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Warm-skinned AI robot with camera eyes is seriously creepy

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Humanoid robots are no longer hiding in research labs somewhere. These days, they are stepping into public spaces, and they are starting to look alarmingly human.

A Shanghai startup has now taken that idea further by unveiling what it calls the world’s first biometric AI robot. Yes, it is as creepy as it sounds. The robot is called Moya, and it comes from DroidUp, also known as Zhuoyide. The company revealed Moya at a launch event in Zhangjiang Robotics Valley, a growing hotspot for humanoid development in China.

At first glance, you can still tell Moya is a robot. The skin looks plasticky. The eyes feel vacant. The movements are slightly off. Then you learn more details about her, and that’s when the discomfort kicks in.

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Warm skin makes this humanoid robot feel unsettling

HUMANOID ROBOTS ARE GETTING SMALLER, SAFER AND CLOSER

Even when standing still, the robot’s posture and proportions blur the line between machine and person in a way many people find unsettling. (DroidUp)

Most robots feel cold and mechanical. Moya does not. According to DroidUp, Moya’s body temperature sits between 90°F and 97°F, roughly the same range as a human. Company founder Li Qingdu says robots meant to serve people should feel warm and approachable. That idea sounds thoughtful until you picture a humanoid with warm skin standing next to you in a quiet hallway. DroidUp says this design points toward future use in healthcare, education and commercial settings. It also sees Moya as a daily companion. That idea may excite engineers. However, for many people, it triggers the opposite reaction. Warmth removes one of the few clear signals that separates machines from humans. Once that line blurs, discomfort grows fast.

Why this humanoid robot’s walk feels so off

Moya does not roll or glide. She walks. DroidUp says her walking motion is 92% accurate, though it is not clear how that number is calculated. On screen, the movement feels cautious and a little stiff. It looks like someone is moving carefully after leg day at the gym. The hardware underneath is doing real work. Moya runs on the Walker 3 skeleton, an updated system connected to a bronze medal finish at the world’s first robot half-marathon in Beijing in April 2025. Put simply, robots are getting better at moving through everyday spaces. Watching one do it this convincingly feels strange, not impressive. It makes you stop and stare, then wonder why it feels so uncomfortable.

Camera eyes and facial reactions raise privacy concerns

Behind Moya’s eyes sit cameras. Those cameras allow her to interact with people and respond with subtle facial movements, often called microexpressions. Add onboard AI and DroidUp now labels Moya a fully biomimetic-embodied intelligent robot. That phrase sounds impressive. It also raises obvious questions. If a humanoid robot can see you, track your reactions and mirror emotional cues, trust becomes complicated. You may forget you are interacting with a machine. You may act differently. That shift has consequences in public spaces. This is AI moving out of screens and into physical proximity. Once that happens, the stakes change.

Price alone keeps this robot out of your home

If you are worried about waking up to a warm-skinned humanoid in your home, relax for now. Moya is expected to launch in late 2026 at roughly $173,000. That price places her firmly in institutional territory. DroidUp sees the robot working in train stations, banks, museums and shopping malls. Tasks would include guidance, information and public service interactions. That still leaves plenty of people uneasy, especially those whose jobs already feel vulnerable to automation. For homes, the future still looks more like robot vacuums than walking companions.

Up close, Moya’s eyes look almost human, which raises questions about how much realism is too much for robots meant to operate in public spaces. (DroidUp)

WORLD’S FIRST AI-POWERED INDUSTRIAL SUPER-HUMANOID ROBOT

What this means to you

This is not about buying a humanoid robot tomorrow. It is about where technology is heading. Warm skin, camera eyes and human-like movement signal a shift in design priorities. Engineers want robots that blend in socially. The more they succeed, the harder it becomes to maintain clear boundaries. As these machines enter public spaces, questions about consent, surveillance and emotional manipulation will follow. Even if the robot is polite and helpful, the presence alone changes how people behave. Creepy reactions are not irrational. They are early warning signs.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Moya’s debut feels worth paying attention to because she is real enough to trigger discomfort almost instantly. That reaction matters. It suggests people are being asked to get used to lifelike machines before they have time to question what that really means. Humanoid robots do not need warm skin to be helpful. They do not need faces to point someone in the right direction. Still, companies keep pushing toward realism, even when it makes people uneasy. In tech, speed often comes before reflection, and this is one area where slowing down might matter more than racing ahead.

If a warm-skinned robot with camera eyes greeted you out in public, would you trust it or avoid eye contact and walk faster? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

Moya’s humanlike appearance is intentional, from her warm skin to subtle facial details designed to feel familiar rather than mechanical. (DroidUp)

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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February 12, 2026
Smartwatches May Soon Predict a Depression Relapse

By Deanna Neff HealthDay ReporterTHURSDAY, Feb. 12, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Your smartwatch might soon do more than just count your steps or check your heart rate: It could serve as a literal early-warning system for your mental health.

New research from McMaster University suggests that wearable trackers can detect the subtle signs of a depression relapse weeks or even months before an actual episode.

The study — published Feb. 11 in JAMA Psychiatry, — followed 93 Canadian adults for up to two years. All had a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and had previously recovered from a depression episode.

Patients wore a research-grade device similar to a Fitbit or Apple Watch around the clock and had regular in-person visits for depression assessment and data download.

By analyzing more than 32,000 days of their data, scientists found that a person’s daily rhythms tell a story.

Specifically, people with irregular sleep schedules had nearly double the risk of falling back into a depressive episode.

The most telling sign wasn’t just how long someone slept, but how different their day was from their night.

When the data showed less of a difference between daytime movement and nighttime rest, a relapse was often right around the corner.

“Imagine a future where a smartwatch can warn people with depression: ‘A new episode of depression is very likely coming within the next four weeks. How about seeing your health-care provider?’ ” said Dr. Benicio Frey, a professor of psychiatry at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

By collecting data passively, digital health wearables allow for continuous monitoring between doctor’s appointments. This “always-on” approach could revolutionize how mental health is managed, moving from reactive treatments to proactive prevention, researchers noted.

“While it has been long recognized that abnormal sleep and activity patterns are associated with greater risk of depression relapse, the ability to passively detect these abnormal patterns using smart sensors opens an exciting new window of opportunity for personalizing the care of conditions that may reoccur, like depression,” the researchers noted.

Major depressive disorder is a recurring challenge for many, with about 60% of patients experiencing a relapse within five years of recovery, researchers said in background notes. Roughly 16% of U.S. adults are faced with it in a given year.

Traditionally, doctors have had to wait for patients to report symptoms — like low mood or loss of interest — which often appear only after the depression relapse is already in full swing.

The foresight from digital health tools may give patients and clinicians a chance to adjust treatments or lifestyle changes before quality of life takes a turn.

SOURCES: McMaster University, news release, Feb. 11, 2026; JAMA Psychiatry, Feb. 11, 2026

Copyright © 2026 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

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February 12, 2026
Edmund McMillen on assembling Mewgenics’ meow cameo list: “the inclusion of people with clashing ideologies felt appropriate”

Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel’s cat breeding roguelike Mewgenics came out earlier this week to an overwhelmingly positive reception and plenty of early success. However, one aspect of the game has left folks on the fence – this list of pretty… complicated internet personalities who’ve voiced the copious amounts of meows emitted by in-game cats. So, to get a better picture of how those cameos came to be, I reached out to developer McMillen.

(more…)

February 12, 2026
More possible measles exposures identified in the Triangle, health officials say
The Orange County Health Department is warning of a possible measles exposure in Chapel Hill, officials announced Thursday.
What You Need To Know

Orange County health officials say a person infected with measles visited a Goodwill in Chapel Hill on Feb. 6

Anyone also there during that time could have been exposed and should contact 919-245-2400 to speak to a communicable disease nurse to assess measles risk if unvaccinated

Johnston County on Wednesday reported its first confirmed measles infection since 2018

Durham and Wake counties also identified several possible exposure areas in their counties earlier this week
“A person infected with measles visited a public place in Orange County while contagious,” a statement from the county’s health department said.

Officials say the person visited the Goodwill Store at 1115 Weaver Dairy Road in Chapel Hill on Friday, Feb. 6 between 9 a.m. and noon.

Anyone who was in the store during that time could have been exposed to measles, officials say. If you have never received the measles vaccine (MMR vaccine), county health officials say to contact 919-245-2400 to speak to a communicable disease nurse and assess your measles risk.

The news comes a day after officials in Johnston County reported their first confirmed measles infection since 2018.

Earlier this week, officials in Durham and Wake counties also reported possible measles exposures involving several locations throughout those areas where an infected person is reported to have visited.

Health officials say measles is highly contagious and can live for up to two hours in the air where an infected person was present. “Vaccination and isolation are key to limiting disease spread,” officials said.

The following symptoms of measles usually start 7-14 days after exposure, health officials say, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure.
- High fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots), appearing two to three days after symptoms begin
- A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin
- Measles can also cause complications including diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and suppression of the immune system
As of Feb. 10, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reports 18 confirmed measles cases since December. That total does not include the case confirmed in Johnston County this week.

Only one case since December, the department says, has required hospitalization.

In South Carolina, there have been 933 confirmed cases of measles in an outbreak. That outbreak is centered around Spartanburg County, which sits on the border with North Carolina west of Charlotte.

Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.
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February 12, 2026
The Portable Storage Shed Trend No One Is Talking About (But Should Be)
In the modern world, homeowners are constantly searching for solutions that combine convenience, functionality, and flexibility. One trend quietly gaining momentum is the rise of portable storage sheds. These sheds offer a practical alternative to traditional storage solutions, eliminating the need for permanent construction, long build times, or complicated permits. For homeowners who value efficiency and mobility, portable sheds are changing how we think about outdoor storage.

The Appeal of Portability

Portability is not just a trendy concept; it’s a practical advantage. Unlike permanent sheds, portable sheds can be relocated with ease, delivered ready to use, and installed without altering your property. They are ideal for home renovations, seasonal activities, or temporary storage needs.

Some of the main benefits include:
- Fast Setup: Many portable sheds are pre-assembled or come in easy-to-assemble kits. It means you can have a fully functional shed in hours, rather than days or weeks.
- Flexibility: Since they are not fixed structures, portable sheds can be moved anywhere on your property, or even relocated to a new home if needed.
- Cost Savings: Avoiding permanent construction eliminates costs like concrete foundations, permits, and specialized labor.
- Temporary or Seasonal Use: Whether you need extra storage for holiday decorations or summer sports equipment, portable sheds can be placed temporarily and removed once you’re done.
For homeowners who want convenience without compromise, portable storage sheds are a practical, versatile solution that meets a wide range of needs.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Despite their growing popularity, portable sheds often face skepticism. Here are a few common misconceptions:
- “They Aren’t Durable.” Modern sheds are built with weather-resistant materials, such as treated wood, steel, or high-quality plastics. Many are designed to withstand harsh weather, UV exposure, and everyday wear.
- “They’re Just Temporary.” While portable, these sheds are durable enough for long-term use. Homeowners often keep them for years, enjoying both their mobility and resilience.
- “Permits Are Required.” Many areas do not require permits for smaller portable sheds, making them accessible for most homeowners. However, it’s always wise to check local regulations before installation.
Understanding these facts helps homeowners feel confident in choosing a portable shed for their outdoor storage needs.

Selecting the Right Portable Storage Shed

Choosing a shed isn’t just about picking a size or color. To maximize utility and lifespan, consider the following:
- Size and Storage Capacity: Assess what you plan to store and choose a shed that can accommodate both current and future needs. Oversizing can waste space, while undersizing leads to clutter.
- Material Quality: Weather-resistant plastics, treated wood, or galvanized steel are ideal choices. Durable materials ensure your shed lasts through rain, wind, and sun exposure.
- Accessibility: Features like sliding doors, ramps, or lockable entrances improve daily usability and security.
- Design and Aesthetics: A shed should complement your property’s style. Choose a design that aligns with your landscape, whether classic or modern.
- Ventilation and Lighting: Adequate airflow and optional interior lighting help prevent moisture buildup and keep stored items in good condition.
These factors ensure that a portable shed is not only functional but also a lasting and reliable addition to your outdoor space.

Practical Applications of Portable Sheds

Portable sheds are not just convenient—they are versatile. They can serve multiple purposes beyond simple storage:
- Garden and Landscaping: Store tools, fertilizers, pots, and other gardening essentials close to where you work. It eliminates the need for repeated trips to your garage or basement.
- Workshop or Hobby Space: Some homeowners use portable sheds as small workspaces for hobbies, woodworking, or crafts.
- Sports and Recreation: Store bicycles, kayaks, camping gear, or seasonal sports equipment in a safe, organized space.
- Emergency or Temporary Storage: During home renovations, portable sheds provide temporary storage for furniture, appliances, or other valuables.
These practical uses show that portable sheds are not limited to one type of homeowner. They can meet the needs of anyone requiring accessible, organized outdoor storage.

Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Portable Shed

Even the most well-chosen shed can underperform if common mistakes are made. Consider these points:
1. Ignoring Proper Placement: Even portable sheds need a level, stable surface to prevent shifting and water damage. Gravel, pavers, or a concrete pad are ideal.
2. Underestimating Space Needs: Take inventory of what you plan to store now and in the future. A shed that’s too small leads to overcrowding, while one that’s too large may be inefficient.
3. Neglecting Security: Locks are essential, especially for valuables. Some portable sheds offer built-in locks or padlock provisions.
4. Overlooking Ventilation: Without airflow, stored items may suffer from mold, mildew, or odors. Consider vents or windows for proper ventilation.
5. Skipping Maintenance: Even portable sheds require occasional upkeep, such as cleaning gutters, inspecting for damage, and checking fasteners.
Avoiding these mistakes ensures your portable shed remains functional, secure, and durable for years to come.

The Advantages of Ready-to-Use Delivery

One of the biggest draws of portable storage sheds is the convenience of ready-to-use delivery. Many providers offer:
- Pre-Assembled Units: Skip the assembly frustration with sheds that arrive ready to go.
- Quick Drop-Off: Sheds can often be delivered directly to your backyard or driveway, minimizing disruption.
- Relocation Assistance: Some companies provide guidance or equipment to help you move your shed to a new location, if needed.
This ready-to-use approach saves time, effort, and stress compared to traditional construction, making portable sheds ideal for modern homeowners who value efficiency.

The Future of Outdoor Storage

The popularity of portable sheds is only expected to grow as homeowners seek flexible, efficient solutions. Manufacturers are innovating with features like solar lighting, modular shelving, and weatherproof coatings. This evolution reflects a shift toward smarter outdoor storage that is both practical and adaptable.

Whether for seasonal storage, a hobby workspace, or temporary household needs, portable sheds offer a functional, reliable, and versatile solution. They allow homeowners to maximize outdoor space without committing to permanent construction or facing lengthy building processes.

Conclusion

Portable storage sheds are quietly becoming a must-have for modern homeowners. Their mobility, ease of setup, and versatility make them an appealing alternative to traditional sheds. By offering a durable, ready-to-use storage solution, these sheds meet a variety of needs, from garden tools to seasonal equipment, without the hassle of permits or construction delays.

For anyone looking to optimize their outdoor space, portable storage sheds offer a practical, flexible, and cost-effective solution that’s hard to overlook.

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Robert

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February 12, 2026
Cardano Price Prediction: CME Cardano Futures Launch Triggers 3% ADA Dip – Coinspeaker

The highly anticipated debut of Cardano (ADA) futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) has materialised as a classic “sell the news” event.

Despite institutional optimism regarding the regulated product, the launch was immediately followed by a 3% dip, sending the ADA price testing critical support levels near $0.25.

Cardano, Chainlink and Stellar futures are now available to trade.

Expand your trading strategy with the capital efficiency and flexibility of these new contracts, available in both larger and micro sizes.

Start trading today. ➡️https://t.co/CMksnUfZpo pic.twitter.com/19thOQHGZk

— CME Group (@CMEGroup) February 9, 2026

The launch of futures contracts marks a significant step for institutional crypto adoption, technically placing Cardano alongside Bitcoin and Ethereum in regulated derivatives markets.

However, traders often price in such milestones weeks in advance. As seen with previous derivative product listings, the actual event frequently serves as an exit liquidity opportunity for short-term speculators, leading to initial volatility rather than the immediate upside retail investors often expect.

EXPLORE: What is the Next Crypto to Explode in 2026?

CME Futures Launch: A Step Toward Institutional Access

The first trades were executed between major liquidity providers Cumberland DRW and Wintermute, signalling robust infrastructure readiness.

Giovanni Vicioso, CME’s Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products, noted that the early support underscores client demand for managing price risk. However, the broader market reaction reflects defensive positioning.

With plans for these contracts announced well in advance, the actual listing has allowed sophisticated players to hedge spot exposure rather than aggressively accumulate.

Analysts note that regulated futures volume often dampens spot volatility initially, a trend supported by recent institutional derivatives infrastructure developments occurring across the sector.

Rather than pure speculation, the data suggests institutions are utilising CME Futures primarily for hedging strategies.

DISCOVER: 10 New Upcoming Binance Listings to Watch in February 2026

Cardano Price Prediction: What This Means for ADA Price Outlook

Cardano Price Prediction Source: TradingView

ADA is currently in a precarious position. Cardano price hit a new low this year, breaking briefly the support at $0.24. For a bullish reversal, ADA must reclaim the $0.40 region, though current sentiment remains very low.

While the long-term Cardano price prediction for 2026 relies heavily on network upgrades like the upcoming hard fork, the immediate term is dominated by this derivatives-led selling pressure.

If the $0.24 support level fails to hold against the post-launch selling volume, technical indicators suggest further downside could be imminent.

EXPLORE: Best Solana Meme Coins by Market Cap 2026

Maxi Doge Presale: A High-Energy Meme Coin Alternative

While ADA remains in a prolonged downtrend with no clear signs of reversal yet, Maxi Doge ($MAXI), a meme coin centered on high-energy trading culture, is in its presale phase and performing strongly.

The project has already raised over $4.59 million, with tokens priced at approximately $0.0002803 across a structured 50-stage presale.

Launched in July 2025, it embraces themes of ‘degen’ trading, permanent pumps, and gym-inspired resilience, appealing to traders looking for quick gains during market rotations.

A key attraction is its market-beating staking rewards, offering a dynamic APY of 68%, which incentivizes long-term holding and helps reduce circulating supply. According to the tokenomics, a generous 65% of presale funds is allocated to a major marketing campaign aimed at building a loyal, engaged community ready to drive the project’s momentum.

The official website provides multiple purchase options: connect a compatible wallet, such as Best Wallet, or make direct bank card payments.

With potential exchange listings on the horizon, Maxi Doge positions itself as an attractive diversification play, especially while more established assets like Cardano continue to consolidate.

next

Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing unbiased and transparent reporting. This article aims to deliver accurate and timely information but should not be taken as financial or investment advice. Since market conditions can change rapidly, we encourage you to verify information on your own and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.

News

Neil is a professional cryptocurrency content writer with years of experience. He has written for various cryptocurrency websites to report on breaking news, and been hired by all sorts of cryptocurrency projects, to create content that would increase their exposure and attract more potential investors.

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February 12, 2026
Interview: Patrik Jean Talks ‘Epic, Sweaty & Euphoric’ Melodifestivalen 2026 Entry ‘Dusk Till Dawn’ – Culture Fix

One of our most anticipated tracks in the 2026 Melodifestivalen line-up is Patrik Jean’s Dusk Till Dawn. Andrew caught up with Patrik to chat about his return to the world of Melo as an artist, while reflecting on his impressive career as a songwriter and producer in the contest and across Europe’s various national finals. Patrik promised that we could expect epic, sweaty and euphoric vibes, teasing the atmosphere of the song.

Patrik found success at Melodifestivalen as an artist with Tears Run Dry back in 2021, but what feels different this time? Patrik discusses taking on the magnitude of the arena stage and the different sounds explored in Dusk Till Dawn, as well as sharing the deeper message behind the song that sits beneath its hopeful, euphoric vibes.

We asked Patrik how easy it is to switch off from the bookmakers’ odds, as well as about the experience of putting the song together and the build-up to delivering it on stage, after initially working on it over a year ago.

Patrik also spoke about his experience of working internationally in the world of national finals, with entries over the years in Denmark, Norway and, more recently, Montenegro. We also put Patrik to the test, finding out a little more about his Melodifestivalen preferences and his own musical either-or choices.

Dusk Till Dawn features in Melodifestivalen Heat 3 in Kristianstad. You can watch this Saturday night on SVT. Connect with Patrik here: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Facebook.

For more of our Eurovision and national final coverage, check here. Connect with Culture Fix on X, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Spotify and Threads.

Lead photo: Magnus Ragnvid

Tags: Dusk Till Dawn, Eurovision 2026, Eurovision national finals, Eurovision Sweden, Interview, Melfest, Melfest Interview, Melodifestivalen 2026, Melodifestivalen interviews, Patrik Jean, Pop Music, Songwriter interviews, Swedish Music

Culture Fix

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February 12, 2026
MBFC’s Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 02/12/2026

Media Bias Fact Check selects and publishes fact checks from around the world. We only utilize fact-checkers that are either a signatory of the International…

The post MBFC’s Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 02/12/2026 appeared first on Media Bias/Fact Check.

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February 12, 2026
The Addams Family to St Elmo’s Fire: 12 of the best alternative romantic films – as chosen by BBC journalists

Alamy

Julie & Julia (2009)

Nora Ephron wrote When Harry Met Sally and she wrote and directed Sleepless in Seattle, so you might not think of this as her most romantic film. But Julie & Julia is a buttery, unconventional love story. On the surface, it’s a time-lapsed fantasia of beautiful food, but beneath all the basting montages is a swooning ode to parasocial love: it illuminates how a role model can rescue you when you feel adrift. As Julie Powell (Amy Adams) works her way through Mastering the Art of French Cooking, her imagined bond with the book’s author, Julia Child (Meryl Streep), becomes a lifeline, even when the real Child disapproves. There’s something achingly romantic in that yearning: the idea that you can discern your purpose by loving another person’s work from afar. The film suggests that connection, even asymmetrical connection, can make existence more delicious. (Riley Farrell)

Alamy

WALL-E (2008)

The eponymous robot in WALL-E isn’t in the best of shapes when we first meet him, which is one of the many delightful things about Pixar’s Oscar-winning cartoon. Stranded on a post-apocalyptic Earth that has been ruined by human overconsumption, he diligently cleans up humanity’s mess while salving his loneliness by rewatching the 1969 musical Hello, Dolly!. His only friend appears to be a kind of pet cockroach, until another robot, EVE, makes her entrance and a will-they-won’t-they romance begins. They’re the perfect cinematic odd couple, with WALL-E looking like something out of Soviet-era Russia, and EVE very much the type of 21st-Century creation that Steve Jobs might have dreamed up. But in true Hollywood fashion, this doesn’t stop the little-robot-who-could from trying. He pursues EVE across the galaxy to cement their love, which for WALL-E seems to mean the rather charming act of just holding hands. (Cal Byrne)

Alamy

Human Traffic (1999)

A surreal, low-budget rave comedy may not immediately scream romance. But inside Human Traffic – written and directed by Justin Kerrigan and set in Cardiff – is a sweet love story between two friends. Jip (John Simm) opens the film with a direct address to camera, outlining his own difficulties – his dead-end job, complicated home life and “sexual anxiety” – and introduces his four friends, all of whom have their own reasons for living for the weekend. One of those is Lulu (Lorraine Pilkington), who has split up with her boyfriend and doesn’t have a ticket for that evening’s rave. Over the course of the night’s drug-fuelled hedonism, the two come together – and realise that it’s only ever been each other. Kerrigan’s film can be seen as a love letter to so much: to youth, friendship, late-90s rave culture. But the grounded romance between Jip and Lulu stands out, and sticks with you long after the party’s over. (Amy Charles)

Alamy

Sing Street (2016)

Oh, the things people would do to have a song written about them – even if it is written by a teenage boy like Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo). He’s going through a rotten time in 1980s recession-hit Dublin: his parents are divorcing and money is tight. He waves goodbye to his private-school education and says hello to a rougher inner-city Catholic school, where the principal shoves his head in a sink for wearing brown shoes. To adjust to his new reality, Conor forms a rock band with some schoolmates, while also seeking to win the heart of the mysterious wannabe-model Raphina (Lucy Boynton), who is fighting battles of her own. Lo and behold, his perseverance eventually pays off – because what’s more romantic than honouring someone in your art, and sharing a dream? Written and directed by John Carney, Sing Street is a charming coming-of-age story brimming with teenage love and friendship, hope, and importantly, feel-good music. It will leave you warm and fuzzy inside. (Molly Gorman)

Alamy

The Blond One / Un Rubio (2019)

Marco Berger is the Argentinian master of erotic tension – and The Blond One is his most impossibly romantic film. It’s set in an old house in a working-class suburb of Buenos Aires. When his brother moves out, Juan (Alfonso Barón) needs to rent out his old room to help pay the rent. His shy factory colleague Gabriel (Gaston Re) moves in. After work every day, Juan flaunts his body – and various girlfriends – often while staring provocatively at Gabriel, who sits quietly, reading books and listening to music. Gabriel, who has a daughter and a girlfriend of his own, doesn’t know how to interpret Juan’s cocksure gaze, especially when Juan’s laddish mates are around, blocking any opportunity for romance. But when the men are alone, the sexual tension gives way to deep emotion, identity exploration, and the most complex and conflicted feelings. (Javier Hirschfeld)

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February 12, 2026
Xi Jinping’s Purge and What Trump’s Foreign Policy Means for China

Were there different phases of this anti-corruption drive, and did its contours reveal something about Xi’s political priorities?

At first, Xi focussed very heavily on the security services—the source of hard power on the civilian side. This allowed Xi to rip apart networks of people in the security services who didn’t necessarily support him, then put his own people in and build up that support. If you’re the dictator and you’re trying to insure that your personal position is secure, you need to consolidate and control the sources of hard power. And the civilian side was really the richest target and the easiest target for him, easier than going after the P.L.A. The P.L.A. has been successful at resisting lots of reforms and cleanups over the years. So he targeted the civilian side first, and then he started working through the P.L.A.

When did that start with the P.L.A.?

The real turning point that signalled that something big was going to happen was the fall of 2014. Back in 1929, Mao had convened the Gutian Conference, which was really about the C.C.P. taking control of the military and really about Mao consolidating his power. Xi effectively reënacted this in 2014, summoning all the top generals to Gutian, and it was clear from the messaging that came out of that meeting, and the steps Xi took afterward, that this was the beginning of this massive anti-corruption campaign inside the P.L.A. I think this had multiple objectives. There was real corruption. There was a massive problem in the P.L.A. where, if you wanted to get promoted to certain levels, you had to actually buy that promotion. So various people would put money up because they figured once this person got promoted, they could get a return, since it would open up all these graft opportunities. It was almost like they were angel-investing in a P.L.A. officer.

There was also the question for Xi was how to unravel these networks and put your own people in, so that you ultimately have control over the P.L.A., and it becomes the kind of fighting force you want.

Does the purging of Zhang Youxia make sense within this strategy, or does it seem like something new?

Zhang was promoted and thrived during the incredibly corrupt era of Hu’s leadership. He oversaw, for a period of time, the P.L.A.’s equipment department and its weapons-development and -acquisition programs, which, given how much the P.L.A.’s budget has increased over the past several decades, had massive graft opportunities. And, since that Gutian meeting, the C.C.P. has been rooting through the top ranks of the P.L.A. Now, the Central Military Commission has been reduced from seven members to Xi and one vice-chairman: Zhang Shengmin.

But why now, and why so quickly? That is something that I don’t have a great answer for. And I have not found anybody who has a great answer. Some people argue that, in order to make an accusation like this, you have to work up the vine, and you have to build cases, which becomes harder and harder the more senior they are. There are rumors that Zhang was building a putsch against Xi. But I think that’s bullshit, and ultimately we really don’t know. It is such a black box.

One theory behind Xi’s military purges you did not bring up was that he wants people who are in line with his foreign-policy priorities.

I talked about how he needed to clean out corruption because he wanted to build a professional fighting force. That is absolutely one of the reasons. It’s about the combination of control over the P.L.A. and insuring the P.L.A. leadership has the right political standing or political positioning, but it is also about having an actually competent P.L.A. that has good weapons, and can fight. The leadership is constantly talking about fighting and winning. Xi’s stated goals for the P.L.A. are all about actually being able to fight and win wars and becoming a world-class army.

Sure, but any leader of any country, democratic, nondemocratic, whatever else, is going to want a military that’s competent. But you may also want a military leadership explicitly aligned with your foreign-policy priorities, whatever those may be. And those strike me as different things.

I think what you’re getting at is the speculation out there that perhaps this latest round of purges was triggered by the fact that Zhang Youxia was not aligned with Xi on Taiwan, for example, and that there was some sort of discord between what Xi thought the P.L.A. should do and what the generals wanted. It’s possible, but I am skeptical of that because I think that the way the system is structured, it would be pretty shocking if the most senior generals had been really pushing back on Xi around that. It’s possible, but we just don’t know, and that’s the problem.

Do we know what happens to high-ranking figures who are purged?

On the civilian side, they’ll usually have a trial, and then it’ll be announced that they’re getting sentenced for some range of years, or for life. Rarely do senior civilian officials get executed. It has happened to some of the people in the financial system who were purged, but in general, they get sent off to a pretty comfortable prison life at a sort of Club Fed-type facility outside of Beijing. On the military side, we don’t know.

There has been a lot of concern about how President Trump has alienated NATO allies in recent months, leading to questions about how this may reshape American foreign policy in some fundamental way. Do you have any sense of whether the Chinese government thinks the Trump era could dramatically reshape international relations? And could that be to China’s advantage?

I think if you go back to what Xi has been saying for years, he’s been talking about how we are in an era where there are changes in the global landscape unseen in a century, and the Trump Administration’s recent moves just reinforce what he’s been saying about how the world is changing. So the C.C.P. absolutely does think that the world is changing.

I think it’s a mixed bag for them. On the one hand, it’s creating a lot of opportunities for their external propaganda approach, which for many years has been about weakening the U.S. position in the global order as much as they can. We are now helping them with that cause in a lot of ways, more than maybe some previous Administrations did. But, at the same time, the C.C.P. also benefitted a lot from the U.S.-led order. They are, I think, concerned about some sort of sudden collapse into real chaos. And so I think they would prefer to see a managed decline of the order, where they can more thoughtfully find ways to exploit it, which I think they’ve already been doing over the last decade or so.

Isaac Chotiner

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February 12, 2026
A Saturday Valentine’s Day means dip in business for florists
CLEARWATER, Fla. — With Valentine’s Day falling on a Saturday is a plus for many couples, it’s not a best-case scenario for local flower shops.

Lu Cushing, owner of Janie Beane Florist in Clearwater, said that they typically see a 20% dip in sales on the years Valentine’s Day hits on a weekend when compared to the holiday hitting on a weekday.

While a big money-maker as the historically biggest flower-buying holiday of the year, Cushing says Feb. 14 being on a Saturday has made a difference in buying habits.

“Men love to send flowers to work, in a place where she can enjoy them and everyone can see them,” Cushing said. “This year, we’re getting some orders for earlier in the week because they want them to last all week at the office.”
What You Need To Know

Major flower suppliers in Columbia and Ecuador are subject to tariffs

Price of flowers has increased as florists find ways to keep costs down for customers

Valentine’s Day falling on Saturday is not best case scenario for florists

Owner of Janie Beane Florist estimates 20% dip in sales compared to weekday Valentines Day
Instead of making dozens of deliveries to offices on Valentine’s Day morning, Cushing says they’ve been scattered throughout the week. There’s also more home deliveries and pickups this year set for Valentine’s Day morning.

Overall, Cushing says, this hasn’t been the busiest Valentine’s Day in history.

That’s on par with what she’s seen over the last few decades when the holiday hits over a weekend. Cushing is now in her 54th year at Janie Beane Florist, a shop she opened alongside her late mother.

The flower industry has had to adjust after the U.S. imposed tariffs on imported cut flowers. More than 80% of flowers found in the U.S. are from major suppliers in Ecuador and Columbia.

“Flowers are up more … definitely,” Cushing said. “Vases are up more.”

Vases that used to cost Cushing roughly $6 a piece are now between $8 to $9. Cushing said she’s shifted to finding more suppliers from North America to help curb the costs.

“We’ve adjusted,” she said.

Cushing said she offers options for those looking for flowers on budget by offering wrapped bouquets. She will wrap the stems of flowers in a sponge and a bag so a customer can take them home and use a vase they already have.

“I shop small business as well so its important to me that I accommodate everybody,” she said.

What has improved over the last year, Cushing said, is predictability. Before the tariffs went into effect, she said prices would bounce and make it difficult to quote large events like weddings. Now that prices have stabilized, the shop is taking less of a hit.

After over five decades, they also relocated to Imperial Square in Clearwater, to a family-owned plaza in a smaller more budget friendly space.
Angie Angers

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February 12, 2026
Grieving families press Congress on aviation safety reforms after midair collision near DC

Key senators and the families of the 67 dead in an airliner collision with an Army helicopter near the nation’s capital are convinced that advanced aircraft locator systems recommended by experts for nearly two decades would have prevented last year’s tragedy. But it remains unclear if a bill will pass Congress requiring the systems around busy airports.

The Senate Commerce Committee is planning a hearing Thursday to highlight why the National Transportation Safety Board has been recommending since 2008 that all aircraft be equipped with one system that can broadcast their locations and another one to receive data about the location of other aircraft. Only the system that broadcasts location is currently required. The hearing will review all 50 of the NTSB’s recommendations to prevent another midair collision like that of Jan. 29, 2025.

All aboard the helicopter and the American Airlines jet flying from Wichita, Kansas, including 28 members of the figure skating community, died died when the aircraft collided and plummeted into the icy Potomac River.

The entire Senate already unanimously approved the bill that would require all aircraft flying around busy airports to have both kinds of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast systems installed. However, leaders of the key House committees seem to want to craft their own comprehensive bill addressing all the NTSB recommendations instead of immediately passing what’s known as the ROTOR act. The ADS-B out systems continually broadcast an aircraft’s location and speed and have been required since 2020. But ADS-B in systems that can receive those signals and create a display showing pilots were all air traffic is located around them are not standard.

If the American Airlines jet had been equipped with one of the ADS-B in systems that can receive location data, the NTSB and the victims’ families and key lawmakers say, the pilots may have been able to pull up in time to avoid the Black Hawk that inexplicably climbed into the plane’s path.

The receiving systems should have provided nearly a minute’s warning along with an indication of the helicopter’s position instead of the 19-second warning the pilots received with the existing collision-avoidance system on the plane. But for that to work the helicopter’s ADS-B out system that’s supposed to broadcast its location would have to be turned on and working correctly, which wasn’t the case on the night of the crash.

But these locator systems are one of the measures that might have been able to overcome all the systemic problems and mistakes the NTSB identified in the disaster. That’s why NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy — who will be the only witness at the hearing — Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and all of the Senate endorsed it.

“This seems like a no-brainer, right? Especially when this is not a new thing that they’re proposing,” said Amy Hunter, whose cousin Peter Livingston died on the flight with his wife and two young daughters.

Afterward, the FAA made several changes including prohibiting helicopters from flying along the route where the crash occurred anytime a plane is landing on the secondary runway at Reagan National Airport.

The crash anniversary and NTSB hearing on the causes of the crash made recent weeks challenging for victims’ families. And now the Olympics are reminding Hunter and others that their loved ones — like young Everly and Alydia Livingston — will never have a chance to realize their dreams of competing for a gold medal.

The biggest stumbling block is cost concerns. Upgrading some airline jets might cost hundreds of thousands of dollars or more, placing an expensive burden on some — especially regional airlines with tighter margins like the one that flew the jet that collided with the Army helicopter. Some worry whether general aviation pilots could afford the upgrades, too.

Any plane that’s more than a decade old likely doesn’t have either of these systems installed while most planes newer than that would at least have an ADS-B out system that broadcasts their location.

But roughly three quarters of the pilots of business jets and smaller single-engine Cessnas and Bonanzas use portable devices that only cost several hundred dollars made by companies like ForeFlight that can tap into this location data and display the information about nearby aircraft on an iPad. So it doesn’t appear the legislation would create a significant expense for them.

Tim Lilley, a pilot himself, said having both these locator systems would have saved the life of his son Sam, who was copilot of the airliner, and everyone else who died. He said small plane owners have an affordable option, but even the expensive upgrades to large planes would be worth it.

“If those recommendations had been fully realized, this accident wouldn’t have happened,” Lilley said. “I don’t know what value we put on the human life, but 67 lives would still be here today.”

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February 12, 2026
Men want to be him, bad guys fear him 🗿 #Reacher

Reacher famous series.

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February 12, 2026
Blinds and Energy Efficiency: How They Can Reduce Your Bills
Key Takeaways
- Well-chosen blinds can reduce window-related energy loss by up to 30%.
- Certain blinds provide higher insulation and efficiency than others.
- Using blinds together with other window treatments amplifies energy savings.
For homeowners seeking practical ways to cut ongoing household expenses, reducing energy consumption is one of the most effective strategies. While modern insulation and efficient HVAC systems are often discussed, another useful tactic can be found at your windows. By strategically choosing and using window blinds, you can significantly boost your home’s energy efficiency and cut costs.

Many people overlook how much window treatments can affect heating and cooling bills. Windows are a common source of both winter heat loss and summer heat gain. With thoughtfully selected blinds and the right usage habits, you can create a more comfortable indoor environment while enjoying noticeable savings on your utility bills.

Beyond style and privacy, some blinds are engineered for insulation. The effectiveness of these blinds, combined with other smart practices and products, means real results for your budget and the environment.

Implementing even a few strategies from this guide can help you minimize drafts, maintain indoor temperatures, and get more from your existing windows.

Understanding the Impact of Windows on Energy Consumption

Windows account for a significant portion of energy lost in residential buildings. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that 25% to 30% of home heating and cooling energy escapes through windows. During the hottest days, large amounts of unwanted solar heat can enter your home, forcing air conditioners to work harder. In colder months, heat loss through glass reduces indoor comfort and increases heating costs. Even the best windows are often the weakest points in a home’s envelope when it comes to insulation efficiency. By targeting this area with energy-efficient window coverings, you can make a measurable difference in your household energy use.

Types of Energy-Efficient Blinds

The type of blinds you choose has a substantial effect on how much energy you save. Here are the leading options known for their energy-saving performance:
- Cellular Shades: These innovative blinds feature a honeycomb structure that traps air in small pockets. The trapped air provides insulation, helping keep rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
- Solar Shades: Designed to block UV rays and harsh sunlight, solar shades help limit the heat that enters your home during summer. These blinds are ideal for rooms with a lot of direct sun and can reduce glare while letting in natural light. Their ability to reduce summer heat gain means your air conditioning system does not have to work as hard.
- Roman Blinds with Thermal Linings: A favorite for their classic look, Roman blinds with thermal or blackout linings also provide insulation. The extra lining adds a barrier, reducing both heat transfer and drafts while enhancing the overall coziness of your living spaces.
Best Practices for Using Blinds to Save Energy

Getting the most from your blinds means using them thoughtfully throughout the year. Try these energy-saving habits:
- Close Blinds During Peak Sunlight: Preventing strong sunlight from entering during the afternoon (especially in summer) can reduce your cooling needs. South- and west-facing windows benefit most from closed blinds during the heat of the day.
- Open and Close with the Seasons: In winter, open blinds on sun-facing windows during the day for natural heating and close them at night for insulation. Reverse this approach in the summer to keep rooms cool.
- Install for a Snug Fit: Ensure your blinds fit closely within the window frame. A tight fit limits airflow through gaps, keeping air-conditioned or heated air where you want it.
Combining Blinds with Other Window Treatments

Layering different types of window coverings increases energy efficiency. Consider these approaches:
- Layer with Curtains: Combining heavy curtains with blinds gives an extra insulation layer, especially useful in rooms exposed to extreme temperatures. Close both at night in winter or during the hottest part of the day in summer for maximum benefit.
- Apply Reflective Window Films: Adding a reflective or tinted window film can prevent excess heat from entering, making blinds even more effective. These films are particularly useful in climates with long, hot summers.
- Install Exterior Shutters: Exterior shutters block sunlight and heat from even reaching your windows, providing another line of defense against temperature swings.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Installing Energy-Efficient Blinds

Upgrading to energy-efficient blinds does require upfront investment. For example, cellular shades might cost between $100 and $300 per window. However, these shades can often cut heating and cooling costs by as much as 25%. With energy prices continuing to rise, homeowners typically recoup their costs within a few years. The savings can continue to add up over the lifetime of the blinds, along with the benefits of improved comfort and a reduced environmental footprint. For detailed statistics on home energy use, visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s guide to updating or replacing windows.

Additional Tips for Enhancing Window Energy Efficiency

Enhancing your windows’ energy efficiency can increase comfort and reduce utility costs. Seal gaps around the frames using caulking or weatherstripping to stop drafts. For a more substantial upgrade, swap out single-pane windows for double- or triple-glazed options, which provide better insulation, especially when combined with blinds. Automate your window treatments with smart or motorized blinds to easily manage energy use.

Conclusion

With a well-rounded approach that combines smart product choices, best practices, and practical upgrades, you can turn your home’s windows from weak spots into year-round sources of savings. Even small changes, like upgrading to the right blinds and layering with additional treatments, can lead to a noticeable reduction in your monthly bills and an overall increase in home comfort.

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Robert

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February 12, 2026
Maximizing Studio Revenue With Video Upselling Strategies

Wedding studios today are no longer limited to photography alone. Couples expect full visual coverage, and video has become a major part of wedding storytelling. From cinematic highlight reels to full-length wedding films, video content plays a strong role in how couples relive their special day. For studios, this creates a strong opportunity to increase […]

The post Maximizing Studio Revenue With Video Upselling Strategies appeared first on IFB.

Iman R

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February 12, 2026
DC brings curbside EV charging stations to each ward in push to make them more accessible – WTOP News

Curbside electric vehicle charging stations will be available in each ward across D.C., as part of a new pilot program aiming to make the chargers more accessible.

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DC rolls out curbside EV charging stations

Curbside electric vehicle charging stations will be available in each ward across D.C., as part of a new pilot program aiming to make the chargers more accessible.

The first location, near The Festival Center in Adams Morgan, was unveiled Tuesday. Two curbside stations will be added near community centers or local government facilities in the coming months.

“We are really excited about offering up some curbside charging,” said Sharon Kershbaum, director of D.C.’s Department of Transportation.

“We know in the denser areas of the city, where people don’t have garages or driveways or alley parking, one of the greatest barriers to pursuing an EV is that they just don’t have convenient, reliable areas where they can charge their car.”

The company It’s Electric is launching the program with help from a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, Kershbaum said. Pepco is installing the stations.

The single-port, level two chargers require drivers to bring their own cables. Using the It’s Electric app, the cost is $0.52 per kilowatt-hour for up to four hours. Signage indicates there’s a four hour limit.

At the Adams Morgan curbside location, the energy for the chargers is coming from The Festival Center, which will receive a portion of the sales.

“The issue for urban EV drivers is not so much the range, but the accessibility of charging,” said Jon Hyman, an EV owner who lives in Northwest. “Not everyone has a garage, not everyone’s going to be charging at their parking lots, at some office park kind of out of town.”

The city’s Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners are being consulted in the process of picking the locations of the other charging stations, according to a news release.

The pilot will help the city create guidelines for a permit program allowing private companies to install and operate EV charging stations in D.C.

“In general, we always have high demand for curbside space,” Kershbaum said. “There is not enough curbside space to meet all of the cars that we have, and as the city grows, that becomes harder and harder. So it’s always going to be a trade off, and we’re trying to be thoughtful about finding that balance, but that’s an ongoing challenge.”

Amber Perry, Pepco’s regional president, said it’s “real when we think about range anxiety. These plugins are really going to help this community.”

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© 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

Scott Gelman

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February 12, 2026
Nicolai Tangen: The $2 Trillion Mind

Nicolai Tangen is the CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management, the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund. He is responsible for managing $2.1 trillion. That’s roughly 1.7% of every listed company on earth.

Public Release: February 17.
Members have access now.
Join us.

In this episode, we explore the intersection of massive wealth, high-speed decision-making, and the psychological traits required to survive the AI revolution.

Coming Soon: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Transcript |YouTube

Vicky

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February 12, 2026
One of Charlotte’s favorite Jewish deli spots is making a comeback at City Kitch

Charlotteans who have missed chef Rob Clement’s robust, wholesome takes on the traditional Jewish deli experience are in for a treat: Meshugganah, his deli concept that rose to popularity during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, has returned to City Kitch.

Clement will re-open Meshugganah in west Charlotte at City Kitch on Feb. 18, beginning with lunch service Wednesday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Orders will be available for pickup or by delivery via Toast Tab. He will also do catering.

The opening lunch menu will include pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, kugel and potato knishes. Desserts, including iconic black and white cookies, will be made in partnership with local Metzger’s Bakery.

Chef Rob Clement doles out bowls of matzo ball soup in the kitchen at Meshugganah. Timothy DePeugh CharlotteFive

“I’m so happy to be back in the kitchen,” Clement said.

Meshugganah first took off in 2020 as a food truck concept that did pop-ups all over Charlotte. Masked crowds flocked to Clement’s traditional Jewish deli food with a Southern twist, which included pimento cheese potato knishes, as well as a dark and brooding matzo ball gumbo.

It grew into a ghost kitchen space at City Kitch. Clement, leaving Meshugganah behind, then worked with Jon Dressler to open Joan’s Bakery.

Thick, fatty cuts of pastrami on rye bread at Meshugganah. Timothy DePeugh CharlotteFive

However, in 2025, tragedy struck: Clement’s wife, Franki, passed away from cancer. Clement made the difficult decision at that point to step away from the kitchen to focus on his two children.

But demand for Meshugganah remained, which eventually coaxed Clement to get back into the kitchen.

At Meshugganah, you’ll find black and white cookies from local Metzger’s Bakery. Timothy DePeugh CharlotteFive

“When my wife died, I just didn’t want to be in the kitchen anymore,” Clement said. “But after six months, I got tired of not cooking. The kitchen is where I’m meant to be.”

Fans of Meshugganah will rejoice that Clement has brought back the pastrami. He takes beef brisket and brines it for an entire week, after which he smokes it for 12 hours before steaming for service. The pastrami is served on a sandwich with Lusty Monk mustard from Asheville, and the flavors are never-ending.

Matzo ball soup with an unexpected secret ingredient. Timothy DePeugh CharlotteFive

And the matzo balls — so light that they defy the laws of physics, floating in a rich, dreamy broth with shredded chicken and carrots. His secret to getting them so fluffy? Topo Chico seltzer water, which he gently folds into the dough.

With this new incarnation of Meshugganah, Clement hopes to show customers that he’s back. During his food truck days, a lot of the food Clement sold — all based on the types of dishes he had growing up — was the first time he had made it.

“I made, like, one pastrami before I started selling on the truck.”

Experience and just plain gumption have influenced his new recipes, so customers will not only see that he’s back, but that he’s also better than ever.

Delicately sweet cinnamon and raisin kugel at Meshugganah. Timothy DePeugh CharlotteFive

Location: City Kitch, 2200 Thrift Rd, Charlotte, NC 28208

Cuisine: Jewish deli

Instagram: @meshugganah

A nice Jewish deli spread at Meshugganah. Timothy DePeugh CharlotteFive

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Timothy DePeugh

The Charlotte Observer

Timothy DePeugh is a Charlotte food writer. He has won two NC Press Association Awards for his restaurant reviews and food features. When he’s not writing, he’s living the corporate life as a number cruncher. Tim loves his cat Goma, loves wine, loves Broadway and movies, and is a color guard fanatic. Find him on Instagram @timtimtokyo.

Timothy DePeugh

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February 12, 2026
Crew-12 will see first landing of Falcon 9 at Space Coast launch site
CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — As NASA and SpaceX prepare for the Crew-12 mission, it will mark the first time a SpaceX rocket will land near its launch site in Florida.
What You Need To Know

For the first time in Florida, a SpaceX rocket will return near the launch site

Learn more about the four astronauts as they will spend eight months on the ISS

They will be doing various experiments to learn more about the human body in space as well as moon-landing simulations
During the early morning hours on Friday, NASA astronauts Cmdr. Jessica Meir and pilot Jack Hathaway, and mission specialists European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev will climb into the Falcon 9 to take off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, stated both NASA and SpaceX.

The instantaneous launch is set to take place at 5:15 a.m. ET.

The 45th Weather Squadron is giving a 90% chance of favorable launch conditions, with the only concerns being the cumulus cloud rule and flight through precipitation.

The forecast is an increase compared to the original 85% the squadron gave for Friday’s launch.

If the launch is a scrub, the next attempt will be Sunday, Feb. 15.

Originally, the launch was set for Wednesday at 6:01 a.m. ET and then it was pushed to 5:38 a.m. ET, Thursday, until finally settling on Friday.

The reason for this was due to the upper-level winds.

The commute to the ISS and a historical landing

This is the first crewed launch of 2026 and SpaceX’s Dragon capsule called Freedom is expected to be screaming at about 17,500 mph (28,164 kph) as it goes into the black of space.

Freedom has had an impressive resume, having been used for four crewed missions.

For the first-stage Falcon 9 rocket booster B1101, this will be its second mission. Its first mission was last month and it was the first launch of 2026: Starlink 6-88 mission.

And it will be a long commute to work for them. The astronauts are expected to arrive at the International Space Station at around 3:15 p.m. ET on Valentine’s Day.

And this is going to be a historical landing for the Sunshine State. Because the Crew-12 mission will have four people onboard, the first-stage booster must land at Landing Zone 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which is adjacent to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 40, as seen in this embedded Facebook post. Landing Zone 40 is at the top right of the photo.

This will be the first time a Falcon 9 rocket will land near its launch site in Florida. The first-stage boosters usually land on a droneship out in the Atlantic Ocean or at a landing zone on land but away from the launch site.

However, SpaceX’s lease on Landing Zone 1 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station ended in July 2025.

Back in May 2023, Space Launch Delta 45 issued a press release, stating, “SLC 13, currently Landing Zone 1 and 2, is also moving forward with Phantom Space and Vaya Space.”

It means that the existing launch complex property agreements for landing operations were discontinued after the agreements expired.

So, going forward, crewed SpaceX launches in Florida will see the first-stage rocket returning on a landing pad near the launch site.

Understanding the Crew-12 mission

The quartet is not going to the International Space Station empty-handed and checking out the views of Earth from space.

They will be busy little beavers as they will be conducting medical experiments during their eight-month stay.

“The experiments, led by NASA’s Human Research Program, include astronauts performing ultrasounds of their blood vessels to study altered circulation and completing simulated lunar landings to assess disorientation during gravitational transitions, among other tasks,” NASA stated.

Another experiment is called Venous Flow, which will look at how time on the floating laboratory may increase the chance of astronauts developing blood clots.

“In weightlessness, blood and other bodily fluids can move toward the head, potentially altering circulation. Any resulting blood clots could pose serious health risks, including strokes,” the U.S. space agency explained.

For the experiment, the astronauts will undergo preflight and postflight MRIs, ultrasound scans, blood draws and blood pressure readings so scientists can compare the findings.

But it is not all medical experiments. During the Manual Piloting study, certain crew members will be conducting simulated moon landings before, during and after this mission.

“Designed to assess their piloting and decision-making skills, participants attempt to fly a virtual spacecraft toward the lunar South Pole region — the same area future Artemis crews plan to explore,” NASA explained.

Other experiments will be conducted.

Meet Crew-12

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Crew-12 will not have a traditional welcome

Usually, a crewed mission will have a welcome party, where the previous mission (in this case, Crew-11), welcomes the new arrivals.

Pleasantries and workload are exchanged during this transition.

However, Crew-11 was cut short after one of its members suffered a medical episode.

The crewmember has not been named and his or her medical issue was not disclosed.

The event happened days before a planned spacewalk for NASA astronauts Cmdr. Zena Cardman and pilot Michael Fincke.

NASA officials decided to cut the mission short and return Cardman, Fincke and mission specialists Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Kimiya Yui and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov to Earth.

It was the first medical evacuation in the space station’s 25 years of full service. Originally, the mission was going to end in February.

NASA officials stressed that the person was in stable condition and the four Crew-11 members appeared together in a press conference nearly a week after returning to Earth in a splashdown.
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February 12, 2026
Withlacoochee River could be headed toward record low water levels this summer
DUNNELLON, Fla. — Conservation leaders say lakes, rivers and the aquifer in Citrus County could be headed toward record low levels by this summer.
What You Need To Know

Lakes, rivers and the aquifer in Citrus County could be headed toward record low levels by this summer

In last month’s hydrologic report, the Southwest Florida Water Management District says current water levels along the Withlacoochee River are 2 to 3 feet lower than a year ago

The dip in water levels could affect businesses along the river, such as Rainbow River Canoe and Kayak

SWFWMD officials say they do not expect conditions to improve until the summer with some much-needed rain in the wet season
A recent hydrologic report from the Southwest Florida Water Management District shows that current water levels along the Withlacoochee River are 2 to 3 feet lower than a year ago because of the shortfall of rain we’re seeing across the region.

“Our shop does both a trip on the Rainbow (River), a trip on the Withlacoochee, and I always tell people, no matter what, that the confluence is the coolest spot,” Rainbow River and Kayak owner Meriah Kirk said.

Tucked away amongst the trees in Dunnellon, you’ll come across Rainbow River Canoe and Kayak — a business that thrives on both the Rainbow and Withlacoochee rivers. But recently, something about the water is being noticed.

“Usually they’re at least, this time of year, about up to here,” Kirk said, pointing out water lines. “They’ve been about up to here, but now even further.”

Kirk said staff and visitors alike have noticed a dip in the river’s level.

“We have had some people comment on the flows being lower, being a little more stagnant,” she said. “And then with the way over in the marina, the way the cove is very stagnant, we’ve had some of our boat owners there kind of comment on that.”

Following the river south into Pasco County, Mark Fulkerson with the Southwest Florida Water Management District surveys the river.

“Over the past three decades, we’ve had four severe droughts that hit the Withlacoochee River,” Fulkerson said. “Just in those 30 years, it’s only happened four times. But this year, just looking at the data, we’re shaping into a fifth one of those.”

In last month’s hydrologic report, Fulkerson noted water levels are 2 to 3 feet lower than a year ago. A big change for the river and surrounding ecosystem.

“Last year at this time, we were three months after Milton,” Fulkerson said. “The water was probably 3 feet higher than it is now. So that’s kind of the difference between last year and this year. This year, we didn’t have a Milton. We didn’t have a big, real wet season to fill things up.”

Just looking at the surrounding trees, you’ll notice water lines from Milton are still there, showing just how low the river has become. Fulkerson said he does not expect conditions to improve until the summer with some much-needed rain in the wet season.

“Those summer rains are going to have to materialize a lot better than what we had last year, or we’re going to go into maybe an additional year of very low water levels.”

As for Kirk and her business, she said she remains optimistic for rainfall — even with the business’ busiest time of year, spring break, just around the corner.

“The springs are really important, so I think it’s important to make sure we’re taking care of them and making sure we’re doing as much as we can to take care of them,” Kirk said.
Calvin Lewis

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February 12, 2026