Good Morning! 🌞 

Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible. Honey's longevity lies in its unique composition, which is naturally low in moisture and highly acidic, making it an inhospitable environment for bacteria and microorganisms. Plus, bees add an enzyme that makes hydrogen peroxide, further contributing to the long shelf life.

Economy

Microsoft Beats Apple

In early 2024, Microsoft surpassed Apple as the world's most valuable company, marking a significant moment in the ongoing rivalry between these two tech giants. Apple has maintained the position of the world's most valuable public company for the majority of the last decade since it first claimed the title in 2011.

This change was not entirely unexpected, as Microsoft's stock had been on the rise, largely attributed to its early investment in generative artificial intelligence, notably through its involvement with OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT.

As of January 2024, Microsoft's market valuation reached $2.859 trillion, briefly peaking at $2.903 trillion during a trading session. In contrast, Apple's market capitalization was at $2.886 trillion, slightly lower due to a 0.3% drop in their shares. This fluctuation in market values was partly due to weakening demand for Apple's products, including the iPhone, particularly in China. Apple was facing stiff competition in this key market, notably from Huawei, and analysts expressed concerns about the company's future performance there.

The shift in market valuation reflects the dynamic nature of the tech industry and the impact of corporate strategies and market perceptions. Currently, innovative technologies like ai seem to be a major deciding factor in where people want to invest their money.

Microsoft has maintained its lead, as of this writing sitting around a $3 trillion market cap, against Apple’s $2.98T. Despite these shifts, both companies remain highly valued, with Apple trading at a forward price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 28, and Microsoft around 31 times forward earnings. Both figures are above their respective 10-year averages, indicating strong market confidence in their future growth and profitability.

World News

Heart-Shaped Geode found in Uruguay

This amethyst crystal, found in the Santa Rosa mine on the Uruguay-Brazil border, is unique among the mass-produced heart-shaped gems popular on Valentine's Day. No carving or polishing was needed; the miners stumbled upon a naturally formed heart inside the amethyst geode.

The quartz geode was discovered during excavation in the rugged basalt terrain of the Catalan area in Artigas. Uruguay Minerals, uncertain about finding anything valuable, split open a rock and uncovered the surprising purple heart on each side.

Marcos Lorenzelli of Uruguay Minerals expressed surprise at finding such a one-of-a-kind gemstone for the first time. The estimated weight is over 150 pounds (80kg) due to the basalt. The matching pair of rocks has already attracted a bid of $120,000.

For those interested, bids can be submitted through the company's website. 

Entertainment

Eddie Van Halen’s Son Shares Moving Tribute

Wolfgang Van Halen, remembered his late father, Eddie Van Halen— guitarist, keyboardist, backing vocalist, and primary songwriter of the rock band Van Halen on Friday, January 26th, what would have been the rocker's 69th birthday. Wolfgang posted a throwback photo of the two along with a heartfelt message expressing his longing for simple moments with his dad.

In the caption, Wolfgang conveyed a desire to share a meal, crack a joke about Eddie turning 69, and experience everyday activities with his father. He expressed missing the small joys of laughter and the ongoing void left by Eddie's absence. Wolfgang pledged to maintain a positive outlook and cherish memories but admitted that the struggle persists daily. The message ended with a simple "Happy Birthday, Pop ❤️." The accompanying photo, likely taken during Wolfgang's touring days with his father in 2007, depicted them both in black shirts, smiling at the camera with Eddie holding his guitar.

Eddie Van Halen passed away at the age of 65 in 2020 after battling throat cancer. Wolfgang, Eddie's only child from his marriage to actress Valerie Bertinelli, has consistently paid tribute to his father since his passing.

Sports

Toronto Raptors' Assist for Hope

Toronto Raptors Head Coach Darko Rajaković and his wife Gaga have announced a donation to the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and a children’s hospital in Belgrade, Serbia (to be disclosed later). They will contribute $20 USD for every assist recorded by the Raptors, retroactive to the start of the 2023-24 campaign, with the total amount distributed to the three hospitals at the end of the season.

Darko Rajaković commented, “As parents, Gaga and I can only empathize with the challenges many families face when their children receive life-threatening diagnoses. We've been inspired by the strength and resilience of the children, families, and staff in the communities we've been a part of and offer our full support in any way possible.”

SickKids, based in Toronto, is Canada's most research-intensive hospital, dedicated to improving children's health. St. Jude, a research hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, is a preferred partner of the NBA Coaches Association and recently hosted the Raptors as special guests.

The Raptors currently hold a 27-game streak (Nov. 28 - Jan. 22) of 25+ assists per game, the NBA's longest active streak and the fourth longest in a single season.

Mind Stretchers

⁉️ 

I have four wings, but cannot fly, I never laugh and never cry;
On the same spot I'm always found, toiling away with little sound.
What am I?

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
A Lawsuit 😂 

No one managed to guess this one today. But Linda Runatz had some pretty funny ones including “A bald head”, “A hard life”, and “A much needed dentist appointment”.

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected] or reply to the email.

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.