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Contents: World Fears More Deaths in Gaza as Winter Diseases Loom Upcoming Events Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day Officials of Gaza and Palestinians around the world are fearing their next challenge: winter. As Israel continues to persistently attack members of Hamas, winter is coming, and diseases will spread like wildfire. The humanitarian crisis is worsening as refugees do not get the aid they need, and injuries are catching infections when left untreated. About 17,700 people have been killed and almost 50,000 others have been injured in Palestine since the initial retaliation from Israel, and it will only get worse if aid is not supplied into Gaza. However, Hamas is still keeping Israelis hostage, and Israel will not stop until all of them are freed. Upcoming Events: International Mountain Day (Monday, December 11) International Day of Neutrality (Tuesday, December 12) International Universal Health Coverage Day (Tuesday, December 12) Hanukkah Ends (Friday, December 15) Fact of the Day: Fred Bauer, the designer of the Pringles can, was cremated, and his ashes are stored in one. Quote of the Day: A true hero isn't measured by the size of his strength, but the strength of his heart. (Zeus from the Disney film, Hercules) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Foolscap (noun)- Foolscap refers broadly to a piece of writing paper, and in the US specifically to a usually 8” x 13” size of paper. In a Sentence: The exhibit includes a number of early legal documents written on foolscap with quill and ink.

Contents: Yemen's Houthis Agrees to Attack All Israeli-Bound Ships Going Forward Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day Yemen's Houthis group has agreed to attack all Israeli-bound ships in the Red Sea after some fierce encounters, to further express their support for Hamas and Palestine. Houthis attacked multiple ships in the past few months, but the US military stepped in to rescue the crew. Their navy may not always be there to save the day, though, so any ships sailing through the Red Sea must beware of the Houthis attacks. Fact of the Day: Sweden has the most islands of any country in the world, with 267,570. Quote of the Day: You gotta look for the good in the bad, the happy in the sad, the gain in your pain, and what makes you grateful not hateful. (Karen Salmansohn) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Convalesce (verb)- To convalesce is to recover health and strength gradually after sickness, injury, or weakness. In a Sentence: According to the article, the athlete is still convalescing from her recent injury but expects to resume her training schedule by the end of the month.

Contents: FDA Approves Revolutionary Gene-Editing Cure to Sickle Cell Disease Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first treatments for sickle cell disease, and one of them uses breakthrough DNA-splitting technology called CRISPR. CRISPR is a gene-editing tool invented in Switzerland that cuts the double-helix of a DNA strand in half, allowing for programmed DNA to be inserted to fix the disease. Sickle cell disease happens when just one gene has an issue, and every single red blood cell in the body is produced in a sickle shape. This can cause a jam of red blood cells in capillaries or arteries, leading to sudden excruciating pain and strokes. Through this new technology, scientists can insert programmed DNA into that split to cure sickle cell disease. The FDA also approved traditional gene therapy to cure the disease. However, both therapies are extremely expensive- in the multi-million dollar range. Unfortunately, the majority of people who have sickle cell disease around the world either do not have the funds to pay for the therapy or are not in an area where it can be treated. Due to these factors, it may be a while before this cure can be used all over the world. Fact of the Day: Guinness World Records was founded by the managing director of Guinness Brewery in the 1950s. Quote of the Day: Wisdom is the knowledge of good and evil, not the strength to choose between the two. (John Cheever) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Intrepid (adj)- Intrepid means “fearless, bold, and brave.” In a Sentence: Her college semester abroad sparked a series of intrepid travels around the world.

Contents: Rafah Border Crossing Opens to All Foreign Nationals Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day The Rafah border crossing is now the only entry/exit point into the Gaza Strip that is not controlled by Israel, and it has finally been opened to all foreign nationals and dual citizens from other countries to exit the war-stricken area. After repeated pressure from countries all over the world, Egypt agreed to open the crossing to all citizens of other countries to seek refuge and return to their home countries. The Rafah crossing is also the only remaining place where aid is trickling into Gaza, which has been beneficial in the survival of thousands of people as Israel continues to target members of Hamas scattered across the strip. Fact of the Day: We originally started shaking hands to show that we were unarmed in a battle, but it has now become a popular greeting. Quote of the Day: You have power over your mind- not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. (Marcus Aurelius) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Tincture (noun)- Tincture refers to a solution made by mixing a medicinal substance in an alcoholic solvent. It can also refer to a slight trace of something, as in “a tincture of doubt.” In a Sentence: The shelves behind the apothecary counter were lined with dozens of jars and vials containing tinctures of every color of the rainbow.

Contents: Aftershocks Plague Philippines After Massive 7.6 Magnitude Quake Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day Aftershocks are still bombarding the Philippines after a massive 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the island of Minandao on Saturday, and multiple following quakes measured at over 6.0. Minandao is the second-largest island in the Philippines after Luzon, and is home to over 26 million people. After the quake over the weekend, one person was killed and hundreds of structures were damaged, and a precautionary tsunami warning was also issued. However, they haven't had a chance to recover as aftershocks plague the region. They have been measuring at around 4-6 magnitude, but are still doing damage. More quakes also struck around the capital of Manila, the strongest of which was a 5.9. Scientists are still trying to figure out what caused the huge surge in seismic activity, as Indonesia and Japan also suffered from major quakes in the same time frame. Fact of the Day: People started wearing pajamas instead of nightgowns in order to be prepared to run outside during an air raid in World War I. They were also originally spelled "pyjamas." Quote of the Day: Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are. (Arthur Golden) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Permeable (adj)- Permeable is a synonym of penetrable that is used especially to describe things that have pores or openings that permit liquids or gases to pass through. In a Sentence: The new housing project will include a permeable parking lot to help mitigate stormwater runoff.

Contents: Death Toll From Indonesia Volcano Eruption Rises Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day The expected death toll in Indonesia's Mount Marapi eruption has risen to 23, as 11 bodies have been found and 12 others are missing and presumed dead. Over 75 people were around the volcano at the time of the eruption, but about 50 of them have been rescued. Mount Marapi is a popular hiking spot even though it is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, and it blasted ash and soot over 9,800 feet into the air when it erupted for almost 5 minutes on Tuesday. This resulted in a blanket of it over the surrounding area, which also could have killed some surviving climbers after smoke inhalation. Officials are still searching for the bodies of the 12 missing climbers, but there is a low chance of survival at this point. Fact of the Day: Play-Doh started out as wallpaper cleaner before its creators realized that it would be a good non-toxic modeling clay for children and was rebranded. Quote of the Day: And one has to understand that braveness is not the absence of fear but rather the strength to keep on going forward despite the fear. (Paulo Coelho) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Smite (verb)- Smite means “to hit someone or something very hard.” Other uses of the word include “to severely injure, kill, or attack someone” (as in “smitten by disease”) and “to captivate or take” (as in “smitten by her beauty”). In a Sentence: He smote the ball mightily, which helped us win the game.

Contents: Alaska Airlines Buys Biggest Competitor in $1.9 Billion Deal Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day Alaska Airlines has announced that it is buying its biggest rival, Hawaiian Airlines, for $1.9 billion in a huge deal that will change the United States airline industry. The US has four big carriers: Southwest, American, Delta, and United, and Alaska is the fifth-largest. In this move to buy their largest competitor, Alaska can now build their income and become a larger force in the United States airline industry. However, both airlines will still keep their respective names in honor of their 100+ year history in aviation. Fact of the Day: London's Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, including 78 bathrooms. Quote of the Day: Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do. (Oprah Winfrey) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Avoirdupois (noun)- Avoirdupois is synonymous with weight and heaviness, especially as related to the body. It also refers to the series of units of weight based on the pound of 16 ounces and the ounce of 16 drams. In a Sentence: The coach limited his recruiting to linebackers of a certain avoirdupois.

Contents: 11 Climbers Dead After Indonesia's Mount Marapi Erupts Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day Mount Marapi in Indonesia erupted on Sunday, killing eleven people and stranding dozens of climbers. About 70 people began the ascent up the volcano on Saturday, but they were stuck when it showed signs of eruption. Eleven climbers were killed and twelve more are still missing, and the community is now recovering from the disaster. They are also trying to remove the thick blanket of ash that has covered the area after the volcano spewed hot rock and ash over 9,800 feet in the air. Upcoming Events: International Day of Banks (Monday, December 4) International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development (Tuesday, December 5) World Soil Day (Tuesday, December 5) International Civil Aviation Day (Thursday, December 7) International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime (Saturday, December 9) International Anti-Corruption Day (Saturday, December 9) Human Rights Day (Sunday, December 10) Fact of the Day: Due to Venus's slow axis rotation, days are longer than years; it takes Venus 243 Earth days to spin around once, while it takes 225 days to go all the way around the Sun. Quote of the Day: Look for strength in people, not weakness; for good, not evil. Most of us find what we search for. (Bill Vaughan) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Dexterous (adj)- Dexterous is a formal adjective used to describe someone or something that has or shows great skill or cleverness. In a Sentence: She was praised for her dexterous handling of the crisis.

Contents: EPA Announces Replacement of All Lead Pipes in US Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that they are planning to replace all lead pipes across the country by 2033, which will be a huge project. The installation of new lead pipes was banned in 1986, but there are over 9.2 million of them under the surface that can still cause health issues. Lead poisoning causes symptoms like headaches, stomach, joint, and muscle cramps, irritability, fatigue, and trouble sleeping, and it can lead to neurological issues if left untreated. Thankfully, the new project will now take action, phasing out all lead pipes in 10 years. Fact of the Day: The One World Trade Center in New York City is exactly 1,776 feet tall in honor of the year that the United States was founded. Quote of the Day: The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears. (John Vance Cheney) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Hive mind (noun)- Hive mind refers to the collective thoughts, ideas, and opinions of a group of people (such as Internet users) regarded as functioning together as a single mind. In biology, hive mind refers to the collective mental activity expressed in the complex, coordinated behavior of a colony of social insects (such as bees or ants) regarded as comparable to a single mind controlling the behavior of an individual organism. In a Sentence: She doesn't need to advertise or publicize—her fans’ hive mind is always ready to promote her work.

Contents: Israel Resumes Attack on Gaza After Alleged Attempted Hamas Strike Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day Israel resumed its attack on Gaza on Friday after they claimed that Hamas violated the truce by launching airstrikes at them. Retaliation strikes came in barrages and IDF ground operations immediately moved ahead, bringing more distraught to an already broken community. Palestinians are now fleeing the strip by all means possible as it is reduced to rubble. Hamas still refuses to give up more hostages, though, which is the only thing that will make Israel pause in the fighting. Fact of the Day: Pound cake got its name from the original recipe, which required a pound of butter, a pound of flour, a pound of sugar, and a pound of eggs. Quote of the Day: You can't turn back the clock. But you can wind it up again. (Bonnie Prudden) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Bifurcate (verb)- When something bifurcates, it divides into two branches or parts; to bifurcate something is to divide it into two branches or parts. In a Sentence: The stream bifurcated into two narrow winding channels.