Ukraine's New Year's Agony, Puerto Rico Power Outages, Dry January Tips
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What is the current state of the war in Ukraine as described by President Zelensky?
President Zelensky described the situation on the front lines as extremely difficult, with heavy casualties and Russia's army advancing. However, he also emphasized that Ukraine, with support from allies like the U.S., is forcing Russia to pay a steep price by bringing the war back to Russia.
What caused the recent power outage in Puerto Rico?
The recent power outage in Puerto Rico was caused by a failure in a major underground cable that carries energy from one of the principal power plants on the island. This failure led to a chain reaction that caused other power plants to shut down, resulting in a widespread blackout.
Why is Puerto Rico's power infrastructure still vulnerable after Hurricane Maria?
Puerto Rico's power infrastructure remains vulnerable due to decades of inadequate maintenance and lack of important upgrades. Additionally, the government agency in charge of the grid accumulated a $9 billion debt, and many restoration projects funded by FEMA after Hurricane Maria have yet to begin.
What are the potential benefits of participating in Dry January?
Participating in Dry January can provide a break from alcohol, which the World Health Organization states has no safe consumption level. Benefits include improved sleep, reduced hangovers, better emotional stability, and the opportunity to explore new activities and hobbies that do not involve alcohol.
What advice is given for those participating in Dry January?
Advice for Dry January includes not feeling obligated to explain or apologize for not drinking, avoiding volunteering as a designated driver, and treating oneself to non-alcoholic rewards like pedicures or sushi. It's also recommended to consult a doctor if there are concerns about physical addiction to alcohol.
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