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Can you remember the last time you read an entire book?

Can you remember the last time you read an entire book?

When was the last time you read a complete book? This question may worry you a little, but we are actually losing the reading habit and shifting to video content. For many people, the trend of reading books may date back months, years, or even decades.

Bill Gates, multiple owner of Microsoft, emphasized how important reading a book can be and how it can change your life forever.

Gates reads 50 books every year and carries a bag full of books with him during the holidays. Gates also mentioned that whenever he starts a book, he always finishes it. “I refuse to stop reading a book halfway through, even if I don’t like it,” Gates told The Times in 2017. He also stated that his voracious reading habits were crucial to his success.

As technology advances, the traditional methods of accessing information are changing. With increasing dependence on gadgets, human participation in various aspects of life is decreasing.

We are surrounded by gadgets like cell phones, tablets and laptops more than ever. These devices constantly impair our ability to read and increase our dependence on them to consume information, especially through visual and auditory means.

The trend has changed quickly and sending voice notes is preferred over chat apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.

GROWING TREND FOR BINGE WATCHING

The dominance of visual media is widely recognized. YouTube’s growth is helping other applications take over the storage space. Binge-watching is quickly gaining popularity on other Reel-supporting websites. This is generally accepted today.

According to Amazon Fire TV’s latest annual streaming trends report, Indians spend an average of over four hours watching content on their Fire TV devices. This data highlights a clear trend in viewing habits and shows that a significant portion of viewers are enjoying streaming entertainment for extended periods of time.

In recent years, digital streaming platforms have been flooded with a variety of binge-watching, signaling a profound shift in television and film consumption.

Services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and ZEE 5 have revolutionized the way audiences interact with content, offering unprecedented access to an extensive selection of series and films that fuel marathon viewing.

According to statistics, the number of smartphone users is 1 billion, 90 percent of them prefer to watch videos online. Additionally, people are spending more time watching videos, movies, TV shows, and audio books.

Marketing firm In-Mobi’s latest Mobile Marketing Handbook-2024 report suggests that an average Indian spends more than 4 hours, which is one hour more than the international average.

The increasing impact of extra screen time is directly related to our minds, which in turn leads to the development of several diseases. This also affects mental performance and creativity and reduces attention span.

AGE OF DIGITALIZATION

Smartphones and streaming sites have also influenced our deep understanding of things and the way we deeply understand different things. Microsoft Corporation conducted a study on our attention span and found that we cannot hold our attention for longer than 8 seconds, which also highlights the influence of a digital lifestyle.

We beat up the goldfish that study says has the shortest attention span.

The Californian university professor Dr. Gloria Mark explains that short video culture has contributed to the greatest reduction in attention spans. Longer viewing of videos and prolonged visualization on the screen also have a negative effect.

Now people have moved on to listening and visualizing, which for a long time took the place of reading. This change is determined by social, technical and psychological reasons.

Reuters has published a report that 71 percent of Indians watch news online while only 29 percent prefer reading newspapers.

With the rise of podcast culture, a change in reading behavior can be observed; Special platforms serve to strengthen the podcast culture. It is often seen how people connect podcast culture with the heritage of radio.

Along with podcasts, audio books are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional reading. Listening to audiobooks relies more on auditory processing than visualizing text, which may not stimulate deep thought or stimulate the mind as intensely as reading.

According to the Statista report, the number of podcast users worldwide has increased by 95 percent in the last five years, so the number of users will rise to 50 million in 2024.

According to a survey by Audible, an Amazon company, users’ listening hours have increased by 39 percent since 2021. People now prefer audiobooks and podcasts over reading printed content. A big reason for this is that audiobooks and podcasts can be listened to anywhere without having to carry physical books or copies.

COVID-19 has boosted the e-book and audiobook culture in India.

READING stimulates the imagination

Neuroscience suggests that reading influences our minds and rewires its functions for better thinking. It’s more of a mental training. Reading also helps us understand the perspective of others, which may differ from ours, thus increasing our emotional quotient.

Neuroscience experts suggest that reading content that challenges your perspective on life and the world around you can improve your ability to concentrate and adapt to complex situations. Reading activities strengthen your ability to imagine alternative paths and remember details, scenes, and thought processes in difficult situations.

The benefits of reading are not only limited to cognitive skills but also promote youthfulness of mind. Reading can prevent memory loss, reduce the risk of stress, and prevent various types of dementia in older adults.

One should not forget that reading also has many benefits. Reading refines people’s imagination, which increases creativity and promotes thinking. That’s why reading should also be encouraged so that we don’t remain slaves to machines in the future.

Reading also allows us to think more creatively and increase the artistic performance of the human mind, as suggested by various reports.

Take an example of a fantasy novel. As you read it, you may imagine magical realms with dragons and wizards. Fantasy could light up the darkest parts of your brain and fully engage you.

CHANGE IN EDUCATIONAL PATTERN

According to a report by Statistics, the number of smartphone users in India has crossed 100 million, with 90 percent of them watching videos. In this technological world, the methods of educational studies are also changing. Video lectures and digital media have now replaced books and articles.

While visual and audio materials make understanding and learning easier, they also have an impact on students’ learning habits.

According to Unacademy, India’s leading online learning company, they have more than five million active learners studying with them. At the same time, the number of people learning on streaming platforms like YouTube is much higher.

More and more video platforms are seeing increased user engagement as students prefer watching instructional videos rather than studying traditional books.

However, if this trend continues, our reading and writing habits will gradually be limited to educational work and other professions that have to do with reading and writing.

Scientists and researchers are concerned about the declining trend of reading, raising the question of whether we will break the habit of reading in the near future.

Published by:

ITGD Senior Sub Editor

Published on:

September 29, 2024

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Negative bias: Confusion reigns over the government’s position as Chalmers suggests who appointed the council

Negative bias: Confusion reigns over the government’s position as Chalmers suggests who appointed the council

There is confusion over Labour’s position on negative gearing after Anthony Albanese again refused to rule out future changes, while Treasurer Jim Chalmers appeared to confirm the government had ordered the modeling that ignited the political storm.

Mr Albanese capped a chaotic week with another round of vague and non-committal answers as he addressed the Government’s plans for tax relief.

Just a day after confirming that Labor would not take action to withdraw concessions for the next federal election over fears that housing supply would fall, the Prime Minister refused to close the door on accepting any changes after that close.

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Asked whether the pre- and post-election negativity would remain intact, Mr Albanese turned to talk about Labor’s existing $32 billion housing agenda, key parts of which have stalled in the Senate.

“Just for clarity, what we do is what we submit to Parliament,” he said on Friday.

Mr Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed this week that Treasury officials were planning to make changes to tax write-offs, but declined to specifically confirm who had requested them.

Mr. Albanese suggested on Thursday that the Treasury had taken on the role model of its own accord when he said the officials were not “schoolchildren being told what to do by teachers at the front of the class.”

“The Treasury doesn’t need to be instructed,” he said.

But in his speech in Beijing on Friday, Dr. Chalmers revealed that the government had requested the work – without explicitly saying so.

“When it comes to negative changes in debt, it is not at all unusual for governments or treasurers to seek advice on contentious issues that are in the public eye, including in Parliament.”

“This is not unusual for treasurers,” said Dr. Chalmers.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor seized on the comments, saying either Mr Albanese was lying or Dr. Chalmers kept it secret.

Dr. Chalmers reiterated his statement earlier this week that the government has an ambitious housing agenda and that changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax “are not part of it”.

“We have made it clear that our policy is to increase supply,” he said.

“Our policy is to invest $32 billion in this effort. And these changes (to negative gearing), which we receive advice on from time to time because they are public knowledge or enshrined in Parliament, are not part of that policy.”

The question of who requested the modeling is significant because it concerns how serious Labor is about reviving a version of the policies that Bill Shorten pursued in the failed 2016 and 2019 elections.

Treasury officials continually develop policies as part of their routine oversight of the national economy.

But if they were explicitly told by the government to consider negative gearing changes to the options for dealing with the housing crisis, that would suggest Labor is genuinely open to it.

The bombshell decision to change the stage three tax cuts was based on Treasury advice given by Dr. Chalmers ordered late last year as the government sought answers to the cost of living crisis.

WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti said leaving negative gearing untouched was the right move.

“We need more housing in this state and we don’t want to change attitudes that would impact housing,” she said.

“We want to ensure we continue to put more money into housing and continue to incentivize those building or investing in housing in Western Australia.”

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What channel is Packers vs. Vikings on today? Time and TV streaming information to watch the Week 4 game

What channel is Packers vs. Vikings on today? Time and TV streaming information to watch the Week 4 game

The Green Bay Packers (2-1) host the Minnesota Vikings (3-0) at Lambeau Field on Sunday.

The Packers have won two straight games and are currently undefeated at Lambeau Field this season, while the Vikings are one of just five undefeated teams overall through the first three weeks of 2024.

The return of former Packers running back Aaron Jones to Green Bay will highlight this exciting early-season battle in the NFC North.

Here’s how to watch the Packers game, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:

What channel is the Packers vs. Vikings game on today? Time, TV program

TV channels: CBS

Start time: Noon CT

Packers vs. Vikings will be televised locally on CBS in Week 4 of the 2024 NFL season. Kevin Harlan and former NFL quarterback Trent Green will call the game from the locker room at Lambeau Field, while Melanie Collins will report from the sidelines.

Where can you watch Packers vs. Vikings live stream?

Watch Packers vs. Titans Live on Fubo (Free Trial)

Packers vs. Vikings Predictions, Tips, Odds

After two weeks of doubting the magic of Malik Willis and Matt LaFleur, we’re back to predicting wins regardless of who’s playing quarterback on Sunday. The Packers have proven that they are capable of four key success factors: creating explosive plays, generating turnovers, protecting the quarterback and disrupting the opposing quarterback. LaFleur’s team will likely need to do all four things to defeat the undefeated Vikings. Protecting the quarterback against Brian Flores’ defense will be a challenge, but if the Packers can handle business before the snap and at the line of scrimmage, explosive plays could be plentiful. And there are good matchups for the Packers defense against the Vikings offense. A takeaway or an explosive play makes the difference for the Packers late in a one-point win. Packers 24, Vikings 23

OPPORTUNITIES: Packers -2.5

O/U: 43.5

All NFL odds via BetMGM.

Packers busy schedule

  • Week 1: at Eagles (L, 34-29)
  • Week 2: vs. Colts (W, 16-10)
  • Week 3: at Titans (W, 30-14)
  • Week 4: vs. Vikings
  • Week 5: at Rams
  • Week 6: vs. Cardinals
  • Week 7: vs. Texans
  • Week 8: at Jaguars
  • Week 9: vs. Lions
  • Week 10: Bye
  • Week 11: at Bears
  • Week 12: vs. 49ers
  • Week 13: vs. Dolphins
  • Week 14: at Lions
  • Week 15: at Seahawks
  • Week 16: vs. Saints
  • Week 17: at Vikings
  • Week 18: vs. Bears
  • Record: 2-1

Vikings in 2024

  • Week 1: at Giants (W, 28-6)
  • Week 2: vs. 49ers (W, 23-17)
  • Week 3: vs. Texans (W, 34-7)
  • Week 4: at Packers
  • Week 5: vs. Jets (London)
  • Record: 3-0

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The ending of the film “The Wild Robot” is explained

The ending of the film “The Wild Robot” is explained

  • Chris Sanders’ “The Wild Robot” stays true to the ending of Peter Brown’s book.
  • Sanders faced challenges but received DreamWorks Animation’s full support for the book’s ending.
  • The ending of the film is more cinematic, with a major battle and hints of a sequel.

“The Wild Robot” is based on a popular book series by Peter Brown. It’s about a robot named Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o) who, after landing on an island inhabited by wild animals, learns their behavior and becomes a mother figure to a young gosling.

The film’s writer and director, Chris Sanders (“Lilo & Stitch,” “How to Train Your Dragon”) stayed true to Brown’s ending of the first book. However, Sanders admits that it was the more difficult ending and he initially didn’t know if he was suitable for it.

“I had concerns,” Sanders told Business Insider. “I didn’t want to end the story with the assumption that we were going to make more ‘The Wild Robot’ movies. It just made me feel uncomfortable.”

So he came up with two endings: one that was similar to Brown’s book ending and foreshadowed a sequel, and another that concluded the whole story. He then presented both to executives at DreamWorks Animation, the studio behind the film.

“To their credit, they unanimously said, ‘Do the other ending, do the one that matches the book,'” Sanders recalls. “It’s a harder ending because you have to stick the landing.”

But with the studio’s full support, Sanders opted for a more open ending. The result is full of emotion and the thrill of what’s to come.

Warning: Spoilers for the book and film “The Wild Robot”.

The ending of the movie “The Wild Robot” is more cinematic than that of the book


Roz the robot in front of a ship

“The Wild Robot.”

DreamWorks Animation



In Brown’s book, three combat robots called RECOS arrive on the island to return Roz to her makers. After a fight between the robots and Roz, Roz is reduced to nothing but a head and a torso alongside the animals on the island. She decides to go back to their makers to get them repaired and stop them from returning. As she flies away, she begins to plan how to escape and return to the island.

Sanders made a few changes to the ending of the film, making it more cinematic. Instead of three RECOS, in the film it is a robot named Vontra (voiced by Stephanie Hsu) who gets Roz. Eventually she calls in a robot army to bring Roz back. This leads to a big fight between the robots and Roz with the wild animals. There’s a wildfire and a moment where Roz is taken to the mothership and the gosling she raised, Brightbill (Kit Connor), has to save her.

As in the book, Roz realizes that she must return to her creators to prevent the arrival of more robots. She leaves with Vontra (and unlike the book, Roz is not missing any limbs). Then there’s a jumpcut to Roz working in a greenhouse alongside other robots who appear to have been reset to their factory settings. However, Brightbill suddenly appears next to her and Roz reveals that she is still herself, suggesting that she is planning a way back to the island.

Related stories

Sanders “definitely” wants to make a sequel


Roz the Robot with Brightbill

“The Wild Robot.”

DreamWorks Animation



Brown has written two other books in the series, The Wild Robot Escapes and The Wild Robot Protects. In “Escapes,” Roz is sent to work on a dairy farm but still plans to return to Brightbill and the island.

When asked if he had started working on a sequel to The Wild Robot, Sanders slyly replied, “Maybe yes.” He admitted that he “absolutely” wants to make a sequel.

“In this first book, Roz is a victim of circumstance. She is lost and it is beyond her control. She is in a situation that is beyond her control,” he said. “But in Peter’s second book, she works through the problem and takes more responsibility for her journey.”

“The Wild Robot” is in theaters now.

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Wolves online: Stream Wolfs for free: Here you can watch the film by George Clooney and Brad Pitt online

Wolves online: Stream Wolfs for free: Here you can watch the film by George Clooney and Brad Pitt online

Fans of George Clooney and Brad Pitt will be happy to see the iconic duo reunite on screen for their latest film, “Wolfs,” premiering on September 27, 2024. The action comedy is now available to stream on Apple TV+ and once again reunites two of Hollywood’s most popular actors.

Clooney and Pitt, known for their collaboration on “Ocean’s Eleven”, now play rival fixers in “Wolfs”, a film that has caused quite a stir.

Directed by Spider-Man filmmaker Jon Watts, the film offers a gripping narrative about two professionals forced to work together to solve high-profile crimes.

How to watch Wolves for free

Wondering how to watch Clooney and Pitt in “Wolfs” without breaking the bank? There are several ways to watch the film for free on Apple TV+. According to a report from Digital Spy, Apple TV+ is offering a seven-day free trial that will allow new subscribers to watch “Wolfs” and other exclusive content at no immediate cost.

During this testing period, viewers will be able to enjoy “Wolfs” along with a variety of other original films and series on the platform.


To access this offer, simply sign up for the free trial on Apple TV+. If you decide to continue after the trial ends, the subscription costs £8.99 per month. However, if you just want to enjoy “Wolfs,” you can cancel the subscription before the seven-day deadline, ensuring a completely free viewing experience, according to a report from Digital Spy.Also read: The clock is ticking, the Fed’s interest rate cut is a sign of an impending recession in the US, says Mark Spitznagel

Other ways to get Apple TV+ for free

In addition to the seven-day trial, there are several other ways to watch Wolfs for free. If you buy an Apple device like an iPhone, iPad or MacBook, Apple offers three months of free Apple TV+ as part of the contract. This promotion is a great way to immerse yourself in Wolfs while exploring other Apple TV+ content.

In addition, Apple TV+ is also included in the Apple One subscription bundle. The package, which combines several Apple services such as Apple Arcade and Apple News+, costs £18.95 per month.

However, Apple One does offer a one-month free trial, making it another potential way to watch “Wolfs” for free for the first 30 days.

Mobile operator EE is offering some customers six months of free access to Apple TV+ as part of their mobile phone plan. Sky VIP members also benefit from the same offer and have the opportunity to watch “Wolfs” and other content for free for six months.

Technology retailer Currys is also running a promotion where customers can get three months of Apple TV+ free by signing up to its Currys Perks loyalty program or purchasing select products.

Star-studded cast and limited theatrical release

Aside from Clooney and Pitt’s, “Wolfs” features a stellar cast including Amy Ryan from “Only Murders in the Building,” Austin Abrams from “Euphoria” and Poorna Jagannathan from “Never Have I Ever.”

Other notable actors in the film include Zlatko Burić from “Triangle of Sadness,” Richard Kind from “Beau is Afraid,” and Oscar winner Frances McDormand from “Nomadland.”

While Wolfs had a limited theatrical release in the US, the film was released directly to Apple TV+ in the UK. Both Clooney and Pitt also served as producers on the film, making their creative collaboration even more exciting.

Also Read: Wuhan is in headlines again after COVID-19 outbreak; This time a Chinese attack submarine sank in a shipyard in the city

Future projects for Clooney and Pitt

Fans of the Clooney-Pitt dynamic may not have to wait long for another collaboration. Recent reports suggest that both actors could reprise their roles in an upcoming sequel to the Ocean series, further cementing their on-screen chemistry.

For now, fans can enjoy “Wolfs” and its fast-paced, comedic action on Apple TV+. The film joins a number of other notable Apple originals such as “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “The Instigators,” “Napoleon” and “Argylle.”

FAQs:

What is the new film “Wolfs” about?
After a limited theatrical release, Apple Original Films’ Wolfs, starring Brad Pitt and George Clooney, has officially premiered on streaming. The action comedy centers on a professional fixer named Margaret’s Man (Clooney), who is recruited to cover up a high-profile crime.

Where can I see Wolf’s film?
“Wolfs” is currently available to stream on Apple TV Plus.

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OnePlus 13 launches with 100W super fast charging!

OnePlus 13 launches with 100W super fast charging!

OnePlus has always been known for its impressive fast charging technology and the upcoming OnePlus 13 looks to continue that tradition. According to recent leaks, the OnePlus 13 will feature 100W SuperVOOC wired charging, setting it apart from the competition. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting new feature.

OnePlus 13: 100W super fast charging

100W super fast charging: what does it mean?

The OnePlus 13’s 100W wired charging could be a real game-changer. This technology allows for incredibly fast charging of the phone. This gives it a huge advantage over other big brands like Samsung, Google and Apple. Imagine plugging in your phone for just a few minutes and the charge lasts for several hours. This is especially useful for people who are constantly on the go and don’t have time to wait for a slow charge.

Leaks have also revealed that a device with model number PJZ110 has received 3C certification in China, which many believe is the OnePlus 13. In addition to fast wired charging, the phone is also rumored to support magnetic wireless charging, offering even more convenience for users.

Gizchina News of the Week


More than just fast charging

The OnePlus 13 isn’t just about fast charging. The phone will also feature 5G support, allowing users to enjoy super-fast internet connections wherever 5G is available. Whether you’re streaming videos, playing games, or working online, 5G will make everything faster and smoother. Combined with the fast charging function, the OnePlus 13 promises excellent overall performance.

Launched first in China

One of the exciting rumors surrounding the OnePlus 13 is that it could soon be launched in China. This could mean Chinese customers will be able to experience the phone’s innovative features before anyone else. This early launch could also help OnePlus fine-tune the device before rolling it out to the rest of the world.

What to expect from the OnePlus 13

With its 100W wired charger, magnetic wireless charging and 5G capabilities, the OnePlus 13 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated smartphones of the year. These features will likely appeal to Android users looking for speed, convenience, and top-notch performance. The big question is whether the OnePlus 13 can stand out in a market dominated by heavyweights like Samsung and Apple.

The OnePlus 13 isn’t just another phone; It’s a step forward in mobile technology, especially when it comes to fast charging. As the official launch approaches, the tech world is waiting to see if OnePlus can truly raise the bar with its latest flagship.

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