Pardon Me?

Good morning, my favorite inbox companions. 🎁

After a weekend of chaotic clicks, record-breaking sales, and maybe a few “Do I really need this?” moments, we’re diving into the numbers that made Black Friday historic. But don't worry, it's not all receipts and regrets today - we've got the usual mix of surprising, thought-provoking, and silly. Grab your coffee; let’s unpack it all together.

Here's everything you need to know today:

Let’s face it, folks—this isn’t what anyone expected to kick off the week, yet here we are. President Joe Biden granted his son, Hunter Biden, a sweeping pardon covering federal gun and tax convictions and anything else during the last decade. Yes, you read that right—anything else.

Even though Biden repeatedly said, "I won't pardon him," his stance on family and justice shifted over the holiday weekend. In his words, politics corrupted the process, making this a “miscarriage of justice.” A father’s instinct? A president’s miscalculation? Depends on who you ask.

Hunter's legal troubles are no secret—tax troubles, gun charges, and addiction history. But for Biden, the promise to restore norms and respect the rule of law collided with his role as a father. Let's be honest: would any parent watch quietly as their child served up to 42 years in prison?

Still, this decision will tarnish Biden's legacy. Whether history remembers him as a father who protected his son or as a leader who bent the rules, one thing is certain: this story is far from over.

Return to Chaos

It feels like a grim déjà vu. Aleppo, once a symbol of Syria's civil war, is back in the news. For the first time since 2016, rebel forces have launched a surprise offensive, breaching the city's defenses.

In a 13-year-old conflict, this isn't just another skirmish. HTS-led rebels sacked Aleppo's airport and military academy, sending government forces scurrying. Assad loyalists abandoned their posts, leaving behind vehicles and equipment. Even Russian airstrikes haven't stopped the momentum.

Why now? Ukraine and Gaza remain tethered to Assad's allies; the rebels are taking advantage of the opportunity, employing new tactics (hello, drones) and relentlessly pushing to regain territory.

In Aleppo, the fighting brings back painful memories of a devastating siege nearly a decade ago. Is Syria's endless cycle of violence about to end, or is this just another chapter? Either way, Aleppo’s fate hangs in the balance—and the world is watching.

Friday Fever

Black Friday isn’t what it used to be, is it? Predawn lines and elbowing for the last toaster oven are gone. Rather, shoppers this year spent $10.8 billion online in one day, smashing online sales records. That’s right—$11.3 million per minute at its peak. Your last impulse purchase seems downright thrifty now, doesn't it?

And here’s the kicker: 55% of those sales happened on smartphones. In addition, the growing popularity of "buy now, pay later" (aka "future I will handle this") plans contributed to this year's Black Friday feeling more like a tech takeover.

Meanwhile, actual stores were a little quieter. Except for retailers who dangled discounts like carrots (50%-70% off, anyone? ), in-person shopping dropped 8.2%. H&M’s modest 30% markdowns just didn’t cut it. We'll see next year.

Purchases? Bluetooth speakers, smartwatches, perfumes, bedding, even espresso machines—since nothing says "holiday cheer" like caffeine.

But don’t click out yet. Cyber Monday is expected to bring in $13.2 billion in sales, with steep discounts on electronics (30%) and apparel (23%). It’s a good day to snag a deal—and maybe an extra espresso machine.

Meet the Cousins

What if we’re not the only “cousins” in the family tree? Scientists in China believe they’ve found a new member: Homo juluensis. Picture this—huge heads, broad teeth, and survival skills to deal with harsh winters in northern China 200,000 years ago. In addition to chasing horses, these early hunters made tools and clothes and built a life.

Now, here's the interesting part: Those teeth? Their DNA resembles the mysterious Denisovans, whose DNA remains in some of us. Could Homo juluensis and Denisovans be one and the same? It's a hot topic in science, sparking debates.

There is no doubt that these big-toothed, big-brained hominins added another twist to the ever-complicated story of human evolution.

💡 Core Wisdom

📸 Lens to Life

The best science images from November 2024.

🧮 Core Count: 96

Percentage of candles purchased by women.

🗓️ Flashback:

1804 - Napoleon Bonaparte is crowned Emperor of the French at Notre Dame de Paris by Pope Pius VII.

1823 - US President James Monroe declares the "Monroe Doctrine" opposing European colonialism in the Americas.

1829 - The first Peking man skull was found in Zhoukoudian, 50 km outside Peking, China. It was dated to 750,000 years old.

1976 - Fidel Castro becomes president of Cuba, replacing Osvaldo Dorticós Torrado.

I'm glad we could get together here. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Fatih Taskiran