If you live in the north like I do, you know that winter has been here for quite some time. I mean, it’s snowing here today. No prob for me, inside warm and toasty. But I think about all those commuters stuck in their cars going nowhere, just spinning wheels. And the people who must work outside…poor souls! Anyway, I thought you might like to know more about the season we like to call “the pits” here in Chicago. Lord, make it an early spring!!
Winter Solstice 2022: When Is It, And What Is It?
it’s the astronomical moment when the Sun reaches the Tropic of Capricorn, we have our shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere in terms of daylight. Regardless of what the weather is doing outside your window, the solstice marks the official start of winter.
What Does “Solstice” Mean?
The term “solstice” comes from the Latin words sol (Sun) and sistere (to stand still) because, during the solstice, the angle between the Sun’s rays and the plane of the Earth’s equator (called declination) appears to stand still.
So, what does that mean, exactly? Upon the winter solstice, the Sun appears at its lowest in the sky, and its noontime elevation seems to stay the same for several days before and after this day. The Sun’s gradual decrease in the sky reverses upon the winter solstice, marking what many cultures believe to be a “rebirth” of the Sun as the hours of daylight become longer.
Essentially, daylight hours (the period of time between sunrise and sunset each day) have been growing slightly shorter each day since the summer solstice last June, which is the longest day of the year (at least in terms of light). December 21 marks the start of when days will begin to grow longer. They will continue to do so until we reach the summer solstice again in June. Then the cycle will begin anew.
While we celebrate the winter solstice, those living in the Southern Hemisphere will be simultaneously marking the arrival of summer. That’s because while our half of the globe is inclined away from the Sun, their half is inclined toward it. Being tilted away from the Sun brings us shorter days and colder temperatures.
OK, double-edged sword. Colder temps, but longer days. And Southern Hemisphere is starting summer. Hm… must think about that.
After 63 matches across 28 days, the two best teams – and two best players – from the 2022 FIFA World Cup are left standing.
On one side are the defending tournament champions. Kylian Mbappé and France have been unstoppable in Qatar as they attempt to win their second straight World Cup. Les Bleus took care of business to win Group D and eliminated Poland, England and Morocco en route to their second straight World Cup final.
If they want to lift the trophy again, they will have beat perhaps the best player in the history of the sport.
Lionel Messi is set for his last ever World Cup match after guiding Argentina to its second final in eight years. The team lost the 2014 final to Germany in extra time and was eliminated by France in the 2018 round of 16, setting the stage perfectly for Messi’s World Cup sendoff.
Argentina needed to overcome an opening loss to Saudi Arabia in group play. La Albiceleste bounced back with wins over Mexico and Poland before advancing past Australia, the Netherlands and Croatia in the knockout rounds.
It’s Mbappé versus Messi with everything on the line. What more is left to be said?
Here is everything to know for what should be an unforgettable 2022 World Cup Final:
When is the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final?
France and Argentina will compete for the World Cup title on Sunday, Dec. 18.
What time is the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final?
The match will kick off at 10 a.m. ET (6 p.m. local time) at Lusail Iconic Stadium in Lusail.
How to watch France vs. Argentina in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final
The game will be broadcast on FOX in English and Telemundo in Spanish.
How to stream France vs. Argentina in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final
The game can be streamed online on FOXSports.com, the FOX Sports app or on Peacock (Spanish).
Thus that first historic sentence was born: “Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”
Archive Holdings Inc./The Image Bank/Getty Images
On the morning of December 7, 1941, the Japanese launched a surprise air attack on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. After just two hours of bombing more than 2,400 Americans were dead, 21 ships* had either been sunk or damaged, and more than 188 U.S. aircraft destroyed.
The attack at Pearl Harbor so outraged Americans that the U.S. abandoned its policy of isolationism and declared war on Japan the following day—officially bringing the United States into World War II.
At 12:30 p.m. on the day following the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave an address to Congress in which he declared that December 7, 1941, was “a date that will live in infamy.” At the end of the speech, Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan. With only one dissenting vote (by Representative Jeannette Rankin from Montana), Congress declared war, officially bringing the United States into World War II.
Kirstie Alley had colon cancer before she died Monday at the age of 71. Her diagnosis, which her family says the actress only recently discovered before her death, is shedding light on the disease and the importance of early detection.
Colon, or colorectal, cancer is the third most common cancer in the world, after lung and breast cancers. Though women are at a slightly lower risk than men, about 1 in 25 women in the United States will be diagnosed with the disease in her lifetime.
While approximately 90% of colon cancer cases occur in people over the age of 50, since the mid-90s, the number of new cases has been increasing among adults under 50 years old, according to Fight CRC — a national colorectal cancer advocacy organization that raises awareness about the importance of early detection through screening.
But people with colon cancer fare better when the disease is caught and treated early, before it spreads outside the large intestine or rectum.
The American Cancer Society recommends that adults 45 and up get regular colon cancer screenings, either stool analyses or colonoscopies. And they urge people with symptoms of colon cancer — such as a change in bowel movements, like increased diarrhea; rectal bleeding; dark stools; unexpected weight loss; cramping and excess fatigue — to get checked out by a doctor. However, they emphasize the need for preemptive screenings, as these symptoms typically only appear after colon cancer has already spread.
While symptoms of colon cancer are typically the same among men and women, some can be easy for women to mistake as symptoms of their menstrual cycle, including abdominal cramping, lack of energy, and excess fatigue, according to Healthline. Women are urged to talk to their doctor if they experience these symptoms and they are unrelated to their cycle or if they experience these symptoms for the first time, even during their cycle.
Additionally, Fight CRC states that 25% of people diagnosed with the disease have a family history. So, anyone with a family history of colorectal cancer should begin screening 10 years before their youngest affected relative was diagnosed.
After an initial screening, a colonoscopy is likely needed every five years. Women should also note that after menopause, risk of all cancers increases.
“We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered,” read a statement released on Twitter by her children on Monday.
I’m sorry, but a holiday baking show hosted by Maya Rudolph and Andy Samberg is catnip for me. It’s also a big plus that the series doesn’t even seem cutthroat — competitive cooking shows stress me out. Instead, these contestants are just cooking in a cozy cabin for four baker grandmas and the two hosts. It seems delightful! (Streaming December 12.)
Baking It Photo: Jordin Althaus/Peacock
What’s New on Peacock
Noteworthy selections in bold.
Available December 1
12 Dates of Christmas Alvin and The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel Annie, 1982 Bring It On Cry Freedom The Day After Tomorrow Deja Vu Everest First Cow The Goonies Green Lantern The Happy Elf Just Go With It Kicking & Screaming, 2005 Kill Bill: Volume 1 Kill Bill: Volume 2 Miracle one 34th Street, 1947 Miss Congeniality Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous The Mistle-Tones Mixed Nuts Mo’ Better Blues Mo’ Money Monster Trucks Moonrise Kingdom Night at the Musuem O Brother, Where Art Thou? Out of Sight The Peanuts Movie The Pirates! Band of the Misfits Pretty Woman Puss in Boots Safe House Sisters Sweet Navidad Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Tombstone The Smurfs The Smurfs 2 The Space Jam Speed Spy Game True Lies Unbreakable XXX XXX: The State of the Union Survivor’s Remorse, seasons 1–4
Available December 2
A Big Fat Family Christmas (Hallmark) Dolly Parton’s Magic Mountain Christmas (NBC) Sean Patton: Number One (Peacock Original)
Available December 3
A Fabled Holiday (Hallmark) The Holiday Stocking (Hallmark) 2022 NASCAR Awards
Available December 4
Undercover Holiday (Hallmark)
Available December 8
The Real Housewives of Miami, season 5, episodes 1–4 (Peacock Original)
Available December 9
The Most Colorful Time of the Year (Hallmark) The Mighty Ones, season 4
Available December 10
Christmas Class Reunion (Hallmark) The Gift of Peace (Hallmark)
Available December 11
The Holiday Sitter (Hallmark)
Available December 12
Alguien Te Mira, season 1 Baking It, season 2, episode 1 (Peacock Original)
Available December 13
Baking It, NBC holiday special episode (Peacock Original)
Available December 15
Love for the Ages, season 1, episodes 1–4 (Peacock Original) A Saturday Night Live Christmas Special (NBC) Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas
Available December 16
Holiday Heritage (Hallmark)
Available December 17
Five More Minutes: Moments Like These (Hallmark) ’Twas the Night Before Christmas (Hallmark)
Available December 18
Hanukkah on Rye (Hallmark) The Legend of Tarzan
Available December 19
Growing Up Chrisley, season 4 (E!)
Available December 20
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
Available December 22
The Best Man: The Final Chapters, limited series, episodes 1–8 (Peacock Original) The Intern
Available December 26
Chasing Gold: Paris 2024 (NBC) Raising A F-ing Star, season 1 (E!)
Peacock is a streaming service from NBCUniversal. With full seasons of exclusive originals; next-day airings of current NBC, Bravo, and Telemundo hits; can’t-miss live sports; plus thousands of hours of TV shows and movies available; there is always something new to discover. Sign up for a Peacock Premium plan to start streaming.
The Royals toured the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston on Dec. 2, 2022, the final day of the Prince of Wales’ three-day visit with wife Princess Kate for his Earthshot Prize Awards.
Princess Kate — wearing a bright green dress by Solace London that was rented from HURR for less than $100 — and Prince William arrived at the future king’s second annual Earthshot Prize Awards at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston on Dec. 2, 2022. She accessorized with emerald earrings and an emerald and diamond necklace that belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. Earthshot guests were asked to focus on sustainability by wearing something recycled or vintage on the big night. The couple arrived in an electric vehicle, served plant-based food, reused the green carpet from the previous year’s event and ensured no single-use plastics were used at the event
Princess Kate attended husband Prince William’s second annual Earthshot Prize Awards at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston on Dec. 2, 2022, wearing an emerald and diamond choker that previously belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, with matching emerald and diamond earrings. The necklace was initially worn by Queen Mary in the early 1900s.
Princess Kate and Prince William visited Greentown Labs, North America’s largest clean-tech incubator, in Somerville, Massachusetts, on Dec. 1, 2022.
Prince William and Princess Kate watched an NBA basketball game between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat at TD Garden in Boston. During the game, “both times William and Kate appeared on the @tdgarden big screen there were cheers but also some boos. Along with chants of ‘USA, USA,'” ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship tweeted alongside videos of the pair on the screen. “Some say it was expected at the Boston team @celtics with such strong Irish roots. But, still, not something the Royals get very often.”
The Prince and Princess kicked off Earthshot celebrations by lighting up Boston green at Speaker’s Corner by City Hall in Boston, Massachusetts, on Nov. 30, 2022. The Prince and Princess of Wales are visiting Boston to attend an event that celebrates those whose work is helping to repair the planet.
Destinies collide when extreme weather traps travelers and workers at an airport, forcing them to spend the final hours leading up to Christmas together.
BARDO, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths
An acclaimed journalist and documentarian goes on a dreamlike introspective journey to reconcile with the past, the present and his Mexican identity.
Cook at all Costs
In this kitchen contest, home cooks bid on ingredients to create dishes that will impress celebrity guest judges — and win the cash left in their bank.
Dance Monsters
In this feel-good competition, amateur dancers disguised as CGI avatars bring their best moves, hoping to win $250,000 — and a second shot at their dreams.
Far From Home
A scholarship to a top school transports Ishaya to the luxurious world of Nigeria’s 1%, but a looming secret threatens to take it all away… and more.
Paradise PD, Part 4
Without a functioning police force, the town faces threats from scheming billionaires, vindictive artists, backstabbing AI and more.
Private Lesson
Posing as a private tutor, Azra secretly coaches students on achieving their goals in life and love — but not without a few bumps in the road.
The Recruit
A fledgling lawyer at the CIA becomes enmeshed in dangerous international power politics when a former asset threatens to expose the nature of her long-term relationship with the agency unless they exonerate her of a serious crime.
Summer Job
Ten Gen Z contestants go on their dream vacation. But for a shot at staying in a luxury villa — and to win 100,000 euros — they have to work real jobs.
The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari
Survivors’ and rescuers’ accounts and minute-by-minute footage fuel this gripping documentary about the deadly 2019 volcanic eruption in New Zealand.
Dec. 18
Side Effects
Emily copes with her depression by taking antidepressant medication. But when her dire state apparently spirals out of control due to her husband’s prison release, she turns to a new medication that alters her life forever.
Dec. 19
Trolley
A sudden tragedy brings the wife of a congressman out of her private life and forces her to confront family secrets and her own troubling past.
Trolls
When their fellow Trolls are captured by hungry Bergens, upbeat Princess Poppy and her grouchy pal Branch embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
Dec. 20
A Not So Merry Christmas
Cursed by a fairy, grinchy Chuy wakes up to discover he’s lived a full year, but is doomed to remember only Christmas Day. Every year. From now on.
The Seven Deadly Sins: Grudge of Edinburgh, Part 1
When sinister forces threaten the peace of Brittania, a young prince embarks on a perilous journey to save his loved ones and discover his true powers.
Dec. 21
Disconnect: The Wedding Planner
After falling victim to a scam, a desperate man races the clock as he attempts to plan a luxurious destination wedding for an important investor.
Emily in Paris, Season 3
A year after moving to Paris for her dream job, Emily arrives at a career and romantic crossroads that will force her to decide where her future lies.
I AM A KILLER, Season 4
Premeditated deeds, tragic accidents or acts of self-defense? Murderers recount the harrowing crimes that landed them in prison with life sentences.
Dec. 22
Alice in Borderland, Season 2
The games are deadlier; this world more wild and cruel. But will Arisu ever make it back to the real world — and will it be worth everything he’s lost?
In the follow-up to Rian Johnson’s Knives Out, Detective Benoit Blanc travels to Greece to peel back the layers of a mystery involving a new cast of colorful suspects.
Piñata Masters!
Which of seven competing teams will be the Piñata Heroes? Their piñatas must be colorful and creative and impress the picky judges: a group of kids!
Dec. 25
After Ever Happy
Tessa and Hardin love each other beyond reason. But when shocking revelations and a tragic loss push them to the brink, can their relationship survive?
Daughter From Another Mother, Season 3
Ana and Mariana deal with a lawsuit and new business while maintaining the facade of their relationship. But chaos arises when true feelings blossom.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
An extraordinary girl with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination takes a daring stand to change her story — with miraculous results. Meet Matilda.
Time Hustler
After being hit in the head, a man wakes up in 1927 to discover that he’s the spitting image of a famous bandit — and decides to make the most of it.
The Witcher: Blood Origin
More than a thousand years before the world of The Witcher, seven outcasts in the elven world unite in a blood quest against an unstoppable power.
Vir Das: Landing
Vir Das dives deep into his childhood in India, the perils of outrage and finding his feet in the world for his fourth Netflix stand-up special.
Dec. 26
No Escape
Soon after relocating to Southeast Asia, an American family lands in the midst of a violent coup that could cost them their lives.
Treason
An MI6 agent’s bright future takes a sharp turn after a reunion with a Russian spy forces him to question his entire life.
Dec. 27
Chelsea Handler: Revolution
Chelsea Handler is back with her new Netflix stand-up special, Revolution. The celebrated, award-winning comedian lets loose on her life — including her choice to remain childless and alone (with the exception of her dogs), dating during the pandemic while her family invades her home, and her vision for a future where men don’t wear flip-flops.
Dec. 28
7 Women and a Murder
When their family patriarch is stabbed, seven women, each with ulterior motives, become trapped together in a mansion to solve the puzzle of his murder.
A Night at the Kindergarten
A young man crashes a school play rehearsal to prevent a group of teachers and eccentric parents from expelling his girlfriend’s son.
The Circle, Season 5
(New episodes weekly) Eight new players set up single profiles to sniff out catfish, form friendships and make the most of second chances in this fifth trip around The Circle.
Stuck with You
En route to a party, two strangers get stuck in an elevator on New Year’s Eve — and find themselves connecting in unexpected ways.
Dec. 29
Brown and Friends
In a cozy little neighborhood coffee shop, a group of fun-loving friends get together — and get up to all kinds of adventures.
Rise of Empires: Ottoman, Season 2
Years after conquering Constantinople, Sultan Mehmed II consolidates power, but a merciless ruler in Wallachia threatens to bring down his empire.
Dec. 30
Alpha Males
Pedro, Luis, Raúl and Santi are four friends who feel a bit lost in the new world of empowered women, each trying to adjust in their own haphazard way.
Chicago Party Aunt, Part 2
Chicago Party Aunt Diane is an idolized troublemaker with a talent for avoiding adulthood — and a soft spot for her soul-searching nephew.
Secrets of Summer, Season 2
Steffi, Luz and their family and friends fight for Cielo Grande’s future after new owners take over the resort in a power play.
White Noise
At once hilarious and horrifying, lyrical and absurd, ordinary and apocalyptic, White Noise dramatizes a contemporary American family’s attempts to deal with the mundane conflicts of everyday life while grappling with the universal mysteries of love, death and the possibility of happiness in an uncertain world. Based on the book by Don DeLillo, White Noise is written for the screen and directed by Noah Baumbach.
Dec. 31
Best of Stand Up 2022
Join us as we take a look back at some of the jokes that got us through the year in this compilation of stand-up highlights.
