Jan. 5 Weekly News Quiz: When’s Christmas in Ukraine?

In a move more surprising than finding out your secret Santa is actually Santa, Ukraine officially shifted its Christmas celebration to December 25th in 2023. This historic change, signed into law by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in July 2023, marked a significant departure from the traditional January 7th date, aligned with the Russian Orthodox Church’s calendar. The decision was a statement of cultural identity and national autonomy amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.

In a rather grim start to the New Year, Russia marked Jan. 1, 2024, by launching a record number of 90 Shahed-type drones over Ukraine. Ukrainian forces intercepted most of these drones, but debris from a downed drone in Odesa led to the death of a 15-year-old boy and injuries to several others. A museum in Lviv was severely damaged, and university buildings in Dubliany were also affected.

In a landmark decision that reflects Pope Francis’ pastoral vision for a more inclusive Church, the Vatican announced on Dec. 18, 2023, that Roman Catholic priests can administer blessings to same-sex couples. However, there’s a catch: these blessings must be given only if they are not part of regular Church rituals or liturgies. This means that while the church extends a hand of welcome, it’s careful not to blur the lines with the traditional sacrament of marriage. This decision marks a significant step in Pope Francis’ efforts to make the church more welcoming to LGBTQ individuals.

On Dec. 25, 2009, “Sherlock Holmes” didn’t just solve mysteries; it broke records! Directed by Guy Ritchie and starring Robert Downey Jr. as the iconic detective, the film raked in $24.6 million on its opening day, Christmas Day. This made it the biggest Dec. 25 release ever. Its record remains unbeaten, with “The Color Purple” (2023) coming in second with an impressive $18 million Christmas day opening, but not enough to dethrone the detective.

In a twist that’s more legal drama than tech thriller, Apple announced it would pause sales of its Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches in the United States starting Dec. 21, 2023, online and Dec. 24 in stores. This decision came after the International Trade Commission ruled in October 2023 that these models infringed on patents held by Masimo, a medical technology company, specifically the blood oxygen feature used to detect people’s pulse rate. On Dec. 25, an appeals court temporarily paused enforcement of that ruling while the legal fight ensues.

‘Zombie Deer Disease’ is a colloquial term for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a neurological disorder that affects deer, elk, and moose. First identified in Colorado in 1967, CWD has since spread to numerous US states and other countries. The disease causes symptoms like weight loss, lack of coordination, and drooling, making animals appear zombie-like. Currently, there have been no confirmed cases of CWD transmitted to humans. However, scientists warn of its potential as a “slow-moving disaster” for human health.

In a move that might make you miss the good old days of ad-free binge-watching, Amazon Prime Video is introducing ads into its streaming service starting Jan. 29, 2024, in the US and Feb. 5, 2024, in the UK. For those who prefer their drama without commercial cliffhangers, there’s an option to keep the screen ad-free – but it comes with a price tag. In the US, viewers can avoid ads by paying an extra $2.99 monthly, while UK viewers must shell out £2.99 per month.

In 2024, the earliest versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, as depicted in “Steamboat Willie,” along with Tigger from “The House at Pooh Corner,” entered the public domain. This happened after their 95-year copyright term expired. Entering the public domain means that these characters can now be used in new creative works without permission from Disney or the rights holders.

Taylor Swift’s “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” played a crucial role in breaking the record for most weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard album chart by a solo artist. In 2023’s final week, this album’s No. 1 spot contributed to Swift’s total of 68 weeks at the chart’s top. This surpasses the previous record held by Elvis Presley, who had 67 weeks at No. 1. The Beatles still hold the overall record with 132 weeks at No. 1.

After the passing of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, Queen Margrethe II ascended to the title of longest-serving monarch in Europe. Following her father’s death, she began her reign on Jan. 14, 1972. This means that by the time she announced her abdication on Dec. 31, 2023, she had been on the throne for 52 years. As of Jan. 14, 2024, her son, Frederik, will carry the royal torch.

On Dec. 29, 2023, Martha Stewart, at 82, posted a mirror selfie on Instagram, showcasing her in a silver nightgown after a trip from Westchester to Palm Beach. This post is part of a series of ‘thirst traps’ Stewart has shared, starting with a viral pool selfie in July 2020.

What’s a “Thirst Trap”?

“Thirst trap” refers to a photo shared on social media to attract attention through seductiveness. Martha Stewart’s “thirst trap” photos typically feature her in poses or outfits that challenge traditional notions of age and attractiveness.

On Dec. 26, 2023, a nearly 21-foot-tall (6.5 meters) bronze statue of Shakira was unveiled in her hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia. This statue, capturing her iconic hip-swiveling dance move, pays tribute to the singer’s roots and global impact. Shakira, known for her distinct blend of Latin, rock, and pop music, began her journey to stardom with her hip-shaking moves as a child in Barranquilla. The statue’s unveiling marked a high point in a year when Shakira made headlines for her music and personal life. She was involved in a tax fraud case in Spain, where she settled by paying a €7.5m fine to avoid a trial. She also released a song about her former partner, ex-footballer Gerard Piqué, which broke YouTube records in Latin America.