What a way to kick off 2025 šŸ˜”

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Could this be the new COVID?

China is currently dealing with a mysterious viral outbreak, linked to human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

Yemi wth does that even mean?

Human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, is not newā€”it was first identified in 2001. The virus typically causes mild respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, and fatigue. However, it can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia and bronchitis, particularly in vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

HMPV spreads through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces, making it highly contagious in crowded spaces. There is currently no vaccine or targeted antiviral treatment for the virus, and care involves managing symptoms.

Northern China has seen a significant spike in HMPV cases this winter, especially among children under 14. Some have likened this to the chaotic early days of COVID-19 in Wuhan. However, officials claim the outbreak is seasonal and manageable.

Chinaā€™s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (NCDPA) has launched a pilot program to monitor pneumonia cases of unknown origin.

So Trump wants the US toā€¦BUYā€¦ā€¦GREENLAND?? šŸ™„

So um, president-elect Trump has reignited his fascination with Greenland. According to him, itā€™s a must-have for Americaā€™s economic and strategic security. Greenland sits right between North America and Europe, making it a critical vantage point for missile defence systems and potentially monitoring Russian military activity. Add to this the islandā€™s deposits of rare earth mineralsā€”key to the green energy revolution and tech manufacturingā€”and itā€™s clear why Trump is interested. With China dominating the rare earths market, securing Greenland could help the U.S. reduce its dependency on imports and increase its control over these critical resources.

Youā€™re probably wondering if this is even possible????

Thing is, there isnā€™t quite a straightforward answer to this. Legally and diplomatically, buying a whole ass country is a bit of a longshot, especially in this day and age. Greenland is an autonomous territory under the Kingdom of Denmark, with its own government and the ability to make key decisions. Danish officials were quick to dismiss Trumpā€™s earlier proposal as ā€œabsurd,ā€ and Greenlandic leaders have firmly stated the island is not for sale. Beyond the legal barriers, the people of Greenland have no interest in being ā€œpurchased.ā€ The idea of a sale would clash with their growing push for independence from Denmark.

Hey Siri, give me money! šŸ¤–

If youā€™ve always thought Siri has been spying on you, thereā€™s a good chance you were right!

Back in 2019, a lawsuit was filed against Apple, alleging that they had been listening in on conversations from ā€œaccidental activationsā€œ and sharing its contents with advertisers. This in turn resulted in users being served ads relating to topics that had been discussed.

Sound familiar? šŸ‘€

According to the Lopez v. Apple class action suit, Apple hasnā€™t admitted to any wrongdoing but has agreed to a $95 million settlement.

The suit covers most ā€œHey Siriā€ enabled devices from September 2014 to December 2024

According to Reuters, beneficiaries are expected to receive up to $20 per Siri-enabled device - up to a cumulative $100 per household. Then again, this is all dependent on the terms of the settlement, which havenā€™t yet been disclosed.

šŸ”¦ LOOK WHAT I FOUND

The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass - What if there. was a way to visit over 2,000 recreational sites FOR FREEā€¦.FOR LIFE!!

If youā€™re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has been medically diagnosed with a permanent disability (yeah, neurodivergence counts too), you may be eligible for this pass. The pass also. provides holders a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees (such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours) at select sites. You can learn more here.

Wikenigma - an Encyclopedia of Unknowns - Itā€™s basically Wikipedia but for things we donā€™t know or havenā€™t quite figured out yet. So. If. you enjoy going down rabbit holes, this might be one to hop into. Check it out here

āœØ OPPORTUNITIES

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Listen to and save the entire playlist on Spotify

Thatā€™s it for today gang. See you in the next one!

- Yemi šŸ’„

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