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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How our families shape who we become

Whether we admit it or not, our families have left their mark on us. The people who raised us, mum, dad, grandparents, or whoever was there, have influenced us in ways we're only just starting to figure out as we get older.

Just think about how you deal with stress. You've probably picked up habits from your parents without even realising it. Maybe your mum would sit you down for a chat whenever something went wrong, or perhaps your dad would shut down and need space. We copy these responses without thinking, and it's only later that we catch ourselves sounding exactly like them.

But it goes deeper than just emotions. Our families pass down whole ways of seeing the world—ideas about what makes someone successful, how we should treat people, what's worth caring about. These handed-down views colour everything we do, from the jobs we choose to the relationships we build.

Here's the thing though: we can't just switch off this influence, and honestly, we shouldn't want to erase all of it. What matters is becoming aware enough to work out which parts actually help us and which bits are getting in our way. Sometimes that means getting professional help to make sense of messy family stuff.

At the end of the day, understanding how our family has shaped us isn't about pointing fingers, it's about taking control of our own story.

Essential vocabulary with example sentences

Core terms:

Parental figures – "My aunt became my primary parental figure after my mother passed away when I was young."

Influence – "My grandfather's love of reading had a massive influence on my decision to become a teacher."

Inherit/inherited – "I've inherited my father's quick temper, which I'm trying to work on in therapy."

Absorb – "Children absorb prejudices from their environment without anyone explicitly teaching them."

Psychological concepts:

Coping mechanisms – "When stressed, I clean obsessively—it's a coping mechanism I picked up from watching my mum."

Patterns of behaviour – "I've noticed unhealthy patterns of behaviour in my relationships that mirror my parents' marriage."

Self-awareness – "Developing self-awareness helped me recognise why I always avoid confrontation."

Family dynamics – "The family dynamics in our household were complicated, with my older sister acting as a second parent."

Development & identity:

Shape/mould – "Those early experiences with poverty really shaped how I view money and security today."

Upbringing – "Her strict religious upbringing made it difficult for her to accept different lifestyles."

Belief system – "My parents' belief system emphasised hard work above everything else, even health."

Worldview – "Travelling abroad completely changed my worldview and challenged what I'd been taught at home."

Action & change:

Unconsciously – "I unconsciously chose a partner who reminded me of my father, flaws and all."

Question/challenge – "As I matured, I began to question the political views I'd grown up with."

Untangle – "It took years of reflection to untangle which of my beliefs were truly mine and which were just inherited."

Assign blame – "Rather than assign blame to my parents, I'm trying to understand the context of their choices."

Useful phrases:

"Leave their mark on" – "My father's work ethic has left its mark on how I approach every project."

"Pick up habits" – "I've picked up the habit of overthinking from my anxious mother."

"Without even realising it" – "Without even realising it, I'd adopted my parents' distrust of outsiders."

"Catch ourselves" – "I catch myself using the same phrases my dad used when he was angry."

"Goes deeper than" – "The impact of family goes deeper than just surface behaviours."

"Pass down" – "My grandparents passed down a deep appreciation for education to the whole family."

"Handed-down views" – "Some of these handed-down views about gender roles feel outdated now."

"Colour everything we do" – "Our childhood experiences colour everything we do, even decades later."

"Switch off" – "You can't just switch off years of conditioning overnight."

"Getting in our way" – "Perfectionism, learned from my critical father, keeps getting in my way."

"Make sense of" – "Therapy helped me make sense of the chaotic family environment I grew up in."

"Pointing fingers" – "Instead of pointing fingers at my parents, I'm focused on my own growth."

"Taking control of our own story" – "Recognising these patterns is the first step in taking control of your own story."

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The tradition of hunting in modern Spain

Hunting remains deeply woven into Spain's cultural fabric, particularly in regions like Andalusia where vast dehesas and mountainous terrain have supported the practice for centuries. For many Spaniards, it's not merely a sport but a connection to rural heritage and land stewardship.

The country maintains strict legal frameworks governing when, where, and what species can be hunted. Each autonomous region sets its own hunting calendar. Andalusia's 2025-2026 season, for instance, carefully regulates periods for different game. This isn't arbitrary; these regulations stem from wildlife management principles designed to maintain healthy populations and biodiversity.

But why is hunting legal at all? Proponents argue it serves essential ecological functions. Controlled hunting helps manage species like wild boar, whose populations can explode without natural predators, devastating crops and ecosystems. It also generates significant revenue for rural economies struggling with depopulation, funding conservation efforts and providing employment.

Critics, however, question whether modern Spain needs this practice, pointing to animal welfare concerns and occasional accidents. The debate reflects broader tensions between traditional rural culture and contemporary urban values.

What's undeniable is hunting's ongoing significance in Spanish life. Whether you view it as necessary conservation or outdated tradition, it remains a legally protected activity that connects thousands of Spaniards to their countryside, their history, and surprisingly, to nature itself.

All in all, though I can see some benefits, I wouldn't be able to hunt for sport, tradition or whatever reason, unless it was essential for survival. Fortunately, that's not the situation for me or anyone I know.

Key vocabulary from the article with examples

• Woven into (phrasal verb): Deeply integrated or embedded in something.
  "Traditional festivals are woven into the cultural identity of small Spanish villages."
  
  
• Fabric (noun): The fundamental structure or character of something.
  "Football is part of the social fabric of many European countries."
  
  
• Dehesa (noun): A type of Mediterranean ecosystem with scattered trees and grassland, typical in Spain.
  "The dehesas of Extremadura are home to the famous ibérico pigs."
  
  
• Stewardship (noun): The responsible management and care of something entrusted to one's care.
  "Environmental stewardship requires balancing human needs with nature conservation."
  
  
• Framework (noun): A system of rules, principles, or structures.
  "The European Union provides a legal framework for member states."
  
  
• Arbitrary (adjective): Based on random choice rather than reason or logic.
  "The decision seemed arbitrary since no explanation was provided."
  
  
• Stem from (phrasal verb): To originate or arise from.
  "Many modern laws stem from ancient Roman legal principles."
  
  
• Proponent (noun): A person who advocates for or supports something.
  "Proponents of renewable energy argue it will reduce carbon emissions."
  
  
• Devastating (adjective): Causing severe damage or destruction.
  "The drought had devastating effects on agricultural production."
  
  
• Depopulation (noun): A reduction in population, particularly in rural areas.
  "Rural depopulation is a major concern for many Spanish municipalities."
  
  
• Undeniable (adjective): Impossible to deny or dispute; clearly true.
  "The economic impact of tourism on coastal regions is undeniable."

Key vocabulary translated into Spanish

• Woven into - Entretejido en / Integrado en
• Fabric - Tejido / Entramado
• Dehesa - Dehesa
• Stewardship - Gestión responsable / Administración
• Framework - Marco
• Arbitrary - Arbitrario/a
• Stem from - Derivar de / Provenir de
• Proponent - Defensor/a / Partidario/a
• Devastating - Devastador/a
• Depopulation - Despoblación
• Undeniable - Innegable

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Finding your ideal working environment: there is no one-size-fits-all solution

We spend approximately one-third of our lives at work, but we rarely stop to think about whether our working environment is really right for us. Over the years, I have experienced different setups: open-plan offices, teleworking and various hybrid models, and, honestly, each has its advantages and disadvantages.

The noise of the office can be stimulating; there's something about overhearing a colleague's conversation that gives you an idea you wouldn't have come up with on your own. Spontaneous chats by the coffee machine often solve problems faster than scheduled video calls. However, constant noise and interruptions can be exhausting when you need to concentrate deeply.

Working from home offers that precious quiet time. You can get work that requires concentration done in half the time it would take you in a busy office. The downside? Isolation takes hold. Some days, you realise you've barely spoken to anyone and that human connection, even if it's just a casual chat, is more important than you initially thought.

My ideal working environment would combine both worlds more smoothly. A quiet, luminous space with ergonomic furniture where I could choose my level of interaction on a daily basis. Flexible enough to collaborate when necessary, but with designated quiet areas for concentration. Access to nature would also be great: studies show that it boosts creativity and reduces stress.

In short, the best working environment is not about modern office designs or compulsory teleworking. It's about autonomy: trusting people to work where and how they are most productive.

Vocabulary for working environments

Open-plan office (noun)

An office layout without walls or cubicles where everyone works in a shared space.

"Our company moved to an open-plan office last year, which has improved collaboration but reduced privacy."

Hot-desking (noun)

A system where employees don't have assigned desks and choose any available workspace each day.

"Hot-desking can save office space, but I miss having a permanent spot for my belongings."

Conducive to (adjective phrase)

Creating conditions that make something likely to happen or exist.

"A quiet environment is more conducive to deep thinking and complex problem-solving."

Ergonomic (adjective)

Designed for efficiency and comfort in the working environment.

"Investing in an ergonomic chair has completely eliminated my back pain."

Flexibility (noun)

The ability to change or adapt working arrangements.

"The flexibility to work from different locations has significantly improved my work-life balance."

Autonomy (noun)

The freedom to make your own decisions about how and where you work.

"Employees with greater autonomy tend to report higher job satisfaction."

Collaboration (noun)

Working together with others to achieve something.

"Effective collaboration requires both physical spaces for meetings and digital tools for remote teamwork."

Distractions (noun)

Things that prevent you from concentrating on what you're doing.

"Noise-cancelling headphones help me block out distractions in busy offices."

Burnout (noun)

Physical or mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or overwork.

"Working from home without clear boundaries can lead to burnout faster than you'd expect."

Commute (noun/verb)

The journey to and from work.

"Eliminating my two-hour daily commute has given me back precious time for exercise and hobbies."

Desk-bound (adjective)

Spending most of your working time sitting at a desk.

"Desk-bound jobs require conscious effort to stay active throughout the day."

Remote work (noun)

Working from a location outside the traditional office, usually from home.

"Remote work has become the norm for many tech companies since the pandemic."

Touch base (phrasal verb)

To briefly communicate with someone to exchange information.

"Let's touch base tomorrow morning to discuss the project updates."

Work-life balance (noun)

The equilibrium between time spent on work and personal life.

"A healthy work-life balance is essential for long-term productivity and wellbeing."

Designated (adjective)

Officially assigned for a particular purpose.

"We need designated quiet areas where people can work without interruptions." 

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Understanding Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now a big part of our daily lives, whether we realize it or not. Just think about it: when you ask Siri to set a reminder or use Alexa (does not apply to me...) to play your favorite playlist, you're interacting with AI. These personal assistants have become so familiar that it's hard to imagine life without them. But AI isn't just about smart speakers; it's making waves in fields like healthcare and finance as well. For instance, hospitals are using AI to help diagnose diseases, and financial institutions are relying on it to detect fraud.

In fact, studies show that around 77% of people have interacted with AI in some shape or form—whether it’s through social media algorithms that suggest content you’d enjoy or chatbots answering your questions online. It's everywhere! AI is transforming how we communicate, work, and even manage our health, making it a fascinating part of our modern world.

What is AI?

AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. These processes include learning, reasoning, and self-correction. Essentially, AI allows machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.

The history of AI

AI has roots that go back to the 1950s, which is when the term was first coined. Initially, AI research focused on problem-solving and symbolic methods. Since then, it has evolved significantly, moving through various stages of development and interest, often referred to as "AI winters" when funding and interest declined.

For more information, visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_artificial_intelligence

Recent developments in AI

In the last few years, AI has experienced rapid advancements, particularly with the rise of machine learning and deep learning techniques. These methods enable computers to learn from vast amounts of data, leading to improved performance in tasks such as image and speech recognition.

Reasons for improvement

The exponential growth of computational power and the availability of large datasets are key factors that have contributed to AI's rapid advancements. As technology has become more affordable and accessible, it has provided researchers and developers with the tools necessary to create sophisticated AI systems.

What is a bot?

A bot is a software application that automates repetitive tasks. Bots can be programmed for various purposes, including chatting with users on websites, managing customer service queries, or even trading stocks.

Advantages of machine learning

One of the primary advantages of machine learning over human learning is its ability to process and analyze large datasets quickly. While humans require time to learn and adapt, AI systems can learn from data almost instantaneously, identifying patterns that may not be immediately apparent to humans.

Advantages of human learning

Alternatively, human learning excels in areas requiring emotional intelligence, creativity, and nuance. Humans can understand context, make ethical judgments, and apply knowledge in varied situations—areas where machines still struggle.

The function of IBM's Watson

IBM's Watson is a leading example of AI application. It can analyze vast amounts of data, making it useful in fields such as healthcare for diagnosing diseases and recommending treatments based on patient data. Its ability to interpret natural language helps it communicate effectively with users.

What is deep learning?

Deep learning is a subset of machine learning that focuses on using artificial neural networks to model and understand complex patterns in large amounts of data. Here are some key aspects of deep learning:

How it works

- Neural networks: Deep learning uses structures called neural networks, which are inspired by the human brain. These networks consist of multiple layers of interconnected nodes (neurons) that process information.

- Feature learning: Unlike traditional machine learning methods, which often require manual feature extraction, deep learning can automatically identify relevant features from raw data. This capability makes it particularly effective for tasks like image and speech recognition.

Applications

- Computer vision: Deep learning powers technologies in facial recognition, object detection, and medical image analysis.

- Natural language processing: It enables machines to understand and generate human language, facilitating applications like chatbots, translation services, and sentiment analysis.

- Autonomous vehicles: Deep learning algorithms help vehicles interpret complex environments, recognize obstacles, and make driving decisions.

Future considerations: will robots take over?

While the notion of robots taking over the world is often dramatized in popular culture, a more likely future concern involves ethical and societal issues. For example, the rise of AI could lead to job displacement and challenges related to privacy and data security. As machines become more integrated into daily life, it will be crucial for us humans to address these potential problems and work towards a harmonious coexistence with AI technologies.

Here’s a list of some of the most common AI programs and applications used today:

- Google Assistant: A virtual assistant that helps with tasks through voice commands, providing information and managing smart devices.

- Siri: Apple's voice-activated assistant that performs tasks and answers questions on iOS devices.

- Alexa: Amazon's voice service, enabling users to control smart home devices, play music, and get information through voice commands.

- ChatGPT: An AI language model that can engage in conversations, answer questions, and generate text-based content.

- IBM Watson: A powerful AI platform for data analysis, natural language processing, and machine learning, used in various industries, including healthcare.

- Tesla Autopilot: An advanced driver-assistance system that uses AI to enable features like lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control in Tesla vehicles.

- Netflix Recommendation System: AI algorithms that analyze user data to suggest movies and shows based on viewing habits.

- Salesforce Einstein: An AI tool integrated into the Salesforce platform to enhance customer relationship management (CRM) with predictive analytics and insights.

- Hemingway App: An AI writing assistant that helps improve writing through suggestions for clarity and readability.

- Grammarly: An AI-powered writing assistant that checks for grammar, punctuation, and style to improve writing quality.

These programs demonstrate the versatility and widespread application of AI in everyday life across various fields.

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Negotiating: a vital skill in everyday life

Negotiating is an essential skill that we all encounter, whether in personal relationships, workplaces, or even casual interactions. It's more than just haggling over prices; it involves understanding, compromise, and communication.

In my own experience, I recall negotiating a project deadline with my supervisor. Initially, I felt hesitant, worried about disappointing them or jeopardizing my standing in the team. However, by preparing my points and approaching the conversation with empathy, I was able to articulate my workload and concerns effectively. We discussed various options and ultimately agreed on a timeline that balanced both my responsibilities and the project's requirements. This experience taught me that negotiation is not about winning or losing, but about finding common ground.

Moreover, I've noticed that effective negotiation often relies on understanding the other party's perspective. Listening attentively and asking questions can reveal underlying interests that may not be immediately apparent. This allows both sides to brainstorm creative solutions that satisfy everyone.

In today's world, where collaboration is key, mastering negotiation can significantly improve our interactions and relationships. It empowers us to express our needs while respecting others, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.

So, negotiation skills are essential for successfully navigating various situations, whether in personal relationships, business dealings, or everyday interactions. Here are some key skills that contribute to effective negotiating:

Active listening

Being attentive and engaged when the other party speaks helps to understand their needs and perspectives. It allows for better responses and fosters rapport.

Effective communication

Clearly articulating your thoughts and needs is vital. This includes using precise language, maintaining an appropriate tone, and being confident in your delivery.

Empathy

Understanding the emotions and motivations of others can lead to more productive negotiations. Showing empathy helps build trust and opens the door for collaborative solutions.

Preparation

Researching relevant information and anticipating objections can strengthen your position. Outlining your goals and potential compromises before entering negotiations enhances your readiness.

Problem-solving

Being able to think creatively and collaboratively to find solutions that satisfy both parties is crucial. This means proposing alternatives and being open to new ideas.

Assertiveness

Expressing your needs confidently while respecting the other party is key. Being assertive helps you advocate for your interests without being aggressive.

Patience

Negotiations can take time, and it's important to remain calm and patient throughout the process. Pushing too hard can lead to conflicts and breakdowns in communication.

Flexibility

Being adaptable to changing circumstances or information allows you to adjust your strategy as negotiations unfold. This helps maintain momentum toward a resolution.

Building rapport

Establishing a positive relationship can facilitate smoother discussions. Finding common ground or shared interests can enhance cooperation.

Closing skills

Knowing how to effectively summarize agreements and confirm acceptance is essential for successful negotiations. Clarity on terms helps prevent misunderstandings later.

Developing these skills can greatly improve your effectiveness in negotiations and enhance your ability to achieve satisfactory outcomes for all parties involved.

Vocabulary related to negotiating with example sentences

Here’s a list of vocabulary related to negotiating, along with example sentences:

Bargain: To negotiate the terms of a deal.
"I managed to bargain for a lower price on the car after some discussion."

Compromise: An agreement reached by each side making concessions.
"Both parties had to compromise to finalize the contract."

Counteroffer: A response to an offer that modifies the terms.
"After reviewing the initial salary proposal, I submitted a counteroffer."

Leverage: Power to influence people or events.
"Having multiple job offers gave me leverage in my salary negotiations."

Terms: Conditions under which an agreement is made.
"We need to clarify the terms of the agreement before signing."

Facilitate: To make a process easier or more manageable.
"A neutral mediator can facilitate the negotiation process."

Concession: Something yielded to end a negotiation.
"She made a concession by agreeing to a longer work schedule."

Agreement: A negotiated arrangement between parties.
"They reached an agreement that satisfied both sides."

Win-win: A situation that benefits all parties involved.
"The changes proposed created a win-win scenario for both teams."

Objective: A goal that one aims to achieve in negotiation.
"My main objective is to secure a better pay rate."

These terms can help enhance your negotiation discussions and strategies.

Useful links:

62 Business English Negotiation Phrases

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