Category Archives: News to use

Useful news for all to advance knowledge of the world and how it works

WHO designates JN.1 as separate COVID-19 variant of interest | CIDRAP

Due to its rapid growth and potential to add to the respiratory virus burden in Northern Hemisphere countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) today designated JN.1, part of the BA.2.86 SARS-CoV-2 lineage, as its own variant of interest.

The announcement came following an assessment from the WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 evolution.

Rapidly rising JN.1 proportions

JN.1, first detected on August 25, contains L455S mutation in the spike protein, compared to the parent BA.2.86 variant. The mutation is thought to enhance JN.1’s immune-evasion capabilities. The WHO had first designated BA.2.86 as a variant under monitoring in August, then in late November upgraded it and its offshoots, including JN.1, as a variant of interest.

Source: WHO designates JN.1 as separate COVID-19 variant of interest | CIDRAP

Texas schools use cultural exchange programs to address teacher shortages | The Texas Tribune

Ilona Cabudsan in front of Aldine ISD's Hambrick Middle School, in Houston, on Dec. 18, 2023.

Ilona Cabudsan, a teacher from the Philippines visiting Texas through a cultural exchange program, teaches English language arts and English as a second language at Aldine ISD’s Hambrick Middle School. Credit: Joseph Bui for The Texas Tribune

Source: Texas schools use cultural exchange programs to address teacher shortages | The Texas Tribune

45 Amazing Photos Capture People Gathering on Christmas Day in the First Half of the 20th Century ~ Vintage Everyday

Two cheerful children posing underneath a tinsel-covered Christmas tree in a middle-class home. They are presenting their Christmas gifts – a rocking horse, two dolls, and a large teddy bear, circa 1952

Source: 45 Amazing Photos Capture People Gathering on Christmas Day in the First Half of the 20th Century ~ Vintage Everyday

Good People Doing Good Things — Holidays Bring Out The Best In People! | Filosofa’s Word

Reed is now a college freshman, but he is coming home this Christmas to participate in the toy drive that was his brainchild seven years ago.  They are estimating 10,000 toys will be distributed this year, and in addition to a special toy, each kid also receives a pair of socks, underwear, trousers, a shirt, gloves, and a hat.

Source: Good People Doing Good Things — Holidays Bring Out The Best In People! | Filosofa’s Word

Life Partner – Kaushal Kishore

 

In fatigue’s grip, when weariness prevails,

Shake limbs and neck, as vitality unveils…

Warm up the vessel, stretch sinews wide,

A dance of rejuvenation, a bodily tide…

*

Engineered divinely, a marvel refined,

Machine of bearings, a workshop’s design…

Creation complex, but response an art,

Self-repair and resilience, a unique part…

*

Unpredictable rigors, perilous feasts,

Body protests as burden increases…

Yet grace endures, servile companion,

Warning whispers, a quiet admonition…

*

Life’s companion, faithful in design,

Subjected to harshness, yet still benign…

Offer love and affection, tender care,

Witness enduring results, a bond so dear…

 

–Kaushal Kishore 

Source: Life Partner – Kaushal Kishore