I’ve grown to think that “‘tis the season to be jolly.” For years I’ve seen relatives throwing grand celebrations with seemingly unlimited “ampao,” godchildren getting the best things they wanted all year long, friends that clink their beer bottles together at the best bar in town after months of missing-in-action, partners who rekindle their passion through a week-long holiday getaway, and most of all, family members who go back to the place where their aspirations began with the people who guided them toward it—home. These are the typical “Paskong Pinoy” moments. As a local station Christmas jingle puts it: “Walang katulad ang Pasko sa ‘Pinas.” Yet as the holidays draw closer, a question gradually awakens with the cold Christmas breeze, sucking up its warmth and replacing it with a melancholic pause that recycles every year: “Is this the ‘Merry’ in ‘Christmas’?” It seems like a dumb question. After all, happiness is subjective—that’s why the world is technically a “happy” place to live in due to the many ways that could make one happy. But why does there seem to be a “how-to” guide for celebrating during the holidays? What motivated this thought again was a situation at the supermarket. I passed by the cooking oil section when I overheard two women, mothers presumably, buying their “noche buena” essentials. Their conversation revolved around the meals they would be cooking for Christmas Eve. I heard the staple mango graham and lasagna, and then it came to this line: “Nakakahiya naman kasi kapag onti yung handa, magmumukha kaming kawawa.” If I wasn’t an introvert, I would have been more than willing to tell them that, in this economy, it is understandable. Yet I realized that this is an untackled conversation on how Filipinos celebrate the holidays. This is not an isolated case. Every year, I scroll through social media and see mutual followings flexing their gifts, ampao, family pictures in large houses, and family members who show up in their shiny cars and store-bought outfits. What each family brings to the table during holiday reunions even determines who would wash the dishes at the end of the day. Not to mention the size of a house’s Christmas tree matters, as per my grandma who takes its decorating seriously. The clothes you wear, the food you eat and give, the gifts you receive, and every material thing you own seem to have been the central point of celebrating the holidays. I mean, who won’t even flaunt it? Expressing gratitude and being proud or happy receiving it is within one’s own liberty and social media is the perfect place for it. We live in a world today where romanticizing what we own is normal—but to what extent? Everyone isn’t entirely responsible for other people’s lives, “no one cares” so to speak. But highlighting the material aspects that come with the generous nature of Christmas and taking advantage of the holidays to make it a full-blown parading extravaganza puts those who could not or choose not to celebrate that way perhaps rethink their holiday outlook. My faith is not as devout as many others but I’ve always known that Christmas is celebrated because of the birth of Jesus Christ in a manger. It was just His parents and the three kings who each gave symbolic gifts. Epochs ago, the first Christmas was a simple and humble celebration of the birth of our savior, nothing grand or extravagant but an event of purpose and meaning. Going back to the supermarket woman—it’s completely all right if all you can provide from a meager salary is a meal made from love. It’s also equally okay if your Christmas tree isn’t taller than you. Having a few friends is enough even if the gift they can only give is loyalty, wisdom, and kindness—the meaningful values one needs in this ever-demanding world. Above all, it’s okay if you have no one else to celebrate the holidays with—no justification is needed. Christmas is more than the grandiosity or much-hyped “standard of happiness.” It is a celebration best spent with those you value and love dearly. So, instead of replaying iconic Christmas songs as early as October, we could reflect on what it means to be “merry” during the holidays. Should one mark their holidays with gift counts and tag prices or draw meaning from the real reason for the season? —————- Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . Zarena Hermogeno, 22, is a senior undergrad student currently doing her thesis during the holidays.Seahawks' defense dominates in low-scoring win over Bears
At the same time, the relationship between China and South Korea is robust and multifaceted, encompassing economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties. Both countries have a vested interest in maintaining a stable and cooperative relationship, and there are mechanisms in place to facilitate dialogue and cooperation even in challenging times.As for Serena Sabalenka, her win is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport. She has proven herself as one of the top players in women's tennis and will undoubtedly continue to impress fans and critics alike with her exceptional skills on the court.
1. A super lightweight Cosrx mild gel cleanser so you can wash your face without the constant worry that you're stripping your face dry. The low-pH formula contains BHA and tea tree oil to help protect your face from irritants while also strengthening the skin barrier. All Cosrx products are dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and have no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. Read more about tea tree oil and acne at Mayo Clinic . Promising review: "After hours of exhaustive research on Korean gentle cleansers, I finally decided upon a cleanser. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made for my face! I have sensitive, combination, and very volatile skin, so if I ever make it unhappy, it definitely lets me know. This cleanser is light enough that it doesn't feel thick or cloying, it has a very subtle smell (which I love), and the pH of the cleanser is so low that the only thing I am worried about for my face anymore is the pH of the water I am splashing on my face. It hasn't caused any bad breakouts or negative reactions like drying or tightness of skin but it can certainly handle itself in the department of a full face cleanser. This has caused me to look forward to trying more Cosrx products!" — Haley Hart Get it from Amazon for $11.90 . 2. And Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence because it's true — snails have the healing touch. Reviewers love how well it helps heal acne scars, smooth fine lines, and fade dark spots. Bonus: This refreshing formula is great for all skin types! Daily routine officially elevated. ✔️ This highly concentrated formula contains 96.3% snail secretion filtrate, which helps repair damage while moisturizing your skin. Also, the snail mucin is obtained in a safe way, so no snails are harmed! My colleague Gabriela Manjarrez can vouch for it: "I've personally been using this for months now and it's amazing how it's improved aspects of my skin that I didn't even know needed improving. I didn't think my skin looked too dull before, but after seeing how this brightened and soothed my skin, I'm never going back. I spray my face with rose water, gently pat the essence into my skin while it's still damp, and let it absorb. Plus, it absorbs so quickly, it's like your skin is saying 'gimme gimme gimme!!'" Promising review: "I’ve been using this morning and night for about two weeks and I can say I understand the hype! My skin looks better than it has in so long. Firstly, the texture surprised me. When you think snail mucin, you think slimy and gross. This wasn’t sticky or slimy whatsoever. I was afraid it was gonna leave my skin feeling gross and slippery. Surprisingly, my skin drank it right up! No residue whatsoever and it’s a nice primer before makeup. I have oily skin and it’s helped with that as well. My skin is so soft, with a nice healthy glow. I’ve noticed my red spots from past acne are fading and my skin just overall looks great . Highly recommend!" — Sarah Downs Get it from Amazon for $20 . 3. A bottle of goami rice toner if dry skin is low-key ruining your life and you need a major punch of *daily* hydration to solve it. This toner contains vegetable-originated extracts for soft, smooth, and glowy skin that doesn't feel sticky or greasy. This toner is vegan and cruelty-free. Promising review: "I love this toner! I’ve finished the whole bottle. It’s light and moisturizing. I can definitely tell the difference, my skin is smoother and plump . I love it cause I have both oily and dry skin and it makes my skin normal again! Best of all it doesn’t burn or irritate my skin, if anything it calms it down . Will definitely be buying again." — Rachael Get it from Amazon for $21+ (available in two sizes). 4. A Beauty of Joseon serum that'll deliver the glow-up you've been dreaming of. It contains a heavenly combo of niacinamide and propolis extract to help brighten dark spots and leave you with dewy skin that'll have you ready for your close-up. And don't worry, even though this is a serum it won't leave you feeling like you just smeared olive oil over your face. Promising review: "From the moment I started using this serum I saw results! The combination of propolis and niacinamide in this serum is a winning formula. My complexion has never looked this radiant and healthy . It effectively addresses dark spots and hyperpigmentation, visibly reducing their appearance. What makes this serum even more remarkable is its lightweight and fast-absorbing texture. It feels like silk on my skin and leaves no greasy residue. I can apply it seamlessly without worrying about it disrupting my makeup or other skincare products. The hydrating properties of this serum are a game-changer. My skin feels intensely nourished and plump, minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles . The only downside is the price. I think it's a bit expensive for the amount of product you get. However, it's so good that I'll still leave it at 8/5 stars!" — Yuna Lee Get it from Amazon for $16.58 . 5. The Saem hydrating eye stick when your tired under-eye area needs to be revitalized ASAP. It'll help improve your skin's elasticity and reduce the appearance of dark circles like an absolute charm. It also can help tighten the appearance of eye wrinkles if you'd prefer for them not to be as noticeable. And here's a tip! It reduces puffiness faster if used after refrigeration. Promising review: "This is definitely a miracle product. I was impressed that it worked so well, so fast, and so instantly. The packaging is silly but whimsical; I enjoy it. This is the last thing I apply before walking out the door. First day I used it, I put it on and got in my car — I looked in the rear view mirror and my heart jumped. My eyes had de-puffed on my walk down the front path!!! So impressive. It's not hydrating, it’s more tightening/brightening. If you have dry under eyes, use a creamy hydrating eye cream first, and apply this over it — problem solved. You don’t get much product, but you don’t need to use much either, and it’s not like it’s expensive. Definitely worth it if a product actually DOES what it claims it’ll do!!! Buy it!" — Joseph S. Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in two styles and in packs of two). 6. An Anua heartleaf pore-clearing cleansing oil to help you remove all traces of makeup while sucking the stubborn sebum from your pores, leaving you with skin that's visibly clearer and smoother! Once you see the results, you'll never be caught without this stuff. 👀 BTW, a lot of reviewers say they use this as part of their double cleansing routine. As the name implies, double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice: first with an oil-based cleanser, and again with a water-based cleanser to help get all the yucky stuff out of your pores. Promising reviews: "BEST OIL CLEANSER I SWEAR. I’ve gone through 3–4 bottles now and it continues to cleanse my skin AMAZING. It melts makeup, clears pores. Honestly a heaven-send. The first time I used it, it cleared a lot of my sebum and even now when I use it, it clears any dead skin and dirt I have, even when I don’t wear makeup . BUY IT, it's amazing. You can see all the dirt that came out of my face recently in the photo [above, right]." — rexichor "Got it because it was all over my TikTok and I wanted to try the double cleansing. And wow, I don't regret it, it's amazing!!!! Leaves my skin so soft and so hydrated. I use it before my water base cleanser and it has helped me reduce my breakouts. I love the texture, the smell is very subtle (you can barely smell it) and I just love it." — Linette González Get it from Amazon for $13.90 . 7. Elizabeth Mott's Thank Me Later Eye Primer you'll tell all your friends about to ensure they don't miss out on this K-Beauty sensation either. It keeps your eye makeup intact ALL day long without any smudging or creasing. Take that, oily eyelids! Elizabeth Mott is a Korean American woman-owned biz! Promising review: "So let me start by saying I have used nearly every eyeshadow primer available. From high end to low...they don't hold a candle to Thank Me Later. I have very oily skin. Using this primer, shadow lasts a full eight hours or more. I could get maybe five or six out of the other brands if I was lucky. I got this as a sample in my Ipsy bag, and I had to buy the full-size product straightaway! I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Thank you, Elizabeth Mott, for finally making a primer that lasts! I love this stuff!" — Melissa Mae Get it from Amazon for $13.99 . 8. And an Elizabeth Mott blurring face primer with SPF 30 because some products really can do it all. This one can help blur pores, soften the appearance of fine lines, *and* protect against harmful UV rays. It's perfect for prepping skin for makeup, or you can wear it solo! Promising review: "I wore this primer under my foundation ( Nars and Maybelline Fit Me ) along with setting spray ( Nyx ) in this photo [above right]. I had been dunked in the pool two times and went down a giant slide that caused you to go underwater three times. This was the result of my makeup ! Love this product. A little goes a long way!" — Ryan Brooks Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in four styles and in bundle packs). 9. A nourishing Etude House eye cream that'll become a series regular in your routine — that's how well it can hydrate and firm the delicate skin around your eyes! It can also help prevent fine lines while leaving your skin silky soft to the touch. Soko Glam is an Asian-owned business based in New York City. It was founded by a wife and husband team, Charlotte and Dave Cho, who curate the products on Soko Glam by traveling regularly to Seoul to scour the Korean skincare market. Promising reviews: "I absolutely love this eye cream! I have a dry skin type and am prone to darkness under eye when I’m tired. After I use a small amount my under eye glows and feels so hydrated . I am on my second jar and will absolutely repurchase it!" — Makayla "I really wanted an inexpensive eye cream just to moisturize and keep my skin feeling soft and subtle during winter. This did the trick. I've bought it over and over again." — Mary Get it from Soko Glam for $27.60 or from Amazon for $21.99 . 10. A Nooni tinted appleberry lip oil so you can achieve the most kissable pout with a moisturizing formula that won't leave your mouth a sticky mess. It contains vitamins A, C, and E, and soothing apple water for a lip routine upgrade you can feel good about! This lip oil is vegan, cruelty-free, and has no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. Promising review: "This is the first lip oil I've ever used. Usually I avoid anything with oil because I have very sensitive and generally oilier skin, but I wanted to give this a try because I wanted something sheer and pretty for a natural makeup look. Probably the best purchase I've ever made!!! It's super sheer and looks fine on its own without any other makeup. The smell is delicious, and while the gloss dries and fades after about an hour or two without eating, the color stays all day! I did have to reapply after eating, but not after drinking water! I just wish it was bigger, it's a teeny bottle. Would definitely buy again!!" — Rachel Get it from Amazon for $9.50 (available in 13 shades and multipacks). 11. Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Hydrating Multi-Balm , a K-beauty staple that TikTok is rightfully obsessed with because it's an all-in-one magic stick for your face, eyes, lips, and neck. This moisturizer uses collagen and salmon complex to help minimize fine lines and enhance your natural glow. One order of glass skin, comin' right up! Check out this TikTok of the balm in action. Promising review: "Okay! So I was skeptical at first, but honestly, this stick is life changing!! ! In a matter of minutes, my skin felt hydrated and plumped. After an hour, still hydrated. No greasy after feeling, very light, and you can feel your skin hydrated and absorbing. I love the fact that you can use it on your eyes, lips, and wrinkles!! Game changer for me, will def try the others!" — Kristy Get it from Amazon for $21.86+ (available in seven styles). 12. A bottle of Peach & Lily's Glass Skin Refining Serum for anyone chasing the TikTok "glazed donut" skin trend with no luck... until now. You've just found the K-Beauty secret that'll leave your face lookin' extra glazed 🍩 while also helping to hydrate, brighten, and firm your skin. Peach & Lily is an Asian woman-owned business that makes Korean skincare products using natural, toxin-free ingredients. Promising review: "I saw this serum all over my TikTok For You page, and I knew that I had to try it out, as their serum is so versatile and can cover and help so many kinds of skin concerns that I've been dealing with since my early teens. And now, ever since using it, I honestly swear by it. If you are considering trying the Peach & Lily collection products, I 100% recommend this serum repeatedly. My skin had never looked this great until I first tried it out. And my face looks so glowy, clear, and radiant ." — Natalie Y. Get it from Peach & Lily or Amazon for $39. 13. Skin1004's pore tightening and lifting masks to aid in hydrate, tighten, and minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash it off to reveal your au naturale glow. Mark my words, this is about to become a *must* on your self-care nights! To use, mix the powder and activator and apply it to your face. FYI — you'll look like a character from The Walking Dead as the mask works its magic (it's called the "Zombie Pack" for a reason!). But once you rinse it off after 10-15 minutes of letting it dry, you'll have some happy and radiant skin. Skin1004 is a Korean skincare brand that provides high-quality skincare items made of plant-based ingredients from Madagascar. Its signature ingredient is centella asiatica extract, a soothing and hydrating antioxidant that is known for its ability to help heal wounds and protect the skin. Promising reviews: "After years of trying different products on my sensitive, acne-prone, red, rough skin, I saw this mask and all of the positive reviews and thought 'what the hell, I'll give it a go.' Even after the first application, I was really impressed with the results. My rough skin is smoother, I have no additional breakouts and when I do wear makeup it actually blends into my skin. It also helps the deep wrinkles on my neck. I even got a compliment on my skin the other day — this NEVER happens. I use the mask twice per week. I'm on month two and I recommend it to anyone with problem skin. My only caution is that it smells kind of funky (who cares) and it's a little hard to remove. I only apply the mask when I'm going to shower and wash my hair. It's zombie life for me from here on out! " — Charlie B "I was a little skeptical when I bought this. Tried it for the first time and was amazed by the results! My skin looks and feels amazing, I felt like I looked at least five years younger. Yes it doesn't smell the greatest, but it wasn't overly strong. My skin is very sensitive and I avoid trying new products because a lot irritate my skin, this product didn't. I am so thrilled. " — Dayna Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $22.93+ (available in a 16-pack and in a variety three-pack). 14. The Face Shops's facial foaming cleanser when you wanna simplify your daily routine with a do-it-all face wash that helps you accomplish all your skin goals: cleanse, moisturize, brighten, and remove makeup! You *and* your newfound routine can thank me later. Promising review: "I have struggled with acne my entire life. I’ve gone to dermatologists, tried salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tazarotene, and nothing ever even reduced it. I struggled with a very basic form of acne on my forehead, and sometimes my chin, and I have sensitive skin so I decided to try something new. I thought I’d have to wait at least a month to see results but within four days everything started to disappear. All of my major acne has completely gone away , I only see little tiny spots here and there but they go away within a day. Nothing like what I used to get. I'm going to start using it on my back to see if it helps there too. 10/10 the best face wash I have ever encountered in my life ." — Jaiden Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in two sizes). 15. Mixsoon Bean Essence if you're ready to have your mind blown by a skincare product — this revolutionary formula hydrates *and* exfoliates at the same time. Ingredients such as fermented bean, barley, and pomegranate help get rid of dead skin cells while improving your skin tone. The best part? No sticky residue!! Promising reviews: " I saw this all over TikTok/Instagram and decided to buy it because I have a lot of sebaceous filaments on my chin and nose. It's a little expensive but I took a gamble: it works! You can physically see the sebaceous filaments come out of your pores, it is not the product bunching up. My problem areas were so much smoother after using and are left with a moisturized glow. I then proceeded to have my boyfriend use this product to see if it worked this good on everyone on the first try and it worked on his nose as well. Amazing stuff 🩷" — Losa "I have hyperpigmentation and oily skin. I feel this product regulates my oil production and it helps my makeup look so flawless. 10/10." — MissKayMae Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in two sizes). 16. An Elizavecca carbonated clay mask so your skin can breathe easier because this stuff eradicates sebum *without* stripping your natural oils. Reviewers swear by it for stellar exfoliation *and* blackhead removal. It's also just really fun to use when you need a silly lil' pick-me-up. 🙃 P.S. This reviewer recommends putting the lid back on when not using because the air activates it. Promising reviews: " I loved this! The fizzing effect exfoliated and deep cleaned my face....beyond facial smooth and bright ! It felt nice during the treatment. I really sensed DEEP cleaning! I think it will be a nice weekly treat! I highly recommend it for the fun experience and the amazing results." — Amy Lynn Volansky "I love love love this carbonated bubble clay mask! Ok so the packaging was very cute and simple, when opening up the jar, they give you this little spatula to help spread the mask. A little bit goes a long way ! The texture is jelly-like and smells decent. Once on your face, you can feel it tingling and cracking cause it's creating bubbles on your face. When done your face itself looks like a huge bubble, it's quite fascinating. I kept the mask on for 10 minutes. Afterward, I used wet hands to rub the product in, then I washed with warm water. After using this my face felt amazing! Super soft and shiny, not oily or grimy at all . Will definitely buy again, 10/10 :)" — Erica Get it from Amazon for $9.99 . 17. A gel cleanser with antimicrobial properties that can help reduce bacteria and prevent pesky pimples so well, it'll earn a permanent spot in your routine. The secret? Fermented radish, kimchi, and 2% salicylic acid. Your skin will feel perfectly exfoliated *and* look smoother and brighter. Norie is a small business founded by Susan Kim Tsui that uses the powerhouse duo of fermented white radish and kimchi in their skincare formula to treat breakouts, clean pores, and leave your skin brighter and clearer. Promising review: " We have been using this cleanser for several months. So thrilled it is now available on Amazon! My daughter and I love how gentle this cleanser is. She is a teen prone to breakouts and we have tried so many other cleansers. Most of them leave her skin feeling dry. But no dryness with this one and her skin looks much clearer. We both use it as our daily cleanser." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $18 . 18. A reviewer-beloved Laneige lip mask that'll help your lips feel moisturized and perfectly ~supple~ while you sleep — perfect for anyone who says they never have time for pampering! Slather it on before bed and you'll wake up refreshed with a super-soft pout. Promising reviews: "I love this product!!!!! It is so nice and refreshing to put on before bed and I wake up feeling moisturized . The smell is lovely (as I chose the vanilla scent) and it feels so nice instantly when you put it on. It’s an amazing finish to your bedtime routine." — alyciamarie16 "I love this lip mask! I have always struggled to find a lip product that would keep my severely dry lips at bay and this is the product! I have been using this for the past few weeks and I have never had such plush smooth lips. I wear it at night and sometimes during the day depending on what I am doing. If you struggle with dry lips, I highly recommend you give this a try." — Holly2176 Get it from Amazon or Sephora for $20+ (available in eight scents). 19. A blackhead scrub stick to get rid of any excess sebum and other impurities that might be clogging your precious pores. After cleansing, rub it on your face to exfoliate *and* banish stubborn blackheads and whiteheads! Psst! TikTokers love this thing! Promising reviews: "Must-have. I use this a couple of times a week. I have terrible blackheads and this manages to scrub 90% of them away and the rest are barely noticeable. Will keep buying." — Princess Jasmin "After just two days of use, this adorable little octopus has done wonders for me, smells great too. Here's how I used it: I wore down the stick just a little to where the texture from the salt is visible, scrubbed around on my face so there was plenty of product, then I used my fingers to gently massage all the gunk away. Rinse, pat dry, and enjoy the softness. Highly recommended for people with sensitive skin like me. " — LuckLocust Get it from Amazon for $12.50 . 20. A Krave Beauty matcha hemp cleanser — a wonderfully soothing gel formula you'll fall in love with for its calming, hydrating effects. It'll gently remove makeup, sunscreen, and dirt without causing irritation. I think it's safe to say you've met your ~matcha~. Krave Beauty is a Korean woman-owned small biz that aims to make skincare easy and stress-free. Promising review: "I struggled with oily, acne-prone skin and a damaged barrier since I was a teenager. But I've been loyal to this cleanser and the oat moisturizer since they came out and y'all...it took some time, but my skin is finally, FINALLY, in the place I always wanted it to be. It has the perfect texture, amount of lather, and after-feel of any cleanser I've ever tried . Do your skin a favor and try this." — Monisa A. Get it from Krave Beauty for $16 or from Amazon for $16 . 21. A cooling, calming cream by Dear, Klairs because some K-Beauty products deliver results that speak for themselves and this is one of 'em. This game-changing formula uses ceramide 3 and centella asiatica extract to help soothe irritation and even your skin tone. Bonus points: It also works well as an after-sun cream to address redness and sunburns. The reviewer on the right (shown above) had severe rosacea and the 'after' picture is of the results after only four times of applying less than a dime-sized amount of the cream to their face. They don't call it witchcraft for nothin'! Promising reviews: "I've been using this for almost two months. I started because my skin got super red and sensitive from over exfoliation. This has made a world of difference. I can tell you that it doesn't work quick. I started seeing small results within two weeks and just about two months later, I only have redness where I extract blackheads and it doesn't linger! It's meant for spot treating redness from irritation or acne scars. This is definitely part of my everyday routine and I'm just about done with my tub, I'll be buying a new one when this one runs out! " — CJD "Absolutely worth every single cent! I have severe rosacea that leaves my nose and cheeks dry, flaky, and breaking out. I’ve had little success with anything topical that will provide any relief to my irritated skin...I received my order Wednesday and applied it that night after washing my face. By Saturday afternoon, my face is almost completely healed, preventing peeling and helping clear up my rosacea skin irritation! " — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in three sizes). 22. A Some by Mi Miracle toner reviewers with oily *and* sensitive skin swear by, which is a near-impossible feat! It uses chemical exfoliants combined with tea tree oil, papaya, and witch hazel extract to eliminate dead skin cells and improve your skin's overall hydration, typically within 30 days. That's pretty miraculous if you ask me. After cleansing, soak your cotton pad with the toner, gently wipe your face, and lightly tap for absorption. Follow with moisturizer! Read more about tea tree oil and acne at Mayo Clinic . Promising review: "I have pretty bad eczema and sensitive skin so I was a little worried about it, but this was probably one of the best decisions I've made in a long time. I've been using this toner for over a month now. I use it twice a day. My face has improved 110%. It removed dirt even after washing my face & I haven't had any serious breakouts or skin bumps since. I have more confidence in my natural face and am loving it! I would definitely recommend trying this out and seeing if it's right for you. 10/10 would buy again." — MintyKiss Get it from Amazon for $14.90 (also available in a pack of two). 23. OR! A jar of Anua Heartleaf daily toner pads for gentle exfoliation that uses PHA to help remove dead skin cells while also working to reduce breakouts, whiteheads, and blackheads. The heartleaf extract soothes and moisturizes, so you'll be left with glowy skin that definitely warrants this becoming a staple in your routine! Promising reviews: " This has been THEEE best product for my dry sensitive skin. These pads are brightening and helped my uneven skin texture . I didn’t know these pads would change my skin completely!! I’ll be repurchasing forever, best skincare product I’ve used in a long time, you NEED THIS! You’ll immediately notice a difference." — Kenny Vasquez "When I tell you my skin hasn’t been this clear in forever. I have PCOS and hirsutism, which causes me to grow hair on my neck and chin. I’m also a skin picker so clearing my skin has been really difficult for me. But this product has saved my skin . I’m still working on my skin picking but when I don’t, these pads help to exfoliate and help with the dark marks. Thank Anua!" — Jessyca Renee Get it from Amazon for $15 . 24. A pack of top-rated Cosrx pimple patches so you can zap pesky zits while you get your beauty sleep — what could be better than that?! They're coated with hydrocolloid to better protect and heal the pimple. Not to mention that you'll have to resist the urge to pick while wearing one! For persistent or bigger pimples, leave a pimple patch on overnight for two to three days to allow the pimple to diminish completely. Promising review: "I've suffered from full coverage acne since I was 8 or 9 years old (I know. A freakishly young age to start.). I've used every product known to man. Proactive, Neutrogena, Clearasil, medication from dermatologists...the list goes on, and I'm sure most people have experienced the same. BUT THESE WORK. HOLY SHT THESE WORK. They suck everything out in ONE GOSH DARN NIGHT. I buy a whole bunch at a time and go through probably five packets a month, and I've never been happier, and I've never had such clear skin. All you have to do is wash your face and stick the dots on before bed. I stick them wherever I see the red starting, feel that 'oh it's a big one' pain under my skin, or where whiteheads have already started." — Danielle Get a pack of 48 from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in four multipack sizes). 25. A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment , aka a holy-gray product that'll help repair damaged, over-processed locks with the help of collagen and ceramide. Simply apply it on wet hair after a shampoo, wait five minutes, and rinse it out. Promising review: "Not gonna lie I was skeptical that this could help me. A few months ago I decided I could bleach my hair. I burnt it to such a crisp that I’ve literally been wearing it up under a cap. That worked when it was winter but now it’s warm so I needed a solution. I saw this product highly recommended on other sites and the reviews were good. So I ordered a tube. Used it twice now and OH. MY. LANTA . For months my hair has felt like crunchy noodles ready to snap at a moment's notice. After one treatment (left in about 15 minutes after shampoo, before conditioner) my ends feel soft!! After the second time washing with it, it actually moves like it’s not damaged and it is visibly SO much healthier . Like seriously idk how they bottled witchcraft but I’m going to continue to use this product even when my hair grows out. An absolute magical miracle potion! I seriously prepared myself to explain to the world that it doesn’t work. But instead, I have the healthiest hair I’ve had since being a home hairdresser. 10/10 for less than $10. Picture from left to right [blonde above]: my hair before using this, my hair after first treatment, my hair after second treatment." — Beth Check out BuzzFeed's full review of the Elizavecca hair treatment for more deets! Get it from Amazon for $8.40 . 26. A Mizon snail repair cream when your routine could desperately use some nourishing, brightening, and plumping. This cream has got you covered — it uses snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, and 12 natural extracts to help you achieve those desired effects. Oh, and it helps repair the skin barrier! Need I say more? BuzzFeeder Gabriela Manjarrez says: "Behold, yet another product that has made me love products with snail mucin. I've been using this product for three months and it's like this cream has taken an eraser and rubbed it over my acne scars to reveal the clear-looking skin that I didn't know I could achieve. A true game-changer!" Promising review: "I am obsessed with this stuff I would bathe in it if I could!! I have really sensitive skin to weather changes and tend to get flaky skin on my face, but I've used this for two years now and I have had the most moisturized baby smooth face since . Seriously buy it, put it on before bed, and the next morning you can absolutely tell the difference. I’m like a freaking walking ad for it. My face is brighter and more moisturized." — Leah Get it from Amazon for $9.80+ (available in three sizes and in a pack of two). 27. A Sioris Time Is Running Out Mist that'll treat your face to the perks of a mist, toner, and serum with one legendary K-Beauty product you'll truly never wanna run out of. It uses macadamia seed oil, jojoba seed oil, and sunflower seed oil to give you the moisturized, glowy skin you deserve. Sioris is a cruelty-free brand with certified vegan formulas that have organically farmed, in-season ingredients. Ohlolly is an Asian woman-owned small business based in Los Angeles. It was founded by two sisters on a mission to curate the finest in Korean skincare and bring authentic K-beauty to the masses. They particularly seek out natural, plant-based products with unique ingredients that are hard to find anywhere else. Promising review: "This mist is so elegant and somehow moisturizing enough for the winter months while also light enough for the warmer months! I tried a different toning mist after finishing my last bottle, but quickly came running back to the Sioris mist. Lovely, effective, and a beautiful experience. Will definitely repurchase!" — Grace G. Get it from Amazon or Ohlolly for $10+ (available in two sizes). Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.
LOS ANGELES — As Joan Benoit Samuelson negotiated the hairpin turn into the Coliseum tunnel, ran past the USC locker room and onto the stadium’s red synthetic track for the final 400 meters of the 1984 Olympic marathon, her focus wasn’t only on finishing, but on finishing strong. Women never had been allowed to run farther than 1,500 meters in the Olympics because the Games’ all-male guardians long harbored antiquated views of femininity and what the female body could do. If Samuelson struggled to the line, or worse yet dropped to the ground after crossing it, that would validate those views and set back for years the fight for gender equality in the Olympics. “They might have taken the Olympic marathon off the schedule,” Samuelson said by phone two days before Thanksgiving. “This is an elite athlete struggling to finish a marathon. It never happened, thank goodness. But that could have changed the course of history for women’s marathoning.” Actually, that race did change the course of history because nothing remained the same after a joyous Samuelson, wearing a wide smile and waving her white cap to the sold-out crowd, crossed the finish line. This year marked the 40th anniversary of that victory, and when the Olympics return to Los Angeles in four years, the Games will be different in many ways because of it. Since 1984, the number of Summer Olympic events for women has nearly tripled, to 151, while last summer’s Paris Games was the first to reach gender parity, with women accounting for half of the 10,500 athletes in France. Fittingly the women’s marathon was given a place of honor on the calendar there, run as the final event of the track and field competition and one of the last medal events of the Games. None of that seemed likely — or even possible — before Samuelson’s win. “I sort of use marathoning as a way to storytell,” Samuelson said from her home in Maine. “And I tell people LA 84 and the first women’s Olympic marathon was certainly the biggest win of my life.” It was life-changing for many other women as well. Until 1960, the longest Olympic track race for women was 200 meters. The 1,500 meters was added in 1972, yet it wasn’t until the L.A. Games that the leaders of the International Olympic Committee, who had long cited rampant myths and dubious sports-medicine studies about the dangers of exercise for women, approved the addition of two distance races, the 3,000 meters and marathon. Which isn’t to say women had never run long distances in the Olympics. At the first modern Games in Athens in 1896, a Greek woman named Stamata Revithi, denied a place on the starting line on race day, ran the course alone a day later, finishing in 5 hours and 30 minutes, an accomplishment witnesses confirmed in writing. Her performance was better than at least seven of the 17 male runners, who didn’t complete the race. But she was barred from entering Panathenaic Stadium and her achievement was never recognized. Eighty-eight years passed before a woman was allowed to run the Olympic marathon. “There are men that are raised with resentment for women, except for their own mothers. That’s just a part of their nature,” Hall of Fame track coach Bob Larsen said. “A lot of good things have happened in the last couple of decades. Old men are passing away and opening doors [for] people who have a more modern understanding of what women are capable of.” In between Revithi and Samuelson, women routinely were banned even from public races like the Boston Marathon, which didn’t allow females to run officially until 1972. Even then, women had to bring a doctor’s note declaring them fit to run, said Maggie Mertens, author of “Better, Faster, Farther: How Running Changed Everything We Know About Women.” Seven years later Norway’s Grete Waitz became the first woman to break 2:30 in the marathon, running 2:27.32 in New York, a time that would have been good for second in the elite men’s race in Chicago that same day. Because of that, Samuelson said she hardly was blazing a trail in L.A. Instead she was running in the wake of pioneers such as Kathrine Switzer, Bobbi Gibb and Waitz. “I ran because there was an opportunity, not because I wanted to prove that women could run marathons,” said Samuelson, who still is running at 67. “Women had been proving themselves long before the ’84 Games. “If anything, maybe my win inspired women to realize that if marathoning were a metaphor for life, anything in life is possible.” Still, when Samuelson beat Waitz in Los Angeles, running in prime time during a race that was beamed to television viewers around the world, “that was the game-changer,” Switzer, the first woman to run Boston as an official competitor, told Mertens. “When people saw it on television ... they said, ‘Oh my God, women can do anything.’ “ A barrier had fallen and there was no going back. “You could make the argument that in women’s sports in general, we had to see, we had to have these women prove on the biggest stage possible that they were capable so that these gatekeepers would let women come in and play sports and be part of this world,” Mertens said. “I think it really did help burst open those ideas about what we could do and what we could see.” As a result, the elite runners who have followed in Samuelson’s footsteps never have known a world in which women were barred from long-distance races. “I grew up believing that women ran the marathon and that it wasn’t a big deal,” said Kara Goucher, a two-time Olympian and a world championship silver medalist who was 6 when Samuelson won in L.A. “I grew up seeing women run the marathon as the norm. That 100 percent is a credit to Joanie going out there on the world’s biggest stage and normalizing it.” Paige Wood, a former U.S. marathon champion, said her high school coach was inspired to run marathons by Samuelson’s story and passed that inspiration on to her runners. “She used her as an example of why we shouldn’t put any mental limitations on ourselves or shouldn’t let others tell us what we are capable of,” Wood said. Wood was born in 1996 and remembers her mom, who was very athletic, saying that cheerleading was the only sport available to her in high school in the pre-Samuelson days. “It’s undeniable, right? The courage she gave other women to start running and start competing,” Wood continued. “The trickle-down effect, it’s not even limited to running. It affected all sports and just made women less afraid to be athletic and try all different sports.” A year after Samuelson’s victory, the U.S. women’s soccer team played its first game, although it was more than a decade before the WNBA, the country’s first professional women’s league. There are now leagues in six other sports, from ice hockey and lacrosse to rugby and volleyball, and female athletes like Caitlin Clark, Alex Morgan, Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky are household names. Last summer in Paris, Sifan Hassan won the women’s marathon in an Olympic-record 2:22.55 after taking bronze in both the 5,000 and 10,000 meters, events that weren’t even on the Olympic calendar when Samuelson won her race. Two months later Kenyan Ruth Chepng’etich became the first woman to run under 2:10 when she won the Chicago Marathon in 2:09:56, averaging 4:57 a mile. Until 1970, two years before the Boston Marathon was opened to women, only one man had broken 2:10 in the race. “It says so much about sport and the way that humans don’t quite know what we’re capable of until we do it,” Mertens said. “We’re going to keep pushing those goalposts back. We’ve come so far, and I think that’s more to do with just having the opportunities and know that there aren’t really limits. “That’s the power of sports. These people are inspiring us; [they] help us see women as powerful athletes but also powerful in politics, as leaders.” Did Samuelson make that happen? Or did she simply make it happen faster? “You’d have to decide whether it was a huge defining moment or just a general wave of athletic events that made this possible,” Larsen said. “You know, the more times you put someone up at the plate, sooner or later somebody’s going to hit it out. “Now it’s acceptable to have a woman running for president. So things are happening and it’s more acceptable to the general public. Was Joanie a big part of it? I would think so.”BOSTON , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors (the "Board") of The China Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") has declared a distribution in the amount of $0.1497 per share. The distribution is comprised entirely of ordinary income. The dividend will be payable on January 10, 2025 , to stockholders of record on December 30, 2024 , with an ex-dividend date of December 30, 2024 . The Fund has a Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (the "Plan") in which each stockholder automatically participates, unless the stockholder instructs Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the "Plan Agent"), in writing, to have all distributions, net of any applicable U.S. withholding tax, paid in cash. If the Fund's shares are trading at a premium to the net asset value ("NAV") per share of the Fund on the distribution payment date, the Plan provides that stockholders will be issued Fund shares valued at NAV. If the Fund's shares are trading at a discount to the NAV per share, stockholders will be issued shares of the Fund valued at market price. Stockholders will not be charged a fee in connection with the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. A stockholder may terminate his or her participation in the Plan by notifying the Plan Agent in writing at the address below. Stockholders who have questions regarding the distribution may contact EQ Fund Solutions, LLC at 1-888-CHN-CALL (246-2255). The Fund is a closed-end management investment company with the objective of seeking long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in equity securities (i) of companies for which the principal securities trading market is in the People's Republic of China (" China "), or (ii) of companies for which the principal securities trading market is outside of China , or constituting direct equity investments in companies organized outside of China , that in both cases derive at least 50% of their revenues from goods and services sold or produced, or have at least 50% of their assets, in China . While the Fund is permitted to invest in direct equity investments of companies organized in China , it presently holds no such investments. The Fund's shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "CHN." The Fund's investment manager is Matthews International Capital Management, LLC. For more information regarding the Fund and the Fund's holdings, please call 1-888-CHN-CALL (246-2255) or visit the Fund's website at www.chinafundinc.com . For more information about the Plan or to terminate your participation in the Plan, please contact Computershare Trust Company, N.A. at c/o The China Fund, Inc. at P.O. Box 43078, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3078, by telephone at 1-800-426-5523 or via the Internet at www.computershare.com/investor . View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-china-fund-inc-declares-distributions-302331625.html SOURCE The China Fund, Inc.
VIDEO: Unions pitch ‘fix’ to Illinois’ pensions without knowing taxpayer costTrump convinced Republicans to overlook his misconduct. But can he do the same for his nominees?
In between his animated gestures and infectious laughter, Zuo Yi revealed that he had received a wide range of reactions to his new hairstyle. "Some people love it, some people hate it, and some people are just confused," he chuckled. "But that's the beauty of art, isn't it? It's meant to provoke emotions and spark conversations."Australia to Ban Teens from Tiktok, Instagram, X, Snapchat
(The Center Square) – The taxpayer cost of enhancing Tier II pensions in Illinois isn’t known as legislators hear of a proposed change they could take on in the new year. For months, members of the General Assembly have been holding hearings about what some say is the need to enhance benefits for some public employees hired after 2011, because their benefits may not be in line with standards set by Social Security. There were also arguments that the benefits are not enough to attract and retain talent for the public sector. Groups of labor unions took part in Friday’s Illinois House Personnel and Pensions Committee, pitching a measure to increase the wage cap, change the cost of living adjustments, and restore the Tier I retirement age for Tier II public employees hired after 2011. Pat Devaney with the We Are One coalition said the taxpayer cost isn’t known. “We stand ready to work with the leaders in the General Assembly and the governor’s office to identify revenue to pay for our proposals when the costs are known,” Devaney told the committee. It’s also unclear what it could cost to comply with Social Security standards if nothing is done. During an Illinois House committee Friday, Pat Devaney with the We Are One Coalition and state Rep. Steven Reick, R-Woodstock, discuss the unknown taxpayer cost of pension enhancements. Separately, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski discuss pensions. “I’ve seen several estimates, let’s just call it three to $6 billion total over a 20-plus year period,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Thursday at an unrelated event. “So that is something that has to be done.” State Rep. Steven Reick, R-Woodstock, said without knowing the costs, they need to focus on the debt that is known. “And I think it gives the taxpayers, people who are actually paying the bill, an understanding of what we are doing about this debt because this debt is hanging over us like the Sword of Damocles and it's never going to go away,” Reick said during the committee hearing Friday. The Illinois Commission on Government and Accountability reports the state’s unfunded liability grew $1.5 million last year to $143.7 billion, the second highest since it was $144.2 billion in 2020. Separately, Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski said the conversation should be about cutting the costs, not increasing benefits. “Some of these Tier II plans increase costs for taxpayers by billions, some as much as $80 billion, and so we’re not going to fix Illinois until we fire a bunch of those politicians that refuse to talk about pension reform,” Dabrowski told The Center Square. Dabrowski advocates for a constitutional amendment to allow for pension benefits to be reduced.
In the face of global economic uncertainties and challenges, China's foreign trade has demonstrated great resilience and momentum, as revealed by the latest statistics. According to data released by the General Administration of Customs, China's total goods trade volume for the first 11 months of the year registered a year-on-year growth of 4.9%. This positive performance not only underscores the vitality and competitiveness of China's economy but also reflects the country's efforts to navigate through a complex international trade landscape.
Throughout the 2021 WTA season, tennis fans witnessed a series of unexpected results and surprising upsets that kept the competition thrilling and unpredictable. As the year draws to a close, external media outlets have compiled a list of the top five shockers in women's tennis, with Chinese player Zheng Qianwen's stunning victory over former World No. 3 Elina Svitolina at the Tokyo Olympics claiming the top spot as the biggest upset of the year.
How major US stock indexes fared Friday, 12/27/2024Nasdaq Announces Mid-Month Open Short Interest Positions in Nasdaq Stocks as of Settlement Date December 13, 2024
Against this backdrop, President Zelensky's decision to reject Trump's peace talk initiative reflects the deep-seated mistrust and diverging interests that complicate efforts to reach a peaceful resolution. One key point of contention is the issue of ceasefire conditions, with Ukraine and Russia holding starkly different views on what constitutes a fair and sustainable truce. While Ukraine insists on a complete withdrawal of Russian troops and rebel forces from the region, Russia advocates for a more nuanced approach that takes into account its strategic interests in eastern Ukraine.
The Gage County Board of Supervisors voted to not approve the final contract offer from the Fraternal Order of Police union representing Gage County Sheriff's Office employees at its last meeting of the year Tuesday at the Gage County Courthouse. Meeting a day early because of the Christmas holiday, the supervisors discussed the contract in closed session for more than an hour before voting 5-0 to not approve it (Supervisors Terry Jurgens and Dave Swavely were not at the meeting). The board and the FOP have been discussing the contract for months; the previous agreement ran from April 2023 to June 2024. "The toughest thing I'm looking at is we've run very lean as a county," Erich Tiemann, chairman of the board, said. "Law enforcement, corrections, they've seen near 20% increase last year. In this agreement, they're asking for another 20%. Most people aren't seeing 20% increases in their wages. ..." People are also reading... New director transitioning to role at community food pantry Beatrice man pleads guilty to receiving child sex abuse images Former Beatrice man sentenced for sex assault of runaway Is John Dutton real? Meet the powerful rancher seemingly inspiring the 'Yellowstone' legend At the courthouse, Dec. 21, 2024 Gage County says board had authority to deny permit for broadband provider Meyn, charged in death of 4-month-old, has case continued to March Sex offender arrested for not reporting change in employment Downtown Beatrice festive for the holidays Nebraska volleyball libero Lexi Rodriguez signs with LOVB's Omaha team At the courthouse, Dec. 14, 2024 Main Street welcomes new director Matt Rhule and Nebraska football plan Pinstripe Bowl practice in Central Park As Brenda Lee turns 80, the Christmas song she sang as a teen is a holiday staple Milke pre-trial hearing in Beatrice shooting death continued to March "How do we justify this to the public seeing huge increases year after year after year?" "I will say the Law Enforcement Committee ... have worked on this incredibly hard," Tiemann added. "They've gone through, tried to come to agreements, and I think have gotten very close with the FOP at times. ... That gap has narrowed quite a bit. And I think that would be everyone's intention to try to get that to narrow a little bit more so that we don't end up going to a CIR (Commission of Industrial Relations) situation. ... We're still in that negotiating phase, I feel like." One duty of the CIR is to establish wages based on what it considers comparable entities when parties are at an impasse in negotiations. "We're not just looking at what the pay itself or the variable," said Supervisor Elizabeth Haxby. "We also have to look at what our budget is. You know, in the end, ... we either have to increase in our tax asking, or it's 'What are we going to cut out of our budget to pay for that?'" Instead the board will prepare its own final offer for the FOP. The board next meets on Jan. 8. "This board intends to have a last and best final offer that will be offered to the FOP," said Supervisor Gary Lytle, who like Haxby is a member of the Law Enforcement Committee. Also at Tuesday's meeting: * Haxby told the board that the $500,000 county got from the state's $4 million County Bridge Match Program for bridges on Chestnut and 82nd roads will fund more than 50% of the projects. * Margaret Haith of Beatrice spoke about the need to update the county's zoning regulations during the public comment period. Tiemann informed the board that Lisa Wiegand, the planning and zoning administrator, is contacting consultants about doing that. Reach the writer at rschlotterbeck@beatricedailysun.com . Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
Six-year-old JonBenet Ramsey was killed in her home in Boulder, Colorado, US, on December 25, 1996. The girl had suffered a broken skull and her body was also found with a garotte around the neck. Images and footage of JonBenet competing in child beauty pageants helped fan interest in the case, which mushroomed hugely in the US and internationally. A lengthy ransom note and a missing person's call initially convinced police the girl had been kidnapped. The note made a demand for US$118,000 on behalf of a "small foreign faction" and threatened to kill JonBenet. "Speaking to anyone about your situation, such as Police, FBI, etc, will result in your daughter being beheaded. If we catch you talking to a stray dog, she dies," it read. JonBenet's body was found in the basement of her family's home on December 26. It was behind a latched door in a basement that an initial police search had determined to be unimportant - as at the time they were checking for a possible kidnapper's escape route, and the door was latched from the inside. Her father opened it during a subsequent search to find JonBenet's body covered by a white blanket. Despite multiple theories being pursued over the years, the murder remains unsolved. The case is still considered open at the Boulder Police Department. Mikhail Gorbachev, the final leader of the Soviet Union, signs the decree relinquishing control of nuclear weapons to Boris Yeltsin at the Kremlin in Moscow, on Wednesday, December 25, 1991. Gorbachev announced his resignation in a live televised address to the nation that same day, drawing a line under more than 74 years of Soviet history. By the fall of 1991, however, deepening economic woes and secessionist bids by Soviet republics had made the collapse of the USSR all but inevitable. The red flag of the Soviet Union was pulled down over the Kremlin that night as well, and replaced with the tricolour of the Russian Federation. Charlemagne, King of the Franks, was crowned as Emperor of the Romans by Pope Leo III in Rome on December 25, 800. Although the Eastern Roman Empire had persisted past the "fall of Rome", the papacy wanted to return imperial glory to western Europe as well. Charlemagne united much of western Europe under his rule, and imposed conversions to Christianity on many of his subjects. However, his capital was in Aachen, not Rome. His Carolingian Empire did not last for long, but it is considered to have planted the seed for the German-based Holy Roman Empire that persisted into the early modern age. US revolutionary general George Washington led a surprise attack across the Delaware River on the night of December 25, 1776. Washington was able to defeat German mercenaries hired by Britain in the Battle of Trenton on December 26 in a crucial turning point of the War of Independence. On December 25, 1951, four University of Glasgow students - Ian Hamilton, Gavin Vernon, Kay Matheson, and Alan Stuart - managed to break into Westminster Abbey and retrieve (or steal, depending on your perspective) the Stone of Scone. The Stone was used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs, until King Edward I took it during his invasion of Scotland in 1296. It has since been used in the coronation of English and British monarchs since that day, up until Charles III. The theft of the stone led to the first closing of the Anglo-Scottish border in centuries. The stone was eventually recovered in February 1952, though the students were not prosecuted for fear of sparking bitter political backlash. Typhoon Phanphone devastated the Philippines on December 25, 2019. Winds hit up to 150km/hr ravaged the country, just a week after a similar typhoon had passed through. The typhoon ultimately killed about 50 people, with 55 missing and hundreds more injured. It left a damage bill of more than $100 million.Radical Jaguar rebrand and new logo sparks ire online NEW YORK (AP) — A promotional video for a rebrand of British luxury car brand Jaguar is being criticized online for showing models in brightly colored outfits — and no car. The rebrand, which includes a new logo, is slated to launch Dec. 2 during Miami Art Week, when the company will unveil a new electric model. But Jaguar Land Rover, a unit of India’s Tata Motors Ltd., has been promoting it online. The Jaguar brand is in the middle of a transition to going all-electric. “Copy Nothing,” marketing materials read. “We’re here to delete the ordinary. To go bold. To copy nothing.” Trump has promised again to release the last JFK files. But experts say don’t expect big revelations DALLAS (AP) — The nation is set to mark 61 years since President John F. Kennedy was assassinated as his motorcade passed through downtown Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963. Even after over six decades, conspiracy theories about what happened that day still swirl and the desire to follow every thread of information hasn’t waned. President-elect Donald Trump made promises over the summer that if reelected he would declassify the remaining records. At this point, only a few thousand of millions of pages of governmental records related to the assassination have yet to be fully released. And those who have studied what's been released so far say that the public shouldn’t anticipate any earth-shattering revelations even if the remaining files are declassified. Bitcoin is at the doorstep of $100,000 as post-election rally rolls on NEW YORK (AP) — Bitcoin is jumping again, rising above $98,000 for the first time Thursday. The cryptocurrency has been shattering records almost daily since the U.S. presidential election, and has rocketed more than 40% higher in just two weeks. It's now at the doorstep of $100,000. Cryptocurrencies and related investments like crypto exchange-traded funds have rallied because the incoming Trump administration is expected to be more “crypto-friendly.” Still, as with everything in the volatile cryptoverse, the future is hard to predict. And while some are bullish, other experts continue to warn of investment risks. NFL issues security alert to teams and the players' union following recent burglaries The NFL has issued a security alert to teams and the players’ union following recent burglaries involving the homes of Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo obtained by The Associated Press, the league says homes of professional athletes across multiple sports have become “increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups.” Law enforcement officials noted these groups target the homes on days the athletes have games. Players were told to take precautions and implement home security measures to reduce the risk of being targeted. Some of the burglary groups have conducted extensive surveillance on targets. Penn State wins trademark case over retailer's use of vintage logos, images PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Penn State has won a closely watched trademark fight over an online retailer’s use of its vintage logos and images. A Pennsylvania jury awarded Penn State $28,000 in damages earlier this week over products made and sold by the firms Vintage Brand and Sportswear Inc. Penn State accused them of selling “counterfeit” clothing and accessories. The defendants said their website makes clear they are not affiliated with Penn State. At least a dozen other schools have sued the defendants on similar grounds, but the Pennsylvania case was the first to go to trial. Has a waltz written by composer Frederic Chopin been discovered in an NYC museum? NEW YORK (AP) — A previously unknown musical work written by composer Frederic Chopin appears to have been found in a library in New York City. The Morgan Library & Museum says the untitled and unsigned piece is the first new manuscript of the Romantic era virtuoso to be discovered in nearly a century. Robinson McClellan, the museum’s curator, says he stumbled across the work in May while going through a collection brought to the Manhattan museum years earlier. He worked with outside experts to verify the document's authenticity. But there’s debate whether the waltz is an original Chopin work or merely one written in his hand. Volcano on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula erupts for the 7th time in a year GRINDAVIK, Iceland (AP) — A volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland is spewing lava from a fissure in its seventh eruption since December. Iceland's seismic monitors said the eruption started with little warning late Wednesday and created a long fissure but looked to be smaller than eruptions in August and May. Around 50 houses were evacuated after the Civil Protection agency issued the alert, along with guests at the famous Blue Lagoon resort, according to the national broadcaster. The repeated eruptions over the past year have caused damage to the town of Grindavík and forced people to relocate. Australian teen and British woman who drank tainted alcohol in Laos have died, bringing toll to 5 VIENTIANE, Laos (AP) — An Australian teenager and a British woman have died after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos in what Australia’s prime minister said was every parent’s nightmare. Officials earlier said an American and two Danish tourists also had died following reports that multiple people had been sickened in town popular with backpackers. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Parliament that 19-year-old Bianca Jones had died after being evacuated from Vang Vieng, Laos, for treatment in a Thai hospital. Her friend, also 19, remains hospitalized in Thailand. Later Thursday, Britain said a British woman also died and the media in the U.K. identified her as 28-year-old Simone White. US ahead in AI innovation, easily surpassing China in Stanford's new ranking The U.S. leads the world in developing artificial intelligence technology, surpassing China in research and other important measures of AI innovation, according to a newly released Stanford University index. There’s no surefire way to rank global AI leadership but Stanford researchers have made an attempt by measuring the “vibrancy” of the AI industry across a variety of dimensions, from how much research and investment is happening to how responsibly the technology is being pursued to prevent harm. Following the U.S. and China were the United Kingdom, India and the United Arab Emirates. Pop star Ed Sheeran helps favorite soccer team sign player before getting on stage with Taylor Swift It turns out British pop star Ed Sheeran is also good at recruiting soccer players. Sheeran is a minority shareholder at English soccer team Ipswich Town and it needed his help over the summer to get a player to join the club. Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton tells a Soccerex industry event in Miami: “Ed jumped on a Zoom call with him at the training ground, just before he stepped on stage with Taylor Swift. Hopefully that was a key part in getting the player across the line.” Ashton didn’t disclose the player in question, saying only: “He’s certainly scoring a few goals.”Ange Postecoglou fights on as Tottenham return to scene of Antonio Conte rant
In conclusion, the Karlinga Award winner, Dr. Emily Zhang, embodies the spirit of science popularization, using storytelling, visuals, and digital platforms to bring the joy and wisdom of science to the public. Through her dedication and passion for making science accessible and engaging, she is leading the way in empowering individuals to embrace the wonders of the natural world and appreciate the transformative power of scientific knowledge.
