Merde
Thursday, December 5th, 2024
World Events and Politics — France’s Parliament Fires the Prime Minister
The Globe and Mail
France finds itself at a remarkable crossroads, simultaneously celebrating triumph and facing political turmoil. The Notre-Dame Cathedral will reopen on December 8, 2024, marking a spectacular achievement in restoration after the devastating 2019 fire. However, this moment of cultural pride is overshadowed by an unprecedented political crisis, as Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government collapsed on December 4 following a historic no-confidence vote. The crisis emerged when Barnier attempted to push through an austere budget aimed at reducing France's 6.1% deficit, leading to an unlikely alliance between Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally and the left-wing coalition that brought down his government. President Emmanuel Macron now faces the challenging task of appointing a new prime minister in a fragmented parliament with no clear majority, while the country cannot hold new elections until July 2025 due to constitutional restrictions.
Science and Technology — Big Things For AirBnB in 2025
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky has announced ambitious plans for 2025, promising one of the biggest company reinventions in recent memory. The company will focus on three main strategic pillars: making hosting mainstream, perfecting core services, and expanding beyond traditional offerings. A major part of this transformation includes the relaunch of Airbnb Experiences in May 2025, which will feature more affordable and exclusive activities, enhanced by video marketing and celebrity partnerships. The platform aims to evolve from a simple travel tool into a comprehensive lifestyle platform that integrates housing, transportation, and community engagement for daily use. This expansion includes the growth of Airbnb-Friendly Apartments and Condos programs, with notable success in the US and UK, and a focus on long-term stays, which now represent 20% of bookings
Business and Finance — Bitcoin Reaches $100,000
Bitcoin achieved a historic milestone by surpassing $100,000 for the first time, reaching $103,844.05 on Wednesday evening. This breakthrough coincided with two significant events: President-elect Trump's nomination of crypto advocate Paul Atkins as SEC chair, replacing Gary Gensler, and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's comparison of Bitcoin to digital gold. The cryptocurrency's rise has been fueled by increasing institutional acceptance, including the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs by major firms like BlackRock and Fidelity, along with expectations of pro-crypto policies under the incoming Trump administration, such as a national strategic bitcoin reserve and favorable tax treatment.
Health and Wellness — Burnout
Burnout manifests through a wide range of physical and mental health symptoms. Physically, individuals may experience persistent fatigue, headaches, muscle and joint pain, gastrointestinal problems, increased susceptibility to colds and infections, and sleep disturbances. Mental symptoms include emotional exhaustion, cognitive weariness, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of cynicism and detachment. The condition can lead to more serious health complications if left untreated, including high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and breathing issues. Research shows that burnout can trigger dysregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to abnormal cortisol levels and impaired executive functioning. A 2021 survey revealed that 44% of workers reported physical fatigue, 36% experienced cognitive weariness, and 32% suffered from emotional exhaustion.
Smoothie Bar — Peanut Butter Blueberry Banana Smoothie
This one is my personal favourites for smoothie. It is a creamy smoothie with a light touch of sweetness. And of course, who doesn’t love a purple smoothie!
Ambitious Kitchen
Song Recommendation — We Found Love by Rihanna
Quote of the Day
“You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get.” — Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps, born on June 30, 1985, in Baltimore, Maryland, is the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals, including a record 23 gold medals across five Olympic Games from 2000 to 2016. Starting his swimming journey at age seven with the North Baltimore Aquatic Club, he went on to dominate the sport, breaking numerous world records and achieving his most remarkable feat at the 2008 Beijing Olympics where he won eight gold medals in a single Games. After retiring in 2016, Phelps established the Michael Phelps Foundation to promote swimming and healthy lifestyles, helping more than 100,000 people through partnerships with the Boys and Girls Club of America and Special Olympics International.
Enjoy your Thursday!