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Trump wants to change the name of Denali back to Mount McKinleyPEORIA, Ariz. — One person is dead following a crash on Loop 101 in Peoria, according to authorities. >> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone. The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) said a driver was ejected from their vehicle when it struck a wall in the HOV lane near Olive Avenue on Loop 101. The driver, whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene, DPS confirmed. Both northbound and southbound lanes of Loop 101 are closed following the crash. This is a developing story; additional details will be added as they become available. Watch 12News+ for free You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app! The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV . 12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. Roku : Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX." Amazon Fire TV : Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account , or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app. More ways to get 12News On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone. iTunes Google Play On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. 12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. On social media: Find us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and YouTube .
Furthermore, the shift in monetary policy signals the government’s commitment to achieving a balance between stabilizing economic growth and preventing financial risks. In recent years, China has been focused on deleveraging and reducing financial risks in the system. However, the authorities now recognize the need to strike a balance between controlling leverage and supporting growth, especially in the face of external pressures and domestic challenges.
As the UEFA Champions League enters the knockout stage, all eyes are on a thrilling encounter between Italian powerhouse Juventus and English giants Manchester City. This clash of titans promises to be a spectacle of footballing excellence, as the defending champions Juventus face a formidable challenge in the form of their "difficult brothers" Manchester City.Symbotic (NASDAQ:SYM) Given New $35.00 Price Target at Needham & Company LLCTokio Marine North America Services Named One of Computerworld's 2025 Best Places to Work in IT
In conclusion, the Premier League may be too intense for some, but it's that very intensity that makes it so captivating. As fans, let's show our appreciation for the managers who give their all for the love of the game. And let's also remember that they are not invincible – they too need rest, recovery, and care in order to continue thriving in the high-pressure world of English football.
Indian diaspora in the UK immersed in the divine ambrosia of devotion Updated: November 30th, 2024, 18:43 IST in Feature 0 Raseshwari Devi Ji’s UK Tour Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Share on Linkedin New Delhi: Bhakti is the science of the soul, whose principles and practices are embodied by the crown jewel of Puranas, the Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana. Therefore, the Shrimad Bhagavata is known as the essence of all the Upanishadas. The recently concluded discourse on Shrimad Bhagavata in the UK by Raseswari Devi Ji, the seniormost disciple of Jagadguru Shri KripaluJi Maharaj, is a milestone in her spiritual journey. “VasudhaivaKutumbakam” – the Essence of the Upanishadas. Also Read Weekly Horoscope Nov 25–Dec 1: Here’s a guide to the week ahead of you 6 days ago Dibyakanta Nayak: The man who makes a difference in disaster zones 6 days ago This program named “Shrimad Bhagavata Gyanamritam,” which is profoundly meaningful because along with the Bhagavata discourse, she served the listeners the nectar of knowledge imparted by her guru. During the program, Devi Ji herself stated, “This discourse is not for entertainment. It is for our inner elevation and purification of mind and intellect. I have a unique principle that will transform your life, this is my challenge.” Viewed from the perspective of its purpose, through this program on foreign soil, Devi Ji disseminated the message of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which is the essence of the Upanishadas. 30-Day Spiritual Tour The program “Bhagavata Gyanamritam” began November 19, 2024, with a grand procession in Wellington Girls High School, located in Wellington city amidst natural beauty. Sutton city’s Deputy Mayor, Louise Phelan, enthusiastically participated in the event. The closing session was graced by Sutton’s Mayor, Colin Stears, who helped make the program successful. The seven-day-long program was held from November 20, 2024, to November 26, 2024. Devi Ji inaugurated the Shrimad Bhagavata Gyanamritam with a hymn praising God in her divine voice. Explaining the significance of Shrimad Bhagavata, she said, “Bhagavata is the essence of Upanishadic knowledge.” She told the listeners that Bhagavata is truly a nectar of knowledge, by hearing which one attains immortality like Parikshit. Therefore, propagating the essence of Shrimad Bhagavata is the greatest form of charity. She advised, “Take full advantage of this opportunity to listen to the discourse. Do not waste time on negative thoughts. Learn to accept what is happening. Bhagavata empowers us spiritually and has the power to transform our lives. In the Bhagavad Gita where God gave instructions to destroy Arjuna’s delusion, in the Bhagavata, He shows the path to attaining divine love.” Through the divine pastimes of God and His associates all in the 12 chapters, she explained the nature, importance, and means of devotion. Devi Ji said that the listeners of the Bhagavata, like Parikshit, are telling us that this mortal life is given to us to attain God. By embracing this discourse, God becomes captive in our hearts. In today’s technology-driven era, our minds are becoming complex and self-centred by receiving numerous pieces of information. Continuously hearing and singing God’s name and glory removes the complexities of our minds and fills our hearts with joy. The divine combination of Devi Ji’s voice with captivating glimpses of Sri Krishna’s cow-herding play, Govardhan Lila, and Sri Krishna-Rukmini’s wedding created an atmosphere charged with pure energy. Special Program for Future Generations of Indian Diaspora The program also played a crucial role in instilling values in children and teenagers. Under Revered Devi Ji’s guidance, special classes were organised to acquaint them with the knowledge tradition of Sanatan Vedic texts. Children learned that the extensive knowledge described in the Vedas has developed into branches of modern science and knowledge. This rare information was obtained by this generation abroad that the foundations of human life values are inherent in Sanatan Vedic texts, not in material civilisation. Children enthusiastically participated and learned the importance of spiritual values through the divine characters of Dhruva and Prahlada. Additionally, art and craft classes were organised for children, where they learned mindful colouring, origami, creating Narasimha masks, and the art of decorating lamps. The long-term impact of this event on the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development of future generations of the Indian diaspora can be clearly seen. Participation from Different Indian States The participants from various Indian states included devotees from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and others. The grandeur of the program was rooted in the remarkable coordination of enthusiasm and team spirit among volunteers of all age groups. Devotees from Sutton, Wellington, and Croydon cities participated wholeheartedly in the program. Approximately 300 devotees, mostly working in IT and other sectors, listened to this nectar-like discourse lasting two and a half hours each day. It is a unique influence of Revered Devi Ji’s loving heart that even foreign lands become compelled to be bound by the strings of her love. Raseshwari Devi Ji, the founder president of Braj Gopika Seva Mission, returned to Bhubaneswar November 18, 2024 after successful completion of this 30-day tour. Share Tweet Send Share Suggest A Correction Enter your email to get our daily news in your inbox. Leave this field empty if you're human:
Ruben Amorim urges Man Utd to ‘run like mad dogs’ in bid to turn season roundIn response to the uproar, students took to social media to voice their grievances and demand action from the authorities. Calls for justice and fair competition echoed across online platforms, drawing the attention of the Municipal Bureau, which launched an investigation into the matter. Concerned citizens urged for transparency and accountability in resolving the dispute and ensuring the well-being of all canteen operators.In that moment, it was as if Anna was there, dancing with her son on his special day. Her spirit lingered in the room, filling the air with love and warmth. And as the song came to an end, Luke stood in the center of the dance floor, tears streaming down his face, feeling the embrace of his mother's love all around him.
In response to the growing concerns raised by the BBC report, the FA has expressed its commitment to conducting further research on the link between heading and brain health. The FA has also stated that they are open to discussions with former players and their representatives to explore potential solutions and support mechanisms.
Soldiers heighten patrols along South Africa-Zimbabwe borderWith China’s and India’s trade on the table, the Port of Vancouver is under pressure to deliver for Canada Rocked by contract disputes and worker strikes, the port has been working to shed its laggard image and play a key role in Canada’s long-term plan to diversify its trading partners Brent Jang, The Globe and Mail Dec 6, 2024 1:30 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Container ships loading at Port of Vancouver container cargo terminal Rob Kruyt, BIV Listen to this article 00:17:04 At the Port of Vancouver’s operations centre, Sean Baxter likes what he sees on a large screen that displays digital mapping of ships along Burrard Inlet. The waters in the inner harbour near downtown Vancouver are calm on this overcast autumn day, with vessels entering and exiting smoothly. “The waterways in the port are becoming busier,” said Mr. Baxter, acting director of marine operations and harbour master at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, which oversees Canada’s largest port. “Co-ordination is really required to make sure that we can proactively set a schedule.” Scheduling transpacific commerce is becoming increasingly important, especially during a period of trade uncertainty when U.S. president-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to impose 25-per-cent tariffs on all goods from Canada and Mexico entering the United States. Over the past year, the Port of Vancouver has been stepping up efforts to shed its laggard image and become a world-class operation. The goal is to help fulfill the Canadian government’s Indo-Pacific economic dreams and position Canada as the gateway to greater transpacific trade over the long term, even as political tensions with China and India escalate in the short term. While Canada’s largest trade relationship overall is with the U.S. by far, China is the number one trading partner for goods handled at the Port of Vancouver. From the port’s operations centre, which is open 24/7, an active traffic management project that includes digital monitoring of marine activity is gearing up for what the port forecasts will be record-high shipments across the Pacific Ocean in the years ahead. Along Burrard Inlet, the port has 23 major terminals. Cargo imports and exports also move from areas nearby, including terminals in Delta, B.C., located about 30 kilometres south of Vancouver. The port recently expanded its scheduling system for keeping tabs on marine traffic, part of efforts to prevent the sprawling operations from being mired in inefficiency. The stakes are high, with trade at West Coast ports being a crucial part of the economic health of British Columbia and with the ripple effects felt across Canada. Various types of international trade, including at Canadian ports and along the Windsor-Detroit trucking corridor, represent two-thirds of Canada’s gross domestic product. Exports alone support about one in six Canadian jobs, according to Mary Ng, the federal Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development. Mr. Trump said he would slap U.S. tariffs on all goods imported from Canada and Mexico soon after he takes office in January, warning that the levies would stay in place until the two countries crack down on drugs and illegal immigrants. He telegraphed his intentions during the U.S. election campaign, but trade experts originally thought the tariffs would be closer to 10 per cent instead of his announcement that proposes 25 per cent. “The recent election of Donald Trump, the prospect of substantial new tariffs and an ‘America First’ attitude will bring added risk and headwinds to our economy,” Greater Vancouver Board of Trade president Bridgitte Anderson cautioned in a letter, dated Nov. 7, to federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon. The board of trade’s “port shutdown calculator” displays an electronic tally of the value of trade disrupted on the West Coast, rising each second whenever there is a strike or lockout. The calculator showed that $8-billion of cargo had been affected at B.C. ports during a 10-day lockout in November of about 730 unionized dock supervisors, based on an estimated impact of $800-million a day. During last year’s two-week strike at B.C. ports by 7,400 rank-and-file longshore workers, the calculator showed that $10.7-billion of cargo had been disrupted. “Unfortunately, in recent years, we have been challenged in various ways to live up to that beacon of stability,” Ms. Anderson said. Mr. MacKinnon issued a directive to impose binding arbitration to end the lockout at B.C. ports and at the Port of Montreal. He used the same method to end work stoppages that lasted several days at Canada’s two largest railways in August. The BC Maritime Employers Association represents DP World Canada and 48 other private-sector companies such as ship owners and terminal operators. Union leaders say they are concerned about the lack of consultation over the implementation of semi-automation at DP World Canada’s Centerm container terminal along Burrard Inlet. Earlier this year, the federal government appointed veteran mediator Vince Ready to head an industrial inquiry commission into conflicts at B.C. ports. Mr. Ready is chairing the two-person commission, with the other member being Vancouver lawyer Amanda Rogers. They will be making recommendations in the spring of 2025 for achieving stability at B.C. ports. The Port of Vancouver’s diversification softened the blow of the economic impact of the November lockout, which shut down sites such as container terminals and potash docks. Exports of coal, heavy oil and bulk grain continued. Bulk grain was still exported overseas, in accordance with the Canada Labour Code. Under the code, grain is deemed essential and must be loaded on ships through stevedoring companies at the docks, although the rule doesn’t apply to workers at grain terminals. About 650 unionized employees at Vancouver grain terminals went on strike for four days in September. A coal export facility, operated by Westshore Terminals Investment Corp. in Delta, kept running during the lockout in November because Westshore has its own collective agreement. Other sites that continued operating included the Westridge Marine Terminal, where tankers depart with heavy oil from the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMX). The first shipment of diluted bitumen from the TMX pipeline left Westridge on May 22 for its journey to China. In six months since that first shipment, an average of 22 tankers per month departed Westridge with heavy oil from TMX, compared with an average of two per month in recent years, before the completion of the expanded pipeline. Last year, more than 150 million tonnes of exported and imported cargo went through the Port of Vancouver, equivalent to the next five largest ports in Canada. China, South Korea, the U.S., Japan and Taiwan were the top five countries sending products imported by Canada into the Vancouver region, based on tonnage. On the export side, the top five countries receiving Canadian goods originating from the Vancouver region were China, Japan, South Korea, India and the U.S. “Despite ongoing economic and diplomatic challenges, it is worth noting that bilateral trade flows remain near record levels” between Canada and China, according to the University of Alberta’s China Institute think tank. The Port of Vancouver handles nearly 80 per cent of Canada-China trade value. The value of merchandise from China imported into Canada surged to $89.2-billion last year, or nearly eight times higher than in 2000, according to Statistics Canada. On the export side, the value of exports from Canada to China soared to $29.8-billion last year, or nine times higher than in 2000. “The Asia-Pacific market is potentially the biggest growth market for Canada and its world trade,” said Leo Ryan, editor of trade publication Maritime Magazine. Commodities such as potash, coal and grain fill ships destined for export to Asia, while imports such as consumer electronics and household goods arrive at container terminals. “How we prioritize and protect our critical trade infrastructure – that has an impact on the health of our economy, opportunities for our businesses and ultimately Canadians’ quality of life,” said Pascal Chan, senior director of transportation at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. The federal government established the National Supply Chain Office in late 2023, with a mandate that involves co-ordinating responses to mitigate the impact of disruptions to the transportation system, whether they be work stoppages or natural disasters. Left, St. Lawrence Seaway workers strike outside the St. Lambert Lock in October, 2023; striking workers picket in front of the International Longshoreman’s Association’s office in Montreal in November, 2024. Over the past two years alone, a series of work stoppages have hit Canada’s supply chain. Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press, Andrej Ivanov/The Globe and Mail Nationally, over the past two years alone, a series of work stoppages have hit Canada’s supply chain, including last year at the St. Lawrence Seaway and this year at the Port of Montreal and four B.C. ports: Vancouver region, Prince Rupert, Nanaimo and Port Alberni. Last year, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre claimed that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government has fumbled the port file. “We’ve got to speed up our ports as well, unleash our exports by making our ports easier to deal with – more friendly to the truckers who pick up and drop off our goods, remove the gatekeepers and let’s make Vancouver one of the best ports on planet Earth,” Mr. Poilievre said. With larger vessels calling at terminals, it takes longer to unload imported products and load commodities for export, adding to turnaround times that already have given the Port of Vancouver the dubious distinction of being one of the world’s most inefficient for container shipments. The Container Port Performance Index for 2021 , compiled by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence, served as a wake-up call. The administrative index placed Vancouver in 368th spot, or third-last in the rankings, which factor in operating efficiency and turnaround times. Long Beach, Calif., placed second-last and Los Angeles was at the bottom. Vancouver improved in the rankings for 2023, placing 356th out of the expanded list of 405 ports reviewed. In those rankings, Vancouver finished behind Mexico’s Port of Manzanillo’s 331st spot, but ahead of other North American West Coast ports: Seattle, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, Calif., Prince Rupert, B.C., and Tacoma, Wash. China’s Port of Yangshan, near Shanghai, topped the container index rankings of the most efficient ports last year, followed by Salalah in Oman and Cartagena in Colombia. Vancouver Fraser Port Authority officials say the index is a narrow measure that is flawed because it fixates on container shipments. They emphasize that the Port of Vancouver is a diversified operation that handles cargo such as auto imports and bulk grain exports, while also serving as a popular destination for cruise ships. The port authority is a federal agency that reports to Transport Minister Anita Anand. Daniel-Robert Gooch, president of the 17-member Association of Canadian Port Authorities, said one area that Ottawa needs to revisit is financing. Port authorities across the country want greater financial flexibility so they can make much-needed investments themselves, as well as count on Ottawa to pitch in. “We do think there is still a federal role for infrastructure funding,” Mr. Gooch said. “You need to give the port authorities the tools to be nimbler.” Union leaders have seen how lucrative that the global shipping industry can be, especially for transporting containers. Drewry Shipping Consultants Ltd.’s World Container Index – the freight rate of a 40-foot container – peaked at US$10,377 in September, 2021, during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Freight rates have been volatile since then. With global demand faltering, Drewry’s index fell to less than US$1,500 in December, 2023, but recovered this year to hover around US$3,400 recently. Prices typically floated between US$1,200 and US$2,000 for several years prior to the pandemic. The shipping industry deploys large vessels to carry containers, which are reusable steel boxes measured as 20-foot equivalent units, or TEUs. Nearly 1.8 million TEUs of exports and imports went through the Port of Vancouver in the first half of this year, up 14 per cent from the same period in 2023. Leaders at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority acknowledge the obstacles, including labour strife, but they see opportunities through changes big and small. Peter Xotta, who became the port authority’s president in December, 2023, said incremental improvements will help speed up operations. For example, expanding existing rail yards at the Annacis Auto Terminal will boost the capacity for importing Asian-manufactured vehicles. Road and rail infrastructure changes in the Vancouver suburb of Burnaby are expected to improve trade flows near Burrard Inlet. Mr. Xotta replaced Robin Silvester, who stepped down from the port’s top job in June, 2023, after more than 14 years at the helm. Victor Pang, who is the port authority’s chief financial officer, filled in on an interim basis for five months as president. For imports at the Port of Vancouver, the overwhelming majority of goods in containers from Asia are transported by truck and train eastward and stay in Canada, including shipments to Toronto and Montreal. “Our role is unique in a Canadian context,” Mr. Xotta said. “Vancouver plays a prominent role for containers coming inbound. They’re going to where the major population centres are in Canada.” One of the tenants in Delta is coal exporter Westshore, whose largest shareholder is B.C. billionaire Jim Pattison, with a 47-per-cent stake. Westshore is constructing new facilities to allow the company to start handling potash exports in 2026 from BHP Group Ltd.’s Jansen mine in Saskatchewan. The big bet being placed by Mr. Xotta is the port’s container expansion strategy, which focuses on the $3.5-billion Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project near Delta. The project, which is subject to 370 legally binding conditions to comply with environmental rules, received approval last year from the federal and B.C. governments. Environmentalists warn that the new container terminal would threaten intertidal biofilm, affecting shorebirds such as western sandpipers, and harming feeding conditions for endangered southern resident killer whales. Ecojustice Canada, the country’s largest environmental law charity, is opposing Terminal 2 in Federal Court. Construction of an artificial island near Delta will be required for Terminal 2. The initial phase is slated for completion by the mid-2030s, followed by incremental expansion as required to take advantage of what the port envisages will be robust trade between Canada and Asia. The port authority has reached mutual benefit agreements with 27 Indigenous groups consenting to the new site. Upon completion, the additional container capacity could mean a jump of more than 30 per cent compared with the current combined capacity in B.C. Under Mr. Xotta’s new leadership, the port authority has taken a conciliatory approach as the landlord to tenants such as Global Container Terminals Inc. GCT already operates two container terminals in the Vancouver region, namely the Vanterm site along Burrard Inlet and the Deltaport facility in Delta. Mr. Xotta has opened up the competition for the right to run the new container terminal so that Vancouver-based GCT and DP World Canada, whose parent is based in Dubai, are welcome to bid. The Port of Vancouver, which handles one-third of Canada’s trade value with countries outside of North America, expects to weather the looming storm of U.S. tariffs and position itself to thrive in the long term. “It’s absolutely an aspiration for us to be a world-class port,” Mr. Xotta said. “We have to get away from disruption, back to stability, because that’s what will help us restore our reputation and continue to grow.” See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Transportation Ferry sailings added for Swifties and others Dec 6, 2024 4:01 AM CPKC rail buying more Ballard fuel-cell engines Dec 5, 2024 10:00 AM Fog causing flight delays at YVR Dec 4, 2024 2:09 PM
For many people, including myself, the year-end festivities are often replete with food and drink, and friend and family get-togethers. In the media industry, seasonal schmoozing is also an expected annual affair. But as much as I love to make merry, I prefer to be consistent with my mingling throughout the year than breathlessly cram numerous reunions into a month, only to exit the holiday season desperate for another holiday to recharge. Truthfully, my ideal Christmas and New Year’s Day would be spent doing what I’d do on any other public holiday – which is essentially a day off from work. Sleep in. Run errands. Work out. Catch up on reading. Binge-watch TV shows or movies I’ve saved for a stretch of free time. Avoid the usual public holiday crowd in the usual public holiday attractions. And most important, have no fixed schedule. Yet for all my self-assuredness any other time of the year, I've rarely managed to spend Christmas and New Year’s Day the way I secretly desire. I often caved in to peer pressure and FOMO to celebrate these occasions, convincing myself that painting the town red was the solution to holiday blues. No surprise: I sometimes felt lonelier with a packed calendar than I would having no plans. EXTERNAL EXPECTATIONS Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for using the festivities to get together. But only when I want to, not when I believe I should. “Aligning with conventional holiday practices” may seem like a way to mitigate feelings of isolation, as does engaging in “socially normative” activities, which can provide a “temporary sense of belonging or distraction from being alone”, the principal clinical psychologist at Annabelle Psychology also acknowledged. Dr Annabelle Chow pointed out, however, that when opportunities for social connection are limited, our expectations of how we should be spending the holidays may “intensify feelings of loneliness by highlighting the gap between personal experiences and societal ideals”. Heightened societal and cultural expectations around the festivities are amplified by social media’s tendency to create a false sense that everyone is having a magical time. It's easy to forget that the “right way” to celebrate the holidays is not about how it looks – but how it feels. “The problem arises when we conflate connection with specific actions or events, such as a big family dinner or a party," explained Dr Ong Mianli, principal clinical psychologist at Lightfull Psychology. "We fall into the ‘expectation trap’; we start equating the form of connection with its value, which leads to unnecessary pressure if our reality doesn’t match our expectations.” When connection is narrowly defined, it becomes conditional, Dr Ong added. "People may feel disappointed, alienated or less worthy if they can’t replicate an idealised version of togetherness ... whether due to geography, finances, strained relationships or personal choice." Some might even internalise these unmet expectations as “personal failures”, resulting in feelings of inadequacy, loneliness or resentment. So, we may intellectually know that our friend's 30-second reel of a well-decorated home is a mere fraction of their life, but loneliness is rarely logical. And while the obvious answer may be to take a social media detox during the holiday period, shutting out external factors that reinforce comparison culture is one thing. INTERNALISED MEMORIES, BELIEFS A more insidious, lesser discussed cause driving the belief that there is a “right way” to spend the holidays could be the fact we have actually celebrated prior holiday seasons with such fanfare. Our memories and nostalgia can encourage us to “chase past experiences”, even if they’re “no longer feasible or fulfilling”, said Dr Ong. “We tie self-worth to whether we can keep up with others’ – and even our – holiday traditions, forgetting that genuine connection doesn’t need to be performative.” Some people, particularly women, may also feel the pressure to align with internalised societal and familial expectations, and hence “take on a disproportionate share of planning and execution”. They may feel like they’re expected to host, entertain and decorate the house, in addition to juggling regular work and family responsibilities, noted Dr Chow. “This imbalance (even if perceived) can lead to feelings of frustration and exhaustion, especially when these roles feel unfair or are misaligned with personal preferences or values, (which can) strain family dynamics.” RESPECTING NORMS – AND OUR FEELINGS Wanting to spend Christmas and New Year’s Day like a regular public holiday doesn’t have to mean going against the grain entirely, though. Suggest having the annual family get-together before or after Christmas, for instance, instead of on the date itself. Or make plans to combine Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations into one day. Actively question societal expectations, advised Dr Ong. “We can be respectful to traditions and expectations while calmly creating our own. Who decided what the ‘right’ way is, and does that align with your values?” Besides, the reality is that people have family circumstances and financial means that completely differ from the picture perfect Instagram update. For example, some lack close family ties or are grieving the loss of loved ones; others struggle with participating in costly holiday activities like gift exchanges or travelling overseas for a “white Christmas”, noted Dr Chow. Recognising this reality for others inadvertently helps us validate our own feelings. So, i t’s okay to say no to plans or traditions that don’t resonate with us. You could say, “I’m keeping things simple this year”, she suggested. “ Politely declining invitations that feel like obligations rather than genuine enjoyment can protect our time and emotional energy ... Setting these boundaries can help to avoid unnecessary stress and focus on what truly matters during the holiday season.” Ultimately, there is no single fixed way that dictates how holidays should be celebrated, Dr Chow highlighted. Each individual’s personalised way of marking the occasion is “just as valid as anyone else’s”. “Whether that means spending the day alone, engaging in a quiet activity, or celebrating with a few close loved ones, we should prioritise what makes us feel genuinely happy and fulfilled. Embracing our personal preferences allows us to experience the holiday in a way that feels authentic and meaningful," she said. The “right way” to celebrate is “whatever leaves you feeling most at ease, even if it’s unconventional”, echoed Dr Ong. “True connection doesn’t come from meeting expectations. It comes from honouring what makes us feel genuinely whole.” And that goes both ways – whether you want to stay in or head out. The holiday blues are rarely caused by our reality, but that we don't realise (or can't accept) that we expected otherwise. After all, loneliness isn't so much being disconnected from others as it is being disconnected from oneself.Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday said that divisive forces are still active in the country and underlined the disruptive power of disinformation , misinformation, mal-information and fake news with the help of new technology. ET Year-end Special Reads Gold outshines D-St with 20% returns, but 2025 may be different The year of the pause: How RBI maneuvered its policy in 2024 2024, the year India defeated China's salami-slicing strategy Speaking at the annual Intelligence Bureau endowment lecture, Shah urged the central agencies to develop an intelligence coordination strategy with friendly nations to detect anti-India organisations and networks. Shah said that in today's era, the scope of sovereignty is no longer limited to territorial boundaries. "We must expand the definition of security to include new dimensions. With just one click of a computer, any country's critical and digital infrastructure can be damaged... There is a need to broaden Intelligence Bureau's concept of security and prepare for the challenges of the future." ET Year-end Special Reads An Indian's guide to moving abroad as the world looks for 'better' immigrants The year of the HNIs: How India's rich splurged in 2024 (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
"The Dusty Journey: Only 1 Player Left on LGBT " - An Empty Martial Arts WorldWhat's New A Brooklyn real estate developer implicated in a high-profile corruption investigation involving New York City Mayor Eric Adams is set to plead guilty to conspiracy charges, federal prosecutors said on Monday. Erden Arkan, a co-owner of the luxury construction firm KSK, has been accused of collaborating with a Turkish government official to funnel illegal campaign contributions to Adams. Why It Matters Arkan's guilty plea would mark the first in a case that has drawn significant attention to the mayor's fundraising practices and political alliances. Adams, a Democrat, is facing a federal investigation over alleged fraud and corruption, including claims of accepting luxury travel benefits worth more than $100,000 and illegal campaign donations from foreign nationals. He has pleaded not guilty. Multiple members of his administration are also being probed. What To Know According to court filings, Arkan plans to admit to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud by collecting campaign contributions for Adams that were made under the name of someone other than the true contributor. Prosecutors say Adams improperly used these funds to qualify for public matching funds, a program designed to amplify small-dollar contributions Adams has maintained his innocence, pledging to "fight the charges with every ounce of my strength." Arkan's firm's ties to Adams emerged in November 2023 as investigators searched his residence, along with the home of Adams' chief fundraiser and his liaison to the Turkish community. The indictment against Adams details a 2021 dinner where he allegedly solicited illegal contributions directly from Arkan, referred to in court documents as "Businessman-5." Soon after, Arkan hosted a fundraiser for Adams at KSK's Brooklyn headquarters. Prosecutors allege that Arkan reimbursed employees who donated between $1,200 and $1,500 to the campaign, a practice that constitutes illegal straw donations. Arkan later confirmed to the FBI that he had spoken to the Turkish official about the fundraiser. He initially denied reimbursing his employees, prosecutors said. Court documents also highlight Arkan's reluctance about the scheme, citing comments he made to others in New York's Turkish community that it "may feel like swimming against the current but unfortunately this is how things work in this country," according to the indictment. What People Are Saying An attorney for Adams, Alex Spiro, said in an emailed statement to The Associated Press (AP) that the decision would have "no bearing on the Mayor's case whatsoever." "We know from the government's own interviews that Mr. Arkan repeatedly said that Mayor Adams had no knowledge of his actions," Spiro said. According to the AP, a lawyer for Arkan did not immediately respond to the new agency's request for comment A Mounting Scandal For Adams While Adams has pleaded not guilty to all charges, the case has compounded an already difficult period for his administration. High-profile resignations, including those of his police commissioner and multiple deputy mayors, have been accompanied by separate corruption probes. Most recently, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Adams' former top adviser, was charged with accepting bribes to expedite real estate approvals. What Happens Next As Adams prepares for his trial in April, the plea agreement from Arkan is expected to play a role in the broader investigation into the mayor's alleged conduct. This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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