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Minnesota Vikings secure playoff spot with Packers win over Seahawks
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings have secured a playoff spot for the second time in three seasons under head coach Kevin O'Connell.
With the Green Bay Packers beating the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night, the Vikings have officially punched their ticket to the postseason.
Though Minnesota is locked into a playoff spot, the team can't quite rest its starters yet. The NFC North is still very much in play, with the Detroit Lions a game ahead and a potential division-sealing showdown set for Week 18.
The Vikings missed the playoffs with a 7-10 record last season amid injuries to starting quarterback Kirk Cousins and superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson. But in 2022, O'Connell's first year at the helm, the team went 13-4, won the NFC North and earned the No. 3 overall seed. In the wild-card round, the Vikings fell to the New York Giants and quarterback Daniel Jones — who now wears purple and gold after the Giants benched and then cut him earlier this season.
The playoff berth is somewhat surprising, given the exterior thinking about the Vikings this season. After letting Cousins walk in free agency, signing Sam Darnold and drafting J.J. McCarthy, this was seen as a rebuilding year for Minnesota. But surprisingly strong play from Darnold coupled with a stifling defense has them firmly in contender conversations.
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https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-vikings-secure-2024-2025-playoff-spot/
| 2024-12-16T05:44:22Z
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As schools cut back on bus service, parents are turning to rideshare apps
CHICAGO (AP) — Ismael El-Amin was driving his daughter to school when a chance encounter gave him an idea for a new way to carpool.
On the way across Chicago, El-Amin’s daughter spotted a classmate riding with her own dad as they drove to their selective public school on the city’s North Side. For 40 minutes, they rode along the same congested highway.
“They’re waving to each other in the back. I’m looking at the dad. The dad’s looking at me. And I was like, parents can definitely be a resource to parents,” said El-Amin, who went on to found Piggyback Network, a service parents can use to book rides for their children.
Reliance on school buses has been waning for years as districts struggle to find drivers and more students attend schools far outside their neighborhoods. As responsibility for transportation shifts to families, the question of how to replace the traditional yellow bus has become an urgent problem for some, and a spark for innovation.
State and local governments decide how widely to offer school bus service. Lately, more have been cutting back. Only about 28% of U.S. students take a school bus, according to a Federal Highway Administration survey concluded early last year. That’s down from about 36% in 2017.
Chicago Public Schools, the nation’s fourth-largest district, has significantly curbed bus service in recent years. It still offers rides for disabled and homeless students, in line with a federal mandate, but most families are on their own. Only 17,000 of the district’s 325,000 students are eligible for school bus rides.
Last week, the school system launched a pilot program allowing some students who attend out-of-neighborhood magnet or selective-enrollment schools to catch a bus at a nearby school’s “hub stop.” It aims to start with rides for about 1,000 students by the end of the school year.
It’s not enough to make up for the lost service, said Erin Rose Schubert, a volunteer for the CPS Parents for Buses advocacy group.
“The people who had the money and the privilege were able to figure out other situations like rearranging their work schedules or public transportation,” she said. “People who didn’t, some had to pull their kids out of school.”
On Piggyback Network, parents can book a ride for their student online with another parent traveling the same direction. Rides cost roughly 80 cents per mile and the drivers are compensated with credits to use for their own kids’ rides.
“It’s an opportunity for kids to not be late to school,” 15-year-old Takia Phillips said on a recent PiggyBack ride with El-Amin as the driver.
The company has arranged a few hundred rides in its first year operating in Chicago, and El-Amin has been contacting drivers for possible expansion to Virginia, North Carolina and Texas. It is one of several startups that have been filling the void.
Unlike Piggyback Network, which connects parents, HopSkipDrive contracts directly with school districts to assist students without reliable transportation. The company launched a decade ago in Los Angeles with three mothers trying to coordinate school carpools and now supports some 600 school districts in 13 states.
Regulations keep it from operating in some states, including Kentucky, where a group of Louisville students has been lobbying on its behalf to change that.
After the district halted bus service to most traditional and magnet schools, the student group known as The Real Young Prodigys wrote a hip-hop song titled “Where My Bus At?” The song’s music video went viral on YouTube with lyrics such as, “I’m a good kid. I stay in class, too. Teachers want me to succeed, but I can’t get to school.”
“Those bus driver shortages are not really going away,” HopSkipDrive CEO Joanna McFarland said. “This is a structural change in the industry we need to get serious about addressing.”
HopSkipDrive has been a welcome option for Reinya Gibson’s son, Jerren Samuel, who attends a small high school in Oakland, California. She said the school takes care to accommodate his needs as a student with autism, but the district lined up the transportation because there is no bus from their home in San Leandro.
“Growing up, people used to talk about kids in the short yellow buses. They were associated with a physical disability, and they were teased or made fun of,” Gibson said. “Nobody knows this is support for Jerren because he can’t take public transportation.”
Encouragement from his mother helped Jerren overcame his fear about riding with a stranger to school.
“I felt really independent getting in that car,” he said.
Companies catering to kids claim to screen drivers more extensively, checking their fingerprints and requiring them to have childcare or parenting experience. Drivers and children are often given passwords that must match, and parents can track a child’s whereabouts in real time through the apps.
Kango, a competitor to HopSkipDrive in California and Arizona, started as a free carpooling app similar to the PiggyBack Network and now contracts with school districts. Drivers are paid more than they would typically get for Uber or Lyft, but there are often more requirements such as walking some students with disabilities into school, Kango CEO Sara Schaer said.
“This is not just a curbside-to-curbside, three-minute situation,” Schaer said. “You are responsible for getting that kid to and from school. That’s not the same as transporting an adult or DoorDashing somebody’s lunch or dinner.”
In Chicago, some families that have used Piggyback said they have seen few alternatives.
Concerned about the city’s rising crime rate, retired police officer Sabrina Beck never considered letting her son take the subway to Whitney Young High School. Since she was driving him anyway, she volunteered through PiggyBack also to drive a freshman who had qualified for the selective magnet school but had no way to get there.
“To have the opportunity to go and then to miss it because you don’t have the transportation, that is so detrimental,” Beck said. “Options like this are extremely important.”
After the bus route that took her two kids to elementary school was canceled, Jazmine Dillard and other Chicago parents thought they had convinced the school to move up the opening bell from 8:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., a more manageable time for her schedule. After that plan was scrapped because the buses were needed elsewhere at that time, Dillard turned to PiggyBack Network.
“We had to kind of pivot and find a way to make it to work on time as well as get them to school on time,” she said.
___
The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.kaaltv.com/news/business-news/as-schools-cut-back-on-bus-service-parents-are-turning-to-rideshare-apps/
| 2024-12-16T05:44:22Z
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SWITCH Mobility Unveils Revolutionary Electric City Bus for a Greener Future
SWITCH Mobility Ltd, part of the Hinduja Group, launched SWITCH EiV12, a new electric city bus for India. Featuring over 400+ kWh battery capacity and advanced telematics, it caters to passenger needs with enhanced safety, comfort, and accessibility, aiming to lead the EV market through innovation.
- Country:
- India
SWITCH Mobility Ltd, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland and part of the Hinduja Group, has unveiled its latest innovation in electric transportation with the SWITCH EiV12. This low-floor electric city bus marks a significant advancement in sustainable urban transport, aiming to reshape the Indian market with its scalable battery capacity exceeding 400 kWh.
The official launch, attended by Minister Nitin Gadkari and industry dignitaries, highlighted the bus's cutting-edge features tailored for India's evolving road infrastructure. The SWITCH EiV12 prioritizes passenger comfort and safety with its low-floor design, making it accessible for passengers with disabilities and featuring designated spaces for women.
Globally, SWITCH Mobility is set to expand its market reach with the SWITCH E1 designed for Europe. This bus promises efficient and seamless commuter experiences with its lightweight construction and triple-door configuration. Both vehicles symbolize SWITCH Mobility's commitment to zero carbon emissions and sustainable mobility, with aspirations to drive electric vehicle adoption globally.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/3195382-switch-mobility-unveils-revolutionary-electric-city-bus-for-a-greener-future
| 2024-12-16T05:44:22Z
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The finale episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show 2 was not only packed with laughter and star-studded glamour but also offered viewers a treasure trove of hilarious and heartfelt stories. Among the standout moments of the episode was actress
Wamiqa Gabbi sharing a delightful anecdote about how her father chose her unique name.
During her conversation with
Kapil Sharma, Wamiqa revealed the backstory of her name, leaving the audience and the host in splits. “My dad was so proud when he named me Wamiqa. He told me it means ‘Queen of Wind,’ which I thought was really unique and cool growing up,” she said, laughing. “But years later, when I looked it up, I realized it actually means ‘Process of Love.’ I was stunned—and my dad was just as shocked when I told him! He had no idea and was so confident about it all these years!”
The episode also featured other stars of the upcoming film Baby John, including Varun Dhawan, Keerthy Suresh, and director Atlee. While Wamiqa’s story provided a hearty laugh, the entire cast shared fun anecdotes from their time on set, keeping the audience thoroughly entertained.
Wamiqa’s charming personality and her ability to laugh at herself made her a hit on the show, adding yet another memorable moment to the finale of The Great Indian Kapil Show 2. Fans couldn’t stop talking about the hilarious revelation, proving once again why Kapil’s show is a favorite for bringing out the best stories from its celebrity guests.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/the-great-indian-kapil-show-2-wamiqa-gabbi-shares-a-hilarious-story-about-her-name-says-my-dad-told-me-a-false-story-but-/articleshow/116325339.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:44:26Z
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12/15/2024: Road to Damascus; Unveiling; The House of Hermès
First, a report on Syrians looking toward a future without Assad. Then, victims say fake nudes created by AI "nudify" sites are causing real harm. And, a look at Hermès and the success of the Birkin bag.
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https://www.cbsnews.com/video/60minutes-2024-12-15/
| 2024-12-16T05:44:28Z
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China’s economy logs a lackluster performance in November as retail sales slow
BANGKOK (AP) — China’s economy logged a mixed performance in November, the monthly government update said Monday, with retail sales slowing as consumers held back on spending on non-essentials like cosmetics, alcohol and clothing.
Officials said the economy was generally stable with positive signs including a slight improvement in the property sector.
“However, we must also see that the external environment is more complicated, domestic demand is insufficient, some enterprises are facing difficulties in production and operation, and the foundation for the sustained recovery of the economy still needs to be consolidated,” Fu Linghui, a spokesperson for the National Bureau of Statistics told reporters.
The report came days after top leaders ended an annual planning meeting that produced no major new policy initiatives as Beijing braces for potential tariff hikes once U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Retail sales rose 3% from a year earlier, down from a 4.8% increase in October and from the 3.5% annual rate in January-November.
Factory output rose 5.4%, nearly flat compared with the previous month, while investment in fixed assets like factories slowed.
Overall, property prices fell and home sales also declined in most cities, the report said, as China endures a downturn in its real estate market after regulators cracked down on excessive borrowing by developers that plunged the whole industry into crisis.
The disruptions to jobs and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic have further weighed on the world’s second-largest economy.
A closer look at the numbers released Monday showed sharp increases in some categories of consumer spending last month, especially appliances and vehicles that are subject to government rebates as part of a cash-for-clunkers and other programs meant to get people to replace older appliances and cars with newer ones.
The report said auto sales rose 6.6% in November over a year earlier, but have fallen 0.7% year-on-year so far this year. Sales of appliances jumped more than 22%, and have climbed 9.6% so far this year.
However, sales of cosmetics, alcohol and other beverages, jewelry and clothing all fell in November.
Chinese leaders pledged to take a more proactive approach in pepping up the economy after their two-day planning meeting last week, but gave no details on stimulus measures.
Fu told reporters the government expects the economy to meet the target for about 5% annual growth this year.
Markets in China had climbed on renewed hopes for a stronger dose of stimulus to help the counter weak consumer spending that has kept the economy growing this year at a rate slightly slower than the government’s official target of about 5%.
On Monday, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index fell 0.6% while the Shanghai Composite index was little changed. The Hang Seng property index fell 1.2%.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.kaaltv.com/news/business-news/chinas-economy-logs-a-lackluster-performance-in-november-as-retail-sales-slow/
| 2024-12-16T05:44:28Z
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Archana Puran Singh, a popular face on The Great Indian Kapil Show, recently embarked on an exciting new journey by launching her vlogging channel on YouTube. However, what should have been a celebratory moment took an unexpected turn when she announced that her channel was hacked just hours after its launch.
Taking to Instagram, Archana shared a heartfelt video explaining the situation. She revealed that her channel, which garnered lakhs of views within hours of its debut, mysteriously disappeared around 2 AM on December 14. Expressing confusion, she said, “Hi guys, kal hi maine apna new YouTube channel launch kiya aur aap logon ne itna saara pyaar diya ki lakhon views aa gaye kuchh hi ghanton mein. Lekin afsos se mujhe kehna pad raha hai ki kal raat kareeb 2 baje mere YouTube channel ko kisi ne hack kar liya ya kar diya hai. Abhi tak samajh nahi aa raha hai kyunki woh completely delete ho gaya hai.”
("Hi guys, yesterday I launched my new YouTube channel, and people showered so much love that it received lakhs of views within hours. But regretfully, I have to inform you that someone hacked my channel around 2 AM last night. We’re still figuring it out because the channel has been completely deleted.")
Despite the setback, Archana maintained a positive outlook, sharing that she and her family are eager to relaunch the channel stronger than ever. In her caption, she wrote, "My YouTube channel went viral in just a few hours. Thank you for ALL the love you have shown me and my fam. The channel should be back in a day or two. Fingers crossed.”
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Star Rishabh Jaiswal Reviews Bigg Boss 18: Praises Digvijay’s Strategy
Known for her engaging social media presence, Archana frequently shares behind-the-scenes moments from The Great Indian Kapil Show and her personal life, earning her a devoted fan base. Fans eagerly await her vlogging comeback.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/the-great-indian-kapil-shows-archana-puran-singh-makes-her-vlogging-debut-informs-about-her-channel-getting-hacked/articleshow/116332790.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:44:32Z
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Milan’s Via MonteNapoleone usurps New York’s Fifth Avenue as world’s most upscale shopping street
MILAN (AP) — Shoppers laden with bags from Fendi, Loewe, Prada and other designer labels clog the narrow sidewalks of Milan’s swankiest shopping street, bringing joy to the purveyors of high-end luxury goods this, and every, holiday season.
There’s even more to celebrate this year: a commercial real estate company has crowned Via MonteNapoleone as the world’s most expensive retail destination, displacing New York’s Fifth Avenue.
The latest version of American firm Cushman & Wakefield’s annual global index, which ranks shopping areas based on the rent prices they command, is a sign of Via MonteNapoleone’s desirability as an address for luxury ready-to-wear, jewelry and even pastry brands.
The average rent on the Milan street has surged to 20,000 euros per square meter ($2,047 per square foot), compared with 19,537 euros per square meter ($2,000 per square foot) on an 11-block stretch of upper Fifth Avenue.
Via MonteNapoleone’s small size — just 350 meters (less than one-quarter mile) long — and walking distance to services and top cultural sites are among the street’s key advantages, according to Guglielmo Miani, president of the MonteNapoleone District association.
“Not everything can fit, which is a benefit’’ since the limited space makes the street even more exclusive and dynamic, said Miani, whose group also represents businesses on the intersecting side streets that together with Via MonteNapoleone form an area known as Milan’s Fashion Quadrilateral.
The biggest brands on the street make 50 million euros to 100 million euros in annual sales, Miani said, which goes a long way to paying the rent. Tiffany & Co. is preparing to take up residence on Via Montenapoleone, and long-time tenant Fendi is expanding.
The MonteNapoleone District says 11 million people visited the area this year through November, but there’s no way to say how many were big spenders vs. window shoppers. The average shopper on Via MonteNapoleone spent 2,500 euros per purchase between August and November — the highest average receipt in the world, according to the tax-free shopping firm Global Blue.
The street is a magnet for holiday shoppers who arrive in Maseratis, Porsches and even Ferraris, the sports car’s limited trunk space notwithstanding. Lights twinkle overhead, boutique windows feature mannequins engaged in warm scenes of holiday fun, and passersby snap photos of expertly decorated cakes in pastry shop displays.
A visitor from China, Chen Xinghan, waited for a taxi with a half-dozen shopping bags lined up next to him on the sidewalk. He said he paid half the price for a luxury Fendi coat that he purchased in Milan than he would have at home.
“I got a lot,’’ Chen acknowledged. “It’s a fantastic place, a good place for shopping.”
A few store windows down, Franca Da Rold, who was visiting Milan from Belluno, an Italian city in the Dolomites mountain range, marveled at a chunky, meters-long knit scarf priced at 980 euros.
“I could knit that in one hour, using 12-gauge knitting needles as thick as my fingers, and thick wool. Maximum two hours,’’ Da Rold said, but acknowledged the brand appeal.
Despite upper Fifth Avenue getting bumped to the No. 2 spot on the Cushman & Wakefield list, the organization that serves as the Manhattan street’s guardian and chief promoter had praise for MonteNapoleone’s achievement.
“Milan’s investment in its public realm is paying off, which is a win for their shoppers, businesses and city as a whole,’’ Madelyn Wils, interim president of the Fifth Avenue Association, said.
But she also expressed confidence that with new investments and a record year for sales on Fifth Avenue, “we’ll be back on top in no time.”
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.kaaltv.com/news/business-news/milans-via-montenapoleone-usurps-new-yorks-fifth-avenue-as-worlds-most-upscale-shopping-street/
| 2024-12-16T05:44:34Z
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In a surprising turn of events, Gold Suresh, one of the most talked-about contestants in the Bigg Boss house, has exited the show after an eventful 70-day journey. Known for his charismatic persona, challenges in tasks, and his unique style adorned with gold jewelry, Suresh's sudden departure has left both fans and housemates in shock.
Bigg Boss Announcement Stuns Housemates
The announcement of Suresh’s exit came directly from Bigg Boss in a heartfelt message:
"A member of Gold Suresh's close family is facing an emergency situation. His presence is urgently required with his family. Suresh is requested to pack his belongings and leave the house immediately."
This development, though unforeseen, underscored the importance of family over all else, even in the high-stakes environment of Bigg Boss.
Emotional Moments in the House
Suresh, visibly moved by the announcement, was brought to tears as the reality of his exit set in. Suresh left the house the same way he entered it — with confidence and wearing his signature gold ornaments. His departure marked an emotional moment for the housemates, many of whom bid him farewell with heavy hearts.
A Week of Triumph Turns Bittersweet
What makes Suresh’s exit even more striking is the timing. For the first time in his Bigg Boss journey, Suresh was experiencing a streak of good fortune. He was not nominated for elimination and had secured immunity as the captain of the house. Additionally, housemates voted him as the "Best Performer" for the week, a significant milestone for Suresh. Fans had started rallying behind him as a strong contender, making his abrupt exit even more poignant.
Fans Await Clarity on Family Emergency
The exact nature of the emergency that required Suresh’s immediate attention has not been disclosed, leaving fans curious and concerned. His departure serves as a reminder of how real-life priorities can supersede even the most high-profile commitments.
As fans send their best wishes to Suresh and his family during this time, his exit creates a void in the Bigg Boss house. The show must go on, but Suresh's presence, marked by his resilience and charm, will surely be missed.
This moment, while unexpected, highlights the unpredictability of Bigg Boss, where the line between personal and professional often blurs in the most unexpected ways.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/kannada/bigg-boss-kannada-11-gold-suresh-exits-bigg-boss-house-midway-due-to-family-emergency/articleshow/116341511.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:44:38Z
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Global Markets in Flux Amid Economic Data and Political Shifts
Global markets are impacted by underwhelming data from China, discussions on yuan devaluation, South Korean political developments, and central bank meetings. Bitcoin soared as Trump suggested a strategic reserve. Attention is on the Fed meeting where interest rates are expected to be adjusted.
Global markets began the week facing challenges as China presented disappointing retail sales figures for November, rising only 3.0% year-on-year against expectations of 4.6%. Analysts noted a continued decline in house prices, while industrial output managed stability.
Amidst the economic concerns, Beijing's contemplation of allowing the yuan's devaluation faced criticism from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's trade adviser. Meanwhile, South Korea's political tensions appeared to ease as Han Duck-soo assumed office amid an ongoing Constitutional Court review of the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Market focus is set on central bank meetings worldwide, with the U.S. Federal Reserve likely to announce a rate cut. In contrast, central banks in Japan, the UK, and Norway are expected to maintain current rates, while bitcoin experienced a notable surge following Trump's proposal for a U.S. strategic reserve.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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Currencies Sway as Global Central Banks Poised for Action
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https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/3195404-global-markets-in-flux-amid-economic-data-and-political-shifts
| 2024-12-16T05:44:32Z
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7 foreign tourists hospitalized in Fiji after drinking cocktails at a resort bar
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Seven foreign tourists were hospitalized in Fiji after drinking cocktails at a resort bar, Fijian authorities said on Monday.
The cause of their illness was not known and officials said it was too soon to know if tainted alcohol was involved.
Those who became ill at the five-star Warwick resort near the town of Sigatoka on Saturday included Australians and an American, according to local news reports. They were hospitalized with nausea, vomiting and neurological symptoms, said Jemesa Tudravu, a Fiji Health Ministry spokesperson.
Two people remained in the hospital, conscious and in stable condition, Fiji’s Tourism Minister Viliame R. Gavoka told reporters on Monday. One person was discharged on Sunday and four others on Monday.
David Sandoe, an Australian man who said his daughter and granddaughter were hospitalized, told Sky News Australia that his relatives had been released from the hospital and were due to fly home on Monday night.
Local news outlets reported on Sunday that the cause of the foreigners’ illness was suspected alcohol poisoning, similar to a case in Laos in November in which six tourists — including two Australian teenagers — died after consuming tainted drinks.
But Tudravu said no cause had been identified in the Fiji episode. Police have ordered toxicology tests and are awaiting results — which are expected to take three or four days — Gavoka said.
The bar was full of customers on Saturday night and many had ordered piña coladas, the drink consumed by those who became ill, said the official.
Gavoka said no other reports of similar illness were recorded at the resort or across Fiji, a South Pacific island nation of 930,000 people.
“The resort management has assured us that they have not engaged in practices such as substituting ingredients or altering the quality of drinks served to guests,” Gavoka said. The hotel, located on the picturesque Coral Coast of the largest island, Viti Levu, has operated for many years and “holds a strong reputation,” he added.
“This is the only reported case of its kind that we’ve experienced in recent memory, and certainly nothing like this has been experienced this year,” Gavoka said.
Australia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that officials are providing consular assistance to two Australian families in Fiji.
The ministry did not comment on the cause of the Australians’ illness, but its website advising tourists was updated on Monday to caution travelers about “potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks.”
A spokesperson for the resort, Savaira Molaucake, said staff were “conducting a thorough investigation” of the incident and were working closely with authorities.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.kaaltv.com/news/health-science/7-foreign-tourists-hospitalized-in-fiji-after-drinking-cocktails-at-a-resort-bar/
| 2024-12-16T05:44:40Z
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In an emotional and unexpected turn of events, Shishir Shastry, one of the most genuine contestants in Bigg Boss Kannada 11, was evicted from the show on his birthday. Shishir, who had earlier expressed his excitement about celebrating his special day in the Bigg Boss house, marked the occasion with a cake-cutting ceremony during Saturday’s (December 14) episode. However, his joy was short-lived as the following day’s “Super Sunday with Kiccha Sudeep” brought the shocking announcement of his elimination.
A Bittersweet Birthday Surprise
Shishir’s eviction came as a surprise to fans and housemates alike. Over the weeks, he had faced multiple nominations but always managed to survive, thanks to viewers' votes. This week, however, his luck ran out, and he had to bid farewell to the house.
A Competitive Week of Nominations
The house was tense this week as some of the strongest contestants were up for eviction, including Chaitra Kundapura, Trivikram, Shishir Shastry, Dhanaraj Achar, Rajath Kishan, Hanumanth Lamani, Bhavya Gowda, and Mokshitha Pai. During the Sunday episode, Kiccha Sudeep gradually declared contestants safe, leaving Shishir and Bhavya Gowda in the bottom two.
Shishir’s Emotional Exit
As Kiccha Sudeep announced Shishir’s name, an emotional wave swept through the house. Housemate Aishwarya Shindogi, a close friend of Shishir’s, broke down in tears, while Shishir himself appeared visibly shaken by the news.
Speaking about his eviction, Shishir said, “I didn’t expect to be eliminated this week, especially after such a joyful time in the house. Physically, I may have felt weak, but mentally, I was strong. I’ll miss the Bigg Boss house and the wonderful friendships I made here. Personality matters a lot in this game, and I’m proud of staying true to myself.”
He added that he would particularly miss Chaitra Kundapura, Mokshitha Pai, Dhanaraj, Aishwarya Shindogi, and Manju, who had become his closest allies in the house.
A Mother’s Pride
Shishir’s mother was present on the Bigg Boss stage to greet her son. She expressed her pride, saying, “Shishir played the game with integrity and stayed true to himself throughout. I’m proud of him for maintaining his values. Now that my son is out of the house, I don’t plan to watch Bigg Boss anymore.”
A Memorable Journey
Shishir’s eviction has left a void in the Bigg Boss house. Known for his calm demeanor and straightforward personality, he made a lasting impression on fans and housemates alike. Although his journey ended sooner than expected, his honesty and camaraderie will be cherished as highlights of this season.
As the competition intensifies, the remaining contestants will need to step up their game to secure their place in the finale. Meanwhile, fans continue to celebrate Shishir’s unforgettable journey, marking him as one of the most genuine participants of the season.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/kannada/bigg-boss-kannada-11-shishir-shastry-gets-evicted-on-his-birthday/articleshow/116343806.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:44:44Z
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Legendary Harmonist Pandit Sanjay Ram Marathe Passes Away
Pandit Sanjay Ram Marathe, a renowned classical singer and harmonium artist, passed away following a heart attack. A key figure in preserving Indian classical music and theatre, he recently revived 'Sangeet Mandarmala' to honor his father's centenary. He is survived by his family.
- Country:
- India
Pandit Sanjay Ram Marathe, a distinguished classical singer and harmonium virtuoso, has died at 68 following a severe heart attack. He passed away on Sunday at a private hospital in Thane, Maharashtra, as confirmed by his family on Monday.
A pioneering figure in Indian classical music and theatre, Marathe held an enduring legacy. As the eldest son of Pandit Ram Marathe, he played a significant role in celebrating his father's birth centenary this year. His contribution to the traditional Marathi musical theatre was remarkable, particularly through the revival of the classic play 'Sangeet Mandarmala,' which he co-produced with his brother Mukund Marathe.
Pandit Sanjay Marathe's resurgence of 'Sangeet Mandarmala' was lauded for balancing innovation with tradition. He leaves behind his wife, son, and granddaughter, continuing a celebrated lineage in Indian classical arts.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/3195362-legendary-harmonist-pandit-sanjay-ram-marathe-passes-away
| 2024-12-16T05:44:44Z
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Former FBI informant will plead guilty to lying about phony bribery scheme involving the Bidens
WASHINGTON (AP) — A former FBI informant is set to plead guilty on Monday to lying about a phony bribery scheme involving President Joe Biden and his son Hunter that became central to the Republican impeachment inquiry in Congress.
Alexander Smirnov is expected to make the plea in Los Angeles to a felony charge in connection with the bogus story, along with a tax evasion charge stemming from a separate indictment accusing him of concealing millions of dollars of income, according to court papers.
Smirnov has been behind bars since his arrest in February on charges that he told his FBI handler that executives from the Ukrainian energy company Burisma had paid President Biden and Hunter Biden $5 million each around 2015.
Prosecutors and the defense have agreed to recommend a sentence of between four and six years in prison, according to the plea agreement.
Smirnov had been an informant for more than a decade when he made the explosive allegations about the Bidens in June 2020, after “expressing bias” about Joe Biden as a presidential candidate, prosecutors said.
But Smirnov had only routine business dealings with Burisma starting in 2017, according to court documents. An FBI field office investigated the allegations and recommended the case be closed in August 2020, according to charging documents.
No evidence has emerged that Joe Biden acted corruptly or accepted bribes in his current role or previous office as vice president.
While his identity wasn’t publicly known before the indictment, Smirnov’s claims played a major part in the Republican effort in Congress to investigate the president and his family, and helped spark a House impeachment inquiry into Biden. Before Smirnov’s arrest, Republicans had demanded the FBI release the unredacted form documenting the unverified allegations, though they acknowledged they couldn’t confirm if they were true.
During a September 2023 conversation with investigators, Smirnov also claimed the Russians likely had recordings of Hunter Biden because a hotel in Ukraine’s capital where he had stayed was “wired” and under their control — information he said was passed along to him by four high-level Russian officials.
But Hunter Biden had never traveled to Ukraine, according to Smirnov’s indictment.
Smirnov claimed to have contacts with Russian intelligence-affiliated officials, and told authorities after his arrest earlier this year that “officials associated with Russian intelligence were involved in passing a story” about Hunter Biden.
The case against Smirnov was brought by special counsel David Weiss, who also prosecuted Hunter Biden on gun and tax charges. Hunter Biden was supposed to be sentenced this month after being convicted at trial in the gun case and pleading guilty to federal charges in the tax case. But he was pardoned earlier this month by his father, who said he believed “raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice.”
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.kaaltv.com/news/political-news/former-fbi-informant-will-plead-guilty-to-lying-about-phony-bribery-scheme-involving-the-bidens/
| 2024-12-16T05:44:46Z
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The much-loved Kannada comedy talk show Majaa Talkies is all set to make a grand comeback to television after a hiatus of five years. Fans were delighted as the channel released the first teaser of the show, confirming its return. The teaser features none other than the iconic host,
Srujan Lokesh, announcing that the show will soon be back to entertain audiences.
While the news has sparked excitement among fans, it has also evoked a wave of nostalgia, with many taking to social media to remember the late Aparna Vastarey, affectionately known as Varalakshmi-Varu from Majja Bharata. Aparna was a beloved part of the comedy world and tragically passed away recently after battling cancer. Fans expressed their deep admiration for her talent and shared heartfelt tributes, recalling the joy and laughter she brought to their lives.
Srujan Lokesh Reflects on Majaa Talkies’ Legacy
In a previous interview with ETimes TV, Srujan Lokesh spoke about the significant impact of Majaa Talkies over the years. “Majaa Talkies has literally promoted more than 500 movies without taking a penny from the makers. It has also given a platform to many talents out there,” he shared with pride.
He added that the show has not only been instrumental in introducing new talents to the industry but has also provided recognition to common audience members. “There are real-time instances when a commoner from the audience comes on stage to showcase their talent and gets recognized to perform on an international stage. I really feel Majaa Talkies has a huge responsibility to showcase content and bring young talents into the limelight,” he said.
Fans’ Reactions and Expectations
The return of Majaa Talkies has stirred excitement across social media platforms. Fans are eagerly awaiting the revival of the show’s signature humor, lively conversations, and entertainment-packed episodes. While many expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming season, there was also an outpouring of love for Aparna Vastarey, whose absence will undoubtedly be felt in the new chapter of the show.
One fan wrote, “So excited for Majaa Talkies! But it’s heartbreaking to know that Varalakshmi-Varu won’t be part of it. Her energy and comic timing were unmatched.” Another added, “Aparna Vastarey’s legacy lives on in our hearts. Majaa Talkies won’t be the same without her, but I am sure Srujan and the team will honor her memory beautifully.”
What’s Next?
With the teaser dropping, fans are now awaiting the official release date of the revamped Majaa Talkies. As anticipation builds, one thing is clear—Majaa Talkies is not just a comedy show; it’s a platform that celebrates talent, uplifts spirits, and creates lasting memories for its audience.
Stay tuned for more updates as the much-awaited comeback inches closer!
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/kannada/majaa-talkies-returns-to-kannada-television-after-five-years-fans-remember-late-aparna-vastarey/articleshow/116332562.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:44:50Z
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Lanesboro Library Board considering letter of no confidence to city
ABC 6 NEWS — The Lanesboro Library Board will soon learn more about what its future will look like, following a pair of meetings this week.
On Wednesday, the Lanesboro City Council will be meeting to adopt ordinances governing the library board. It’s a move that worries many on the board.
“I just don’t trust…don’t trust anything that the city is doing,” said Stacey Schultz, a member of the board.
In response, at a meeting last week some members of the Lanesboro Public Library Board began discussing drafting a letter of no confidence to send to the city. On Monday, December 16, the board will meet to vote on whether or not to approve that letter; which was obtained by ABC 6 News.
RELATED STORY: Lanesboro Library Board split over proposed ordinance after heated meeting
In the letter, the board writes, in part, “The Lanesboro Public Library Board acknowledges that the relationship with the City Council is fraught but is looking forward to turning the page and working with the new mayor and council to repair relationships and rebuild trust.”
ABC 6 News reached out to the City of Lanesboro for a comment last week, and we have not yet heard back.
The meeting to vote on the proposed letter of no confidence will take place on Monday at 5 p.m.
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https://www.kaaltv.com/news/top-news/lanesboro-library-board-considering-letter-no-confidence-city/
| 2024-12-16T05:44:52Z
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Veterans' Exchange in Bangladesh and India: Celebrating a Legacy of Liberation
Eight Indian veterans and eight Bangladeshi veterans have swapped locations to celebrate Vijay Diwas, marking Pakistan's surrender in the 1971 war. Tensions over minority violence in Bangladesh are acknowledged, but the veterans' exchange strengthens ties. Annual bilateral visits honor sacrifices made for Bangladesh's freedom.
- Country:
- Bangladesh
Eight Indian military veterans and eight veterans from the Bangladesh Army have traveled to each other's countries to participate in the Vijay Diwas celebrations, officials reported. This commemorates the 1971 Liberation War's conclusion, highlighting the Pakistan military's surrender.
Vijay Diwas, observed on December 16, marks a significant historical event when Bangladesh became free with India's aid after a lengthy struggle. The recent veterans' exchange reflects enduring goodwill between the two nations, even amidst current diplomatic challenges.
The context includes tensions over reported violence against Bangladesh's minority Hindu community since a significant political shift in August. However, the mutual visits of veterans underline a shared legacy and hope for stronger bilateral relations.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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Bengali Signage Mandate: KMC's Cultural Push in Kolkata
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https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/3195364-veterans-exchange-in-bangladesh-and-india-celebrating-a-legacy-of-liberation
| 2024-12-16T05:44:52Z
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In the eighth edition, of
Bigg Boss Tamil, contestant Tharshika was evicted from the house. Host Vijay Sethupathi's announcement left housemates and fans stunned, marking a pivotal moment in the season.
Tharshika’s exit was far from ordinary. In a bold and controversial move, she smashed the symbolic Bigg Boss trophy in the garden area before leaving, sending shockwaves across the show’s viewership. Her final words to her boyfriend, Vishal, were heartfelt: "Come out with the trophy. Miss you a lot." Additionally, Tharshika entrusted Vishal with her mother’s sentimental ring, creating an emotional farewell.
Tharshika's journey in the house was notable. She was the first captain of the season and secured the captaincy twice during her tenure. Her leadership and gameplay earned her both accolades and criticism.
During her post-eviction interaction with Vijay Sethupathi, Tharshika delivered unfiltered remarks about her fellow contestants and the house dynamics. Her candid observations left her housemates reflective, adding another layer of intensity to the eviction episode.
Praising her potential, Vijay Sethupathi remarked, “You are one of the strongest contestants. You definitely have a great future outside.” His encouraging words resonated with viewers as Tharshika exited the stage.
This season, which began with 21 contestants, has already seen a series of dramatic eliminations. Tharshika's eviction follows the departures of Sunitha, Sathya Riya, Sanchana, Shiva Varshini, Dharsha, Ravindar, and Arnav. With her exit, 17 contestants remain in the running, including prominent names like Deepak Dinkar, RJ Ananthi, Raayan, Manjari, Gana singer Jeffrey, Ranjith, Pavitra Janani, Soundariya Nanjundan, Arun Prasad, VJ Vishal, Anshitha Akbarsha, Muthukumaran Jegatheesan, and VJ Jacqueline.
As alliances shift and strategies evolve, Tharshika’s departure marks a turning point in the game. The remaining contestants face increasing pressure to secure their positions in the competition.
Bigg Boss Tamil Season 8 continues to captivate audiences with unexpected twists and emotional highs. Fans eagerly await the upcoming episodes to see how the drama unfolds.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/bigg-boss-tamil-8-tharshika-gets-evicted-from-the-house/articleshow/116343264.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:44:56Z
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By Cpl JOSHUA KAUPA (2RPIR)
In addressing his men and women of the 2nd Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (2RPIR) at the end of the year parade the Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Francis Vitata says what the Second Royal Pacific Regiment (2RPIR) have achieved this year is a testament to doing the right thing, living our values and our overall team effort.
Lt-Col Vitata was addressing the men and women of 2RPIR at the commands end of year parade on Wednesday December 11, 2024. He said today marked the end of another challenging year.
“I thank you all for what you have achieved and the difference you have made for 2RPIR, the PNGDF and the country,” he said.
“You have done this while managing competing pressures with work and family.”
Lt-Col Vitata highlighted the different operations the unit was engaged in this year.
“This year saw us engaged in the Highlands security operations, the Maprik national by-election and the East Sepik humanitarian operation apart from our core duty of protecting our international border,” he said.
“2RPIR’s immediate objective covers the East and West Sepik provinces of 680 000+ people, a land mass of 80,000km2, a large riverine and maritime communities and the regional international land border which runs south from Wutung to Torasi across the spine of the PNG mainland.”
Infrastructural development was also in the CO’s line of effort and this year the unit witnessed a number of major constructions and renovations of its vital infrastructures funded by the Australian government and through the Exercise Pukpuk.
“Though there is much to be achieved, I am prioritising on my commitment for continuous infrastructure development in the unit from next year onward on areas that needed much attention,” he said.
“2RPIR’s other challenges are continuous power outages and water and sewer issues besides the road network to and within the barracks, to name a few.
“And I am optimistic that the governments of PNG and Australia will rectify those challenges going forward.”
The CO also touched on the administration side of the house.
“The unit continuously encounter major challenges due to it’s geographical location where admin and logistic support is a critical factor,” Lt-Col Vitata said.
“However, despite all the setbacks, this hasn’t impinged on our ability to deliver as best as we could and we did it flawlessly this year.”
Furthermore, Lt-Col Vitata reinforced that human resource, as an integral part of any organisation, encompasses training and development to all personnel and to be at competitive edge to perform and excel.
“This year we have accomplished this through bilateral exercises, various courses and inhouse training,” he said.
“We will continuously pursue this going forward.
“On the same page, elevating and promoting personnel are my priorities.
“This is what I would like to see, the personnel who put in the hard yards deserve recognition and promotion.
“Hence, we will continue to administrate those that deserve promotion going forward.”
Lt-Col Vitata acknowledged that Moem Barracks dependents and all others for their love and support in sustaining the unit.
“To them, a sincere thank you and my best wishes,” he said.
“To the troops, please use your stand down well, and come back refreshed in 2025.
“Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025.
“May GOD bless the home of the Second Royal Pacific Island Regiment and bless us all.”
With this the parade officially ended with the CO formally exiting before the guards marched off signaling the commencement of the 2nd battalion’s 2024 Christmas holiday.
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https://www.postcourier.com.pg/2nd-royal-pacific-islands-regiment-ends-year-well/
| 2024-12-16T05:44:56Z
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Germany’s Scholz faces a confidence vote. It’s expected to lead to an election in February
BERLIN (AP) — Chancellor Olaf Scholz faces a confidence vote in the German parliament on Monday that he’s expected to lose, paving the way for the European Union’s most populous member and biggest economy to hold an early election in February.
Scholz’s notoriously rancorous three-party government collapsed on Nov. 6 when the chancellor fired his finance minister in a long-running dispute over how to revitalize Germany’s stagnant economy, and the minister’s pro-business party quit the coalition. That left the remaining two center-left partners without a majority in parliament.
Leaders of several major parties then agreed that a parliamentary election should be held on Feb. 23, seven months earlier than originally planned. Post-World War II Germany’s constitution doesn’t allow parliament’s lower house, or Bundestag, to dissolve itself — so a confidence vote is needed to set in motion the early election.
What is likely to happen?
Scholz’s Social Democrats hold 207 seats in the Bundestag and are expected to vote for the chancellor. Their remaining coalition partners, the environmentalist Greens, have 117 and plan to abstain. That should mean Scholz gets nowhere near the majority of 367 in the 733-seat chamber needed to win the confidence vote.
If Scholz loses, it will up to up to President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to decide whether to dissolve the Bundestag. Steinmeier, who said last month that “this country needs stable majorities and a government that is capable of acting,” has 21 days to make that decision. Once parliament is dissolved, the election must be held within 60 days.
In practice, the campaign is already well underway.
Who is in the race?
As he formally requested the confidence vote on Wednesday, Scholz said that voters will “decide in the election how we answer the big questions that we face.”
Those, he said, include whether Germany decides to “invest strongly in our future,” secure jobs and modernize its industry, keep pension levels stable and “come closer to a just peace in Ukraine without Germany being drawn into the war.” Germany has become Ukraine’s biggest military supplier in Europe, but Scholz also has refused to supply long-range Taurus cruise missiles over concerns of escalating the war with Russia.
Center-right challenger Friedrich Merz on Saturday predicted “one of the hardest election campaigns” in modern German history, as Scholz’s Social Democrats “have their backs to the wall.” He said that it’s crucial to make the economy more competitive, because “the competitiveness of our economy is the precondition for everything else.”
Polls show Scholz’s party trailing behind Merz’s main opposition Union bloc. Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, whose Greens are further back, is also bidding for the top job.
The far-right Alternative for Germany, which is polling strongly, has nominated Alice Weidel as its candidate for chancellor but has no chance of taking the job because other parties refuse to work with it.
Confidence votes are rare in Germany, a country of 83 million people that prizes stability. This is only the sixth time in its postwar history that a chancellor has called one.
The last was in 2005, when then-Chancellor Gerhard Schröder engineered an early election that was narrowly won by center-right challenger Angela Merkel.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.kaaltv.com/news/us-world-news/germanys-scholz-faces-a-confidence-vote-its-expected-to-lead-to-an-election-in-february/
| 2024-12-16T05:44:58Z
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2024 was big for bitcoin. States could see a crypto policy blitz in 2025 in spite of the risks
The new year will usher in the bitcoin-friendly administration of President-elect Donald Trump and an expanding lobbying effort in statehouses
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The new year will usher in the bitcoin-friendly administration of President-elect Donald Trump and an expanding lobbying effort in statehouses that, together, could push states to become more open to crypto and for public pension funds and treasuries to buy into it.
Proponents of the uniquely volatile commodity argue it is a valuable hedge against inflation, similar to gold.
Many bitcoin enthusiasts and investors are quick to criticize government-backed currencies as prone to devaluation and say increased government buy-in will stabilize bitcoin's future price swings, give it more legitimacy and further boost an already rising price.
But the risks are significant. Critics say a crypto investment is highly speculative, with so much unknown about projecting its future returns, and warn that investors should be prepared to lose money.
Only a couple public pension funds have invested in cryptocurrency and a new U.S. Government Accountability Office study on 401(k) plan investments in crypto, issued in recent days, warned it has “uniquely high volatility” and that it found no standard approach for projecting the future returns of crypto.
It has already been a landmark year for crypto, with bitcoin hitting $100,000, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approving the first exchange-traded funds that hold bitcoin and crypto enthusiasts being cheered by Trump's promise to make the United States the “bitcoin superpower” of the world.
Lawmakers in more states can expect to see bills in 2025 to make them crypto-friendly as analysts say crypto is becoming a powerful lobby, bitcoin miners build new installations and venture capitalists underwrite a growing tech sector that caters to cryptocurrencies.
Meanwhile, a new crypto-friendly federal government under Trump and Congress could consider legislation from Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyoming, to create a federal bitcoin reserve on which states can piggyback.
A bill introduced last month in Pennsylvania's House of Representatives sought to authorize the state's treasurer and public pension funds to invest in bitcoin. It went nowhere before the legislative session ended, but it caused a stir.
“I had a friend who is a rep down the road text me, ‘Oh my god, I’m getting so many emails and phone calls to my office,' more than he ever did about any other bill,” said the measure's sponsor, Republican Mike Cabell.
Cabell — a bitcoin enthusiast who lost his reelection bid — expects his bill to be reintroduced by a colleague. And leaders of bitcoin advocacy group Satoshi Action say they expect bills based on their model bill to be introduced in at least 10 other states next year.
Keith Brainard, research director for the National Association of State Retirement Administrators, said he doesn’t expect many public pension fund investment professionals, who oversee nearly $6 trillion in assets, to invest in crypto.
Pension fund professionals take risks they deem to be appropriate, but bitcoin investing has a short track record, might only fit into a niche asset class and may not fit the risk-to-reward profile they seek.
“There might be a bit of dabbling in bitcoin,” Brainard said. “But it’s difficult to envision a scenario in which pension funds right now are willing to make a commitment.”
In Louisiana, Treasurer John Fleming helped make the state the first to introduce a system by which people can pay a government agency in cryptocurrencies.
Fleming said he's not trying to promote cryptocurrency, but rather sees the step as a recognition that government must innovate and be flexible in helping people make financial transactions with the state. He said he would never invest his money, or the state's, in crypto.
Fleming recalled meeting with a bitcoin lobbyist recently and came away unconvinced that bitcoin makes for a good investment.
“My concern is that at some point it’ll stop growing and then people will want to cash in,” Fleming said. “And when they do, it could tank the value of a bitcoin.”
In Pennsylvania, Treasury Department officials said they have the authority to decide for themselves if cryptocurrencies meet the agency's investment standards under state law and don't need new legislation.
Still, a highly volatile asset is ill-suited to the agency's need for predictability, considering it writes millions of checks a year. The overwhelming majority of the roughly $60 billion it invests at any given time is in short-term, conservative investments designed for an investment period of months, officials there said.
Pension boards, which invest on a 30-year time horizon, may already hold small investments in companies involved in mining, trading and storing cryptocurrencies. But they have been slow to embrace bitcoin.
That could change, said Mark Palmer, managing director and a senior research analyst at The Benchmark Company in New York.
Pension boards got investment tools they like this year when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved the first exchange-traded funds that hold bitcoin and, in October, approved listings of options on those funds, Palmer said.
Many “are likely in the process of getting up to speed on what it means to invest in bitcoin and kicking the tires, so to speak, and that’s a process that typically takes a while at the institutional level,” Palmer said.
Several major asset managers like BlackRock, Invesco and Fidelity have bitcoin ETFs.
In May, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board became the first state to invest when it bought $160 million worth of shares in two ETFs, or about 0.1% of its assets. It later scaled back that investment to $104 million in one ETF, as of Sept. 30. A spokesperson declined to discuss it.
Michigan's state investment board later reported about $18 million in bitcoin ETF purchases while a candidate for New Jersey governor, Steven Fulop, said that if elected he would push the state's pension fund to invest in crypto.
Fulop, the Democratic mayor of Jersey City, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, has been preparing for months to buy bitcoin ETF shares for up to 2% of the city's $250 million employee pension fund.
“We were ahead of the curve," Fulop said. “And I think that’s what you’re eventually going to see is this is widely accepted, with regard to exposure in all pension funds, some sort of exposure.”
___
Follow Marc Levy on X at: https://x.com/timelywriter.
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https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/2024-big-bitcoin-states-crypto-policy-blitz-2025-116817118
| 2024-12-16T05:45:01Z
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What is a dark comet? A quick guide to the ‘new’ kids in the Solar System
By Rebecca Allen, Co-Director Space Technology and Industry Institute, Swinburne University of Technology
Kirsten Banks, Lecturer, School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology
Sara Webb, Lecturer, Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University of Technology
In 2017, astronomers found an object they’d never seen before. Now, it’s part of a growing category of elusive ‘dark comets’ – and we might find more soon.
Read complete article
© The Conversation
-
Sunday, December 15, 2024
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https://www.tolerance.ca/ArticleExt.aspx?ID=570377&L=en
| 2024-12-16T05:45:01Z
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South Africa Eyes Indian Tourists to Boost Economic Ties
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille highlights the potential of South Africa as a destination for Indian tourists, focusing on strengthening economic and cultural ties. The plan includes improving air routes and visa processes. This strategy aims to enhance South Africa's appeal and increase its share of Indian tourists.
- Country:
- South Africa
South Africa is positioning itself as a top travel destination for Indian tourists, according to Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille. After a recent visit to India, De Lille emphasized the potential for deeper economic and cultural connections.
The South African delegation engaged with Indian tourism traders and media to forge stronger ties and improve tourism numbers from India. De Lille noted South Africa's ambition to reach 15 million annual arrivals by 2030.
To achieve this, plans include enhancing the visa regime and re-establishing direct flights. The creation of a Trusted Tour Operator Scheme aims to streamline the visa process for Indian tourists, helping South Africa become a preferred destination for this growing market.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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Mangaluru Set to Soar: New Direct Flights Connecting to Singapore
Maldivian Airlines Expands Horizons with Direct Flights to China by 2025
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https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/3195366-south-africa-eyes-indian-tourists-to-boost-economic-ties
| 2024-12-16T05:45:00Z
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The curtain has finally fallen on the eighth season of the immensely popular reality TV show Bigg Boss Telugu. After weeks of intense competition, emotional drama, and unexpected twists, Nikhil Maliyakkal has been crowned the winner of the season. Hosted by the charismatic Nagarjuna, this season promised "unlimited twists," but the overall journey felt underwhelming compared to previous installments. However, the grand finale made up for it, delivering excitement and anticipation that kept audiences on the edge of their seats.
A Star-Studded Finale
The much-awaited finale turned into a grand spectacle with Mega Powerstar Ram Charan gracing the occasion to announce the winner. Nikhil triumphed over fellow finalist Gautham Krishna in a nail-biting contest, securing the coveted Bigg Boss trophy. Voting trends revealed Nikhil as the audience favorite, with his charisma, resilience, and determination setting him apart from the other 15 contestants in the house.
A Journey to Remember
Nikhil’s journey in the Bigg Boss house was anything but easy. Competing against diverse personalities, navigating challenges, and dealing with interpersonal conflicts, he proved his mettle with consistency and a strong fan following. The addition of former contestants from previous seasons in the final weeks added a layer of unpredictability to the finale, further testing the contestants’ mettle.
Audience Reactions and Nikhil’s Triumph
Fans of the show took to social media to celebrate Nikhil's victory, with hashtags like #BiggBossTelugu8 and #NikhilMaliyakkal trending across platforms. Viewers praised his perseverance, noting how he handled difficult situations with grace while showcasing his strengths in various tasks and competitions.
What's Next for Nikhil?
As the winner of Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8, Nikhil takes home the prestigious trophy and a substantial cash prize. With the show’s immense popularity, winners often receive opportunities in the entertainment industry, and fans are eager to see what lies ahead for him.
While this season may not have lived up to the hype of "unlimited twists," Nikhil Maliyakkal's journey and ultimate victory have certainly left a mark on the show's legacy. For Bigg Boss Telugu fans, the anticipation now shifts to what the next season might bring.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/telugu/bigg-boss-telugu-8-winner-nikhil-maliyakkal-lifts-the-trophy/articleshow/116343682.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:45:02Z
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The Enga Provincial Health Authority in Papua New Guinea has received a fully equipped medical ambulance, thanks to funding support by the Australian Government, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The official handover ceremony took place at Ela Motors in Mt. Hagen, attended by Australian Government Minister-Counsellor Penny Morton, UNFPA Country Representative Ms. Saira Shameem, Mr. Kenneth Andrews, Board Chairman of Enga Provincial Health Authority and Deputy Provincial Administrator (District and Local-Level Government (LLG) Affairs) and Enga Provincial Health Authority Officer-in-Charge Mr. Ben Nema.
The ambulance, a fully-kitted Toyota Land Cruiser, is equipped with advanced medical features, including:
- A siren system and rotating LED beacon (red or green) fitted on the roof.
- An attendant seat for two to three passengers.
- A primary stretcher with a mattress and four wheels.
- A half-opening partition wall between the driver and patient
- compartments.
Essential medical tools, such as an intravenous feeding hook, oxygen inhaler/resuscitator, fire extinguisher, and basic first aid kit.
This vital donation aims to strengthen healthcare services across the Enga Province, including responding to humanitarian disasters.
“UNFPA is committed to ensuring that life-saving supplies and services are accessible to communities in times of crisis.
This ambulance will be instrumental in providing timely emergency medical care and efficient patient transportation, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters and for ongoing healthcare needs in Enga Province,” said Ms. Saira Shameem, UNFPA Country Representative in Papua New Guinea.
Enga PHA Officer-in-Charge, Mr. Ben Nema, acknowledged the significance of the ambulance services to the Enga Provincial Health Authority (PHA), as the need in the Province for such services is high.
“This ambulance is important for improving efficiency in patient referrals and care, addressing the gaps currently faced by rural health facilities, where the demand is greatest,” said Mr. Ben Nema.
“On behalf of the Enga Provincial Health Authority, the Board of Governance, and the Senior Executive Management, I express my gratitude to the Australian Government and the United Nations Population Fund for their commitment and support to rural health services in Enga Province through this donation.”
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) also highlighted their commitment to strengthen healthcare systems and improve emergency response services in Papua New Guinea.
Australian Government Minister-Counsellor Penny Morton further stated that the Australian Government is confident that this support will improve health access to services for disaster-affected communities in Enga.
“And so today, I have the great honour of officially handing the ambulance over from the Australian Government to the Enga Provincial Health Authority, for use in the Mulitaka community and across the province.
The Australian Government continues to stand by our friends and neighbours at all times, but particularly in times need,” said Minister Penny Mortan.
The partnership between UNFPA and the Australian Government underscores a shared dedication to advancing healthcare access and enhancing resilience in vulnerable communities.
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https://www.postcourier.com.pg/australia-and-unfpa-partner-to-boost-emergency-services-in-enga-with-ambulance-donation/
| 2024-12-16T05:45:03Z
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Survivors seek a reckoning as FBI investigates child sex abuse in little-known Christian sect
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Nearly every detail about the religious group Lisa Webb’s family belonged to was hidden from the outside world. Its followers met in homes rather than churches. Its leadership structure was hard to discern, its finances opaque. It didn’t even have an official name.
But for decades, no secret was as closely guarded as the identities of the sexual predators inside the group known as the “Two by Twos.”
Now a growing number of public allegations from around the world have prompted a broad investigation by the FBI and placed an uncomfortable spotlight on the long-quiet Christian sect. Survivors say the group’s leaders protected child-abusing ministers by pressuring victims to forgive, ignoring legal reporting requirements and by transferring abusers to new locations to live with unsuspecting families.
Ministry leaders have publicly condemned the abuse but several declined to answer questions from The Associated Press.
For Webb, who was sexually abused by one of the group’s ministers as a child, the attention has brought an unexpected sense of “strength in numbers.”
“There are so many who are frustrated and disheartened,” said Webb. “But there’s also camaraderie in that, and support.”
A website, a hotline and social media pages established by victims have documented allegations against more than 900 abusers, with survivors in more than 30 countries and cases continuing to emerge. In the past year, news stories and a Hulu documentary have focused on the sect’s predator preachers and the leaders who enabled them.
While perpetrators have been sentenced to prison in isolated cases, the sect has largely avoided legal repercussions, protected by its decentralized structure, hidden finances and state laws that limit the timeline for criminal charges.
The secret sect’s origin story
The sect, also known to its members as “The Way” or “The Truth,” was founded in Ireland in 1897 by William Irvine, who railed against the existence of churches. The only way to spread Christianity, he argued, was to do as Jesus instructed in the Book of Matthew: to send apostles out to live among those they sought to convert.
The sect grew as volunteer preachers — known as workers — went “two by two” to live in the family homes of followers for days or weeks at a time. Sect historians say there were up to a few million members just a few decades ago, but current estimates put the figure at 75,000 to 85,000 worldwide.
Unlike the Boy Scouts or the Catholic Church, which have paid out billions to sex abuse victims, the sect’s aversion to property leaves it without apparent assets that might be used to pay settlements, legal experts say.
Workers are supposed to shun worldly possessions, relying on followers for food, shelter and transportation. But that also ensures abusive workers have access to potential victims.
Webb was abused by a preacher who stayed with her family in Michigan when she was 11. The man, Peter Mousseau, was convicted much later — after he expressed an interest in visiting her in 2008 and she decided to pursue charges. A regional overseer to whom she previously reported the abuse was later convicted for failing to report abuse allegations against another local worker.
“You have this mindset that they are angels in your home. They can do no wrong, so you don’t have any kind of wall up,” she said. “It was just the perfect storm created, the perfect recipe for this kind of behavior.”
Abusers live among their victims
Sheri Autrey had just turned 14 when a 28-year-old worker moved into her family’s home in Visalia, California, for two months.
He began abusing her immediately, sneaking to her room at night and taking her for daytime drives. He turned up the radio whenever the Hall & Oates song “Maneater” came on, singing: “Watch out boy, she’ll chew you up.”
When Autrey revealed the abuse to her mother a few years later, her mom reported it to the sect’s regional overseer, who was in charge of all the workers in the area.
The overseer refused to warn other families. Instead, he sent the worker back to Autrey’s home to apologize.
Autrey, raised to be meek, erupted. Her family took her to the district attorney’s office but declined to put her through a prosecution.
“I would have to explain, explicitly, what happened,” Autrey said. “And I was in no way prepared for that.”
Decades later, Autrey was at a baseball game when “Maneater” came on. She had to walk around the stadium to calm herself down, and she resolved to send a letter about the abuse to hundreds of sect members.
“I wanted anyone else who was a victim to know she is not the only one,” Autrey said. “She needs to know there is help.”
Many more cases of abuse
One worker from Peru, Americo Quispe, was sent to Garland, Texas, in the early 2000s after facing allegations of inappropriate behavior in his home country. He soon found new victims, some of whose families went to police. He returned to Peru before he could be arrested.
Quispe was later convicted of molestation in Peru and sentenced to 30 years. He has never faced the charges in Texas.
Another worker, Ruben Mata, abused dozens of boys, among them 10-year-old Douglas Patterson, who was lured away from his family during a sect convention in the early 1990s. Patterson said he kept quiet about it because he feared his family would leave the sect — and thus be barred from eternal salvation — if he told.
Mata was eventually convicted in 2006 in a separate sex abuse case. He died in a California prison.
Members told to keep abuse reports quiet
A few months before Mata’s trial, the Saskatchewan, Canada, overseer, Dale Shultz, sent two letters to colleagues.
One was to be shown to any concerned members. It acknowledged Mata was a pedophile and that workers had been alerted to his abuse at least three times. The sect only notified authorities after Mata resigned, according to the letter.
The second was for staff. It said no copies should be made of the first letter.
“The purpose of the letter is to help those who have concerns, not to advertise a kingdom problem to those who either do not know about it or are not having a problem with it,” Shultz wrote.
In another case, a regional overseer for Arizona, Ed Alexander, wrote a letter to a child-molesting elder in 2005 observing that “we love our people very much and don’t want to report their misdeeds.”
The letter suggested the sect could fulfill its mandatory abuse-reporting obligations by recommending offenders get professional counseling, because then the counselors — rather than sect leaders — would be obligated to make the reports to police.
“They believe that child sexual assault is just a sin. Like, you’re a sinner, they are a sinner, it’s all just sin,” said Eileen Dickey, one of the man’s victims. She reported the abuse to sect leaders because she was worried other children would be targeted.
“I was told never to talk about it,” she said.
Alexander would not speak with The Associated Press: “Unfortunately, the media coverage has been so negative and one-sided that I am going to have to decline an interview,” he texted.
Former minister recounts culture of downplaying misdeeds
Jared Snyder spent more than two decades as an itinerant minister before becoming disillusioned and quitting. No one told him directly about abuse, Snyder said, but he occasionally heard rumors.
The sect’s culture — which makes gossip taboo and places tremendous pressure on members to be merciful — meant that misdeeds big or small were downplayed, he said.
“One overseer just explicitly told me, ‘The less you know, the better off you are,’” he said.
As a worker, Snyder received no paychecks, retirement benefits or health insurance benefits, and he was discouraged from using banks. But he was never without spending money: Followers regularly offer cash to the workers, and Snyder said he frequently had thousands of dollars in his pockets.
Most of that money would get spent on building materials, food or other supplies at regional conventions, Snyder said.
The case that exposed the sect to more scrutiny
In June 2022, a regional overseer named Dean Bruer died in an Oregon motel room. Bruer, 67, had served in at least 22 states and territories and seven countries since 1976, according to a timeline compiled by Pam Walton, a former member who has used historical records and photographs to track the movements of predatory preachers.
Nine months after Bruer died, Doyle Smith, the overseer for Idaho and Oregon, wrote a letter to members. Evidence left on Bruer’s phone and laptop showed he had raped and abused multiple underage victims, Smith wrote.
“Dean was a sexual predator,” Smith wrote. “We never respect or defend such totally inappropriate behavior among us. There is a very united consensus among us that the only thing to do is to be transparent with all of you for obvious reasons, though this is very difficult.”
That transparency did not extend to dealings with local police. It was only after Autrey, another abuse survivor, and private investigator Cynthia Liles — all former sect members — pressured Smith that he turned Bruer’s laptop over to detectives, Autrey told the AP.
By then, the computer had been tampered with, according to records from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon. The web browser search history was cleared. Bruer’s Apple ID had been changed and files transferred out of his DropBox account. Bruer’s phone was never provided to police, and the “Find My iPhone” feature had been disabled.
“What web browsing history was present on the laptop that someone didn’t want anyone else knowing about?” Detective Jeffrey Burlew wrote in a police report. Unable to find any evidence of a crime within its jurisdiction, the office closed the investigation.
Smith did not respond to phone messages from the AP.
Survivors and law enforcement dig deeper
Though Autrey and others had long sought reforms in the sect, Bruer’s death proved to be a catalyst. Autrey, Liles and another survivor launched a hotline, website and Facebook pages for survivors.
In February, the FBI’s field office in Omaha, Nebraska, announced an investigation.
The outcry prompted some sect leaders to condemn the abuse and to ask consultants for advice on how to better protect members. But at least some regional overseers have ultimately declined to adopt recommended child abuse prevention policies — saying the only true code of conduct is the New Testament.
And some leaders still warn members against criticizing the sect.
At an August convention in Duncan, British Columbia, a worker helping to lead the event did not mention the abuse scandal directly but told members to lay aside “evil speakings.”
“It’s more easy to be critical than to be correct,” preached Robert Doecke, a worker from Australia. “If you feed on problems, it will only make more problems. But if you focus on the Lord, it will lead to solutions.”
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.kaaltv.com/news/us-world-news/survivors-seek-a-reckoning-as-fbi-investigates-child-sex-abuse-in-little-known-christian-sect/
| 2024-12-16T05:45:04Z
|
wrestling / News
Marigold Winter Wonderful Fight Results 12.13.24: Sareee Battles Nanae Takahashi, More
December 15, 2024 | Posted by
Marigold held their Winter Wonderful Fight event on Friday night, with Sareee in action and more. You can see the full results from the Tokyo show below, per Fightful:
* Rea Seto def. Komomo Minami and Yuuki Minami
* Bozilla & Misa Matsui def. Hummingbird & Nao Ishikawa
* Utami Hayashishita, Kouki Amarei & Victoria Yuzuki def. Miku Aono, Chika Goto & Naho Yamada
* Superfly Championship Match: Natsumi Showzuki def. Myla Grace. After the match, Showzuki and Victoria Yuzuki agreed to a title match at Marigold First Dream.
* TwinStar Championship Match: Dark Wolf Army def. MIRAI & Mai Sakurai
* Marigold World Championship Match: Sareee def. Nanae Takahashi. Takahashi then announced she will retire in May of 2025.
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https://411mania.com/wrestling/marigold-winter-wonderful-fight-results-12-13-24/
| 2024-12-16T05:45:06Z
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Public donations for suspected CEO killer Luigi Mangione’s ‘defense fund’ surpass $100,000
The anonymous fundraiser for Luigi Mangione had surpassed more than $100,000 by Sunday
Luigi Mangione supporters have donated tens of thousands of dollars to “defense funds” set up for him after he was arrested on suspicion of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
The anonymous fund “December 4th Legal Committee” surpassed more than $100,000 in donations on the crowdfunding website GiveSendGo by Sunday morning.
The group’s name is an apparent reference to the day the 26-year-old allegedly gunned down the healthcare executive on a busy Manhattan street.
“We are not here to celebrate violence, but we do believe in the constitutional right to fair legal representation,” the group said in a statement.
It comes after Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg described support for Mr Mangione as abhorrent amid fears he was being turned into a martyr.
“Celebrating this conduct is abhorrent to me. It’s deeply disturbing,” Mr Bragg told ABC News on Wednesday night.
“And what I would say to members of the public, people who as you described are celebrating this and maybe contemplating other action, that we will be vigilant and we will hold people accountable,” he added.
Mr Mangione was arrested with a 3D-printed gun at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania on Monday following a six-day manhunt for the hooded shooter who shot Mr Thompson last week.
The gun matches three shell casings found at the crime scene and marked with “deny,” “delay” and “depose”, police officials said this week.
Mangione also possessed a silencer, a 262-word manifesto, a spiral notebook containing a “to-do list”, and several false ID cards.
Mr Thompson, 50, was shot in the back on 4 December outside the New York Hilton Midtown, with surveillance footage showing a dark-hooded figure with a grey backpack firing from several feet away.
Since the shooting, the high-profile killing has gripped international headlines. Mangione is currently being held in a Pennsylvania jail without bond as he awaits extradition to New York where he faces a murder charge. He also faces charges for gun law violations in Pennsylvania.
However, under New York law, he is only charged with murder in the second degree, which carries a penalty of 15 years to life in prison.
This is because the tougher first-degree murder charge only applies to a narrow list of aggravating circumstances, including when the victim is a judge, a police officer or a first responder, or when the killing involves a murder-for-hire or an intent to commit terrorism, according to CNN.
After his arrest, Mangione was charged and arraigned on five Pennsylvania offenses including forgery, falsely identifying himself, and carrying a gun without a license.
On Monday, he made a brief appearance at the Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg where he was informed of the charges against him and said he understood.
The suspect returned to the Blair County Courthouse as he faced an extradition hearing Tuesday after New York prosecutors charged him with second-degree murder in connection with the Mr Thompson’s killing.
“It’s completely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people and their lived experience,” Mangione yelled as he was escorted in handcuffs into the courthouse.
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https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/luigi-mangione-donations-lawyer-defense-fund-b2664865.html
| 2024-12-16T05:45:07Z
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As schools cut back on bus service, parents are turning to rideshare apps
Reliance on school buses has been waning for years as districts struggle to find drivers and more students attend schools far outside their neighborhoods
CHICAGO -- Ismael El-Amin was driving his daughter to school when a chance encounter gave him an idea for a new way to carpool.
On the way across Chicago, El-Amin’s daughter spotted a classmate riding with her own dad as they drove to their selective public school on the city’s North Side. For 40 minutes, they rode along the same congested highway.
“They’re waving to each other in the back. I’m looking at the dad. The dad’s looking at me. And I was like, parents can definitely be a resource to parents,” said El-Amin, who went on to found Piggyback Network, a service parents can use to book rides for their children.
Reliance on school buses has been waning for years as districts struggle to find drivers and more students attend schools far outside their neighborhoods. As responsibility for transportation shifts to families, the question of how to replace the traditional yellow bus has become an urgent problem for some, and a spark for innovation.
State and local governments decide how widely to offer school bus service. Lately, more have been cutting back. Only about 28% of U.S. students take a school bus, according to a Federal Highway Administration survey concluded early last year. That’s down from about 36% in 2017.
Chicago Public Schools, the nation’s fourth-largest district, has significantly curbed bus service in recent years. It still offers rides for disabled and homeless students, in line with a federal mandate, but most families are on their own. Only 17,000 of the district’s 325,000 students are eligible for school bus rides.
Last week, the school system launched a pilot program allowing some students who attend out-of-neighborhood magnet or selective-enrollment schools to catch a bus at a nearby school’s “hub stop.” It aims to start with rides for about 1,000 students by the end of the school year.
It’s not enough to make up for the lost service, said Erin Rose Schubert, a volunteer for the CPS Parents for Buses advocacy group.
“The people who had the money and the privilege were able to figure out other situations like rearranging their work schedules or public transportation,” she said. “People who didn’t, some had to pull their kids out of school.”
On Piggyback Network, parents can book a ride for their student online with another parent traveling the same direction. Rides cost roughly 80 cents per mile and the drivers are compensated with credits to use for their own kids’ rides.
“It’s an opportunity for kids to not be late to school,” 15-year-old Takia Phillips said on a recent PiggyBack ride with El-Amin as the driver.
The company has arranged a few hundred rides in its first year operating in Chicago, and El-Amin has been contacting drivers for possible expansion to Virginia, North Carolina and Texas. It is one of several startups that have been filling the void.
Unlike Piggyback Network, which connects parents, HopSkipDrive contracts directly with school districts to assist students without reliable transportation. The company launched a decade ago in Los Angeles with three mothers trying to coordinate school carpools and now supports some 600 school districts in 13 states.
Regulations keep it from operating in some states, including Kentucky, where a group of Louisville students has been lobbying on its behalf to change that.
After the district halted bus service to most traditional and magnet schools, the student group known as The Real Young Prodigys wrote a hip-hop song titled “Where My Bus At?” The song’s music video went viral on YouTube with lyrics such as, “I’m a good kid. I stay in class, too. Teachers want me to succeed, but I can’t get to school.”
“Those bus driver shortages are not really going away,” HopSkipDrive CEO Joanna McFarland said. “This is a structural change in the industry we need to get serious about addressing.”
HopSkipDrive has been a welcome option for Reinya Gibson’s son, Jerren Samuel, who attends a small high school in Oakland, California. She said the school takes care to accommodate his needs as a student with autism, but the district lined up the transportation because there is no bus from their home in San Leandro.
“Growing up, people used to talk about kids in the short yellow buses. They were associated with a physical disability, and they were teased or made fun of,” Gibson said. “Nobody knows this is support for Jerren because he can’t take public transportation.”
Encouragement from his mother helped Jerren overcame his fear about riding with a stranger to school.
“I felt really independent getting in that car,” he said.
Companies catering to kids claim to screen drivers more extensively, checking their fingerprints and requiring them to have childcare or parenting experience. Drivers and children are often given passwords that must match, and parents can track a child’s whereabouts in real time through the apps.
Kango, a competitor to HopSkipDrive in California and Arizona, started as a free carpooling app similar to the PiggyBack Network and now contracts with school districts. Drivers are paid more than they would typically get for Uber or Lyft, but there are often more requirements such as walking some students with disabilities into school, Kango CEO Sara Schaer said.
“This is not just a curbside-to-curbside, three-minute situation,” Schaer said. “You are responsible for getting that kid to and from school. That’s not the same as transporting an adult or DoorDashing somebody’s lunch or dinner.”
In Chicago, some families that have used Piggyback said they have seen few alternatives.
Concerned about the city’s rising crime rate, retired police officer Sabrina Beck never considered letting her son take the subway to Whitney Young High School. Since she was driving him anyway, she volunteered through PiggyBack also to drive a freshman who had qualified for the selective magnet school but had no way to get there.
“To have the opportunity to go and then to miss it because you don’t have the transportation, that is so detrimental,” Beck said. “Options like this are extremely important.”
After the bus route that took her two kids to elementary school was canceled, Jazmine Dillard and other Chicago parents thought they had convinced the school to move up the opening bell from 8:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., a more manageable time for her schedule. After that plan was scrapped because the buses were needed elsewhere at that time, Dillard turned to PiggyBack Network.
“We had to kind of pivot and find a way to make it to work on time as well as get them to school on time,” she said.
___
The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
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https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/schools-cut-back-bus-service-parents-turning-rideshare-116817396
| 2024-12-16T05:45:07Z
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| 2024-12-16T05:45:07Z
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Dec 15, 2024
The couple radiates joy while embracing the winter chill in stylish, layered outfits
Instagram/Ankita-Lokhande
Ankita and Vicky share intimate, love-filled moments wrapped in warm sweaters and scarves
Instagram/Ankita-Lokhande
Their rustic-themed photoshoot blends nature's beauty with timeless winter fashion
Instagram/Ankita-Lokhande
The duo stuns in color-coordinated winter ensembles, setting couple-style goals
Instagram/Ankita-Lokhande
Their candid smiles reflect pure happiness and seasonal cheer
Instagram/Ankita-Lokhande
With cozy bonfires and festive decorations, the couple celebrates winter's magical charm
Instagram/Ankita-Lokhande
Their affectionate poses exude warmth, love, and undeniable chemistry
Instagram/Ankita-Lokhande
Surrounded by nature, Ankita and Vicky bask in winter's serene beauty
Instagram/Ankita-Lokhande
Their heartfelt captions and cherished moments promise lasting love and unforgettable winter memories
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Thanks For Reading!
Read Next
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/web-stories/hindi/ankita-lokhande-and-vicky-jains-perfect-winter-season-looks/photostory/116335110.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:45:08Z
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On December 4, 2024, the 14th Chinese Medical Team aiding Papua New Guinea visited the charitable organisation Life PNG Care to conduct a free medical screening for children with congenital heart disease (CHD).
This initiative aimed to identify and diagnose children with CHD at an early stage, allowing for timely treatment.
The medical team conducted meticulous heart examinations for each child, engaging with them patiently to ease their anxiety and ensure a smooth screening process. Despite language and cultural differences, the team’s warm smiles and gentle approach earned the children’s trust.
Congenital heart disease is a common cardiovascular condition in childhood, which, if left undetected and untreated, can pose significant risks to a child’s growth, development, and overall health.
Through this screening activity, the medical team hoped to detect potential cases early, secure valuable time for subsequent treatment, and improve recovery rates.
In addition to screenings, the team also educated the children and staff on health knowledge, teaching basic hygiene practices and healthy lifestyle habits, such as proper handwashing and maintaining good routines.
They aimed to empower the children with knowledge to better protect their health in daily life.
This free clinic showcased the advanced medical expertise of the Chinese medical team, embodying the spirit of humanitarianism and international solidarity.
By taking tangible actions, the team demonstrated their goodwill toward the people of Papua New Guinea, building a solid bridge for mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations.
Looking ahead, the Chinese medical team will continue to carry out various medical assistance activities in Papua New Guinea, contributing to the health and well-being of the local population.
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https://www.postcourier.com.pg/chinese-medical-team-visits-children-at-life-png-care/
| 2024-12-16T05:45:09Z
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Takeaways from AP’s reporting on a child sex abuse crisis inside a secretive Christian sect
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — For decades, a little-known Christian sect has dealt with its abusive ministers and spiritual elders mostly in secret, shunning legal action in favor of urging victims to forgive the predators in their midst.
Forgiveness, however, was far from a cure: The abusers were often sent to live with other unsuspecting families, where they had easy access to new victims.
Now a grassroots effort by survivors has exposed the depth of the scandal — documenting allegations against more than 900 abusers in 30 countries, with cases continuing to emerge — and thrust the nameless sect into the public eye. The FBI has also launched an investigation into the group, sometimes called the “Two by Twos.”
The Associated Press interviewed more than a dozen current and former members, workers and experts, and reviewed letters, court documents and other records supporting the allegations. Several sect leaders and ministers either declined interview requests or did not respond to messages.
Here are some takeaways from the AP’s reporting.
The core doctrine of the sect put kids at high risk
Child sex abuse is a significant problem within many religious institutions: Insurance data company Advisen lists child sexual abuse as the second most frequent insurance loss for religious organizations, after wage-related claims. But survivors say the tenets of the Two by Twos place kids at particularly high risk.
The sect believes its volunteer ministers, called “workers,” should live among followers and rely on them for food, housing and other needs.
Many survivors told the AP they were abused by preachers staying in their homes. In some cases, the abuse was revealed and the offending worker was asked to leave the ministry. Frequently, however, regional leaders called “overseers” simply transferred the worker to a new region without warning other members.
Former sect member Pam Walton uses photos from annual sect conventions, reports from members and other records to track the movements of workers and overseers with abuse allegations.
“I don’t think people were understanding the magnitude that these men and women traveled,” Walton said.
One abusive overseer, Dean Bruer, served in at least 22 states and territories and seven countries from the time he joined the ministry in 1976 until his death in 2022.
A culture of ‘mercy’ enabled abusers
Former worker Jared Snyder says bringing up someone’s past sins is considered taboo because that person “has already been forgiven by God.” As a result, members and workers alike often would only talk euphemistically about problems, Snyder said, and even major misdeeds were frequently downplayed.
“There is an underlying fear of being judged as a person who has a ‘bad spirit’ if you are not merciful enough,” Snyder says.
Some sect leaders cautioned against digging into allegations. One overseer told Snyder, “The less you know, the better off you are,” he said.
Sect leaders sometimes ignored legal reporting requirements
Some U.S. states have laws that require spiritual leaders, teachers and others in positions of authority to report child abuse allegations to authorities. Letters and other documents show some overseers tried to skirt those laws.
Ed Alexander, a regional overseer for Arizona, wrote a letter to a child-molesting elder urging him to seek professional counseling. That way, Alexander claimed, the sect would not have to report the man’s crime and instead the counselor could take on reporting responsibility.
Alexander declined to comment.
Survivors often faced dead ends in their search for justice
As a teen, Sheri Autrey felt unprepared to describe the intimate details of her abuse to a jury, so her parents declined to put her through the criminal prosecution process. When Autrey tried to press charges as an adult, it was too late — under California state law, too many years had passed since the crime.
Autrey tried to find an attorney to sue the sect, but no one would take the case. Legal experts say the sect’s aversion to property leaves it without any apparent assets that could be used to pay a legal settlement.
Left without legal options, many survivors joined grassroots efforts to support each other. One organization, Advocates for the Truth, created a 24-hour confidential hotline for survivors, investigated and tracked allegations, and connected victims with therapeutic resources and funding.
Facebook pages and online chat rooms have also given survivors a place to compare stories, discuss faith and share suggestions for reform.
A grand jury began looking into the sect last year, and in February the FBI asked people with information to come forward. Agents have interviewed multiple survivors and sect leaders over the last several months.
Change within the sect is slow — and limited
Some sect leaders have condemned the abuse and asked consultants for advice on how to better protect members. Others have rejected recommended child abuse prevention policies outright, or implemented scaled-down versions with fewer safeguards.
Still, the pressure doesn’t seem likely to let up anytime soon. Former sect member and survivor Lisa Webb says advocating for other survivors has been her therapy.
“I’m not trying to take away your salvation or attack your faith, but how can we keep our kids safe? You can respect the faith, respect the religion, but still not be naive,” Webb said. “Just the fact that the conversation is out there now means we’ve already improved the safety. … There’s a rallying behind survivors.”
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.kaaltv.com/news/us-world-news/takeaways-from-aps-reporting-on-a-child-sex-abuse-crisis-inside-a-secretive-christian-sect/
| 2024-12-16T05:45:10Z
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Luigi Mangione’s family: The prominent Baltimore relatives ‘shocked and devastated’ by CEO shooting
The man charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson came from an influential Baltimore family with longstanding ties to local hospitals
Luigi Mangione's family couldn't merely afford medical care. They could afford to donate more than $1 million of their own money to healthcare.
That’s according to a report Monday from The Baltimore Banner, which chronicles the wealthy family history of the man charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Following the news of Mangione’s arrest Monday, his family released a statement saying they were “shocked.”
“Unfortunately, we cannot comment on news reports regarding Luigi Mangione,” said the family in a statement posted on X by Luigi’s cousin Nino Mangione, a Republican member of the lower house of Maryland’s state legislature. “We only know what we have read in the media.”
He noted: “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest. We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson, and we ask people to pray for all involved.”
In the wake of the fatal shooting of Thompson, many speculated that the killer who carved "Deny, Delay, Depose" onto bullet casings intended for the CEO would be someone down on their luck — another victim, perhaps, of America's unequal and sometimes callous healthcare industry.
But the truth is somewhat different.
“I didn’t have two nickels to rub together when my father died when I was 11, yet I still became a millionaire,” Mangione family patriarch Nick Mangione Sr told The Baltimore Sun back in 1995. "What other country can you do that in? None that I can think of.”
Nick Mangione was reportedly born to an illiterate father in Baltimore's Little Italy before the Second World War. He fought in the Pacific and made his fortune as a contractor and then a real estate developer in the baby boom years.
By the 1990s, the Mangiones owned golf resorts, country clubs, a nursing home company, and three conservative talk radio stations, sometimes sparring with city and county officials as NIck Mangione expanded his business empire.
Nick Mangione died in 2008, leaving behind 37 grandchildren, including Luigi Mangione. The family did well enough that they were able to establish a family philanthropic foundation, which donated to the Greater Baltimore Medical Center and numerous other hospitals and healthcare institutions, as well as the Baltimore Opera Company and the Walters Art Museum.
Greater Baltimore Medical Center even has a hospital ward named after the Mangiones, the Banner reported.
Exactly how Luigi Mangione’s history and experiences may be linked to Thompson’s murder is unclear. Luigi attended an expensive private school in Baltimore, got degrees in computer science and engineering, and worked as a data engineer in California.
Nevertheless, friends told HuffPost and The New York Times that he had suffered from ongoing back pain that had prevented him from surfing and impaired his romantic life, while a Goodreads account apparently belonging to Mangione reveal he read books about back pain and spine surgery.
"He said his lower vertebrae were almost like a half-inch off, and I think it pinched a nerve. Sometimes he’d be doing well and other times not," said RJ Martin, the founder of a group house in Honolulu where Mangione had lived.
"He knew that dating and being physically intimate with his back condition wasn’t possible. I remember him telling me that, and my heart just breaks."
Meanwhile, Mangione’s Goodreads account posted a positive review for the manifesto of Ted Kaczynski, better known as the Unabomber, whose hatred for "industrial society and its consequences" led him to commit a spate of bombing attacks in the 1970s, 80s and 90s.
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https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/luigi-mangione-family-baltimore-maryland-ceo-shooter-b2664870.html
| 2024-12-16T05:45:13Z
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What to stream: MrBeast jumps to TV, Little Big Town's holiday special and Squid Game: Unleashed
The griping Vatican-based movie thriller “Conclave” about picking a new pope and Stephanie Hsu starring in the dark comedy series “Laid” as a woman whose former lovers keep unexpectedly dying are some of this week’s new streaming entertainment releases
The griping Vatican-based thriller “Conclave” about picking a new pope and Stephanie Hsu starring in the dark comedy “Laid” as a woman whose former lovers keep unexpectedly dying are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.
Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Dwayne Johnson stars as Santa’s bodyguard in the movie “Red One,” internet star MrBeast hosts his own reality competition show on Prime Video called “Beast Games” and Little Big Town host a Christmas special on NBC.
– What goes on inside the Vatican before white smoke flows out of the Sistine Chapel? “Conclave” (streaming now on Peacock), about the election of a new pope, is a gripping thriller that imagines how the gathering of cardinals could go. The film, directed by Edward Berger and based on Robert Harris’ 2016 novel, stars Ralph Fiennes as the cardinal tasked with running the conclave. Nominated for six Golden Globes, “Conclave” is a major Oscar contender and one of the rare recent adult-oriented dramas to succeed at the box office. In her review, AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr called it “a deliriously fun watch in the way that tense, smart thrillers with an ensemble of great actors can be.”
– It was easy to miss Clint Eastwood’s “Juror No. 2” in cinemas, but the 94-year-old’s latest arrives Friday, Dec. 20 on Max. And “Juror No. 2,” despite its small theatrical footprint, has been much praised by critics. In it, Nicholas Hoult plays a juror in a murder trial who’s struggling with a moral dilemma.
– A sled-full of new Christmas movies arrive every year, with hopes of establishing themselves as a new holiday classic. Of them, “Red One” (now streaming on Prime Video) is distinguished by being the biggest, most garishly wrapped one yet. In the $250 million movie, Dwayne Johnson stars as the bodyguard for a more militaristic Kris Kringle (J.K. Simmons), who teams up with a deadbeat hacker (Chris Evans) to rescue Santa after he’s kidnapped. In my review, I wrote that “there is ample time during ‘Red One’ to ponder who, exactly, put a Marvel-ized Santa on their wish list.”
– Mati Diop’s “Dahomey,” one of the year’s nonfiction highlights, is not to be missed. Diop, the French Senegalese director of “Atlantics,” documents the return of 26 art works seized by French troops during the 1890s from the African kingdom (now southern Benin). In the film, currently streaming on Mubi, Diop casts a wide and fantastic net in chronicling their voyage home, with a wide array of voices debating the ethics and meaning of reparations — including even those of the Dahomey treasures, themselves.
— ’Twas the week before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. That is, until Monday, when “Little Big Town’s Christmas at the Opry” airs on NBC, available to stream on Peacock the following day! What says “happy holidays” more than some of country music’s modern greats bringing their twang from the famous Nashville stage to the family living room? A group of great guests, probably – and those include Dan + Shay, Kelsea Ballerini, Sheryl Crow, Kirk Franklin, Josh Groban, Kate Hudson and Orville Peck.
— AP Music Writer Maria Sherman
— A new docuseries on Apple TV+ reveals the habits and behaviors of animals in the wild. Filmmakers spent three years tracking 77 unique species in 24 countries, and capturing everything from jumping spider courtship dances to a killifish in Trinidad breathing through its tail when out of the water. Hugh Bonneville narrates “The Secret Lives of Animals, " debuting Dec. Wednesday.
— Stephanie Hsu stars in a new dark comedy for Peacock as Ruby, a woman whose former lovers keep unexpectedly dying in mysterious, outrageous ways. Ruby and her best friend AJ (Zosia Mamet, doing her wry observational bit) dig into the past to make sense of what’s happening and save lives. The process prompts Ruby to learn hard truths about herself. “Laid” is based on an Australian series. There are also a number of fun guest stars including Finneas O’Connell, Chloe Fineman and Josh Segarra. “Laid” premieres Thursday on Peacock.
— Internet star MrBeast, (real name: Jimmy Donaldson) whose YouTube channel has more subscribers than any other — is now the host of his own reality competition show on Prime Video called “Beast Games.” Contestants wear tracksuits and compete in wild games for a $5 million prize. It’s like “Squid Game,” without the dying. “Beast Games” premieres Thursday on Prime Video.
— Season 2 of “Squid Game” drops on Netflix the day after Christmas, but you and your family can get an early start if you’re already itching for a fight to the death. The streamer is inviting subscribers to download Squid Game: Unleashed, an online battle royale for up to 32 players. It includes familiar season 1 competitions like Glass Bridge and Red Light Green Light, as well as deadly new devices like buzzsaws, wrecking balls and lava pits. Last one to survive ... well, you don’t get any money but at least you don’t get squished. The contest begins Tuesday, Dec. 17, on iOS and Android.
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https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/stream-mrbeast-jumps-tv-big-towns-holiday-special-116817119
| 2024-12-16T05:45:13Z
|
© 2024 Tolerance.ca
® Inc. All reproduction rights reserved.
All information reproduced on the Web pages of
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https://www.tolerance.ca/ArticleExt.aspx?ID=570379&L=en
| 2024-12-16T05:45:13Z
|
Farewell to a Musical Legend: Zakir Hussain's Unmatched Legacy
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan mourns the passing of Zakir Hussain, a legendary tabla maestro who played a pivotal role in spreading Indian music globally. Hussain, who was 73, succumbed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in San Francisco. His contributions to the arts will be deeply missed.
- Country:
- India
The arts community worldwide mourns the loss of tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain, who passed away at the age of 73 in San Francisco due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed deep sorrow over the loss, underscoring Hussain's unmatched contributions to music.
Hussain was widely celebrated for his role in popularizing Indian classical music internationally. Chief Minister Vijayan highlighted his efforts, calling him a 'beacon of India's rich musical heritage' in a heartfelt tribute on social media platform 'X'.
Describing the late musician as a steadfast custodian of classical traditions, Vijayan emphasized the monumental loss Hussain's passing represents to both culture and humanity. Condolences have poured in from loved ones and admirers across the world.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/3195368-farewell-to-a-musical-legend-zakir-hussains-unmatched-legacy
| 2024-12-16T05:45:08Z
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A pioneer community school established in the 1970s has now been elevated to high school and next year it will have its first grade 11 classes and renamed to Lai Valley Technical Secondary School.
Lai Valley United Church High School in Mendi, Southern Highlands will admit its first grade 11 class next year.
This was revealed by the Mendi-Munihu MP, Rapahel Tonpi during the graduation where 68 grade 10 students graduated on Thursday, December 12.
He also announced that the school will be having its first grade 11 class and will be elevated to Lai Valley Technical secondary school.
The Mendi-Munihu district education Advisor, Tep Kembo and the Provincial Examination coordinator, Margret Kiwa confirmed enrolment of the Grade 11 students in 2025.
The institution will teach and learn both academic and technical acknowledge and skills. They (students) will attain both academic grade 12 certificates and the trade certificates depending on the courses they study.
Mr Tonpi further stressed that, this is his ambition and dreams to ensure the institution is elevated to secondary and the first Grade 12s are selected to respective colleges and universities.
“Therefore, we have dedicated our efforts, time and invested funds to ensure our children are well educated.
He further stated that Lai Valley United Church High School is now elevated into Lai Valley Technical Secondary School, and it’s officially confirmed, and enrolment will begin next academic, year, 2025.
“Currently, the Kidron Construction Ltd is building a 6 in 1 building comprising of the Administration block, Science Lab, classrooms and offices for teachers. Four new staff houses are under construction and is progressing.
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https://www.postcourier.com.pg/community-school-in-lai-valley-elevated-to-high-school/
| 2024-12-16T05:45:15Z
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Zakir Hussain, one of India’s most accomplished classical musicians, dies at 73
NEW DELHI (AP) — Zakir Hussain, one of India’s most accomplished classical musicians who defied genres and introduced tabla to global audiences, died on Sunday. He was 73.
The Indian classical music icon died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease, at a hospital in San Francisco, his family said in a statement.
“His prolific work as a teacher, mentor and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time,” the statement read.
Hussain was the most recognizable exponent of tabla, a pair of hand drums that is the main percussion instrument in Indian classical music.
Considered the greatest tabla player of his generation, Hussain had a career that spanned six decades in which he collaborated with the likes of singer-songwriter George Harrison, jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd, drummer Mickey Hart and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
The son of legendary tabla artist Alla Rakha, Hussain was born in 1951 in Mumbai and was taught how to play the instrument by his father at the age of 7. A child prodigy, he was touring by age 12 and performing alongside India’s classical music legends during his teens.
In an interview that was shared widely on social media in India, Hussain says his father welcomed him into the world after he was born by speaking tabla rhythms into his ears.
“I was brought home, handed over to my dad in his arms. The tradition was that the father is supposed to recite a prayer in the baby’s ear … So he takes me in his arms, puts his lips to my ear and recites the tabla rhythms into my ears,” Hussain says in the interview, verbally imitating the rhythmic pattern of the instrument.
Both Alla Rakha and Hussain were given the honorific “Ustad,” an Urdu word that means master.
In 1973, Hussain formed the Indian jazz fusion band “Shakti” with jazz guitarist John McLaughlin. The band played acoustic fusion music that combined Indian music with elements of jazz, introducing a new sound to Western audiences.
In 2024, Hussain became the first musician from India to win three Grammy awards in the same year.
Hussain’s “Shakti” won Best Global Music Album, and his collaboration with Edgar Meyer, Béla Fleck and flutist Rakesh Chaurasia won Best Global Music Performance and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. He had earlier won a Grammy in 2009.
In 2023, Hussain received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.
Hussain is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.kaaltv.com/news/us-world-news/zakir-hussain-one-of-indias-most-accomplished-classical-musicians-dies-at-73/
| 2024-12-16T05:45:16Z
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Luigi Mangione fans baffle SNL’s unhinged Nancy Grace
SNL tackles American outrage and obsession with ‘sex icon’ Luigi Mangione
Saturday Night Live jumped into the nation's morbid fascination with Luigi Mangione, the man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
The cold open kicked off with Sarah Sherman’s incredulous true crime entertainer Nancy Grace, who complained that “women and gay guys alike” have made Mangione into a “sex symbol.”
She said Mangione looked like “Dave Franco with Eugene Levy's eyebrows.”
“This man is not a sex icon. This man is — and I cannot say this any clearer — a murderer,” she said, slurring the “u” into incoherence.
Later in the sketch, she asks a character played by Kenan Thompson if he believes social media users are actually attracted to the “sexy slayer,” to which Thompson replied: “Well I mean, you can look at him and tell he had h**s.”
“I mean, women love bad boys,” said Thompson, whose character was at the Altoona, Pennsylvania restaurant where police discovered Mangione.
The sketch kicked back to Grace asking his character about the state of healthcare in the US, then cut back to Thompson shoving a McDonald's burger into his mouth.
“People are saying healthcare in this country is bad. Then how come by dentist gives me breast exams for free?” she asked.
“Well Nancy, I been eating McDonald's every day for 10 years,” Thompson’s character said. “I've got type-10 diabetes. ... You know what my health insurance plan is called? ‘Hoping it goes away.’”
Grace’s final guest: a “guy who looks like Luigi Mangione,” played by cast member Emil Wakim.
Being mistaken for Mangione hsa “kind of a rollercoaster for me,” he said.
“On one hand I keep getting tackled by bounty hunters, but on the other I've gotten some of the horniest DMs of my life,” he said.
Saturday’s host, comedian Chris Rock, also tackled the phenomenon surrounding Mangione’s fan in his opening monologue.
Rock joked that if Mangione look like Jonah Hill, “no one would care.”
“They’d already give him the chair already, OK?” he said.
Rock expressed sympathy for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, reminding the audience that he was a real human being with a family.
“But sometimes,” he said, “drug dealers get shot.”
Thompson was shot on the streets of Manhattan by a gunman — alleged to be Mangione — which kicked off a days-long manhunt for the killer.
He's now facing second-degree murder charges in New York.
The CEO’s killing has brought to light the absolute disdain that some Americans have for the private US health insurance industry.
Some social media commenters have expressed a total lack of sympathy for Thompson, with many recalling how their loved ones either died after their healthcare insurance claims were rejected or live in pain due to claim denials.
Documentary filmmaker Michael Moore — whose 2007 documentary Sicko interrogates the US healthcare industry — was allegedly mentioned by name in Mangione's manifesto. After being asked by some media outlets to condemn the murder, he said he did — but he also condemned what he called the murders of Americans at the hands of health insurance companies and the politicians who protect a for-profit healthcare industry.
He said Americans were "1,000 percent justified" in expressing rage towards health insurers, and said he wanted to "pour gasoline" on that fire.
Even the UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty acknowledged that the US insurance industry is broken.
“We know the health system does not work as well as it should, and we understand people’s frustrations with it,” Witty said in a recent op-ed for The New York Times. “No one would design a system like the one we have.”
|
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/snl-nancy-grace-luigi-mangione-b2664868.html
| 2024-12-16T05:45:19Z
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US agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer says
U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy advanced drone-tracking technology following weeks of reported drone sightings in parts of New York and New Jersey that have stirred fear and bewilderment
BOSTON -- After weeks of fear and bewilderment about the drones buzzing over parts of New York and New Jersey, elected officials are urging action to identify and stop the mysterious flights.
“There’s a lot of us who are pretty frustrated right now,” Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said on “Fox News Sunday.”
“'We don’t know’ is not a good enough answer,” he said.
National security officials have said the drones don’t appear to be a sign of foreign interference or a public safety threat. But because they can’t say with certainty who is responsible for the sudden swarms of drones over parts of New Jersey, New York and other eastern parts of the U.S. — or how they can be stopped — leaders of both political parties are demanding better technology and powers to deal with the drones.
Sen. Chuck Schumer called Sunday for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify the drones and their operators.
“New Yorkers have tremendous questions about it,” Schumer, the Senate majority leader, told reporters about the drone sightings. “We are going to get the answers for them.”
The federal government did little to answer those questions in its own media briefings Sunday morning. “There’s no question that people are seeing drones,” U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos. “But I want to assure the American public that we are on it. We are working in close coordination with state and local authorities.”
Some of the drones reported above parts of New York and New Jersey have turned out to be “manned aircraft that are commonly mistaken for drones,” Mayorkas said. “We know of no foreign involvement with respect to the sightings in the Northeast. And we are vigilant in investigating this matter.”
Last year, federal aviation rules began requiring certain drones to broadcast their remote identification, including the location of their operators. It’s not clear whether that information has been used to determine who is behind the drones plaguing locations over New York and New Jersey. Mayorkas’ office didn’t respond to questions about whether they’ve been able to identify drones using this capability.
Schumer wants the federal government to use a recently declassified radio wave technology in New York and New Jersey. The radio wave detector can be attached to a drone or airplane and can determine whether another flying object is a bird or a drone, read its electronic registration, and follow it back to its landing place. Schumer said state and local authorities do not have the authority to track drones.
On Sunday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said federal officials were sending a drone detection system to the state.
“This system will support state and federal law enforcement in their investigations,” Hochul said in a statement. The governor did not immediately provide additional details, including where the system will be deployed.
Dozens of mysterious nighttime flights started last month over parts of New Jersey, raising concerns among residents and officials. Part of the worry stems from the flying objects initially being spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified.
Drones are now being reported all along the northern East Coast, with suspicious sightings in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia, according to news reports.
Some U.S. political leaders, including Trump, have called for much stronger action against the drones, including shooting them down.
Certain agencies within the Department of Homeland Security have the power to “incapacitate” drones, Mayorkas said Sunday. “But we need those authorities expanded,” he said.
A bill before the U.S. Senate would enhance some federal agencies’ authority and give new abilities to local and state agencies to track drones. It would also start a pilot program allowing states and local authorities to disrupt, disable or seize a drone without prior consent of the operator.
“What the drone issue points out are gaps in our agencies, gaps in our authorities between the Department of Homeland Security, local law enforcement, the Defense Department," Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., Trump’s pick to be his national security adviser, said on CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday. "Americans are finding it hard to believe we can’t figure out where these are coming from.’’
___
Collins reported from Hartford, Connecticut.
|
https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/us-agencies-advanced-technology-identify-mysterious-drones-schumer-116811745
| 2024-12-16T05:45:19Z
|
© 2024 Tolerance.ca
® Inc. All reproduction rights reserved.
All information reproduced on the Web pages of
www.tolerance.ca (including articles, images, photographs, and logos) is protected by intellectual property rights owned by Tolerance.ca
® Inc. or, in certain cases, by its author. Any reproduction of the information for use other than personal use is prohibited. In particular, any alteration, widespread distribution, translation, sale, commercial exploitation or reutilization of the contents of the Web site, without the prior written permission of Tolerance.ca
® Inc., is strictly forbidden. For information, please contact
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® Inc. is not responsible for external links nor for the contents of the advertisements appearing on Tolerance.ca
®. Ads companies may use information about your visits to this web site in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you.
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https://www.tolerance.ca/ArticleExt.aspx?ID=570380&L=en
| 2024-12-16T05:45:19Z
|
The inaugural Sisa Kimia Rugby League 9s Tournament has officially begun in Daru. The three-day event, which commenced today, December 16th, will feature 10 teams, including two women’s teams.
The tournament aims to revive rugby league in Daru Island after a long absence. The event is named in honor of legendary Kumul player, Sisa Kimia, who officially opened the tournament with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) Southern conference officials and PNGNRL bid development representatives are on the ground to support this initiative and help revive rugby league in Daru and the Western Province.
Daru Rugby League has made history by becoming the first league in the country to register with the PNGRFL for 2025.
Last month, the league, under the leadership of President Cameron Gigiba, submitted its affiliation application and fees to the PNGRFL through the Community Rugby League division.
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https://www.postcourier.com.pg/daru-9s-rugby-league-tournament-kicks-off/
| 2024-12-16T05:45:21Z
|
Zumbro Lutheran Church Lessons and Carols
(ABC 6 News) – Bells and music filled the air inside the halls of Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester on Sunday.
It’s something that still fills volunteer choir member Roger Harms with joy, even after 40 years.
“We like to do our best in terms of singing, all of us that are volunteering do it because we love it, and we like to be as good as we can be,” said Harms.
Combining scripture with carols, it immersed everyone in the sounds of both choirs.
“We combine the two elements, there’s nine lessons or readings and we have nine different carols,” Zumbro Lutheran church music director Matt Gender said.
It was a product of months of efforts to make Lessons and Carols memorable.
“Sometime in the mid fall, October we start bringing out our Christmas stuff, preparing for this day,” Gender said.
It was no easy task to get two groups in sync.
“The preparation for the Christmas advent season has been a rolling kind of adventure since about September, both ensembles are entirely led by volunteers, pulling them together kind of getting each of their different schedules to line up was a bit of a challenge,” Gender said.
It all paid off in the end to make a merry night for all.
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https://www.kaaltv.com/news/zumbro-lutheran-church-lessons-and-carols/
| 2024-12-16T05:45:22Z
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Remembering the Tabla Maestro: A Tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain
Indian musicians and film stars mourn the loss of world-renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, who passed away at 73. Renowned figures like Amjad Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Kamal Haasan paid tribute to Hussain's genius and his unparalleled contribution to Indian classical music on a global stage.
- Country:
- India
The world of music is mourning the loss of a legend, as the renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain has passed away at 73 in San Francisco. His demise marks the end of an era for Indian classical music, with tributes pouring in from across the globe.
Leading figures such as Sarod virtuoso Amjad Ali Khan and Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar have expressed their heartbreak over Hussain's passing. They emphasized his exceptional contributions and his role in bringing Indian music to a global audience, acknowledging the irreparable loss his death represents.
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta and sarangi exponent Kamal Sabri also remembered Hussain's unparalleled talent. Hussain's legacy continues to inspire musicians worldwide, transcending traditional musical lineages and creating a unique, universal gharana of his own.
(With inputs from agencies.)
|
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/3195372-remembering-the-tabla-maestro-a-tribute-to-ustad-zakir-hussain
| 2024-12-16T05:45:21Z
|
© 2024 Tolerance.ca
® Inc. All reproduction rights reserved.
All information reproduced on the Web pages of
www.tolerance.ca (including articles, images, photographs, and logos) is protected by intellectual property rights owned by Tolerance.ca
® Inc. or, in certain cases, by its author. Any reproduction of the information for use other than personal use is prohibited. In particular, any alteration, widespread distribution, translation, sale, commercial exploitation or reutilization of the contents of the Web site, without the prior written permission of Tolerance.ca
® Inc., is strictly forbidden. For information, please contact
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®. Ads companies may use information about your visits to this web site in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you.
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https://www.tolerance.ca/ArticleExt.aspx?ID=570381&L=en
| 2024-12-16T05:45:26Z
|
Russell Brand's Legal Troubles Deepen: Charges Loom as Prosecutors Review Assault Claims
just nowRandeep-Lin’s power-packed Delhi reception
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just nowChitrangada Satarupa wishes everyone Shubho Naboborsho
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just now
|
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/kids/english/english-nursery-rhymes-kids-songs-kids-video-song-in-english-apples-bananas/videoshow/116222213.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:45:27Z
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By Drew Darbyshire
A PAPUA New Guinean franchise will enter the NRL in 2028.
After months of speculation, the franchise has now been given the seal of approval – with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape standing together in Sydney on December 11 to announce the news that PNG will have a team playing in the NRL from 2028.
The new PNG team will enter the competition in the years ahead, as either the 18th or 19th team dependent on the plans for expansion into Western Australia.
Here, Love Rugby League brings you everything you need to know about the NRL’s new team in Papua New Guinea…
When they will play in the NRL?
2028 will be their debut season, so they have now got just over three years to sort a range of things: from building a squad with coaches to even coming up with an official club name as well as their playing kits and so on.
Their long-term plan also includes the introduction of an NRLW side at some point in the future.
Plenty of work to be done, of course, but they’ve got just over three years to get everything sorted.
Why is the NRL expanding into Papua New Guinea?
PNG is one of only two countries in the world where rugby league is the national sport – the other being the Cook Islands.
The Kumuls regularly sell-out their international matches on home soil – with fans turning out in droves to watch the Kumuls play.
The move will allow the NRL to connect with a supporter base of more than 10 million people, many of whom already know what rugby league is and are fans of the game.
PNG has also formed a talent pathway and large playing base: and the new team provides an opportunity to achieve their NRL dream without being forced to move to Australia.
What are the team’s name, logo and colours?
The new PNG team will run a national competition to choose a team name, logo and colours that reflect the entire nation.
Who will play for the team?
The team is likely to be made up of existing NRL and Super League players, emerging talent and local products. The club will use the next three years to assemble a competitive roster – with players born in PNG or with PNG heritage set to be a priority.
Where will they be based?
The side will be based in Port Moresby, the country’s capital – with a purpose-built village for the club to be based in.
The PNG national team have played the majority of their home games at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby in recent years, regularly selling out their Test matches.
How was PNG’s NRL bid put together?
Papua New Guinea have already produced their own players for a number of years, whilst there is a plethora of talent based in Australia who are of Papua New Guinean heritage.
NRL Bid CEO Andrew Hill and chairman Wapu Sonk were tasked with the job of putting the jigsaw together that would create a structure to thrive in the NRL.
Joe Grima – who played for Swinton, Widnes and Keighley in the 80s and 90s – was brought in to head up the pathways program.
An academy program was formed to help bring through the best 15, 17 and 19-year-old players and to expand geographical reach to create training centres throughout the nation.
An annual tournament was then created to allow the country’s most talented youngsters to showcase their skills on a national platform that was televised for the first time.
The success of the new structure was then highlighted when the Junior Kumuls held the Australian Schoolboys to a 22-22 draw in Port Moresby in October.
How much is it costing?
The deal is believed to be as part of a major push from the Australian government to knock back Chinese influence in the Pacific region, and will come to the cost of around $600million to the Australian taxpayer over the next 10 years.
Players who are signed to the PNG team will be subject to tax breaks that could see them earn significantly more than they would do if they were playing for another NRL team.
What is being said?
Andrew Hill, the NRL Bid CEO, believes the new PNG side has ‘the potential to create the largest fanbase of any other current NRL team’.
“Rugby league in PNG is extremely thankful to both the Papua New Guinea and Australian governments,” said Hill. “There is no doubt that their support was a game-changer.
“We are also indebted to Peter V’Landys, Andrew Abdo and the ARLC for their vision and commitment to PNG and the Pacific.
“PNG is in the incredible position of being the only country in the world where rugby league is the national game. It brings together people from all backgrounds and locations under one banner.
“When you have a population that can unite behind one cause, it is incredibly powerful, and we have the potential to create the largest fan base of any other current NRL team.”
Meanwhile, NRL Bid chairman Wapu Sonk admits there is a lot of work to be done in regards to preparing the club for their debut NRL campaign: but says the franchise is a chance to showcase the best of PNG to the world.
“We can’t wait for the world to see the beauty of this great country and everything that it has to offer,” said Sonk. “It is a chance for our country to showcase itself to the world through a sport that unites the nation.
“This is now the starting point for a lot of hard work. There is much to do to make sure that we are ready to go in 2028, but I am confident that when we run out for our first match, we will be ready and the whole country will be behind us.”
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https://www.postcourier.com.pg/everything-you-need-to-know-about-papua-new-guineas-nrl-team-finance-signings-location/
| 2024-12-16T05:45:28Z
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May the Best Sister Win, The Miller Sisters Share the Court in College Hoops
(ABC 6 News) — For one season only Anna and Ava Miller were teammates for Spartans girls basketball at Mayo high school to simply play alongside your sibling is a unique experience, but Monday these two sisters, now Division I hoopers will play on opposing sides, being on court together for the first time since their high school days in Rochester.
“I’ve seen her grow as a collegiate player as well, the only word I have is grateful,” Anna and Ava miller remember days at the Rochester Athletic Club shooting hoops with their father.
“We’ve been playing our whole lives.”
Who could’ve imagined years later, both would face each other in a college basketball game?
Ava is excited heading into the matchup, and so is the rest of the family,
“My mom’s getting a custom made t-shirt kind of like the Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce thing.”
Anna and her drake bulldogs, versus Ava and South Carolina-upstate. Sister against sister.
“Yeah, our coaching staffs collaborated to make it happen. and i am so excited to get to play against — or share a court, I guess — with Ava probably for the last time ever.”
Anna, a senior, has plentiful memories at drake. Including a buzzer-beater last season to send the bulldogs to the NCAA tournament.
Ava’s time as a college athlete has merely begun, getting acclimated as a freshman with the upstate Spartans.
“It’s definitely an adjustment, but it’s lot more sped up. but I think just being able to watch and just being able to learn is — has been a great opportunity.”
No matter the outcome, even if they get put on each other for just a fleeting moment, it’s a memory that the Miller family will keep forever. Two daughters who once played pickup with each other, and now they’re playing against each other in Division I.
“I’m super excited it’s surreal that i get to play her I’m just really grateful for this opportunity.”
“I mean, I kind of hope we guard each other! I think it would be really fun, we’ll see if it happens.”
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https://www.kaaltv.com/sports/may-the-best-sister-win-the-miller-sisters-share-the-court-in-college-hoops/
| 2024-12-16T05:45:28Z
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| 2024-12-16T05:45:32Z
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MCEL Launches Religious Tourism Division for Mahakumbh Mela 2025
Mach Conferences & Events Limited has created a new department dedicated to Religious Tourism, focusing on Mahakumbh Mela 2025 packages. This initiative, led by Ms. Ankita Gulati, aims to provide a seamless customer experience through a dedicated call center. The company is determined to enhance its service quality and offerings.
Mach Conferences & Events Limited (MCEL) has announced the formation of a new department dedicated to Religious Tourism, with a focus on managing and promoting the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 packages. This includes arrangements for the coveted Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) days, key elements of the event.
Under the leadership of Ms. Ankita Gulati, the newly formed division aims to deliver exceptional experiences. Additionally, a dedicated call center will provide specialized assistance, guiding customers through the booking process and addressing inquiries.
Mr. Amit Bhatia, Chairman & Managing Director, emphasized the company's commitment to providing outstanding service and convenience. This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing customer experiences and supports MCEL's goal of being a leader in the MICE industry.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/3195376-mcel-launches-religious-tourism-division-for-mahakumbh-mela-2025
| 2024-12-16T05:45:31Z
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Unbeaten Auburn has grabbed the top seed in the annual Waverly Holiday Tournament.
The Trojans will open at 9 AM the day after Christmas against number 9 seed Carrollton.
Routt is seeded 2nd, West Central third and Greenfield Northwestern third.
New Berlin, seeded 5th will play in the second game of the tournament against 13th ranked North Mac. West Central follows against 11th rated Tri City. The first session ends with 7th rated Triopia and number 15 Pawnee.
Routt opens the second session with 10th rated Lincolnwood, followed by 6th seeded Edinburg and number 14 North Greene.
The final two games are GNW and number 12 South County, and 8th seeded Athens and Lutheran. The tournament will run Thursday, Friday and Saturday, before finishing on Monday, the 30th.
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https://wlds.com/waverly-holiday-tournament-lineup/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=waverly-holiday-tournament-lineup
| 2024-12-16T05:45:34Z
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JUST because you live in a police barracks does not mean you are above the law, says Assistant Commissioner of Police, Benjamin Turi.
The new police bail also applies to police officers and their families who live inside the barracks, especially when the barracks is known to allow drinking and noise pollution disturbing other families ACP Turi said.
“Those families who disregard the warning of noise pollution and continue to disregard the police actions taken, you as the person in uniform, come into the office, and superintendent administration will prepare your papers for insubordination,” the ACP added.
“You cannot have two sets of laws for residents and police that is not right.” He gave a strongly worded warning to officers at the launch of Operation Silver at the Unagi Oval in Gordon on Friday morning.
He said the Metropolitan Commander Silva Sika would be assisted by Senior Inspector Sengi Laki who would go out to all Barracks and make an awareness of what is expected this festive season.
ACP Turi said: “There is loud partying, drinking, noise pollution every weekend in the police barracks across the city, you are all not different from the residents of this city, they should not be the only ones to face the new police bail amounts.
“This is my final warning to you all,” he added.
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https://www.postcourier.com.pg/families-in-police-barracks-urged-to-follow-the-law/
| 2024-12-16T05:45:34Z
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Hyundai's flagship electric SUV to debut in India next month
Hyundai will unveil its flagship electric SUV, the Ioniq 9, in India at the Bharat Mobility Show on January 17. The vehicle recently debuted at the LA Auto Show 2024 and will hit the markets in North America and South Korea in first half of 2025. The Ioniq 9 is based on Hyundai's E-GMP modular born-EV platform which also powers models such as the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
A look at the design
Measuring 5,060mm, the Ioniq 9 is Hyundai's largest electric SUV. It comes with Long Range and Performance trims with RWD and AWD options. The design features angular lines with rounded corners, an upright tailgate, and features Hyundai's Parametric pixel inserts in its headlamps and taillights. The standard wheels are 19-inch but can be upgraded to either 20- or 21-inch ones.
Customizable interior and exterior options
The Ioniq 9 offers customers a choice of 16 exterior colors and seven interior shades. It comes in six- and seven-seater layouts with massaging seats in the first two rows. The second-row seats can also swivel to face the third row when stationary. The interior features a panoramic sunroof, a curved panoramic display with a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a digital instrument cluster.
Advanced safety features and charging capabilities
The Ioniq 9 comes with 10 airbags, ADAS with several cameras and sensors, ABS, and EBD. It runs on a 110.3kWh battery pack with a claimed WLTP range of up to 620km. The car can be fast-charged from 10-80% in just 24 minutes with a 350kW charger. It features both 400V and 800V charging capabilities and a vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature to charge other electrical items.
Advanced tech features for enhanced performance
The Ioniq 9 also packs advanced tech features such as lateral wind stability control, dynamic torque vectoring, and terrain traction control with an auto terrain mode that uses AI to assess road conditions. Performance specs for the Long Range RWD include a rear axle-mounted motor generating 218hp and hitting 100km/h in just 9.4 seconds. The AWD variant adds a front motor for faster acceleration times.
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https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/hyundai-ioniq-9-electric-suv-to-be-unveiled-in-india/story
| 2024-12-16T05:45:40Z
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A blue carbon assessment to improve Fiji’s conservation and management of local seagrass and mangroves began in the Rewa province.
The assessment is being carried out by the Management and Conservation of Blue Carbon Ecosystems (MACBLUE) project who have been conducting field surveys at selected sites to measure blue carbon stocks and emissions.
The data collected will allow inventories of associated natural capital and will support government partners to develop and implement conservation, management, and rehabilitation efforts.
MACBLUE Project Coordinator, Turang Teuea, said the assessment focuses on mangroves and seagrass ecosystems and will support partner countries with their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
“The assessment will also involve the identification of threats and key plant species integrated with spatial and non-spatial data to provide a more complete biodiversity assessment,” said Teuea.
“At the end of this blue carbon assessments, we hope that partner countries will have better data to support policy decision-making and national reporting. We will also co-develop a blue carbon training manual with our partners and hold capacity-building workshops to strengthen local capacity in blue carbon stock assessments.”
Around the Pacific, blue carbon ecosystems consist of mangroves, seagrass and salt marshes and are highly effective in storing carbon.
During the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, parties through the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration recognised the importance of blue carbon ecosystems in climate change mitigation. They committed to its protection and restoration as part of national strategies and sustainable coastal management plans.
The MACBLUE project is jointly implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) in close cooperation with their four partner governments, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.
The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) through its International Climate Initiative (IKI)….PACNEWS/MACBLUE
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https://www.postcourier.com.pg/fiji-begins-blue-carbon-assessment-to-boost-conservation/
| 2024-12-16T05:45:40Z
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- A slim majority of economists — 13 out of 24 — polled by CNBC expects the Bank of Japan to stand pat after its two-day policy meeting ends on Thursday.
- The same majority predicts the central bank will raise rates in January.
- Analysts see the yen strengthening to 147.4 against the U.S. dollar by end-2025 from around 154 currently.
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is likely to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged this week as it awaits greater clarity on domestic wages and spending trends as well as policy changes by the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, according to a survey of economists polled by CNBC.
A slim majority of 13 out of 24 economists, or 54%, said BOJ is likely to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0.25% at the end of its two-day meeting on Thursday. The same number of economists expect the Japanese central bank to raise rates in January. The survey was conducted between Dec. 9-13.
The BOJ, which last raised rates in July, has signaled its readiness to tighten further if wage growth and prices align with its projections. In a recent media interview, BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda suggested another rate hike is "nearing in the sense that economic data are on track," but he also noted risks, including wage trends next year and potential changes in U.S. economic policy.
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Japanese interest rates are the lowest among developed countries due to the BOJ's longstanding policy of supporting the country's moribund economy. The policy has kept the yen weak against most major currencies, boosting exports and tourism and spurring the so-called "carry trade" when investors borrow yen to bet on higher-yielding assets. These trends could reverse as Japanese interest rates rise while central banks elsewhere begin to lower rates.
Many economists told CNBC they believe that recent data indicates Japan's economy is broadly on track to achieve the central bank's 2% inflation target, driven by wage growth. However, they noted the BOJ might prefer to wait another month to evaluate wage-driven inflation dynamics, focusing on momentum from next year's spring wage negotiations and Trump's trade and tariff policies.
The BOJ has yet to gain confidence in its outlook, according to Akira Otani of Goldman Sachs Japan. He noted the central bank lacks sufficient clarity on whether small and medium-sized enterprises can sustain wage increases, a risk flagged by the BOJ as crucial to achieving its inflation target. Japanese unions typically negotiate wage increases in the first three months of the calendar year ahead of the financial year that begins in April.
Money Report
The view that the central bank is likely to hold rates this week also gained traction after recent media reports suggested policymakers wanted more time to monitor overseas risks and gather additional clues on Japan's wage outlook.
"The BOJ's confusing communications" now suggests a likely outcome of the central bank leaving rates unchanged to await additional information from the spring wage negotiations and U.S. policy developments, Shigeto Nagai, head of Japan Economics at Oxford Economics, said in a note last week.
Regular wages in Japan have been growing annually at a rate of 2.5% to 3%, with inflation staying above the BOJ's 2% target for 30 consecutive months. While authorities are keen to normalize monetary policy, they are also wary of raising rates too quickly following more than two decades of deflation. Indeed, Japanese household spending has declined for three straight months as of October, while factory output has been volatile.
Teppei Ino, head of Tokyo Global Markets Research at MUFG Bank, also highlighted shifting market expectations due to media reports. Overnight swap markets have significantly reduced bets on a December rate hike, assigning a 77% probability of no change as of Monday morning – much higher than the about 35% likelihood of standing pat priced in at the end of November.
"Judging from the (media) reports so far, it seems the likelihood of a rate hike being postponed has increased," Ino told CNBC on Friday.
"However, considering the current trend of yen depreciation and the upcoming FOMC meeting just before the BOJ meeting, we should keep in mind that there remains a possibility of an abrupt decision to raise rates if the USD/JPY reaches levels like 155," Ino said, referring to the Federal Open Markets Committee meeting scheduled this week.
The yen was trading around 154 to the dollar on Monday morning.
To be sure, some economists still expect the BOJ to tighten policy this week.
Nomura expects the BOJ to raise its policy rate by 25 basis points on Thursday, citing fundamentals such as the economy and prices being on track. However, it also acknowledged that a hike might be delayed due to uncertainties surrounding U.S. policy.
"We think the BOJ could also decide to put off any rate hike if it decides to place greater emphasis on uncertainties, including U.S. policy conduct and market trends (in the forex market in particular) during the Christmas season, when markets tend to be quiet," research analyst Kyohei Morita said in a Dec. 11 note.
The brokerage also pointed to uncertainty around the government's fiscal support for households as a potential factor that might prompt the BOJ to hold off its rate increase. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, whose government lacks a parliamentary majority, is currently in negotiations with opposition parties over the size of a proposed increase to the minimum annual taxable income threshold.
Currency Risks
Many analysts highlighted the Japanese yen as a key factor influencing their outlook on the BOJ's decisions.
"The most important and likely driver that could change my outlook is the yen," said Kazuo Momma, executive economist at Mizuho Research, who said the BOJ is likely to stand pat this week and raise the benchmark rate by 25 basis points in January. "Accelerated yen depreciation would upset the public and the federal government, forcing the BOJ to adopt a more aggressive stance on hiking," he said.
Jun Takazawa, Asia Economist at HSBC, emphasized risks from both directions.
"On one hand, a stronger U.S. dollar driven by fiscal, monetary, and trade policies in the U.S. could weigh on the yen and accelerate the BOJ's policy normalization process. On the other hand, a weaker yen — within limits — supports Japan's reflation efforts, so excessive yen strength could delay rate hikes."
According to CNBC's survey of 24 analysts, the yen is forecast to average 147.4 against the U.S. dollar by the end of 2025. The dollar rose 2.4% against the yen last week as traders scaled back bets on a BOJ rate hike this month.
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https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/business/money-report/bank-of-japan-expected-to-keep-rates-on-hold-this-week-cnbc-survey/3583297/
| 2024-12-16T05:45:40Z
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Ancient Wisdom on the Pros and Cons of Holidays
The article explores ancient perspectives on holidays as a means to restore health and balance between work and relaxation. Influential figures like Plutarch and Galen weigh in on the benefits and drawbacks, debating whether holidays uplift health or lead to excess and idleness.
- Country:
- Australia
Melbourne, Dec 16 (The Conversation) — Ancient Greek philosopher Plutarch once noted that life oscillates between relaxation and exertion. Holidays, he argued, were vital for savoring labor, a sentiment echoed in varying degrees in ancient Greece and Rome.
Holidays often served as a means to rejuvenate physical and mental well-being. Roman jurist Pliny the Younger documented such instances by sending the ailing Zosimus to Egypt and then to Gallia Narbonensis to improve his health through change of climate.
However, not all shared this favorable view. Critics like philosopher Seneca called holidays a waste of time, while physician Galen warned against the excesses associated with them. Despite differing opinions, holidays offered a chance to study, rest, or indulge, revealing their multifaceted impact on ancient societies.
(With inputs from agencies.)
- READ MORE ON:
- holidays
- health
- Plutarch
- Galen
- Seneca
- Pliny
- the Younger
- ancient Greece
- ancient Rome
- relaxation
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https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/3195396-ancient-wisdom-on-the-pros-and-cons-of-holidays
| 2024-12-16T05:45:39Z
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Bitcoin hits record high of $106,493 amid Trump's pro-crypto stance
Bitcoin has hit an all-time high, trading at $106,493 today. The surge can largely be attributed to the supportive stance on cryptocurrencies by US President-elect Donald Trump, and his plans to establish US dominance in the cryptocurrency sector. Bitcoin's rise has also positively impacted the broader crypto market, with smaller tokens like Ether and Dogecoin also gaining.
Trump's pro-crypto policies boost Bitcoin ETFs
Trump's strategy involves establishing a friendly regulatory environment for digital assets, undoing the crackdown from President Joe Biden's administration. He has also floated the concept of a strategic national Bitcoin stockpile, though its viability is questionable. Aya Kantorovich, co-founder of institutional cryptocurrency platform August, said on Bloomberg Television that many are "basing their expectation on a much more favorable administration," which is evident from the surge in demand for exchange-traded funds (ETFs) investing in digital assets.
Bitcoin ETFs attract billions
Since Trump's election victory on November 5, US ETFs directly investing in Bitcoin have witnessed net inflows of $12.2 billion. Similar products for Ether have lured $2.8 billion in the same period. Last week, Nasdaq Global Indexes announced that Bitcoin's biggest investor MicroStrategy Inc. will be joining the Nasdaq 100 Index. The inclusion is likely to enhance MicroStrategy's capacity to raise equity for more Bitcoin purchases.
Bitcoin's winning streak and potential pullback
Notably, Bitcoin has been on a seven-week winning streak, its longest since 2021. However, IG Australia Market Analyst Tony Sycamore warned that "a pullback may be coming" as the pace of gains has slowed down recently.
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https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/bitcoin-has-touched-a-new-high-today/story
| 2024-12-16T05:45:46Z
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Fiji’s Ministry of Health has confirmed all seven individuals who had consumed a cocktail at the Warick Resort and became sick have now been transferred to the Lautoka hospital.
The Ministry said out of the seven, four were Australians, one American and two foreigners who are residing in Fiji.
The Ministry of Health & Medical Services said in a statement , the seven were taken to the Sigatoka Hospital with nausea, vomiting and neurological symptoms after consuming a cocktail drink prepared at a bar at the resort.
The affected patients’ age ranges from 18 to 56 years, and two patients have been transferred to Lautoka Hospital due to the severity of their condition, said the Ministry.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said it was providing consular assistance to two Australian families in Fiji.
“Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment,” a spokesperson said.
The department revised its travel advice for Fiji following the incident.
“We continue to advise exercise normal safety precautions,” the Smart Traveller advice for Fiji said.
“Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks.
“Get urgent medical help if you suspect drink spiking.”
The incident in Fiji follows a mass poisoning that killed at least six tourists in Laos including two Australians.
Nineteen-year-old Melbourne friends Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles died in Thai hospitals in November of suspected methanol poisoning after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos…..PACNEWS/FIJI TIMES/AAP
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https://www.postcourier.com.pg/fiji-health-ministry-investigates-cocktail-drink-incident-at-resort/
| 2024-12-16T05:45:46Z
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Seven foreign tourists were hospitalized in Fiji after drinking cocktails at a resort bar, Fijian authorities said on Monday.
The cause of their illness was not known and officials said it was too soon to know if tainted alcohol was involved.
Those who became ill at the five-star Warwick resort near the town of Sigatoka on Saturday included Australians and an American, according to local news reports. They were hospitalized with nausea, vomiting and neurological symptoms, said Jemesa Tudravu, a Fiji Health Ministry spokesperson.
Two people remained in the hospital, conscious and in stable condition, Fiji's Tourism Minister Viliame R. Gavoka told reporters on Monday. One person was discharged on Sunday and four others on Monday.
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David Sandoe, an Australian man who said his daughter and granddaughter were hospitalized, told Sky News Australia that his relatives had been released from the hospital and were due to fly home on Monday night.
Local news outlets reported on Sunday that the cause of the foreigners' illness was suspected alcohol poisoning, similar to a case in Laos in November in which six tourists — including two Australian teenagers — died after consuming tainted drinks.
But Tudravu said no cause had been identified in the Fiji episode. Police have ordered toxicology tests and are awaiting results — which are expected to take three or four days — Gavoka said.
U.S. & World
News from around the country and around the globe
The bar was full of customers on Saturday night and many had ordered piña coladas, the drink consumed by those who became ill, said the official.
Gavoka said no other reports of similar illness were recorded at the resort or across Fiji, a South Pacific island nation of 930,000 people.
“The resort management has assured us that they have not engaged in practices such as substituting ingredients or altering the quality of drinks served to guests,” Gavoka said. The hotel, located on the picturesque Coral Coast of the largest island, Viti Levu, has operated for many years and “holds a strong reputation,” he added.
“This is the only reported case of its kind that we’ve experienced in recent memory, and certainly nothing like this has been experienced this year,” Gavoka said.
Australia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that officials are providing consular assistance to two Australian families in Fiji.
The ministry did not comment on the cause of the Australians' illness, but its website advising tourists was updated on Monday to caution travelers about “potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks.”
A spokesperson for the resort, Savaira Molaucake, said staff were “conducting a thorough investigation” of the incident and were working closely with authorities.
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https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/national-international/7-foreign-tourists-hospitalized-in-fiji-after-drinking-cocktails-at-a-resort-bar/3583292/
| 2024-12-16T05:45:48Z
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The full arc of Zakir Hussain's iconic journey
Internationally acclaimed tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain died on Sunday in San Francisco. The family confirmed that the 73-year-old legend succumbed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)—a chronic lung disease. Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai to renowned tabla player Allah Rakha, Hussain's exceptional talent was evident from a young age. His public performances began at just seven years old and by 12 he had already started touring internationally. Here, we reflect on his extraordinary journey.
Hussain's illustrious career and global collaborations
Hussain's musical journey lasted over a staggering six decades, during which he worked with many celebrated musicians across the globe. In the 1970s, his collaboration with guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar, and percussionist T.H. 'Vikku' Vinayakram gave birth to Shakti, a fusion group that combined Indian classical music with jazz. The pioneering group gave a new genre to contemporary music.
When the group reunited in 2020
In 1997, McLaughlin and Hussain formed another band with a similar concept, called Remember Shakti. The group featured V. Selvaganesh, the son of T.H. 'Vikku,' mandolin virtuoso U. Shrinivas, and later, singer Shankar Mahadevan. The band reunited in 2020 and, after 46 years, released their first album as Shakti, titled This Moment, on June 23, 2023. In 2024, Shakti earned the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album for This Moment, cementing their legendary status.
Grammy-winning album and prestigious awards
Going back in time, Hussain's album Planet Drum, made with Mickey Hart in 1991, won the first-ever Grammy Award for Best World Music Album. This made him an even bigger global ambassador of Indian music. He continued to win several Grammy Awards in his career, including multiple wins at the 66th Grammy Awards in 2024. In India, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2002, and Padma Vibhushan in 2023.
Hussain's unique approach to tabla and music
Hussain was known for his innovative approach to the tabla, merging complex Indian classical rhythms with Western genres like jazz and rock. He often compared the role of a tabla player in performance to that of a psychiatrist, intuitively responding to the mood and intentions of other musicians. This unique perspective allowed him to collaborate seamlessly with artists from various musical traditions and genres.
Hussain's contributions to cinema and music
Apart from his musical career, Hussain also made a significant contribution to the film industry. He composed music for a number of films, including the critically acclaimed 1999 musical dramaVanaprastham which was featured at the Cannes Film Festival in 1999. It is available to stream at Disney+ Hotstar. His acting credits and soundtrack contributions include films such as Heat and Dust (1983), Little Buddha (1993), and Apocalypse Now (1979).
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https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/the-full-arc-of-zakir-hussain-s-iconic-journey/story
| 2024-12-16T05:45:52Z
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Fiji’s High Court in Lautoka has issued strict orders under which the 4.5 tonnes of methamphetamine are to be destroyed by the State.
The orders include the process of destruction to be photographed and preferably video recorded and a Resident Magistrate of the area where the destruction is to take place to observe the destruction process.
Justice Aruna Aluthge in his ruling that a police officer not under the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police designated by the Commissioner of Police be authorised to dispose the illicit drugs by incineration, or other safe means of destruction.
“Before the destruction, two weeks’ notice shall be given to the Court and all the Respondents indicating the date, venue and modus operandi of destruction,” said Justice Aluthge.
“Subject to security protocols, the legal counsel of the Respondents may be allowed to observe the destruction.”’
“The process of destruction shall be photographed and preferably video recorded.”
“To ensure the transparency and judicial supervision of the destruction process, the ODPP may request the Resident Magistrate of the area where the destruction is to take place to observe the destruction process.”
Justice Aluthge said the police officer in charge of carrying out the disposal order shall prepare a report signed by him and two witnesses to the disposal stating that the illicit drug has been disposed of in accordance with the order.
“The Report/Certificate shall be filed in court no later than two weeks after the destruction,” he said…. PACNEWS/FIJI TIMES
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https://www.postcourier.com.pg/fiji-high-court-sets-strict-rules-for-destruction-of-4-5-tonnes-of-meth/
| 2024-12-16T05:45:53Z
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A woman was arrested in Iran after she posted a video of herself singing without a hijab on YouTube, even though the Iranian parliament passed a new, stricter law on women's modesty that rights groups have criticized.
Parastoo Ahmadi posted a 27-minute video of her concert performance Wednesday, in which she sang in a sleeveless dress with her hair down accompanied by four male musicians. In the caption, she described it as an "imaginary concert" and invited the audience to "imagine this beautiful homeland" in Iran.
The performance was recorded in a caravanserai, the name for the roadside inns historically built along the Silk Road to provide merchants and travelers with places to rest as they trekked the ancient trade route spanning North Africa to Central Asia. Ahmadi wrote that it was "where history and our myths intertwine."
"I am Parastoo, a girl who wants to sing for the people I love," the caption said. "This is a right I could not ignore; singing for the land I love passionately."
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Milad Panahipour, an Iranian lawyer, told The Associated Press that Ahmadi was arrested Saturday over the performance. He said he was unaware of the charges, the arresting agency or the location of her detention.
Iran's judiciary confirmed that a case has been opened into Ahmadi's performance but did not specify the charges. The statement, released by the state-run Mehr News Agency, also said Ahmadi was released after an interview with authorities.
"The Mazandaran Police Information Center announced that Ms. Parastoo Ahmadi attended a briefing session after posting a video deemed contrary to cultural norms and values," the agency said. "She has been asked to appear before judicial authorities."
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The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, a Norway-based organization, said it got a report that two of the men performing with her — Sohail Faghih-Nassiri and Ehsan Beyraghdar — were also arrested.
Iran's hijab laws tighten
The hard-line regimes that have reigned since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution have passed laws saying women must be veiled in the presence of men, though women have resisted the rules both domestically and abroad.
Conflict over the issue drew international outrage once again in 2022 when a young woman named Mahsa Amini, 22, was arrested outside a subway station in Tehran and accused of failing to properly wear a hijab. She was dead just three days later.
Iran's government denied wrongdoing, claiming that Amini died of pre-existing medical conditions. Human rights groups, however, have cast doubt on that, and a United Nations fact-finding mission asserted she was killed “as a result of beatings” by Iranian authorities.
Her death drew rage throughout Iran, drawing women out to protest in droves despite violent crackdowns by authorities.
The authorities who enforce the modesty laws, often called the morality police, have eased public confrontations with women over veiling since President Masoud Pezeshkian was elected this year. Pezeshkian campaigned as a reformist who opposed such types of morality police patrols.
But enforcement has not stopped altogether, according to locals who have said the police are now instructed to issue warnings rather than take immediate action. So-called anti-unveiling clinics have also been established, where women are encouraged to follow the hijab laws through "therapy."
Despite Pezeshkian's reformist approach, the parliament pushed even harsher laws about women's veiling this year.
The Hijab and Chastity Law was originally submitted by former President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in May, and it was ultimately passed in September, according to Human Rights Watch. Enforcement will go into effect for a three-year trial period, which the rights organization said will dramatically increase the punishments for women who do not comply.
The new law extends the enforcement into online spaces, increases fines for violations depending on frequency, institutes a travel ban for offenders and includes long-term imprisonment as punishment, Human Rights Watch reported. Fines alone could be detrimental for many Iranians as the country's economy has struggled under the weight of years of sanctions and regional conflict.
The U.N. Human Rights Council's experts on Friday called for the law to be repealed, describing it as a "comprehensive system of gender-based persecution."
Pezeshkian himself criticized the law this month as difficult to enforce in both a statement on X and an interview on state television.
“We should not do anything that disrupts the unity and solidarity of society,” Pezeshkian said. “We need to have dialogue and engage in discussions about this issue.”
This article first appeared on NBCNews.com. Read more from NBC News here:
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https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/national-international/singer-in-iran-arrested-after-performing-on-youtube-without-a-hijab/3583294/
| 2024-12-16T05:45:54Z
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The Tabla Craftsman and His Maestro: A Legacy of Rhythm
Haridas Vhatkar, a renowned tabla maker, reminisces about his bond with legendary tabla player Ustad Zakir Hussain. Having crafted numerous tablas for Hussain and his father over the decades, Vhatkar shares anecdotes of their interactions and Hussain's meticulous attention to detail. Zakir Hussain recently passed away in San Francisco.
- Country:
- India
Haridas Vhatkar, a third-generation tabla maker, is grappling with the loss of a long-time collaborator, Ustad Zakir Hussain. For decades, Vhatkar crafted tablas for Hussain, the revered tabla maestro, and his father, Alla Rakha.
Speaking from his workshop in Mumbai, Vhatkar recalled his last meeting with Hussain this August during the Guru Poornima celebrations. Despite their infrequent meetings, the bond between the craftsman and the artist was marked by a shared passion for perfection.
Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away in San Francisco, leaving behind a legacy celebrated worldwide. Vhatkar, who began his craft at a young age, continues the family tradition alongside his sons in Mumbai.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/3195399-the-tabla-craftsman-and-his-maestro-a-legacy-of-rhythm
| 2024-12-16T05:45:52Z
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Since he stepped into the Hip Hop scene as a teenager, Quando Rondo has found himself wrapped up in controversy. The Savannah, Georgia, native has released three studio albums and several mixtapes since 2017, but he's become more known for his Rap beefs and run-ins with the law more than his music. The most significant of Quando's scandals arrived in 2020 with the murder of Only The Family rapper King Von in Atlanta. Later, in 2022, Rondo, real name Tyquian Bowman, and his cousin, Saviay'a Robinson, known as Lul Pab, were ambushed while visiting Los Angeles. Robinson was killed in the attack.
The following year, Rondo was arrested in connection to gang and drug infractions. He was only out on bond for a few months before the FBI nabbed him on federal drug charges. He again bonded out but was picked up for Driving Under the Influence at the top of 2024. More recently, Quando Rondo has learned he will serve over two years in prison after receiving a conviction for those federal charges. It's been a whirlwind for Bowman within the last few years alone, and some believe that he has often been on a self-destructive path. Let's take a look at the details regarding Quando's conviction and sentence, as well as a few of the controversies that preceded his upcoming stint behind bars.
Quando Rondo Convicted Of Federal Drug Charges
Days ago, Quando Rondo learned his fate, and we're sure he's dissatisfied with the outcome. As reported by Rolling Stone and the Savannah Morning News, the rapper was sentenced to 33 months in prison on December 12 after entering a guilty plea to a charge of conspiracy to possess and distribute marijuana. Moreover, following his release, Bowman will endure "three years of supervised release" and "also must pay a $40,000 fine." Quando was able to dodge similar, more severe charges related to the possession and distribution of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. He was initially looking at 20 years in prison for the full conviction. However, Rondo's legal team was able to secure him a minor win by negotiating a lesser sentence with prosecutors.
During the hearing, Quando reportedly addressed the court. Despite a career of trolling his foes and making light of his legal issues, the rapper seemed regretful. “I really want to give an apology to the city of Savannah," he said. "And I want to give an apology to my family and friends, loved ones, and most of all my daughters for taking all my family and all my loved ones through this stressful point." Rondo is set to begin serving his sentence sometime in mid-January 2025.
His Cousin Lul Pab's Murder
The case involving the shooting death of Lul Pab is also tied to the recent arrest of Chicago Drill rapper Lil Durk. In 2022, Rondo and Pab were at a West Hollywood gas station near the famed Beverly Center mall when they were fired upon by masked gunmen, resulting in the latter's death. Investigators arrested Durk, real name Durk Banks, and five other members of The Voice rapper's Only The Family crew this year. Police allege that Pab's murder was retaliation for the killing of King Von. Lil Durk faces charges of murder-for-hire, as authorities contend that he was the mastermind behind Pab's death—a shooting that was allegedly intended to take out Quando Rondo.
However, though prosecutors are sure of their case, Durk has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The rapper's indictment reportedly reads, “After the murder, defendant Banks made clear, in coded language, that he would pay a bounty or monetary reward, and/or make payment to anyone who took part in killing [Bowman] for his role in [Bennett’s] murder." Since Durk's arrest, he's been hit with more charges, per Rolling Stone. He also faces "one new count of use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death, and one new count of using, carrying, and discharging firearms and a machine gun and possession of such firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death." The case is ongoing and, if convicted, Lil Durk could spend the remainder of his life behind bars.
The Murder Of King Von Following An Altercation With Quando Rondo
Lil Durk and Quando Rondo's crews didn't exactly keep their animosity under wraps. The hostility unraveled in social media posts, interviews, and lyrics. While Rap beefs come and go in the culture, not many result in actual acts of violence. Yet, authorities claim these two crews practiced what they preached, and it has erupted in the deaths of at least two people: King Von and Lul Pab. Von was gunned down outside of a nightclub in November 2020 following a reported altercation between his group and Quando Rondo's associates. Gunfire rang out, and Von was killed; however, Rondo's team allegedly told police that they were acting in self-defense.
Timothy "Lul Timm" Leeks was later charged with the murder of Von. Rondo would address the incident in his lyrics, emphasizing that he and his friends weren't the initiates of the fatal fray. Further, Quando's public support for Timm following Von's death was a noteworthy point of controversy—especially after Timm sat down for an interview with VladTV. While there, he detailed shooting King Von, stating that he fired at least four times before his gun jammed. You can check out that clip above.
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https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/868989-quando-rondo-conviction-drug-charges-prison
| 2024-12-16T05:45:58Z
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Brian Austin Green is a protective ex-husband to his ex-wife, Megan Fox. So much so that he didn’t hold back when he found out that she had broken up with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Machine Gun Kelly.
On Thursday, Dec. 12, the 51-year-old actor encountered one of TMZ’s paparazzi while out and about in Calabasas, California. During the encounter, the tabloid’s staff member asked Green what he thought of Fox’s recent split from MGK. Based on the interview video released by the outlet on the same day, Green appeared taken aback when he heard the question. At the start of the clip, he looked like he was in high spirits while walking to a parking lot with his Starbucks coffee in hand. However, his expression quickly changed after hearing the news.
“I didn’t even know,” Green told the paparazzo once he learned about Fox and MGK breaking up. TMZ’s interviewer then continued by spilling some details about the split, such as how the Transformers actress got upset after finding some “inappropriate” content on the rapper’s phone. Green let out the biggest sigh while listening to the four-one-one.
“How old is he? … He’s in his 30s, isn’t het he?” Green tried to ask calmly. But when the interviewer confirmed that the rapper was indeed 30, he quickly rolled his eyes and urged MGK — currently aged 34 — to “grow up” because his partner’s “pregnant.”
Clarifying why he was reacting this way, the Beverly Hills, 90210 alum said, “I just want the best for her. I want the best for the baby. I want the best for our kids. That’s a shame.”
While Fox, 38, is due to give birth to her and MGK’s child in March next year, she’s already a mom to three kids with Green — Noah, 11, Bodhi, 9, and Journey, 7. Fox and Green were married between 2010 and 2021. The actress reportedly filed for divorce just days after she and MGK made their relationship public, according to People. Meanwhile, this isn’t the first time MGK — real name Colson Baker — will welcome a child, either. He is already a father to a 15-year-old daughter, Casie, whom he shares with his ex, Emma Cannon.
After hearing the details of Fox and MGK’s split, Green commented, “That’s a damn shame. I’m heartbroken about it [because] I know she’s been so excited. [The] kids are so excited for life and the change and all of that.”
When asked what he was feeling knowing that his children also spend time with the “Rap Devil” artist, he admitted that “nothing about it makes [him] feel any better.” He then concluded his statement, saying, “If that’s the case, that’s a tragic situation, and I wouldn’t wish that on anybody.”
Fox and MGK’s split is still shrouded in mystery. Reports say they broke up after the Jennifer’s Body star discovered some “suspicious” text messages from other women on the rapper’s phone. However, there’s no information yet on what the texts said.
Sources say Fox is “done” with MGK, but that she’s willing to co-parent with him. However, considering that she’s still protective of his image in not disclosing the texts, it could be a sign that there’s hope for the pair to reconcile. In February 2023, they also reportedly had a big fight after the Grammy Awards, but then they got back together a few months later.
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https://wegotthiscovered.com/celebrities/hes-in-his-30s-right-amid-split-with-megan-fox-ex-brian-austin-green-blasts-mgk-and-calls-his-immaturity-a-damn-shame/
| 2024-12-16T05:45:58Z
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(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) Outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris is not backing down after losing the 2024 election to President-elect Donald Trump. She is already hinting at her next political move and which public office she will tarnish.
Harris has informed donors that they “haven’t seen the last of” her and pledged to “not go quietly into the night,” according to a Sunday report by CNN reporter Edwart-Isaac Dovere. However, her aides are divided on whether she should run for California governor in 2026.
A gubernatorial bid would echo Richard Nixon’s decision to run for California governor after serving as Vice President under President Dwight Eisenhower and losing the Republican nomination for president in 1960 to John F. Kennedy.
While Nixon lost the 1962 governor’s race to Pat Brown, he went on to become the 37th president after winning the 1969 election.
According to CNN, Harris must determine whether she can win a competitive Democratic primary for the 2028 cycle. Some of her allies believe she might whitewash her reputation by serving as governor for two years. Current California Gov. Gavin Newsom is term-limited.
While other Democrats are already in the race for governor, some have expressed their willingness to step aside if Harris decides to run. She would need to decide whether to throw her name in the hat by the summer of 2025.
Others warn that running for governor and then for president in less than two years could look bad for the already unpopular vice president.
“If you’re thinking of running for president in 2028, the worst thing you can do is run for governor in 2026,” a former Harris advisor told CNN, stating that the vice president would have to view the governorship as “more of a capstone than a stepping stone.”
Another individual remarked that seeking the governorship would be a demotion: “Running for governor would be a step down, and it would interfere with her ability to run for president again. I don’t know if she’s going to run for president again, but a shot at running for president again is worth giving up running for governor.”
The speculation about Harris’s future comes just over a month after her defeat in the 2024 race against Trump. Trump, a former vice president, is the only man since Grover Cleveland to lose the White House and then regain it four years later.
During the campaign, Trump portrayed Harris as a flawed politician, lacking ideas and refusing to face tough questions by visiting friendly news outlets only. She previously lost the Democratic nomination for president twice in 2020.
Prior to her vice presidency, Harris served as the District Attorney for San Francisco, California Attorney General, and U.S. Senator for California.
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https://headlineusa.com/loser-kamala-eyes-major-race/
| 2024-12-16T05:45:58Z
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USAG HUMPHREYS, South Korea – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Far East District recognized three employees for completing the USACE Leadership Development Program (ULDP) Level 3 Dec. 5, 2024, in a virtual ceremony. The class included 10 people from across USACE Pacific Ocean Division.
ULDP aims to cultivate leadership at all levels within USACE “regardless of their formal position or role in their organization, to develop their leadership potential, knowledge and skills.”
Col. Jeremiah Willis, USACE FED commander, remarked that the program is an “effective” opportunity for district employees “to take the initiative with their own leader development.” The program embraces the leadership journey and for the individual to see their true potential.
Christopher Carson, project manager, emphasized the need to capitalize off the opportunity to development one’s leadership skills and take “charge of your own destiny.
“A Lighthouse”
FED’s graduates include Carson, whose portfolio encompasses major projects on Osan Air Force Base; Seung Ji, Deputy Chief of Construction, who has been with the district for 10 years; and Minjae “MJ” Park, Chief of Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering Branch, who joined USACE three years ago.
Carson participated because of his deep committed to personal and professional growth. He spoke of “striving each day to become a better team member, leader and individual” while refining his leadership skills.
Ji enrolled in the program to acquire “more insight and a strategic approach to become a better leader” as he was promoted from first- and third-line supervisor positions. Park participated in the program to “gain tools and strategies to effectively manage my branch.” He believes leadership should be earned and that this program was “a step toward strengthening my leadership capabilities.”
Currently, there are four levels in the program. Level 3 – which Carson, Ji and Park matriculated from – hones in on developing leadership at the regional-level while segueing into the national-level across two years. Students can select a mentor to guide them throughout the course’s process as well as shadow them at regional forums.
Ji described the program as “a lighthouse” to assist him on a path to enhancing his leadership skills. Level 3 taught him leadership exposed him to “theoretical” approaches and skills. One instructor made a “valuable suggestion” that he is applying in his current position.
Additionally, participants attended a Capitol Hill workshop in Washington, D.C. and participating in three leadership seminars. Carson stated the cohort met two senators during their visit.
Ji expressed the Capitol Hill visit was “the most valuable experience in the program.” Traveling to Washington, D.C. broaden his purview to understand leadership at the macro-level.
“The program provided me with the insights and tools to understand what kind of leaders USACE values,” Park said.
“Leadership is Absolutely Decisive”
A valuable lesson Carson discovered during his 18-moth training was humility. He kept notebooks filled with “leadership stories, anecdotes, and insights” from levels two and three. They are a reminder of “reflection and growth.” Carson sees humility as “the willingness to acknowledge what you don’t know and to seek input from others.”
Humility, empathy and empowerment guides Carson in his current leadership positions.
However, he addressed how there needs to be balance between humility and confidence to exude “project assurance while fostering collaboration.” Carson tailors his leadership style or “adjust fire” based on the needs of the team.
“I’ve learned that overplaying any strength can sometimes become a liability. Specifically, humility can be misinterpreted as a lack of confidence, which might undermine trust in decision-making,” he said.
During the commencement, many USACE leaders provided insight into cultivating leaders. ULDP is a long-term investment into the enterprise to emphasize more than completing projects, but also interaction, comradery, networking and active listening.
“It was not really about the product, it was about what you learned doing the project,” said Mr. Jose Sanchez, POD Director of Regional Business.
Brig. Gen. Joseph C. “Clete” Goetz II, POD commander, spoke about the anatomy of a leader and the idea that empathy is the cornerstone to being a leader.
“Empathy can be a powerful tool to understand context,” he said.
His spoke about his experiences with professional military education and development courses that “create[ed] a fantastic sense of empathy for those I worked with, those I worked for, and our stakeholders.” He elaborated by stating empathy is understanding leadership is decisive.
“Because whether it in business or on the battlefield leadership is absolutely decisive,” Goetz said. “You can be well trained, and you can be well-equipped, but if you are poorly led, you will fail 100% of the time.”
The Next Steps
Willis emphasized “leader development is the most important thing that we do” and that the graduates must “mentor the next generation of leaders.” Level 3 participants are encouraged to select mentors to guide them through the program, they are also emplaced into the mentor role and encourage potential candidates to enroll in the program, continuing the investment in USACE’s future.
“It’s this investment in you that is the difference between a good USACE and a great USACE,” Goetz said.
Each participant is applying the skills learned in ULDP Level 3 in their current position. It has allowed Park to lead his branch “more effectively, fostering collaboration and setting a clear vision.” Park said.
As for Ji, he is still exploring enrolling in Level 4. The training expanded his purview about the meaning of leadership from practical to more philosophical. Overtime, as he finds his own path in leadership, he will consider enrolling in the next level.
“Be Proactive”
ULDP 3 takes an estimated 335 hours of work effort and estimated 160 hours of personal time to complete. Carson found himself “fortunate to learn from exceptional leaders and collaborate with peers whose intelligence and insight have been both inspiring and transformative.”
For Park, he suggested future participants to “be proactive,” ask plenty of questions and “engage with the instructors and your peers; and focus on understanding others’ perspectives through effective communication.”
As mentioned, mentorship is vital for the ULDP program to succeed. Ji recounted multiple scenarios instructors provided to understand the extent of being in a senior level position within USACE.
“There are so many various situations and none of them are identical. Don’t try to find exact answer. Try to improve the ability to understand and apply,” Ji suggested for those who want to participate in the program.
Visit ULDP’s website for more information about the program.
This work, Building leaders: Three USACE Far East District employees graduate leadership program, by Monique Freemon, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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https://www.dvidshub.net/news/487535/building-leaders-three-usace-far-east-district-employees-graduate-leadership-program
| 2024-12-16T05:45:58Z
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When Alla Rakha recited tabla rhythms in baby Zakir's ears
The late tabla maestro, Zakir Hussain, once shared a touching memory of his father, the legendary tabla player Alla Rakha. Speaking to PTI eight years ago, he remembered how his father welcomed him into the world by reciting tabla rhythms into his ears instead of traditional prayers. "I was brought home and handed over to my dad in his arms," he had said.
'Tradition was that the father is supposed to recite prayer'
Hussain further narrated, "The tradition was that the father is supposed to recite a prayer in the baby's ear, welcoming the baby and putting some good words. So he takes me in his arms, puts his lips to my ear, and recites the tabla rhythms into my ears." When his wife questioned him about this unconventional act, Rakha said these rhythms were his prayers and this was how he communicated with God.
Rakha's devotion to Goddess Saraswati and Lord Ganesha
A devout Muslim, Rakha also paid his respects to Hindu deities Goddess Saraswati and Lord Ganesha. He said the knowledge he had gained from his teachers was something he wanted to pass on to his son. This incident highlights Rakha's deep-rooted devotion to music and his wish to instill the same passion in Hussain from a young age.
Hussain's journey and early life experiences
Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Hussain was awarded the Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2002, and Padma Vibhushan in 2023. He studied at St Michael's School in Mahim and graduated from St Xavier's College. In his early days, he would often travel by train and sleep with his tabla to ensure no one's feet touched it.
Hussain's cherished memory of performing with his father
Hussain also recalled when he'd gone with his father to a concert when he was 12. Music legends such as Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Bismillah Khan, Pandit Shanta Prasad, and Pandit Kishan Maharaj were present there. He shared the stage with his father and was given ₹5 for his performance. "I have earned a lot of money in my life, but those five rupees were the most valuable," Hussain had said. May he rest in peace.
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https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/when-alla-rakha-recited-tabla-rhythms-in-newborn-zakirs-ears/story
| 2024-12-16T05:45:59Z
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Vanuatu Chief Justice (CJ) Vincent Lunabek dismissed the constitutional case filed by the applicants (Former Opposition group) Friday, ruling that there was insufficient evidence to prove that the President had signed the dissolution order with a conflict of interest.
The case centred around the claim that the President had violated Article 66(2) of the Constitution by acting with a conflict of interest when signing the dissolution order. However, CJ Lunabek determined that the applicants’ submission failed to meet the required legal standards, and the court was not satisfied with the evidence provided. Therefore, the case was dismissed on the grounds of lack of evidence.
CJ Lunabek ruled that the motion to impeach the president is invalid before the court but remains valid within the office of the Speaker, not in Parliament itself. Lunabek clarified that the motion, which was brought before the court, cannot proceed due to the dissolution of Parliament. However, it can still be considered by the Speaker’s office.
The CJ further ruled that the President holds all constitutional powers necessary to dissolve Parliament upon the request of the Council of Ministers (COM). This ruling reaffirms the President’s constitutional prerogatives and powers related to the dissolution of Parliament, aligning with the constitutional framework that grants such authority under specific conditions.
CJ Lunabek’s ruling addressed two key points: whether Motion Number 7 is in order and whether the dissolution is constitutional.
Meanwhile, the former Opposition welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision but stated that this is a first-of-its-kind issue and an opinion from the Court of Appeal would be necessary. The former Opposition group are of the opinion that the Supreme Court has no authority to comment on a motion to remove the President, as it is a matter pending the Electoral College’s decision.
Following the court’s dismissal of their case, Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau, representing the former Opposition, stated that they will meet over the weekend to consider whether to appeal the judgment. They plan to evaluate their options, particularly regarding the rationality and sustainability of the court’s decision concerning the President’s dissolution powers.
Kalsakau said the former Opposition feels there are errors in the judgment, and they believe it would be beneficial to seek another opinion from the Court of Appeal. He urged the people of the Republic to remain calm and allow the judiciary to complete its process.
Meanwhile, CJ Lunabek informed the court that the applicants have until 23 December to decide if they want to appeal the judgment. After this date, it will no longer be possible to file an appeal. This deadline gives the former Opposition a limited time frame to decide whether to challenge the ruling in the Court of Appeal.
The deadline for filing an appeal on 23 December coincides with the final date for submitting the names of candidates to contest the snap election, which has been called by the Electoral Commission for 14 January 2025.
This overlap creates a tight timeline for political parties and individuals involved in both the potential legal proceedings and the upcoming election, as they must make important decisions within the same timeframe…PACNEWS/VANUATU DAILY POST
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https://www.postcourier.com.pg/former-vanuatu-opposition-weighs-appeal-options/
| 2024-12-16T05:45:59Z
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Week 15's Sunday Night Football ended in a comfortable one-sided affair.
The Green Bay Packers went on the road and conquered the Seattle Seahawks 30-13 in a game the latter really never founded their footing in.
Jordan Love and Josh Jacobs found their rhythm early and didn't let up, while Geno Smith struggled before leaving the action early with a knee injury, being replaced by Sam Howell.
Get top local stories in Southern California delivered to you every morning. >Sign up for NBC LA's News Headlines newsletter.
Seattle made it 23-13 in the fourth quarter and increased the pressure slightly on Love and Co., but a Howell interception eventually sealed the deal.
The result moved Green Bay to 10-4 while Seattle dropped to 8-6 in a tight NFC West race. Let's analyze the prime time game further with three takeaways:
Jordan Love and Josh Jacobs shine
The Packers were led to victory by their two best offensive talents. Love stepped up with a clean game, throwing for 229 yards on 20 of 27 completions for two touchdowns and no picks while not taking a sack.
Jacobs carried the rock 26 times for 94 yards and a touchdown, continuing his excellent first campaign with Green Bay.
Romeo Doubs caught both of Love's touchdowns, including a ridiculous low snag that iced the game late in the fourth.
“HOW DID DOUBS CATCH THAT?!” 😱
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) December 16, 2024
An INSANE grab in the back of the end zone.
📺 NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/PoalStVKPR
Seattle won't go far with Geno Smith
The Seahawks are in position to make the playoffs, whether that's as the NFC West winners or through the wild card. But they're still not that much different with Mike Macdonald as head coach, especially with Geno Smith under center.
Prior to the knee injury, Smith completed 15 of 19 passes for 149 yards, no touchdowns and one pick while being sacked three times. Seattle did give Smith an extension after his play made them relevant in playoff conversations, but he's still not the team's long-term signal caller and a short playoff run, if at all with three weeks to go, is likely.
Young Packers shine on defense
The Packers have become known for deploying several top young prospects on offense, but don't forget about their underrated defense, too.
Leading the way in the win was 23-year-old linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and 24-year-old defensive end Kingsley Enagbare. Cooper led the team with seven total tackles (six solo), one sack, two tackles for loss, two QB hits and two passes defended, on top of a 22-yard interception return on Howell.
Enagbare had five solo tackles (second most for Green Bay) that included three tackles for loss, two sacks and two QB hits. The Packers indicated last season they're built for a deep playoff push. With young talents like this on both sides of the ball, they should be in the mix again.
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https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/nfl/packers-seahawks-score-sunday-night-football/3583244/
| 2024-12-16T05:46:00Z
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Tupac Shakur's murder in September 1996 remains a mystery. Young Noble believes he could've survived the shooting. Reflecting on the 1997 murder of Biggie, just months after 2Pac’s killing in Las Vegas, the Outlawz member described the deep sense of unease it created. “Biggie dying affected us, too,” he admitted. “I started questioning everything, like, ‘Man, maybe I should’ve stayed in school. Maybe I made the wrong choice getting in that car with [Hussein] Fatal and Yaki [Kadafi] that day.’” He described fleeing his neighborhood for California in search of peace, only to find more tragedy. “I was tired of death. Two of my friends gone, back-to-back. It was horrible—for me and for hip-hop.”
Noble revisited seeing 2Pac in the hospital. “He really died,” Noble said, dismissing persistent conspiracy theories about 2Pac’s survival. “I saw him with tubes in his body. He wasn’t the ‘Pac with the six-pack everyone remembers. He was gone.”
Young Noble of 2Pac's Outlawz Insists Tupac Could've Lived
Noble claims 2Pac might've survived not for Afeni Shakur. “His mom said, ‘Nah, let him go. He’s [Tupac] endured enough.’ That kind of strength is unimaginable. She let her son fly.” Tupac Shakur formed the Outlawz in 1995 with the group appearing on Pac's All Eyez on Me and The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory.
Speaking to Art of Dialogue, Young Noble sat down for his first interview in seven years. As the interview concluded, Noble walked off the set, overwhelmed by the memories. The raw emotion underscored the magnitude of 2Pac’s legacy. Tearing up, Noble reflected on 2Pac’s enduring influence. “He was everything. The world in his palms. And yet, all people want to do is dissect his life on camera. He was amazing. He died at 25.” A trial for the murder of Tupac Shakur is underway, with Duane "Keffe D" Davis as the lead suspect.
[Via]
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https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/869261-outlawzs-young-noble-believes-tupac-shakur-couldve-survived-hip-hop-news
| 2024-12-16T05:46:04Z
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Prince Harry’s choice for the lineup of performers for the upcoming Invictus Games is being questioned, with the family of one war veteran pleading with the royal to remove Katy Perry from the show.
“The choice to feature Ms. Perry at the Invictus Games feels at odds with the event’s mission to honor veterans and their sacrifices,” read a portion of a letter the disabled vet’s son sent to the Duke of Sussex, according to the Daily Mail.
The 85-year-old veteran, identified as Carl Westcott, is the former owner of Perry’s $15 million mansion in Montecito, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also reside. According to Westcott’s son, Chart Westcott, his father has been legally battling with Perry for four years over the property.
In November, details of their legal dispute emerged when Perry’s partner, Orlando Bloom, was subpoenaed to provide testimony for the singer. The battle reportedly centers on Carl’s claim that he was not in his best mental state when he decided to sell his house because he was taking significant medication after having back surgery, as per Lawyer Monthly.
In his letter, Chart questioned Prince Harry’s decision to include Perry — who is also gracing an ITV special this December — in the lineup because for him, everything that she’s doing to his father has been against what the Invictus is known for.
“While Ms. Perry’s participation may be seen as a gesture of support for veterans, her relentless pursuit of our father in court tells a different story — one that deeply undermines the values the Games stand for,” Chart wrote. The retired U.S. Army soldier is already bedridden and “mentally incapacitated” due to his battle with Huntington’s disease. But Chart pointed out that his dad served the country honorably when he was well.
“Our father, who served honorably in the 101st Airborne Division, was one of the soldiers deployed by President Eisenhower to uphold civil rights during the Little Rock Nine crisis,” he wrote, before adding, that his dad’s “lifetime of entrepreneurship, for which he was inducted into the Horatio Alger Society for Distinguished Americans, embodies the resilience and values celebrated by the Invictus Games.”
Ahead of Carl and Perry’s second trial scheduled for early next year, Chart explained that his father is no longer capable of fully defending himself, and how this is quite painful for him and the rest of the family to witness. “As our father’s health declines, my brother and I are fighting to preserve his legacy, as a man and as a veteran, yet this legal struggle has become a source of immense pain for our family,” he indicated in his letter.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Chart slammed Perry for her alleged “lack of empathy” for his dad and their family, saying, “She doesn’t care about veterans, much less any of the folks who care to attend the Invictus Games.” He reminded Prince Harry in his letter of the values that the Invictus Foundation upholds, and insisted that letting Perry perform at the event does not align with them.
“While Ms. Perry’s participation may be seen as a gesture of support for veterans, her relentless pursuit of our father in court tells a different story—one that deeply undermines the values the Games stand for.”
Neither Prince Harry or Perry have responded to Chart’s letter. It remains to be seen if the royal will listen to the Westcott family’s request. The “Roar” songstress — who is performing at the Invictus Games alongside Nelly Furtado, Jelly Roll, and Noah Kahan — was allegedly “paid a great deal of money” to grace the yearly event. But no one, including Perry’s camp, has confirmed this yet.
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https://wegotthiscovered.com/celebrities/prince-harry-receives-letter-from-war-vet-demanding-him-to-remove-katy-perry-from-invictus-lineup/
| 2024-12-16T05:46:04Z
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JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (Dec. 13, 2024) – To ring in the holiday season, Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio held an All Hands and Holiday Social at the Fort Sam Houston Community Center.
Activities included lunch, recognition of December birthdays, presentation of awards for Civilians of the Half Year and Year, awarding of Time-off Awards, Holiday Sweater & Best Dessert Contests, and concluding with the White Elephant Gift Exchange.
Burrell Parmer, of Monroe, La., the command public affairs officer, was recognized by Commanding Officer Capt. Jennifer Buechel, Nurse Corps, as the command’s Fiscal Year 2024 “Support Staff” Civilian of the Year and Dr. Clifford Morgan, of Washington D.C., a research cell biologist assigned to the Combat Casualty Care and Operational Medicine Directorate, was recognized as the FY 2024 “Science Staff” Civilian of the Year.
Additionally, Parmer and Morgan received FY 2024 “Support Staff” and “Science Staff” Civilians of the Half Year honors.
NAMRU San Antonio is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the Department of Defense (DoD) and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md.
Its mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of DoD personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations.
This work, NAMRU San Antonio recognizes Civilians of the Year during All Hands/Holiday Social, by Burrell Parmer, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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https://www.dvidshub.net/news/487536/namru-san-antonio-recognizes-civilians-year-during-all-hands-holiday-social
| 2024-12-16T05:46:04Z
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Classic Creations Enter Public Domain: Popeye, Tintin, and More from 1929
Starting in 2025, iconic characters and works like Popeye, Tintin, and more from 1929 will enter the public domain in the United States. This means they can be used freely without needing permission from copyright holders. The change also includes films, music, and literature from notable creators.
- Country:
- United States
As 2025 approaches, a treasure trove of iconic works is set to enter the public domain, offering new opportunities for creative use without legal restrictions. Among these are beloved comic characters like Popeye and Tintin, who first captivated audiences in 1929.
While last year's addition of Mickey Mouse to the public domain marked a significant cultural moment, this new wave features substantial contributions from literature, film, and music. The list includes masterpieces from literary giants like Faulkner and Hemingway, as well as sound films by legendary directors such as Alfred Hitchcock and John Ford.
In the musical realm, compositions by Cole Porter and recordings by Marian Anderson will also become available. The public domain expansion provides a rich landscape for artists and creators to explore and reinvent classic works without the constraints of copyright.
(With inputs from agencies.)
- READ MORE ON:
- public domain
- Popeye
- Tintin
- comics
- 1929
- copyright
- literature
- film
- music
- Hemingway
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https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/3195409-classic-creations-enter-public-domain-popeye-tintin-and-more-from-1929
| 2024-12-16T05:46:02Z
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Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain once dreamed of becoming rock-and-roll star
Globally renowned tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away at 73, his family confirmed on Sunday. The legendary artist succumbed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, leaving the nation mourning the loss of an iconic figure. One lesser-known yet poignant detail emerges as we reflect on his extraordinary journey: Hussain never initially aspired to be a tabla player. Instead, he dreamed of becoming a rock-and-roll star.
'I wanted to make a million dollars...'
Speaking on Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, he once revealed his teenage dreams of becoming famous and rich. "I wanted to be a rock and roll star, I wanted to make a million dollars yesterday. Everybody was into it. I walked around the streets of Bombay with a boombox on my shoulder listening to Doors and Beatles and whatnot." "I thought that was the way to go and make a whole lot of money and be famous very quickly."
Hussain's early struggles in the US
However, when Hussain moved to the US to chase his rock-n-roll dreams, he soon fell on hard times. "I was very upheaved at that point. I was living on $25 a week and making one vegetable curry pot, heating it with bread and whatnot. Tough times, very tough times," he recalled. His wife, Antonia Minnecola, who appeared on the show with him, revealed she encouraged him to explore Indian classical music after hearing him play with sitar player Nikhil Banerjee.
Hussain's shift to Indian classical music
Minnecola also recalled her reaction when she first heard Hussain play with Banerjee. "When I discovered Indian classical music for myself and I heard him play with Nikhil Banerjee for the first time, and I'd known he was playing in this band named Shaanti, I went to him and said, 'What are you doing playing this music? You are a great classical artist, you should be doing this!'" To which, Hussain laughed and said, "I was getting experience."
Hussain's demise and legacy in music
Hussain died on Sunday after suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)—a long-term condition that leads to scarring of the lungs, making breathing difficult. His family released a statement recognizing his immense contributions as a teacher, mentor, and educator. "His prolific work...has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time," they said. May he rest in peace.
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https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/zakir-hussain-s-early-rock-n-roll-dreams-and-struggle-in-us/story
| 2024-12-16T05:46:05Z
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Road Running: JUST when it was thought that everyone was packing up to head out of town for Christmas, there was a good turn-out at Port Moresby Road Runners at Ela Beach on Saturday afternoon with 40 walkers and runners taking part in the three events.
It all started with a gallop down to Koki and around the Big Fish and back again for the short course. Sedric Bruce (13.01), Rayham Alfred (13.58) and Timaugi Gurumi and Pelek James (both 14.14) virtually sprinted the 3 km and finished under 15 minutes.
Daniel Rome was next in 15.33, with the remainder of the top 10 being Rodney Jerry 16.33, Paul Simeon 17.20, Bogono Jonah 17.42, Maria Reuben 18.00 and Jamie Loho 18.01.
Beauty Rose ran an elegant 19.02, followed by Diane Kele-Give 19.05, Eddie Joe 19.07, Nicole Bora 23.50, Girika McLaren 23.57, Tenelyn McLaren 24.48, Ruth-Joe McLaren 24.49, Havae Harupa 34.51, Simon Nutley 35.53 and Stuart Fancy 35.54.
There was a bit of confusion over the exact routes required to be taken over the other two courses and this meant that the distances actually covered by each runner were not necessarily consistent.
Times were nonetheless recorded and distances estimated for the middle and long distance events.
In the middle race, Joseph Michael was first in 38.57 followed by Philip Solo 39.01, Morris Jerry 40.43, Izumi Abe 41.32, Hitofumi Abe 41.33, Masamichi Haraguchi 43.11, Marina van der Lies 44.09, Bouke Wagenaar 44.40 Thomas Kelly 44.42, Trudy Roberts 47.05, Joseph Woka 50.43, Dominic Armbrust 51.02 and Henry Horou 56.10.
Matt Jackman took out the long race over an estimated distance of 10.8 km in 55.02, with the other diehards being Hans Lambrecht and James Gurumi (both 62.27), Robert Denniston 64.22, Michael Sullivan 65.53 and David Denniston 97.27.
This Wednesday afternoon at 5.30pm the Christmas tradition continues with the Paga Hill Christmas Crawl being conducted at Ela Beach Tower. It’s barely 3kms but is the steepest climb of the whole year and provides a good work-out for all, including those who want to walk all the way.
Walkers are more than welcome at Road Runners where the emphasis remains on participation, aerobic exercise and having a good time.
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https://www.postcourier.com.pg/good-numbers-at-road-runners/
| 2024-12-16T05:46:05Z
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wrestling / News
NJPW Strong Style Evolved Results 12.15.24: Mercedes Mone Defends Strong Women’s Title, More
NJPW held their Strong Style Evolved show on Sunday night, with Mercedes Mone in action and more. You can see the full results from the show below, per F4W Online:
* STRONG Survivor Match: Zane Jay def. Matt Vandagriff. Vandagriff reluctantly shook Jay’s hand afterward.
* Mina Shirakawa def. Johnnie Robbie
* NJPW STRONG Openweight Tag Team Championship Match: West Coast Wrecking Crew def. Grizzled Young Veterans. Rocky Romero came out to congratulate the Wrecking Crew on their title win and challenged them defend the titles against him and YOH in January. The Crew beat Rocky down.
* TJP def. Kosei Fujita, Clark Connors, and KUSHIDA. Fujita made Connors submit just before the pinfall but the ref didn’t see it.
* Hechicero def. Lio Rush
* Templario & Jakob Austin Young def. Hiromu Takahashi & Titan
* NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship Match: Gabe Kidd def. Ryohei Oiwa. Kidd cut a promo afterward vowing to retire Kenny Omega at Wrestle Dynasty, took shots at Bryan Danielson and the AEW roster, and challenged Tomohiro Ishii to face him at Battle in the Valley.
* Bad Dude Tito, Shane Haste and Zack Sabre Jr. def. Dirty Work and Shota Umino. After the match, Sabre taunted Umino to get him to hit him, though Umino didn’t fall for the bait.
* Jack Perry & Konosuke Takeshita def. Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji. Hiromu Takahashi made the save for Takagi and Tsuji from a post-match attack, and the Young Bucks showed up to help Perry who seemed uncertain about that. The Bucks cut a promo about wanting to win the IWGP World Tag Championships once more before they retire.
* NJPW Strong Women’s Championship Match: Mercedes Mone def. Hazuki. After the match, Mone asked for someone to step up and face her at Wrestle Dynasty. Mina Shirakawa answered the challenge.
🇺🇸Strong Style Evolved 2024🏖️
STRONG無差別級選手権試合‼️
🆚 @njpw_ryoheioiwa × @GabeKidd0115
視聴＆登録⏩https://t.co/9iZJzPgCfN#NJPW #njpwworld #njSSE pic.twitter.com/4s9m8i8Uwz
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) December 16, 2024
🇺🇸Strong Style Evolved 2024🏖️
鷹木🆚TAKESHITA、辻🆚ジャック・ペリー、2025年1月4日、5日東京ドーム大会の前哨戦‼️
🆚 LIJ👁🗨 × AEW
視聴＆登録⏩https://t.co/9iZJzPgCfN#NJPW #njpwworld #njSSE pic.twitter.com/a0q7jmBA3M
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) December 16, 2024
It will be Mercedes Moné vs. Mina Shirakawa at Wrestle Dynasty, as expected.
The match will be for the NJPW STRONG Women's Championship and the RevPro Undisputed British Women's Championship
Moné finally competes in the Tokyo Dome.#njSSE | #STARDOM | #AEW pic.twitter.com/3UL0bZeLTk
— Scott E. Wrestling (@ScottEWrestling) December 16, 2024
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https://411mania.com/wrestling/njpw-strong-style-evolved-results-12-15-24/
| 2024-12-16T05:46:06Z
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Wack 100 claimed he possessed a flash drive with information that could end Drake's career. Flaunting a thumb drive on the latest episode of he and Adam22's popular podcast, Wack spoke on receiving damaging content on the 6God. Wack claims not releasing the information out of respect for the superstar. But, the manager/podcaster connects the information to a Drake affiliate, Top5.
"I see you got Top5 up there ... Drake needs to get away from Top5," Wack 100 said as he revealed a flash drive. "This is how much respect I have for you, Drake. I'm telling you. Somebody, listen. Drake hit me. No troll. On Piru, you need to get away from that dude [Top5]. This has been in existence for 90 days, and I have made sure ... and it hasn't went anywhere, personally. I think you know what I'm talking about. That dude, with his mouth and the things he says. It does not support your career and how far you've come."
Wack 100 Alleges Possession of a Drake Career-Ending Flash Drive & Toronto's Top 5 Is Connected
In the beef, Kendrick Lamar, Wack 100 advised Drake not to add the involvement of street culture. Drake would mention known gangster rappers YG and The Game in lyrics dissing Lamar on "Family Matters." Wack 100 admitted that Kendrick Lamar beat Drake in the beef with the massive hit "Not Like Us." Last week, Wack claimed that Drake's lawsuit against Universal could have an ulterior motive. He claimed the lawsuit could drive the company's stock down to be brought by a third party.
Wack 100 addressed Top5 and his viral antics over the weekend. In an interview with DJ Vlad, Wack claimed Top5 is "irrelevant." “You ain’t nobody, bro,” he told DJ Vlad about the Toronto influencer. “We watched this same dude get mushed in the face and kicked in the a**.” Wack ridiculed the artist further, questioning both his toughness and his credibility. “I don’t know where you come from, bro,” he continued. “We’re off the porch at 12. Dude just does a lot of talking.”
[Via]
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https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/869262-wack-claims-have-flash-drive-drakes-career-hip-hop-news
| 2024-12-16T05:46:10Z
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Selena Gomez is an engaged woman — or so we thought (?). Just days after saying yes to Benny Blanco’s proposal, the singer-actress proudly went ringless in public as though she had finally been freed, at least according to some fans.
On Saturday, Dec. 14, exactly three days after her and Blanco’s engagement, Gomez was photographed arriving at the Harmony Gold Theater in Los Angeles sans her new sparkler, according to the Daily Mail. The sighting quickly generated buzz online, with many social media users wondering if the pair had called it off. Some, assumed to be haters of Blanco, quickly celebrated the presumed split.
“Oh no!!! The engagement is already off?” one user asked, while another wrote, “Selena not wearing the engagement ring is a mood. She knows she doesn’t have to center her whole personality around being a ‘wifey.’” A different user suggested that she took it off because “she isn’t proud of it.”
However, some of Gomez’s fans quickly shut down the speculation by insisting that her decision not to wear the ring in public was actually a wise move — since it’s not safe to go out flaunting an expensive ring. “I think it’s for safety reasons. Since the media exposed how much the ring is worth she knows people are going to try and rob her (like what happened with Kim K in Paris),” one Selenator explained.
Another echoed a similar sentiment, saying the Only Murders in the Building star removed it because she was shaking hands with the crowd that day. Gomez previously showed off her ring to her 423 million followers on Instagram, revealing the intricate design of the diamond-encrusted band.
After examining the photo, jeweler Laura Taylor explained to the Daily Mail that the ring could be worth around £800,000 or U.S.$1 million. “The marquise cut, with its elongated and pointed shape, is a statement choice, known for its brilliance and the way it elongates the finger, creating a striking and elegant look,” Taylor said of the ring.
The jeweler added, “The pavé band, with its continuous row of smaller diamonds set closely together, adds an extra layer of sparkle and luxury, beautifully complementing the central marquise diamond. The central diamond is likely of exceptional quality, with VVS1 clarity and colorless grading in the D-F range.”
Meanwhile, despite the absence of her new accessory, Gomez shone brightly during her recent outing as she looked gorgeous with her short, brunette hair that parted to the side and flowed in light waves. Her full-glam makeup went well with her stunning, semi-formal ensemble, comprising a white blouse tucked in a high-waisted black bottoms and a large dark coat. She rocked a pair of black pumps and wore silver, dangly earrings as well as a silver ring with star patterns.
In November, Gomez revealed that she already felt secure and safe with the music producer, so she’s done looking for love from the cookie-cutter “leading man” material male celebrities of Hollywood. “I guess this is the safest I’ve ever felt in my life. I see a future with this person,” she said of Blanco, who was among the runners-up in People’s Sexiest Man Alive issue for this year.
Knowing that she’s already seeing a long-term commitment with Blanco, Gomez’s decision to go ringless on a recent outing may not be a big deal after all.
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https://wegotthiscovered.com/celebrities/the-engagement-is-already-off-selena-gomez-sets-off-warning-bells-as-benny-blanco-haters-rise-up-in-celebration/
| 2024-12-16T05:46:10Z
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FLEET ACTIVITIES YOKOSUKA – Representatives of the Republic of Korea Navy’s Maritime Task Flotilla (MTF) 7 and the U.S. Navy’s Task Force 70 met in Yokosuka, Japan, for the latest in the two forces’ regular Composite Warfare Committee Meetings (CWCM) from Dec. 3-5, 2024.
Now in their 28th year, the meetings represent opportunities for the tactical-level commanders and staffs to exchange best practices, build relationships, improve interoperability and plan future exchanges.
“CTF 70 gets tremendous value from CWCM with our friends and colleagues at Maritime Task Flotilla 7,” said Rear Adm. Greg Newkirk, Commander, Task Force (CTF) 70. “We learn from each other, strengthen personal bonds and build the foundation for combined operations at-sea. These interactions deliver tangible benefits by generating meaningful combined operations supporting our shared goals of peace and stability in the region.”
The last CWCM took place in May on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. CTF 70 and MTF 7 forces subsequently trained together during exercise Freedom Edge 24-2 in early November.
Task Force 70 controls the preponderance of forward-deployed air and surface maneuver and striking forces in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, overseeing Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 and Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138, as well as the ships and aircraft operating under Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, including the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62), the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5.
U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
This work, Task Force 70 joins Republic of Korea Navy Maritime Task Flotilla 7 for Composite Warfare Committee Meeting, by LCDR Seth Koenig, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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https://www.dvidshub.net/news/487537/task-force-70-joins-republic-korea-navy-maritime-task-flotilla-7-composite-warfare-committee-meeting
| 2024-12-16T05:46:10Z
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SC collegium summons Allahabad HC judge over 'majority' remark
The Supreme Court Collegium has summoned Allahabad High Court's Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav to explain his recent remarks on majority rule. The comments were made at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) event in Prayagraj on December 8, where he endorsed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). He reportedly said, "This is the law... The law, in fact, works according to the majority. Only what benefits the welfare and happiness of the majority will be accepted."
SC collegium to deliberate on Yadav's remarks
The matter will be taken up by the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice Sanjeev Khanna, on December 17, per reports. The court has already sought a report from the Allahabad High Court on Justice Yadav's comments. The meeting was earlier deferred due to the absence of two collegium members but will now likely be held before the top court's winter break.
Opposition leaders condemn Yadav's remarks, seek impeachment
Justice Yadav's remarks have been condemned as divisive and unconstitutional by opposition leaders. Last week, a group of 55 opposition MPs, led by MP Kapil Sibal, moved an impeachment motion in the Rajya Sabha against him. The motion accuses Justice Yadav of indulging in hate speech and incitement against minorities.
Bar Association of India condemns Yadav's remarks
The Bar Association of India has also condemned Justice Yadav's remarks, urging the Supreme Court to take cognizance of the matter "in a stern and emphatic manner." Advocate Prashant Bhushan and CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat wrote to Chief Justice Khanna, claiming Justice Yadav's comments breached his oath of office. The Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms (CJAR) sought an in-house inquiry into Justice Yadav's conduct, alleging his remarks violated judicial ethics.
VHP defends Yadav, SC administration reviews transcript
In the past, no judge has been successfully impeached by the Parliament in India. Impeachment motions have been moved seven times, but judges resigned before the proceedings could end in two cases. According to the regulations, at least 50 legislators must sign an impeachment motion before it can be considered for admittance to the Rajya Sabha. In the Lok Sabha, this figure is 100.
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https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/supreme-court-collegium-summons-allahabad-hc-judge-over-majority-remark/story
| 2024-12-16T05:46:11Z
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Vijay Diwas: A Tribute to Valor and Victory
The Congress commemorated Vijay Diwas, lauding the Indian armed forces for their valor during the 1971 war which led to Bangladesh's liberation. Party leaders highlighted the decisive leadership of then PM Indira Gandhi and honored the courage and sacrifice of the armed forces and heroes of the 1971 conflict.
- Country:
- India
On Monday, the Congress paid tribute to the armed forces on Vijay Diwas, marking the decisive victory against Pakistani forces in 1971. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized the momentous occasion under the leadership of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, commemorating the event, praised the valour and resolve of the armed forces, recalling their sacrifice and courage in liberating Bangladesh and protecting India's sovereignty.
Kharge noted the reshaping of world geography on that day in 1971 and remembered the indomitable courage of the Indian military and Mukti Bahini. The Congress, in its official statements, reiterated its gratitude to the armed forces for their pivotal role in defeating Pakistan.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/3195411-vijay-diwas-a-tribute-to-valor-and-victory
| 2024-12-16T05:46:11Z
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THE National Government has secured $US60 million (K240 million) from the Asian Development Bank to establish the national markets for horticultural produces in Papua New Guinea.
The Member for Obura-Wonenara, John Boito, who is the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, along with the Department of Agriculture and Livestock secretary, Dr Sergie Bang, announced this on Friday at the opening of the Fabian Chow Training Centre and Greg Liripu Tissue Culture Laboratory in Kainantu in Eastern Highlands Province.
They said they secured this incentive in October after their presentation at the meeting of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in Rome, Italy.
“The ADB met with us after our presentation and committed $US60 million, which is equivalent to K240 million,” Mr Boito said.
“This money will come through the FPDA (Fresh Produce Development Agency) to enhance and consolidate the food supply chain in the country.”
In confirming this, Dr Bang said this is the light at the end of the tunnel for the hard working farmers who have been crying for proper storage facilities and markets for so long.
“The Minister has worked hard in securing this funding support for this major impact project, which will provide local markets,” he said.
“Along this chain, the food from the highlands will be shipped to the coastal places through Lae in Morobe Province and Madang and fish and coconuts from the coastal places to the Highlands.
“Dual-purpose containers will go down with highlands food.
“After offloading, they will be turned into freezers and bring back frozen fish, dry coconuts and other coastal food back to the highlands,’ Dr Bang said.
He said the DAL will work with the FPDA to establish the national markets for the horticultural produces.
Meanwhile, Mr Boito urged Mr Bang to consider leaving these market facilities to the locals where they will be installed.
He also challenged the locals to not only look after but also make use of them by going back to their land and till it, rather than wasting their time and economic life doing nothing around.
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https://www.postcourier.com.pg/k240-million-secured-to-establish-national-horticultural-produce/
| 2024-12-16T05:46:12Z
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"I am music is here," said Playboi Carti's DJ as the rap star previewed the long-awaited album during his closing set at Rolling Loud: Miami on Sunday evening (Dec. 15). As promised, Carti allowed fans to hear the upcoming album, I AM MUSIC, in it's purest form at the festival's 10th-anniversary. Carti sporadically previewed new songs throughout his set of hit songs. Rolling Loud founder Tariq Cherif revealed plans for Carti to play the album earlier in the day on Instagram. The title of the track remains unknown, but it was produced by F1LTHY. The second new track is produced by Metro Boomin. He closed out the headlining performance with the last new song titled "Drugs Got Me Numb."
Playboi Carti sent users watching Twitch and Amazon Music's live streams into a frenzy while playing the new music. The comment section erupted with fans praising the previews that displayed the evolution of the superstar's sound. On X, DJ Akademiks tweeted: "We witnessing history.. Playboi Carti headling a whole festival and PREVIEWING new sh*t, not even relying on hits. This n***a Goated" Carti paid tribute to Rolling Loud: Miami turning 10 during his performance. Except for Rolling Loud Thailand, Tariq Cherif shared that Playboi Carti has been a part of every Rolling Loud.
Playboi Carti Performs New Songs From I AM MUSIC At Rolling Loud: Miami
Carti's set included the performance of "Type Sh*t," the popular collaboration by him, Future, and Metro Boomin'. "Like Me," a 2020 cut that features Lil Uzi Vert and A$AP Rocky; "Rockstar Made," a hit from the Whole Lotta Red album; "Carnival," from Vultures, which he says is his song, "Timeless," the new song with The Weeknd and Madonna, and "KETAMINE," a previously released track scheduled to appear on I AM MUSIC. Carti would perform upside down during the set. The genre-blending superstar headlined an anniversary lineup including Lil Baby, Future, Travis Scott, Bryson Tiller, and more.
Playboi Carti has teased the upcoming album all 2024. Originally announcing it in January, the rap star updated fans with the promise of its arrival all year long. In September, he announced that Ye would produce the new album. Carti shared that I AM MUSIC will be a featureless album. The new album will mark Carti's first in four years.
[Via]
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https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/869269-playboi-carti-previews-new-tracks-close-rolling-loud-hip-hop-news
| 2024-12-16T05:46:16Z
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Kraven the Hunter’s first appearance on the big screen may have been his first and final hunt, as the character’s new titular film hasn’t just bombed… it has been a historical failure blowing all of the other previous Marvel misfires out of the water.
Sony’s latest Marvel film Kraven the Hunter was released in theaters around the United States on Dec. 12, 2024, kicking off a rough weekend for everyone involved. The release of this film was flanked by negative reviews and audience reactions which look to have factored greatly into its box office take. While there have been a ton of major box office success stories in recent weeks, namely Wicked and Moana 2, Kraven the Hunter could not be more of the opposite. During its opening three days, Kraven the Hunter made an abysmal $11 million domestically according to Deadline.
For perspective, even Morbius and Madame Web — which are both unanimously seen as some of the worst Marvel movies ever made — managed to take more in their respective opening days. Morbius opened with $39 million despite being bad, and Madame Web still scraped together $15 million.
The only Marvel movie to debut worse than Kraven the Hunter was Fox’s The New Mutants, however, that arrived in theaters during the start of the pandemic in August of 2020 and still managed to make $7 million domestically during its opening weekend.
Fortunately, the international box office has helped to soften the blow for Sony with Kraven’s big screen debut making an extra $15 million abroad. Still, $26 million is not a great start for a movie that reportedly costs more than $110 million to make. Safe to say Sony won’t be running out to give this one a sequel.
You can make your own mind up on exactly why Kraven the Hunter has bombed this hard, but there’s several factors that look to have contributed. The biggest of these is likely the online response to early screenings of the movie, which painted the picture of another massive misfire for Sony’s Marvel franchise — more than likely souring the excitement for would-be moviegoers to head out and see the film. However, that’s not the only reason for this outcome.
Kraven the Hunter’s promotion only seemed to ramp up in the weeks prior to its release. In fact, for a long time before December, there was no real push to promote this movie, which led to many fans forgetting that it was happening at all. Given what has transpired, perhaps the lack of advertising was an effort to reduce costs, but we’ll probably never know.
While it might have secured the record for the worst opening weekend of any Sony Marvel project, according to some fans, Kraven the Hunter is not the worst movie in the franchise. That honor still goes to Madame Web, which has a terrible 11 percent critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and only a slightly better 55 percent audience score.
Perhaps audiences will miss Kraven more when he’s gone, and it seems that time is coming sooner than many expected. If you’re eager to see just how bad this movie really is, then you can still head out and see Kraven the Hunter in cinemas around the globe right now. However, we expect that for many, this is one to wait for on streaming.
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https://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/kraven-the-hunter-breaks-sony-and-marvels-most-embarrassing-box-office-record-with-ease/
| 2024-12-16T05:46:16Z
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Ways to increase happiness with macrame
Macrame, the art of knotting string into patterns, is back in a big way as a mindful hobby. This craft is not only a way to express your artistic side, but it also has therapeutic benefits, making it a perfect addition to your wellness routine. Practicing macrame can enhance your happiness and well-being in five ways.
Discover the joy of learning something new
Learning macrame is not just about creating beautiful pieces; it's also a great workout for your brain! The challenge of mastering new knots, techniques, and patterns keeps your mind sharp and engaged. This mental gymnastics boosts your dopamine levels, the feel-good neurotransmitter that's all about pleasure and learning. And when you finally nail that intricate design, the rush of accomplishment sends your happiness through the roof!
Create a personalized space
Macrame allows for infinite customization. Whether it's a wall hanging, plant hanger, or even a piece of jewelry, each creation is a reflection of your individual style and aesthetic. By adding macrame to your home or office, you're not just decorating; you're infusing warmth, love, and comfort into your space. This personal touch makes your space truly yours, sparking joy every time you walk in.
Connect with a community
Practicing macrame fosters a sense of community and connection with fellow crafters. By participating in online forums or local crafting groups, you can exchange tips, ask for advice, and proudly display your projects. These social interactions not only build friendships but also cultivate a sense of belonging within the crafting community. Feeling connected and supported by others is a key factor in mental health and greatly enhances happiness.
Mindfulness through crafting
The rhythmic repetition of knotting in macrame facilitates mindfulness. Focusing on the task at hand clears the mind of everyday worries, promoting relaxation. This meditative quality reduces anxiety and improves mood by grounding practitioners in the present moment. Plus, seeing tangible progress on a project offers instant gratification, fostering a sense of accomplishment.
Gift giving brings joy
Making macrame presents for your loved ones is a whole different ball game. The energy and hours you put into creating something with your own hands show love and thoughtfulness that can't be found on a store shelf. These gifts do more than just make someone's day; they also make yours. They bring happiness to both of you by creating and sharing something beautiful together.
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https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/5-ways-to-increase-happiness-with-macrame/story
| 2024-12-16T05:46:17Z
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THE FAO’s largest grant funded EU-STREIT program will generate an additional revenue of K448 million which is 40 per cent of the total allocated budget of K320 million when the program winds down in 2026.
The statement was made known last Friday during a media conference held at DAL Compound in Wewak, East Sepik Province. The estimated revenue that the project (or program) is expected to generate in 2026 was uttered by EU-STREIT Program co-ordinator Ali Said Yesuf after his team made a very careful statistic and computation.
“By 2026 (two years from now) the project will have contributed around K450 million additional,” Mr Yesuf said. in implying the estimated revenue the project will generate in Greater Sepik Region.
The primary focus area is on the three value chains and that is cocoa, vanilla, and fisheries. The estimated additional revenue expected to be generated and is currently generating from them.
“This one (the additional revenue of K448 million) is mainly from cocoa, vanilla and fish.
“The bulk is from cocoa, the next is by vanilla, and small amount by fish. These three interventions only are already generating for the K448 million by 2026” he said.
Mr Yesuf gave his assurance that the investment of the allocated budget (K320 million) to the program has already been recovered and by 2026 the program will have generated K448 million.
The program not only contributed to changing the lives of local people but also played a significant part by contributing earnestly to the growth and development of this country.
“This (the project) is very important (to the locals) and is already contributing to the economic development (of the country).
The EU-STRIET program which is part of the flagship program, the Medium-Term Development Program (MTDP), has also contributed significantly to creating fulltime decent jobs.
According to Mr Yesuf, the estimated employment created by the project is approximately 15,500 fulltime jobs. This was made possible too as a result of engaging farmers in their cocoa, and vanilla farms and creating decent opportunities in labour intensive road rehabilitation.
“The road infrastructure is employing the RMGs (road maintenance groups), the farmers are being kept in cocoa and vanilla fields.”
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https://www.postcourier.com.pg/k448m-to-be-generated-from-eu-streit-program/
| 2024-12-16T05:46:18Z
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AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh has raised a suspension of business notice, urging a discussion on Delhi's rising crime and worsening law and order, calling it a threat to citizens and public representatives.
Parliament Winter Session Day 16 LIVE | RS To Discuss Constitution Today, LS To Focus On Financial Business
Published : 11 minutes ago
|Updated : 5 minutes ago
On the 16th day of the 2024 winter session of the Parliament on Monday, the Rajya Sabha is set to initiate a two-day discussion marking 75 years since the adoption of the Indian Constitution on November 26, 1949. The debate will focus on the Constitution's significance and its evolution over the decades. However, the session is expected to be overshadowed by tensions between the ruling NDA and the Opposition, particularly Congress. According to sources, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman may initiate the discussion in the Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile, Lok Sabha will prioritise financial business today as the two bills on simultaneous elections will not be introduced in the Lok Sabha until later this week.
LIVE FEED
AAP's Sanjay Singh Moves Notice On Delhi's Deteriorating Law and Order
Congress MP Moves Motion To Discuss Detention Of Fishermen By Sri Lanka
Congress MP raised an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha to discuss the detention of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities. In 2024, 350 fishermen and 49 boats have been apprehended, marking the highest in six years.
Nirmala Sitharaman To Lead Discussion On Constitution In Rajya Sabha
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will initiate a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the significance and evolution of the Constitution, marking its adoption on November 26, 1949.
Lok Sabha Delays 'One Nation One Election' Bills
The government has postponed introducing the 'One Nation One Election' bills in the Lok Sabha until after financial business is addressed. Originally scheduled for Monday, the bills- the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill are now expected to be introduced later this week, following the passage of supplementary demands for grants.
TMC Seeks Smooth RS Debate On Constitution Amid BJP Disruptions
Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha leader Derek O'Brien stated that his party wants a smooth debate of the Constitution's 75th anniversary, provided the BJP does not disrupt the proceedings. He blamed the ruling party for recent disruptions in the Upper House, which led to multiple adjournments and clashes.
Congress MP Seeks Discussion On Removal Of 1971 War Photograph From Army HQ
Congress MP Manickam Tagore has raised a notice in the Lok Sabha to discuss the removal of an iconic 1971 war photograph from the Army headquarters. The photograph depicting the surrender during the Bangladesh war has been replaced with a new painting titles 'Karam Kshetra' (Field of Deeds), showcasing Pangong Lake and India's military strength along the India-China border.
On the 16th day of the 2024 winter session of the Parliament on Monday, the Rajya Sabha is set to initiate a two-day discussion marking 75 years since the adoption of the Indian Constitution on November 26, 1949. The debate will focus on the Constitution's significance and its evolution over the decades. However, the session is expected to be overshadowed by tensions between the ruling NDA and the Opposition, particularly Congress. According to sources, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman may initiate the discussion in the Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile, Lok Sabha will prioritise financial business today as the two bills on simultaneous elections will not be introduced in the Lok Sabha until later this week.
LIVE FEED
AAP's Sanjay Singh Moves Notice On Delhi's Deteriorating Law and Order
AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh has raised a suspension of business notice, urging a discussion on Delhi's rising crime and worsening law and order, calling it a threat to citizens and public representatives.
Congress MP Moves Motion To Discuss Detention Of Fishermen By Sri Lanka
Congress MP raised an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha to discuss the detention of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities. In 2024, 350 fishermen and 49 boats have been apprehended, marking the highest in six years.
Nirmala Sitharaman To Lead Discussion On Constitution In Rajya Sabha
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will initiate a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the significance and evolution of the Constitution, marking its adoption on November 26, 1949.
Lok Sabha Delays 'One Nation One Election' Bills
The government has postponed introducing the 'One Nation One Election' bills in the Lok Sabha until after financial business is addressed. Originally scheduled for Monday, the bills- the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill are now expected to be introduced later this week, following the passage of supplementary demands for grants.
TMC Seeks Smooth RS Debate On Constitution Amid BJP Disruptions
Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha leader Derek O'Brien stated that his party wants a smooth debate of the Constitution's 75th anniversary, provided the BJP does not disrupt the proceedings. He blamed the ruling party for recent disruptions in the Upper House, which led to multiple adjournments and clashes.
Congress MP Seeks Discussion On Removal Of 1971 War Photograph From Army HQ
Congress MP Manickam Tagore has raised a notice in the Lok Sabha to discuss the removal of an iconic 1971 war photograph from the Army headquarters. The photograph depicting the surrender during the Bangladesh war has been replaced with a new painting titles 'Karam Kshetra' (Field of Deeds), showcasing Pangong Lake and India's military strength along the India-China border.
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https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!bharat/parliament-winter-session-day-16-live-monday-indian-constitution-debate-financial-business-enn24121601333
| 2024-12-16T05:46:19Z
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Wendy Williams made a rare public appearance amid ongoing concerns about her health and legal battles. The former talk show host was seen on Sunday (Dec. 15) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, smiling as she sat in the back seat of a black SUV. She was reportedly picking up an order from Sho’nuff Oysters, according to a video shared on Instagram by blogger Antoine Edwards. Williams, 60, appeared polished and cheerful during the outing. She wore an army-green jacket, accessorized with several bracelets, and a striking ring. Her signature look included red lipstick and light brown hair styled with bangs. Accompanying her was her nephew, Travis Finnie, Edwards noted.
This sighting comes just days after her legal guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, described Williams’ condition as “permanently incapacitated” due to early-onset dementia. Morrissey made the statement in court documents filed on November 12 in New York, claiming Williams’ cognitive health had deteriorated. The filing was part of a lawsuit against A+E Networks over the Lifetime documentary Where Is Wendy Williams?, which explored her struggles with addiction and financial issues.
Wendy Williams Outside After "Permanently Incapacitated" Claims
According to Morrissey, Williams’ diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia and aphasia, which affects memory and behavior, was evident during the filming of the documentary. Despite her condition, the producers allegedly continued with the project, generating significant revenue. Morrissey contends that Williams was exploited, receiving only $82,000 for her involvement while the series profited millions. The lawsuit seeks additional compensation for Williams and requests that sensitive details about her health and private life be redacted to protect her dignity.
A+E Networks has denied wrongdoing, arguing that Morrissey failed to safeguard Williams during the production process. The network claims that Williams participated willingly and that Morrissey did not intervene or raise objections during the filming. The controversy adds to the growing concerns over Williams’ well-being as she remains under guardianship due to her declining health. While fans were heartened to see her smiling, the sighting also underscored the ongoing challenges the once-vibrant TV icon faces.
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https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/869271-wendy-williams-florida-reports-permanently-hip-hop-news
| 2024-12-16T05:46:22Z
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Rip Wheeler continues to be one of the most popular characters in Yellowstone as the iconic Paramount drama airs its final season. As we approach the end, the actor behind the cowboy hat, Cole Hauser, is teasing what’s next… but he has remained committed to not spoiling the announcement of any potential future spinoff.
Beginning all the way back in 2018, Yellowstone has just concluded with its final episode airing on Dec. 15, 2024. Hauser is one of the show’s stars that has been around since the very beginning and in just six years, fans have fallen in love with him, making Rip someone who many viewers want to see continue on well after the main series ends.
Speaking to People prior to the release of Yellowstone’s final episode, Hauser chatted about what comes next for him and Rip when everything is said and done. However, he continues to remain tight-lipped about the possibility of a spinoff.
“I think America has spoken. They still love the show. There’s obviously just tons of people that every Sunday get together with their families, and we give them the experience of taking ’em out of their own living rooms and putting ’em in Montana and entertaining them, and I think ultimately it’s just that simple.
We will see what happens over the next year or so and we’ll see what’s next. Hopefully, we can continue to get in people’s living rooms and entertain them the way we have over the last seven years.”
Last week, it was reported by Deadline that Houser and Kelly Reilly (who plays Beth Dutton in Yellowstone) had both closed deals to return as their characters for a new spinoff show. In fact, the report suggests that it won’t just be these two leading stars, but that there’s also going to be other appearances in the rumored series from other characters who fans met throughout Yellowstone‘s run.
This series is said to be the first that will use Yellowstone in its title, since the previous spinoffs — 1883 and 1923 — both omitted the na,e. This would make a lot of sense given it likely takes place after the main series and should continue telling events in the fallout of its finale. It should be noted that the existence of this spinoff has not been officially announced just yet… so keep your eyes peeled.
While Yellowstone is about to be gone for good, there is still a lot of content from this universe on the way. In fact, this untitled spinoff isn’t the only one that’s currently in the works, since there are several more being produced right now, including one that stars Matthew McConaughey, who will no-doubt master that Southern drawl for the role.
Season 5B of Yellowstone has been full of twists and turns — with the first episode kicking things off with the franchise’s biggest death — but we expect there are still plenty more surprises yet to come in its finale, which may already be out by the time you are reading this.
The final episode of Yellowstone will air at 8 pm ET on Dec. 15, via the Paramount Network, before being broadcast again at 12:20 am on Dec. 16. You won’t want to miss out on this last ride with the Duttons.
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https://wegotthiscovered.com/tv/well-see-whats-next-yellowstone-star-continues-to-play-coy-about-spinoff-ahead-of-series-finale/
| 2024-12-16T05:46:23Z
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Quick ways to refresh your mind with kayaking
Kayaking is not only an excellent workout but also a potent balm for the soul. Whether you're gliding across peaceful lakes or conquering the adrenaline rush of river rapids, kayaking provides a sanctuary in the heart of nature, fostering both mental and physical well-being. This article delves into five reasons why kayaking is the ultimate soul-soother, making it the perfect activity for anyone seeking balance and tranquility.
Connect with nature
Kayaking provides a special opportunity to experience nature from a new viewpoint. While gliding across the water, you get a glimpse of aquatic life, watch birds in their natural environment, and view landscapes from the center of a lake or river. This close connection with nature helps reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall well-being.
Physical exercise for mental health
The physical exertion of paddling builds strength and fosters mental clarity. The repetitive, rhythmic motion of paddling serves as a form of moving meditation, quieting the mind and redirecting focus away from the worries of the day. Paddling triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood elevators. These "happiness hormones" create a sense of well-being and relaxation.
Achieve mindful awareness
Kayaking fosters mindfulness by grounding you in the present moment. Steering through water necessitates focus on the here and now — the rhythmic lull of water against your kayak, the grounding grip of the paddle, and the visual meditation of ever-shifting landscapes. This state of active, open attention anchors your mind to the present, minimizing the mental meandering that fuels anxiety and stress.
Social interaction and solitude balance
Whether you enjoy kayaking solo or with a group, you're nurturing your mental health in different ways. Solo excursions allow for introspection and self-discovery, while group outings foster social connections and shared memories. Both experiences serve your emotional well-being: you need others for support, but also solitude to discover yourself.
Learn new skills and build confidence
Learning how to kayak requires mastering new skills like efficient paddling techniques, navigation strategies, and safety measures. Gaining proficiency in these areas not only makes the experience more enjoyable but also significantly enhances self-esteem. The confidence built from conquering water challenges extends beyond the aquatic environment. It fosters a positive mindset, empowering individuals to tackle new challenges in other aspects of their lives.
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https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/5-ways-to-refresh-your-mind-with-kayaking/story
| 2024-12-16T05:46:23Z
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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to the heroes of India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war on the occasion of 'Vijay Diwas'. The Vijay Diwas celebration comes amid strains between Bangladesh and India since the ouster of ex-premier Sheikh Hasina's Awami League regime in a student-led uprising on August 5.
In a message on X, PM Modi wrote, “Today, on Vijay Diwas, we honour the courage and sacrifices of the brave soldiers who contributed to India’s historic victory in 1971. Their selfless dedication and unwavering resolve safeguarded our nation and brought glory to us. This day is a tribute to their extraordinary valour and their unshakable spirit. Their sacrifices will forever inspire generations and remain deeply embedded in our nation’s history.”
Today, on Vijay Diwas, we honour the courage and sacrifices of the brave soldiers who contributed to India’s historic victory in 1971. Their selfless dedication and unwavering resolve safeguarded our nation and brought glory to us. This day is a tribute to their extraordinary…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2024
President Droupadi Murmu also joined PM Modi in paying homage to the Indian armed personnel for securing victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war and said the country remembered their ultimate sacrifice, whose stories inspired every Indian.
"On Vijay Diwas, I pay homage to our valiant soldiers who displayed indomitable courage during the 1971 war, securing victory for India. A grateful nation remembers the ultimate sacrifice of our bravehearts whose stories inspire every Indian and shall remain a source of national pride," Murmu said in a post on X.
On Vijay Diwas, I pay homage to our valiant soldiers who displayed indomitable courage during the 1971 war, securing victory for India. A grateful nation remembers the ultimate sacrifice of our bravehearts whose stories inspire every Indian and shall remain a source of national…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 16, 2024
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid homage to the soldiers on the occasion of Vijay Diwas. In a post on X, the Union Minister outlined that the country will never forget the sacrifice and service of the Indian armed forces and saluted the 'bravery' and 'sacrifice' of the forces for their unwavering courage and patriotism.
"Today, on the special occasion of Vijay Diwas, the nation salutes the bravery and sacrifice of India's armed forces. Their unwavering courage and patriotism ensured that our country remained safe. India will never forget their sacrifice and service," the post read.
Vijay Diwas commemorates the Pakistan military's surrender to Indian forces during the war which Bangladesh terms as their Liberation War. India's historic victory led to the liberation of Bangladesh. According to reports, 3,900 Indian soldiers are believed to have died and 9,851 were injured during the war of 1971.
Today, on the special occasion of Vijay Diwas, the nation salutes the bravery and sacrifice of India’s armed forces. Their unwavering courage and patriotism ensured that our country remained safe. India will never forget their sacrifice and service.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 16, 2024
The Indian Army also highlighted the VP and Raksha Mantri interacting with various veterans, diplomatic fraternity, sportspersons and many others. "The reception provided an opportunity to the Hon'ble President, Vice President and Raksha Mantri to interact with #Veterans, #Veernaris, Diplomatic fraternity, Sportspersons, eminent personalities, Asha School Children and achievers from different walks of life," the post read.
With the surrender of over 93,000 soldiers, the Pakistan Army's capitulation against Indian forces was complete. Following this decisive victory, India announced itself as a major regional force. For India, this battle is considered a historical occurrence. Because of this, December 16 is commemorated nationwide as "Vijay Diwas" to honour India's triumph over Pakistan. According to reports, 3,900 Indian soldiers are believed to have died and 9,851 have been injured during the Battle of 1971.
This day that Year
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 16, 2024
Vijay Diwas: The IAF’s Decisive Role in a Historic Victory
The Indo-Pak War of 1971 concluded on 16 December 1971 with the unconditional surrender by Lt Gen AAK Niazi, marking the birth of an independent Bangladesh. This historic moment was achieved through… pic.twitter.com/yoL5gmB0hb
The Indo-Pak War of 1971 concluded on 16 December 1971 with Lt Gen AAK Niazi's unconditional surrender, marking the birth of an independent Bangladesh. This historic moment was achieved through a coordinated military effort, wherein the Indian Air Force (IAF) played a pivotal role in ensuring quick and decisive results in the 13-day conflict, aptly termed a "Lightning War," the IAF's post read.
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https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!bharat/vijay-diwas-2024-pm-modi-president-mumu-rajnath-pay-tribute-to-war-heroes-enn24121600999
| 2024-12-16T05:46:25Z
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THE Keasu Spiders from the Gerehu suburb are making an early statement in Pool K of the NCD Governor’s Cup after ticking off their third win over the 5-Mile based Komagin Kongos at the Kone Tigers oval, Moresby Northwest on Saturday.
A plucky field goal by lock Jeremy Wakal was enough to break the 0-0 dead lock to give his side a close 1-0 win after a fiercely fought battle to ensure they have one foot in the door to qualify for the Cup playoffs.
They now wait to their next opponent when the competition completes its washed-out games.
Spiders club coach Bolo Kun said his side made up of players from the Keasu settlement in the Gerehu suburb, had to do it tough with their first two wins at Hohola’s Ipi Park and the other at Bomana.
Kun said: “I take this time to thank all my players and our supporters for making it this far in this tough competition.
“Hopefully our three wins should see us qualify for the Cup…we wait for the announcement on Wednesday.
“We are looking forward to that and the players are excited about the way the team is performing together.
“Some good signs I guess,” he added.
It was an intense afternoon at Kone Tigers with competition officials struggling to keep the fans away from the touch line to allow for the smooth flow of the match after a pointless first half on Saturday.
Kongos had the upper hand in the second half with intense pressure building up inside the Spiders red zone, but failed to breakthrough despite strong runs through the middle.
With the tension rising amongst both supporters to find a result, Kongos play maker Simon Wenin had the first attempt at a field goal nine minutes before fulltime, but kick went wide of the posts.
The field goal attempt had the Spiders hanging on the edge of their seats.
Finally with a minute left to the final hooter, Wakal landed the winner from 20 metres out to give his supporters a sigh of relief, as they held on to win the tight clash.
In the other matches in Pool K, Oresi Chiefs and Capital Maccaws drew 4-4, Northern Reds nailed KOB 14 Eagleland 10-0 with tries to Peter Martin and Manu Mark.
Title holders Barafox Cliffhangers in their clash with 8-Mile Settlers, the match was called off, and the result pending an assessment of both appeals from both clubs.
Nane Brothers scored through centre Kennedy Wasu and winger Nale Paul in their 8-0 win over Iarogaha Chiefs, Wildlife Crocs forfeited Dame Sons, ATS Dc3 edged Moitaka Dragons 8-6, Erima’s Mountain Bulls were strong for D Turf 973 winning 10-0 with tries to Peter Bongoko and Elwin Lapa.
Morata Swans also looked good in disposing of MLB Wanderers 12-0, last year’s Cup runners-up M3 Bulldogs drew with Construction Oceanic Menjals 2-2 and TST Fire Spiders were in a fiery mood scoring three tries to dummy half Brendan Turi, second-row Shane Kunjil and fullback Paul Kendy to easily beat Foodland Tigers 14-0.
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https://www.postcourier.com.pg/keasu-settlement-team-on-track-for-playoffs/
| 2024-12-16T05:46:24Z
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Surat Police Bust Counterfeit Currency Ring During Routine Check
Surat Police arrested three individuals and seized fake currency worth Rs1,06,400. The fake notes were mixed with real currency of Rs 500 and Rs 200 denominations. Charges of criminal conspiracy and cheating have been filed, with investigations ongoing to uncover further leads.
- Country:
- India
In a significant breakthrough, Surat Police arrested three individuals on Saturday, confiscating counterfeit currency amounting to Rs 1,06,400 during a routine vehicle inspection. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Prakash Patel revealed that fake notes were deliberately enveloped within real currency of Rs 500 and Rs 200 denominations.
ACP Patel further disclosed that the criminals targeted individuals in Surat's bustling markets and other crowded areas. The arrests came as part of standard vehicle-checking operations, with the suspects reportedly procuring the counterfeit notes from Mumbai.
The apprehended individuals face charges of criminal conspiracy and cheating, as authorities intensify their search for additional leads. The investigation remains active, as police continue efforts to dismantle the counterfeit currency operation.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3195359-surat-police-bust-counterfeit-currency-ring-during-routine-check
| 2024-12-16T05:46:19Z
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Steve-O believes Kendrick Lamar embodies a level of cool that Drake simply doesn’t possess. During a conversation with country artist Hardy on his Wild Ride podcast, the Jackass star delved into his favorite rappers, including André 3000 and Lamar. Around the 45-minute mark of the episode, Steve-O shared his admiration for the Outkast legend. “André 3000 just exudes cool,” he remarked. “Kendrick has that same essence. It’s a kind of coolness you can’t define.” Unprompted, he contrasted their presence with Drake’s. “Drake doesn’t have it,” Steve-O declared.
Elsewhere in the discussion, Steve-O praised Lamar’s latest album, GNX. “It’s incredible,” he said, admitting he isn’t a hip-hop aficionado. “I was into 50 Cent and G-Unit back in the day, but I haven’t kept up. Then I played Kendrick’s new album and thought, ‘Wow, even my 81-year-old dad would find this amazing.’” Steve-O’s comments about Drake may stem from the widely perceived loss Drake took to Lamar in their lyrical feud earlier this year. Public opinion leaned heavily in Lamar’s favor, leaving some to question Drake’s standing.
Steve-O Picks Kendrick Lamar Over Drake In The Beef Based On "Coolness"
However, comedian Marlon Wayans offered a different perspective during his appearance on Big Boy’s Neighborhood. Wayans emphasized that the rivalry elevated both artists. “It was a phenomenal battle. Neither should feel bad,” he said. “What they gave us was unforgettable—like a Super Bowl Halftime show for hip-hop fans.” Wayans went on to compare the clash to an epic movie scene. “It was like Drake was Thanos, and all the Avengers came after him,” he quipped, referencing Kendrick, Future, and Metro Boomin.
Despite Drake holding his own, Wayans admitted Lamar’s approach was devastatingly unique. “Kendrick hit him from a soul level. It was like therapy. You can’t fight that. Kendrick is different—special.” While debates over their “cool factor” may persist, both artists have undeniably left a mark on the culture, shaping hip-hop’s evolving narrative. Drake and Kendrick Lamar have not shared Steve-O's commentary at this time.
[Via]
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https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/869274-steveo-says-kendrick-lamar-battle-against-drake-hip-hop-news
| 2024-12-16T05:46:28Z
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5 ways to soothe sore muscles with progressive muscle relaxation
Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a powerful technique for relieving stress and muscle tension. By tensing and then relaxing your muscles, you can experience deep relaxation. It's especially helpful for people with muscle soreness after exercise or from chronic stress. Discover five easy ways to practice PMR in this article. Say goodbye to muscle discomfort and hello to a greater sense of well-being!
Start with deep breathing
Before you start PMR, first do some deep breathing exercises. Take a deep breath in through your nose, filling your lungs fully, and then slowly breathe out through your mouth. Do this for three to five minutes. Deep breathing is like the warm-up act for relaxation - it gets your body and mind ready for the main event (PMR, in this case).
Focus on one muscle group at a time
PMR operates by concentrating on one particular muscle group at a time. You begin with your feet and progressively move up to your head or vice versa. Tense each muscle group strongly but not to the point of strain for approximately five seconds, then relax it for 30 seconds before proceeding to the next group. This systematic process guarantees that no muscle region is missed.
Incorporate visualization techniques
As you tense and relax each muscle group, use your breath to further enhance the relaxation process. Imagine exhaling away tension, and envision a wave of relaxation flowing into the tensed area as you breathe out, easing and comforting any residual discomfort. This visualization technique amplifies the benefits of PMR by actively involving both your body and mind in the relaxation process.
Maintain consistency in practice
For optimal results, you should practice progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) daily or at least a few times a week. Consistency is crucial, as establishing a regular routine will significantly reduce muscle tension over time. Each PMR session doesn't need to be long; just 10-15 minutes of regular practice can be highly beneficial. This routine will help you progressively decrease muscle tension and increase overall relaxation.
Combine with gentle stretching
After your PMR session, take a few minutes to gently stretch each major muscle group you've worked on. Stretching promotes flexibility and releases tension in your muscles. Make sure your stretches are slow and controlled - no bouncing or pain! This approach fosters flexibility and helps release tension, further amplifying the relaxation benefits of PMR. This is a key step in deepening relaxation and enhancing well-being, so don't skip it!
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https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/5-ways-to-soothe-sore-muscles-with-progressive-muscle-relaxation/story
| 2024-12-16T05:46:29Z
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Mumbai: Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade on Monday in line with weak global cues and caution ahead of the WPI inflation data to be announced later in the day. The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex declined 215.59 points to 81,917.53 in early trade. The NSE Nifty dipped 49.45 points to 24,718.85.
From the 30-share Sensex blue-chip pack, JSW Steel, Titan, Bharti Airtel, Nestle, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Consultancy Services, NTPC and Sun Pharma were the biggest laggards. ITC, Reliance Industries, UltraTech Cement, Bajaj Finance, IndusInd Bank and Asian Paints were the gainers. In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo and Hong Kong were trading lower while Shanghai quoted in the green.
Wall Street ended mostly lower on Friday. "Stock markets in India are expected to remain cautious amid mixed global cues, as investors await the US Federal Reserve's policy rate decision later this week," Ameya Ranadive Chartered Market Technician, CFTe, Sr Technical Analyst, StoxBox, said.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth Rs 2,335.32 crore on Friday, according to exchange data. "The excessive volatility witnessed on Friday is a reflection of the sharp differences in perceptions about the near-term market trend. While FIIs turning buyers in December, so far, after the relentless selling in the previous two months is positive, investors should not assume that the FIIs will continue to buy.
A strong dollar and high bond yields in the US are headwinds for capital flows," V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services, said. Global oil benchmark Brent crude dipped 0.31 per cent to USD 74.26 a barrel. The BSE benchmark Sensex jumped 843.16 points or 1.04 per cent to settle at 82,133.12 on Friday. The Nifty climbed 219.60 points or 0.89 per cent to settle at 24,768.30.
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https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!business/stock-market-on-monday-december-16-enn24121601234
| 2024-12-16T05:46:31Z
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Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) has expanded its partnership with City Pharmacy Limited (CPL) and Hardware Haus Limited (HHL) to offer even more savings and benefits to its 228,000+ members.
Expanded Discounts at Hardware Haus NSL members can now enjoy a 20% discount on a wide range of home furnishings, home living products, and selected hardware items at all Hardware Haus outlets nationwide.
This includes popular items like homeware and building materials but excludes cement, roofing iron, and LP gas.
Exclusive City Pharmacy Discounts In addition to the existing 30% discount on medical prescriptions, NSL members can now enjoy a 10% discount on a variety of products at all City Pharmacy outlets, excluding digital products, baby products, and concessions.
A Commitment to Member Well-being “At City Pharmacy, we are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Papua New Guineans,” said Pradeep Panda, Head of Pharmacy at City Pharmacy Limited.
“This partnership with NSL allows us to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for our valued customers.”
“We are delighted to further our partnership with NSL and offer our members even more savings on essential products,” said Alvin Prasad, CEO of Hardware Haus Limited.
“Our goal is to empower our members to build their homes and improve their lives.”
NSL CEO Paul Sayer expressed his satisfaction with the expanded partnership, stating, “We are constantly looking for ways to enhance the value we provide to our members.
These additional discounts, along with our other member benefits, demonstrate our commitment to supporting their financial future.”
To take advantage of these exclusive discounts, NSL members simply need to present their membership card at any participating CPL or Hardware Haus outlet.
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https://www.postcourier.com.pg/nambawan-super-members-score-big-with-expanded-partnership-discounts/
| 2024-12-16T05:46:31Z
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Affordable DIY fruit preservation methods in Africa
In Africa, we have so many fruits during the season and none during the off-season. Preserving fruits can help us enjoy them throughout the year, and save some money too. This article provides easy and cheap solutions to preserve fruits at home. You don't need any fancy equipment or materials.
Sun drying: A time-tested technique
Sun drying is a cheap and easy method of preserving fruits in Africa. Simply cut your fruits into slices and lay them out on trays under the sun for a few days (the exact time will depend on the fruit and the weather). Make sure to cover your fruits with a net or cheesecloth to keep bugs away. When they're dry, you can keep them in airtight containers for months.
Sugar preservation: Sweet simplicity
Sugar preservation is a cheap and easy method that doesn't require any special equipment. Simply layer fruits (berries, cherries, peaches work great) with sugar in jars. The sugar draws out the moisture, creating a syrup that inhibits bacteria. Make sure to seal jars tightly and store in a cool, dark place. Not only does this method preserve your fruits, but you also get yummy syrups to use in recipes!
Freezing: Nature's pause button
Freezing is a preservation method that keeps the flavor and nutrients of fruits intact, unlike many age-old techniques. Although it needs electricity, it is cost-effective if done right. To freeze fruits like bananas, mangoes, or berries, wash and chop them into pieces. Spread them out on a tray so they freeze individually. When they're frozen solid, move them to freezer bags. This way, you save space and avoid clumping.
Salt brining: Savory preservation
Salt brining might not be your go-to method for preserving most fruits, but for some (think olives and lemons), it's a game-changer. Ever wonder why those lemons taste so good in savory African dishes? Soaking them in a salty bath keeps the microbes away and lets those flavors get all cozy and delicious over time. It's a secret weapon for adding a punch to traditional recipes.
Vinegar pickling: Tangy transformation
This method transforms fruits into tangy treats, fermenting them for extended shelf life. Ideal for high-acid fruits (think apples), simply submerge fruit slices in a vinegar and water blend, then seal in jars. Properly stored, these pickled delights endure up to a year, enhancing meals with their unique flavor long past their season.
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https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/affordable-diy-fruit-preservation-methods-in-africa/story
| 2024-12-16T05:46:35Z
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