Taiwan Immigrants' Global News Network-The Santa Awards: Ranking the best (and most ridiculous) Father Christmases ever to grace our screens

Thieves steal van containing 2,500 pies from Michelin-starred chef

Thieves in northern England made headlines after stealing a van loaded with 2,500 pies valued at £25,000 ($31,600). Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks revealed the van, intended for York Christmas Market, was taken with the pies still inside. Banks pleaded with the thieves via Instagram to drop the food at a community center to avoid waste, emphasizing that the pies were branded and unsellable.Banks humorously addressed the culprits, asking them to "do the right thing" since it’s Christmas, but also expressed his frustration, hoping they receive no gifts this year. North Yorkshire Police later recovered the van with false plates, but the pies’ condition remains unknown.This pie theft follows another bizarre heist: scammers posing as legitimate buyers stole over 24 tons of artisanal cheese from Neal’s Yard Dairy, valued at $390,000. The dairy honored payments to its small-scale cheesemakers despite the financial loss and is collaborating with authorities to track down the perpetrators.

2024-12-29 09:00

Psoriatic Arthritis Patients Should Aim for 'Targeted Therapy'

Psoriatic arthritis patients not only endure the visible discomfort caused by skin lesions but may also face swelling and pain in the fingers, toes, and limb joints, with a potential risk of joint deformities. Dr. Chiu Ying-Ming, a rheumatologist at China Medical University Hospital, explains that psoriatic arthritis is caused by an imbalance in the immune system. While it is difficult to cure, "targeted therapy" can provide effective control. This approach emphasizes active communication between patients and physicians, setting phased treatment goals, and promptly adjusting the treatment plan if the goals are not met, striving for optimal results.Psoriasis is a condition caused by an imbalance in the body's immune system. (Image/Provided by Heho Health)With advances in medicine, there are now more treatment options for psoriatic arthritis, ranging from topical ointments to physical therapy for symptom relief. However, since the root cause lies in the immune system's excessive inflammatory response, it is essential to address the inflammation at its source. In recent years, biologics have become a key treatment option for autoimmune diseases, effectively suppressing specific inflammatory factors. These treatments not only improve skin lesions but also alleviate arthritis symptoms, with some patients achieving PASI 100—complete clearance of skin lesions.Dr. Chiu shared the success story of a psoriatic arthritis patient whose skin lesions completely disappeared after using second-generation biologics, achieving PASI 100 and returning to pre-disease skin conditions. This transformative result restored the patient's confidence. Dr. Chiu emphasized that patients should not settle for their current treatment outcomes but should maintain close communication with their doctors, set progressive treatment goals, and strive for better results to improve their quality of life.Before and after psoriasis treatment. (Image/Provided by Heho Health)For psoriatic arthritis patients, managing overall health in daily life is as crucial as medication. Physicians advise patients to actively adhere to treatment and attend regular follow-ups. By making adjustments based on disease progression, patients can achieve optimal control of their condition.Source: Heho Health (authorized use)

2024-12-19 09:05

The Santa Awards: Ranking the best (and most ridiculous) Father Christmases ever to grace our screens

Ah, Christmas—the season of giving, singing, and indulging in festive feasts. Presiding over it all is Santa Claus, a figure reimagined countless times on screen. Here's a roundup of some of the most memorable portrayals of Saint Nick:Most Wholesome – Edmund Gwenn in Miracle on 34th Street (1947) Edmund Gwenn’s Kris Kringle in this holiday classic is the epitome of warmth and charm, earning him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. His portrayal embodies the magic of Christmas, captivating audiences for generations.Most Pragmatic – Santa in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer This animated classic shows Santa as a quick thinker, relying on Rudolph’s glowing nose to guide his sleigh through a stormy Christmas Eve, proving even Santa needs help sometimes.Most Burtonesque – Santa in The Nightmare Before Christmas Voiced by Ed Ivory, this version of Santa is a whimsical yet slightly macabre rendition, fitting perfectly into Tim Burton's eerie holiday world. His kidnapping by Halloweentown ghouls adds a unique twist to the traditional story.Will Ferrell and Ed Asner in "Elf." New Line CinemaMost Inspirational – Ed Asner in Elf In this modern classic, Ed Asner’s Santa inspires Buddy the Elf to restore Christmas spirit, proving that determination and belief can overcome any obstacle, even a broken sleigh.Most Curmudgeonly – Paul Giamatti in Fred Claus Giamatti portrays a weary, overburdened Santa who must rely on his chaotic brother Fred (Vince Vaughn) to save Christmas, blending humor with heartfelt moments.Nastiest – Billy Bob Thornton in Bad Santa This dark comedy flips the traditional Santa trope, with Billy Bob Thornton playing a jaded and morally bankrupt Saint Nick. Despite his flaws, he finds a fleeting moment of redemption.Most Dangerous – David Harbour in Violent Night Harbour’s gritty, action-packed Santa takes on criminals to protect the holiday spirit, bringing a surprising edge to the Christmas canon in this R-rated thriller.Most Whimsical – Santa in The Snowman The animated The Snowman features a cheerful Santa in a dreamy North Pole setting, offering a heartwarming interlude in this visually stunning and nostalgic short film.From wholesome to whimsical and even dangerous, these portrayals of Santa Claus remind us of the many ways this iconic figure continues to captivate and evolve with each holiday season.

2024-12-29 09:00

The Santa Awards: Ranking the best (and most ridiculous) Father Christmases ever to grace our screens

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Thieves steal van containing 2,500 pies from Michelin-starred chef

Psoriatic Arthritis Patients Should Aim for 'Targeted Therapy'

The Santa Awards: Ranking the best (and most ridiculous) Father Christmases ever to grace our screens