Grace Van Dien remembers the exact moment she found out she was being signed to FaZe Clan, making her the second individual woman to join the roster of the prolific esports organization. Specifically, she knows exactly *where* she was when she found out. Because she’s there all the time. “Oh, I was definitely at home,” Van Dien tells Refinery29. “I’m rarely never not.” Which makes sense, considering it’s from her home that she’s creating an empire of sorts.

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Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seeks to strengthen his legacy today as his nation’s most consequential leader since its founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, in an election run-off with major implications. Mr Erdogan has been campaigning frenetically in the weeks since he exceeded polling forecasts but fell shy of an outright majority in the 14 May first round of the elections, forcing Turkey into a run-off for the first time in its history. He faces off against Kemal Kilcdaroglu, leader of the centre-left People’s Republican Party (CHP) and architect of a six party opposition coalition which has posed the greatest political challenge to Mr Erdogan in his 20 years as either prime minister or president of Turkey. The election, on the centennial of Turkey’s founding as a modern republic, carries enormous weight for the country. It is seen as something of a defining moment in its political and cultural identity. Mr Erdogan represents an Islamically tinged nationalism, with appeals to Turkey’s Ottoman imperial past. Mr Kilicdaroglu and his party have sought to define themselves as European, steeped in an ideology and lineage rooted in Ataturk’s version of secularism. The election may also impact the dynamics of Nato, of which Turkey is a longtime member, and affect the outcome of the war between Russia and Ukraine as well as ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa. Lines at polling stations were reportedly shorter and more relaxed than the first round of the elections, in large part because voters face a simpler single ballot with two candidates rather than the complicated parliamentary choices of two weeks ago. Mr Erdogan appeared to be doing well in the run-up to the vote despite lingering worries over the economy he has overseen. “I think the country is doing well,” said Songul Safak, a 36-year-old jeweller who voted for Mr Erdogan. “The economy is doing badly because of the actions of other countries. In one video clip that went viral, a voter brought her pet lamb to the polls, the fluffy white creature in a striped sweater trundling behind her as she obtained and cast her ballot. Others brought their dogs and pet parrots. Turnout will be key, with more than 64 million registered voters, including nearly 2 million aboard who have already voted at record rates. Voters are heading to nearly 192,000 ballot boxes set up at school classrooms and community centres. Polls will close at 1700 local time (1400 GMT), with results trickling out an hour later. “We think that this election’s results will emerge earlier than the last time,” election authority chief Ahmet Yener told local media. There have been multiple reports of irregularities, including in an incident in the heavily contested southeastern province of Sanliurfa where opposition lawyers seeking to look into allegations of ballot stuffing were barred from a polling station. Mr Erdogan and his allies control much of the broadcast media and have been flooding the airwaves with his speeches in recent days while giving Mr Kilicdaroglu scant airtime. Turkey’s mobile phone authority recently barred the use of the country’s text-messaging services for political purposes, disallowing Mr Kilicdaroglu from sending texts to supporters while allowing Mr Erdogan to use the medium in his capacity as a government official. The country’s election laws were adjusted last year in ways critics said favoured Mr Erdogan. The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which monitored the vote, stated in a report that Turkey’s election law “has substantial shortcomings and does not fully provide a sound legal basis for the conduct of democratic elections.” Crucial issues on voters’ minds include the status of migrants and refugees, national security matters and Turkey’s place in the world. But the country’s spiralling economy remains the top issue on everyone’s tongue and the one most impacting daily lives. The country’s inflation rate is among the highest in the world, and wages have failed to keep up with housing and food costs. “If it goes on like this Turkey will be Argentina in a few months,” Nevsin Mengu, an independent political analyst and broadcaster, said in an interview, referring to the Latin American country which has been for decades an international poster child for economic mismanagement. Mr Erdogan has dug deep into the country’s reserves and procured massive credits from Arabian Peninsula and Asian nations to prop up the Turkish lira. “Some countries from the Gulf and such stocked money in our system,” the president conceded in an interview with CNNTurk on Friday. “This relieved our central bank and market, even if for a short while." Despite his handling of the economy, Mr Erdogan’s path to victory today appears far easier and even assured compared to that of his challenger, Mr Kilicdaroglu. He drew just short of 45 per cent while Mr Erdogan fell just a few hundred thousand votes short of securing a first-round victory. Opposition figures tried to remain upbeat. “I see a very high probability of Kilicdaroglu winning the election,” opposition party leader Ali Babacan told reporters after voting. But the opposition’s poor first-round performance has demoralised its supporters. “I think the elections are not fair at all, and I think Erdogan will ultimately win,” said Zeynel Circir, a 53-year-old electrical engineer voting in Istanbul. The first-round performance prompted Mr Kilicdaroglu to shift the tone and emphasis of his campaign from a message of hope and inclusiveness to focus almost exclusively on the several million Syrian and other refugees and migrants in the country. A victory by Mr Erdogan’s will spur soul-searching and perhaps major changes within the opposition. “The ballot box result is full of messages that need to be examined and lessons that need to be learned,” Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a leading opposition figure, said after casting his ballot. Yusuf Sayman contributed to this report. Read More AP News Digest 8:40 a.m. Watch live: Inside Turkey’s polling stations for second round of election votes Voters in Turkey return to polls to decide on opposing presidential visions Iraq announces plans for $17 billion transportation project linking Asia to Europe Why Turkey’s presidential run-off matters for the world From ashes and debris, iconic Beirut museum reopens 3 years after massive damage from port blast

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There’s a reason we call it beauty sleep: a good night’s kip can erase dark circles and transform a tired complexion, leaving you looking and feeling as fresh as a daisy. It’s not always possible to get the recommended seven to nine hours of shut-eye a night, however, so could your choice of bedding enhance your skin – and prevent bedhead hair – while you snooze? Some beauty buffs won’t sleep on anything but silk, and now there are even copper and skincare-infused pillowcases promising to smooth your strands and decrease the signs of ageing. But do these fabrics really make a difference, or will catching enough Zs keep your hair and skin at their healthiest? What happens to skin while we sleep? “While we sleep, skin cells regenerate, and the production of collagen and elastin, two essential proteins for skin elasticity and youthfulness, increases,” says Dr Radmila Lukian, dermatologist at Lucia Clinic. “Moreover, the skin’s protective barrier strengthens, helping it retain moisture and shield against environmental stressors.” That’s why you can end up with a dull, lacklustre complexion if you’ve not been getting enough rest. “Increased blood flow to the skin during sleep delivers the necessary oxygen and nutrients for cell renewal,” says Dr. Johannes Uys, GP at Broadgate General Practice. “Adequate sleep will contribute towards a healthier complexion as a result, while poor sleep can lead to skin issues such as dryness and premature ageing.” How important is sleep for hair health? “Deep sleep is vital for hair as this is when the body repairs and regenerates hair cells,” says Mark Blake, globally recognised trichologist and Nioxin ambassador. If you’re suffering with stress, sleep gives your body a break and a chance to recover. “Stress can cause hair loss conditions such as telogen effluvium,” says Blake, meaning temporary shedding of hair. “Sleep is the time your body does a form of damage control, sending anti-inflammatory agents to areas of damage: repairing, replacing, and removing damaged cells in the body. ” Can your pillowcase fabric have a detrimental impact? “The fabric of your pillowcase can have a notable effect on your skin,” says Lukian. “Coarse or abrasive fabrics can lead to friction, potentially causing skin irritation and even tiny tears.” This can be particularly problematic for individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Cotton could, Uys says: “Lead to frizz or hair tangles because of increased friction, and may also potentially dry out the skin because of its greater propensity to absorb moisture.” While there’s no evidence that friction during the night can cause hair loss, if you don’t wash your pillowcase frequently enough (ideally once a week), it could affect the condition of your hair. Blake says: “Bacteria, sebum and general dirt can be transferred from your pillowcase back on to clean hair leaving it dull, lank, and lifeless when you wake up.” What’s the best type of pillowcase for skin and hair? If you want the smoothest and least absorbent pillowcase, experts say silk is usually the best – but also the most expensive – option, unless you’re vegan, as it’s derived from insects. “Silk pillowcases reduce friction, which can help prevent wrinkles,” says Lukian. “Silk is also less likely to absorb moisture from your skin, aiding in maintaining skin hydration.” Satin, which is a silk-like textile woven from a variety of materials, is a cheaper alternative, she says: “Satin pillowcases have a smooth surface that reduces friction and can be a suitable choice for those concerned about skin health.” If you prefer a crisp cotton pillowcase, Lukian recommends: “Look for ones with a high thread count, as they tend to be smoother and gentler on the skin. Cotton is breathable and can help prevent overheating during sleep.” Blake agrees that silk is the top choice when it comes to looking after your hair. “The tight weave gives a smooth, slippery surface helping prevent bed head allowing you to wake up with the same hairstyle you went to bed with,” he says. “Silk pillowcases cannot hold bacteria, fungus or mould and so are not a breeding ground or health hazard.” Could the new generation of high-tech pillowcases supercharge your sleep? “These products often incorporate materials like copper-infused fabric, with the promise of promoting collagen production and reducing wrinkles,” Lukian explains. “Skincare-infused and ‘anti-ageing’ pillowcases may offer some benefits, but should not replace a holistic skincare routine and healthy lifestyle choices when aiming to maintain youthful and healthy skin.” Drowsy Damask Rose Standard Sized Silk Pillowcase, £67 (was £89)Damask Rose Silk Pillowcase John Lewis Organic Mulberry Silk Standard Pillowcase Natural Cream, £45 Dunelm Dorma Silver Silk Pillowcases, £30 each Jessica Russell Flint Silk Pillowcase De Fleurs, £65, Not On The High Street Bed Lab Skincare Infused Pillow Graphite Grey, £49 Read More As transphobic hate crimes rise by 11% in a year, how to be a better ally Impact of relationships with AI chatbot programmes ‘worrying’, psychologist says Pokemon’s Detective Pikachu Returns and more top games of the week How to talk to kids about cigarettes and vapes, following Rishi Sunak’s smoke-free generation plans 4 must-have denim trends for autumn, from wide-leg jeans to split skirts Doorscaping: How to create a fabulous front door display for autumn

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NINGBO, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 14, 2023--

WASHINGTON Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet U.S. and Indian business leaders in Washington on Friday, the