Happy Monday!

As we bid farewell to November, here's a little trivia: November got its name from the Latin word "novem," meaning "nine," as it was the ninth month in the ancient Roman calendar.

November, despite its name is now the eleventh month of the year. Why the confusion? Blame it on the Romans and their early calendar shuffles.

The month of July was re-named for Julius Caesar shortly after his death. While August got its name from the esteemed Augustus Caesar. To make room for these two important figures, poor November got pushed back a few months, but held onto its original name.

Economy

From Red to Black: The True Story Behind Black Friday

Black Friday has emerged as the undisputed kickoff to the festive spending season. But beyond the chaos of crowded malls and discount-hungry shoppers lies a fascinating history rooted in the strategic origins of turning red ink to black on retailers' balance sheets.

The term "Black Friday" traces its roots back to the 1960s in Philadelphia, where police officers used it to describe the traffic chaos and disruptive crowds that accompanied the post-Thanksgiving shopping frenzy. Over time, the negative connotations gave way to a more positive association with profitability.

Traditionally, companies recorded losses in red ink and profits in black on their accounting ledgers. Black Friday marked the point in the year when many retailers transitioned from operating in the red to achieving profitability.

As the years went by, Black Friday evolved into a highly anticipated event not only for businesses but also for consumers seeking unbeatable deals. The tradition of offering significant discounts on this day became a mutually beneficial strategy. Companies, having achieved profitability, could afford to slash prices, enticing a larger customer base and fostering loyalty.

The synergy between turning a profit and offering substantial discounts has become a hallmark of Black Friday.  

Entertainment

Celebs Give a Happy Thanksgiving Dinner to L.A.'s Homeless

Celebrities, including Nick Cannon, Danny Trejo, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Denise Richards, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and more gathered at the L.A. Mission to lend a hand in distributing Thanksgiving dinners. This annual event, aimed at providing comfort to the homeless and those in need on Thanksgiving, is a commendable effort.

The L.A. Mission served over 3,000 lbs of turkey, 700 lbs of mashed potatoes, 800 lbs of green beans, and 600 pies, ensuring a hearty meal for those attending. Additionally, the mission distributed 650 Bibles, 1,400 blankets, and 1,200 tarps as part of their ongoing efforts to offer support and assistance to those facing challenges. Seeing celebrities do some good, hands-on charity work is very refreshing!

World News

First-ever World of Frozen opens at Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland launched the first-ever "Frozen" themed park. “World of Frozen”, located on Lantau Island, brings to life the fictional kingdom of Arendelle with key elements from the hit movies.

The immersive attraction features two rides, interactive character interactions, and Norwegian-inspired architecture. Despite facing challenges elsewhere, Disney's international theme parks, particularly in Asia, continue to thrive. World of Frozen in Hong Kong aims to tap on the regional interest in the franchise.

The park's unique features include free-roaming cast members and a wandering band instead of scheduled shows. The architecture and design draw inspiration from Norway, offering visitors an immersive experience. The culinary offerings at the park’s “Golden Crocus Inn” features Norwegian cuisine, and the park is illuminated at night with Elsa's "Ice Magic." The World of Frozen is included with a ticket to Hong Kong Disneyland, with special "Frozen" themed ticket designs.

Environment

National Geographic’s Top Photos of the Year.

Annually, National Geographic photographers worldwide capture stories that offer new insights, with photo editors curating a selection from their collection based on visual impact and emotional resonance.

This year, 160 National Geographic photographers, covering every continent, submitted a whopping 2.1 million images. Out of this vast pool, 29 images were chosen for PICTURES OF THE YEAR 2023.

“These images are more than just visually striking—they narrate a story and unveil something that prompts a new perspective on the world,” emphasized National Geographic Editor-in-Chief Nathan Lump.

From venomous sea kraits in Palau to monarchs wintering in Mexico, the PICTURES OF THE YEAR 2023 offer a glimpse into seldom-seen subjects and moments.

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.

Mind Stretchers

• What occurs once in a minute, twice in a moment, and never in 1,000 years?

• Throw away the outside and cook the inside, then eat the outside and throw away the inside. What is it?

• What word is pronounced the same if you take away four of its five letters?

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
An hourglass - it has thousands if not millions of sand in it ;)