monty python's flying circus
Joel Embiid scores 31 in return to the 76ers' starting lineup against the BullsAs the holiday whirlwind surrounds us, we are reminded how much we should be grateful for: no matter which holidays we celebrate, we have numerous opportunities to congregate with friends and family members and to share the holiday spirit, we exchange material and spiritual gifts, we reach out to people we know and even to people we don’t know, to offer our time, compassion, love and support more than in any other part of the year. So why are we not so happy? Why are most people stressed and overwhelmed and the question “Are you ready for the holiday Season?” often sounds more like a disaster preparedness inquiry than an exciting reminder? Scientists and common folk alike offer various explanations. Harvard scientists warn that the holiday season requires us to keep track of additional duties and responsibilities, so the prefrontal portion of our brain goes on “overdrive” with executive decisions we must make. This high demand can cause a decrease in our memory functions, and stress can even stop the production of new brain cells. Harvard scientists recommend self-evaluating how we spend time over the holidays and considering “breaks” from the festivities to slow down this process. Luckily, once the holidays are over and the season’s stress is over, the normal brain function recovers. Additionally, the winter holidays coincide with months when there is less sunlight because the days are shorter. As a result, some people (roughly 6% of the population) develop Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is more prevalent in northern climates but can be experienced in Colorado, as well. Factors connected with financial stress contribute in a major way. The pressure to buy gifts for all “on the list” replaces the joy of giving if comparison and unrealistic expectations replace the sense of enjoying gift exchanges as a traditional activity and a way to bond. The need to take part in family activities challenges those who experience family conflicts. Even the most diplomatic of us feel challenged when we must face family members with strong political, religious, or health beliefs and convictions. This discourages many people from attending family gatherings. This avoidance causes the opposite negative feeling of loneliness. Statistics indicate that 75% of Gen Z-ers and 65% of single adults feel lonelier than their peers. No matter the source of holiday stress, December is undoubtedly the most stressful month. The end of the year is a time for evaluating our year of experiences, for scorekeeping and tallying personal and professional goals, and for focusing on “what could have been better” as we begin to craft New Year’s resolutions. This reflection, mixed with social media and sometimes forced family functions, can bring the weight of the world crashing down on you. So, how can you avoid this? Is it even possible? Of course it is, but it’s up to us. Whenever you are feeling the holiday blues, do something small for you. Brew some coffee or tea, take a moment or two, and drink in this moment. Allowing yourself the time to experience the heat radiating from the cup in your hand, the chill on your face as you look at the window, and the warmth the holiday season brings to our relationships through celebration. Focus on the moment and not on the Season. And don’t forget, if you are seriously depressed or anxious, your mental health provider or the providers at the 988 hotline will be happy to help. Happy Season to all from us at GTI! ______________________________________________________________________________ Jenni Guentcheva, LPC, LAC, NCACII co-founded GTI and leads GoodNeighbor LLC, both treatment centers in the heart of Canon City. She has developed and managed multiple mental health and addiction treatment programs in Fremont County since 1999. Jenni’s mission is to create opportunities for her clients, both individuals and fellow professionals. Brian Monahan, B.S., CSCS, is the CEO and co-founder of GTI. Brian is a retired US Army Special Forces operative (Green Beret), a coach, trainer, and a psychotherapist. He is pursuing a second degree in Health Psychology and has dedicated his post-military career to another area of service – the health of the community. Brian and Jenni can be contacted at 719-301-7676 and info@greenthumb-initiative.com.
Unionised workers picket home of T&T’s PM over ‘self-serving’ salary hike; calls for electionRivalry Closes Non-Brokered Private Placement Of Approximately $2.0 MillionAs the Bengals try to keep their slim postseason chances alive this weekend, they may not have receiver Tee Higgins. Higgins (ankle/knee) is questionable for Saturday’s matchup against the Broncos. He was listed as a limited participant on all three injury reports this week. Higgins has had to battle through multiple injuries in 2024, appearing in 10 games with seven starts. He’s caught 58 passes for 727 yards with seven touchdowns. He had eight receptions for 58 yards with a TD in last week’s victory over Cleveland. Receiver Charlie Jones (groin), offensive tackle Amarius Mims (ankle/hand), defensive end Joseph Ossai (illness), and safety Geno Stone (illness) are also questionable. Stone was added to the report on Thursday as a non-participant. Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (illness) and defensive end Sam Hubbard (knee) are out. Tight end Tanner Hudson (knee) is doubtful after he did not practice all week.
Seventeen days after the polls closed, the two-term Democratic senator called Republican challenger Dave McCormick to congratulate him on his win. “As the first count of ballots is completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward with the knowledge that their voices were heard, whether their vote was the first to be counted or the last,” he said in a video posted on X . The concession comes after 16 of 67 counties finished recounting ballots cast, with results showing Casey falling even further behind. Of 702,000 ballots tallied again, McCormick, who declared victory three days after the election, increased his lead by seven votes. During my time in office, I have been guided by an inscription on the Finance Building in Harrisburg: “All public service is a trust, given in faith and accepted in honor.” Thank you for your trust in me for all these years, Pennsylvania. It has been the honor of my lifetime. pic.twitter.com/RSXEFwdge8 The close margin – less than 17,000 ballots or 0.2% – triggered an automatic recount last week, to which Casey could have objected. Counties have until Tuesday to finish the job. Elizabeth Gregory, spokeswoman for McCormick, said in a release “there’s only five more days until the obvious happens.” “Another day closer to this waste of time and money being over,” she said. “We all know how this will end. We’ll be there in five days.” The campaign had maintained there were not enough votes left in the state to overcome the gap . Chief strategist Mark Harris said Casey’s decision to opt for the recount, estimated to cost $1 million, won’t change things. The Associated Press, reached the same conclusion on Nov. 7 when declaring the former hedge fund CEO turned Republican nominee the winner . The flip padded the Republican majority in the U.S. Senate to 53-47 and ended the Casey family’s six-decade presence in state and national political office. “During my time in office, I have been guided by an inscription on the Finance Building in Harrisburg: ‘All public service is a trust, given in faith and accepted in honor,’” Casey said. “Thank you for your trust in me for all these years, Pennsylvania. It has been the honor of my lifetime.”
Pregnant Charlotte Dawson exposes trolls who falsely accused her of child abuseWestern Michigan beats Eastern Michigan 26-18 to become bowl eligibleNone
Bowling Green 61, New Mexico St. 60