It was a shocking and tragic incident that shook the world: a talented female master's student from Wuhan University, a prestigious institution in China with the coveted 985 Project status, starved to death in Japan. What makes this story even more disturbing is the fact that this brilliant young woman had once boldly called for the use of nuclear weapons to destroy her own country, China.The Prime Minister said the season was a time to remember the importance of “being there for one another”, including in “the more difficult times”. He also expressed hope for “peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story” amid spiralling conflict across the region. The message comes after a challenging first five months in office for the Labour Government and against the backdrop of a flatlining economy and rising inflation. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, people will be travelling up and down the country. Heading home, visiting relatives and loved ones to celebrate together the hope and joy of this special season. “It’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important. Family. Friendship. And fellowship between all people. “Being there for one another – in these celebrations, as well as the more difficult times.” To our military and veterans, the whole nation thanks you for the sacrifices you make to keep us safe. My government will serve you as you have served your country. I wish you and your families a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. pic.twitter.com/LphMZog6np — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) December 22, 2024 The Prime Minister sought to strike an optimistic note following another year of political upheaval for Britain, which saw Labour win a landslide victory after a surprise election called by Rishi Sunak in the summer. After taking office in July, the new Government made a series of unpopular decisions as ministers confronted the realities of creaking public services and strained national finances. As well as dealing with the economic inheritance, Sir Keir said he needed to fix a “broken society” which manifested itself in summer riots across the country after the Southport knife attack. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, I will be hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story. “I’ll be looking towards a better, brighter future for every person and celebrating the joy and wonder that Christmas brings. “So, from my family to yours, I hope you have a very merry Christmas.” The message comes after revised official figures released on Monday indicated that UK gross domestic product (GDP) showed no growth between July and September. Downing Street defended the Government’s record so far when asked about the data, telling reporters: “We had to take those tough decisions to lay the foundations of growth such that we can then deliver the higher living standards over this Parliament that people want to see.” The Prime Minister also used his message to thank those spending Christmas serving others, including in the NHS and emergency services, the armed forces, churches and charities. “I know that this is not an easy time for everyone, and my thoughts are with all those who are lonely this Christmas. “Having a tough time, missing a loved one. You are not alone,” he said. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch said Christmas was a time to reflect on “all that’s happened in the year” and “support all of those people who need our assistance”. “I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone, not just in the Conservative Party or in my constituency, but across the country,” the Tory leader said. “For all that you have been doing in your communities, supporting each other and helping to keep all our towns, villages and places going. “I think that Christmas is a time for us to reflect on all that’s happened in the year. “Sometimes we have amazing years. “Sometimes, like when I lost my dad, we have difficult years and we’re commiserating, but we do it together. “But it’s a time for us to support all of those people who need our assistance, who need our help, who need our support.” She added: “And I’m looking forward to 2025. “I wish you all the very best for the New Year and all of the exciting things to come.” Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “This year, I’ve had the chance to spend time with some amazing young carers. “Incredible young people who will spend this Christmas doing what they do all year round; looking after loved ones who are ill or disabled. “Carers embody the Christmas spirit of love, selflessness and generosity. “So I hope we can all take some time to think of them, and keep them in our hearts. “And wish them – and everyone – a Christmas full of peace, joy and love.”While it's crucial for Salzburg to be bold in their approach against Paris, it's equally important for them to be solid in defense. The defenders know that they will have to be on top of their game to keep the potent Parisian attack at bay. Communication, positioning, and teamwork will all be key factors in their defensive strategy.What sets these players apart is not just their longevity, but also the impact they had on their respective clubs and the league as a whole. Their leadership on and off the pitch, their commitment to their craft, and their unwavering loyalty to their clubs have made them true icons of Serie A. They have set a standard of professionalism and excellence that serves as an inspiration for the next generation of players.
Editor’s Note: CNN’s 5 Things newsletter is your one-stop shop for the latest headlines and fascinating stories to start and end your busy day. Sign up here. 👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! Fun fact: The human nose creates 1 to 2 liters of mucus daily — and viruses can get trapped in there and make you sick. So does blowing your nose make cold symptoms better or worse? This is what the experts say . Here’s what else you might have missed during your busy day: 5 things 1️⃣ Pushed out: Most employers know their companies can’t succeed unless they attract and retain good people. Sometimes, though, companies would like employees to quit — and not just the underperformers. They might even create conditions that make you want to leave . 2️⃣ Trump’s tariffs: The incoming president’s plan to tax imported goods could change what products customers find on the shelves at Dollar Tree and other stores. The discount chain said it might need to raise prices again from their current level of $1.25. 3️⃣ Plastic promises: Coca-Cola, one of the world’s top producers of plastic pollutants, is scaling back its packaging sustainability goals. Environmental activists are outraged at the beverage giant, which also reduced its recycling benchmark. 4️⃣ Tiny tools: Ancient artifacts unearthed at a Wyoming archaeological site helped shed light on how early Americans survived the last ice age. They found needles made from the bones of foxes, cats and rabbits. 5️⃣ Lifelong friends: Four women posed for a photo when they took a vacation together in 1972. More than 50 years later, they recreated it. Take a look at them then and now. Watch this 🛒 Smart cart: Instacart says it can save customers time and money with Caper, a shopping cart that scans products as they go in. The carts have been rolled out to chains such as Kroger and ShopRite, and CNN technology writer Clare Duffy took one for a spin. Top headlines • Police hunt for gunman after UnitedHealthcare CEO killed in New York City • Trump’s defense secretary pick says he’s not dropping out amid doubts over confirmation • Supreme Court’s conservative majority appears ready to endorse Tennessee law banning gender-affirming care for minors What’s buzzing ✈️ Top destinations: Paris enjoyed a big year, hosting the Summer Olympics and reopening Notre Dame, so it’s no surprise the French capital was named the most attractive city in the world. But one regular contender didn’t even crack the top 10. Check this out 🛞 Pretty in pink? British luxury automaker Jaguar just unveiled its Type 00 concept car during Miami Art Week. Social media users are divided, with many criticizing the new aesthetic. Quotable 🧳 Security breach: Authorities are scrambling to figure out how a stowaway avoided identity and boarding pass checks on a flight from New York to Paris. Quiz time 🌮 Which popular Mexican chain is making a comeback 20 years after its last restaurant closed? A. Rubio’s Coastal Grill B. Chevy’s Fresh Mex C. Don Pablo’s D. Chi-Chi’s ⬇️ Scroll down for the answer. Good vibes 🎄 Chill out: If the conversations with family over the holidays get a little too intense, you can always try to steer things in a more lighthearted direction by playing holiday movie bingo. Grab some eggnog and queue up your favorite cheesy Christmas flick. Thanks for reading 👋 We’ll see you tomorrow. 🧠 Quiz answer: D. Chi-Chi’s, known for its eclectic interiors, plans to open restaurants again in 2025. 📧 Check out all of CNN’s newsletters . 5 Things PM is produced by CNN’s Tricia Escobedo, Chris Good, Meghan Pryce and Kimberly Richardson.
2. Create a sleep-conducive environment: Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool for optimal sleep.
At Gulf bitcoin gathering, Trump family and allies to bask in crypto industry's euphoriaORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — In losing Sunday’s battle with the Buffalo Bills, perhaps the best team in football, Jerod Mayo won the war. Best I can tell, he’s staying put. For 2025, and maybe beyond. To his angry fan base and incredulous pockets of the New England Patriots’ media corps, remember Mayo’s future doesn’t hinge on winning this season. It’s not about what you want, or what I think. It’s about the Krafts, who hand-picked Mayo to succeed Bill Belichick four and a half years before he actually did, believing in him, and finding reasons to maintain that belief. In the eyes of someone who wants to believe, Sunday supplied enough reason. The Patriots led at halftime, then lost by three as 14-point underdogs. They became the first team since mid-October to hold the Bills under 30 points. Drake Maye outplayed the next MVP of the league for most of the game and took another step toward his destiny as a franchise quarterback, If that sounds like a low bar, that’s because it is. Such is life in Year 1 of a rebuild, a multi-year process ownership has committed to seeing through to the end with their organizational pillars now in place: Mayo, Maye and de facto GM Eliot Wolf. As frustrating as this 3-12 campaign has been, there are always nuggets of optimism amid the rubble of a losing season; particularly if you want to find them. The Krafts do, and so does Maye, who loves his head coach, by the way; calling questions about Mayo’s job security “BS.” “We’ve got his back,” Maye said post-game. Maye’s voice matters. Certainly more than any number of fans or media members. Ever since media-fueled speculation that Mayo could get canned at the end of his first season began rising, the caveat has always been the same: if, a Gillette Stadium-sized “if,” the Patriots bomb atomically down the stretch, ownership could pull the plug on Mayo. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport became the latest to join that chorus Sunday with this pregame report: “The Krafts want to keep Jerod Mayo,” he said. “They believe he is the leader for the organization for the future, and they knew it would be a multi-year process to get this thing right. Now if things go off the rails, if they really start to struggle and he loses the locker room the last couple games of the season, we’ve seen this thing turn. “But as of now, the Patriots believe Jerod Mayo is their leader for the future.” Well, Mayo hasn’t lost the locker room. That’s a fact. To a man, both in public and from those I’ve spoken to in private, Patriots players believe in their head coach. Mayo might be a players’ coach, yes, in the best and worst senses. But the Patriots were a few plays away Sunday from pulling off their largest upset since Super Bowl XXXVI. “I think we’re building something good,” Maye said. The Patriots also played their best half of football this season against their toughest opponent yet. Another fact. Now, to the frustrated, I am with you. To the shocked, I understand. But to the trigger-happy, lay down your arms. Mayo, by all accounts, is returning in 2025. Alex Van Pelt, however, is another story. In the same vein that the Krafts could have viewed Sunday’s performance as a reason to save Mayo — despite his pathetic punt at midfield, down 10 with just eight and a half minutes left — they could have convinced themselves their offensive coordinator is the real problem. After all, team president Jonathan Kraft was visibly exasperated over Van Pelt’s play-calling during the Pats’ loss at Arizona a week earlier. Four days later, Van Pelt told reporters he had yet to hear from his boss. Well, that time may be coming. Trailing by three in the fourth quarter Sunday, Van Pelt called a pass that resulted in an unnecessary lateral and game-winning touchdown for Buffalo. His offense later operated like it was taking a Sunday drive with the game on the line, using up 3:16 of the final 4:19 en route to its final touchdown. Van Pelt, finally, weaponized Maye’s legs in critical situations, something that arguably should have been done weeks ago. Not to mention, Van Pelt’s top running back can’t stop fumbling, and the offensive line remains a hot mess. Call him Alex Van Fall Guy. Because Van Pelt’s offense, for the first time in a while, under-performed relative to Mayo’s defense. On merit, he deserves to stay; a case that’s harder to make for defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington. But it’s not about merit this season. It’s not about what you want. It’s not about what I think. It’s about the Krafts; what they see, what they want, what they believe. Even in defeat. ____ Get in the game with our Prep Sports Newsletter Sent weekly directly to your inbox!
Referee David Coote will not appeal against termination of contractAs a result of the investigation, Epic agreed to a settlement with the FTC that included monetary compensation for affected consumers. The refunds are being distributed to players who made eligible in-game purchases between certain dates, and the average refund amount has been calculated to be $114 per player. This financial restitution is a crucial step in holding companies accountable for their marketing practices, especially when it comes to targeting vulnerable populations such as children.( MENAFN - The Conversation) 20 years have passed since the Aceh tsunami, leaving deep scars on Indonesia, especially for those directly affected. Aceh was also recovering from a three-decade armed conflict between the Free Aceh Movement and the national government Throughout December 2024, The Conversation Indonesia, in collaboration with academics, is publishing a special edition honouring the 20 years of efforts to rebuild Aceh . We hope this series of articles preserves our collective memory while inspiring reflection on the journey of recovery and peace in the land of 'Serambi Makkah.' In the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the Acehnese interpreted the disaster in various ways. Initially, the tsunami was interpreted as a punishment or warning from God. Over time, a collective interpretation of the disaster emerged: “The tsunami as a test from God” . This later narrative was compelling enough to accelerate the post-tsunami recovery process . People in Aceh moved past the tsunami trauma by believing their deceased family members were martyrs who deserved a place in heaven, while those who survived were given the opportunity by Allah to live better lives. The process of forming this narrative is called memory canonisation . It occurs when the government and ruling elites impose a specific interpretation or narrative of a disaster, including what to remember and how to remember it . Memory canonisation is evident in the creation of disaster monuments and commemoration events, including in Aceh. Unfortunately, many survivors feel detached from the monuments because they do not evoke personal memories of the tsunami. Constructing permanent memorials after a disaster is a common trend in a modern society . Many tsunami monuments exist in Aceh, and some have even become tourist destinations. Tsunami monuments can be divided into two categories based on the construction. First , monuments built from tsunami debris that are deliberately maintained, modified, or enhanced with certain elements. Examples include the stranded electric-generator ship (the PLTD Apung), the ship on the top of a house in Lampulo, and the tsunami debris at the Rahmatullah Mosque in Lampuuk. Second , monuments intentionally designed and constructed as new buildings after the tsunami, such as the Aceh Tsunami Museum and the Tsunami Poles erected in over 50 locations across Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar. The establishment of disaster memorials is always political . Disaster monuments represent how governments and elites promote specific interpretations as dominant. This is achieved through specific architectural designs or curated narratives in the monument. However, the memory canonisation process is never final. Once established, each disaster monument becomes a place to form, strengthen, modify, alter, and revise the interpretation of the disaster. In a post-disaster situation, the affected community faces 'push and pull' between remembering and forgetting the disaster . They must let go of trauma to move forward while preserving disaster memories to honour victims and enhance future preparedness. The memory of the disaster resides in the back of their mind, but not constantly remembered in everyday life. It will move to the surface as an active memory only when triggered by certain factors, such as a place, object, or event. This memory closely relates to how the survivors give meaning to the disaster. In everyday life, survivors interact with disaster monuments in various contexts –for instance, as a source of income or a place for leisure . Thus, the meaning of a disaster monument can vary, even becoming completely unrelated to its creators' narratives and original goals. Preliminary findings from my ongoing research in Aceh show that among survivors, tsunami memories are often triggered by specific places associated with their experiences. These include the house where they found safety, the coastal area that swept them away, or the ruins of their homes. I refer to these as“the forgotten memories of the tsunami.” Since many tsunami monuments were erected without involving local residents , they feel barely connected, let alone have a sense of ownership, towards the monuments. For survivors, the established monuments do not trigger their memories of the tsunami. Today, 20 years after the tsunami, we can still meet survivors who offer valuable and insightful stories about starting over, rebuilding their homes and villages, and cultivating cultural awareness about tsunamis while embracing vulnerability. However, once these survivors pass away, future generations will lose access to primary sources of learning about the tsunami. This includes new inhabitants who moved to Aceh after the tsunami and rent houses in coastal areas. They will, therefore, depend on the tsunami memorials around them, though many have been neglected . To address these risks, I recommend two measures. First , we can document the“forgotten tsunami memories” creatively through formats like documentary videos, comics, photos, social media content, or other mediums that highlight stories offering insights into disaster risk reduction and education for younger generations. Second , we must encourage sustainable and meaningful interactions between locals and tsunami monuments. Disaster memorials serve their purpose best - preserving the memory of the disaster and educating younger generations - when they remain relevant to residents' daily activities. Locals' active participation is essential in Aceh, including school visits and involvement in . These measures aim to foster a sense of ownership among residents of the tsunami monuments in their neighbourhoods. They encourage voluntary maintenance of the monuments and make them integral to disaster risk reduction efforts. This article was originally published in Indonesian MENAFN23122024000199003603ID1109025583 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.