The week that upped the stakes of the Ukraine war

The bird flu outbreak has seen a rise in human cases, with at least 64 confirmed infections and concerning indicators of the virus' spread, including detections in wastewater and dangerous mutations. Experts warn that the situation is becoming increasingly precarious, with the virus evolving to better fit human receptors and potentially leading to a pandemic. The widespread circulation of the virus in animals, such as cows and poultry, raises the risk of exposure to humans,...

The song "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey has been a lucrative hit, earning her an estimated $2.7 million to $3.3 million in 2022 from downloads and streaming alone, according to Billboard. However, the exact amount is difficult to pinpoint due to private contractual agreements between Carey, her label, and publishers. Despite the lack of public information, experts agree that the song brings in substantial royalties for the "Queen of Christmas."...

Tens of thousands gathered in Belgrade for a rally against President Aleksandar Vucic and his government, sparked by the railway station canopy collapse that killed 15 people; protests also took place in other cities. Vucic inaugurated a new highway section amid accusations of corruption and curbing democratic freedoms, while students camped in universities and high school students joined the movement. The government extended school holidays to address the widening protests, as opposition parties advocate for...

The newly appointed head of the Women’s Affairs Office in the Syrian interim government, Aisha al-Dibs, aims to empower Syrian women to contribute to the country's rebuilding after years of conflict. She plans to engage women in various sectors, including healthcare and education, and encourage their participation in a national conference to shape the future of Syria. Al-Dibs also vows to support female detainees released from prisons, providing them with psychological support, education, healthcare, and...

Davina McCall recently underwent brain surgery to remove a benign tumor, showcasing her scars on social media. Her partner, Michael Douglas, helped her with her first haircut post-surgery as she shared updates on her recovery. Despite some memory issues, Davina expressed gratitude for the experience and emphasized the importance of health check-ups. Full Article

Stammtisch is a German tradition where a group of like-minded people meet at a bar or restaurant regularly to have drinks and chat. The gatherings deepen friendships and provide an easy way to socialize with friends without needing to tidy up a home. The author reflects on the simplicity and enjoyment of Stammtisch gatherings, expressing nostalgia for the carefree socializing of youth. Full Article