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Month: January 2025

AS Monaco Basketball start 2025 with determined win over Alba Berlin

by: Elsa Carpenter
03/01/2025

AS Monaco Basketball have gotten the new year off to a flying start with a hard-fought 105-90 victory over Alba Berlin. Despite key players being sidelined due to injuries and illness, the squad proved itself resilient and determined, earning the Roca Team a deserved EuroLeague victory that maintains the side’s position at the top of the rankings.

Heading into the game at Berlin’s Uber Arena on Thursday 2nd January, Head Coach Vassilis Spanoulis knew the team would be facing a significant challenge. With the team depleted—Alpha Diallo recovering from injury while Terry Tarpey, Mam Jaiteh, and Petr Cornelie were all ill—the remaining players needed to rally, and rally they did.

The team made a blistering start to the away fixture. Mike James led the charge, ably supported by Matthew Strazel and Donatas Motiejunas, and Monaco raced to a 30-21 lead by the end of the first quarter. The second quarter saw the Roca Team extend their advantage further, with Strazel hitting crucial three-pointers and Elie Okobo impressing with his drives to the basket. By halftime, the Monaco side had built a commanding 20-point cushion.

Alba Berlin push back

The second half, however, was far from straightforward. Alba Berlin, led by Tim Schneider and Sterling Thomas, cut Monaco’s lead to just six points late in the fourth quarter as Monaco’s defense faltered.

Spanoulis called for calm during a timeout, and his team responded. James delivered a vital three-pointer, and Jaron Blossomgame’s late contributions helped secure the victory for Monaco.

Reflecting on the game, Spanoulis acknowledged his team’s second-half struggles but praised their resilience, saying, “Offensively and defensively, we relaxed too much in the second half and were a bit naïve against an Alba team with nothing to lose. But we showed character and secured an important win in the end.”

Strazel, who added 18 points to the score, emphasized the need for defensive improvements, noting, “There are things to work on, especially defensively in the second half, but offensively, we shared the ball well and found more solutions. That’s something to build on.”

EuroLeague standings tighten

With this win, AS Monaco Basketball maintains their position at the top of the EuroLeague standings, tied with Olympiacos.

The Roca Team will now look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next challenge, knowing that consistency will be key in their quest for European glory.

Read related:

AS Monaco Basketball: all the home and away games this January

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

 

Photo source: AS Monaco Basketball

EU mandates USB-C as standard for electronic devices

by: Cassandra Tanti
03/01/2025

As of Saturday 28th December, all small and medium-sized portable electronic devices sold in the European Union must feature USB-C charging ports, marking a significant step toward reducing electronic waste.

The new regulation applies to smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, video game consoles, and other similar devices, ensuring that consumers no longer need different chargers for each product. This long-anticipated change is part of a broader initiative to reduce the environmental impact of discarded chargers, which generate significant electronic waste annually.

A push for sustainability and convenience

The European Parliament and member states approved the rules in 2022, aiming to simplify consumer experiences and reduce waste. By standardising USB-C ports as the universal charging solution, EU households are expected to save an estimated €250 million annually by avoiding unnecessary charger purchases.

In addition to requiring USB-C ports, the regulation allows consumers to opt out of receiving a charger with every new device they buy, further reducing waste and costs.

Anna Cavazzini, chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, hailed the move as “a decisive step toward consumer convenience and environmental responsibility”, saying that the rules directly address waste issues while benefiting consumers financially.

Expanded requirements in 2026

The regulation is set to expand further: as of 28th April 2026, laptop manufacturers will also need to comply with the USB-C standard. This staggered implementation ensures manufacturers have time to adapt their production lines and supply chains.

Oversight and adaptation

The European Parliament has committed to monitoring how manufacturers adhere to the new rules, ensuring a smooth transition for consumers and industries alike. Despite initial resistance from some manufacturers, the move has been widely recognised as a milestone in environmental policy and consumer rights.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo credit: Steve Johnson on Unsplash

 

Upcoming lecture to explore how stone tools helped shape human cognition

by: Niki Borisova
03/01/2025

What can prehistoric stone tools tell us about the cognitive abilities of early humans? This is one of the many questions Svetlana Kuleshova will seek to answer in an upcoming lecture hosted by the Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique de Monaco later this month.

The Association Monégasque de Préhistoire, in collaboration with the Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique de Monaco, has invited Svetlana Kuleshova—a doctoral candidate affiliated with the University of Paris Nanterre, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, and the Center for Language Evolution Studies in Poland—to deliver a fascinating talk on the links between the development of stone tools and breakthroughs in human cognition on Thursday 30th January at 6pm.

Entitled Ce que les outils en pierre nous disent sur la cognition des préhistoriques ( or ‘What Stone Tools Tell Us About the Cognition of Prehistoric Humans’), Kuleshova’s lecture will explore how material culture reveals the evolution of human cognition and communication.

Through her work, Kuleshova examines the intersection of prehistory and linguistics, using archaeological approaches to study the cognitive development of prehistoric humans. Her research focuses on lithic tools as a lens to understand the emergence of language and complex thought.

The lecture will take place at the Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique on Boulevard du Jardin Exotique. Attendance is free, but reservations are essential due to limited seating. To reserve, call +377 98 98 80 06 or email map@gouv.mc.

Read related:

Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology hosts ‘The Butterfly Effect: The Prehistory of Animals’

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

 

Photo source: Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique

Monaco encourages residents to embrace Dry January

by: Cassandra Tanti
03/01/2025

This January, Monaco is inviting residents to join the Dry January challenge, an initiative designed to take a break from alcohol for the month and explore the benefits of cutting back.

Dry January, which began in France in 2020, is all about rethinking drinking habits and seeing how life changes without alcohol for a few weeks.

Improved sleep, increased energy, better concentration, lower blood pressure, and clearer skin are just some of the reported benefits. Financial savings and a fresh perspective on drinking habits also make it an appealing challenge.

Reflecting on alcohol consumption

Public health statistics reveal that nearly a quarter of adults consume more alcohol than recommended guidelines, which suggest no more than two drinks a day and not drinking every day. Dry January offers an opportunity to recognize patterns and identify moments when drinking might be more of a habit than a conscious decision.

The initiative is not about permanent abstinence, but rather about taking a step back. Many participants find that after the month, alcohol consumption naturally decreases, with positive changes lasting well beyond January.

Resources available in Monaco

The official Dry January website, dryjanuary.fr, provides tools and inspiration, including tips, shared experiences, and alcohol-free cocktail recipes to support the challenge.

In cases of alcohol dependency, stopping abruptly can pose risks. Monaco’s Centre de Soins d’Accompagnement et de Prévention en Addictologie de Monaco (CSAPAM) offers confidential assistance for individuals facing addiction challenges. The center provides medical evaluations, risk-reduction strategies, and tailored care. Located at 7 bis, avenue des Ligures, CSAPAM is open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, and can be contacted at (+377) 99.98.27.97.

Starting the year with healthier choices

Following the indulgence of the festive season, Dry January is a chance to reset and explore how social occasions and relaxation can thrive without alcohol. 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

 

February laughs with Alex Vizorek at the Smakelijk! Comedy Club

by: Niki Borisova
02/01/2025
Smakelijk! Comedy Club

Belgian comedy genius Alex Vizorek will take centre stage in Monaco this February as the Smakelijk! Comedy Club returns to Le Méridien Beach Plaza.

The Smakelijk! Comedy Club at Le Méridien Beach Plaza in Monaco is set to return in mid-February for two special nights featuring Alex Vizorek as the headline act. Vizorek, a comedian renowned in Belgium for his sharp wit and on-point cultural commentary, will share the stage with two additional comedians on 14th and 15th February. Their names will be confirmed in early 2025.

Alex Vizorek has been a prominent figure in the Francophone comedy scene for over 15 years. His critically acclaimed one-man shows, including Alex Vizorek est une œuvre d’art and Ad Vitam, have earned him widespread recognition, with the latter earning him a nomination for a Molière Award in 2022.

In 2024, he performed alongside Aure Atika and Hippolyte Girardot in the production A.D.A.: L’argent des autres at the Anthéa Theatre in Antibes. In addition to his stage work, Vizorek is a seasoned radio host, recently joining RTL after 12 years with France Inter, and is also the author of several children’s books.

The upcoming event marks the fifth chapter of the comedy series, which has already brought a unique blend of humour to the Principality. More than 300 people have attended previous editions, which showcased six Belgian comedians in the intimate setting of the hotel’s Belgian brasserie, Smakelijk!

See more: New restaurant: Croquettes, vol-au-vents, French fries… get into the Belgian spirit at Smakelijk!

There will be two performances each evening, starting at 7pm and 9pm. Each session will last approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. Tickets are priced at €35 for general admission, with a reduced rate of €30 available for Monegasque residents. Reservations can be made here.

Read related:

Gad Elmaleh to lead the laughs at Stand Up Monaco

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

 

Photo source: Le Méridien Beach Plaza, Facebook

Monaco takes part in shaping the future of global food security at FAO Council

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/01/2025

Tackling global food crises head-on, Monaco joined the 176th FAO Council session to address urgent issues in Gaza, Ukraine, and Lebanon, while backing reforms and EU efforts for sustainable solutions.

From 2nd to 6th December, Monaco joined the 176th session of the FAO Council in Rome, stepping up as an observer to tackle some of today’s most pressing food crises.

The session spotlighted the dire food insecurity in Gaza and the ripple effects of the war in Ukraine on global food systems. In response, the FAO is rolling out initiatives to strengthen local food systems in affected regions. Lebanon, too, remains a major concern, with its agricultural and food security situation continuing to decline. The Council adopted bold emergency measures to address these urgent challenges.

Marking the FAO’s 80th anniversary, discussions also looked to the future. Plans for organizational reforms kicked off, with informal consultations set for early 2025. Monaco will play a role in these talks, leading up to the next FAO Council session and the 44th FAO Conference this summer.

Monaco also backed key EU declarations during the session, pushing for action on global food and agriculture priorities while supporting the FAO’s mission to build a more resilient and sustainable future.

As a member of the conversation on global food security, Monaco continues to play its part in shaping solutions for a more sustainable world.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Photo source: Government Department of Communication