Friday, Sept 20th, 2024

Your Fall Edition Americano!

World Events and Politics — Escalation in the Middle East

An image of Hazbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, CBC 

The United States has cautioned all parties against escalating tensions in the Middle East amid a series of cross-border strikes between Israel and Hizbullah, an Iranian-backed militia. These attacks were triggered by the catastrophic explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hizbullah members, resulting in over 30 fatalities and thousands of injuries. Hizbullah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, condemned Israel, labeling the incident as “a declaration of war,” while investigations are ongoing to determine how these devices were rigged with explosives. Countries such as Bulgaria, Hungary, and Taiwan are reportedly examining companies linked to the sale of these communication devices to Hizbullah. Israel has not officially commented on the explosions but has intensified its military operations against Hizbullah in response to the violence. 

Science and Technology — The Challenge of Making More Advanced Semiconductors 

Karan Singh 

In a sterile, cavernous building in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, a massive machine from ASML, a maker of chipmaking equipment, is quietly humming away. This 150-ton, double-decker bus-sized tool uses extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography to print intricate patterns onto silicon wafers, creating the transistors that are the foundation of modern computing. As transistors have become smaller over time, the tools and factories required to manufacture them have grown larger and more expensive, with the latest EUV lithography machines from ASML costing over $350 million each. However, as transistors shrink below 10 nanometers, quantum effects and leakage current become significant issues, leading to the end of Dennard scaling. To overcome these challenges, various innovations have been introduced, such as FinFETs, Gate-All-Around (GAA) transistors, and the use of alternative materials like carbon nanotubes and 2D semiconductors, all aimed at maintaining the pace of transistor scaling and performance improvement, despite the increasing complexity and cost of manufacturing.

Business and Finance — Nike Replaces Its CEO

Reuters

Nike announced on Thursday that CEO John Donahoe will step down, with company veteran Elliott Hill returning from retirement to lead the sneaker giant starting October 14. Donahoe, who has been at the helm since January 2020, will retire on October 13 but remain as an advisor until the end of January. Following the announcement, Nike's shares rose 8%, although they have declined over 25% this year. The leadership change comes as Nike undergoes a restructuring to enhance its direct-to-consumer strategy, which has faced criticism for neglecting innovation in favor of expanding its retail presence. Hill, who began his career at Nike as an intern in the 1980s and served as president of the consumer and marketplace division before retiring in 2020, expressed enthusiasm for leading the company back to its foundational strengths. Donahoe acknowledged the need for a leadership change, while co-founder Phil Knight voiced his support for Hill's return, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding company culture and morale amid current challenges.

Health and Wellness — Beware of Mosquitos 

Getty Image

As summer ends, Jennifer White, a New York state epidemiologist, reminds the public that mosquito season is still ongoing, with August and September being peak months for mosquito-borne illnesses in the U.S. This year has seen an increase in cases of dengue fever, eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), and West Nile virus, with California recently reporting its first locally acquired dengue cases. The rise in dengue cases is particularly alarming, as they have surpassed West Nile cases nationally, largely due to an outbreak in Puerto Rico. Climate change is extending the mosquito season, increasing the risk of these diseases. While EEE remains rare but deadly, West Nile virus continues to be a concern with over 659 reported cases this year. Experts recommend preventative measures such as using insect repellent and eliminating stagnant water to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

Food and Baking — Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins 

These incredibly soft pumpkin crumb cake muffins are topped with a delightful layer of pumpkin spice crumbs and finished off with a sweet maple icing (the icing is optional). They have become a favorite among readers, and after baking just one batch, you’ll quickly see why they are so popular.

Song Recommendation — We Don’t Talk Anymore by Charlie Puth x Selena Gomez

Quote of the Day — Agatha Christie 

“It is a curious thought, but it is only when you see people looking ridiculous that you realize just how much you love them.” — Agatha Christie 

Agatha Christie was a renowned British author best known for her detective novels, particularly those featuring iconic characters Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Born on September 15, 1890, she became one of the best-selling writers in history, with her works translated into numerous languages and adapted into various films and television series. Christie's literary career spanned over five decades, during which she penned 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, solidifying her legacy as the “Queen of Crime.”

Embrace the weekend's warm embrace,  

Before the cold and dark take their place.

As always, enjoy your Americano! Cheers!