Tsunami
I think I'm falling for you (Monday, November 18th, 2024)
World Events and Politics — Escalation in Ukraine
Economists
President Joe Biden is reportedly set to permit Ukraine to conduct strikes within Russia utilizing long-range missiles supplied by the United States. This marks a shift in U.S. policy, which had previously been hesitant due to concerns over escalating tensions with Russia. The decision comes in light of North Korean troops being deployed alongside Russian forces and amid apprehensions that Donald Trump, the newly elected president, may soon reduce support for Ukraine. This development follows a significant missile attack by Russia on Ukraine's power infrastructure, leaving several regions, including Kyiv, without electricity on Sunday.
Science and Technology — RFK’s Appointment and What It Means for Health In America
NPR
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) has been nominated by Donald Trump to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, a position that has raised significant alarm among public health experts due to his controversial views on vaccines and health policy. In a recent NPR interview, Kennedy asserted that he does not intend to remove vaccines but aims to improve their safety, claiming that current research has "huge deficits." However, his repeated assertions linking vaccines to autism—despite overwhelming scientific evidence debunking this theory—have led many medical professionals to label him as anti-vaccine. Experts warn that his influence could exacerbate vaccine hesitancy, potentially reversing decades of progress in public health and increasing the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
In addition to his vaccine skepticism, Kennedy has voiced opposition to the fluoridation of drinking water, claiming it is associated with various health issues, despite expert consensus affirming its safety at regulated levels. He has also criticized ultra-processed foods for their role in health problems like obesity and certain cancers, although the evidence linking UPFs directly to these conditions remains inconclusive. Furthermore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he made several controversial claims about the virus's impact on different ethnic groups, which have been widely discredited. Given his history of promoting misinformation and skepticism towards established medical science, many healthcare professionals express deep concern about the potential implications for public health if Kennedy were to assume this influential role.
Business and Finance — The Restaurant Industry Is Eager to Move into 2025
McDonald's
Restaurant executives are eager to leave 2024 behind, a year marked by significant challenges including a surge in bankruptcy filings, declining traffic, and disappointing same-store sales across the industry. With restaurant bankruptcies rising over 50% compared to the previous year and traffic to established locations decreasing consistently, many major chains like McDonald's and Starbucks have struggled to meet investor expectations. However, there are signs of recovery; sales have improved from summer lows, with a reported 2.8% increase in traffic to fast-food restaurants in October. Additionally, falling interest rates are anticipated to facilitate growth by making it cheaper for restaurants to finance new locations, contributing to a cautiously optimistic outlook for 2025.
Despite these positive indicators, not all industry leaders share the same optimism. Some, like Portillo's CFO Michelle Hook, warn of ongoing headwinds that could impact profitability as competition intensifies and value wars continue. Major chains are expected to introduce more value-oriented menus in response to consumer demand for affordability, especially as economic pressures persist. While some companies are preparing for potential IPOs, the overall sentiment reflects a cautious approach as the industry navigates the aftermath of a tumultuous year and anticipates consumer behavior shifts in the face of lingering economic uncertainties.
Health and Wellness — What to Eat to Define Abs Through Diet
Healthline
To achieve defined abs, a well-balanced diet is essential, focusing on nutrient-dense foods while limiting those high in sugars and unhealthy fats. Key dietary components include lean proteins, such as eggs and legumes, which promote muscle recovery and weight loss. Incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables provides essential vitamins and fiber, aiding in appetite regulation and overall body fat reduction. Whole grains like quinoa and oats are recommended for their fiber content, which can help manage hunger and improve body composition. Additionally, fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids can enhance muscle mass and reduce abdominal fat. It's important to maintain a calorie deficit for fat loss or a surplus for muscle gain, depending on individual fitness goals.
In conjunction with a healthy diet, regular exercise is crucial for building abdominal definition. A combination of resistance training and cardiovascular workouts is recommended to reduce overall body fat while increasing lean muscle mass. Specific abdominal exercises, such as sit-ups and planks, can help strengthen the rectus abdominis muscle. Overall, achieving visible abs requires a holistic approach that includes mindful eating habits, proper calorie management, and consistent physical activity to enhance both body composition and muscle definition.
Baking — Danish Pastry Dough
I love danish. That is no secret. But I didn’t know that Danish can come in different shapes and forms, and sometimes, even as pastry dough (Wienerbrødsdej)! Perhaps this could be your perfect substitute to the French croissants!
Skandi Baking
Song Recommendation — Tsunami by Niki
Quote of the Day
“Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction.” — Antonie de Saint Exupery
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, a French writer and aviator, is best known for his philosophical novella, "The Little Prince," which explores themes of love, friendship, and human connection.
I’m going under…storm, lighting, thunder, I’m drowning in the deepest of truth
I think I’m falling for you. Have yourself a wonderful monday!