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SpaceX Starship test unsuccessful after launch in Texas

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SpaceX Starship test unsuccessful after launch in Texas

SpaceX’s latest test of its massive Starship rocket ended in failure just minutes after launch on Thursday from Texas. Company officials reported that the upper stage was lost due to issues that arose shortly after lift-off. However, the Super Heavy booster successfully returned to its launch pad as planned, prompting cheers from the SpaceX ground control team.

The mission occurred just hours after the inaugural flight of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket system, backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, as both tech billionaires vie for dominance in the space vehicle market.

SpaceX posted an update on X, stating, “Starship experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly during its ascent burn. Teams will continue to review data from today’s flight test to better understand the root cause.” The company emphasized that “success comes from what we learn,” with the mission providing valuable insights to improve Starship’s reliability. Unverified footage shared on social media appeared to show the rocket breaking apart in flames, with footage of glowing orange lights streaking across the sky over Port-Au-Prince, Haiti.

Elon Musk shared a video of the fiery trail on X, commenting, “Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed!” He also stated that “improved versions” of both the ship and booster were “already waiting for launch.” Musk later offered preliminary insight, suggesting a large oxygen/fuel leak caused excessive pressure in the engine cavity, though he noted that “nothing so far suggests pushing the next launch past next month.”

The live stream of the launch amassed 7.2 million views. The Starship system lifted off from Boca Chica, Texas, at 17:38 EST (22:38 GMT) in SpaceX’s seventh test mission. The separation of the Starship upper stage from the Super Heavy booster occurred nearly four minutes into the flight. However, SpaceX’s Communications Manager, Dan Huot, reported that mission teams lost contact with the upper stage shortly thereafter.

Despite the setback, the Super Heavy booster successfully returned to its launch pad roughly seven minutes post-lift-off, prompting applause from the team. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed it was aware of an “anomaly” during the mission and briefly diverted aircraft from the area where space vehicle debris fell, but normal operations resumed shortly after.

The failed test came a day after a successful SpaceX launch from Florida, which carried two privately built lunar landers and a micro rover to the Moon, as well as Blue Origin’s first successful rocket launch into orbit—marking a significant milestone for Bezos and his company, which has spent years working toward this achievement.

Trump announces arrangement of meeting with Putin

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Trump announces arrangement of meeting with Putin

Donald Trump has confirmed that a meeting is being arranged between him and Russian President Vladimir Putin, though he did not specify when it might take place. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump said, “He wants to meet and we are setting it up.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, however, told Russian news agency Tass that the US has not yet formally requested a meeting.

Trump has pledged to work towards ending the war in Ukraine soon after taking office on January 20, expressing doubts about continued US military and financial support for Kyiv. “President Putin wants to meet,” he said on Thursday. “He has said that even publicly, and we have to get that war over with. That’s a bloody mess.”

For his second administration, Trump has nominated Keith Kellogg, a former national security adviser and retired lieutenant general, to serve as special envoy to Ukraine and Russia. In an April research paper published by the America First Policy Institute, a pro-Trump think tank, Kellogg proposed that Ukraine should only receive additional US aid if it agreed to engage in peace talks with Russia. However, the paper also suggested continuing US aid to Ukraine if Moscow refused to participate in the talks.

After Trump’s election win in November, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism that the war would “end sooner” with Trump in office. He mentioned a “constructive exchange” in a phone call with Trump but did not indicate whether Trump had made any demands about potential talks with Russia.

HBO disappoints viewers by canceling ‘hilarious’ series after just one season

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HBO disappoints viewers by canceling ‘hilarious’ series after just one season

HBO has pulled the plug on its “hilarious” new series, The Franchise, after just one season.

The satirical comedy, centered around the making of a superhero movie series, was created by Jo Brown and produced by Sam Mendes, along with Thick of It and Veep creator Armando Iannucci. The show featured Himesh Patel as the overworked first assistant director, dealing with a range of eccentric characters, including the franchise’s lead star (Billy Magnussen) and its director (Daniel Brühl). The cast also included Lolly Adefope, Aya Cash, Jessica Hynes, and Richard E. Grant, who portrayed a washed-up British actor cashing in on his role in the fictional film.

The cancellation marks HBO’s first of the year. A spokesperson shared the news with Deadline, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work with the talented team behind the series, including Mendes, Brown, Iannucci, and the show’s cast. Despite ending after just one season, they noted their excitement about future collaborations with the team.

The show aired in September and wrapped in November, following the earlier cancellation of Iannucci’s Avenue 5 after two seasons. Fans of The Franchise have expressed their disappointment, with many lamenting the loss of a show they found both “hilarious” and well-executed. Some viewers are hoping another streaming service will pick it up for future seasons, while others feel the series was unfairly cut off before it had the chance to grow. Collider writer Maggie Lovitt also voiced her sadness, calling it one of the funniest shows of 2024, and others agreed that the show had potential and deserved more time to find its audience.

Eight Scientifically Proven Ways to Boost Your Happiness This Year

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Eight Scientifically Proven Ways to Boost Your Happiness This Year

Why not give these science-backed tips a try to bring more happiness into your life?

While some people may naturally be happier than others, contentment isn’t solely a matter of personality. Whether you’re someone who dances in the rain or tends to keep a more reserved outlook, we all have the power to cultivate greater happiness by changing our habits. Here’s a look at some of the best ways to foster a happier 2025.

Embrace Friendship as You Age

Friendship offers joy at every stage of life, but it becomes particularly crucial as we grow older. While it’s common for older individuals to limit their social circles to those they know well, research suggests that being open to new friendships can bring unique benefits. Friendships tend to be less burdened by obligation than family relationships, making them more enjoyable and less tense.

Despite the challenges that might come with meeting new people as we age, many of us experience personal growth that makes forming new friendships easier. We tend to develop better social skills, a more positive outlook, and greater agreeableness with age. Maintaining friendships not only boosts psychological well-being but can improve cognitive function and even physical health. Studies consistently show that strong friendships are as important as family ties for well-being in adulthood.

If making friends feels daunting, sharing a moment of awe, like witnessing a total solar eclipse, can help you connect with others while fostering positive emotions.

Practice “Confelicity”

Compassion is a cornerstone of deep friendships, but there’s another vital yet underappreciated quality: “confelicity,” a term meaning “shared happiness.” This concept is as crucial to nurturing friendships as empathy, research shows. Celebrating your friend’s successes with enthusiasm and asking about their joys strengthens the bond. A passive or dismissive response, on the other hand, can harm the relationship.

Volunteer Your Time

Although it may sound cliché, doing something for others often provides greater satisfaction than focusing solely on ourselves. In fact, volunteering has been linked to improved mental and physical health, with studies showing benefits such as reduced chronic pain and enhanced emotional well-being.

Healthcare providers now recognize the power of “social prescribing,” where volunteering and community engagement are recommended as interventions to improve health outcomes and alleviate stress, even reducing the strain on healthcare services.

Connect with Your Ancestry

Engaging with your family history can offer profound psychological benefits. Understanding your ancestors’ stories of resilience and struggle can provide a sense of empowerment and perspective. Research by Susan M. Moore has found that individuals with a strong connection to their family history report higher life satisfaction.

Exploring your family tree can also instill a deeper sense of control over your life and give you a greater appreciation of your place in the world, fostering gratitude and a sense of connection to those who came before you.

Create a Gratitude List

A simple but effective method for boosting happiness is writing down three good things that have happened each day. Whether it’s a life-changing event or a small, pleasant moment, this practice has been shown to elevate mood. A growing body of research suggests that focusing on these positive moments can significantly enhance our overall sense of well-being.

Look Forward to Enjoyable Experiences

Anticipating enjoyable activities can be just as rewarding as the experiences themselves. A study involving rats taught them to drive miniature cars, and researchers observed excited behavior as the rats looked forward to their drives. This led to new research suggesting that anticipating fun could increase optimism.

We can apply this to our own lives by consistently looking forward to pleasurable events, which may help us cultivate a more positive outlook and reprogram our brains for optimism.

Allow Yourself to Do Nothing

It may seem counterintuitive, but research shows that over-focusing on the pursuit of happiness can sometimes hinder it. Studies have found that individuals who focus too much on becoming happy tend to feel more disappointed, especially when expectations aren’t met. Psychologist Iris Mauss suggests adopting a more stoic approach and accepting life’s natural ups and downs, which can help reduce the pressure of always seeking happiness.

Be Mindful of Caffeine Consumption

Caffeine can provide a quick energy boost, but timing and moderation are key. While moderate caffeine intake has been linked to several health benefits, overconsumption or drinking too close to bedtime can disrupt sleep and cause anxiety. It’s recommended to limit caffeine intake to around 400mg per day and avoid it in the late afternoon or evening to prevent sleep disturbances.

Bonus: What I Learned from Six Steps to Calm

Throughout the year, I’ve explored many science-backed ways to improve well-being. While I haven’t always followed the advice I share, one lesson stands out: mindfulness can be a powerful tool. Even a few minutes a day can improve attention and reduce stress.

One of the most beneficial techniques I’ve continued to rely on is spending time in nature, or even virtually experiencing it. Research shows that exposure to natural environments—whether in person or through virtual experiences—can improve mood and mental health. Listening to wildlife sounds or viewing nature scenes on a screen has proven to be a simple but effective tool for calming the mind and enhancing overall well-being.

So why not give some of these strategies a try? With a little effort, 2025 can be your happiest year yet!

Boulter and De Minaur announce their engagement

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Boulter and De Minaur announce their engagement

British number one Katie Boulter has announced her engagement to Australian world number nine Alex de Minaur. The couple, who met on the tennis circuit, have been dating for nearly five years.

Boulter, currently ranked world number 24, shared the news on Instagram with a photo of her engagement ring, writing, “We’ve been keeping a small secret.”

The couple is set to represent their respective countries in the United Cup in Sydney on January 1, with Boulter, 28, and 25-year-old De Minaur named in their teams. In each fixture, there are two singles matches and a mixed doubles tie, meaning they could face each other in doubles if selected.

“I wouldn’t say I was thrilled at the idea of playing him all over again,” Boulter said before the engagement news broke. “He’s a top-10 player and knows how to play tennis, so there’s that. Then there’s the personal side, which is tough but also great for bragging rights.”

Last year, the pair teamed up in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon, reaching the second round.

Tom Cruise Awarded US Navy’s Highest Civilian Honor

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Tom Cruise Awarded US Navy’s Highest Civilian Honor

Tom Cruise has received the US Navy’s highest civilian honor, the Distinguished Public Service Award, for his “outstanding contributions” to the military through his film roles.

Cruise’s portrayal of fighter pilot Maverick in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun catapulted him to international fame and significantly boosted military recruitment. The award was presented to the 62-year-old actor during a ceremony at Longcross Film Studios in Chertsey, Surrey, on Tuesday.

Expressing his gratitude, Cruise called the honor an “extraordinary acknowledgment,” adding, “I admire all of the servicemen and women.” He also shared his belief that “to lead is to serve,” a principle he feels deeply, noting that he sees it reflected in the dedication of military personnel.

The Navy thanked Cruise for increasing public awareness and appreciation for its highly trained members and their sacrifices. Top Gun, a Cold War-era action film, inspired many young people to consider military service, with recruitment tables even set up in theaters. Cruise reprised his role in the 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, which further sparked military interest among younger generations.

US Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, praised Cruise’s nearly 40-year commitment to supporting the Navy and Marine Corps, citing his roles in Born on the Fourth of July, A Few Good Men, and the Mission: Impossible series.

Cruise was in Chertsey, Surrey, working on his upcoming film Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning, scheduled for release in May 2025.

The prestigious award has been previously given to Academy Award-winning filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks for their work on Saving Private Ryan.

Crocs, McDonald’s, Duolingo: Brands are lining up to join the Squid Game craze

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Crocs, McDonald’s, Duolingo: Brands are lining up to join the Squid Game craze

In a series of brand collaborations, Netflix is proving that its global hit Squid Game is much more than just a television series—it’s a full-fledged cultural phenomenon. With the highly anticipated second season set to drop on December 26, the streaming giant is rolling out a marketing strategy as intricate and compelling as the show’s own deadly game mechanics.

Leading the charge is a playful partnership with language-learning app Duolingo, which has unveiled an ad that reimagines its usually tame owl mascot as a potential game host straight out of the show’s dystopian world. The campaign is a masterstroke in marketing, using the show’s high-stakes drama to engage language learners worldwide. After the first season’s release in 2021, Duolingo saw a remarkable 40% increase in Korean language learners, according to the brand’s chief marketing officer, Manu Orssaud. Now, Duolingo is doubling down with an immersive campaign that turns learning into a thrilling challenge.

The app has integrated iconic Squid Game phrases like “Trust no one” and “You’ve been eliminated” into its Korean lessons, blending pop culture with traditional language education. New vocabulary includes “dolgana,” the sugar honeycomb treat featured in the first season, now a cultural reference for language learners looking to connect with the Squid Game universe.

For Duolingo, this isn’t just a marketing tactic—it’s an opportunity to make language learning an exciting, pop-culture-driven adventure. For Netflix, it’s about extending the Squid Game universe beyond the screen, creating an interactive experience that goes well beyond traditional promotions.

But Duolingo isn’t the only brand getting in on the Squid Game action. The marketing for Season 2 includes a variety of other unique collaborations, each adding its own twist to the phenomenon.

Knorr: Cooking up competition
Knorr has entered the ring with an ad featuring Bollywood villain Gulshan Grover. Its Korean ramen challenge turns the simple act of eating instant noodles into a high-stakes competition, echoing the deadly games of the show.

McDonald’s Australia: Dare to Play
McDonald’s Australia has launched the “Dare to Play” campaign, inspired by Squid Game’s iconic Dalgona Candy Challenge. The campaign, created with Sydney-based brand experience agency Akcelo and media agency OMD, features an interactive promotion where customers can win a $100,000 grand prize, adding a competitive edge to their meal purchase.

Crocs: Survival gear for your feet
Even footwear has joined the Squid Game marketing wave. Crocs has released a limited-edition collection, transforming its classic clogs into “survival gear,” complete with exclusive Jibbitz charms referencing the show’s characters and games. Starting December 10, fans can shop the collection on Crocs’ website and in select stores.

The broader cultural significance
What makes these partnerships so intriguing isn’t just their individual creativity, but their collective power to elevate Squid Game into a global cultural touchstone. The show has transcended its original medium, becoming a source of language-learning motivation, a marketing playground, and a global conversation starter.

Each brand is strategically positioning itself at the crossroads of entertainment, cultural relevance, and consumer engagement. They’re not just promoting a TV show; they’re participating in a global narrative that touches on themes of survival, competition, and human resilience.

Jamie Foxx reveals that he suffered a stroke in 2023

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Jamie Foxx reveals that he suffered a stroke in 2023

Hollywood star Jamie Foxx has revealed the reason for his hospitalization in April 2023.

During a Netflix special, the Django Unchained actor shared with the audience that he suffered a “brain bleed that led to a stroke.” Foxx recalled having a severe headache one day and requesting an aspirin, but before he could take it, he “blacked out” and lost memory of the next 20 days. Speaking emotionally in Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…, which was recorded in Atlanta—where he fell ill—Foxx explained that doctors initially sent him home after giving him a cortisone injection.

His sister then visited and noticed he wasn’t acting like himself. Concerned, she drove him to Piedmont Hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a brain bleed that had caused the stroke. He was told that if surgery wasn’t performed immediately, he might not survive. Foxx revealed that his sister prayed during his operation while doctors worked to stabilize him.

Despite their efforts, the doctors were unable to pinpoint the source of the brain bleed. Foxx also shared his surreal experience during the incident, saying, “Your life doesn’t flash before your face… it was kind of oddly peaceful, I saw a tunnel, I didn’t see the light.” He joked, “It was hot in that tunnel, am I going to the wrong place?”

After the surgery, Foxx’s doctor informed his family that while he might make a full recovery, it would be a challenging year ahead. The actor praised his sister, Deidra Dixon, and daughter, Corinne, for their support, noting that they made sure no one saw him during his recovery, as he didn’t want fans to witness him in that state. Foxx gestured to show that his head movements were unsteady post-stroke, and his daughter was concerned about memes being made of him.

He explained that when he woke up on May 4, 2023, he was in a wheelchair, unable to walk, and had no memory of why he was in that condition. Initially, he was in denial, thinking, “Jamie Foxx don’t get strokes.” He later underwent rehabilitation in Chicago.

At the time of his health crisis, Foxx was filming Back In Action for Netflix alongside Cameron Diaz. Since then, he has spoken warmly about the support he received from his family, but this marks the first time he has provided specific details about his condition.

Signs of a Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. Early signs include:

  • Weakness on one side of the face (difficulty smiling, drooping on one side)
  • Weakness or numbness in one arm (difficulty lifting both arms)
  • Speech difficulties (slurred words, confusion)

Other symptoms may include:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness in one side of the body (including legs)
  • Sudden vision loss or blurred vision in one or both eyes
  • Difficulty speaking or thinking of words
  • Sudden memory loss or confusion
  • Severe headache
  • Sudden dizziness, unsteadiness, or falling, especially with other symptoms

Earlier, Foxx’s daughter Corinne had said he experienced a “medical complication” but did not provide further details about his health at the time.

Australia ease to victory over India in the first ODI

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Australia made a dominant return to action, ruthlessly dismantling India in their first match since the shock T20 World Cup semi-final defeat in October.

Substitute captain Tahlia McGrath, leading in place of the injured Alyssa Healy, saw her team bowl India out for just 100 on a solid batting wicket. Australia then cruised to victory in the first of three ODIs, finishing the chase in just 16.2 overs.

India’s five-wicket margin of defeat flattered them, as Megan Schutt delivered a career-best performance with 5-19, while only Jemimah Rodrigues managed to score over 20.

In reply, openers Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll set the tone. Litchfield hammered 35 off 29 balls before falling to Renuka Singh Thakur, but debutant Voll, 21, anchored the chase with an unbeaten 46, securing the win for Australia.

The second ODI will take place at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Sunday (23:45 GMT Saturday), with live radio commentary available on the BBC Sport website and app.

Georgia’s Prime Minister Responds Amid Growing Protests and Resignations

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Georgia’s Prime Minister Responds Amid Growing Protests and Resignations

Georgia has entered its fourth consecutive night of street protests and public resignations, sparked by the ruling party’s decision to delay efforts to start negotiations on joining the European Union.

As tens of thousands of Georgians took to the streets again in several cities, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused the protesters of being misled by opposition lies and rejected calls for new elections. He confirmed that Georgia’s ambassador to the US, David Zalkaliani, had resigned under significant pressure, becoming the latest high-ranking official to step down.

Kobakhidze denied the reasons behind the protests, claiming on Sunday that “we have not suspended anything, it’s a lie.” Just three days earlier, his party, Georgian Dream, had accused the EU of using membership talks as “blackmail,” announcing that the government would not prioritize the EU accession issue until at least 2028.

Despite the Prime Minister’s statements, pro-EU demonstrators gathered in large numbers again on Sunday evening, and when fireworks were aimed at the parliament building and riot police, the authorities responded with water cannons. Riot police stationed in side streets near parliament eventually dispersed the protests early on Monday. During the unrest, several people were detained, including Zurab Japaridze, leader of the opposition coalition, Coalition for Change.

Georgia’s interior ministry reported 21 injured officers, while President Salome Zourabichvili, who supports the opposition, condemned the treatment of arrested protesters, alleging they had been beaten and sustained serious injuries. The EU and the US have criticized Georgia’s increasingly authoritarian government for democratic backsliding, with the US suspending its strategic partnership with the country on Saturday.

Prime Minister Kobakhidze, however, reiterated that Georgian Dream remains “committed to European integration” and continues its “path to the European dream.”

Despite this claim, several ambassadors have resigned, and hundreds of civil servants, including over 3,000 teachers, have signed letters denouncing the government’s decision to put EU accession on hold. Many Georgians have also expressed shock at the level of violence directed at protesters and journalists. Dozens of reporters have been attacked or pepper-sprayed, some requiring hospital treatment.

Georgia’s human rights ombudsman, Levan Ioseliani, condemned the actions of the police as “brutality,” urging them not to abuse their power. Kobakhidze, however, insisted it was opposition groups—not the police—who had been responsible for “systemic violence.”

Natalie Sabanadze, former Georgian ambassador to the EU, now at Chatham House in the UK, stated that the violent crackdown, the wave of resignations, and increasing civil disobedience signaled a “qualitative change” in the protests. “Maybe [the government] thought people would be scared, but it’s not working out like this,” she said, referencing the occupation of the public broadcaster by civil society activists and artists—a scene reminiscent of pre-revolutionary Georgia in 2003.

As President Zourabichvili prepares to leave office in a few weeks, her role as a figurehead against the government has grown stronger. She and the protesters accuse the government of pushing Georgia closer to Russia, despite widespread public support for EU membership.

Georgia, with a population of around 3.7 million, also faces the challenge of 20% of its territory being under Russian military occupation in two breakaway regions.

Meanwhile, protests continued during the day on Sunday, with a small group of demonstrators blocking a traffic intersection in front of Tbilisi State University. One protester, Salome, 29, said, “I’m here for my country’s future and the future of my three-year-old son. I don’t want him to spend his life at protests and I don’t want a Russian government.”

While Georgian Dream denies any ties to Russia, it has recently passed laws reminiscent of Russian policies, including restrictions on civil society groups funded by foreign sources and LGBT rights. Near the protest, workers were scrubbing graffiti from the walls of the Georgian parliament, some of which had been smashed during protests, while an effigy of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire behind Georgian Dream’s 12 years in power, was set on fire.

The escalating political and constitutional crisis raises questions about what comes next. Relations between Georgia’s government and its Western allies are severely strained, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that the government’s actions would “have direct consequences” from the EU. The US suspension of its strategic partnership will also have significant repercussions.

Prime Minister Kobakhidze dismissed President Zourabichvili’s call for new elections, stating, “Mrs. Salome Zourabichvili has four Fridays left [as president] and she can’t get used to it. I understand her emotional state, but of course, on 29 December she’ll have to leave.”

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