Latest news with #Lift
7NEWS
19 hours ago
- Health
- 7NEWS
Stock up now: Outrage as Pepsi and Mountain Dew recipes change
US soft drinks giant PepsiCo has confirmed it has changed the recipe of the beloved regular Pepsi and Mountain Dew beverages. PepsiCo has cut the sugar content of the soft drinks and replaced it with low-calorie sweeteners. It follows changes that the company has already made to its Sprite, Fanta and Lift fizzy drinks. But the switch to artificial sweeteners has done little to shift the needle on the healthy beverage scale, with Pepsi's health star ranking inching marginally higher since the recipe change to 1.5 out of 5, compared with 0.5 previously. The sweeteners used in the new Pepsi blend are 950 (acesulfame potassium or ace-k) and 955 (sucralose). 'Pepi has lost my respect' According to Food Standards Australia, sucralose is 600 times sweeter than sugar, with no kilojoules, while ace-k is 200 times sweeter. In one study, adults who consumed ace-k were at higher risk of cancer than those who didn't. Studies also found that sucralose can increase risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and cause inflammation due to its impact on at least 14 difference groups of gut bacteria. When well-known Australian influencer Russ Eats picked up on Pepsi's recipe pivot, sentiment was less than positive from his followers. Comments ranged from 'Pepsi has lost my respect now' to how changes already made to Lift, Fanta and Sprite had ruined those drinks. Diabetics said they would no longer be able to drink the fizzy beverages to increase their blood sugar levels. Consumer backlash This is not the first time we have seen a major brand change the recipe of its iconic soda. In 1985, Coca Cola made the infamous decision to change its drink to 'new Coke'. Ironically, Coca Cola made changed the recipe in response to demand from focus groups that preferred it to be sweeter, like that of competitor Pepsi. Coca Cola did not account for the loyal minority who vehemently opposed it, but statistically seemed smaller in the cities tested. This was only realised when the company started receiving more than a thousand calls a day protesting. One psychiatrist who listened in on the calls, likened the protests from consumers to the death of a family member. Same great taste The backlash led to media calling it 'the most memorable marketing blunder ever' and Coke being forced to reintroduce the old recipe 79 days after the new brand launch and selling the two drinks side by side until 2002. The blunder is now used in business degree classes as a classic case study on how not to rebrand or change a recipe. When reached out for comment, PepsiCo confirmed the change, saying they had made the change 'in response to consumers who tell us they are looking for products that contain less sugar.' Like Coke back in 1985, Pepsi confirmed they had 'undertaken extensive sensory research' to ensure they were 'still delivering the same great taste consumers know and love.' We are yet to see whether it will be accepted by the wider public.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gugu Mbatha-Raw & Richard Madden To Lead Netflix Drama Series ‘Trinity'
Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Lift, Surface and Richard Madden (Bodyguard, Eternals) have been set as the leads of the new Netflix drama series Trinity. The eight-episode series follows a heroic female naval officer who becomes involved with the outwardly charismatic Secretary of Defense, only to discover that he may be at the heart of a dangerous conspiracy. More from Deadline Olivia Newton-John Documentary Heading To Netflix, Directed By Oscar Nominee Nicole Newnham Comedian Dusty Slay Sets Second Special With Netflix In Two Years With 'Wet Heat' 'My Life With The Walter Boys' Season 2 Sets Premiere Window, Unveils First Look Images Mbatha-Raw will play Commander Katherine Decker. She serves as second-in-command on the USS Kansas, a nuclear submarine and one of the deadliest weapons on Earth. Madden will play Secretary of Defense Webb Preston. With a technology background that makes him different from most politicians, Webb's innovation and purpose are seen as a threat in more ways than one. Jed Mercurio (Bodyguard) is the show's showrunner, writer and executive producer. Executive producers include Jimmy Mulville for Hat Trick Mercurio and Wendy Mericle. Michael Cuesta will direct and executive produce the first and second episodes of the 20th Television-produced series. Best of Deadline 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery 'The Gilded Age' Season 3 Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Come Out? Sean 'Diddy' Combs Sex-Trafficking Trial Updates: Cassie Ventura's Testimony, $10M Hotel Settlement, Drugs, Violence, & The Feds
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Why stablecoins are gaining popularity
Stablecoins -- a form of cryptocurrency backed by traditional assets -- are gaining traction, with the US Senate set to vote Tuesday on a bill to regulate such digital tokens. But as stablecoins move closer to the financial mainstream, experts warn that weak regulation could leave investors and the financial system vulnerable. What are stablecoins? by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mengubah kehidupan Anda dengan Lift Tangga Mungkin Lebih murah Daripada yang Anda kira. Lift Tangga | Cari Iklan Cari Sekarang Undo Stablecoins play a key role in crypto markets, enabling users to trade digital assets without relying on traditional banks, instead using a decentralised register known as blockchain. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, stablecoins track the value of traditional assets -- such as the US dollar or gold -- enabling greater stability. Live Events Tether and USDC, for example, are pegged to the dollar, backed by reserves held by their issuing companies. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories They are useful internationally because they enable "fast, low-cost cross-border payments", Dessislava Aubert, analyst at crypto insights firm Kaiko, told AFP. This is "especially valuable in emerging markets where access to hard currency and traditional banking services is often limited", Aubert added. Examples include Argentina, Nigeria and Turkey, The market value of stablecoins soared to $246 billion in May, up from $20 billion in 2020, according to Deutsche Bank. And the total number of transactions in 2024 surpassed those of Visa and Mastercard. USDC's issuer, Circle, made a splash this month when it was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Why is the US regulating them? To ensure the stability of stablecoins, the United States is pushing for issuers to hold sufficient low-risk, liquid assets -- such as dollars and Treasury bills. This could also boost demand for US debt and the greenback. The proposed legislation would require major stablecoin issuers to undergo regular audits and make it tougher to launch new tokens. These safeguards became more urgent after the collapse of the Terra stablecoin in 2022, which showed how these tokens can "depeg", or lose the link to the asset they are meant to track. There's a risk that an organisation may not be trustworthy or could be hacked, making audits and checks vital, explained Murat Kantarcioglu, a computer science professor at Virginia Tech University in the United States. Another possibility is that a loss of trust in the stablecoin may ripple beyond the crypto world, hitting the assets that back these tokens. Does the bill go far enough? "The new rules could make it harder for start-ups to issue stablecoins, creating a risk that a few big companies -- such as tech giants -- could dominate the market," Aubert told AFP over email. According to the Wall Street Journal, Amazon and Walmart are considering issuing their own stablecoin, which their customers could use for purchases. Democrats opposing the bill say risks of speculation, money laundering and political conflicts of interest associated with stablecoins are not sufficiently addressed. Notably, President Donald Trump's family has helped launch a stablecoin called USD1, used by Emirati fund MGX. And even with new regulations, in the event of issuer bankruptcy, stablecoin losses "are not explicitly covered by government insurance programs", unlike "bank deposits, which are insured up to $250,000", Aubert pointed out. How do other countries regulate them? In Europe, regulation on cryptocurrencies (MiCA), effective since the end of December, provides a framework for issuing stablecoins. The UK, South Korea and Brazil are moving forward with regulations. China banned cryptocurrencies in 2021 and is instead developing its own central bank digital currency, the e-yuan. Russia is considering a stablecoin backed by the rouble or friendly currencies such as the yuan.
The Courier
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Courier
Conman who bought £140k Perth house through fraudulent scheme given unpaid work
A crooked landlord who exploited a Scottish Government scheme designed for first-time buyers to purchase a £140,000 house in Perth has been ordered to complete unpaid work. Raza Hussain used fake bank statements and lied about his employment to secure funding from the government's LIFT initiative. The scheme was set up to help first-time buyers get on the property ladder. But 31-year-old Hussain already owned a house in Aberdeen when he applied for funding. He further duped the Nationwide Building Society into giving him a mortgage. A criminal investigation later uncovered the father-of-two had not moved into the property at Glengarry Road but was instead renting it out to someone else. Hussain, from Perth, previously pled guilty to running a fraudulent scheme between July 1 and September 26 2019. He returned to the dock this week and was sentenced to unpaid work. Prosecutor Emma Farmer told Perth Sheriff Court: 'The Lift scheme is a low-cost initiative to help first time buyers get onto the property ladder. 'Shared equity owners are not permitted to let out their property under any circumstances.' She said Hussain's application was assessed by a Scottish Government agent and approved on July 25 2019. 'He stated on the form that he was a first-time buyer,' said Ms Farmer. 'But this appears not to be true as he had previously bought a property in Aberdeen.' Hussain secured £48,300 of government funding for the three-bedroom home in Perth's Glengarry Road. He later secured a £82,800 mortgage from the Nationwide Building Society, and bought the property with a £6,900 deposit from his parents. Ms Farmer said attempts were made by the Nationwide's financial crime department to contact Hussain's employer. 'This was to verify his employment,' she said. 'However, this was unsuccessful.' His application was put on hold and payslips were requested to show his income. However, the funding for the mortgage had already been released and could not be recalled. The fiscal depute said: 'During 2020, a member of the Scottish Government was contacted by police in relation to an investigation into Mr Hussain, regarding concerns about his banking activity. 'It transpired he was on the landlord register and was renting out the property.' When quizzed about this Hussain said he had served notice on the tenant and that he would move in after they had moved out but he was unable to provide any proof of this. Hussain also produced bank statements to government officials, showing monthly salary payments of £1,992 from a company in Paisley. 'It later transpired that the true bank statements did not disclose this income,' said Ms Farmer. 'He declared an income of £30,000 per annum but could provide no evidence of this.' The court heard Hussain now faces Proceeds of Crime action, although this has been put on hold until later in the year to give Police Scotland's financial investigations unit time to complete their probe. A lawyer for Hussain said: 'He fully accepts what he did and faces up to his responsibilities.' Sheriff David Hall told Hussain: 'Clearly this is a serious matter. 'You were fully aware that what you were doing was fraudulent, due to the fact that you had already purchased a property and were not a first-time buyer.' He added: 'You have no criminal convictions and this offence is quite old, so I can deal with it today in a way that allows you to remain at liberty.' Hussain, of Fairies Road, Perth, was sentenced to carry out 235 hours of unpaid work as a direct alternative to custody.
Daily Record
30-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Record
Next's 'slimming' denim jeans in three colours 'hold in all the right places'
The hunt for the perfect pair of denim jeans is over. Finding the right pair of jeans is no easy task. Fortunately, for anyone still struggling with their search, we know just where to shop. For fashion fans looking to complement their figure, Next's Lift, Slim And Shape Skinny Jeans are getting glowing reviews that suggest they "hold you in all the right places." Worried about any lumps and bumps? Then these £48 skinny-fit denims have been designed in a high-rise that has been fitted through the hips to the thighs, offering a "flattering" effect on the physique. The complementary design also features cleverly hidden support that provides a "sculpting" effect on the physique, while the high waistband has been designed to "contour" to the body, never digging in or being restrictive to wear. Crafted from a cotton-rich blend with added stretch for maximum comfort, they are finished with five pockets and the classic two-button fastening at the front. Another positive about the skinny-fit jeans is that they will make a versatile summer wardrobe staple. Pair with chunky trainers and a basic tee during the day, or with some chic heels, a cute blouse and a blazer for any fancy evenings events. Lift, Slim And Shape Skinny Jeans £48 Next Buy here Product Description As of writing, Next's Lift, Slim and Shape Skinny Jeans are available to buy in three colours - mid wash blue, inky blue denim and black, although some are selling fast. Designed in regular, petite and long lengths, sizes range from a 10 through to a 22. Looking to shop around for alternatives? Then New Look is another retailer worth checking out, as its Blue Lift & Shape Jenna Skinny Jeans offer a similar design for £24.99. Those unsure on the skinny-fit might prefer a different design, with Sainsbury's Tu Clothing's Dark Rinse Denim Sculpt Flared Jeans posing an alternative for £24. Meanwhile, Next's own denim jeans are getting glowing reviews, with each colourway garnering a 4.5 rating from fashion fans who say they "really do enhance your body figure" and that they are "the best on the market." One five-star review read: "I love these jeans, this is my fourth pair in this design. I have them in other colours too. Very comfortable to wear and make me look slimmer." A second delighted customer said: "These jeans are fab, they keep their shape and hold you in the right places. Super comfortable with the right amount of stretch." Fashion deal of the week In need of new trainers, but don't want to pay Skechers prices. Then these STQ Women's Slip-On Trainers are said to be "much better" than the famed brand. Even better, they are currently priced from just £30.99 on Amazon. With their slip-on style design and ultra-breathable mesh material, these trainers are said to be a fuss-free option for anyone who spends long periods of time on their feet, alongside anyone who suffers from foot pain issues such as plantar fasciitis. The flexible knitted material features an elastic cuff, making them easy to pop on and take off, while the wide fit fabric has been designed to make it feel like you are wearing nothing on your feet. Crafted with over 1,000 ventilation holes, they ensure that feet don't get to sweaty during wear, while the memory foam insole provides good arch support, making it feel "like walking on air". Available to buy in sizes three through to eight, shoppers can select from eight colours including black, grey and pink. However, it's worth noting that the £30.99 price-tag is available on the black colourway. With the STQ Trainers posing the cheapest price-tag, shoppers might be happy to hear that they have earned a 4.4 rating based on over 5,000 Amazon reviews that suggest they are "light as a feather" and "really comfortable". One delighted shopper said: "Super lightweight, comfortable and a fab colour pink. Much better all round than the Skechers I bought at four times the price! Your feet will love these." Someone else impressed with the design added: "Amazing jeans, I like the feel and structure, I would definitely recommend slim and shape they really do enhance your body figure." One shopper did leave a three-star review after finding that the fit didn't last over time, as they said: "Feel and fits great at first but then as the day goes on they get baggy." Although, the critique seemed rare, as another positive shopper said: "I've been buying Next Lift and Slim jeans for years now. They are truly the best on the market!"
