Roger W. Watson, Author at Iba magazine

07 Jul

Discover Italy’s hidden mosaic school

Roger W. WatsonFashion and Trends

Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Italy, in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, lies a centuries-old craft quietly kept alive in a specialized school devoted entirely to the intricate art of mosaic making. While Italy is renowned worldwide for its contributions to art, architecture, and design, this particular school—little known beyond expert circles—serves as a living testament to a tradition that dates back to ancient Rome and Byzantium.The Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli, situated in the town of Spilimbergo, has been training master mosaicists since the early 20th century. Though Italy’s name often conjures images of Renaissance paintings, marble…

Chris Brown pleads not guilty to more assault charges

07 Jul

Chris Brown denies new assault allegations in court

Roger W. WatsonCulture and Entertainment

Chris Brown, the well-known singer, songwriter, and performer, has formally entered a not guilty plea in response to recent assault charges filed against him. The development comes as the latest chapter in the artist’s legal history, which has seen several incidents over the years involving allegations of violence.The situation at hand pertains to allegations against Brown regarding a dispute that resulted in an assault charge, which led authorities to initiate an investigation and pursue legal proceedings. At a court session recently, Brown’s defense team submitted a plea of not guilty for him, paving the way for additional legal actions as…

96-year-old shares what she does to keep life vibrant. You start doing it now

06 Jul

96-year-old on how to keep life vibrant—here’s what to do

Roger W. WatsonHealth

In a time when celebrating long life is becoming more common, individuals frequently question how to not only extend their years but also enhance their quality. Though numerous people emphasize healthy eating, physical activity, and healthcare innovations, a 96-year-old lady attributes her lively and cheerful existence to something much more straightforward and yet profoundly significant: maintaining curiosity, involvement, and an optimistic outlook regardless of the situation.Her approach to life offers not just inspiration but practical wisdom that can be embraced by anyone, regardless of age. In her nearly ten decades on Earth, this remarkable woman has witnessed wars, economic downturns,…

'I can't drink the water' - life next to a US data centre

06 Jul

“I can’t drink the water” – how US data centres affect communities

Roger W. WatsonSocial Responsibility

In various parts of the United States, the swift growth of data centers—large, warehouse-style buildings that handle and manage the world's digital data—has introduced both economic opportunities and environmental worries. For some people residing near these extensive facilities, the advantages of technological investments are being increasingly eclipsed by concerns about community resources, especially water.The modern digital economy runs on data, and data centers are the backbone that keeps the internet, cloud computing, streaming, and countless other services running 24 hours a day. But keeping these enormous facilities operational, especially cooling their vast arrays of servers, requires enormous amounts of water…

Prices are now starting to rise because of tariffs. Economists say this is just the beginning

06 Jul

Economists say tariffs are causing prices to climb—and it’s just beginning

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business

Consumers are starting to notice the effect of tariffs as costs for daily products and necessary items begin to increase. Economists point out that this might be the start of a larger economic change. The consequences of tariffs, initially considered a measure for safeguarding local industries, are now impacting the finances of regular families, raising worries about impending inflation and the steadiness of the economy.The imposition of tariffs, which are essentially duties on imported items, has been a long-debated topic in international trade policy. Nations employ them to promote the consumption of domestically made products and to create fair conditions…

Four arrested in connection with M&S and Co-op cyber-attacks

06 Jul

Authorities arrest four in M&S and Co-op cyber-attacks case

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

Officials from law enforcement have announced the detention of four people linked to recent cyber-attacks on major UK retail chains Marks & Spencer and Co-op. These coordinated measures mark an important advancement in the ongoing battle against cybercrime, which continues to present substantial difficulties for both businesses and consumers in our increasingly digital landscape.The arrests were the result of an intensive investigation led by cybercrime units, working alongside private sector security experts, who traced the attacks back to a group suspected of orchestrating malicious online activities aimed at disrupting operations and extracting sensitive data. These cyber-attacks, which targeted key digital…

Jasmine Tookes Is Pregnant! The Model on Her Pregnancy Routine, Style, and Launching a Business Amid It All

06 Jul

Jasmine Tookes Is Pregnant! The Model Talks Pregnancy Routine, Chic Style, and Building a Business

Roger W. WatsonFashion and Trends

Stepping into motherhood brings a unique set of challenges and joys, and for model Jasmine Tookes, this new chapter has been both transformative and inspiring. Known for her work as an internationally recognized model and a former Victoria’s Secret Angel, Jasmine has gracefully embraced the changes that pregnancy brings, all while maintaining her signature elegance and embarking on new business ventures.As she prepares to welcome her first child, Jasmine has been open about how her daily routines, fashion choices, and professional life have evolved throughout this exciting period. For someone whose career has long been rooted in image, wellness, and…

US government to invest in rare earths production

06 Jul

US government funding to increase rare earths production

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business

The United States government is taking significant steps to strengthen its domestic production of rare earth elements, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign sources and bolster critical supply chains essential for modern technology and national security. This strategic investment reflects growing concerns over global competition for these vital materials, which play a crucial role in industries ranging from electronics and renewable energy to defense and telecommunications.Rare earth elements, a collection of 17 metals with similar chemical characteristics, are essential in the production of numerous modern technologies. These minerals form the foundation of many items that propel both the worldwide economy…

Hundreds of thousands of children have type 1 diabetes. Now, there’s a Barbie who has it, too

06 Jul

Barbie’s new type 1 diabetes doll represents hundreds of thousands of children

Roger W. WatsonHealth

In an effort to highlight the significance of representation and inclusivity in the toy industry, Barbie has unveiled a new doll that embodies the life of living with type 1 diabetes. This development represents an important stride in recognizing the realities encountered by numerous children who deal with this chronic illness on a daily basis, providing them with a relatable figure and promoting wider discussions surrounding health, diversity, and acceptance.For many years, Barbie has transcended being just a plaything. She has become a representation of cultural shifts, symbolizing evolving social norms and reflecting the dreams and potential futures of children…

06 Jul

‘They scream the choruses’: How Japanese anime songs became Gen Z’s latest musical obsession

Roger W. WatsonCulture and Entertainment

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the global music landscape as Japanese anime songs, known as "anisongs," gain remarkable popularity among young audiences, particularly members of Generation Z. What was once a niche interest confined to dedicated anime fans has now exploded into a mainstream musical phenomenon, with millions of listeners worldwide embracing these high-energy tracks and their distinctive style.The expansion of anime culture beyond Japan has greatly influenced this music scene. Due to streaming services and social networks, anime series have become more readily available than before. Platforms such as Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Funimation have…