I told a similar tale in my novel “The Lower River,” some 30 years later and in many short stories; the theme has been much on my mind. I spent 27 years, between 1963 and 1990, as an expatriate (six years in Africa, three in Singapore, 18 in Britain). I was not joyriding; I was first inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration speech, one of the wisest and most eloquent ever delivered — sentiments unspoken today — “Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah to undo the heavy burdens and…
Author: Team_NationalNewsBrief
Dunkin’ is kicking off 2025 in style with the launch of its Winter Menu, featuring a standout collaboration with pop star Sabrina Carpenter. The partnership introduces “Sabrina’s Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso,” a limited-time iced beverage blending Dunkin’s bold espresso, brown sugar, and oat milk, hand-shaken to deliver a smooth, frothy texture. The drink, which became available on December 31, is part of Dunkin’s broader seasonal lineup but comes with a personal touch from Carpenter.Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.Carpenter, whose chart-topping hit “Espresso” inspired the…
January 2, 20255 min readNanotech Scientists Build on an Insect’s Odd Soccer-Ball-Like Excretions to Design Ingenious CamouflageArtificial versions of nanoscale soccer-ball-like structures called brochosomes might be used to make new forms of military camouflage, self-cleaning surfaces or hydrogen fuelBy Ivan Amato edited by Gary Stix Science Photo Library/Alamy Stock PhotoIn the early 1950s biologists at Brooklyn College were using an electron microscope to pursue a lead that the leafhopper, a common insect that is about the size of a rice grain and named after one of its signature behaviors, could be an agent of viral transmission. In their research, the…
Jeff Baena, an independent filmmaker best known for directing “Life After Beth” and co-writing “I Heart Huckabees,” died Friday, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner. He was 47.Baena had been married to actor Aubrey Plaza since 2021. The couple collaborated on several films, including in 2014’s “Life After Beth,” in which Plaza had a starring role.Jeff Baena and Aubrey Plaza in 2016.David Crotty / Patrick McMullan via Getty Images fileHe died by suicide at a home, according to the medical examiner’s records. Baena graduated from New York University’s film school and moved to Los Angeles to pursue his…
This weekend, I’m on my way to Las Vegas to cover this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. I’ve scoured the CES schedule and lists of exhibitors in preparation for the event, where I hope to find fascinating new tech. After all, some prep is required given the size of the show: CES span 12 venues and more than 2.5 million square feet of exhibit space—a good opportunity to test out devices that will be on display, like these shoe attachments that track muscle load for athletes (and journalists running between demos), or an exoskeleton to help out on hikes through the…
Unlock the White House Watch newsletter for freeYour guide to what the 2024 US election means for Washington and the worldThe writer is a professor at Georgetown University and a senior adviser with The Asia Group. He served on the US National Security Council staff in 2009-2015If Donald Trump’s China policy is defined by uncertainty and contradiction, Xi Jinping’s strategy is defined by clarity and determination. The Chinese president’s approach to the US president-elect is not a secret. Beijing has been quite clear since the election about its views and possible responses. Xi plans not only to respond, but to take…
Members of Biden’s team sure do seem to think highly of themselves. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre recently posted a picture of herself on Twitter/X with other staffers and called them ‘the best team in the business.’ The best at what? Lying? Not answering questions? It’s not entirely clear. Twitter users responded with thoughts. FOX News reports: Jean-Pierre blasted for calling WH press team the best in the business: Actually ‘worst in the business’ Conservative social media users tore into White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre this week for sharing a picture of the White House communications team, calling…
Jennifer Lopez kicked off 2025 with a bang by sharing a video featuring a sizzling shot of her in a bikini, seemingly showing her ex-husband, Ben Affleck, what he’s missing.The superstar singer’s video was from her snowy Aspen getaway. In it, she is spotted having fun during the holiday season and hanging out with other stars, such as Kevin Costner.Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck last August, but the pair have reportedly decided to maintain a cordial relationship for the sake of their blended family.Article continues below advertisementJennifer Lopez Sizzles In A Two-Piece During Aspen HolidayLopez took to…
Blinken may face some criticism from the South Korean left for the visit but should be able to navigate the political crisis, said Sydney Seiler, a former US intelligence officer focused on Korea now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Blinken has a high enough profile to be above the fray, and can keep the focus on challenges such as China and North Korea, he said. “Blinken can dodge a lot of these domestic South Korean landmines relatively easily and contextualise it not as trying to help the ruling party or artificially create a sense of normalcy where…
Arsenal blew a chance to make up significant ground on Premier League leaders Liverpool with a disappointing 1-1 draw at Brighton. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, Premier League runners-up over the past two seasons, travelled to the south coast on Saturday hunting a fourth straight league win. Seventeen-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, in for the injured Bukayo Saka, put them on course for all three points in the first half. But Joao Pedro levelled from the penalty spot following a clash of heads between the Brazilian and William Saliba just after the hour mark, prompting a furious reaction from Arteta. “We’re also very disappointed…