Cryptocurrency Market Plummets Over $1 Trillion in 6 Weeks Amid Tech Bubble Concerns

Over $1 trillion (£760 billion) has been erased from the crypto market’s valuation in the last six weeks as concerns about a tech bubble grow and hopes for a US interest rate reduction next month diminish.

According to data company CoinGecko, the value of the cryptocurrency market, which tracks over 18,500 coins, has dropped by a quarter since peaking in early October.

Bitcoin has experienced a 27% decline during this time, reaching $91,212, marking its lowest point since April.

Rising worries about an artificial intelligence bubble in the stock market are causing unease among global investors, with even the CEO of Google’s parent company cautioning that “no company will be immune” if the bubble bursts.

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The FTSE 100 index in Britain fell by 1.3% on Tuesday, marking its fourth consecutive decline and its most severe day since April. The Stoxx Europe 600, which monitors the continent’s largest companies, declined by 1.8%. Wall Street also faced losses, with the Dow Jones, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 all down approximately 1% on Tuesday.

This was followed by a significant drop in Asia, with Japan’s Nikkei Stock Average falling by 3.2% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index decreasing by 1.7%.

Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google’s parent firm Alphabet, remarked in an interview with the BBC that there is a sense of “irrationality” surrounding the current AI boom. He cautioned that if the AI bubble were to burst, “no company, including us, will be exempt.”

Meanwhile, JPMorgan Chase Vice Chairman Daniel Pinto stated that the skyrocketing valuations of AI necessitate a reassessment. “There will likely be a correction,” he mentioned at the Bloomberg Africa Business Summit in Johannesburg on Tuesday. “This adjustment will also impact the rest of the sector, the S&P, and the industry.”

Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski expressed concerns this week about the vast sums of money being invested in computing infrastructure.

He told the Financial Times: “[OpenAI] has the potential to be highly successful as a company, but I’m apprehensive about the extent of these data center investments, which is my primary concern.”

The Klarna co-founder highlighted the increasing valuations of AI companies, including Nvidia, as a troubling issue. Nvidia became the first firm to achieve a market valuation of $4 trillion this year, followed by Apple and Microsoft.

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“That concerns me, considering the amount of wealth currently being blindly allocated to this trend without deeper thought,” Siemiatkowski remarked.

“You might say, ‘I don’t believe NVIDIA is worth this much, but it doesn’t matter. Some wealthy individuals will lose money.’ However, the reality is that due to index funds and their mechanisms, one might assume their pension is a sound investment.”

AI bubbles are viewed as one of the most significant risks to the stock market, with research from Bank of America indicating that 45% of fund managers surveyed consider AI bubbles to be the paramount risk. tail risk.

Gold, typically regarded as a safe-haven asset, has also seen a decline. Spot prices dropped by 0.3% on Tuesday morning to $4,033.29 an ounce, following a one-week low.

This drop occurs as expectations around a US Federal Reserve (Fed) interest rate reduction next month wane. Higher interest rates make gold less appealing due to its non-increasing yield.

Nonetheless, Giovanni Staunovo, an analyst at Swiss investment bank UBS, mentioned that while gold prices may fall further, he anticipates a rebound soon.

“With the Fed projected to lower interest rates multiple times in the coming quarters and the strong trend of central banks diversifying into gold, we predict that gold prices will stabilize soon,” he stated.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Plant Extract Serum Boosts Hair Growth in Just Weeks

Hair growth significantly enhanced after 56 days of serum use

Tsong-Min Chang et al. 2025

A serum aimed at reversing hair loss has shown promising outcomes within a two-month period. This topical treatment, formulated with plant extracts and proteins that stimulate cellular activity, demonstrated notable enhancements in hair density compared to a placebo.

Hair loss affects approximately: 50% of men and 40% of women by the time they reach 50. Various treatments, such as finasteride and minoxidil, also known as Rogaine, may be effective; however, their success can vary based on genetics and the degree of hair loss.

Researchers are exploring innovative techniques for hair regeneration, including stem cell applications. Investigations into fibroblast manipulation, a cell type crucial for connective tissue formation, and a drug aimed at revitalizing dormant hair follicles are underway.

In a unique approach, researchers from Schweitzer Biotech in Taiwan have developed a serum enriched with caffeine, commonly found in health products, alongside two proteins known to enhance cellular growth: Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and Fibroblast growth factor-7 (FGF-7), both displaying potential for hair follicle regeneration. Additionally, extracts from Centella asiatica, a tropical herb widely used in skincare, appear to support hair follicle health.

To evaluate efficacy, an international research team enlisted 60 adults aged 18 to 60 without severe hair loss. Participants were divided into five groups; the first group received a placebo serum devoid of active ingredients, while the second group was provided with a basic preparation of 0.1% caffeine and vitamin B5, known for its moisturizing properties. The remaining groups used this base formulation, with the third group incorporating IGF-1 and FGF-7, the fourth group including IGF-1 and FGF-7 with C. asiatica, and the fifth group receiving all components.

All participants were instructed to apply 1 milliliter of serum to their entire scalp nightly for 56 days. Improvements were observed in all groups across various measured outcomes, including hair density, thickness, and reduced hair loss. The most significant increase in hair density was found in Group 5, which saw nearly a 25% improvement—almost double that of the placebo group.

Researchers propose that C. asiatica extracts may enhance hair root strength and boost blood circulation around hair follicles. “This plant has been recognized for its anti-aging, reparative, and anti-inflammatory properties,” explains Christos Tziotsios from King’s College London. “It could be somewhat of a miracle plant. There’s stronger evidence for some of the other components in this study. For instance, IGF-1 and FGF-7 are both known to influence hair cycle dynamics.”

Participants in Group 5 demonstrated improved hair growth

Tsong-Min Chang et al. (2025)

Both Tziotsios and the research team emphasize that while the study’s scale is noteworthy, extended trials are essential before a treatment utilizing this formulation can be deemed available. “This doesn’t negate its potential interest, but it’s clear that further investigation is required,” says Tziotsios. “The more we comprehend the molecular mechanisms linked to hair loss and hair biology, the closer we will be to achieving a definitive treatment.”

Source: www.newscientist.com

Private Moonlander to go silent two weeks into moon mission

The Light out The first private Lunar Lander A completely successful moon mission.

Firefly Air Space Blue Ghost Lander We were silent over the weekend to close out NASA’s two-week science experiment. The end came when the moon sets, but no longer provides energy Lander’s solar panels.

“The mission is complete,” Firefly CEO Jason Kim said late Sunday night via X. “But the ghosts still live in our hearts and minds.

Lander was open for five hours on a moonlit night, as planned before his death on Sunday evening. Photos of the moon sunset and glow will be released on Tuesday, Kim said.

Blue Ghost was launched by Cape Canaveral in January as part of NASA’s commercial monthly distribution program. It landed on March 2nd at the northeastern edge of the moon. Carrying drills, vacuums and other scientific and technical equipment for NASA. Firefly confirmed on Monday that all 10 experiments worked.

Later last week, Blue Ghost observed a solar eclipse of the total sun from the moon. This is a total lunar eclipse, as seen from the Earth.

Texas-based Firefly has become the first private company to land on the moon without falling or crashing after a series of failed missions by other companies over the past few years. Only five countries in the US, Russia, China, India and Japan have successfully landed.

The lunar lander of the Japanese company shared the SpaceX Rocket Ride, but took an even longer route to reach the moon. That Lander from Ispace is targeting a touchdown in early June.

Another Texas company, an intuitive machine, lay down in a crater near the moon’s Antarctic earlier this month, dooming the mission. This was the second imperfect mission for the intuitive machine. That first Lander brought the US back to the moon for the first time since the Apollo era after a perfect landing that hindered communication last year.

Firefly is already working on the next moon lander, and is striving to land one lunar a year.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Scientists warn that volcanoes near Alaska’s largest city may erupt in the next few weeks or months

Anchorage, Alaska – Volcanoes near Alaska’s biggest city show new signs of anxiety. Experts say the likelihood of an eruption in Mount Spall is increasing in the coming weeks or months.

The Alaska Volcanic Observatory said Wednesday it measured “a significant rise in volcanic gas emissions” during recent turbulence, with the signs indicating that the eruption was not certain in weeks or months, but not certain.

“We hope for more seismic activity, gas emissions and surface heating before the eruption. “Such strong anxiety could provide additional warnings for days to weeks.”

What is Mount Spur?

It is an ice-covered volcano about 80 miles northwest of Anchorage, 11,070 feet high.

Mount Spur is one of Alaska’s 53 volcanoes and has been active within the last 250 years. There are two main vents.

When did Mount Spur last erupt?

The last known eruption from the Summit Bent was over 5,000 years ago. Meanwhile, Crater Peak Vent erupted once in 1953 and three times in 1992. Crater Peak Vent is about two miles south of the summit.

Since then, there have been periods of increasing earthquakes and other activities between 2004 and 2006, but no other eruptions. Last October, the observatory raised the green to yellow mount spur alert status when seismic activity increased significantly and ground deformation was discovered in satellite data.

The most likely outcome of current anxiety would be the eruptions or eruptions of 1953 and 1992, the observation deck said.

But “there is a possibility that there will be no eruptions, current activity will die slowly, or even smaller eruptions may occur,” wrote John Power, a geophysicist at the station’s US Geological Survey, in an email.

What are the effects of the eruption?

According to the observation deck, eruptions of the last century lasted three to seven hours, rising more than 50,000 feet above sea level, producing ash columns deposited ashes in communities in southern Alaska.

In 1992, about a quarter inch of ash from the anchorage began to stay inside or wear masks if they were to go outside to avoid breathing the ashes. The clouds drifted all the way to Greenland.

Volcanic ash is angular and sharp, and is used as an industrial abrasive. Powdered rocks can shut down the jet engine.

The 1992 eruption prompted temporary closures of airports in Anchorage and other communities.

In states where most communities are not connected to Alaska’s main road system, closing airports is more than inconvenient. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is one of the busiest cargo hubs in the world.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Gaming: PlayStation 5 shooter Concord goes offline only two weeks post release

Sony has made an announcement regarding its new PlayStation 5 shooter game “Concord,” which was released on August 23. The game will be taken offline just two weeks later, and refunds will be offered to all players who purchased it.

Concord, a team-based hero shooter similar to Activision Blizzard’s Overwatch, puts teams of five against each other in intense combat arenas. However, it turned out to be one of the year’s most high-profile launch failures with only a few hundred players on Steam and fewer than 25,000 copies sold, as reported by GameDiscoverCo Analyst.

In a statement on the PlayStation blog, Sony expressed gratitude towards Concorde fans and acknowledged the mixed feedback received. As a result, the decision was made to explore options, including taking the game offline from September 6, 2024, and halting sales while providing full refunds to players who bought the game on PS5 or PC.

Warner Bros. also faced a similar situation with their game Suicide Squad: Defeat the Justice League, which failed to meet player expectations. On the other hand, the squad shooter Helldivers II has been a huge success for Sony since its release, boasting over 12 million copies sold in the first three months.

It’s uncommon for a struggling multiplayer game like Concord to be pulled off shelves so quickly, as failed games like Evolve, Lawbreakers, and Paragon typically lasted around a year. The future of Concord remains uncertain, with no indication in the statement of whether the game will be permanently canceled or potentially resurrected at a later date.

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Concord is a game that has been in development for around 8 years. Sony acquired the developer Firewalk Studios in 2023, along with other live service game developers, as part of their strategy to focus on long-tail multiplayer games for the PlayStation 5 platform.

Source: www.theguardian.com

NASA to determine astronauts’ return method on Boeing spacecraft within two weeks

Should NASA opt to utilize SpaceX for the return journey, Wilmore and Williams would be required to stay aboard the space station for an additional six months.

SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft is set to launch a new crew to the orbital outpost in September on a mission named Crew 9. NASA has announced a change in plans to send only two astronauts instead of the initial four, and could potentially use the available seats to bring back Wilmore and Williams at the conclusion of Crew 9 in February.

Under this scenario, the Starliner spacecraft would return to Earth without one crew member, as stated by NASA.

Bowersox mentioned on Wednesday that no decisions have been made as yet, but NASA must soon finalize a plan to manage the space station’s resources and ensure smooth operations in orbit.

“We’re approaching a point where a decision needs to be made by the end of August, potentially even earlier,” he explained.

The launch of Wilmore and Williams marked the first crewed test flight of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. This mission was intended to serve as a critical final test before NASA grants approval for Boeing to conduct regular trips to and from the International Space Station.

However, in June, five of Starliner’s thrusters malfunctioned as the spacecraft was nearing the space station, leading to a delay in the rendezvous and docking process. Helium leakage was detected from the capsule’s propulsion system during the flight. Mission managers were already aware of this issue prior to Starliner’s launch into orbit, but stated that it was unlikely to impact the mission or the astronauts’ safety.

Joe Acaba, astronaut office chief at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, stated that astronauts undergo training for potential contingencies, including accidents that could result in an extended stay in space.

While in orbit, Wilmore and Williams utilize their free time to conduct scientific experiments and assist the space station’s crew with maintenance work.

Acaba mentioned that the duo are kept informed about NASA’s decision-making process, but ultimately must rely on the expertise of engineers and mission managers on the ground.

“They will adhere to our directives. That’s their duty as astronauts,” Acaba affirmed.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Bitcoin reaches highest value in six weeks following President Trump’s endorsement of cryptocurrency

After Donald Trump’s statement this past weekend that he would stop targeting the cryptocurrency industry if re-elected, Bitcoin surged to its highest price in over six weeks.

On Monday, the price of the cryptocurrency increased by more than 3%, reaching a peak of around $69,745, marking its highest value since June 12 when it surpassed $69,800.

Trump made supportive remarks at the Bitcoin 2024 convention in Nashville, Tennessee, declaring his intention to make the United States a global leader in cryptocurrency and adopt a more pro-Bitcoin stance compared to his opponent, Sen. Kamala Harris.

The former president assured the Bitcoin community that if he takes office, the current anti-cryptocurrency initiatives by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris would come to an end. He emphasized the importance of embracing cryptocurrency technology to prevent other countries like China from dominating.

Trump also vowed to remove the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on his first day as president, specifically targeting Gary Gensler, who has been critical of cryptocurrencies despite past endorsements.

At the Bitcoin Conference, Trump proposed the creation of a Presidential Cryptocurrency Advisory Council and the establishment of a national Bitcoin reserve using confiscated cryptocurrency held by the U.S. government.

Echoing his support for Bitcoin, Trump advised against selling the cryptocurrency, promising to retain all Bitcoin owned or acquired by the U.S. government if elected.

According to the Financial Times, Harris’ advisors have been reaching out to major crypto companies to mend relations between the Democratic Party and the cryptocurrency industry, including Coinbase, Circle, and Ripple Labs.

Source: www.theguardian.com

New study claims that this diet can reverse biological age in just eight weeks

Increasing plant-based food consumption is known to benefit both health and the environment, yet only a few individuals fully commit to a vegan diet.

However, a recent study suggests that following a vegan diet for just eight weeks could potentially reverse one’s biological age. Researchers discovered that participants who adhered to a vegan diet showed a reduction in their estimated biological age, as indicated by DNA methylation, an epigenetic marker.

Dr. Lucia Aronica, along with other co-authors from BBC Science Focus, explains, “DNA methylation and other epigenetic modifications regulate gene activity and expression.” These modifications change in specific ways as we age, allowing scientists to track and understand the aging process.

The study, as detailed in BMC Medicine, involved 21 adult identical twin pairs, where one twin followed a vegan diet while the other maintained an omnivorous diet for eight weeks. Blood samples were taken before and after the study to measure DNA methylation levels and assess the effects of each diet.

Results demonstrated that only the vegan group showed a slowing of the epigenetic aging clock, with some participants appearing almost one year younger by certain measures. A vegan diet was associated with reduced estimated ages of various organ systems, such as the heart, hormones, liver, and inflammatory and metabolic systems.

The average reduction in biological age for the vegan group was a remarkable 0.63 years. However, researchers caution that these findings should be interpreted carefully due to other factors like weight loss, as participants in the vegan group lost an average of 2 kilograms more than those in the omnivorous group.

Despite the promising outcomes, further research is necessary to understand the long-term effects of a vegan diet on aging and to differentiate between the effects of dietary composition and weight loss.

Experts like Dr. Hou Lifang suggest that additional studies are needed to validate these results, emphasizing the need for caution when drawing broad conclusions. While the study provides valuable insights, more research is required to fully comprehend the impact of a vegan diet on aging.

About our experts

Lucia Aronica focuses on epigenetics and gene-environment interactions in health outcomes. She is currently leading epigenetic analysis in the largest low-carb vs. low-fat diet study for weight loss. Aronica teaches nutritional genomics at Stanford University.

Varun Dwaraka is a bioinformatics researcher specializing in aging, epigenetics, and genetics. He has co-authored various publications on DNA methylation, tissue regeneration, and the epigenetic clock.

Hou Li-Fan, MD, MS, PhD, is a Professor of Preventive Medicine, integrating epidemiology with molecular technologies in disease studies focused on molecular markers and disease prevention.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Non-surgical tiny brain sensor dissolves within weeks of implantation

Hydrogel-made brain sensor is small enough to be injected with a needle

Hanchuan Tang and Jianfeng Zang

Tiny sensors can be injected into the skull with a needle to monitor brain health until they dissolve within a few weeks. These sensors have been tested in animals, and in the future, they may enable minimally invasive, implantable sensors in the human body that can monitor traumatic brain injury and neurological disorders such as epilepsy.

“To my knowledge, this is the first wireless sensor that can monitor conditions inside the body without the need for surgery,” he said. Jules Magda The researcher is from the University of Utah, but was not involved in the study.

The sensor is a soft hydrogel cube about 2 millimeters wide, about the width of a grain of rice. Jiangfeng Zhan Professors from China’s Huazhong University of Science and Technology created structured “metagel” sensors by creating precisely spaced air columns throughout a hydrogel. When an external ultrasound source is aimed at the sensor, the channels guide the ultrasound waves. The shape of the sensor changes subtly in response to changing conditions in the brain, such as pressure or temperature, which can be seen in the reflected ultrasound.

“No wiring or electronics are required,” Zhang says. “It’s as if the metagel acts as a tiny acoustic mirror that changes its reflection depending on the environment.”

Zhang and his colleagues showed that when metagel sensors were injected into the brains of rats and pigs, they could measure pressure, temperature, pH levels, and flow rates in nearby blood vessels. They obtained results comparable to wired probes traditionally used to monitor brain health. Their experiments also found that metagel broke down into relatively harmless components, such as water and carbon dioxide, within four to five weeks.

Injecting the sensor into the brain requires a thick needle, which could still cause pain or discomfort, Magda said, and he noted that researchers also need to make sure the dissolved metagel is non-toxic.

Zhang says that the rats in the study showed little swelling in brain tissue or buildup of immune cells after the sensors were implanted and degraded, but he says that longer-term testing in larger animals is still needed to show that the metagel works reliably and safely before clinical trials in humans can begin.

topic:

  • brain/
  • medical technology

Source: www.newscientist.com

“Curb Your Enthusiasm” Stars Dive into 120 Episodes of Cringe-Worthy Content in This Week’s Top Podcasts

This week's picks

Late fragment
Wide range of weekly episodes available

This introspective and thoughtful show interviews people in their 80s about politics, religion, sex and money. Its outstanding line-up includes Neil Kinnock, Miriam and Margolyes, and Proulis. The first episode of our latest series is a wide-ranging conversation with humanitarian Terry Waite. This is a thoughtful look at his homelessness situation, his economic situation, and what it was like to spend his five years in chains and in total solitary confinement. Alexi Duggins

drink champion
Wide range of weekly episodes available
If you're looking for a quick listen, the latest episode of this loud, alcohol-filled series isn't for you. But if he has more than three hours to spend in conversation with the likes of Grandmaster Flash and Ludacris (below) with his MC Noah and DJ EFN of Hip Hop, it's a lively laugh into the Golden Age of Hip Hop. It will be a journey filled with. advertisement

Ludacris, Guest of Drink Champs. Photo: Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

real black history
Wide range of weekly episodes available
Francesca Ramsey and Conscious Lee shed light on the lesser-known figures who have shaped black culture beyond Martin Luther King Jr., and engage in many fascinating discussions. The excellent first episode focuses on the women of the Black Panther Party, including Assata Shakur, a fugitive targeted by the FBI who maintains her innocence. Hannah Verdier

hidden 20%
Wide range of weekly episodes available
A neurodivergent mind can lead to great creativity, as evidenced by Seedlip entrepreneur Ben Brunson, who was diagnosed with autism and ADHD as an adult. He currently hosts a podcast to change people's perceptions of his 20% who don't fit the neurotypical classification. Guests including actor Kit Harington, vocal coach Carey Grant, and athlete Adele Tracy will bring their insights. HV

A history of curbing enthusiasm
Wide range of weekly episodes available
After 23 years, the final series of Curb has just begun. That's why two of its stars, Jeff Garlin and Susie Essman, are celebrating with a rewatch podcast that rewinds it all the way to the beginning. In fact, in the first episode, Larry David talks about pre-pilot development. A must-listen for avid fans. Holly Richardson

There's a podcast for that

Mary Robinson, host of Mothers of Invention. Photo: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian

this week, nima job Our picks for the 5 best podcasts on climate crisisfrom the positive changes we can make as individuals to combat the crisis, to the impact on Indigenous communities.

Pre-drilled
From award-winning investigative journalist Amy Westervelt's exclusive season focusing on Namibia's growing oil reserves to Guyana's oil boom that is creating more economic uncertainty for the general public (not to mention rising sea levels) , which delves into the most pressing issues surrounding the climate crisis. . Amy explores the complexities that arise when a country faces both climate change and poverty simultaneously.

mothers of invention
In this fascinating podcast, Mary Robinson (above), Ireland's first female president, shares the microphone with comedian Maeve Higgins and series producer Timari Kodikara. The all-female case leaves no room for debate as to whether men are primarily responsible for the climate crisis. Each episode spotlights a heroic brown, black, and indigenous woman taking on the challenges facing our planet. The trio also give airtime to concerns young people have about how the climate crisis will affect their future prospects. The show features a wide range of guests, from female climate change activists like Diara Tucano to U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders.

I'm curious about the climate
If you're feeling confused and unprepared to discuss the climate crisis and its potential impact on your life, this TEDxLondon podcast hosted by Mariam Pasha and Ben Hurst is perfect for you. It's a learning tool. The show demystifies unfamiliar climate terminology, dissects climate issues with expert interviews, celebrates Pride, explores queer ecology, and explores intersex birds and transsexual fish. shed light on the world.

climate of change
Climate of Change doesn't have a huge back catalogue, but its six episodes make for a short and sweet listening experience. Guests include Hollywood veteran Cate Blanchett and clean energy economy entrepreneur Danny Kennedy, as well as Prince William, fashion activist Livia Firth and Don't Look Up director Adam McKay. Appear. Despite highlighting the dire challenges facing our planet, this podcast maintains an optimistic tone while providing insight into the important work being done.

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good together
Hosted by sustainability expert Laura Alexander Wittig, this podcast gives listeners the tools to make a difference in mitigating the climate crisis. In each weekly episode, she learns about terms like “circular economy” and discovers practical tips for incorporating eco-friendly habits into your daily life. Wittig covers a wide range of topics, from sustainable spring cleaning to the environmental impact of her streaming services. If you want to contribute to positive change, this is the perfect podcast to inspire you to channel your inner climate hero.

For more Guardian reporting on the environment and the climate crisis, sign up here to receive the Down to Earth newsletter every Thursday.

Why not try it…

  • collection of memories This production takes you on a journey across Canada, from a Viking-era Norse settlement in Newfoundland to the ruins of a sacred Haida village in Gwaii Harnas. Each episode explores new locations and stories that help us understand our complicated past.

  • Comedians Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Eshild Sears travel across Wales, sampling local food and drink, famous landmarks and talking to local characters. pod of wales.

  • in Small efforts are prohibitedIn , theologian and professor Lee C. Camp, along with guests including actor Martin Sheen, examines what makes a good life possible.

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Source: www.theguardian.com