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Unlike scores of people who for the blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight in recent years, Danielle Griffin had no trouble getting them. The 38-year-old information technology worker from New Mexico had a prescription. Her pharmacy had the drugs in stock. And her covered all but $25 to $50 of the monthly cost. For Griffin, the hardest part of using the new drugs wasn’t access. It was finding out that the didn’t really work for her. “I have been on Wegovy for a year and a half and have only lost 13 pounds,” said Griffin, who watches her diet, drinks plenty of water and exercises regularly. “I’ve done everything right with no success. It’s discouraging.” In clinical trials, most participants taking Wegovy or Mounjaro to treat obesity lost an average of 15% to 22% of their body weight — up to 50 pounds or more in many cases. But roughly 10% to 15% of patients in those trials were “nonresponders” who lost less than 5% of their body weight. Now that millions of people have used the drugs, several obesity experts told The Associated Press that perhaps 20% of patients — as many as 1 in 5 — may not respond well to the medications. It’s a little-known consequence of the obesity drug boom, according to doctors who caution eager patients not to expect one-size-fits-all results. “It’s all about explaining that different people have different responses,” said Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity expert at Massachusetts General Hospital The drugs are known as GLP-1 receptor agonists because they mimic a hormone in the body known as glucagon-like peptide 1. Genetics, hormones and variability in how the brain regulates energy can all influence weight — and a person’s response to the drugs, Stanford said. Medical conditions such as sleep apnea can prevent weight loss, as can certain common medications, such as antidepressants, steroids and contraceptives. “This is a disease that stems from the brain,” said Stanford. “The dysfunction may not be the same” from patient to patient. Despite such cautions, patients are often upset when they start getting the weekly injections but the numbers on the scale barely budge. “It can be devastating,” said Dr. Katherine Saunders, an obesity expert at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-founder of the obesity treatment company FlyteHealth. “With such high expectations, there’s so much room for disappointment.” That was the case for Griffin, who has battled obesity since childhood and hoped to shed 70 pounds using Wegovy. The drug helped reduce her appetite and lowered her risk of diabetes, but she saw little change in weight. “It’s an emotional roller coaster,” she said. “You want it to work like it does for everybody else.” The medications are along with eating behavior and lifestyle changes. It’s usually clear within weeks whether someone will respond to the drugs, said Dr. Jody Dushay, an endocrine specialist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Weight loss typically begins right away and continues as the dosage increases. For some patients, that just doesn’t happen. For others, side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea force them to halt the medications, Dushay said. In such situations, patients who were counting on the new drugs to pare pounds may think they’re out of options. “I tell them: It’s not game over,” Dushay said. Trying a different version of the new class of drugs may help. Griffin, who didn’t respond well to Wegovy, has started using Zepbound, which targets an additional hormone pathway in the body. After three months of using the drug, she has lost 7 pounds. “I’m hoping it’s slow and steady,” she said. Other people respond well to older drugs, the experts said. Changing diet, exercise, sleep and stress habits can also have profound effects. Figuring out what works typically requires a doctor trained to treat obesity, Saunders noted. “Obesity is such a complex disease that really needs to be treated very comprehensively,” she said. “If what we’re prescribing doesn’t work, we always have a backup plan.” ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Jonel Aleccia, The Associated Press
How Trump Could Solve One of AI’s Biggest Problems – And How to Profit...Need help with NYT Connections Game #555? Explore hints, solutions, and strategies for December 17’s puzzle. Solve with confidence using this guide! NYT Connections: Game #555 hints and answers for December 17, 2024: Are you having issues with NYT Connexions right now? Don’t worry, here are some tips to help you get through it! For this exercise, you have to select four groups of sixteen words each, each with a different level of difficulty. The procedure is gradual and cautious. Every step you take makes it a little more difficult. Here’s how to make it happen: Because of this, you may begin with the easier stages and progress to the more difficult ones. The green, blue, and purple ones are the hardest, while the yellow one is one of the easiest. Although today’s job isn’t very challenging, it does call for focus and a thorough comprehension of social dynamics. Avoid making rash decisions without giving them enough thought. Although I won’t go into too much detail, the following advice should get you going. Have fun and keep in mind that travelling to a different place for a holiday is quite appropriate. NYT Connections Puzzle Hints for December 17 If you think you can handle it, keep reading. Try using one of the following words to start each category: YELLOW – GRIT GREEN – ARTERY BLUE – CONSTRUCTION PURPLE – CARPET NYT Connections Clues for December 17 (#555) Yellow Category: INTREPIDITY Green Category: ROAD Blue Category: KINDS OF PAPER Purple Category: KINDS OF TENNIS COURTS NYT Connections Hints for December 17 (#555) YELLOW – Words that represent courage and inner strength. GREEN – Different kinds of roads and streets that form a city’s layout. BLUE – Paper varieties commonly used for various purposes. PURPLE – Types of surfaces found on tennis courts, each with distinct characteristics. Don’t give up if you’ve tried everything; there’s always another method to find the answers. Examples of contemporary solutions that utilise the NYT Connexions include the following: NYT Connections Answers for December 17 (#555) Yellow Category: GRIT, HEART, NERVE, PLUCK Green Category: ARTERY, AVENUE, DRAG, DRIVE Blue Category: CONSTRUCTION, GRAPH, TISSUE, WAX Purple Category: CARPET, CLAY, GRASS, HARD Click for more latest Gaming news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Pragya is an accomplished journalist known for in-depth reporting and a keen eye for detail. Delivers insightful and well-researched content that informs and engages readers.
Arizona’s only surf park opens up in MesaFirst downs and second guesses: Volleyball season in Nebraska isn’t over. In fact, it’s just beginning. On Monday the Omaha Supernovas announced their draft class, including Creighton All-America Kendra Wait and Nebraska’s Lindsay Krause. They join former Husker Ally Batenhorst, Briana Holman and Kayla Caffey on the roster of the defending Pro Volleyball Federation champions. A couple hours later, the Love Volleyball League announced the signing of its “LOVB 6,” a rookie class that includes Lexi Rodriguez (Omaha) Jess Mruzik (Houston), Sarah Franklin (Madison), Sophie Fischer (Salt Lake), One Ofoegbu (Atlanta), and Madisen Skinner (Austin). Rodriguez joins a LOVB Omaha roster that already is loaded with local star power in Jordan Larson, Justine-Wong-Orantes, Madi Kubik, Lauren Stivrins and Jaali Winters. People are also reading... New director transitioning to role at community food pantry Beatrice man pleads guilty to receiving child sex abuse images Former Beatrice man sentenced for sex assault of runaway Sex offender arrested for not reporting change in employment At the courthouse, Dec. 21, 2024 Is John Dutton real? Meet the powerful rancher seemingly inspiring the 'Yellowstone' legend Gage County says board had authority to deny permit for broadband provider Commendations given to Beatrice Police Zitel pleads not guilty to sex assault, child abuse charges How former Nebraska quarterback Daniel Kaelin landed with Virginia football Meyn, charged in death of 4-month-old, has case continued to March At the courthouse, Dec. 14, 2024 Nebraska volleyball libero Lexi Rodriguez signs with LOVB's Omaha team As Brenda Lee turns 80, the Christmas song she sang as a teen is a holiday staple Matt Rhule and Nebraska football plan Pinstripe Bowl practice in Central Park Is this town big enough for two pro volleyball teams? We’ll find out in a few weeks. The Supernovas open their season on Jan. 10 at the CHI Health Center. Two weeks later, on Jan 24., Omaha LOVB (team name?) opens its inaugural season at Liberty Credit Union First Arena (Ralston), where it will play four matches and two more at Baxter Arena. The level of play in both leagues will be incredible. But are there enough fans to go around? The “Novas” averaged 9,656 fans last year in 12 matches at the CHI Health Center. They led the rest of the teams by a lot. Now add local heroes Wait, Krause and Batenhorst and attendance should improve. But what if fans also want to go see Larson, Rodriguez, Stivrins and Winters, along with familiar opponents like Franklin and Mruzik? How will it all play out? Apparently, LOVB’s pockets run deep. For old San Diego Chargers fans like myself and John Cook, an easy comparison is the National Football League and American Football League wars in the 1960’s. Which resulted in the creation of the Super Bowl and then a merger. This winter should be a blast. But I can already see a couple of questions that might need asking come April. Shouldn’t these two pro volleyball leagues have a championship series at the end? Wouldn’t a merger be the best possible thing for the sport of volleyball? See you next month, ladies. I can still sense a Nebraska volleyball hangover with Husker fans. That’s the impact that team had on folks. Those ladies reached in and grabbed them by the heart. It was an incredible ride and they celebrated all the joys. But that pain at the end is going to leave a mark. The four College Football Playoff quarter final match-ups look terrific. Like, get-me-to-a-TV on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 terrific. So, is eight the right number? Don't give up on 12 yet. I still like 12. I’m a brand name sports guy. I like watching the big boys battle for championships. But I also want the non-brands, the little guys, in there. Underdogs bring a lot to the postseason. They bring the "what if" factor. What if the long shot gets on a roll? That's why we watch. You wouldn't just want a playoff with all SEC and Big Ten teams would you? That's not a national championship. The first-round blowouts weren’t good. But it happens, and it happened in the four-team playoff era. But one day there will be upsets, too. Football can't be basketball. But upsets are the magic in the NCAA tournament. When the field was announced, I thought Indiana and SMU belonged. A loss on an opponent's home field can't change that. Alabama’s problem was its loss to Oklahoma. And who would have imagined that OU would drag mighty Bama out of the playoff? I’m real tired of the SEC whining. It just hurts more. Hey, you guys wanted OU and Texas. You got ‘em. There has been arguing and debates over college football's national champion forever. Expansion to 12 was never going to change that. Until the college game goes to 32 teams and puts them into divisions, ala the NFL, with equal scheduling, there's going to be arguing. I would only change one thing with the first weekend: no first-round byes. The campus atmospheres were fabulous. Give me more of ‘em. One of the great things about the transfer portal is when an athlete settles in and makes the community better. Creighton senior Steven Ashworth is doing that. Ashworth is headlining a local charitable initiative called “Light The World.” The unique project features vending machines, or “Giving Machines,” which are located in Westroads Mall near Von Maur. The machines offer items (10 Blankets for $50 for a homeless shelter) that people can swipe a credit card and donate the item of their choice. The machines will be at Westroads until Dec. 31. Ashworth and a group of Creighton athletes from men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball will be at Westroads on Dec. 28 between 5-8 p.m., to visit and sign autographs. Bill Belichick is used to coaching the best of the best. The majority of college football players are not NFL players. They work hard, and they can make mistakes. Belichick will recruit well at North Carolina, but he’s not going to have an NFL roster. There are going to be mistakes. How will he deal with that? I bet this caught Belichick’s attention: Tulane redshirt quarterback Darian Mensah hit the portal and wound up at Duke. According to CBS Sports, Mensah received an NIL deal at Duke reportedly worth $8 million over two years. When did North Carolina and Duke start spending like Ohio State and Alabama for football? The New Year is upon us. I’m taking nominations for top sports stories in 2024. Send them my way this week. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Call scheduled for 9 AM ET on Thursday, December 12, 2024 KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Graphjet Technology ("Graphjet” or "the Company”) (Nasdaq:GTI), a leading developer of patented technologies to produce graphite and graphene directly from agricultural waste, today announced that management will host a webcast and conference call to provide a business update at 9 AM ET on Thursday, December 12, 2024. A live webcast of the call will be available by clicking here . Please log in approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Participants may also access the call by dialing (877) 407-9208 for domestic callers or (201) 493-6784 for international callers. A replay of the call will be available for two weeks by dialing (844) 512-2921 for domestic callers or (412) 317-6671 for international callers and using Conference ID: 13750405. The archived webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website. About Graphjet Technology Sdn. Bhd. Graphjet Technology Sdn. Bhd. (Nasdaq: GTI) was founded in 2019 in Malaysia as an innovative graphene and graphite producer. Graphjet Technology has the world's first patented technology to recycle palm kernel shells generated in the production of palm seed oil to produce single layer graphene and artificial graphite. Graphjet's sustainable production methods utilizing palm kernel shells, a waste agricultural product that is common in Malaysia, will set a new shift in graphite and graphene supply chain of the world. For more information, please visit https://www.graphjettech.com/ . Graphjet Technology Contacts Investors [email protected] Media [email protected]Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein leaves game with left leg injury against Louisville
The 50-year-old executive was shot at about 6.45am as he walked alone to the New York Hilton Midtown from a nearby hotel, police said. The gunman appeared to be “lying in wait for several minutes” before approaching Mr Thompson from behind and opening fire, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. Police have not yet established a motive. “Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target,” Ms Tisch said, adding that the shooting “does not appear to be a random act of violence”. Mr Thompson was struck at least once in the back and once in the calf, Ms Tisch said. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The suspect, dressed in a hooded sweatshirt and carrying a grey backpack, then fled on foot down an alleyway before pedalling an e-bike into Central Park a few blocks away. The shooter was at large, sparking a search that included police drones, helicopters and dogs. “We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare,” the insurer’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, said in a statement. “Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” the company said. “We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.” Police issued a poster showing a surveillance image of the suspect pointing what appeared to be a gun and another image that appeared to show the same person on a bicycle. Police offered a reward of up to 10,000 US dollars (£7,860) for information leading to an arrest and conviction. The killing shook a part of New York City that is normally quiet at that hour, happening about four blocks from where tens of thousands of people are set to gather on Wednesday night for the annual Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree lighting. Mr Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that the executive told her “there were some people that had been threatening him”. She said she did not have details, but suggested they may have involved issues with insurance coverage. UnitedHealthcare is the insurance arm of the health care giant UnitedHealth Group. The group was holding its annual meeting with investors to update Wall Street on the company’s direction and expectations for the coming year. The company ended the conference early in the wake of Mr Thompson’s death. “I’m afraid that we – some of you may know we’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members,” a company official told attendees, according to a transcript. “And as a result, I’m afraid we’re going to have to bring to a close the event today. I’m sure you’ll understand.” Mr Thompson, a father of two sons, had been with the company since 2004 and served as chief executive for more than three years. UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the US and manages health insurance coverage for employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programmes. Minnesota governor Tim Walz posted on the social platform X that the state is “sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team”. “This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota,” the Democrat wrote.
Santa Cruz (California), Dec 24 (AP) Two people were rescued and a third swam to safety after a California pier under construction partially collapsed and fell into the ocean Monday as the state's central coast was pounded by heavy surf from a major storm expected to bring hurricane-force winds to the seas off the Pacific Northwest, authorities said. Residents were warned to stay away from low-lying areas near the beaches around the Santa Cruz Wharf, about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of San Francisco, as the storm rapidly gained strength. Also Read | Sheikh Hasina Extradition: Bangladesh Requests India To Extradite Former Prime Minister; New Delhi Confirms Communication. “You are risking your life, and those of the people that would need to try and save you by getting in or too close to the water,” the National Weather Service's Bay Area office said on the social platform X. Lifeguards rescued two people from the water, officials with Santa Cruz Fire Department said. No one had serious injuries, Mayor Fred Keeley said. Also Read | Brian Thompson Murder Case: Luigi Mangione Pleads Not Guilty to State Murder, Other Charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Death. The mayor said the section of the wharf that collapsed had been damaged over time. The structure was in the middle of a $4 million renovation following destructive storms last winter. “It's a catastrophe for those down at the end of the wharf," said David Johnston, owner of Venture Quest Kayaking, who was allowed onto the pier to check on his business. Tony Elliot, the head of the Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department, estimated that about 150 feet (45 meters) of the end of the wharf fell into the water around 12:45 p.m. It was immediately evacuated and will remain closed indefinitely. Some of the wharf's pilings are still in the ocean and remain “serious, serious hazards” to boats, the mayor said. Each piling weighs hundreds of pounds and is being pushed by powerful waves. Gov. Gavin Newsom's has been briefed and the state's Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local officials, his office said. Forecasters warned that storm swells will continue to increase throughout the day. “We are anticipating that what is coming toward us is more serious than what was there this morning,” the mayor said. Ocean swells along California's central coast could reach 60 feet (18 meters) as the Pacific storm gains strength through Monday, the weather service said. “A rapidly developing storm will bring hurricane force winds to the areas well offshore of the Pacific Northwest tonight,” the weather service's Ocean Prediction Center said on X. The end of the pier that broke off had been shut down during renovations. The portion, which included public restrooms and the closed Dolphin restaurant, floated about half a mile (0.8 kilometers) down the coast and wedged itself at the bottom of the San Lorenzo River. Those who fell into the water were two engineers and a project manager who were inspecting the end of the wharf, officials said. No members of the public were in the area. Building inspectors were now looking at the rest of the Santa Cruz Wharf's structural integrity. Monday's collapse came about a year after the Seacliff State Beach pier just down the coast was battered beyond repair by a heavy winter storm. Further up the West Coast, dangerous surf conditions and waves up to 30 feet (9.1 meters) were expected from the central Oregon coast up through southwestern Washington. Winds could peak near 80 mph (130 kph) and a high surf warning in effect until 10 p.m. Monday night, forecasters said. In a post on X, the National Weather Service office in Portland, Oregon, said “it will likely go down as some of the highest surf this winter.” (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
The kitchen is the heart of the home, making it the perfect place for the focus of a meaningful holiday gift for new or aspiring homeowners. Smart tools that combine style, functionality and cutting-edge technology take kitchen duties to a whole new level. Here are some standout smart kitchen tools that any homeowner or homeowner-to-be would love, as reviewed by PC Magazine. Bring smart tech to meal prep If you’re seeking culinary inspiration or enhancing your skills with a cooking show, consider the third-generation Echo Show 8 smart display. Its high-definition screen and immersive audio make it perfect for watching cooking shows, streaming music, or following recipes hands-free. Simply ask Alexa — the cloud-based voice assistant — to set timers, convert measurements, or add items to your shopping list. The Echo Show 8 also allows you to pair and control other smart devices in your home that are compatible with Zigbee, Matter and Thread. To brighten your cooking space and warm up your kitchen, consider GE’s Cync Reveal under-cabinet and under-counter smart lights . These puck lights offer bright adjustable lighting with app control and are compatible with Matter for hands-free voice or remote control. While plug-in installation is straightforward, direct wiring provides the sleekest-looking install. If you have concerns about handling wiring, hire an electrician to install the lights. Self-cleaning robots for kitchen cleanup No cooking event is complete without the final cleanup, and the more help you can get the better. Enter a good robot vacuum to the rescue. The Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL RV1001AE features a large dustbin in its base station that only needs emptying about once a month. The vacuum rarely gets stuck and can be controlled from your phone or voice, allowing you to set cleaning schedules, target specific rooms, or establish no-go zones. It has a self-cleaning brush roll for pet guardians and is powerful enough to remove pet fur from carpeting. Another option for pet guardians is the iRobot Roomba j9+ , with its Pet Owner Official Promise (POOP) guarantee — if the vacuum fails to avoid solid pet waste in its first year, the company will replace it for free. There’s also a self-emptying robot vacuum, like the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni , which has a self-emptying dustbin, a mop that cleans and dries itself, and a built-in voice assistant. If you’re shopping on a budget, PC Magazine suggests the Roomba Combo Essential , which has seamless app setup, mopping and navigation abilities. But why stop there? You can also get a robot mop. The Bissell SpinWave Wet and Dry robot mop features two spinning microfiber pads for a spotless finish, while the iRobot Braava Jet m6 is another excellent option. Furbo smart cameras for pet lovers In keeping with gifts tied to the heart, here’s an option to treat pet owners and their furry friends. This device doubles as a pet sitter and indoor home security camera, with barking alerts, the ability to hear and talk to your pooch, and to toss treats from your phone. The Furbo 360 Dog Camera offers a livestream video to watch your pooch morning, afternoon, or night. Cat lovers aren’t left out, either. The Furbo 360 Cat Camera offers similar features tailored to feline families, with sound effects and notifications designed to entertain cats. Smart gadgets exist for every area of the home, so you’re sure to find one to suit the homeowners or renters on your holiday list. Explore the complete list of smart devices reviewed by PC Magazine at www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-smart-home-devices . Tom Kalinski is the broker/owner of RE/MAX of Boulder, the local residential real estate company he established in 1977. He was inducted into Boulder County’s Business Hall of Fame in 2016 and has a 40-year background in commercial and residential real estate. For questions, e-mail Tom at tomkalinski33@gmail.com , call 303.441.5620 or visit boulderco.com . Stay up to date with area Real Estate and Home & Garden news information with the latest e-edition version of atHome Colorado online This article is brought to you by atHome Colorado , your weekly insight into real estate, design, and community trends, published weekly by the advertising and marketing department in the Boulder Daily Camera, Loveland Reporter-Herald, Greeley Tribune, and Longmont Times-CallFirst Black Richmond pharmacist and former Councilmember Jim McMillan dies day before 97th birthday
Dierks: Three takeaways from Mitchell boys basketball’s opening week of playSouth Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday apologised for his attempt to impose martial law this week and bowed during a televised speech to the nation, only hours head of a planned impeachment vote. Yoon said he would not seek to avoid legal and political responsibility for his decision, which he said was born of desperation. The speech was the embattled leader's first public appearance since he rescinded the martial law order early on Wednesday, just six hours after it was declared and after parliament defied military and police cordons to vote against the decree. "I am very sorry and would like to sincerely apologise to the people who were shocked," Yoon said. South Korea's ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon said after Yoon's address that the president was no longer in a position to carry out public duty and his resignation was now unavoidable. On Friday Han said Yoon was a danger to the country and needed to be removed from power, increasing the pressure on Yoon to quit even though his People Power Party (PPP) members later reaffirmed a formal opposition to his impeachment. Lawmakers will vote on the main opposition Democratic Party's motion to impeach Yoon later on Saturday. Yoon shocked the nation late on Tuesday when he gave the military sweeping emergency powers in order to root out what he called "anti-state forces" and overcome obstructionist political opponents. Some PPP members urged Yoon to resign before the vote, saying they did not want a repeat of the 2016 impeachment of then-President Park Geun-hye, who left office following months of candlelit protests over an influence-peddling scandal. Her downfall triggered the implosion of the party and a victory by liberals in presidential and general elections. In scenes reminiscent of those protests, thousands of demonstrators holding candles assembled outside parliament on Friday night demanding Yoon's impeachment. More demonstrations are expected on Saturday ahead of the vote. Prosecutors, the police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials have all launched probes into Yoon and senior officials involved in the martial law decree, seeking to pursue charges of insurrection and abuse of power, among others. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Shatel: Is Omaha big enough for two professional volleyball teams?
Santa Cruz (California), Dec 24 (AP) Two people were rescued and a third swam to safety after a California pier under construction partially collapsed and fell into the ocean Monday as the state's central coast was pounded by heavy surf from a major storm expected to bring hurricane-force winds to the seas off the Pacific Northwest, authorities said. Residents were warned to stay away from low-lying areas near the beaches around the Santa Cruz Wharf, about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of San Francisco, as the storm rapidly gained strength. “You are risking your life, and those of the people that would need to try and save you by getting in or too close to the water,” the National Weather Service's Bay Area office said on the social platform X. Lifeguards rescued two people from the water, officials with Santa Cruz Fire Department said. No one had serious injuries, Mayor Fred Keeley said. The mayor said the section of the wharf that collapsed had been damaged over time. The structure was in the middle of a $4 million renovation following destructive storms last winter. “It's a catastrophe for those down at the end of the wharf," said David Johnston, owner of Venture Quest Kayaking, who was allowed onto the pier to check on his business. Tony Elliot, the head of the Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department, estimated that about 150 feet (45 meters) of the end of the wharf fell into the water around 12:45 p.m. It was immediately evacuated and will remain closed indefinitely. Some of the wharf's pilings are still in the ocean and remain “serious, serious hazards” to boats, the mayor said. Each piling weighs hundreds of pounds and is being pushed by powerful waves. Gov. Gavin Newsom's has been briefed and the state's Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local officials, his office said. Forecasters warned that storm swells will continue to increase throughout the day. “We are anticipating that what is coming toward us is more serious than what was there this morning,” the mayor said. Ocean swells along California's central coast could reach 60 feet (18 meters) as the Pacific storm gains strength through Monday, the weather service said. “A rapidly developing storm will bring hurricane force winds to the areas well offshore of the Pacific Northwest tonight,” the weather service's Ocean Prediction Center said on X. The end of the pier that broke off had been shut down during renovations. The portion, which included public restrooms and the closed Dolphin restaurant, floated about half a mile (0.8 kilometers) down the coast and wedged itself at the bottom of the San Lorenzo River. Those who fell into the water were two engineers and a project manager who were inspecting the end of the wharf, officials said. No members of the public were in the area. Building inspectors were now looking at the rest of the Santa Cruz Wharf's structural integrity. Monday's collapse came about a year after the Seacliff State Beach pier just down the coast was battered beyond repair by a heavy winter storm. Further up the West Coast, dangerous surf conditions and waves up to 30 feet (9.1 meters) were expected from the central Oregon coast up through southwestern Washington. Winds could peak near 80 mph (130 kph) and a high surf warning in effect until 10 p.m. Monday night, forecasters said. In a post on X, the National Weather Service office in Portland, Oregon, said “it will likely go down as some of the highest surf this winter.” (AP) AS AS (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)
NoneBoeuf Bourguignon, a classic French beef stew, is a culinary masterpiece that embodies the warmth and comfort of the holiday season. The rich and flavourful dish, often considered king of stews, features tender chunks of beef slow-cooked in red wine, creating a symphony of savoury flavours that will tantalise your taste buds. While Sengkang MP Jamus Lim admits his meat consumption has decreased in recent years, the dish remains a special-occasion indulgence. Perfect for a cozy Christmas gathering, this Boeuf Bourguignon recipe that we picked up from Dr Lim is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, embrace the festive spirit and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that embodies the essence of festive cheer! Yields: 6 servings Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 3-4 hours Driver caught trying to enter Johor with 21kg of wagyu beef Ingredients 1.6kg lean stewing beef (chuck or shin), cut into 5cm pieces 170g bacon, diced or cut into thin strips 45g butter 340g pearl onions 340g small button mushrooms 1 onion, finely chopped 1 carrot, finely chopped 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 45g all-purpose flour 750ml red wine 45g tomato paste Bouquet garni (tied bundle of herbs: typically parsley, thyme, bay leaf) 600-750ml beef broth 15ml chopped fresh parsley Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Instructions In a large, heavy, flameproof casserole or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat. "Spread it into a layer and just let the fat render,” says Dr Lim. “As the fat renders, it will start to cook in its own fat – and that's when it gets good." Once golden brown, remove with a slotted spoon, drain and set aside. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat. In the same casserole, brown the beef in batches over medium-high heat, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. "The goal here is to get the Maillard reaction going, to get a brown layer on the beef,” Dr Lim explains. “If you go to France these days, they don't really bother with all that, but it really lends a bit of character if you can get it." Once done, set the browned beef aside. Dr Lim insists that pearl onions – and not any other kind – are key to the dish. "I don't know if they're so much the 'secret ingredient' of the dish, but I wouldn't cook it without them,” he muses. “These are little packs of joy that soak in the stew of stock and wine and juices." For the pearl onions, melt one-third of the butter in a separate frying pan over medium heat and cook until golden, stirring frequently. Set aside. Sauté the mushrooms in the remaining butter until golden brown. Set aside. Add the remaining butter to the casserole. Once melted, add the chopped onion, carrot, garlic, and celery. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or until softened, stirring frequently. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. "Typically, the recipe calls for Burgundy, but I think any cheap red wine works just fine," assures Dr Lim. Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Add the tomato paste and bouquet garni. Bring to a boil. Return the browned beef and bacon to the casserole. Pour in enough beef broth to cover the meat and vegetables. Cover the casserole and simmer gently over low heat for about 3 hours, or until the beef is very tender, stirring occasionally. Discard the bouquet garni. Stir in the fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or your favorite sides. Enjoy!