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Phys.org - Dec 18th, 2024
How the science of child development can help parents stress less this holiday season
A recent advisory from the United States Surgeon General has made it clear—parents and caregivers are burned out.
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Zerohedge - Dec 18th, 2024
The Tone Regarding Ukraine's Future Has Shifted Significantly And Fast
The Tone Regarding Ukraine's Future Has Shifted Significantly And Fast By Teeuwe Mevissen, Senior Macro Strategist at RabobankWhile Trump still has to be officially inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States of America, it almost seems he already entered the White House. This has already been demonstrated by Trumps attendance of the formal reopening of one of the pinnacles of French gothic architecture. Indeed, the Notre Dame. In the limelight of this event, Trump, Macron and Zelensky had a meeting where they discussed the future of Ukraine. While no clear deal(s) seem to have been made yet, some would argue that it boiled down to going from a celebrative event organized in a holy place to a meeting that could lead to an unholy deal. While it is unsure yet what has been exactly discussed during the meeting between the three leaders, the tone regarding the future of Ukraine has definitely shifted significantly and fast!Since February 2022, the Western mantra was that Ukraine would be supported for as long as it takes and that it was up to Ukraine to decide whether it wanted to engage in negotiations with Russia. A logical argument for those who also continued to emphasize Ukraine’s sovereignty and, directly related to it, the right of self-determination. Both are crucial pillars of the concept of the nation state that has it roots in the Treaty of Westphalia. If the West would be as serious about upholding the international rules-based order as has been voiced so often, then Ukraine should be considered the litmus test. Not continuing or even stepping up support would in effect boil down to the alternative scenario in which the West would signal that they are unreliable guarantors of security alliances or partnerships (remember that Ukraine received those guarantees from the US and the UK in exchange for giving up its nuclear deterrent), that might makes right and that the West can be impressed and coerced by rattling the nuclear sabre, amongst others. The negative consequences should be clear to anybody with even a basic understanding of security studies or international affairs. History also provides us with clues of what might be the result of such an approach. During the 1930’s, Germany felt humiliated because of the treaty of Versailles and the Nazis came with a fascist concept of a civilization state claiming territory based on both historic and ethnic grounds. After it could seize some territories without putting up a real fight, it eventually decided to test France and the UK by invading Poland. Back in the late 1930’s, the United Kingdom was still recovering from the impact of the Great War and the gradual loss of control over its empire and its hegemonic status. From Chamberlains point of view, another large war was to be avoided at all cost. But as all of us know by now, this attitude soon proved to be even more costly in a such a way that nobody could ever have imagined. The parallels with the current situation should be clear and as such have often been drawn by international relations observers. Making a leap in time, Putin has been very clear all along about his views of the collapse of the Soviet Union which he calls the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century. So to be clear, apparently from the Kremlin’s point of view it is not the more than 25 million Russians that died during World War II fighting Nazi Germany but the nonviolent collapse of a communist block that subjugated many previously independent and sovereign states, that was the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the (last) century. Eager to reverse what the Kremlin seems to consider as an unpalatable humiliation, Russia embarked on several ‘adventures’ in Georgia, Chechnya, and now clearly Ukraine. This is relevant because this point of view makes it less likely that a deal between Russia, Ukraine and the West will turn out to be a stable and durable one. Taking all of the above into account it is the West that now seems to position itself as deal takers instead of deal makers when dealing with rule breakers. The majority of blame should go to Europe. While the war has already been dragging on for almost three years, many European member states continue to talk the talk instead of walk the walk. At the cost of precious lives and Europe’s own security. It is again a demonstration of Europe’s infamous lack of true leadership. We have plenty of Chamberlains and government officials dragging their feet but there is no Churchill in sight, except perhaps for some countries in the east that have been ignored in the past but have been warning the rest of us in Europe for many years. Now what does this all mean for the economy the curious and impatient reader might rightfully ask by now. While the government is primarily responsible for offering security to its inhabitants, It also means that businesses – and especially strategic sectors) should be mobilized to support efforts to enhance security in the broadest way. This means efforts to secure the physical (supply chains, industry and logistics) the digital (cyber security, AI and quantum computing) and increasingly space. It should be clear that part of such a mobilization includes much needed funding.It is here that the financial sector comes into play. Until recently, many politicians and governments were highly critical on financial sector involvement related to the defense industry, making the banking sector wary of providing funding. The pendulum has swung. At least amongst politicians. In the Netherlands former Minister of Defence Kaisa Ollongren called for pension funds and other players in the financial sector to increase investments in this specific sector. But this also applies on a European level. And that means that financial markets will also have to play an important role. On a European level we have seen initiatives for EU funding for the defence industry financed via the issuance of Eurobonds. While common debt is still a thorny issue for the more frugal European member states, alternative ways to coordinate funding and effectively channel this to relevant industries or new industrial initiatives should be taken into consideration. The previous Recovery and Resilience Fund could (partly) serve as a blue print. This means that there could also be a role for the ECB. While the possibilities are plentifully it becomes increasingly urgent to act. Tyler DurdenWed, 12/18/2024 - 11:25
Raw Story - Dec 18th, 2024
'Go back to work': Tommy Tuberville demands to 'start cutting' food stamps for poor people
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) insisted that it was time to "start cutting" funds for food stamps because poor people should "go back to work."During a Wednesday interview on Real America's Voice, Tuberville complained that the so-called farm bill in a House resolution to continue funding the government included $10 billion for farmers but did not cut $1.5 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps."The problem is, I got where the farm bill is, it's gonna be $1.5 trillion, and 200 billion goes to the farmers in a five-year period, and 1.3 trillion goes to food stamps," the senator said. "Now, if we need to start cutting, and you know that DOGE group's gonna start looking at that, people gotta go back to work.""We need to take care of the elderly, the veterans, people with mental illnesses, but everybody else gotta go back to work," he added. However, work requirements are already part of the SNAP program. To receive SNAP benefits, non-disabled adults (age 18-54) must complete 80 hours of work or work training each month.Real America's Voice host Steve Bannon told Tuberville that he wanted to see a limit on the types of food poor people could purchase in addition to funding cuts.ALSO READ: We're watching the largest and most dangerous 'cult' in American history"Now, unfortunately, it's a lot of the food I like, but it's food product, but we gotta, here's the thing," Bannon said. "There's so many hard cuts that have to happen, like you're talking about out of food stamps.""Nobody's gonna be cheerful about cutting food stamps, but you're right, you gotta go back," he continued. "They are hard decisions about putting food on the table for people or giving access to it that have to be made, or we're just not gonna be a country anymore."Watch the video below from Real America's Voice or click the link.
Courant - Dec 18th, 2024
Utility costs, prescription drug prices, AI make AARP’s list of legislative priorities for 2025
AARP Connecticut says financial issues and making Connecticut affordable are key concerns for 2025.
The Sun - Dec 18th, 2024
Major Patrick Mahomes injury update after NFL fans spot worrying scenes in Kansas City Chiefs practice
Upi - Dec 18th, 2024
Not guilty pleas entered on murder charges for Southport stabbing suspect
Stabbing suspect Axel Rudakubana Wednesday pleaded not guilty in Britain's Liverpool Crown Court to killing three children and ten counts of attempted murder. The attacks happened at a Southport dance class.
Courant - Dec 18th, 2024
Police investigating additional incidents of cars with windows smashed out in Bridgeport
Police in Bridgeport are investigating multiple reports of vandalism after vehicles had their windows smashed during the early morning hours on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Wcpo - Dec 18th, 2024
Feds: Cincinnati startup CEO accused of scamming investors out of $6.5 million
A Cincinnati man is facing multiple federal charges after he allegedly defrauded investors out of millions of dollars.
Orlando Sentinel - Dec 18th, 2024
KFC’s new ‘Saucy!’ concept restaurant opens Monday in east Orlando
Orlando is the first city to get KFC's new Saucy! restaurant, a new condiment-centric concept looking to corner the dip-and-dunk market. It opens in the Waterford Lakes area Monday.
Ocregister - Dec 18th, 2024
Sound Spectrum, a Laguna Beach legacy, a place to ride the waves of music is for sale
Sound Spectrum has been providing music to fans since 1967; its founder Jimmy Otto died in 2023 and his wife said it is time to let the store go.
Rolling Stone - Dec 18th, 2024
Apple Music to Ring in 2025 With New Year’s Eve Sets From Björk and Skepta
Uncle Waffles' set from London's The Cause also to feature during streaming service's Dec. 31 festivities
Benzinga - Dec 18th, 2024
Unusual Machines Revenue Could Double In 2025, Under Trump Administration, Says Analyst
Shares of Unusual Machines Inc (NYSE:UMAC) skyrocketed more than 375% over the past month on news that Donald Trump Jr is joining its advisory board.The company is entering military drone components, which is expected to generate "material sales" in the fourth quarter, according to Maxim Group.Analyst Matthew Galinko initiated coverage of Unusual Machines with a Buy rating and a price target of $18.The Unusual Machines Thesis: Bipartisan legislation blocking some or ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
Pr Newswire - Dec 18th, 2024
TMC INVESTOR ALERT: Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $75,000 In TMC To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $75,000 In TMC To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options If you suffered losses exceeding $75,000 in TMC between May 12, 2023 and March 25, 2024 and would like...
Pr Newswire - Dec 18th, 2024
MSA & Circus Arts Announces 2025 Expansion to Highland Park: A Unique School-Break Experience for North Shore Families
HIGHLAND PARK, lll., Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Known for its stellar reputation in Chicago, MSA & Circus Arts is thrilled to bring its action-packed camp program to families in Highland Park and surrounding areas. The camp's curriculum is crafted by industry experts who have headlined...
Newsweek - Dec 18th, 2024
US Quietly Hands Ukraine Support to NATO Ahead of Donald Trump's Return
A new body will assume responsibility for Ukraine aid, which one general called "a good day for Ukraine and a good day for NATO."
Orlando Sentinel - Dec 18th, 2024
Florida seeks to kill lawsuit over hot conditions, lack of air conditioning in state prisons
The potential class-action lawsuit focuses, in part, on the effects of heat on older inmates with medical conditions
Forbes - Dec 18th, 2024
Popular Internet Routers Made By China’s TP-Link Could Be Banned In The U.S., Report Says—Here’s What To Know
Is Your Router From China—And A Security Risk? Here’s How To Check.
The Mirror Us - Dec 18th, 2024
Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham bin unpopular addition at home stadium after fan backlash
Wrexham have announced that a controversial surcharge to use the fan zone at the Racecourse Ground has been scrapped after fan backlash, with the cost now covered by sponsors
Pr Newswire - Dec 18th, 2024
DEADLINE REMINDER: Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Investigates Claims on Behalf of Investors of Marqeta
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $50,000 In Marqeta To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options If you suffered losses exceeding $50,000 in Marqeta between May 7, 2024 and November 4, 2024 and...
Abc7 New York - Dec 18th, 2024
Smoked Pies? Why not!
Friendswood father, known as the Texas Pie Guy, ditches the oven for this bold take on an old favorite.
