• If you have an iPhone charger be careful.
• They report failures in chargers for several versions of iPhones.
• Recall due to risk of shock and fire.

When we go to a store, we always hope to find the best product at an affordable price, but sometimes we don’t know what we are taking home. An urgent recall was recently reported on a popular brand cell phone charger because it could cause severe damage.

In a new product recall, it was reported that the charger for iPhones 13, 13 mini, 13 pro, 13 pro max, 12, 12 mini, 12 pro, 12 pro max, 11, SE 2020 have been reported as dangerous and could harm users.

Recall for iPhone charger

The charger that has been recalled was being sold through Amazon’s online store. The reason it was discontinued is because it poses a “serious risk” of electric shock and fire. The charger is not a genuine apple product.

The damage that has been reported is due to the poor-quality pins in the plug since they are not the correct size, according to recent reports published through the portal of the British newspaper The Sun. Purchasers are urged not to use the charger.

The accessory may create a risk of electric shock and fire.

The Office of Product Safety and Standards issued an official warning, saying that the product does not meet the standards of safe power supply. Amazon appears to have removed the product from its website, but anyone who has already purchased it is urged to stop using the accessory immediately.

According to The Sun, the item is made by a Chinese company called AXIULOO, which has no association with the Apple chain. The name of the charger is ‘AXIULOO 20W USB C Fast Charger Plug’.

Amazon removes charger from its site

To be certain that the product you purchased is not the charger that can start fires, you can check your Amazon order records with the following code: B08NTJ7XHP.

Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer for the Electrical Safety First charity, told The Sun, “If you own this product, stop using it immediately. This charger not only presents a very real risk of electric shock, the product has also been linked to a fire.”

They claim it is a pirated product

The exact number of people who bought it is unknown, but almost 6,000 reviews were left on Amazon before it was withdrawn from the market. Several experts have urged users on more than one occasion not to buy cheap imitations online.

The official warning reads: “The product poses a serious risk of electric shock as the mains plug does not meet the dimensional requirements of BS 1363. The line width and neutral pins were found to be outside the required limits of 6.22mm to 6.48mm. There has also been a known fire caused by the product.”

In 2012, the United States First Lady, Michelle Obama, spoke with five of our contributors, including CNN analyst and Mamiverse contributing political editor, Maria Cardona, who moderated the chat. We are honored to have streamed exclusive video footage of the roundtable discussion where the ladies talked about several key issues that impact families nationwide.

As we aim to help women prepare to be professionally competitive in this digital age, Ms. Obama is on a road tour speaking at several prominent tech conferences across the country.

Michelle Obama’s Tech Road Tour

This June, Ms. Obama stopped at Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in San Jose, California, to foster the importance of diversity and equality in the technological workplace, once again bringing forth her 2015 education initiative, Let Girls Learn. Ms. Obama argued that companies should do everything in their power to ensure women can pursue careers in technology.

“It starts with education,” Ms. Obama said. “And there’s still millions of girls around the world who aren’t getting an education, not just because of the lack of resources or not having access to schools… there are cultural barriers that are keeping young girls down.”

In her speech, she mentioned that the US is “not out of the clear,” as it and other nations tackle the issues on pay equality, birth control, and other hot button topics.

Michelle Obama will also keynote the biggest software conference on the planet, Dreamforce 2017. The conference runs from November 6 to the 9th, in San Francisco, California. Ms. Obama will speak on Tuesday, November 7, 2017; Day 2, which will cover topics involving innovation and artificial intelligence.

The Michelle Obama Tech School

In September of 2014, the Michelle Obama School of Technology and the Arts opened in Park Forest, IL. Initially opened as a fourth through eighth-grade education facility, a successful addition to the school was completed in October of 2015, bringing forth a new reading lab, performance stage, and more to the installation.

Michelle Obama’s Possibility of Running For President in 2020

With the Democratic party looking to take back the White House in 2020, their largest obstacle is diversity within their party. With candidates running for the ballot, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Kamala Harris, and even former Vice President Joe Biden, fundraisers and awareness are already underway. The nation will spend some time deciding which potential candidates they will vote for, especially with the next election day being over three years away.

In comparison to White House exit ratings of former U.S. First Ladies, Laura Bush (76 percent) and Hilary Clinton (56 percent), Michelle Obama finds herself smack dab in the middle with a 68 percent favorability rating. Ms. Obama’s rating is higher than both her husband, former U.S. President Barack Obama (58 percent) and former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden (61 percent). This observation gives political experts ample reason to believe that if she were to run for the office of President of the United States in 2020, she could stand a fair chance.

Douglas E. Schoen, a former pollster for President Bill Clinton, believes that Michelle Obama would be a viable candidate for the presidency.

“As an analyst, I believe that she is the candidate the divided Democratic Party needs,” Mr. Schoen wrote in his column. “Otherwise, the party could well rip itself apart.”

One of the best things a person can do for themselves, at least once in their lifetime, is to consider traveling alone. Many women, especially mothers, feel that taking off by themselves is a selfish act that they are not worthy of, though they are exactly the folks who need and deserve it the most. Traveling alone gives you a chance to unwind, reconnect with yourself, because let’s face it, playing wife, mom, daughter, sister, and business executive, can make you lose your sense of self.

Truth be told, scheduling a trip around your family’s busy schedules and then finding a place where everyone wants to go can be downright impossible as well. And sometimes the thought of traveling with a certain high-maintenance girlfriend can also convert that dream destination of yours into more of a nightmare. The Buddhist saying goes: “Travel only with thy equals or thy betters; if there are none, travel alone.” So why not travel to that place you’ve always wanted to by yourself? Afraid you’ll feel lonely? Don’t, my friend. Solo travelling can actually rid you from those awkward lonely feelings you might experience in your day to day environment and force you to grow both spiritually and intellectually.

For one, it takes you away from your home-grown dramas and the energy-draining characters in your normal life. Travelling alone actually pushes you towards interacting with people you may not otherwise consider talking with when you’re travelling with a caravan.  Being a tourist on your own allows your psyche to expand without the responsibilities of your normal life to dampen your spirits. Choose to speak, dress, and behave in new ways, because you no longer have to hold back due to fear of being judged since you may never see the people you meet abroad again.

Be warned: many who have been on a singles vacation always say that the first day is the hardest. But that afterwards it gets better as you realize that you really can do whatever you want without having to convince someone to go with you or wait until they’re ready to leave or have to hear their impressions (which you don’t agree with) about that painting or temple. Many travelers also cite dinner as the time of day when they most miss their friends and family. So, be sure to make a reservation for one at that highly recommended restaurant and bring a book, your smart phone, and a notepad with you to busy up your time.

The folks from Lonely Planet, say that one of the best things to beat the loneliness beast when traveling alone is to make coffee and drink dates in advance. Before you leave, ask your network of friends if they know anyone in Mexico City, for example, that they can introduce you to via email or Facebook. Natives are always the best ways to get insider tips on where to go and often will introduce you to more people you can meet. Saying yes to all invitations (within reason of course!)  is also the way to go when you’re travelling solo as well. Another tip is to head to the visitor’s center and pick up a free map upon arrival. While you’re there ask about walking tours, cooking classes, shows, and local events. Signing yourself up for a walking or biking tour of the city on your first day is also smart since you’ll get the lay of the land and feel more confident getting around town by yourself.

Traveling solo can be a transformative and rewarding adventure. In this essay posted on Refinery29, one woman travelling alone through Europe describes it like this: “I hadn’t spoken to anyone the entire day, but I didn’t feel sad. Instead, I felt privileged to be able to observe the world around me — going on without me — and being able to totally lose myself in myself. I was able to do what I wanted, when I wanted. I was lonely, yes, but I was also happy.” We just know you’re going to have the adventure of a lifetime.

For so many of us, the kitchen isn’t just the heart of your home, but also the heart of your family. When you think about your favorite family traditions, most of them probably involve food, cooking or eating together. In other words, your kitchen (and all the hidden treasures that live in your cabinets and your pantry) doesn’t just represent your family today, but it can help you relive memories and re-enact traditions from your family’s past as well. James Beard once said, “Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” No matter what is happening in your life, food can bring your loved ones together, and taking beautiful photos of that dining and cooking experience can make those memories and feelings last a lifetime.

If you want to capture the ingredients—literal and figurative—that make your family special and unique, start by capturing the culinary arsenal in your home, your parent’s home, and even your grandmother’s home.

To begin, think about the foods and the smells that bring back the best memories from your childhood and your past. That is what you want to photograph when you start snapping shots of the kitchen. Your pictures aren’t just arbitrary images of random recipes and ingredients; they are a way to tell a story and paint a picture of your fond memories and best food experiences with your family.

As Nat Geo reports, according to Penny De Los Santos, an award-winning documentary photographer, don’t just photograph cooked dishes when it comes to your food. “When thinking about food photography, don’t just consider the finished product on the plate or the people eating it. Look at the ingredients—perhaps there’s a beautiful photograph waiting to be made.” Think about the spices your grandmother used or a favorite ingredient that was always stocked in her fridge. Pull those flavors out and capture those memories on film.

Beyond the food itself, the way your favorite dishes were presented should also be captured. Pull out your grandmother’s favorite gravy boat, your parent’s wedding china or that special ice cream bowl you only used on your birthday growing up. Use them and style them appropriately before you start snapping away. While the food should always be the star of the photo, if your goal is to archive family food traditions, then the accessories, serving platters, utensils and beautiful backgrounds that feel like home should be showcased as well.

While most food photography is done artistically and features the food itself, some of the best ways to preserve memories is to take family photos together, while you’re in action in the kitchen. Photos in the kitchen are typically more casual than formal portraits or staged poses. They feel natural and they capture a moment in time, as opposed to everyone saying “cheese” in coordinated outfits at a photo studio. Choose a favorite dish or recipe, start whipping it up it as a family, and take photos each step of the way, trying to not only showcase what you are making, but also the expressions on your family’s faces as you work, play, laugh and eat together.

After all, sometimes it can be hard to explain to your kids what it was like to walk into your grandmother or mother’s kitchen and smell Thanksgiving dinner in the oven. When words just don’t cut it, beautiful visuals of you together, surrounded by delicious smells and with looks of pure joy on your faces might do the trick for generations to come.

Food Network’s new show Daphne Dishes features mom, wife, and home cook Daphne Brogdon. It brings a fresh approach to feeding the family with a generous dash of comedy. Whether it is for a PTA meeting or a gals’ night in, Daphne cooks up a storm with simple recipes that will feed a crowd and bring the family together.

Mom, blogger and home cook Daphne Brogdon shares all the secrets to her easy and impressive family-friendly meals in her series Daphne Dishes. Plus, she serves it all up with a healthy side of humor. From Daphne’s home kitchen in Los Angeles, get ready to jump into her life and meet her two cute kids, one sweet dog, and chef-husband Mark Peel. And shh … don’t tell Mark the kids like her cooking better!

For her Movie Night Alfresco episode, Daphne transforms her backyard into an outside movie theater for a Twilight party, and she has fun, drive-in movie food to match. Starring on the menu is her Culver Crest Popcorn Chicken, and in a supporting role, Camouflage Salad with Edamame and Cabbage. And the night has a sweet ending with refreshing Ginger Lemonade.

CULVER CREST POPCORN CHICKEN
Serves: 4  
Active Time: 45 min.
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes (includes marinating and chilling times)

Ingredients:
For the Chicken and Marinade:
1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 tsp. ground fennel seed
2 tsp. ground mustard seed
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 cup buttermilk
1 small onion, sliced

For the Breading:
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
2 tsp. ground fennel seed
2 tsp. paprika
2 tsp. salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Canola oil, for frying

Instructions:
For the Chicken and Marinade:

1. Cut each chicken thigh into bite-size pieces, approximately 1 ½ by 1 ½ inches.
2. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the fennel, mustard, salt and black pepper.
3. Add the chicken and massage the bag so the chicken is thoroughly coated in the spices.
4. Add the buttermilk and onions, and massage the bag again to mix the ingredients.
5. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.

For the Breading:
1. Set up a breading station by lining up 3 small baking dishes or pie plates. In one dish, add the flour.
2. In the second, whisk the eggs with 3 tablespoons water.
3. In the third, mix together the panko, fennel, paprika, salt and black pepper.
4. A few pieces at a time, remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off before dredging in the flour.
5. Shake off the excess flour and then dunk the chicken in the egg wash, letting the excess drip off.
6. Finally, dredge in the panko mixture, making sure the chicken pieces are completely coated.
7. Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and refrigerate, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes.
8. Fill a large, heavy skillet with about an inch of canola oil and heat to 350 degrees F over medium heat.
9. In batches, fry the chicken in the oil until golden brown all over, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
10. Drain on a paper-towel-lined baking sheet.

CAMOUFLAGE SALAD
Serves: 6  
Active Time: 15 min.

Ingredients:
3 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
2 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
1 Tbsp. sesame seeds, toasted
1 tsp. honey
1 tsp. sesame oil
¼ cup canola oil
1 head Napa cabbage, shredded
2 cups frozen shelled edamame beans, thawed
6 scallions, sliced
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:
1. Whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame seeds, honey and sesame oil in a large bowl.
2. Whisk in the canola oil.
3. Add the cabbage, edamame, scallions and cilantro and toss to coat.
4. Transfer to a serving platter.

• Norovirus Hits Record Highs
• New Variant Fuels Surge in Cases
• Winter Season Sees More Frequent Outbreaks

Norovirus, often referred to as the “Ferrari of viruses” due to its swift transmission, is witnessing an unparalleled surge.

According to CDC data, nearly 100 outbreaks were reported during the first week of December, the highest figure since 2010.

One in four tests for the virus returned positive results, nearly twice the rate seen during the same period last year.

This resurgence may be linked to a newly discovered mutated variant.

Global impact and possible causes of the norovirus outbreak

Some experts attribute the surge to lockdowns, which may have reduced people’s immunity to the virus.

This increase is not limited to the United States; countries such as the United Kingdom have reported a 40% rise in cases.

The CDC noted that 91 norovirus outbreaks were recorded in just one week, surpassing the previous record for this time of year by 40%.

Wisconsin leads the nation in outbreaks with 22 reports, followed by Ohio with 11, and Virginia with 6.

Norovirus affects approximately 21 million Americans annually, with 2 million seeking medical care.

The virus spreads through contact with infected vomit or feces, contaminated food, shared utensils, or surfaces that have been exposed to the virus.

While most individuals recover within a few days, norovirus is responsible for about 900 deaths each year, primarily among those aged 65 and older.

Outbreaks of norovirus are more frequent during the winter months, often due to holiday gatherings, travel, and confined spaces where pathogens spread easily.

Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, typically appearing 12 to 48 hours after exposure.

To prevent infection, doctors advise washing hands for at least 20 seconds and regularly disinfecting surfaces.

Cooking seafood to a minimum temperature of 145°F is also crucial in preventing norovirus infection.

Outbreaks across the country are monitored by the CalciNet network and the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System.

In January, 28% of laboratory tests detected the virus, marking a notable rise compared to previous weeks.

The Midwest, including Wisconsin and Michigan, had the highest percentage of positive tests, approaching 30%.

Epidemiologist Lisa Lindesmith cautions that these figures indicate a potentially severe year for norovirus.

Researcher Miranda de Graaf notes that a new variant of the virus, GII.17, has undergone significant mutations.

Experts are urging ongoing vigilance and adherence to preventive measures to help limit further transmission.

• David Lynch’s Lasting Cinematic Legacy
• His Struggle with Pulmonary Emphysema
• The Cultural Influence of His Iconic Creations

Acclaimed American filmmaker David Lynch has passed away at 78, as confirmed by his family on social media.

“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of David Lynch, both the man and the artist. We kindly ask for privacy during this difficult time,” the family wrote.

“There is now a great void in the world with his absence, but, as he would say: ‘Keep your eye on the doughnut and not on the hole,’” the statement continued on the eccentric filmmaker’s Facebook page.

Lynch, diagnosed with pulmonary emphysema in August, had faced significant physical challenges in the final months of his life.

David Lynch Dies at 78

Born in Missoula, Montana, in 1946, David Lynch left an indelible mark on both cinema and television.

Renowned for his surreal style and unsettling themes, Lynch earned four Academy Award nominations for films like The Elephant Man (1980), Blue Velvet (1986), and Mulholland Drive (2001).

Though he never won a competitive Oscar, Lynch was honored with an honorary Academy Award in 2019 for his profound contributions to the world of film.

His artistic journey began in the 1960s with Eraserhead, an experimental film that solidified him as a trailblazer in modern cinema.

The Distinguished Career of David Lynch

Lynch’s broader recognition, however, came with The Elephant Man, a poignant film based on the life of Joseph Merrick, a man with severe physical deformities.

In 1984, Lynch attempted to adapt the science fiction novel Dune, but the project fell short of expectations.

Despite this setback, two years later, he released Blue Velvet, widely regarded as one of his masterpieces. The film delved into the darkest recesses of the human psyche and marked a significant turning point in his career.

On television, Lynch broke new ground with the iconic series Twin Peaks (1989), whose central mystery, “Who killed Laura Palmer?”, captivated millions of viewers around the globe.

According to the AP, Twin Peaks proved that television could reach artistic heights on par with cinema.

David Lynch will be remembered as one of Hollywood’s most original and avant-garde filmmakers.

His unique ability to blend the dreamlike with the real, create unsettling atmospheres, and explore the darker aspects of the human mind established him as a key figure in modern cinema.

• Biden pardons Anthony Fauci anf Mark Milley.
• Trump seeks to punish those who investigated him.
• Tension in the middle of Trump’s inauguration.

In an extraordinary move, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden granted pardons on Monday, January 20.

The action was primarily aimed at shielding prominent officials and legislators from potential political retribution by the incoming administration of Donald Trump.

Notable recipients of these pardons include renowned physician Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired General Mark Milley, and several members of the House of Representatives committee that investigated the January 6 Capitol attack.

President Biden acts just hours before leaving office

In the final hours of his presidency, Biden exercised his executive powers, describing the decision as a measure to protect these officials from potential unwarranted persecution.

The action was prompted by Trump’s threats to compile lists of political adversaries.

Biden emphasized that the move was also intended to shield those who have challenged Trump or sought to hold him accountable for his actions during and after the 2020 elections.

“This should not be seen as an admission of guilt, but rather as a tribute to the unwavering public service of these individuals,” Biden stated in an official announcement.

The pardons have sparked intense debate over the broad application of this presidential power, particularly when granted to individuals who have not faced formal charges.

Anthony Fauci, a central figure in the United States’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic, was among the recipients.

He frequently found himself the target of criticism and attacks from opposing political factions due to his advocacy for science-based public health policies.

Joe Biden grants last minute pardons

Members and staff of the House committee that investigated the Capitol assault were also included in the additional pardons.

The committee had determined that Trump was involved in a “multi-pronged conspiracy” to overturn the 2020 election results, culminating in the violent events of January 6.

While Biden’s decision is legally permissible under presidential pardon powers, it has raised concerns about the potential precedent it sets for future administrations.

Critics argue that the preemptive use of pardons could enable political leaders to shield allies and themselves from future investigations and legal proceedings.

On his final day in office, Biden set a record for the number of individual pardons and commutations granted, highlighting his commitment to justice and institutional stability.

While some critics have questioned the necessity of issuing preventive pardons to individuals not facing formal charges, others view them as a prudent measure in an increasingly polarized and retaliatory political environment.

• $800 Stimulus Check in November
• Requirements Include Income and Age
• Economic Support in Response to Inflation

The United States economy is facing a challenging time due to rising inflation, which has severely impacted thousands of citizens.

To counteract this, the government has decided to distribute an $800 stimulus check through Social Security.

This aid is intended for individuals who meet specific criteria and need support to cover essential needs such as housing, food, and healthcare.

Social Security has announced that the checks will be distributed throughout the month.

Social Security Stimulus Check Announced for November

This measure is part of government efforts to alleviate the economic burden faced by low-income citizens or those in economically vulnerable situations.

The requirements for eligibility for the $800 check are specific and aim to prioritize those who need it most.

First, the program targets retired individuals aged 65 or older who are already receiving Social Security benefits.

Additionally, beneficiaries must be permanent residents of the United States and have a valid Social Security number.

Another key criterion is the income limit: individual applicants must have an annual income of up to $75,000.

For married couples, the combined income must not exceed $150,000.

Applicants must also be receiving retirement or disability benefits or participating in specific Social Security programs.

This $800 check can also benefit those who have not necessarily applied for additional aid.

Requirements to Receive the Check

In many cases, the payment will be automatically sent to citizens who meet the government-established criteria.

This automation aims to streamline the distribution of funds, eliminating the need for beneficiaries to go through a complicated application process.

For those who believe they meet the requirements but have not yet received the check, there is a verification process.

Interested individuals must confirm they meet all criteria, including age, income, and residency status.

Additionally, they must prepare necessary documents, such as proof of income and their Social Security number.

Another eligibility condition is having filed the previous year’s tax return, which is essential for the government to verify incomes.

Once beneficiaries have met all the requirements and completed the necessary steps, Social Security will issue the $800 payment.

According to authorities, this money can provide significant relief to cover essential expenses, as reported by El Cronista.