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Our streaming picks for March, including ‘Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell,’ ‘Bill & Ted Face the Music’ and ‘Coming 2 America’ ‘Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell’ - Credit...Netflix Every month, streaming services in Australia add a new batch of movies and TV shows to its library. Here are our picks for March. MARCH 1 ‘Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell’ , Director Emmett Malloy draws on a wealth of rare home videos and in-depth interviews in this revealing documentary, finding some fresh angles on rapper Christopher Wallace (a.k.a. Biggie Smalls and the Notorious B.I.G.). “Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell” devotes a lot of its running time to Wallace’s teenage years in Brooklyn, where he made money as a crack dealer while honing his musical style. Malloy doesn’t focus as much on Wallace’s tragic murder, except to frame his story as a case study in wasted potential. MARCH 3 ‘Moxie’ Unlike the typical Netflix adaptation of a Young Adult novel, the movie “Moxie” isn’t so much about relationships and romance (though there’s plenty of both) as it is about high school girls standing up for themselves. Based on Jennifer Mathieu’s book, “Moxie” stars Amy Poehler (who also directed) as the divorced mother of Vivian (Hadley Robinson), who discovers her mom used to be a feminist punk rocker in the ’90s. Frustrated with her sexist male peers, Vivian channels her mother’s spirit and starts an anonymously authored ‘zine in hopes of starting a revolution. MARCH 5 ‘City of Ghosts’ In this odd and charming children’s show, a band of young Angelenos investigate paranormal activity around the city by interviewing friendly ghosts and the people they haunt. The episodes aren’t exactly plot-driven; they’re more like mini documentaries, teaching kids about the history and residents of L.A.’s neighborhoods. Animation fans should note that the series was created by Elizabeth Ito, who previously worked on “Phineas and Ferb” and “Adventure Time.” Here she’s come up with something visually striking, combining simplified characters with photographed backgrounds. MARCH 12 ‘The One’ Season 1 In our era of advanced genetic testing, DNA can reveal everything from people’s ancestry to their criminal culpability. But can it connect soul mates? That’s the question posed by the John Marrs novel “The One,” now adapted by the writer-producer Howard Overman into a TV series. The show features multiple interwoven story lines, following both the troubles faced by the CEO of a DNA-matched dating service and the problems her customers encounter as they get to know their scientifically determined true loves. MARCH 17 ‘Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal’ The documentary filmmaker Chris Smith should be well-known to Netflix subscribers as the director of “Fyre,” a fascinating expose of what went wrong at an infamous music festival. Smith now turns his attention to another tale of hubris and privilege with “Operation Varsity Blues,” an examination of the 2019 scandal in which several wealthy Americans were caught trying to buy their kids’ way into elite colleges. The documentary details the nuts and bolts of a scheme that involved expensive tutors, cheating on exams and bribing university staff. ‘The Irregulars’Credit...Netflix MARCH 26 ‘The Irregulars’ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes mythology gets a radical reimagining in this crime series, which focuses on the gang of streetwise youngsters known as “the Baker Street Irregulars.” Created by Tom Bidwell, “The Irregulars” imagines an irreverent version of the Holmes saga in which the detective stays in a constant drugged-out fog while his disreputable assistants do all the actual mystery-solving. Bidwell also adds some supernatural elements to the story. Also arriving: “Murder Among the Mormons” (March 3), “Pacific Rim: The Black” (March 4), “Sentinelle” (March 5), “Bombay Rose” (March 8), “The Houseboat” (March 9), “Dealer” (March 10), “Last Chance U: Basketball” (March 10), “Marriage or Mortgage” (March 10), “Paper Lives” (March 12), “Yes Day” (March 12) “The Lost Pirate Kingdom” (March 15), “Zero Chill” (March 15), “RebellComedy: Straight Outta the Zoo” (March 16), ‘Waffles + Mochi” (March 16), “Under Suspicion: Uncovering the Wesphael Case” (March 17), “Nate Bargatze: The Greatest Average American” (March 18), “Country Comfort” (March 19), “Sky Rojo” (March 19), “Navillera” (March 22), “Who Killed Sara?” (March 24), “Bad Trip” (March 26), “Nailed It!: Double Trouble” (March 26), “A Week Away” (March 26). ‘Bill & Ted Face the Music’Credit...Stan MARCH 2 ‘My First Summer’ Katie Found wrote and directed this film about the bond between two teenage girls, who find each other right when they’re on the precipice of emotional maturity and caught between love and friendship. The accomplished young Australian actresses Markella Kavenagh and Maiah Stewardson play Claudia and Grace, who try to keep their relationship hidden away from anxious adults and their prying questions for as long as possible. With its striking visual style and its rich performances, “My First Summer” captures the beautiful fragility of adolescent romance. MARCH 4 ‘Shirley’ Elisabeth Moss plays the reclusive author Shirley Jackson in the disturbing and moving period drama “Shirley.” The story is told largely from the perspective of a young faculty wife named Rose (Odessa Young), who becomes an aide and confidant to the acerbic and depressive Jackson, slowly becoming overwhelmed by the writer’s cynicism. The director Josephine Decker and the screenwriter Sarah Gubbins adapt a Susan Scarf Merrell novel, which is mostly fictional yet heavily influenced by Jackson’s life and work — capturing her sour, soulful take on human weakness. MARCH 9 ‘Bill & Ted Face the Music’ The long-awaited third movie in the “Bill & Ted” series re-teams Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter — for the first time since 1991 — as the fun-loving, dimwitted, time-traveling best buds Theodore Logan and William Preston. In “Face the Music,” the boys have grown into middle-aged men, but still believe they’ll one day change the world through rock ’n’ roll. When they hear reality itself will be destroyed if they don’t get their act together immediately, Bill and Ted (and their daughters, Thea and Billie) have another adventure across the timeline, with the help of some of humankind’s greatest musicians. MARCH 10 ‘She Dies Tomorrow’ Written and directed by Amy Seimetz, this arty horror film takes an unusual approach to a post-apocalyptic story, dramatizing the eerie premonitions that herald the end of everything. Kate Lyn Shell plays an ordinary woman who becomes convinced she’s living through her last day on Earth. Her strange behavior proves infectious, passing from friend to friend, leaving them either devastated, agitated or oddly calm. “She Dies Tomorrow” has the quality of a dream, but it’s a disturbingly realistic one. ‘The Legend of Baron To’a’Credit...Amazon MARCH 14 ‘The Legend of Baron To’a’ In the energetic action-comedy “The Legend of Baron To’a,” Uli Latukefu plays a Tongan New Zealander named Fritz who found his fortune in Australia but has returned home to defend his family’s legacy. The movie’s title refers to Fritz’s father: a former pro wrestler who also served as his neighborhood’s unofficial protector. When gangsters start bullying the locals, Fritz has to learn the fundamentals of combat in order to finish the job his dad started. MARCH 19 ‘Save Me Too’ In the sequel to the thrilling crime drama “Save Me,” the British actor Lennie James returns to a role he wrote for himself, playing a luckless lad named Nelly who has a habit of being accused of crimes he didn’t commit. “Save Me Too” picks up about a year after the events of the first series and sees Nelly tying up some loose ends from old mysteries, while also trying to prove that he’s innocent of a murder. Part procedural and part character sketch, James digs deep into the soul of a stubborn individualist. MARCH 29 ‘City on a Hill’ Season 2 The first season of this Boston-set crime series told a complete story, about an ambitious attorney (Aldis Hodge) and a corrupt FBI agent (Kevin Bacon), reluctantly working together and navigating the choppy waters of local politics to take down a local gang in the early 1990s. In season two the two lawmen are back to being rivals, but their paths cross again when trouble erupts at a drug-plagued housing project. Though the show takes place nearly 30 years ago, the issues it raises — about policing, race relations and institutional rot — remain timely. Also arriving: “The Affair” Season 5 (March 1),“The Handmaid’s Tale” Season 3 (March 1), “Sick of It” Season 2 (March 2),“Secret Safari: Into the Wild” (March 3), “Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable” (March 4), “A Murder of Crows” (March 4),“Manhunt: Deadly Games” (March 5), “Bloods” (March 11), “Cryptid” (March 11), “Black Hands” Season 1 (March 17), “Close to the Enemy” Season 1 (March 18), “The Disappearance” (March 18), “Safe House” Seasons 1 & 2 (March 25), “Between Black and Blue” (March 26), “Outback” (March 29). ‘Coming 2 America’Credit...Amazon MARCH 5 ‘Coming 2 America’ Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall reprise their roles from the hit 1988 comedy “Coming to America” in this sequel, which picks up the story of an African ruler and his trusty aide decades later. Like the original, “Coming 2 America” is filled with comic situations that allow Murphy and Hall to play multiple roles that riff on Black culture from the perspective of insiders and outsiders. The film also features appearances by some very funny comics — like Leslie Jones and Tracy Morgan — who have followed in the footsteps of Murphy and Hall. MARCH 26 ‘Invincible’ The superhero cartoon “Invincible” looks charmingly retro, like something that would’ve aired on TV in the 1990s. But the series has a much more adult vibe than the likes of “X-Men” and “Superman.” Based on a long-running comic book written by Robert Kirkman (who also cocreated “The Walking Dead”), “Invincible” has Steven Yeun voicing a famous superhero’s teenage son, who’s enlisted into a series of fights to save the world almost as soon as he starts developing superpowers of his own. Like the comic, the show is fast-paced, colorful and clever — and also incredibly violent and shockingly bloody. Also arriving: “Honest Thief” (March 12), “Making Their Mark” (March 12), “Words on Bathroom Walls” (March 19), “La Templanza (The Vineyard)” (March 26). Source

BRISBANE, Australia — Michael Gudinski, the Australian music industry pioneer whose Mushroom Group would become the template for independent companies and who, with his exuberant personality, became the face of his country’s music scene, died Monday (March 1) at the age of 68. Gudinski died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Melbourne on Monday night, and as word spread it sent a shock throughout Australia’s music industry. Speaking with Billboard just last week, Gudinski was his typical, enthusiastic self, looking ahead to new TV projects, the vaccine rollout and the return of full-scale touring in these parts. No other figure has done more to shape the Australian music industry than Gudinski. In a keynote interview at the 2010 Bigsound conference in Brisbane, Gudinski told this reporter how, at the age of just seven, Michael flexed his growing entrepreneurial muscles on Caulfield Cup day when he charged race goers for parking spaces in a vacant block. Gudinski would go on to greater things. In 1972, at the age of just 20 years, Gudinski launched Mushroom Records, which would develop into the largest independent record label in Australian music, and later its publishing arm Mushroom Music, which remains the principal independent publishing company in the country. Mushroom enjoyed early success with Skyhooks, whose debut album, Living In The 70’s, logged 16 weeks at No. 1 in Australia, selling 240,000 copies, a feat no Australian album had achieved at the time. Over the decades, Gudinski would guide the careers of countless artists, from Kylie Minogue and Jimmy Barnes to U.K. signings Ash and Garbage. In 1998, MG sold Mushroom Records to Rupert Murdoch’s News Limited Group (now News Corp), the proceeds from which enabled Gudinski to realize his dream of building an independent music powerhouse, covering touring, record labels, publishing, merchandising, booking agencies, film and television production and creative services. Today, Mushroom Group spans more than two-dozen businesses and brands from Frontier Touring, to The Harbour Agency, labels I Oh You, Liberation and Bloodlines, Mushroom Music Publishing, neighboring rights operation Good Neighbour, and the new addition, Reclusive Records. Frontier Touring, established in 1979, is Australia’s leading independent promoter, and a record breaker. Gudinski and Frontier Touring produced Ed Sheeran's all-conquering Divide tour of Australia and New Zealand, which shifted more than 1.1 million tickets, an all-time record for a single trek. In 2018, Frontier was ranked as the third largest promoter in the world according to Billboard Boxscore with a gross ticket sales of $245.1 million and 2.77 million tickets sold from 440 reported shows. The following year, 2019, Gudinski sold a 50% stake in Frontier Touring to American concert promoter AEG, unifying a long-standing relationship that widened the pipeline for both artists and audiences between the two continents. "Michael Gudinski was one of a kind," says Jay Marciano, chief executive at AEG Presents who brokered the final details of the merger directly with Gudinski. "In a business built by forward thinkers and risk takers, he still stood head and shoulders above so many of his peers. The global music industry as we know it would not be where it is today without Michael’s vision and creativity. Our business has truly lost a legend, AEG has lost a partner, and I’ve lost a friend. He will be missed." The AEG deal came just as Gudinski was reuniting with former partner Michael Chugg, who announced a joint venture in March, bringing their firms together 40 years after forming Frontier Touring in 1979 and then splitting into two companies in 1999. Eagles manager Irving Azoff said the promoter's death represented the "End of an era" for Aussie music promotion. "He was everything to importing and exporting music in and out of Australia," Azoff told Billboard. "My heart goes out to Sue and the family. He was one of the greatest promoters that ever lived.” The latest jaunt under the Frontier Touring banner, Midnight Oil’s Makarrata Live Tour, kicked off Sunday (Feb. 28) at Mount Cotton in Queensland. With the pandemic bringing a halt to touring in 2020, Gudinski found a way to keep the music playing. MG spearheaded the small screen properties From The Home Front, The Sound and The State Of Music. “This is not about my labels,” Gudinski told Billboard in an interview last year. “This is about Australian music.” And on the pandemic that threatened to take down the live industry, Gudinski mused, “I’ve learned you’ve got to turn something negative into something positive.” Gudinski achieved almost everything in his extraordinary life and career, including a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) medal in 2006 for services to the entertainment industry and a Melbourne Cup win. With his passing, Gudinski misses out the one thing he quietly coveted: a U.S. No. 1. Gudinski leaves behind his wife Sue, son Matt and partner Cara, daughter Kate and husband Andrew and their children Nina-Rose and Lulu, and upwards of 200 Mushroom Group staff, who he often referred to as “family.” “Michael was one of the last true colorful characters in our industry. He was always full of energy [and] optimism, all with an intense passion for live music," says Rob Light, CAA's head of music. "He was one of the great promoters, whose productions were events. He touched every aspect of the music industry, and all with great success. And if you ever found yourself in Australia, there were no better hosts to show you an amazing time than Michael and his wife Sue." Source

Ireland will be part of a bid with the UK to host the World Cup in 2030, it has emerged. Taoiseach Micheal Martin’s spokesman confirmed Ireland will be part of the bid once it is formally launched. It came after Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed the UK is preparing a bid with Ireland to host the FIFA World Cup by the end of the decade. The Taoiseach’s spokesperson said the “football and government partners of Ireland and the UK are delighted that the UK government has committed to support a prospective five association bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup”. “The Department of Tourism Culture Arts Gaeltacht Sport and Media will continue to undertake feasibility work, together with its partners, to assess the viability of a bid and we look forward to further extensive engagement and collaboration as we seek to refine our hosting proposals in the coming months. “Staging a FIFA World Cup would provide an incredible opportunity to deliver tangible benefits for our nations. If a decision is made to bid for the event, we look forward to presenting our hosting proposals to FIFA and the wider global football community,” he added. The FAI has issued a statement saluting the Irish and UK governments for committing to support a five-association bid to host the 2030 World Cup. In conjunction with the Football Associations from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the FAI released a statement saying: “The football associations and government partners of the UK and Ireland are delighted that the UK government has committed to support a prospective five association bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. "We will continue to undertake feasibility work to assess the viability of a bid before FIFA formally open the process in 2022. Staging a FIFA World Cup would provide an incredible opportunity to deliver tangible benefits for our nations. "If a decision is made to bid for the event, we look forward to presenting our hosting proposals to FIFA and the wider global football community.” In an interview with the Sun newspaper, Mr Johnson announced he will be working Mr Martin’s government to secure the rights to hold the 2030 World Cup. He said Chancellor Rishi Sunak will announce millions in funding for UK and Ireland’s joint pitch to host the 2030 World Cup in tomorrow’s UK Budget. “We are very, very keen to bring football home in 2030. I do think it’s the right place,” Mr Johnson said. “It’s the home of football, it’s the right time. It will be an absolutely wonderful thing for the country,” he added. The Prime Minister said there is a “wealth of existing stadia” in Ireland and the UK which will support the bid. “Precise details of the involvement of each nation, including which cities and stadia will be involved, is yet to be determined. A five association bid provides a unique opportunity for towns and cities all across Ireland and the UK to engage with, and benefit from, hosting the tournament,” he added. He said those involved in working on the bid include the English Football Association, Scottish Football Association, Football Association of Wales, Irish Football Association and Football Association of Ireland, and UK government, Scottish Government, Welsh Assembly Government, the Northern Ireland Executive, the Irish Government of Ireland and UK Sport. “The FIFA World Cup is the largest and most impactful event in the World. Any bid process to host the tournament is always highly competitive and we look forward to developing our hosting proposal and working with FIFA to showcase our incredible assets and hosting credentials. Bidders will only be known once the bid process is formally opened by FIFA in 2022,” he added. Source

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The Carnival is new for 2022, and so is its name. The former Kia Sedona gets a price hike and is set to reach dealers by the second quarter of this year. The new 2022 Kia Carnival starts at $33,275, a $1700 price increase from the Kia Sedona it replaces. The Carnival received sweeping interior and exterior updates, including a design which gives it more SUV-like proportions. Despite the increase in starting price, the Carnival still undercuts its competitors. It'll reach U.S. dealers by the second quarter of this year. The 2022 Kia Carnival, formerly known as the Sedona, received sweeping updates for this model year and with it, a price increase of $1700. The Carnival now starts at $33,275 for the entry-level LX, and reaches $47,275 on the highest trim level, SX-Prestige, which is new for this year. The 2022 Carnival has a new, more stylish look which gives it SUV-like proportions. It also received stylish updates to its interior and now comes standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment screen and an optional 12.3-inch screen. The Carnival is front-wheel-drive only, and one engine is offered: a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 290 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The next trim up from the LX is EX, and it starts at $38,775. The second-highest trim level, SX, comes at a starting price of $42,275. Although the starting price of the Carnival received a generous price increase for 2022, it is still priced below its competitors such as the 2021 Chrysler Pacificaand the 2021 Toyota Sienna, which start at $36,690 and $35,635, respectively. The 2022 Kia Carnival is set to reach dealers in the U.S. by the second quarter of this year. Source: caranddriver.com

For 2021, the two-row Grand Cherokee carried over from the fourth generation. The 2022 model will usher in the fifth generation, first introduced on the three-row L. BRIAN WILLIAMSCAR AND DRIVER The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee will get a similar redesign to the new three-row 2021 Grand Cherokee L. For 2021, the two-row model was carried over from the fourth generation, while the Grand Cherokee L ushered in the fifth generation. We'll know more about the new two-row model soon, and pricing is expected to start at around $35,000 for the Laredo and reach $55,000 for the loaded Summit model. The 2021 Grand Cherokee L is a luxuriously redesigned three-row version of Jeep's popular SUV. Meanwhile, the two-row 2021 Grand Cherokee was carried over from the fourth generation without the new look. However, the redesigned fifth-gen two-row model is expected to arrive by the end of the year as part of the 2022 model year, and now we're seeing the new three-row model's same good looks on the two-row SUV. These new Jeeps could even enter the territory of luxury SUVs such as the BMW X5 and Genesis GV80. BRIAN WILLIAMSCAR AND DRIVER The upcoming model includes a typical Jeep-style seven-slot grille, though in the new models it's slanted slightly forward; slimmer LED headlights that connect more seamlessly on either side; larger openings on the front fascia, although the two-row's looks slightly different than the three-row L's; and sleek taillights. At launch, similar to the Grand Cherokee L, you can expect to see available models with varying equipment including the Laredo, Limited, Overland, and Summit. We also wouldn't rule out high-performance models from SRT down the line. The Grand Cherokee's powertrains will remain the same for the new generation, like the Grand Cherokee L. however a plug-in hybrid 4xe model will join the lineup soon, Jeep says. A 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 is standard, making 290 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque in the L, and it's available with either rear-, all-, or four-wheel drive. A more powerful 5.7-liter V-8 with four-wheel drive makes 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque on the L's Overland and Summit trims. Both engines make slightly less power than current two-row model because of the different configuration in this new generation, Jeep says. Both are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. 2021 JEEP Grand Cherokee L INTERIOR - JEEP Expect to see the Grand Cherokee L's luxurious cabin (pictured above) carry over into the two-row model. It features an available 10.1-inch screen (an 8.4-inch unit is standard) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, a standard 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster, customizable interior LED lighting, and a rotary shift knob similar to the one seen in the Grand Wagoneer concept. Jeep says that the Grand Cherokee L will have hands-free driving capabilities by the end of the year, though we're not sure if the same goes for the two-row model seen here. We'll know more about the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee by the end of the year. Source: caranddriver.com

The new Outlander starts at $26,990 following a redesign of the SUV, inside and out. It is set to reach dealers in April. Mitsubishi The freshly redesigned 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has a starting price of $26,990, a $900 price increase from the previous model. The top trim on the 2022, the SEL, starts at $33,140. The 2022 Outlander is set to reach dealers by April. The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has received a full redesign after the automaker skipped the 2021 model year altogether. With the changes, the SUV sees a $900 price increase to $26,990. The Outlander tops out at $33,140 for the highest trim, SEL; that is likely to change once Mitsubishi introduces the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the Outlander for the 2022 model year. Currently, the only 2021 Outlander is the PHEV. There are three trim levels on the 2022 Outlander, half as many as were available on the 2020 model. The midlevel SE costs $30,040. There is just one powertrain currently on the 2022 Outlander, a 2.5-liter inline-four with 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque which routes power through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive comes as standard, and all-wheel drive can be had for $1800, which is $200 cheaper than the 2020 model. The 2022 Outlander is now a few hundred dollars more expensive than its main competitors, including the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan and the 2021 Nissan Rogue, the SUV from which the Outlander borrows many components. The Tiguan starts at $26,440, and the Rogue starts at $26,800. The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is set to reach dealers by April. Source: caranddriver.com

Now starting at $60,995, the mid-engine sports car still represents an unbeatable value. The Chevrolet C8 Corvette's base price has increased by $1000, putting it over $60,000 for the first time since the mid-engine sports car's debut as a 2020 model. Base 1LT, midrange 2LT, and top-spec 3LT prices all increase by $1000 starting March 1. Midyear pricing changes are common in the auto industry, but Chevrolet hasn't commented on the reason for the increase. Chevrolet's mid-engine Corvette sports car has been widely touted as a performance bargain since it launched for the 202o model year, when GM set the entry price of $59,995. Starting March 1, the 10Best award-winning C8 Corvette will carry a base price of $60,995, an increase of $1000. The new pricing was first reported by Motor1. Chevrolet confirmed the increase in price to Car and Driver, but the company wouldn't comment on the reason for the hike. "We monitor and adjust pricing on all our products regularly, and we’re confident the Corvette remains a winning formula of performance and attainability," a Chevy spokesperson told C/D. Fair enough. Midyear pricing changes aren't uncommon in the automotive industry, particularly due to fluctuations in the price of supplier parts or in light of parts shortages. The Corvette's increase in price could be linked to a recent shortage of microchips, or it could simply be an attempt to squeeze a little extra profit from the Corvette lineup. Either way, the base 1LT model isn't the only version of the Corvette to have its price increased. Chevrolet confirmed that the midrange 2LT and top 3LT models both receive the same $1000 price increase, raising their MSRPs to $68,295 and $72,945 respectively. The price increase also applies to all convertible variants of the Corvette. Source: caranddriver.com

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We've made sure that the 6 best RPGs is a varied list that will pique the interests of many gamers, If you're in the mood to delve into the drunken world of Disco Elysium, or engage in some swordplay with a hefty side of magic in The Witcher 3, we've got you covered. For terrifying beauty and monster slaying, there's Bloodborne. For space travel and inter-planetary strife, there's Mass Effect 2 (and keep in mind, the Mass Effect remake trilogy was just recently announced). Some of these titles will overlap with our best MMORGPs list, so you may want to check that out, too. Xbox Series X and PS5 are here, so expect quite a few games you can enjoy in all their next-gen glory to appear on this list (like the Demon's Souls remake). Secure your next-gen console with our handy Xbox Series X pre-orders and PS5 pre-orders guides and enjoy the best RPGs out there with the power of next-gen. Every game on this list is jam-packed with all the RPG elements you expect from the genre: character customization, skill trees, decisions that affect the plot, and more decisions to keep you up at night. The options aren't endless, but they're certainly extensive, and they'll keep you guessing and second-guessing as you continue to play and linger with you after the credits roll -I'm still not over some of my Mass Effect 2 choices. So whether you're more into fantasy or sci-fi, seriousness or silliness, sword fighting or studying for a test, why not take a trip to a new land with one of our 6 best RPGs that you can play right now? Find the list, complete with game descriptions, below. 1. Monster Hunter: World Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC Just in case the title didn’t make it obvious, in Monster Hunter: World you hunt monsters. But although the main prize is the Diablos armour set or just the thrill of the hunt itself, how you take down those beasts is what you’ll be obsessing over as soon as you face your first Great Jagras. Experimenting with different weapons will take up your first handful of hours, and then once you develop an attachment to a particular implement you start to realize the crafting potential with all those bits and bobs dropped by your (now dead) quarries. The other half of the game opens up with this epiphany, so prepare yourself for some micro-management levels of tweaking and optimizing before you go out into the wild to perfect your character for the fight they’re about to face. 2. Borderlands 2 Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC In Borderlands 2, you choose to be whatever kind of hero you'd like in a world that's ridiculous and obscene. There's fart jokes, sure, but there's also skill trees that offer endless character builds, whether you're more the Gunzerker, blow-stuff-up-type, or the Siren, make-magic-with-your-hands type. Pick your poison and Borderlands 2 serves it up with a wry smile just like its character, Moxie. Travel through Pandora looting and shooting your way to glory, customizing the living hell out of your character. Just don't bring an acid gun to a fire gun fight, ya know? Ultimately, it doesn't matter what kind of Vault Hunter you build, all that matters is you kick Handsome Jack's ass - and trust us, you'll want to. 3. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Available on: PS4, PS5 Final Fantasy 7 is universally loved, so it's no surprise the Final Fantasy 7 Remake would end up on here. The beautifully detailed world you were already familiar with has changed - it seems bigger, more epic, and impresses at every turn. The world feels lived-in, the environment is vibrant - this is truly a reimagining of a classic. Final Fantasy 7 Remake honors the original game, while also introducing new elements to update it for modern players. Gone is the turn-based setup of the original game, and in its place is a real-time combat system that immediately feels more kinetic and dynamic. Your favorite characters have also gotten more depth, giving them even more pathos and helping you fall in love with them all over again. 4. Middle Earth: Shadow of War Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC The Nemesis system is back in Middle-Earth: Shadow of War, and it sure as hell puts the role-playing into RPG. Cultivating a powerful hatred of that goddamn Torz the Flesh Glutton - or whatever your Nemesis happens to be called - won’t seem possible on your first encounter, but after they kill you and start to rise through the ranks you’ll soon find yourself fantasizing about taking down that vile imposter every single time you boot up the game. Sure, playing the Ranger Talion as a sneaky stabber or the kind of Ranger who goes in sword swinging is kinda fun too, but what makes Shadow of War one of the best RPG games is the way it encourages you to manage your followers. You can send them to be spies, or sow seeds of discontent if you leave them to die in battle. There are so many options even Sauron himself would be overwhelmed. 5. Nier Automata Available on: PS4, PS5, PC Come for the soundtrack, stay for the silky smooth combat and pitch-perfect blend of genres. There's hack and slash, there's shoot 'em up, there's text adventures, there's RPG elements – Nier: Automata has it all, and in spades. The dazzling combat is split between three crazy sexy cool android protagonists who twirl and flip in hypnotic ways - and while its fun to hack and slash away at enemies with the quiet fury of a robot, the game really shines when you start customizing those robotic elements. Pick what chip is installed in your metal head and swap them in and out as needed, depending on the enemies you're facing - add that to one of four weapons in your arsenal and you'll have an ever-changing flurry of devastating combos at your disposal. The ending will linger with you long after and make you want to go back and get whatever extra info you can. 6. The Outer Worlds Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC The Outer Worlds is a game that lets Obsidian show off its best talent: making RPGs with great dialogue, engaging characters, and a world that drags you in and never lets you go. The Outer Worlds feels like Firefly and Mass Effect had a neon space baby and you are the caretaker of its future - no pressure. Sure, this game asks you to do a lot of talking in order to get to the best, cystipig-meatiest bits it has to offer, but almost every conversation you have with the denizens of Halcyon will delight you in some way. Brilliant voice acting coupled with cracking writing and surprisingly deft facial animations means you're going to be picking favorites and picking them fast. This only makes every decision more difficult, which is the mark of a great RPG: the ability to make you sweat with anxiety over a superficially innocuous dialogue option. Source

Some doctors have issued a warning, saying the new iPhone 12 series contain stronger magnets that could disrupt the functioning of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). They say the warning also can apply to other devices such as iPods or MP3 players if held too close to pacemakers or ICDs. They recommend that electronic devices not be stored in shirt pockets, over-the-shoulder bags, or other items close to a person’s heart. The release of Apple’s newest technology — the iPhone 12 series — is reviving old concerns about the safety of cellphones and people with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). The cause for pause comes from the smart technology’s addition of a circular array of more powerful magnets around a central charging coil that makes the phone compatible with MagSafe accessories such as cases, wallets, and wireless chargers. Doctors say carrying the device in a shirt pocket, bra, chest mount, or wraparound purse could suspend your pacemaker and ICD’s ability to send high-voltage shock therapy when needed. Doctors raising concerns Doctors cite concerns over what they’re calling an “important public health issue” regarding the newer-generation iPhone 12 in a letter to the editor in Heart Rhythm. They tested the safety of the device on a person with an ICD and found that once the iPhone was brought close to the ICD over the left chest area, an immediate suspension of ICD therapies occurred and persisted for the duration of the test. “This result was reproduced multiple times with different positions of the phone over the pocket,” states the letter. The doctors further cite a report from 2020 showing magnetic interference from a fitness tracker wristband that deactivated an ICD up to distances of 2.4 centimeters (cm). They say this suggests other popular smart technologies used for lifestyle and health management pose similar potential for problems in people with pacemakers and ICDs. What you need to know The American Heart Association has long since advised people with ICDs to be aware of their surroundings and that devices with strong magnetic fields can disrupt their functioning. This is also common knowledge in the medical community. “Patients with pacemakers and ICDs have long been given instructions about the use of cellphones and their devices,” says Dr. Bruce L. Wilkoff, the director of cardiac pacing and tachyarrhythmia devices and a professor of medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University in Ohio. These standard instructions included not keeping cellphones (or iPods/MP3 players) in front pockets and avoiding holding them against the ear on the same side as the ICD. Wilkoff echoes it isn’t only the iPhone 12 or even cellphones that should be used with caution. “While this research points out that there are magnets in this particular cellphone, staying away from this and other devices with magnets is important in that they will modify both pacemaker and ICD function during the time of close contact,” he told Healthline. “Other reports have also pointed out that the clasps in watches and step counters also have magnets and it is important to not let them rest over pacemakers and ICDs,” he added. The problem isn’t the magnets The new magnets are more powerful and this does heighten their potential to disrupt device functioning. But the problem isn’t — and never has been — with the magnets themselves. “Even phones without magnets can affect the function of the pacemaker or ICD when the phone is in proximity to the device,” Wilkoff said. “The problem is the proximity of the magnet, which is intended to affect the function of the pacemaker and ICD when in proximity.” “The magnets are not dangerous to the pacemaker or ICD as we use magnets as a normal part of adjusting the devices,” he explained. “The effect of a magnet on a pacemaker is usually to temporarily turn on the pacing function and to ignore the signals from the heart. The effect of a magnet on an ICD is usually to temporarily disable the ICD response to the rapid heart rhythms that is necessary to save the patient’s life,” said Wilkoff. “The response is restored by removing the magnet from close contact (about 3 to 5 inches),” he noted. How to safely use smart technology Whether you upgrade your phone or not, Wilkoff recommends taking safety precautions to ensure proper ICD functioning. “Developing these habits will be good for this and any new phone that they get,” he said. Wilkoff’s tips include: keeping your phone in some other place than in a pocket over the pacemaker or ICD making a habit of using the opposite ear for calls However, you don’t need to panic if you forget. “Using the same ear is likely too far to affect a change in the device function,” Wilkoff said. “The likelihood of a problem is very small with accidental co-location of the phone and pacemaker or ICD.” Apple suggests keeping your iPhone and MagSafe accessories a safe distance away from your device (more than 6 inches/15 cm apart or more than 12 inches/30 cm apart if wirelessly charging) to avoid any potential interactions with these devices. They also recommend talking to your doctor for specific guidelines. Source

If you're shopping for a 2021 Jeep Wrangler, you can now pay more to get less. Less door, anyway, which some people think means more fun. STELLANTIS If you're a Jeep Wrangler shopper and you want the openness of a half-door, with a lower opening and removable windows, it's time to head over to the 2021 Wrangler configurator. The cost for the half doors depends on how many you need (two or four) as well as whether you choose the base or premium upper half. Not all paint colors are available with the half door, either. The Dual-Door Group option has been available to order since the fall, but deliveries are just now starting, as Jeep forum users are quick to point out. Jeep has added half doors to the configurator for the new Jeep Wrangler JL. True to form, Jeep has kept the names for these options as byzantine as its trim designations, so for the curious, the key things to look for on the website are the terms "Dual-Door Group," which come with either "Premium Uppers" or "Base Uppers." As Jeep fans know, the term Dual Door is used because when you add this Group option, you actually get two sets of doors: the standard pair and a set of half doors where the metal is actually lower for a larger opening and removable windows. You can swap them out any time you want. Jeep knows how to promote its half-door option, saying on the Wrangler configurator site that half doors are "not as confining as full doors" (points for honesty) and that they offer "a different driving experience." For example, in case the windows get muddy or broken or otherwise obscured when driving on a trail, "half doors give you unobstructed views to ensure you are staying on course," Jeep says, without mentioning that when you use a half door, you don't have windows that simply roll down. STELLANTIS The difference between the two kinds of half doors is that the Premium style uses a fabric similar to the Jeep's soft top, while the Base half doors are more of a plasticky vinyl to again match the base top. The Premium half doors also come with heated mirrors and speed-sensitive power locks, while the Base half doors do not. Adding half doors isn't free, to be sure. The lowest-cost way to get them is on a two-door Wrangler, where the Base Uppers cost $2350 and the Premium Uppers are $2550. On the four-door Wrangler, the costs are either $3995 (Base) or $4395 (Premium) but playing around with the configurator shows that not every 2021 Wrangler paint color is available with the half door option. Specifically, the Dual-Door Group is available with the following exterior colors: Billet Silver, Black, Bright White, Firecracker Red, Granite Crystal, HellaYella, Hydro Blue, Sarge Green, Snazzberry, and Sting Gray. It is not available with Chief Blue and Nacho exterior colors. People have been able to order the half-door option since the fall, and JL Wrangler forums are full of people patiently—or impatiently—waiting for their vehicles to arrive as Jeep Wrangler models with the new Dual-Door Group are only being delivered to dealers now, Jeep has confirmed to Car and Driver. Source: caranddriver.com

The Defender 90 and 110 will soon be available with the blown 5.0-liter V-8, and the former is claimed to do 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The 2022 Land Rover Defender V8 is out this summer, and it comes with a 518-hp supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 engine. The V-8 engine will be available in both two-door Defender 90 and four-door Defender 110 models, and with it, the two-door will reach 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, Land Rover says. Defender V8s have a specially tuned suspension, quad exhaust tips, 22-inch wheels with blue front calipers, and an Alcantara steering wheel with chrome paddle shifters. We're in a seemingly golden age of powerful off-road vehicles. There's a 702-hp Hellcat-powered Ram 1500 TRX. Ford is debuting a higher-performance F-150 Raptor R next year that's expected to have more than 700 horsepower. The Jeep Wrangler now has a 470-hp V-8-powered Rubicon 392 model. And the Hummer is back as a 1000-hp off-road-focused electric pickup on 35-inch tires. It's only getting better, because the Land Rover Defender, now in its third model year in the U.S., is adding a supercharged V-8 model. Jaguar Land Rover's supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 makes up to 575 horsepower in the Land Rover Range Rover SVR and the Jaguar F-Type R. In the 2022 Land Rover Defender, it'll spit out 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque—the same output as the Range Rover Sport Autobiography. The blown V-8 will be available in both two-door 90 and four-door 110 models, and it's mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with four-wheel drive. Land Rover says the two-door will hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 149 mph. The Defender's standard engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 3.0-liter inline-six is also available. In our previous test of the 3.0-liter Defender 110 SE, the sprint to 60 mph required 6.3 seconds. Land Rover specifically tuned the Defender V8's spring and damper rates and equipped larger anti-roll bars to account for the bigger engine. The active electronic rear differential that is optional on other Defenders is standard on the V-8 model, and a retuned yaw controller increases cornering performance. A new Dynamic mode in the Defender V8's Terrain Response drive mode system stiffens the suspension and sharpens the throttle response. Passersby will know a supercharged V-8 is under the hood by the rumble resonating from the Defender V8's quad-tip exhaust, but there's also V8 badging on the front fender and tailgate to alert them. Defender V8s ride on standard 22-inch wheels with blue front brake calipers and 15-inch rotors, although 20-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires are optional—and the better choice. Only the Urban and Country accessory packs are available on the Defender V8. Sadly, the overlanding-focused Adventure and Explorer packs, which add such features as a roof rack, snorkel, and cargo box, are absent from the options. Three color choices are available: Carpathian Gray, Yulong White, and Santorini Black. There's also a special Carpathian Edition that's finished in the gray paint with a black roof and tailgate, "V8 Carpathian Edition" badging, and black trim pieces, and everything is finished in Land Rover's satin protective film. The Defender V8's interior has unique black leather seats with suede inserts and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with chrome paddle shifters. Its illuminated door sills are also adorned with Defender V8 script. All 2022 Defenders introduce the option of a new, even larger curved 11.4-inch touchscreen (pictured above), and wireless charging is standard on all models. A 10.0-inch screen remains standard. The 2022 Land Rover Defender V8 will arrive in the summer starting at $98,550 for the two-door 90 and $101,750 for the four-door 110 model. The Carpathian Edition costs $105,350 for the 90 and $108,550 for the 110. Source: caranddriver.com/

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the award to 90 vehicles this year, up from 64 last year. But for some companies, there's still work to do. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named 90 vehicles a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ for 2021, up from 64 in 2020. One reason is that automakers have been improving their vehicles in the ways the IIHS tests for, including better headlights and active-safety features for crash prevention. Test results aren't out yet on the 2021 Genesis GV80 (pictured below), in the news this week when golfer Tiger Woods was injured in a crash driving one, but a spokesperson said IIHS expects it to do well since the G70 and G80 are both Top Safety Pick+ winners. Cars are getting safer all the time. Thanks to innovations in computer modeling, metallurgy, and electronics (among many other things), we generally expect the new-car fleet to make gradual improvements in overall safety. But this year was a bigger leap than most, as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety bestowed awards on 90 vehicles. Last year, the number was 64. The awards in question are Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+. Getting that "+" includes an extra requirement that a vehicle offer above-standard headlights across every trim level. Forty-one Top Safety Pick and 49 Top Safety Pick+ winners were named for 2021. To score either award, a vehicle has to earn a Good rating in six different crash tests, plus a Superior or Advanced score in automated braking tests. Essentially, any car that earns an IIHS accolade has a robust structure and effective passive safety measures, plus electronic crash prevention and (probably) good headlights. The IIHS, if you're unfamiliar, is not a government agency. It's funded by the insurance industry, which has a vested interest in safer cars. The IIHS mission is twofold, really. There's the scientific side, with its crash testing and crash-prevention assessments, and the media side to mete out public praise—or, as the situation warrants, shame. Manufacturers rue the dreaded IIHS Poor rating, because that invites attention of a most unwanted sort. Moving Up by Getting Better The Mazda CX-9 is a case in point. The 2014 Mazda CX-9 earned a Poor rating in the small-overlap test, which replicates the kind of collision where you drift out of your lane and hit an oncoming car, but not totally head on. It's a brutal test because most of the front crash structure isn't engaged when only a corner of the car makes impact. In the CX-9's case, the A-pillar folded and the dashboard deformed such that the steering wheel ended up somewhere between the front seats. Mazda took the situation to heart—the IIHS putting the destroyed CX-9 carcass on display might’ve helped—and the redesigned CX-9 addressed its predecessor's structural issues. In fact, the 2021 CX-9 is a Top Safety Pick+ recipient. THE 2014 MAZDA CX-9 WORE ITS POOR RATING IN THE IIHS HALL OF SHAME. Sometimes manufacturers move to improve a model even before a redesign. In 2017, the Chrysler Pacifica was brand-new when an IIHS test prompted Fiat Chrysler to modify the front door structure. Again, the small overlap test was the cause. Now, the IIHS assessment of the Pacifica notes: "Two tests of the Pacifica were conducted because the driver door was torn off its hinges in the first test. As a result, Fiat Chrysler strengthened the upper hinge and reinforced the joint between the door hinge pillar and inner body panel in front of the pillar. In the second test, the upper hinge held and the door stayed shut." After that modification, the Pacifica earned across-the-board Good scores on all six crash tests. Thanks, IIHS. Genesis Tests Coming Soon This year's plaudits are spread across a wide range of companies, but you may notice a few absences. Like, what, is a Bentley Bentayga not safe? What about the Genesis GV80, lately in the news for its crashworthiness? Both are absent from the list, though for different reasons. To conduct its tests, IIHS either buys a given car or gets reimbursed for it by a manufacturer that wants to prove the mettle of a given model. So they're not going to go spend $183,425 on a Bentley (or Bentleys) to run into a wall. And neither has Bentley seen fit to gift them any crash-test vehicles, evidently. And the Genesis just hasn't been in production long enough for IIHS to complete its testing. As the IIHS director of media relations, Joe Young, told us: "Tests of the 2021 GV80 (pictured on IIHS tweet above) and the 2021 G80 are underway now, and we expect to have results out in the second half of March. These vehicles are simply too new and we weren't able to get testing completed in time for this release. The G70 and G90 both earn Top Safety Pick+ awards, and we expect the GV80 to perform well in our tests as it's a brand-new model and Hyundai Motor Group has a solid track record of performing well in our crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and headlight evaluations." While the Top Safety Pick glory will surely be amplified by the winners, it's up to the IIHS to scorn the losers. Mitsubishi, step right up! The agency notes that 2021 extends Mitsubishi's unprecedented streak of never winning a single award. Also, "The low number of awards for General Motors is striking for such a large manufacturer." GM earned a single Top Safety Pick+ and one more regular Top Safety Pick, for the Cadillac XT6 and Chevy Equinox, respectively. THE HONDA PILOT IS ONE THE VEHICLES THAT NARROWLY MISSES AN IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK. IT ACED THE DRIVER-SIDE SMALL OVERLAP TEST, BUT NEEDS IMPROVEMENT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. Perhaps the most encouraging thing about IIHS's 2021 report is that many more vehicles almost made the list, but came up short in a single category. There were 12 more vehicles that aced every criteria except headlights, and seven fell short on pedestrian crash prevention. Only five cars missed the cut solely because of crash-test shortcomings, and in all five cases the passenger-side small overlap test was the culprit. (If you're wondering: Toyota Prius, Toyota Prius Prime, Volkswagen GTI, Audi A5 coupe, and Chevy Traverse.) As the IIHS data shows, cars are safer than ever. If only the same could be said for drivers. Source: caranddriver.com

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into 2013–2018 models following complaints of fires starting from the 12-volt battery. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into the Toyota RAV4 after receiving 11 complaints of fire coming from the engine compartment. The investigation covers nearly 1.9 million vehicles in the U.S. from the RAV4's fourth generation, which was built between 2013 and 2018 model years. NHTSA said it suspects the problem comes from the positive terminal on the 12-volt battery shorting on its hold-down frame. The vehicles haven't been recalled, but the investigation could lead to that. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into the 2013–2018 Toyota RAV4 after receiving 11 complaints of a fire starting from the engine compartment, as first reported by the Associated Press. The investigation covers nearly 1.9 million vehicles, and NHTSA said it suspects that the problem comes from the positive terminal of the 12-volt battery shorting on the battery's hold-down frame, "which may result in the sudden loss of electrical power, vehicle stalling, and/or a fire originating in the engine compartment," according to a document released by the regulatory agency. Of 11 complaints submitted, seven reported experiencing the fire starting while the car was being driven, and the other four said it occurred while the ignition was off. In the instances where the car was being driven, half of the drivers experienced the car stalling prior to the fire. No accidents or injuries have been reported as a result of the problem. NHTSA also pointed out that improper battery installation or previous front-end collision repair were factors in some cases. The vehicles haven't been recalled, but this preliminary investigation could lead to a recall. For more information on the investigation process, this document from NHTSA covers the details of the recall process and investigations. Source: caranddriver.com/

Take heart: What’s on your plate can help maintain your cardiac capacity. “Heart-healthy foods contain nutrients that have been shown to benefit the cardiovascular system or reduce the risk of developing heart disease by lowering 'bad' LDL cholesterol and blood triglycerides, reducing blood pressure, controlling weight and/or improving insulin sensitivity,” says Rania Batayneh, MPH, the owner of Essential Nutrition For You and the author of The One One One Diet. Omega-3s, potassium, calcium, magnesium, fiber, phytonutrients and antioxidants earn top marks in these categories, making the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet top choices for those seeking to maintain or improve heart health. Science backs up this premise: A menu centered around produce, whole grains, nuts and beans, plus a little dairy and heart-healthy fats can help reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease by about a third, according to a 2016 study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. So which foods get the green light from dietitians and which ones get the red light? Here are the 10 worst foods for your heart. 1. Processed deli meats Ditch the deli. "Even the lower-fat versions of cured lunch meats contain the preservative sodium nitrate," says Suzanne Fisher, RD, LDN, founder of Fisher Nutrition Systems in Cooper City, Florida. Nitrates may increase internal inflammation, and "chronic inflammation has a direct link to the development of atherosclerosis," the stiffening or narrowing of the arteries, she adds. 2. Hot dogs Linked closely to cold cuts is another cured meat option: franks. “Hot dogs and sausages can be high in saturated fat. Even low-fat options tend to be packed with salt. It’s important to watch your sodium intake, as more dietary sodium often leads to higher blood pressure,” Batayneh says. 3. Rotisserie chicken Same goes for supermarket roasted birds—they often contain far more sodium and saturated fat than your typical home-cooked poultry products if you purchase them fully seasoned and with skin on. Roast your own at home (try our Ultimate Roasted Whole Chicken recipe!) to control the amount of added sodium or seek out an unseasoned chicken and remove the skin to trim down on saturated fat. 4. Ketchup You might want to shake up your condiment strategy, as many store-bought ones are loaded with added sugar and/or sodium. "Ketchup is very high in sodium as well," says Juan Rivera, MD, a cardiologist in Miami, Florida and chief medical correspondent for Univision Network and the author of The Mojito Diet. Just two tablespoons contains 320 milligrams of sodium—14 percent of the way to your daily suggested limit of 2,300 milligrams, recommended by the American Heart Association. Plus, it boasts eight grams of sugar per two-tablespoon serving. 5. Table salt About 70 percent of our total sodium consumption comes from food we find in packages or eat at restaurants. Another 15 percent is found naturally in ingredients. But that leaves another 15 percent or so of sodium that we're completely in control of adding ourselves, either via the salt shaker on the table or by the spoonful into recipes. Start by adding half of what a recipe calls for, and scale up to only use what you need. So you don't shake on extra out of habit, leave the salt in the kitchen and only bring it to the table if you need it after the first bite. 6. Reduced-fat salad dressings What makes reduced-fat salad dressings a cardiac crime is that they're actually hidden sources of sugar and salt, says Fisher. “When fat is removed, sugar is typically added to maintain the taste and texture,” she says. Just because it’s low in fat or calories, it doesn’t mean it’s healthy. “I recommend my clients to look beyond macronutrients. Even when macros fall perfectly in line with what’s traditionally recommended for fat, carbohydrates and protein levels, a diet can fall short on nutrition,” Fisher says. “For example, are the carbohydrate sources highly-processed and low in fiber? Is the protein lean? Is the fat heart-healthy?” 7. Fat-free packaged snacks Even worse than reduced-fat is unnaturally zero-fat. “Fat-free packaged foods were once touted as a healthy option for individuals wanting to lose weight and maintain a healthier lifestyle,” Fisher says. No longer. A good rule of thumb: Avoid any product that is not normally fat-free. What it doesn't have in fat, it makes up for in sugar. “Read food labels and ingredient lists to determine many grams of sugar may have been added as a fat substitute. Many types of natural fats are healthy and promote satiety, which in the long run can reduce cravings and overeating,” she continues. 8. Fried chicken More fried food, more problems. Study participants who consumed larger amounts of fried food had higher risk for death from coronary artery disease, as reported in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. “Conventional frying methods may include oils that contain trans fats, a type of fat shown to raise the bad type of cholesterol and lower the good kind,” Batayneh says. Trans fats rose in popularity in recent decades due to their ability to be reused again and again in commercial fryers, but now that their true nutrition colors are coming to light, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has banned their use. Restaurants and food manufacturers have until January 1, 2020 to completely phase them out. 9. Fancy coffee drinks Your complete daily dose of sugar might be hiding out in that grande cup. “If that’s not enough to shock you, think about this: a grande blended frappuccino may provide more carbohydrates than 4 ½ pieces of bread, without the fiber or any nutritional value, really,” Werner says. “When ordered with whole milk, these drinks can shoot your saturated fat intake up pretty high for the day.” High sugar + high fat = a heart-harmer. Instead, stick to an iced coffee with a splash of unsweetened almond or skim milk. Try these low-sugar Starbucks drinks instead. 10. Red meat Aim to integrate more plant-based proteins, such as beans and nuts, for the biggest heart health boost. “Red meat consumption has been shown to increase cardiovascular risk,” Rivera says. A 2018 study from the European Heart Journal may point to why. Compared to white meat or vegetarian protein sources, red meat triggers the body to produce more of the gut bacteria trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) during digestion. High amounts of TMAO in the body has been associated with increased risk for heart attacks and stroke, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Source

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