The World Between Us

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A life full of inspiration Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 2026 Lunar New Year: The Year of the Fire Horse

    1 HR AGO

    2026 Lunar New Year: The Year of the Fire Horse

    Chinese New Year 2026, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, officially begins on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, marking the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse. This rare astrological combination occurs only once every 60 years, with the last instance in 1966. The Horse symbolizes strength, speed, success, and vitality, while the Fire element adds intense passion and bold ambition to the year's energy. Key Dates and Public Holidays The 2026 celebration in mainland China features the longest Spring Festival holiday in history, lasting nine days from February 15 to February 23. To compensate for this extended break, February 14 and February 28 are designated as adjusted workdays. While official holidays vary by region—such as three days in Hong Kong and Macau—the cultural festivities traditionally span 16 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival on March 3, 2026. Traditions and Taboos Adhering to ancient customs is vital for securing good fortune in the coming year. Key practices include: • Cleaning and Sweeping: Houses should be cleaned before the festival. During the first days of the New Year, sweeping or taking out the trash is strictly forbidden, as it is seen as symbolically throwing away luck and wealth. • Appearance: Getting a haircut is discouraged because the word for "hair" is a homonym for "prosperity"; cutting it is equated to cutting away one's fortune. Participants are encouraged to wear red or gold for good luck and to avoid black or white, which are associated with mourning. • Language and Behavior: One must avoid unlucky words related to death, illness, or poverty. Breaking glass or porcelain is considered a bad omen, though the bad luck can be negated by reciting auspicious phrases like "suì suì píng ān". • Shou Sui: On New Year’s Eve, families stay up late to usher in the new year, a tradition rooted in protecting children from the mythological monster "Suì". Symbolic Cuisine Food plays a central role in the celebrations, with each dish carrying a specific meaning: • Whole Fish (Yú): Served intact to represent "surplus" and abundance year after year. • Dumplings (Jiaozi): Their shape resembles ancient gold ingots, symbolizing wealth and new beginnings. • Year Cake (Nian Gao): A sticky rice cake that symbolizes rising higher and making progress each year. • Forbidden Foods: One should avoid eating porridge on the first day of the year, as it was historically associated with poverty. Celebrations and Greetings Major public events, such as the Chinese New Year Night Parade in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, will feature dazzling floats, including a horse-themed installation by the Hong Kong Jockey Club and international performances from groups like Italy’s flag-wavers and the Philippines' Masskara dancers. When greeting others, the most common phrases include "Gong Xi Fa Cai" (Mandarin) or "Gong Hei Fat Choy" (Cantonese), wishing for prosperity and wealth. For the 2026 zodiac, the idiom "Ma Dao Cheng Gong" (May success arrive immediately with the horse) is particularly auspicious. The Fire Horse Personality Children born between February 17, 2026, and February 5, 2027, will be Fire Horses. They are predicted to be charismatic, independent, adventurous, and hardworking. However, the "double fire" nature of this sign can also lead to impulsivity and a stubborn streak, requiring a balance of patience and clear routines from parents. AI tools were used in the translation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min
  2. 🌙 Global Ramadan 2026: Moon Sightings, Calculations, and Observances

    1 HR AGO

    🌙 Global Ramadan 2026: Moon Sightings, Calculations, and Observances

    In the year 1447 AH (2026), Ramadan is expected to be a significant spiritual and liturgical milestone, falling during the late winter and early spring. The month is defined by Sawm (fasting), one of the five pillars of Islam, where practitioners abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset to cultivate piety and God-consciousness. Dates and Methodology Determining the start of Ramadan 2026 is complex due to a divergence between astronomical calculations and traditional sightings. • North America and Europe: The Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) and the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) have officially announced that Ramadan will begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, based on astronomical calculations. • Middle East and Asia: Many other regions, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey, Singapore, and Oman, expect the month to begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026. This is because the moon is projected to set before or very shortly after the sun on February 17, making a physical sighting nearly impossible. • Astronomical Context: A rare annular solar eclipse will occur on February 17, 2026, which scientists use to confirm the moon's position at the moment of conjunction. Fasting and Spiritual Observance Daily life during Ramadan is governed by the prayer timetable, starting with the pre-dawn meal (Suhoor) and ending at sunset with Iftar. • Fasting Durations: Because Ramadan occurs in late winter for the Northern Hemisphere, fasting hours will be moderate, ranging from approximately 11.5 to 15.5 hours globally. For example, London will see an 11-hour fast, while Christchurch, New Zealand, will experience over 15 hours. • Taraweeh and Laylat al-Qadr: Nights are marked by Taraweeh congregational prayers. The spiritual climax occurs during the last ten nights, particularly Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), which is expected to fall on the evening of March 16, 2026 (the 27th night). Community and Economic Impact Ramadan 2026 will trigger major adjustments in public and economic life, particularly in Muslim-majority nations. • Labor and Governance: Countries like the UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia mandate reduced working hours for both public and private sectors to accommodate those fasting. • Charity (Zakat): Charity is essential, with Zakat al-Fitr (a mandatory year-end donation) set at approximately AED 25 in the UAE and a recommended $10 in the United States. • Public Events: Cities like Dubai have planned extensive cultural programs, including drone shows, street food festivals, and "Ramadan Wonders Markets". Conclusion: Eid al-Fitr The month will conclude with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which is expected to fall on Friday, March 20, 2026, or Saturday, March 21, 2026, depending on the length of the month (29 or 30 days) and the sighting of the new crescent for the month of Shawwal. AI tools were used in the translation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    28 min
  3. 2026 Presidents' Day Bank and Market Holiday Schedule

    22 HR AGO

    2026 Presidents' Day Bank and Market Holiday Schedule

    Legal and Historical Context While commonly marketed as Presidents' Day to celebrate the legacy of all U.S. presidents, the holiday is officially recognized by the federal government and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) as Washington’s Birthday. Originally established in 1879 to honor George Washington on his actual birthdate (February 22), the observance was moved to the third Monday of February following the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 (effective in 1971) to provide federal employees with consistent three-day weekends. Institutional Closures and Financial Impact Because it is a federal holiday, the Federal Reserve will suspend settlement operations on February 16, 2026. Consequently: • Banking: Most major financial institutions, including Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo, will close their physical branches. A notable exception is TD Bank, which traditionally remains open on this holiday, though transaction processing is still delayed until the Federal Reserve reopens. • Stock Markets: The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq will be entirely closed, with no pre-market or after-hours trading sessions. • Logistics: The United States Postal Service (USPS) will not deliver regular mail and all post offices will be closed, with the exception of Priority Mail Express. Private carriers like UPS and FedEx typically remain operational with some modified schedules. • Government Offices: Federal, state, and local government offices, as well as the IRS and courts, will be closed. Commercial Sector and Daily Life Unlike the government and financial sectors, the private retail sector remains largely active: • Retail and Groceries: Major national chains such as Walmart, Target, and Costco stay open during their regular business hours. Retailers often capitalize on the long weekend by holding significant Presidents' Day sales, particularly for appliances, mattresses, and electronics. • Services: Most restaurants, pharmacies (like CVS and Walgreens), and movie theaters operate as usual. • Schools: Most public K-12 schools and many universities are closed, though parents are advised to check local district calendars as some may use the day for professional development or "snow day" makeups. Banking and Transaction Latency Although physical bank branches are closed, digital banking tools, including mobile apps and ATMs, remain functional for internal account transfers and balance inquiries. However, external transactions that rely on the Federal Reserve—such as ACH transfers, payroll direct deposits, and outgoing domestic wires—will experience a "holiday lag" and typically will not post or settle until Tuesday, February 17. Users are encouraged to schedule critical bill payments before the holiday weekend to avoid potential delays or fees. AI tools were used in the translation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min
  4. Maya Hawke: Art, Collaboration, and a Valentine’s Wedding

    22 HR AGO

    Maya Hawke: Art, Collaboration, and a Valentine’s Wedding

    This description provides an overview of the lives, careers, and relationship of artists Maya Hawke and Christian Lee Hutson, based on the provided sources. Professional Backgrounds and Musical Evolution Maya Hawke is a multi-talented artist widely recognized for her role as Robin Buckley in Stranger Things and film credits such as Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Maestro. Beyond acting, she has established a significant music career, releasing three studio albums: Blush (2020), Moss (2022), and 2024’s Chaos Angel. Chaos Angel is noted for its "acoustic sweetness" and themes of self-reflection and vulnerability, with Hawke aiming to introduce her "human" self rather than just her celebrity persona. The album's title and its title track were inspired by a scene in the film Wildcat (directed by her father, Ethan Hawke), where her character discusses wrestling with a guardian angel. Christian Lee Hutson is a Californian singer-songwriter celebrated for his literary and introspective lyricism. His discography includes the albums Beginners (2020), Quitters (2022), and 2024’s Paradise Pop. 10. Critics have described his songs as "small films" and "clear portraits" set to natural melodies. Paradise Pop. 10, named after a small town in Indiana, explores themes of moving forward and leaving behind the "memory graveyard" of Los Angeles for a new life in New York City. Creative Collaboration The pair shares a deep creative synergy, with their professional lives heavily intertwined. Hutson served as a producer and co-writer for Hawke’s albums Moss and Chaos Angel. Hawke has credited Hutson with helping her transition from "being a poet in a band" to becoming a true musician. In return, Hawke has contributed vocals to Hutson’s work, most notably singing harmony on the "shoegaze-y" track "Carousel Horses" from Paradise Pop. 10. They have also performed together live, including a rendition of the song "Candyland" at the Bowery Ballroom in New York. Relationship and Marriage Hawke and Hutson’s relationship grew out of a long-term friendship and artistic partnership. Hawke has praised the experience of dating a friend, noting that it allows her to feel truly "seen" by someone who understands her as a person rather than a public image. The couple made their official red carpet debut in April 2025 at a Broadway premiere. On February 14, 2026, the couple married in a star-studded ceremony at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Manhattan. The wedding was attended by Hawke’s famous parents, Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, as well as a large contingent of her Stranger Things co-stars, including Finn Wolfhard, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, and Gaten Matarazzo. Following the ceremony, the celebration continued with a reception at The Players Members Club in Gramercy Park. Their union is described as a blend of their personal and creative lives, rooted in mutual respect and authenticity. AI tools were used in the translation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
  5. The AI Bubble and the Risk of Circular Financing

    1 DAY AGO

    The AI Bubble and the Risk of Circular Financing

    The current phase of artificial intelligence development (2024–2026) is characterized by a definitive shift from a "weightless" software narrative to an industrial reality. Progress is now bound by physical throughput: high-end GPUs, massive data-center shells, reliable power contracts, and complex networking. This environment has birthed a specific financial architecture that may be both a growth catalyst and a source of systemic fragility. The Circular AI Economy A central feature of this boom is circular financing, or "round-tripping," where a small group of companies act simultaneously as investors, suppliers, and customers. In these loops, capital-rich providers (like Nvidia or Microsoft) fund AI developers (like OpenAI), who then spend large portions of that capital back on the funder's cloud services or hardware. The most prominent example is Nvidia's planned $100 billion investment in OpenAI, which is expected to be spent largely on Nvidia’s next-generation "Vera Rubin" infrastructure. Critics warn this creates "revenue of lower quality" than organic demand, potentially masking the true strength of market pull. Structural Flashpoints The industry is currently navigating several major risks: • The Revenue Gap: Estimates suggest the AI sector will need approximately $2 trillion in annual revenue by 2030 to justify current and planned investments in infrastructure. For comparison, OpenAI’s annualized revenue reached $13 billion in August 2025—a fraction of the required breakeven. • Utilization Risk: Companies are signing long-dated "take-or-pay" commitments, paying for reserved compute capacity regardless of actual usage. If product adoption slips, these fixed obligations could become a "millstone" for buyers. • Physical Bottlenecks: Power is now the "quiet governor" of AI expansion. AI data centers could consume up to 12% of all US electricity by 2030, forcing providers to build in remote locations (like North Dakota), which risks creating "stranded assets" if technology shifts. ROI Crisis and "AI Washing" The optimistic market narrative is colliding with underwhelming operational data. A landmark 2025 MIT study found that 95% of corporate AI projects fail to generate meaningful returns. Researchers point to a "learning gap"—the inability of AI to adapt to complex, non-linear corporate workflows. The fall of Builder.ai serves as a cautionary tale of "AI washing". Valued at $1.5 billion, the startup claimed its "Natasha" AI could autonomously build software. In reality, the work was manually performed by approximately 700 engineers in India. The company collapsed in 2025 following allegations of 300% revenue inflation and a creditor-led seizure of its cash. Future Scenarios: Consolidation vs. Crash Experts identify two primary ways the current cycle might end: 1. Crash Pathways: A "slow crash" driven by ROI disappointment and capex deceleration, or a "fast crash" triggered by credit tightening in the private credit layer, which currently manages over $1.6 trillion in assets. 2. The Squeeze (Consolidation): The sector may survive but concentrate value in incumbents who control "choke points"—default surfaces like search, browsers, and operating systems. Giants like Google and Microsoft can bundle AI as a "retention feature" or durning AI into a background feature of existing suites, effectively squeezing out standalone competitors through cross-subsidies. Early warning signals for a correction include shortening contract durations, aggressive discounting for compute capacity, and a shift in corporate language from "announcing new capacity" to "efficiency and utilization". AI tools were used in the translation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
  6. Alexei Navalny: The Life and Death of Putin's Nemesis

    1 DAY AGO

    Alexei Navalny: The Life and Death of Putin's Nemesis

    Alexei Anatolyevich Navalny (1976–2024) was the most prominent Russian opposition leader, anti-corruption activist, and political prisoner of the 21st century. Trained in law and finance, he rose to international fame as a blogger exposing high-level graft within state-controlled corporations like Gazprom, Rosneft, and Transneft. In 2011, he founded the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), which became the most effective investigative media outlet in Russia, utilizing drones and open-source data to expose the hidden wealth of the ruling elite. Navalny's political influence was cemented by his labeling of the ruling United Russia party as the "party of crooks and thieves". He achieved a major breakthrough in the 2013 Moscow mayoral election, officially winning 27.2% of the vote. His landmark investigations—including the documentary on Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and the 2021 film "Putin’s Palace" (which garnered over 180 million views)—exposed a $1.35 billion estate on the Black Sea and triggered massive nationwide protests. In August 2020, Navalny survived an assassination attempt involving a Novichok nerve agent applied to his clothing. Independent investigations by Bellingcat and The Insider linked the attack to a specialized FSB chemical weapons unit. Despite the clear threat to his life, Navalny returned to Russia in January 2021 and was immediately detained at the airport. He was subsequently handed a series of sentences totaling over 30 years on charges of fraud, contempt of court, and extremism, which international bodies denounced as politically motivated. Navalny spent his final months in the IK-3 "Polar Wolf" penal colony, a brutal facility north of the Arctic Circle. He was subjected to conditions described as "legalized torture," including being sent to solitary confinement (ShIZO) 27 times, totaling over 300 days. On February 16, 2024, the Russian prison service reported that Navalny "felt unwell" after a walk and lost consciousness, after which resuscitation measures failed. While the Kremlin initially attributed his death to "natural causes" such as an irregular heartbeat, a 2026 joint statement by the UK, France, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands confirmed that forensic analysis of biological samples conclusively detected epibatidine. This rare and lethal neurotoxin, derived from South American poison dart frogs, causes paralysis and respiratory arrest. The European coalition held the Russian state responsible, asserting that only a state actor had the means and motive to deploy such a sophisticated toxin. Navalny’s legacy is carried on by his widow, Yulia Navalnaya, who has stepped into a leadership role for the Russian opposition in exile. She has vowed to continue his fight for a "Beautiful Russia of the Future" and has campaigned for international sanctions against Putin’s inner circle. Posthumously, Navalny has been honored with numerous global accolades, and his memoir, Patriot, was named Book of the Year in the UK. AI tools were used in the translation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
  7. Rare Earth Elements: The Geopolitical Heart of Modern Technology

    1 DAY AGO

    Rare Earth Elements: The Geopolitical Heart of Modern Technology

    Rare Earth Elements (REE), often called the "vitamins of modern society," are a group of 17 chemically similar metallic elements. This group includes the 15 lanthanides (atomic numbers 57 to 71), as well as scandium and yttrium. Despite their name, they are not particularly rare in the Earth's crust; for instance, cerium is more abundant than copper. Their "rarity" stems from their extreme geochemical dispersion, meaning they are seldom found in concentrations high enough for economical extraction, and their chemical similarity makes them notoriously difficult to separate from one another. Historical Origins and the Ytterby Legacy The history of REEs is centered on the Ytterby mine in Sweden. In 1787, Carl Axel Arrhenius discovered an unusually heavy black rock there, which Johan Gadolin analyzed in 1794 to isolate the first rare earth compound, yttria. Over the next century, researchers isolated seven more elements from Ytterby rocks, with four—yttrium, terbium, erbium, and ytterbium—named directly after the village. Unique Physicochemical Properties The strategic value of REEs lies in their unique 4f electron shell structure. These "inner orbitals" are shielded by outer electrons, leading to the Lanthanide Contraction: a steady decrease in atomic and ionic radii from lanthanum to lutetium. This contraction is caused by the poor shielding effect of 4f electrons, allowing the increasing nuclear charge to pull outer shells closer. These properties enable: • Magnetism: Neodymium, praseodymium, and dysprosium create the world’s strongest permanent magnets. • Luminescence: Europium and terbium provide the sharp red and green colors in LED screens and smartphones. • Catalysis: Cerium is essential for automotive catalytic converters to reduce emissions. Strategic and Geopolitical Importance Currently, REEs are the center of a geopolitical race, with China controlling approximately 90% of the global processing and supply chain. Because they are vital for green energy (wind turbines and electric vehicles) and advanced defense systems (F-35 fighters, guidance systems, and sonar), many nations have designated them as critical minerals. Each F-35 jet requires roughly 417 kg of rare earth materials, and a large wind turbine can contain up to 2 tons of REE magnets. Environmental and Ethical Challenges The "dark side" of the green transition is the ecological cost of extraction. Processing one ton of REE can generate up to 2,000 tons of toxic waste, including radioactive thorium and uranium. In regions like Baotou, China, this has led to massive "toxic lakes" and severe health issues for local residents. The Future: Recycling and New Frontiers To reduce dependence on primary mining, research is intensifying into: • Recycling: Currently, only ~1% of REEs are recycled due to high costs and complex product designs. • Deep-Sea Mining: Deposits in polymetallic nodules and seafloor mud offer vast potential but pose irreversible risks to marine ecosystems. • New Deposits: Exploration is expanding in Greenland, Afghanistan, and Turkey to diversify the global supply. In conclusion, REEs are foundational to the 21st-century economy. Their management requires a balance between technological innovation, geopolitical security, and environmental justice. AI tools were used in the translation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min
  8. The Fall of the Quad God: Olympic Skating Upset

    2 DAYS AGO

    The Fall of the Quad God: Olympic Skating Upset

    The 2026 Winter Olympics men's figure skating competition, held at the Forum di Milano in Italy on February 10 and 13, resulted in one of the most significant upsets in the sport's history. Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan claimed the gold medal, marking the first time a Kazakh skater has ever won an Olympic title in figure skating. The Rise of the "Quad God" and the Short Program Entering the games, Ilia Malinin of the United States, known as the "Quad God," was the heavy favorite to win. Malinin lived up to his reputation during the short program on February 10, finishing in first place with a score of 108.16. During his performance, he made history by landing the first legal Olympic backflip, a move recently legalized by the International Skating Union. He led the field by five points over Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama (103.07) and France’s Adam Siao Him Fa (102.55). Shaidorov sat in fifth place after the short program with a score of 92.94. The Free Skate Meltdown The free skate on February 13 proved catastrophic for Malinin. Despite his technical dominance—he is the only skater to land a quadruple Axel in competition—Malinin’s routine disintegrated into what was described as a "four-minute long train wreck". He bailed on two planned quads, turning them into a single and a double, and fell twice later in the program. Malinin finished 15th in the free skate segment and 8th place overall with a total score of 264.49. Afterward, he attributed the collapse to the "unreal" pressure of the Olympics and his lack of experience from the 2022 Beijing Games. Shaidorov’s Historic Victory Capitalizing on the errors of the leaders, Mikhail Shaidorov delivered a nearly flawless free skate to the music of "Confessa" and the "Diva Dance". His program featured four clean quadruple jumps, including his signature triple Axel-Euler-quadruple Salchow sequence. He earned a personal best free skate score of 198.64, totaling 291.58 points overall to take the gold. Shaidorov, who mentioned he prepared for the pressure by "putting Legos together," became only the second Kazakh athlete ever to win a Winter Olympic gold medal. The Podium and Notable Performances • Gold: Mikhail Shaidorov (Kazakhstan) - 291.58. • Silver: Yuma Kagiyama (Japan) - 280.06. Despite falling on a quadruple flip, Kagiyama secured his second consecutive Olympic silver medal. • Bronze: Shun Sato (Japan) - 274.90. Sato rallied from 9th place after the short program to clinch the bronze. Other notable storylines included American skater Maxim Naumov, who finished 20th overall but touched audiences by honoring his late parents, who died in a 2025 plane crash. Additionally, South Korea’s Cha Jun-hwan finished 4th, despite managing an ankle injury that limited his technical difficulty. Conclusion The event was defined by the ruthlessness of Olympic pressure and the spirit of sportsmanship. Despite his own devastating loss, Malinin was one of the first to congratulate Shaidorov, stating, "We’re all in this sport together... That’s what makes this sport special". Shaidorov expressed hope that his victory would inspire young athletes in Kazakhstan, proving that "there are no limits at all". AI tools were used in the translation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
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A life full of inspiration Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Norse Studio
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    183
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Norse Studio
  • Show Website
    The World Between Us
  • Provider

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