July 24, 2014

U.S. NEWS

In June, U.S. home sales fell to their slowest pace since January, impacted by high mortgage rates and a near-historic low number of homes for sale. Existing home sales decreased by 3.3% from May, with an annualized rate of 4.16 million units. This represents an 18.9% decline compared to June of the previous year, marking 11 consecutive months of annual sales declines of 20% or more.

The national median sales price dropped 0.9% from June last year to $410,200, the smallest annual decline since March. Despite this, the median sales price increased from the previous month, reaching the second-highest level on record. The inventory of homes for sale was down 13.6% from a year earlier, leading to intense competition and bidding wars, particularly for the most affordable homes..

WORLD NEWS

Last Sunday marked the hottest day ever recorded on Earth, with the average global temperature reaching 17.01 degrees Celsius (62.62 degrees Fahrenheit). This record was quickly surpassed as temperatures continued to rise in the following days. The unprecedented heat is attributed to a combination of human-caused climate change and the El Niño weather pattern. Experts warn that such extreme temperatures could become more frequent unless significant action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The effects are already being felt globally, with deadly heatwaves and severe weather events.

MONEY

An Italian estate with historical ties to the Mona Lisa is on sale for $19.66 million. Located in Scandicci near Florence, the 700-year-old Villa Antinori was once home to Francesco del Giocondo, whose wife, Lisa, is believed to be the subject of Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting. The villa features Renaissance-era architecture, 14 rooms, 15 bathrooms, and sits on nearly 67 acres with a private chapel, tennis court, and swimming pool. The property is noted for its historical significance and artistic value.

HEALTH

ENTERTAINMENT

The new film "Deadpool & Wolverine," starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, has received positive early reviews from critics. The movie, which marks the MCU's first R-rated entry, is praised for its humor, action-packed sequences, and visual effects. Critics have highlighted the dynamic pairing of Deadpool and Wolverine as a standout element. The film opens with a gritty and engaging scene that sets the tone for what follows.

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While some reviews have noted the movie's nostalgic fan service, Ryan Reynolds' performance and the film's irreverent humor are particularly well-received. The opening 40 minutes have generated significant buzz, with some critics describing it as epic and leaving audiences wanting more. The movie is expected to perform well at the box office, with early projections suggesting a strong opening weekend​Read full article.

TRAVEL

Carnival Cruise Line has placed an order for three massive new cruise ships, each weighing 230,000 gross tons and capable of accommodating nearly 8,000 passengers. These ships, powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), will be the largest in Carnival's fleet and among the largest globally. The new vessels are set to be delivered in 2029, 2031, and 2033, and will feature advanced energy efficiency, waste management, and emission reduction technologies.

This order marks a significant expansion for Carnival, which already has plans for two new Excel-class ships to be delivered in 2027 and 2028. The decision to build these ships responds to the high demand for cruise vacations, which has surged post-pandemic, with passenger volumes surpassing pre-2019 levels.

FOOD

NOSTALGIA

FUN STUFF