Month: July 2026

El Nino: Understanding Global Weather Changes

El Niño is a periodic warming of water in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean that can affect global weather patterns for months.

There have been 27 other El Niños since 1950, with one happening on average every three to four years.

The last one happened from summer 2023 into early spring 2024.

It’s here

The much anticipated El Niño conditions have developed as of early June, according to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.

Waters in a zone of the eastern and central Pacific Ocean near the equator have warmed to more than 0.5 degrees Celsius above average. This, plus the circulation of winds and distribution of showers and storms over that area now “reflect the onset of El Niño conditions,” according to the CPC.

More strengthening ahead

This burgeoning El Niño will likely continue to intensify into a strong event, according to the CPC.

In fact, NOAA calculated a 63% chance it could eventually strengthen to a super El Niño.  Basically, a term some meteorologists use to describe those with temperatures at least 2 degrees Celsius above average. That super El Niño could arrive as soon as late summer or early fall.

However, these super El Niños are more rare.  There have been only five since 1950, the last occurring 11 years ago from 2015-16. They also occurred in 1997-98, 1991-92, 1982-83 and 1972-73. Super El Niños have also been documented in 1888-89 and 1877-78.

One for the record books?

Some computer forecast models suggest this El Niño could become one of the most intense on record.  For instance, the European model ensembles have trended warmer in their El Niño forecasts since spring.

Other models top it out either as strong (at least 1.5 degrees above average) or super, but not necessarily record breaking.

What are the potential impacts?

First, some disclaimers.

El Niño (and its counterpart, La Niña) is only one influence on the global weather pattern. Also, every El Niño is different, much like every hurricane can have its own idiosyncrasies.

But, in general, the stronger the El Niño, the more likely it will impact global weather.

Here are some of those potential impacts.

Hurricane season

A stronger El Niño tends to produce more sinking air and stronger wind shear in parts of the Atlantic Basin, both hostile to hurricanes.

So, in general, most stronger El Niño Atlantic hurricane seasons are quieter than average. That’s not always the case, as the 2023 season illustrated.

Meanwhile, eastern and central Pacific hurricane seasons are typically more active during strong El Niños.

Winter

In winter, the southern, or subtropical, branch of the jet stream usually is turbocharged in a stronger El Niño.

That means a wetter winter usually is the result across the southern tier of states from parts of California and the Desert Southwest to Florida and the Southeast. This could also mean more snow across these areas if the air is cold enough.

Meanwhile, much of the northern U.S. typically has a milder and drier winter during a stronger El Niño, from the Northwest and northern Rockies to the Northern Plains and Midwest.

Global precipitation

El Niño’s impacts typically extend around the globe. For example, parts of Africa, India, Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia, the Caribbean and northern South America trend markedly drier during El Niño.

On the other hand, warm water and lighter trade winds typically sets the table for heavier rain in parts of Ecuador and Peru. Parts of eastern Africa, central Asia, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay are also usually wetter than average during El Niño.

Global temperatures

One impact we’re highly confident about is a spike in global temperatures during this El Niño. At the risk of oversimplifying, all this extra equatorial Pacific Ocean heat is released into the atmosphere, and all large swaths of drier conditions allow plentiful sunshine to heat the surface.

The previous super El Niño crushed previous global temperature records in 2015 and 2016. Those two years remain among the top 10 warmest years for the planet, all of which have occurred since 2015.

Given last year was the planet’s third warmest year, it seems like a slam dunk that new heat records will be set in 2026, possibly again in 2027.

From a climate change angle, this is worrisome.

A December 2025 study found super El Niño events can drive sudden “climate regime shifts” in both temperatures and precipitation, and that this effect could be increasing in a warming world.

Source:  weather.com©

Graphic:  travelandtourworld.com

Zinnia Flower Growing Guide

Zinnias are the most cheerful flowers you can plant — plus they’re fast-growing, easy-care and add lots of color to the garden.

How to grow zinnia flowers

It used to be that most of us grew zinnias in rows. You still can, but why not toss a few seeds around in your border, like the gardener did in the photo above? Since zinnias are so easy to grow from seed, that’s a colorful, and economical, way to fill out a flower bed. Butterflies like the vivid, easy-to-spot colors and will be drawn to your garden. Plus, just imagine how many bouquets you could pick from this border!

Get your zinnias off to a good start, whether you plant seed or starter plants, by giving them the right growing conditions with these growing tips.

Choose the right spot

Choose a location with good air circulation and full sun — zinnias will be floppy and sickly in shade. And while these annuals tolerate a wide range of soil types, they’ll bloom best in a moist, well-drained soil that has lots of compost worked into it.

Plant when it is warm

Sow the seeds directly on tilled soil and lightly cover them, or set out seedlings you buy in cell packs when the soil is thoroughly warm (about the same time you’d put out tomato plants). Zinnias will languish in cold weather — they really do like the heat.

Don’t overwater

Dry conditions translate to healthier zinnias. If you have to water, apply it only at the base of the plant or use a soaker hose so the foliage stays dry — keep moisture off their leaves to prevent powdery mildew from developing. Add a couple of inches of organic mulch, such as compost, around the plants to keep the soil moist and you won’t have to do as much watering.

Don’t overfertilize

In good soil there’s really no need for extra fertilizer, but if you want, a light sprinkling of a low-nitrogen, slow-release food will keep them blooming all summer.

Article by Jim Childs for Garden Gate Magazine©

Related:  Prevent, protect zinnias from powdery mildew – TUTORING YOU

 

Personality Traits of a Leo

Leo is a fire sign ruled by the Sun, spanning July 23 to August 22, known for its bold, confident, and generous personality.

Leo Facts

The Lion  |  Jul 23 – Aug 22

Proud, bold, ambitious

Element: Fire

Ruling Planet: Sun

Lucky Gem: Carnelian

Flower: Sunflower & marigold

Top Love Matches: Libra

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Overview

Welcome to 2026, Leo. You’re a very generous sign, as your lovers can attest. However, your sex drive may be lower than usual early in the year, as Mars is retrograde. Then, in the spring, lover Venus also goes retrograde. This results in a slowdown in love and possible delay regarding financial news. It’s also not the best time to make major changes to your appearance. However, when Venus shifts into your sign and is direct in the fall, not only does love abound, but you will likely receive welcome professional news. Celebrate by going all the way on a makeover, should you desire.

Beware of fights with friends during the Scorpio full moon. When the sun is in your sign, it’s more important than ever to celebrate with friends. Social Gemini season sees you wanting to prioritize friends over romance. Just know that several eclipses that take place of the course of the year could bring sudden change and require lots of self-care. When the sun moves into Sagittarius, your focus on romantic love is at an all-time high. Then, the next season, when the sun is in Capricorn, your star assignment is also to rest.

Love & Relationships

As the majestic lion of the zodiac, you often feel your best when getting lots of attention from those you love. You’re also very generous, which makes your lovers quite lucky. You know how to get the job done, Leo. However, fear not if your libido is lower than usual when the year begins. Mars, the warrior planet that rules sexual energy, is retrograde when the year begins through Sunday, February 23. If you find your libido shifting during these dates, just make sure to be gentle with yourself and honor it. Even with Mars retrograde, some Leos may find themselves meeting a partner around the Aquarius new moon.

Perhaps one of the sexiest nights of the year arrives during the Sagittarius full moon on Wednesday, June 11. With your 5th House illuminated and both Mars and Venus direct, it’s a night for sexual experimentation and relaxing with a sex toy.

And once Venus moves into your sign on Monday, August 25, where it will stay until Friday, September 29, love abounds. This time of year is excellent for weddings or first dates. Then, shortly after, when the sun moves into Sagittarius, which lasts from Friday, November 21 to Sunday, December 21, your focus on relationships is at an all-time high. Expect relationships to evolve during the winter holidays.

Friendships

While it’s easy to let romantic relationships occupy most of your mental space, another task of yours during 2025 is to give your friendships the attention they deserve. Friendships act as the foundation upon which all other relationships are built. While the stars want you to prioritize friendships all year, you will find your social calendar especially booked up while the sun is in Gemini, from Tuesday, May 20 to Friday, June 20. If you’re romantically partnered, you might want to give them a heads-up that you’ll be busy with friends this time of year.

Beware the full moon

Watch out for fights with friends during the intense Scorpio full moon on Monday, May 12. Tempers will be at an all-time high, and drama may occur. However, this lunation could also see some Leos making out with friends. If that happens, make sure to communicate so that you elevate a friendship into romance rather than ruin it. Mark down Monday, May 26, in your calendar, as there is a new moon, the moon phase associated with beginnings, in your friendship-oriented 11th House that sees Leos making new best friends.

You’ll also want to note the dates of messenger Mercury’s retrograde. They are Friday, July 18 to Monday, August 11, and Sunday, November 9 to Friday, November 29. While not cause for alarm, these retrogrades can lead to misunderstandings with friends. However, if you’re aware of them, you can plan properly and communicate with extra care while Mercury is retrograde.

Leos need attention. When the sun is in your sign, from Tuesday, July 22 to Friday, August 22, make sure that you connect with friends to celebrate yourself. It’s more than alright to text everyone to remind them that your birthday is coming up. And, while your own season is likely the best for friendships, when the sun is in Scorpio, from Wednesday, October 22 to Friday, November 21, you will likely see yourself growing closer with friends as acquaintances start to feel like family.

Source: allure.com©

 

Did You Eat Your Banana Today?

We’ve all grown up hearing “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”, but it turns out the benefits of a banana a day could be just as good. Bananas are packed with vitamins and nutrients and when you eat a banana on a regular basis, they help to maintain and improve your overall health. In other words, eating a banana a day is definitely the way to go to stay healthy.

However, it’s important to remember not to go overboard with your daily banana intake. According to Healthline, you should stick to the recommendation of one or two bananas a day, but no more than that. Eating too much of any food, even one as healthy as bananas, can lead to weight gain or deficiencies in nutrients. There are plenty of benefits to your body when you eat a banana every day

1. You’ll be supporting your gut health.

Now, more than ever before, we are seeing the importance of gut health on overall wellbeing. There are many strategies to best eat for your microbiome, but it can start with a banana. According to a 2017 study review in Nutrition Bulletin, bananas contain resistant starch, which works to increase the production of short-chain fatty acids—essential for gut health. So, we can thank bananas for stabilizing our gut and providing nutrients for our microbiome.

2. You may lose weight.

A benefit that never goes under-appreciated, eating bananas daily can help us reach our weight loss goals. Packed with fiber and protein, bananas will keep you fuller for longer, despite being just over 100 calories a piece. They even made Healthline’s list of the 20 Most Weight-Loss-Friendly Foods on The Planet. So, the next time you’re at the grocery store, make sure to pick up a bunch.

3. You can improve your skin.

When you think of foods that improve your skin, you probably think of salmon, avocados, or maybe walnuts—but bananas can be a game-changer when it comes to skin health. It’s all due to the vitamins and minerals in bananas, specifically the manganese that boosts collagen levels. No matter what your skin difficulties are—acne, wrinkles, dry skin—eating a banana a day can help. Healthline even suggests a banana face mask could help to do the trick, but I think we’ll stick with eating our bananas instead.

4. You’ll improve your energy level.

Especially when eaten before or after a workout, bananas can be instrumental in boosting your energy levels and keeping you from feeling fatigued throughout the day. The results from a PLOS One 2012 study on male athletes found that those who refueled with a sports drink every fifteen minutes as opposed to a banana and water performed worse overall in long-distance cycling races. Therefore, there was a direct correlation between eating a banana and increasing energy levels on performance.

5. You’ll get a boost of potassium, which supports heart health.

Bananas are known for their potassium, but did you know that potassium can help to strengthen your heart? Well it absolutely can—so eating a banana a day can lead to a healthy heart. Most people do not consume enough potassium in their daily diet, which often can have a direct impact on blood pressure control and other components of heart health. Additionally, a potassium-rich diet—AKA eating a banana every day—can lower your risk of heart disease by 27%. So, it’s time to add this fruit favorite into your daily routine.

©© Provided by Eat This, Not That!

6. You will enhance your vision (both during the day and at night).

No, we’re not talking about carrots. According to the National Institute of Health, bananas contain Vitamin A, which works to do three things, protect your eyes, maintain normal vision, and improve vision at night. So, there’s no need to overdo it with your carrot consumption and risk your skin turning orange. Instead, the move is definitely to stick with a banana a day because not only does it enhance your vision, but it has so many other health benefits too.

Ripening Hints

Both bananas and apples are considered climacteric fruits, or fruits that continue to ripen after they’ve been picked. As they ripen, both fruits emit ethylene gas, a naturally occurring plant hormone. This hormone signals anything stored nearby to hurry up and ripen. Apples produce even more ethylene gas than bananas, so while it’s really common to store them together, it’s not ideal for the overall taste, texture, and longevity of either fruit.

Other fruits that have a similar effect (although to a less severe degree) include avocados, pears, and tomatoes. That said, if you even want to ripen an avocado faster, store it near your bananas! 

To slow ripening down, store bananas on their own, and also break up the bunch a little. Bananas not only ripen the fruit around them, but when in a concentrated bunch, will also self-ripen.  Basically, leading to bananas that are destined to be bread or muffins. Next time you bring your bananas home, be sure to give them a wash, then place them on their own deserted island to save yourself from food waste—or a toddler uprising.

Source:  Rachel Linder for Eat This, Not That©

Related:  What Happens to Your Body When You Eat a Banana Every Day – TUTORING YOU

Quiet Habits That Transform Your Daily Life

 

You don’t need to become a different person. You don’t need a total overhaul. You just need to take what you’re already doing and use it as an entry point for change.

These habits aren’t about adding more to your plate. They’re about shifting your energy through the micro-moments that already exist in your day.

This is how real change happens. Not through willpower. Not through extremes. But through awareness and repetition.

 

Photo credit:  fodmapeveryday.com©

The Winner of the 2026 World Cup

It began with 48 country teams competing for the right to be called world champion.

Now, it’s all over! And we do have a world champion winner.

It’s Spain, beating Argentina 1-o in a truly remarkable game.  Spain, undefeated in her last 37 games, dominated but still needed overtime to defeat stubborn Argentina.

It was one of the most one-sided World Cup finals in history. Argentina literally didn’t have a shot until the 117th minute.

Ferran Torres was the hero off the bench to score in the second-half of extra-time.

For Argentina’s hero, Lionel Messi, it wasn’t how he would’ve dreamed it. He didn’t impact the game anywhere near anyone would’ve expected him to, but what a tournament. What a player.

But it’s congratulations to Spain bringing home a well-deserved 2026 World Cup.

Source:  skysports.com

Flag graphic by worldatlas.com

Japan Population Falls Again- Story and Quiz

Story and Quiz Below

 

The population of Japan has fallen by over three million in the past five years. This is the largest drop since records began in 1920. Japan’s internal affairs ministry has released preliminary figures for its 2025 census. This demographic survey is conducted every five years. The latest one reveals that the number of residents in October 2025 was 123,049,524. This was a drop of 3,096,575 from the 2020 survey — a fall of 2.5 per cent. The census is the third in a row to show a decrease. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary said: “It was confirmed again that the population decline is advancing even further.” He vowed to promote “comprehensive measures” to address the downturn.

The government attributed the decline to various factors. These included historically low birth rates. In 2025, there were around 706,000 births in Japan. This compared to around 2.5 million annual births during the postwar baby boom. Successive governments have introduced many measures to encourage couples to have babies. They have expanded child allowances, increased parental leave, and subsidized early years education. However, these have had little success. Japan is one of the world’s oldest societies. The increasingly greying population is putting considerable strain on healthcare systems, pensions, and the labor force.

Source:  breakingnewsenglish.com©

Photo credit:  Tokyo. (Mainichi)

The Quiz

Read each paragraph and select the best answer for each word.

ANSWERS
VOCABULARY (p.4)
1. c 2. e 3. d 4. a 5. f 6. g 7. b

8. k 9. h 10. i 11. n 12. m 13. j 14. l

Sundays World Cup Final will be Unlike any other — Literally

Outside of France and England, this is quite literally the best 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup final matchup anyone could have asked for.

“The top two teams — No. 1 Argentina and No. 2 Spain — will meet in the men’s World Cup final for the first time since 1992,” ESPN Insights posted. “It’s also the first World Cup final between the reigning champions of Europe (EURO) and South America (Copa América).”

The History

The historical stakes don’t end there. Argentina is vying to become the third-ever nation to win back-to-back men’s World Cup titles after Italy (1934, ’38) and Brazil (1958, ’62).  This indeed would be the ultimate exclamation point for Lionel Messi, 39. Throughout this tournament, Messi has become the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer (21) and all-time leader in World Cup assists (12).

Spain

In case you weren’t aware, Spain is a powerhouse in men’s and women’s soccer. The women’s national team won the 2023 FIFA women’s World Cup and lost to England in the Euro 2025 final. The men’s national team won a record fourth Euro title by beating England in 2024 and are now making a second men’s World Cup final appearance. Spain’s lone men’s World Cup title came in 2010.

Argentina

While Argentina has the ageless wonder, Messi, Spain has two 19-year-old wunderkinds: Yamal and Pau Cubarsí. Cubarsí is building a resume as the best center-back in the world, and Yamal has already taken Messi’s mantle as Barcelona’s next generational superstar.

Argentina’s World Cup run has been defined by inconceivable comeback victories — they have not led through 90 minutes in any of their four knockout stage wins.  However, that strategy likely won’t work against Spain. No team has recorded more clean sheets in a men’s World Cup than Spain’s six in this World Cup and La Roja have only conceded one goal.

The Game

This matchup could play out in any number of ways, and we’re assuredly in for a classic between Argentina and Spain in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 19. England and France will play for third place in Miami on Saturday, July 18.

Source:  msn.com©

3 Container Plant Pairings That Thrive on Neglect

The beauty of containers is that you can grow practically anything – and there’s no need to confine yourself to just one plant. In fact, pick a pair of plants that grow in similar conditions and they can easily thrive in containers together. And if you prefer ‘set and forget’ plants which require minimal upkeep, there are plenty of combinations to explore.

Containers provide a brilliant way to mix up your planting, whether you want to spruce up a patio or deck, or bring visual interest to an otherwise empty spot.

Below, experts give their advice on the best low-maintenance plant pairings for container gardening – from classic herbs to pollinator-friendly blooms.

1. Lavender and Thyme

(Image credit: Cyndi Monaghan / Getty Images) 

‘Thyme and lavender do surprisingly well together.  In addition, they’re not always “book companions,” but in practice they handle heat, dry soil, and full sun in stride.’

Both plants prefer sandy soil and thrive in hot weather.  However, they require infrequent watering.

2. Coreopsis and Gaillardia

(Image credit: Heilieh Sanders / Getty Images) 

Gaillardia (or blanket flower) and coreopsis (or tickseed) is a particularly brilliant pairing, since both plants prefer sunny weather and are largely drought-tolerant.

‘Established coreopsis and gaillardia can cope with dry periods.  But they will need regular water in containers, especially during hot summer spells,’ advises Drew Swainston, Content Editor at Homes & Gardens.

Both plants have a lengthy flowering season and require minimal upkeep. Plus, they are both nectar-rich, making them great additions to a pollinator garden.

‘Coreopsis and gaillardia are known to flower for an age, so you get a bright display from early summer right through the fall,’ explains Drew. ‘The showy, vivid blooms can bring a wildflower vibe to a pot, and both plants are magnets for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.’

3. Heucheras and Wallflowers

(Image credit: Charles Hawes / Getty Images) 

Both of these spring flowering plants are beloved for their vibrant color and impressively simple requirements: simply set them up in rich but well-draining soil, position your container in a bright spot, and water during lengthy dry spells.

Heucheras are also known as coral bells, and they are easy to grow in pots. They thrive in dappled sunlight and are also great in shade and can be planted from May to September. When adding them to a pot, however, it’s best to spread a little gravel mulch on the soil to lock in moisture and keep pests away.

There are plenty of heuchera varieties to choose from.  you can pick from up purple heuchera plants or opt for ‘pistachio ambrosia’ heucheras.

Meanwhile, wallflowers also love partial shade, although they usually grow best in sunny conditions. A well-draining potting mix is essential, as wallflowers will suffer if overwatered.

Source:  homesandgardens.com©

Related:  Some Plants Do Better in Containers—Here’s Why with Examples – TUTORING YOU

Here’s what it means if daylight saving time becomes permanent

Congress is one step closer to making daylight saving time permanent.

On July 14, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would allow states to enact daylight saving time year-round, a shift from the existing practice of changing clocks twice a year.

If passed by the Senate and signed into law, the legislation – which cleared the House 308-117 – would largely stop the practice of moving clocks an hour forward in the spring and an hour back in the fall.

What is daylight saving time?

Daylight saving time is the practice of setting clocks forward an hour from March until November in an effort to gain more sunlight during the summer months.

According to the Library of Congress, it was first enacted in 1918 as a fuel cost-saving measure during World War I.

Daylight saving time became federal law under the Uniform Time Act of 1966.

Under the law, some states can opt to exempt itself from daylight saving time. Daylight saving time is not observed in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and most of Arizona, according to the Department of Transportation.

Daylight saving time bill heads to the Senate

After being passed in the House, the permanent daylight-saving time bill still has a ways to go before becoming law.

Next, it will head to the Senate, where its fate remains unclear. If it clears Congress’ upper chamber, it will go to President Donald Trump’s desk for him to sign into law.

Trump has in the past expressed support for permanent daylight-saving time, so it appears likely that, if passed by the Senate, he would sign it into law.

Most recently, he called daylight saving time a “ridiculous, twice-yearly production” in a May Truth Social post.

“I am going to work very hard to see The Sunshine Protection Act signed into Law. It’s time that people can stop worrying about the ‘Clock,'” he wrote.

What does making daylight saving time permanent mean?

If permanent daylight-saving time becomes law, it would do away with a “spring forward” in March and a “fall back” in November,

Meaning, the move would prompt later sunrises and sunsets during a significant portion of the year.

Supporters, like Buchanan, argue that permanent daylight-saving time would have positive health impacts. Critics, like the group Airlines for America, say that it would have major implications for travelers.

Source:  USA TODAY©