Keeping up with America

Pediatric RSV led to higher hospitalization rates than omicron or flu: Hospitalization rates were 81.7% for RSV and 27.7% for flu, the study found.

These are the type of low-carb foods that help slow weight gain, new study shows: “When it comes to a low-carbohydrate diet, quality is paramount,” said a nutrition expert.

The year in clean energy – Wind, solar and batteries grow despite economic challenges: Led by new solar power, the world added renewable energy at breakneck speed in 2023, a trend that if amplified will help Earth turn away from fossil fuels and prevent severe warming and its effects.

US to provide Ukraine with up to $250m in arms and equipment: Package announced on Wednesday includes air defense munitions and artillery ammunition.

This go-to tech gadget is like the Ring camera – but for your cargo bed: When you get a banner new tech gadget − like the latest fancy-pants smartphone − you always get a few accessories to go with it.

Around the World

China is ramping up the pressure for Taiwan’s election: The December sun is baking on the Heng Chun peninsula, the tongue of land that juts out from the bottom end of Taiwan into the Philippine Sea.

A Russian drone and artillery attack kills 6 in Ukraine and knocks out power in a major city: Russia fired almost 50 Shahed drones at targets in Ukraine and shelled a train station where more than 100 civilians were gathered to catch a train to Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said Wednesday.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

Artificial Intelligence Has Entered the Resale Market: Luxury vintage sellers are teaming up with Entrupy, an artificial intelligence app, to better research and verify its products

Pro poker player Abby Merk’s advice for poker players

10 networking technology predictions for 2024: Key trends that will reshape enterprise networks over the next year

Richer, Wiser, Happier

5 money habits to break in 2024: Looking for a new year’s resolution? Breaking these five bad money habits could be a good one.

5 Reasons Why You Should Use Cash for Everyday Purchases | Beth Braverman, US News. The phrase “cash is king” may not have the same ring as it used to, now that more than 40% of Americans, per the Pew Research Center, regularly go a week or more without paying for anything using paper money. There are plenty of benefits to using credit cards and digital payment methods for most transactions, including the ability to build credit, the convenience of making purchases online and the ability to potentially earn valuable rewards for your spending.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Tensions still simmer between Eagles, Cardinals over Jonathan Gannon | Longest losing streaks in sports history: How Pistons’ NBA record compares to NFL, MLB, NHL and NCAA

Was 2023 a tipping point for movies? ‘Barbie’ success and Marvel struggles may signal a shift | 4 Film & Television Production Stocks to Watch on Solid Industry Trends

John Oates says Hall & Oates songs ‘will always trump’ their solo work | Billie Lourd Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Mom Carrie Fisher Seven Years After Death: “She Lives in the Stars”

 Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

Sorry, Web Scholars: Reading Print Is Better for Comprehension

10 Gmail Tips and Tools I Use Daily

Book Recommendations on Money, Investing, and Financial Independence

12 Fun Outdoor Activities for When You Need to Get Out of the House