Mois : janvier 2025

The dawn of 1 January is more than just a new page on the calendar. It’s a moment infused with hope, joy and a rich tapestry of customs that span the globe. From breaking plates in Denmark to offering flowers to the sea goddess in Brazil, these traditions are as diverse as the cultures they spring from. Rooted in history, symbolism and communal spirit, each unique ritual serves as a way to embrace the new year, casting away the shadows of the past and welcoming prosperity, health and happiness.
These vibrant and meaningful traditions showcase the universal human desire for renewal, yet each offers a glimpse into the distinct cultural lens through which different societies welcome the promise of a new beginning. Here’s a list of unique traditions observed on 1 January around the world:
1. Scotland – First-Footing (Hogmanay Tradition)
The Scots celebrate “First-Footing,” where the first person to cross the threshold of a home after midnight is considered a harbinger of good luck. Traditionally, the first-footer brings gifts such as coal, bread or whisky to ensure prosperity for the household.
2. Japan – Shōgatsu and Osechi Ryori
In Japan, the New Year, or Shōgatsu, is celebrated with special bento-like meals called osechi ryori, packed with symbolic foods that promise health, wealth and longevity. Families also visit shrines and temples to pray for blessings and hang ema plaques with their wishes for the year.
3. Denmark – Breaking Plates
Danes save old dishes and plates throughout the year to break them against the doors of friends and family on New Year’s Day. This quirky tradition symbolises affection and is believed to bring good fortune to those who receive the broken crockery.
4. Brazil – Offerings to Iemanjá
In Brazil, people celebrate the New Year by honouring Iemanjá, the goddess of the sea. Devotees dress in white and send flowers, candles and other offerings into the ocean to seek her blessings.
5. Spain – The Twelve Grapes
Spaniards eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight, one for each chime of the clock. Each grape represents a month of the year and the tradition is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
6. South Africa – Throwing Out Old Furniture
In some parts of South Africa, particularly in Johannesburg, people throw old furniture out of their windows as a symbolic way of letting go of the past and making space for the new year.
7. Greece – Hanging an Onion and Cutting the Vasilopita
In Greece, onions are hung on doors as a symbol of rebirth. Additionally, families cut a special cake called vasilopita, which contains a hidden coin. The person who finds the coin is believed to have a lucky year ahead.
8. Estonia – Eating Seven, Nine, or Twelve Meals
Estonians believe in eating seven, nine, or twelve meals on New Year’s Day. These numbers are considered magical and eating multiple meals ensures strength and abundance in the coming year.
9. Philippines – Circles for Wealth
In the Philippines, people incorporate circles into their attire and surroundings as they symbolise coins and wealth. Polka-dotted clothes and round fruits are particularly popular.
10. Ecuador – Burning Effigies
Ecuadorians create and burn effigies, known as año viejo, to represent the misfortunes and hardships of the past year. The act of burning these effigies is a way to start the new year afresh.
Each of these traditions reflects the cultural essence and collective hopes of communities as they step into a new year.
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This article was first published in the State of Faith newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each Monday night.
In mid-December, I wrote about the top religion stories of 2024, drawing on a survey conducted by Religion News Association.
This week, I’m highlighting a similar list put together by Howard Friedman, who runs the Religion Clause blog and is widely recognized for his reporting on church-state conflict and the Supreme Court.
Rather than review religion stories in general, Friedman explored the biggest religious freedom news from the past 12 months. He highlighted key legal conflicts that will shape the future of religious liberty in the United States.
Here’s a look at Friedman’s top 10 religious freedom-related developments in 2024 — plus, how I covered some of the events.
10. Dozens of cases brought by employees who were denied religious exemptions to COVID-19 vaccine mandates continued to work their way through the legal system.
9. The Alabama Supreme Court ruled that a wrongful death statute covered frozen embryos, then the state Legislature worked to adjust the law.
8. Indiana appellate courts said that abortion bans violate religious freedom protections.
7. The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that a religious charter school is unconstitutional.
6. Teachers filed religious freedom lawsuits to fight back against policies requiring them to refer to transgender students by their preferred pronouns.
5. The Supreme Court ruled on FDA approval of abortion-inducing pills and access to emergency abortion care.
4. The issue of religion in public schools roared back to relevance with battles over Bibles in the classroom, school chaplains, Ten Commandments displays and release time programs.
3. Voters in seven states approved abortion rights ballot measures.
2. Multiple states banned gender-related health care for transgender minors.
1. The Department of Education investigated Title VI complaints and Jewish students filed Title VI lawsuits over the protests that took place on college campuses in response to the Israel-Hamas war.
How Biden, Trump, Church of Jesus Christ leaders and others reacted to Jimmy Carter’s death
Jimmy Carter’s faith guided him for 100 years
Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100
The 12 days of Christmas, explained
The Biden administration withdrew a plan to prevent bans on transgender athletes. Here’s why
Jewish Telegraphic Agency highlights BYU QB Jake Retzlaff in list of top Jewish sports moments of 2024
Peyote is a small cactus that’s native to Mexico and southwestern Texas. It contains psychoactive alkaloids and is used in religious ceremonies and psychedelic “trips,” according to The Associated Press.
That latter purpose threatens the former one. As peyote has become more popular among proponents of psychedelic medicine, it’s becoming less available to the Native Americans who need it for sacred acts.
“For over two decades, Native American practitioners of peyotism, whose numbers in the U.S. are estimated at 400,000, have raised the alarm about lack of access to peyote,” the AP reported.
I’m familiar with peyote in large part because of its role in Employment Division v. Smith, the 1990 Supreme Court decision that shook the religious freedom landscape and ultimately led to the passage of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
The men who brought the case lost their jobs and then were refused unemployment benefits because they used peyote in a religious ritual. They argued that their religious freedom had been violated.
After the Supreme Court ruled against the men, Congress made it clear that Native Americans can use peyote as part of their religious activities.
“Even though it is a controlled substance under federal law, an exemption afforded by a 1994 amendment to the American Indian Religious Freedom Act made it legal for Native Americans to use, possess and transport peyote for traditional religious purposes,” the AP reported.
I was on call this weekend for the Deseret News, so I handled our breaking news coverage of former President Jimmy Carter’s death. I enjoyed learning more about his remarkable political career and revisiting my past research on his faith. Former President Barack Obama highlighted Carter’s relationship with God in his statement on Carter’s legacy.
President-elect Donald Trump filed an unusual Supreme Court brief Friday about the TikTok ban case that will be heard Jan. 10. He asked the justices to block the pending ban to give his incoming administration time to try to resolve the legal conflict, but he didn’t take a position on the app’s free speech arguments, according to The New York Times.
Speaking of Trump, Religion News Service recently raised questions about the incoming president’s faith-related plans for his inauguration. The article highlighted documents showing that an interfaith prayer service will only be open to major donors.
After staying up late for work several nights in a row over the past week, I’m not sure I’ll make it to midnight on New Year’s Eve. But I’m looking forward to 2025 and hoping everyone has a great start to the year!

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Internet Archive user info stolen in cyberattack, succumbs to DDoS  The Register
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The Terrifying Real Case That Inspired Netflix’s ‘The Deliverance’  Collider
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Best Altcoins to Buy Today: Qubetics, Bitcoin, and Hedera—Your Ultimate Guide to the Top Next-Gen Investments
The cryptocurrency world is buzzing with excitement as investors continue to flock to altcoins that offer real growth potential. While Bitcoin and Hedera have earned their places as staples in the crypto space, the latest entrant, Qubetics (TICS), is rapidly gaining attention. With its innovative solutions and promising presale, Qubetics is on track to become one of the best altcoins to buy today for those looking to make a strong play in the crypto market.
Bitcoin and Hedera have long been considered safe bets for investors, serving as alternative investment instruments to traditional assets like stocks and bonds. But the recent rise of projects like Qubetics, with its focus on decentralisation, privacy, and blockchain scalability, makes it clear that the future of crypto is all about evolution. In this article, we’ll dive into the key milestones of Qubetics, while also looking at how Bitcoin and Hedera have become tried-and-tested go-to projects for investors in 2024.
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When it comes to the best altcoins to buy today, Qubetics is making waves. Currently in its 15th presale stage, Qubetics has raised over $8.4 million and sold more than 392 million $TICS tokens to over 12,700 holders. At a current price of $0.041 per $TICS token, investors are in for a 10% price surge when the presale ends this weekend. This explosive growth is driving even more attention towards Qubetics, especially with analysts predicting that the price could skyrocket to $1 or even $5 after the presale ends, offering investors massive returns on their initial investment.

For those looking at a scenario where they invest $200 in Qubetics at the current presale price, they would purchase approximately 5,841 $TICS tokens. If the price per token rises to $1 after the presale ends, that $200 investment could potentially turn into $5,841—a jaw-dropping 2820% return on investment. And if $TICS reaches $5 post-presale, that same $200 investment could soar to $29,207, offering an ROI of 14,503%.
But Qubetics isn’t just about profits. The project’s integration of a decentralised VPN and privacy features is truly revolutionary. Imagine a world where businesses, professionals, and individuals no longer have to rely on centralised providers for online security. Qubetics offers a decentralised VPN that ensures users’ data remains private, secure, and under their control. For businesses handling sensitive client data or for professionals who need to maintain privacy in their daily operations, this technology is a game-changer. It also paves the way for individuals who are concerned about surveillance and data leaks to take control of their privacy.
In the digital age, privacy is more than a luxury—it’s a necessity. With decentralised VPN solutions from Qubetics, users can browse securely without the risk of being tracked, offering unparalleled protection for financial transactions, communications, and more. It’s clear that the Qubetics ecosystem isn’t just another crypto project—it’s an all-in-one solution for the future of blockchain, privacy, and decentralisation.
Bitcoin has been the king of cryptocurrencies since its inception in 2009. As the best altcoin to buy today for many seasoned investors, Bitcoin continues to capture the imagination of those seeking an alternative investment asset class. With its limited supply of 21 million coins and its reputation as a store of value, Bitcoin has proven itself as a reliable hedge against inflation, often compared to gold.
The rise of Bitcoin as a mainstream investment vehicle has been nothing short of phenomenal. Over the years, it has evolved from a niche, tech-savvy asset to a recognised financial instrument, with institutional investors and major corporations now jumping on board. Tesla, MicroStrategy, and even Square have added Bitcoin to their balance sheets, signalling confidence in its long-term value. For retail investors, Bitcoin represents a way to diversify away from traditional financial markets while tapping into the growing adoption of digital currencies.
Bitcoin’s market position is also strengthened by its network security, which is powered by miners that ensure its decentralised nature. The Bitcoin blockchain’s proof-of-work mechanism has made it one of the most secure networks in the world, which is one of the reasons it has remained the leading cryptocurrency despite competition from altcoins. Moreover, the growing number of Bitcoin ETFs and institutional funds indicates that this altcoin is here to stay.
For investors looking at Bitcoin today, the currency’s value has surged to new heights, reaching over $107,000 in recent months. However, Bitcoin’s volatility has raised concerns for some, but this only adds to its allure for high-risk, high-reward investors. As an alternative to traditional investments, Bitcoin offers a unique asset class with the potential for significant gains—and, for some, it’s quickly becoming a hedge against traditional market instability.
While Bitcoin has secured its position as the ultimate digital gold, Hedera is emerging as a top contender for investors looking for best altcoins to buy today that combine speed, scalability, and sustainability. Hedera’s innovative approach to blockchain technology has made it a fan favourite among those who care about both performance and the environment.
Unlike Bitcoin’s proof-of-work, which requires significant energy consumption, Hedera operates on a proof-of-stake model, making it one of the most eco-friendly blockchains out there. This is crucial in a world that is becoming increasingly aware of its environmental impact. Hedera’s consensus algorithm, the Hashgraph, is not only faster but also more secure than traditional blockchain networks, allowing for high throughput with low latency.
One of the things that sets Hedera apart is its focus on scalability. While many blockchain networks suffer from congestion and slow transaction speeds, Hedera has been designed to handle thousands of transactions per second (TPS), making it ideal for enterprise-level applications and real-time use cases. Hedera has partnered with several large companies, including Google, IBM, and Boeing, to implement its technology in real-world applications, further solidifying its position in the crypto space.
For investors looking to diversify their portfolios, Hedera provides a strong alternative to Bitcoin. Its market position has been growing steadily, and it has carved out a niche as a blockchain that is not only fast and scalable but also environmentally conscious. As more enterprises look for scalable solutions, Hedera’s HBAR token is poised for continued growth. For those who believe in the future of sustainable blockchain technology, Hedera is one of the best altcoins to buy today.

As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, projects like Qubetics, Bitcoin, and Hedera are offering exciting investment opportunities for both seasoned investors and newcomers alike. Qubetics, with its innovative decentralised VPN and high ROI potential, stands out as one of the most promising presales in the market today. Meanwhile, Bitcoin remains a safe haven for those looking to hedge against traditional market fluctuations, while Hedera is carving its own path as a fast, scalable, and eco-friendly blockchain solution.
For those looking to diversify their portfolios and explore the best altcoins to buy today, Qubetics, Bitcoin, and Hedera are all worth keeping an eye on. Whether you’re in it for the long-term gains or simply looking for a unique investment opportunity, these three projects offer something for every type of investor. Don’t miss out—consider diving into Qubetics’ presale before it ends, or add Hedera and Bitcoin to your investment portfolio as part of your broader strategy. The future of crypto is unfolding, and the time to act is now.

For More Information:
Disclosure: This is a sponsored press release. Please do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any projects. Read the full disclosure here.
Null Transaction PR is a cryptocurrency marketing group responsible for article distribution across a myriad of news sites. If you’re looking to advertise with us, contact us by email at [email protected] or visit our website.
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A locally owned taco chain plans to open its seventh location in NuLu in early 2025, according to Louisville Business First.
I Love Tacos will open a restaurant at 828 E. Main St. inside NuLu Marketplace in the first quarter of 2025. The chain is moving into a nearly 2,200-square-foot, two-story space that was recently occupied by The Local Seltzery, which is listed as temporarily closed on Google and the business no longer has a website.
Ernesto Rivera, co-owner of I Love Tacos, said his company jumped at the chance to take over the NuLu space even though they have a Downtown Louisville location in the Falls City Market in the Omni Hotel, at 400 S. Second St., which opened in March.
Rivera said I Love Tacos expects to spend up to $150,000 renovating the NuLu space because the company needs to add a kitchen hood and a walk-in freezer to it. The new restaurant will have about 10 employees.
To read more about this new opening, head over to Louisville Business First.
Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.

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When spirituality met technology: Thai monk uses Google Translate to spread wisdom  Hindustan Times
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A $2 Mega Millions ticket made one lucky winner a billionaire this holiday season. Like they say in the lottery world, “it could happen to you.”
On Christmas Eve 2024, the jackpot hit $1 billion. It was the 12th time in history that a Mega Millions or Powerball lottery jackpot reached $1 billion. Only once has a lottery jackpot here surpassed $2 billion (see below).
On Friday, Dec. 27, Mega Millions ballooned to $1.22 billion, with final ticket sales pushing the grand total to $1.269 billion, according to Mega Millions online. The next day, the Florida Lottery reported one ticket in California matched all five numbers plus the Mega Ball. The winner has a year from the date of the draw to claim the prize. The jackpot officially reset to $20 million for Tuesday, Dec. 31, or New Year’s Eve — a week after Mega Millions reached $1 billion. Check back after 11 p.m. EST for the New Year’s Eve 2024 winning numbers.
Lucky day!1 player in California won $1.269 billion Mega Millions: What we know about the winner
In case you’re wondering, Friday, Dec. 27, winning Mega Millions numbers were 3-7-37-49-55 and the Mega Ball was 6. Megaplier was 3x.
In addition to the $1.269 billion jackpot winner, there were five secondary winners in Friday night’s drawing. Two tickets purchased in California and a ticket from Missouri, Arizona and Texas all matched 5 for $1 million prizes.
Mega Millions tickets start at $2 apiece. Below are some frequently asked questions about the game, when winning tickets expire in Florida (it differs state by state) and lottery odds. Good luck!
Mega Millions lottery drawings are at 11 p.m. EST Tuesdays and Fridays. Check back for Tuesday, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve, winning Mega Millions numbers. We’ll see if there’s a winner or a rollover.
Mega Millions drawings are at 11 p.m. EST Tuesdays and Fridays. The next Mega Millions lottery drawing will be at 11 p.m. EST Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.
Could Mega Millions tickets rise to $5?Mega Millions expected to hike ticket prices, make Megaplier changes in 2025. What we know
After nearly four months of rollovers, the last Mega Millions lottery streak included two Friday the 13th holidays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah before someone in California won $1.22 billion for matching all five numbers and the Mega Ball.
Below is a recap of lottery drawings for this latest streak and how the jackpot grew over time.
Record-setting win:After $2.04 billion Powerball, Edwin Castro bought 2 multimillion-dollar homes in 2 weeks
Prizes for Florida Lottery must be claimed within 180 days (six months) from the date of the drawing. To claim a single-payment cash option, a winner has within the first 60 days after the applicable draw date to claim it.
The odds of winning are pretty low. According to the Mega Millions site, players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance to match all five white balls plus the gold Mega Ball. Prizes range from $2 (for matching the Mega Ball) to the grand prize jackpot, which varies.
According to Florida Lottery’s website, winners cannot remain anonymous: “Florida law mandates that the Florida Lottery provide records containing information such as the winner’s name, city of residence; game won, date won, and amount won to any third party who requests the information.”
However, the site states, the “names of lottery winners claiming prizes of $250,000 or greater will be temporarily exempt from public disclosure for 90 days from the date the prize is claimed, unless otherwise waived by the winner.”
Lottery experts and lawyers have said there are ways to remain anonymous if you win.
As of Dec. 31, 2024, New Year’s Eve, these are the largest Mega Millions prizes in the history of the game, according to megamillions.com.
As of Dec. 31, 2024, New Year’s Eve, there have been 12 lottery jackpots that have reached or surpassed $1 billion. Only once has a jackpot surpassed $2 billion. These are the biggest lottery jackpots in U.S. history.
(This story will be updated to add new information.)
Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.

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It feels like ages since I last played Kingdom Come: Deliverance, which was originally released in 2018. While at PAX West, I had the chance to test out a mission from Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, and it gave me a glimpse into the grand scope of the upcoming sequel.
The preview opens with you in the town of Kuttenberg, where you meet a friendly man recruiting apprentices for his sword technique school. You have the option to ignore him and go about your day, or you can ask for a sparring match. I chose the latter, eager to test my mettle. During the sparring match, I was getting accustomed to the sword-fighting mechanics. You can direct your sword’s angle and left-click to attack from that angle. If you manage to strike from a position his sword can’t parry, you land a hit. However, you must be cautious, as he can attack from various angles too. If your sword is positioned correctly, a shield icon appears over your angle indicator, signaling that you can block. By right-clicking at the right moment during his attack, you can block and follow up with a counterattack.
The sword-fighting mechanics, as well as the alchemy and blacksmith systems, are designed with a strong emphasis on realism. This realistic approach allows players to deeply engage with the systems they enjoy, while completely ignoring others if they choose.

Unfortunately, I lost my sparring match. This caught the attention of another sword-fighting academy, which wanted to shut down the school of the man I was helping. Using my diplomacy skills, I convinced them to let him stay in the city, but they demanded a duel between the two sword-fighting schools. To make this happen, I had to sneak into their school hall and steal their prized possession—a finely crafted sword—to display it in front of the whole town. I had to be cautious, as the law in Kuttenberg requires citizens to carry a torch at night. Without it, I would look suspicious, which could lead to trouble. Luckily, I succeeded in stealing the sword, and the man I supported was able to challenge the rival school to a tournament, where the winner of two out of three matches would claim victory.
My time with the game ended around here, as I found myself exploring the map and icons in town, which was a bit overwhelming at first. I was told that my experience with the demo could have been vastly different depending on the choices I made. I could have ignored the man entirely and spent time wandering the city or exploring the surrounding plains, getting accustomed to the mechanics. Had I won the first sparring match, I wouldn’t have needed to challenge the other school at all. Alternatively, I could have been caught during the theft and thrown into prison, forcing me to find another way to resolve the school rivalry.
Playing Kingdom Come: Deliverance II was a real treat. It is certainly a game to keep your eye out for. They implemented a ton of mechanics routes and choices in this game to give the player the most freedom they can possibly have in a more historical medieval environment. I am looking forward to all the different choices and routes this game can have in all the other quest lines too.
If you want an immersive experience in the world of a historical medieval region, then Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is the game for you. This is a must-buy for me! I love medieval fantasy and medieval history! Just Medieval games in general are my cup of tea.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II releases February 11th, 2025 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Scott Adams has been a strong lover of video games, mainly RPGS, for 20 years. He typically writes about the video games he loves, also reviews many of them, and he is a regular on the Nintendo Entertainment Podcast.
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CA, US & World

Pasadena is in the final stretch of preparation for the world-renowned Rose Parade, which takes place every New Year’s Day.

Volunteers are hard at work making last-minute adjustments to the intricate and colorful floats that will be the centerpiece of the parade, traveling down the iconic five-mile stretch of Colorado Boulevard. These magnificent creations, which are known for their incredible attention to detail and stunning beauty, will be judged today, and the final parade lineup will be decided.

The city, which has a long history of hosting this beloved New Year’s tradition, is also preparing for an influx of spectators. Security measures have been heightened across the city, ensuring the safety and smooth flow of the parade. As the floats are carefully positioned, police, security personnel, and emergency responders are making sure that everything is in place for a safe and enjoyable event.

The excitement is palpable in Pasadena, as crowds eagerly anticipate the parade. The sands are already being set along Colorado Boulevard, marking the spots where thousands of spectators will soon take their seats. From early morning, visitors will flood the streets, eager to witness the spectacle of vibrant floats, marching bands, and equestrian units making their way down the famous avenue.

For many, the Rose Parade is more than just an event; it is a symbol of tradition, community, and the spirit of the New Year. This year, with a heightened focus on safety and final touches on the floats, the celebration promises to be a memorable one for all who attend.

As volunteers put the finishing touches on the floats and the city finalizes security preparations, Pasadena is gearing up for an unforgettable New Year’s celebration. The stage is set, and all eyes will soon be on the spectacular display that is the Rose Parade.
By: NBC Palm Springs
December 31, 2024
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