Joy
Thursday, November 14th, 2024
World Events and Politics — Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary
Eyevine
Years ago, Pete Hegseth, a prominent Fox News host and major in the Minnesota National Guard, was set to be deployed to protect Washington, D.C., during Joe Biden's inauguration, but his orders were rescinded due to his visible tattoos, which are linked to the Crusades and have been associated with neo-Nazi groups. Now, following Donald Trump's nomination of him for Secretary of Defense, Hegseth could become the second youngest and least experienced person to hold the position. He has expressed radical views, advocating for the dismissal of military leaders involved in diversity initiatives and criticizing what he perceives as a “woke” ideology infiltrating the Pentagon since George Floyd's death. In his book "The War on Warriors," he likens the left to those who undermine military families while troops feel pressured over issues of gender and race. Hegseth also warns against U.S. involvement in Ukraine, fearing it could distract from confronting China and weaken American military readiness elsewhere, all while asserting that the Pentagon is at a critical juncture that demands urgent action.
Science and Technology - Genetic Disinformation Is Coming For Us
The Atlantic
Bill's family always considered the diagnoses of ALS in his father and grandfather a coincidence until his brother revealed he had also been diagnosed with the disease, leading to a genetic test for Bill that indicated he carried a mutation linked to ALS. Although Bill is healthy and actively building his dream home, he faced difficulties securing long-term-care insurance due to the potential risk associated with his genetic mutation, highlighting gaps in U.S. genetic nondiscrimination laws. These laws allow life, long-term-care, and disability insurers to deny coverage or increase premiums based on genetic risk factors, which can discourage individuals from seeking potentially lifesaving health information. Despite the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2008 prohibiting discrimination by employers and health insurers, exceptions exist for life and disability insurance, leaving many at risk of being denied coverage simply for knowing their genetic predispositions.
As genetic testing becomes more prevalent, concerns about discrimination are rising, with many individuals avoiding tests due to fears of insurance repercussions. Advocacy groups are working to address these gaps in protection, but progress has been slow. The implications of genetic testing extend beyond rare diseases; as research continues to unveil the complexities of the human genome, insurers may increasingly use genetic data to dictate coverage decisions based on an individual's risk profile. This trend raises ethical concerns about privacy and potential exploitation, especially if consumer DNA-testing companies alter their privacy policies or face financial instability. Ultimately, as our understanding of genetics evolves, so too does the potential for misuse of this sensitive information by insurers and other entities.
Business and Finance — “Higher for Longer?”
CNBC
U.S. inflation rose to 2.6% in October, slightly above the Federal Reserve's target of 2%, while core inflation remained steady at 3.3%. This increase complicates the Fed's plans for further rate cuts, which had begun in response to earlier signs of cooling inflation. Despite the inflation uptick, U.S. markets showed little movement, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones marginally up, while Bitcoin reached a new high of $93,469.08 amid speculation on economic policies following Donald Trump's election victory. Additionally, AMD announced layoffs affecting 4% of its workforce as it seeks to enhance its competitiveness in the AI chip market, currently led by Nvidia. Analysts suggest that Trump's potential policies could be inflationary, prompting the Fed to reconsider its easing strategy if inflation continues to rise during his term.
Health and Wellness — Warming Up Before Exercising in Winter
Warming up before exercising in winter is crucial for several reasons. Cold temperatures can lead to stiff muscles and joints, increasing the risk of injury; warming up helps to gradually increase blood flow and flexibility, preparing the body for more strenuous activity. Additionally, a proper warm-up elevates the heart rate and raises body temperature, which enhances muscle performance and reduces the likelihood of strains or sprains. In winter, when temperatures are lower, the body requires more time to adjust, making a thorough warm-up even more essential. This practice not only promotes physical readiness but also helps improve overall workout efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring that individuals can safely enjoy their winter fitness routines.
Baking — Cookie Recipe
Blueberry Cookies!! They are actually bluuuuu (kind of, more like purple)! These cookies are crispy on the edges, and will melt in your mouth. Feel free to replace the white chocolate for dark chocolate to meet your own taste preferences!
Justine Dorion
Song Recommendation — Constant by Jeremy Passion & Jesse Barrera
Quote of the Day
“I don’t know how to stop Anxiety. Maybe we can’t. Maybe this is what happens when you grow up. You feel less joy.” Joy, Inside Out 2 (2024)
Enjoy your Americano! And may Joy be with you.