Cherry Blossoms in 2019

The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in 2019 — and When to Plan Your Trip

SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images

ANDREA ROMANO

Spring is always the best time to see flowers and trees blossom, but there are few sights that compare with seeing cherry blossom trees in full bloom.

Adopt TSA Dogs

You Can Adopt Dogs That Failed TSA Training for Being Too 'Nice' — Here's How

Getty Images

MOLLY THOMSON / THISISINSIDER.COM 
This article originally appeared on ThisIsInsider.com.

There is something simultaneously adorable and heartbreaking about a service dog who fails training. While many service dogs do graduate and go onto have successful careers, there are a number of reasons they can be dropped from their programs, including nervousness, lack of drive, and a personality that doesn't fit the gig.

Never Sleep

Why You Should Never Sleep Through Takeoff or Landing

Getty Images/Image Source

Sleeping isn't always a perfectly harmless in-flight activity.

By ELIZABETH PRESKE 

If you have to rush to the airport at 6 a.m. to catch an early morning flight, the ease of finally settling into your seat might be enough to send you immediately to sleep.

Cracked Phone Screen

How To Repair a Cracked Phone Screen

We give you options, from a quick fix to professional grade.

By Kevin Dupzyk

 GETTY IMAGES

Considering that phones these days are pretty much all screen, learning how to fix a display can become pretty necessary, especially for the clumsy among us.

American Ebola Exposure

American Flown To Nebraska After Possible Ebola Exposure

SAMANTHA RAPHELSON

Protective equipment for Ebola care is left on the ground next to ransacked tents by demonstrators at the Ebola transit centre in Beni, following a demonstration last week against the postponement of elections in the territory of the Beni and the city of Butembo.
Alexis Huguet /AFP/Getty Images

An American health care worker who was providing treatment to patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo is being monitored at a Nebraska health care facility after possible exposure to the deadly Ebola virus, hospital officials said.

Minimum Wage Increase

The minimum wage is set to increase in 21 states and DC in 2019 — here's what it will be in every state

Andy Kiersz

Workers protest outside a McDonald's restaurant on November 10, 2015 in Miami, Florida. The protesters are demanding action from state legislators and presidential candidates to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

• In recent years, several states have set minimum wages higher than the federal minimum of $7.25.
• 21 states and Washington, DC are set to increase their minimum wages in 2019, according to data from the Economic Policy Institute and Wolters Kluwer.
• We took a look at what the minimum wage in each state will be in 2019, and how much that wage is increasing.

While the Federal minimum wage of $7.25 hasn't moved in nearly a decade, several states and cities have set their own higher minimum wages, and many of those are planning increases in 2019.

Using data from the Economic Policy Institute's Minimum Wage Tracker and an analysis of changes from information services company Wolters Kluwer, we took a look at where each state's minimum wage will be in 2019. According to those reports, the minimum wage will increase in 21 states and Washington, DC in the next year.

Here's what the hourly minimum wage will be in each state in 2019:


Business Insider/Andy Kiersz, data from EPI and Wolters Kluwer

And here's how much the hourly minimum wage is set to increase relative to the 2018 minimum wage in those states that are seeing a bump:


Business Insider/Andy Kiersz, data from EPI and Wolters Kluwer

For most of those states, the new wage will go into effect on January 1.

In New York, the minimum wage is set to rise on December 31, 2018. In Michigan, it will increase on April 1, 2019. In Oregon and DC the chance goes into effect July 1. In Delaware, the wage floor rises on October 1.

In addition to those states, Nevada will evaluate whether to raise its minimum wage in April, according to a USA Today report on state minimum wages.

Weekend Box Office Results

'Aquaman' is King of the Box Office Seas for a Second Weekend in a Row

by Brad Brevet

There were no big surprises in the final weekend of a record-setting 2018 as Warner Bros.'s Aquaman is once again king of the box office seas with a domestic cume that now tops $188 million and a worldwide tally nearing $750 million. Meanwhile, the weekend's new wide releases in Annapurna's Vice and Sony's Holmes & Watson were quiet in their debuts as the bulk of the weekend attention goes to holiday holdovers.

Netflix 'Bird Box' Details

Netflix says over 45 million accounts watched Bird Box — here’s what that means

The streaming company provides additional details

By Julia Alexander

Saeed Adyani/netflix

Netflix announced on December 28 that more than 45 million accounts watched its Netflix original horror movie, Bird Box, in seven days, making it a record breaking debut for the streaming service — but considering Netflix rarely specifies what its data means, it was difficult to gauge what that number meant.

Goals Give You Hope

Godly Goals Give You Hope to Endure

By Rick Warren

“I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me. So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize” (Philippians 3:12 CEV).

Yesterday we talked about some reasons why you need to set goals. Today we’re going to talk about three more reasons why goal setting is so important that even Jesus set goals for himself.

Today's Encouragement

When God Wrote His Answer in the Sky 

DANYA JORDAN

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

I was going through a “dry spell” in my faith, just going through the motions. I knew I needed a revival inside my soul but wasn't sure what to do differently. And I didn't expect it would happen at a professional conference.

Mon Devotional

Overflowing Joy

By Touching Lives 

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Every day of a Christian’s life, there is reason for joy.  The cross of Jesus Christ, and His sacrifice there, is all we ever need to rejoice in any circumstance.  No matter what we face in life, there will always be reason to say, “thank you,” and to be filled with joy in light of the cross.

More Successful

Having Pets Could Make You More Successful, Study Finds

Getty Images/Hero Images

Want your kid to grow up to be a CEO? Consider getting them a puppy.

100 Million Residents

This City Is on Track to Have a World Record-breaking 100 Million Residents 

It's going to overtake Tokyo's population.

By TALIA AVAKIAN

Everyone knows cities can be crowded, but some of them are growing quicker than we might think.

Different Blood Types

What Different Blood Types Mean (And How To Find Out Yours)

We used to put milk in our blood. We've come a long way.

By David Grossman

 GETTY IMAGES/JOHN MCCOY/GETTY IMAGES

Blood donation remains one of the easiest ways a person can save another's life. The Red Cross estimates that 6.8 million people donate blood in the U.S. every year, giving approximately 13.6 million whole blood and red blood cells.

Times Square New Year's Eve

Times Square New Year's Eve Ball Drop: What to Know If You're Attending or Watching on TV

Pacific Press/Getty Images

From "Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve" show with Ryan Seacrest to the moment the ball drops, here’s what to expect in Times Square, New York City on New Year’s Eve.

Problem in Computer Science

A Single Cell Hints at a Solution to the Biggest Problem in Computer Science

One small amoeba found a solution to the traveling salesman problem faster than our best algorithms. What does it know that we don't?

By Avery Thompson


One of the oldest problems in computer science was just solved by a single cell.

Most Admired Woman

Michelle Obama voted most admired woman, bumps Hillary Clinton from top spot: Gallup

For the first time in 17 years, Hillary Clinton was not named most admired woman.

Former first lady Michelle Obama discusses her book "Becoming" on Dec. 19, 2018 in New York City.Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images

By Elisha Fieldstadt

Michelle Obama was voted America's most admired woman in a Gallup poll, ousting Hillary Clinton from the top spot for the first time in 17 years.

Don’t Stress Out!

Don’t Stress Out! Trust God to Provide for You 

By Rick Warren

“Since he did not spare even his own Son for us but gave him up for us all, won’t he also surely give us everything else?”(Romans 8:32 TLB).

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot 

by Laura MacCorkle

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2

During the holidays, I have used my oven quite a bit.

Families in the New Year

Grace for Families in the New Year 

Sarah Phillips

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.
Genesis 2:24 NIV

Part of my job includes receiving letters from readers about family issues. Something that struck me this past year was how many Christian families suffer - truly suffer. Some struggle from financial woes, others from the behavior of rebellious teenagers, and some from painful relational problems within their marriages.

Hidden Blessings

The Year of Hidden Blessings

by Katherine Britton

"For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal." Job 5:18

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. - James 1:17

New Hypersonic Missile

Russia’s New Hypersonic Missile Travels Nearly Two Miles a Second

“Zircon” would likely be unstoppable by today’s cutting edge air defenses.

By Kyle Mizokami

GETTY IMAGES/VADIM SAVITSKY

Russia has tested a new hypersonic anti-ship missile that can travel a blistering 6,138 miles an hour, or 1.7 miles a second. The missile, known as Zircon, will attack ships at sea and land-based targets. It is in all likelihood unstoppable by modern air defenses.

Copyright Bonanza

For First Time in Digital Age, a Copyright Bonanza Is Here

Thousands of works from 1923 about to enter the public domain

By John Johnson

This handout photo provided by the National Portrait Gallery shows Robert Frost, by Clara Sipprell Gelatin, c. 1955.   (AP Photo/Clara Sipprell Gelatin, National Portrait Gallery)

Next Tuesday isn't just New Year's Day, it's also Public Domain Day.

'Impossible First' in Antarctica

American Completes 'Impossible First' in Antarctica

Colin O'Brady finished trek in 32-hour push

By Rob Quinn

This Dec. 9, 2018, selfie provided by Colin O'Brady, of Portland., Ore., shows himself in Antarctica.   (Colin O'Brady via AP)

With a final, 32-hour push, American explorer Colin O'Brady has completed a journey seen as an "impossible first": a solo, unaided, 921-mile trek across Antarctica.

Hotel Week Is Coming

NYC Hotel Week Is Coming With Luxury Hotel Rooms for As Little As $100 a Night

By CAILEY RIZZO

There’s always a holiday being celebrated somewhere in New York City. And in early January, hotels take over the city for their own celebration.

New Horizons' Next Target

Something Weird Is Going on With New Horizons' Next Target

Ahead of the Jan. 1 rendezvous, strange readings from the New Horizons spacecraft suggest a mystery around its asteroid target.

By Avery Thompson

 NASA/JHUAPL/SWRI/CARLOS HERNANDEZ

NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft is probably best known for the high resolution photos of Pluto that it took back in 2015. But on January 1, New Horizons will fly past an object even more distant than Pluto called Ultima Thule. Astronomers are preparing to learn more than ever before about these worlds lurking on the edge of our solar system, and according to new data from the spacecraft they won’t even have to wait until the new year to start: Ultima Thule appears to not have a light curve, which is perplexing scientists.

Sell for $6,000 More

If You Paint Your Front Door This Color, Your House Could Sell for $6,000 More

A simple coat of paint—in the right shade, of course—can increase the value of your home by thousands.

By Lauren Phillips

TETRA IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES

Thinking about starting—or finishing—some projects around the home this summer? Good call: It’s always a good idea to make some updates to increase your home’s value, but be sure you’re making the right updates to get the most bang for your buck (and time and hard work, if you’re going the DIY route).

College Bowl Odds

2018 College Bowl Odds: Confidence football picks, optimal predictions, rankings, lines from unbiased model

SportsLine simulated every bowl game 10,000 times

by CBS Sports Staff

The 2018-19 college football bowl schedule is rolling along, with multiple games scheduled almost daily between now and New Year's Day. That includes nine bowl games between teams ranked in the AP Top 25. In the latest college football odds, No. 13 Washington State is a 2.5-point favorite over No. 24 Iowa State at the Alamo Bowl, while No. 12 Penn State is a 6.5-point favorite over No. 14 Kentucky in the Citrus Bowl. And in one of the tightest college football lines of bowl season, Nevada is a 1.5-point underdog to Arkansas State in the Arizona Bowl. With college football odds and spreads constantly changing, be sure to check out the top college football picks and bowl predictions for every game from SportsLine's advanced computer model before locking in your own plays.

Medical Marijuana

Thailand approves medical marijuana

By Kocha Olarn and Debra Goldschmidt

(CNN)Thailand's interim parliament voted to allow the use of medical cannabis, one of the senators who worked on the bill told CNN on Tuesday. Recreational use of the drug remains illegal.

Treadmills

God and Treadmills

by Ryan Duncan

May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance. 
2 Thessalonians 3:5

Ever since I moved to Richmond I've acquired a taste for working out. There’s just something addicting about going to the gym after a long day at the office and pounding a treadmill until you feel the moisture on your forehead. If I don’t get my usual workouts, I tend to go stir crazy. That’s why I can’t stand January. After every New Year’s celebration, like clockwork, the gyms become crowded with people who have resolved to become healthier.

Resolutions & Redemption

by Anna Kuta

“For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

It’s that time of year again! I’m talking about New Year’s resolutions, of course. It’s still December as I’m writing, but I guarantee that by the time you read this, I’ll already be asking myself what possessed me to come up with such grand, unattainable plans the new year. (It seemed like a good idea at the time). Every year I tell myself it’ll finally be the year I keep all my resolutions. I mean, come on – how hard can it possibly be to finally set aside an hour for exercise each day, to stop consuming so much chocolate and coffee, and to never sleep for less than eight hours again?

AP’s Male Athlete of 2018

He promised: LeBron James is the AP’s male athlete of 2018

By TIM REYNOLDS

FILE - In this Dec. 7, 2018, file photo, Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James (23) drives against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of an NBA basketball game, in San Antonio. LeBron James was named The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Darren Abate, File)

LeBron James went to the NBA Finals for the eighth consecutive year. He changed addresses again, leaving his Cleveland home for the second time to join the Los Angeles Lakers in the biggest move of free agency over the summer. He remained arguably the dominant player in the basketball, adding even more glitz on a legacy that reached epic status long ago.

New Dog Lenses

Snapchat's New Dog Lenses Give Your Pup an Alter Ego

Released on Christmas Eve, Snapchat's new dog lenses will make it look like Rover has a butterfly on his nose or a ring of treats floating atop his head like a halo. One will frame your pooch's face with a pepperoni pizza.

Never Order at a Bar

The 10 Drinks You Should Never Order at a Bar

Getty Images/iStockphoto

We asked bartenders, booze experts and nutritionists. Here's what they told us.

ALLANA AKHTAR / MONEY.COM
This story originally appeared on Money.com.

People put a lot of thought into the drinks they order at a bar—whether it’s because they want to present a certain image to their friends, cultivate a certain mystique, or just get the most booze for their buck. There are other pitfalls to watch for, though. Some drinks are sneaky diet busters; others make it easier for unscrupulous bartenders to take financial advantage. Some dive bar options can even be downright dangerous.

Nation's Oldest Man

Nation's Oldest Man Is Dead

Richard Overton, 112, also was oldest WWII vet

By Newser Editors and Wire Services

In this May 10, 2018 photo, Richard Overton is back in the east Austin home he has owned since 1948 after a renovation provided by Meals on Wheels of Central Texas and the Home Depot Foundation.   (Ralph Barrera/Austin American-Statesman via AP, file)

A family member says the nation's oldest World War II veteran, who was also believed to be oldest living man in the US, has died in Texas. Richard Overton was 112. Shirley Overton, whose husband was Richard's cousin, says the Army veteran died Thursday evening at a rehab facility in Austin, the AP reports. Overton had been recently hospitalized with pneumonia. Overton was in his 30s when he volunteered for the Army and was at Pearl Harbor just after the Japanese attack in 1941. He once said that one secret to his long life was smoking cigars and drinking whiskey, which he often was found doing on the porch of his Austin home. In 2013, he was honored by former President Obama at a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

'Vote Swiftly'

Dems Say They'll 'Vote Swiftly' to End Shutdown

Funding bill expected on Jan. 3

By Rob Quinn

Empty corridors around the Senate are seen on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018, during a partial government shutdown.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

For the first time since the end of 1995, the US is on course to start a new year amid a government shutdown.

Sears Dead by Saturday

Sears Could Be Dead by Saturday

Bid to save retailer needs to be in by 4pm Friday

By Rob Quinn

Customers appear inside a Sears department store with sale and store closing signs at the Grand Teton Mall in Idaho Falls, Idaho on Black Friday, Nov. 23, 2018.   (John Roark/The Post-Register via AP)

After 125 years in business, Sears could now be in its final hours. The iconic retailer, which filed for bankruptcy in October, may have to be liquidated if a bid to save it doesn't materialize before a 4pm Friday deadline.

Volatile Holiday Trading

Markets Whipsaw in Volatile Holiday Trading

By Chloe Aiello

Markets whipsawed Thursday as the Dow reversed course twice to erase a more than 600-point loss and end the day up 260 points. It was the largest swing since 2008 and follows another day of record volatility on Wednesday, when the Dow swung 1,000 points to book the largest single-day point gain in its history.

Two Questions to Ask

Two Questions to Ask of Your Goals

By Rick Warren

“When you eat or drink or do anything else, always do it to honor God”(1 Corinthians 10:31 CEV).

It’s important to set goals. But not every goal that you can set is a good goal that God’s going to bless.

Today's Encouragement

The Danger of Keeping Score

SHARON JAYNES

“Love is patient, love is kind … it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Corinthians 13:4a, 5b (NIV)

She was at it again. Mrs. Barnett was getting out the scorecards and tallying up the points.

Fri Devotional

Abiding in Christ

By Touching Lives

“Remain in Me, and I will remain in you.  No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.  Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.”  John 15:4

AP Female Athlete of the Year

Serena voted AP Female Athlete of the Year for 5th time

By BRIAN MAHONEY
Serena Williams celebrates after defeating Anastasija Sevastova, of Latvia, during the semifinals of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, in New York. Serena Williams was named The Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

She showed up in Paris wearing a black catsuit, a reminder that nobody can command the Grand Slam stage quite like Serena Williams.

6 Flts Over Christmas

Ohio Dad Booked 6 Flights Just to Join His Flight Attendant Daughter During Her Christmas Shifts

Pierce Vaughan and her father Hal Mike Levy/Facebook (2)

By ROBYN MERRETT 

An Ohio father went to great lengths to spend Christmas with his daughter.

Pierce Vaughan, a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, had to work several flights throughout Christmas Eve and Day, so her father Hal Vaughan bought multiple plane tickets to spend the holiday with her in the sky.

Troubled by Fortnite

Why Parents Are So Troubled by Fortnite

'Wall Street Journal' takes a deep look at uber-popular video game

By Evann Gastaldo

In this Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, photo Henry Hailey, 10, plays Fortnite in the early morning hours in the basement of his Chicago home.   (AP Photo/Martha Irvine)

If you're the parent of an adolescent boy, you likely know what Fortnite is.

Navy's 'Anachronistic' Punishment

Navy Retires 'Anachronistic' Punishment

Confinement with only bread, water to eat will be history as of New Year's Day

By Rob Quinn

Some commanders didn't use the punishment. Others used it for infractions like being 20 minutes late.   (Getty Images/flil)

Navy captains can still dock the pay or shore leave of misbehaving sailors under new rules take effect on New Year's Day—but they won't be able to chuck them in the brig with nothing to eat but bread and water.

Paying Too Much

10 Reasons You're Paying Too Much for Your Cruise

Brittany Chrusciel
Editor

Cruise pros and first timers alike can benefit from optimizing their cruise booking routines. Dollars can be saved at every juncture, from planning where and when to go, to accessing special offers three months before you sail. Can't seem to get your cruise fare to go any cheaper? Take advantage of perks and extras, such as onboard credit, that will add value to your vacation in lieu of slashed pricing. Whether in a rush to get something on the books or too rigid to change plans, there are plenty of reasons you might not be getting the best possible cruise vacation for your money. Check out the following 10 ways you might be paying too much for your next cruise.

Massive Market Rebound

Dow Spikes More than 1,000 Points in Massive Market Rebound

By Carlo Versano

After a Christmas Eve plunge that sent the Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbling 650 points, stocks spiked in a massive rally on Wednesday, with the Dow booking the largest single day of point gains in its history.

Winter Storm Eboni

Winter Storm Eboni Spreading Wind-Driven Snow Across the Plains and Upper Midwest; Blizzard Warnings Issued

Winter Storm Eboni Intensifies, Blizzard Conditions Likely

At a Glance

• Winter Storm Eboni will impact the Plains and upper Midwest on Thursday.
• Blizzard conditions are possible in parts of the Plains.
• Snow and ice will affect portions of New England and upstate New York by Friday.

Celebrate

Celebrate Your Transformation

By Rick Warren

“Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him . . . his name is the Lord”(Psalm 68:4 ESV).

Do you want to get back to God? You first have to get fed up, then own up to your sin, and then give up control of your life to God. Finally, you celebrate.

Today's Encouragement

Giving the Gift of Our Tears 

By LYSA TERKEURST

“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Revelation 12:11a (NIV)

The worst kind of lonely for me is being surrounded by people and yet still feeling utterly alone.

Thur Devotional

The True Light

By Touching Lives 

“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.”  John 1:9

Light is made up of little packets of energy called photons, which are produced when the atoms in an object heat up. Atoms gain extra energy when heated; and this extra energy is then released as a photon. The hotter an object gets, the more photons it gives out. Light travels as a wave. But unlike sound or water waves, it does not need any matter or material to carry its energy along. This means that light can travel through a vacuum – a completely airless space.

Living to 100

The Best Advice for Living to 100, According to 100 Centenarians

Getty Images

Including drinking three Dr Peppers a day and some other unexpected tips.

By STACEY LEASCA 

One in three babies born today will likely live to see their 100th birthday. The world is indeed becoming a healthier place to live well into our golden years. But, how can you ensure you get there, too? It’s simple: Stay positive, eat sweets, and enjoy a cocktail or two a day.

Commercial Whaling

Japan: It's Time to Go Whaling

Country will withdraw from International Whaling Commission, restart commercial whaling in July

By Polly Davis Doig

In this June 21, 2009, photo, a Baird's beaked whale, which was caught some 38 miles off the coast, is seen at a fishing port, in Wada, southeast of Tokyo.   (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

Japan is abandoning the pretense of "scientific research" and will withdraw from the International Whaling Commission, freeing it up to resume commercial whaling beginning in July, reports the BBC.

Time Travel

Will We Ever Be Able to Time Travel Into the Past?

Forward or back—which will it be?

 GETTY IMAGES/XUANYU HAN

You likely don’t realize it, but when you’re done reading this article, you will have traveled perhaps 90 seconds into the future. The truth is that it is easier, theoretically speaking, to travel forward in time than it is to travel backward, and that’s partly because we’re all moving forward in time naturally.

Get Free Food on Flights

How to Get More Free Food on Your Next Flight 

By ANDREA ROMANO 

If you’re feeling hungry on your next flight, don’t despair: your in-flight crew is happy to help.

Yearly Box Office Record

Hollywood sails to a box-office record, thanks to 'Black Panther' and other hits

By RYAN FAUGHNDER

Chadwick Boseman in Marvel Studios' "Black Panther," the highest-grossing domestic movie of 2018. (Disney)

Deepening anxiety in Hollywood that the ascendance of Netflix would keep people from going to the movies this year appears to have been overblown.

Patients Receive a Worrisome Letter

4K Clinic Patients Receive a Worrisome Letter

New Jersey facility informs them they may have been exposed to HIV, should get tested

By Newser Editors,  Newser Staff

   (Getty/Dutko)

Nearly 4,000 people who visited a New Jersey surgical clinic this year have received the worst kind of letter:

Crouching Tiger Actor

What Crouching Tiger Actor Plans on Doing With His $715M

Chow Yun-fat says his wife is OK if he gives it all to charity when he dies

By Jenn Gidman

Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat smiles during an interview at the opening ceremony of a Hugo Boss store in Hong Kong on March. 27, 2014.   (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

Amid the stories of good fortune emerging at the end of the year, one more to wrap things up—this time, involving a famous Hong Kong actor and some eventually very lucky recipients.

Your Christmas Worry

God Has an Answer for Your Christmas Worry 

By Rick Warren

“God took one look at me, and look what happened—I’m the most fortunate woman on earth! What God has done for me will never be forgotten”(Luke 1:48 The Message).

Let’s be honest. Becoming a first-time parent is a tough transition for anyone. Late-night feedings, the regular rhythm of dirty diapers, and fussy colic experiences can make even the most prepared new parent feel like they’re living in a daze.

Today's Encouragement

Love! Pay It Forward

Calvonia Radford

“Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” Ephesians 5:2 (NLT)

Have you ever approached a drive-thru window prepared to pay for your order, only to be told the customer before you already paid your bill?

Wed Devotional

God’s Resounding Yes

By Touching Lives 

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God with us.’”  Matthew 1:23

There is a question that all of us will ask at some point in our lives.  It’s a question that both the Christian and the skeptic will ponder.  Young and old, black and white, rich and poor will all ask themselves, “Does God really love me no matter what?  How long will His love endure?”

Movie Review - Holmes & Watson

World's Best Cities

These Are the World's Best Cities to Live In

F.J. Jiménez/Getty Images

CAILEY RIZZO 

If you’re looking to live in a place with affordable housing, ample work opportunities, and a reasonably pleasant environment, then it’s time to pack your bags and move to London.

According to a global survey conducted by Resonance, a consultancy group, London is the very best city to reside in for 2019. That’s thanks to having all of the things listed above and more.

Parachutes Are Worthless

Study Shows Parachutes Are Totally Worthless

It's even true! In a certain context.

By Jill Kiedaisch
GETTY IMAGES/BARCROFT MEDIA

Are parachutes worthless? Most people would answer no—assuming the airplane in question was in flight. And that's the rub: That knee-jerk conjecture takes place out of context. Through a different lens, parachutes don't do anything at all because jumping from a plane on the ground is 100 percent harmless, and there's a study to prove it.

Financial News

Stock Market Just Had One of Worst Christmas Eves Ever

Dow plunges 650

By Newser Editors,  Newser Staff

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018.   (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

So much for the Santa rally on Wall Street.

$1.3M Bonus. Each

Juul Employees Getting a $1.3M Bonus. Each

But is the e-cig giant just trying to soothe critics?

By Neal Colgrass

A woman buys refills for her Juul at a smoke shop in New York, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018.   (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Juul is giving each worker a hefty gift—said to be $1.3 million on average—amid a wave of criticism over its latest investment deal, Inc.com reports.

U.S. Patent Number 10,022,002

Living on Two Continents, We Had No Choice But to Invent an Airplane Pillow Riser

The story of U.S. Patent Number 10,022,002.

 ROBERT & TIFFANY CHEN

• Name: Robert and Tiffany Chen
• Patent Number: 10,022,002
• Patent: "Extensible Z Accessorized Travel Headrest," an adjustable platform that sits on an airplane seat's tray table and extends in a Z shape to an ideal pillow height. Also incorporates a charging port and speakers.

APs’ Entertainer of the Year

Netflix named The Associated Press’ Entertainer of the Year

By MARK KENNEDY

NEW YORK (AP) — After a year like this, Netflix shows no signs of chilling.

The dominant online video streamer started 2018 with almost 118 million subscribers, went on to win its first feature-film Oscar, briefly surpassed Disney as the most valuable U.S. media company, lured the likes of superstar show runners Shonda Rhimes, Kenya Barris and Ryan Murphy — not to mention Barack and Michelle Obama — and is expected to end the year with 146 million subscribers and a likely best picture Oscar nominee in “Roma.”

Wants vs. Need 

by Laura MacCorkle

Did you get what you wanted for Christmas today? Or did you get what you needed?

What we want and what we need do not often go hand in hand. I should know. There are things that I have wanted in my life for a long time now, that apparently the Lord has not seen to be necessities. At least not yet.

Great Gift

God’s Great Gift Isn't Traditionally Wrapped

By Rick Warren

“Out of sheer generosity God put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ. He sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sin”(Romans 3:24-25 The Message).

The greatest gift ever given wasn’t bought in a store. No cash exchanged hands. It wasn’t even traditionally wrapped—instead, this gift was wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a manger.

Today's Encouragement

Joy to Your World 

Merry Christmas!

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus today and throughout the year, we pray the biblical story of God sending His Son from heaven to earth brings joy to your world.

From Matthew 1:18-23 (NLT):

Tues Devotional

Zechariah

By Touching Lives

“His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:  ‘Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come and has redeemed His people.  He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David.’”  Luke 1:67-69

Christmas Day Games

NBA Christmas games 2018: Full schedule, tipoff times, how to watch

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December 23, 2018 10:38am ESTDecember 23, 2018 7:00am ESTNBA, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, Utah JazzThe NBA's annual Christmas Day tradition continues with a full slate of five games, including a primetime Western Conference matchup between the Lakers and Warriors.

Stephen Curry and LeBro(Getty Images)

Jordan Greer

The NBA's annual Christmas Day tradition continues with a full slate of five games, including a primetime Western Conference matchup between the Lakers and Warriors. But before watching LeBron James battle the defending champs, there should be plenty of entertainment available as some of the league's top stars face off.

Titanic II

Titanic II Will Set Sail in 2022, Following Original Ship's Path

John Lamparski/WireImage

EMILY ZAUZMER / PEOPLE.COM

The Titanic‘s story will go on and on.

A replica of the infamous passenger ship — dubbed the Titanic II — is set to make its first voyage in 2022. It will welcome 2,400 passengers and 900 crew members, USA Today reported, almost the exact same number of each on board the boat that sunk in 1912.

Gov to Legalize Pot

New York Gov. Cuomo Calls for Fast Timeline to Cannabis Legalization

By Amanda Weston and Kate Gill

Not only has New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo reversed his stance on marijuana, he's expediting his timeline for legalization.

According to Joseph Spector, the Albany bureau chief for USA Today, Governor Cuomo committed to an accelerated schedule on Monday when he charted the agenda for the first 100 days of his new term in office.

Movie Preview - Holmes and Watson

Movie Preview - Vice

Killer Tsunami

Volcano Collapse Blamed for Killer Tsunami

No warning was issued before disaster

By Rob Quinn

This aerial shot taken on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, shows Mount Anak Krakatau as it erupts in the Java Strait, Indonesia.   (Nurul Hidayat/Bisnis Indonesia via AP)

Fourteen years after the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami, Indonesia is counting the victims of another killer wave.

Christmas Eve Shopping

Here's How Late Major Retailers Will Be Open on Christmas Eve

By CHRIS MORRIS 

The time for personal, well-thought out gifts is fast disappearing in the rear view mirror. And you’re getting close to the time when a gift card might be your only option.

Partial Government Shutdown

How The Partial Government Shutdown Could Affect You

SHANNON VAN SANT


The U.S. government has partially shut down; more than 800,000 federal workers are affected.
Carolyn Kaster/AP

The partial shutdown of the U.S. government that began Saturday affects about a quarter of the government. About 800,000 federal workers will feel the effects as lawmakers try to come to an agreement on a set of spending bills to keep the government funded.

Weekend Box Office Results

'Aquaman' Splashes Down with $67.4 Million Debut; 'Poppins' and 'Bumblebee' Play Runner-Up

by Brad Brevet

The long Christmas weekend is underway with Aquaman, Warner Bros.'s latest entry into their DC Extended Universe, topping the charts, on its way to a $100+ million five-day opening. Meanwhile, Disney's Mary Poppins Returns and Paramount's Bumblebee finished in runner-up positions over a weekend that played relatively similarly to the same weekend last year, though given the holiday timing its hard to make an apples-to-apples comparison.

A Revealed Savior

by Katherine Britton

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." -Jeremiah 29:13

I wish I could ask the Magi what it was like after they returned to their homeland. After watching the skies for years, journeying for weeks, and seeing Jesus with their own eyes, how did they return to the life they once knew? Did they ever hear about the rest of the Jesus's life? Did they realize the Jew who was killed on the tree was the same child to whom they offered gifts befitting a king? Did they understand that his birth was a precursor to a far greater event?