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☆ ‘Mary Berry’s Ultimate Christmas’ Review: A Scrumptious Holiday How-To
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( John Anderson | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +1 min

No one’s goose gets cooked during “ Mary Berry ’s Ultimate Christmas” and why is that? But geese are actually greasy, relatively meatless and too busy polluting public parks to make an appearance on TV. Besides, their absence is reassuring: The English may have given us our traditional Christmas celebration. And that’s what the merry Ms. Berry makes the main attraction of the elaborate meal she prepares—and more importantly plans for—in this hourlong tutorial on the art of the holiday. The music is a bit insistent about creating a mood, but Ms. Berry’s enthusiasm is real and never wavers.

☆ Glacier, Rocky Mountain, Arches National Parks Plan More Reservations
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Allison Pohle | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Glacier National Park will begin requiring reservations for some areas May 26 and others July 1. Three of the most popular U.S. national parks said on Friday that they would maintain—and by some measures, expand—their reservation systems. Glacier National Park in Montana is making the biggest changes, increasing the types of reservations required to visit during peak visiting months. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and Arches National Park in Utah announced expanded windows for their reservation systems.

☆ Two dead, 51 missing after landslide hits campsite in Malaysia
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( The Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +1 min

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Two people died and 51 others were feared buried after a landslide hit a campsite outside Kuala Lumpur early Friday, Malaysia’s fire department said. A fire department official in central Selangor said 79 people were believed to have been at the campsite in Batang Kali, around 31 miles north of Kuala Lumpur, when the incident occurred. Three people were injured while rescuers were searching for the estimated 51 missing people, the official said. The scene of a landslide at a campsite in Malaysia. According to its website, there are three camping sites with facilities at the farm popular with locals and that people can bring their own tents and equipment or rent them from the farm.

☆ A former Disney Imagineer started out carving iconic theme-park signs from wood. Now he's a craftsman making custom works of art for Disney fans that cost $50,000 and take 350 hours.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Zoe Rosenberg | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

A recent commission of a "Beauty and the Beast"-themed mantel face measuring 6 feet by 14 inches took Kinman, by his estimate, around 350 hours from August to November. 2022 — 'Beauty and the Beast' mantel face (private collection)Kinman's 'Beauty and the Beast' mantel face was for a private collection in Oregon. The other side of the mantel face depicts the characters Mrs. Potts and Chip. Here he's carving a door out of mahogany. He's also excited about a carving he's been commissioned to do of Scrooge McDuck sitting in his money room.

This one holds 25 ounces of water, more than a standard water bottle, and it's way cuter than having cups all over your nightstand. Baggu socksIllustration by Elham AtaeiazarPrice: $14 "These socks are fun and cozy, but a little on the pricey side. MoMA card holderIllustration by Elham AtaeiazarPrice: $16 "I never knew how much I hated my wallet until my mom gave me a card holder. BraletteIllustration by Elham AtaeiazarPrice: $15 "A bralette might not seem like a typical gift, but hear me out. A dozen macarons variésIllustration by Elham AtaeiazarPrice: $5.50 "This Trader Joe's treat was my first introduction to macarons, and I haven't looked back since.

☆ New York Panel Unveils New Vision to Revive Manhattan
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Jimmy Vielkind | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Only 9% of Manhattan office employees are in the office five days a week, according to a survey by Partnership for New York City. A panel of philanthropic officials, former government aides and other civic and business leaders proposed a series of parks and promenades throughout some of the busiest parts of Manhattan, suggesting major changes to reposition office-centric neighborhoods for the postpandemic world. The 158-page plan, released Wednesday by a group convened by New York Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul , includes a pedestrian promenade around Grand Central Terminal that connects with expanded green space along Park Avenue, running north from the commuter rail hub.

☆ UK snow causes travel chaos and energy fears
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Rob Picheta | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

London CNN —Snow has blanketed London and large parts of the United Kingdom on Monday, shutting schools, grounding flights and causing widespread disruption across a country struggling through a winter energy crisis. The cold snap left many parts of the country, including London, covered in snow from Sunday evening. Despite the disruption, the arrival of snow two weeks before Christmas brought a festive atmosphere to Britain’s parks and streets. Victoria Jones/PA Images/Getty ImagesSnowfall is relatively rare in southern England compared to northern Britain and mainland Europe, and Britons frequently gripe about the ill-preparedness of the country’s infrastructure when cold weather hits. The company said it was a “contingency” plan, which aimed to “give the public confidence in Monday’s energy supply,” according to PA.

☆ U.S. Congress creeps toward deadline to pass $1.5 trillion funding bill
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Richard Cowan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/5] A man walks past the U.S. Capitol building as a government shutdown looms in Washington, U.S., September 30, 2021. Over the weekend, behind-the-scenes efforts made progress toward a deal on an "omnibus" spending bill. That prompted Senate Appropriations Chairman Patrick Leahy to pull back from a plan to introduce a Democratic-written funding bill this week. "Chairman Leahy feels that sufficient progress in negotiations took place over the weekend to delay the introduction of the omnibus appropriations bill for the time being. But it was promptly attacked by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell.

☆ How to live in NYC on just $100 a month, from a 27-year-old comedian who went viral on TikTok documenting his journey
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-11 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The comedian decided to see how long he could get by on just $100 in New York City. The 27-year-old worked as a truck driver until late last year, when he moved to New York City to pursue stand-up comedy. Even before beginning his $100 challenge, Hoy avoided New York City's high rents by living in a van he parks for free in Queens. Not counting his vehicle insurance, here's how Hoy got by day-to-day for a month on just $100. "If you drink coffee every day, think about how much money that's saving you," he said.

☆ Hong Kong jails pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai over fraud
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-11 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai leaves the Court of Final Appeal after his bail was denied in Hong Kong on Feb. 9, 2021. A Hong Kong court sentenced a pro-democracy media tycoon to five years and nine months in prison on Saturday over two fraud charges linked to lease violations, the latest of a series of cases against prominent activists that critics say are aimed at crushing dissent in the city. Jimmy Lai, who was arrested during a crackdown on the city's pro-democracy movement following widespread protests in 2019 and under the National Security Law imposed by Beijing, was also fined 2 million Hong Kong dollars ($257,000). The second fraud count was for letting the same firm use the media outlet's office space in an alleged breach of lease agreements from 1998 to 2015. The court at that time ruled the moves had violated lease agreements with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corp. and that Lai had hidden the fact that the company was occupying space in the building.

☆ Hong Kong jails pro-democracy media tycoon over fraud
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

A Hong Kong court sentenced a pro-democracy media tycoon to five years and nine months in prison on Saturday over two fraud charges linked to lease violations, the latest of a series of cases against prominent activists that critics say are aimed at crushing dissent in the city. Jimmy Lai, who was arrested during a crackdown on the city’s pro-democracy movement following widespread protests in 2019 and under the National Security Law imposed by Beijing, was also fined 2 million Hong Kong dollars ($257,000). His media company, Next Digital, published the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily. His national security trial, initially scheduled to begin on Dec. 1, was postponed after Hong Kong leader John Lee asked China to effectively block him from hiring a British defense lawyer. Hong Kong, a former British colony, returned to China’s rule in 1997.

☆ How Morocco's surprise World Cup run rallied a legion of Arab fans
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( Elizabeth Kuhr | Elizabeth Kuhr Is An Nbc News Producer Based In London. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

DOHA, Qatar — When Morocco takes the field Saturday for the World Cup’s quarter final, the team will have not just an entire nation behind them, but a legion of fans throughout the Arab world. Moroccan players celebrate after wiing a penalty shootout against Spain at the Education City Stadium in Al-Rayyan, Qatar on Tuesday. They were energized by Morocco’s huge upset, erupting into cheers when young defender Achraf Hakimi impudently converted the decisive penalty. The fans were very noisy and super happy,” Mohammed Al-dubaisi, a Moroccan fan, told NBC News from the Fan Zone that night. The excitement for Morocco’s progression in the tournament was felt around the world.

☆ North Korea Wants Dollars. It’s a Sign of Trouble.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( Choe Sang-Hun | Pablo Robles | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +18 min

Media Korean Studies 2016 2008 New Finished New buildings Repainted TAEDONG RIVER TAEDONG RIVER Pyongyang in 2008. Media Korean Studies 2008 2016 New Finished New buildings Repainted TAEDONG RIVER TAEDONG RIVER Pyongyang in 2008. Under Mr. Kim, North Korea has opened a new terminal at the city’s international airport, renovated subway stations and opened new amusement parks. Missile tests this year alone cost North Korea hundreds of millions of dollars, according to estimates by South Korean and American researchers. An array of cell phones, assembled in North Korea with components imported from China, is on sale and advertised on state TV.

☆ Nio to install 20 battery-swapping stations in EnBW charging parks
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BERLIN, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio will install swapping stations, where drivers can switch their car battery for a fully-charged one, at 20 charging parks in Germany owned by utility EnBW (EBKG.DE), the utility provider said on Thursday. Nio launched in Germany in October on a leasing model, with users leasing cars with a 75 gigawatt hour battery for 1,199-1,295 euros ($1,171-$1,264) a month depending on the length of the subscription, which can be as short as a month. The carmaker, which is aiming for 120 swapping stations in Europe by the end of 2023, opened its first swapping station in Germany in late September in Zusmarshausen in collaboration with charging operator Sortimo and mobility technology company TSG. EnBW, which is investing over 100 million euros ($105.26 million) a year in expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure, plans to expand its partnership with Nio to install more swapping stations in future, the provider's statement said. ($1 = 0.9500 euros)Reporting by Victoria Waldersee, editing by Rachel MoreOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Taliban carry out first public execution since returning to power in Afghanistan
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( Sahar Akbarzai | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The Taliban on Wednesday put an alleged murderer to death in the first public execution held in Afghanistan since the Islamist group returned to power. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the man was shot three times by the father of his alleged victim in an execution attended by senior Taliban officials in southwestern Farah province. The man had been accused of stabbing the victim to death in 2017 and stealing a cell phone and bicycle. It is the first public execution since Kabul fell to the Taliban following the withdrawal of US forces from the country in August 2021. During the Taliban’s earlier period of rule, from 1996 to 2001, public executions were common, as were other violent punishments.

☆ Jim Cramer's Investing Club meeting Thursday: Buy Disney, Salesforce downgrade, Costco earnings
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( Krystal Hur | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Every weekday the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer holds a "Morning Meeting" livestream at 10:20 a.m. Disney buying opportunity Shares of Club holding Walt Disney (DIS) saw an uptick following the return of CEO Bob Iger to the top job last month, climbing to around $99 a share at the start of December. As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB.

☆ Stocks rally sputters as growth fears deepen
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Tom Westbrook | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

"We might be transitioning from a situation of worrying about inflation and interest rates, to one where the negatives become weakening growth and falling profits." The growth fears rallied longer-dated bonds and helped the safe-haven U.S. dollar to pause its recent retreat. That is more than 80 bps below the two-year yield as investors reckon on high rates hurting growth. The Australian dollar was broadly steady at $0.6696 despite Australian third-quarter growth coming in a bit below forecasts. The Canadian dollar hovered at 1.3644 per dollar ahead of an expected rate hike from the Bank of Canada later on Wednesday.

☆ Stocks rally sputters as growth fears resurface
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Tom Westbrook | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

SINGAPORE, Dec 7 (Reuters) - Asia's stockmarkets wobbled lower on Wednesday as reality bit on hopes for a soft economic landing in the United States, and investors curbed their enthusiasm about China's reopening. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan (.MIAPJ0000PUS) fell 0.4% and Japan's Nikkei (.N225) fell 0.5%. The growth fears rallied longer-dated bonds and helped the safe-haven U.S. dollar to pause its recent retreat. That is more than 80 bps below the two-year yield as investors reckon on high rates hurting growth. The Australian dollar was broadly steady at $0.6707 despite Australian third-quarter growth coming in a bit below forecasts.

☆ GM to roll put thousands of electric vehicle chargers in rural America
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN Business —General Motors is moving ahead with plans to install as many as 40,000 electric vehicle chargers in, mostly, rural parts of America. The chargers will have industry-standard J1772 charging plugs that can be used by most electric vehicles, not just GM (GM) models. Many GM dealership owners — these are independently owned businesses — own more than one dealership. Today, most electric vehicles in America are sold in coastal areas like New York and California. GM declined to say how much it’s spending on this particular program, but it’s part of an overall $750 million the automaker plans to spend on electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

☆ Factbox: Conservation targets proposed for halting nature loss
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Gloria Dickie | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

REUTERS/Dan Koeck/File PhotoMONTREAL, Dec 7 (Reuters) - Countries negotiating a global deal to halt nature loss are considering 24 potential conservation targets during this month's U.N. biodiversity summit in Montreal. TARGET 3 - PROTECTED AREASUnder this central goal known as the "30-by-30" target, countries would agree to protect at least 30% of their land and sea territories by 2030. TARGET 14 - POLICYThis target proposes including biodiversity and conservation in national policies, regulations, planning, and poverty eradication strategies, as well in environmental impact assessments. TARGET 16 - SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTIONHere, negotiators seek to suggest or require national policies, laws or regulations that would encourage consumers to make sustainable choices. TARGET 21 - EQUITABLE REPRESENTATION AND INCLUSIONThis settled target aims to make sure that conservation strategies represent all genders and indigenous communities.

☆ Citadel celebrates banner year at Disney as Wall Street nurses losses
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Svea Herbst-Bayliss | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

NEW YORK, Dec 6 (Reuters) - For much of Wall Street, trading this year has been like riding a wild roller coaster. For thousands of employees of Citadel and Citadel Securities, the hedge fund and trading business founded by Ken Griffin, last weekend was spent riding the real things. This year is shaping up to be a record for Citadel and Citadel Securities, Ahmed confirmed. Across Wall Street, firms are preparing for leaner times by cutting jobs and bonuses, while many Americans are struggling with rising prices for food, gasoline and rents. After the 2008 financial crisis, Wall Street firms that were criticized for their excesses have sometimes shied away from lavish gatherings or held them in private.

☆ Citadel celebrates banner year at Disney while Wall Street nurses losses
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Svea Herbst-Bayliss | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

NEW YORK, Dec 6 (Reuters) - For much of Wall Street, trading this year has been akin to riding a wild roller coaster. This year is shaping up to be a record for Citadel and Citadel Securities, the spokesman confirmed. The Citadel Global Fixed Income Fund is up 28.1% for the year, while Citadel Tactical Trading is up 22.4% and Citadel Equities Fund is up 17.8%, an investor said. Across Wall Street, firms are preparing for leaner times by cutting jobs and bonuses. After the 2008 financial crisis, Wall Street firms that were criticized for their excesses have sometimes shied away from lavish gatherings or held them in private.

☆ Disney’s board needs some magic
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Jennifer Saba | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

NEW YORK, Dec 6 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Bob Iger has a knack for head-faking his way out the door. Iger served as chief executive of the $175 billion media giant from 2005 until 2020. That stands in contrast to Netflix’s board, where more than half of the directors come from the entertainment sector including former Disney executive Anne Sweeney. Follow @jennifersaba on TwitterloadingCONTEXT NEWSWalt Disney on Nov. 20 said Bob Iger is returning as chief executive officer, effective immediately. Iger, 71, served as chief executive from 2005 until 2020.

☆ David Zaslav's top priority at Warner Bros. Discovery: Get the cash flowing again
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Alex Sherman | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Warner Bros. Warner Bros. Discovery will generate more than $3 billion in free cash flow this year, about $4 billion next year and close to $6 billion in free cash flow in 2024, according to company forecasts. Warner Bros. The one certainty is Zaslav's decision will be squarely based on how a deal affects the company's free cash flow.

☆ Remote Work Is Gutting Downtowns, Will Cost Cities $453 Billion
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Emil Skandul | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

Even 2 1/2 years later, most city downtowns aren't back to where they were prepandemic. Without more-robust policies to address failing downtowns, cities are going to start hurting. The increased cancellations of office leases have cratered the office real-estate market. Since 2016, only 112 commercial office spaces in the US have been converted, while 85 projects are underway or have been announced, according to CBRE's data. The birth of the central social districtTo avoid a commercial real-estate apocalypse, cities will need to streamline conversions.

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