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Subscribe to our newsletter Privacy Policy Success! Your account was created and you’re signed in. Please visit My Account to verify and manage your account. An account was already registered with this email. Please check your inbox for an authentication link. Support Independent Arts Journalism As an independent publication, we rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. If you value our coverage and want to support more of it, consider becoming a member today . Already a member? Sign in here. We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. If you value our coverage and want to support more of it, please join us as a member . DETROIT — Food has always played a vital role in fostering and maintaining community. It’s a key component of cultural heritage: How food is prepared, served, and shared is oftentimes communal and ritualistic. Food tells us stories — be they personal, historical, or social. And food culture is a form of art. The Art of Dining: Food Culture in the Islamic World , currently on view at the Detroit Institute of Arts, transforms meals into narrative experiences, showing how food connects people not only to their roots, but also to each another. The exhibition showcases almost 230 pieces, spanning centuries and ranging from cooking vessels to paintings, from 30 public and private collections across the world. Our introduction to this realm comes initially from a map of the Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) region, which greets the visitor as they enter the show. Several cities are highlighted on this map: Istanbul, Cairo, Mecca, Baghdad, Isfahan, and Delhi. The captions explain that these sites have been significant for trade, artistic production, and pilgrimage. They were also both culturally and historically important for Islam, the exhibition posits, and they hold a special place for the food culture that was nurtured in historically Muslim-majority regions of the world. What makes this show truly commendable is its expansive perspective on food. The works on view emphasize everything associated with the craft of dining. Steel fruit sculptures (pear, quince, melon) made for the processions commemorating the martyrdom of Al-Ḥusayn ibn ʿAlī (626–80), a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and the third Shia imam , are on display. The exhibit also features different types of spice dishes, tin-glazed plates with peacock feather patterns, glazed porcelain bowls, copper alloy cauldrons, flasks, and drinking vessels. It draws our attention to the processes of preparation, presentation, and enjoyment associated with food culture, such as the hospitality of hand washing, demonstrated via an ewer from Iran or Iraq circa the 1200s; a basin from Egypt dating from the 1300s; and even a description of dining etiquette from the Sunni polyhistor and mujaddid (or “one who brings renewal to the religion”) Al-Ghazali (1058–1111). Get the latest art news, reviews and opinions from Hyperallergic. Daily Weekly Opportunities The Art of Dining also explores the etiquette of eating across this realm. In one large room, a table invites us to a digitally created sufra (floor spread) meal where adapted historical dishes, prepared by chef Najmieh Batmanglij , are projected at the center of each plate. There is even a cooking display with multiple televisions where you can watch the preparation of different dishes live on a screen. Cookbooks, handbooks for health, and a glimpse into the kitchens and pantries that supported food culture throughout the Islamic cultures emphasized in the show are dispersed throughout the galleries. Stories around food further narrate the visitor’s journey. Medieval illuminated manuscripts draw attention to images of picnics; depictions of scenes known as maqama (meaning “assembly” in Arabic) that would have been read out loud at social gatherings; and banquet scenes from a copy of the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdawsi. Together, these works foreground the importance of hospitality in class and political power. They illustrate how culinary traditions and communal meals serve as vital expressions of identity and social cohesion within various cultural and class contexts. These books are placed alongside musical instruments — a kamancha made from fish skin from the 1800s, the taus (meaning “peacock” in Persian) from 19th-century India, the oud of the Greek Maol (Emmanuel Venios) — calling to mind the practices of entertainment present in these cities and in Islamic courts. At one point, the viewer is also invited to join the table by sharing on circular, blank white pages “how food connected you to people, places, and memories.” The exhibition ends with a contemporary multimedia installation by Iraqi-born artist Sadik Kwaish Alfraji titled “A Thread of Light Between My Mother’s Fingers and Heaven.” This captivatingly layered piece is influenced by the artist’s memories of his mother and the bread she baked as they gathered as a family around their table in Baghdad. The black and white sketched animations reflect how memories and food intertwine to create a tapestry of shared experiences, evoking nostalgia and a profound sense of identity that transcends time and place. Though not all the objects on display serve religious functions, the show paints a well-rounded picture of food culture in Islam. The Art of Dining was originally organized and displayed by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. For the DIA iteration, the curators made modifications in response to feedback that called for a more multicultural perspective, as opposed to one that overly homogenizes what’s referred to here as the Islamic world. This approach is evident as the exhibition acknowledges how the everyday lives of different ethnoreligious cultures in these regions were informed by different or varying practices. While looking at food cultures through the lens of intercultural connection added complexity that was presumably lacking in the LACMA version, the DIA’s presentation would have been made stronger by recognizing the non-Islamic peoples who lived in these cities and across the SWANA region. Although these communities — for example, Greek, Chaldean, and Armenian — may not have practiced the Islamic faith, their customs around food were influenced by these same practices. Though a section of the exhibit acknowledges shared cultures in tableware from this region, identifying Chinese porcelain, Ottoman ceramics, and Italian pottery as points of connection, there are many other examples of commonalities around food that could have helped represent links between communities across these geographies. The city of Istanbul — with its far-reaching Byzantine, Cilician Armenian, Jewish, and Parthian presence — is one such example where multiple influences collectively shaped the cultural identity of its premodern history. Using the term “Islamicate,” coined by historian Marshall Hodgson, could have alluded to the importance of Islam as a cultural force that influenced non-Muslims in the region, while also acknowledging their presence and contribution to the development of a sociopolitical and economic cosmos there. Doing so would have also reinforced the exhibit’s already strong foundation by showcasing Islamicate civilization as an integral component of world history and Islam’s influence upon it — especially through the exquisite ways in which it highlighted the history of food culture as a unifying element within this narrative. The Art of Dining: Food Culture in the Islamic World continues at the Detroit Institute of Arts (5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan) through January 5, 2025. The exhibition was organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. We hope you enjoyed this article! Before you keep reading, please consider supporting Hyperallergic ’s journalism during a time when independent, critical reporting is increasingly scarce. Unlike many in the art world, we are not beholden to large corporations or billionaires. Our journalism is funded by readers like you , ensuring integrity and independence in our coverage. We strive to offer trustworthy perspectives on everything from art history to contemporary art. We spotlight artist-led social movements, uncover overlooked stories, and challenge established norms to make art more inclusive and accessible. With your support, we can continue to provide global coverage without the elitism often found in art journalism. If you can, please join us as a member today . Millions rely on Hyperallergic for free, reliable information. By becoming a member, you help keep our journalism free, independent, and accessible to all. Thank you for reading. Share Copied to clipboard Mail Bluesky Threads LinkedIn FacebookAdditionally, the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China have also shifted investors' focus towards Chinese concept stocks as a potential safe-haven asset in an uncertain global economic environment. Amidst the escalating trade disputes and geopolitical uncertainties, Chinese concept stocks have emerged as a resilient investment option, offering stability and growth potential despite the prevailing market volatility.
The student protests sweeping across Serbia have garnered significant attention, with thousands of young voices demanding accountability and justice in response to a series of tragedies and systemic failures. Considering that protesters reject all government solutions and willingness to fix societal issues, the situation echoes the Color Revolution in North Macedonia. In 2015-2016, North Macedonian citizens mobilized themselves to challenge entrenched corruption and political irresponsibility in the capital city of Skopje. By drawing a comparative analysis between these two movements, we can identify commonalities and divergences between these two movements, shedding light on their potential implications related to governance, civil society and regional stability. The Color Revolution in North Macedonia was ignited by the 2015 wiretapping scandal, which exposed high-level government corruption, electoral interference fraud and authoritarian tendencies under then-Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski. Citizens, particularly the youth, took to the streets to demand accountability and democratic reforms. However, the main purpose of the protests was to replace the government. In Serbia, the current wave of protests stems from the tragic Novi Sad train station collapse, which claimed multiple lives and underscored systemic negligence. While this accident initiated the protest, there were broader grievances, including decaying infrastructure, lack of institutional transparency and perceived governmental indifference that compounded over the years of governmental (mis)management of the country. Students, supported by the teaching unions, have emerged as the vanguard of these protests, reflecting the frustration with the government's failures to prioritize safety and education. Both movements relied heavily on the organization and mobilization of civil society. The North Macedonian protests were marked by colorful symbolism, with protesters painting government buildings and public spaces to signify the "colors" of democracy over autocracy. In contrast, Serbian students have adopted poignant slogans such as “15 Minutes for 15 Lives,” emphasizing the human cost of governmental negligence. The physical blockading of university campuses and streets mirrors the sit-ins and occupation tactics employed in North Macedonia. Both activities raised numerous legal questions and concerns by symbolism. Notably, social media has played a pivotal role in both movements, acting as a platform for coordination, information dissemination and raising awareness. In North Macedonia, platforms like Facebook and Twitter were instrumental in bypassing state-controlled media, while in Serbia, videos and live streams from Novi Sad and Belgrade have attracted national and international attention. In both cases, governments initially sought to downplay the protests, portraying them as politically motivated or orchestrated by foreign actors. The former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski's administration in North Macedonia deployed police forces to disperse demonstrations, leading to clashes and arrests. However, government authorities and security forces, in most cases, allowed protestors to engage in throwing color bombs at government institutions, which consequently resulted in high-cost restoration. Similarly, Serbian authorities have accused protesters of destabilizing the country and have sought to intimidate organizers through police presence and media campaigns. The scale and intensity of the protests differ significantly. In North Macedonia, police actions to disperse protesters led to more violent confrontations, while in Serbia, the government response has been less aggressive, influenced by the support of teaching unions and other respected societal actors. This broader coalition in Serbia makes it harder for the government to discredit the movement. Generally, when civil society protests against the government, using police force is a poor strategy to delegitimize movements like color revolutions. These movements often control the narrative, framing repression and excessive force as evidence of authoritarianism, which can quickly garner international community and media support. Both movements underscore a deep-seated demand for accountability. In North Macedonia, protesters called for the resignation of Gruevski and his cabinet, pushing for judicial action against those implicated in corruption. The protests culminated in the EU-brokered Pržino Agreements between Gruevski’s government and the opposition political parties, which exploited the Color Revolution to force early elections and political reforms. In Serbia, the focus has been placed on receiving justice for the victims of the Novi Sad tragedy and reforms to prevent such future occurrences. In their protests, students have highlighted the lack of oversight in infrastructure projects and the pervasive culture of impunity. While the Serbian government has made rhetorical commitments to investigate the incident, protesters remain skeptical, pointing at past unfulfilled promises. Yet, blocking educational institutions and other public or private venues represents a violation of citizen’s constitutional rights regarding freedom of work, movement, and access to state institutions. International engagement has played a nuanced role in both contexts. During North Macedonia’s Color Revolution, the European Union and the United States were active mediators, leveraging political and economic incentives to facilitate a resolution. Serbia, however, operates in a more complex geopolitical environment, balancing its EU accession aspirations with maintaining ties to Russia and China. This dynamic has limited the West’s leverage, although international media coverage and statements of support for the protesters have added pressure on the government. So far, there have not been any clear indicators of direct involvement by international actors. But it does not imply their lack of interest in the unfolding events in Serbia. A striking similarity lies in the empowerment of youth as agents of change. The protests marked a generational shift in North Macedonia, with young leaders emerging as prominent voices in civil society and politics. The Serbian protests similarly reflect a generational awakening, with students challenging the status quo and demanding a future defined by transparency and meritocracy rather than nepotism and cronyism. The long-term impact of these movements remains uncertain. While North Macedonia's protests brought political change, the country still faces deep systemic issues. Many Color Revolution supporters now regret participating, as the movement failed to deliver lasting improvements or keep its promises. In the end, one corrupt group of politicians was replaced by another. Serbia’s movement, while generating promises, faces significant obstacles, including a fragmented opposition and a polarized political landscape. There are, however, many lessons Serbian politicians could learn from neighboring countries, which could help them develop sustainable solutions. The Serbian student protests and North Macedonia’s Color Revolution illustrate the transformative power of these types of “grassroots” movements to challenge entrenched systems of power. Both underscore the importance of youth engagement, the role of civil society and the potential for regional movements to inspire one another. However, for better or worse, they also highlight the challenges of translating the protest energy into lasting political and societal change, for good or worse. For Serbia, the current protests represent a critical juncture in the country’s future. The government’s ability to address protesters’ demands – or its failure to do so – will profoundly affect its legitimacy and the country’s trajectory toward democracy and prosperity. For the region, these movements are very dangerous because they are like a two-edged sword. On the one side, these movements very rarely provide sustainable strategic solutions in weak and small states because the corrupt politicians, who are only interested in self-gain, are at the forefront of such protests. On the other side, these movements have the potential to reaffirm the enduring relevance of civic activism in holding governments accountable and shaping the future of the Western Balkans.
Real Madrid will once again lock horns with Paris Saint-Germain in a repeat of their thrilling encounters from previous Champions League seasons. Real Madrid, the most successful club in the history of the competition, will be looking to assert their dominance and secure a vital victory against the Parisian giants. With players like Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior in fine form, Real Madrid will pose a significant threat to PSG's defense.In a heartwarming turn of events, a young man who had been reported missing and later rescued by villagers in a remote area has spoken out about his ordeal. The man, identified as a Master's degree holder by the name of Alex, was found by locals wandering aimlessly in the woods, disoriented and in a state of distress. However, despite initial concerns that he may have been held captive, villagers have come forward to clarify that he was not being held against his will.The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, acknowledging the sheer brilliance and skill displayed by both players throughout the match. While the young challenger showed tremendous potential and talent, it was Haoshuai's experience, composure, and mental fortitude that ultimately decided the outcome in his favor.
NoneMiguel Tomley scores 28 to lead Weber State over Pepperdine 68-53 at Arizona Tip-Off
In the world of competitive gaming, Long Zezhuang's name would forever be etched in history as a rising star with limitless potential. His story served as an inspiration to aspiring gamers everywhere, reminding them that greatness is not measured by the accolades one receives, but by the inner strength and resilience that one demonstrates in the face of adversity. As Long Zezhuang walked away from the press conference, his head held high and his heart full of determination, it was clear that this was only the beginning of a journey marked by unparalleled success and achievement.
The flood-plagued street where no-one can get insuranceNoneAs discussions continue within the White House on the feasibility and implications of pardoning criminals, it is crucial to consider a range of factors, including the nature of the offenses, the individual circumstances of the offenders, and the potential for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. By conducting a thorough and systematic review of each case, the administration can make well-informed decisions that prioritize fairness, equity, and compassion.
The reunion of iG and TES in the group stage has sparked nostalgia among fans, as they reminisce about the past glory days when players like Rookie, TheShy, and JackeyLove were part of the same team. These talented individuals, known for their exceptional skills and competitive spirit, were once united under the iG banner and achieved great success in the League of Legends scene.An Indian travel blogger recently shared how securing a 10-year US visa was the "best investment" that saved her money, garnering wide attention from social media users. Ami Palan, in a X post highlighted how her investment in the visa helped her get heavy discounts while travelling to places like UAE or Turkey. "Last year, I secured a 10-year USA visa, and it’s one of the best travel investments I’ve made. For example, I can now get a Turkish e-Visa for just $60, a fraction of the standard cost. When I traveled to the UAE, I paid half the usual visa price, and it was visa-on-arrival & no prior hassle," Palan said. "With a valid US visa, Indian passport holders get visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 25 countries, making travel more affordable and convenient. Also, with a US visa, countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Philippines allow visa-free entry, making last-minute trips much easier," she added. Her post prompted several reactions from users. One X user said, "Smart move. Access to a broader range of countries with less hassle can really enhance spontaneous travel plans." Another person commented, "Also it’s easier to get visas to other countries too. Like once they see the US visa on your passport, they feel more comfortable granting you the visa for their country." "I went to Taiwan and Macedonia without visa and when the officer saw the US visa they did not even ask questions at Seoul and Helsinki. Elevates the weak passport!" said a third person. "US and Schengen Visa are like validation certificates on our Indian Passport," added a fourth person on Elon Musk-led website. About The US Visa Individuals travelling to the US for business or as tourists, are issued B1 and B2 visas. Visitors on these visa types shall be allowed to remain in the United States for no more than six months, although the visas may have a validity for up to 10 years. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from World and around the world.
Jetliner skids off runway and bursts into flames while landing in South Korea, killing 179 SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A jetliner skidded off a runway, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into flames in South Korea after its landing gear apparently failed to deploy. Officials said all but two of the 181 people on board were killed Sunday in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters. The 737-800 operated by Jeju Air plane arrived from Bangkok and crashed while attempting to land in the town of Muan, about 290 kilometers (180 miles) south of Seoul. Footage of the crash aired by South Korean television channels showed the plane skidding across the airstrip at high speed, evidently with its landing gear still closed. Tornadoes in Texas and Mississippi kill 2 and injure 6 as severe weather system moves east HOUSTON (AP) — A strong storm system is threatening to whip up tornadoes in parts of the U.S. Southeast, a day after severe weather claimed at least two lives as twisters touched down in Texas and Mississippi. Strong storms moving eastward Sunday are expected to continue producing gusty, damaging winds, hail and tornadoes through Sunday. That is according to National Weather Service meteorologist Frank Pereira. So far, the line of severe weather has led to about 40 tornado reports from southeastern Texas to Alabama, Pereira said, but those reports remain unconfirmed until surveys of damage are completed. Israeli hospital says Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — An Israeli hospital says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery. Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center said his prostate was removed late Sunday and that he was recovering. Netanyahu’s office had said Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, would serve as acting prime minister during the procedure. Doctors ordered the operation after detecting an infection last week. Netanyahu is expected to remain hospitalized for several days. Syria's de facto leader says it could take up to 4 years to hold elections BEIRUT (AP) — Syria’s de facto leader has said it could take up to four years to hold elections in Syria, and that he plans on dissolving his Islamist group that led the country’s insurgency at an anticipated national dialogue summit for the country. Ahmad al-Sharaa, who leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group leading the new authority in Syria, made the remarks in an interview Sunday. That's according to the Saudi television network Al-Arabiyya. It comes almost a month after a lightning insurgency led by HTS overthrew President Bashar Assad’s decades-long rule, ending the country’s uprising-turned civil war that started back in 2011. A fourth infant dies of the winter cold in Gaza as families share blankets in seaside tents DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — A fourth infant has died of hypothermia in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by nearly 15 months of war are huddled in tents along the rainy, windswept coast as winter arrives. The baby's father says the 20-day-old child was found with his head as “cold as ice” Sunday morning in their tent. The baby’s twin brother was moved to the intensive care unit of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Their father says the twins were born one month premature and spent just a day in hospital, which like other Gaza health centers has been overwhelmed and only partially functions. Musk causes uproar for backing Germany's far-right party ahead of key elections BERLIN (AP) — Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has caused uproar after backing Germany’s far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of key parliamentary elections in the Western European country, leading to the resignation of the paper’s opinion editor in protest. Germany is to vote in an early election on Feb. 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalize the country’s stagnant economy. Musk’s guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag, published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month he supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD. 2024 was a year of triumphs and setbacks for Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Here's how it unfolded The year 2024 saw President Vladimir Putin further cement his power as he sought to counter Russia's isolation over the war in Ukraine. He won a fifth term that will keep him in office until 2030 following an election with only token opposition. He tightened a political crackdown on Russian society, and his top opponent, Alexei Navalny, died in prison under still unknown circumstances. But gunmen massacred scores of people in a Moscow concert hall, and a bomb killed a top general in attacks that underscored security flaws. Ukrainian forces swept into the Russian region of Kursk, Putin boasted about a lethal new hypersonic missile, and a new Trump administration raised concerns about continued U.S. support for Ukraine. Azerbaijan's president says crashed jetliner was shot down by Russia unintentionally Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev says the Azerbaijani airliner that crashed last week was shot down by Russia, albeit unintentionally. Aliyev told Azerbaijani state television on Sunday that the aircraft was hit by fire from the ground over Russia and rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare. He accused Russia of trying to “hush up” the issue for several days. The crash on Wednesday killed 38 of 67 people on board. Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to Aliyev on Saturday for what he called a “tragic incident” but stopped short of acknowledging Moscow’s responsibility. Russian man arrested for allegedly running LGBTQ+ travel agency found dead in custody A Russian man arrested for allegedly running a travel agency for gay customers has been found dead in custody in Moscow. That's according to independent news outlet Mediazona on Sunday. According to OVD-Info, Andrei Kotov of the Men Travel agency was in pretrial detention facing extremism charges. An investigator told Kotov’s lawyer that her client had died by suicide and was found dead in his cell. Just over a year ago, Russia’s Supreme Court effectively outlawed any LGBTQ+ activism in a ruling that designated “the international LGBT movement” as extremist. The move exposed anyone in the community or connected to it to criminal prosecution and prison. LeBron James at 40: A milestone birthday arrives Monday for the NBA's all-time scoring leader When LeBron James broke another NBA record earlier this month, the one for most regular-season minutes played in a career, his Los Angeles Lakers teammates handled the moment in typical locker room fashion. They made fun of him. Dubbed The Kid from Akron, with a limitless future, James is now the 40-year-old from Los Angeles with wisps of gray in his beard, his milestone birthday coming Monday, one that will make him the first player in NBA history to play in his teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. He has stood and excelled in the spotlight his entire career.Upon arrival at the scene, emergency medical response teams worked swiftly to stabilize the individuals and transport them to nearby medical facilities for further treatment. The quick and efficient response played a crucial role in ensuring that the affected individuals received the necessary care promptly.
After delay, Trump signs agreement with Biden White House to begin formal transition handoff
Rotary International distributes 6 lakh sanitary pads in ChandigarhBy now, most of us are familiar with Medik8’s high-performance skincare products . Its clever retinal serums are recommended by professionals, popular among A-listers, and a mainstay in the skincare routines of beauty editors everywhere – especially here at Vogue HQ. So too are products like the Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF50 and the C-Tetra vitamin C, which have amassed a loyal (and large) fanbase on the strength of their results. But the Medik8 products I credit with helping to clear my acne-prone skin aren’t the most popular of the bunch. If you’re shopping the Medik8 Black Friday 2024 sale in pursuit of the most-hyped items, they’re ones you may even scroll past. And while there’s good reason to stock up on the heroes of Medik8’s CSA philosophy – which prescribes vitamin C , sunscreen and vitamin A as the recipe for healthier skin – these two underrated products are not to be dismissed. Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse The first is Medik8’s Surface Radiance Cleanse . A gel face wash that has a sensorial, non-stripping lather, it calls on mandelic, lactic and salicylic acids to decongest the skin. The mild foam it produces is infused with glycerin to keep your face from drying out, and though it’s hydrating, it rinses away without leaving a greasy skin feel. It’s been a game changer for my acne-prone skin. Thanks to the skin-clarifiers in its formula, it lifts excess oils and impurities out like no other face wash I have tried. When I’ve had active breakouts or blackheads, one round of this cleanser has loosened clogged pores and restored a comfortable softness to my skin. As my skin has cleared up, I’ve noticed that it exfoliates dullness and rough patches too, revealing a brighter, smoother complexion with regular use. I’ve used it daily for the past two years – which is no small thing, and the most committed I have been to a skincare product as a beauty writer that tests them for a living. I have endless options at my disposal, but the efficacy of this formulation has kept me shopping top-ups the minute it runs out. Medik8 Press & Glow Tonic Then there is the Medik8 Press & Glow Tonic. This is one I call on to address texture and discolouration, especially at the jawline and chest where my curly hair often results in ingrowns. Because it uses PHAs, which are larger than the alpha hydroxy acids used in most toners, it is very good at targeting old cells on the surface of the skin. It gently removes the top layer of dull and dead skin – without stinging or irritation – and I’ve found it has accelerated the fading of my discoloured patches. Though I’m not religious abut using it everyday (I prefer to soak a cotton round and use it as a treatment when needed) it is mild enough for daily use. And with those big PHA molecules specifically getting to work on the top layer of the skin, Medik8 have formulated it to be safe for layering with stronger actives – like, say, the Crystal Retinal – already in your routine. While I’ve tried the retinal, I have been most consistent with the two products above. They are the underdogs of Medik8’s roster: their cumulative effect has taken my skin from bumpy and blemished to calm with massively improved clarity, and I can’t recommend them enough for anyone struggling with troubled, or textured, skin. Best of all, you can try both for 25 per cent off this Black Friday and through Cyber Weekend. I, for one, will be stocking up.In the post-match interview, Long Zezhuang humbly acknowledged the hard work and dedication of his opponent, recognizing the tough fight that had been put up in defense of the championship title. "I still have a lot to learn when it comes to competing at this level," he admitted, showing a maturity and humility far beyond his years. Despite his victory, Long Zezhuang displayed a level of sportsmanship that earned him the respect and admiration of both fans and fellow players.