#News of the world [Pre-intermediate] - By Cate - 18/11/2024

A quick glance at what's happening on Mother Earth 🌍

No country will remain untouched 😎
No celebrity or politician will remain safe 😅
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Transcript

Hello, Cate here and welcome back to NEWS OF THE WORLD!

In World News…

Donald Trump’s recent election win focused on the economy, voters' main concern. Although key indicators like low unemployment, strong GDP, and increased spending suggest a healthy economy, many Americans feel otherwise. High home prices and mortgage rates make buying a home difficult, and half of renters spend over 30% of their income on housing. Inflation has stabilised, but prices are still 20% higher than when Joe Biden took office, making it hard for families to manage budgets. Opinions on the economy vary by party, with Republicans feeling more positive under Trump, while Democrats' views change depending on who is in power.

Business News

Elon Musk, chosen by President-elect Donald Trump to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency, suggested cutting $2 trillion from federal spending, a 30% decrease from the current $6.75 trillion budget. Musk's approach would probably involve reducing waste, cutting bureaucracy, and restructuring agencies, similar to his cost-cutting at Twitter (now X). However, challenges arise because most federal spending is "mandatory" for programs like Social Security and Medicare. Only 25% of the budget is "discretionary" and would require major reductions, possibly closing agencies. Experts doubt these cuts are realistic without damaging services or facing public opposition.

Entertainment

British author Samantha Harvey has won the 2024 Booker Prize for her novel Orbital, the first space-themed book to receive the award. The story follows six astronauts on the International Space Station over a single day, witnessing 16 sunrises and sunsets from space. The novel reflects on Earth's fragility and the human experience. It became a bestseller, outselling the last three Booker winners combined. Harvey is the first woman to win since 2019. Written during COVID-19 lockdowns, Orbital connects space isolation with quarantine life. At 136 pages, it is the second-shortest Booker winner ever. The 2024 shortlist had a record five female authors.

Sport

Formula 1 will introduce a "driver cooling kit" next season to help drivers manage extreme heat. This follows the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where drivers struggled with high temperatures and humidity, causing some, like Esteban Ocon, to need medical care for dehydration and heat exhaustion. The new system will cool the cockpit using measures like blowing cool air onto drivers and adding more cooling vents. These changes were approved after successful tests to prevent heat-related health issues. Additionally, discussions about a rookie sprint race continue, giving young drivers a chance to show their skills, but it won't happen before 2026.

Self-development

A common theme in my training sessions is the importance of setting boundaries. Often seen as negative barriers, boundaries are essential for healthy relationships and wellbeing. Balancing work and personal responsibilities is particularly challenging for women, leading to higher burnout rates. In fact, 42% of the workforce reports burnout. Setting boundaries at work is vital to avoid sacrificing wellbeing for job security.

 To set boundaries, start by changing your mindset. Boundaries are not selfish; they are necessary for health and respect. Don’t feel guilty about them.

Next, define your priorities, which can change over time due to major life events. 

Now, categorise your boundaries as “hard” or non-negotiable, and “soft” or flexible, to set realistic limits. 

Communicate your boundaries clearly to managers and colleagues, explaining why they matter if appropriate. Set expectations for emergencies and address any crossed boundaries immediately.

Finally, practice saying "no". Start with less important situations to help build confidence. Use tactful phrases to decline requests without directly saying “no”, for example expressing gratitude for the opportunity while emphasising the time conflict.

In summary, setting boundaries is key to protecting your wellbeing and ensuring a sustainable career. Clear limits help maintain control over your time and energy, encourage a healthier work-life balance, and teach others to respect your needs.

Well, that’s all from NEWS OF THE WORLD for now. I hope you respect your boundaries today, and I’ll talk to you soon! Take care!