You’d be hard pressed to find anything in the natural world as familiar to us as trees — or whose role in the health of our planet feels as immediately legible. Among the earliest things many of us learn is that trees are the ‘lungs of the planet,’ absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into our atmosphere.
And while their role in carbon sequestration and oxygen production is noteworthy, trees offer a wealth of other climate benefits, from regulating water cycles to cooling urban heat islands. All of this, alongside the aesthetic wonder and sheer diversity that trees bring to the world, has made them enduring subjects of fascination in science and culture. In recent years, books about trees have surged in popularity, most notably Peter Wohlleben’s The Hidden Life of Trees, which helped bring to mainstream audiences the remarkable idea that trees communicate with one another and actively share resources. It’s a cultural shift that biologist Merlin Sheldrake has spoken to directly: as environmental crises have worsened, people have become aware of “the many shimmering networks of connection that we’re bound up in.”
Since 2011, another way of celebrating trees in their function and beauty has been the European Tree of the Year contest. The competition seeks to raise awareness of trees as part of our natural and cultural heritage, and to showcase the communities who care for them, celebrating the trees that have become gathering points for generations of people. In the words of the European contest’s coordinator Petr Skřivánek, the aim is not to find “the most beautiful tree,” but to recognise those with the most meaningful human stories and connections.
This year, the winner of the Tree of the Year award was the Oak of Laukiai in Lithuania. Here is a photo of each of this year’s celebrated trees, from the Baltic champion to the runners-up.
1. Oak of Laukiai in Lithuania
This 400-year-old common oak spent much of its life known only to the people of Laukiai village. Recently its surroundings were restored and a celebration organised in its honour, drawing a community together to celebrate its steady, enduring presence.
Oak of Laukiai. Credit: Vytautas Želnys
2. The Old Wild Apple Tree in Slovakia
Rooted in the village of Žiar at 860 metres altitude, this wild apple tree has been shaped by generations of farmers’ hands and 150 years of mountain weather, including wind, snow, and heatwaves.
The Old Wild Apple Tree. Credit: Martin Babarik
3. Crooked Tree in Poland
This 110-year-old white elm rises above the moat of an island near the former castle of the noble Szydłowiecki and Radziwiłł families. Known as the Crooked Tree, its distinctive lean toward the water is a result of where it took root. Today the site has returned to nature, the tree’s twisted silhouette as mesmerising as ever.
Crooked Tree in Poland. Credit: Krzysztof Karpinski
One brand comes with decades of sportswear mythology attached, the other sits within a very friendly version of modern, trend-driven retail reality. Now they’ve met somewhere in the middle. Which is usually where a peplum top becomes a track jacket, gets three stripes, and a few dots to complete the picture. As established, if there’s one 2025 leftover we’re dragging into 2026, it’s elevated athleisure. We’ve always had a soft spot for contrast, sweatpants make much more sense than they should with kitten heels, particularly when they’re engineered for the pairing.
Courtesy of ASOS x Adidas Originals
ASOS, of course, knows its way around Adidas Originals, and vice versa. This isn’t their first attempt at it, not even their second. Third round, as it turns out, lands better. It also gives you the opportunity to find a 27-piece collection at Adidas’ London flagship store (April 16-21), although endlessly scrolling online remains an option (from April 16 onwards, at least).
Courtesy of ASOS x Adidas Originals
“This third collection moves the adidas Originals x ASOS collaboration into a more expressive space, with elevated textures, sharper styling, and more ways for customers to make the collection their own. Bringing the launch into the adidas London flagship store alongside ASOS.com gives this chapter a new dimension and invites even more people in,” says Vanessa Spence, Executive Vice President, Brand and Creative at ASOS.
Courtesy of ASOS x Adidas Originals
Thought the peplum track jacket was satire? It wasn’t even the beginning of it. The tracksuit has had a full identity shift since then. It now comes in faded-chewing-gum-pink, decorated with ruffles, dropped shoulders, and full balloon bottoms. Black-and-blue gingham track jackets keep company with pleated skirts speaking the same language. Funnel neck tops double as button-ups, pastel yellow, hints of black, and matching pants finish the look. Then there are woven joggers that share space with mini skirts, fitted tops with subtle Japanese references, shorts trimmed with lace, trench coats that somehow work better with stripes, knitted see-through minis, and the list goes on. Everything carries a $50 to $160 price tag, with XS to XXL on the label. Consider this your warning, once it’s gone, it doesn’t come back with a polite email. The quick ones are the lucky ones.
In an increasingly mobile world, the relationship between people and place is being continuously reshaped. Memory is no longer anchored to a fixed geography, but shaped through movement and temporal overlap. As bodies traverse space, can experience itself take on new forms of continuity?
Earlier this year, New Spring | Lines, curated by Fanglin Luo (lead curator), Coco Shunshun Qi and Jade Xiaojing Gu, was presented at Safehouse2 in London. Bringing together 18 artists from different countries, the exhibition draws on Northeast Asian contexts—rooted in the curatorial team’s own backgrounds—to explore diasporic experience and non-linear memory through a range of immersive and participatory works.
Approaching the subject through both spatial and temporal perspectives, the exhibition takes Northeast Asia as a point of departure. Rather than offering a singular narrative, the works construct parallel temporalities shaped by personal memory and affect, unfolding alongside broader historical structures. Viewers are invited to engage with these fragmented yet familiar sensibilities, opening up new experiences within the specific context of London.
Participation and presence are central to the exhibition’s methodology. Through performance, moving image, workshops, panel discussions and installation, audiences shift from passive spectators to active participants. Notably, members of the curatorial team also contribute as artists, blurring the distinction between organising and making. Fanglin Luo, for instance, presents Spinning (2026), a workshop based on a traditional handkerchief dance from her hometown. Participants are invited to rotate the handkerchief while sharing their own memories and lived experiences in London, forming new connections in the present moment.
Several works engage directly with sensory memory. Kyra Zhang’s workshop on Northeast Chinese food culture uses taste to activate personal and collective memory, while Alice Shuyi Wang uses rice as a carrier of intergenerational memory, combining scent and live performance. Rikuto Fujimoto’s installation transforms electricity, sound and heat, evoking the embodied experience of gathering around warmth, and Evey Sun’s wearable jewellery works, made from bone, rope and wood, draw on tactile and ritualistic memories rooted in Northeast Asian shamanic traditions.
Spanning painting, performance, moving image, sound and installation, the exhibition foregrounds an open and fluid structure of experience. Rather than fragmentation, it proposes gathering as a continuous process of connection and reconfiguration. Through personal memory, it gestures towards broader marginal and non-central identities and shared human conditions.
The “lines” in the exhibition’s title refer both to the visual traces of cold, post-industrial landscapes and to the weaving of non-linear memory—threads that extend, intersect and connect individuals across space and time.
In a global city like London, diasporic experience unfolds through connections across different times and communities. New Spring | Lines traces these connections as they continue to take shape.
Choosing the right workout clothing can make a noticeable difference in performance, comfort, and motivation during exercise. Whether someone is lifting heavy weights, completing a high intensity interval training session, or simply maintaining a daily gym routine, the right apparel supports movement and focus. Among the most important pieces of workout gear are shorts, which allow flexibility, breathability, and comfort during demanding exercises.
Many athletes and casual gym goers look for shorts that provide durability, mobility, and comfort without restricting movement. A well designed pair can support different activities, from squats and deadlifts to sprint intervals and stretching sessions. Understanding what features matter most can help individuals select shorts that match their workout style and training intensity.
Why the Right Shorts Matter for Gym Performance
Workout clothing influences both physical performance and overall comfort during exercise. Shorts that are too tight, too loose, or made from unsuitable materials can interfere with movement and concentration.
High quality shorts for gym training are designed with athletic movement in mind. The right pair can offer several benefits:
Greater freedom of movement for compound exercises
Breathable fabrics that help regulate body temperature
Moisture management that reduces sweat discomfort
Long lasting durability for repeated workouts
These factors become especially important during demanding activities such as weightlifting or high intensity interval training.
Durable Shorts for Regular Gym Workouts
Durability is a key concern for anyone who trains regularly. Gym workouts place stress on clothing due to friction, stretching, and repeated washing.
Features That Improve Durability
Durable gym shorts often include the following characteristics:
Reinforced stitching to prevent tearing
Performance fabrics designed for athletic wear
Strong elastic waistbands that maintain shape
Materials that resist wear from equipment or flooring
Shorts built with these features can withstand activities such as squats, lunges, and sled pushes without losing their structure.
Choosing Shorts for Weightlifting
Weightlifting requires clothing that allows a full range of motion. Deep squats, lunges, and hip hinge movements demand flexible materials that move naturally with the body.
Ideal Features for Lifting Shorts
When selecting shorts for weight training, individuals often look for:
Stretchable fabric that supports deep movements
Mid length designs that stay in place during lifts
Secure waistbands that prevent slipping
Lightweight materials that reduce overheating
These features help ensure that shorts remain comfortable and functional throughout an entire strength training session.
The Best Shorts for HIIT Workouts
High intensity interval training involves rapid movement, jumping, and quick direction changes. Shorts designed for HIIT should support agility and ventilation.
Characteristics of HIIT Friendly Shorts
Effective HIIT shorts usually include:
Lightweight fabrics for unrestricted movement
Moisture wicking materials that manage sweat
Breathable mesh panels for airflow
Flexible waistbands that remain secure
Because HIIT workouts elevate body temperature quickly, breathable materials and comfortable fits are particularly valuable.
Popular Brands to Buy Smart Gym Shorts
Consumers searching for reliable workout apparel often explore online stores that specialize in athletic clothing. These platforms typically offer detailed product descriptions and sizing guides to help shoppers choose the right gear.
When purchasing gym shorts, buyers usually evaluate:
Fabric materials and stretch capability
Customer reviews regarding comfort and durability
Size charts and fit recommendations
Versatility for multiple workout styles
Understanding these factors can help shoppers find shorts that match their training needs and preferences.
Choosing the Right Size for Core Shorts
Comfort and performance depend heavily on proper sizing. Shorts that are too tight may restrict movement, while overly loose shorts may shift during exercise.
Steps for Selecting the Correct Size
To choose the right size, individuals should:
Measure the waist using a flexible tape measure
Review the brand’s sizing chart carefully
Consider the type of workout they will perform
Look at the fabric’s stretch properties
Well fitted shorts should feel secure while still allowing unrestricted movement during exercises such as squats and lunges.
Jogger Style Shorts for Summer Workouts
Warm weather workouts require lightweight clothing that helps regulate body temperature while maintaining comfort.
Features That Work Well in Hot Weather
Jogger inspired shorts designed for summer workouts often include:
Lightweight breathable fabrics
Stretch panels for flexibility
Moisture management materials
Athletic cuts designed for movement
These styles can be useful for outdoor workouts, gym training, and casual athletic wear during warmer months.
Understanding Search Trends Around Gym Shorts in Adult Content
Some online searches ask about gym shorts used in adult content. In most cases, this question relates less to specific products and more to visual trends in media production.
In adult entertainment settings, performers often wear standard athletic shorts because they are flexible, lightweight, and easy to move in. These same qualities are also what make gym shorts practical for workouts and sports activities.
Common characteristics of shorts that appear in various media contexts include:
Lightweight athletic fabrics such as polyester or nylon blends
Elastic waistbands that allow easy adjustment
Shorter inseam designs that support leg mobility
Stretch materials that allow unrestricted movement
These characteristics are also the features recommended for fitness training. Athletic shorts are designed primarily for comfort and mobility during exercise, which explains why they appear in many different types of media as well.
For people choosing workout clothing, the focus should remain on performance related features such as breathability, durability, and comfort during movement.
Comparing Shorts for Different Workout Types
Different training styles may require slightly different design features.
Workout Type
Ideal Shorts Features
Key Benefit
Weightlifting
Stretch fabrics and secure waistbands
Supports deep movements
HIIT Training
Lightweight breathable materials
Improves agility and airflow
Daily Gym Use
Durable and flexible design
Works across multiple workouts
Outdoor Training
Moisture management fabrics
Helps maintain comfort in heat
Selecting the right shorts for the intended activity can improve overall workout efficiency.
A Look at Modern Activewear Options
When shopping for gym apparel, many consumers explore brands known for performance wear such as Lululemon or Gymshark, while others consider Halara for its balance of comfortable designs, inclusive sizing, and accessible pricing that many shoppers find practical for everyday gym shorts used in weightlifting, HIIT, and daily workouts.
Maintaining Gym Shorts for Long Term Use
Even well designed shorts require proper care to maintain their performance qualities.
Care Tips
To extend the lifespan of gym shorts, it is helpful to:
Wash them in cold water to protect fabric elasticity
Avoid high heat drying that may damage materials
Turn garments inside out before washing
Use mild detergents suitable for athletic fabrics
Following these steps helps maintain fabric quality and ensures shorts remain comfortable during workouts.
Conclusion
Gym shorts are an essential part of workout apparel because they support movement, comfort, and durability during exercise. Whether someone is performing heavy lifts, completing HIIT circuits, or maintaining daily gym sessions, the right pair of shorts can improve both performance and overall training experience.
By selecting shorts that combine breathable fabrics, strong construction, and a comfortable fit, individuals can train more confidently and focus on their fitness goals. As activewear continues to evolve, well designed gym shorts remain one of the most practical and versatile pieces of workout gear for athletes at every level.
Kive is a creative tool used for creating product images and brand visuals. It is popular in today’s modern content creation landscape, wherein creators aim to simplify workflows and improve output quality. While Kive is a well-known choice, it is not the only option available. In fact, many users are now actively looking for Kive alternatives. The reasons for searching vary, such as workflow style, consistency, quality, pricing, or features.
This quick guide rounds up some of the tools often considered as alternatives to Kive for product visuals, marketing assets, and scalable content production.
Best Kive Alternatives in 2026
Simfa
Simfa is a multi-functional tool used for product image editing and overall content creation. With image and video features and assets, this option helps creators turn ideas into effective creative campaigns that drive results.
Its key features include AI Face Swaps, AI Image Generator, AI Outfit Swaps, Background Remover, Bulk Pricing, Color Grade, Description Creator, Image Upscaler, Product Enhancer, and SEO Meta Updater.
Pricing
Free Access
Starter Package – $15 per month
Plus Package – $23 a month
Simfa+ Package – $99 per month
Enterprise Package – Customizable
Artistly
Artistly offers unlimited creative freedom through its collection of several AI tools. From images to logos, it is used to generate visuals for brands, commercial projects, or social media content.
The app contains features, such as an AI Image Redesigner, AI Image Upscaler, AI Logo Maker, AI Photo to Prompt Decoder, AI Prompt to Image Generator, Canva-Style Image Editor, Instant Scene: AI Background Changer, Magic Merch: Instant Ecom Mockups, Smart Image Expander: AI Outpainting, and T-shirt Designs Generator.
Pricing
Commercial Package – $49
Premium Package – $147
PIXLR
PIXLR is known as an AI photo editor and image generator. Aimed at both beginners and professionals, this tool elevates creative processes by combining artistic expression and advanced technology.
In detail, the key features are AI Face Swap, AI Generative Fill, AI Image Generator, AI Remove Background, AI Remove Object, Crop Image, Generative Expand, Photo Collage Maker, and Resize Image.
Pricing
Free Trial
Plus Package – $2.49 a month
Premium Package – $9.99 per month
Claid.ai
Claid.ai produces natural-looking and realistic backgrounds for product and fashion images that engage customers. It features various AI tools to simplify product photography and streamline workflows.
Among its main features are AI Backgrounds, AI Image Variations, AI In painting, AI Models for Clothing Brands, Background Remover, Color Changer, Face Swap, Flat lay to Model, Generative Fill, and Image Enhancer & Upscaler.
Pricing
Free Trial
Essential Package – $9 per month
Pro Package – $35 a month
Pixa
Pixa is a platform wherein users can create and modify images to produce production-ready visuals. It uses Nano Banana Pro and Sora 2 to perform creative tasks and remove the need for special prompting.
Some of the tool’s key features include AI Ads, AI Image Generator, AI Video Generator, Background Remover, Change Background, Bulk Image Editor, Generative Fill, Image Upscaler, Magic Eraser, and Uncrop.
Pricing
Free Access
Pro Package – $10 per month
Business Package – $30 a month
Final Notes
Kive remains a strong pick. But it is best to have options to back you up when needed. Thankfully, the market now includes more specialized and powerful Kive alternatives. Each platform offers unique features to enhance creative projects for products and brands.
From the list of options, Simfa is one of the tools that offers consistency, usability, and different features. It is often used when there is a need for AI design tools, creative automation, and marketing visuals. That said, Simfa is an ideal toolkit for defining the next generation of content creation.
The Season 1 Battle Pass in Pokémon Champions is here, and like any other Battle Pass, there are plenty of rewards up for grabs, but unlocking everything works slightly differently than you might expect. Pokémon Champions uses the series’ classic turn-based battle system and drops the usual story mode, gyms, and exploration in favor of online PvP matches. Billed as a “free-to-start” experience, the game lets you build your team, jump into quick battles, and try to outplay other trainers move by move in ranked play.
As you’d expect from a live-service game, Pokémon Champions comes with its own Battle Pass, but progression works a little differently here. Instead of leveling it up through just about any activity, you can only progress the Battle Pass by earning Season Points in ranked matches. Here are all the rewards you can earn in the Season 1 Battle Pass in Pokémon Champions.
Pokémon Champions: All Rewards in Season 1 Battle Pass
The Season 1 Battle Pass in Pokémon Champions follows a tier-based progression system where rewards are unlocked by earning Season Points through ranked battles. Battle Pass rewards in Pokémon Champions are split across a free track and a Premium track, with Premium unlocking extra Pokémon, Mega Stones, cosmetics, and other bonuses that you won’t be able to obtain without upgrading.
With that out of the way, here’s everything you can unlock in the Season 1 Battle Pass in Pokémon Champions:
Tier 1 (Free): Dragoninite x1 (Mega Stone)
Tier 2 (Premium): Emboar
Tier 3 (Free): Quick Coupon x12
Tier 4 (Premium): Emboarite x1 (Mega Stone)
Tier 5 (Free): Teammate Ticket x1
Tier 6 (Premium): Emboar Icon
Tier 7 (Free): Training Ticket x1
Tier 8 (Premium): Teammate Tickets x6
Tier 9 (Free): Quick Coupon x12
Tier 10 (Premium): Feraligatr
Tier 11 (Free): Teammate Ticket x1
Tier 12 (Premium): Feraligite x1 (Mega Stone)
Tier 13 (Free): Training Ticket x1
Tier 14 (Premium): Feraligatr Icon
Tier 15 (Free): Quick Coupon x12
Tier 16 (Premium): Training Ticket x6
Tier 17 (Free): Teammate Ticket x1
Tier 18 (Premium): Half-Up Chignon Costume
Tier 19 (Free): Training Ticket x1
Tier 20 (Premium): Canvas Sneakers (Blue)
Tier 21 (Free): Teammate Ticket x1
Tier 22 (Premium): Simple Quarter Socks (White)
Tier 23 (Free): Training Ticket x1
Tier 24 (Premium): Wide-Leg Jeans (Black)
Tier 25 (Free): Meganium
Tier 26 (Premium): Off-Shoulder Shirt (White)
Tier 27 (Free): Meganiumite x1 (Mega Stone)
Tier 28 (Premium): Blouson Jacket (Team MZ Logo)
Tier 29 (Free): Meganium Icon
Tier 30 (Premium): Striped Trilby Hat
Tiers 31–50 (Free): 500 VP per tier
How to Earn Season Points in Pokémon Champions?
To progress through the Battle Pass tiers in Pokémon Champions, you will need to earn Season Points (SP) by playing ranked battles. The more matches you win, the more SP you earn, which helps you climb through tiers faster. If you lose, you still earn a smaller amount of SP, so you keep making steady progress even when things do not go your way. SP only comes from ranked matches, so casual battles do not contribute to Battle Pass progress. Moreover, there is no passive progression in the background either, so the only way to climb the Battle Pass is by consistently jumping into competitive matches.
There’s so much music coming out all the time that it’s hard to keep track. On those days when the influx of new tracks is particularly overwhelming, we sift through the noise to bring you a curated list of the most interesting new releases (the best of which will be added to our Best New Songs playlist). Below, check out our track roundup for Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
MUNA – ‘Wannabeher’
MUNA’s latest single, ‘Wannabeher’, is billed as “our version of Bikini Kill’s ‘Rebel Girl’,” which makes it an easy sell. “It’s about the experience of really admiring someone and feeling confused about whether you want to be them or be with them or both,” they elaborated. “A gay canon event.” The dazzlingly catchy track, lifted from Dancing on the Wall, arrives with a video directed by Dante Capone.
Snarls – ‘No Lock, No Prayer’
Snarls have announced a new EP, In Heaven There’s Rainbows, arriving on June 26. The grungy, propulsive lead single ‘No Lock, No Prayer’ comes paired with a video from director Alex Scalzo-Brown.
Nation of Language – ‘Tougher Than the Rest’ (Bruce Springsteen Cover)
There’s a lineage of great ‘Tougher Than the Rest’ covers, including from indie-leaning acts like Angel Olsen and Camera Obscura, and now Nation of Language have offered their own take on the Tunnel of Love classic. “Like so many young New Jersey residents, I grew up listening to Springsteen, but this song somehow slipped by me during that formative era,” the band’s Ian Devaney explained. “I was really only exposed to it within the last few years, and it’s followed me around since then. I can remember finishing a particularly emotional show somewhere deep in last year’s tour, and our sound engineer, Skinny, started playing it as our exit music. It caught me so hard that I stayed there, just offstage, and listened to the rest of the song blasting, mixed with the sounds of all of the people milling about the venue. When we ultimately endeavored that we might try doing our own version of the song, we luckily had a Yamaha CS-80 at our disposal, the same synth model which featured pretty heavily across the Tunnel of Love sessions back in ’87. Knowing we were working with some of the same textures as the original made it a little less daunting to cover Bruce.”
Tori Amos – ‘Gasoline Girls’
Tori Amos has served up another preview of the upcoming album In Times of Dragons. Following previous entries ‘Stronger Together’ and ‘Shush’, ‘Gasoline Girls’ amps up the rock instrumentation, though in a somewhat subversive way, given that it seems to be about a lesbian motorcycle gang – allegorically, of course. “This is a metaphor for many different transformations – from a teenage girl becoming a woman, to shifts in gender identity or fundamental belief systems, to the life changes that come with pregnancy, motherhood and eventually menopause,” Amos explained. “The song explores the emotions that come with leaving one version of yourself behind and stepping into another.”
Deerhoof and The Sound Sactuary – ‘Plants! Prosper!’ and ‘Plants! Make Noise! Here we are’
Deerhoof are always up to all sorts of bizarre collaborations. In just ten days, the band’s Greg Saunier will release a new album with Curt Sydnor, under the moniker of Bach Artillerie, playing the Goldberg canons of J.S. Bach. Today, they’ve got a new project with The Sound Sanctuary, which you might assume is an underground noise band. In fact, it is the “multi-species plant ensemble” housed in the office of the band’s label home, Joyful Noise, comprising a money tree (Pachira aquatica) and four rubber trees (Ficus elastica). I’m going to assume the money tree is the leader here. Anyway, this explains the titles of these new tracks, which total 22 minutes. Karl Hofstetter, founder of Joyful Noise Recordings, frames the Sound Sanctuary as the “opposite of AI,” harnessing the curiously reactive nature of plant consciousness. Labelmates Kishi Bashi, Butthole Surfers’ JD Pinkus, and WHY?’s Yoni Wolf have lined up improvisational records with the ensemble.
Waxahatchee – ‘Where’s Your Love Now?’ (This Is Lorelei Cover)
MJ Lenderman’s take on This Is Lorelei’s ‘Dancing in the Club’ was by far my favorite cover of 2025, and there’s a very good chance Waxahatchee’s version of ‘Where’s Your Love Now?’ takes that spot this year. The track has become a staple of Katie Crutchfield’s live show, and the studio rendition, featuring backing from Nate Amos himself, arrives today ahead of the deluxe edition of Box for Buddy, Box for Star. Crutchfield also just kicked off her co-headlining tour with MJ Lenderman in Atlanta, where she announced her pregnancy. Congratulations are in order!
SPELLLING – ‘Ammunition’ [feat. Jean Dawson]
SPELLLING has teamed up with Jean Dawson for a new version of the Portrait of My Heart track ‘Ammunition’, which really works well as a duet. It follows ‘Destiny Arrives’ featuring Weyes Blood and ‘Portrait of My Heart’ featuring Turnstile’s Brendan Yates as the latest in a series of remixes from her latest album. “[This is] ‘Ammunition’ reimagined as the duet I always intended and heard it to be. We laced the original’s romantic R&B into a grittier, cathedral-of-synths version,” Chrystia Cabral shared.” A dark fairytale turned electric. Jean’s voice is a mirror to the song’s strange soul; our outsider hearts collide. I think Jean channels that same retro-soul weirdness I grew up on, and our chemistry makes the love story feel more urgent. We lean into being beautiful misfits searching for refuge; co-produced and brought to life by Psymun.”
Fire-Toolz – ‘Where Is the Heart? I’ve Searched My Entire Home’ [feat. Jennifer Holm]
The first single from Fire-Toolz’s upcoming album, ‘Balam =^..^= Says IPv09082024 Strawberry Head’, made our list of the best songs of March. Today, we get to hear another one, ‘Where Is the Heart? I’ve Searched My Entire Home’, which is more outwardly soulful, thanks in part to a guest appearance from Americana singer Jennifer Holm. “Now imagine a Nashville mom who sings on country albums and in her church band, being asked by an interfaith transfeminine anarchist from Chicago to sing on her screamy, noisy electronic album,” Angel Marcloid said in press materials.
Hunx and His Punx – ‘Dead to Me’
Hunx and His Punx have a new EP on the way, The Punkettes, which will be released as a 7” double single on May 29 via Get Better Records. ‘Dead to Me’, their take on the classic girl group revenge tune, is out now.
BCMC – ‘Kaleidosmoke’
Bill MacKay and Cooper Crain have announced their sophomore album as BCMC, Stash, due June 26 via Drag City. It’s led by the hazy, aptly titled ‘Kaleidosmoke’, which takes cues from Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, and Iron Butterfly.
Widowspeak – ‘No Driver’
Widowspeak have previewed their forthcoming album Roses with a mesmerizing new song, ‘No Driver’. It “is about knowing and loving people who seem to thrive being on autopilot, at least for a while,” according to vocalist Molly Hamilton. “It’s written from the perspective of trying to be supportive, and knowing it can be kind of magic when you’re in it, but also just waiting patiently for whenever they’re ready to move on from destructive behavior. I also kind of wrote it to my younger self. I’m 1000% on the other side of my wilder years (quit drinking almost seven years ago and now have a baby) but I definitely felt aimless for a long time. I care now, and caring about things and people and having a reason… is the whole point.”
The Laughing Chimes – ‘Behind Your Blue Fields’ and ‘Trapeze Baby’
Athens, Ohio band the Laughing Chimes have announced a new demos collection, Behind Your Blue Fields – out May 22 – and shared two jangly highlights, ‘Behind Your Blue Fields’ and ‘Trapeze Baby’. It presents an alternate vision of their second album, before the decision to “go goth.” Evan Seurkamp explained, “The concept of a ‘wow unreleased Chimes demo compilation!’ developed quickly in the wake of a lo fi rock resurgence among our peers (Good Flying Birds, Sharp Pins, Horsegirl, Lifeguard, and Little Chair). I had dusted off my Tascam 4-track a few months ago and subsequently rediscovered a scattered assortment of demos that Laughing Chimes had recorded over the last several years. My original plan was to throw an EP’s worth of songs up on Bandcamp, but as I continued to dig through my desk drawer of old tapes, I suddenly amassed a collection of 13-ish discarded tracks.”
Genghis Tron – ‘I Am All’
Genghis Tron have announced their fourth full-length album, Signal Fire, co-produced and mixed by Seth Manchester (Model/Actriz, Battles, Big Brave). The pummeling, eruptive ‘I Am All’ leads the LP, which arrives June 12. “’Signal Fire’ envisions a Kojima-esque dystopia of endless proxy warfare,”vocalist and lyricist Tony Wolski (The Armed) shared, “where the deluge of available information has outmoded the human ability to parse it. A world where those amoral, shameless and cunning enough can literally reshape the reality at their whim through sheer insistence. Honestly, this is probably about, like, late 2027…”
Terra Twin – ‘Parking Lot’
Terra Twin have announced a new EP, Scumbag, arriving June 2, with the spindly, infectious lead single ‘Parking Lot’. “This song exists as a funhouse that pits an airy dreamscape against the raw reality of a dysfunctional relationship,” the band said in a press release.
For a long time, we thought of our stomach and intestines as a simple food processor. We believed their only job was to break down what we ate, take the nutrients, and get rid of the rest. However, modern science is showing us that the gut is far more than a digestive tube. It is actually a complex control center for the mind, often called the “second brain.” This is because your gut and your brain are in constant communication, sending signals back and forth every second of the day.
More Than Just Digestion
The big idea shifting in psychology today is that we should stop thinking of the gut and the mind as two separate things. Inside your digestive system lives a massive, invisible world made of trillions of tiny “helpers”—bacteria, viruses, and fungi known as the microbiome. When this “inner garden” is healthy and diverse, it helps you stay calm and focused. When it is out of balance, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, sadness, and brain fog. You can find more practical guides on how to support this internal ecosystem here, where we dive deep into the daily habits that keep both your gut and your mind in peak condition. Understanding this link is the first step toward a more grounded life.
The Information Highway Between Gut and Brain
The connection between your belly and your head isn’t just a metaphor; it is a physical reality. There is a massive “main cable” called the Vagus Nerve that runs directly from your brain stem down into your abdomen. This nerve allows your gut to send instant updates to your brain about how it feels. But the communication isn’t just electrical; it is also chemical.
Surprisingly, about 95% of your body’s serotonin—the “happy chemical” that stabilizes your mood—is produced in your gut, not your brain. Your gut bacteria also help produce dopamine and other chemicals that manage stress. Furthermore, these microbes act like teachers for your immune system. They train your “internal guards” to stay calm. If the gut is healthy, the immune system stays quiet. If the gut is unhappy, the immune system may trigger inflammation that travels up to the brain, affecting how you feel and think.
When the Gut Barrier Breaks
Sometimes, the walls of our gut can become weak or “leaky.” This is often called intestinal permeability. Think of your gut lining like a fine mesh screen that is supposed to let nutrients through but keep toxins out. When this screen gets holes in it, bits of undigested food and bacteria can slip into your bloodstream. This triggers your immune system to go on the attack, creating inflammation that spreads through the body.
This “internal fire” can eventually reach the brain, causing the low mood and lack of energy often seen in depression. There is also a “stress trap” involved here. When you are highly stressed, your body produces cortisol, which can physically damage the gut lining. This creates a painful cycle: stress damages your gut, and a damaged gut sends signals to the brain that make you feel even more stressed.
How Microbes Change Your Emotions
Recent research has shown that certain types of bacteria are specifically linked to a calmer mind. In studies where scientists compared “germ-free” animals to those with healthy gut bacteria, the animals without the good microbes had a much more explosive reaction to stress. They couldn’t “calm down” as easily. Good bacteria help protect the brain by turning fiber from plants into “short-chain fatty acids.” These are like a high-quality fuel that repairs the brain’s protective barrier and lowers inflammation.
This is why there is such a strong link between what we eat and how we feel. People who eat a wide variety of plants, fruits, and fermented foods tend to have a more stable and positive mood. By feeding the “good” bacteria the fiber they love, you are essentially manufacturing your own natural anti-anxiety medicine right inside your body.
Using Bacteria as a New Kind of Medicine
Because the link is so strong, scientists have started a new field of study called “psychobiotics.” These are specific strains of probiotics (live bacteria) that are used specifically to help treat mental health struggles. In some clinical trials, people who took these specific “mood-boosting” bacteria saw a drop in their cortisol levels and reported feeling less overwhelmed by daily life. This is an empowering discovery because it means that choosing what you eat is a powerful form of self-care. You aren’t just eating for your weight or your heart; you are eating to support your mental health and emotional balance. Taking advantage of Next Microbiome akkermansia probiotics can be an excellent way to strengthen the integrity of your gut barrier while exploring these advanced connections. Supporting your digestive tract with targeted, high-quality strains helps create a more resilient environment that positively influences your overall well-being.
Why Everyone Is Different
Even though we know the gut-brain link is real, it isn’t a “one size fits all” solution. Everyone has a unique map of bacteria inside them—as unique as a fingerprint. This explains why a specific diet might make one person feel energetic and happy, while it makes another person feel sluggish. Scientists are also still trying to solve the “chicken or the egg” problem: does a bad gut cause a bad mood, or does a bad mood cause the gut to get sick? Most likely, it works both ways. The future of mental health will likely involve “personalized nutrition,” where a doctor checks your specific microbiome to create a custom plan just for your mind.
Wrapping Up
Your mind and your body are not two separate entities; they are one single, flowing system. Reaffirming this connection is a vital act of self-discovery. By “gardening” your mind through the food you eat and the way you treat your body, you are taking an active role in your own mental health. You are never truly alone in your journey; trillions of tiny microbes are working every day to help you stay balanced. When you look after them, they look after you, helping you grow a life that is grounded, healthy, and full of joy.
After a long hiatus, the third season of HBO hit Euphoria is finally here, more than four years after the second installment concluded. The kids have grown up, but their lives are more chaotic than ever.
The new episodes received mixed reviews from critics and some fan backlash over a few shocking scenes. Could this mean this is the show’s final hurrah, or are more episodes arriving somewhere down the line? Here’s what we know so far.
Euphoria Season 4 Release Date
At the time of writing, HBO hasn’t made any official statements about Euphoria’s future. Given the huge break between seasons, however, as well as the fact that many of the actors in the cast have blown up in the meantime, more episodes seem unlikely.
A dark and provocative drama, Euphoria initially follows a group of high school students navigating addiction, trauma, identity, love, and self-destruction. At the centre of the action is Rue, a teenage drug addict fresh out of rehab. The show explores the lives of her peers, each dealing with their own set of problems.
The third season picks up after a time jump, with the characters navigating early adulthood. That said, things aren’t much better. Rue is now deeply entangled in drug trafficking, trying to repay a massive debt. Her life is dangerous, with stability nowhere within reach.
Elsewhere, Cassie and Nate are engaged, but their relationship is still toxic, with the latter trying to make it as an OnlyFans model. Lexi is a production assistant, Maddy a talent manager, and Jules has become a sugar baby in New York. The vibe is even darker, previewing a season that will push the characters to new extremes.
While there’s not a lot of hope for Euphoria season 4, the current installment still has seven episodes to go. You can catch them weekly on HBO Max.
Are There Other Shows Like Euphoria?
If you like Euphoria, shows with similar vibes include Elite, Skins, Riverdale, Girls, Sex Education, and Shameless.
Last summer, Waxahatchee covered This Is Lorelei’s ‘Where’s Your Love Now?’ during Brad Cook’s Newport Folk Fest aftershow, and it’s become a staple of her live show. Now, the long-awaited studio version of the cover has arrived as part of Box for Buddy, Box for Star (Super Deluxe), which arrives Friday and includes collaborations with MJ Lenderman, Snail Mail, and Power Snatch. Listen to the gorgeous rendition, which features backing from Nate Amos himself, below.
“I’m honored to be included in this re-record project as the album Box for Buddy, Box for Star has meant so much to me these last few years,” Katie Crutchfield said in a press release. “I think Nate is one of the best songwriters of this moment, making music that feels current and timeless and also somehow ahead of a curve. When I heard ‘Where’s Your Love Now?’ I thought it was one of the best songs I’ve ever heard. I am so happy to have covered it and happy to finally share it.”
