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In today’s newsletter we feature a Harvard Study that followed both men and women for over 30 years and identified how to add a solid 12 years of quality years to your life. Although many of these habits may be familiar and not surprising, the study still provides a compelling and useful reminder of their importance.

Economy

Eating Sushi While at War

Despite the challenges posed by Russia's invasion, Ukraine's economy has shown remarkable resilience, particularly in its culinary sector. The country, which experienced a severe economic downturn following the invasion, has begun to stabilize and adapt.

A key element of this economic adaptation is the flourishing sushi restaurant scene. Sushi, which became popular in Ukraine after the Soviet Union's dissolution, symbolizes the country's departure from its past and is now a staple for special occasions and holidays. Olha Nasonova, a restaurant consultant in Kyiv and co-founder of the National Restaurant Association of Ukraine, highlights the importance of restaurants in maintaining a sense of normalcy, likening dining out to therapy.

"Being at a restaurant, sitting at a restaurant is almost like psychotherapy," says Nasonova. "It's how we feel the normalcy of life when life is not normal around you."

Despite logistical hurdles, such as Russia's blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea ports and initial reluctance from trucking companies to deliver supplies, sushi restaurants have managed to thrive. Serhiy Fedorchenko, a food supply manager in Zaporizhzhia, notes that although importing ingredients like fresh fish, wasabi, seaweed, and cream cheese (a unique addition in Ukrainian sushi) has been difficult, they have managed anyway.

Restaurants have also adapted to infrastructural challenges, such as power outages, by investing in electrical generators and implementing policies to expedite the import of perishable goods like fish. This adaptability extends to restaurant management, where establishments like Island Sushi, managed by Lapshunkov, are attracting employees with higher salaries and incentives. Lapshunkov observes that the increased military presence in southern Ukraine, coupled with civilians' desire for normalcy, has boosted business.

Sports

Hockey Fans Break Record for Charity

A professional ice hockey team in Pennsylvania, the Hershey Bears, set a new franchise record last week, not for goals scored, but for the number of teddy bears tossed onto the ice by fans.

The annual Teddy Bear Toss collects toys for charity, and this year, 74,599 stuffed toys were collected— surpassing the previous record of 67,309.
The event is part of the club's Hershey Bears Cares program which showcases the philanthropic activities and volunteer efforts of Bears players and staff members throughout the community. Since its inception in 2001 the tradition has collected nearly a half million cuddly creatures for children in need.

The Sweigart Family Foundation also donated $55,000 to Children's Miracle Network in Hershey.

The Bears went on to a 3-2 overtime victory over the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, improving their AHL-best record to 29-7-0- this season.

Watch the fun begin, with the bear drop at 1:08…

Entertainment

Harrison Ford’s Finest Hour

Last Sunday, Harrison Ford received the Career Achievement Award at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards.

In his speech, Ford expressed happiness about the evolving opportunities in the entertainment industry and credited luck and collaboration with talented individuals for his success. He also thanked his wife, Calista Flockhart saying “I want to thank my lovely wife Calista Flockhart, who supports me when I need a lot of support – and I need a lot of support,”.

Aside from the said award, he was also nominated for a supporting actor award for "Shrinking," which was awarded to his co-star Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

Ford currently stars in Paramount+'s "1923" with Helen Mirren. Known for iconic roles like Han Solo and Indiana Jones, he recently announced his final appearance as Indiana Jones. In 2025, he will join the Marvel franchise as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross in “Captain America: Brave New World” alongside Anthony Mackie. Ford's decades-long filmography includes acclaimed works like "Apocalypse Now" and "Blade Runner," making him a Hollywood veteran.

World News

Brunei’s Royal Wedding

Brunei came to a halt for a grand royal wedding, featuring Prince Abdul Mateen, the tenth child of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, and Anisha Rosnah. The ceremony took place at Istana Nurul Iman, the world's largest residential palace.

The wedding included a procession through Bandar Seri Begawan, drawing crowds in scorching heat. Prince Mateen, a 32-year-old military officer, is the face of Brunei's royal family, known for his Instagram presence.

Anisha, reportedly an entrepreneur, joined the extravagant royal lifestyle. The sultan's family, known for lavish parties, has a history of grand celebrations, including a $25 million event in 1996.

The wedding festivities began on January 7 with a traditional pre-wedding ceremony, followed by the Islamic solemnization ceremony on January 11. Other ceremonies, like the Berbedak Pengantin Diraja, or “powdering ceremony” – where the groom and bride-to-be are blessed by their close family members who apply a powder paste to their hands before the wedding, also added cultural significance.

The formal wedding on January 15 featured royals from Bhutan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the UAE, along with leaders from neighboring countries. Brunei, a tiny nation rich in oil and gas reserves, gained independence in 1984. The ruling House of Bolkiah is led by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the world's longest-reigning monarch, who holds various government roles.

Mind Stretchers
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Where does today come before yesterday?

Yesterday’s Answer:
Trail Mix 😆 

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