Category: Lifestyle

Well+Good 

Hot girl walks offer mood-boosting benefits on their own, but one of the best things about them is just how much better they can become with a few easy upgrades. Pop on a cute workout set, blast the new Ariana Grande album through your headphones, grab an iced coffee, and accessorize with some famous-feeling sunnies (and, if you can, a cute dog), and those 10,000 steps that would normally make you feel good will suddenly leave you feeling better than ever.

… Now, imagine all that, plus a full-body lymphatic drainage massage.

That’s what you get with Elastique’s L’Original Full Leggings ($197), which have taken my daily hot girl walks to the next level. Thanks to the lymphatic drainage beads woven into the inside of the leggings, it feels like I’m getting a micro-massage with every step. Find my full review below.

How they work

As mentioned, Elastique’s fabrics are infused with the brand’s MicroPerle beads, which are perfectly placed to stimulate lymphatic drainage when compressed into the skin.

To understand why this is important enough to be worth the brand’s $197-for-a-pair-of-leggings price point, it’s first important to know a little bit about your lymphatic system. Pros often liken the lymphatic system to a series of pipes, which work to remove waste from your body by moving a clear fluid called lymph through your organs and tissues. While this system typically flows just fine all on its own, certain practices can stimulate lymphatic drainage to help it function even better. Among these are lymphatic drainage massages, jade rolling, certain exercises, and these Elastique leggings.

According to the brand, the MicroPerle’s are strategically located in spots where lymphatic fluid tends to build up. When they’re pressed into the top layer of skin via Elastique’s compression tech (which is tighter around the ankle and looser up the leg to encourage blood flow back up to the heart), they break up that fluid so it can move around more freely.

My honest review of Elastique’s leggings

If you’re thinking that the idea of massage-stimulating leggings sounds scammy, I’m with you—it’s exactly how I felt before I tried them for myself.

The first test run came on one very hungover Saturday morning, which turned out to be the perfect time to try them out (so much so that it almost made it worth the headache). Dehydration and inflammation—two fun side effects that come along with drinking four espresso martinis—can cause the lymphatic system to slow down, which means mine was well-primed for a little kick-start. I grabbed my much-needed iced coffee and headed out for a 20-minute walk, feeling incredibly cute in my new Elastique set (FWIW: The beads are totally invisible from the outside—no one else can see that they’re there).

When I got home, I felt surprisingly upbeat for a hungover person in their 30s—I had planned to be down for the count for the entire day, but that turned out to be unnecessary. While I can’t wholly credit the leggings for curing my hangover (according to experts, the walking itself played its own helpful role), I can confirm that my body felt better than it usually does the day after a bit of imbibing.

The next time I tried the leggings was during a Pilates class. I was initially nervous that the beads were going to drive me bonkers, but I barely noticed them over the course of what felt like a thousand leg lifts—any time I did remember they were there, they just felt good. 

One thing to note: After you take the leggings off, they leave behind what the brand lovingly calls “MicroPerle kisses,” which are essentially divots in the skin caused by the beads. They go away quickly, but I personally like seeing the little spots on my legs as a clue the massage is actually working.

Anecdotally, I’ve heard that people swear by Elastique for travel, and I’m excited to test them out the next time I hop on a plane. Considering compression socks are a go-to for keeping in-flight foot and ankle swelling at bay, it makes sense that compressive, massage-bead-infused leggings will do the same for your legs—whether you’re 30,000 feet in the air or planted firmly on the ground.

Clearly, I’m in love, and I’m not the only one. “I love them! I wore them on a cross-country flight and felt much better than I usually do after. They’re also great to wear either during a workout or after to help with recovery,” writes one reviewer. “This is my third pair of L’Original 27” leggings. I wear them constantly and have not purchased another brand since trying them. The long-term effects, particularly how smooth my upper legs have become, is testimony in itself,” says another.

Final thoughts

For the price of two regular massages (or one very fancy one), these leggings are worth the investment. On their own, the compression they offer is enough to keep my legs cozy and fluid-free whether I’m at the gym or curled up on the couch, and the massage beads just make them that much better. I’ve never been one to take the time to treat myself to a full-body lymphatic drainage massage (or… any sort of lymphatic drainage massage for that matter), but these babies give me all the same benefits without taking a single minute out of my regular routine.

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Well+Good 

Filorgia, a France-based brand founded by physician Michel Tordjam, has long been committed to creating scientifically proven and clinically tested skin solutions, resulting in innovations that have earned the stamp of approval from skin-care experts and beauty enthusiasts alike. One such example is Filorga’s best-selling Time-Filler 5-XP Eye Cream ($72). Infused in the formula are, most notably, the brand’s signature New Cellular Encapsulated Factors (NCEF) complex, which features active components found in a mesotherapy injection, as well as the same potent anti-aging heroes in its sister product, the Filorga Time-Filler 5-XP Cream.

As a testament to its efficacious combination of ingredients, the Time-Filler Eye Cream claims instant results—and in a clinical trial conducted by the brand, it was found that the majority of participants saw a reduced appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in just one week. As with most beauty products that claim instant results, I met this eye cream’s promise with both curiosity and skepticism. So, I put it to the test to find out whether it could live up to its claims. Ahead, my full review of the product.

My skin

I admittedly haven’t always paid close attention to my under-eye area. However, now that I’m in my thirties, I’ve wised up to the idea of eye creams—and though I’ve come to embrace, rather than dread, the swift passage of time, the inevitable changes of age have become all the more apparent. Among them: the appearance of my eyes, which have a certain weariness about them, even after clocking in eight hours of shut-eye, and bear hallmarks of years squinting at my phone and computer screen.

And, as it turns out, your thirties are prime time to consider incorporating eye cream into a skin-care routine. As board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, previously told Well+Good: “By age 30, ceramide production drops by 46 percent, and we are losing about one perfect of our collagen every year,” adding, “many have accumulated enough sun or environmental damage to trigger visible signs of aging, and how you treat your skin—either by furthering damage or preventing it—sets the stage for how you age.” Which is all to say, there’s no time like the present for this 30-something-year-old to consider eye cream—and the Filorga 5-XP Eye Cream couldn’t have come at a more opportune time.

The formula

In formulating this eye cream, Filorga sought out to create a product that tackles the five different types of wrinkles in one fell swoop. As mentioned, it contains the NCEF complex. According to the brand, the NCEF complex has the same ingredients found in a mesotherapy injection, which delivers a dose of hyaluronic acid—a hydrating ingredient dermatologists frequently recommend for under-eye wrinkles—and a mélange of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and coenzymes to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Per the brand, the ingredients are encapsulated in liposomes, which help to push the product into your skin’s layers without needles or pain.

In addition, the eye cream contains orchid stem cells and extract of sea fennel, a natural retinol alternative, for added anti-aging benefits. It also contains peptides, an ingredient that has been proven to be fairly effective at reducing the appearance of wrinkles. For example, in one 2019 study conducted on 22 women over the age of 40, participants saw significant improvements in skin wrinkles after just two weeks of topically applying peptides. The formula is rounded out by Persian silk tree bark extract, which is purported to help minimize the look of dark circles and puffiness.

The eye cream’s primary purpose is to tackle and prevent signs of aging, it also offers another incentive to apply it to the skin surrounding your eyes. It contains a combination of provitamin B5 and matrikine peptide, which work to condition and nourish dry, brittle, or damaged lashes.

My first impressions of the Filorga Time-Filler 5-XP Eye Cream

Photo: Courtesy of author

Upon spreading the Time-Filler Eye Cream underneath my eyes, I was immediately struck by the texture. It doesn’t have the thick consistency of many moisturizing eye creams; it was lightweight with the consistency of pudding, which was pleasant to apply around my eyes. The cream absorbed quickly into my skin and it was easy to spread, even when applying more than a pea-sized amount.

Photo: Courtesy of author

The cream instantly left the skin around my eyes looking more hydrated, and its subtle cooling sensation was a surprising but welcome bonus. It also doesn’t interfere with makeup—it rather helps create a smooth base for makeup to glide on seamlessly. If anything, it has a subtle perfume-like scent, which might be a tradeoff for some people with sensitive skin (or noses). However, the fragrance isn’t unpleasant in the slightest, and once I worked the product into my skin, I could no longer smell it.

My experience using the Filorga Time-Filler 5-XP Eye Cream

As recommended by Filorga, I used the eye cream twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, as the last step of my skin-care routine. I followed this same routine for one week, and throughout this trial period, I didn’t experience any irritation, which is a win for my oftentimes temperamental, combination skin. After the week-long trial period, the skin surrounding my eyes was more hydrated and smoother to the touch—and it managed to offset some effects of late nights, particularly puffiness.

Final verdict: Is the Filorga Time-Filler 5-XP Eye Cream worth it?

Time will only tell whether the 5-XP Eye Cream can soften the creases under my eyes, but it’s proven to be a worthy consideration in my skin-care routine. Not only did it make my eyes look smoother, plumper, and softer, but it also helped address extra puffiness. It fit seamlessly into my everyday routine, too—and, dare I say, even improved it. After just one week of using this product, my makeup went on much smoother under my eyes, resulting in a more seamless appearance, whereas it looked creasy and cakey in the past.

Overall, I think Filorga’s 5-XP Eye Cream is a solid moisturizing eye cream, thanks to its lightweight, fast-absorbing, yet deeply hydrating formula. With continuous use, I’m convinced I will see more visible results.

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Carscoops 

Car ownership has its ups and downs and of all the things you can have happen, walking outside to find the wheels of your car missing is one of the most frustrating. This year, this has become an increasingly common scenario for San Diego residents.

The San Diego Police Department says that since January this year, it has been told of roughly 25 cases of wheels and tires being removed from vehicles overnight. These thefts happened in areas including San Diego itself, Carlsbad, Oceanside, San Marcos, and Escondido. Thieves appear particularly fond of Toyota models.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that most cases involve Toyota 4Runner and Toyota TRD Pro trucks, including the Tacoma and Tundra. This is probably because they have pricey wheels and off-roading tires, making them a temptation too hard to ignore for some thieves. Police say the thefts are happening on the street and in parking lots.

Having wheels and tires stolen from your car may not be as infuriating as having your car stolen, it is still a pain. Last year, thieves nicked one of the rear wheels of my dad’s Land Rover Discovery Sport which was parked on the street overnight. Police came to the scene to grab some fingerprints but nothing eventuated and he filed a claim through his insurance provider for a new wheel. Doing so cost hundreds of dollars and forced him to wait several weeks for a new wheel.

Read: Thieves Steal Wheels Off Rare Acura NSX Type S At San Francisco Airport

Car owners can follow a few tips to help protect their wheels. One option is to buy a set of lock nuts or lock bolts that are compatible with your vehicle. Another option is to park your vehicle on streets with lots of traffic and pedestrians. It is also a good idea to park in a well-lit area if possible.

Lead image via Fox5 News

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The Points Guy 

[circuit type=review circuit_id=”20420166559″]

Editor’s note: The writer’s stay at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa was provided free of charge by Disney. All opinions are the writer’s own and were not subject to review by Disney or any other entity.

Disney fans know well that every Disney resort is unique — and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is no exception. As one of Disney World’s Deluxe resorts, you’ll find spacious guest rooms, glimmering swimming pools, a handful of dining options and that special touch of Disney magic around every corner.

Here are the things that make this property stand out from other Disney resorts to help you decide if this is the right resort for your next Disney World vacation.

What is Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa?

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY

To this day, Saratoga Springs, New York, is known for its world-class horse racing, grand hotels and serene spas — all of which inspired the equestrian theme and Victorian-era design of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

Along with other Disney Deluxe resorts like Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Saratoga Springs is a Disney Vacation Club Resort with deluxe studios and villas. You’ll enjoy more space and amenities when you book a Disney Vacation Club room, like balconies, kitchens, large bathrooms and in-room laundry facilities.

DVC resorts also have more family-focused recreation and activities than other Disney resorts, including bike rentals, tennis and basketball courts, and a Community Hall with movies, video games and daily activities like crafts and games.

Related: Why I bought a timeshare — and am really happy about it

You’ll also get the normal perks of staying at a Disney Deluxe resort, such as 30-minute early entry to the parks, purchasing individual Lightning Lanes at 7 a.m. and extended evening theme park hours on select nights.

How to book Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY

As with other Disney World hotels, it’s often best to book directly with Disney. You can do this through Disney’s website, over the phone or using an authorized Disney vacation planner. Disney vacation planners are free to use and can help you get the best price by searching for available discounts at the time of booking and up until your trip.

Disney also periodically releases hotel discounts that can help you save 30% or more based on your vacation dates and length of stay.

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG’S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS.

In addition to booking through Disney or a vacation planner, you can also use miles from your Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card to book through the Capital One Travel portal or pay using your Venture X card and earn up to 10 miles per dollar on your stay when booking through the Capital One Travel portal.

Even though Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is a DVC resort, you don’t have to be a DVC member to stay here. You can also rent DVC points from a DVC member or a resale site like David’s Vacation Club Rentals. Renting DVC points instead of paying cash for a DVC room through Disney can drastically reduce the cost of staying at a Disney Deluxe resort.

For example, the cash price of a deluxe studio at Saratoga Springs for July 17-18 is $476 plus tax, but you can get the same room by renting DVC points through David’s Vacation Club Rentals for $280, including tax.

Booking link: Rent DVC points via TPG’s partner, David’s Vacation Club Rentals

The resort has an equestrian theme

Saratoga Springs’ equestrian history seamlessly carries over to this Disney hotel, with nods to famous Disney horses throughout the resort. You’ll find paintings of horses from several Disney films in the lobby, framed jockey silks lining the walls that lead to the resort’s table service restaurant and amiable pictures of Disney characters riding horses in the guest rooms.

Entrance to the Turf Club Bar and Grill. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY

The resort also has the relaxing feel of a quiet, secluded retreat. No roller coasters are roaring by in the background, just green trees, wooded paths and playful pools.

There are spacious room types for families of all sizes

Rooms at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa range from deluxe studios to three-bedroom villas and even a few Treehouse Villas (more on those in a moment). Deluxe studio rooms have a kitchenette and a balcony or patio, and villas have separate bedrooms, a full kitchen, in-room laundry and a balcony or patio.

I stayed in a one-bedroom villa that had a sofa bed and a fold-down single sleeper in the living room, a separate bedroom, dining table, full kitchen, stackable washer and dryer, furnished balcony, and a multiroom bathroom with a tub and large vanity in one section, a shower and smaller vanity in another and a third section with a toilet.

No matter the size of your party, there is likely a room here that can comfortably accommodate you. The rooms are designed to give families plenty of space to feel at home while providing Disney touches, like artwork and a Mickey-themed Amazon Echo device.

There is a golf course connected to the property

Disney World is home to three 18-hole golf courses and one nine-hole course. Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course — an 18-hole course that has hosted PGA, LPGA and USGA events — is on the grounds of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. The pro shop is near the hotel lobby, and the course winds around the resort.

You don’t have to be a hotel guest to play here, but advance tee times are recommended. Rental clubs are available if you don’t want to lug your clubs to Orlando, and private lessons are available.

There are several daily activities for families

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY

When I arrived at the resort, Chip ‘n’ Dale were taking photos with guests outside of the lobby. I couldn’t resist stopping for a quick picture. You could take selfies, but a Disney PhotoPass photographer also took photos.

Many of the resort activities are near the main lobby at the Community Hall, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can pop in to watch a movie, play video games in the air conditioning or choose from various DIY crafts. I chose to color a free souvenir magnet, but there were several crafts you could make for a small fee.

Horsing Around Rentals at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY

Horsing Around Rentals is around the corner from the Community Hall. This is where you can rent bicycles and surrey bikes that seat up to four riders. You can also borrow complimentary basketballs and tennis equipment here.

Other activities include poolside games, nightly campfires (marshmallows are provided, or you can purchase your own s’mores kit), movies under the stars, animation classes (reservation and additional fee required), cornhole challenges and more.

The resort has 5 pools

There are several Disney resorts with multiple pools, but there is typically one heavily themed “feature pool” with a waterslide, splash area and other fun features, and the rest are “quiet pools” without all the bells and whistles.

Two of the five pools at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa are feature pools, and three are quiet or leisure pools. Because the resort is so large, the pools are spread across the property, so you are never far from your next swim.

The High Rock Spring Pool is near the lobby and has a 128-foot-long waterslide, two hot tubs, a splash area for kids with a smaller waterslide, and a poolside bar and grill. The Paddock Pool also has an even taller 146-foot-tall waterslide, a horseshoe-shaped hot tub, a kids splash area with two miniature waterslides and a poolside bar and grill.

The three leisure pools are near the Congress Park area, the Grandstand area and the Treehouse Villas. All three have hot tubs, and the Grandstand pool has a starting gate-themed splash area for young jockeys.

The resort has a storied history

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY

Before Saratoga Springs was a hotel, it was home to the Disney Institute campus. At the Disney Insitute, people could take classes on everything from cooking to animation, photography and more during their stay on campus. When the Disney Institute opened in 1996, it had many of the same features as the resort today, including a fitness center, spa, golf course, tennis courts, pools and guest rooms.

The Disney Institute was an entirely new way to experience Disney, but it never gained quite enough traction in its original format to become a popular option for vacationers. In 2000, the Disney Institute shifted its focus to professional development for businesses, and it’s still in operation today.

This new venture didn’t require the use of the entire campus, only the instructional spaces, and in 2004, the reimagined resort officially opened as Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

Saratoga Springs Resort is also notable because it is one of the few sites at Disney World where Walt Disney himself ever stepped foot. Of course, he visited Florida multiple times while scouting for the parcels of land that would eventually become Walt Disney World, but he died before the park opened.

After the 1965 press conference in Orlando where Walt Disney announced his secretive “Florida Project,” Walt toured the property where Disney World was to be built, stopping for a picnic lunch at a home that was once located on the property, according to the book “Buying Disney’s World: The Story of How Florida Swampland Became Walt Disney World” by Aaron H. Goldberg.

Saratoga Springs Resort has a variety of dining options

Like other Disney Deluxe resorts, Saratoga Springs has both table-service and quick-service dining options.

In addition to the quick-service poolside bars and grills found at the two main pools, the Artist’s Palette in the lobby is the resort’s main quick-service eatery. The Artist’s Palette is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, or you can stop in for groceries, bakery items, snacks, cocktails and more.

During my stay, I sampled the plant-based gyro ($10.99) and was impressed by the flavor and serving size. It was more than enough for two meals with the included house-made chips.

The Turf Club Bar and Grill and the Turf Club Lounge are also in the lobby building. The Turf Club Bar and Grill requires advance dining reservations, but you can eat at the lounge without a reservation. My visit coincided with Super Bowl Sunday, so I ate in the lounge and watched some of the game (i.e., the commercials).

The lounge menu differs from the main restaurant’s menu, and I went with the Turf Burger ($22). The burger was topped with bacon, crispy onions, tomato jam and a bourbon glaze and was served alongside seasoned fries. It really hit the spot after a long day of exploring the parks.

You can take a boat to Disney Springs

Only four Disney World resorts offer complimentary boat transportation to Disney Springs: Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter, Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

It’s a convenient option because it opens up the shopping and dining experiences at Disney Springs when you want to branch out from what is available at your resort. It only takes about 10 minutes to reach Disney Springs this way. If you were to take a bus, it could take as long as 20 minutes from some Disney hotels.

It’s also a more relaxing way to travel around Disney than on a crowded bus.

You can stay in a Treehouse Villa

Saratoga Springs Resort is also home to 60 secluded Treehouse Villas. These elevated villas have three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large deck, a charcoal grill, a full kitchen with a dining table, and a living area. The pool here is the smallest at the resort, and there is no restaurant, but you have access to all of the amenities in the main resort area.

You can reach the lobby by bus or boat to enjoy the resort amenities or hop on a second bus to the parks. Each Treehouse Villa has its own parking spot, so you also have the option to drive to the parks if you bring a car (hotel and theme park parking is complimentary for on-site hotel guests).

Treehouse Villa pricing starts at about $1,000 per night, or you can rent DVC points as you would for other DVC properties and may pay slightly less.

Bottom line

Whether Saratoga Springs Resort is the right choice for you depends on how you like to do Disney, but there’s a lot to love about the equestrian theme, guest rooms with all the conveniences of home and the quiet nature of this pretty property.

Note: Senses Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa has not yet reopened since Disney’s COVID-19-related closure in 2020.

Related reading:

The best Disney World hotels
I have stayed at every Disney World hotel — this is what I liked and didn’t like about each property
A magical guide for how to plan a trip to Disney World this year
8 Walt Disney World experiences that don’t require a park ticket

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Carscoops 

Spy photographers have caught a mysterious Volkswagen sedan undergoing cold weather testing.

Spied virtually undisguised, the prototype has a Passat-like appearance as it features a prominent VW emblem that is flanked by slender headlights. The similarities don’t end there as the car has vertical air curtains and a wide grille with horizontal bars.

While the front end is relatively plain, the prototype has a sculpted hood and curvaceous bodywork. They’re joined by a flowing shoulder line and a dynamic greenhouse, which is partially disguised. The model also sports a rakish windscreen and a sweeping roof.

The upscale styling continues out back thanks to eye-catching taillights with three dimensional elements. We can also see an unimaginative rear bumper and a trunk with an integrated spoiler.

One of our spy photographers suggested the prototype could be the next-generation Jetta, but that seems unlikely. Instead, the car seems destined for China.

While that remains unconfirmed, Volkswagen offers a multitude of sedans in the country. If we were to guess, this could potentially be the next Chinese-spec Passat or Phideon.

More: Facelifted VW Phideon Flagship Sedan Revealed In China, Loses V6 And PHEV Powertrains

While everyone knows the Passat, the Phideon is a flagship sedan that starts at ¥343,000 ($47,718) and boasts upscale amenities. Among them are an adaptive air suspension, a refrigerator, and Nappa leather upholstery. The model can also be equipped with rear tray tables and power rear seats.

The current model was introduced in 2016 and updated in 2020, so it’s due for a redesign. However, only time will tell if the prototype is the Phideon or something else entirely.

Baldauf and SH Proshots for CarScoops

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Carscoops 

Crash tests have improved a lot over the years, but the engineering folks over at Mercedes-Benz hope their latest innovation will help it make the next leap forward in vehicle safety. The automaker has become the first to successfully shoot an X-ray of a crash test.

Mercedes says it has been working on this technology for years, but that recording clear images of a crash test has proven difficult. The average exposure time for a standard X-ray is around a second, and a lot happens in that amount of time during a car crash, leading to blurry, useless images.

To speed the process up, Mercedes worked with Fraunhofer-Institute for High-Speed Dynamics and the Ernst Mach Institute in Freiburg, and together they developed a camera that can shoot up to 1,000 images per second. That allows researchers to create slo-mo X-ray videos of a crash.

Read: Mercedes Crashes Two EVs Into Each Other To Prove They’re Safe In The Real World

“The world’s first X-ray crash shows that X-ray technology can provide revealing new insights. We learn what happens inside a vehicle and to the dummies during an accident,” said Dr. Paul Dick, Mercedes’ director of vehicle safety. “The X-ray images also offer the opportunity to further improve the model quality of the digital prototypes.”

The breakthrough that allowed Mercedes shoot this impressive video was the use of a powerful radiation source. The automaker says that its 1 kHz linear accelerator has up to nine megaelectrons volts of photon energy and can shoot X-ray pulses that last just a few microseconds.

The energy passes through the vehicle to a flat detector on the ground, under the vehicle. It serves as a digital image receiver, and each pixel becomes more or less gray depending on how much radiation passes through the vehicle, creating an image that can be used by safety researchers.

Surrounded by 15-inch thick concrete walls

To ensure that those researchers don’t get a dose of radiation, the crash test facility is surrounded by 40-centimeter-thick (15-inch) concrete walls, and a 45-tonne door. However, Mercedes claims that the radiation doesn’t bother its other analysis tools, meaning that it can gather all the information it would in a non-X-ray crash test while shooting this video.

In the footage you’re seeing here, the automaker says it was running a side-impact crash test. The images help visualize the internal deformations occurring inside the vehicle and the dummy, that might not have been apparent previously.

“The Mercedes-Benz X-ray crash sets a milestone in the development tools of the future,” said Markus Schaefer, Mercedes’ chief technology officer. “With a direct view into the hidden interior, it can help to draw important conclusions for the further improvement of vehicle safety. Mercedes-Benz thus confirms its role as a safety pioneer in automotive engineering.”

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The Points Guy 

In early February, it was announced that Small Luxury Hotels of the World was ending its partnership with World of Hyatt. This dealt a heavy blow to World of Hyatt loyalists, considering the partnership allowed members to earn or use points and take advantage of elite Hyatt benefits at boutique hotels around the world.

It was also announced that SLH would instead join forces with Hilton and the Hilton Honors program.

Now, Hyatt has confirmed that the SLH partnership will officially end May 15, 2024 — but that doesn’t mean it’s over quite yet.

Existing and new reservations with a check-in date on or before May 15 will be treated as they were before. Those stays will still earn base and bonus points, tier qualifying nights and credit toward earning Milestone Rewards, a Hyatt spokesperson told TPG.

Stays that start on or after May 16, 2024, will still be honored but without World of Hyatt elite status benefits, including free breakfast and the ability to earn points and tier-qualifying nights.

Not all is lost, though. Similar to how you still have a few days to book Hyatt properties that are moving up in category because of Hyatt’s annual category shifts, World of Hyatt members can still book SLH properties (and take advantage of elite benefits) for stays between now and May 15. (To help you decide what’s smart to book now, we’ve pulled together a list of some of our favorite Hyatt properties participating in SLH to book ASAP.)

People who hold World of Hyatt credit cards will earn 4 bonus points for every eligible dollar spent at participating SLH properties through Aug. 31, 2024.

A full explanation of the changes can be found on the World of Hyatt and Small Luxury Hotels of the World partnership page.

The loss of SLH is just another blow to Hyatt. It already saw the end of its partnership with MGM Resorts, which traded in Hyatt for a new partnership with Marriott Bonvoy that’s now officially live.

Hyatt is quick to point out that there’s still hope for Hyatt loyalists who love a great boutique hotel: Hyatt is currently in the process of integrating Mr & Mrs Smith hotels — another collection of independent, boutique hotels — into the World of Hyatt ecosystem. But by when? That’s the million-dollar question.

Hyatt’s loss is Hilton’s treasure

Details about the SLH and Hilton partnership are still sparse. However, we can expect it to work similarly to the setup with World of Hyatt, where not all SLH hotels participate but members can earn and use points at the ones that do.

“We’re thrilled to begin this win-win relationship with Hilton as it brings exciting possibilities for both brands,” Shaun Leleu, chairman of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, previously said in a statement. “Hilton customers, including Hilton Honors members, gain access to our unrivaled collection of exceptional boutique hotels, while our properties enjoy amplified reach to a loyal and discerning audience. It’s a game changer for independently owned hotels on a global scale.”

We’ll keep you updated as we learn more key details on the new partnership.

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