National Briefs (11/18/10)

The holidays are upon us. And this Dec. 26th and Jan. 1, as some celebrate Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, Bahamians across the world will partake in one of the biggest holiday celebrations in the Caribbean: Junkanoo. For decades, Junkanooers have put themselves on display as they “rush” down Bay Street and Shirley Street in Nassau, New Providence.

When we first meet Squid Game protagonist Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) in Season 1, he doesn’t have enough money to buy his daughter fried chicken for her birthday. This lack of means, made more extreme by his crippling debt, informs Gi-hun’s decision to take part in the Squid Game—even after he discovers its deadly stakes.

Nearly every piece of financial advice—whether the goal is to pay off debt, save for a big purchase, or start investing—starts with making a budget. I’ve been writing about personal finance for nearly 10 years. Hearing this advice repeatedly has reminded me of what we’ve seen for decades in the health care field, where people are frequently met with advice to go on a diet, regardless of the issue they bring to a health care provider.

By early November, it was virtually certain that 2024 would be the hottest year on record. The evidence was being felt around the world—from flooding that killed hundreds in Spain to drought in 48 of America’s 50 states. Insurance-giants dropped coverage in danger zones and warned about the growing challenge posed by climate change.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Squid Game When a second season of Squid Game was greenlit following the massive success of the first, it was unclear whether the story warranted an extension. Writer-director Hwang Dong-yuk, previously best known for feature film work like 2017 period war epic The Fortress, had not planned on continuing it.

Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Scorpio. Happy Birthday for Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024: You are strong, reassuring and hardworking. You like to be busy. People rely on you. This year has been a time of fresh beginnings for you. Next year will be more laid-back and focused on meaningful relationships.