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☆ The world's in a 'polycrisis' — and these countries want to quash it by looking beyond GDP
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-26 | by ( Sam Meredith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +11 min

Mostly led by women, Finland, Iceland, Scotland, Wales and New Zealand are all members of the Wellbeing Economy Governments partnership. "Which I think is why we're seeing such growing interest in the well-being economy approach, both here in Scotland and around the world." A post-growth society is one that resists the demand for constant economic growth. Mostly led by women, Finland, Iceland, Scotland, Wales and New Zealand are all members of the Wellbeing Economy Governments partnership. 'GDP is not a way to measure richness'The push to look beyond economic growth comes at a time of growing calls to end fossil fuel production worldwide.

☆ Most House members didn't show up in person to vote on a $1.7 trillion government funding bill
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-23 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The House passed a $1.7 trillion government funding bill Friday, sending it to President Biden's desk. But a majority of House members were not physically present for the vote due to proxy voting. But most members of the House weren't there for the vote — at least in person. Below is a list of the members who voted by proxy, acccording to the the House Clerk. "For the first time in history, a bill in the House was passed without a physical quorum present – meaning more people voted from home than in the House Chamber," said McCarthy.

☆ Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has been vacationing in Costa Rica during one of the most consequential legislative weeks of the year
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-23 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has been vacationing in Costa Rica this week. The entire time, the Georgia congresswoman was vacationing with her kids — and her ex-husband — in Costa Rica. Greene boarding a flight to Liberia, Costa Rica at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Sunday, December 18. Greene looking at her phone at baggage claim at the airport in Liberia, Costa Rica on Sunday. "Now that COVID is over and we're back to normal life, Congresswoman Greene is ready to end proxy voting," Greene spokesman Nick Dyer told Insider in May.

☆ How a See-Through Frog Hides Its Red Blood From Predators
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-22 | by ( Veronique Greenwood | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

At first glance, you might miss the glass frog of the Costa Rican rainforest. Apart from a lime green smear across its back, its skin, muscle and other tissues are see-through. In a study published in the journal Science on Thursday, researchers report that when a glass frog falls asleep, almost all of its red blood cells retreat into its liver. In addition to revealing another remarkable adaptation in nature, the discovery could lead to clues for how to prevent deadly blood clots. Like people, glass frogs rely on hemoglobin, a colored protein in red blood cells that delivers oxygen around the body.

☆ Carnival Corp posts smaller loss as it tightens control on costs
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Dec 21 (Reuters) - Carnival Corp (CCL.N), (CCL.L) on Wednesday posted a smaller-than-expected quarterly loss as the cruise operator kept a tight lid on operating costs, sending its shares up about 7% in morning trade. Cruise operators including Carnival have been wrestling with rising fuel prices, a stronger U.S. dollar and higher interest rates, which have been further exacerbated due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The cruise operator's revenue rose to $3.84 billion in the fourth quarter ending Nov. 30 from $1.29 billion a year earlier, but missed analysts' average estimate of $3.91 billion, according to IBES data from Refinitiv. The company posted a smaller adjusted net loss of 85 cents per share compared with analysts' expectation of 87 cents. Reporting by Granth Vanaik in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra EluriOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

House bows are becoming a popular way for real-estate agents to add pizzazz to newly sold homes. House bows are often purchased by local realtors to celebrate closings or drum up interest in a property, and by particularly spendy gifters looking to surprise their family members or spouses with a new abode. King Size BowsSteven Rosenfield, the owner of Giant Bows in Old Lyme, Connecticut, has observed a similar bump in business. Hughes charges around $600 plus shipping for an average 6-foot, two-loop house bow. A King Size Bow used for decoration.

☆ 5 ways reading 'Atomic Habits' changed how I live and work for the better
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

She read "Atomic Habits" by James Clear to improve her productivity and address distractions. Here are five ways that my life changed for the better after I tried Clear's principles:1. I beat distractions in my spaceAccording to "Atomic Habits," the first law of behavior change is to "make it obvious." After reading "Atomic Habits," I set an alarm for 20 minutes so I'd get it done under pressure and separated everything into three piles: essentials, nice-to-have, and extras. One of my goals last year was to get really good at recording Instagram Reels and posting every day, and "Atomic Habits" gave me a tangible strategy that helped me achieve this.

☆ Citi: 'Absolutely nothing stunning' about Bank of Japan yield tweak despite market reaction
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailCiti: 'Absolutely nothing stunning' about Bank of Japan yield tweak despite market reactionLuis Costa, head of CEEMEA strategy at Citi, discusses the impact of the Bank of Japan's shock decision to widen its target range for 10-year Japanese government bond yields.

The average cost of travel insurance has increased over the past week, according to travel agency Squaremouth. Travel insurance weekly rates at a glance:Average premium: $240.24Average trip cost: $5,571.95Average trip length: 16 daysWhat is travel insurance? Insider's Featured Travel Insurance Companies World Nomads Travel InsuranceAllianz Travel InsuranceTravelex travel insurance Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Policy type Average days between purchase to trip Average trip length (days) Average trip cost Average cost of travel insurance Cancellation 53 14 $5,571.95 $379.28 Non-cancellation 16 21 N/A $96.07Source: SquareMouthAverage cost of travel insurance by ageA traveler's age is a significant factor in determining the cost of travel insurance. When calculating your travel insurance premium, travel insurance providers consider the likelihood of a medical emergency.

☆ REVIEW Soccer-Whatever the ending, Qatar World Cup duly delivered
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Both scenarios would be an appropriate final act to the first World Cup staged in an Arab country. But for a month the so-called beautiful game did, in the words of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, spread some joy. The marquee names of Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo delivered storylines. In five second-half minutes Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari wrote themselves into Saudi sporting folklore by scoring the goals to overturn a Messi penalty and seal the biggest statistical shock in World Cup history. Messi, channelling his inner-Maradona, inspired Argentina to beat Croatia and few would begrudge the diminutive number 10's record-breaking 26th World Cup appearance ending with him holding aloft the gleaming trophy.

☆ Factbox: 10 memorable impressions from the Qatar World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

SAUDI ARABIA STUN ARGENTINAArgentina were cruising in their opening Group C game after Lionel Messi scored a first-half penalty. RONALDO EXITS FINAL WORLD CUP IN TEARSPortugal's talisman became the first male player to score in five World Cups with a penalty against Ghana. FIRST FEMALE REFEREE AT A MEN'S WORLD CUPFrenchwoman Stephanie Frappart was handed control of Germany's final Group E clash against Costa Rica, becoming the first female referee to officiate at a men's World Cup. Costa Rica coach Luis Fernando Suarez described it as a big step forward in 'sexist sport' and the 39-year-old Frappart produced a calm and assured display in Germany's victory. Germany needed a win over Costa Rica and for Spain to beat Japan to go through as runners-up, and at halftime that was exactly what was happening.

☆ Portuguese climate activists must pay fine over protest, says court
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

LISBON, Dec 16 (Reuters) - A Portuguese court ordered four climate activists to pay a fine on Friday for occupying a university building to protest what they perceived as political inaction around climate change. According to the judge's decision, each activist must pay a fine of 295 euros ($312.61). If they are not able to pay it in one go they can either pay in instalments or do community service. "We think it's not fair that we are being criminalised for fighting for the environment," one of the sentenced students, Ana, told RTP broadcaster outside the court. The Faculty of Humanities was one of several universities and high schools in the city that young people angry about the climate crisis occupied last month.

☆ Krispy Kreme Outlines Plans to Automate Doughnut Production, Reduce Debt
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Kristin Broughton | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +4 min

Krispy Kreme Inc. is laying out a plan to cut debt, boost revenue and improve profitability, nearly a year and a half after its return to the public markets. Josh Charlesworth, CFO of Krispy Kreme. Krispy Kreme expects to generate $2.15 billion in revenue by the end of the 2026 fiscal year, up 41% from its projected revenue this year, including by expanding to new markets. “There’s a lot of manual intervention behind the scenes,” said Mr. Charlesworth, who also serves as global president and chief operating officer, discussing doughnut production. “We’re in pretty good shape on that score, thanks to locking in rates before the recent increases,” Mr. Charlesworth said.

Below is a complete list of all-inclusive resorts you can book with Hyatt points in Latin America and Europe — and the number of points you'll need to do it. Caribbean/Latin AmericaHotel Category Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana C (25,000 points) Zoëtry Casa del Mar Los Cabos C (25,000 points) Zoëtry Curaçao Resort & Spa C (25,000 points) Zoëtry Montego Bay Jamaica C (25,000 points) Zoëtry Marigot Bay St. Lucia F (50,000 points) Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya C (25,000 points) Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun C (25,000 points) Sunscape Akumal Beach Resort & Spa A (15,000 points) Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino B (20,000 points) Sunscape Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa A (15,000 points) Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic A (15,000 points) Sunscape Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa A (15,000 points) Sunscape Sabor Cozumel A (15,000 points) Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa C (25,000 points) Breathless Cancun Soul Resort & Spa C (25,000 points) Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa C (25,000 points) Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa B (20,000 points) Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa B (20,000 points) Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya C (25,000 points) Secrets Aura Cozumel C (25,000 points) Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort B (20,000 points) Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa C (25,000 points) Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa B (20,000 points) Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun C (25,000 points) Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen C (25,000 points) Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica C (25,000 points) Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort C (25,000 points) Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort C (25,000 points) Secrets Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa C (25,000 points) Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana B (20,000 points) Secrets St. James Montego Bay C (25,000 points) Secrets St. Martin Resort & Spa C (25,000 points) Secrets The Vine Cancun C (25,000 points) Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta B (20,000 points) Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay C (25,000 points) Dreams Acapulco Resort & Spa A (15,000 points) Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya B (20,000 points) Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort B (20,000 points) Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino B (20,000 points) Dreams Dominicus La Romana B (20,000 points) Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa B (20,000 points) Dreams Jade Resort & Spa B (20,000 points) Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf Resort & Spa B (20,000 points) Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica C (25,000 points) Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa B (20,000 points) Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana B (20,000 points) Dreams Natura Resort & Spa B (20,000 points) Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa B (20,000 points) Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana A (15,000 points) Dreams Playa Bonita Panama A (15,000 points) Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort C (20,000 points) Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa A (15,000 points) Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa B (15,000 points) Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana B (20,000 points) Dreams Sands Cancun Resort & Spa B (20,000 points) Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa B (20,000 points) Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa B (20,000 points) Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa B (20,000 points) Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta B (20,000 points) Dreams Vista Cancun Golf & Spa Resort B (20,000 points) Hyatt Ziva Cancun C (25,000 points) Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos B (20,000 points) Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta B (20,000 points) Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun C (25,000 points) Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana C (25,000 points) Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall C (25,000 points) Hyatt Zilara Cancun C (25,000 points) Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya C (25,000 points) Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana C (25,000 points) Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall C (25,000 points)EuropeHotel Category Alua Atlántico Golf Resort A (15,000 points) Alua Boccaccio A (15,000 points) Alua Calas de Mallorca Resort B (20,000 points) Alua Golf Trinidad A (15,000 points) Alua Gran Camp de Mar A (15,000 points) Alua Helios Bay (opening expected May 1, 2023) A (15,000 points) Alua Illa de Menorca A (15,000 points) Alua Leo (participation effective October 17, 2022) A (15,000 points) Alua Suites Las Rocas A (15,000 points) Alua Tenerife A (15,000 points) AluaSoul Carolina A (15,000 points) AluaSoul Costa Málaga A (15,000 points) AluaSoul Menorca A (15,000 points) AluaSoul Orotava Valley A (15,000 points) AluaSun Cala Antena A (15,000 points) AluaSun Continental Park Hotel & Apartments A (15,000 points) AluaSun Costa Park A (15,000 points) AluaSun Doblemar A (15,000 points) AluaSun Far Menorca A (15,000 points) AluaSun Helios Beach (opening expected May 1, 2023) A (15,000 points) AluaSun Lago Park A (15,000 points) AluaSun Lago Rojo A (15,000 points) AluaSun Marbella Park A (15,000 points) AluaSun Mediterráneo A (15,000 points) Dreams Lanzarote Playa Dorada Resort & Spa B (20,000 points) Dreams Sunny Beach Resort & Spa B (20,000 points) Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa B (20,000 points) Secrets Mallorca Villamil Resort & Spa C (25,000 points) Secrets Sunny Beach Resort & Spa (opening expected May 1, 2023) B (20,000 p

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☆ China's BYD to launch a second new EV brand in 2023 -executive
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

SHANGHAI, Dec 15 (Reuters) - China's BYD Co will launch a new "professional and personal" electric car brand in 2023, a senior executive said on Thursday as the automaker expands its range following a year of strong sales. The new brand will be an addition to Yangwang, a premium brand set for launch in the first quarter of 2023 that it announced last month. Having ditched gasoline vehicles from its product mix this year, BYD has been able to capitalise on a range of incentives for electric cars offered by the central and local governments. Luo said BYD has sold cars to 35 countries outside China since it started exporting to Norway last May. Reporting by Zoey Zhang and Brenda Goh; Writing by Liz Lee; editing by Christian Schmollinger and Jason NeelyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Peru diplomatic spat grows as envoys in Mexico, Argentina summoned home
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Marco Aquino | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Supporters of Peru's former President Pedro Castillo gather outside the police prison where he is being held, in Lima, December 15, 2022. REUTERS/Sebastian CastanedaLIMA, Dec 15 (Reuters) - A diplomatic spat over Peru deepened on Thursday as the new foreign minister formally summoned ambassadors home from countries including Mexico and Argentina, which have criticized the recent ouster of former president Pedro Castillo. On Monday, four nations led by leftist presidents - Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia and Mexico - signed onto a joint statement declaring Castillo "a victim of undemocratic harassment." Gervasi wrote in a post on Twitter that the consultations "relate to interference in the internal affairs of Peru." Boluarte's week-old administration, which she has said will be a transition government, has been recognized by Chile's leftist president, plus by Uruguay, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Canada and the United States.

Wilmaris Villarroel/via REUTERSDec 15 (Reuters) - Protests triggered by Peru's developing political crisis have stranded dozens of tourists, including children, in a remote mountain town for over 48 hours as locals refuse passage to Bolivia, a member of the group told Reuters. The Dec. 7 ouster of former President Pedro Castillo has sparked deadly street protests across Peru, as well as highway and train blockades that have stranded hundreds of tourists at Peru's Machu Picchu ruins. Villarroel told Reuters that locals would not let the group, which she says includes elderly people and children, continue their journey. Villarroel added that the buses' Bolivian drivers have been unwilling or unable to turn around, and that police presence has been minimal. Meanwhile, efforts to secure aid from foreign embassies in Peru have been unsuccessful, Villarroel said.

☆ Costa Rica seeks entry to North America trade pact
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SAN JOSE, Dec 14 (Reuters) - Costa Rica has told the United States it is interested in joining the North American trade pact between the United States, Mexico and Canada, President Rodrigo Chaves said on Wednesday. Dodd said he had spoken with Chaves about opportunities to boost economic ties, but made no comment on a possible entry for Costa Rica into the North American trade pact. "We are evaluating opportunities," said Tovar, adding membership in the trade pact would give Costa Rica an "immense advantage" and add another strategic link to global supply chains. The United States is Costa Rica's largest trading partner, according to the U.S. State Department, accounting for 38% of Costa Rica's imports and 42% of exports. The Central American country has 10 bilateral and five multilateral trade agreements in force.

☆ Biden administration warns of potential influx of migrants immediately after Title 42 ends
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Priscilla Alvarez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Administration officials have been bracing for an influx of migrants when a public health authority, known as Title 42, ends next week. In September, Venezuelans, Cubans and Nicaraguans accounted for almost half of encounters along the US southern border, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas underscored the whole of government approach in a statement, noting that mass movement of people around the globe has posed a uniquely difficult challenge. In October, the administration rolled out a humanitarian parole program geared toward Venezuelans to encourage them to apply for entry into the United States instead of crossing unlawfully. But the calculus of migrants may change when Title 42 lifts, the memo says.

The average cost of travel insurance has increased over the past week, according to travel agency Squaremouth. Travel insurance weekly rates at a glance:Average premium: $263.25Average trip cost: $5,898.96Average trip length: 16 daysWhat is travel insurance? Average cost of travel insurance by most popular destinationsSome countries are naturally more expensive travel destinations due to higher flight and lodging costs, which could increase travel insurance costs. Policy type Average days between purchase to trip Average trip length (days) Average trip cost Average cost of travel insurance Cancellation 53 13 $5,898.96 $377.69 Non-cancellation 16 20 N/A $96.01Source: SquareMouthAverage cost of travel insurance by ageA traveler's age is a significant factor in determining the cost of travel insurance. When calculating your travel insurance premium, travel insurance providers consider the likelihood of a medical emergency.

☆ The US may have lost in the World Cup, but soccer is more popular than ever in America
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Harry Enten | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +36 min

The Atlas Lions made history as the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal. They made history as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. It was Morocco's first World Cup win since 1998 — and its third-ever at the tournament. Less spoken about is that they also rate better on television than the men do in the World Cup. We’ll just have to wait and see, though with the US, Canada and Mexico hosting the 2026 World Cup, soccer isn’t going away anytime soon.

☆ Investors eye Portuguese golden visas as authorities ponder programme's end
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-11 | by ( Catarina Demony | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LISBON (Reuters) - Investments through Portugal’s “golden visa”, which gives wealthy foreigners residence rights, jumped nearly 50% last month, data showed on Sunday, as the government considers whether to scrap the controversial scheme. REUTERS/Rafael MarchanteThe golden visa has been heavily criticised at home for sending house prices and rents up, and the European Commission has called for the end of such national programmes. Murat Coskun, Get Golden Visa CEO, said Costa’s comments had had a “significant impact on the appetite” for the measure, with his company seeing a five-fold increase in inquiries. Data from border agency SEF on Sunday showed investment through golden visas increased 48% in November from October to 65 million euros, and was up 41% from a year earlier. Portugal suspended golden visas for Russians, but 431 had already benefited from the scheme since the time of its launch, according to SEF.

☆ People are paying $12 to go on VR tours of turtle nesting in Costa Rica or India's Holi festival from their couches. Meet a tour guide who's cashing in on this travel niche.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( Mark Ellwood | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Ligia Morera, based in Costa Rica, leads virtual tours on the Japanese platform Dokodemo Door Trip. A VR tour guide needs AI software to reach a worldwide audienceMorera filming a VR tour. In other words, these VR tours are as much a marketing program for its core business as a standalone revenue stream. Another source of referrals is other VR tour guides. "In Costa Rica, sometimes we get little problems with that," she said.

☆ Morocco write World Cup history as they reach semi-finals
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Morocco had already taken the scalps of Belgium and Spain in this tournament but the win over Portugal is of much greater significance. But the supply quickly dried up thereafter as Morocco closed the passing lanes and frustrated the Portuguese attackers. Joao Felix had two more half chances in the first half but Morocco gained in confidence and found a sudden spring in their step, frequently breaking on the counter attack. Bruno Fernandes hit over the top of the crossbar five minutes later as Portugal threw more into attack and Morocco began to sit deeper. Leaving the World Cup always hurts."

☆ En-Nesyri header gives Morocco 1-0 halftime lead over Portugal
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( Hritika Sharma | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

DOHA, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Youssef En-Nesyri's towering header late in the first half gave first-time quarter-finalists Morocco a 1-0 lead over Portugal at halftime on Saturday. En-Nesyri, who had twice headed over the crossbar earlier, leapt higher than both Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa and defender Ruben Dias to put Morocco ahead in the 42nd minute. Portugal forward Joao Felix came close to opening the scoring on two occasions, forcing Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into an early save before his strike in the 31st minute took a deflection and narrowly missed the target. The winner of the match will face either France or England, who play later on Saturday night, in the semi-final. Reporting by Hritika Sharma; Editing by Hugh LawsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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