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Childhood friends Jennifer Austin and Molly lost touch after Austin’s family moved to Germany, only to reconnect decades later. “Strong friendships really do stay for the long haul,” Austin, 51, said. “Even if there are pauses, they don’t completely dissolve. They linger like a little light in the back.” Psychologist Marisa Franco notes that adult responsibilities and technology can make staying connected difficult, but most people appreciate efforts to rekindle old bonds. She recommends referencing a shared memory or suggesting a phone call or meetup. Can’t take hormone therapy for menopause? Doctors say effective alternatives exist For Heather Robb and Laine DiPasquantonio, a decades-long gap ended when Robb visited Denver for work. Their reunion brought them closer, with Robb calling it “a missing piece.” Similarly, Reyna Dominguez, 18, reconnected with a childhood friend after months apart, encouraging others to “just do it.” Long-distance friendships also thrive with regular calls or visits, as Andrew Snyder, 50, notes. While some connections fade, like Kim Ventresca’s college friendship, experts say reaching out carries little risk and can restore meaningful bonds. Austin and Molly’s renewed friendship shows the value of effort and timing in keeping lifelong connections alive. Source: AP

Look no further for great gift ideas for your kiddos. The Associated Press scoured the bookshelves for standout 2025 releases to share the love of reading with your child, student or friend, and came up with this list for the holidays. Board books and read-to-me books (ages 0-3) — “I Love You, Little Moose!” by Sandra Magsamen. A five-line poem about nature and all the things we love about it, with vibrant colors and bubble-letter text. This board book also has soft plushie antlers on top. Cartwheel Books, $8.99. — “Why Does the Wind Blow?” by Eric Carle. Science made easy in classic Eric Carle style! This quick read explains in simple terms how wind blows, aided by illustrations and one Very Hungry Caterpillar. World of Eric Carle, $5.99. — “Little Heroes of Color: I’m A Little Hero” by David Heredia. Heroes range from hardworking Jim Thorpe to inventive Arvind Gupta to fearless Sonia Sotomayor. Rhyming and repetition make complicated words and ideas easier to understand. In the back, readers will find a mirror with a message that they're a little hero, too. Cartwheel Books, $9.99. — “Everywhere You Are” by Victoria Monét, illustrated by Alea Marley. This sweet book reaffirms a parent’s love for their child even when they’re not physically together. Grammy winner Monét's musicality shines in this lullaby, illustrated in a colorful, swirly, star-speckled outer space. G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books For Young Readers, $18.99. Early readers (ages 3-8) — “Bitty and Bub, Best Buds” by Janee Trasler. Five short, silly comics follow fun-loving friends Bitty and Bub. It’s a great introduction to reading comics, using speech bubbles in simple panel progressions. Holiday House, $14.99. — “Don’t Trust Fish” by Neil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan Santat. Why read another boring animal book when you can read something hilarious? The book teaches kids how to recognize mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds — and, chiefly, why you shouldn't trust fish. Dial Books, $18.99. — “Grandmother Moon” by Wunneanatsu Lamb-Cason, illustrated by Trisha B. Waters. A girl's grandma explains Grandmother Moon to her. The author’s Indigenous storytelling tradition is extended by dreamy full-page paintings. Includes a Moon Calendar and a guide to reading the calendar on the scales of Turtle’s back. Beaming Books, $18.99. Bob Ross paintings fetch over $600,000 at auction to support public TV stations Middle grade (ages 8-12) — “Dory Fantasmagory 7: Center of the Universe” by Abby Hanlon. Book 7 in the silly illustrated series that’s a perfect bridge into chapter books. In this story, Dory has a new rival. Dory’s zany antics and odd friends could elicit laughter from any reader. Dial Books, $17.99. — “Maker Girl and Professor Smarts” by Jasmine Florentine. So what if they don't have superpowers? These supersmart best friends are ready to take on supervillains! This hilarious, hybrid graphic chapter book includes science-backed instructions for making sorbet and cardboard grappling hooks. MIT Kids Press, $19.99. — “The Weirdies” by Michael Buckley, illustrated by Forrest Burdett. From the creator of “Sisters Grimm,” these 10-year-old triplets and the world they live in are weird — and highly entertaining. Pencil-hatching illustrations accompany Lemony Snicket-esque humor and fourth-wall breaking. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $14.99. — “The Poisoned King” by Katherine Rundell, illustrated by Ashley Mackenzie. It's up to 12-year-old Princess Anya to save the dragons and her kingdom. The hotly anticipated Book 2 of the Impossible Creatures series is a fantasy adventure driven by an unyielding belief in the power of goodness. Knopf Books for Young Readers, $19.99. — “Bunns Rabbit” by Alan Barillaro. The other rabbits fear that Bunns' short ears are a bad omen. Full of heart, this mature, tender chapter book showcases descriptive writing and stunning, dramatically lit illustrations. Candlewick, $18.99. Young adult (ages 12+) — “The Story of My Anger” by Jasminne Mendez. Told in verse and as a play, this empowering story follows Yuli, a junior at a Texas high school, as she learns how to handle racism, the pressure to shine, and stress at home with a widowed mom living with a chronic illness. Dial Books, $19.99. — “The House of Quiet” by Kiersten White. A Gothic mystery that explores class struggle and what it means to make a positive impact in the world. The stunning ending pulls the pieces together without a single detail wasted. Delacorte Press, $19.99. — “When We Were Monsters” by Jennifer Niven. Arlo and Effy trade off narrating this genre-bender of dark academia, murder mystery, thriller and romance. A “Frankenstein” motif throughout the novel conveys themes of monsters and fate vs. free will. Knopf Books for Young Readers, $20.99. — “Leave It on the Track” by Margot Fisher. After her dads die in a fire, Moose moves to a new state to live with her older half-sister, who convinces her to try roller derby. Fisher's debut grabs you and doesn't let go, tackling grief, being LGBTQ+ and finding community. Dutton Books for Young Readers, $19.99. — “Take Up Space, Y’all” by Tess Holliday and Kelly Coon. A body positivity book with guides and tips, from finding your fashion to having a healthy relationship with food to dealing with labels. It always defers to consulting your doctor for medical needs like skin problems and mental health challenges. Running Press Kids, $13.99. — “I Wish I Didn’t Have to Tell You This: A Graphic Memoir” by Eugene Yelchin. The sequel to “The Genius Under the Table” also stands on its own, chronicling a Jewish man’s escape from Soviet Russia in the 1980s with a unique art style that incorporates photographs. Yelchin’s mom and grandmother provide comic relief with their melodrama and uncanny wisdom. Candlewick, $22.99. Source: AP   

Three paintings by beloved public television icon Bob Ross sold for more than $600,000 at auction on Tuesday, with proceeds going to help U.S. public TV stations struggling from federal funding cuts. The first sale in a planned series of auctions, held at Bonhams in Los Angeles, featured 30 Ross paintings. The highlight was “Winter’s Peace” — a serene snow landscape painted during a 1993 episode of “The Joy of Painting” — which fetched $318,000 from a phone bidder. “For a good cause — and you get the painting,” auctioneer Aaron Bastian said during the sale, pausing to echo Ross’s signature optimism: “Bob would remind you that this is your world, and you can do anything you want.” Two other works painted during the same year — “Home in the Valley” and “Cliffside” — sold for $229,100 and $114,800 respectively. The prices, which include the buyer’s premium, far exceeded pre-auction estimates that had capped around $50,000 per piece. Three more Ross paintings will be auctioned in Marlborough, Massachusetts, on January 27, followed by additional sales in New York and London. All proceeds will support public TV stations that air programming from American Public Television, including “America’s Test Kitchen,” “Julia Child’s French Chef Classics,” and “This Old House.” Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc., said the initiative will especially aid smaller and rural PBS affiliates hit hardest by recent federal cuts. “These stations have been the gateway for generations of viewers to discover not just Bob’s gentle teaching, but the transformative power of the arts,” she said. Rare video captures sucker fish “surfing” whales in the ocean’s wildest ride Congress recently eliminated $1.1 billion in public broadcasting funds, as proposed by the Trump administration, affecting around 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations nationwide. Ross, who died in 1995 at age 52 after an 11-year run with “The Joy of Painting,” became a cultural phenomenon for his calm voice, signature hairstyle, and philosophy that there are “no mistakes, only happy accidents.” His popularity soared again during the COVID-19 lockdowns as new audiences rediscovered his soothing art tutorials online. Source: AP 

A rare blue diamond weighing nearly 10 carats has been sold for 20.5 million Swiss francs ($26.6 million) at a Christie’s auction in Geneva. The 9.51-carat gem, known as the “Mellon Blue”, was named after late American arts patron Rachel “Bunny” Mellon. The diamond had been expected to fetch between $20 million and $30 million, and its final sale price — including buyer’s premium and fees — came within that range. Christie’s said the stone was part of Mellon’s private collection for decades and had previously been sold in 2014 for $32.6 million, one of the highest prices ever paid for a colored diamond at auction. Max Fawcett, Christie’s global head of jewelry, described the Mellon Blue as “the gem of gems,” praising its Fancy Vivid Blue color grade and Internally Flawless quality certified by the Gemological Institute of America. The auction marks the first of two major jewelry sales in Geneva this week. On Wednesday, rival house Sotheby’s will auction the “Glowing Rose” pink diamond, expected to attract bids of around $20 million.

Sally Kirkland, the veteran American actor and model best known for her Oscar-nominated performance in the 1987 film Anna and roles alongside Paul Newman and Robert Redford in The Sting, has died at the age of 84. Her representative, Michael Greene, confirmed that Kirkland passed away Tuesday morning at a hospice in Palm Springs, California. Earlier this year, friends launched a GoFundMe campaign to support her medical expenses after she suffered multiple fractures — including four neck bones, her right wrist, and left hip — and later developed infections requiring hospital care and rehabilitation. Kirkland’s career spanned more than six decades across stage, film, and television. Her film credits include The Way We Were with Barbra Streisand, Revenge with Kevin Costner, EDtv directed by Ron Howard, Oliver Stone’s JFK, Bruce Almighty with Jim Carrey, and The Haunted, a 1991 television movie. She also had a cameo in Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles. Her defining role came in Anna, where she portrayed a fading Czech actress rebuilding her life in the United States. The performance won her a Golden Globe and earned her an Academy Award nomination alongside Cher, Glenn Close, Holly Hunter, and Meryl Streep. Born in New York City, Kirkland was the daughter of a Vogue and Life magazine fashion editor. She began modeling at age five before training in acting under Philip Burton and Lee Strasberg. She also appeared in several Shakespeare productions and Andy Warhol’s 13 Most Beautiful Women in 1964. Beyond acting, Kirkland was deeply involved in humanitarian work, volunteering for AIDS, cancer, and heart disease patients, feeding the homeless through the Red Cross, and advocating for young prisoners. Source: AP 

When Zohran Mamdani launched his groundbreaking bid for New York City mayor, his campaign visuals — bright blue signs with bold orange lettering — quickly became one of the race’s most talked-about features. From Queens to the Bronx, the “Zohran for New York City” signs stood out from traditional red, white, and blue campaign designs. While many saw the color scheme as a nod to Bollywood posters and Mamdani’s Indian roots, designer Aneesh Bhoopathy said the inspiration came from something much closer to home — the colorful visual language of New York’s bodegas, yellow cabs, and hot dog stands. “The design was meant to feel like New York itself — energetic, diverse, and alive,” said Bhoopathy, a Philadelphia-based designer who had previously worked with Mamdani and the Queens chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. A bold, nostalgic look that resonated The campaign’s bold colors and vintage font — echoing hand-painted signs and comic book covers — offered a striking contrast to more conventional political branding. The look even influenced Mamdani’s main rival, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who later switched to a blue-and-orange color palette featuring the Statue of Liberty’s crown — also the colors of the Knicks and Mets — after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani. Mamdani, soon to become New York’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor, is the son of Columbia University scholar Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair, best known for Monsoon Wedding. Design experts said the campaign’s aesthetic did more than just look good — it told a story about the city itself. “It reflects the working-class fabric of New York — the bodegas, taxi cabs, and halal carts that sustain it,” said David Schwittek, a digital media professor at Lehman College. Gavan Fitzsimons, a marketing professor at Duke University, said the retro tone likely evoked nostalgia among voters: “It felt like a throwback to a time when politics seemed less divisive and more hopeful.” Some US states introduce gun safety lessons for schoolchildren A new visual language for progressive politics Analysts also drew parallels to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s 2018 campaign, which used bright colors and upward-slanting lettering inspired by labor movement posters and Mexican Lucha libre flyers. Richard Flanagan, a political science professor at the College of Staten Island, said both campaigns used design to connect heritage, community, and movement politics. While experts say it’s too early to tell whether Mamdani’s visuals will reshape campaign aesthetics nationally, his team’s work has already sparked copycat designs and viral fan-made merchandise — including the “Hot Girls for Zohran” line worn by model Emily Ratajkowski. “The playfulness of his branding made people want to be part of it,” said NYU marketing professor Court Stroud. “It turned campaign design into a shared identity.” Design with meaning Media scholar Lisa Burns of Quinnipiac University noted that most candidates still rely on the “safe” red, white, and blue palette — but Mamdani’s success may inspire more risk-taking. “In a sea of sanitized political messaging, Mamdani’s visuals stand out because they mean something,” said Schwittek. “They reflect who he is and where he comes from.” Designer Bhoopathy agreed, saying the campaign’s energy matched the candidate’s own Source: AP 

Traveling across the ocean doesn’t get much smoother — or more stylish — than catching a ride on a whale, at least if you’re a remora. Marine researchers studying humpback whales off Australia have filmed remarkable footage of these so-called sucker fish clinging to their massive hosts, peeling away just before the whales breach, and then expertly reattaching as the animals crash back into the sea. The precision is astonishing — like synchronized swimmers or Olympic gymnasts sticking a landing. Remoras, or Remora australis, spend nearly their entire lives attached to whales or other large sea creatures. Using a suction-like disc on their heads, they create a vacuum seal that allows them to hang on tightly while feeding on scraps of skin and parasites — a convenient arrangement for both species. Whale Cameras Reveal Ocean Hitchhikers The extraordinary scenes were recorded unintentionally by Olaf Meynecke, a marine scientist from Griffith University’s Whales and Climate Research Program. Meynecke had attached suction-cup cameras to humpbacks during their annual migration from Antarctica to Australia’s Queensland coast. Instead of just whale behavior, his footage showed entire schools of remoras — sometimes 50 or more — jockeying for position on the same patch of skin where the cameras were mounted. “Whenever the whales breached or made sudden moves, the sucker fish reacted almost instantly,” Meynecke said. “They seemed to know exactly when to let go before the whale hit the surface, and then reattached within seconds once it was back underwater.” A Sticky but Strained Relationship While remoras are harmless and even help whales by eating parasites, Meynecke believes some whales find their clingy companions irritating. “In some cases, we saw whales with lots of remoras repeatedly breaching, even when no other whales were nearby,” he said. “It looked like they were trying to shake them off — almost checking afterward to see if they had fewer attached.” The Mystery of the Journey Each year, about 40,000 humpbacks travel along Australia’s so-called “humpback highway,” migrating between Antarctica and Queensland — a round trip of roughly 10,000 kilometers (6,000 miles). But how long their remora passengers stay aboard remains unclear. “I suspect most remoras detach at some point in temperate waters,” Meynecke said. “But where do they go after that? Do they find other hosts until the whales return?” When separated from whales, remoras often latch onto other large sea animals — such as manta rays, dolphins, or even scuba divers — much to the divers’ frustration. “They’re not easy to shake off,” Meynecke joked.

Thailand, famously known as the “Land of Smiles,” continues to captivate visitors with its scenic beauty, warm hospitality, and rich cultural traditions — complemented by some of the world’s most celebrated cuisine. The island province of Phuket, one of Thailand’s most sought-after destinations, is now drawing record numbers of tourists as the high season begins this month. According to Banyan Group Residences, a leading luxury property developer, the tropical island has also become a prime choice for Britons seeking a second home or planning to relocate abroad. Offering an attractive mix of affordability, natural beauty, and modern amenities, Phuket’s cost of living is 50–70% lower than in major UK cities, while private healthcare costs up to 80% less. The island also boasts international hospitals and British-curriculum schools, making it ideal for retirees, families, and digital nomads. With its year-round sunshine and warm sea temperatures, Phuket provides a sunny alternative to the UK’s cold winters. Its strong expat community, convenient travel links, and relaxed visa policies add to its appeal. In 2024 alone, around 250,000 British travellers visited the island, many exploring long-term property opportunities. Real estate opportunities Phuket’s real estate market offers a wide range of options — from beachfront villas to modern condos. The Laguna Phuket development, a 1,000-acre resort by Banyan Group, includes seven hotels, an 18-hole golf course, restaurants, spas, and the country’s largest beach club, RAVA. Over 5,000 luxury homes are already part of the project, with more underway, such as the sustainable Laguna Lakelands and the high-end Banyan Tree Beach Residences. Underwater sculpture park turns art into coral reef off Miami Beach Compared to the UK, Phuket’s property market offers strong value — a £750,000 investment can buy a 213 sq m luxury home on the island, versus only 33 sq m in London. Foreign investors make up over 60% of condo buyers, with British nationals among the top ten. Property values typically rise 5–10% annually, ensuring solid long-term returns. Banyan Group: redefining luxury living The Banyan Group, known globally for its Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, ranks as Asia’s leading and the world’s fifth-largest developer of branded residences. Homeowners benefit from flexible ownership models, rental management by Banyan’s five-star hospitality team, and extensive after-sales services — including 24/7 concierge and property management. With its seamless buying process and resort-style amenities, Banyan Group makes owning a home in Phuket a gateway to sunshine living — where every day feels like a holiday. Source: AP 

South Florida is welcoming a new fleet of cars — but these won’t clog traffic or add to commutes. They’re made of marine-grade concrete and rest beneath the ocean surface off South Beach. In late October, crews submerged 22 life-sized car sculptures several hundred feet off the Miami coastline as part of “Concrete Coral,” a project by the nonprofit REEFLINE to create an underwater sculpture park that doubles as a human-made coral reef. Funded in part by a $5 million Miami Beach city bond, the installation will soon be seeded with 2,200 native corals grown in a local lab. REEFLINE aims to raise $40 million to expand the project into an 11-phase underwater art corridor stretching along the city’s seven-mile (11-kilometer) shoreline. “I think we are making history here,” said REEFLINE founder Ximena Caminos. “It’s a one-of-a-kind, pioneering reef that brings science and art together.” Designed by artist Leandro Erlich, the submerged cars will soon become home to thriving coral and marine life, said Colin Foord, who heads REEFLINE’s coral lab. “Nature’s going to take back over, and we’re helping by growing the soft corals,” he said. Future phases will include “Heart of Okeanos,” a massive sculpture modeled after a blue whale’s heart by Petroc Sesti, and “The Miami Reef Star,” a large star-shaped installation by artists Carlos Betancourt and Alberto Latorre. Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner said the project will also boost local jobs and eco-tourism through snorkeling, diving, and paddleboarding tours. “Miami Beach is a global model,” Meiner said. “We’re setting the blueprint for other cities to follow.” City strolls can be as beneficial as nature walks, say researchers REEFLINE also offers hands-on education programs, inviting volunteers to plant corals alongside scientists and take part in monthly conservation activities through a floating marine learning center. Caminos said while the project cannot solve major environmental challenges like climate change or sea level rise, it can inspire awareness and collaboration. “We can show how creatively and collaboratively we can tackle man-made problems with man-made solutions,” she said. Source: AP

Britain’s monarchy, long shaped by its sensitivity to public opinion, is once again facing turbulence following the downfall of Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. King Charles III on Thursday stripped his younger brother of both his princely title and his official residence, marking the monarch’s strongest effort yet to distance the royal family from Andrew’s links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The move follows years of damaging scandals involving Andrew and reflects Charles’ attempt to protect the institution from further controversy. Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, had been convicted more than a decade earlier. The British monarchy — officially known as the House of Windsor — has survived multiple crises over the past century that have tested its endurance and public legitimacy. Wartime backlashAccording to George Gross, a royal historian at King’s College London, the last comparable precedent to Andrew’s removal dates back to World War I. The 1917 Titles Deprivation Act allowed Britain to revoke titles from royals who had sided with Germany. The royal family’s German roots ran deep through Queen Victoria’s marriage to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. When war broke out in 1914, members of the extended royal family found themselves on opposite sides. In 1917, King George V renamed his lineage the House of Windsor and removed titles from nobles deemed enemies of Britain, including Prince Ernest Augustus, Duke of Cumberland and Teviotdale. According to the House of Commons Library, it remains the only instance of such a measure in modern history. The abdication crisisA similar constitutional shock came in 1936 when King Edward VIII gave up the throne to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. At the time, the Church of England barred remarriage after divorce, making the union politically and religiously untenable. Edward abdicated that December, saying in a radio address he could not continue “without the help and support of the woman I love.” His decision forced a redefinition of royal duty and ushered in a new era of service and restraint under his brother, King George VI — later inherited by Queen Elizabeth II and now King Charles III. Edward and Wallis, later titled the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, spent most of their lives abroad amid suspicion of Nazi sympathies. King Charles III strips Prince Andrew of titles to safeguard the monarchy Diana’s deathThe 1997 death of Princess Diana, Charles’ ex-wife, became another defining moment. Her fatal car crash in Paris at age 36 stunned the world and exposed a rift between public mourning and the royal family’s private silence. As crowds gathered and tributes filled the palace gates, the queen remained at Balmoral with her family. Under mounting public pressure and guidance from then-Prime Minister Tony Blair, she delivered a televised address praising Diana and acknowledging the nation’s grief, calling her “an exceptional and gifted human being.” Harry’s riftMore recently, Prince Harry’s decision to step back from royal duties with his wife Meghan in 2020 — and their subsequent criticism of the institution in interviews, documentaries, and his memoir Spare — intensified scrutiny of the family. Harry’s lawsuits against British tabloids and his failed attempt to regain police protection further strained relations with the palace. A brief meeting between Harry and his father in September marked their first in more than a year, though it lasted less than an hour. A monarchy under strainAmid these ongoing tensions, Andrew’s exile represents the latest test of a centuries-old institution constantly balancing tradition and accountability. As King Charles seeks to protect the monarchy’s reputation, the challenges — from historical scandals to modern controversies — continue to shape how Britons view their royal family. Source: AP