A viral social media post by a woman in Nigeria asked why some girls choose not to get manicures or pedicures. The post received over 76,000 likes and 51,000 comments, with various responses provided, including reasons related to jobs, pets, and personal preferences. While some choose to focus on other priorities, interest in nail beauty continues to grow, with the industry expected to expand significantly in the coming years.
Key Facts
A woman in Nigeria made a viral post asking why some girls don't get their nails done.
The post got more than 76,000 likes and 51,000 comments.
Responses cited reasons like job demands and expenses related to pet care.
The nail salon industry is expected to grow by $9.48 billion from 2024 to 2029.
Growth is driven by interest in creative nail art and natural, organic nail care.
The industry must address health issues from harsh chemicals in many products.
North America is projected to account for about 30% of global market growth.
Current trends include a mix of soft, neutral colors and bold, dark shades.
The reality TV show "Love Is Blind" will return for its tenth season on February 11. The show's concept involves singles forming connections without seeing each other, potentially leading to engagements and marriages. Although the filming location for Season 10 has not been officially confirmed, there is speculation that it took place in Boston, Massachusetts.
Key Facts
"Love Is Blind" Season 10 will start streaming on Netflix on February 11.
The show is a dating experiment where participants date without seeing each other and decide whether to get engaged.
Previous seasons typically released episodes weekly over several weeks.
There is no trailer currently available for Season 10.
The filming location for Season 10 is rumored to be Boston, Massachusetts, though not officially confirmed.
"Love Is Blind" is exclusive to Netflix, requiring a subscription for streaming.
Season 9 concluded without any couples getting married, which was a first for the series.
Past seasons have filmed in cities like Atlanta, Chicago, and Denver.
A mother shared a video of a surprising moment when her autistic son, who had been nonverbal, unexpectedly used a phrase he had heard her use. This occurrence led to a mix of humor and learning for both mother and son, while also gaining significant attention online. The video sparked conversations among parents of children with similar challenges.
Key Facts
A mother, Nass, shared a video on TikTok of her autistic son, Kingston, reacting unexpectedly.
Kingston, who was nonverbal until he was four and a half, said the phrase "Good job, b****" during a baking session.
The mother explained that Kingston was mimicking words he had heard from her.
Nass experienced a mix of amusement and a teaching moment, emphasizing the importance of mindful language.
The video received over 252,000 likes and prompted discussions among parents of neurodiverse children.
Nonverbal language development is a common aspect of autism, and language progress can vary.
Nass appreciated positive feedback from others regarding her parenting in response to the video.
A U.S. warship and an oceanographic survey ship went through the Taiwan Strait, marking the fourth such U.S. Navy passage since President Donald Trump began his second term in 2025. The U.S. says these passages support freedom of navigation, while China, which claims Taiwan and the Taiwan Strait, opposes them.
Key Facts
A U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer and a survey ship went through the Taiwan Strait in 2026.
This passage is the fourth since President Donald Trump started his second term in January 2025.
China claims the Taiwan Strait as part of its territory but the U.S. considers it international waters.
The U.S. and its allies have increased their presence in the strait, calling these actions freedom of navigation operations.
China's military monitored the U.S. ships during their transit.
The U.S. insists on maintaining open sea routes for all countries and rejects claims limiting these rights.
There were nine U.S. transits in the strait during former President Joe Biden's last year in office (2024).
President Trump plans to visit China in April for talks with President Xi Jinping.
President Donald Trump stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos that Russia and Ukraine are close to ending their ongoing war. He mentioned the existing tension between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin but expressed optimism about reaching a peace agreement. Trump believes that both countries want to negotiate a deal to stop the conflict.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke about the Russia-Ukraine war at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
He claimed Russia and Ukraine are "reasonably close" to ending the conflict.
The war started with Russia invading Ukraine nearly four years ago.
Trump noted "tremendous" hatred between Presidents Zelensky of Ukraine and Putin of Russia.
He believes both countries now want to make a deal to stop the war.
Trump emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement to prevent further deaths.
He criticized both leaders for not finalizing a peace deal yet, calling the situation a "bloodbath".
Japan has restarted reactor no.6 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, which is the largest in the world by installed capacity. This marks a step in Japan's efforts to bring back nuclear energy after the Fukushima disaster in 2011, but public concern and high operational costs remain challenges. Nuclear power provided just 8.5% of Japan's electricity in 2023, and the country aims to increase this to 20% by 2040.
Key Facts
The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant is the largest nuclear power plant in the world by capacity.
Reactor no.6 was restarted nearly 15 years after the Fukushima disaster.
The plant originally had seven reactors, but only reactor no.6 is currently operational.
Japan shut down all 54 nuclear reactors after the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
As of 2023, nuclear power made up 8.5% of Japan's electricity supply.
Japan plans for nuclear energy to provide 20% of its electricity by 2040.
Safety checks and costs of operating reactors have increased significantly.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi supports nuclear power for energy self-sufficiency.
A viral TikTok video shows a golden retriever using a pet camera to watch its owner instead of the usual scenario where owners monitor their pets. The video received widespread attention with hundreds of thousands of views and likes, as people enjoyed the dog's inquisitive behavior.
Key Facts
The video shows a golden retriever peering directly at a pet cam, appearing to observe its owner.
The video was shared by an owner named Allie on TikTok and went viral with over 587,600 views.
The TikTok video received over 119,500 likes and generated around 90 comments.
The pet monitoring camera market was valued at about 54.3 million U.S. dollars in 2022.
This market is expected to grow to approximately 93.5 million dollars by 2033.
People in the comments joked about the dog's behavior, imagining what it might be thinking.
Pet cameras are popular tools for owners to keep an eye on their pets when they're not at home.
A TikTok video of a senior golden retriever named Willow meeting a new puppy, Captain, has gained widespread attention. The clip humorously shows Willow's unimpressed reaction to Captain's energy. The article also discusses tips for introducing new puppies to older dogs.
Key Facts
A TikTok video of Willow, a senior golden retriever, meeting a puppy has gone viral with nearly 1 million views.
The video humorously portrays Willow's reaction to the new puppy's playful antics.
Many pet owners related to the video, sharing their own experiences with new pets.
Data shows 62% of Americans have a pet, and 35% own more than one.
The American Kennel Club suggests strategies for introducing a new puppy to a senior dog, such as meeting on neutral ground.
Pet owners are advised to give both pets separate time and individual attention to prevent conflict.
A Danish politician has expressed doubts that NATO will remain intact during the remaining years of President Donald Trump's second administration. Discussions revolve around U.S. actions concerning Greenland, a territory linked to Denmark, and NATO's shifting dynamics. European countries are considering alliances outside NATO, amidst tensions over tariffs linked to U.S. demands for Greenland.
Key Facts
A Danish lawmaker believes NATO may not survive through the rest of President Trump's current term.
The U.S. has shown interest in Greenland, prompting concerns from Denmark, which oversees Greenland's defense.
President Trump mentioned that the U.S. would not use military force to claim Greenland.
Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory that is formally part of Denmark.
Denmark's military official considers the chance of conflict with the U.S. low but not impossible.
Trump has imposed tariffs on European countries, related to securing Greenland.
NATO was formed to ensure mutual defense, but there are concerns about its current strength and future role.
Protesters in Switzerland burned American flags during demonstrations against President Donald Trump's visit to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. The protests are related to Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland and threats of tariffs on countries opposing his plans.
Key Facts
Protests took place in several Swiss cities, including a major demonstration in Zurich.
Demonstrators burned American flags and displayed banners saying "Trump not welcome."
Swiss police reported incidents involving fireworks, smoke devices, and vandalism.
Unauthorized protests were broken up by police, including one with water cannons.
President Trump visited Davos to speak at the WEF amid tensions with European leaders.
Trump reiterated his view that acquiring Greenland is crucial for security reasons.
European leaders and some U.S. politicians criticized Trump's stance and actions.
China's Type 055 destroyer, the CNS Zunyi, has improved its abilities to detect and track submarines through recent training exercises. This development is part of China's efforts to modernize its navy, which is already the largest in the world by the number of ships.
Key Facts
The CNS Zunyi is a Type 055 destroyer in China's navy.
Type 055 destroyers can carry up to 112 missiles.
China has eight Type 055 destroyers, and more are planned.
The ship took part in drills involving ship and submarine confrontations.
These exercises took place in the South China Sea.
China aims to modernize its military to challenge U.S. dominance.
Type 055 ships feature advanced systems and can carry two helicopters for submarine hunting.
A Texas veterinarian named Dr. Indya Woods shared a viral Instagram post expressing her love for dachshunds, which received a lot of positive responses from dog owners. Dr. Woods uses social media to connect with pet lovers and share her experiences as a vet, particularly her fondness for this dog breed.
Key Facts
Dr. Indya Woods is a veterinarian practicing in Dallas, Texas.
She openly shared her affection for dachshunds on Instagram.
Her social media post received over 75,000 likes.
Dr. Woods has over 55,000 followers on Instagram.
The post featured her humorous take on treating a dachshund and connecting with its owner.
Woods uses her online presence to connect with other pet owners and share her work-life balance.
Many dachshund owners reached out to her after the video, sharing similar experiences and affection for the breed.
President Donald Trump responded critically to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney's speech, seen as addressing issues with global rules and power dynamics, suggested countries like Canada need to adjust to current geopolitical changes. Trump, in his speech, emphasized Canada's dependence on the U.S. and expressed disappointment with Canada's perceived lack of gratitude.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's remarks at the World Economic Forum.
Trump mentioned that Canada benefits a lot from the United States.
Carney's speech implied the global order supported by U.S. influence was changing.
Carney suggested that countries should focus on greater independence, especially in critical sectors.
Trump stressed the importance of U.S.-Canada relations and expressed that Canada should show more gratitude.
Carney used a story from Václav Havel to explain the importance of facing new global realities.
US allies responded to President Trump’s comments about taking over Greenland. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney suggested considering a future without the US leading.
Key Facts
President Trump talked about taking over Greenland.
This discussion happened on a Tuesday.
US allies reacted to Trump’s comments at an international forum in Davos.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney commented on the situation.
Carney suggested imagining a future without the US as a leader.
The discussion took place amongst delegates at Davos.
A group called the Walter Mitty Hunters Club is dedicated to uncovering people who pretend to be military veterans. This secretive group is composed of ex-service members who expose imposters like Jonathan Carley, who falsely posed as a navy admiral during public ceremonies.
Key Facts
The Walter Mitty Hunters Club is a group of anonymous veterans focused on exposing fake military service members.
Jonathan Carley, a retired teacher, was fined £500 for wearing a naval uniform and fake medals.
The group uses secrecy to protect its members from potential backlash for revealing imposters.
They communicate through social media, particularly their Facebook page, to gather information.
The term "Walter Mitty" refers to someone who fantasizes about having a more exciting life than they do.
The group remains anonymous to ensure their safety and that of their families.
A woman named Crystal Chavez went viral on TikTok after sharing a video of her Dalmatian puppy, Disno, who has a unique spot pattern that looks like Mickey Mouse. The video highlighted how Dalmatian puppies are born without spots, which appear as they grow, and discussed how movies like "101 Dalmatians" can influence dog breed popularity.
Key Facts
Crystal Chavez shared a TikTok video of her Dalmatian puppy named Disno.
Disno has a cluster of spots forming a Mickey Mouse shape on his belly.
Dalmatian puppies are born white, and their spots develop as they get older.
Dalmatian spots are unique to each dog, similar to human fingerprints.
A 2014 study showed that movies can influence the popularity of certain dog breeds.
An increase in popularity due to movies can lead to irresponsible breeding.
Researchers warn that choosing dogs based on movie popularity might not suit a family's lifestyle.
President Donald Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland has led to disagreement in the U.S. Congress. Some Republicans have joined Democrats in opposing his plans, which include using military force and tariffs on countries that do not support the acquisition. The situation has also raised concerns about its impact on the NATO alliance.
Key Facts
President Trump wants the U.S. to take control of Greenland, a territory governed by Denmark.
Some Republicans in Congress disagree with Trump's plan, aligning with Democrats and NATO allies.
Trump believes owning Greenland is important for U.S. national security and competing with Russia and China in the Arctic.
Trump has proposed tariffs on countries that do not support his plan to acquire Greenland.
The acquisition of Greenland would require a vote in Congress to approve funds.
Denmark and Greenland have both stated that the island is not for sale.
The proposal has prompted some Republicans to worry about damaging the NATO alliance.
Trump has previously taken unilateral actions in his second term using executive power.
Syrian government forces, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, have taken control of the cities of Raqqa and Deir Az Zor from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This has led to a change in dynamics, as the SDF agrees to integrate its fighters into the Syrian armed forces, while keeping some leadership roles.
Key Facts
Syrian government forces have taken Raqqa and Deir Az Zor from the SDF in northeast Syria.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa is leading Syria and negotiating with the SDF for integration of its forces.
A ceasefire was agreed upon, but clashes continued in the Hasakah region of northeast Syria.
The Kurdish-led SDF sought some form of autonomy and recognition of Kurdish rights during negotiations.
Syrian President al-Sharaa issued a decree recognizing Kurdish as a national language and restoring citizenship to Kurdish Syrians.
The United States, which previously supported the SDF, has now backed Syrian government forces.
There are ongoing discussions about how to integrate the SDF fighters into the Syrian forces, with individual integration likely.
Integrating up to 80,000 SDF soldiers poses a security challenge, according to analysts.
President Donald Trump spoke at the Davos economic forum and seemed to mix up Iceland with Greenland during his speech. He mentioned Iceland in a context that suggested he meant Greenland, a territory Trump has previously shown interest in acquiring.
Key Facts
President Trump gave a speech at the Davos economic forum in Switzerland.
During the speech, he appeared to confuse Iceland with Greenland.
Trump mentioned Iceland in a way that suggested he was talking about Greenland, saying it cost the U.S. money.
Trump has previously shown interest in acquiring Greenland from Denmark.
He stated he would not use military force to take Greenland during the speech.
Critics quickly noticed and commented on the mix-up between the two places.
