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Celestial December: Here Are All the Stargazing Events You Don't Want to Miss This Month
The skies will be ablaze with activity this December, so mark your calendars for some spectacular celestial events. The Geminid Meteor Shower will peak on the nights of December 13 and 14, and the Ursid Meteor Shower will peak on the nights of December 17 to 23. December 21 is the Winter Solstice, the last day of autumn and the longest night of the year. This will also be an excellent time to see Mercury, as it rises to its highest point in the sky this year, and is farthest away from sunset.
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A Generous Tip Brought This Waitress to Tears: "Hope Your Life Is Filled With Happiness"
A Sunday shift at DaVinci’s in Williamstown, West Virginia, turned extraordinary for waitress Manhattan Deming when two customers left her a $2,000 tip. Deming, who has been with the restaurant since February, was serving a couple who took an interest in her life story. “I told them about my daughter and how I have goals,” Deming said. “They asked me if I had goals and I said of course I’d love to be a nurse one day.” The conversation led to an unexpected act of generosity. When the couple handed her the receipt, she was stunned by what she saw. “He said that says $2,000,” Deming recalled. “I broke down right there. I couldn’t hold it in.” Deming balances work with raising her 3-year-old daughter, Journey. Challenges like spotty cell service make it difficult to check on her child during shifts, and financial constraints have delayed her nursing aspirations. “It gives me a whole new perspective,” she said of the tip. “They’ve really inspired me... to begin achieving my goals and bettering my daughter and my life.” Before joining DaVinci’s, Deming worked as a Patient Care Technician but left due to scheduling conflicts after becoming a mother. Now, buoyed by this unexpected windfall, she plans to return to school and pursue nursing. “This is a blessing,” she said. “It’s going to help me with rent, bills, clothes for my daughter—just a cushion while I work toward school.” Chris Bender, owner of DaVinci’s, praised Deming's rapport with customers: “She just seems to interact really well.” For Deming, the generous tip is more than money; it's hope renewed. “To the couple that came in here and blessed me like that, I hope that your life is filled with nothing but happiness and good things,” she said.
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MLB Stadiums Serve Grand Slam Dishes Beyond Traditional Ballpark Fare
From a towering 26-inch burrito in Texas to a birthday cake milkshake in Chicago, Major League Baseball stadiums are serving up more than just home runs this season. At Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers, chef Cris Vasquez and his team of 180 cooks prepare for game day by firing up eight kitchens to serve 42,000 meals. The standout dish? BBQ brisket and pulled pork smoked on-site. "People like to eat," Vasquez said. "They want to see something different at a ballpark." The Rangers pioneered viral food items with their 24-inch Boomstick hot dog in 2012, selling over 100 per game. This year’s star is the Boomstick Burrito—a massive 26-inch creation filled with taco meat, rice, beans, cheese, and more for $36. "I didn't think it's gonna be this big," laughed fan Mary Ellen Sorrell. Stadium concessions are big business as fans spend an average of $75 on food and drinks per MLB game. Reid Walker summed it up: "You only come to the game every once in a while... might as well go big." Lou Piuggi from Delaware North oversees food service at ten major league parks and says signature dishes keep fans engaged. New offerings include the San Diego Padres' "lob dog" topped with grilled lobster and the Milwaukee Brewers' brat flight. In Chicago, the White Sox may have struggled last season but hit it out of the park with their campfire milkshake. This year marks their 125th anniversary with a birthday cake milkshake alongside unique menu items like the El Diablo Korean dog wrapped in Flamin' Hot Cheetos.
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Score (95)
He Once Topped the Charts—Now, He’s Leading His Hometown
Howard Smith, former drummer of The Vapors, has been elected mayor of Guildford, a town in England where he grew up. Smith will serve until May 2026, succeeding Sallie Barker. "It's a real thrill to be mayor of your hometown," Smith said. Howard gained fame with The Vapors when their hit "Turning Japanese" reached No. 3 on the UK singles chart in 1980 and topped charts in Australia. The band also toured the U.S. and performed alongside Surrey rock band The Jam. "It was a fantastic experience and I'm very proud of what we managed to achieve as a band," Smith told the BBC. After his music career, Smith worked for the Performing Rights Society (now PRS for Music) in London before returning to Guildford nearly two decades ago. He ran a record shop there for eight years and continues to promote local gigs despite the shop's closure. Smith ventured into politics by volunteering for the Labour Party and stood as its candidate in Guildford during the 2017 general election, finishing third. In 2023, he was elected as a borough councillor for Westborough ward. "As with most people, you see what's going on in politics in the country and sometimes you find yourself getting frustrated and shouting at the TV or something," he said. As mayor, Smith plans to support local organizations like Guildford Shakespeare Company and Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care Charity. He is also backing Cheryl King Trust's music lesson bursaries charity due to its personal significance. "Music has been my whole thing since I was a kid watching Top of the Pops," he said. Though The Vapors re-formed in 2016, Smith chose not to rejoin due to his political commitments and family life, but says he maintains good relations with his former bandmates.
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This Space Agency Just Installed 24 Cameras to Hunt New Worlds Beyond Earth
The European Space Agency (ESA) is making significant strides toward launching its groundbreaking spacecraft, Plato, designed to search for terrestrial planets beyond our solar system. With the recent installation of 24 out of its 26 cameras, the mission is nearing a crucial milestone. Plato, short for PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars, will employ its array of cameras to study exoplanets orbiting sun-like stars. The mission aims to measure these planets' sizes and identify potential exomoons and rings. By analyzing subtle variations in starlight, Plato will also provide insights into the characteristics of host stars. Currently under assembly at OHB in Germany, Plato's sensitive "eyes" are almost complete. "This activity is one of the most critical in building the satellite," said Thomas Walloschek, ESA's Plato project manager. "The cameras are delicate elements that must be attached to the spacecraft’s supporting structure with great accuracy." Scheduled for launch in 2026, Plato will enter a halo orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrange point-2 (L2). Its camera setup includes four groups of six cameras each, offset by an angle of 9.2 degrees. This configuration allows it to survey over 2000 square degrees of sky simultaneously. Each camera captures images every 25 seconds, with two additional "fast" cameras snapping every 2.5 seconds. Equipped with four CCD light sensors per camera, they produce images totaling two billion pixels—the largest ever for a space mission.
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Making Waves: Visually Impaired Kids Dive Into Swimming For Inclusion In Nigeria
In Lagos, Nigeria, a group of visually impaired children is making waves, literally and figuratively. Despite the country's extensive waterways, swimming remains an uncommon skill, especially among children. However, efforts are underway to change that narrative. Swim coach Emeka Chuks-Nnadi has launched "Swim in 1 Day Africa," a program designed to teach swimming to children with disabilities. "I realized that people living with disabilities are not getting the right therapies and swimming," Chuks-Nnadi said. "Swimming in 1 Day is all about closing the gap and making it something that people living with disability can also enjoy because it really gives them a better quality of life." The initiative aims to break down barriers in a country where structured swimming education is scarce and cultural beliefs often discourage interaction with water bodies. According to the World Health Organization, over 200,000 people drown globally each year, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. Chuks-Nnadi emphasizes the transformative power of swimming for these children. "The impact is direct and it’s immediate," he said. "There is a huge transformation that happens." For participants like Fikayo Adodo, 14, the benefits extend beyond physical skills. “Swimming has taught me a lot; it has actually helped me a lot,” Adodo said. Boluwatife Oladimeji, 10, echoed this sentiment: “I was happy when I learned how to swim because I thought I could never do it.” In addition to boosting confidence and courage among its young swimmers, the program offers hope for safer futures in flood-prone regions. Today’s lessons are more than just survival skills—they’re building blocks for hope and belonging.
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Bill Gates Pledges To Donate Nearly All His Wealth By 2045
Bill Gates, the billionaire co-founder of Microsoft, has announced a bold plan to donate nearly his entire fortune by 2045. With an estimated wealth of $108 billion, Gates says he aims to give away around $200 billion through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to support the world's poor. Despite being named the richest person on earth by Forbes for several years until 2018, Gates now ranks as the 13th richest individual globally. His pledge comes at a critical time when governments, particularly in the United States, have significantly reduced funding for humanitarian aid. These cuts have jeopardized public health, education, and social programs worldwide. In February 2025, Gates acknowledged that while his foundation cannot solve all global issues alone, it will strive to make a significant impact. "The need of course is far greater than what we can do," he said. "But we'll be showing that we're doing the most we can and give a lot of predictability to the field." Gates made this announcement on the 25th anniversary of his foundation's creation with then-wife Melinda in 2000. He revealed plans to accelerate his wealth donation process and stated that once 99 percent of his fortune is spent, the foundation will close its doors. By committing such vast resources over two decades, Gates says he hopes to provide stability and predictability in addressing global challenges.
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This New ‘World Cup of Healing’ Aims to Improve Maternal Health Through Soccer
As Mother's Day approaches, a new initiative is set to harness the passion of soccer fans to improve maternal health. Former professional soccer player Morad Fareed has launched FC Mother, a community platform that connects expectant and new mothers with support networks through their love of football. This innovative approach aims to transform global football clubs into platforms for public health improvement, a concept Fareed calls "H-sports," or healing sports. "We unified the world of maternal health and used football as a vehicle to distribute it, celebrate it, and gamify it," said Fareed. The organization is introducing the "World Cup of Healing," a competition that tracks health outcomes among participating women based on their soccer fandom. Mothers can access services via the FC Mother platform and participate in well-being surveys. Their progress contributes to team success. FC Mother has garnered support from researchers at Harvard Medical School and Harvard’s School of Public Health, along with team doctors from Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Arsenal FC. The initial 60-day competition begins Sunday and coincides with the FIFA Club World Cup Final in July. It features three Brazilian football clubs competing against three U.S.-based teams: San Diego FC, Gotham FC, and Omaha Union. Team USA's coach is Jennie Joseph, founder of Commonsense Childbirth and recognized by Time magazine as Woman of the Year in 2022 for her work improving maternal mortality rates. Fareed's goal is to demonstrate that community-driven maternal health initiatives can enhance quality-adjusted life-years (QUALYs) for mothers and children. While medical treatment remains with clinicians, research shows that strong social support can significantly improve perinatal mental health. "The social determinants of health are the next frontier," said Fareed. "It's about community interactions driving stress levels and emotional wellbeing." FC Mother plans to expand its reach by involving more football clubs during the 2026 World Cup.
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Why This WNBA Legend Became the First Director of the USA Women's National Team
Sue Bird, a WNBA legend and five-time Olympic gold medalist, has been appointed as the first managing director of the USA Women’s National Basketball Team. Announced Thursday, Bird's new role involves selecting American coaches and players for major international competitions. "I'm excited," Bird shared on NBC's "TODAY" show. "Obviously, as a player, I was able to represent our country, so (now) to do it in this position as well." Bird will oversee U.S. teams for upcoming international tournaments including next year's FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Her appointment marks a historic moment as she becomes the first person to hold this position in nearly 50 years of the team's history. "It’s a huge honor to be named managing director of USA Basketball’s Women’s National Team," Bird said in a statement. "Representing the United States has been one of the greatest privileges of my life." Team USA is renowned for its dominance in women’s basketball with 10 Olympic gold medals and 11 world titles. However, recent games have shown that maintaining this legacy requires precision; last year they narrowly defeated France 67-66 at the Olympics. "Everybody who takes this job is in a no win (situation)," Bird told NBC News. "The pressure is always there for USA Basketball." USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley praised Bird's leadership skills and her extensive experience on the court. Bird retired from professional play in 2022 after an illustrious career with four WNBA championships and numerous accolades. Despite her busy schedule post-retirement, she remains deeply connected to basketball through various roles including podcasting and team ownership. "You know, retirement was boring," she joked on "TODAY.
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This Iconic Hotel is Set for a Luxurious Revival—Here's How
Budapest's iconic Hotel Gellért, a symbol of architectural grandeur since 1918, is set for a remarkable revival. Overlooking the River Danube, this Art Nouveau masterpiece has hosted royals and celebrities but closed in 2019 after years of wear. Now, under the stewardship of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, the Gellért will reopen in 2027, blending its storied past with modern luxury. "We strive to make international guests feel they are walking into a story much bigger than themselves," said Zoltán Kecskeméthy, managing director of BDPST Real Estate Development. Originally designed by Hungarian architects Ármin Hegedűs, Artúr Sebestyén and Izidor Sterk, the hotel was ahead of its time with features like in-room telephones and piped thermal water. It became a hub for high society by the 1930s, attracting figures such as Richard Nixon and Elizabeth Taylor. The restoration project aims to preserve these historical elements while introducing contemporary touches like a rooftop sky bar. British design studio Alexander Waterworth Interiors and Hungarian firm Archikon Architects are leading the efforts to restore spaces like the lobby and Gobelin Room using archival photographs. "The Gellért has always been a symbol of Budapest," said Gábor Zsigmond from the Hungarian National Museum. The hotel will continue to emphasize its cultural heritage while offering modern luxury services through its partnership with Mandarin Oriental. As it prepares for its next chapter, Hotel Gellért is poised to reclaim its place at the heart of Budapest’s social life. "We want our restaurants to be places locals love," Kecskeméthy added. The revival promises to honor tradition while embracing innovation for future generations.
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A Garden Chat With Ringo Starr Prepped This Actor For His Beatles Role
Barry Keoghan recently had a memorable encounter with Ringo Starr, whom he will portray in an upcoming series of Beatles biopics. During an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" Keoghan shared details of his first meeting with the legendary drummer at Starr's home. The two spent time chatting in the garden, and Starr even treated Keoghan to a private drum performance. "He asked me to play but I wasn’t playing the drums for Ringo," Keoghan said, describing the experience as one where he was "just in awe." Despite initial nerves that left him unable to look directly at Starr, Keoghan eventually relaxed enough to observe and absorb Starr's mannerisms for his role. "My job is to observe and take in all kinds of mannerisms and study him," Keoghan explained. "I want to humanize him and bring feelings to him and not just sort of imitate." Ringo Starr previously expressed enthusiasm about Keoghan's casting during an interview with Entertainment Tonight’s Kevin Frazier, noting it was "great" that Keoghan got the part. The biopics are directed by Sam Mendes and will explore The Beatles' story from each band member’s perspective. Sony Pictures Entertainment announced last month that Harris Dickinson will play John Lennon, Paul Mescal will portray Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn will take on George Harrison, alongside Keoghan as Starr. Sony executive Tom Rothman described the films as “the first bingeable theatrical experience,” set for release in April 2028.