Sadness

Friday, November 15th, 2024

World Events and Politics — Robert F. Junior as the Secretary of Health

Donald Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skepticism towards vaccines and conspiracy theories, as the new Secretary of Health. In a post on social media, Trump accused America's "industrial food complex and drug companies" of spreading "disinformation." He pledged that Kennedy would "Make America Great and Healthy Again." Kennedy, who previously ran as an independent candidate, joined Trump's campaign in August after withdrawing from the presidential race.

Science and Technology - The Great Microchip Mobilization 

Wired

The United States has made significant strides in reshoring microchip manufacturing under both the Trump and Biden administrations, with a notable focus on a massive Intel site in Ohio. This initiative gained momentum amid a global chip shortage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the vulnerabilities in the semiconductor supply chain. Mary Springowski, a veteran Ford employee and local council member from Lorain, Ohio, became an advocate for bringing chip manufacturing to her city after recognizing its abundant water resources—essential for chip production. Despite her efforts, Intel ultimately chose a site in New Albany for its new facility, marking a $28 billion investment that represents the largest single investment in Ohio's history.

As Intel begins constructing its new facility, the logistics of transporting massive equipment across Ohio have become a spectacle. The company is moving "superloads," which are oversized cargo shipments necessary for building microchip fabrication plants. This process involves extensive planning and coordination among various stakeholders, including local authorities and utility companies. While some residents celebrate the potential economic benefits of these developments, others express skepticism about whether such projects will truly benefit local communities, particularly in areas that have faced economic decline and challenges such as the opioid crisis. The juxtaposition of progress and local concerns reflects a complex narrative surrounding industrial revitalization in Ohio.

Business and Finance - Happiest Place on Earth

Disney

Disney reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter, with adjusted earnings of $1.14 per share, exceeding analyst expectations of $1.10 and significantly higher than the $0.82 recorded in the same period last year. The company's revenue reached $22.57 billion, surpassing the anticipated $22.47 billion and up from $21.24 billion a year prior. Notably, Disney's direct-to-consumer streaming segment, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, achieved an operating income of $321 million, a substantial improvement from a loss of $387 million in the previous year. Analysts had forecasted a DTC operating income of around $203 million, following the company's first quarter of streaming profitability in Q3.

Despite these successes, Disney faces challenges ahead, particularly with its linear networks, which saw a 6% revenue decline and a 38% drop in operating income compared to the prior year. The company is also preparing for a leadership transition as CEO Bob Iger plans to step down by the end of 2026, with James Gorman set to take over as chairman in January 2025. Additionally, while Disney's parks division reported a slight revenue increase to $8.24 billion, operating income fell short of expectations at $1.66 billion due to poor international performance and decreased guest spending. Looking forward, Disney anticipates DTC operating income of approximately $875 million for fiscal 2025 and aims for high single-digit adjusted EPS growth in 2025, with further growth projected for 2026 and beyond.

Health and Wellness — Chocolate Milk After Workout? 

The Spruce Eats 

Chocolate milk has garnered attention for its nutritional benefits, particularly as a post-exercise recovery drink. It contains a balanced mix of carbohydrates and protein, making it effective for replenishing energy and aiding muscle recovery after workouts. Additionally, chocolate milk is rich in essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and potassium, which are important for bone health and overall bodily functions. However, it's also high in sugar, which raises concerns about its consumption, especially for those monitoring their sugar intake. While chocolate milk can be a tasty and beneficial option for athletes and active individuals, moderation is key to balancing its benefits with potential drawbacks related to sugar content.

Smoothie Bar — Chocolate Almond Milk Smoothie 

This flavouring combination is unbeatable when it comes to its tastes and nutrition. Take a sip before or after your morning workout. 

Nourish and fete 

Song Recommendation - ONLY by LeeHi

Quote of the Day 

“I just wonder if the sad I’d be without you is less than the sad I get from being with you.” — Tom, Succession (2021) 

Enjoy your weekend!! And Americano!