Editorial: Destructive hurricanes this year highlight the need to fund resilience
‘Polarization’ is Merriam-Webster’s 2024 word of the year
Thanksgiving is almost upon us, and given that we're fresh off one of the most contentious and politically divisive election seasons of our time, it's probably not realistic to expect a holiday totally free of drama. If you're one of the lucky few whose family is united around political issues, treasure those peaceful conversations at the Thanksgiving table; for the rest of us, it can be challenging to know how best to talk to loved ones (or, to be real, tolerated-out-of-necessity ones) about anything substantive. Beides, for many of us, these issues aren't “just politics”; they directly affect the way we live our lives and the safety and happiness of our families and friends. While tapping out of such conversations doesn't feel like a responsible or realistic option in 2024, it feels equally dismal to simply accept a tense or outright hostile environment during what should be a joyful and grateful time of year. So, for some expert guidance on this issue, Vogue spoke to Dr. Audra Nuru, a professor of communication and family studies at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, about how to engage loved ones with differing views in a productive way (and, just as importantly, how to set boundaries when it feels like engagement is no longer good for you and your mental health). Find her thoughts—and some sample scripts she's provided for different conversations—below. Vogue : How do you recommend preparing for an event or gathering that might include viewpoints you disagree with or find harmful? Dr. Audra Nuru : It's true that those kinds of encounters can benefit from a bit of preparation. I like to think of it like packing for a trip to a new and unfamiliar place—you want to be prepared for the expected, but also pack with an open mind for the unexpected. So, before heading into that event, take some time to reflect on what topics might feel a bit sensitive for you, almost like checking the weather forecast so you can pack accordingly. Remember, everyone is coming to the table with their own unique experiences and perspectives. Embrace those differences with curiosity and kindness. And of course, it's always wise to set healthy boundaries—that's like having a good map and a reliable guide to help you navigate any unfamiliar territory. Is there a subtle, useful way to redirect a political conversation that's starting to feel upsetting? First and foremost, prioritize the relationship. Remember that the person you're talking to matters more than proving a point. Ask yourself, “How can I express my views while still showing respect and valuing this person?” Part of showing respect is acknowledging that you may have different perspectives. If a conversation starts to feel a little uncomfortable, try gently saying something like, “I hear you, and I hold a different perspective.” This lets the other person know you're listening and that their views matter, even if you don't agree. Secondly, listen with your heart, not just your head. Truly try to understand where they're coming from, even if you disagree. What experiences have shaped their beliefs? What emotions are they expressing? And remember, even when it's tough, try to see things from their perspective. Stepping into another's shoes, even for a moment, can foster understanding and empathy. Third, look for points of connection. Even in the midst of disagreement, there's often some shared experiences or common ground to connect on. It can also be valuable to sense when a conversation needs a pause. If things are starting to feel tense, it's completely fine to suggest taking a break or shifting to a different topic. Ultimately, navigating difficult conversations with respect is about how we connect, even when we disagree. It's about building bridges of understanding by making space for different perspectives. What's a respectful yet firm way to let someone know their comments have crossed a line? Using “I” language is such a powerful tool for navigating difficult conversations. Instead of pointing fingers, “I” language lets us shift the focus to our own experience. Imagine saying something like, “I felt uncomfortable when I heard that comment.” It's honest, it's respectful, and it avoids making the other person feel attacked. When we own our feelings, it invites the other person to do the same. It creates this space for empathy and understanding, even when we might disagree.
A TikToker who went viral teaching science videos predicts short-form video will make its way into the national curriculum after 2024 saw him publish a new book and win a TikTok award. Emanuel Wallace, 27, from east London, is better known as Big Manny by his 1.9 million followers on TikTok, where he shares videos explaining various science experiments from his back garden while using Jamaican Patois phrases and London slang. In early December, Mr Wallace won the Education Creator of the Year award at the TikTok Awards ceremony, which he said is a “symbol that anything that you put your mind to you can achieve”. The content creator began making videos during the coronavirus pandemic when schools turned to online learning but has since expanded his teaching from videos to paper after releasing his debut book Science Is Lit in August. He believes his “unconventional” teaching methods help to make his content relatable for younger audiences by using slang deriving from his Jamaican and British heritage. “The language that I use, it’s a combination between Jamaican Patois and London slang because I have Jamaican heritage,” the TikToker, who holds a bachelors and masters degree in biomedical science, told the PA news agency. “That’s why in my videos sometimes I might say things like ‘Wagwan’ or ‘you dun know’. I just want to connect with the young people more, so I speak in the same way that they speak. “The words that I use, the way that I deliver the lesson as well, I would say that my method of teaching is quite unconventional. I speak in a way that is quite conversational.” Examples of his videos include lithium batteries catching fire after being sandwiched inside a raw chicken breast, as well as mixing gold with gallium to create blue gold, earning millions of views. Mr Wallace hopes his content will help make the science industry more diverse, saying “the scientists that I was taught about, none of them look like me”. “Now me being a scientist is showing young people that they can become one as well, regardless of the background that they come from, the upbringing that they’ve had,” he said. “I just want to make it seem more attainable and possible for them because if I can do it, and I come from the same place as you, there’s no reason why you can’t do it as well.” The TikToker has seen a shift in more young people turning to the app as a learning resource and feels short-form videos will soon become a part of the national curriculum in schools. “I’m seeing (young people) using that a lot more – social media as a resource for education – and I feel like in the future, it’s going to become more and more popular as well,” he said. “I get a lot of comments from students saying that my teacher showed my video in the classroom as a resource, so I feel like these short form videos are going to be integrated within the national curriculum at some point in the near future.” He also uses his platform to raise awareness of different social issues, which he said is “extremely important”. One of his videos highlighted an anti-knife campaign backed by actor Idris Elba, which earned more than 39 million views, while his clip about the banning of disposable vapes was viewed more than 4.6 million times. He said there is some pressure being a teacher with a large following online but hopes he can be a role model for young people. “I’m aware that I am in the public eye and there’s a lot of young people watching me,” he said. “Young people can be impressionable, so I make sure that I conduct myself appropriately, so that I can be a role model. “I always have the same message for young people, specifically. I tell them to stay curious. Always ask questions and look a little bit deeper into things.” His plans for 2025 include publishing a second Science Is Lit book and expanding his teaching to television where he soon hopes to create his own science show.Robinson scores 25 in Mercer's 90-89 OT win against Jacksonville
It was a fine first win for Ruud van Nistelrooy , and perhaps one final defeat for Julen Lopetegui. Leicester marked Van Nistelrooy’s first match in charge of the team by surging to a 3-1 win over Lopetegui's West Ham in the Premier League on Tuesday. Van Nistelrooy, the former Manchester United striker, is back in English soccer this time as a manager, with Leicester taking something of a gamble on the Dutchman after his brief and impressive spell as interim coach at United this season following Erik ten Hag's departure. He faces the tough task of keeping Leicester, one of the top candidates for relegation, in the top division. For that to happen, he’s likely to need goals from Jamie Vardy — and the 37-year-old former England international delivered immediately. Nine years after breaking Van Nistelrooy’s record for scoring in consecutive games, Vardy scored the first goal of the Dutchman’s tenure at Leicester by beating the offside trap and slotting home a finish with less than two minutes gone. Morocco midfielder Bilal El Khannouss supplied the pass for Vardy’s goal and scored himself with a low shot in the 61st minute to make it 2-0. Patson Daka added a third for Leicester in the 90th minute, before a stoppage-time consolation by West Ham substitute Niclas Füllkrug. “We are very happy with the new manager," El Khannouss said of Van Nistelrooy. “He arrived two days ago, and there’s a new dynamic in the group.” Van Nistelrooy praised the “spirit and energy” in his team. “The foundation for us going forward is everyone working their socks off, fighting for every inch and defending together,” he said. “We can look further then, and they did that in an unbelievable way.” This dismal result for West Ham came three days after its 5-2 thrashing at home by Arsenal , which piled more pressure of Lopetegui early in the former Spain and Real Madrid coach's first season with the London club. West Ham's disgruntled traveling fans chanted "You’re getting sacked in the morning” toward Lopetegui during the second half — even if his team dominated large parts of the game but only had one goal to show from 31 shots on goal. “We're very frustrated but in the same way I can say nothing about the players — they fight until the end,” Lopetegui said. "It’s not easy to explain football some days.” West Ham has lost seven of its 14 games so far and is in 14th place in the 20-team league, one spot above Leicester. Guehi defies FA Crystal Palace won for just the second time in the league this season, beating relegation rival Ipswich 1-0 to pull clear of the bottom three. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the goal in the 59th minute. Palace’s only other league victory was against Tottenham in October. While Ipswich stayed in next-to-last place, Palace moved three points above the relegation zone. Much of the focus ahead of the game was on the teams’ captains , Sam Morsy of Ipswich and Marc Guehi of Palace, during another round when the Premier League was celebrating LGBTQ+ inclusion in its campaign to promote equality and diversity. For the second straight game, Morsy chose against wearing a rainbow armband issued to the captain of each of the 20 teams in the league. He has made the decision “due to his religious beliefs,” Ipswich says. Guehi did wear the rainbow armband but defied Football Association rules by writing a religious message on the item. The message read “Jesus loves you” — using a heart sign instead of the word “loves.” During the match against Newcastle on Saturday, Guehi wrote “I love Jesus” — and was later contacted by the FA for acting in contravention of its regulations. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
MORE THAN BOOKSOver Rs20bn uplift schemes approved
Detailed prison blueprints have been leaked, triggering a security alert at jails in England and Wales, it has emerged. The leak, first reported by the Times , involves prison layouts being shared on the dark web in the last fortnight, prompting an investigation by the National Crime Agency. The plans are understood to detail the location of cameras and sensors, sparking fears they will be exploited by criminals to smuggle drugs and weapons into prisons or to aid escapes. The leak emerged after prison officials who work at the jails were sent an internal email titled “security alert” to inform them of the breach. However, one Whitehall source played down the significance of the breach, saying cameras were regularly moved and could already be seen by drones. They said prison blueprints had been available on the internet for years and were visible on Google Earth. In the alert, prison officers were told that the breach could affect the security of the internal fences, which have technology installed that raises the alarm if there are attempted breaches. The staff memos reported that there had been a data loss which had led to “vulnerabilities” in these security systems. This meant there was a danger that members of the public had been made aware of information that put prisons’ perimeters “at risk”. This could be from people “attempting to convey items into the establishment/aid an escape”, the email warned. A government spokesperson said: “We do not comment on security matters.” The prisons watchdog warned on Friday that security was not keeping pace with technology , saying drones could deliver guns into jails riven by drug-related gang wars amid an “inadequate” response from the Prison Service. Charlie Taylor, HM chief inspector of prisons, told the Guardian that the surge in the use of large unmanned aerial vehicles was his “number one concern” and had increased the possibility that firearms would be used to settle turf wars or attempt escapes. Dealing with the prison system in England and Wales is a top priority for the government, after it inherited a crisis of overcrowding and poor conditions from the last government. No 10 signed off on emergency measures over the summer to deal with a lack of jail places, releasing thousands of prisoners early after they had served 40% of their sentences. In September, five of the most senior former judges in England and Wales said “radical solutions” such as the earlier release of killers and rapists on licence should be considered to ease the prison overcrowding crisis. They recommended a review at the halfway stage of the determinate sentences of all prisoners serving longer than 10 years. Other proposals include the release of all prisoners serving indeterminate sentences who are over tariff, and the removal of all those who are elderly, dying or who have dementia from prison. Shabana Mahmood, the justice secretary, is undertaking an urgent independent review of sentencing legislation and practice.
Stockhead Don't miss out on the headlines from Stockhead. Followed categories will be added to My News. Gold shines amid central bank buying and rate cuts Copper holds long-term promise despite short-term bumps Bell Potter sees these mining stocks as strong 2025 bets Central banks have been on a gold-buying spree , while interest rate cuts are just beginning. As a result, gold is having a stellar run and it’s been one of the top-performing commodities of 2024, hitting multiple all-time highs in various currencies. Throw in geopolitical chaos and the erosion of fiat currencies, and you’ve got a solid setup for gold to keep climbing in the years ahead, said a note out of Bell Potter. Copper, on the other hand, has had a bit of a bumpy ride lately, due to the back-and-forth over China’s stimulus efforts. But underneath the noise, the supply-demand fundamentals are still tight, says the brokerage firm. Copper’s deep involvement in the electrification push has real staying power. Bell Potter believes that if sentiment dips, that’s your cue to get in because the long-term copper bull is still very much on track. Against that backdrop, below are the stocks that Bell Potter has flagged as strong opportunities in the base metals and commodities space as we head into 2025: AIC Mines (ASX:A1M) AIC Mines is a copper producer with solid growth potential, said Bell Potter. It’s ramping up its 100%-owned Eloise Copper Project in Queensland. The mine’s already producing a tidy 12,500tpa of copper and +5000ozpa of gold, and now the plan is to push that up to 20ktpa. Right now, the stock's trading at an attractive price, and with a clear growth path ahead, it’s a solid entry point, said the broker. If you’re looking to add exposure to copper, Bell Potter says A1M’s a no-brainer. Buy, Price Target $0.60. Genesis Minerals (ASX:GMD) Genesis Minerals is a gold producer with serious ambition. The company’s focused on the Leonora District in Western Australia, where it owns two gold processing plants. It’s got 15Moz in mineral resources and a clear plan to grow production to 325,000ozpa by FY29, up from 135,000oz in FY24. With costs on the decline and gold prices supporting the move, Genesis is shaping to have a strong growth platform, said Bell Potter. The recent restart of its Laverton gold processing plant is a good sign that it's back on track. If you're after growth in gold, GMD’s a solid choice, noted the broker. Buy, Price Target $2.80. Gold Road Resources (ASX:GOR) Gold Road has been through some bumps recently, but it’s now recovering nicely. The company holds a 50% stake in the tier-1 Gruyere Gold Mine in WA, and after some production hiccups, it’s now looking at a sustainable 175,000ozpa production rate starting in 2025 (on a 50% basis). GOR’s underperformed some of its peers during the gold price rally, but once production stabilises and it shows that Gruyere’s back on track, the stock could take off, said Bell Potter. It’s an opportunity to get in before the market fully catches on, Bell Potter said. Buy, Price Target $2.55. Santana Minerals (ASX:SMI) Santana Minerals is flying under the radar at the moment, but this could be one to watch. The company’s Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project in New Zealand has a high-grade ore reserve of 1.2Moz at 2.4g/t Au. It’s got low costs, conventional mining methods, and a 10-year mine life. The project is moving through final studies, and its rapid development could trigger a production re-rating. SMI’s got a relatively low profile, but with a solid project and rapid path to production, it's one to keep on your radar, said Bell Potter. Buy (Speculative), Valuation $1.07. Nickel Mines (ASX:NIC) Nickel Mines is no slouch when it comes to nickel production. With operations in Indonesia, it’s got long-life, low-cost projects, and it’s exposed to the full nickel value chain—both upstream and downstream. The company’s expanding its production, ramping up from 108,000t in 2023 to 160,000t by 2026, and crucially, it’s doing it in the high-margin HPAL (high-pressure acid leach) space. NIC’s ability to make money through the entire nickel price cycle is a key factor in its attractiveness. With rising margins and sustainable dividends on the way, this stock looks set for growth, said Bell Potter. Buy, Price Target $1.43. Alpha HPA (ASX:A4N) Alpha HPA is all about ultra-high-purity aluminium compounds, which have applications in everything from lithium-ion batteries to semiconductors. The company's proprietary process is a game-changer, according to Bell Potter, slashing production costs and improving product purity. Stage 1 of its HPA project is already running in Gladstone, Queensland, and Stage 2 is set to ramp up in 2026, funded with a $400m in debt support and government backing. The company is playing in high-tech sectors with massive growth potential. This one's a speculative buy, but it’s a company with serious upside, said the broker. Buy (Speculative), Valuation $2.00. IperionX (ASX:IPX) IperionX is bringing something fresh to the table with its titanium manufacturing tech, developed at the University of Utah. This tech could massively disrupt the current titanium supply chain, driving down production costs and reducing waste, said Bell Potter. The company is starting large-scale production next year in Virginia, and with titanium being crucial to the aerospace and defence sectors, this tech could become very valuable, very quickly. Right now, the US is heavily reliant on imports for its titanium, and IperionX could be the solution. It’s a speculative play, but with huge upside potential. Buy (Speculative), Valuation $5.25. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the broker and do not represent the views of Stockhead. Stockhead does not provide, endorse or otherwise assume responsibility for any financial product advice contained in this article. Originally published as Hot Money Monday: Bell Potter’s mining stock picks for 2025 are worth a look More related stories Stockhead 2024’s top ASX gas performers The gas market in 2024 offered both challenges and opportunities, here are the companies that threaded the needle and performed well. Read more Stockhead More small cap gems set to shine in 2025 After a stellar 2024 for recovering small to mid caps sector, our experts scour the sector for more overlooked nuggets. Read more
3 reasons to involve your kids in Small Business SaturdayWhat we know about South Korea's martial lawDec 30 (Reuters) - Goodman Group's (GMG.AX) , opens new tab stock has been on a hot streak this year, shining bright among its Australian real-estate peers as the artificial intelligence boom has driven a frenzied demand for data centres. Global "hyperscalers", or large-scale cloud service providers, such as Amazon (AMZN.O) , opens new tab , Microsoft (MSFT.O) , opens new tab and Meta (META.O) , opens new tab , have been spending billions on data centres to cater to growing demand for AI services. Australia's data-centre market, though nascent, saw outsized investment this year with Blackstone (BX.N) , opens new tab buying AirTrunk for A$24 billion ($14.91 billion) in September and developer NEXTDC (NXT.AX) , opens new tab raising nearly A$4.6 billion in equity and debt . Goodman, the country's biggest property developer, counts the world's largest hyperscalers as its customers, its website says, but the company did not confirm the identities of its customers in response to Reuters. Its inventory, however, reflects the heightened demand for these specialized facilities, with data centres under construction making up 42% of its A$12.8 billion ($7.96 billion) portfolio of projects under development at the end of September, up from 37% at the end of last year. This has sent its stock flying 45.8% higher this year, positioning Goodman for its best performance since 2006. It is also the Australian real estate index's (.AXRE) , opens new tab top performer. Higher exposure to data centres in development makes the market more comfortable paying a higher multiple for the business, said John Lockton, head of investment strategy at Sandstone Insights. "Investments into data centres continue to see momentum ... We expect this environment to continue to support Goodman – CAPEX outlook for hyperscalers implies ongoing growth for FY25." The consensus is split on whether Goodman's stock rise can continue. Some factions of the market highlighted that investor interest in data-centre-focused stocks has begun to cool as valuations get rich. They drew caution from landlord DigiCo Infrastructure REIT's (DGT.AX) , opens new tab initial public offering this month, where it raised A$2 billion , but the stock fell 9% on debut. "We think Goodman's securities are expensive at current prices ... we are more cautious about assuming maintainable excess returns from DC investment in the longer term," said Winky Yingqi Tan, a Morningstar analyst focused on REITs. Tan also flagged risks of data-centre obsolescence leading to capital-intensive upgrades, and rivals adding more supply, as factors that could erode Goodman's returns over time. Lockton, however, remains upbeat on Goodman's prospects. He lauds its existing pipeline, and access to land with power supply that can be converted to data centres, which rivals have flagged as difficult to obtain. ($1 = 1.6093 Australian dollars) Sign up here. Reporting by Aaditya Govind Rao and Roushni Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Rushil Dutta and Rod Nickel Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab
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