infused Hennessy VS, Carissa described it as 'Espresso Martini's cooler cousin'. This creamy cocktail had strong coffee flavours while the shot of cognac added complex depth. Visitors can also try other signature drinks like the Big Fizz Energy cocktail, a mix of pandan-infused Belvedere vodka, Midori Melon Liqueur and Limonata soda. Tropic like It's Hot. There's also the Nutty Heist which features peanut butter-infused Johnnie Walker Black Label, Lagavulin 16 years and gula melaka. For those who prefer a sober night, there are zero-proof drinks available. The Jack-O-Jack is a delightful combination of jackfruit, banana, milk, pandan, sago and gula melaka, while the Butterfly Hana mixes butterfly pea-infused jasmine green tea, lemon juice, lavender, vanilla and soda. Food options are plentiful to accompany your drinks. Consider ordering the Larb Gai Quesadilla which comes with Thai-marinated chicken, mint yoghurt, sriracha, guacamole and Monterey Jack cheese. Other quesadilla choices include lamb kofta, beef rendang, tiger prawn and mushroom, each served with different condiments. @21 ROOFTOP BAR, Level 21, Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 03-9388 1234) Business hours: 4.30pm to midnight (weekdays), 11am to midnight (weekends). This is the writer's personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
The Citizen
18-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
RCS hosts thrilling soccer finals in eMalahleni
Robert Carruthers School (RCS) hosted the soccer Super League finals last weekend. On June 7 teams from across eMalahleni gathered to compete in what turned out to be a memorable day filled with energy, sportsmanship, and impressive talent. Finals were held across several divisions, including U9 through U13 boys and U13 girls. As the host school, RCS was proud to have five of their teams make it to the finals, the U10 to U13 boys, as well as the U13 girls. In the U9 division, congratulations go to Tasbet Park for their well-deserved win. The U10 boys' match was a nail-biter, with RCS securing victory in the final moments, the last kick clinching the title. RCS' U11 team also showed dominance on the field, remaining unbeaten and taking home the trophy. The U12 boys gave it their all in a tightly contested final but were edged out by a strong Carissa team. Congratulations to Carissa for their win. 'Finishing second is never easy, but we're proud of our boys' effort and determination. With renewed focus and teamwork, they're already setting their sights on next year,' said coach Peter Tau. He added both their U13 boys and U13 girls delivered exceptional performances and were crowned champions in their respective divisions. The U13 boys, playing in their final year of primary school soccer, ended on a high note with a convincing and spirited victory. Their teamwork, discipline, and hunger for the win were evident from the first whistle. It was a proud moment for both coaches and supporters to see their years of hard work come together so beautifully on the field. 'A special mention goes to our U13 girls, who have now gone four consecutive years undefeated in the league, a remarkable achievement that reflects their consistency, grit, and love for the game,' coach Peter said. The atmosphere throughout the day was electric, with clear skies, enthusiastic supporters, and skillful displays from every team. It was inspiring to witness the level of talent on the field and the passion for the game among our young athletes. 'A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the day a success, players, coaches, referees, parents, and supporters. Events like these remind us that the future of soccer in eMalahleni is bright and we look forward to hosting many more tournaments like this in the years to come,' the coach ended. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: info@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Mid East Info
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
CITY-WIDE MAMMA MIA!-INSPIRED ACTIVATIONS CELEBRATING THE ARRIVAL OF THE ICONIC MUSICAL NEXT MONTH - Middle East Business News and Information
Featuring Mamma Mia-themed brunches, fitness classes, ladies nights, quiz nights, art sessions, and more! Abu Dhabi, UAE – Get ready to immerse yourself in the joy, energy, and music of MAMMA MIA! The Musical, as we bring city-wide, Mamma Mia-inspired activations to both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, in celebration of the beloved musical arriving at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, in one month, from 11-22 June 2025 . From themed brunches and quiz nights to fitness classes and glam packages, these activations will immerse fans across the UAE in the spirit of MAMMA MIA! and set the vibe for one of the most joyful musicals in the world. The vibrant mix of activities will also feature exclusive discounts, giveaways, and of course, plenty of ABBA music to keep the good vibes flowing! Here's a breakdown of the confirmed activations: CRANK: Mamma Mia-themed Spin Classes – Abu Dhabi & Dubai MAMMA MIA!-themed Spin classes with ABBA hits to get your heart pumping and your feet moving! Locations & Date : Dubai: Friday 16 May, 1:30 PM with Dan & Carissa Abu Dhabi: Sunday 18 May, 11:00 AM with Erin Russell Offers : Exclusive giveaways to lucky participants 10% off Mamma Mia tickets Fahid Beach Club by Barbossa: Mamma Mia-themed Sunset Session – Abu Dhabi MAMMA MIA Sunset Session at Abu Dhabi's vibrant beachside destination with upbeat ABBA tracks. Date : Saturday, 17 May Offers : 20% discount on F&B packages for all MAMMA MIA! ticket holders Cafe Del Mar: Mamma Mia-themed Week – Abu Dhabi MAMMA MIA!-themed Week at Cafe Del Mar featuring Ladies Day, Rose Day, and Ladies Night with a soundtrack of ABBA's top Mamma Mia hits! Dates : 19 May – Ladies Day 20 May – Rose Day 21 May – Ladies Night Offers : 10% off on Mamma Mia tickets Mamma Mia-themed Ladies Nights – Abu Dhabi Ishtar: MAMMA MIA! Ladies night across two days at Ishtar, with fabulous Mamma Mia-themed drinks and cocktails. Date : Offers : Three complimentary MAMMA MIA-themed cocktails for ladies Craft by Side Hustle: MAMMA MIA! Ladies night, where you can dress in Mamma Mia-inspired 80s outfits and dance to themed music featuring ABBA's best Mamma Mia hits! Date : Wednesday, 21st May Offers : Unlimited house drinks for ladies for only AED 99 Tips & Toes Glam Package – Abu Dhabi & Dubai From head to toe, get ready to dazzle with a MAMMA MIA!-inspired glam that includes the ultimate hair and nail services across all Tips & Toes UAE branches. Date : Starting 22 nd May until 11 th June Offers : For AED 585 (originally valued at AED 780), you get: BeautiFile Manicure & Pedicure (the newest, advanced technique) Golden Silk Hair Treatment Blow-Dry S'rr Ocean-Scented Hair Perfume (inspired by MAMMA MIA's coastal energy) Lush'd Lip Glaze (freshly launched retail addition and inspired by the natural makeup of MAMMA MIA) Mamma Mia ticket giveaways 10% off on Mamma Mia tickets MAMMA MIA! Inspired Quiz Nights Crafty Fox – Abu Dhabi MAMMA MIA! quiz night at Crafty Fox, where you can test your knowledge of the beloved musical. Date : Thursday, 22nd May Offers : Ticket giveaways for winners The Keg Room – Abu Dhabi Another round of MAMMA MIA! quiz night fun, at The Keg Room, where you can test your trivia skills. Date : Wednesday, 4th June Offers : Ticket giveaways for winners Barbossa Brunch – Abu Dhabi MAMMA MIA!-themed brunch at the lively Barbossa with delicious food and drinks, featuring ABBA hits. Date : 31st May Offer : 10% discount on Mamma Mia tickets Design & Dine x Hawksbill, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club – Abu Dhabi MAMMA MIA!-themed art night at Saadiyat Beach Club, where participants can bring out their artistic side and create MAMMA MIA!-inspired masterpieces, while enjoying delicious bites and ABBA-inspired drinks. Date : 31st May Offers : 10% off on Mamma Mia tickets 10% of Design and Dine package for MAMMA MIA ticket holders Tickets to the musical are available today via and with prices starting from AED 125 (weekday shows). Notes to Editor MAMMA MIA! The Musical Dates: June 11–22, 2025 Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi About Proactiv Entertainment Proactiv Entertainment is a global promoter and producer of large-scale shows, international exhibitions and music concerts. With headquarters in Barcelona, and offices in Madrid and Abu Dhabi, Proactiv Entertainment has more than thirty years of experience in the entertainment sector. Our projects include internationally recognized shows such as Broadway's The Lion King, Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Star Wars in Concert, Marvel Universe Live, Peppa Pig's Adventure, Harlem Globetrotters, WWE, Monster Jam and successful exhibitions like FC Barcelona The Exhibition and Meet Vincent Van Gogh. Moreover, Proactiv Entertainment also has a long tradition in music having collaborated with artists like Andrea Bocelli, Maluma or Enrique Iglesias. As the company grew, an international expansion began first in the Middle East, and later into North and South America and the rest of Europe, where we have organized and produced original shows for a wide variety of audiences. For all media inquiries, contact: Rojina Al Shehazeh | Stephanie Dafeta | Tala Labadi Email: proactiv@
Newsweek
29-04-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
Woman Reveals Just How Much 'Microplastic' Was Hiding on Hawaii Beach
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. An ocean conservationist in Hawaii has sparked debate after sharing footage that highlights just how much plastic debris is hiding on our beaches. Carissa Cabrera filmed herself using a screen sifter to sort through the sand on a local beach. With the caption: "When I say microplastics are a problem, this is what I mean," the video revealed just how many tiny plastic fragments came out of the sand. Cabrera, CEO and creative director of climate consultancy Futureswell, said she wanted to illustrate just how severe the issue is in Hawaii. "Isolated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, I wanted to share the depth and scale of plastic pollution in Hawaii as a result of the ocean currents that bring microplastics ashore with weather," she told Newsweek. "Hawaii is on the frontlines of the plastic crisis, as the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre collects marine debris and delivers [it] to our shorelines—this is debris from countries across the Pacific, and speaks to the scale of the pollution issue. "Plastic pollution is pervasive—with studies having found it in our breast milk, placenta, reproductive organs, air, and clouds. It is found in all corners of the Earth, in everything we use, and it is a toxic material that threatens ocean health and human health," she said. Pictures from the viral video where Carissa shared the plastics hidden on beaches. Pictures from the viral video where Carissa shared the plastics hidden on beaches. @carissaandclimate/TikTok Scientific evidence increasingly supports Cabrera's concerns. Dick Vethaak, an ecotoxicologist at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, told Newsweek: "There is ample evidence that plastic particles pollute the air, drinking water, and food, leading to an ever-increasing risk of inhalation and ingestion on a global scale." Microplastics are particles smaller than five millimeters in length, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). They originate from larger pieces of plastic debris that break down, as well as from microbeads used in products like exfoliants. Recent studies have confirmed that microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are found throughout the human body—including the blood, lungs, liver, kidneys, and even the brain. One 2024 study found that patients with detectable microplastics in their arterial plaque were 4.5 times more likely to experience heart attacks, strokes, or death within three years. Another study revealed higher concentrations of microplastics in the brains of individuals with dementia, with notable accumulations in blood vessel walls and immune cells. Other research also suggests that microplastics may harm other vital organs, including the liver, kidneys, lungs, placenta, testicles, and tonsils. The response to Cabrera's TikTok video, which amassed more than 600,000 views since being shared to @carissaandclimate earlier this month, was mixed, as some people pointed out an issue with the plastics in the screen: "The actual microplastics are too small to be caught in that sifter," said one commenter. While another wrote: "Respectfully those are just small bits of plastic, hazardous and bad for the environment but doesn't carry the same risks as the ones that are in our bodies." But in response, Cabrera pointed out that it is the larger pieces of plastic that eventually break down and become microplastics, that may be impossible to see with the naked eye, but cause the health issues uncovered by recent studies. Having lived in Hawaii for more than a decade and working in marine debris solutions, Cabrera was not personally surprised by the extent of pollution. Rather, she shared the video to educate others. "The reaction on TikTok showed me one thing: the vast majority of people do not understand the scale of this issue and we need to bring it to the forefront to help people and planet," she said. References (Lee et al., 2023; Marfella et al., 2024; Nihart et al., 2025; Saraluck et al., 2024) Lee, Y., Cho, J., Sohn, J., & Kim, C. (2023). Health Effects of Microplastic Exposures: Current Issues and Perspectives in South Korea. Yonsei Medical Journal, 64(5), 301–308. Marfella, R., Prattichizzo, F., Sardu, C., Fulgenzi, G., Graciotti, L., Spadoni, T., D'Onofrio, N., Scisciola, L., Grotta, R. L., Frigé, C., Pellegrini, V., Municinò, M., Siniscalchi, M., Spinetti, F., Vigliotti, G., Vecchione, C., Carrizzo, A., Accarino, G., Squillante, A., ... Paolisso, G. (2024). Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events. New England Journal of Medicine, 390(10), 900–910. Nihart, A. J., Garcia, M. A., El Hayek, E., Liu, R., Olewine, M., Kingston, J. D., Castillo, E. F., Gullapalli, R. R., Howard, T., Bleske, B., Scott, J., Gonzalez-Estrella, J., Gross, J. M., Spilde, M., Adolphi, N. L., Gallego, D. F., Jarrell, H. S., Dvorscak, G., Zuluaga-Ruiz, M. E., ... Campen, M. J. (2025). Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains. Nature Medicine, 31(4), 1114–1119. Saraluck, A., Techarang, T., Bunyapipat, P., Boonchuwong, K., Pullaput, Y., & Mordmuang, A. (2024). Detection of Microplastics in Human Breast Milk and Its Association with Changes in Human Milk Bacterial Microbiota. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(14).
