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Summer holidays are traditionally a time of celebration and feasting. So, as our minds turn to food and our stomachs rumble, why not read about it? These five food titles, ranging from a chef’s memoir to a foodie crime novel, offer a smorgasbord of perspectives on the ways food shapes our culture, our identities, our environment and our selves. All of them will leave you hungry! A Cook’s Tour by Anthony Bourdain (2001) follows late chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain on a global culinary adventure as he searches for “the perfect meal”. While Bourdain doesn’t find perfection, he does discover the centrality of food in preserving culture and building relationships. In Portugal, he gets involved in the yearly pig slaughter – visceral and confronting, despite his experience as a chef – and revels in the celebration, conviviality and hospitality that accompanies this centuries-old tradition. In Vietnam, he builds tentative relationships with locals by joining them in drinking “moonshine from a plastic cola bottle” on the banks of the Mekong. The book is engaging, witty and sharp, but also poignant. It encourages us to not only think about where our food comes from, but about the meanings we ascribe to it and the communities we build around it. My Life in France by Julia Child (with Alex Prud’homme) Julia Child was an unlikely culinary icon. She didn’t really learn to cook until she moved from the United States to France with her husband, Paul, in 1948. On her return, she introduced not just her home country but the English-speaking world to the art of French cooking. (2005), co-written with journalist Alex Prud’homme, tells the story of “a crucial period of transformation” in which she found her “true calling” and started writing (1961) with Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle. My Life in France is bursting at the seams with Child’s signature : she certainly doesn’t take herself seriously. It is also a snapshot of postwar French cuisine, as experienced by someone encountering something completely transformative – and deciding to share her experience with the world, despite the obstacles. Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat Judging by the subtitle, Mastering the Art of Good Cooking, Samin Nosrat’s 2016 book, , took some inspiration from Mastering the Art of French Cooking. However, it is eminently more beginner friendly. While the book has recipes (good ones), it is not a recipe book . Rather, it is a set of instructions on how to cook: or, if you already have the basics down, how to cook better. Yet, unlike other cooking reference books, it tells a story. Iranian–American Nosrat, who trained at the acclaimed restaurant , introduces her readers to her four elements of good cooking, one at a time. She introduces culinary theory, scientific principles and tips and tricks, in an accessible and engaging way. This information is interspersed with vignettes from Nosrat’s culinary life and supported by excellent illustrations. It is not only a good read, but a cookbook you will reach for time and again. Death in the Dordogne by Martin Walker It may be strange to see a mystery novel on this list, but sometimes we want a palate cleanser, a sweet treat to end a meal. Martin Walker’s (2009) is just the thing. Bruno Courrèges is chief of police in the small town of St. Denis in the Dordogne, in south-west France. While there is a murder to be solved (the death of an elderly war veteran), Bruno’s other major obsession is the food and wine of the Périgord region, which Walker describes in delicious detail. As Bruno travels around the countryside solving the mystery, he eats: omelettes scented with black truffle, ripe red strawberries, flaky croissants, and fresh trout cooked in the open air. Alongside this feast, the book also probes the complexities of a changing, modern France – including the impact of immigration and the . The perfect Boxing Day read. Cod by Mark Kurlansky (1997) is a book about the voracious appetite of the human race and the effects of appetite. The story Kurlansky tells is not just the millennia-long saga of the low-fat, white-fleshed fish that was indispensable to cuisines across Europe. It is that, of course – but it’s also a story about the rise of colonialism and capitalism, international conflict, the slave trade, the insatiable search for commodities, and the environmental legacy of new technologies. Cod was first published almost 30 years ago, soon after the North Atlantic cod fishing industry had reached a point of collapse due to overfishing. In 2024, for the first time since the early 1990s, the on commercial cod fishing off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, in light of improved cod stocks. Kurlansky’s writing is evocative – you can feel the chill and the fog of the cod banks. Intrepid cooks may even attempt some of the recipes. To remove this article -Husker Report Card: Grading Nebraska's performance against WisconsinIs it possible to start investing with £80 of Christmas money? Yes – here’s how!online games 4 players 。

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Dan Campbell stood at the podium after Detroit blew a 17-point lead to San Francisco in last season's NFC title game and talked about how that might have been the Lions' only shot at reaching the Super Bowl. The coach knew how difficult it would be to maintain that high level of play through injuries, attrition and with a target on their back as a top contender in the NFC. Eleven months later as Campbell and the Lions prepare to return to Levi's Stadium for the first time since that loss , that has proved to be prophetic — for San Francisco instead of Detroit. The Lions (13-2) head into the rematch Monday night with the inside track at the top seed in the NFC playoffs, while the 49ers (6-9) have already been eliminated from postseason contention . The element of revenge for last season's 34-31 loss is secondary for Detroit, considering what's on the line the last two weeks of the season. The Lions can clinch the top seed in the NFC by winning their final two games or with a win against the Niners if Minnesota loses to Green Bay on Sunday. “Anytime we lose, the thought of losing is going to motivate you to not want to lose again, particularly with where you were at,” Campbell said. “So, that’s always going to bring its own level of motivation to it. But this is where we’re at in the season, we know that we need another win, we understand where we’re at in the division and the NFC, so I think it’s all encompassing.” While the Lions have no need to search for motivation, that's not the case for the 49ers, who are playing out the string of a lost season after making losing back-to-back NFC title games in 2021-22 and the Super Bowl last season. A run of injuries to key players like Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, Nick Bosa and Brandon Aiyuk, combined with inconsistent play all season have led to the 49ers having nothing to play for in the final two games. “It’s obviously not where you want to be this time of year,” Bosa said. "It’s different, especially watching where we’re at last year against this team. Just that feeling of December, January football is a feeling that I’ve gotten used to being really competitive and being in the mix. I think we’re doing a good job of staying engaged and obviously this is our job, so we’re going to finish it strong. Detroit’s faith in Jameson Williams is paying off, taking advantage of his game-breaking abilities with big plays. Jared Goff heaved an 82-yard touchdown pass over Williams’ shoulders and into his hands in last week’s win at Chicago. Earlier this season, Goff threw 70-, 64- and 52-yard passes for scores to the third-year receiver. “We work on it a ton, him and I do, and it’s a testament to him,” Goff said. “He’s asking for it. He wants that work, and I’m more than happy to give it to him during the week. It’s good. Our connection continues to grow. He’s obviously one of the best deep threats in our league, even when it’s not perfect.” The 49ers head into the game scrambling to put together an offensive line. Williams has been out for more than a month with an ankle injury and his backup at left tackle, Jaylon Moore, is now sidelined by a quadriceps injury. Left guard Aaron Banks injured his knee last week, while his backup Ben Bartch is already out with an ankle injury. That will leave the Niners with two third-stringers protecting Brock Purdy. But Shanahan said he isn’t thinking of sitting Purdy to protect him. “People deal with that throughout the year on other weeks, too,” he said. “I mean, we’ve got a football team. We’ve got to go out and we’ve got two games here and we’ve got to see what guys we can put out there and whatever we do we’re going to put a game plan together to, as best as we can to give us a chance to win.” Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who may have a chance for the second straight offseason to be an NFL head coach, routinely pulls off trick plays and his latest was a doozy. Goff intentionally stumbled after taking a snap and Jahmyr Gibbs went to the ground as their teammates yelled, “fumble,” to fool the Bears on a 21-yard touchdown pass to Sam LaPorta. “Those make you feel good because everybody is invested in it,” Campbell said. “It’s fun. It’s different. It’s sound. “I know it sounds crazy, but it’s sound.” San Francisco kicker Jake Moody is having a rough second season after being drafted in the third round a year ago. Moody has missed seven field goals this season, including a 41-yarder last week at Miami. Moody is just 10 for 16 since coming back from a high ankle sprain in his kicking foot, but Shanahan said he still has confidence in him. “I still feel the same about him, that I believe he’ll be our guy,” Shanahan said. "I mean everyone’s got to perform and do things like that. I think he has had a tough year. Before his high ankle sprain, he missed one. ... I think he was 12 of 13 before that, so I thought he was doing really well." AP Sports Writer Larry Lage contributed to this report. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflSeahawks vs Bears free live streams without Prime: How to watch NFL on Christmas game in Chicago, Seattle | Sporting News

The semiconductor industry is experiencing a shakeup, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and ASML at the center of attention. TSMC , the undisputed leader in semiconductor contract manufacturing, saw its stock soar over 90% this year due to the proliferation of chips and rising demand for AI technology. TSMC’s role as a vital partner for tech giants like Apple and Nvidia has strengthened its market position significantly. ASML , maker of the highly sought-after extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines used by TSMC and other industry titans, experienced a modest 5% decline in stock value in 2024. This downturn hasn’t diminished ASML’s pivotal role, as almost half its revenue this year arose from strategic dealings with China, despite export restrictions. TSMC’s thrived amid a booming demand for advanced chips, reporting impressive revenue growth of 36% in the third quarter of this year. The company’s ability to enforce significant pricing power has also bolstered its profits, predicting a promising outlook for 2025 as new fab operations in Japan ramp up production. Conversely, ASML faces a transitional phase as it advances its high-NA EUV technology. While negotiations with TSMC over high equipment prices have been ongoing, the first deliveries are set to occur by year-end, signaling a potential market rebound. Despite ASML’s challenges, its near monopoly on high-end chipmaking technology positions it favorably for long-term growth. Both companies present compelling opportunities for investors in 2025, with TSMC currently offering a more attractive valuation. Nonetheless, industry watchers could benefit from considering stakes in both semiconductor giants. Will TSMC and ASML Continue to Dominate the Semiconductor Industry in 2025? The semiconductor sector is experiencing a dynamic transformation, with companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and ASML leading the charge. As 2025 approaches, the market is focusing on potential industry trends, strategic moves, and the impacts of geopolitical factors on these key players. Market Analysis: TSMC’s Strategic Position TSMC has reinforced its stature as a cornerstone in semiconductor manufacturing due to substantial hikes in both demand and stock performance, specifically a 90% rise in its shares this year. This surge can be credited to its pivotal role in catering to tech behemoths such as Apple and Nvidia. The company’s impressive growth, notably a 36% increase in revenue in the third quarter, indicates a prosperous horizon. TSMC is expanding its fabrication operations to Japan, which is likely to enhance its production capacity and market share. ASML’s Technology: A Double-Edged Sword ASML, known for its unparalleled extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography technology, faces interesting prospects and challenges. Their stock experienced a 5% contraction in 2024; however, the company’s strategic involvement with China, comprising nearly half of its revenue, underscores its global influence despite ongoing export regulations. Additionally, the rollout of advanced high-NA EUV tools promises technological edge, albeit at higher negotiation costs with clients like TSMC. Innovations and Predictions: What’s Next? Key innovations such as the further development of high-NA EUV technology could redefine the chipmaking landscape. If successful, ASML’s dedication to technology advancement may trigger newfound growth opportunities. By delivering the first units by the end of the year, ASML is setting expectations for a market resurgence and cementing its status as a technological leader. Investment Considerations: The Pros and Cons – Pros : TSMC’s robust market position and ongoing expansion efforts make it an enticing prospect for investors. Its price agility and leading manufacturing capabilities cater to the accelerating AI demand, while ASML’s near-monopolistic hold on EUV technology secures its long-term potential. – Cons : Both companies face hurdles such as geopolitical tensions and evolving technological demands, which could temper growth. ASML’s stock contraction and the high costs of pioneering tech development present short-term challenges. Trends and Insights: Navigating Future Prospects As we look towards 2025, TSMC and ASML symbolize both resilience and adaptation within the semiconductor domain. These entities are expected to leverage their technological assets amidst a landscape rife with competition and innovation. For market enthusiasts, a balanced portfolio that includes stakes in both might provide a hedge against industry volatility. For further information on TSMC and ASML’s role in the semiconductor scene, you may visit their respective websites: TSMC and ASML .

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