Do women who live together get their periods together, or is it a myth? ========== Menstrual synchrony, the belief that women who live together menstruate at the same time, is a myth. While it does occur occasionally, it is not due to proximity or the release of chemical pheromones. Instead, it is a mathematical coincidence caused by the statistical characteristics of menstrual cycles. Women don't always cycle at the same frequency, so irregularity can sometimes lead to menstruation occurring together. The belief originated from a study by psychologist Martha K. McClintock, but subsequent studies have been inconsistent and failed to prove her hypothesis. Some experts now believe that pheromones secreted from the armpits of women in close quarters change the timing of ovulation, not menstruation. Overall, the majority opinion is that menstrual synchrony is a mathematical coincidence and not influenced by pheromones. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/04/22/women-menstruation-periods-synchrony/

Do women who live together get their periods together, or is it a myth? ========== Menstrual synchrony, the belief that women who live together menstruate at the same time, is a myth. While it does occur occasionally, it is not due to proximity or the release of chemical pheromones. Instead, it is a mathematical coincidence caused by the statistical characteristics of menstrual cycles. Women don't always cycle at the same frequency, so irregularity can sometimes lead to menstruation occurring together. The belief originated from a study by psychologist Martha K. McClintock, but subsequent studies have been inconsistent and failed to prove her hypothesis. Some experts now believe that pheromones secreted from the armpits of women in close quarters change the timing of ovulation, not menstruation. Overall, the majority opinion is that menstrual synchrony is a mathematical coincidence and not influenced by pheromones. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/04/22/women-menstruation-periods-synchrony/

Chinese general takes a harsh line on Taiwan and other disputes at an international naval gathering ========== Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission, warned at the Western Pacific Navy Symposium in Qingdao that China would strike back with force if its interests came under threat. The meeting drew representatives from Australia, Cambodia, Chile, France, India, and the U.S. and focused on China's assertive actions in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China seas. Zhang emphasized China's territorial claims, including the disputed Senkaku island chain and the South China Sea. He stated that China's territorial sovereignty cannot be challenged and that the Chinese military will defend the reunification and interests of the motherland. Zhang's comments align with Beijing's determination to take control of Taiwan, which it claims as its own territory. Taiwan has been building up its defenses with the help of the U.S., including $8 billion in military aid. Zhang also emphasized China's unilateralist approach to foreign relations and military conflicts, stating that China remains committed to resolving maritime disputes through friendly consultations but will not allow its good faith to be abused. Zhang's comments come after a major shakeup in the Chinese military, including the disappearance of former Defense Minister Li Shangfu and several top officers in the missile corps. #China #Taiwan #TerritorialDisputes #NavalGathering #WesternPacificNavalSymposium https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/22/china-navy-us-pacific-taiwan/9dd93b2e-006f-11ef-8eac-39c6dcb59eb5_story.html

Chinese general takes a harsh line on Taiwan and other disputes at an international naval gathering ========== Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission, warned at the Western Pacific Navy Symposium in Qingdao that China would strike back with force if its interests came under threat. The meeting drew representatives from Australia, Cambodia, Chile, France, India, and the U.S. and focused on China's assertive actions in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China seas. Zhang emphasized China's territorial claims, including the disputed Senkaku island chain and the South China Sea. He stated that China's territorial sovereignty cannot be challenged and that the Chinese military will defend the reunification and interests of the motherland. Zhang's comments align with Beijing's determination to take control of Taiwan, which it claims as its own territory. Taiwan has been building up its defenses with the help of the U.S., including $8 billion in military aid. Zhang also emphasized China's unilateralist approach to foreign relations and military conflicts, stating that China remains committed to resolving maritime disputes through friendly consultations but will not allow its good faith to be abused. Zhang's comments come after a major shakeup in the Chinese military, including the disappearance of former Defense Minister Li Shangfu and several top officers in the missile corps. #China #Taiwan #TerritorialDisputes #NavalGathering #WesternPacificNavalSymposium https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/22/china-navy-us-pacific-taiwan/9dd93b2e-006f-11ef-8eac-39c6dcb59eb5_story.html

They fled Venezuela — and transformed D.C.’s food delivery scene ========== Venezuelan immigrants have entered D.C.'s food delivery industry and filled the city's streets with mopeds. Many are among the nearly 8 million people who have fled Venezuela since 2014. Food delivery has become a lifeline for many of D.C.'s Venezuelans as they pursue asylum and work permits. The job offers more autonomy over their schedules and pay than other industries, but they face challenges such as lack of access to health insurance and expenses like renting food-delivery accounts and financing mopeds. Some D.C. residents have expressed frustration at what they say is erratic and unsafe behavior on the mopeds. The moped deliveries in D.C. began about two years ago and have evolved into a cottage industry fostered by word-of-mouth recommendations and mutual trust. The drivers earn about $4,000 each month and use the earnings to afford rent, support their families, and take English lessons. The drivers are seeking to formalize their work with the city and have proposed various measures to improve their working conditions. The city officials have been meeting with the drivers and their vendors to educate them about local traffic rules. The drivers hope for more support from the city to help them safely make a living without relying on government subsidies. Some local businesses have expressed concerns about the impact of moped deliveries on their business. The drivers have different aspirations, with some hoping to land better jobs or start their own businesses. The article highlights the stories of individual drivers and their journeys from Venezuela to the United States. #Venezuela #Immigrants #FoodDelivery #Dc #Mopeds https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/04/22/moped-delivery-drivers-dc/

Far from home, three Afghan brothers find joy in lacrosse ========== Alyas, Edrees, and Momtaz Nazari, three Afghan brothers, were forced to flee their homeland in 2021 when the US pulled its troops and the Taliban seized power. They settled in Maryland and joined the North County lacrosse team, finding solace and community in the sport. The brothers initially struggled to grasp the sport and relied on their coach's phone and Google translate to communicate. They are now fluent in English and have become integral members of the team. Lacrosse has provided them with a sense of belonging and happiness in their new home. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/04/21/north-county-lacrosse-brothers/

House approves Ukraine, Israel aid bills ========== The House approved a $95 billion package of foreign aid bills that would provide funding for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The bills moved forward despite a far-right threat to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) if he advanced Ukraine aid. A rare coalition of Democrats and Republicans, led by Johnson, voted overwhelmingly to pass a procedural measure to advance the four-part legislation. The House voted separately on the four bills, with a fifth bill of GOP priorities to secure the border failing due to a two-thirds vote requirement. The foreign aid package will now go to the Senate for consideration before being sent to President Biden to be signed into law. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/04/20/house-vote-ukraine-israel-aid-johnson/

How to use Meta’s new AI chatbot that you can’t avoid ========== Meta has introduced a new AI chatbot called Meta AI, which is rolling out to Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. The chatbot can be accessed through the search and messaging features in these apps and appears as a conversational chat window. It can generate AI images and answer questions. The AI chatbot is marked with a logo and can be found in the search bar or under posts in the feed. There is no way to turn off the chatbot completely, but it can be hidden in WhatsApp settings. Meta AI is primarily meant for fun and noncritical tasks, and users should not rely on it for medical advice or sensitive information. The chatbot saves conversations, but the data is anonymized. Other tech companies are also developing their own AI chatbots. Meta hopes that the chatbot can replace some human interaction on its aging platforms. Users should be cautious of misinformation and seek human sources for important information. #Meta #AiChatbot #Facebook #Instagram #Messenger #Whatsapp https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/04/20/meta-ai-chatbot-how-to/

Rangers option rookie Jack Leiter 1 day after he allowed 7 runs in his major league debut ========== Texas Rangers rookie right-hander Jack Leiter was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Friday, one day after allowing seven runs in his major league debut. Leiter, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft and son of Al Leiter, allowed seven runs on eight hits in 3 2/3 innings in Thursday's 9-7 win at the Detroit Tigers. He walked three and struck out three. The Rangers recalled right-hander Owen White from Round Rock to provide bullpen depth for the start of their weekend series against the Atlanta Braves. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/mlb/2024/04/19/rangers-jack-leiter-optioned/0298517c-fe8f-11ee-87ac-20f7e67cbe29_story.html

Middle East conflict live updates: Explosions heard over Iranian province of Isfahan, local media reports ========== Multiple flights over Iranian airspace were diverted early Friday as explosions were heard over the province of Isfahan. Tensions in the region are high following Iran's attack on Israel, which was in retaliation for an Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria. The Biden administration voted against a UN Security Council resolution that aimed to extend full member status to a Palestinian state. A Hezbollah attack injured 18 Israeli soldiers, and Israeli strikes deeper into Lebanon have heightened fears of a broader conflict. The United States and its allies announced new sanctions on Iran to hold Tehran responsible for the attacks on Israel. The Biden administration plans to push for a full investigation into a UN report alleging abuse of detainees in Gaza by Israel Defense Forces personnel. The death toll in Gaza since the war began is at least 33,970, with 76,770 injured. Israel estimates that about 1,200 people were killed in Hamas's attack, including more than 300 soldiers. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has deep and complex roots, predating the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. #MiddleEast #Iran #Israel #Gaza #Palestine #Un #Hezbollah #Sanctions https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/18/israel-iran-hamas-war-news-gaza-palestine/