Good Times

A personal finance column argues that bonds are deeply out of favour with investors, and asks whether widespread dislike of them is itself a signal that it may be a good time to buy. The piece taps into ongoing debate about fixed-income investments after years of rising interest rates pushed many savers and investors toward equities and cash instead.

Fixed deposits are back in the spotlight as personal finance discussions question whether they are too dull an investment option. The debate centres on whether FDs still offer good value for savers compared with riskier assets like equities or mutual funds. Many savers defend FDs for their safety and guaranteed returns, while others argue inflation erodes their appeal over time.

Gold prices have seen a dip, with reports from Karnataka noting that the rate for 10 grams of gold is moving closer to the Rs 1 lakh mark. Kannada media, including Vijay Karnataka, are asking whether the fall makes this a good buying opportunity for investors and households ahead of further market movement.

The New York Times is asking readers whether books should go in the freezer. Freezing is a known conservation technique: librarians use sub-zero temperatures to kill insects and mold in infested books without chemicals. The piece explores when freezing can save a damaged book and when it does more harm than good.

Good Housekeeping is examining the effects of eating the same breakfast every day, looking at how a repetitive morning meal affects nutrition, digestion and overall health. The piece reflects a wider conversation about routine eating habits, weighing the convenience and consistency of a fixed breakfast against concerns about nutrient variety and whether repeating the same meal helps or harms wellbeing over time.

WIRED reports that artificial intelligence is increasingly being used as a defensive tool to disrupt and deceive cybercriminals, turning hacking techniques back on the attackers. As AI-driven scams and attacks grow, security experts and companies are deploying AI systems that waste criminals' time, detect fraud, and mislead those attempting breaches, marking a shift toward AI-versus-AI conflict in cybersecurity.

UK teenagers are increasingly stepping away from traditional part-time retail jobs, instead earning money through newer avenues such as AI-related work, gaming, and reselling goods online. The shift reflects how young people are finding income in digital economies rather than high-street shops, raising questions about the future of the teen part-time job market and retail staffing.

A landlord who has rented out her condo for years plans to move into it, live there for two years, and then sell it for about $400,000 more than she paid. Under the US capital gains exclusion for primary residences, that two-year stay would let her keep a large share of the profit free of federal tax. The story highlights how homeownership timing can legally reduce an IRS bill.

A developer argues that most product launches follow the same pattern: day one is a polished screenshot and burst of attention, but that moment is the worst possible time to judge whether a product is actually good. The reflection, shared with the web development and startup community, has resonated with other builders who say early hype says little about long-term usefulness.

Russell Wilson's television work is being questioned following commentary from the Seattle Times asking whether the NFL quarterback is actually good on camera. Wilson has made numerous media appearances throughout his career, and the piece has prompted discussion about his broadcasting style and whether his polished persona translates well to TV audiences.

Investors are weighing whether Take-Two Interactive shares are worth buying now. The question, raised in a Yahoo Finance piece, comes as the video game company behind Grand Theft Auto draws attention over its valuation and upcoming release pipeline. Commentators appear divided on whether the stock's outlook justifies a purchase at current prices, and the discussion is playing out among retail and professional investors tracking the gaming sector.

A Federal Reserve Bank of New York Liberty Street Economics analysis examines how quickly import tariffs translate into higher consumer prices. The piece explores the timing and extent of tariff pass-through, a key question for policymakers and households assessing inflation as trade policy shifts affect the cost of imported goods.