Drinking wine in moderation can offer numerous health benefits due to its rich array of organic compounds. One such compound is polyphenols, which act as powerful antioxidants, __11__ harmful free radicals and reducing oxidative stress in the body. Additionally, wine contains flavonoids, known for their ability to promote cardiovascular health by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation. Moreover, the presence of resveratrol in wine has been linked to enhanced memory function and cognitive health. These organic __12__ found in wine work synergistically to benefit your health, making wine consumption a potentially positive addition to a balanced lifestyle.

       In addition to its potential health benefits, drinking wine also offers you with various social benefits that contribute to overall well-being. Firstly, the consumption of wine can lead to a boost in __13__. The act of sharing and enjoying wine in a social setting often involves engaging in conversation and expressing opinions about different flavors, aromas, and wine pairings. This exchange of ideas can provide individuals with a sense of validation and affirmation, bolstering their confidence in their own tastes and preferences. Moreover, the relaxed and convivial atmosphere typically associated with wine consumption can help individuals feel more comfortable and at ease in social situations. Enjoying a glass of wine with friends or colleagues can create a sense of camaraderie and mutual enjoyment, leading to increased feelings of __14__. Overall, the social aspects of wine consumption can contribute to a greater sense of selfassurance and empowerment in social interactions, ultimately enhancing overall wellbeing.

       __15__, the combination of the health benefits and social advantages of drinking wine in moderation underscores its potential to enhance overall well-being. By incorporating wine into a balanced lifestyle, individuals can not only enjoy its potential health benefits but also derive satisfaction from the enriching social experiences it facilitates, ultimately contributing to a sense of empowerment and fulfillment in daily life.

       Despite its remarkable growth, the creator economy and influencer marketing still operate in a somewhat unregulated space. This leads to challenges, particularly concerning performance metrics and payment standards. __16__, with influencer marketing becoming a more entrenched component of marketing budgets, creators and influencers are urging brands, agencies, and influencer marketing platforms to reconsider payment terms.

      Digiday recently interviewed five creators about their experiences negotiating payment terms in this __17__ industry. Steven Sharpe, a full-time lifestyle and wellness content creator with over 24,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram and founder of Nobius Creative Studios, emphasized the importance of creators setting boundaries in this dynamic environment.

      Payment terms typically range from 30 to 90 days after the completion of the creator or influencer's work, with invoices sent to the brand, its agency partners, or an influencer marketing platform. However, late payments are not uncommon, leaving creators waiting for weeks or even months for their compensation. Jazmin Griffith, a social analyst and full-time creator with over 300,000 TikTok and Instagram followers, shared her frustration with waiting over six months for payment after securing a campaign.

    To __18__ these delays, Griffith now prefers working directly with brands or mainstream influencer marketing agencies. She has also begun requesting upfront deposits, particularly for higher-priced campaigns. Similarly, Jayde Powell, a freelance content marketer and creator, faced payment challenges, prompting her to negotiate shorter payment terms with brands. Powell also introduced late payment fees to __19__ prompt payments. Joy Ofodu, a full-time creator and voice actor with over 290,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram, advocates for brands to initiate the payment process immediately after content is published. However, late payments persist as a significant issue for creators, with 56% reporting facing such delays, according to Tipalti.

   This friction between creators and brands underscores the pressing need for standardized payment terms within the industry. Victoria Bachan, president of Whalar Talent, stresses the urgency of addressing this issue. Nonetheless, Bachan acknowledges challenges on both sides, with newcomers grappling to navigate the industry and brands managing multiple influencer campaigns.

     To support creators, Whalar is exploring options such as __20__ payments for late invoices. Despite the hurdles, resources are available to creators, such as the Creators Guild of America (CGA) and the Freelance Isn't Free Act, advocating for fair pay and safeguarding freelancers from late payments.                Advocating for payment standardization is an arduous but essential endeavor, particularly as the influencer marketing industry continues its expansion. As noted by Ofodu, adapting to evolving economic trends is crucial for both creators and brands. Ultimately, equitable and timely payment practices are indispensable for fostering a sustainable creator economy.

        As travelers become more aware of their effect on the planet and want to do their part to make a positive difference and live more sustainably, ecotourism has really taken off. According to the Business Research Company, the global ecotourism market is expected to grow from $157.76 billion in 2021 to $185.43 billion in 2022, reaching a whopping $299.03 billion in 2026. Awareness of our negative impact on the environment is finally on the forefront of many people’s minds. 

      What is ecotourism, exactly, and how is it different from sustainable travel? According to the International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the wellbeing of the local people and involves interpretation and education.” Simply put, it’s travel that has a positive impact on a destination’s ecology and economy. Some people use the terms “ecotourism” and “sustainable tourism” interchangeably, but although both have an end goal of helping the environment, there is one major difference. Ecotourism is all about getting out in nature and conserving the natural resources of a specific area, so it doesn’t really apply in urban, big-city environments. Sustainable travel, on the other hand, is broader and includes everything from eliminating singleuse plastics to reducing energy consumption to water conservation to recycling.           Because ecotourism is designed to safeguard the integrity of a natural area’s vulnerable ecosystem, it should allow visitors to experience the beauty of a destination without causing damage. Often, it also lets them participate in activities that benefit the  environment. Another key element of ecotourism is helping local communities thrive. That can happen in a number of ways, all involving some type of financial aspect, from providing jobs to supporting local businesses. It is vital to care for the people who live in a destination—they are, ultimately, the stewards of that land.

        Ecotourism can help the environment in that it helps ensure that a destination’s biodiversity and ecosystems remain protected. For example, because Costa Rica’s rainforest is such a huge draw for visitors, residents work hard to keep it safe rather than deforest it for short-term gains. The money brought into their economy by ecotourism provides, literally, a more sustainable way for their communities and the rainforest itself to thrive. Besides protecting their environment, ecotourism provides jobs for residents, bringing money into areas that may have previously been overlooked. As for travelers, being a responsible traveler makes for a much more satisfying and authentic experience. Instead of simply visiting tourist attractions and eating at chain restaurants, you get to immerse yourself in a local culture and really get to know the people who live there. It enriches your own life and opens your mind to new ideas. It reminds you that you’re a citizen of the world and that it’s up to all of us to take care of the planet we call home. 

       Unfortunately, if travelers don’t follow all its major principles, there can also be a dark side to ecotourism. If ecotourism isn’t properly regulated, it can damage the ecosystems it’s meant to protect. Fragile plants and vegetation may be trampled on, garbage may be left behind and overused trails may result in soil erosion. Also, too many visitors may cause stress to wildlife, disturbing the animals’ natural routines and habitats, displacing them or causing them to change their behavior or get used to humans.        “Ecotourism is an amazing way to discover the world,” says Chandra Wright. “So much of our daily lives is scripted and manufactured. Nature is full of wonder everywhere you look.” Experiencing ecotourism can change our outlook and also make us more eco-conscious, which is great for the environment.

       Located just 80 miles from the earthquake's epicenter, Taipei 101 experienced violent tremors during what was deemed Taiwan's strongest earthquake in 25 years. Despite the intense shaking, the skyscraper, once the world's tallest, emerged from the seismic event virtually unharmed, serving as a testament to its robust design and meticulous engineering. While neighboring buildings succumbed to the earthquake's fury, Taipei 101 stood firm, its towering silhouette piercing the skyline with resilience. 

      At the heart of Taipei 101's ability to withstand seismic forces lies its ingenious construction using reinforced concrete, a material renowned for its strength and flexibility. As the earth trembled beneath it, Taipei 101 swayed gracefully, absorbing the seismic energy and preventing catastrophic structural damage. This dynamic response, rooted in the principle of harmonizing with seismic forces rather than resisting them, underscores the effectiveness of traditional East Asian architectural wisdom in modern engineering practices.

      Furthermore, Taipei 101 boasts a sophisticated engineering feature known as a tuned mass damper, a colossal orb-like device suspended within the skyscraper. This engineering marvel, weighing 660 tons and suspended between the 87th and 92nd floors, acts as a counterweight to counteract the building's swaying motions. By resonating at the same frequency as the structure but with slight variations, the tuned mass damper dissipates seismic energy, ensuring the tower's stability during earthquakes.

       In addition to its advanced engineering features, Taipei 101 benefits from deep foundational support and strict adherence to anti-seismic building codes. The skyscraper rests on 380 reinforced concrete and steel piles drilled deep into the bedrock, providing a stable anchor against seismic forces. Moreover, the building's core is connected to a series of robust steel outrigger trusses, enhancing its structural integrity and resistance to earthquakes. 

       Despite these engineering advancements, accurately predicting a building's response to seismic events remains challenging. While digital simulations and modeling provide valuable insights, physical testing in controlled environments such as wind tunnels and shake tables is essential for validating design efficacy. As Stefan Al, author of "Supertall: How the World's Tallest Buildings Are Reshaping Our Cities and Our Lives," explains, there are limitations to digital simulations, and real-world testing is crucial for refining building designs and ensuring their resilience against seismic events.

       In conclusion, Taipei 101's survival amidst Taiwan's recent earthquake serves as a remarkable testament to human ingenuity and innovation in the face of natural disasters. By leveraging advanced engineering techniques, including reinforced concrete construction and tuned mass dampers, Taipei 101 stands as a beacon of resilience in the midst of adversity. As seismic events continue to pose challenges, ongoing research and testing will further enhance our understanding of structural dynamics and improve the resilience of buildings worldwide.