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“May God Bless You Sis”: Woman Surprises Gogo With R45k Allowance, Reaction Melts Hearts
- A South African woman shared a video showing her generous gift of R45,000 to her grandmother
- She proved that the kind gesture was legit and shared her grandmother’s heartwarming reaction
- The emotional post touched the hearts of social media users and sparked widespread admiration
Love is expressed in many ways, and one woman's generosity spoke louder than words. The lady decided to spoil her grandmother with money.
Mzansi woman spoils her grandmother
She transferred a whopping R45,000 to her gogo and shared the moment online. The TikTok clip on her account @lebolisher includes proof of payment and heartfelt WhatsApp voice notes from her granny.
Her sweet and emotional reaction had everyone tearing up. The post gathered thousands of views and likes.
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Ways to show love to grandparents
Experts who are dedicated to bridging the generational gap say grandkids can show appreciation in countless ways. From spending quality time to thoughtful gestures like a heartfelt letter or practical gifts.
Watch the video below:
South Africans are in awe of her selfless act, flooding the comments with love. Many wished her more blessings.
See some reactions below:
@SilzGcilitshana shared:
"While I gave my parents R200 yesterday for December. 😭"
@Tholoana_Mashea posted:
"May your pockets never run dry. 😍😍😍❤️"
@catemakhubela688 mentioned:
"Endless blessings from nkgono wow. 😭😭🥰 Tswela pele ngwana. 🙌❤️"
@Donziey commented:
"You shall not get broke, granmas are the best blessings. 🥵Your pockets will be filled more and more."
@SandraRancho wrote:
"Yoh Lebo I'm chopping onions. 🥺🥺😭😭"
@MissSeleka said:
"More blessings your way Lebo. 🥰"
@Palesa_Thobatsi typed:
"May God bless you sis. 😭🙏❤️"
@tebellojulia added:
"Bathong MaLebza, it's you my love. I'm supper happy for you my love. May God bless your beautiful heart and hand."
Heartwarming grannies and granddaughters moments
- A heartwarming video shows a young woman surprising her grandmother with a brand-new phone, bringing joy and tears to viewers.
- A loving granddaughter bought her grandmother a beautiful wedding ring, and the touching video warmed the hearts of many.
- After two years apart, a woman delighted her grandmother with a KFC meal, and the emotional video has melted hearts online.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU - click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!
Source: Briefly News
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https://briefly.co.za/people/family-relationships/205344-woman-give-grandmother-r45k-allowance-video-melts-hearts/
| 2024-12-16T05:56:24Z
|
Former FBI informant will plead guilty to lying about phony bribery scheme involving the Bidens
A former FBI informant is set to plead guilty 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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.”
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https://www.the-independent.com/news/ap-joe-biden-hunter-biden-fbi-burisma-b2664860.html
| 2024-12-16T05:56:25Z
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Google LG Nexus 5: Issues We Don't Want
Google LG Nexus 4 might be one of the most popular devices but sure came with it's share of problems. We really hope Google doesn't repeat the same mistakes this time around!
1. Back Panel
Google LG Nexus 4 might be one of the most popular devices but sure came with it's share of problems. We really hope Google doesn't repeat the same mistakes this time around!
While we totally love the glittery back panel of LG Google Nexus 4, the glass panel has come with quite a few complaints of being easily crack-able. We aren’t expecting Google to give us anything plasticky like Samsung but something more sturdy in Nexus 5 will be appreciated!
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2. Over-heating
Nexus 4 has a serious design blip which leads to over-heating of the device. We love the Nexus design but our only wish is that in going for beauty, Google doesn’t destroy the basic functions and tamper too much with hardware.
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3. Freeze
Nexus 4 has a problem where the phone tens to hang or freeze in the middle of an application. This problem was particularly aggravated after the Jelly Bean 4.3 upgrade. We hope Google resolves the issue in Google Nexus 5.
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4. Battery
LG Nexus 4 doesn’t boast of the best battery in town. And with advanced features and more innovations, we really hope Google ramps up the battery and comes with a better battery life.
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5. Availability
Google LG Nexus 4 was sold out immediately post launch in most markets! Knowing the demand for the phone, we really hope Google sorts out availability issues this year with Google LG Nexus 5.
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https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/mobile/5-issues-we-hope-google-resolves-with-lg-nexus-5_-105827.html
| 2024-12-16T05:56:25Z
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Swachh Bharat Mission drives toilet cleaner usage in India by 53pc in 2024
By IANS | Published: December 16, 2024 10:51 AM2024-12-16T10:51:23+5:302024-12-16T10:55:06+5:30
New Delhi, Dec 16 Swachh Bharat Abhiyan or Clean India Mission has driven toilet cleaner usage in Indian ...
New Delhi, Dec 16 Swachh Bharat Abhiyan or Clean India Mission has driven toilet cleaner usage in Indian households by 53 per cent in 2024, according to a report.
The report by Kantar, a market research firm, showed that the country has seen a dramatic rise in the use of toilet cleaners and floor cleaners. From 19 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively of households using these in 2014, it more than doubled to 53 per cent using toilet cleaners and 22 per cent buying floor cleaners in 2024.
Launched by the government on October 2, 2014, the Swachh Bharat Mission is a country-wide campaign initiated to eliminate open defecation and improve solid waste management and to create Open Defecation Free (ODF) villages.
The report attributed the growth of toilet cleaner usage in households to the mission's success, coupled with marketing efforts. It said the mission significantly improved hygiene awareness and product penetration, particularly in rural areas.
As per the report, over 128 million new households have been added in the toilet cleaners, and 52 million homes in the floor cleaners segment.
The report said the surface cleaner market is about Rs 4,200 crore, with toilet cleaners accounting for half the segment at Rs 2,000 crore.
Kantar said the category was largely urban-centric a decade ago -- that's changed drastically.
A decade ago, 82 per cent of households that bought toilet cleaners were in urban areas, it was 90 per cent for floor cleaners.
"Urban is no longer the dominant source of the category with rural contributing to 52 per cent," said K Ramakrishnan, managing director, South Asia, world panel division at Kantar. "Clearly, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan drove the importance of cleanliness to the Indian households, and simultaneously helped manufacturers to drive penetration of household hygiene categories as well."
Since its inception in 2014, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has led to over 500,000 villages achieving ODF (Open Defecation-Free) plus status with rural sanitation rising from 39 per cent to 100 per cent.
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https://www.lokmattimes.com/health/swachh-bharat-mission-drives-toilet-cleaner-usage-in-india-by-53pc-in-2024-1/
| 2024-12-16T05:56:28Z
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Takeaways from AP's reporting on a child sex abuse crisis inside a secretive Christian sect
For decades, a little-known Christian sect has dealt with its abusive ministers and spiritual elders mostly in secret, shunning legal action and urging victims to simply forgive the predators in their midst
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.”
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https://www.the-independent.com/news/ap-takeaways-christian-idaho-boise-b2664875.html
| 2024-12-16T05:56:31Z
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Micromax Canvas Turbo: Coming Soon?
Micromax plans to launch Micromax Turbo to weaken Samsung’s stronghold in the top-end segment. Though some of the specifications of the phone have already leaked, Micromax Canvas Turbo is still a rumoured device.
Micromax Canvas 4 was touted to be the rival to the great Samsung Galaxy S4. But it fell sadly short when the phone was actually revealed. Not only were the features not the same but the one thing Canvas 4 lacked to bring it anywhere close to Samsung Galaxy S4 was the octa-core camera.
However, Micromax plans to tip Samsung from their current numero uno position in India by the end of this quarter. Clearly then, Micromax will have to soon come up with a rival to the best selling Samsung phone, Samsung Galaxy S4. While, with the release of Micromax Canvas Doodle 2, Micromax effectively eliminated competition from Samsung Galaxy Note 3, the S4 still rules unconquered.
Micromax plans to launch Micromax Turbo to weaken Samsung’s stronghold in the top-end segment. Though some of the specifications of the phone have already leaked, Micromax Canvas Turbo is still a rumoured device.
The phone will come with a full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The screen size is not yet known and our guess is it will be 5-inches or more, confirming to the norm. Most flagships these days boast of 5-inch screens and Micromax will hopefully follow suit.
While Android KitKat has already been announced, it is still some time before leading phone-makers adapt to the upgrade. We guess Micromax Canvas Turbo will launch with Android Jelly Bean version 4.3. Anything less and we shall be seriously disappointed. Also, whether Mircomax will plan an KitKat upgrade is a question we are seriously contemplating.
Needless to say the charm of Samsung Galaxy S4 is the octa-core processor. However, if leaks are anything to go by, Micromax Canvas Turbo will feature not an octa-core but a quad-core Mediatek processor. If true, the phone cannot be called a competitor of Samsung Galaxy S4 in the least! Just an upgraded version of Micromax Canvas 4, perhaps...
The one leak we like is that the phone will support 32 GB internal memory and come with an additional expandable memory of 64 GB. However, once again, acting as a damper comes the news that Micromax Canvas Turbo will feature just 1 GB RAM, as opposed the 2 GB mark for most flagships.
A 13 MP rear end camera and 5 MP front end camera won’t really do much good if the basics aren’t strong and so far, the phone does not look to be anywhere close in competition with Samsung Galaxy S4.
Micromax has steadily climbed mobile charts in India with their offerings and keeping in mind India’s budget sentiments. However, a lack of innovation and a repetition might deter with the company’s rapid rise.
We just hope these rumours are only rumours. And the actual device packs a punch. So far, all we can hear is, Go Samsung!
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https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/mobile/micromax-canvas-turbo-samsung-galaxy-s4-rival-105651.html
| 2024-12-16T05:56:31Z
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Death toll from paramilitary forces attack in Sudan rises to 38
By IANS | Published: December 16, 2024 10:18 AM2024-12-16T10:18:28+5:302024-12-16T10:20:07+5:30
Khartoum, Dec 16 The death toll from a drone attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on ...
Khartoum, Dec 16 The death toll from a drone attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on a market in El Fasher, western Sudan, has climbed to 38, a non-governmental group said.
Earlier in the day, state news agency SUNA reported that a drone attack by the RSF on a market in the Awlad Al-Reef neighborhood in El Fasher killed more than 15 people and injured many others, Xinhua news agency reported.
"The death toll from the massacre in the Awlad Al-Reef neighborhood in El Fasher has risen to 38," the Coordination of Resistance Committees in El Fasher, a local non-governmental group, said in a statement.
The RSF has not commented on the incident.
Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, which began in mid-April 2023, has killed more than 28,700 people and displaced over 14 million in the country, according to international organisations.
Earlier on December 13, At least 45 civilians were killed and 28 others injured in an artillery shelling by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on residential neighbourhoods and displacement camps in western Sudan.
"Neighbourhoods and camps in El Fasher city witnessed a significant massacre yesterday, as a result of deliberate shelling by the rebel militia, killing 45 citizens, including children and women, and injuring 28 others who were transferred to health centres," the command of the 6th Infantry Division of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) said in a statement.
According to the statement, the shelling targeted residential neighbourhoods in the southern sector of El Fasher, the Zamzam displacement camp south of the city, and the Abu Shouk camp to the north.
--IANS
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https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/death-toll-from-paramilitary-forces-attack-in-sudan-rises-to-38/
| 2024-12-16T05:56:34Z
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Canada Post says operations to resume after nearly a monthlong strike
Canada Post said operations will resume at the national postal service on Tuesday after the nearly monthlong work stoppage
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Canada Post said operations will resume at the national postal service on Tuesday after the nearly monthlong work stoppage.
Workers went on strike after failing to reach a negotiated agreement with the primary postal operator in Canada over key issues, including wages, job security, and how to staff a proposed expansion into weekend delivery.
The federal government moved Friday to end the stoppage after Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon announced referring the dispute to the Canada Industrial Relations Board, an independent administrative tribunal that focuses on resolving workplace disputes.
However, the board determined late Sunday that negotiations are at an impasse after two days of hearings and ordered the nearly 55,000 workers to return to work. This will also extend the current collective agreement until May 22, 2025.
Canada Post said it has agreed with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers to implement a 5% wage increase retroactive to the day after the collective agreement expired.
The labor minister had previously rebuffed calls for Ottawa to intervene, saying it’s up to the two sides to work out a deal. But he said Canadians — especially small businesses, people in remote communities and Indigenous people — have suffered greatly as a result of the strike.
MacKinnon noted Canada Post is built to deliver letters but their volume has dropped dramatically and there is a highly competitive parcel delivery market.
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https://www.the-independent.com/news/ap-toronto-canada-ottawa-b2664878.html
| 2024-12-16T05:56:37Z
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GALAXY ROUND, available in Korea October 10th, is the world's first curved display smartphone featuring a full HD Super AMOLED flexible display. It pioneers the curved display smartphone experience. This video shows its 'Roll Effect' which enables the user to check information such as the date, time, missed calls and battery easily by simply tilting the phone towards one end when the home screen is off.
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https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/mobile/samsung-galaxy-round-roll-effect-105811.html
| 2024-12-16T05:56:38Z
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Best Flagship Phones of 2013
The festive season is on and Indians are spolit for choice this season!
The festive season is on and Indians are spolit for choice this season!
LG G2
LG G2 brings a class of innovation and new design. The phone is one of the most innovative flagship phones of 2013!
HTC One
This phone is just love at first sight. With festive offers doing rounds, it might be perfect time to make this designer beauty your very own!
Sony Xperia Z1
A large screen, water-proof and 20 MP camera. What more can you want from your premium device? Sony Xperia Z1 works as good as it looks. And with a decent price-tag, the phone is one of the best out there!
Blackberry Z10
While there might have been a lot of snide sniggers when BlackBerry launched BlackBerry Z10, the phone is one of the best in class when it comes to specifications and smoothness. Also, with the festive offer BlackBerry has, BlackBerry Z10 for Rs 29,990, it might be one of the best deals out there!
Samsung Galaxy S4
Samsung just can't do anything wrong. Their 2013 flagship is one of the best so far and a phone definitely worth considering if you're thinking of an upgrade.
Nokia Lumia 1020
There's nothing like the Nokia quality and Windows OS. Brought together, they stun us with their brilliance. Nokia Lumia 1020 is one of the best flagship phones out there and definitely worth a consideration!
LG Google Nexus 4
It's half a year that this phone launched in India. And it still makes us drool. No, you don't need reasons to buy anything as brilliant as this!
Micromax Canvas Doodle 2
We scrapped Samsung Galaxy Note 3 in favor of this mammoth beauty. It's Indian, it's cheap and it's fast. What more do you need?
Xolo Q1000S
A phone that boasts of features and specifications and yet does it quietly, within the 20k mark. For all the budget lovers out there, this phone is a Godsend!
iPhone 5S
Have money to burn? And an urge to flant? Then this is what you're looking for. With a price-tag of over Rs 1 lakh, buy this beauty only if you have nothing better to do with your money... Like sponsor a child's education, perhaps?
An adventure lover and philosopher, her affair with words began at a young age. You can find her scribbling away at all odd hours of the day (and night) and if not with her head buried deep inside a book, she is generally romancing nature or ambling along through the maze of Indian streets. A carefree soul, she truly believes happiness lies within.
Read More
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https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/mobile/top-10-flagship-phones-to-choose-from-this-festive-season-105798.html
| 2024-12-16T05:56:39Z
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Elections in Bangladesh could be scheduled between late 2025 and early 2026, says Chief Adviser Yunus
By ANI | Published: December 16, 2024 11:11 AM2024-12-16T11:11:07+5:302024-12-16T11:15:10+5:30
Dhaka [Bangladesh], December 16 : Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced on Monday that Bangladesh's next general elections could be ...
Dhaka [Bangladesh], December 16 : Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced on Monday that Bangladesh's next general elections could be scheduled between late 2025 and the first half of 2026. Yunus made the statement during his address to the nation on Victory Day, marking Bangladesh's victory in the 1971 Liberation War.
Victory Day commemorates the moment on December 16, 1971, when General Amir Abdullah Niazi of Pakistan's armed forces and 93,000 soldiers surrendered to the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini, marking the end of Bangladesh's nine-month war for independence.
In his address, Yunus emphasised the importance of political consensus to move forward with elections. He said, "If political consensus allows us, again, to conduct elections based on accurate electoral rolls with a few reforms, it may be possible to hold elections by the end of 2025." Yunus acknowledged, however, that additional time might be needed to implement the necessary reforms.
"And if we add to this the extent of reforms expected in terms of the electoral process and the Electoral Reforms Commission's recommendations and on the basis another six months may be required," he added.
Yunus clarified that the timeline for the elections could be fixed between late 2025 and the first half of 2026. "Roughly speaking, the timing of elections can be fixed between the end of 2025 and the first half of 2026," he stated.
His comments came amid political instability in Bangladesh. On August 5, a student-led movement ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after weeks of protests and violence that led to over 600 deaths. Hasina fled to India, and an interim government led by Yunus took charge.
Meanwhile, Vijay Diwas celebrations in Bangladesh's capital began with a 31 gun salute at sunrise. Six guns of an artillery regiment of the Bangladesh Army saluted the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives in the Bangladesh Liberation War by firing 31 rounds of cannon.
India and Bangladesh will jointly commemorate the 53rd anniversary of Vijay Diwas of the 1971 India-Pakistan war today, with the annual exchange of war veterans and serving officers.
Eight Indian war veterans and two serving officers of the Indian Armed Forces have arrived in Dhaka to commemorate Bangladesh's Victory Day celebrations. Similarly, eight distinguished Muktijoddhas (freedom fighters) and two serving officers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces also reached India to participate in the Vijay Diwas celebrations in Kolkata.
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https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/elections-in-bangladesh-could-be-scheduled-between-late-2025-and-early-2026-says-chief-adviser-yunus/
| 2024-12-16T05:56:40Z
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China's economy logs a lackluster performance in November as retail sales slow
China has reported its economy logged a mixed performance in November, with retail sales slowing as consumers refrained from spending on non-essentials like cosmetics, alcohol and jewelry
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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%.
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https://www.the-independent.com/news/china-ap-bangkok-donald-trump-beijing-b2664874.html
| 2024-12-16T05:56:43Z
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Apple to Introduce New iPads on Oct 22
Apple Inc intends to introduce its latest line-up of iPads on October 22.
SAN FRANCISCO: Apple Inc intends to introduce its latest line-up of iPads on October 22, tech blog AllThingsD cited sources familiar with the company's plans as saying, meaning Apple would be updating its tablets in time for holiday shopping.
New versions of the iPad, which will go up against Amazon.com Inc's latest Kindle Fire tablets and other gadgets made by Samsung Electronics, are expected to feature lighter, thinner designs and more powerful processors.
Supply chain sources told Reuters last week that Apple may run into a shortage of so-called "retina" displays for the iPad mini, a smaller version of the tablet that helped popularize the product in 2010. That could in turn limit supply of the gadget during the crucial season.
Apple declined to comment about AllThingsD's report, which added that the company may also devote some time to detailing new Macintosh computers.
The iPhone-maker has come under pressure over the past year to preserve market share and bolster sales against rivals that are rapidly raising specifications and lowering prices.
Amazon's new 7-inch Kindle Fire is priced from $229 for 16GB wifi-only models, while Google Inc's second-generation Nexus 7 offers a similar screen size and storage capacity at the same price.
In comparison, the cheapest model in Apple's current 7.9-inch iPad Mini lineup with 16GB of storage starts at $329.
Reuters
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https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/pc-and-laptop/apple-to-introduce-new-ipads-on-october-22_-105766.html
| 2024-12-16T05:56:45Z
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Gulf countries denounce Israeli decision to expand settlements in Golan Heights
By IANS | Published: December 16, 2024 10:11 AM2024-12-16T10:11:13+5:302024-12-16T10:15:15+5:30
Riyadh, Dec 16 Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar condemned the Israeli government's approval of ...
Riyadh, Dec 16 Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar condemned the Israeli government's approval of a plan to expand settlements in the occupied Golan Heights.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the decision is a continuation of efforts to sabotage Syria's chances of restoring its security and stability, Xinhua news agency reported.
The ministry stressed the need to respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The UAE warned in a statement by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the Israeli actions could exacerbate tensions in the region.
"The UAE categorically rejects all measures and practices aimed at altering the legal status of the occupied Golan Heights," the statement said, stressing that expanding Israeli settlements in Golan Heights poses a direct threat to the security, stability, and sovereignty of Syria.
In a statement, Qatar's Foreign Ministry called the decision "a new episode in a series of Israeli aggressions on Syrian territories and a blatant violation of international law."
It called on the international community to fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities by compelling Israel to halt its aggressions on Syrian territories and adhere to international legitimacy.
The statement reiterated Qatar's unwavering support for Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
The Israeli government approved a plan on Sunday to expand settlements in the Golan Heights, a Syrian territory currently occupied by Israel, according to a statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.
According to the statement, the plan aims to double the Israeli population in the Golan Heights. It includes establishing a student village, a development program to integrate new residents, and initiatives to strengthen the education system and renewable energy infrastructure.
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https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/gulf-countries-denounce-israeli-decision-to-expand-settlements-in-golan-heights/
| 2024-12-16T05:56:46Z
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As Trump threatens mass deportations, Central America braces for an influx of vulnerable migrants
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office in January with a promise of carrying out mass deportations, leaving Honduras and other Central American countries bracing for a potential influx of vulnerable migrants — a situation they are ill-prepared to handle
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Your support makes all the difference.As dozens of deported migrants pack into a sweltering airport facility in San Pedro Sula, Norma sits under fluorescent lights clutching a foam cup of coffee and a small plate of eggs – all that was waiting for her in Honduras.
The 69-year-old Honduran mother had never imagined leaving her Central American country. But then came the anonymous death threats to her and her children and the armed men who showed up at her doorstep threatening to kill her, just like they had killed one of her relatives days earlier.
Norma, who requested anonymity out of concern for her safety, spent her life savings of $10,000 on a one-way trip north at the end of October with her daughter and granddaughter.
But after her asylum petitions to the U.S. were rejected, they were loaded onto a deportation flight. Now, she's back in Honduras within reach of the same gang, stuck in a cycle of violence and economic precarity that haunts deportees like her.
“They can find us in every corner of Honduras,” she said in the migrant processing facility. “We’re praying for God’s protection, because we don’t expect anything from the government.”
Now, as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office in January with a promise of carrying out mass deportations, Honduras and other Central American countries people have fled for generations are bracing for a potential influx of vulnerable migrants — a situation they are ill-prepared to handle.
‘We don’t have the capacity'
Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, which have the largest number of people living illegally in the U.S., after Mexico, could be among the first and most heavily impacted by mass deportations, said Jason Houser, former Immigration & Customs Enforcement chief of staff in the Biden administration.
Because countries like Venezuela refuse to accept deportation flights from the U.S., Houser suggests that the Trump administration may prioritize the deportation of “the most vulnerable” migrants from those countries who have removal orders but no criminal record, in an effort to rapidly increase deportation numbers.
“Hondurans, Guatemalans, Salvadorans need to be very, very nervous because (Trump officials) are going to press the bounds of the law,” said Houser.
Migrants and networks aiding deportees in those Northern Triangle countries worry their return could thrust them into even deeper economic and humanitarian crises, fueling migration down the line.
“We don’t have the capacity” to take so many people, said Antonio García, Honduras' deputy foreign minister. “There’s very little here for deportees." People who return, he said, "are the last to be taken care of.”
Making their way back to the US
Since 2015, Honduras has received around half a million deportees. They climb down from planes and buses to be greeted with coffee, small plates of food and bags of toothpaste and deodorant. While some breathe a sigh of relief, free from harsh conditions in U.S. detention facilities, others cry, gripped with panic.
“We don’t know what we’ll do, what comes next,” said one woman in a cluster of deportees waiting for their names to be called by a man clacking at a keyboard.
Approximately 560,000 Hondurans, about 5% of the country's population, live in the U.S. without legal status, according to U.S. government figures. Of those, migration experts estimate about 150,000 can be tracked down and rapidly expelled.
While García said the government offers services to help returnees, most are released with little aid into a country gripped by gangs. They have few options for work to pay off crippling debts. Others like Norma have nowhere to go, unable to return home because of the gang members circling her home.
Norma said she’s unsure of why they were targeted, but she believes it was because the relative who was killed had problems with a gang.
Despite the crackdown, García estimates up to 40% of Honduran deportees make their way back to the U.S.
A looming humanitarian crisis
Larissa Martínez, 31, is among those who have struggled to reintegrate into Honduran society after being deported from the U.S. in 2021 with her three children. Driven by economic desperation and the absence of her husband, who had migrated and left her for another woman, the single mother sought a better life in the U.S.
Since her return to Honduras, Martínez has spent the past three years searching for a job, not just to support her kids, but also to pay off the $5,000 she owes to relatives for the trip north.
Her efforts have been unsuccessful. She built a wobbly wooden home tucked away in the hilly fringes of San Pedro Sula, where she sells meat and cheese to get by, but sales have been slim and tropical rains have eaten away at the flimsy walls where they sleep.
So she's begun to repeat a chant in her head: “If I don’t find work in December, I’ll leave in January.”
César Muñoz, a leader at Mennonite Social Action Commission, said Honduran authorities have abandoned deportees like Martínez, leaving organizations like his to step in. But with three deportation flights arriving weekly, aid networks are already stretched thin.
A significant uptick could leave aid networks, migrants and their families reeling. Meanwhile, countries like Honduras, heavily reliant on remittances from the U.S., could face severe economic consequences as this vital lifeline is cut.
“We’re at the brink of a new humanitarian crisis,” Muñoz said.
Trump’s return has been met with a range of reactions by Latin American nations connected to the U.S. through migration and trade.
Guatemala, a country with more than 750,000 citizens living unauthorized in the U.S. , announced in November it was working on a strategy to take on potential mass deportations. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico is already beefing up legal services in its U.S. consulates and that she would ask Trump to deport non-Mexicans directly to their countries of origin.
Honduras’ Deputy Foreign Minister García expressed skepticism about Trump’s threat, citing the economic benefits immigrants provide to the U.S. economy and the logistical challenges of mass deportations. Aid leaders like Muñoz say Honduras isn’t sufficiently preparing for a potential surge in deportations.
Even with a crackdown by Trump it would be “impossible” to stop people from migrating, García said. Driven by poverty, violence and the hope for a better life, clusters of deportees climb aboard buses on their way back to the U.S.
As deportations by both U.S. and Mexican authorities spike, smugglers are offering migrants packages in which they get three tries to make it north. If migrants get captured on their journey and sent back home, they still have two chances to get to the U.S.
Freshly returned to Honduras, 26-year-old Kimberly Orellana said she spent three months detained in a Texas facility before being sent back to San Pedro Sula, where she waited in a bus station for her mother to pick her up.
Yet, she was already planning to return, saying she had no choice: her 4-year-old daughter Marcelle was waiting for her, cared for by a friend in North Carolina.
The two were separated by smugglers crossing the Rio Grande, in hopes to increase their chances of successfully crossing over. Orellana vowed to her daughter that they would be reunited.
“Mami, are you sure you’re coming?” Marcelle asks her over the phone.
“Now, being here it’s difficult to know if I’ll ever be able to follow through with that promise,” Orellana said, clinging to her Honduran passport. “I have to try again. … My daughter is all I have.”
____
Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
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https://www.the-independent.com/news/donald-trump-ap-honduras-mexico-people-b2664850.html
| 2024-12-16T05:56:49Z
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This story is part of the My Unsung Hero series, from the Hidden Brain team. It features stories of people whose kindness left a lasting impression on someone else.
In the summer of 2024, Caroline Davis and her partner were doing a DIY home project that required 1,500 pounds of gravel. So Davis headed to a home improvement store, and started filling up her Toyota Corolla with 50-pound bags.
"I'm loading, loading. And this older man comes over," she recalled. "And he says, 'Do you know that your car has a weight limit?'"
Davis did not know that. It had never even occurred to her that she could damage her car with a heavy load.
"That feels to me like something your dad would tell you," Davis said. Her dad had died of a heart attack in 2017, at the age of 57.
"So I'm doing DIY later in life," she said. "I didn't [learn] that from him."
Davis started to feel overwhelmed; how was she going to unload the gravel from her car and bring it back to the store? And then how would she transport all the gravel she needed back home for her project? That's when the man made an offer of unusual generosity.
"He says, 'I can load you up in my truck. Do you live nearby?' And I say, 'Yes,'" Davis said.
The man helped her unload all the gravel from her car, and then loaded it into his truck. They exchanged numbers, and she shared her address. When she pulled onto the highway, the kindness of what he had done began to hit her.
"I just start to cry in my car because I was so grateful for the goodness of strangers, of this person helping me," Davis said.
"The whole interaction just reminded me of my dad, of knowing that that's something that he would do."
When they arrived at her house, the man helped her unload all 1,500 pounds of gravel onto her driveway. She thanked him, again and again, and he insisted that she not worry about it.
Davis didn't want him to leave empty-handed. She tried to offer him money, then wine, but he wouldn't accept them. Then she thought of something he might like.
"I have a garden. And it's the end of the season. And I just say, 'Do you like cucumbers?'" Davis recalled.
"He's been pretty serious up until now," she said. "And his face just lights up and he says, 'I love cucumbers.'"
She offered him a tour of the garden; it turned out he, too, had been a gardener, before his work got in the way. Davis twisted a handful of big, prickly cucumbers off the vine, and gave them to the man. He seemed thrilled.
"He tucks them under his arm, and he just marches off back to his truck," she said. "And I watched him drive off, leaving behind my 1,500 pounds of gravel."
Today, inspired by her unsung hero, Davis tries to be on the lookout for others who might need a hand.
"I just am so grateful for people like that, who teach me the things I don't know I don't know."
My Unsung Hero is also a podcast — new episodes are released every Tuesday. To share the story of your unsung hero with the Hidden Brain team, record a voice memo on your phone and send it to myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.wmot.org/2024-12-14/thats-something-that-he-would-do-a-strangers-generosity-reminded-her-of-her-dad
| 2024-12-16T05:56:51Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
We want to turn back now to the conversation of holiday movies. It is a thing here on ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, and a lot of our staff have strong feelings and opinions about them. But one of our producers, Elena Burnett, might top them all. She has some pretty serious rules about what to watch and when.
(SOUNDBITE OF MONTAGE)
ELENA BURNETT, BYLINE: So the most sacred - on the 24th, Christmas Eve, we watch "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" - the Chuck Jones version, not the Jim Carrey version.
..."Charlie Brown Christmas" - you know, earlier in the season, it's more laid back. We go through "Elf," "Nativity"...
...Claymation Christmas - "Scrooge," "It's A Wonderful Life."
...Some of the more special ones, "A Christmas Story"...
DETROW: So it was very clear we had to continue this conversation in studio. Elena, welcome to ALL THINGS CONSIDERED.
BURNETT: Thank you. Bring it on.
DETROW: So we are here to argue about "The Polar Express," which we will do. But before we get to "The Polar Express," walk me through why it is so important to you and your family to watch specific movies on specific dates in a specific order.
BURNETT: I think it's something that kind of just evolved because for me and our - and my family, Christmas movies are so atmospheric. And so for the really - the ones that feel really Christmasy (ph), we got to wait. We got to wait 'cause otherwise it feels like you're starting the season too early.
DETROW: And before we continue, I do have to point out you're wearing reindeer antlers we talk.
BURNETT: Yeah.
DETROW: Yeah.
BURNETT: Yeah. This is my season. This is - I take this seriously.
DETROW: So "The Polar Express," why do you like it? - because I think it is very likely I am watching "The Polar Express" tonight with my family, but I have a lot of problems with it.
BURNETT: You're definitely in the majority. I've definitely, I think, spent more hours of my life defending "The Polar Express" than I have watching it. I feel sad for y'all. For me, it's a beautiful story about growing up.
DETROW: This really puts me on the offensive to dispute that. OK, so here's what I would say. I would say the book by Chris Van Allsburg, it's a beautiful book, one of my favorite books.
BURNETT: Same.
DETROW: The pictures come to life in this dark and mysterious way, and you could feel the three dimensions. You could feel the backstories of the characters, right? So that's that. And then you watch this movie, and it's early Pixaresque (ph) CGI that just doesn't quite click.
BURNETT: So I would say it's motion capture. It came out in 2004, when I think a bunch of studios were trying to do different things. And I will say, I'm not saying the animation's perfect, but I also think they had a hard task in front of them because you have this gorgeous book that I love very much, and they wanted to capture the themes of that. And it's very flat illustrations, and so what happens when you bring flat illustrations to life? It's going to feel a little uncanny valley.
DETROW: Yeah.
BURNETT: I know that's the phrase a lot of people use.
DETROW: In that it's not quite realistic and you know it.
BURNETT: Exactly. Exactly. But I genuinely think the colors and the snow that falls and the way that the steam goes into the cold air and the warmth of the lights from the North Pole, it's so cozy. And that's what settles me into that Christmas feeling.
DETROW: I do think the best part of the movie is when they're at the North Pole, and there's that early 20th century industrial feeling of it all. Like, I do really love that. Are there other favorite parts in the movie for you?
BURNETT: So I - my favorite scene happens at the North Pole, and here's where we're going to go into the weeds. The main character, who's literally in the credits as Hero Boy - that's canon. Hero Boy really wants to believe. You know, he's looking in encyclopedias, trying to figure out if life can exist at the North Pole. He's being skeptical of everything, but he gets on the train. He's hesitant, but he's curious.
And so my favorite scene is everybody is in the - you know, all the elves, all the kids are in the center of the North Pole. The tree's there. And the whole thing with the movie, if you haven't seen it, is Hero Boy cannot hear the bells of Santa's sleigh, and that represents his doubt. And there's - and they bring out these reins with the bells on them. They put them on the reindeer. He can't hear them. Santa shows up. He can't see Santa. And the scene goes all slow motion, and a bell flies off of the reins. And it thunks (ph) on the frozen ground in front of Hero Boy, and he picks it up in his hands. And he says three times...
(SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "THE POLAR EXPRESS")
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: (As Hero Boy) I believe. I believe?
BURNETT: And the second time's a question, and that's important. And then he whispers, I believe. And he rings the bell, and he can hear it.
(SOUNDBITE OF BELL RINGING)
BURNETT: And for me, that's what he asked Santa for as the first gift of Christmas. And it's not something material. It's a guide post that he's taking with him to be able to hold that belief as he goes on throughout his life. He loses in on the seat of the sleigh, but it doesn't matter. He still has found within himself whatever he needs to be moving on into this scary adult world. And that's why the bell comes back to him at the end. Even though he doesn't need it, it's always going to be there for those who truly believe.
(SOUNDBITE OF GEEK MUSIC'S "THE POLAR EXPRESS (MAIN THEME)")
DETROW: I will let that be the last word.
(LAUGHTER)
DETROW: That is ALL THINGS CONSIDERED producer Elena Burnett, Christmas season zealot, I feel like...
BURNETT: Sure. Sure.
DETROW: ...And defender of "The Polar Express." Thank you.
BURNETT: Thank you.
(SOUNDBITE OF GEEK MUSIC'S "THE POLAR EXPRESS (MAIN THEME)") Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.wvasfm.org/2024-12-15/christmas-movies-the-case-for-the-polar-express
| 2024-12-16T05:56:51Z
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HP-Google Launch Chrome OS Laptop
Google is introducing a new $279 laptop based on its internet-centric Chrome operating system, borrowing many of the high-end features found in a model that costs about $1,000 more.
Google is introducing a new $279 laptop based on its internet-centric Chrome operating system, borrowing many of the high-end features found in a model that costs about $1,000 more.
Hewlett-Packard is making the new HP Chromebook 11. Although the price is in line with most other Chromebooks using Chrome OS, the new model sports many design features that are usually found on pricier devices, including the $1,299 Chromebook Pixel.
Unlike Windows and Mac laptops, Chromebooks rely heavily on having a continuous internet connection to run Gmail, Google Docs and other online services. Many apps don't run directly on the device but over the internet. The devices also have relatively little storage, as documents, photos and other files are supposed to be stored online instead.
The new laptop has a plastic frame with no sharp edges or corners, or even screw holes. Speakers are tucked under the keyboard so that sound comes out toward the user, even when the laptop is used on the lap. Devices with speakers on the back or the bottom don't do that.
The Chromebook 11 has a display that measures 11.6 inches diagonally, and it weighs about 2 pounds.
Caesar Sengupta, vice president of product management for Chromebooks, said HP approached Google after seeing the Pixel, which Google designed and made on its own using an unnamed contract manufacturer.
He said Google and HP had to make a few trade-offs to keep the price low. The Chromebook 11 doesn't have a touch screen, and the display's resolution isn't as sharp as the Pixel's. The Pixel also uses a plastic frame rather than metal, but there's magnesium underneath to keep the laptop sturdy.
And in recognition of the growing use of phones and tablet computers, the Chromebook 11 uses the same microUSB charger common in those mobile devices. Other laptops typically come with their own charger, which Sengupta described as yet another item that needs to be packed for weekend trips.
The Chromebook 11 is available starting Tuesday at Google's only Play store and selected retailers. The laptop comes in white or black. The white model has a choice of four accents around the keyboard and under the device: blue, red, yellow and green.
AP
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https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/pc-and-laptop/hpgoogle-launch-chrome-os-laptop-105812.html
| 2024-12-16T05:56:52Z
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Sri Lankan President receives ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan
By IANS | Published: December 16, 2024 10:45 AM2024-12-16T10:45:53+5:302024-12-16T10:50:07+5:30
New Delhi, Dec 16 Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake who is on a three-day state visit to ...
New Delhi, Dec 16 Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake who is on a three-day state visit to New Delhi, was accorded a grand ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday, marking his first overseas visit as head of state.
President Dissanayake is expected to hold crucial discussions with Prime Minister Modi later in the day, aiming to reinforce ties and address key regional and global challenges.
President Dissanayake, who assumed office in September following his victory in Sri Lanka's presidential and parliamentary elections, was welcomed by Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During the ceremonial reception, President Murmu and President Dissanayake introduced their respective ministers, diplomats, and senior officials, emphasising the warm ties between the two nations. Prime Minister Modi also attended the event.
The Sri Lankan President's visit, scheduled from December 15 to 17, is set to focus on deepening cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, energy, and maritime security.
Earlier on Sunday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and highlighted the "island nation's prominent role in India's Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR Outlook".
"Pleased to call on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the start of his first State Visit to India. Sri Lanka is key to both India's Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR Outlook. Confident that the talks with PM Narendra Modi tomorrow will lead to greater trust and deeper cooperation," the EAM said in a post on X.
Earlier, Sri Lankan President Dissanayake said he held "fruitful discussions on the matters of mutual interest" during his meetings with EAM Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
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https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/sri-lankan-president-receives-ceremonial-welcome-at-rashtrapati-bhavan/
| 2024-12-16T05:56:52Z
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Survivors seek a reckoning as FBI investigates child sex abuse in little-known Christian sect
A small Christian sect that for decades was little noticed by the outside world has found itself riven by a very public child sex abuse scandal
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Your support makes all the difference.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."
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https://www.the-independent.com/news/fbi-ap-christian-idaho-boise-b2664871.html
| 2024-12-16T05:56:55Z
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Updated December 15, 2024 at 19:06 PM ET
OMAHA, Neb. — A tornado near a mall in central California swept up cars, uprooted trees and sent several people to the hospital. In San Francisco, authorities issued the first-ever tornado warning.
Elsewhere, inclement weather plagued areas of the U.S., with dangerous conditions including heavy snow in upstate New York, a major ice storm in Midwest states and severe weather warnings around Lake Tahoe.
The ice storm beginning Friday evening created treacherous driving conditions across Iowa and eastern Nebraska on Friday and into Saturday and prompted temporary closures of Interstate 80 after numerous cars and trucks slid off the road. In upstate New York, more than 33 inches (84 centimeters) was reported near Orchard Park, which is often a landing point for lake-effect snow.
On Saturday, a tornado touched down around 1:40 p.m. near a shopping mall in Scotts Valley, California, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) south of San Francisco. The tornado overturned cars and toppled trees and utility poles, the National Weather Service said. The Scotts Valley Police Department said several people were injured and taken to hospitals.
In San Francisco, some trees toppled onto cars and streets and damaged roofs. The damage was due to 80-mph (130-kph) straight-line winds, not a tornado, weather service meteorologist Dalton Behringer said Sunday.
Roger Gass, a meteorologist in the weather service's office in Monterey, California, said the warning of a possible tornado in San Francisco was a first for the city, noting an advanced alert did not go out before the last tornado struck nearly 20 years ago.
"I would guess there wasn't a clear signature on radar for a warning in 2005," said Gass, who was not there at the time.
The fast-moving storm prompted warnings for residents to take shelter, but few people have basements in the area.
Heavy snow fell at some Lake Tahoe ski resorts, and a 112-mph (181-kph) gust of wind was recorded at the Mammoth Mountain resort south of Yosemite National Park, according to the weather service's office in Reno, Nevada. Up to 3 feet (91 centimeters) of snow was forecast for Sierra Nevada mountaintops.
The weekend Tahoe Live music festival at Palisades Tahoe ski resort in California went ahead as planned in spite of a snowstorm Saturday. Lil Wayne and Diplo were scheduled to perform Sunday, the festival's website said. The resort said it has received 3.5 feet (1 meter) of snow since Friday. An avalanche warning was in effect at least until Monday morning in the area.
Interstate 80 was closed along an 80-mile (130-kilometer) stretch from Applegate, California, to the Nevada line just west of Reno on Saturday. The California Highway Patrol reopened the road in the afternoon for passenger vehicles with chains or four-wheel drive and snow tires.
The severe weather in the Midwest resulted in at least one death. The Washington County Sheriff's office in Nebraska said a 57-year-old woman died after she lost control of her pickup on Highway 30 near Arlington and hit an oncoming truck. The other driver sustained minor injuries.
Businesses announced plans to open late Saturday as temperatures rose high enough in the afternoon to melt the ice in most places.
"Luckily some warmer air is moving in behind this to make it temporary," said Dave Cousins, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's office in Davenport, Iowa.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.wmot.org/2024-12-15/storms-across-u-s-bring-heavy-snow-dangerous-ice-and-a-tornado-in-california
| 2024-12-16T05:56:57Z
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AYESHA RASCOE, HOST:
Now, y'all know we love a good book roundup. But we're going to switch gears right now and do an audiobook roundup with none other than Kendra Winchester. She's a contributing editor for Book Riot and a connoisseur of audio books. Welcome back to the program, Kendra.
KENDRA WINCHESTER: Oh, happy to be back. Thanks for having me.
RASCOE: So, you know, you could have the best written book on the planet, but it can be a real snoozeville if it's not read out loud well. Tell us about your first pick. What makes it a great audiobook?
WINCHESTER: Well, one of the picks today is one of the buzziest books of the year, and that is "James" by Percival Everett, and that's performed by Dominic Hoffman. "James" is a reimagining of the character Jim from Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn." And Percival Everett's James, as a character - he gets a much bigger backstory. And one of the reasons why I think this makes for a great audiobook is because James and the other enslaved Black people around him use dialect as a form of protection. And you can hear the code switching that James does throughout the book. And with Dominic Hoffman performing it, it's just a phenomenal listen.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
DOMINIC HOFFMAN: (Reading) You're walking down the street, and you see that Mrs. Holiday's kitchen is on fire. She's standing in her yard, her back to her house, unaware. How do you tell her? Fire. Fire, January said. Direct, and that's almost correct, I said. The youngest of them, lean and tall 5-year-old Rachel said, lordy, missum. Looky there. Perfect, I said. Why is that correct? Lizzie raised her hand. Because we must let the whites be the ones who named the trouble. And why is that, I asked. February said, because they need to know everything before us, because they need to name everything. Good.
RASCOE: I understand that learning how to say the right thing to survive is a theme in another one of your picks. Tell us about "Gay The Pray Away."
WINCHESTER: So "Gay The Pray Away" is written and read by Natalie Naudus. She is an audiobook narrator. And when I heard she had her debut young-adult novel coming out, I knew I had to listen because she's such a great performer. And this story is about Valerie Danners, who's in a cult.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
NATALIE NAUDUS: (Reading) I am always lying. I'm lying right now with my face during this prayer meeting. Mom prays long and loud, and I keep my face still, calm, blank through years of practice. Make the right shape, I tell myself. Look devout, draw your brows down, look like you are concentrating. You can do this, Valerie.
WINCHESTER: She's a teenager. She's homeschooled. Every piece of clothing has to be approved by her dad. She can only listen to certain kinds of music, and she really has no other community other than her church and her family. But one day, she's in the library, and she finds a novel where two girls fall in love, and there is just something she recognizes in herself in that story. And then a new girl shows up at church, and sparks fly, and we have this romance bloom between them.
RASCOE: You have an audiobook suggestion for people who like historical fiction, family dramas and a little mystery all in one. This book is "The Warm Hands Of Ghosts" by Katherine Arden. Why is this such a good listen?
WINCHESTER: Well, one, I love the performers, like, Michael Crouch and January LaVoy. But also, I love historical fiction with, like, a dose of horror in it. And this story is set during World War I. And we have Laura, who is a nurse, who has just returned from the front. She was wounded. And she receives a box of her brother's effects, and at first, she thinks he's died on the front over in Europe. But there's a note in there, and he may still be alive. And we get chapters from Freddie's perspective, her brother, and he ends up in a battle in the trenches. He ends up in a pillbox, and he's trapped in there with an enemy soldier.
MICHAEL CROUCH: (Reading) He remembered running like an animal - dead bodies, gray uniforms, the roar of the explosion. Dickinson, a bloody froth at his lips. No. Was that earlier? And now, himself in darkness, buried. Dead and buried, wasn't that the phrase? The shell must have collapsed the pillbox somehow or flipped it or killed him outright. He was trapped.
WINCHESTER: And we are sitting on the edge of our seats wondering what on earth happened to him.
RASCOE: Yeah, that sounds like a good mystery and some horror in there, so I like that a lot. That's Kendra Winchester, contributing editor of Book Riot. Thank you so much for bringing us this audiobook roundup. This is getting me excited about these books.
WINCHESTER: Of course, anytime. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.wvasfm.org/2024-12-15/listen-up-here-are-some-of-the-best-audiobooks-of-the-year
| 2024-12-16T05:56:57Z
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Syria's HTS leader meets UN envoy on national political transition
By IANS | Published: December 16, 2024 11:07 AM2024-12-16T11:07:51+5:302024-12-16T11:10:09+5:30
Damascus, Dec 16 Syria's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader, Ahmad al-Shara, held a meeting with UN Special Envoy ...
Damascus, Dec 16 Syria's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader, Ahmad al-Shara, held a meeting with UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen in Damascus to discuss the political transition in the country, according to a statement released by local al-Watan Online news outlet.
Al-Shara, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, said that UN Security Council Resolution 2254, adopted in 2015 concerning Syria's political transition, now requires an update to reflect the current realities in the country, urging a "fresh approach" that aligns with Syria's new leadership and evolving circumstances, Xinhua news agency reported.
During the meeting, al-Shara underlined the importance of "swift and effective" cooperation to address Syrian citizens' needs, restore the country's territorial unity, and pave the way for reconstruction and economic development.
He also stressed the need for "careful, deliberate steps" in rehabilitating state institutions to ensure the forming of a "strong and efficient" governance system.
The HTS leader pledged to create a safe environment for the return of refugees, adding that the measures are being implemented with "great caution" and supervised by specialised teams so as to ensure optimal outcomes for the nation's future.
For his part, Pedersen said that the UN is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation in the country and is looking forward to the next steps toward a political transition following the ouster of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Speaking to reporters in Damascus earlier in the day, Pedersen emphasised the importance of Syrian state institutions fully resuming their functions under secure conditions.
"We are working with all segments of the Syrian people...and we want to see no acts of revenge. Instead, we must ensure that institutions return to work, backed by the necessary security measures," he said.
Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
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https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/syrias-hts-leader-meets-un-envoy-on-national-political-transition/
| 2024-12-16T05:56:59Z
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Zebronics has unveiled its latest ad campaign with Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan. The ad-film contrasts reel and real-life interactions, showcasing how Zebronics’ LED TVs and Soundbars enhance entertainment experiences.
The campaign features Hrithik Roshan in a story where fans are more drawn to his on-screen persona than his real-life presence.
“Hrithik Roshan epitomises the spirit that Zebronics stands for - premium, aspirational and transformative. Through this campaign, we’re yet again breaking barriers by showcasing how technologies like Dolby Atmos and DTS-X along with state-of-the art visuals on our range of smart LED TVs, which were a symbol of opulence & exorbitance, are now accessible to everyone. Zebronics’ brand credibility resonates with our mission to furnish ‘Premium for Masses’ wherein with this campaign, it is to make surreal home entertainment a reality for every home; transforming homes into cozy yet fantastic cinematic hubs. With Hrithik leading the narrative, we’re driving the message that exceptional quality is no longer reserved for a few – it is for everyone. Pushing the envelope further, we have more to offer in the coming year in this genre of Home Entertainment that will inspire our beloved consumers to embrace the joy of Cinematic Home Experience and thus staying ‘Always Ahead’ with us.” – says Rajesh Doshi, director and co-founder of Zebronics.
“I’m so excited for this new ad campaign with such a smart and witty narrative that showcases the phenomenal visual and sound experience of Zebronics TV & Soundbars accessible to every Indian home. As a brand, Zebronics is always ahead of the curve pioneering new solutions and innovations, keeping consumer needs at the heart of everything, and delivering the best-in-class experience. I am proud to be a part of the Zebronics family.” – said Hrithik Roshan, brand ambassador, Zebronics.
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https://www.afaqs.com/news/advertising/hrithik-roshan-fans-choose-his-on-screen-persona-in-zebronics-new-ad-8443315
| 2024-12-16T05:57:01Z
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Milan's Via MonteNapoleone usurps New York's Fifth Avenue as world's most upscale shopping street
Shoppers laden with bags from Fendi, Loewe, Prada and other designer labels clog the narrow sidewalks of Milan’s swankiest shopping street
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Your support makes all the difference.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.”
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https://www.the-independent.com/news/milan-ap-fendi-new-york-loewe-b2664862.html
| 2024-12-16T05:57:01Z
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Indian tabla player Zakir Hussain — who united musicians from diverse cultures and by doing so, shaped modern world music — died on Sunday in San Francisco. He was 73.
In a statement, his family said the cause of death was idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
"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," his family added.
Hussain's career spanned over five decades, during which he was revered as both a national treasure in India and admired worldwide.
He defied genres and collaborated with an impressive range of musicians, including jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd, bluegrass artists Edgar Meyer and Béla Fleck, as well as rockstars George Harrison and Van Morrison. His versatility earned him the rare distinction of performing twice on NPR's Tiny Desk — once in 2010 and then in 2023.
"You know, you come from India and you say, 'OK, I'm representing a 3,000-year-old history,' so you think you're gonna teach the world about rhythms and drums and so on," he told NPR in 2015. "And then you arrive here. You suddenly realize that you know nothing. You're just one little dot in the painting that is the music of the universe."
Beyond his performances, Hussain was admired for his passion to teaching Indian drumming, further spreading appreciation for the art form.
Hussain often said that his musical journey began soon after he was born in Bombay. In the 2015 NPR interview, he recalled a tradition where a father whispers a prayer into his newborn son's ear. Instead, his father chose to sing him rhythms.
"My mother was very upset and said, 'Why are you doing this?' And he said, 'Because this is my prayer,'" Hussain said.
He told NPR that it was his father's dream for him to carry on the tradition of being an Indian classical musician. His father, Alla Rakha, was considered one of the world's greatest player's of tabla, a centuries-old Indian hand drum. His father taught Hussain how to play the tabla when he was 7 years old.
But his father also introduced Hussain to music from around the world, which is how Hussain fell in love with rock and Western music.
"I was the only kid on the block who was walking down the street with a boombox on my shoulder, playing as loud as I could 'Light My Fire,'" Hussain recalled.
In 1970, at 19, Hussain traveled to the U.S. where he spent the following years working with rockstars like George Harrison, Van Morrison and Mickey Hart, the drummer from The Grateful Dead. He also played with jazz musician John Handy.
In 1973, Hussain formed the Indian jazz fusion band Shakti with jazz guitarist John McLaughlin. With its melodic and rhythm instruments, the band helped American listeners appreciate sounds and instruments beyond Western music.
In 2024, Hussain became the first musician from India to receive three Grammy awards in the same year after Shakti won Best Global Music Album, and Hussain's collaboration with Edgar Meyer and Béla Fleck featuring Rakesh Chaurasia won Best Global Music Performance and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.
Hussain told NPR in 2015 that throughout the course of his career, he has found similarities between rhythmists around the world — regardless of approach or style.
"We were all on the same wavelength, the same quest, looking for perfection, which we will never find. But that didn't matter because it's all about the journey — not the goal," he said.
NPR's Felix Contreras contributed reporting.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.wmot.org/2024-12-15/zakir-hussain-legendary-tabla-virtuoso-who-defied-genres-dies-at-73
| 2024-12-16T05:57:03Z
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Updated December 15, 2024 at 19:06 PM ET
OMAHA, Neb. — A tornado near a mall in central California swept up cars, uprooted trees and sent several people to the hospital. In San Francisco, authorities issued the first-ever tornado warning.
Elsewhere, inclement weather plagued areas of the U.S., with dangerous conditions including heavy snow in upstate New York, a major ice storm in Midwest states and severe weather warnings around Lake Tahoe.
The ice storm beginning Friday evening created treacherous driving conditions across Iowa and eastern Nebraska on Friday and into Saturday and prompted temporary closures of Interstate 80 after numerous cars and trucks slid off the road. In upstate New York, more than 33 inches (84 centimeters) was reported near Orchard Park, which is often a landing point for lake-effect snow.
On Saturday, a tornado touched down around 1:40 p.m. near a shopping mall in Scotts Valley, California, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) south of San Francisco. The tornado overturned cars and toppled trees and utility poles, the National Weather Service said. The Scotts Valley Police Department said several people were injured and taken to hospitals.
In San Francisco, some trees toppled onto cars and streets and damaged roofs. The damage was due to 80-mph (130-kph) straight-line winds, not a tornado, weather service meteorologist Dalton Behringer said Sunday.
Roger Gass, a meteorologist in the weather service's office in Monterey, California, said the warning of a possible tornado in San Francisco was a first for the city, noting an advanced alert did not go out before the last tornado struck nearly 20 years ago.
"I would guess there wasn't a clear signature on radar for a warning in 2005," said Gass, who was not there at the time.
The fast-moving storm prompted warnings for residents to take shelter, but few people have basements in the area.
Heavy snow fell at some Lake Tahoe ski resorts, and a 112-mph (181-kph) gust of wind was recorded at the Mammoth Mountain resort south of Yosemite National Park, according to the weather service's office in Reno, Nevada. Up to 3 feet (91 centimeters) of snow was forecast for Sierra Nevada mountaintops.
The weekend Tahoe Live music festival at Palisades Tahoe ski resort in California went ahead as planned in spite of a snowstorm Saturday. Lil Wayne and Diplo were scheduled to perform Sunday, the festival's website said. The resort said it has received 3.5 feet (1 meter) of snow since Friday. An avalanche warning was in effect at least until Monday morning in the area.
Interstate 80 was closed along an 80-mile (130-kilometer) stretch from Applegate, California, to the Nevada line just west of Reno on Saturday. The California Highway Patrol reopened the road in the afternoon for passenger vehicles with chains or four-wheel drive and snow tires.
The severe weather in the Midwest resulted in at least one death. The Washington County Sheriff's office in Nebraska said a 57-year-old woman died after she lost control of her pickup on Highway 30 near Arlington and hit an oncoming truck. The other driver sustained minor injuries.
Businesses announced plans to open late Saturday as temperatures rose high enough in the afternoon to melt the ice in most places.
"Luckily some warmer air is moving in behind this to make it temporary," said Dave Cousins, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's office in Davenport, Iowa.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.wvasfm.org/2024-12-15/storms-across-u-s-bring-heavy-snow-dangerous-ice-and-a-tornado-in-california
| 2024-12-16T05:57:04Z
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Vijay Diwas celebrations start in Dhaka
By ANI | Published: December 16, 2024 10:49 AM2024-12-16T10:49:26+5:302024-12-16T10:50:08+5:30
Dhaka [Bangladesh], December 16 : Vijay Diwas celebrations in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka have started with a 31 gun salute ...
Dhaka [Bangladesh], December 16 : Vijay Diwas celebrations in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka have started with a 31 gun salute at sunrise. Six guns of an artillery regiment of the Bangladesh Army saluted the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives in the Bangladesh Liberation War by firing 31 rounds of cannon.
Vijay Diwas for the 1971 Liberation War is celebrated on December 16, to commemorate India's victory against Pakistan in the 13-day war, which ended with Pakistan signing the instrument of surrender in Dhaka and the subsequent liberation of Bangladesh (erstwhile East Pakistan).
On December 16, 1971, Pakistan's Armed Forces Chief General Amir Abdullah Niazi surrendered along with 93,000 soldiers before the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini of Bangladesh.
India and Bangladesh will jointly commemorate the 53rd anniversary of Vijay Diwas of the 1971 India-Pakistan war today, with the annual exchange of war veterans and serving officers.
Eight Indian war veterans and two serving officers of the Indian Armed Forces have arrived in Dhaka to commemorate Bangladesh's Victory Day celebrations.
Similarly, eight distinguished Muktijoddhas (freedom fighters) and two serving officers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces also reached India to participate in the Vijay Diwas celebrations in Kolkata today, the Indian Army said on Sunday.
On the eve of Vijay Diwas, President Droupadi Murmu attended an 'At-Home' reception at Army House, hosted by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan were also present for the occasion.
During the reception, the President, Defence Minister and Vice President also interacted with veterans, diplomatic fraternity, Asha school children and various other eminent personalities. According to reports, 3,900 Indian soldiers are believed to have died and 9,851 were injured during the war of 1971.
The Indian Army also said that Vice President and Defence Minister interacted 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.
https://x.com/adgpi/status/1868356732692619354
The event also gave an opportunity to the tribal community to showcase their talent. The dignitaries carried out heartfelt interactions with the VeerNaris saluting their sacrifice for the nation, the post added.
Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
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| 2024-12-16T05:57:05Z
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CM's Shocking Response to Minor's Rape
When asked about probe into the rape of a six-year-old in a Bangalore school, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah snapped back, asking "Is this the only news we have?"
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remained defiant on Tuesday when asked about probe into the rape of a six-year-old in a Bangalore school.
"Is this the only news you can cover?" was his response when questioned by reporters on the rape over a six-year-old at a Bangalore school.
The CM's remarks came amid outrage and protests by parents and activists outside the Vibgyor High School, where the child was raped allegedly by a skating instructor, on July 2. The mother found out a week later.
The skating instructor, identified as 30-year-old Mustafa, was arrested on Sunday.
According to senior police officers, the teacher's laptop was found with child pornorgraphy, including a video that was titled "Rape of a Child in School".
According to reports, Mustafa was dismissed from Deen's school. The reasons for dismissal are still unknown, Police Commissioner Raghavendra Auradkar said.
The police said that they were investigating whether he abused other children.
Earlier, an ugly scuffle broke out between protesters and police on Monday outside the school.
Cracking the whip, Karnataka government on Monday transferred Bangalore city Police Commissioner Raghavendra Auradkar in the wake of a series of rape cases.
Auradkar has been transferred with immediate effect and posted as Additional Director General of Police of Karnataka State Reserve Police, a government notification said.
The city police chief had come under severe criticism over the handling of the issue and faced public ire with protesters demanding answers for the delay in arresting the culprits involved in the incident, which had evoked public outrage.
In recent days, a 22-year old woman was allegedly raped when she was with her friend in a car after they were forcibly driven away by four men, one of whom committed the crime. A 16-year old nun was also allegedly raped at a seminary.
PTI
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https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/is-this-the-only-news-you-can-cover-karnataka-cm-siddaramaiahs-shocking-response-to-6yearolds-rape-163221.html
| 2024-12-16T05:57:06Z
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Shiv Sena MLA Narendra Bhondekar Quits Party Posts Over Exclusion From Maharashtra Cabinet
By Lokmat English Desk | Published: December 16, 2024 11:06 AM2024-12-16T11:06:33+5:302024-12-16T11:07:14+5:30
Shiv Sena MLA Narendra Bhondekar has resigned from all party posts and expressed disappointment at not being included in ...
Shiv Sena MLA Narendra Bhondekar has resigned from all party posts and expressed disappointment at not being included in the Maharashtra cabinet. Speaking to reporters in Bhandara on Sunday, Bhondekar, who was the Shiv Sena's deputy leader and coordinator for eastern Vidarbha districts, claimed his party head and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had promised him a cabinet berth.
Bhondekar said he aspired to secure a cabinet berth and become the guardian minister of the Bhandara district, working for its development. He won the Bhandara constituency by defeating his Congress rival by more than 38,000 votes in the November 20 state polls. On Sunday, 39 legislators from Mahayuti allies, including 16 new faces, were sworn in in the first cabinet expansion of the Devendra Fadnavis-led ministry. Ten former ministers were excluded.
While the BJP secured 19 ministerial berths by virtue of being the largest party among allies, Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) were allotted 11 and 9 berths, respectively. Bhondekar said, "I joined the Shiv Sena on the condition that I would be given a cabinet berth. Shinde had even promised me the same. When Shinde became chief minister in the previous government, I was an independent MLA and extended support to him."
The Sena leader claimed his name was also considered for a ministerial position during the last cabinet expansion (of the previous Mahayuti government). "When I reviewed the cabinet list and realised I was omitted, I decided to step down from all positions in the party," he said. Bhondekar said he intended to secure a cabinet post to become the guardian minister of Bhandara district, but he will now serve as an ordinary party worker.
For several years, Bhandara district consistently had an outsider as the guardian minister, a practice that hindered the resolution of issues affecting the district, Bhondekar claimed. I no longer have the mindset to hold any official position. I have submitted my resignation to my party leaders and await their response," he said.
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| 2024-12-16T05:57:07Z
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Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, 73, passed away in a U.S. hospital due to heart issues. Hussain, also known as Ustaad, had a remarkable career spanning six decades. His band Shakti won a Grammy earlier this year. Hussain has also recieved four other Grammy Awards earlier in his career.
Born on March 9, 1951, Hussain is also the son of legendary tabla master Ustad Alla Rakha, India's best-known tabla player of his generation, who often accompanied sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar on stage. Hussain is one of India's most celebrated classical musicians. He received the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.
The musician worked with several renowned international and Indian artists. However, his 1973 musical project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar, and percussionist TH 'Vikku' Vinayakram brought together Indian classical and elements of jazz in a fusion hitherto unknown. Furthermore, his collaborations with western artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Charles Lloyd, Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Mickey Hart, and George Harrison brought Indian classical music to an international audience.
Wah Ustad Wah!
However, Ustad became a household name in 1988 as the face of the Taj Mahal Tea brand. The TV commercial now regarded as a classic, showed Hussain immersed in his tabla riyaaz, against the Taj Mahal only to later sip on the tea as a voiceover praises his craft and says, "Wah ustad, wah!" to which the maestro responds "Arre huzoor, wah Taj boliye!"
The ad remains etched in people's memories after all these years. The commercial became a cultural phenomenon, embedding itself in the collective memory of viewers and establishing Hussain as a household name as well as the brand ambassador for the Taj Mahal Tea.
The brand later released several adaptations of the 'Wah Taj' campaign featuring personalities like Aditya Kalyanpur and Alisha Chinai.
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https://www.afaqs.com/news/advertising/ustad-zakir-hussain-tabla-legend-face-of-taj-mahal-tea-no-more-8442987
| 2024-12-16T05:57:07Z
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Archaeologists make unprecedented discovery of Roman soldier’s remains from ‘year 0’
Experts have for the first time been able to put a name to a Roman grave dating back over 2000 years in the Netherlands
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Your support makes all the difference.Archaeologists have unearthed a unique grave of a Roman soldier “from year 0” in the Netherlands, shedding light on the ancient civilisation’s presence in the region.
The 2,000-year-old grave was discovered in the municipality of Heerlen last month and belonged to a soldier nicknamed “Flaccus” who lived around 0AD, researchers said.
They deduced the name from the word “Flac” carved into a bowl found in the grave.
“Today, evidence was found of Roman habitation in the time of Emperor Augustus. A unique discovery that not only teaches us more about our past, but also shows how unique the story of Roman Heerlen is for the Netherlands,” Jordy Clemens, Heerlen’s council member for culture and heritage, said in a statement.
Analysis of the newly found gravesite led researchers to date Heerlen’s earliest settlement to the Augustan era from 0 to 20AD.
The gravesite was found during excavations at Raadhuisplein, the town square in Heerlen which sat near the historical roads Via Belgica and Via Traiana and was a key location in the middle of the Roman settlement Coriovallum, archaeologists said.
Coriovallum stood out for its elaborate Roman bathhouse, the oldest stone building in the Netherlands built around 40AD. The structure also included a restaurant and a library, suggesting it was a meeting place and served multiple functions in the Roman era.
The latest findings could provide new insights into the residential history of the city, archaeologists said. “Never before have we found a Roman grave from this period with a name.”
Researchers also found a bronze skin scraper and four plates along with the bowl in the grave. They traced the pottery to ancient Italy, confirming that Flaccus was indeed a Roman soldier.
Previous digs in the region, unearthing pottery shreds, could not prove the presence of a settlement as there was a possibility the artefacts could have been discarded during travel.
The Flaccus grave offered convincing evidence of Roman presence in the region, researchers said. “It is a unique find because it is not only the oldest Roman grave in Heerlen but also because no name was known there before,” they explained.
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| 2024-12-16T05:57:08Z
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The United States has made "direct contact" with the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a press conference in Aqaba, Jordan on Saturday.
"We've been in contact with HTS and with other parties," Blinken said, referring to the rebels who drove Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from power in a lightning offensive earlier this month.
Blinken referred to those discussions as "direct contact." He did not elaborate on details of the talks, but did acknowledge that the U.S. has "impressed upon everyone we've been in contact with" the importance of helping to find the missing American journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared near Damascus 12 years ago.
Blinken's comments mark the first time a U.S. official has acknowledged contact with HTS. The Islamist group was once affiliated with al-Qaida, and while it has sought to strike a more moderate tone in recent years, the U.S. still regards it as a terrorist organization — a designation given to the group in May 2018.
Blinken, who was in Jordan meeting with leaders about Syria's future, said the U.S. and its partners "agreed on a set of shared principles to guide our support for Syria and its people going forward."
The U.S. and its partners also agreed to several factors, Blinken said, including that the transition process in the Syrian government should be "Syrian-led and Syrian-owned," citizens should have access to humanitarian aid and that the country "should not be used as a base for terrorist groups or others."
"We know that what happens inside of Syria can have powerful consequences well beyond its borders, from mass displacement to terrorism. And we know that we can't underestimate the challenges of this moment and in the weeks and months ahead," he said. "Our message to the Syrian people is this: We want them to succeed and we're prepared to help them do so."
During an interview last week, the HTS leader, Ahmed al-Shara, formerly known by his nom de guerre, Abu Mohmmad al-Jolani, sought to allay concerns about Syria's future under HTS leadership.
He said fears by other countries "are unnecessary" and was hopeful that Syria "will be rebuilt."
"People are exhausted from war. So the country isn't ready for another one and it's not going to get into another one," he told Sky News. "The source of our fears was from the Iranian militias, Hezbollah and the regime which committed the massacres we are seeing today. So their removal is the solution for Syria. The current situation won't allow for a return to panic."
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.wvasfm.org/2024-12-15/u-s-has-made-contact-with-syrian-rebel-group-hts-blinken-says
| 2024-12-16T05:57:10Z
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Mumbai Investment Scam: Businessman Duped of Rs 85 Lakh; Prime Accused Arrested, Others at Large
By vishal.singh | Published: December 16, 2024 10:37 AM2024-12-16T10:37:30+5:302024-12-16T10:38:40+5:30
A businessman was duped of ₹85 lakh in a fraudulent investment scheme that promised to double the amount in ...
A businessman was duped of ₹85 lakh in a fraudulent investment scheme that promised to double the amount in just 15 months. Dindoshi Police arrested Anwar Ali Mohammed Hassan Machhiwala, the main accused, nearly a year after the incident. Currently, he is in police custody, and further investigations are underway.
The case also revealed the involvement of three others—Sakhi Haider Syed alias Bhallu, Archana Satyendra Singh, and Naji Sakhi Haider Syed—who are absconding. The police are actively searching for them.
The complainant, Ishaq Hunnemiya Syed, a Jogeshwari-based businessman dealing in import-export, was introduced to Sakhi Haider five years ago through his elder brother. Sakhi, who ran a scrap trading business, gained Ishaq’s trust over time by borrowing money for business needs and repaying it promptly.
In October 2019, Sakhi introduced Ishaq to his wife Naji, Archana Singh, and Anwar Ali, claiming they were also involved in the scrap trading business. The group convinced Ishaq to invest in a project, promising significant returns. They assured him that his investment would double within 15 months.
Trusting their promise, Ishaq invested ₹85.48 lakh in the venture. Initially, the group kept their word by repaying smaller amounts to build his confidence. However, when the promised period elapsed, Ishaq tried contacting them to recover his returns, only to discover that they had blocked his phone number.
Sensing foul play, Ishaq reached out to Sakhi using a friend’s phone. Sakhi promised to repay ₹1.7 crore by December 2020 but failed to keep his word. When Ishaq persisted, the accused issued threats, stating, “You were just a pawn for us to extract money. We never intended to return your investment. Call us again, and we will kill you.”
Following these threats, Ishaq approached Dindoshi Police and filed a complaint against the five accused. The police registered a case under IPC Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating), 506(2) (criminal intimidation), and 34 (common intent).
While all the accused initially fled, the police launched a special operation, which led to the arrest of Anwar Ali Machhiwala. Efforts are ongoing to trace the remaining accused.
Further investigation is underway to uncover the full extent of the fraud and the accused's activities.
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| 2024-12-16T05:57:13Z
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2024 has been a landmark year for Meta, making significant strides in artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR). These advancements took centre stage at the Meta Connect 2024 event on September 25, 2024, when the company unveiled cutting-edge updates and prototypes.
Introduction to several AI-powered features
In May 2024, Meta launched enhanced generative AI features for advertisers, such as full image and text generation to help businesses grow. The goal is to help advertisers at every step of the journey, whether that’s improving ad performance by helping develop creative variations or automating certain parts of the ad creation process.
Additionally, businesses can now apply text overlays to images, choosing from a dozen popular font typeface options. Lastly, image expansion, a feature that allows businesses to seamlessly adjust creative assets to fit different aspect ratios across multiple surfaces, is now available on Reels and Feed across both Instagram and Facebook and can now work seamlessly with text overlays on ads.
Meta introduced updates to its AI portfolio, headlined by the launch of the Llama 3.2 model, capable of interpreting both images and text. Users can now interact with Meta AI, which features both system and celebrity voices, including John Cena and Dame Judi Dench. The platform also demonstrated real-time language translation via Ray-Ban smart glasses. UFC fighter Brandon Moreno and Zuckerberg showcased this feature by seamlessly translating Spanish to English.
On the business front, Meta reported that over one million advertisers are already using its generative AI tools, showcasing the platform’s growing influence in the ad tech space.
Ray-Ban Glasses
Meta also unveiled upgraded Ray-Ban smart glasses, equipped with advanced features like real-time object identification, video AI, and translation. The glasses integrate seamlessly with WhatsApp and Messenger for audio messaging.
Chronology
In June 2024, Meta gradually rolled out its artificial intelligence chatbot, MetaAI, for Indian users. It is available in English across the company's suite of apps, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger. It is also available through the recently launched Meta.ai website.
In October 2024, Meta announced that it is experimenting with AI-driven video editing features, enabling advertisers to animate static images and extend the borders of video content. This new tool aims to give brands more creative control and flexibility when creating ads for Facebook and Instagram, offering enhanced ways to engage users with dynamic visuals. Additionally, it introduced new AI-powered tools that allow advertisers to transform static images into dynamic videos. The AI can also expand existing videos by generating additional pixels, effectively enlarging the content without losing quality.
On October 28, 2024, Meta announced that its artificial intelligence chatbot will now use Reuters content to provide real-time answers to user questions about news and current events. According to a report by Axios, Reuters will receive compensation for its journalism through a multi-year agreement with Meta.
Profits in Q1 2024
In Q1 2024, the company more than doubled its profits, reporting earnings of $12.37 billion ($4.71 per share), compared to $5.71 billion ($2.20 per share) in the same period last year.
Ad revenue surged to $35.37 billion, up from $28.1 billion in Q1 2023, driven by a 6% rise in average ad prices across Meta’s platforms. Zuckerberg attributed the growth to the company’s AI tools, expressing confidence that Meta AI would become the world’s most-used assistant by year-end.
Profits in Q2 2024
In its second quarter 2024 results on July 31, 2024, Meta reported that its ad revenue increased by 22% to $38.3 billion compared to $31.4 billion in 2023. Net income for the quarter ending June 30, 2024, surged by 73% to $13.4 billion compared to $7.7 billion.
Profits in Q3 2024
Meta reported a record revenue of $40.58 billion for Q3 2024, a 19% year-over-year increase. Driven by robust advertising growth, Meta’s ad revenue reached $39.8 billion for the quarter, a marked rise from $33.6 billion in the same period last year. The quarterly results outpaced Wall Street forecasts, which had projected total revenue of $40.29 billion.
Meta’s 2024 troubles
Apart from AI updates and financial performance, Meta also became a victim to a rumour. In August 2024, rumours surfaced that, starting August 27, the company would allow advertisements for alcohol and real-money gambling in India, Asia-Pacific (APAC), and Latin America (LATAM). This decision sparked debate, with critics arguing that by permitting such ads, Meta might be promoting behaviours linked to significant health and social risks.
However, after a day, amid the anticipatory discussions among industry experts regarding its application, feedback, and concerns, Meta issued a formal statement to clarify all doubts.
According to the company's spokesperson, Meta always carefully drafts its official guidelines to comply with local laws.
"When we set business policies for our service, we respect local laws, and therefore certain business messaging or other types of communication are not going to be allowed in certain countries, including India. The referenced communication lacked that precision that is reflected in our formal policies and documents," the spokesperson said.
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https://www.afaqs.com/news/digital/how-ai-propelled-metas-2024-growth-for-advertisers-and-consumers-alike-8442627
| 2024-12-16T05:57:13Z
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Royal Mail takeover by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky ‘approved’
The takeover by Daniel Kretinsky’s EP Group from current owner International Distribution Services will be announced on Monday, the BBC reported
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Your support makes all the difference.The sale of Royal Mail’s parent company to a Czech billionaire has been approved by the Government, according to a BBC report.
The takeover by Daniel Kretinsky’s EP Group from current owner International Distribution Services will be announced on Monday, the BBC reported.
Mr Kretinsky is believed to have made several concessions to gain approval, including allowing workers to get a 10% share of any dividends paid out to him.
The government will reportedly keep a so-called “golden share” that will mean it needs to approve any key changes to Royal Mail’s ownership, headquarter location and tax residency.
He had already guaranteed not to raid the pensions surplus, to maintain the universal service and to keep the brand name and Royal Mail’s headquarters and tax residency in the UK for the next five years.
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https://www.the-independent.com/news/uk/home-news/royal-mail-takeover-billionaire-daniel-kretinsky-net-worth-b2664877.html
| 2024-12-16T05:57:14Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
Two important food holidays are meeting up this year. December 25 is both Christmas and also the first night of Hanukkah.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: Well, we did not want to miss the opportunity to explore the potential for a feast for all. And to help us imagine what to prepare, we have called on Sarah Lohman, who's a food historian and writer. Sarah has put together a menu for us, and my only regret here is that this is a remote interview and I cannot eat it all right now. So that being said, welcome to ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, Sarah.
SARAH LOHMAN: Hi, Scott. Thank you.
DETROW: When you first realized the alignment here, what was your first thought?
LOHMAN: OK, first thought was, of course, fry everything.
DETROW: Yeah.
LOHMAN: I mean, maybe it's obvious, maybe it's my first thought, but I was like, let's fry things that have never been fried before. Let's make it the Iowa State Fair up in here.
DETROW: (Laughter).
LOHMAN: OK, so the fun part of this project for me was I got to reach out to my community. And I started talking to my friend Leah Koenig, who is the author of the recent cookbook "Portico," which is about Roman Jewish culture. And she pointed out to me that latke, the traditional Hanukkah fried potato pancake - they really aren't that old in terms of Judaism. The practice originates with German Jews in the late 18th century. So that's like a drop in the bucket of the multiple-thousand-year history. So that's when I said, OK, well, is there another direction we can go here?
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: So you have put together a menu. And before we go into it, tell me...
LOHMAN: Feast.
DETROW: A feast - important correction.
LOHMAN: (Laughter) I think.
DETROW: Tell me what you ended up organizing it around. What were the central thoughts? What were you trying to bring together?
LOHMAN: Well, I also happen to know a lot of people who are Christian or specifically Catholic and Jewish from populations around the world. And I think particularly in America, we can get sort of lost the idea of Christian as being a majority faith here, whereas in most of the world, it is a minority faith. And so I decided to put together a multicourse menu that looks at regions that have traditional, historical Christian and Jewish populations and look at where their food intersects and differentiates. I really believe that, like, cooking can be an act of learning; eating can be an act of education. And so I wanted to use this moment, this party, this feast, this festival to make space for the understanding of the long histories of these faiths throughout the world.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: That being said, let's get going. Tell us what the first course is.
LOHMAN: OK, so for the first course, we're going to go to China, which does have a historical Jewish population. No one's quite sure when they came, but they came into the area around Kaifeng, which is in Henan, which - not Hunan, Henan, which is a northern Chinese province. And it's difficult to trace dishes from Jewish ancestry there. There's maybe only about 1,000 Kaifeng Jews today. But one we know of is a Kaifeng noodle-blanketed carp. And it's a whole fish that's wok fried, and it's served with a sauce made from vinegar, rice wine, ginger and scallions. And then you top it with crispy fried noodles.
But if you're not up for frying a whole fish, which not everybody is, I would recommend ordering in some Henanese cuisine. Soup dumplings, or xiaolongbao, are from the Henan area. But don't get the pork ones. Get ones made with lamb or chicken and vegetables, or you could also order in some hui mian (ph), which are wide wheat noodles. I should note in this whole menu, I decided to avoid pork, shellfish, and I didn't serve meat and dairy so that anyone can come to your house for this party of any religious background and be able to eat the food.
DETROW: All right, so walk me through the last main dish.
LOHMAN: OK, so last main dish, we're going to go to Ethiopia. And I think, you know, this might be - sound like a simple answer, but the national dish of Ethiopia is dora wat, which is a chicken stew, and it's dark meat chicken, slow cooked with hard boiled eggs, garlic ginger, onions, tomato, and you finish the top with a sprinkle of black cardamom. So I also love the connections, the spice connections and flavor connections made through these dishes. Now, dora wat is sort of the Coptic Christian name for it, but it's also known as sanbat wat in Ethiopian Jewish communities. And sanbat means Shabbat. So a lot of these two aren't necessarily Hanukkah dishes. Actually, the Ethiopian Jews didn't traditionally celebrate Hanukkah in Ethiopia. But now over 100,000 Ethiopian Jews have moved to Israel and another thousand are here in America too. So they've moved in the cultures that celebrate Hanukkah. And definitely, you should make it with injera, too.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: So assuming there's any room left at all after all of these dishes so far, I know you've put a lot of thought into a very important holiday item, and that is desserts.
LOHMAN: Oh, my gosh, of course. I mean, but there is always room for dessert.
DETROW: (Laughter).
LOHMAN: So I've got two ideas here. One is cassola, which is from my original person who gave me this idea, Leah Koenig. It's a cheesecake that was created by Roman Jews, and it actually descends from this idea of pancake-making on Hanukkah. Hanukkah, you know, oil, things that are fried and things that are dairy are sort of traditional Hanukkah foods. Cassola was originally made on stove tops, like a really thick pancake. Now it's baked, and now it's actually crossed over that it's a favorite served by Roman Catholics on Christmas. So it's a ricotta cheesecake made with cinnamon, vanilla and raisins.
Now, for some people, having dairy after meat is OK, but for some people, it's not. So if you want to stick to a menu that's kosher friendly, I'd also recommend bolo menino. Bolo menino is named after the Christ child, and it's a cake made in Macao, which is governed somewhat by China, but not totally, so they have more religious freedom. And many people there are also Portuguese descendants, as well. So this is a cake made with crumbled cookies, coconut and pine nuts that is always served on Christmas in Macao.
DETROW: You know, I think a lot of people listening might be taking notes and thinking, I want to do this. And I think there might be a lot of people listening who are thinking, like, oh, my gosh, this sounds so overwhelming.
LOHMAN: (Laughter).
DETROW: What do you say to somebody who, like, loves the idea, but when it comes to, especially, like, a multicourse meal, just kind of gets intimidated?
LOHMAN: You know, there is always a potluck. There's always divvying this up. Or, you know, hey, if you love throwing a party like me, make the whole thing. But if not, just make the one dish that appeals to you. I think that food is always better with a story. And I love the idea of using this December 25 to reflect on these cultures throughout the world. And sometimes they're often difficult stories, too.
DETROW: Yeah. You know, we're talking about learning about different cultures, as this menus together. But, you know, I think for a lot of people, a holiday is also about kind of leaning into your heritage - right? - your family story - right? - in terms of food.
LOHMAN: Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. And I think that we can't forget that many of these cultures that I talked about today also exist within America. These communities are here. And I think for all of us during this holiday season, this is often a time where we connect to our own ancestry. I'm sure that there are people listening right now thinking about the recipes that they're going to make that have been passed down through their families and that really are labors of love that make this feel like a special and important time of year.
DETROW: Absolutely.
LOHMAN: It's religion, but it's celebration, it's family, it's ancestry, too.
DETROW: And all of this is kind of very American, right? Like, you've put together a meal that touches on a dozen different countries and cultures.
LOHMAN: Yeah, but they can all be found here, absolutely.
DETROW: Yeah.
LOHMAN: And to me, I think that that's the most powerful and beautiful thing about America, our diversity. We can be a little hard to govern sometime. We're an unruly lot. But just how many different people become American too, I think that's really the most wonderful thing about living here and celebrating the holidays here.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: That is food historian Sarah Lohman. Her most recent book is just out in paper, "Endangered Eating: America's Vanishing Foods." Thank you so much for taking up the challenge and crafting a Christmas Hanukkah feast for us.
LOHMAN: Oh, my gosh, my pleasure. Now the real challenge is I'm going to have to sit down and make all of this.
DETROW: I think there's no question now. Thank you.
LOHMAN: Thank you.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.wvasfm.org/2024-12-15/what-to-cook-on-hanumas-chrismukah
| 2024-12-16T05:57:17Z
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AIADMK's 2026 Assembly poll campaign to begin with EPS's statewide tour from January
By IANS | Published: December 16, 2024 10:12 AM2024-12-16T10:12:58+5:302024-12-16T10:15:04+5:30
Chennai, Dec 16 The principal opposition party of Tamil Nadu, AIADMK, is gearing up for the 2026 Assembly ...
Chennai, Dec 16 The principal opposition party of Tamil Nadu, AIADMK, is gearing up for the 2026 Assembly elections. Party General Secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) is set to launch a statewide campaign at the end of January.
As part of the campaign, EPS will visit all 234 Assembly constituencies in the state, address rallies and highlight alleged misdeeds of the ruling DMK government.
In a statement released on Monday, the AIADMK announced its plans to appoint full-time organisational in-charges, including women, for each booth committee.
Tamil Nadu has 68,467 booths, and the in-charges will oversee grassroots-level campaign activities.
At the party’s General Council meeting held in Vanagaram on Sunday, EPS emphasized the need to strengthen the party’s youth wing, the Ilaignar Pasarai (Youth Brigades), to attract young voters and revitalize the party.
He instructed district secretaries to recruit more youngsters for the brigades, a concept originally introduced by former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa in 2008.
The initiative played a crucial role in the AIADMK’s victory in the 2011 Assembly elections. Membership in the Youth Brigades is open to individuals aged 18 to 25.
In addition, the party plans to create a separate sports wing to attract youth by organising local sports competitions, a task that the booth in-charges will oversee.
Since its defeat in the 2021 Assembly elections, AIADMK has struggled to regain its footing. The party also faced a crushing defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, failing to secure a single seat out of the 39 in Tamil Nadu and the lone seat in Puducherry.
Meanwhile, the DMK, AIADMK’s principal rival, has already commenced preparations for the 2026 polls.
The DMK has appointed full-time workers for each of the state’s 234 Assembly constituencies.
Half of these workers were selected based on their performance during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the DMK-led INDIA bloc secured a landslide victory, winning all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu and the lone seat in Puducherry.
The DMK’s full-timers were carefully screened and selected with input from local leadership. Interestingly, these appointees are not residents of the constituencies where they have been assigned, ensuring impartiality and focused efforts. DMK President and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has expressed confidence in his party’s chances, claiming that the DMK will win 200 of the 234 Assembly seats in the upcoming elections.
Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
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https://www.lokmattimes.com/national/aiadmks-2026-assembly-poll-campaign-to-begin-with-epss-statewide-tour-from-january/
| 2024-12-16T05:57:19Z
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Warner Bros. Discovery Kids has had an eventful year. The network, which has three kids channels- Pogo, Cartoon Network, and Discovery Kids, has experimented on multiple fronts. While it has made significant investments in local content, it has also expanded its anime universe and innovated with new formats- all in a bid to solidify the network’s position as a leader in the market.
A strong year for kids’ entertainment in India
Uttam Pal Singh, head of the kids' cluster at Warner Bros. Discovery South Asia, told afaqs! that the network achieved remarkable growth in 2024, introducing localised hits such as Little Singham, Jay Jagannath, and Titoo. The network is also innovating with newer formats, such as launching a crossover between Chhota Bheem and Little Singham.
“Despite originating from separate universes and teams, we collaborated with our IP owners—Green Gold and Reliance Animation—to create a shared storytelling universe on Pogo. This collaboration resulted in four movies, all of which ranked number one during their launch weeks, with the first movie setting a record as the highest-rated kids' film in the genre,” says Singh.
Leveraging India’s growing kids' universe
India’s expanding kids' entertainment market provides WBD with long-term growth opportunities. Singh highlights that traditional television remains a trusted medium for parents due to established IPs and compliance. As a result, its investments are primarily centered on linear television, with animation drawing significant appeal.
“For us, the primary audience in terms of reach and engagement remains on television, which continues to grow in India, albeit at a steady rather than double-digit rate. Linear television remains strong, and animation, with its mass appeal, has a significant impact in this space.”
The network’s content is available in six regional languages—Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam—ensuring cultural resonance and maximising brand engagement opportunities.
While television remains the primary focus, WBD is broadening its reach through platforms like Discovery+, which features top-performing shows such as Little Singham. The network has also partnered with Prime Video to launch CN Rewind, a curated add-on channel featuring classics such as The Powerpuff Girls and Tom & Jerry. Additionally, it is active on social media and YouTube to ensure kids wherever they prefer to engage.
Expanding beyond TV with strategic partnerships
Successful TV shows often extend to OTT platforms, although WBD is not yet creating original OTT content for kids.
“Currently, growth and investment in OTT platforms are largely focused on live-action content, typically in the form of limited episodic series. There are only a few examples of animated shows or IPs being developed for OTT,” he explains.
Since the network offers its content in six regional feeds, it provides brands an opportunity to maximise impact by engaging with localised characters and content, driving higher viewership and co-viewing beyond kids.
WBD’s strategy includes partnerships with brands aiming to leverage family-friendly content. Tanaz Mehta, head of advertising revenues for South Asia, explains that co-viewing—where parents and children watch together—offers a unique advertising opportunity. Both traditional and non-traditional brands find value in connecting with these audiences through TV and experiential activations like mall events and school programs.
Channel highlights and target audiences
WBD’s three kids' channels cater to diverse age groups, ensuring broad appeal. Pogo focuses on local animation and superhero IPs such as Chhota Bheem and Little Singham. Cartoon Network blends international and local content, attracting older kids (7-14 years) and teens with anime offerings, while Discovery Kids targets younger viewers with shows like Titoo and legacy classics such as Scooby-Doo and Mr. Bean.
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https://www.afaqs.com/news/media/linear-and-digital-wbd-kids-big-bet-on-the-future-of-entertainment-8442597
| 2024-12-16T05:57:19Z
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What the papers say – December 16
Here are the biggest stories leading Monday’s front pages.
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Your support makes all the difference.Calls to reveal the identity of an alleged Chinese with close links to the Duke of York lead Monday’s front pages.
The Guardian, Daily Mail and The Independent say Ministers are under pressure to act after the businessman allegedly became a confidant of Andrew’s and mixed with former Prime Ministers and “captains of industry”.
Meanwhile, The Sun and The Times both focus on cals for Andrew to “uninvite himself” from Christmas dinner.
The Metro leads on warnings from A&E doctors, who say an official guide on treating patients in corridors is “normalising the dangerous”.
Health Secretary West Streeting backs the Daily Mirror’s campaign to end “cowboy cosmetic surgery”.
The i leads on the European Union telling Sir Keir Starmer he must make major concessions if he wants to strike new security and trade deals. The bloc is reportedly demanding easier migration for under 30s and a new fishing deal.
The London Stock Exchange is on course for its worst year for companies quitting the index since the financial crisis, according to the Financial Times.
The Daily Express says 750,000 people could miss out on winter fuel payments with the application deadline approaching.
Lastly, the Daily Star reports another storm could bring “rain and 70mph winds” in the days leading up to Christmas.
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https://www.the-independent.com/news/uk/mps-duke-of-york-chinese-daily-mail-the-independent-b2664852.html
| 2024-12-16T05:57:20Z
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LeBron James returns and Lakers overcome Anthony Davis injury scare in win
The Lakers were, again, the Lakers — the version from early this season that made optimism seem nothing like foolishness.
For two-and-a-half quarters Sunday night against Memphis, they completely shed the baggage of the past two weeks. The long road miles, the stagnant offense, the physical bruises from losses to bigger, tougher teams all gone.
LeBron James was back, looking like the version of himself that starred this summer in the Olympics. The passes zipped, his feet moved and his control was unquestioned.
This was the team JJ Redick had in the first weeks of the season and the team the Lakers had been desperately trying to recapture in a brutal stretch since.
And then Zach Edey chopped down and pulled on Anthony Davis’ left shoulder, and everything felt like it could change.
It’s clear the Lakers won’t accomplish anything significant this season, so LeBron James and Anthony Davis should leave the team for a title contender.
Davis went to the locker room, the Lakers’ offense stalled, their defense wasn’t as ferocious and their 20-point lead was more than cut in half.
An easy night suddenly got tough.
But instead of folding in the face of pressure like they have so many times over the previous 10 games, the Lakers showed toughness. Davis returned in the fourth quarter. Austin Reaves, bloody from an elbow to the mouth, still fought. Max Christie still defended. James still raced around the court.
The Lakers beat Memphis 116-110 in a game the Grizzlies never led. They set the tone physically, they executed offensively, and Davis dominated, tying season highs with 40 points and 16 rebounds.
James, in his first game back after missing the last two, had 18 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Reaves had 19 points and eight assists.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 25 points before fouling out. Ja Morant scored 20, but he needed 21 shots, with Christie playing one of the best defensive games of his career.
It doesn’t ultimately matter where James spent the last week. It does, though, matter where he wasn’t — with the Lakers. And when he came back, LeBron James, again, looked like LeBron James.
His first points came on a thunderous one-handed dunk. He immediately followed up with a trademark block from behind. And his next hoop came on an acrobatic tip-in, his athleticism on display even in Year 22.
But the other changes were more subtle, the signs of James being mentally refreshed just as obvious.
He popped off the bench to engage with his team during the first quarter, shouting instructions. He sprinted the floor to try and get another highlight slam only to be waived off by Reaves, who patiently probed and found a cutting Davis for a bucket.
“Nice pass,” James said on the way back down the court, his cut drawing the defense, the kind of play that doesn’t show up in a box score.
Before the game, Redick said he and James spoke about the veteran taking time away from the team a week ago before James missed the Lakers’ win against Portland. The break was a chance for James to get physically right with his ailing left foot as much as it was for James to get mentally reset a quarter of the way through the season.
“I played 15 [seasons] and was emotionally, mentally, physically drained, fried. I put everything I had into this game,” Redick said. “I had nothing left. For guys like him and [Chris Paul], Tom Bradys of the world, the Roger Federers of the world, it’s hard to comprehend having that level of sustained excellence for so long, because of the toll that it takes on all of you, not just your body.”
The Lakers will all get another break, not playing again until Thursday in Sacramento.
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https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2024-12-15/lebron-james-returns-lakers-win-anthony-davis-grizzlies
| 2024-12-16T05:57:21Z
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With a ceremony befitting the honor, quarterback Archie Manning, linebacker Rickey Jackson and offensive tackle Willie Roaf became the inaugural inductees into the New Orleans Saints Ring of Honor on Sunday night at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Manning, Jackson and Roaf, three of the most distinguished and productive players in franchise history, were recognized at halftime of the Saints' nationally televised game against the Dallas Cowboys.
"We, as an organization, have given thoughtful consideration and devotion in an effort to properly honor the contributions of the many great people that have proudly represented the New Orleans Saints and the city of New Orleans," said Tom Benson, Saints Owner/Chairman of the Board.
"We are excited to induct the deserving members of the Class of 2013 and allow our fans an opportunity to honor the efforts and contributions that these men have made to our franchise. It is fitting to honor three of the greatest players in our franchise's rich history in Archie, Rickey and Willie."
Manning, a two-time Pro Bowler with the Saints and the NFC MVP in 1978, established virtually every franchise passing record during his career in New Orleans (1971-82).
"Archie Manning was the first iconic player in New Orleans Saints history," Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis said. "Archie was the first face of the franchise.
"He was an elite quarterback before we ever used the term elite."
In 134 games and 129 starts with the Saints, Manning completed 1,849 of 3,335 passes for 21,734 yards and 115 touchdowns. He also ran 357 times for 2,058 yards and 18 touchdowns.
"It's a great honor," said Manning, the second overall pick of the 1971 NFL Draft. "All of my nights and days in the Superdome weren't always great. I'll always remember this night."
Jackson, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010, spent 13 seasons with the Saints, missing only two of a possible 229 regular-season games in his career. Jackson, the Saints' second-round pick (No. 51 overall) in 1981, is the franchise all-time leader in sacks (115) and fumble recoveries (26).
"He was simply the best linebacker on the best linebacking corps in the history of the NFL," Loomis said, referring to the famed "Dome Patrol" linebacker unit that featured Jackson, Sam Mills, Pat Swilling and Vaughan Johnson.
"I put the Saints (honor) right up there with the Hall of Fame," Jackson said. "I chose Mr. Benson to represent me at the Hall of Fame. That tells you what I think of him."
Few offensive linemen in NFL history have been more highly thought of than Roaf, the team's first-round pick (No. 8 overall) in 1993.
Roaf, who also is a Hall of Fame inductee (Class of 2012), was elected to 11 Pro Bowls in his 13-year career, seven times with the Saints. He was with New Orleans from 1993-2001. No Saint has been selected to play in the Pro Bowl as many times as Roaf, a member of the NFL All-Decade teams of the 1990s and 2000s.
"All he did every game, every year, was block his man," Loomis said.
Said Roaf: "I just remember playing here. When I was a young boy, Rickey taught me the ropes. This is going to be a great evening, especially after we finish beating the Cowboys."
The Saints led the Cowboys 28-10 at halftime.
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https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/archie-manning-rickey-jackson-willie-roaf-inducted-into-saints-ring-of--11790882
| 2024-12-16T05:57:21Z
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If you experience bloating, flatulence, or sudden loss of appetite, it may mean that your gut needs attention. Gastritis, which basically means stomach inflammation, maybe the reason behind these symptoms. A bacterium called Helicobacter pylori is one of the main causes of stomach inflammation. If not treated in time, it may even lead to stomach ulcers or stomach cancer. Since the Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with smoking and alcohol, it is best to give up these bad habits, especially if you have them in excess. There are more ways to deal with inflammation in the gut.
Medically termed as gastritis, stomach inflammation is a condition in which the internal lining of the stomach gets inflamed and irritated. It can either be acute (temporary inflammation of the stomach lining) or chronic (long-term condition that causes inflammation of the stomach lining). “The internal lining of the stomach cells or the mucosal layer produce mucus that serves as a protective barrier against the stomach’s strong acid known as the hydrochloric acid,” explains gastroenterology and hepatology expert Dr Shubham Vatsya. But if there is an inflammatory trigger in the stomach, this line of defense gets compromised.
“One of the main stomach inflammation causes is an infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori,” says the expert. The characteristic feature of the bacterium is its survival in the stomach’s high acid environment. It is able to neutralise the acidity of its local environment in the gut, helping the bacterium survive, according to the US National Cancer Institute. It colonises in the gut and disrupts its mucosal layer then the acid damages the internal lining, leading to stomach ulcers or even progressing to stomach cancer.
“People with a weak immunity, such as those suffering from Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or undergoing chemotherapy are at a higher risk of catching infections and getting affected by gastritis,” says the expert. These include infection with a fungi like Candida, virus such as cytomegalovirus or parasites like Strongyloides.
Alcohol is highly erosive in nature and so, can erode the stomach’s mucosal layer, predisposing it to the risk of damage caused by the acidic environment. During a 2010 study published in the Alcohol and Alcoholism journal, researchers found a possible association between alcohol consumption and Helicobacter pylori infection.
Smoking is one of the stomach inflammation causes, as it weakens the stomach’s mucosal layer by inhibiting blood flow to the stomach. Smoking increases the risk of Helicobacter pylori infection, according to 2019 research published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention.
If the body’s immune cells start targeting its own cells by mistake, an autoimmune response gets triggered. “In gastritis, the body’s immune cells target the stomach’s parietal cells that are linked with hydrochloric acid’s production. This results in impairment of absorption of vitamin B12, causing inflammation,” says Dr Vatsya.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be connected to stomach inflammation causes. If you are a regular consumer of drugs like ibuprofen, and aspirin, there are high chances of gastritis. “This happens due to the mechanism of these drugs to block prostaglandins, the chemicals aiding in maintaining the integrity of the stomach’s mucosal lining. The line of defense against the stomach’s acid gets compromised and leads to an inflammatory response,” says the expert.
Physical stress is one of the stomach inflammation causes. “Post-operative phase, burns, or prolonged illness can lead to a condition known as ‘stress ulcers’,” says the expert. It is caused by a compromised protective barrier of the stomach’s mucosal layer.
Most people with gastritis don’t have any symptoms. Sometimes, gastritis can cause indigestion or bleeding in the stomach, according to the US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Other symptoms of gastritis include:
Stomach inflammation causes are many, and so, doctors use different methods to diagnose gastritis.
After finding out the stomach inflammation causes, you may be given certain drugs that can help to deal with gastritis. For instance, if the cause is detected to be H. pylori infection, antibiotics can be prescribed. “For reducing the production of stomach acid, proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole, and pantoprazole, or H2 blockers such as ranitidine, and famotidine are recommended,” says the expert.
Antacids, a combination of compounds with salts of magnesium, calcium, and aluminum as active ingredients, can help to balance out the stomach’s potential hydrogen (pH) levels and maintain its mucosal barrier. They neutralise the acid in the stomach, according to research published in StatPearls in 2023.
Stomach inflammation causes may be connected to vitamin B12 deficiency, which happens when your body does not get enough of this vitamin. Sometimes, your body is not able to absorb enough vitamin B12 from the food that you eat. “If gastritis is autoimmune in origin, there can be an impairment of absorption of vitamin B12. In such cases, vitamin B12 injections can be of great help,” says the expert.
Giving up drinking and smoking is highly recommended or have them in moderation. “Also, eating small meals, but frequently, can protect the mucosa,” says the expert. Refrain from overconsumption of NSAIDs, which may be one of the stomach inflammation causes.
Probiotics for gut health are popular for a reason. They may help to recharge digestive flora and help in healing gastric ulcers, according to research published in the Experimental And Therapeutic Medicine journal in 2016.
After figuring out the causes of stomach inflammation, make sure to get treatment. “If not treated, gastritis can lead to peptic ulcers, which are open sores found in the stomach’s lining. Even blood vessels can get eroded and lead to bleeding,” says Dr Vatsya. Recognise the underlying cause and get proper treatment to avoid any complications.
You can drink water, fresh juice or tea like ginger, and turmeric tea to ease gastritis symptoms. But don't have beverages with milk, as they can lead to worsening of symptoms.
If you have acute gastritis, it may last just a few days. In the case of chronic gastritis, the inflammation can last for months or even years.
Get latest updates on health and wellness along with Preventive Care, Family Care, Reproductive Care, Self Care
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https://www.healthshots.com/preventive-care/self-care/stomach-inflammation-causes/
| 2024-12-16T05:57:21Z
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Dubai: Dubai's Parkin could soon be expanding into a new market - Saudi Arabia.
The biggest provider of paid public parking facilities and services in Dubai has a MoU with BATIC Investment and Logistics Company, a Saudi entity and listed on Tadawul with investments in logistics, transportation, parking, real estate, private and civil security services.
The UAE and Saudi companies will 'assess' opportunities to expand paid parking services in the Kingdom. This would mean collaborating with municipalities, Saudi developers, operators of shopping centres, hotels, and other venues.
BATIC has a parking portfolio of 195,000 parking spaces in five Saudi cities as of now. "Collaborating with the pre-eminent parking operator in the UAE will enable us to optimise the delivery of parking services across our asset base, reducing congestion," said Mohammed Alzamil, Managing Director and Group CEO of BATIC.
The planned collaboration will 'prioritise' adoption of advanced digital technologies, such as 'real-time data analysis, digital gates, sensors and smart cameras to simplify parking, improve utilisation, reduce congestion and create a seamless parking experience for customers'.
"This MoU represents a key step in Parkin's international growth strategy and aligns seamlessly with BATIC's commitment to maintain market share while advancing smart city initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030," said a Parkin statement.
The move comes as the company gets into a major expansion mode. By end March next, there will be variable parking fees in areas operated by Parkin in Dubai. There was also the deal the company entered into with Majid Al Futtaim Group to handle payment services for visitors to three of the biggest malls in Dubai, including Mall of the Emirates.
In Dubai, the company operates around 207,000 paid parking spaces.
On DFM, the Parkin stock is trading at Dh4.84.
"By combining our operational excellence, cutting-edge technology and industry knowhow with BATIC's strong presence, the partnership is poised to deliver innovative, scalable, customer-focused parking solutions that stand to benefit both residents and visitors to the Kingdom, supporting economic growth," said Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali, CEO of Parkin.
According to market analysts, the planned Saudi move is the 'big bang' development that Parkin needs for a take-off. "This is the biggest market in the GCC; Parkin has found a strong local partner and who has access to high traffic locations, and this is a good way to monetise the technology expertise Parkin has developed," said an analyst.
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https://gulfnews.com/business/markets/dubais-parkin-could-soon-expand-services-to-saudi-arabia-after-batic-deal-1.1734326867845
| 2024-12-16T05:57:24Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
When you find success with a project, it can be daunting to try something new. But the comedian Ilana Glazer welcomes that kind of risk. Glazer co-created "Broad City" with Abbi Jacobson, and it was a huge hit. But the two decided to end the show two seasons before their contract ran out. Glazer told NPR's Rachel Martin that part of knowing what to do next is knowing when something should end. And that gamble to move on has paid off for Glazer. Earlier this year, Glazer cowrote and costarred in the movie "Babes." And this Friday, they have a new standup special coming out on Hulu called "Human Magic." Glazer spoke to Rachel Martin on Wild Card, the interview show where guests choose the questions they answer from a deck of cards. And a note, Glazer talks about sex and drug use in this conversation.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED NPR BROADCAST)
RACHEL MARTIN: First three cards - one, two or three.
ILANA GLAZER: I'm going to go with three.
MARTIN: Three - what was your form of rebelling as a teenager?
GLAZER: Oh, my goodness. This - you cracked right in, Rachel Martin.
MARTIN: (Laughter) I did?
GLAZER: You cracked right in. You know why? - because...
MARTIN: (Inaudible) what?
GLAZER: I mean, this is just playing three strings on a guitar for me. This is a whole chord, which is that I didn't quite rebel very much as a child or a teenager. I was very good and was focused on, I guess, goodness and achieving, and my rebellion came - honestly, like, I was not secure in it until, like, the past few years, my rebelling, like, literally against my parents. L-O-L, I'm 37 years old.
MARTIN: Wow.
GLAZER: But of course, I had some rebellion. And I guess it finally came in the form of having sex and smoking weed (laughter) in my, like, senior year of high school. It was like...
MARTIN: I mean, that's pretty, you know, by-the-book, definitional...
GLAZER: Yeah, standard...
MARTIN: ...Of rebelling as a teenager. Yeah, yeah.
GLAZER: ...I would honestly say patriotic.
MARTIN: (Laugher).
GLAZER: So, you know, like, finally, it came - as well as myself. But it was a late - I'm a late bloomer. And then I feel like, really, becoming a parent, I'm like, oh, I don't care. You know what I mean? I don't care about being accepted. Like, as long as I'm focused on fulfilling my needs of myself and my family and my child, then the rest of it - you know, I can be unlikable or not fulfilling the, you know, supportive role or appearance of supportive role that I was hoping to fill before or actually filling, you know? I have found the limits of how limited parenting makes the rest of your life really helpful. It has forced me...
MARTIN: Yeah, yeah.
GLAZER: ...To draw lines that I never wanted to draw before. I wanted to be everything for everybody.
MARTIN: Yeah.
GLAZER: And it's, like, so important to my health and my kid's health, but also, like, who you put out into the world. It's really important for the - it's actually - serves the world at large to give it the healthiest kid I can. So it's been, like, such a helpful reorganization.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
MARTIN: OK, we got three more cards. We're going to keep going - one, two or three.
GLAZER: No. 1, please.
MARTIN: How comfortable are you with being alone?
GLAZER: I'm going to buck the binary with this answer and say...
MARTIN: Buck it, Ilana.
GLAZER: I'm going to say increasingly.
MARTIN: Yeah.
GLAZER: Ooh, is your mind blown by all my therapy, Rachel Martin?
(LAUGHTER)
GLAZER: But that is the accurate answer - increasingly. Hoo (ph), but it's tough. I really feed off people. I love people. I love intellectual intercourse. I love connecting and engaging. But I'm increasingly comfortable alone. And also, like, having such a high-needs, tiny individual needing me so often, it's, like, much more contrasted as a relief to be a little alone.
MARTIN: Yeah. Yeah. But I am someone who very - I, like, crave alone time.
GLAZER: Cool.
MARTIN: And so yeah, then - yeah, it's complicated.
GLAZER: Are you tall?
MARTIN: I don't know. Am I?
GLAZER: How tall are you?
MARTIN: Five - I mean, I think I'm 5'7". My husband insists that I'm 5'6" and three-quarters.
GLAZER: Oh, copy that. You know, I don't know if it's changed, but in the early 2000s in those toxic days, I was a teenager at that time. And the toxic messaging I got, for some reason, I know that modeling, you have to be 5'7". So it's like, you're model height, babe, OK?
MARTIN: Wait, how does it - is this just random interstitial, or does this...
GLAZER: I don't know. I just feel like - like, craving alone time and being, like, walking, like, so tall...
MARTIN: And being a model?
GLAZER: ...Being a model and, like, gliding through the streets of D.C.
MARTIN: Yeah, that's what I do.
GLAZER: Like, popping your collar and, like, not wanting the bottom half of your face to you seen - I'm just like, yeah, she likes to be alone. I'm, like, short, and I'm like, hey, everybody. Anybody want to hear a joke? You know, I don't know.
(LAUGHTER)
GLAZER: I just wanted to - I just want to picture it. I'm trying to picture it (ph).
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
MARTIN: One, two or three.
GLAZER: Three.
MARTIN: Are you good at knowing when something should end?
GLAZER: Yes.
MARTIN: Yeah?
GLAZER: Yeah. Yeah, I am.
MARTIN: Have you always been that way?
GLAZER: Yes. Yes, I have. "Broad City" - I was, like, a big - you know, we had signed our contract of seven seasons. And then, you know, we both came to it, and - Abbi and I. But - and it was - Comedy Central was like, huh? But I was like - you know, and we were, like, ambivalent and unsure. But, like, it just - I think that's - yeah, that's something I would say is elegant about me, knowing when things are at their end.
MARTIN: Yeah. That's a admirable quality because it's not the same for everybody, and especially if you have - if you've got something good going on, and there are people telling you it's good, just keep going.
GLAZER: Yeah.
MARTIN: It's good. And to be able to have something internally that tells you, nah, I think I'm going to stop now.
GLAZER: Yeah. And, like, being able to trust that I am generative beyond this moment, whether it's a creative project or anything, you know, but that I am secure, that I will keep generating new layers and, like, do without thinking. That was something that - the experience of pregnancy was so incredible. I'm such an overthinker and a planner. Creating a person without thinking about it was - I was like, I'm not even thinking about this, and my body knows what to do. And, like, you know, we get a scrape, and the skin grows back. And it's just like...
MARTIN: Yeah.
GLAZER: ...Just trusting in - I don't know. I was a drummer for many years. I miss it. And I love...
MARTIN: You were?
GLAZER: Yes, and I just loved percussion. For a time, I was like, I'm going to be an orchestra percussionist. Can you imagine me, like, on a timpani, like, (vocalizing)?
MARTIN: Yes.
GLAZER: And it's like, I think it's, like, a rhythm thing. You know what I mean?
MARTIN: Yeah.
GLAZER: It's like a larger scale rhythm thing of, like, this is over.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
MARTIN: Ilana Glazer - you can see their new standup special out December 20 on Hulu. It's called "Human Magic." It is indeed magical, as are you, Ilana. Thank you so much for doing this.
GLAZER: Thank you, Rachel. This was such a pleasure. Thank you so much for having me.
DETROW: You can hear more of that conversation with Ilana Glazer by following the Wild Card podcast. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.wvasfm.org/2024-12-15/wildcard-with-ilana-glazer
| 2024-12-16T05:57:23Z
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Ozturk Suleyman page on Tribal Football: Dive into the behind-the-scenes football news about Ozturk Suleyman - breaking team news, trending soccer stories, transfer rumours & gossip, contract updates and more. In addition to Ozturk Suleyman news, you can follow updates on top football players (e.g. Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé) or the latest news from major football competitions (e.g. Premier League, LaLiga, UEFA Champions League) on TribalFootball.com.
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https://www.tribalfootball.com/topic/ozturk-suleyman-c05a2836-626d-4184-9018-bafe3d7f5e1f
| 2024-12-16T05:57:24Z
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Contractual workers in Indian manufacturing sector see 5.6 pc annual pay growth
By IANS | Published: December 16, 2024 11:11 AM2024-12-16T11:11:34+5:302024-12-16T11:15:08+5:30
Bengaluru, Dec 16 The contractual employees in the Indian manufacturing sector saw their compensation packages grow at a ...
Bengaluru, Dec 16 The contractual employees in the Indian manufacturing sector saw their compensation packages grow at a 5.9 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from FY21 to FY24, according to a report on Monday.
This growth was driven by inflation, increased demand for skilled workers, and the need for competitive pay to retain talent, according to the report by TeamLease Services, India’s leading staffing solutions company.
Moreover, the sector’s workforce is predominantly young, with most individuals in the 28-37 age group (43.6 per cent).
The expansion of the manufacturing sector in the country is led by industries like electronics manufacturing, automotive, textiles, and chemicals.
“To unlock its potential, the sector must prioritise inclusive policies and invest in upskilling for Industry 4.0. Strategic workforce outsourcing can help reduce costs and address operational inefficiencies,” said Subburathinam P, Chief Operating Officer of TeamLease Staffing.
“
As the manufacturing sector aims to achieve a $1 trillion valuation by 2025-26, addressing workforce dynamics will be pivotal in ensuring sustained growth.
This growth is led by strategic government initiatives, technological advancements, and an evolving workforce landscape.
The workforce is also diverse in terms of educational backgrounds, with nearly half being graduates.
Both genders show the highest representation at the graduation level, 48.5 per cent for males and 46.4 per cent for females.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra (17.2 per cent) and Tamil Nadu (14.6 per cent) are the leading states in contractual workforce contributions, followed by Uttar Pradesh (9.6 per cent) and Karnataka (9.4 per cent), the report mentioned.
“A significant 89.5 per cent of employees in temporary roles are male, highlighting a significant underrepresentation of women. Females in the workforce, however, demonstrate higher representation in postgraduate qualifications (24.3 per cent compared to 10.5 per cent of males),” it noted.
The report highlighted that companies are encouraged to enhance workplace safety, foster inclusivity, and invest in career development initiatives such as structured mentorship programmes.
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https://www.lokmattimes.com/national/contractual-workers-in-indian-manufacturing-sector-see-56-pc-annual-pay-growth/
| 2024-12-16T05:57:25Z
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Every 12 years, Hindus around the globe gather in Prayagraj to participate in the Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest human congregation. This spiritual spectacle is also a prime opportunity for brands seeking visibility among a diverse and massive audience.
Starting January 13, 2025, millions of devotees will converge over 45 days at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers to take a sacred dip, and brands are gearing up to make the most of this opportunity, hoping to catch the attention of a staggering 40–45 crore eyes.
This colossal gathering, with almost one-third of India’s total population, predominantly attracts middle- and lower-middle-class devotees; the audience also includes urban participants from metros (60%) and nearby tier-1 and tier-2 cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur, and Prayagraj.
According to an ET report, at least Rs 3,000 crore will be spent on branding and marketing during the event. Brands can partner with two official advertising facilitators—Vritti Solutions and Crayons Advertising—to secure exclusive rights for visibility through LED displays, barricades, and hoardings. Collaborations with government authorities to provide infrastructure such as changing rooms, water ATMs, and boats can further enhance a brand’s presence.
According to Rajesh Radhakrishnan, CMO of Mindwave Media, brands can enter the fray with budgets ranging from Rs five lakh to one crore.
“Affordability is key when targeting 40 crore people, with a cost per contact as low as 5 to 10 paise. Strategic placement of LED screens across all 25 sectors ensures comprehensive coverage,” says Rajesh Radhakrishnan, CMO of Mindwave Media.
Emotional connections over transactions
The Maha Kumbh Mela isn’t about immediate sales conversions but fostering brand awareness and emotional connections. Radhakrishnan emphasises the importance of value-added services such as charging points or accommodations, which position brands as trusted partners. Collaborating with the government to deliver these services helps position the brand as a trusted provider, embedding it in the consumer’s mind as a life-enhancing partner,” he adds.
Creativity is crucial
Standing out amidst the clutter of brands requires innovative ideas, says Ravikant Banka, MD and founder, Eggfirst Advertising. He cites Lifebuoy’s roti campaign as an example of a creative strategy that deeply resonated with the event’s ethos.
“If you're spending at the event, the effectiveness depends entirely on the creative idea. While TV often provides a better cost per exposure, a strong creative concept at the Kumbh Mela can deliver more meaningful and impactful exposure at a lower cost. However, relying solely on outdoor branding makes it harder to achieve cost efficiency compared to other mediums,” says Ravikant Banka.
However, the event's broad audience may not suit all brands. Banka points out that brands with a nationwide footprint are best positioned to leverage the Kumbh Mela, while regional players may struggle to connect meaningfully. For instance, a tractor brand may find relevance, but an automobile brand targeting urban markets might not.
Challenges in execution
Shankar Shinde, co-founder of Aisles & Shelves, highlights the challenges of executing large-scale campaigns at such a diverse gathering. Measuring success is particularly difficult, given the event’s vast reach and the inability to directly link engagement to sales spikes.
“Maha Kumbh Mela is unparalleled in scale. It is significantly larger than any other religious or public gathering in the world. Kumbh Mela happens to be larger than the population of a few countries such as Maldives, Seychelles, Barbados, Malta, etc.,” says Shankar Shinde, co-founder of Aisles & Shelves.
Brands must allocate budgets judiciously, focusing on creativity to maximise impact. Without innovation, investments risk being lost in the massive crowd. Cultural sensitivity is also crucial, as a single misstep can lead to backlash, Shinde notes.
Despite economic pressures and declining urban demand, Shinde observes that brands are increasing their marketing efforts for the Kumbh Mela. Leading spenders include FMCG, BFSI, infrastructure (cement, pipes, steel), and auto sectors. Startups, especially fintech companies (e.g., NPCI and RBI initiatives), focus on educating audiences through financial literacy campaigns, while healthcare and technology brands use the event to build goodwill and test products.
Offline and digital synergy
Radhakrishnan says FMCG and BFSI brands, in particular, benefit from strong brand recall. While they handle transactions via digital marketing, offline activations create compelling stories.
“These stories—of helping people with accommodations, services, or support—build a brand's image and provide rich content for digital amplification, driving conversions. Offline engagement lays the foundation for impactful storytelling and meaningful consumer connections,” he adds.
Banka agrees, emphasising the importance of integrating on-ground efforts with digital strategies.
“Once the idea is created, it can be amplified digitally to reach a larger audience. By sharing engaging videos or influencer content online and targeting those attending or connected to the Kumbh Mela, brands can effectively tap into tier-2, tier-3, and rural audiences,” he adds.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is not just a spiritual gathering; it’s a massive platform for brands to establish deep connections with a diverse audience. With the right mix of creativity, strategic planning, and cultural sensitivity, brands can turn this unparalleled event into an opportunity to build lasting impressions and national visibility.
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https://www.afaqs.com/news/media/maha-kumbh-ad-offers-for-brands-catch-40-cr-eyes-rates-starting-rs-5-lakh-8442807
| 2024-12-16T05:57:25Z
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Popeye and Tintin enter the public domain in 2025 along with novels from Faulkner and Hemingway
Popeye the Sailor and the Belgian boy reporter Tintin lead the class of characters and works of art becoming public domain in 2025
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Your support makes all the difference.Popeye can punch without permission and Tintin can roam freely starting in 2025. The two classic comic characters who first appeared in 1929 are among the intellectual properties becoming public domain in the United States on Jan. 1. That means they can be used and repurposed without permission or payment to copyright holders.
This year’s crop of newly public artistic creations lacks the landmark vibes of last year’s entrance of into the public domain of Mickey Mouse. But they include a deep well of canonical works whose 95-year copyright maximums will expire. And the Disney icon's public domain presence expands.
“It’s a trove! There are a dozen new Mickey cartoons — he speaks for the first time and dons the familiar white gloves,” said Jennifer Jenkins, director of Duke’s Center for the Study of the Public Domain. “There are masterpieces from Faulkner and Hemingway, the first sound films from Alfred Hitchcock, Cecil B. DeMille, and John Ford, and amazing music from Fats Waller, Cole Porter, and George Gershwin. Pretty exciting!”
Here’s a closer look at this year’s crop.
Comics characters loom large
Popeye the Sailor, with his bulging forearms, mealy-mouthed speech, and propensity for fistfights, was created by E.C. Segar and made his first appearance in the newspaper strip “Thimble Theater” in 1929, speaking his first words, “’Ja think I’m a cowboy?” when asked if he was a sailor. What was supposed to be a one-off appearance became permanent, and the strip would be renamed ”Popeye.”
But as with Mickey Mouse last year and Winnie the Pooh in 2022, only the earliest version is free for reuse. The spinach that gave the sailor his super-strength was not there from the start, and is the kind of character element that could spawn legal disputes. And the animated shorts featuring his distinctive mumbly voice didn’t begin until 1933 and remain under copyright. As does director Robert Altman’s 1980 film, starring Robin Williams as Popeye and Shelley Duvall as his oft-fought-over sweetheart Olive Oyl.
That movie was tepidly received initially. So was director Steven Spielberg’s “Adventures of Tintin” in 2011. But the comics about the boy reporter that inspired it, the creation of Belgian artist Hergé, were among the most popular in Europe for much of the 20th century.
The simply drawn teen with dots for eyes and bangs like an ocean wave first appeared in a supplement to the Belgian newspaper Le Vingtième Siècle, and became a weekly feature.
The comic also first appeared in the U.S. in 1929. Its signature bright colors — including Tintin’s red hair — didn’t appear until years later, and could, like Popeye’s spinach, be the subject of legal disputes.
And in much of the world, Tintin won’t become public property until 70 years after the 1983 death of his creator.
Books show American lit at its height
The books becoming public this year read like the syllabus for an American literature seminar.
“The Sound and the Fury,” arguably William Faulkner’s quintessential novel with its modernist stream-of-consciousness style, was a sensation after its publication despite being famously difficult for readers. It uses multiple non-linear narratives to tell the story of a prominent family’s ruin in the author’s native Mississippi, and would help lead to Faulkner’s Nobel Prize.
And Ernest Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms” joins his earlier “The Sun Also Rises” in the public domain. The partly autobiographical story of an ambulance driver in Italy during the First World War cemented Hemingway’s status in the American literary canon. It has been frequently adapted for film, TV and radio, which can now be done without permission.
John Steinbeck’s first novel, “A Cup of Gold,” from 1929, will also enter the public domain.
The British novelist Virginia Woolf’s “A Room of One’s Own,” an extended essay that would become a landmark in feminism from the modernist literary luminary, is also on the list. Her novel “Mrs. Dalloway” is already in the U.S. public domain.
Movie legends in the making
While a host of truly major movies will become public in the coming decade, for now early works by major figures from the not-always-stellar early sound era will have to suffice.
A decade before he would move to Hollywood and make films like “Psycho,” and “Vertigo,” Alfred Hitchcock made “Blackmail” in Britain. The film was begun as a silent but shifted to sound during production, resulting in two different versions, one of them the UK’s — and Hitchcock’s — first sound film.
John Ford, whose later Westerns would put him among film’s most vaunted directors, also made his first foray into sound with 1929’s “The Black Watch,” an adventure epic that includes Ford’s future chief collaborator John Wayne as a young extra.
Cecil B. DeMille, already a Hollywood bigwig through silents, made his first talkie with the melodrama “Dynamite.”
Groucho, Harpo and the other Marx Brothers had their first starring movie roles in 1929’s “The Cocoanuts,” a forerunner to future classics like “Animal Crackers” and “Duck Soup.”
“The Broadway Melody,” the first sound film and the second film ever to win the Oscar for best picture — known as “outstanding production” at the time — will also become public, though it’s often ranked among the worst of best picture winners.
And after “Steamboat Willie” made the earliest Mickey Mouse public, a dozen more of his animations will get the same status, including “The Karnival Kid,” where he spoke for the first time.
Music rings out the 20s
Songs from the last year of the Roaring Twenties are also about to become public property.
Cole Porter’s compositions “What Is This Thing Called Love?” and “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” are among the highlights, as is the jazz classic “Ain’t Misbehavin’, written by Fats Waller and Harry Brooks.
“Singin’ in the Rain,” which would later forever be associated with the 1952 Gene Kelly film, made its debut in the 1929 movie “The Hollywood Revue” and will now be public domain.
Different laws regulate sound recordings, and those newly in the public domain date to 1924. They include a recording of “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” from future star and civil rights icon Marian Anderson, and “Rhapsody in Blue” performed by its composer George Gershwin.
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https://www.the-independent.com/news/william-faulkner-ap-mickey-mouse-john-ford-ernest-hemingway-b2664861.html
| 2024-12-16T05:57:26Z
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Denied leave, Kerala Police commando commits suicide
By IANS | Published: December 16, 2024 11:12 AM2024-12-16T11:12:26+5:302024-12-16T11:15:04+5:30
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 16 A Commando attached to the Special Operation Group of the Kerala Police committed suicide by ...
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 16 A Commando attached to the Special Operation Group of the Kerala Police committed suicide by shooting himself to death, said officials here on Monday.
Vineeth, 35, unable to take work pressure after he was not given leave to be beside his pregnant wife, shot himself using his service rifle, on Sunday night at the police camp in Areecode in Malappuram district.
His death adds to the growing list of Kerala Police personnel who have committed suicide due to extreme work pressure. According to an unofficial estimate, around 90 policemen have died by suicide.
Vineeth was a Commando attached to the Special Operation Group dealing with operations to go after Maoists.
Hailing from Wayanad, he had been working non-stop for the past 45 days and despite his request for leave, the higher officials denied it.
According to those in the know of things, Vineeth was unable to bear this and took the extreme step of pulling the trigger on his body.
Soon after the incident, he was rushed to a nearby hospital but his life could not be saved.
Over the years the biggest problem facing the Kerala Police Force, regarded as one of the best in the country, is the shortage of policemen resulting in an increased workload on the existing members.
In the past five years, there have been several cases of policemen not being able to bear the work-related tension and committing suicide.
The higher-ups in the Kerala Police and the Home Department have now started counselling sessions for the policemen and by now 6,000 have been counselled.
Incidentally, unlike other jobs, the eight-hour duty structure for all in the police force has not been introduced for various reasons. Even Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, also the Home Minister admitted in the Kerala Legislative Assembly that they have been able to introduce the eight-hour duty roster only in 52 police stations.
At present there is a shortage of around 14,000 police. Many of them have to stay back for late hours as the presence of women police officials is a requirement when there is a case involving a female.
The authorities are also under duress as additional funds are required and for a while now the state has been under a deep financial crunch, even when the policing needs in the modern age have gone up dramatically.
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| 2024-12-16T05:57:27Z
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With a visionary team of industry veterans, Dubai is growing into an ideal investment hub with high sales and rental returns. Tranquil Infra Developers, a boutique developer that specialises in niche real estate projects, is at the forefront of reshaping Dubai’s skyline unveiling Blossom76, an epitome of true elegance with exceptional living, rising majestically in the heart of Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai.
Blossom76 offers 111 residences including spacious studios, one-bedroom apartments with a study and plunge pool, and two-bedroom apartments with a laundry room, study, and a private plunge pool. Recreational amenities include a beautiful mix of kids’ play area, swimming pool with a water feature, panoramic rooftop gym, yoga space, BBQ and outdoor deck, with retail spaces on the ground floor and a lot more.
With contemporary design and premium fixtures and fittings, Blossom76 is the right blend of style and luxury. Starting at Dh595,888, this architectural marvel is designed where each residence exudes an unmatched grandeur and exquisite lifestyle for the modern cosmopolitans.
“We harness quality, innovation and sustainability to create value for investors,” says Dr Sharad Nair, Co-founder and Chairman, Tranquil Infra Developers. “We don’t just build homes; we craft lifestyles. We bring a fresh perspective to the market, blending cutting-edge design with unparalleled craftsmanship amid Dubai’s bustling cityscape. We are setting a new standard for refined living, promising boutique residences that reflect elegance, sophistication, and timeless allure.”
Co-founder and Managing Director, Aditya Khurana adds, “Tranquil Infra Developers aspires to create iconic developments that become benchmarks in the industry, known for their architectural brilliance, sustainable design, and exceptional quality. We believe in creating communities and lifestyles that embody tranquility and elegance. We offer smart and flexible investment opportunities that offer high ROI and develop properties that reflect our unwavering commitment to quality and tranquility.”
Despite economic fluctuations worldwide, experts foresee property prices in the UAE to climb a further 5-7 per cent annually in 2024 and 2025, driven by surging demand for affordable and mid-market communities that far outstrips available supply.
As a standout performer in Dubai’s real estate landscape, the current demand for off-plan properties in JVC remains robust. With an average price of Dh1,450 per square foot, JVC is an attractive investment proposition for those looking to invest in real estate that promises growth, returns, affordability, family-friendly amenities, luxury, quality, and strategic location.
Since January 2020, JVC has accounted for 10.64 per cent of overall registered sales in Dubai. Between 2012-2024 JVC apartment rents have appreciated by 188 per cent, with studios, one- and two- bed apartments fetching over 8-10 per cent return on investment with a yield of over 6.67 per cent. This indicates a favourable rental market, buoyed by strong demand from tenants attracted to the district’s family-oriented amenities and well-developed infrastructure. Tenants are gradually becoming property owners as rent prices rise due to an increase in the number of expati entering the country.
The Blossom76 show apartment is available for viewing at the experience centre located in Bay Square, building 8, Office - 107 ans 108 and is set for a strong launch, with construction scheduled to begin on January 1, 2025 and handover scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. The project is backed by a strong team, partnering with industry leaders like Emsquare Engineering Consultants for design, supervision and architecture, Adnann Contracting as contractors, and Lawyer Point for legal advisory services. Additionally, Deja Vu and Allegiance will handle the sales channels, contributing to a well-rounded and promising start for the development.
Tranquil Infra Developers will continue to explore and launch new and upcoming spectacular residential and commercial real estate projects to make its mark in UAE’s real estate landscape.
To learn more, visit Tranquilinfra.com or call 800-987, +971 4 242 9900
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https://gulfnews.com/business/property/tranquil-infra-developers-launches-luxury-project-blossom76-in-jvc-1.1734094740308
| 2024-12-16T05:57:30Z
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Indian tabla player Zakir Hussain — who united musicians from diverse cultures and by doing so, shaped modern world music — died on Sunday in San Francisco. He was 73.
In a statement, his family said the cause of death was idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
"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," his family added.
Hussain's career spanned over five decades, during which he was revered as both a national treasure in India and admired worldwide.
He defied genres and collaborated with an impressive range of musicians, including jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd, bluegrass artists Edgar Meyer and Béla Fleck, as well as rockstars George Harrison and Van Morrison. His versatility earned him the rare distinction of performing twice on NPR's Tiny Desk — once in 2010 and then in 2023.
"You know, you come from India and you say, 'OK, I'm representing a 3,000-year-old history,' so you think you're gonna teach the world about rhythms and drums and so on," he told NPR in 2015. "And then you arrive here. You suddenly realize that you know nothing. You're just one little dot in the painting that is the music of the universe."
Beyond his performances, Hussain was admired for his passion to teaching Indian drumming, further spreading appreciation for the art form.
Hussain often said that his musical journey began soon after he was born in Bombay. In the 2015 NPR interview, he recalled a tradition where a father whispers a prayer into his newborn son's ear. Instead, his father chose to sing him rhythms.
"My mother was very upset and said, 'Why are you doing this?' And he said, 'Because this is my prayer,'" Hussain said.
He told NPR that it was his father's dream for him to carry on the tradition of being an Indian classical musician. His father, Alla Rakha, was considered one of the world's greatest player's of tabla, a centuries-old Indian hand drum. His father taught Hussain how to play the tabla when he was 7 years old.
But his father also introduced Hussain to music from around the world, which is how Hussain fell in love with rock and Western music.
"I was the only kid on the block who was walking down the street with a boombox on my shoulder, playing as loud as I could 'Light My Fire,'" Hussain recalled.
In 1970, at 19, Hussain traveled to the U.S. where he spent the following years working with rockstars like George Harrison, Van Morrison and Mickey Hart, the drummer from The Grateful Dead. He also played with jazz musician John Handy.
In 1973, Hussain formed the Indian jazz fusion band Shakti with jazz guitarist John McLaughlin. With its melodic and rhythm instruments, the band helped American listeners appreciate sounds and instruments beyond Western music.
In 2024, Hussain became the first musician from India to receive three Grammy awards in the same year after Shakti won Best Global Music Album, and Hussain's collaboration with Edgar Meyer and Béla Fleck featuring Rakesh Chaurasia won Best Global Music Performance and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.
Hussain told NPR in 2015 that throughout the course of his career, he has found similarities between rhythmists around the world — regardless of approach or style.
"We were all on the same wavelength, the same quest, looking for perfection, which we will never find. But that didn't matter because it's all about the journey — not the goal," he said.
NPR's Felix Contreras contributed reporting.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.wvasfm.org/2024-12-15/zakir-hussain-legendary-tabla-virtuoso-who-defied-genres-dies-at-73
| 2024-12-16T05:57:30Z
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Stomach inflammation: What causes gastritis and how to treat it
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If you experience bloating, flatulence, or sudden loss of appetite, it may mean that your gut needs attention. Gastritis, which basically means stomach inflammation, maybe the reason behind these symptoms. A bacterium called Helicobacter pylori is one of the main causes of stomach inflammation. If not treated in time, it may even lead to stomach ulcers or stomach cancer. Since the Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with smoking and alcohol, it is best to give up these bad habits, especially if you have them in excess. There are more ways to deal with inflammation in the gut.
What is stomach inflammation?
Medically termed as gastritis, stomach inflammation is a condition in which the internal lining of the stomach gets inflamed and irritated. It can either be acute (temporary inflammation of the stomach lining) or chronic (long-term condition that causes inflammation of the stomach lining). “The internal lining of the stomach cells or the mucosal layer produce mucus that serves as a protective barrier against the stomach’s strong acid known as the hydrochloric acid,” explains gastroenterology and hepatology expert Dr Shubham Vatsya. But if there is an inflammatory trigger in the stomach, this line of defense gets compromised.
What are the causes of stomach inflammation?
1. Helicobacter pylori infection
“One of the main stomach inflammation causes is an infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori,” says the expert. The characteristic feature of the bacterium is its survival in the stomach’s high acid environment. It is able to neutralise the acidity of its local environment in the gut, helping the bacterium survive, according to the US National Cancer Institute. It colonises in the gut and disrupts its mucosal layer then the acid damages the internal lining, leading to stomach ulcers or even progressing to stomach cancer.
2. Infections other than Helicobacter pylori
“People with a weak immunity, such as those suffering from Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or undergoing chemotherapy are at a higher risk of catching infections and getting affected by gastritis,” says the expert. These include infection with a fungi like Candida, virus such as cytomegalovirus or parasites like Strongyloides.
3. Drinking alcohol
Alcohol is highly erosive in nature and so, can erode the stomach’s mucosal layer, predisposing it to the risk of damage caused by the acidic environment. During a 2010 study published in the Alcohol and Alcoholism journal, researchers found a possible association between alcohol consumption and Helicobacter pylori infection.
4. Smoking
Smoking is one of the stomach inflammation causes, as it weakens the stomach’s mucosal layer by inhibiting blood flow to the stomach. Smoking increases the risk of Helicobacter pylori infection, according to 2019 research published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention.
5. Autoimmune response
If the body’s immune cells start targeting its own cells by mistake, an autoimmune response gets triggered. “In gastritis, the body’s immune cells target the stomach’s parietal cells that are linked with hydrochloric acid’s production. This results in impairment of absorption of vitamin B12, causing inflammation,” says Dr Vatsya.
6. Excessive use of NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be connected to stomach inflammation causes. If you are a regular consumer of drugs like ibuprofen, and aspirin, there are high chances of gastritis. “This happens due to the mechanism of these drugs to block prostaglandins, the chemicals aiding in maintaining the integrity of the stomach’s mucosal lining. The line of defense against the stomach’s acid gets compromised and leads to an inflammatory response,” says the expert.
7. Chronic stress
Physical stress is one of the stomach inflammation causes. “Post-operative phase, burns, or prolonged illness can lead to a condition known as ‘stress ulcers’,” says the expert. It is caused by a compromised protective barrier of the stomach’s mucosal layer.
What are the symptoms of stomach inflammation?
Most people with gastritis don’t have any symptoms. Sometimes, gastritis can cause indigestion or bleeding in the stomach, according to the US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Other symptoms of gastritis include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Flatulence
- Sudden loss of appetite
- Black coloured poop that indicates bleeding
How to diagnose stomach inflammation?
Stomach inflammation causes are many, and so, doctors use different methods to diagnose gastritis.
- Medical examination: Your doctor will study the risk factors associated with gastritis and look for its symptoms.
- Endoscopy: It works by insertion of a long thin tube, with a camera, into the stomach to check for inflammation.
- Tests for Helicobacter pylori: Stool test, breath test, blood tests can help to identify the presence of Helicobacter pylori.
- Barium swallow X-ray: This is a specialised X-ray wherein stomach and esophagus get highlighted by making use of a special dye.
What are the ways to treat stomach inflammation?
1. Prescription drugs
After finding out the stomach inflammation causes, you may be given certain drugs that can help to deal with gastritis. For instance, if the cause is detected to be H. pylori infection, antibiotics can be prescribed. “For reducing the production of stomach acid, proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole, and pantoprazole, or H2 blockers such as ranitidine, and famotidine are recommended,” says the expert.
2. Antacids
Antacids, a combination of compounds with salts of magnesium, calcium, and aluminum as active ingredients, can help to balance out the stomach’s potential hydrogen (pH) levels and maintain its mucosal barrier. They neutralise the acid in the stomach, according to research published in StatPearls in 2023.
3. Vitamin injections
Stomach inflammation causes may be connected to vitamin B12 deficiency, which happens when your body does not get enough of this vitamin. Sometimes, your body is not able to absorb enough vitamin B12 from the food that you eat. “If gastritis is autoimmune in origin, there can be an impairment of absorption of vitamin B12. In such cases, vitamin B12 injections can be of great help,” says the expert.
4. Lifestyle modifications
Giving up drinking and smoking is highly recommended or have them in moderation. “Also, eating small meals, but frequently, can protect the mucosa,” says the expert. Refrain from overconsumption of NSAIDs, which may be one of the stomach inflammation causes.
5. Probiotics
Probiotics for gut health are popular for a reason. They may help to recharge digestive flora and help in healing gastric ulcers, according to research published in the Experimental And Therapeutic Medicine journal in 2016.
After figuring out the causes of stomach inflammation, make sure to get treatment. “If not treated, gastritis can lead to peptic ulcers, which are open sores found in the stomach’s lining. Even blood vessels can get eroded and lead to bleeding,” says Dr Vatsya. Recognise the underlying cause and get proper treatment to avoid any complications.
What to drink for gastritis?
You can drink water, fresh juice or tea like ginger, and turmeric tea to ease gastritis symptoms. But don't have beverages with milk, as they can lead to worsening of symptoms.
How long can stomach inflammation last?
If you have acute gastritis, it may last just a few days. In the case of chronic gastritis, the inflammation can last for months or even years.
Get latest updates on health and wellness along with Preventive Care, Family Care, Reproductive Care, Self Care
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https://www.healthshots.com/preventive-care/self-care/stomach-inflammation-causes/amp
| 2024-12-16T05:57:28Z
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Schneider Electric's premium electrical and automation solutions brand Lauritz Knudsen has been named the Principal Partner of the Mumbai Indians for the 2025 and 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons. Coming just seven months after its rebranding from L&T Switchgear, a legacy brand acquired by Schneider Electric in 2020, this strategic alliance marks a significant milestone for Lauritz Knudsen.
After the rebranding in May 2024, the conglomerate took to all marketing channels to build awareness around Lauritz Knudsen. As per Rajat Abbi, who is the global marketing head for India and chief marketing officer of Schneider Electric, the brand instantly undertook a comprehensive 360-degree campaign to push the subsidiary in both rural and urban markets.
This included a partnership with Kaun Banega Crorepati, in addition to profound digital spends and below-the-line (BTL) initiatives.
Rajat Abbi
“Our integrated marketing approach believes in engaging our target audiences by leveraging the right marketing touch points. We also rolled out a series of campaigns in rural areas on digital, partnering with Meta, Google, and other platforms,” Abbi says.
Lauritz Knudsen is targeting a diverse audience, spanning over 65 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs); the agricultural sector; large enterprises; and government bodies, in addition to individual homes.
The partnership with Mumbai Indians is another milestone in the brand’s marketing journey, as Abbi puts it.
“The IPL partnership with the Mumbai Indians is the next step. In India, cricket is something that unites millions and billions of people, and there is no better team than the Mumbai Indians for us to partner with because Lawrence Knudsen also has its roots in Mumbai. It’s just a natural fit.”
History with IPL
The partnership is not merely a marketing exercise but a reflection of broader corporate strategy. Schneider Electric itself has been the 'Official Sustainability Partner' for the Rajasthan Royals for three consecutive years. The company’s other subsidiary, Luminous Power Technologies, has also just extended its partnership with the Rajasthan Royals for the next two years as the Title Sponsor.
"These associations have helped us connect with our target audience in a faster and more engaging way. We have seen strong consumer pull being created for the brand. We have also seen strong growth in our brand awareness course," says Abbi.
Therefore, when the company was exploring means and opportunities to build the Lauritz Knudsen brand in the country, partnering with another leading team in one of the biggest cricketing leagues in the world made sense, he adds..
Despite investing in IPL marketing, the brand distributes its annual promotional budgets evenly across all quarters.
Digital-first, consumer-centric media strategy
Lauritz Knudsen's digital strategy represents a nuanced approach to reaching a technologically evolving Indian market. With approximately 50% of its marketing budget allocated to digital initiatives, the brand is pioneering a comprehensive digital engagement model that transcends traditional marketing boundaries.
"Digital adoption is accelerating at an unprecedented pace," Abbi emphasises. "We're witnessing a fundamental shift in how consumers interact with brands, particularly in the electrical solutions space. Voice search, WhatsApp for Business, and extensive online research have become critical touchpoints for our audience."
The brand's digital strategy is particularly attuned to India's demographic dividend. With a median age of around 28 years, the country boasts a young, tech-savvy population that consumes content across multiple digital platforms. Lauritz Knudsen is strategically positioning itself to capture this digital-native demographic.
Partnerships & influencer marketing
Beyond IPL and prime-time TV shows, Schneider Electric finds itself in a healthy mix of other brand activations and associations as well. Its larger brand partnerships integrate industry participation, strategic partnerships, and influencer collaborations.
The brand acknowledges the complexity of its target market, which spans multiple professional segments, including end customers, panel builders, distributors, retailers, electricians, electrical consultants, and interior decorators.
The company maintains a presence at industry exhibitions, with expo events like Elecrama providing a platform to engage with professional communities. Its partnership strategy involves collaborating with various organisations—from media houses to business entities—to create targeted programmes that address specific market segments.
In the space of influencer marketing, Lauritz Knudsen differentiates itself by seeking partnerships that go beyond traditional metrics of reach and visibility. “We are always on the lookout for influencers who are well connected with our target audience.”
Two primary archetypes of influencers particularly interest the brand:
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Skill development advocates: Influencers who are actively working to enhance the professional capabilities of electricians, promoting skill upgrading and professional development.
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Professional community builders: Thought leaders in architecture and related fields who are creating meaningful dialogues and driving innovation within their professional communities.
Investment and expansion strategy
"Our ambition is to make Lauritz Knudsen the most recalled electrical brand in India," Abbi asserts, adding, "We want to educate consumers about our 70-year legacy and emphasise that while the name has changed, the trust and quality remain unchanged."
Backing this aggressive marketing approach is a significant financial commitment. Lauritz Knudsen has earmarked approximately $100 million (Rs 850 crore) for investments in the Indian market.
The brand has established a significant presence in India's electrical solutions market, with operations spanning multiple urban and rural regions.
"We are not a niche brand that only wants to be targeted in a few cities in India," Abbi explains. "We want to be—and already are—one of the biggest electrical players in the country, with one of the widest reach and depth across India."
The company's strategic approach focuses on comprehensive market coverage, extending from metropolitan centres to rural landscapes. "We are already present across all leading cities, tier one, tier two, tier three, and beyond," Abbi notes. This approach is particularly evident in the agricultural sector, where the brand has developed what Abbi describes as "cult brands."
"Our ambition is to make Lauritz Knudsen the most recalled electrical brand in India," Abbi asserts. "We want to educate consumers about our 70-year legacy and emphasise that while the name has changed, the trust and quality remain unchanged."
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https://www.afaqs.com/news/mktg/schneider-electric-has-its-eyes-set-on-ipl-to-promote-lauritz-knudsen-8438929
| 2024-12-16T05:57:32Z
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Not so holly jolly: A quarter of American parents use Christmas-related threats to manage their kids’ misbehavior
Parents say Santa will skip their house for Christmas or that they won’t give their kids presents this year
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Your support makes all the difference.A quarter of American parents reported using Christmas-related threats to discipline their misbehaving children, according to a new survey.
They may say that Santa will skip their house or threaten to take away toys or not give their kids presents this year.
Parents of children who were between the ages of three and five were most likely to say they utilize this tactic, the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll found.
Many also threatened to leave an activity or place or to not get dessert, and nearly half of parents used bribes.
“Discipline helps young children learn what behaviors are safe and appropriate and can play a crucial role in helping them learn the difference between right and wrong,” Dr. Susan Woolford, the poll’s co-director and a pediatrician for Mott, said in a statement.
“Empty threats, however, undermine trust and credibility and aren’t usually effective. Positive reinforcement and consistent discipline are more likely to shape long term behavior.”
The survey was conducted in August and is based on 725 responses from parents with at least one child between the ages of one and five years old.
Many parents admitted they have trouble consistently disciplining their children, the report said. Nearly a quarter of parents said they may become too irritated, are too tired, or react before remembering their strategies.
“It’s important for parents to plan ahead and be on the same page with discipline strategies to provide a foundation for understanding expectations and prevent sending mixed signals about boundaries,” said Woolford.
About two-fifths of parents said their disciplining strategies worked and three in five believed they were somewhat effective.
One in eight parents say they haven’t thought about their strategies and less than a fifth have discussed discipline with a healthcare provider.
Woolford stressed that strategies should be appropriate for the child based on their age and developmental level. For children between the ages of one and two, distraction and redirection are often most effective. After age two, parents should deploy logical and immediate consequences.
“Parents should avoid the temptation to rely on tactics that might yield short-term compliance but have negative effects later on,” she said, noting that response to discipline may require parents to adapt their strategies.
An estimated 558,899 US children were the victims of abuse and neglect in 2022, according to the National Children’s Alliance.
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https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/christmas-gifts-parents-children-behavior-b2664122.html
| 2024-12-16T05:57:32Z
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Feeble winter sun battles clouds as J&K reels under dry cold weather
By IANS | Published: December 16, 2024 10:55 AM2024-12-16T10:55:55+5:302024-12-16T11:00:07+5:30
Srinagar, Dec 16 Minimum temperature remained notches below the freezing point in the Kashmir on Monday as the ...
Srinagar, Dec 16 Minimum temperature remained notches below the freezing point in the Kashmir on Monday as the feeble winter sun peeped through a thin haze of clouds in Jammu.
The sky remained cloudy in the Valley as sunlight trickled through a thin cloud cover in the Jammu division.
Cold wave conditions continued in the Valley as the Meteorological (MeT) office forecasted cold, dry weather till December 21 and light snowfall in the higher reaches between December 21 evening to December 22 morning.
Srinagar recorded minus 3.4, Gulmarg minus 4 and Pahalgam minus 5 as the minimum temperature.
Jammu city recorded 5, Katra 6.9, Batote 4.5, Banihal 1 and Bhaderwah 3.9 as the minimum temperature.
The extreme morning chill keeps people indoors in the mornings as they try to rush home early in the evenings due to the icy wind.
The 40-day-long period of harsh winter cold called locally the ‘Chillai Kalan’ starts on December 21 and will end on January 30. It is during this period that the gap between maximum and minimum temperature narrows down adding to the chill factor.
Kashmiris store dried vegetables like Brinjal, tomatoes and pumpkins during autumn to be used in the lean winter months.
As electricity continues to play hide and seek due to financial constraints of the Jammu and Kashmir government to buy sufficient electric power from sellers outside the union territory, time and tradition have taught locals to depend on traditional methods to ward off the extreme winter cold.
A loose tweed overgarment, called the ‘Pheran’ is worn by all locals under which they keep an earthen firepot woven in a willow wicker basket called the ‘Kangri’.
Filled with ember, the Kangri is an ideal heating facility that has withstood the test of time in the landlocked Kashmir Valley.
Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
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https://www.lokmattimes.com/national/feeble-winter-sun-battles-clouds-as-jk-reels-under-dry-cold-weather/
| 2024-12-16T05:57:33Z
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Dubai: Gold prices have dropped near $70 an ounce in just 4 days – but UAE’s jewellery retailers are just not relying on this alone as the Dubai Shopping Festival and other end-of-year promotions gather momentum.
Instead, this time, jewelers are emphasizing one message over and over again – that the making charges for gold and jewellery in the UAE is the lowest anywhere in the world.
The reason why retailers are doing so is straight-forward, gold prices remain at extremely high levels for a majority of shoppers despite the recent drop by $70. Bullion is currently trading at $2,653 an ounce, while the UAE gold rate for a gram of 22K is Dh297. (The highest in the last 10 days has been Dh303 a gram. For more updates on currency and gold, check out this link.)
“Shoppers need reassurance because the price of gold has seen a more than $300 an ounce increase in just the last 6 months based on today’s price,” said Shamlal Ahmed, Managing Director – International Operations at Malabar Gold & Diamonds. “So, UAE jewelers need to speak louder about the cost benefits they can pass on to shoppers. And that’s making charges.
“Even on imported jewellery from, say, India, the UAE retail price would still be lower than where those pieces are actually made, whether that’s Kolkata or Rajkot. In most other countries, import duties on jewellery are high, and even at 21% in a market like India.
“The duty for the same in the UAE? Just 5%.” (Bullion imports have 0% import charges in UAE.)
This emphasis on making charges also has to do with more shoppers treating gold as an out and out investment. In such cases, they want to be reassured they are buying an asset that comes with no hidden costs. And making labour charges as transparent as possible is the best solution, UAE jewellers say.
It's a fact that even imported gold jewellery often costs less in Dubai or UAE than in the places that actually made them
Recently, there had been some campaigns, especially in India, that gold prices are actually lower in that market compared to what is the case in the UAE, Qatar or Oman. These were patently wrong, but UAE retailers say it did manage to confuse many Indian tourists at the time.
All eyes on DSF gold raffles
The DSF 2024 has started, and the gold related sales promotions have been given an extra layer of significance given that this is the 30th year of the annual event. And the daily gold raffle draws have been a major contributor to raising the profile of the shopping event.
Shoppers spending Dh1,500 or more on jewellery at participating outlets get a chance to win their share in the Dh1.5 million jackpot. Each week, 1 kilogram of gold will be given away in raffle draws, with 20 winners receiving a quarter kilogram each. (Weekly draws are scheduled on December December 16, 23, 30 and January 6 and 12 January.)
“Dubai has always had the best gold prices because of how the making charges are set,” said Tawhod Abdullah, Chairman of Dubai Jewellery Group and CEO of Jawhara Jewellery.
“The making charges are now between Dh3 a gram to Dh30 a gram, and it’s for the shopper to decide what suits him best. What Dubai’s gold trade can offer is the most competitive labour charges anywhere in the world.
“It’s no different from a price of a cup of tea – here, you can spend Dh1.5 or, if that’s what you fancy, even Dh300.”
Are shoppers getting the message?
Based on retailers’ feedback, it’s been a relatively slow start to the DSF promotions when it comes to gold sales. But they expect a significant pick up to happen over the next 2 weeks and even up to January 15, if gold prices remain soft. Or better still, drop even further.
“The heavy tourist spending should kick in from December 20 or so,” said Ahmed. “The flights from India will be running full and that’s always a good sign for UAE jewelers.
It's up to the shopper to decide whether they want to buy gold jewellery with a making charge of Dh3 a gram or Dh30. Whatever be the case, labour costs on gold are lowest in Dubai
“What’s interesting is that the UAE market is starting to see more American tourists spending on gold, specifically going for 50 gram, 100 gram and even 1 ounce bars. And on these purchases, they benefit from 0% VAT. We can expect more Western visitor demand closer to January 1.
“If the UAE gold markets widens its appeal to more shoppers, everyone benefits.”
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https://gulfnews.com/business/retail/for-dsf-uae-gold-jewellers-have-one-message---making-charges-are-lowest-in-the-world-1.1734321486885
| 2024-12-16T05:57:36Z
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A note from Wild Card host Rachel Martin: I met Ilana Glazer exactly 10 years ago. Ilana and their co-star Abbi Jacobson were riding high on the success from their hilarious web series Broad City, which went on to become a hit TV show. I interviewed both of them, but I was just back from parental leave for my second kid and I have to tell you, I was so deeply exhausted at that moment.
What sticks with me from that interview to this day is Ilana's energy. Like capital "E" energy. They were just bursting at the seams with ideas and stories and potential. And I share this because the tired new mothers out there often feel sort of alone and separate from the well-rested, creatively fertile people.
So when I saw Ilana Glazer's new comedy special on Hulu, Human Magic, which is about the bonkers part of life that is early parenthood, part of me was selfishly glad that they have crossed the Rubicon and get how exhausting it all is. But then I watched Ilana's special and I saw the same "big E" energy, even though they're now the parent of a toddler, and I realized this person is just built this way.
From where I sit, it looks like Ilana Glazer's default setting is energy and enthusiasm, and I'm going to add joy to the mix because whenever I watch them perform, I come out happier than I was an hour or two before. Which is why I wanted them to join me for a game of Wild Card.
This Wild Card interview has been edited for length and clarity. Host Rachel Martin asks guests randomly-selected questions from a deck of cards. Tap play above to listen to the full podcast, or read an excerpt below.
Question 1: What was your form of rebelling as a teenager?
Ilana Glazer: I didn't quite rebel very much as a child or a teenager. I was very good and I was focused on achieving. And my rebellion came later. Honestly, I was not secure in rebelling against my parents until a few years ago. L-O-L. I'm 37 years old.
It was really in the process of becoming a parent that I was like, "No. I am separate from my parents."
But of course, I had some rebellion; it finally came in the form of having sex and smoking weed in my senior year of high school.
Rachel Martin: I mean, that's pretty by-the-book rebellion.
Glazer: Yeah, standard – I would honestly say patriotic. So finally it came, as well as myself.
And then I feel like, really, becoming a parent has helped me feel like "I don't care." Do you know what I mean? I don't care about being accepted. I care more about discovering who I am and what I need. I care about that more than crossing a line and being accepted back.
Martin: Wait, I need more on that. How does having a kid make you rebellious?
Glazer: Like, as long as I'm focused on fulfilling my needs and the needs of my family and child, then I can be unlikeable. I don't have to fill the supportive role I was hoping to fill before.
I have found the limits of parenting really helpful to the rest of my life. It has forced me to draw lines that I never wanted to draw before. I want to be everything for everybody. And it's so important to my health and my kid's health. And it actually serves the world at large to give it the healthiest kid I can. So it's been such a helpful reorganization.
Question 2: How comfortable are you with being alone?
Glazer: I'm going to buck the binary with this answer and I'm going to say "increasingly." Ooh — is your mind blown by all my therapy, Rachel Martin?
But that is the accurate answer — increasingly. But it's tough. I really feed off people. I love people. I love intellectual intercourse. I love connecting and engaging, but I'm increasingly comfortable alone. And also, having such a high-needs, tiny individual needing me so often — it's become more of a relief to be alone.
Martin: Yeah. Whereas before there may have been anxiety associated with that, and now it's just in such scarce supply.
Glazer: Yeah.
Martin: I am someone who craves alone time.
Glazer: Yeah. Are you tall?
I don't know. I think I'm 5'7". My husband insists that I'm 5'6" and 3/4.
Glazer: Oh, copy that. I don't know if it's changed, but in the early 2000s — I was a teenager at that time — the toxic messaging that I got was, for some reason I know, that modeling you have to be 5'7". So you're model height, babe.
Martin: [Laughs] Wait, is this just a random interstitial?
Glazer: I don't know — I just feel like craving alone time and being tall, like I'm imagining you gliding through the streets of D.C. and like popping your collar and not wanting the bottom half of your face to be seen. I'm like, "Yeah she likes to be alone." I'm like short and I'm like, [gremlin voice] "Hey everybody. Anybody want to hear a joke?" I don't know I just wanted to picture it.
Martin: I want you to always think of me that way. It's completely the opposite of how I am.
Question 3: Are you good at knowing when something should end?
Glazer: Yes, I am. With Broad City, we had signed our contract of seven seasons, and then we both came to the decision to end it after five — Abbi and I. Comedy Central was like, "Huh?" But yeah, that's something I would say is elegant about me — knowing when things are at their end.
Martin: That's an admirable quality because it's not the same for everybody. And especially if you got something good going on and there are people telling you, "It's good, just keep going," and to have something tell you that it's time to stop.
Glazer: Whew. Yeah. And like being able to trust that I am generative beyond this moment, whether it's a creative project or anything — that I am secure, that I will keep generating new layers and like, do without thinking. That was something that the experience of pregnancy was so incredible. I'm such an overthinker and a planner. Creating a person without thinking about it was, like, "I'm not even thinking about this and my body knows what to do." And when we get a scrape and, and the skin grows back. It's just trusting in my own humanity.
Martin: Is it just a gut feeling on ending things? You're just like, "I just feel we should stop?"
Glazer: Yeah. I was a drummer for many years. I miss it. I just loved percussion. For a time I was like, "I'm going to be an orchestra percussionist." Can you imagine me on a timpani, like "dun duh-duh dun duh." And I think it's like a rhythm thing. You know what I mean? It's a larger-scale rhythm thing of, "This is over," you know, and accepting the loss too.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.wvasfm.org/arts/2024-12-15/ilana-glazer-appreciates-how-becoming-a-parent-forced-them-to-draw-some-lines
| 2024-12-16T05:57:37Z
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By Aayushi Gupta
Published Dec 16, 2024
Seeds are nutrient-dense powerhouses that can boost your immunity, support heart health, and keep you energised during the colder months. Add these 5 healthy seeds to your diet provides essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
Chia Seeds
Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and protein, chia seeds promote heart health, support weight management, and improve digestion by stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Flaxseeds
A great source of omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, flaxseeds reduce inflammation, support hormone balance, and contribute to heart and digestive health.
Pumpkin Seeds
These are rich in magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats. Pumpkin seeds support immune function, improve sleep quality, and strengthen bones.
Sunflower Seeds
High in vitamin E, sunflower seeds combat free radicals and support heart health. They are also a great source of healthy fats and fibre.
Sesame Seeds
Full of calcium, magnesium, and fibre, sesame seeds support bone density, heart health, and maintain blood sugar levels.
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https://www.healthshots.com/web-stories/seeds-to-eat-in-winter-171733868258871.html/
| 2024-12-16T05:57:37Z
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Hero Realty, a Hero Enterprise business, appoints Karan Kumar as chief marketing officer (CMO). Previously, Kumar served as the first CMO for DLF Residential.
Madhur Gupta, CEO of Hero Realty, welcomed the appointment, saying, "Karan's experience will be crucial in enhancing our brand's presence and customer-centric initiatives and ensuring customer-centric growth as we strive to set new benchmarks in contemporary, eco-friendly living spaces."
On joining Hero Realty, Kumar expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "It is a privilege to be in a position to contribute to Hero Realty's vision of creating contemporary, innovative, and sustainable homes that resonate with modern aspirations while fostering health, harmony, and community partnerships, aligned with our chairman's vision."
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https://www.afaqs.com/people-spotting/hero-realty-appoints-karan-kumar-as-chief-marketing-officer-8443215
| 2024-12-16T05:57:38Z
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Who is Karen Friedman Agnifilo? Top New York attorney Luigi Mangione retained for legal defense
Mangione faces second-degree murder charge over shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
Luigi Mangione has retained a top New York attorney for his legal defense in connection with the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
The Independent understands that Karen Friedman Agnifilo has been officially retained to represent Mangione, 26, in New York, after the executive, 50, was gunned down outside the New York Hilton in Midtown Manhattan on 4 December.
Following a massive week-long manhunt, the shooting suspect was arrested after being seen eating a meal inside a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on Monday morning, with an employee calling the tip into police.
The 26-year-old is currently being held in a Pennsylvania jail without bond as he fights extradition to New York where he faces a second-degree murder charge. He has also been charged with gun law violations in Pennsylvania.
Thomas Dickey, a seasoned trial attorney with more than 40 years of experience, has been representing the shooting suspect in Pennsylvania, since being brought the case on Tuesday.
Mangione has now retained high-powered attorney Ms Agnifilo, of Agnifilo Intrater LLP, to represent him in his legal case in New York.
Here, The Independent takes a look at what we know about Ms Agnifilo.
Who is Ms Agnifilo?
Ms Agnifilo is a veteran of New York City’s criminal justice system, having worked in criminal justice, litigation and trials for three decades, after graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles, and the Georgetown University Law Center.
The majority of her career was spent as a public servant, working at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, including as its chief assistant district attorney.
She worked as second-in-command under DA Cyrus Vance for seven years, from 2014 to 2021, having previously served as chief of the office’s trial division for four years.
Ms Agnifilo has also been general counsel to the New York City mayor’s office’s criminal justice coordinator, where she worked for Michael Bloomberg, who was mayor at the time, on overhauling the city’s criminal justice policy.
She has been in private practice since 2021, and is currently partner at Agnifilo Intrater LLP.
The attorney also frequently appears in the media as a commentator. She used to be a legal analyst for CNN and is currently the legal advisor for TV show Law and Order. She also co-hosts a weekly legal podcast, which draws hundreds of thousands of listeners.
What have others said about her?
An experienced New York prosecutor has spoken of Ms Agnifilo’s extensive legal experience.
They told CNN: “She’s got as much experience as any human being, especially in the state court. She knows every corridor, every judge, every clerk in the courthouse.”
What has she said about Mangione’s case?
A representative for Ms Agnifilo told The Independent the attorney declined to comment at this time, including on who is paying Mangione’s legal fees.
Mr Dickey has refused to be drawn on whether Mangione’s prominent Baltimore family is fronting his legal costs. However, he did tell CNN that members of the public have offered funding.
Mr Dickey, who has denied his client’s involvement in the New York shooting, has anticipated that Mangione will plead not guilty to the murder charge as well as to other counts in the city. The attorney has also suggested Mangione will deny charges related to a gun and fake ID that police said they found when they arrested him.
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https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/karen-friedman-agnifilo-luigi-mangione-united-healthcare-ceo-b2664863.html
| 2024-12-16T05:57:38Z
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Kolkata Water Cut: Supply To Be Suspended for 21 Hours in THESE Areas; Check Details
By Lokmat English Desk | Published: December 16, 2024 11:16 AM2024-12-16T11:16:44+5:302024-12-16T11:17:18+5:30
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has announced that water supply from the Palta treatment plant will be suspended from ...
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has announced that water supply from the Palta treatment plant will be suspended from 9 am on Monday to 6 am on Tuesday for necessary repairs, maintenance, and overhaul.
The century-old Palta treatment plant, which supplies water to 65% of Kolkata's population, will see disruptions due to the repair work. In addition to large parts of the city, water supply will be impacted in areas of Bidhannagar and South Dum Dum municipalities. Officials from the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) also indicated that parts of Salt Lake could experience supply issues during the maintenance period.
The Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a notice indicating that water supply to Salt Lake and Sector V could be disrupted during the repair period. The suspension will also affect north and central Kolkata, along with large parts of south Kolkata.
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https://www.lokmattimes.com/national/kolkata-water-cut-supply-to-be-suspended-for-21-hours-in-these-areas-check-details-a505/
| 2024-12-16T05:57:39Z
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On-air challenge: For years I've been playing a "License Plate Game" when I've been with someone in a car. To play, you need to be in a state where most of the license plates have three letters —which many do. One of you calls out a set of letters from a nearby car. The object is to think of the shortest common, uncapitalized word that contains those letters in left-to-right order — not necessarily consecutively. Let's say the letters on a plate are NFT. Someone might call out BENEFIT, in seven letters. But that can be beaten by INFANT, in six letters. That in turn can be beaten by NIFTY, in five. In today's puzzle, I'll give you some sets of three letters. For each one, add two letters anywhere to complete a common, uncapitalized five-letter word.
- VCR
- GTO
- CNN
- CIA
- NSA
- PGA
- HMO
- RBI
Last week's challenge: Last week's challenge came from listener Ethan Kane, of Albuquerque. Name a common tree of North America in two words (3,5). Rearrange its letters to name a well-known plant of Central America, also in two words (4,4). What tree and plant are these?
Challenge answer: Red Maple --> Reed Palm
Winner: Suzanne Hendrich of Missoula, Montana
This week's challenge: This week's challenge comes from Joseph Young, who's a frequent contributor here — and it's a little tricky. Change one letter of a place on earth to get a familiar phrase much heard around this time of year. What is it? The answer consists of three words (5,2,5).
If you know the answer to the challenge, submit it here by Thursday, December 19th, 2024 at 3 p.m. ET. Listeners whose answers are selected win a chance to play the on-air puzzle. Important: include a phone number where we can reach you.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.wvasfm.org/arts/2024-12-15/sunday-puzzle-the-license-plate-game
| 2024-12-16T05:57:43Z
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Ninad Pathak joins Cello as head of digital marketing. Prior to joining Cello, Pathak served as assistant vice president of marketing at IndiaFirst Life.
Advertisment
He took to LinkedIn to announce the same.
Pathak has over a decade of experience in new product development, integrated media (ATL, Social, digital) planning and deployment, branding and creative content strategy.
Throughout his career, he has worked with organisations like Madison World, Interpublic Group, Nielsen, and more.
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https://www.afaqs.com/people-spotting/ninad-pathak-joins-cello-as-head-of-digital-marketing-8443238
| 2024-12-16T05:57:44Z
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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.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/luigi-mangione-donations-lawyer-defense-fund-b2664865.html
| 2024-12-16T05:57:44Z
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Kumaraswamy celebrates birthday with visually impaired children, PM Modi extends wishes
By IANS | Published: December 16, 2024 11:02 AM2024-12-16T11:02:09+5:302024-12-16T11:05:03+5:30
New Delhi, Dec 16 Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, celebrated his 65th birthday on ...
New Delhi, Dec 16 Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, celebrated his 65th birthday on Monday in a heartfelt manner with visually impaired children in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes to Kumaraswamy through social media on the occasion.
Taking to X, PM Modi wrote: "Birthday wishes to Union Minister Shri HD Kumaraswamy Ji. He is a very experienced public figure and has always been actively serving society. He is making important contributions towards developing the steel and heavy industries sectors, which are vital to becoming self-reliant. May he lead a long and healthy life."
To mark his special day, Kumaraswamy offered prayers at a Shiv temple near his residence in Hauz Khas, New Delhi. Later, he visited the National Association for the School for Special Children in R.K. Puram, Sector 5, where he celebrated his birthday in a simple yet meaningful way.
During the visit, Kumaraswamy distributed sweaters and sweets to the children and spent time interacting with them, spreading joy and warmth.
In an address to his supporters and party workers, Kumaraswamy expressed gratitude for their unwavering support, saying, "Every year, you celebrate my birthday in a very meaningful way, giving purpose to my life. You are the pillars behind my political success. With deep gratitude, I humbly request that my birthday not be celebrated in a grand manner this year."
He further emphasized the ongoing Parliament session in New Delhi and the concurrent session at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, stating, "Please bless and wish me from wherever you are. That is enough for me. If possible, extend your help to society and the underprivileged. Serving people is the core principle of the Janata Dal (Secular) party, and that will be the greatest gift you can give me."
Hailing from the Hassan district of Karnataka, Kumaraswamy is the son of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. A seasoned politician, he has served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka twice and currently represents the Mandya Parliamentary constituency. Kumaraswamy is also known for his contributions to the film industry as a producer.
Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
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https://www.lokmattimes.com/national/kumaraswamy-celebrates-birthday-with-visually-impaired-children-pm-modi-extends-wishes/
| 2024-12-16T05:57:45Z
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RG Kar case: Senior doctors plan 10-day protest in Kolkata from Tuesday
By IANS | Published: December 16, 2024 10:25 AM2024-12-16T10:25:41+5:302024-12-16T10:30:06+5:30
Kolkata, Dec 16 West Bengal Joint Platform of Doctors, an umbrella association of senior doctors in the state, ...
Kolkata, Dec 16 West Bengal Joint Platform of Doctors, an umbrella association of senior doctors in the state, is planning a 10-day protest from Tuesday to condemn the “default bail” granted last week by a special court in Kolkata to the two accused in the RG Kar rape and murder case.
The two -- Sandip Ghosh and Abhijit Mondal -- have been accused of tampering with evidence in the ghastly rape and murder of a woman junior doctor of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. They got bail as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) failed to file a charge sheet against them within 90 days from the day of their arrests.
The said protest demonstration at Doreena Crossing in central Kolkata is slated to start on Tuesday and continue till December 26.
The doctors’ body has already sought the permission of the Kolkata Police to construct the dais for the protest demonstration in central Kolkata. An association office-bearer said that in case of denial of police permission, the forum will be approaching the Calcutta High Court for the same.
Last Friday, the special court in Kolkata granted “default bail” to the former and controversial principal of R.G. Kar Sandip Ghosh and the former SHO of Tala Police Station, Abhijit Mondal, following CBI’s failure to file a charge sheet against them within the 90 days of their arrests.
Both Ghosh and Mondal were accused of misleading the investigation and tampering with evidence while the initial investigation was being carried out by the Kolkata Police.
CBI so far has filed only one charge sheet in the matter where civic volunteer Sanjay Roy has been identified as the “sole prime” accused in the crime of rape and murder.
Already, the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front, an umbrella body of junior doctors in the state, has outlined its next line of agitation in the matter involving the common people. They had already organised a protest rally last Saturday at the office of CBI’s special crime unit at Salt Lake on the northern outskirts of Kolkata.
The Front has also threatened to resume the "ceasework” protests which they withdrew earlier keeping in mind the larger public interest. The parents of the victim doctor too have claimed that protesting on the streets involving common people is the only way out now.
Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
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https://www.lokmattimes.com/national/rg-kar-case-senior-doctors-plan-10-day-protest-in-kolkata-from-tuesday/
| 2024-12-16T05:57:47Z
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KHAMGAON, India – Pork rinds. Dried squirrel. Spicy fish eggs. Dalit Kitchens of Marathwada is part anthology, part cookbook and part rebuke to readers, who may presume Indian food is largely vegetarian.
It tells of the culinary traditions of two groups of Dalits, known as Mang and Mahar. Dalits, broadly, occupy the lowest rungs of South Asia's ancient caste system and were once known as untouchables. They also form a sizable minority: around a fifth to a quarter of India's estimated 1.4 billion people.
Yet this is a rare book, perhaps the first published in English about Dalit culinary traditions by a person of Dalit caste.
There's a simple reason for that, says author Shahu Patole, a 62-year-old retired civil servant and a Dalit. "To upper-caste Hindus," Patole says, "we were not even humans. We were slaves." Dalit food, Patole says, was not considered worthy of being documented.
We spoke to Patole in his childhood home, in the hinterlands of the western Indian state of Maharashtra, on the fringes of Khamgaon village — because Dalits were once forced to build their homes away from upper-caste Hindus so they didn't pollute their spaces.
The first recipe: Blood
The book is not for the fainthearted.
The first recipe is simply titled, Blood. The method: boil blood – of any animal – until it's the color of dark chocolate and has the consistency of firm tofu. "Hot rakti tastes delicious when eaten immediately after cooking," Patole advises.
The next recipe advises readers to mash the cooked blood by hand to give it the texture of firm tofu, add spice and onions fried in animal fat. Garnish with coriander.
"How many people think about Indian food when they think about mashed blood?" asks Krishnendu Ray, professor of food studies at New York University. In a review, he described Dalit Kitchens of Marathwada "as arguably the most important cookbook to come out of South Asia."
The book, he says, "undermines this peculiar one dimensional understanding of Indian food [being] rich in spices, low in meat."
Ray says, "we know very little about Dalit cooking" because the idea of what Indians eat largely comes from upper-caste Hindus, including Brahmins, who sit at the apex of South Asia's caste hierarchy. Traditionally, they're largely vegetarian.
Ray says upper-caste Hindus dominate publishing houses that commission cookbooks and media houses that create cooking shows. In that context, Ray says the book is "dynamite that explodes the idea of Indian food from the bottom up."
Much has changed for Dalits since India won its independence more than seven decades ago. India's constitution was penned by a Dalit intellectual, known as Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar CQ. He helped enshrine quotas for Dalits in government jobs, education and legislature, although critics argue those quotas are not fairly or fully allotted. Ambedkar was also from Maharashtra, where there's a long tradition of Dalit activism. It's no coincidence that Patole's book also comes from this place, says Farha Ternikar, professor of sociology at Lemoyne College in Syracuse, N.Y. "It's a result of the activism over the last few decades around trying to increase Dalit visibility, but also, Dalit culture."
Yet the Dalit community in India is among India's most marginalized and has long faced severe discrimination. They dominate industries involved in waste collection, disposing of corpses and carcasses. Even in his own village, Patole says, other residents still refuse to eat food prepared by Dalits.
Cooking like his grandmother
Food he warmly recalls his grandmother making for him, like a meat and offal stew he prepares for us on a steamy June day.
Patole heads to a market town to buy leafy greens, then trudges down a muddy road lined with butcher shops, each a hole-in-the-wall, run by Muslim men – the Indian minority dominates the butchery trade.
Patole has a favorite: a seemingly-indistinguishable closet-sized nook filled out by an enormous buffalo carcass hooked from a roof rafter, its skin hanging on a wall hook. A plastic partition offers little resistance to the buzzing flies. Patole requests rib cuts, liver, still hanging in the carcass and intestines.
The butcher hacks off the cuts, dices them on a block and pops them into a black plastic bag that hides the meat. Patole says that's partly so shoppers can conceal their caste identity – typically only lower-caste Hindus eat red meat. It is also good manners, because the sight of cut-up flesh can offend vegetarian Hindus.
It also sidesteps the danger posed by Hindu extremists.
Over the past decade, they've beaten and lynched Muslims and Dalits they suspect of carrying cow flesh – beef – an animal sacred to many Hindus. But Muslims, and Dalits, traditionally, have eaten beef.
"These shops were called 'beef hotels,'" he says, because they only sold one thing. The butcher nervously assures us he's only selling buffalo meat. Patole sighs. Buffalo doesn't taste as good as beef, he says.
Back in Patole's kitchen, he heats up a pot. He adds oil, apologizing that he couldn't source rendered animal fat, which his community traditionally used for cooking.
Patole throws in salt, turmeric, garlic and ginger. He says Dalits were traditionally too poor to use these spices. Now he buys them pre-mashed in a packet.
Patole's mother, Gunabai Patole, swishes the meat and organ cuts in water, washing off dust and grime.
The meat cuts sizzle as Patole browns them off. He speeds up the cooking time by transferring the mix into a pressure cooker. Within minutes, he presents us with a rich brown stew. Patole mops it up with a traditional flatbread made of millets that his mother freshly prepared on a griddle.
Why he wrote the book
Patole says his book was published nine years ago in his native language, Marathi, through friends he made in the publishing industry. "Few took note of it," he says of local Indian media. Then the global publishing house HarperCollins issued an English translation this summer. Still, Patole says, no other Indian publisher has approached him to make a version in any other local language, like Hindi.
But he says, his book isn't intended to educate upper-caste folk. It's to help fellow Dalits shake off "a sense of shame that they are eating something wrong."
Partly, he says, that's because the dominant Indian culture values vegetarianism as pure — and eating meat as lowly — a bias he angrily tackles in his book.
"Vegetarian groups consider themselves superior even today," he writes. He asks: How many vegetarians "sweat in the fields?" Indian vegetarians, he says, come from castes that do not do manual labor.
Patole's words can feel shocking to those in the West, where the conversation about eating meat revolves around ethics: the cruelty of animal slaughter and the environmental cost of raising animals for meat. In India, there is a different conversation, which revolves around status, caste and meat.
It's something Yashica Dutt, the author of Coming Out As Dalit, has thought about deeply. "You grow up eating a certain kind of animal, a certain type of meat or just meat in general, and you are associated with being lower caste or being impure."
Growing up, Dutt's family pretended they were upper-caste. Her mother didn't want Dutt to be raised with the stigma of being known as a Dalit of the Bhangi sub-caste, whose people were long compelled to remove excrement from latrine pits.
She says other Dalit sub-castes were expected to dispose animal carcasses, because corpses are seen as impure. Living in poverty, the same Dalits often stripped down and ate those deceased animals for sustenance. That stigma lingers, but more than that, Dutt says "because our entire being is considered impure – the food we eat is also considered impure."
So for many Dalits, their food evokes mixed feelings: comfort, but also shame. "Joy cannot be separated from the oppression that we experience," Dutt says. "It's always going to be congealed together."
Back in Patole's kitchen, he says he wants his book to raise questions for fellow Dalits: "Why were you forced to eat this sort of food in the first place?" he says, like dead animals, offal, mashed blood. But he also hopes they'll see their food traditions as a product of tenacity, survival. "You're alive today because your ancestors ate it then," he says of other Dalits. "Otherwise you'd not be here."
Patole says he's pleased to have written the book if only as a "middle finger" to upper-caste Hindus who find him, his caste and his food disgusting. "That's what we ate, still eat — and I will continue to do so."
Recipes from "Dalit Kitchens of Marathwada" by Shahu Patole
Translated by: Bhushan Korgaonkar
Wajadi (intestines)
Wajadi is not necessarily liked by everyone. Even amongst those who like it, some people prefer only the part that looks like a Turkish towel while others prefer the part that looks like a honeycomb. The preparation of wajadi depended on ingredients available in the household.
Ingredients
- Thoroughly washed and cleaned wajadi, chopped
- Salt
- Turmeric
- Ginger-garlic paste or in pieces, whatever is available (optional)
- Green coriander, chopped
Method
- Heat a pan or wok and put in the chopped wajadi. Wajadi has fat, so it does not need added fat or oil.
- Add salt and turmeric and mix. Add the ginger-garlic pieces or paste if desired.
- Cook, while stirring, for an hour and a half.
- Add as much hot water as desired and cook a little longer. For those who like it plain, the dish is ready.
- For a spicier version, add any other spices you like and cook a little longer.
- Garnish with coriander and serve.
Moholachi poli (honeycomb)
Large wild bees are extremely aggressive. Their hive is known as agyamohol. Agya means fiery and mohol means hive. No one would usually dare to touch these hives as the bee attacks are brutal and strings acutely agonizing. But people would eat the hives of smaller bees. There are two main types of smaller bees: lavangi (fiery like clove) and kagadi (thin like paper). Lavangi bees look slightly reddish. They make their hives in the open. These bees are aggressive too and sting the attackers. That's why people cover their faces and create smoke to chase off the bees before touching these hives. Kagadi bees are darker but otherwise look like lavangi bees. They are not as aggressive and so they build their hives in comparatively inaccessible locations. These bees fly away even with the smoke of regular bidis and cigarettes. There was a delicacy made from the hives of both these types of bees.
One can easily spot the three sections of the hive. A puffed-up pod attached to the branch or an external object, which stores honey, the next part below it contains eggs and larvae and the last part is work in progress. The bigger the pod, the more the honey. The first part is used for extracting honey, the second part is used as a delicacy and the third part would be given to dogs. It was said that the dogs went a bit bonkers after eating it.
Ingredients
- Honeycomb containing larvae and eggs (Editor's note: honeycomb is sold commercially in the U.S. but without the larvae and eggs)
- Oil or fat
- Onions, chopped
- Red chili powder
- Salt
Method
- Cut the honeycomb into small pieces
- Heat a little oil in a pan and fry onions till brown
- Add chili powder and salt, mix.
- Add the honeycomb pieces, saute a little. Cover and reduce heat to low.
- Let it cook for a while. Serve.
This honeycomb preparation tastes perfect with jowar bhakri. It is tasty and nutritious. It should be eaten hot as it is high in wax and protein. It gets stuck in the mouth if eaten cold, just like animal fat. This dish has a distinct "hot n' sweet" taste.
Chigur (flowers of tamarind)
Chigur or tamarind flowers were eaten, too. The tamarind tree blossoms copiously. There were usually a few trees in or near the village on common lands, which were accessible to everyone. Chigur goes well with red lentils. This sour dal tastes good.
Ingredients
- Oil
- Onions, chopped
- Red lentils
- Red chili powder or chopped green chilies
- Salt
- Chigur
Method
- Heat oil in a tava or pan
- When it is hot, add the chopped onion. Stir.
- Add the red lentils, red chili powder or green chilis and salt to taste.
- Add the chigur and saute it for a while. Sprinkle some water, cover and lower the heat. Let it cool.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.wvasfm.org/arts/2024-12-15/this-cookbook-is-unlike-any-other-from-india-pass-the-honeycomb-please
| 2024-12-16T05:57:49Z
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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.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/luigi-mangione-family-baltimore-maryland-ceo-shooter-b2664870.html
| 2024-12-16T05:57:51Z
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Swachh Bharat Mission drives toilet cleaner usage in India by 53pc in 2024
By IANS | Published: December 16, 2024 10:51 AM2024-12-16T10:51:23+5:302024-12-16T10:55:03+5:30
New Delhi, Dec 16 Swachh Bharat Abhiyan or Clean India Mission has driven toilet cleaner usage in Indian ...
New Delhi, Dec 16 Swachh Bharat Abhiyan or Clean India Mission has driven toilet cleaner usage in Indian households by 53 per cent in 2024, according to a report.
The report by Kantar, a market research firm, showed that the country has seen a dramatic rise in the use of toilet cleaners and floor cleaners. From 19 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively of households using these in 2014, it more than doubled to 53 per cent using toilet cleaners and 22 per cent buying floor cleaners in 2024.
Launched by the government on October 2, 2014, the Swachh Bharat Mission is a country-wide campaign initiated to eliminate open defecation and improve solid waste management and to create Open Defecation Free (ODF) villages.
The report attributed the growth of toilet cleaner usage in households to the mission's success, coupled with marketing efforts. It said the mission significantly improved hygiene awareness and product penetration, particularly in rural areas.
As per the report, over 128 million new households have been added in the toilet cleaners, and 52 million homes in the floor cleaners segment.
The report said the surface cleaner market is about Rs 4,200 crore, with toilet cleaners accounting for half the segment at Rs 2,000 crore.
Kantar said the category was largely urban-centric a decade ago -- that's changed drastically.
A decade ago, 82 per cent of households that bought toilet cleaners were in urban areas, it was 90 per cent for floor cleaners.
"Urban is no longer the dominant source of the category with rural contributing to 52 per cent," said K Ramakrishnan, managing director, South Asia, world panel division at Kantar. "Clearly, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan drove the importance of cleanliness to the Indian households, and simultaneously helped manufacturers to drive penetration of household hygiene categories as well."
Since its inception in 2014, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has led to over 500,000 villages achieving ODF (Open Defecation-Free) plus status with rural sanitation rising from 39 per cent to 100 per cent.
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| 2024-12-16T05:57:54Z
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AYESHA RASCOE, HOST:
We don't want to alarm you coffee drinkers on this fine morning, but the price of coffee on the futures market broke a nearly 50-year record last week. Of course, there's a lot of concern for what this means for the prices we'll see at coffee shops and supermarkets. So we invited NPR's Alina Selyukh here to explain what's going on. Welcome.
ALINA SELYUKH, BYLINE: Hello, hello. Can you guess what I brought?
RASCOE: Did you bring some coffee to keep you going?
(SOUNDBITE OF COFFEE POURING)
SELYUKH: Brought my latte.
RASCOE: (Laughter) OK. You brought your latte. What is happening with coffee prices?
SELYUKH: Coffee prices have soared, and it all started with problems with harvests, first in Vietnam and then in Brazil. These are the two top growers of the most common types of coffee beans. And the culprit was abnormal weather, which many in the industry attribute to climate change. I talked to some longtime importers of green coffee. That's raw beans. One of them is John Cossette from Royal Coffee in California.
And he says, first, you had Vietnam with a serious drought followed by heavier rains than usual, and that drove up prices for the bean that grows there and already had people scrambling to switch to the bean that grows in Brazil. And then Brazil had one of the worst droughts on record. Here's Cossette.
JOHN COSSETTE: Once they started harvesting the coffee - it's kind of nice to have dry weather when you're harvesting, but as soon as it's done, you want it to start raining, you know, because soil will moisture up and initiate flowering. And it just didn't happen. It really freaked people out.
SELYUKH: Eventually, it did rain, but farmers later said a lot of the damage was irreversible. And so the price of the most common coffee - that's called arabica - jumped 70% this year. The price of the other type of coffee, called robusta, at one point doubled in price. Both cost more than they ever did.
RASCOE: Arabica and robusta - how different are these?
SELYUKH: Yeah. So they have different flavor based on where they grow. What I have here in my cup is arabica. It is the most common. Brazil is the biggest grower, and this coffee grows at higher altitudes. It has a softer, sweeter taste, and that's what you find often in your roast coffee, your ground coffee. Robusta grows at lower elevation. Vietnam is the biggest grower, and this bean has a harsher, more bitter taste. It's used a lot for instant coffee.
RASCOE: OK. I think my mom drinks something like that. But back to the prices.
SELYUKH: OK.
RASCOE: Was it just the irreversible damage to harvests that drove up the cost?
SELYUKH: You know, coffee markets are complicated, like all commodities. Many of the traders actually need the physical coffee, the bags of beans, but many traders are just financial speculators. They're trying to game the price change, you know, buy cheaper, sell higher. And everyone bets on how much they think beans will cost in the future. And so when people think those beans won't grow or there won't be enough, those who need those beans scramble, speculators go nuts and it all only spirals the price further, which is what's happened. And it doesn't help that this week, one of the world's biggest coffee traders made a forecast that arabica, coffee like I have here, could see supply decline by nearly a quarter in the next cycle.
RASCOE: We've been talking about record prices on the futures market, but I don't buy coffee at the futures market, right? You buy it at the grocery store or at Starbucks. So how is this going to translate?
SELYUKH: So I'm sorry to say those prices have already been rising. If you shop at the supermarket - brands like Nescafe, Maxwell House, Folgers, Dunkin' - they've all had waves of price increases. They've cited higher cost of the green raw coffee. At your local coffee shop, it really depends, depends on how they source their products, but yes, likely they're feeling the pressure to raise prices, and they're just trying to assess how to do that without scaring away shoppers.
But fact of the matter is, as a world, we are drinking more and more and more coffee. So demand has not waned so far. People so far have been willing to pay those higher prices for their coffee habit. The markets will probably eventually calm down. Importers I talked to pointed out, historically, adjusted for inflation, we've actually been paying pretty low prices for a pound of coffee. So maybe it's the days of cheap coffee that are over.
RASCOE: That's probably bad news (laughter) for coffee drinkers, but we got to give it to you straight. No cream and sugar here. That's NPR's Alina Selyukh. Thank you so much.
SELYUKH: Thank you. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.wvasfm.org/business/2024-12-15/coffee-prices-havent-been-this-high-in-47-years
| 2024-12-16T05:57:56Z
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Who is Luigi Mangione: What to know about man charged with murder in UnitedHealthcare CEO’s shooting death
Mangione has been denied bail and is fighting extradition after being charged with murder in New York in connection with Brian Thompson’s death
Luigi Mangione has been charged with murder in connection to the death of the UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside his Manhattan hotel on December 4.
Mangione, 26, was spotted eating a meal inside a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on Monday morning, with an employee calling the tip into police.
He 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.
Thompson, 50, was shot dead on December 4 outside the New York Hilton Midtown. That launched a massive manhunt for the suspect who eluded police for nearly a week.
Here is what we know about Mangione, the man police say committed the crime:
Tip from the public led police to Pennsylvania
On Monday, police responded to a tip from a McDonald’s employee in Altoona, Pennsylvania, who said they saw a man who looked like the person of interest from the case.
Mangione was eating in the McDonald’s when he was recognized by the employee, police said. Officers arrived at the restaurant and began questioning Mangione.
Police “asked the male if he had been to New York recently and the male became quiet and started to shake,” according to a later criminal complaint filed against the 26-year-old.
“We didn’t think twice about it,” Altoona police officer Tyler Frye said of encountering Mangione. “We knew that was our guy.”
The officers arrested Mangione after he provided a fake ID card. A police search revealed he had a ghost gun that matches the weapon believed to have been used in the assassination-style killing, said officials on Monday.
Mangione also possessed a silencer, a 262-word manifesto, a spiral notebook containing a “to-do list”, and several false ID cards.
“He was initially cooperative. He is not now,” Lt Colonel George Bivens of Pennsylvania State Police said during a press conference on Monday.
Charges in Pennsylvania and New York
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 last week’s brazen killing of Thompson in Midtown Manhattan.
“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.
Blair County District Attorney Peter Weeks said both Pennsylvania and New York’s governors remain confident they can get the warrant to transfer him back to the Empire State before the 30-day deadline.
Mangione was denied bail, is fighting extradition, and will remain in a Pennsylvania jail. He is set to plead not guilty to all charges, his attorney Thomas Dickey told NewsNation on Tuesday.
Three-page ‘manifesto’ and ‘to-do list’ discovered
Police said they found a three-page manifesto in Mangione’s possession when he was arrested, which suggests he has “an ill will towards corporate America,” Joseph Kenny, NYPD’s chief of detective, told the press conference.
The handwritten document “speaks to both his motivation and mindset,” said NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
It reportedly said “these parasites had it coming” and “I do apologize for any strife and trauma, but it had to be done,” according to CNN, who cited a police official who has seen the document.
A “to-do list” was also found inside a spiral notebook that was gleaned from the suspect along with other evidence at the Altoona McDonald’s on Monday, a law enforcement source told CNN.
Mangione apparently mulled the idea of using a bomb in Manhattan in his alleged plot to kill the UnitedHealth CEO, the source said. He allegedly decided against using the bomb as it “could kill innocents” and instead opted for a more targeted approach “to kill the CEO at his own bean counting conference.”
Mangione was aware that UnitedHealthcare was holding an investors’ conference in Midtown Manhattan around the time Thompson was shot dead, according to Kenny. He added that the suspect mentioned in the list that he was going to the conference site.
Suspect went missing after spine surgery
Just two weeks before the UnitedHealth CEO was gunned down in Manhattan, Mangione’s mother, Kathleen, reported him missing to the San Francisco police on November 18, a source told The San Francisco Standard.
The suspect had previously suffered from debilitating, chronic back pain and underwent major surgery for it in 2023, and in the months after had lost touch with friends and family, an acquaintance told The New York Times.
RJ Martin – a friend of Mangione and spokesperson of Surfbreak, a co-living space in Honolulu, where Mangione lived for about six months until April 2022 – told the newspaper that the suspect had moved to Hawaii in a bid to get as healthy as possible in advance of the operation.
“His spine was kind of misaligned,” Martin said. “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.”
In the months after allegedly undergoing surgery in 2023, Mangione lost touch with friends and relatives, according to police sources, accounts from his friends and social media posts.
“Nobody has heard from you in months,” one seemingly concerned social media user tweeted on his X page in October. An early post from July read: “I don’t know if you are okay or just in a super isolated place and have no service. But I haven’t heard from you in months.”
Valedictorian at private school and Ivy League educated
Mangione attended the Gilman School in Baltimore, a private all-boys school, where he was valedictorian in 2016, The New York Times first reported. Tuition at the school is $37,690 per year.
Mangione gave a speech where he described his class as “coming up with new ideas and challenging the world around it.”
According to his apparent LinkedIn profile, Mangione has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
A former classmate told The Independent that he never gave off the “Unabomber vibe” in his college days.
A Facebook profile matching the name of the person of interest offers a glimpse into their life, with photos of friends on the beach in Mexico, exploring the California coast, and going to soccer matches.
Mangione hails from a prominent Baltimore-area family, The Baltimore Bannerreports.
His grandparents Nicholas Mangione Sr and Mary Mangione were real estate developers with interests in country clubs, nursing homes, and a radio station. Maryland GOP state delegate Nino Mangione is a cousin of the arrested man.
Person of interest gave Unabomber’s manifesto four stars on Goodreads
Mangione appears to have left a positive review for the Unabomber’s manifesto online earlier this year, and praised the killer as a “political revolutionary.”
An account under that name on the book review website Goodreads, which also matches photos of the suspect on other social media platforms, gave Ted Kaczynski’s book a four-star review in January.
“Clearly written by a mathematics prodigy. Reads like a series of lemmas on the question of 21st-century quality of life,” the review reads.
“It’s easy to quickly and thoughtless write this off as the manifesto of a lunatic, in order to avoid facing some of the uncomfortable problems it identifies. But it’s simply impossible to ignore how prescient many of his predictions about modern society turned out,” the review continues.
Kaczynski’s brother David said on Tuesday that he hopes that Mangione did not view his sibling as a role model.
“His actions are like a virus,” he told NBC News. “Many factors go into a person’s motivation that they drastically act like this, and I hope my brother wasn’t in a way a key model for him.”
Hundreds of hours of footage combed through
Investigators combed through hundreds of hours of video from multiple sources to find the crucial screenshot that linked them to the person of interest, Kenny told the press conference.
NYPD quickly issued surveillance images of the suspect unmasked and smiling the day after Thompson was fatally shot.
It emerged that the clear surveillance images of the person of interest where he is smiling came from a “flirtatious” moment with a female employee at the hostel where he was believed to be staying.
“They were having a flirtatious moment and he pulls it down and he gives a big smile and that one informal moment between two human beings remains at this moment the most significant clue to date in this whole case,” former NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence and Counterterrorism John Miller told CBS News last week.
Over the weekend police released a new image of the person of interest in the back of a taxi wearing a face mask.
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https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/luigi-mangione-manifesto-lawyer-ceo-united-healthcare-brian-thompson-b2664858.html
| 2024-12-16T05:57:57Z
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Navi Mumbai: PM Modi to Inaugurate ₹170-Crore ISKCON Temple in Kharghar on January 15
By Amit Srivastava | Published: December 16, 2024 10:37 AM2024-12-16T10:37:24+5:302024-12-16T10:40:22+5:30
After 12 years of construction, the ISKCON temple, officially named the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple, is nearing completion ...
After 12 years of construction, the ISKCON temple, officially named the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple, is nearing completion in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. Built at a cost of Rs170 crores and spread over eight acres, the temple is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 15, 2025. According to temple trustee and president Surdas Prabhu, the temple is expected to herald a new era of spiritual consciousness and community service in Navi Mumbai.
Prabhu confirmed that the Prime Minister will also lay the cornerstone for the upcoming Cultural Centre and Vedic Museum, which aim to showcase India’s rich spiritual heritage. “The Prime Minister has graciously consented to grace the event,” Prabhu shared, noting that Modi had previously visited the temple on October 12 during his visit to Navi Mumbai.
“This temple is a jewel amid the lush greenery of Navi Mumbai,” Prabhu added. “It stands as a beacon of spirituality and unity, welcoming devotees from all walks of life to experience the transcendental power of devotion. It will serve as a vibrant hub for spiritual and cultural activities for generations, benefiting society at large.”
The grand inauguration will span a week of festivities, from January 9 to January 15, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the spiritual evolution of the region.
With its stunning architecture and tranquil surroundings, the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple is poised to become a landmark of spirituality, cultural heritage, and community service. ISKCON Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada envisioned temples as spaces where the world could unite in moral and spiritual harmony. “ISKCON continues to spread the message of Godhead through the bonafide Guru-Parampara, fostering universal brotherhood, peace, love, and harmony,” said Prabhu.
The temple will also feature numerous facilities, including the Bhaktivedanta College of Vedic Education, a library, an Ayurvedic healing center, a Gaushala (cow sanctuary), a senior citizens' ashram, an organic farm, the Vedic Museum, and Food for Life programs, among others.
This monumental event will be attended by prominent dignitaries, including the Governor of Maharashtra, C.P. Radhakrishnan; Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis; Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar; as well as spiritual leaders and other notable guests.
The inauguration week will feature a series of grand ceremonies, spiritual discourses, devotional music, and cultural performances, making it an unforgettable celebration of spirituality and cultural heritage.
Key Events:
1. Installation of 8 prominent Acharyas of Vedic tradition.
2. Installation of Dashavatar Deities.
3. Spiritual discourses, Vaishnava Samagam, a Special Motivational Talk, Natakam, Bhajan Sandhya, Kirtan Melas, and Maha Prasadam are available for everyone on all days.
4. Unveiling the New Temple, Cornerstone laying of the Cultural Centre and the Vedic Museum.
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| 2024-12-16T05:58:00Z
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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 Ustad 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 began performing alongside India’s classical music legends during his teens.
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.
By SHEIKH SAALIQ
Associated Press
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https://www.mymotherlode.com/entertainment/3472797/zakir-hussain-one-of-indias-most-accomplished-classical-musicians-dies-at-73.html
| 2024-12-16T05:58:01Z
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The prospect of tariffs in the new Trump administration is dividing businesses around the country.
Some are scrambling to avoid the potential import taxes or preparing to pass the cost on to their customers. Others, however, are welcoming tariffs as a defense against foreign competition.
Here's a look at how three businesses are bracing for the tariffs.
The domestic manufacturer
Mark McClelland is in the pro-tariff camp.
If you've ever sat in the bleachers to watch a high school football game, you may have come in contact with McClelland's product. His company, Tower Extrusions, manufactures bleacher seats and thousands of other aluminum products.
"Think of a big Play-Doh machine," McClelland says of the manufacturing process. "We take a log of aluminum and push it through a die in the shape of some form."
McClelland's business, based in Olney, Texas, operates eleven aluminum presses, cranking out bleachers, window frames, car parts and more.
"It's kind of one of those old-line businesses that people don't really think about, but when you look around, our product is kind of everywhere," he says.
Starting around 2010, McClelland's company and others the industry began to face increased competition from China. They fought back and won anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese aluminum products, but the import threat soon metastasized.
"What used to be just a China problem now has spread," McClelland says, with surging imports from Vietnam, Turkey, India, and Mexico. "And of course Mexico is the one I really worry about, because there's a direct route to our market."
Foreign companies now supply about 35% of the extruded aluminum products in the U.S., McClelland adds, nearly double their share from five years ago.
"They're selling at prices we can't compete with," McClelland says. "It's going to shut down our industry if we don't do something."
President-elect Donald Trump has proposed adding a tax of 10% to 20% on all imports, and McClelland is counting on those sweeping tariffs to provide a more level playing field.
He acknowledges, however, that import taxes are a double-edged sword. His company has to pay more for the raw aluminum that goes into its products now because of tariffs that Trump imposed the last time he was in the White House.
"It drove up our raw material costs by 10%, whether we imported them or not," McClelland recalls. "Even if it was produced domestically, it raises your costs 10%."
The importer
Among those business owners who face higher costs is Bobby Djavaheri.
He worries that tariffs will raise the cost of his popular air fryers and other appliances, most of which are manufactured in China.
"I don't think the American consumer understands what's at stake here," says Djavaheri, whose company, Yedi Houseware Appliances, is based in Los Angeles.
If Trump makes good on his threat to impose a 60% tariff on imports from China, he estimates that "a $130 item will turn into something way above $200."
"Americans are directly being taxed with these tariffs, not the Chinese," Djavaheri says.
Some have suggested that Trump is merely using the threat of tariffs as a bargaining chip and that import taxes are unlikely to take full effect — but Djavaheri isn't counting on that.
"I take it very seriously," he says. "We're trying to ramp up our imports prior to the president-elect getting sworn in."
Other importers are also racing to stockpile products before any tariffs take effect.
"If companies have the wherewithal to pull this product forward, to build up inventory and get their cost basis down before the new tariffs are put in, they're trying it," says Gene Seroka, executive director at the Port of Los Angeles. The port is busier than usual this time of year, unloading hundreds of thousands of shipping containers from Asia each month.
One of Djavaheri's suppliers has also considered moving his factory from China to Mexico to avoid the steepest tariffs.
But that may not necessarily work. Last month, Trump proposed slapping a 25% tariff on imports from both Mexico and Canada, two of the United States' biggest trading partners.
The discounter
Peter Elitzer is another business owner worried about the impact of tariffs.
He says even a 10% tariff would be painful for the customers who shop at his discount clothing stores. Bargain-hunters who frequent Elitzer's Label Shopper stores on the East Coast and in the Midwest are already cautious about spending money.
"They're only buying when they need to have something," Elitzer says. "So it's cold and they need a sweatshirt or jacket, they'll come out and get it. If it's too cold in the spring and they don't need to buy T-shirts, they don't buy T-shirts."
That makes Elitzer wary about filling warehouses ahead of the potential tariffs with clothes that might not sell and run the risk of falling out of fashion. He'll take his chances on imports from India, Indonesia and Cambodia, knowing that if tariffs do come, he'll have to raise prices.
"There's no question in my mind this is not going to be good news for the consumer at all," Elitzer says. "Particularly if they're trying to get inflation under control. It's the worst possible time to do that."
Most of the clothing items in his stores sell for $19.99 or below — less than he was charging a decade ago.
"The overwhelming majority of Americans don't shop in the high-end department stores," he says. "They're shopping in Walmart and they're shopping in the Label Shoppers of the world. And they're looking for value."
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https://www.wvasfm.org/business/2024-12-15/trumps-tariffs-threat-is-dividing-business-owners-across-the-country
| 2024-12-16T05:58:02Z
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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.”
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https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/snl-nancy-grace-luigi-mangione-b2664868.html
| 2024-12-16T05:58:03Z
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Nhava Sheva Water Supply Scheme: Panvel MLA Prashant Thakur Pushes Project Completion Date to March 2025
By Amit Srivastava | Published: December 16, 2024 11:01 AM2024-12-16T11:01:45+5:302024-12-16T11:04:19+5:30
In a significant step towards resolving Panvel's long-standing water issues, Panvel MLA Prashant Thakur conducted an on-site inspection of ...
In a significant step towards resolving Panvel's long-standing water issues, Panvel MLA Prashant Thakur conducted an on-site inspection of the Nhava Sheva Water Supply Scheme Phase 3 last week. Accompanied by Panvel Municipal Commissioner Mangesh Chitale, former House Leader Paresh Thakur, and other officials, the MLA reviewed the progress of the pipeline work from Vayal to Bhokarpada and directed that all pending works be completed by March 31, 2025.
The ambitious project, designed to meet the water demands of the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) area for the next 20 years, is progressing slowly. Once completed, it will more than double the current water supply, increasing from 100 MLD (million liters per day) to 228 MLD. This will provide a sustainable and uninterrupted water supply to Panvel residents.
Speaking at the site, Thakur said, "The people of Panvel deserve a permanent solution to their water problems. I have consistently followed up with the government to expedite this project. I have instructed officials to ensure that all work under Phase 3 is completed by the March 31 deadline."
The inspection also included a detailed review of the critical pipeline work between Vayal and Bhokarpada, with officials urged to accelerate progress to meet the set timeline.
Water scarcity was a key issue during the 2024 assembly elections, with voters raising concerns over the region's inadequate supply. As a four-time consecutive MLA, Thakur had assured residents that he would address the water supply problem comprehensively.
Prominent attendees during the inspection included Water Supply Officer Vilas Chavan, Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran Chief Engineer Prashant Bhambare, Executive Engineer Vengurlekar, Deputy Engineer Vaydande, and representatives from JVPR, the company managing the project.
The completion of the Nhava Sheva Water Supply Scheme Phase 3 is projected to bring long-term relief to Panvel residents, effectively resolving the area's water scarcity and ensuring a reliable supply for decades to come.
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https://www.lokmattimes.com/navi-mumbai/nhava-sheva-water-supply-scheme-panvel-mla-prashant-thakur-pushes-project-completion-date-to-march-2025-a512/
| 2024-12-16T05:58:06Z
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Specifications for the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster 982 My19 2.0L Petrol 2D Roadster
Standard Features
- 12 Volt Power Outlet
- Dual Front Airbags Package
- Advanced Brake Functions
- Anti-lock Braking
- Auto Climate Control with Dual Temp Zones
- Automatic Climate Control Filtered
- Air Conditioning Charcoal Filter
- Apple Car Play
- Automatic Deploying Rear Wing
- Air Compressor
- Alarm System/Remote Anti Theft
- Alarm with Interior Movement Sensor
- Automatic Stop/Start
- Adjustable Steering Wheel - Tilt & Telescopic
- Anti-theft Wheel Bolts
- 19 Inch Alloy Wheels
- Black Brake Calipers
- Bi-Xenon Dynamic Light System
- Cruise Control
- Cup Holders - Front Seats
- Coat Hanger Hook/s
- Centre Console Box - Multi-purpose
- Central Locking Remote Control
- Convex Mirror Right Side
- Communication Management System
- Connect App Services
- Connect Plus
- Convertible Top Colour
- Digital Audio Broadcast Radio
- Dynamic Drive
- Door Handle Courtesy Lights
- Digital Instrument Cluster
- Driver Mode Selection
- Door Pockets - Front Seat
- Door Sill Finishers - Embossed/Personalised
- Dry Sump Lubrication System
- Electrically Heated Windscreen
- Exterior Mirrors - Auto Dimming
- Electric Parking Brake
- Electronic Stability Program
- Front Footwell Lights
- Gear Shift Indicator
- Head Airbags
- Head Airbags - Front Seats (side)
- Headlights - Auto On/Off Function
- Headlights - Coming/Leaving Home Function
- Heated Front Seats
- Heated Rear Windshield
- Illuminated Glove Box Compartment
- Engine Immobiliser
- Luggage/Cargo Area Light/s
- LED Indicators
- Light Pack
- Multi-function Display
- Multi-function Steering Wheel - Heated
- Mobile Phone Connectivity
- Map/Reading Lights - Front
- Navigation System
- Park Assist 2
- Paddle Shifters on Steering Wheel
- Power Front Seat Driver 14 Way
- Positioning Lights LED
- Power Mirrors With Folding
- Power Exterior Mirrors - Heated
- Power Steering
- Power Front Seats 14 Way with Memory
- Powered Sports Seats
- Power Soft Top
- Power Soft Top - Remote Operation
- Power Windows
- Power Windows With One-Touch Operation
- Rain Sensor
- Rear Lights - LED
- Rollover Mitigation System
- Rollover Protection System
- Reversing Camera
- Seatbelts - Lap/Sash for All Seats
- Storage Compartment - Centre Floor Console
- Solar Control Glass Roof
- Sports Exhaust System
- Side Front AirBags
- Side Impact Protection
- Sound Package Plus
- Sound System with 6 Speakers
- Sports Steering Wheel
- Stainless Steel Exhaust System
- Sunvisors with Vanity Mirrors & Illumination
- Thorax Airbag(s)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
- Tyre Repair Kit
- Tinted Windows
- Vehicle Stability Management System
- Wind Deflector
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Windscreen With Sunband
- Xenon Headlights
Optional Extras
- Adaptive Cruise Control - $2,570
- Aluminium Gear Selector - $1,110
- Air Intake Grilles Painted - $1,060
- Aluminium Gear Knob - $500
- Alcantara Sunvisors - $860
- Alcantara Steering Wheel - $1,580
- Alloy Pedals - $550
- Adaptive Sports Seats Plus - 18 Way - $2,850
- Bi-Xenon Dynamic Light System Plus - $1,150
- Climate Control Panel - Leather - $1,220
- Climate Control Panel - Painted - $1,220
- Ceramic Brakes - $15,370
- Carbon Floor Mats - $1,490
- Coloured Instrument Dials - $1,030
- Carbon Onboard Folder - $1,630
- Customization Package Gear Lever - $1,630
- Coloured Seat Belts - $570
- Carbon Sill Guards - $1,120
- Carbon Sill Guards Illuminated - $1,120
- Carbon Sill Guards Illuminated - Personalised - $2,440
- Carbon Steering Wheel Special - $930
- Coloured Tailpipes - $1,120
- Extended Leather Pack - $1,090
- Embossed Headrests - $470
- Exterior Pack - Painted - $2,960
- Gear Lever - Carbon - $1,050
- Home Link - $600
- Interior Pack - Painted (non leather) - $1,220
- Interior Pack - Painted (leather) - $1,460
- Interior Pack - Wood (non leather) - $2,640
- Interior Pack - Wood (leather) - $3,110
- Interior Pack - Carbon (non leather) - $2,640
- Interior Pack - Carbon (leather) - $3,110
- Interior Pack - Brushed Aluminium (non leather) - $1,250
- Interior Pack - Brushed Aluminium (leather) - $1,470
- Interior Trim Pack - $4,250
- Interior Trim Special - $5,750
- Keyless Entry & Drive - $1,470
- Leather Accented Upholstery
- Leather Backrests Sports Seats Plus - $2,810
- Lane Change Assist - $1,220
- Leather Dashboard - $2,520
- LED Dynamic Light System - $2,330
- Leather Interior Exclusive - $7,680
- Leather Interior Pack (without leather interior) - $1,290
- Leather Interior Pack (with leather interior) - $1,540
- Leather Interior Pack Partial Leather Seats - $830
- Leather Int Pack Partial Leather Seats - Two Tone - $1,200
- Leather Interior Pack Leather Seats - $4,410
- Leather Interior Pack Leather Seats - Premium - $5,190
- Leather Int Pack Leather Seats - Premium Two-tone - $5,190
- Leather Int Pack Leather Seats - Natural Leather - $6,910
- Leather Int Pk Leather Seats - Nat Leath Two-tone - $7,680
- Leather Interior Two-Tone - $4,410
- Leather Steering Column Surround - $940
- Leather Sill Guards - Special - $1,210
- Leather Sports Steering Wheel - $570
- Leather Sunvisors - $860
- Leather Upholstery
- Leather Upholstery Special - $1,000
- Metallic Paint - $1,870
- Metallic Paint Special - $18,490
- Porsche Active Suspension Management - $3,000
- Painted Alloy Wheels - Premium - $2,500
- Paint Colour Special - $4,920
- Painted Key - $840
- Rollover Bars - Painted - $1,060
- Seatbelt Buckles - Leather - $1,000
- Seatbelt Passage - Painted - $1,030
- Sports Chrono Instrument Dials - $720
- Sports Chrono Package - $3,770
- Sports Design Black Pack - $6,220
- Sports Design Pack - $5,250
- Special Identifying Badging - $540
- Solid Paint
- Solid Paint Special - $18,490
- Sports Seats - Bucket - $6,870
- Sports Seats - Special - $3,060
- Stainless Steel Sill Guards - Illuminated - $1,370
- St/Steel Sill Guards Illuminated - Personalised - $1,760
- Stainless Steel Sill Guards - $500
- Surround Sound System Premium - $8,220
- Surround Sound System - $2,470
- Tail Lights - Special - $1,290
- Torque Vectoring Differential Rear - $2,750
- Ventilated Front Seats - $1,950
- Wood Gear Selector - $1,050
- Wheel Centres - $340
- Wood Steering Wheel Special - $930
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https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2019-porsche-718-boxster-982-my19-petrol-2d-roadster-CkUXPlzRtA
| 2024-12-16T05:58:04Z
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3rd Test: Cummins removes Pant as India fall into more trouble, trail by 397 runs
By IANS | Published: December 16, 2024 11:04 AM2024-12-16T11:04:25+5:302024-12-16T11:05:11+5:30
Brisbane, Dec 16 Skipper Pat Cummins joined the wicket-takers’ party by dismissing Rishabh Pant as India fell into ...
Brisbane, Dec 16 Skipper Pat Cummins joined the wicket-takers’ party by dismissing Rishabh Pant as India fell into more trouble on day two of third Test at the Gabba on Monday.
At tea, taken due to rain stopping the proceedings yet again, India are at 48/4 in 14.1 overs, trailing Australia by 397 runs.
After lunch was taken early due to persistent rain, there were eleven balls of action where Pant and KL Rahul resorted to rotating the strike before the drizzle came in the way again. Post resumption, Pant and Rahul played for 4.3 overs, before rain again came to force them off the field.
After rain relented, Rahul leaned into a gorgeous drive off Cummins for four. But Cummins bounced back to when he angled one across the stumps and forced Pant to play at it, and he ended up nicking behind to Alex Carey for nine.
It also marked the third time Cummins dismissed Pant in this series, after not taking his wicket previously in Tests. Rahul drilled Starc through cover for four, before looking despondent and Starc giving a frustrated look as rain came again and forced the tea break to be taken.
With 246 runs needed for India to avoid the follow-on, a lot will depend on Rahul, who is unbeaten on 30 and has played with discipline, soft hands and exquisite strokeplay, as well as skipper Rohit Sharma to save the visitors’ from losing in a rain-hit Test match.
Brief Scores: Australia 445 in 117.1 overs (Travis Head 152, Steve Smith 101; Jasprit Bumrah 6-76, Mohammed Siraj 2-97) lead India 48/4 in 14.1 overs (KL Rahul 30 not out; Mitchell Starc 2-24) by 397 runs
Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
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https://www.lokmattimes.com/other-sports/3rd-test-cummins-removes-pant-as-india-fall-into-more-trouble-trail-by-397-runs/
| 2024-12-16T05:58:08Z
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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 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.
NEW MOVIES TO STREAM DEC. 16-22
– 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.
— AP Film Writer Jake Coyle
NEW MUSIC TO STREAM DEC. 16-22
— ’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
NEW SHOWS TO STREAM DEC. 16-22
— 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.
— Alicia Rancilio
NEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
— 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.
— Lou Kesten
By The Associated Press
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https://www.mymotherlode.com/entertainment/3472800/what-to-stream-mrbeast-jumps-to-tv-little-big-towns-holiday-special-and-squid-game-unleashed.html
| 2024-12-16T05:58:08Z
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Vivaldi identify as a different Browser
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Using Vivaldi... When I go to a sight like "groups.io" or "google" as to look at my calendar, I receive an error that this browser may not be safe. At that point, I need to open another browser such as Chrome, Edge, IE, etc. to proceed. Is there a way that I can make Vivaldi present itself as Chrome, FireFox or another acceptable to Google powered sites?
~Dave~ -
@KB7GP
Hi, Vivaldi present itself as Chrome since a long time.https://www.whatismybrowser.com
Wich Vivaldi version do you use?
Cheers, mib
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@KB7GP , do you have activated Crypto Token in the privacy settings? If not, you can't use Google services and pages.
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I am using 5.3.2679.68 (Stable channel) (64-bit) .
Google sites will not let me in because "unsafe browser".I have not checked the Crypto Token yet. Never even heard of it. --- it was not checked. Will see what happens now.
~Thank you both for the suggestions~
~Dave~ -
@KB7GP If you are blocking 3rd party cookies, Google sites won't let you log in. Make sure they are enabled and try again.
@Catweazle said in Vivaldi identify as a different Browser:
do you have activated Crypto Token in the privacy settings?
Didn't that setting get renamed to
Google Services Token
? Edit: Maybe it hasn't been updated in the other translations. -
@nomadic , maybe, it's also with this name in Spain, I called it Crypto Token out of habit. In any case I think this is the reason for the problem.
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@Catweazle I don't even know what that is.
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@KB7GP Do you still use Vivaldi 5.3?
If yes, on some sites outdated browser version will cause trouble and reject login. -
I find nothing about a token in the Settings when I search for it. I do see Google Services and under that is Phishing and Malware Protection, DNS to Help Resolve Navigation Errors, and Form Autofill Assist. Is that what the Crypto Token is about?
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The setting to disable the "Crypto Token" or "Google Services Token" was removed in 6.0 because too many users kept disabling it and then not understanding why they no longer could sign in to Google's services.
Users getting reports about "outdated browsers" or similar when logging in to sites have different problems.
I'm locking this 2 years old topic as it only causes confusion.
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PPathduck locked this topic
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https://forum.vivaldi.net/topic/77405/vivaldi-identify-as-a-different-browser
| 2024-12-16T05:58:08Z
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ABC’s $15m settlement in Trump ‘rape’ defamation case was met with surprise and outrage. Here’s why
Trump claimed George Stephanopoulos defamed him when he said a jury found him ‘liable for rape’
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Your support makes all the difference.ABC’s $15 million settlement with Donald Trump following the president-elect’s defamation lawsuit has alarmed legal analysts and drawn criticism that the network and its Disney parent company gave up without a fight.
“Knee bent. Ring kissed,” prominent Democratic elections lawyer Marc Elias wrote. “Another legacy news outlet chooses obedience.”
Former Washington Post media reporter Paul Farhi called the settlement an “awful precedent” and a “huge sellout.”
“I’m old enough to remember — and to have worked on — cases where newspapers vigorously defended themselves against defamation cases instead of folding before the defendant was even deposed,” wrote former federal prosecutor and MSNBC legal analyst Joyce Vance.
On Saturday, it was announced that ABC and host George Stephanopoulos agreed to settle the claims at the center of Trump’s lawsuit against the network and one of its star anchors, who was sued for stating that Trump was found “liable for rape by a jury.”
The $15 million settlement goes towards Trump’s presidential library.
Stephanopoulos mischaracterized the jury’s precise findings in a long-running legal battle involving allegations that Trump sexually assaulted a woman in a department store in New York in the 1990s, and then defamed her by saying she was lying about it.
His comments appeared to summarize what a federal judge overseeing those cases explained to the former president last year, but the judge handling Trump’s lawsuit disagreed that Stephanopoulos’s statements were “substantially” true — teeing up what would become a protracted legal battle if it went to trial.
What the judge said in E Jean Carroll’s case
E Jean Carroll has contended that Trump assaulted her in a dressing room “where, among other things, he forcibly penetrated her vagina with his fingers,” Judge Lewis Kaplan wrote last year in the New York case
Under New York criminal law, “rape” involves vaginal penetration by a penis. Trump was ultimately found liable for penetrating Carroll with his hand.
Kaplan said the distinction in this case is largely a semantic one.
A jury’s unanimous verdict “was almost entirely” in her favor, but of “the only point on which Ms. Carroll did not prevail was whether she had proved that Mr. Trump had ‘raped’ her within the narrow, technical meaning of a particular section of the New York Penal Law,” Kaplan added.
That section of law defines “rape” as used in criminal prosecutions “only to vaginal penetration by a penis,” while the “forcible, unconsented-to penetration of the vagina or of other bodily orifices by fingers, other body parts, or other articles or materials” is instead labelled “sexual abuse,” the judge noted.
“The finding that Ms.Carroll failed to prove that she was ‘raped’ within the meaning of the New York Penal Law does not mean that she failed to prove that Mr. Trump ‘raped’ her as many people commonly understand the word ‘rape,’” he wrote. “Indeed, as the evidence at trial … makes clear, the jury found that Mr. Trump in fact did exactly that.”
The jury “implicitly found” that Trump “deliberately and forcibly penetrated Ms. Carroll’s vagina with his fingers, causing immediate pain and long lasting emotional and psychological harm,” according to Kaplan.
Judge overseeing Trump’s lawsuit rejected ABC’s key argument
Earlier this year, the federal judge overseeing Trump’s lawsuit against the network rejected ABC’s arguments that the statements were “substantially” true and thus protected under Florida’s so-called “fair report privilege.”
She said she was “not persuaded that such broad latitude exists” in Florida, where the suit was filed.
Florida law absolves media outlets from being “technically precise” in their descriptions of legal issues, but “the privilege does not protect media where the omission of important context renders a report misleading,” the judge wrote.
She argued that a “reasonable viewer” who watched the ABC News segment “could have been misled by Stephanopoulos’s statements, which did not include the jury’s original findings and only fleetingly referenced the interpretation Judge Kaplan later offered.”
“Judge Kaplan’s findings do not have preclusive effect here,” she added.
To win the lawsuit, Trump would have had to prove that ABC was reckless when it came to the truth or falsity of the statements Stephanopoulos made, Vance explained.
“That would be a tough bar for Trump to reach in this case because of the kinds of statements that were made and the outcome of the E. Jean Carroll defamation case against Trump,” she said.
Judge Kaplan’s lengthy filing could have been “powerful evidence” to combat Trump’s defamation claims, according to Vance.
Settlement avoids potentially damaging evidence process
Media analysts have suggested that a payout pre-empted potentially embarassing emails and messages that would have been leaked out during the pre-trial evidence process
That information could have made “ABC look bad or would be advantageous to Trump’s lawyers in other ways,” according to CNN’s Brian Stelter.
He referenced the pre-trial discovery process in Dominion Voting Systems’s lawsuit against Fox News, which revealed damning messages among top Fox personalities and leadership as the network amplified bogus conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 presidential election.
Fox eventually settled, resulting in the largest-ever settlement of its kind, to the tune of $787 million.
“Settling seals the case and lets ABC (and parent company Disney) move on,” Stelter said.
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https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/abc-news-defamation-settlement-george-stephanopoulos-b2664857.html
| 2024-12-16T05:58:09Z
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AYESHA RASCOE, HOST:
Congressional Republicans want to cut the number of federal workers and have legislation to do just that.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
MARSHA BLACKBURN: What this does is require these agencies in our discretionary spending to right-size themselves every year.
RASCOE: That's Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn on Fox News. On Wednesday, she and New York Representative Claudia Tenney introduced the bills, which would also freeze pay, relocate some agencies away from Washington, create a performance-based pay structure and cut back on telework.
Howard Gleckman researches tax and budgets as a senior fellow at the Urban Institute, and he joins us now. Welcome to the program.
HOWARD GLECKMAN: Thank you, Ayesha. Good to be with you.
RASCOE: So let's start with the basics. How big is the federal workforce? And when we hear the term discretionary spending, what does that mean?
GLECKMAN: So there are about two million civilian federal workers, excluding the military and also excluding postal workers who sort of live in their own world. And discretionary spending is the spending that's not guaranteed every year, so Medicare and Social Security. That's called entitlement spending. About 75% of the federal budget is entitlement. It's those programs that the Congress doesn't have any say in changing spending amounts. The other kinds of programs that are appropriated is what you think of, is the TSA, and it's the IRS, and it's the EPA, the National Parks, and all of those programs that Congress has to appropriate money for every year.
RASCOE: As we heard the senator in the clip, the agencies themselves would have to cut a percentage of workers every year, and the Department of Defense, Homeland Security and the VA are exempted. If all of the other federal agencies cut 1 or 2 or 5% every year, how big a dent would that make in federal spending?
GLECKMAN: So to give you an idea, the federal government spends about $270 billion a year on labor costs. That's for everybody. That's for all of the civilian workers. And it includes the veterans department and the others that they want to exempt. That's about 3% of the total federal budget. So if you wiped out every single federal worker - including those in Social Security, the VA, ain the programs that they don't want to include - you would reduce the federal budget by about 3%. Hardly even notice - loose change in the sofa cushions.
RASCOE: Well, in your view, are there substantive reforms that you think would improve the federal workforce without causing a major disruption to the services that people depend on and expect?
GLECKMAN: Of course. There are federal regulations that are obsolete, that are not up to date with new technology or the way the economy works or the way people live their lives. There certainly are people who work in the federal government who probably don't do very much, but, you know, it wouldn't hurt the government one bit if we downsized a little bit. But you have to do it in a careful way. You can't just say, we're going to cut all the agencies by 5% or 2% or whatever number you pick because you're going to end up hurting services that the government provides.
RASCOE: Well, government bureaucrats, as a population, you know, have been a favorite punching bag for a while. But how far back does criticism of the size and authority of the federal workforce go?
GLECKMAN: I suspect it probably goes back to George Washington. But government has been doing external commissions to try to find ways to make the government run more efficiently since 1905. Over 140 different commissions have been authorized over those years, and most of them don't accomplish much of anything at all. They write a report, and the report goes to Congress, and Congress ignores it. Maybe it'll be different this time. We'll see.
RASCOE: That's Howard Gleckman, a senior fellow at the Urban Institute. Thank you so much for speaking with us.
GLECKMAN: Good to talk to you, Ayesha. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.wvasfm.org/politics/2024-12-15/congressional-republicans-want-to-reduce-the-federal-workforce
| 2024-12-16T05:58:09Z
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LIVE updates: Kanlaon Volcano restiveness
December 16, 2024 | 11:53am
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the status of Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island to Alert Level 3 after its explosive eruption on December 9.
Kanlaon has been continuously displaying seismic activity as early as June this year but has since remained in Alert Level 2 until December 9.
Upgrading the alert status from Level 2 (increasing unrest) to Level 3 (magmatic unrest) means that a “magmatic eruption has begun that may progress to further explosive eruptions,” according to Phivolcs.
Here are the latest updates on the volcano's activity and related events. (Can't view the updates below? Click here.)
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https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/12/16/2407768/live-updates-kanlaon-volcano-restiveness
| 2024-12-16T05:58:12Z
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Isa Guha Apologises for 'Primate' Comment on Jasprit Bumrah During IND vs AUS 3rd Test (Watch Video)
By IANS | Published: December 16, 2024 10:22 AM2024-12-16T10:22:56+5:302024-12-16T10:51:11+5:30
Brisbane, Dec 16: Former England women’s cricketer Isa Guha has apologised for any offence caused by her calling India’s ...
Brisbane, Dec 16: Former England women’s cricketer Isa Guha has apologised for any offence caused by her calling India’s fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah a ‘primate’ while commentating on the ongoing third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia.
During the first session of day two’s play at the Gabba, Bumrah was in the middle of his blistering spell when Isa said on Fox Sports, “Well, he’s the MVP, isn’t he? Most valuable primate, Jasprit Bumrah. He is the one that’s going to do all the talking for India, and why so much focus was on him in the buildup to this Test match, and whether he would be fit.”
The use of the word ‘primate’ caused a big stir considering the searing tension between the two cricket teams during the 2008 Monkeygate scandal. Ahead of day three’s play at the Gabba, Isa made an apology in the build-up to day three’s play.
A very genuine apology from Isa Guha. pic.twitter.com/W97FCCEP93
— Dan News (@dannews) December 15, 2024
"Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways. Firstly, I’d like to apologise for any offence caused. I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect for others, and if you listen to the full transcript, I only meant the highest praise for one of India’s greatest players and someone that I admire greatly as well.
“I am an advocate for equality and someone who has spent their career thinking about inclusion and understanding in the game. I am trying to frame the enormity of his achievements, and I have chosen the wrong word and for that I am deeply sorry.
"As someone who is also of South Asian heritage, I hope people would recognise there was no other intention or malice there. I hope this doesn’t overshadow what has been a great Test match so far, and I look forward to seeing how it progresses. Once again, I am really, really sorry," she said.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri appreciated Isa for addressing the issue and making the apology live on television. “Brave woman, to do it on live television and apologise, it takes some steel. You heard it from the horse’s mouth."
“As far as I’m concerned, game over. People are entitled to make mistakes. We are all human. To own up and say, ‘I’m sorry’ … it takes courage. She’s done it. Let’s move on. As far as the Indian team, there is a Test on and they want to focus on the game," he said.
Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
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https://www.lokmattimes.com/other-sports/3rd-test-isa-guha-apologises-for-making-primate-comment-over-bumrah/
| 2024-12-16T05:58:14Z
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Specifications for the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster 982 My19 2.0L Petrol 2D Roadster
Standard Features
- 12 Volt Power Outlet
- Dual Front Airbags Package
- Advanced Brake Functions
- Anti-lock Braking
- Auto Climate Control with Dual Temp Zones
- Automatic Climate Control Filtered
- Air Conditioning Charcoal Filter
- Apple Car Play
- Automatic Deploying Rear Wing
- Air Compressor
- Alarm System/Remote Anti Theft
- Alarm with Interior Movement Sensor
- Automatic Stop/Start
- Adjustable Steering Wheel - Tilt & Telescopic
- Anti-theft Wheel Bolts
- 19 Inch Alloy Wheels
- Black Brake Calipers
- Bi-Xenon Dynamic Light System
- Cruise Control
- Cup Holders - Front Seats
- Coat Hanger Hook/s
- Centre Console Box - Multi-purpose
- Central Locking Remote Control
- Convex Mirror Right Side
- Communication Management System
- Connect App Services
- Connect Plus
- Convertible Top Colour
- Digital Audio Broadcast Radio
- Door Handle Courtesy Lights
- Digital Instrument Cluster
- Door Pockets - Front Seat
- Door Sill Finishers - Embossed/Personalised
- Dry Sump Lubrication System
- Electrically Heated Windscreen
- Exterior Mirrors - Auto Dimming
- Electric Parking Brake
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- Gear Shift Indicator
- Head Airbags
- Head Airbags - Front Seats (side)
- Headlights - Auto On/Off Function
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- Heated Front Seats
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- Mobile Phone Connectivity
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- Xenon Headlights
Optional Extras
- Adaptive Cruise Control - $2,570
- Aluminium Gear Selector - $1,110
- Air Intake Grilles Painted - $1,060
- Aluminium Gear Knob - $500
- Alcantara Sunvisors - $860
- Alcantara Steering Wheel - $1,580
- Alloy Pedals - $550
- Adaptive Sports Seats Plus - 18 Way - $2,850
- Bi-Xenon Dynamic Light System Plus - $1,150
- Climate Control Panel - Leather - $1,220
- Climate Control Panel - Painted - $1,220
- Ceramic Brakes - $15,370
- Carbon Floor Mats - $1,490
- Coloured Instrument Dials - $1,030
- Carbon Onboard Folder - $1,630
- Customization Package Gear Lever - $1,630
- Coloured Seat Belts - $570
- Carbon Sill Guards - $1,120
- Carbon Sill Guards Illuminated - $1,120
- Carbon Sill Guards Illuminated - Personalised - $2,440
- Carbon Steering Wheel Special - $930
- Coloured Tailpipes - $1,120
- Extended Leather Pack - $1,090
- Embossed Headrests - $470
- Exterior Pack - Painted - $2,690
- Gear Lever - Carbon - $1,050
- Home Link - $600
- Interior Pack - Painted (non leather) - $1,220
- Interior Pack - Painted (leather) - $1,460
- Interior Pack - Wood (non leather) - $2,640
- Interior Pack - Wood (leather) - $3,110
- Interior Pack - Carbon (non leather) - $2,640
- Interior Pack - Carbon (leather) - $3,110
- Interior Pack - Brushed Aluminium (non leather) - $1,250
- Interior Pack - Brushed Aluminium (leather) - $1,470
- Interior Trim Pack - $4,250
- Interior Trim Special - $5,750
- Keyless Entry & Drive - $1,470
- Leather Accented Upholstery
- Leather Backrests Sports Seats Plus - $2,810
- Lane Change Assist - $1,220
- Leather Dashboard - $2,520
- LED Dynamic Light System - $2,330
- Leather Interior Exclusive - $7,680
- Leather Interior Pack (without leather interior) - $1,290
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- Leather Interior Pack Partial Leather Seats - $830
- Leather Int Pack Partial Leather Seats - Two Tone - $1,200
- Leather Interior Pack Leather Seats - $4,410
- Leather Interior Pack Leather Seats - Premium - $5,190
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- Leather Int Pack Leather Seats - Natural Leather - $6,910
- Leather Int Pk Leather Seats - Nat Leath Two-tone - $7,680
- Leather Interior Two-Tone - $4,410
- Leather Steering Column Surround - $940
- Leather Sill Guards - Special - $1,210
- Leather Sports Steering Wheel - $570
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- Leather Upholstery
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- Sports Chrono Instrument Dials - $720
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- Sports Design Black Pack - $6,220
- Sports Design Pack - $5,250
- Special Identifying Badging - $540
- Solid Paint
- Solid Paint Special - $18,490
- Sports Seats - Bucket - $6,870
- Sports Seats - Special - $3,060
- Stainless Steel Sill Guards - Illuminated - $1,370
- St/Steel Sill Guards Illuminated - Personalised - $1,760
- Stainless Steel Sill Guards - $500
- Surround Sound System Premium - $8,220
- Surround Sound System - $2,470
- Tail Lights - Special - $1,290
- Torque Vectoring Differential Rear - $2,750
- Ventilated Front Seats - $1,950
- Wood Gear Selector - $1,050
- Wheel Centres - $340
- Wood Steering Wheel Special - $930
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https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2019-porsche-718-boxster-982-my19-petrol-2d-roadster-sRkQ5MTcrr
| 2024-12-16T05:58:13Z
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Today in History: December 16, the Boston Tea Party
Today is Monday, Dec. 16, the 351st day of 2024. There are 15 days left in the year.
Today in history:
On Dec. 16, 1773, the Boston Tea Party took place as American colonists boarded a British ship and dumped more than 300 chests of tea into Boston Harbor to protest tea taxes.
Also on this date:
In 1907, 16 U.S. Navy battleships, which came to be known as the “Great White Fleet,” set sail on a 14-month, round-the-world voyage to demonstrate American sea power.
In 1944, the World War II Battle of the Bulge began as German forces launched a surprise attack against Allied forces through the Ardennes Forest in Belgium and Luxembourg.
In 1960, 134 people were killed when a United Air Lines DC-8 and a TWA Super Constellation collided over New York City.
In 2000, President-elect George W. Bush selected Colin Powell to become the first African American secretary of state.
In 2014, Taliban gunmen stormed a military-run school in the northwestern Pakistan city of Peshawar, killing at least 148 people, including more than 130 schoolchildren.
Today’s Birthdays: Artist Edward Ruscha is 87. Actor Liv Ullmann is 86. CBS news correspondent Lesley Stahl is 83. Pop singer Benny Andersson (ABBA) is 78. Rock singer-musician Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) is 75. Actor Benjamin Bratt is 61. Filmmaker James Mangold is 61. Actor-comedian JB Smoove is 59. Actor Miranda Otto is 57. Actor Krysten Ritter is 43. Actor Theo James is 40. Actor Anna Popplewell is 36. Actor Stephan James is 31.
By The Associated Press
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https://www.mymotherlode.com/entertainment/3472807/today-in-history-december-16-the-boston-tea-party.html
| 2024-12-16T05:58:15Z
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Josh Allen puts an end to Detroit Lions winning streak
The Buffalo Bills quarterback threw for two touchdowns and ran for two more in a 48-42 victory.
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Your support makes all the difference.Josh Allen threw for two touchdowns and ran for two more as the Buffalo Bills ended the Detroit Lions 11-match winning streak.
The Bills quarterback threw for 362 yards as he steered the AFC East champions to a 48-42 win for an eighth win in nine games as they moved to 11-3.
Opposite number Jared Goff matched his career best with five touchdown passes, but could not keep pace with the Bills offence.
The Lions, who drop to 12-2, have clinched at least a wildcard berth in the playoffs but defeat means the Minnesota Vikings will move alongside them at the top of the NFC North with victory over the Chicago Bears on Monday.
The Philadelphia Eagles also moved to 12-2 in the race for the top seed in the NFC as they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-13.
Jalen Hurts threw for two touchdowns and went over from short range himself as the Eagles won a franchise-best 10th consecutive game.
The Steelers had earlier clinched a playoff spot due to losses for the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts, but fell a game behind the Bills in the seeding race.
They are chasing the Kansas City Chiefs, who had quarterback Patrick Mahomes forced off with an apparent ankle injury in the fourth quarter of a 21-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
With his team leading by 14 points, Mahomes came down awkwardly from a jump and got caught underneath two opposition players and limped to the sidelines after a pause. Initial x-rays revealed no break.
Mahomes had gone 19-of-38 for 159 yards and two touchdowns before he was replaced by Carson Wentz.
The Chiefs had already secured their play-off spot and clinched the AFC West title, but are still pushing for top seeding in the post-season.
Baker Mayfield threw for four touchdown passes as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stayed on top of the NFC South as they beat the Los Angeles Chargers 40-17.
The Chargers were leading 17-10 before conceding scores on five straight drives as they dropped to 8-6.
Their playoff hopes took another blow as the Denver Broncos moved above them in the wildcard race and the AFC West with a 31-13 win over the Colts.
Quarterback Bo Nix threw for three interceptions, but the Broncos defence forced five turnovers of their own – linebacker Nik Bonitto returning one of them 50 yards for a touchdown.
The Seattle Seahawks dropped out of top spot in the NFC West as they went down 30-13 to the Green Bay Packers.
Jordan Love threw two touchdown passes as the Packers moved to 10-4, strengthening their place in the wildcard race and confirming the Vikings’ place in the playoffs.
The Arizona Cardinals kept their hopes of a playoff berth alive as they ended a three-game losing streak with a 30-17 win over the New England Patriots.
Jets wide receiver Davante Adams became the 12th player to reach 100 career touchdown catches in the third quarter of their 32-25 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The 31-year-old once again linked up with quarterback Aaron Rodgers to give his side a 17-16 lead following Anders Carlson’s extra point.
It was also the 80th TD Adams has caught from Rodgers, who went 16-for-30 with three touchdowns, while running back Breece Hall scored the decisive TD with just over a minute remaining.
The Washington Commanders staved off a late New Orleans surge to claim a narrow 20-19 victory over the Saints.
The Commanders held a 14-0 advantage at half-time, but two Blake Grupe field goals and Foster Moreau’s touchdown had drawn the hosts within one in the last second.
Washington clung on to victory after forcing an incompletion on the two-point conversion.
The Baltimore Ravens edged closer to a play-off berth after securing a 35-14 victory over the New York Giants.
Tight end Mark Andrews made franchise history when he caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Lamar Jackson, his 48th career touchdown good for the most in Ravens history.
It was an excellent outing for Jackson, who posted passing yards and five touchdowns and was 21-of-25 passing.
Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito, later ruled out with a concussion, left the contest in the first half and was replaced by Tim Boyle.
There was also a scare for the Miami Dolphins after wide receiver Grant DuBose was taken off on a stretcher in their 20-12 loss to the Houston Texans.
The 23-year-old was knocked out after taking a big hit in the third quarter and was later taken to hospital after staff were seen cutting off his jersey on the field.
A post to the club’s official account on X revealed DuBose had been ruled out with a head injury but was in stable condition and being evaluated.
The Cincinnati Bengals forced six turnovers as they claimed a 37-27 victory over the Tennessee Titans.
Starting quarterback Will Levis was removed in the third quarter after throwing a pick-six for his third interception and was replaced by Mason Rudolph.
The Carolina Panthers were officially eliminated from play-off contention following a 30-14 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
The Panthers committed four turnovers and allowed 211 rushing yards, while Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle ran for a career-best 149 yards and 25 carries.
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https://www.the-independent.com/sport/buffalo-bills-josh-allen-minnesota-vikings-patrick-mahomes-lamar-jackson-b2664821.html
| 2024-12-16T05:58:15Z
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AYESHA RASCOE, HOST:
Yesterday in Landover, Maryland, President-elect Donald Trump attended the Army-Navy football game. Among his guests - Pete Hegseth, his pick to lead the Department of Defense, and Florida Governor Rick DeSantis. And that's where we begin with NPR White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez. Hi, Franco.
FRANCO ORDOÑEZ, BYLINE: Hey, Ayesha.
RASCOE: In case anyone missed it, Navy beat Army 31 to 13. But I want to ask, what's the significance of Trump having both Hegseth and DeSantis at the game?
ORDOÑEZ: Well, I mean, it's a big demonstration that Trump is continuing his support for Hegseth, you know, a former Army major and Fox News host, who has been fighting really just a bunch of terrible headlines. And Hegseth has made some progress, especially on Capitol Hill and with moderate Senate Republicans. I mean, he's kind of shifted on some of his more extreme positions, such as softening his stance on women in combat. I mean, before, he said that they shouldn't be in combat roles. Now he's saying that women are some of America's greatest warriors and that his earlier comments were taken out of context.
RASCOE: And what about Governor DeSantis?
ORDOÑEZ: Well, DeSantis is a former Navy lawyer. And according to the Associated Press and others, he had been under consideration as kind of a backup pick for a defense secretary should Hegseth get derailed. But there is also something that DeSantis has that Trump really wants. DeSantis is likely to have a Senate seat to fill, provided, of course, that Florida Senator Marco Rubio wins confirmation as secretary of state. Now, Trump has made clear that he'd like his daughter-in-law, Laura Trump, to get that seat. And she announced last week that she's stepping down as co-chair of the Republican National Committee.
RASCOE: Franco, on Friday, Senator Mitch McConnell seemed to signal to one of Trump's other cabinet picks, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., over the polio vaccine. What can you tell us about this?
ORDOÑEZ: Yeah. McConnell spoke out in support of the vaccine after Kennedy's lawyer petitioned the government to revoke its approval of the polio vaccine. That's according to The New York Times. McConnell had polio as a young child, and to this day, it impacts his walk.
Now, Kennedy himself says he doesn't want to take away anyone's choice to take vaccines, but still McConnell, without naming Kennedy, said any efforts to undermine public confidence in proven cures are, quote, "not just uninformed - they're dangerous." He went on to say that anyone seeking Senate confirmation would, quote, "do well to steer clear of even the appearance of association with such efforts."
Now, it is interesting timing, given Trump was recently asked about Kennedy and his vaccine skepticism during an interview with Time Magazine for the Person of the Year cover. Trump said there was going to be a big discussion about the childhood vaccination programs.
RASCOE: So finally, let's talk about those drones or the drones that people have been talking about over New Jersey and now other parts of the Northeast. Sightings have been happening for weeks. What's the White House been saying about this?
ORDOÑEZ: Yeah, the White House says there's no evidence right now of a national security or a public safety threat. But people are nervous. I mean, in places like Asbury Park, they're watching via surf cams. U.S. officials say a lot of what they're seeing are actually planes, but they don't have a good answer about who is operating the drones or what they're doing. And now Trump has weighed in. He's calling for them to be shot down, and he questions whether the government is holding back information. It all reminds me of kind of the Chinese surveillance balloon controversy back in 2023.
RASCOE: That's NPR White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez. Thank you so much, Franco.
ORDOÑEZ: Thank you, Ayesha. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.wvasfm.org/politics/2024-12-15/politics-chat-trump-attends-army-navy-game-mcconnell-backs-polio-vaccine-mystery-drones-over-new-jersey
| 2024-12-16T05:58:15Z
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The Australian Government has declared a new offshore wind zone in Bass Strait, north of Tasmania.
Tasmania has some of the best wind resources in the world. Bass Strait has been named as one of the top options for offshore wind energy generation in the country by the Australian Energy Market Operator.
The new zone could support up to 20GW of renewable energy – more than half of the current electricity demand across southeast Australia. One rotation of a single offshore wind turbine generates as much energy as an average rooftop solar installation does in a day.
In response to feedback from local leaders, industry, fishers, unions, First Nations people and community groups, the declared Bass Strait zone is 30% smaller and further from shore than the original proposal. It now sits at least 30 km off Tasmania’s north coast and spans 7,100km2.
In establishing Tasmania’s offshore wind industry, there is also an opportunity to future proof existing industries like steel, cement and advanced componentry, boosting Australian supply chains and local economies.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said: “Tasmania is already an energy powerhouse – running on 100% renewables – but the power of offshore wind could see the state produce and export even more clean and reliable energy.
“The Bass Strait has truly world-class wind resources, with sustained wind speeds of more than 8 meters per second.”
Bass Strait is the sixth area declared suitable for offshore wind development:
• Gippsland, Victoria
• Hunter, New South Wales
• Sothern Ocean, Victoria
• Illawarra, New South Wales
• Indian Ocean off Bunbury, Western Australia.
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https://www.oedigital.com/news/520272-australia-declares-sixth-offshore-wind-zone
| 2024-12-16T05:58:20Z
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Rashid Khan returns to Afghanistan Test squad for Zimbabwe series
By IANS | Published: December 16, 2024 10:51 AM2024-12-16T10:51:34+5:302024-12-16T10:55:09+5:30
New Delhi, Dec 16 Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has made a return to the Test squad for the ...
New Delhi, Dec 16 Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has made a return to the Test squad for the upcoming two-match series in Zimbabwe, said the country’s cricket body.
Afghanistan are currently playing the white-ball leg of the Zimbabwe tour before going on to play two Tests from December 26 to January 6 next year in Bulawayo.
Rashid had last played Tests back in March 2021, coincidentally against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi, ending in a 1-1 draw. Rashid then missed Afghanistan’s next Test assignments against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Ireland due to a combination of rest and injury.
Afghanistan have also given a call-up to left-arm top-order batter Sediqullah Atal, who has already played ODI and T20I matches for the side. Ismat Alam, a young medium-fast bowling all-rounder, has been recalled to the Test squad for the first time after scoring 723 runs and taking 12 wickets in the Ahmad Shah Abdali First Class Competitions.
Left-arm spinner Zahir Shehzad and left-arm fast-bowler Bashir Ahmad Afghan have also been added to the team after putting in some impressive performances in the domestic first-class games.
The Afghanistan Test squad comprises seven uncapped players, which also includes Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Ahmad Malik, and Riaz Hassan.
"Rashid Khan returns to the test squad, which is a promising sign for our red ball game going forward. The rest of the team underwent good preparations recently in Nangarhar province, which featured 19 players and all the support staff to work with the players and ensure full preparation for the series.
"We have thoroughly monitored the proceedings and have picked the squad which includes several new faces, including Ismat Alam, Bashir Ahmad, and Zahir Shehzad, who have performed well during the recent Ahmad Shah Abdali FC Tournament," said Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, ACB’s interim chief selector.
Nasir Jamal, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, and Ibrahim Abdulrahimzai are the three players who are part of the reserve players pool for the series. Afghanistan has previously won three Test matches, including one against Zimbabwe in 2021.
Afghanistan squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah (VC), Ikram Alikhail (WK), Afsar Zazai (WK), Riaz Hassan, Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Baheer Shah Mahboob, Ismat Alam, Azmatullah Omarzai, Zahir Khan, Zia Ur Rehman Akbar, Zahir Shehzad, Rashid Khan, Yamin Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad Afghan, Naveed Zadran, and Fareed Ahmad Malik.
Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
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https://www.lokmattimes.com/other-sports/rashid-khan-returns-to-afghanistan-test-squad-for-zimbabwe-series/
| 2024-12-16T05:58:20Z
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Over the last few years, I have published a number of articles here on the madness of Net Zero.
In collaboration with a number of peers having expert knowledge of climate science and energy system economics, I have consolidated many of my earlier posts and added some significant new material in a formal document which is now published at this link (https://sites.google.com/view/the-lpf/home). The web site is very minimal at present, but we plan to add additional material in due course.
The document is substantial and forms a comprehensive professional analysis of the overall costs of Net Zero - power system (generation, network, other) & consumption issues (heat pumps, electric vehicles, etc) - as well as the expected impact on retail electricity prices (£0.65 to £1 a unit). It represents what successive governments should have commissioned from independent experts, but have not: shockingly, there still exists no official detailed and costed plan for how Net Zero is supposed to be achieved in the UK by 2050. So I have done it myself (to explain why it is not remotely possible) with voluntary assistance from a number of associates who have been very generous with their time.
For the avoidance of doubt, I am completely independent and I have not received any payment to produce this document. My only motivation is to highlight the true insanity of the climate alarmist politicians and others, who are about to further destroy the socio-economic fabric of the UK with no understanding of the disastrous consequences. The public desperately need to understand the truth.
I hope and believe that readers will find the document of interest. It is intended primarily as a consolidated (and somewhat technical) reference for people who already have considerable expert knowledge of the issues, but the formal structure should allow anyone with a particular interest in any specific aspect to selectively read only those parts which they need.
Enjoy!
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https://johnsullivan.substack.com/p/net-zero-costs-and-retail-price-impacts
| 2024-12-16T05:58:20Z
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Cricket commentator Isa Guha apologises for Jasprit Bumrah ‘primate’ comment
British Asian Guha says ‘I only meant the highest praise for one of India’s greatest players’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former England player Isa Guha has apologised for using the word “primate” to describe India bowler Jasprit Bumrah during a commentary stint in Australia.
Guha is working for Fox Sports on the ongoing Test series between the two nations and drew criticism for a segment discussing the seamer’s excellent form in Brisbane.
“Well, he’s the MVP, isn’t he? Most valuable primate, Jasprit Bumrah,” she said.
Although humans are classified as primates, the word can be viewed with negative racist overtones, and the phrasing attracted criticism from some Indian fans.
Guha, a British Asian whose parents are from Kolkata, moved to address the incident with an on-air explanation ahead of Monday’s action at the Gabba.
“Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways. I’d like to apologise for any offence caused,” she said.
“I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect of others. If you listen to the full transcript I only meant the highest praise for one of India’s greatest players. And someone that I admire greatly. I’m an advocate for equality and someone who has spent their career thinking about inclusion and understanding in the game.
“I was trying to frame the enormity of his achievement and I’ve chosen the wrong word. For that I am deeply sorry.
As someone who is also of South Asian heritage I hope people would recognise there was no other intention or malice there, and I hope this hasn’t overshadowed what has been a great Test match so far – and I look forward to seeing how it progresses.”
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https://www.the-independent.com/sport/cricket/isa-guha-primate-jasprit-bumrah-brisbane-b2664864.html
| 2024-12-16T05:58:21Z
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Popeye and Tintin enter the public domain in 2025 along with novels from Faulkner and Hemingway
Popeye can punch without permission and Tintin can roam freely starting in 2025. The two classic comic characters who first appeared in 1929 are among the intellectual properties becoming public domain in the United States on Jan. 1. That means they can be used and repurposed without permission or payment to copyright holders.
This year’s crop of newly public artistic creations lacks the landmark vibes of last year’s entrance of into the public domain of Mickey Mouse. But they include a deep well of canonical works whose 95-year copyright maximums will expire. And the Disney icon’s public domain presence expands.
“It’s a trove! There are a dozen new Mickey cartoons — he speaks for the first time and dons the familiar white gloves,” said Jennifer Jenkins, director of Duke’s Center for the Study of the Public Domain. “There are masterpieces from Faulkner and Hemingway, the first sound films from Alfred Hitchcock, Cecil B. DeMille, and John Ford, and amazing music from Fats Waller, Cole Porter, and George Gershwin. Pretty exciting!”
Here’s a closer look at this year’s crop.
Comics characters loom large
Popeye the Sailor, with his bulging forearms, mealy-mouthed speech, and propensity for fistfights, was created by E.C. Segar and made his first appearance in the newspaper strip “Thimble Theater” in 1929, speaking his first words, “’Ja think I’m a cowboy?” when asked if he was a sailor. What was supposed to be a one-off appearance became permanent, and the strip would be renamed ”Popeye.”
But as with Mickey Mouse last year and Winnie the Pooh in 2022, only the earliest version is free for reuse. The spinach that gave the sailor his super-strength was not there from the start, and is the kind of character element that could spawn legal disputes. And the animated shorts featuring his distinctive mumbly voice didn’t begin until 1933 and remain under copyright. As does director Robert Altman’s 1980 film, starring Robin Williams as Popeye and Shelley Duvall as his oft-fought-over sweetheart Olive Oyl.
That movie was tepidly received initially. So was director Steven Spielberg’s “Adventures of Tintin” in 2011. But the comics about the boy reporter that inspired it, the creation of Belgian artist Hergé, were among the most popular in Europe for much of the 20th century.
The simply drawn teen with dots for eyes and bangs like an ocean wave first appeared in a supplement to the Belgian newspaper Le Vingtième Siècle, and became a weekly feature.
The comic also first appeared in the U.S. in 1929. Its signature bright colors — including Tintin’s red hair — didn’t appear until years later, and could, like Popeye’s spinach, be the subject of legal disputes.
And in much of the world, Tintin won’t become public property until 70 years after the 1983 death of his creator.
Books show American lit at its height
The books becoming public this year read like the syllabus for an American literature seminar.
“The Sound and the Fury,” arguably William Faulkner’s quintessential novel with its modernist stream-of-consciousness style, was a sensation after its publication despite being famously difficult for readers. It uses multiple non-linear narratives to tell the story of a prominent family’s ruin in the author’s native Mississippi, and would help lead to Faulkner’s Nobel Prize.
And Ernest Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms” joins his earlier “The Sun Also Rises” in the public domain. The partly autobiographical story of an ambulance driver in Italy during the First World War cemented Hemingway’s status in the American literary canon. It has been frequently adapted for film, TV and radio, which can now be done without permission.
John Steinbeck’s first novel, “A Cup of Gold,” from 1929, will also enter the public domain.
The British novelist Virginia Woolf’s “A Room of One’s Own,” an extended essay that would become a landmark in feminism from the modernist literary luminary, is also on the list. Her novel “Mrs. Dalloway” is already in the U.S. public domain.
Movie legends in the making
While a host of truly major movies will become public in the coming decade, for now early works by major figures from the not-always-stellar early sound era will have to suffice.
A decade before he would move to Hollywood and make films like “Psycho,” and “Vertigo,” Alfred Hitchcock made “Blackmail” in Britain. The film was begun as a silent but shifted to sound during production, resulting in two different versions, one of them the UK’s — and Hitchcock’s — first sound film.
John Ford, whose later Westerns would put him among film’s most vaunted directors, also made his first foray into sound with 1929’s “The Black Watch,” an adventure epic that includes Ford’s future chief collaborator John Wayne as a young extra.
Cecil B. DeMille, already a Hollywood bigwig through silents, made his first talkie with the melodrama “Dynamite.”
Groucho, Harpo and the other Marx Brothers had their first starring movie roles in 1929’s “The Cocoanuts,” a forerunner to future classics like “Animal Crackers” and “Duck Soup.”
“The Broadway Melody,” the first sound film and the second film ever to win the Oscar for best picture — known as “outstanding production” at the time — will also become public, though it’s often ranked among the worst of best picture winners.
And after “Steamboat Willie” made the earliest Mickey Mouse public, a dozen more of his animations will get the same status, including “The Karnival Kid,” where he spoke for the first time.
Music rings out the 20s
Songs from the last year of the Roaring Twenties are also about to become public property.
Cole Porter’s compositions “What Is This Thing Called Love?” and “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” are among the highlights, as is the jazz classic “Ain’t Misbehavin’, written by Fats Waller and Harry Brooks.
“Singin’ in the Rain,” which would later forever be associated with the 1952 Gene Kelly film, made its debut in the 1929 movie “The Hollywood Revue” and will now be public domain.
Different laws regulate sound recordings, and those newly in the public domain date to 1924. They include a recording of “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” from future star and civil rights icon Marian Anderson, and “Rhapsody in Blue” performed by its composer George Gershwin.
By ANDREW DALTON
AP Entertainment Writer
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https://www.mymotherlode.com/entertainment/3472814/popeye-and-tintin-enter-the-public-domain-in-2025-along-with-novels-from-faulkner-and-hemingway.html
| 2024-12-16T05:58:21Z
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Specifications for the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster 982 My20 2.0L Petrol 2D Roadster
Standard Features
- 12 Volt Power Outlet
- Dual Front Airbags Package
- Advanced Brake Functions
- Anti-lock Braking
- Auto Climate Control with Dual Temp Zones
- Automatic Climate Control Filtered
- Air Conditioning Charcoal Filter
- Apple Car Play
- Automatic Deploying Rear Wing
- Air Compressor
- Alarm System/Remote Anti Theft
- Alarm with Interior Movement Sensor
- Automatic Stop/Start
- Adjustable Steering Wheel - Tilt & Telescopic
- Anti-theft Wheel Bolts
- 19 Inch Alloy Wheels
- Black Brake Calipers
- Bi-Xenon Dynamic Light System
- Cruise Control
- Cup Holders - Front Seats
- Coat Hanger Hook/s
- Centre Console Box - Multi-purpose
- Central Locking Remote Control
- Convex Mirror Right Side
- Communication Management System
- Connect App Services
- Connect Plus
- Convertible Top Colour
- Digital Audio Broadcast Radio
- Door Handle Courtesy Lights
- Digital Instrument Cluster
- Door Pockets - Front Seat
- Door Sill Finishers - Embossed/Personalised
- Dry Sump Lubrication System
- Electrically Heated Windscreen
- Exterior Mirrors - Auto Dimming
- Electric Parking Brake
- Electronic Stability Program
- Front Footwell Lights
- Gear Shift Indicator
- Head Airbags
- Head Airbags - Front Seats (side)
- Headlights - Auto On/Off Function
- Headlights - Coming/Leaving Home Function
- Heated Front Seats
- Heated Rear Windshield
- Illuminated Glove Box Compartment
- Engine Immobiliser
- Luggage/Cargo Area Light/s
- LED Indicators
- Light Pack
- Multi-function Display
- Multi-function Steering Wheel - Heated
- Mobile Phone Connectivity
- Map/Reading Lights - Front
- Navigation System
- Park Assist 2
- Power Front Seat Driver 14 Way
- Positioning Lights LED
- Power Mirrors With Folding
- Power Exterior Mirrors - Heated
- Power Steering
- Power Front Seats 14 Way with Memory
- Powered Sports Seats
- Power Soft Top
- Power Soft Top - Remote Operation
- Power Windows
- Power Windows With One-Touch Operation
- Rain Sensor
- Rear Lights - LED
- Rollover Mitigation System
- Rollover Protection System
- Reversing Camera
- Seatbelts - Lap/Sash for All Seats
- Storage Compartment - Centre Floor Console
- Solar Control Glass Roof
- Sports Exhaust System
- Side Front AirBags
- Side Impact Protection
- Sound Package Plus
- Sound System with 6 Speakers
- Sports Steering Wheel
- Stainless Steel Exhaust System
- Sunvisors with Vanity Mirrors & Illumination
- Thorax Airbag(s)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
- Tyre Repair Kit
- Tinted Windows
- Vehicle Stability Management System
- Wind Deflector
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Windscreen With Sunband
- Xenon Headlights
Optional Extras
- Adaptive Cruise Control - $2,570
- Aluminium Gear Selector - $1,110
- Air Intake Grilles Painted - $1,060
- Aluminium Gear Knob - $500
- Alcantara Sunvisors - $860
- Alcantara Steering Wheel - $1,580
- Alloy Pedals - $550
- Adaptive Sports Seats Plus - 18 Way - $2,850
- Bi-Xenon Dynamic Light System Plus - $1,150
- Climate Control Panel - Leather - $1,220
- Climate Control Panel - Painted - $1,220
- Ceramic Brakes - $15,370
- Carbon Floor Mats - $1,490
- Coloured Instrument Dials - $1,030
- Carbon Onboard Folder - $1,630
- Customization Package Gear Lever - $1,630
- Coloured Seat Belts - $570
- Carbon Sill Guards - $1,120
- Carbon Sill Guards Illuminated - $1,120
- Carbon Sill Guards Illuminated - Personalised - $2,440
- Carbon Steering Wheel Special - $930
- Coloured Tailpipes - $1,120
- Extended Leather Pack - $1,090
- Embossed Headrests - $470
- Exterior Pack - Painted - $2,690
- Gear Lever - Carbon - $1,050
- Home Link - $600
- Interior Pack - Painted (non leather) - $1,220
- Interior Pack - Painted (leather) - $1,460
- Interior Pack - Wood (non leather) - $2,640
- Interior Pack - Wood (leather) - $3,110
- Interior Pack - Carbon (non leather) - $2,640
- Interior Pack - Carbon (leather) - $3,110
- Interior Pack - Brushed Aluminium (non leather) - $1,250
- Interior Pack - Brushed Aluminium (leather) - $1,470
- Interior Trim Pack - $4,250
- Interior Trim Special - $5,750
- Keyless Entry & Drive - $1,470
- Leather Accented Upholstery
- Leather Backrests Sports Seats Plus - $2,810
- Lane Change Assist - $1,220
- Leather Dashboard - $2,520
- LED Dynamic Light System - $2,330
- Leather Interior Exclusive - $7,680
- Leather Interior Pack (without leather interior) - $1,290
- Leather Interior Pack (with leather interior) - $1,540
- Leather Interior Pack Partial Leather Seats - $830
- Leather Int Pack Partial Leather Seats - Two Tone - $1,200
- Leather Interior Pack Leather Seats - $4,410
- Leather Interior Pack Leather Seats - Premium - $5,190
- Leather Int Pack Leather Seats - Premium Two-tone - $5,190
- Leather Int Pack Leather Seats - Natural Leather - $6,910
- Leather Int Pk Leather Seats - Nat Leath Two-tone - $7,680
- Leather Interior Two-Tone - $4,410
- Leather Steering Column Surround - $940
- Leather Sill Guards - Special - $1,210
- Leather Sports Steering Wheel - $570
- Leather Sunvisors - $860
- Leather Upholstery
- Leather Upholstery Special - $1,000
- Metallic Paint - $1,870
- Metallic Paint Special - $18,490
- Porsche Active Suspension Management - $3,000
- Painted Alloy Wheels - Premium - $2,500
- Paint Colour Special - $4,920
- Painted Key - $840
- Rollover Bars - Painted - $1,060
- Seatbelt Buckles - Leather - $1,000
- Seatbelt Passage - Painted - $1,030
- Sports Chrono Instrument Dials - $720
- Sports Chrono Package - $3,770
- Sports Design Black Pack - $6,220
- Sports Design Pack - $5,250
- Special Identifying Badging - $540
- Solid Paint
- Solid Paint Special - $18,490
- Sports Seats - Bucket - $6,870
- Sports Seats - Special - $3,060
- Stainless Steel Sill Guards - Illuminated - $1,370
- St/Steel Sill Guards Illuminated - Personalised - $1,760
- Stainless Steel Sill Guards - $500
- Surround Sound System Premium - $8,220
- Surround Sound System - $2,470
- Tail Lights - Special - $1,290
- Torque Vectoring Differential Rear - $2,750
- Ventilated Front Seats - $1,950
- Wood Gear Selector - $1,050
- Wheel Centres - $340
- Wood Steering Wheel Special - $930
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https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2019-porsche-718-boxster-982-my20-petrol-2d-roadster-TfVmKLT8tA
| 2024-12-16T05:58:20Z
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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump announced Saturday that he's picked longtime foreign policy adviser Richard Grenell to serve as an envoy for special missions, tasking him with helping the incoming administration deal with some of the toughest foreign policy challenges.
Grenell served as ambassador to Germany during Trump's first administration, special presidential envoy for Serbia and Kosovo peace negotiations, and did a stint as acting director of national intelligence.
He was also a contender to serve as secretary of state, but Trump opted to nominate Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.
"Ric will work in some of the hottest spots around the World, including Venezuela and North Korea," Trump said in a posting on his social media platform, Truth Social, announcing the appointment.
Grenell during Trump's first term developed a reputation for employing a sometimes contentious approach to diplomacy that rankled allies and the foreign policy establishment in Washington. But his style was appreciated by the president-elect who sees value in blunt talk with allies.
Grenell remained close to Trump after he left office in 2021, serving at times as a key adviser on foreign policy.
He was in the room when Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in September. Grenell has advocated for a peace deal that would preserve Ukraine's territory while still allowing for "autonomous regions" where Russia could remain in control.
He's also advised against expanding NATO to include Ukraine, saying — as Trump has — that the alliance shouldn't grow until current members meet the alliance's defense spending targets. Members of the transatlantic alliance have committed for years to spending 2% of their GDP on defense, but several countries still fall short of the target.
He was an early supporter of Trump's 2024 campaign and held multiple events for the Republican nominee focused on economics and national security.
Speaking at the Republican National Convention, Grenell echoed Trump's mantra that "it's time to put America first" on the global stage and argued that China and Russia saw President Joe Biden's administration as weak.
Trump raised concerns among some allies during the 2024 campaign when he said he would not defend NATO members that failed to meet defense spending targets, and warned he would "encourage" Russia "to do whatever the hell they want" to alliance countries that he considered "delinquent."
Grenell has downplayed Trump's criticisms of NATO and said the only talk of leaving the alliance altogether "was really from the media."
"What we're saying is, don't come to the wedding without a gift," Grenell said.
Grenell was part of the Trump campaign's outreach to Arab American voters in Michigan, where the president-elect made gains with a traditionally Democratic constituency despite his history of banning immigration from several majority-Muslim countries. Grenell orchestrated pro-Trump events with Arab American voters, including a May meeting held in Troy, Michigan.
A U.S. spokesman at the United Nations during the George W. Bush administration, Grenell, like many other Republicans, has his own history of criticizing Trump before embracing him.
Once an adviser to GOP moderates like 2012 presidential nominee Mitt Romney and a supporter of gay marriage, Grenell, who is openly gay, deleted social media posts blasting Trump as "reckless" and "dangerous" once the former reality TV star became the Republican nominee in 2016.
Trump also announced Saturday that he's appointing Devin Nunes, the chief executive officer of the president-elect's Truth Social platform, to head a presidential advisory board that will keep tabs on the U.S. intelligence community.
Nunes will continue leading Trump Media & Technology Group. Trump is the company's largest shareholder.
The former California lawmaker chaired the House Intelligence Committee and was one of Trump's closest allies in Congress during the president-elect's first term.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.wvasfm.org/politics/2024-12-15/trump-appoints-foreign-policy-adviser-richard-grenell-as-special-missions-envoy
| 2024-12-16T05:58:22Z
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Japan's strawberries coming to Philippine markets
MANILA, Philippines — Fresh Japanese strawberries are set to be available in Philippine markets after both countries reached an agreement to lift the export ban on the fruit starting Sunday, December 15.
The Japanese Embassy in Manila announced last week that Japan's agriculture ministry has successfully ironed out an agreement with Philippine quarantine authorities to resume fresh strawberry exports to the country.
"The ban on exporting fresh strawberries to the Philippines will be officially lifted on 15 December 2024," the Japanese Embassy said in its announcement on Friday, December 13.
The resumption of strawberry imports comes after Japan's agriculture ministry engaged in "extensive technical discussions with the Philippine quarantine authorities, driven by requests from Japanese production areas," the embassy said. These discussions focused on addressing previous concerns over agricultural pests associated with Japan's strawberries.
Japan's agriculture ministry announced in a press release that strawberry exports to the Philippines must meet four key quarantine requirements: the registration of production facilities, pest monitoring (specifically for Drosophila suzukii fruit flies) and pre-export testing for pesticide residues and microbial contaminants.
All strawberries will also undergo inspection by Philippine authorities, according to Japan's agriculture ministry.
- Latest
- Trending
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https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/12/16/2407770/japans-strawberries-coming-philippine-markets
| 2024-12-16T05:58:20Z
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Contractual workers in Indian manufacturing sector see 5.6 pc annual pay growth
By IANS | Published: December 16, 2024 11:11 AM2024-12-16T11:11:34+5:302024-12-16T11:15:15+5:30
Bengaluru, Dec 16 The contractual employees in the Indian manufacturing sector saw their compensation packages grow at a ...
Bengaluru, Dec 16 The contractual employees in the Indian manufacturing sector saw their compensation packages grow at a 5.9 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from FY21 to FY24, according to a report on Monday.
This growth was driven by inflation, increased demand for skilled workers, and the need for competitive pay to retain talent, according to the report by TeamLease Services, India’s leading staffing solutions company.
Moreover, the sector’s workforce is predominantly young, with most individuals in the 28-37 age group (43.6 per cent).
The expansion of the manufacturing sector in the country is led by industries like electronics manufacturing, automotive, textiles, and chemicals.
“To unlock its potential, the sector must prioritise inclusive policies and invest in upskilling for Industry 4.0. Strategic workforce outsourcing can help reduce costs and address operational inefficiencies,” said Subburathinam P, Chief Operating Officer of TeamLease Staffing.
“
As the manufacturing sector aims to achieve a $1 trillion valuation by 2025-26, addressing workforce dynamics will be pivotal in ensuring sustained growth.
This growth is led by strategic government initiatives, technological advancements, and an evolving workforce landscape.
The workforce is also diverse in terms of educational backgrounds, with nearly half being graduates.
Both genders show the highest representation at the graduation level, 48.5 per cent for males and 46.4 per cent for females.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra (17.2 per cent) and Tamil Nadu (14.6 per cent) are the leading states in contractual workforce contributions, followed by Uttar Pradesh (9.6 per cent) and Karnataka (9.4 per cent), the report mentioned.
“A significant 89.5 per cent of employees in temporary roles are male, highlighting a significant underrepresentation of women. Females in the workforce, however, demonstrate higher representation in postgraduate qualifications (24.3 per cent compared to 10.5 per cent of males),” it noted.
The report highlighted that companies are encouraged to enhance workplace safety, foster inclusivity, and invest in career development initiatives such as structured mentorship programmes.
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https://www.lokmattimes.com/technology/contractual-workers-in-indian-manufacturing-sector-see-56-pc-annual-pay-growth-2/
| 2024-12-16T05:58:26Z
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Will there be a white Christmas? Met Office reveals snow prediction
A white Christmas in the UK simply needs an observer or an automatic station to report a single snowflake falling on Christmas Day
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Your support makes all the difference.It’s that time of year when people start imagining waking up to find that Santa has visited, with the streets blanketed by a crisp white layer of fresh snow covering the streets on Christmas Day.
But the Met Office, which says it starts being asked about whether it will be a white Christmas as early as October, has explained the difficulty in making accurate predictions and snowfall living up to people’s festive expectations.
Despite media reports about snow to come, the forecaster called for patience - explaining it is not until the final week before Christmas that it can accurately predict the chances of seeing any snow flurries on the big day.
Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: “What meteorologists actually do, is rather than cherry pick one computer model run for more than two weeks’ time, the computer models are run lots and lots of times and then we can pick out areas where they are agreeing and areas where they are disagreeing.
“Then we can talk about likely weather patterns and less-likely weather patterns, common themes and so on.”
The experts stressed the tricky nature of making such early predictions, explaining that just a fraction of a degree in temperature “can make the difference between the chance to build a beautifully formed snowman, and the joys of a sleety slushy day”.
To declare a white Christmas in the UK the forecaster simply needs one observer or an automatic station to report a single snowflake falling on 25 December.
Technically 2023 was the last white Christmas in the UK, with 11% of stations recording snow falling - but none reporting any actually settling on the ground.
Since 1960, around half of the years have seen at least 5% of the station network report snow falling on the big day, meaning more than half of all Christmas Days are technically a ‘white Christmas’.
But for it to settle is much rarer. There has been a widespread covering of snow on the ground - 40% of stations in the UK reporting snow settling at 9am on Christmas Day - only four times in 1981, 1995, 2009 and 2010.
The last widespread white Christmas in the UK was in 2010. It was extremely unusual, as not only was there snow on the ground at 83% of stations - the highest amount ever recorded - but snow or sleet also fell at 19% of stations.
So what will it be this year?
The Met Office’s current long-range forecast for Christmas week predicts spells of wind and rain, and “perhaps with some hill snow in the north”. Predictions should become more accurate closer to the date, so watch this space.
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https://www.the-independent.com/weather/white-christmas-uk-weather-snowfall-met-prediction-b2664882.html
| 2024-12-16T05:58:27Z
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India sees over 90 pc rise in smartphone exports in Nov, Apple leads
By IANS | Published: December 16, 2024 10:12 AM2024-12-16T10:12:37+5:302024-12-16T10:15:13+5:30
New Delhi, Dec 16 India has seen a record smartphone exports in November this year, surpassing the Rs ...
New Delhi, Dec 16 India has seen a record smartphone exports in November this year, surpassing the Rs 20,000 crore mark for the first time in a month, which was led by Apple.
According to industry data, smartphone exports crossed Rs 20,300 crore, a more than 90 per cent rise from the same period last year. Apple led the exports last month, followed by Samsung.
In November last year, the smartphone exports from the country was over Rs 10,600 crore, as per the industry data.
The smartphone market in the country is expected to exit 2024 with a single-digit annual growth.
Meanwhile, riding on the government's production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, Apple’s iPhone production in the country reached $10 billion in the seven months of this fiscal (FY25), with $7 billion in exports alone which is a record.
The tech giant manufactured/assembled $14 billion of iPhones in India last fiscal (FY24), with exporting more than $10 billion worth of iPhones.
According to Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, this is yet another milestone for the smartphone PLI scheme in 7 months.
"$10 billion iPhone production by Apple with $7 billion exports. Total smartphone exports from Bharat crossed $10.6 billion in 7 months," the minister had posted on X last month.
India’s smartphone market is estimated to grow 7-8 per cent this year, driven by strong demand for premium, 5G and AI smartphones. The mobile handset market in India is expected to maintain steady growth.
According to industry experts, to achieve the goal of $500 billion local electronics manufacturing by FY30, the industry must prioritise export growth to emerge as one of the top three global exporters in this domain by 2030, led by mobile manufacturing.
As per the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) data, mobile phone production surged from Rs 18,900 crore in 2014-15 to an estimated Rs 4.10 lakh crore in FY24, registering an increase of a massive 2,000 per cent, driven by the PLI scheme.
Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
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https://www.lokmattimes.com/technology/india-sees-over-90-pc-rise-in-smartphone-exports-in-nov-apple-leads-1/
| 2024-12-16T05:58:28Z
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