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Selena Gomez looked glowing and gorgeous on the Emmys red carpet, opting to wear a striking gown her best friend Taylor Swift would approve of.
Selena, 31, pulled out all the stops for the glamorous night, which saw her walk the red carpet with her Only Murders in the Building costars Martin Short and Steve Martin, with the 'Single Soon' hitmaker wearing a semi-sheer gown by Oscar De La Renta – one of Taylor's favorite designers.
Miss Swift wore one of the brand's dresses most recently for the premiere of her Eras Tour movie, and likely inspired Selena's decision to wear a gown from the label.
Selena went for a vampy look for the Emmys, pairing the strapless dress with sheer panels with towering strappy stilettos and ultra-dark lipstick.
LOOK: The best dressed stars at the Emmys 2024
The Rare Beauty founder wore her trademark dark hair slicked back with tendrils framing her face, allowing her statement necklace to take centre stage. The actress added huge diamond earrings and looked thrilled with her style, smiling widely for photos.
Fans lapped up her look, heaping praise on the star, writing: "Selena gomez is so insanely beautiful like wow," and: "Selena Gomez is killing it at the Emmys"
Selena certainly has a lot to smile about. Not only is Only Murders in the Building nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series, Selena is thriving in her personal life.
The actress has been dating musician Benny Blanco for several months and says she is happier than ever, calling him the best thing that has ever happened to her.
Benny was even spotted backstage at the Emmys with his girlfriend, wearing a silky suit. Though her love joined her on this occasion, Selena has been having a blast with her friends at recent events, including a chat with Taylor Swift and Keleigh Teller at the Golden Globes which went viral, with people wondering what the trio were chatting about. Selena shot down rumors that they were gossiping about Kylie Jenner, but fingers crossed we get some equally iconic moments from the former Disney star tonight!
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/celebrity-style/511306/selena-gomez-leaf-out-of-taylor-swift-fashion-book/
| 2024-01-16T01:57:03Z
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At the recent Critics Choice Awards, Oprah Winfrey's reaction to an unconventional meal choice – "pizza in a bag" – has sparked a wave of fan comments, all echoing a similar sentiment.
As servers distributed the miniature flatbread pizzas towards the end of the ceremony, Oprah, known for her mindful eating habits, chose not to partake.
Her action, coupled with a playful remark about not wanting to "mess up my lips," quickly caught the attention of viewers and fans.
Fans were quick to connect Oprah's decision with her well-documented journey with weight management.
Social media buzzed with reactions, with one fan humorously noting, "Oprah said y’all not putting them pounds back on her.”
Another fan added, “#OPRAH! Stay Snatched, Lips #ON!,” applauding her discipline in sticking to her dietary choices. Yet another viewer humorously speculated about Oprah's thoughts during the moment, saying, “Oprah is skinty for a reason. Pizza in a bag is a big ‘naw!'”
Oprah's choice not to indulge in the pizza aligns with her recent admission about using medication "as a tool to manage" her weight.
In a conversation with People, she expressed relief and gratitude for the medical advancements in weight management, emphasizing that it's not a matter of shame but a helpful resource.
"The fact that there's a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthier, in my lifetime, feels like relief, like redemption, like a gift, and not something to hide behind and once again be ridiculed for."
However, according to nutrition expert Danni Duncan, the worry with celebrities like Oprah taking a drug to lose weight is that we continue to promote a quick-fix lifestyle.
"We’ve seen Oprah over the years go on tonnes of restrictive “diets” and she even says it’s exhausting. People give up when it’s too hard or don’t stick to things because they’re not sustainable," she tells HELLO!
"You have to find some discipline, commit to long-term change and stop looking for the next band-aid solution. The reason people yoyo is because of this. Our world has become so obsessed with instant gratification that people don’t want to put in the work.
"It’s a marathon, not a sprint and delayed gratification, and being proud of the journey you’re on, taking small steps every day and then feeling accomplished when you’ve reached those goals is far more monumental and life-changing. It can take 18-254 days to create a habit….for real change to occur mentally, she adds.
"Quick fixes, restrictive diets and weight loss drugs like the one Oprah has just been on, do not promote long-term sustainable health. It’s one thing to lose weight but what has changed mentally about your habits.
“Taking a drug to lose weight may “fix” the current issue - but what happens once the weight is gone. No habits have been changed, the relationship with food is the same - you’re just skinnier. if you don’t change your mindset, re-program your brain to understand nutrition and wellbeing as a whole - nothing changes," Danni advises.
Oprah's weight struggles have been a public narrative for years, with her battles and victories often in the limelight. "I’m absolutely done with the shaming from other people and particularly myself," she declared, addressing the societal pressures and self-judgment she has endured over her weight.
Oprah's stance took a turn following a panel discussion with weight loss experts. "I realized I’d been blaming myself all these years for being overweight, and I have a predisposition that no amount of willpower is going to control. Obesity is a disease. It’s not about willpower — it's about the brain," Oprah explained, shedding light on the complexities of weight management.
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/health-and-fitness/511305/oprah-winfreys-disgusted-reaction-to-pizza-in-a-bag-has-fans-saying-the-same-thing/
| 2024-01-16T01:57:09Z
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Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker made a stunning appearance at the Emmy Awards, marking Kourtney's first public event since the birth of their son, Rocky Thirteen, on November 1.
The couple, known for their affectionate displays, didn't hold back at the event, sharing a passionate kiss upon arrival.
Both Kourtney, 44, and Travis, 48, elegantly dressed in black suits and oversized shades, showed deep affection for each other, capturing the attention of photographers.
Kourtney notably wore a plunging blazer with a black bra underneath, showcasing her post-pregnancy figure.
This outing comes amidst ongoing tensions with Travis's ex-wife, Shanna Moakler. Shanna, 48, recently expressed her grievances in an interview, criticizing Travis for his past behavior and alleging that Kourtney is wooing her children with extravagant gifts.
Shanna's comments have reportedly caused frustration for Kourtney and Travis, who believe these attacks are harmful to the children.
Travis, a member of Blink-182, shares two children, Landon, 20, and Alabama, 18, with Shanna, and is also a stepfather to her daughter Atiana, 24, with Oscar De La Hoya.
Shanna's interview on the Dumb Blonde podcast with Bunnie XO was scathing, as she accused Travis of "parental alienation" and excessive indulgence to win over the children since being with Kourtney.
Shanna's critique didn't stop at Travis; she extended her disdain to the entire Kardashian family, branding them as 'disgusting.'
She lamented feeling overshadowed by the Kardashian's lifestyle, stating her inability to match their level of gifts and experiences for her children.
“When Travis got with Kourtney, there was some parental alienation going on there, where Travis — even when we weren't together — always wanted to be the "super dad."
'"I'm the best parent. I'm the this and that," and I'm like, "Bro, you win. Like, you're the winner here. You have all the money and you have all this. You're the winner."'
“I think there was a lot of glitter and fame and they watched them on TV and now their dad is dating one and they're going to be on the show,' she said. 'And I think they got caught up in that, which young kids would do.
“They're buying them Prada, and they're buying them gifts, and they're going to these events and they're meeting Kanye and, you know, all this big stuff.
“I can't give them that. I don't have that. I don't have access to that. I don't have the money to do that. I can't buy you guys Prada every other week and stuff. I don't. I can't do it.”
Despite these challenges, Kourtney and Travis have continued to show a united front. Their relationship, which has been in the public eye, showcases their dedication to each other and their blended family.
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511308/kourtney-kardashian-and-travis-barker-steal-the-show-on-emmy-red-carpet-as-star-makes-first-appearance-since-birth-of-baby/
| 2024-01-16T02:27:32Z
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BEIJING - The U.S. official who heads the body that handles unofficial ties with Taiwan said on Tuesday that Nauru's decision to break ties with Taiwan was "unfortunate."
On Monday, the Pacific Islands nation of Nauru said it was breaking ties with Taiwan in favour of China, in what Taipei called a clear act of post-election maliciousness by Beijing.
"We encourage all countries to engage with Taiwan," Laura Rosenberger, chair of the Virginia-based American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), told reporters in Taipei.
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) Lai Ching-te won Taiwan's presidential election on Saturday, as expected, and will take office on May 20. In the poll's run-up China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, had repeatedly called him a dangerous separatist. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/naurus-decision-to-break-ties-with-taiwan-unfortunate-us-official
| 2024-01-16T02:51:40Z
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KUALA LUMPUR – The prospects of a royal pardon for jailed former prime minister Najib Razak are dim, say analysts, as the disgraced politician faces other ongoing charges and his early release could adversely affect Malaysia’s reputation.
“Najib has other charges which are still ongoing, so it may not make sense to have a conversation about pardons,” advisory firm BowerGroupAsia director Arinah Najwa told The Straits Times.
Najib has so far served 17 months of his 12-year prison sentence for graft linked to RM42 million (S$12 million) from SRC International, a former subsidiary of troubled state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). He has exhausted all legal avenues of appeal and can only be released from prison by a royal pardon from Malaysia’s King.
He faces another three ongoing criminal cases. He is accused of illicitly receiving US$681 million (S$910 million) of 1MDB funds via British Virgin Islands shell company Tanore Finance, laundering RM27 million belonging to SRC International, and committing breach of trust involving RM6.6 billion in government funds paid to Abu Dhabi’s government-owned International Petroleum Investment Company.
Ms Arinah also noted that the Pardons Board, a six-member team headed by the King, would have to consider carefully whether Najib’s release is advisable so soon after he was convicted.
“The country’s reputation may be affected if they decide to pardon him as it can impact how Malaysia is perceived by other countries’ leaders and investors,” she told ST.
Najib’s bid to be released from prison was in the news last week, after Singapore’s CNA reported a Pardons Board meeting is slated to take place in the third week of January. On Jan 10, Najib’s lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah responded to the article saying his team and Najib “are in the dark” about the status of the pardon petition.
Analysts say Najib’s release would have political repercussions as he is still seen as influential among Malay voters and could help regain their support for his party Umno, which is also a partner in the unity government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
“There is a slim chance that this could factor in the Pardons Board’s decision,” said Mr Halmie Azrie Abdul Halim, a senior analyst at government regulatory affairs and political risk consultancy Vriens and Partners.
ST has learnt from a highly-placed source that the Prisons Department has submitted its report on Najib’s pardon to the Prime Minister’s Department’s Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU), which will then present it to the Pardons Board.
Such a report usually includes statements on the prisoner’s work, conduct, mental and physical condition and effect of imprisonment on his health.
However, ST was unable to confirm when the report was sent to the BHEUU, nor when the Pardons Board meeting will take place.
BHEUU declined to comment on ST’s queries.
“There is no time limit for when the report can be submitted, but a reasonable amount of time has to pass, generally three years, before a prisoner’s conduct is reviewed,” said senior constitutional lawyer Rajan Navaratnam.
The Pardons Board, headed by the King, consists of the Attorney-General or his representative, the Federal Territories Minister, and not more than three other members appointed by the King.
The King has the power granted by the federal constitution to grant a pardon to convicts. A royal pardon in Malaysia is similar to a presidential pardon in Singapore and the United States.
Speculation of the Pardons Board meeting comes just weeks before the current King, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, steps down from the throne on Jan 31 after a five-year term. He is the ruler of Pahang, Najib’s home state.
The ruler of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, will then ascend the throne.
According to Datuk Seri Rajan, while the Prisons Department is at liberty to present its views in the report on the prisoner’s conduct, the King has final say on the pardon.
“The pardon is at the sole discretion of the King, who will then decide on whether to pardon Najib, or cut short part of the jail term or grant an early release,” he told ST.
“Even though the Federal Constitution requires the Pardons Board to give its advice to the King, His Majesty is not bound to act on the advice given by the Board and has the absolute discretion whether to grant a pardon,” said Mr Rajan.
Najib’s lawyers applied for a royal pardon from the King in September 2022, on the basis that he did not receive a fair trial. In December 2023, they requested an update from BHEUU about the application, but no response has been received, said Najib’s lawyer, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/najib-pardon-unlikely-due-to-other-charges-and-reputational-risk-to-malaysia-analysts
| 2024-01-16T02:51:50Z
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SEATTLE - Microsoft is opening up its artificial intelligence (AI) assistant to consumers and making the corporate version available to smaller companies as it tries to increase the number of paying customers for the new services.
Microsoft is selling a US$20-a-month (S$27) consumer version of Copilot, with access to OpenAI’s latest ChatGPT technology and image-creation features, the software giant said in a statement. Consumers with a cloud subscription to Office will be able to use Copilot to help answer questions, summarise data and create content in Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.
Microsoft, which has been selling a similar product to large businesses for a monthly fee of US$30 per user, will get rid of the 300-subscription minimum for its enterprise service.
As Microsoft has revamped nearly all of its products around AI tools based on technology from OpenAI, its Office products remain one of the best ways to get customers to pay extra for AI assistance. Executives have said demand is unusually high, with Azure chief Scott Guthrie likening it to the lines outside shops to purchase Windows 95 software nearly three decades ago.
Microsoft has been testing the Office-based copilot, now called Copilot for Microsoft 365, since March 2023. The company began selling it widely in November, as long as companies purchased at least 300 subscriptions. That left out small businesses and those that wanted to begin with a smaller trial, said Mr Jared Spataro, a Microsoft vice-president, in an interview.
“We have just never seen demand in the commercial space for a product like we are seeing for Copilot from Microsoft 365,” he said. “We have had pressure I have never seen from small and medium businesses saying, ‘Why will you not let us buy this? Let us try it.’”
Microsoft announced the new services ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, where chief executive officer Satya Nadella will speak in an interview with Bloomberg.
Microsoft’s consumer service, called Copilot Pro, offers similar features to OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus at the same price, though the integration with Office differentiates their product, Mr Spataro said. The company plans to roll out a builder tool, similar to what OpenAI unveiled in 2023, that will let individuals create their own Copilots for a specific topic, a service that is already available to enterprises.
Microsoft’s privacy rules for the consumer version also differ from the business one. Unlike data from corporate customers, Microsoft said it will retain a portion of prompts and responses from the consumer model to retrain models and improve the product. BLOOMBERG
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/microsoft-expands-office-ai-copilot-to-consumers-smaller-companies
| 2024-01-16T02:52:01Z
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LOS ANGELES – The Bear star Ayo Edebiri and Quinta Brunson of Abbott Elementary scored some of the early awards at the Emmys on Monday as Hollywood celebrated the best of television.
Edebiri won best supporting actress for her role as a chef trying to help open a fine-dining restaurant on dramedy The Bear (2022 to present).
Holding her trophy on stage, Edebiri thanked her family for “letting me feel beautiful and Black and proud of all of that”.
Brunson was named best actress in a comedy for playing an optimistic teacher on Abbott Elementary (2021 to present), a show she created. She shed tears as she took the stage and was handed the honour by comedy legend Carol Burnett.
“I don’t know why I’m so emotional. I think it’s the Carol Burnett of it all,” Brunson said. “I’m so happy to be able to live my dream.”
The top TV honours were broadcast live on the Fox broadcast network. The show was postponed from September because of labour disputes in 2023.
Organisers were using this year’s milestone – the 75th Emmys – to honour classic television shows with cast reunions and other moments.
Host Anthony Anderson opened the show with a choir singing theme songs from shows such as Good Times (1974 to 1979) and The Facts Of Life (1979 to 1988).
Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker joined to play the drum solo from In The Air Tonight, a song that aired during a pivotal moment in 1980s hit Miami Vice. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/actresses-quinta-brunson-ayo-edebiri-win-early-emmy-trophies
| 2024-01-16T02:52:11Z
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Lionel Scaloni will stay on as Argentina's coach at least until the end of this summer's Copa America, where the country will defend their title, local media reported on Monday.
The news comes after the Argentina FA (AFA) President Claudio Tapia met with Scaloni to discuss the national team's upcoming friendlies in China ahead of the June 20-July 14 continental tournament in the United States.
Reuters has contacted the AFA for comment.
"Lionel Scaloni will remain in the Argentina national team and will coach through to the Copa America," Gaston Edul, a sports journalist for TyCSports in Argentina, said in a social media post. "Surely, in the next few days, an official voice will confirm it."
Scaloni had cast doubt over his future in the post in November, when Argentina beat Brazil in South American World Cup qualifiers, saying: "It's complicated to keep going and it's complicated to keep winning."
The 45-year-old took over as coach in 2018 and led Argentina to the Copa America title in 2021 - their first major trophy since the 1986 World Cup - and their third world title in Qatar the following year. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/scaloni-to-remain-as-argentina-coach-for-copa-america-reports
| 2024-01-16T02:52:22Z
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New Zealand test captain Kane Williamson will miss the final three matches in the Twenty20 series against Pakistan after suffering a minor hamstring strain, the team said on Tuesday.
Williamson, who has been hit with injuries in recent years, sustained the strain while batting in the second Twenty20 in Hamilton on Sunday, which the Black Caps won by 21 runs to take a 2-0 lead in the series.
"A timeline for Williamson's rehabilitation and return to cricket is still being established with a goal of being ready for selection in the test series against South Africa," New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.
New Zealand play an inexperienced South Africa team in two tests at Mount Maunganui and Hamilton in February. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/hamstring-strain-rules-williamson-out-of-pakistan-t20-series
| 2024-01-16T02:52:32Z
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MELBOURNE - Highlights of the third day of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Tuesday, all times local (GMT +11):
1209 - AMERICAN STEPHENS SWEEPS INTO SECOND ROUND
Former U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens swept into the second round with a 6-3 6-1 victory over local wild card Olivia Gadecki on John Cain Arena to snap a run of four consecutive first-round exits at Melbourne Park.
"Really pleased with the way I played," said the 30-year-old American, a semi-finalist at the 2013 Australian Open.
1110 - PLAY UNDERWAY IN MELBOURNE SUNSHINE ON DAY THREE
Play got underway as scheduled on the outer courts under sunny skies on the third day of the Australian Open.
The temperature was already 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees fahrenheit) in the Melbourne Park precinct and a high of 31 is forecast for the late afternoon.
Australian Open order of play on Tuesday
READ MORE:
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De Minaur advances to round two after Raonic retirement
Murray says 'definite possibility' he's played his last Australian Open match
Djokovic 'just another player' for Popyrin ahead of Australian Open meeting
Wonder shot helps Tsitsipas into second round in Melbourne
Gauff says she wasn't mad after calling 'foul' on USTA cartoon
'It's going to happen', organisers defend late Melbourne finishes
Gauff calms her nerves and finds her serve to advance
Seventh seed Vondrousova sent packing by Yastremska at Australian Open REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/tennis/australian-open-day-three
| 2024-01-16T02:52:42Z
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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, in an interview made public on Monday, said there had been times when he had felt the urge to "punch in the face" his Russian opposite number Sergei Lavrov in talks during the early stage of Moscow's invasion.
Kuleba's brief remarks were part of an hour-long informal interview with a Ukrainian video blogger focusing on topics ranging from cooking to hobbies and Ukrainian soccer.
When asked, as part of a series of rapid-fire questions, about his most difficult set of negotiations, Kuleba said: "The most difficult talks are those in which you feel simply that you want to go and punch your opposite number in the nose, but you really can't do that.
"And I can say that this occurred two or three times. One occasion was with Lavrov in (the Turkish resort of) Antalya in spring of 2022."
Ukrainian and Russian negotiators met for several rounds of talks in the early weeks after the February 2022 invasion -- first near Ukraine's border with Belarus and later in Turkey.
Kuleba said at the time that the talks in Turkey had been difficult and dealt with a ceasefire and arranging humanitarian corridors. No agreement was clinched in those talks and there have been no negotiations since.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy rejects talks with Moscow until Russian troops are withdrawn from the slightly less than 20 percent of Ukraine they now hold. Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin says Russia is ready for talks but has vowed to pursue what Moscow calls its "special military operation".
In Moscow, Russia Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Kuleba's latest remarks underscored the incompetence of Ukraine's leadership.
"And that is the problem: uneducated, aggressive people were recruited under the guise of serving as ministers to ruin Ukraine for American money," Zakharova told the daily Izvestia.
"Perhaps he belongs in a no-holds-barred bout rather than the foreign ministry?" REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/ukraine-foreign-minister-muses-about-punching-russias-lavrov
| 2024-01-16T02:52:53Z
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DUBAI/BAGHDAD - Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they attacked the “espionage headquarters” of Israel in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, state media reported late on Jan 15, while the elite force said they also struck in Syria against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
“Ballistic missiles were used to destroy espionage centres and gatherings of anti-Iranian terrorist groups in the region late tonight,” Iran’s Guards said in a statement, naming Israel’s Mossad spy agency.
In addition to those strikes north-east of Kurdistan’s capital Erbil in a residential area near the US consulate, the Guards said they launched attacks against the “perpetrators of terrorist operations” in Iran, including ISIS.
No US facilities were impacted by the missiles strikes, two US officials told Reuters.
The strikes come amid concerns about the escalation of a conflict that has spread through the Middle East since the war between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas began on Oct 7, with Iran’s allies also entering the fray from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.
Iran, which supports Hamas in its war with Israel, accuses the US of backing what it calls Israeli crimes in Gaza. The US has said it backs Israel in its campaign but has raised concerns about the number of Palestinian civilians killed.
At least four civilians were killed and six injured in the strikes on Erbil, the Kurdistan government’s security council said in a statement, describing the attack as a “crime”.
Multimillionaire Kurdish businessman Peshraw Dizayee and several members of his family were among the dead, killed when at least one rocket crashed into their home, Iraqi security and medical sources said.
Mr Dizayee, who was close to the ruling Barzani clan, owned businesses that led major real estate projects in Kurdistan.
Additionally, one rocket had fallen on the house of a senior Kurdish intelligence official and another on a Kurdish intelligence centre, the security sources said.
Reuters could not independently verify any of the reports. Israeli government officials were not reachable for immediate comment.
Air traffic at Erbil airport was halted, the security sources said.
Iran has in the past carried out strikes in Iraq’s northern Kurdistan region, saying the area is used as a staging ground for Iranian separatist groups as well as agents of its arch-foe Israel.
Baghdad has tried to address Iranian concerns over separatist groups in the mountainous border region, moving to relocate some members as part of a security agreement reached with Teheran in 2023.
Earlier in January, ISIS claimed responsibility for two explosions in Iran’s southeastern Kerman city that killed nearly 100 people and wounded scores at a memorial for top commander Qassem Soleimani. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/irans-guards-attack-israels-espionage-centres-in-iraq
| 2024-01-16T02:53:03Z
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WASHINGTON - Immigration and the economy were on Iowan Republicans' minds as they entered their party's caucuses on Monday to select a Republican presidential candidate, according to preliminary findings of an entrance poll conducted by Edison Research.
Following are highlights from the poll based on interviews with 1,177 Iowa Republicans. The results will be updated as more interviews are collected.
* 37% of caucus-goers said the economy was the issue that mattered most in deciding who to vote for on Monday, compared to 36% who cited immigration, while the rest said foreign policy or abortion.
* 60% said they favor a federal law that would ban abortions nationwide.
* 66% said they did not think Democrat Joe Biden legitimately won the presidency in 2020.
* 64% said they decided who to support in the presidential nomination contest before this month.
* 63% said Donald Trump would still be fit to be president if he were convicted of a crime.
* 47% said they considered themselves part of the MAGA movement, a reference to Trump’s Make America Great Again slogan. 49% said they were not part of that movement.
* 12% said the most important quality a Republican presidential nominee should have is the ability to beat Biden, compared to 43% who said shared values mattered most.
Edison Research conducted the poll on behalf of the National Election Pool, a consortium of news organizations including Reuters. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/most-iowa-republican-caucus-goers-say-trump-fit-to-be-president-if-convicted
| 2024-01-16T02:53:14Z
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WASHINGTON - Former United States president Donald Trump cruised to victory in the Iowa caucus on Jan 15, US media projections showed.
He warded off a late challenge from rivals Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley and cemented his status as the clear Republican front runner in the race.
But Trump also faces 91 criminal charges in four jurisdictions for conduct before, during and after his presidency.
These include an alleged conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
That raises a host of scenarios in which the US Constitution would be consulted on a collision of politics and law that the country’s founders could scarcely have anticipated. These scenarios include:
What if Trump is convicted of a crime while he is a presidential candidate?
A clean criminal record is not a job requirement for president.
The Constitution says only that a president must be at least 35 years old, a natural-born citizen, and a 14-year resident of the US.
So Trump would still be eligible to run for president if convicted – and to serve if he is elected.
But voters can certainly take a conviction into account. A Quinnipiac poll found that 68 per cent of Americans think a felony conviction should make someone ineligible to be president.
What if Trump ‘engaged in insurrection’?
The 14th Amendment, adopted after the US Civil War, prohibits anyone from serving as president or any other public office if that person has “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” against the US “or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof”.
The Jan 6, 2021, attack by Trump supporters on the US Capitol, as Congress was certifying the results of the 2020 election, has brought renewed attention to that provision.
Law professors William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulsen argue that it disqualifies Trump from holding public office again, and a lawsuit towards that end has already been filed by a group of voters in Colorado.
Individual state election officials could seek to bar Trump from the Nov 5, 2024, ballot, but those actions would certainly invite a legal challenge.
The Electoral College, when it meets weeks after the election, or the US Congress, when it convenes to certify the electoral votes on Jan 6, 2025, also could declare Trump disqualified on these grounds.
That would potentially lead to a vote by state delegations in the House of Representatives to choose the next president, something that has not happened in 200 years.
Given the current make-up of the House, that would likely be the Republican nominee, which could well be Trump.
Could Trump, as president, pardon himself?
The president’s constitutional power to “grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States” does not apply to convictions on state crimes, such as the charges Trump faces in New York and Georgia.
As for federal crimes, legal scholars are split about whether the president can self-pardon.
Some point to the legal advice given by the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel to President Richard Nixon in 1974 in connection with the Watergate scandal: “Under the fundamental rule that no one may be a judge in his own case, the President cannot pardon himself.”
Others argue that the plain meaning of “grant” (to give to someone else), and “pardon” (to forgive or excuse) suggest it is not a power Trump could use on himself.
A workaround: A president could temporarily cede power to the vice-president, who as acting president could grant the pardon.
Could Trump get pardoned in New York or Georgia?
In New York, the governor has the power to pardon in all state cases except for treason.
In Georgia, the pardon power vests in a parole board, whose five current members have all been appointed by Republican governors. But current rules require an applicant for a pardon to have served at least five years of a sentence before applying for a pardon.
Could Trump be ordered to serve a prison sentence?
This issue is unresolved, but there is an argument that the president’s constitutional responsibilities would override the need to serve a prison sentence – at least while in office.
“Constitutionally you’d have a pretty good argument that you would have to let him out while he’s president,” said Professor Brian Kalt, a Michigan State University law professor whose 2012 book Constitutional Cliffhangers: A Legal Guide For Presidents And Their Enemies anticipated some of the current questions.
He said one option could be the 25th Amendment – a constitutional fallback of last resort that allows a president “unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office” to be temporarily removed. That would still take action by the vice-president, the Cabinet and Congress – a high bar.
If elected, could Trump be impeached again?
The double jeopardy clause of the 5th Amendment – which prohibits prosecuting anyone twice for substantially the same actions – does not apply to impeachment.
So yes, in the event Trump wins the presidency, lawmakers could try once again to force his removal by accusing him of misconduct they consider to meet the constitutional standard of “high crimes and misdemeanours”.
As with Trump’s first two impeachment proceedings, the House, by simple majority vote, could send one or more articles of impeachment to the Senate for a trial.
Trump’s defenders would surely argue that his 2021 acquittal by the Senate, on a charge of inciting the insurrection at the Capitol, settled the issue.
Regardless, it would remain difficult to achieve the bipartisan consensus necessary in the Senate to approve any article by the requisite two-thirds supermajority vote.
Does Trump have any constitutional defences?
Among other possible defences, including that Trump’s false statements about the 2020 election were protected by the First Amendment, Trump’s legal team has suggested that a former president cannot be criminally punished for anything he did in office.
Trump is “immune from prosecution for acts that he takes in connection with those policy decisions” he made as president, defence lawyer John Lauro told NBC’s Meet the Press.
The Supreme Court has never addressed the issue directly. In another case involving Nixon, the Supreme Court held that the president is immune to civil lawsuits for any actions within the “outer perimeter” of his official responsibilities.
The court has never applied that doctrine to a criminal case, though, and prosecutors are expected to argue that Trump was acting outside his official responsibilities. BLOOMBERG
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/trump-wins-iowa-republican-caucuses-but-indictments-pose-constitutional-questions
| 2024-01-16T02:53:24Z
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DES MOINES - Donald Trump muscled past his rivals to capture the first 2024 Republican presidential contest in Iowa on Jan 15, according to Edison Research projections.
The victory once more asserts his dominance over the party as he seeks a third consecutive nomination.
With Trump’s victory all but a foregone conclusion given his lead in opinion polls, the runner-up competition was producing most of the evening’s intrigue.
Florida governor Ron DeSantis and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley were in a battle for second place, Edison projected.
The two are seeking to emerge as the chief alternative to the former president.
Iowans braved life-threatening temperatures to gather at more than 1,600 schools, community centres and other sites for the state’s first-in-the-nation caucus, as the 2024 presidential campaign officially got under way after months of debates, rallies and advertisements.
With a tiny fraction of the expected vote tallied, Trump had 56 per cent of the vote, Mr DeSantis had 19 per cent and Ms Haley had 18 per cent.
A commanding victory for Trump in Iowa would bolster his argument that he is the only Republican candidate capable of taking on Democratic President Joe Biden.
Trump is meanwhile facing four criminal cases that could potentially turn him into a convicted felon before the Nov 5 general election.
“Trump is very narcissistic, he’s very cocky, but he’s going to get stuff done,” said Ms Rita Stone, 53, a Trump backer, who attended a caucus at a West Des Moines high school.
Like many other voters, Ms Stone said her top concern was the US southern border with Mexico, praising Trump’s effort to build a wall when he was president.
Caucus-goers appeared broadly supportive of Trump, according to an Edison entrance poll.
Only one-third of caucus-goers said Trump would be unfit for president if convicted of a crime. Nearly two-thirds said they did not believe Mr Biden legitimately won the 2020 election, embracing Trump’s falsehoods about voter fraud.
Both Mr DeSantis and Ms Haley were aiming for a strong second-place finish that could demonstrate they might prevent Trump’s inexorable march towards the nomination.
Mr DeSantis in particular had wagered his campaign on Iowa, barnstorming all of its 99 counties, and a third-place finish could increase pressure to end his bid.
Polls show him far behind Trump and Ms Haley in the more moderate North-eastern state of New Hampshire, where Republicans will choose their nominee eight days from now.
Trump has sought to create an air of inevitability around his campaign, skipping all five of the Republican debates thus far and largely eschewing the county-by-county campaigning that most candidates do ahead of the Iowa vote.
In a statement, Mr Alex Pfeiffer, a spokesperson for the main super political action committee supporting Trump, said, “The people of Iowa sent a clear message tonight: Donald Trump will be the next Republican nominee for President. It’s now time to make him the next President of the United States.”
Life-threatening cold
Unlike a regular election, Iowa’s caucus requires voters to gather in person in small groups, where they cast secret ballots after speeches from campaign representatives.
The wind chill in parts of the state had been forecast to reach minus 43 deg C on Jan 15, according to the National Weather Service. Edison projected there would be approximately 130,000 votes counted, far short of the record 187,000 cast in the 2016 Republican caucus.
If the cold weather helped depress turnout, Trump’s grip on his most loyal supporters may have given him an edge.
Mr DeSantis and Ms Haley had expressed confidence they would exceed expectations in Iowa, though neither predicted victory.
“If you’re willing to brave the cold and turn out for me, I’ll be fighting for you for the next eight years, and we’re going to turn this country around,” Mr DeSantis told a crowd earlier in the day in Sergeant Bluff.
At a diner in Des Moines, Ms Haley predicted that other candidates will be forced to drop out in the weeks to come. “This will be a two-person race with me and Donald Trump,” she told supporters.
One potential wild card had been an unknown number of the state’s Democratic voters who had registered as Republicans to try to influence the caucus results.
“I just want to be able to look back and say I did what I could to keep Donald Trump from getting elected,” said crossover voter Toni Van Voorhis, 65, who planned to back Ms Haley.
Iowa Democrats did not vote on Jan 15 for their presidential nominees because the party has reshuffled its nominating calendar to put states with more diverse populations ahead of Iowa in 2024. They will cast their ballots by mail, with the results to be released in March.
Iowa has historically played an outsized role in presidential campaigns due to its early spot on the campaign calendar.
But the winner of Iowa’s Republican caucuses did not go on to secure the nomination in the last three competitive contests in 2008, 2012 and 2016.
A political battleground that backed Democrat Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, the state is now seen as reliably Republican in presidential elections as registered Republicans edge out Democrats. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/trump-wins-iowa-republican-caucuses-us-media-projections
| 2024-01-16T02:53:34Z
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The 75th Annual Emmy Awards kicked off on an emotional note, as Christina Applegate surprised the star-studded audience to present the first award of the night.
The Dead to Me actress – who has shied away from the spotlight amid her battle with multiple sclerosis – was moved to tears when she immediately received an emotive standing ovation, and many of her Hollywood colleagues looked back at her with their own teary eyes.
For the special appearance, she looked glamorous as ever in a deep red velvet gown with a plunging neckline and long sleeves, and she had her signature blonde hair styled in a sleek, old-Hollywood-esque blow-out.
After stepping up to the podium, Christina was quick to turn the audience's tears into laughter with a candid joke about her health battle, saying: "You are totally shaming me with disability with standing up," and as the applause continued, she further joked that her body was "not by Ozempic."
One of Christina's last public appearances was for Variety's TV FYC Fest back in June alongside Hacks actress Jean Smart, and before that, at the 2023 SAG Awards in February.
It was her first major appearance since announcing she would be retiring from acting, and she stepped out with her daughter Sadie Grace by her side, who she shares with husband Martyn LeNoble.
At the time, she was nominated for the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series award for her role in Dead to Me season three, in which she starred alongside Linda Cardellini.
MORE: Christina Applegate receives Emmys honor after acting retirement news
She twinned with her daughter, both wearing double-breasted suits, though Sadie paired hers with matching trousers and combat boots, while her mom's turned into a stunning, full-length gown. She accessorized with a cane adorned with stickers, including one which read "FU MS," as well as her daughter's name alongside a heart.
While the Emmys are not typically part of the awards season slate that runs through January to March – and includes the likes of the Golden Globes, the SAG Awards, and culminates with the Oscars – Monday's ceremony is in fact the 2023 ceremony that was initially meant to air in September.
The 2023 round of awards were delayed for four months due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, which ran for over 100 days and officially came to an end on November 9th; the contract was ratified on December 5th.
MORE: Christina Applegate reveals the heartbreaking truth about her life after MS diagnosis
The 2023 Emmys host is Black-ish actor Anthony Anderson, and they are airing live on Fox from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Among top nominees are Succession, with a whopping 27 nominations, followed by The Last of Us with 24 and The White Lotus with 23. Some of the actors nominated are Pedro Pascal, Kieran Culkin, Jennifer Coolidge, Meghann Fahy, Jeremy Allen White, and more.
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511310/christina-applegate-tears-standing-ovation-surprise-emmys-appearance/
| 2024-01-16T03:28:57Z
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At 90 years old, Joan Collins continues to captivate audiences with her timeless elegance and style.
Her recent appearance at the Emmys was no exception, as she graced the event in a stunning light blue gown embellished with sequins.
The English actress completed her look with matching satin opera gloves and dazzling chandelier earrings, embodying the glamour she's renowned for.
Joan, a fashion icon, has always embraced bold and fabulous looks. Her style, diverse and ever-evolving, ranges from rocker-chic ensembles to budget-friendly yet chic finds, like a $28 leopard-print swimsuit from Target.
Her penchant for nostalgic berets, a favorite accessory both in the past and present, showcases her enduring fashionista status.
In a 2023 interview, Joan revealed her beauty secret: avoiding cosmetic procedures and focusing on keeping her skin moisturized, a tip passed down from her mother.
This approach has contributed to her ageless beauty, which she confidently displayed at the Emmys.
Accompanying Joan at the event was her beloved husband, Percy Gibson, 58. The couple, who celebrated their 20th anniversary last year, shared a tender moment on the red carpet.
Percy, a Hollywood producer known for his work on shows like Who Wants to be a Millionaire, looked dapper in a tailored black tuxedo alongside his wife.
Joan and Percy's relationship is a testament to love and partnership. Percy, who is 31 years Joan's junior, is her fifth husband, following her previous marriages to Maxwell Reed, Anthony Newley, Ron Kass, and Peter Holm.
Joan has often spoken highly of Percy, describing him as the love of her life and praising his care and support in both their personal and professional lives.
“He takes care of everything,” Joan told Saga magazine. “He takes care of my children and all our finances. He's the love of my life. It's a great marriage, a great relationship."
Their romance began as a deep friendship, providing a strong foundation for their marriage. Joan credits this connection as a key factor in their successful relationship.
The couple's decision to marry was solidified following a life-changing event when a last-minute change saved Percy from being near the World Trade Center on 9/11.
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/celebrity-style/511311/joan-collins-90-makes-incredible-red-carpet-entrance-in-sparkly-frock-alongside-fifth-husband-percy-gibson-58-at-emmys/
| 2024-01-16T03:29:03Z
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The 75th Annual Emmy Awards are taking fans on a trip down memory lane, including with an epic reunion of one of television's most popular shows: Grey's Anatomy.
Beloved Grey's stars Katherine Heigl, Ellen Pompeo, Justin Chambers, Chandra Wilson, and James Pickens Jr. got together to present the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or TV movie.
The epic reunion comes a whopping 19 years after the hit Shonda Rhimes show first aired, and after a variety of ups, downs, feuds and firings among the cast throughout its 20 seasons.
During the special moment, the cast addressed Grey's Anatomy's long presence on television, and how its 20th season will officially make them the longest medical drama in TV history.
They also made light of the show's occasional tumult, with Katherine candidly telling the star-studded audience, with a laugh: "Yes, there have been some changes over the years, but the one thing that has remained a constant is an incredible fanbase."
The reunion comes some months after Katherine – who starred as Izzie Stevens for over 100 episodes from its inaugural season in 2005 until halfway to its sixth in 2010 – reflected on her "naïve" approach when expressing her concerns over the set's work conditions, which in part eventually left to her abrupt exit halfway through filming the sixth's season.
In 2008, one year after Katherine won an Emmy for her Grey's performance, she made headlines when she decided not to submit her performance again for consideration. She later told Howard Stern in 2016: "I didn't feel good about my performance and there was a part of me that thought, because I had won the year before, that I needed juicy, dramatic, emotional material," adding: "At the time, I didn't think anyone would notice… I just quietly didn't submit and then it became a story."
MORE: Katherine Heigl talks 'shame' after quitting Grey's Anatomy: 'Are you this bad person?'
MORE: The real reason Firefly Lane's Katherine Heigl left Hollywood with husband and three kids
She also became estranged from show creator Shonda, after a 2009 appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman, when she told the host: "I'm gonna keep saying this 'cause I hope it embarrasses them," revealing they were working up to 17 hours a day, which she described as being "cruel and mean."
Shonda then went viral with her response in 2014, during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter promoting her other hit show, Scandal. When discussing the smooth production and tight-knit cast, she shocked fans when she said: "There are no Heigls in this situation," maintaining she has a "no assholes policy," and that: "I don't put up with [expletive] or nasty people. I don't have time for it."
Katherine subsequently responded to her comments via Extra, telling Mario Lopez: "I am sorry that she feels that way and I wish her nothing but greatness and I have nothing negative to say about [her]. I'm a big fan of her work," and that: "I watch Scandal every week and so I'm sorry she's left with such a crappy impression of me. I wish I could do something to change that. Maybe I will be able to someday."
MORE: Katherine Heigl's alternative living situation in Utah with husband and three children explained
While the Emmys are not typically part of the awards season slate that runs through January to March – and includes the likes of the Golden Globes, the SAG Awards, and culminates with the Oscars – Monday's ceremony is in fact the 2023 ceremony that was initially meant to air in September.
The 2023 round of awards were delayed for four months due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, which ran for over 100 and officially came to an end on November 9th, and the contract was ratified on December 5th.
The 2023 Emmys host is Black-ish actor Anthony Anderson, and they are airing live on Fox from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Among top nominees are Succession, with a whopping 27 nominations, followed by The Last of Us with 24 and The White Lotus with 23. Some of the actors nominated are Pedro Pascal, Kieran Culkin, Jennifer Coolidge, Meghann Fahy, Jeremy Allen White, and more.
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511309/katherine-heigl-ellen-pompeo-greys-anatomy-reunion/
| 2024-01-16T03:29:09Z
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Despite rumors of the Friends cast reuniting to pay a heartbreaking tribute to Matthew Perry at the 2024 Emmy Awards, the show instead gave their own moment to the late comedian, who died in October 2023.
As the In Memorium played, the country act War and Treaty were joined by Charlie Puth to sing 'See You Again,' before transitioning into 'I'll Be There For You,' as the segment ended with a picture of Matthew and a standing ovation.
Matthew, who starred as Chandler Bing in the NBC comedy for 10 seasons, died on October 28, 2023 at the age of 54. The actor's body was found by his assistant, who had been sent out on errands after he had returned home from a game of pickleball, in the jacuzzi at his $6 million Pacific Palisades home in Los Angeles, with "apparent drowning" initially reported as the cause of death.
The autopsy, released several weeks later, revealed that the actor was on ketamine infusion therapy; his last therapy session was less than two weeks before death. His blood levels included high levels of ketamine, and the autopsy suggested he likely lapsed into unconsciousness before sliding under the water.
In the days after his passing his Friends co-stars shared a heartbreaking tribute, writing: "We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family."
"There is so much to say, but right now we're going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss… In time we will say more, as and when we are able" they continued, and concluded: "For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty's family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."
In the following weeks they all also shared their own individual memories of their friendship with Matt. All five of them were pictured attending their co-star's funeral in Los Angeles on November 3.
Matthew had long been open about his battle with addiction, which began during his years on the hit comedy in the 1990s. In his memoir Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, released in 2022, he revealed that at the age of 49 his colon burst following years of opioid overuse and he spent months fighting for his life in hospital, followed by a further nine months living with a colostomy bag.
Matthew wrote: "The doctors told my family that I had a two per cent chance to live. I was put on a thing called an ECMO machine, which does all the breathing for your heart and your lungs. And that's called a Hail Mary. No one survives that."
In a statement shared with HELLO! following Matthew's death, Warner Bros. shared: "We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry. Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family. The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans."
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511304/how-the-2024-emmys-paid-an-emotional-tribute-to-friends-actor-matthew-perry/
| 2024-01-16T04:04:06Z
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Elton John has won his first ever Emmy award – and it has marked him as the 19th EGOT winner of all time. The British singer, who was not in attendance as he recently underwent a knee operation, won the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) for Elton John: Farewell from Dodger Stadium, a live stream of his final North American show ever.
His husband David Furnish was in attendance and joined executive producer Ben Winston as they accepted the award. David later told press that they FaceTimed Elton immediately after walking off the stage, waking him up as he was in the United Kingdom recovering from knee surgery.
"We FaceTimed him, and woke him up," David shared, joking: "He has had his left knee replaced which is not surprising when you think about the number of pianos he has jumped off!
"He screamed, 'Yes!,' he is very happy and incredibly honored, and said he is lucky to be in such estimated company."
EGOT is an acronym for the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards, and is the designation given to people who have won all four of the major American art awards, also known as the Entertainment Grand Slam.
Farewell Yellow Brick Road was the forty-ninth concert tour and is intended to be the 76-year old's final tour after five decades in the industry. His husband David Furnish was in attendance and joined executive producer Ben Winston as they accepted the award.
After wrapping up the worldwide tour, he then charmed a 180,000-strong crowd in June 2023 as he took to the Pyramid Stage to perform at Glastonbury Festival in the UK where he wowed the fans with hit tracks such as Rocket Man' and 'I'm Still Standing' – and as one of the best-selling artists of all time, it may come as no surprise to learn that Sir Elton has a reported net worth of $500 million.
He currently ranks as the 309th richest person in the UK on The Sunday Times Rich List 2023, and it is believed he still nets around $25 million per year from royalties alone.
The 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards took place four months after they were postponed due to the SAG-AFTRA strike - and TV's biggest stars congregated at Los Angeles' Peacock Theater, in downtown. On the red carpet, red was also the color of the gowns , with Katherine Heigl, Suki Waterhoise and Camilla Marrone all rocking the passionate color; while Ayo Edebiri was gorgeous in a leather look, and Selena Gomez wowed in Oscar del Renta.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511312/elton-john-wins-first-ever-emmy-becomes-egot/
| 2024-01-16T04:04:12Z
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EATON — Join Solvita Blood Center in celebrating January National and Ohio Blood Donor Awareness Month by donating at the Eaton First Church of God drive Saturday, Jan. 13, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 601 East Lexington Road, Eaton.
Schedule an appointment to donate with Solvita (formerly Community Blood Center) on the Donor Time app, by calling 937-461-3220, or at www.donortime.com.
Everyone who registers to donate at any Solvita blood drive or the Solvita Dayton Center Jan. 2-Mar. 2 will receive the “Donor Love” long-sleeve, hoodie shirt, while supplies last.
National Blood Donor Awareness Month was proclaimed in 1969 to thank donors and encourage more donations during the winter months when the holidays, severe weather, and seasonal illness make it difficult to maintain a sufficient blood supply.
State Sen. Stephen Huffman (R-5th District), an emergency room physician and a life-long blood donor, introduced legislation in 2017 to designate January as Blood Donor Awareness Month in Ohio. It became law in February 2018 and was first celebrated in January 2019.
Save time while helping save lives by using “DonorXPress” to complete the donor questionnaire before arriving at a blood drive. Find DonorXPress on the Donor Time App or at www.givingblood.org/donorxpress.
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https://www.registerherald.com/2024/01/12/blood-drive-saturday-in-eaton/
| 2024-01-16T04:16:11Z
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Griefshare Class in Camden
Have you suffered a loss? A new Griefshare Class has begun on Monday nights at the First Southern Baptist Church in Camden at 6 p.m. Call 937-452-7291 for information.
Souper Supper at New Hope
New Hope Church will host its next Souper Supper on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 4-6 p.m. On the menu: ham and beans, hashbrown casserole, cornbread, salads, desserts and drinks. New Hope Church is located at 5367 U.S. 35 West, Eaton. A free will offering is collected to support this outreach.
Camden Kids for Christ
Northside Chapel First Church of God at 6820 N. Main St. in Camden offers Camden Kids for Christ for students in kindergarten through 6th grade on the third Saturday of each month from 5-7 p.m. All are welcome.
Gospel Light Baptist location change
Gospel Light Baptist Church is currently meeting at William Bruce Elementary School, located at 506B Aukerman Street in Eaton, while its new church building is being built. The public is invited to worship with the Gospel Light church family this Sunday at 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. For more information go to www.gospellighteaton.org.
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https://www.registerherald.com/2024/01/12/church-briefs-313/
| 2024-01-16T04:16:17Z
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PREBLE COUNTY — Preble County Auditor Lavon Wright is reminding dog owners that 2024 Dog Licenses are still being sold and the renewal period runs through Jan. 31.
Dog licenses are $14 each and are valid for all of 2024. After Jan. 31, 2024, there is a late penalty to purchase the license. Anyone who “owns, keeps, or harbors a dog” is required by state law to purchase a dog license.
Dog tags can be purchased several ways:
The Preble County Auditor’s Office located on the second floor of the Preble County Courthouse in Eaton will have dog licenses available. One year ($14,) three year ($42,) permanent ($140) and kennel ($70/five tags and $1 for each additional tag.)
Office hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday. You may also call the Auditor’s office at 937-456-8148 for instructions on how to purchase them through the mail or visit the website www.preblecountyauditor.org and download a pdf form.
During the renewal period there are several locations throughout the county which will also have one-year dog licenses for sale. Those businesses may charge a preparation fee of $ .75 per application. Those sites are: Eaton – Dog Warden, License Bureau, Town & Country Vet Clinic, Brubaker Grain, Creature Comforts Vet Clinic, and Lakengren P.O.A.; Gratis – Twin Valley Bank; Camden – Somerville Bank; West Alexandria – Twin Valley Bank, and Twin Valley Animal Hospital; Lewisburg – Farmer’s State Bank, and New Paris – Farmer’s State Bank.
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https://www.registerherald.com/2024/01/12/dog-licenses-for-sale-starting-friday-3/
| 2024-01-16T04:16:23Z
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EATON — The Preble County District Library has released the following calendar of programming and events for the month of January.
New: Weekly Winter Storytimes & Crafts for Kids
Many of our branches offer weekly in-person storytimes for kids of All ages. Our storytimes are formulated around Every Child Ready to Read initiative, focusing on the five early literacy practices of reading, singing, playing, talking, and writing. Some crafts may get a little messy.
• Every Monday at New Paris at 5:30 p.m.: Storytime
• Every Tuesday at Camden at 5:30 p.m.: Little Ones Storytime
• Every Saturday at West Alexandria at 11 a.m.: Magical World of Storytime
New: Eaton Storytimes – Winter Session Registration Open
Runs through Feb. 8. Registration is required. To register, cAll the Eaton Branch at 937-456-4331.
• Mother Goose Storytime (birth-age 3): Wednesday or Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
• Eaton Library Mice Storytime (age 3-Pre-K): Wednesday or Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
• Family Storytime (birth-age 5): Thursday at 4:45 p.m.
• After School Crew Storytime (age 6-12): Thursday at 4:45 p.m.
New: Kids Grab & Go Crafts – All Branches
January’s Kids Grab & Go kit is a Winter Diorama craft.
Kids grab & go kits are available at All branches unless noted otherwise. Contact your local branch to reserve a kit while supplies last.
New: Tween/Teen Grab & Go Crafts – All Branches
January’s Tween/Teen Grab & Go kit is a lip balm craft.
Tween/Teen grab & go kits are available at All branches unless noted otherwise. Contact your local branch to reserve a kit while supplies last.
New: Adulting Can Be Fun!
The Preble County District Library offers various adult craft and social programs in January at several of our locations throughout Preble County. Some programs require registration, please cAll the hosting branch for details.
• Monday, Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. at Eaton: Social Stitch
• Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. at New Paris: Shabby Chic Valentine Decor Craft
• Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. at PC Room: Paper Bead Necklace Craft
• Saturday, Jan. 20 at 11 a.m. at PC Room: Intro to Genealogy Part One
• Thursday, Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. at Camden: Adult Game Night
• Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 6 p.m. at Eaton: AYA Book Club
New: Weekly Teen Programs at the Eaton Branch
On Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m., teens in grades 6-12 can come to the Eaton Branch to enjoy activities such as coloring and simple crafting, board games, video games, and more!
• Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 3:30 p.m. at Eaton: Anime Club
• Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 3:30 p.m. at Eaton: Needle Felting
• Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 3:30 p.m. at Eaton: Monthly Movie
New: Family Crafts and Activities
The Preble County District Library offers various craft and social programs for kids, teens, and families in January at several of our locations throughout Preble County.
• Saturday, Jan. 13 at noon at West Alexandria: Stickerpalooza
• Monday, Jan. 15 during open hours at West Elkton: Discover America
• Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 4:30 p.m. at West Manchester: Bingo Day
• Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. at Camden: After School Fun
• Thursday, Jan. 18 at 4:30 p.m. at Eldorado: Bingo Day
• Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 5:30 p.m. at West Alexandria: Kids Book Club
• Tuesday, Jan. 23 during open hours at New Paris: Board Game Day
• Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 4:30 p.m. at West Manchester: Clothespin Snowman
• Thursday, Jan. 25 at 4:30 p.m. at Eldorado: Clothespin Snowman
New: Build Something New with LEGO Programs
Let your imagination run wild as Preble County District Library hosts LEGO Club. LEGO Club is kids and teens to show off their Master Builder skills. If you bring LEGOs from home, please label them in a container with your child’s name.
• Saturday, Jan. 27 at noon at West Alexandria: Lego Club
• Monday, Jan. 29 at 4:30 p.m. at Eaton: Lego Club
• Tuesday, Jan. 30 during open hours at New Paris: After School Lego Time
New: Notes From Helen – Jan. 22, 25-25 at West Elkton during open hours
We are inspired by our longtime patron, Helen, who often takes the time to write us a handwritten thank-you note when returning her books. An art that seems to be almost lost in a time where a quick text or email is used instead. Amongst the hustle and bustle of our busy schedules, let’s take the time to write a handwritten note or card to someone special! We will have a variety of stationery to choose from. We hope to see you then!
New: 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s – Thursday, Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. at Camden
Join the Alzheimer’s Association – Miami VAll ey Chapter at the Camden Library to learn about detection and resources. Reservations are recommended for this program.
New: Bluey Day! Saturday, Jan. 27 at 1 p.m. at Eaton
Are you a fan of the lovable puppy Bluey, her Mum, Dad, and little sister Bingo? Then this program is for you! Join us for a Bluey filled afternoon. We’ll have crafts, games, prizes, and more! Feel free to come in your best Bluey costume or attire!
Other Library Program Offerings:
Book a Librarian
Would you like to learn more about computers? Do you have a new tablet or smartphone you’d like to learn more about? The Reference Librarian is happy to help! Book an appointment on Monday afternoons between 1-4 for assistance with: tablets/e-readers, computers, Microsoft Office, Internet, resumes and job searching, using the library catalog, and research. Call 937-456-5562, email preblerefatpreblelibrary.org, or stop by the library in person to set up an appointment!
Explore & More Adventure Pass Program
Explore & More NOW with your PCDL Library Card! We are excited to introduce our newest service, the Explore & More Adventure Pass Program, enabling PCDL patrons to borrow passes using their library card. This one-time pass, which must be checked out in person at the Eaton Branch, grants patrons limited free access to attractions that would otherwise charge admission fees.
Participating organizations include The Dayton Art Institute, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Johnston Farm & Indian Agency, and Carillon Historical Park.
*Each organization sets its own rules for how many individuals are covered under its passes and which days the passes will be honored. Patrons are advised to cAll the organization ahead of their visit for hours and rules.
Don’t Throw Away Local History – Contact the Preble Co. Genealogy Room, Instead!
The Preble Co. Genealogy Room is interested in archiving any local and family historical items you might come across as you clean. This includes (but is not limited to): old paperwork/documents/records, family bibles with family information, pictures of Preble Co. residents, landmarks, and properties, old maps and land records and any items having to do with the history of Preble County, its families and the surrounding areas.
If you come across an item as you clean and wish to donate it to the PC Room, please contact us at 937-456-4970 Monday -Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., or by email at [email protected].
Preble Co. Records Online – families, obituaries, marriages, historic landmarks, and more
Search the library’s in-house Genealogical & Historical Records collections. Visit https://preblelibrary.org/genealogy to get started on your search! Family files can also be researched in person at the PC Room. To view a list of All PC Room resources, visit https://preblelibrary.org/genealogy/holdings.
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Editors note: Organizations in The Register-Herald’s coverage area wanting meeting notices included in the Area Meetings are encouraged to send schedule updates to Editor Eddie Mowen Jr. at [email protected]. Schedules, changes and/or updates for 2024 should be submitted as soon as available.
Mondays
The 7-Pillars Drug Recovery Program will meet at 7 p.m. each Monday night at 705 N. Barron Street in Eaton. For more information, call 1-801-SET-FREE.
First Monday
The New Paris Village Council meets at 7 p.m. every first Monday in the City Building at 301 W. Cherry St.
The “We Care” Cancer Support Group meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of each month at Harborside Care Center, 101 Mills Place, New Lebanon. Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Linda at 937-687-2719 or Chris at 937-687-2253.
Second Monday
Eaton Community Schools Board of Education will meet the second Monday of each month, unless otherwise noted, at 6 p.m. at Hollingsworth East Elementary School.
The Republican Probity Women (RPW) of Preble County holds regular meetings at the Preble Co. Fairgrounds office complex on the second Monday of every month at 7 p.m. RPW is an organization dedicated to empowering Preble County Ohio women by encouraging civil debate, fostering educational opportunities, providing direct service opportunities, and facilitating networking opportunities. Visit rpwpreblecounty.com to learn more.
First and third Monday
The Camden Family Lion’s Club meets every first and third Monday of the month at The Dover. The address is 100 S. Lafayette Street. Anyone from the community is invited to attend. For further information contact Robert Brock at 937-776-5067 or [email protected].
Second and fourth Monday
The Jackson Township Board of Trustees, Preble County, will hold its regular meetings on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. All meetings are open to the public.
Third Monday
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren will meet at the Preble County Senior Center every third Monday at 10:30 a.m. Meeting is sponsored by the Preble County District Library. Questions? Contact Vicki Hoff at 937-456-4376 or 937-456-4250.
West Alexandria Village Council will hold its regularly scheduled council meetings on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are held at the West Alexandria EMS building.
The Tri-County North Board of Education’s meetings will be held at 7:30 p.m. the third Monday of each month (unless designated otherwise) in the Tri-County North Lecture Room. Regular board meetings for 2024 will be held at 7:30 p.m. each month in the Tri-County North Lecture Room except for the June and July meetings, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Tri-County North District Office Conference Room. Meeting dates are as follows: Monday, Feb. 26; Monday, March 18; Monday, April 15; Monday, May 20; Thursday, June 27; Monday, July 1; Monday, Aug. 19; Monday, Sept. 16; Monday, Oct. 21; Monday, Nov. 18 and Monday, Dec. 16.
Women of Divine Design is the ladies’ ministry of Life Flowing Ministries (221 E. Decatur St., Eaton.) The group meets on the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. to pray, to serve, to receive God’s word, and to recover. All ladies are welcome. Ladies can call/text Jessica Guerrero at 937-670-0653 for additional information.
The Gasper Township Trustees meet the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Gasper Township Firehouse at 4195 Paint Creek Road, Eaton.
Eaton City Council meets the third Monday of every month at 6 p.m., at the Eaton City Building, 328 N. Maple St.
Fourth Monday
The Dixon Township Board of Trustees will hold its regular meetings on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Location: Dixon Township Building, California School Road. All meetings are open to the public.
Preble County Mental Health & Recovery Board meets the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are held at 100 E. Somers Street, Eaton. Visit the website at www.pcmhrb.org for meeting information. If interested in attending meeting or for more information, contact [email protected].
Monday and Wednesday
The Preble County Board of Commissioners meets in regular session every Monday and Wednesday in the commission chambers on the first floor of the Preble County Courthouse, 101 E. Main St., Eaton, starting at 9 a.m. and continuing until 4:30 p.m. or until its business is concluded. The board does not generally meet when the dates coincide with holidays, but interested parties should call the commission office at 937-456-8143 to confirm whether the meeting has been canceled.
First and Third Tuesday
Priddy-Walters American Legion Post 665, West Manchester, meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Members are encouraged to attend. Veterans looking for a home Legion are invited to attend. The post encourages younger veterans and active duty to become members.
The Eaton Optimist Club meets at 6:30 p.m.
Eden Lodge 147 International Order of Odd Fellows in Gratis, located at 104 East Franklin Street (above the post office), holds meetings on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m., with a social dinner at 6:15 p.m.
Second Tuesday
The Board of Twin Township Trustees will have its regular monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. The meetings will be at 1251 Ohio 503 North in West Alexandria at 6 p.m. Notices of any special, emergency or executive meetings will be posted at the Township House on the bulletin board at the front of the building. The public is welcome to attend the meetings.
The Lewisburg Historical Society meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are held at the Depot across from the Lewisburg Park. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The Brown Memorial Library Board of Trustees meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Tri-County North Community Center located at 261 Clay Street in Lewisburg.
Third Tuesday
The West Alexandria Friends of the Library meet the third Tuesday of odd number months at 6 p.m. at the West Alexandria Library, 16 N. Main St.
The Preble County Beekeepers Association meet the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Eaton American Legion, 1000 U.S. 35.
Disabled American Veterans meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post #322 at 1477 Ohio 503 South in West Alexandria. Members are encouraged to attend. Veterans looking for a home legion are welcomed to come. Active duty and younger veterans are encouraged to become members as well.
Fourth Tuesday
L&M Products, Inc. Board of Directors meets at 8 a.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at 201 E. Lexington Road, Eaton. Meetings are open to the public.
Last Wednesday of each month
The Blue Star Mothers of Ohio, Preble County Chapter meetings will be the last Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at L&M Products, next to McDonald’s on Barron Street in Eaton.
Second Wednesday
The regular meetings for the Harrison Township Board of Trustees will be held the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Township Hall in Roselawn Cemetery, 601 Main St., Lewisburg.
Second and Fourth Wednesday
The Washington Township Trustees will hold their regular meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. The meetings are held at the offices of the trustees, 1800 Eaton Gettysburg Rd., Eaton. Any change of a regular meeting date or a special meeting will be posted in advance at the township office. Any special or emergency meeting will be held as needed. The public is invited.
Third Wednesday
The Board of Public Affairs of the Village of Eldorado will meet the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.
Fourth Wednesday
The regular monthly meetings of the Preble County Educational Service Center Governing Board will be held the fourth Wednesday of each month, with noted exceptions, at the Preble County Educational Service Center, 597 Hillcrest Drive, Eaton, at 5:30 p.m.
A support group for parents of school-age children with disabilities will be held the fourth Wednesday of each month at noon at the Preble County Engineer’s Office. The purpose of the meetings is to share common concerns.
Thursdays
Celebrate Recovery is a safe place to address destructive or compulsive behaviors, unhealthy relationships, addictions (drugs, alcohol, food, pornography), anger, shame, codependency (addiction to people and control), past abuse and so much more. People can find freedom from any hurt, hang-up or habit that is making their life unmanageable. Meets weekly on Thursdays, 7-9 p.m., at Eaton First Church of the Nazarene, 201 E Lexington Rd., Eaton. For more information call 937-300-8663.
The West Alexandria Fire Department will host Bingo every Thursday night at the West Alexandria Fire Department. Doors open at 5 p.m. with early birds beginning at 6 p.m. Bingo will run until 9 p.m. and feature pull tab options.
First Thursday (even no.)
The Fiscal and Executive Committees of the Preble County Family and Children First Council meets on the first Thursday of even-numbered months at 1500 Park Ave., Eaton. The Fiscal Committee meetings begin promptly at 9 a.m. and the Executive Committee follow immediately after. The purpose of the meetings are financial monitoring and governance/supervision, respectively. Meetings are open to the public.
First and Third Thursdays
Lewisburg Village Council meetings are held on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7 p.m., at the Lewisburg Community Center at 261 E. Clay Street.
First Thursday
American Legion Auxiliary, Post #215 will meet the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Members are invited to come see the new ideas each month.
Eaton Masonic Lodge meets the first Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Social hour will be from 6-7:15 p.m. prior to the meeting. Currently the meetings are held at the Camden Masonic Lodge building at 101 Main Street, Camden, while a new meeting building is under construction in downtown Eaton. All Masons in good standing are invited to attend. For more information call 1-410-984-6373.
The Compassionate Friends Valley View Chapter will hold monthly meetings the first Thursday of every month, from 7-8:30 p.m. at Germantown Senior Center, 33 N. Cherry St. in Germantown.
Second Thursday
The Preble Shawnee Local School District Board of Education will meet at 6 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at 5495 Somers Gratis Rd in Camden.
Third Thursday
The Preble County DD Board of Directors will hold monthly meetings on the third Thursday at 6 p.m. at 200 Eaton Lewisburg Road, Eaton.
The Preble County Board of Elections will conduct regular business meetings on the third Thursday each month at 9 a.m. in the board’s office, 101 E. Main Street, Eaton.
Fourth Thursday
The Preble County Chapter of People First invites all persons with disabilities and interested parties to its monthly meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month. The group meets at 7 p.m. at the Woodview Commons Community Room, 307 Eaton-Lewisburg Road, Eaton. People First encourages self-advocacy and community involvement for persons with disabilities. For more information, contact Holly Comley at 937-456-7141 or Rhonda Brantley at 937-456-6611.
Second Saturday
All General Motors/Delphi retirees are welcome to attend a monthly retirees breakfast at 9-11 a.m., at the Dixie Diner, 595 W. Main St., New Lebanon, the second Saturday of each month.
The New Paris Masonic Lodge invites the public for “Breakfast at the Lodge” every second Saturday of the month. Cost is $9 for adults, $4 for children. Breakfast will be served from 7-10 a.m. at 116 S Washington in New Paris. The menu consists of sausage, eggs hashbrowns, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, coffee and juice.
Third Saturday
Commodore Preble Chapter of the DAR meets the third Saturday each month. Call Sandra McGuire at 937-533-3210 for more information.
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ENGLEWOOD — “There was no such thing as a minor wound,” Dawn Lechner told the audience at the Northmont Library.
Lechner, a middle-school teacher at Trotwood, is a “living historian,” participating in re-enactments and portraying people of the past in the encampments accompanying the re-enactors. She and Ed Sachs, a retired Air Force Major she met a few years ago at a re-enactment, gave a talk at the library on Jan. 6 about Revolutionary War medicine.
Sachs explained that musket balls usually had a diameter of about one sixth of an inch, and cannons often fired grapeshot, or small bullets with a large collection fired at once.
These projectiles, hot and traveling fast, tore through muscles and bones, flattening on impact and doing great damage. Usually, amputation of a damaged limb was the only recourse.
Sachs showed his collection of medical tools from the period, all but a few authentic. He showed how surgeons would apply a tourniquet and then commence cutting with whichever knife and bone saw were suitable to the size of the limb.
With alcohol the only available anesthetic, assistants held the patient down and he had a stick to bite on. Speed, to counter the shock, was thus essential. Hot irons cauterized blood vessels to stop the bleeding, and a horsehair pack between the bone and the skin cushioned the stump and aided in clotting.
With clothing either loosely handwoven or leather, wounds often became infected, and Sachs showed a trevor, a drain punched into the wound for the pus to drain.
He grinned.
“When we’re teaching this to schoolkids, this is where the 14-year-olds start passing out,” he said.
The patient’s survival increased with the distance of the wound from the heart.
A skull (not real) showed a hole made by trephining, boring a hole to relieve the intracranial pressure or remove a bullet from the brain.
The latter did not usually have good results, but Sachs explained, “The feeling about medicine back then was you needed to do something instead of just letting the patient die.”
He showed “one of the most intense weapons of the war”: a tongue depressor. Recruits were examined with the same depressor, and about 30 percent of them became sick with infections during training.
Doctors in the field sometimes adapted Native American tools and served as their own pharmacists or used native remedies such as willow bark for pain and sumac for sore throats.
Medical treatments and military tactics had not changed much from the time of the Crusaders, with armies facing each other about 50 yards apart. (The Americans introduced guerilla warfare, but, Lechner said, fighting from shelter was considered “ungentlemanly.”) Thus, even muskets with limited range were likely to hit someone.
Lechner said the idea was that “God will decide who lives and dies.” In addition, operations took place in the open when possible for better vision.
She said, “The fact that any survived at all is a miracle.”
Sachs and Lechner also showed some of the clothing worn by soldiers and some of the flags carried during the Revolution.
On Feb. 3, Lechner and Sachs will present a program on African American soldiers in the Revolution, and on March 2 will offer “An Evening with Teddy Roosevelt and his Wife,” focusing on the Spanish-American War. All programs are at 4 p.m. at the Northmont Library, 700 W. National Road, and are free.
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Jessica Brown
MARIETTA — Marietta College’s Jessica Brown of Brookville has been named to the Fall 2023 Dean’s High Honors List. Brown is majoring in Marketing and is a graduate of Brookville High School. Any full-time Marietta College student completing at least 15 credit hours with a grade point average of 3.75 or better in a given semester is recognized as a Dean’s High Honors List student.
Ohio Wesleyan Dean’s List
DELAWARE — Ohio Wesleyan University has announced its Dean’s List for fall semester 2023. To qualify for OWU Dean’s List recognition, students must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale in all applicable classes. Local students earning Dean’s List recognition were Timothy Davis of Brookville, and Kiera Elliott of Eaton.
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WEST ALEXANDRIA — Throughout the year, Twin Valley Bank employees at the bank’s West Alexandria, Gratis, Eaton and New Lebanon offices collect $1 each week for casual Fridays. At the end of the year, the bank matches dollar for dollar what the employees have collected throughout the year.
“Employees then select a local organization in each community we serve to help support through our monetary donations,” TVB Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Lauren Morris said in a press release. “This year we were able to donate $550 each to the West Alexandria Food Bank, the Gratis-West Elkton Food Bank, The Common Good Preble County and the New Lebanon Local Schools school lunch account. The bank and employees are overjoyed to be able to make a difference in our community,” Morris said.
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Editors note: Organizations wanting meeting notices or events included in the Veterans News are encouraged to send scheduling updates to Editor Eddie Mowen Jr. at [email protected]. Deadline for inclusion in the Wednesday edition is 5 p.m. the Friday prior; deadline for inclusion in the Saturday edition is 5 p.m. the Wednesday prior. Items are published as space allows until the date of events has passed, or for ongoing listings, until removal is requested.
Brookville VFW Post 3288
The Post 3288 canteen is open at 11 a.m. every day. Post 3288 is located at 210 Carr Drive in Brookville.
West Manchester American Legion Post 655
Post 655 is dark during the winter. The first pork chop dinner and cruise-in next year will be March 21, 2024.
West Alexandria American Legion Post 322
Games and cards take place every Saturday from noon-5 p.m. for members and invited guests. Includes Happy Hour. Bring your cards or favorite board games.
Euchre every Wednesday at 7 p.m., $5 entry fee, Ladies Night, drink specials, and 50/50 raffle is open to the public.
Sr. Fun Bunch meets every Thursday from 1-4 p.m. at James E. Ryan Post 322, Ohio 503 South.
Monthly meetings are held as follows: Legion members — second Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m.; Sons members — second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m.; Auxiliary members — first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Euchre is played every Wednesday at 7 p.m. $5 entry fee, 50/50 raffle. Sr. Fun Bunch meets Thursdays from 1-4 p.m. For hall rentals call 937-839-4015. With any other Legion questions, contact Steve Ward, Commander, at [email protected].
Eaton VFW Post 8066
VFW Post 8066 in Eaton holds Taco Tuesday and plays euchre on Tuesdays. Doors open at 4 p.m. Kitchen open Fridays beginning at 4 p.m. Karaoke begins at 7 p.m. on Friday. Open to public on Tuesday and Friday.
New Paris American Legion Post 360
Post 360 is open Sundays 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday-Thursday, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays 1 p.m. to midnight, Saturdays 11 a.m. to midnight. Looking for a home Post? There is always something going on at Post 360 and new members are welcome. Monthly events open to the public include: the second Saturday of every month, DJ Duo spinning favorite tunes; the third Saturday of every month, a euchre tournament, and the fourth Saturday of each month, karaoke.
Camden VFW Post 1577
The Auxiliary’s monthly meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Camden VFW Post 1577 is located at 291 S. Main St., Camden.
New Lebanon American Legion Post 762
Post 762 is open Monday from 4:30 p.m. to midnight, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to midnight, Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon and 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner is from 6-8 p.m. There is breakfast on Saturday from 8-11 a.m.
DAV meetings
Disabled American Veterans meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post #322 at 1477 Ohio 503 South in West Alexandria. Members are encouraged to attend. Veterans looking for a home legion are welcomed to come. Active duty and younger veterans are encouraged to become members as well.
PC Veterans Service ID Cards
Preble County Veteran Services is now offering honorably discharged veterans the opportunity to have a picture identification card. You may obtain your ID card at Veterans Services at no cost to you. You must bring a copy of your DD214 verifying character of discharge. For additional information you may contact Veterans Services at 937-456-6111.
Preventive Dental Program
Preble County Veterans Service Commission has a preventative dental program to promote good oral hygiene and overall health through connecting veterans with local dentists in Preble County. Services offered include: basic annual examination; basic dental cleaning; panoramic x-ray (if recommended; wing bite x-ray (if recommended; fluoride treatment (if recommended.) Should, after exam, the dentist discover other dental issues (other than root canal, braces, or crowns) PC VSC may assist with additional items on a case-by-case basis based upon treatment plan of treating dentist. If interested in utilizing this program, contact the Preble County Veterans Service Commission, 1322 North Barron St., Eaton, at 937-456-6111.
Editor’s Note: Organizations with meeting notices or events included in Veterans News are encouraged to send updated information to Eddie Mowen Jr. at [email protected].
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WEST ALEXANDRIA — Birthdays this week: Gail Schmidt, Mathias Marshall, Linda Barnhart, Meghan Robbins, Morgan Robbins, Shelley Dougherty, Mark Weimer, Troy Lunsford, Rebecca Habekost Simon, Ronda Sollenberger, Mike Fahrenholz, Jesse Koeller, Diana Spencer.
Anniversaries this week: Mathias and Kaylee Marshall, Bob and Betty Beneke.
AKS Fresh Nuts Sale
Alpha Kappa Sorority is selling fresh nuts, candied and non-candied, in varieties of almonds, cashews, English walnuts, and pecan pieces or halves. To order, contact Missy Riegel at 937-248-4166 or Wendy Chesney at 937-336-2027.
American Legion Post 322
Games and cards take place every Saturday from noon-5 p.m. for members and invited guests. Includes Happy Hour. Bring your cards or favorite board games.
Euchre every Wednesday at 7 p.m., $5 entry fee, Ladies Night, drink specials, and 50/50 raffle is open to the public.
Sr. Fun Bunch meets every Thursday from 1-4 p.m. at James E. Ryan Post 322, Ohio 503 South.
Venison for Food Banks
The Venison for Food Banks of Preble County program is on-going. Anyone who takes a deer can donate all or part of the meat for the Foodbanks. We have sponsors who will take care of the processing fees. You may contact Brad Turner, Preble County Game Warden, or Curtis Early from Twin Valley Rod and Gun Club at 937-533-3226 for more information.
BINGO
West Alexandria Fireman’s Association BINGO doors open at 5 p.m. and early bird BINGO starts at 6 p.m. every Thursday at 25 E Dayton Street. The more in attendance, the higher the payouts. All proceeds go to your local firemen’s associations.
Library News
Stop in for January Grab and Go Kits for everyone.
Jan. 13, 20, 27, Magical World of Storytime is from 11 a.m. to noon every Saturday.
Jan. 8-13, is Harry Potter Spirit Week. Each time you visit the library you will receive a small treat and be entered for a grand prize.
Jan. 13, is Stickerpalooza sticker swap. Bring your stickers and trade with all who attend.
Jan. 27, and the last Saturday of each month is LEGO Club from noon-1 p.m. for any school-aged child. LEGOs are provided, but if you bring LEGOs from home, please have your container labeled with your child’s name.
Coffeehouse Conversations
Kierston’s Coffeestop, located at 12 S. Main Street, is hosting Coffeehouse Conversations the second Monday of every month from 7-8 p.m. Everyone is invited to stop in for complimentary coffee, a cookie, or baked-good. Bring a friend and pull up a chair for an open, honest, and friendly conversation about faith, life, and today’s social issues and how they relate to the Bible, with a local pastor.
Ladies Line Dancing
Ladies Line Dancing takes place every Monday night at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Basement, at 16 N. Main St., with parking available across the street. There is something for everyone at no charge. Dress comfortably and bring a water. It’s a great opportunity to have fun, learn something new and make some new friends. Look for Ladies Line Dancing on Facebook events, or contact Becky Thompson on Facebook for more details. Watch this group for videos and updates.
Food and Clothing Pantry
The West Alexandria Food and Clothing Pantry is now located on the ground level of St. John Church located at 20 E. South St. The entrance is handicap accessible and is at the north west corner of the church facing the alley. Handicap parking is available.
The pantry serves residents living within the Twin Valley South School district. Assistance is also given for emergency situations. Pantry hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until noon. The pantry is open the second and last Wednesday evenings of each month from 6-7:30 p.m.
Current needs are canned soups, pork and beans, spaghetti sauce, spaghetti noodles and peas.
The staff of the pantry considers it a privilege to serve the people and greatly appreciate the continuous support of many individuals, service organizations and businesses in the community. Call 937-839-1615 for assistance or more information.
St. John Lutheran, Ingomar
Sunday services take place at 10 a.m.
The women of the ELCA meet the second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m.
The third Saturday of each month, St. John gathers for the Sleep Mat Project at 9a.m. The group crochets plastic grocery bags into sleep mats for the homeless. For additional information call 937-839-4350.
Community Christian Church
Please join us every Sunday for Sunday School at 9 a.m., and morning worship at 10 a.m. at 11 Dorsey Akers Rd. Men’s Bible Study is held on Mondays at 5 p.m., and prayer time at 6 p.m. Contact the church office at 937-839-4988 or at [email protected]
Church of the Brethren
Join us on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in person, on 99.5 FM in the church parking lot at 22 E. Oak St., or live on the WACOB Facebook page.
Calvary Baptist Church
Men’s prayer meeting is every Saturday at 10 a.m.
Join us for Sunday School at 10 a.m., Worship at 11 a.m., Sunday evening service at 6 p.m. and Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. at 14 Dorsey Akers.
Salem Lutheran Church
Salem Kids meets Wednesdays with dinner at 6 p.m. and classes from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Adult Bible Study every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. High School and Middle School Bible Study takes place every Sunday at 6:30p.m.
The Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study meets the third Saturday of each month at 7:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall, next on Jan. 20.
The Annual Congregational Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 28, immediately following worship service.
Sunday School takes place at 9:30 a.m. and Sunday worship service at 10:30 a.m. every Sunday at 70 E. Dayton Street. Sunday services are live-streamed on YouTube at Salem Lutheran Church — West Alexandria.
Coups for Troops, sponsored by the Women of the Church, accepts coupons up to two months past expiration for military families overseas. Place them in the basket in the church library. Please no pet supplies or local restaurants coupons.
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| 2024-01-16T04:17:07Z
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SHANGHAI - A hit Chinese television series set in gritty but glamorous 1990s Shanghai has sparked a wave of nostalgia for the megacity’s boom years, and reignited interest in its declining dialect.
The highly anticipated “Blossoms Shanghai” is famed Hong Kong film auteur Wong Kar-wai’s small screen debut, chronicling its protagonist’s rise from nobody to business tycoon during China’s economic opening up.
Its cast includes Chinese superstars Hu Ge and Ma Yili, but it is the Shanghainese vernacular spoken by their characters that has stolen the spotlight.
It is a rare starring role for the language, once a valued marker distinguishing locals from outsiders in China’s financial hub.
Though it is still spoken by around 14 million people, it has faded from everyday and business use after decades of government efforts to limit local dialects and promote Mandarin.
“Watching (the series) gave me such a sense of familiarity, and I felt very happy that us Shanghainese now had another TV show of our own,” 22-year-old local Xie Niyun told AFP as she photographed a “Blossoms” display outside Shanghai’s Peace Hotel.
Mandarin is the country’s official language, but its 1.4 billion citizens also speak dozens of mutually unintelligible regional tongues.
Beijing officially labels them dialects, though linguists argue many can be considered stand-alone languages.
The release of “Blossoms” in December caused a stir because it can be viewed in both Mandarin and Shanghainese formats, a rare thing for a major TV production.
Social media users have posted tutorials on common Shanghainese phrases and discussed the accuracy of the show’s vocabulary.
The buzz is reminiscent of that generated by 2021‘s romantic comedy “B for Busy”, which also used mainly Shanghainese dialogue.
The star power of director Wong and his leads, however, has turbocharged the excitement around “Blossoms”.
Fans have flocked to its shooting locations in central Shanghai, including the nearly 100-year-old Peace Hotel and the Art-Deco-style Cathay Theatre.
Across the city, themed walks and menus have sought to capitalise on the series’ popularity, while orders for classic snacks eaten on-screen have soared, according to delivery services.
“(Watching “Blossoms”), I feel like we are seeing our parents’ halcyon days, when they were our age,” Ms Duan, a long-time Shanghai resident in her 30s, told AFP.
Originally from Shandong province, Ms Duan needs subtitles to watch in Shanghainese – but said she preferred it because “the Mandarin version doesn’t quite have the same flavour”.
‘Crisis of inheritance’
It is unlikely that pop culture alone will restore Shanghainese to anywhere near its former status.
The ruling Communist Party sees Mandarin as a unifying tool to promote its political values and ideology, and has repeatedly sought to curb the use of regional tongues.
Beijing’s linguistic policy has sparked protests from southern Guangdong province to Inner Mongolia, while human rights groups say Mandarin is steadily replacing the minority Uighur language in Xinjiang.
While the use of regional dialects is not banned outright, Mandarin has been privileged for use in schools, business, and official communications.
It has resulted in local languages gradually losing currency, especially among young people.
In Shanghai, a 1992 government decision to ban Shanghainese in schools caused a “crisis of inheritance”, according to prominent linguist Qian Nairong.
Mandarin is now the main language in the city, despite recent efforts to reintroduce the vernacular in public transport announcements and at after-school clubs.
At a small language school in the bustling former French Concession, Mr Jason Wang is among a handful of tutors in the city offering formal Shanghainese classes – though his students are mainly foreigners.
The lack of standardised, up-to-date textbooks is a challenge.
“The topics and content in some of these books can be overly old-fashioned,” he told AFP, adding that there was no standard way to transcribe the sounds of Shanghainese, causing problems for beginners.
Mr Wang said he hoped for more representation in films and music, pointing out that Hong Kong culture’s huge popularity had caused some people to “learn Cantonese because they loved Cantonese music so much”.
“Having more and more films and shows like this for Shanghai will definitely have benefits,” he said.
On the streets of Shanghai, a local in his late sixties surnamed Yu said he was optimistic that the dialect was slowly being taken up again.
“It is a culture rooted in Shanghai, it must not be lost,” he said. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/hit-chinese-tv-series-rekindles-sidelined-shanghainese-dialect
| 2024-01-16T04:23:57Z
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MANILA - The Philippines' foreign ministry on Tuesday reaffirmed the country's "One China policy" after its president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., congratulated Taiwan's new leader Lai Ching-te.
Marcos on Monday congratulated Lai for winning Taiwan's election, referring to him as its next president.
The message was Marcos' way of recognising the Philippines and Taiwan's "mutual interests", including the 200,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the democratically governed island, the foreign ministry said in a statement.
"The message of President Marcos congratulating the new president was his way of thanking them for hosting our OFWs and holding a successful democratic process. Nevertheless, the Philippines reaffirms its One China Policy," the statement said.
Marcos' comments, posted on social media platform X, are likely to irk Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory.
Other leaders have also congratulated Lai on his victory, with many including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa calling for peaceful resolution of tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
The Philippines, which has also expressed concerns over tensions in the Taiwan Strait, has ties with Taipei, with its Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan serving as a de facto embassy. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/philippines-reaffirms-one-china-policy-after-president-marcos-congratulates-taiwans-lai
| 2024-01-16T04:24:07Z
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HONG KONG - Elon Musk said he would rather build artificial intelligence (AI) products outside of Tesla if he doesn’t have 25 per cent voting control, suggesting the billionaire may prefer a bigger stake in the world’s most valuable electric vehicle (EV) maker.
The Tesla chief executive officer, who currently owns more than 12 per cent of the company according to data compiled by Bloomberg, argued in a post on X that the car company is a collection of a dozen start-ups. He called for a comparison between Tesla and General Motors, traditionally one of the auto industry’s global leaders.
For example, Tesla is developing the Optimus robot, and last month posted a video showing improvements it’s made to the humanoid prototype. The automaker is also investing more than US$1 billion (S$1.3 billion) into it Dojo supercomputer project, which will train the machine-learning models behind the EV maker’s self-driving systems and which analysts have estimated could add US$500 billion to Tesla’s value.
At Tesla’s inaugural AI Day in 2021, Mr Musk said he wanted to show that the company is more than just an electric car maker, but is “arguably the leader in real-world AI.”
Mr Musk, who is Tesla’s single largest shareholder, was responding to a post questioning why he would need another large compensation package to stay motivated.
“I am uncomfortable growing Tesla to be a leader in AI & robotics without having ~25% voting control,” the CEO posted on X. “If I have 25%, it means I am influential, but can be overridden if twice as many shareholders vote against me vs for me. At 15% or lower, the for/against ratio to override me makes a takeover by dubious interests too easy.”
Mr Musk said he would be fine with a dual-class voting structure to allow this, “but am told it is impossible to achieve post-IPO in Delaware.”
He said the reason no new compensation plan has been put in place is because the company is still waiting for a verdict in a shareholder suit against an earlier US$55 billion package.
After more than doubling in 2023, Tesla shares have fallen 12 per cent this year, wiping out over US$94 billion in market valuation.
The world’s richest person is grappling with shareholder dissatisfaction over a panoply of issues, from Tesla’s succession planning to accusations that he’s distracted by his work with X, the platform formerly known as Twitter that he took over in 2022.
The company has also been hit by a barrage of negative news: an about-face on EVs from the car rental giant Hertz Global Holdings, another price cut in China, and signs of rising labour costs. BLOOMBERG
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/elon-musk-wants-greater-control-of-tesla-before-building-its-ai
| 2024-01-16T04:24:17Z
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HONG KONG - HashKey Group, operator of one of Hong Kong’s two licensed crypto exchanges, said it raised nearly US$100 million (S$133 million) in a funding round and is now a so-called unicorn with a valuation exceeding US$1 billion.
The company said in a statement on Jan 16 that existing and new investors contributed the funding but refrained from identifying them. The money will be used to build out a web3 ecosystem as well as licensed products in Hong Kong, the firm said. HashKey added its valuation lies north of US$1.2 billion.
OKX Ventures – the investment arm of the OKX digital asset exchange – is among the lead investors in the round, people familiar with the matter said. Representatives at OKX and HashKey declined to comment.
HashKey’s activities include the trading platform, venture funding and asset management in Hong Kong. It is one of a number of crypto businesses seeking to tap into the city’s push to foster a digital asset hub.
Crypto start-up funding slumped after a 2022 market rout and bankruptcies such as the collapse of the FTX exchange. Token prices revived over the past 12 months, partly on optimism over the first spot Bitcoin exchange traded funds (ETFs) in the US. The rebound has stirred hopes of an improved venture capital outlook.
Hong Kong rolled out a dedicated virtual asset regulatory framework in June, part of an effort to restore its lustre as a cutting-edge financial centre. The rules seek to woo companies but also focus on investor protection.
Under the regime, retail investors can trade major tokens like Bitcoin and Ether on licensed exchanges. BC Technology Group’s OSL and HashKey Exchange are the only platforms with Hong Kong crypto permits at the moment. The city is also open to allowing spot crypto ETFs. Rules for stablecoins – tokens meant to have a constant value – are due by 2023 to 2024.
While Hong Kong offers a local market and a conduit to Chinese wealth, it remains unclear just how many crypto exchanges the city can really support – and whether officials will retain crypto as a priority longer term given the sector is prone to bouts of scandal.
HashKey Exchange garnered over 155,000 registered users since starting its trading service for retail investors in late August, according to the statement. Data providers CoinGecko and CoinMarketCap estimate HashKey Exchange’s spot trading volume at about US$17 million in the 24 hours through 7.30am on Jan 16 in Singapore. That compares with US$14 billion at Binance, the world’s biggest crypto platform.
HashKey started in 2018 as an early investor in Ethereum, which is now a key digital ledger. HashKey’s chairman Xiao Feng delved into blockchain investment while he was with Chinese cars-to-energy conglomerate Wanxiang Group. BLOOMBERG
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/hong-kong-crypto-firm-hashkey-raises-133-million-claims-unicorn-status
| 2024-01-16T04:24:28Z
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LOS ANGELES – Media dynasty drama Succession earned the prestigious best drama trophy and The Bear dominated comedy honours as Hollywood handed out the annual Emmy awards, the top accolades for television.
Succession (2018 to 2023), the HBO series about the cut-throat battle for control of a global business empire, took home six wins for its fourth and final season.
“It was a great sadness to end the show, but it was a great pleasure to do it,” creator Jesse Armstrong said.
Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook and Matthew Macfadyen won acting trophies for their roles as part of the wealthy but miserable Roy family.
The Bear (2022 to present), the story of a fine-dining chef trying to turn around his family's Chicago sandwich shop, took several honours on Monday at Hollywood's Emmy Awards celebrating the best of television.
Star Jeremy Allen White was named best actor in a comedy, and his co-stars Ayo Ededbiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach won supporting actress and actor, for the first season of the FX network show.
The series also won directing and writing honors and was in the running for best comedy series.
“I am so proud, so full of gratitude, to be standing in front of you all,” said White, who plays chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto. “I love the show so much.”
Jennifer Coolidge, who won her second supporting actress honour for playing a loopy vacationer on limited series The White Lotus (2021 to present) took the opportunity to thank "all of the evil gays", referring to characters on the show involved in a murder plot against her character.
Several Black actors won awards at the show, which coincided with the American holiday commemorating civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Edebiri of The Bear thanked her family for “letting me feel beautiful and Black and proud of all of that”.
A jubilant Niecy Nash, a supporting actress winner for limited series Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (2022 to present), hoisted her Emmy trophy in the air and proclaimed: "I'm a winner, baby."
"I want to thank me, for believing in me and for doing what they said I could not do!" Nash said.
Organisers were using this year’s milestone – the 75th Emmys – to honour classic television shows with cast reunions and other moments.
Ted Danson, Kelsey Grammer, Rhea Perlman and other stars of Cheers (1982 to 1993) gathered around a recreation of the iconic bar set, and Grey's Anatomy (2005 to present) actors Katherine Heigl and Ellen Pompeo spoke from a hospital room set up on stage. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/restaurant-tale-the-bear-wins-big-in-emmy-comedy-honours
| 2024-01-16T04:24:38Z
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BARCELONA - Aitana Bonmati completed a clean sweep of the main individual accolades in women’s football by being crowned by Fifa as the best female player in 2023 at a London gala on Jan 15.
The Spain and Barcelona playmaker had a momentous year, lifting the Spanish league title, the Champions League and then inspiring her country to Women’s World Cup glory in Australia and New Zealand.
The 25-year-old won the Golden Ball for player of the tournament, Uefa’s player of the year award in August and the Ballon d’Or in October.
Bonmati is in the form of her life, vital for both club and country, as she follows in the footsteps of compatriot and double Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas.
Injury left Putellas sidelined for the majority of last season and unable to find her best form at the World Cup, where Bonmati ran the show for Spain, who beat England in the final in Sydney.
Bonmati scored three times at the tournament and laid on two assists as La Roja won the competition for the first time.
Although subsequent events at the medal ceremony involving disgraced former Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales hogged headlines, Bonmati’s brilliance lives long in the memory.
It followed a near perfect season at club level where she stepped up in Putellas’ absence to become the creative pulse of a dominant Barcelona side which dazzled at home and on the continent.
Playing in a more advanced role, Bonmati scored five times in the Champions League and set up eight more goals to finish as the top assister by some distance.
Technically gifted, Bonmati is essential for Barcelona to play their brand of attractive possession football, but also has an eye for goal.
She arrives in the box with perfect timing and can turn on a dime to leave opposition defenders scrambling and find room to get away a typically lethal shot.
Current Barca men’s coach Xavi described Bonmati is “a real perfectionist”, while his mentor and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola compared her to another former Barcelona great Andres Iniesta.
Coming through Barcelona’s celebrated youth system after joining at 13 years old, she led the reserve team to a first ever second division title before earning her place in the first team squad in 2016.
Bonmati is an irreplacable cog in a side that has dominated domestically, winning Spain’s top flight four years in a row, while she has also won the Copa de la Reina on five occasions.
The midfielder was named player of the match in Barcelona’s first Champions League triumph in 2019 in Gothenburg, scoring as they routed Chelsea 4-0, and then player of the tournament after the Catalans conquered their second in 2023.
Bonmati has started the 2023-24 campaign in similar fashion, helping Barcelona sit top of the table and their Champions League group, and will hope to take Spain to the Paris Olympics.
“(2023 will) be a very difficult year to repeat, due to its uniqueness – it’s clearly going to go down as one of the best years of my life,” she told Fifa earlier in January.
“I know that these awards aren’t earned overnight, they’re the result of a huge amount of work, perseverance, sacrifice, determination and ambition, which sometimes gets me into trouble, because I’m always trying to do better and I’m never satisfied.” AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/brilliant-aitana-bonmatis-football-awards-clean-sweep-highlights-remarkable-year
| 2024-01-16T04:24:49Z
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MELBOURNE - World No. 1 Iga Swiatek overcame a strong early challenge from former champion Sofia Kenin to reach the second round of the Australian Open with a 7-6 (6-2), 6-2 victory in a high quality contest on Jan 16.
The Pole was forced to play her best tennis to see off her 41st-ranked opponent in a rematch of the 2020 French Open final and set up a clash against either another former champion in Angelique Kerber or 2022 finalist Danielle Collins.
"Really happy, it's not easy to play the first round, especially in the first Grand Slam of the season," Swiatek said in a courtside interview.
"It was not easy at the beginning to find my rhythm and I felt a little bit off. I feel like Sofia did everything to keep it that way.
"I'm happy that I managed to get my level up in the second set."
The match started in blazing sunshine and Kenin was soon playing with the strutting confidence that helped her clinch her only Grand Slam title on the same Rod Laver Arena court four years ago.
The 25-year-old American snatched an early break only to hand it back with successive double faults but again feasted on Swiatek's second serve for another break with a monster of a backhand down the line.
Swiatek has not won four Grand Slam titles without being able to problem solve, however, and again put the set back on level terms at 5-5, had a set point at 6-5, and dominated the tiebreak.
Kenin, who has plumbed the depths since her 2020 Melbourne triumph and was ranked 235th in the world at the start of last season, maintained her level at the start of the second stanza and her clean-striking was soon causing Swiatek more problems.
The three-times French Open champion always seemed to have the cooler head in the clutch moments, however, and grabbed a break for 3-2 as a frustrated Kenin looked increasingly frequently to her box for answers.
Swiatek saved two break points in the next game before cruising to the finish line to reach the second round for the sixth straight year and keep alive her quest for a first Australian Open title. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/swiatek-suppresses-kenin-challenge-to-reach-second-round
| 2024-01-16T04:24:59Z
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MELBOURNE - Rafael Nadal said there is real potential to grow the sport of tennis in Saudi Arabia after the 22-times Grand Slam champion was named an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation.
The role will see the former world No. 1 spend time each year in the desert kingdom to help train children and grow interest in the sport, with plans also in the pipeline for a training academy, the Saudi federation said.
"Everywhere you look in Saudi Arabia, you can see growth and progress and I'm excited to be part of that," Nadal, who pulled out of the ongoing Australian Open with a muscle injury, said in a statement.
The Spaniard, who recently visited a junior tennis clinic in Riyadh, struggled with a hip problem in 2023 before making his comeback in Brisbane but expects 2024 to be his final season on the professional tour.
"I continue to play tennis as I love the game," Nadal said. "But beyond playing I want to help the sport grow far and wide across the world and in Saudi there is real potential."
The men's ATP Tour said in August its Next Gen Finals for under-21 players would be held in Jeddah from 2023 to 2027, marking its first official tournament in the Gulf state following previous exhibition events.
Saudi Arabia also hosted high-profile exhibition matches last year with world No. 1 Novak Djokovic playing Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka taking on Ons Jabeur.
There has also been frequent speculation that the women's tour will move its season-ending WTA Finals to Saudi Arabia, though WTA Chairman Steve Simon has said the country presented "big issues" as a host for women's tour events.
The WTA said in December it was in discussions with various groups over the 2024 Finals and beyond and no decision had been made yet.
Saudi Arabia has pumped huge amounts of money into sports including football, Formula One, boxing and golf, with critics accusing the country of using its Public Investment Fund to engage in "sportswashing" over its human rights record.
The kingdom denies accusations of human rights abuses and says it protects its national security through its laws. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/tennis/nadal-named-saudi-tennis-federation-ambassador
| 2024-01-16T04:25:10Z
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MELBOURNE - Naomi Osaka plans to jump straight back into action following her early Australian Open exit on Monday, with the former world number one drawing up a schedule that includes tournaments in Dubai, Indian Wells, Miami and Charleston.
The 26-year-old from Japan, who returned only two weeks ago after 15 months out and having her first child in July, said she had also discussed pencilling in a full clay season with her coach Wim Fissette.
"Wim just talked to me about playing a lot more matches," Osaka told reporters after the twice Australian Open champion fell 6-4 7-6(2) to Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia in her opener.
"I don't know if he wants to add stuff. I'm definitely thinking of playing Dubai, Indian Wells, Miami, Charleston and then probably like a full clay season."
The four-times Grand Slam champion looked rusty in only her third match of the season after returning at Brisbane in the build-up to the year's first Grand Slam.
After a slightly nervy opener against Tamara Korpatsch in the tune-up event, she was beaten in three sets by former world number one Karolina Pliskova before facing 19th-ranked Garcia at Melbourne Park.
"These past couple weeks I think, for me, I'm grateful for them," Osaka said. "I have a team that's really amazing and I've made a lot of different memories with them in Australia.
"Of course, I don't regret anything. I think I've learned a lot during this trip, both on the court and off the court. Also I think I just played some really good people.
"It's a little unfortunate. I wish I could have maybe played United Cup, or played something where I'm not immediately out if I don't win a match.
"I think I just have to see how the rest of my season goes." REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/tennis/osaka-still-keen-to-keep-busy-after-early-australian-open-exit
| 2024-01-16T04:25:21Z
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Lauren Sanchez, the former news anchor and fiancée of Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos, made a stunning appearance in Milan, turning heads in a sheer lace dress during the ongoing Fashion Week festivities.
The couple, immersed in the vibrant Milanese atmosphere, was seen hand-in-hand, reveling in the afterglow of Jeff's 60th birthday celebrations.
At 54, Lauren exuded elegance and sophistication in her ensemble, a testament to her impeccable fashion sense.
She chose a see-through floor-length dress adorned with intricate lace details, perfectly accentuating her hourglass figure.
The dress's plunging neckline added an extra touch of glamour and showcased her incredible physique, while a chic black jacket draped over her shoulders complemented the outfit's allure.
The former journalist’s open-toed heels not only enhanced her height but also added a sophisticated finish to her overall look.
Lauren's radiant appearance is a reflection of her commitment to a healthy lifestyle, which she often showcases on social media.
She regularly shares her favorite recipes, emphasizing the possibility of creating both delicious and sustainable meals at home.
More than just dietary choices, Lauren's fitness regimen plays a significant role in her well-being. Last year, she gave her followers a sneak peek into her intense workout routine with her personal trainer Wesley Okerson.
In a video shared from her home gym, Lauren demonstrated a series of strength exercises, showcasing her dedication to physical fitness. “I only had 20 minutes to work out before taking kids to school. @wesokerson said it was enough time. He was right,” she captioned the post.
In an interview with Self, Lauren shared insights into her morning routine, which includes preparing breakfast for her kids, consisting of egg whites and sliced avocado, followed by her personal grooming regimen.
She also expressed her fondness for Pilates, crediting it for transforming her body more significantly than her marathon-running days.
"Pilates changed my body. I used to run marathons and I was never as fit and toned as I am now," she remarked.
Lauren attributes her toned physique to Pilates sessions with Saul Choza, whose expertise has notably lifted and shaped her physique, demonstrating the transformative power of dedicated fitness training.
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/celebrity-style/511313/lauren-sanchez-showcases-incredible-physique-in-plunging-see-through-lace-dress-whats-her-secret/
| 2024-01-16T05:01:09Z
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Gwen Stefani's absence from the opening of husband Blake Shelton's Las Vegas bar, Ole Red, has sparked speculation among fans about the state of their marriage.
Despite Gwen's busy schedule, including her upcoming performance at the NFL Super Bowl LVIII, her non-attendance at Blake's latest business venture raised eyebrows.
The pair, who have been married since 2021, has been facing rumors of marriage problems due to spending more time apart recently.
Gwen, 54, has been focusing on her career, as evidenced by her recent Instagram posts promoting her Super Bowl appearance.
Meanwhile, Blake celebrated the opening of Ole Red enthusiastically on social media, inviting fans to join in the celebration.
This New Year's Eve, they found themselves in different time zones, with Blake performing at WinStar World Casino and Gwen at an event in Las Vegas.
The change in their relationship dynamic is notable when compared to their early days in 2015, where they often displayed open affection.
Body language expert and celebrity psychic Inbaal Honigman has shed light on the situation. Speaking to HELLO!, Inbaal noted, "Interestingly, the Tarot cards believe that Gwen and Blake can survive this challenging moment in their relationship."
She further elaborated, "The Ace of Cups card, symbolizing deep emotions, indicates that beneath their professional commitments and daily life, Gwen and Blake share a profound love.
The 7 of Disks card, typically associated with financial challenges, suggests that the couple prioritizes their relationship over career opportunities."
However, Inbaal pointed out changes in their recent public appearances. "In contrast to their early romance, recent photographs show Blake often with his hands in his pockets, a departure from his earlier behavior of openly displaying affection," she observed. "For a man who formerly missed no opportunity to touch his beloved, this isn't a comforting sign."
“Some couples are more tactile than others, and that is fine. But a couple who used to be all over each other and now aren't, are likely going through tough times romantically,” she concluded.
Despite these observations, the emotional connection between Gwen and Blake appears to remain strong. "The changes in their public interactions could be attributed to various factors, including the natural evolution of their relationship and the pressures of their high-profile careers," Inbaal added.
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/511314/gwen-stefani-snubs-blake-sheltons-major-career-milestone-and-focuses-on-own-plans-amid-couple-going-through-tough-times/
| 2024-01-16T05:40:41Z
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BEIJING - Around 1,000 tourists remain stranded in a remote holiday village after avalanches hit China's north-western Xinjiang region with metres-high snow and fickle weather impeding evacuation, state TV reported on Jan 16.
Road access to Hemu village, a scenic destination near the borders of Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia where the tourists were trapped, has been cut off by avalanches for several days now. The village is situated in Xinjiang's Altay Prefecture where continuous snowfall in some areas has lasted 10 days, it said.
The heavy snowfall triggered dozens of avalanches along large sections of highways in the Altay mountains leading to the Kanas scenic area, and some tourists were lifted by helicopter to safety, Chinese state media outlets reported over the weekend.
Snow brought by the avalanches reach as high as seven metres in some parts and in many, was higher than snow clearing equipment, CCTV said.
Work to clear the 50km stretch of buried road started a week ago.
Complicating the rescue and snow removal work were rocks, debris and tree branches mixed in the snow, broken off as avalanches gushed down pine and birch forest slopes towards a river valley, rendering rotary snowplow vehicles useless. Rescuers have resorted to shovels and excavators.
As weather changes rapidly in the mountainous area, the windows for operating supply missions have been narrow too. A military helicopter scheduled to send supplies - such as flour and fuel - to Hemu village was delayed on Jan 16 morning, CCTV said.
The highway management authorities in Altay said they have organised 53 personnel and 31 sets of machinery and equipment for the rescue and relief work.
“This avalanche situation is relatively special, we have seen such heavy snowfall before, but we have not seen such high frequency of avalanches,” the head of the highway management bureau, Mr Zhao Jinsheng, told CCTV.
Mr Zhao said he expected snow clearing work to restore access to Hemu village to continue for some time due to the large volume of snow on the last four kilometres of road affected by the avalanche. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/about-1000-tourists-trapped-in-chinas-xinjiang-after-avalanches
| 2024-01-16T05:56:16Z
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SINGAPORE - Consumer electronics giant Dyson has appointed Mr Hanno Kirner as its new chief executive “for the next chapter of the company’s growth”, with current CEO Roland Krueger taking on a new board role.
Both appointments will take effect in February, the company announced on Jan 16.
Mr Kirner joins Dyson from Tata Group, where he was executive director of Jaguar Land Rover and led the group’s battery programme since 2021.
He joined Jaguar Land Rover in 2016 as a board member of the executive management and was responsible for corporate and product strategy, financial services, information technology, diplomatic affairs and special operations.
Among his previous roles, Mr Kirner had been the chief financial officer at Aston Martin Lagonda as well as at Rolls-Royce’s land and sea division, and was the director of finance and IT at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars before that.
When asked by The Straits Times if Mr Kirner’s experience leading Tata’s battery programme marked a focus on battery production, a Dyson spokesman said: “We’ve recruited him because he has very wide experience.
“Strategically, nothing has changed,” the spokesman said, adding that “this is an example of a well-planned and orderly succession.”
Dyson announced in May last year that it will set up a next-generation battery plant in Singapore, tapping technology from its abandoned EV project to develop new products.
The plant being built in Tuas is due to start operating this year and go into full production in 2025. Dyson has said the batteries to be produced will be smaller, lighter, sustainable and with higher energy density.
The company in October 2019 scrapped a £2.5 billion (S$4.3 billion) project to build electric cars in Singapore, saying it was not commercially viable.
After four years as Dyson CEO, Mr Krueger will stay on in Singapore as a non-executive director of Dyson Holdings.
During his tenure, Dyson embarked on a £2.75 billion (S$4.66 billion) five-year investment plan in new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, Dyson Digital Motors, battery technologies, alongside beauty and home care products.
Dyson also expanded its engineering and development centres, as well as its production network globally.
The company now operates in 84 countries and has engineering centres in the UK, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Poland.
James Dyson, company founder and chairman, said in a statement, “Roland has successfully transformed the operation of the company and built a strong team that will be the foundation for the next steps of Dyson. I am delighted he has agreed to stay on the board to help shape Dyson’s future.”
“They are big boots to fill, but we are confident Hanno can do just that,” said Mr Dyson, noting that “he brings to Dyson a wealth of experience across multiple industries”.
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SEOUL – The producers of South Korean reality dating show Single’s Inferno said its third season is its most successful.
The last episode of Single’s Inferno 3 aired on Jan 9, amid much excitement over the cast’s actions and their decisions on their final partners.
According to Single’s Inferno 3 producer Kim Jae-won, its first two seasons each garnered around six million viewing hours.
The third season has logged more than seven million viewing hours since its premiere on Dec 12, he said in an interview with reporters in Seoul on Jan 11.
He added that one of the main reasons for its popularity could be the show unfolding in a different way.
“In the early stages of the third season, viewers were quite surprised by the revelation of there being two ‘heavens’ and two ‘hells’. The 12 contestants were also taken aback,” said Kim Jung-hyun, co-producer of the show.
Single’s Inferno is set against the backdrop of Hell Island and Heaven Island. Contestants who succeed in connecting with their desired partner get to spend a night on Heaven Island, which is usually a luxurious hotel. If they fail to find a partner, they spend a night on Hell Island, which consists of container boxes or tents.
“I think the tactic to have the programme proceed differently from the previous seasons, which consisted of one hell and one heaven, right from the beginning, made a clear impact on viewers,” added Kim Jae-won.
But Single’s Inferno 3 also attracted some criticism.
Cast member Lee Gwan-hee expressed his preferences rudely by pointing to the female cast members and saying “that one” and “this one”. And contestant Kim Gyu-ri was called out for saying she “would not have him even if he was given to me”.
Producer Kim Jae-won said in response: “During the show, cameras are almost always turned on 24/7.
“Relationships can turn competitive and conflicts may arise. If we edit out the controversial scenes, would the show have any meaning? The key to reality shows is authenticity.”
Despite the show’s buzz, the producers said a fourth season has not been confirmed.
“But I think Netflix is thinking positively about producing the fourth season,” said Kim.
“The main feedback for the third season was that ‘there are no heart-warming scenes, but there is entertainment’. If there is a next season, I want to make it both heart-warming and enjoyable,” he added.
He also mentioned spin-off shows featuring cast members from different seasons.
“Just imagining (Season 2 fan favourite) Dex and (Season 3’s) Lee Gwan-hee appearing together is already interesting. We are considering various options, including the idea that spin-offs would be fun,” Kim said.
The 10-part Single’s Inferno 3 can be streamed on Netflix. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/dating-show-single-s-inferno-third-season-the-most-successful-yet
| 2024-01-16T05:56:37Z
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Today in Pictures, Jan 16, 2024
Devotees at the Maghe Sankranti festival in Bhaktapur, Nepal, a model walking the runway at the Zegna collection show in Milan, and other photos from around the world in Today in Pictures.
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https://str.sg/373in
Devotees walk beside a priest (C) dressed as 'Dipankar Buddha' during a religious procession on the occasion of Maghe Sankranti festival in Bhaktapur on the outskirts of Kathmandu on Jan 15.
PHOTO : AFP
A model walks the runway at the Zegna collection show during the Milan Fashion Week Menswear Autumn/Winter 2024/2025 on Jan 15.
PHOTO : AFP
Supporters wave flares in the stands during a pyrotechnics display prior to the French L1 football match between RC Lens and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens, northern France on Jan 14.
PHOTO : AFP
A Barbijo penguin (Pygoscelis antartica) swimming at the Gerlache Strait, which separates the Palmer Archipelago from the Antarctic Peninsula, on Jan 15.
PHOTO : AFP
Goods carrier trucks parked along a street wait to enter Pakistan, near the Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan, in Nangarhar province on Jan 15.
PHOTO : AFP
Driftwood sculptor James Doran-Webb installing his latest piece in Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay on Jan 14, in time for CNY. The Bearer of Infinite Blessings is a 6m-tall dragon sculpture weight
approximately 2600 kg, constructed entirely from dead wood and recycled steel
ST PHOTO : KELVIN CHNG
An Algeria supporter gestures ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 group D football match between Algeria and Angola at Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Jan 15.
PHOTO : AFP
Restoration experts look at one of the twelve angel statues sculpted by Lorenzo Bernini that adorn Sant'Angelo bridge, on Jan 15.
PHOTO : AFP
US President and Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump speaks at a watch party during the 2024 Iowa Republican presidential caucuses in Des Moines, Iowa, on Jan 15.
PHOTO: AFP
Jordan's players celebrate with their midfielder #13 Mahmoud al-Mardi after scoring their third goal during the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup Group E football match between Malaysia and Jordan at the Al-Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah, south of Doha on Jan 15.
PHOTO : AFP
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Welcome to the latest edition of ST HeadSTart, bringing you the best of The Straits Times’ career and personal finance coverage every Monday morning. Sign up here to get weekly tips right into your inbox.
Hello there! I’m Sue-Ann, and for the past several months, my team and I have been working hard to bring you this new version of the newsletter.
If you are already a subscriber to this newsletter, you might have noticed some changes here over the past few weeks. Today marks the official launch of the revamped version of HeadSTart, where on top of this new look and feel, we will also be bringing you fresh elements. This includes a video series titled We Try First, and other interactive and specially curated features and stories.
The We Try First series will feature us getting out of the office and testing out life, career and adulting hacks, and hopefully learning some important lessons on how we can all optimise our adult lives in the process. Which we will also share and reflect upon weekly.
This week, we test out the idea of working from anywhere. In this day and age, where remote working has increasingly become an option for many, we test out various places touted as new-age "workplaces", to see, apart from working from home, if we can in fact get work done outside of the office. After all, I don’t know about you, but a change of scenery every now and again does wonders for my mental health and productivity.
I hope you enjoy this new format, and that we can learn together on this journey, while having some laughs along the way. And of course, if you enjoy our content, please consider sharing the newsletter with your friends too!
Let me know what you think of this new version of the newsletter at headstart@sph.com.sg.
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Why taking all the cash in joint account may leave you with less
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Maybank customers can tap this option to grow their funds for retirement. Chor Khieng Yuit shares how.
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Busyness can lead to a counterproductive cycle of stress, burnout, and decreased productivity, says the writer.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/cat-cafe-or-hair-salon-as-your-office-can-you-get-work-done-navigating-your-career-after-multiple-retrenchments
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SINGAPORE – A former Football Association of Singapore (FAS) deputy director, who exploited his position to ensure the organisation’s supply contracts were awarded to companies linked to him or his wife, was sentenced to 55 weeks’ jail on Jan 16.
Rikram Jit Singh Randhir Singh had dishonestly induced FAS to disburse $609,380, from which he and his wife, Ms Asya Kirin Kames, made a profit of $127,896.
The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau had seized these profits, which would be returned to the FAS, the court heard in earlier proceedings.
Rikram, 43, had pleaded guilty on Jan 3 to 15 cheating charges. Another 30 charges were considered during sentencing.
Ms Asya, 36, was earlier handed 46 charges, mainly for cheating. On Jan 16, all of her charges were withdrawn, and she was granted a discharge amounting to an acquittal. This means she cannot be charged again with the same offences.
The reasons for this move were not disclosed in court, and The Straits Times has reached out to the Attorney-General’s Chambers to find out what they were.
Speaking on her behalf, the couple’s lawyer, Mr Satwant Singh, told ST: “She is relieved that the matter is over for her and her family, and they can now move on with their lives.”
In November 2022, Shankar Suppiah, then 45, who was linked to the case, was sentenced to four months’ jail after he pleaded guilty to his role in cheating FAS.
He was then the sole proprietor of All Resource Network (ARN), which specialised in event management and the sale of sporting and recreational goods. ARN was a supplier of FAS at the time of the offences.
The case involving another man, Pallaniappan Ravindran, 50, is still pending.
Rikram had met Ms Asya while she was working in the communications department at FAS in 2013.
She then set up ARN after leaving FAS in December that year.
Rikram and Ms Asya spoke frequently as ARN regularly organised or supported FAS events. They soon became romantically involved, and later got married.
In February 2016, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) agreed that FAS would produce and disseminate clappers, stress balls, scroll banners and football scarves.
These would carry NCPG imagery and be distributed at S-League matches and youth outreach programmes.
Rikram managed to convince Pallaniappan, a former colleague, not to wind down an unprofitable company called Myriad Sports & Events, so that it could be used as a front to quote for supply jobs.
Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Thiagesh Sukumaran had earlier said that Pallaniappan agreed to the scheme because of his friendship with Rikram.
In one instance, Pallaniappan submitted a quotation for 130,000 clappers valued at $28,600.
FAS requires procurements valued between $3,000 and $50,000 to have at least three quotations.
To fulfil the requirement, Rikram instructed his subordinate to find two other quotations, even though he had already decided to buy the items from Myriad.
DPP Thiagesh had earlier told the court: “(The subordinate) understood this to mean that she was to create fictitious quotations which were higher than Myriad’s quotations to justify the approval of supply jobs to Myriad.”
On Rikram’s recommendation, the FAS management approved Myriad’s quotations, disbursing $116,335 to it for clappers, stress balls, scroll banners and football scarves between July 2016 and February 2017.
ARN then supplied the items to FAS.
In June 2017, MSF once again engaged FAS to produce clappers, stress balls, banners and scarves with NCPG imagery to be distributed at S-League matches.
In October that year, Ms Asya transferred ownership of ARN to Shankar, who was Rikram’s friend. However, she still controlled ARN and would receive 60 per cent of the firm’s profits.
Rikram instructed Shankar to submit a quotation, prepared by Ms Asya, for the supply of stress balls worth $27,300.
Once again, Rikram instructed his subordinate to find two other quotations. He then recommended ARN’s quotation to the FAS management, which approved it.
By using similar methods, he had dishonestly induced FAS to disburse $609,380 in all.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/jail-for-ex-fas-deputy-director-who-duped-sports-body-of-over-609k-wife-gets-discharge
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SINGAPORE – Outram Secondary School (OSS) will be relocated to a new campus at Anchorvale Crescent in Sengkang in 2026, the Ministry of Education (MOE) announced on Jan 16.
MOE said that although OSS is an established school, its current location in York Hill is in an area where demand for secondary school places is falling. OSS’ relocation to Sengkang will cater to the higher demand for secondary school places in the North-East area.
OSS, which was formerly an all-boys primary school known as Outram Road School, was founded in 1906 and is one of the oldest schools in Singapore. In Jan 1954, it ceased being a primary school and was converted to a secondary school. In 1958, OSS admitted girls into the school for the first time.
The school moved from its original premises in Outram Road to York Hill in 1968. In 1994, the school moved again to a site at Windstedt Road while awaiting the redevelopment of its new premises at York Hill, before moving back in June 1998.
OSS will not be admitting new Secondary 1 students in 2025. From 2026, it will begin accepting new Secondary 1 students at its Sengkang campus. OSS will operate two campuses until 2027, when the last batch of Secondary 4 students at the York Hill campus graduates.
OSS’ relocation is part of MOE’s plans to meet changing demands for school and MOE Kindergarten (MK) places across Singapore.
MOE also announced the relocation and closures of schools in other areas. Kranji Primary School (KPS) and MK@Kranji will shift from Choa Chu Kang to a new Tengah campus in 2028. As such, KPS and MK@Kranji will stop accepting P1 and K1 students from 2025.
MOE said this will minimise disruption to students and their families at Choa Chu Kang.
MK@Bukit View will open in 2028. The centre will be housed within Bukit View Primary School’s new campus in Bukit Batok West.
MK@Blangah Rise has stopped accepting K1 applications due to falling demand for preschool places in the area. It will not have a K1 cohort from 2024.
In Tampines North, a new primary school with an MK will begin operations in 2029. This is to accommodate the increasing number of families who are moving there as more HDB Build-to-Order projects have been completed. MOE said that details of these schools will be announced at a later date.
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| 2024-01-16T05:57:18Z
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SINGAPORE – More than 1.1 million, or 88 per cent, of Singaporean households have claimed the latest tranche of their Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers as at Jan 16.
In about two weeks since the vouchers were made available, more than $105 million of the claimed vouchers have been spent, said Minister of State of Culture, Community and Youth and Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling on Jan 16. The vouchers can be used at participating supermarkets and heartland businesses.
Ms Low, who is also the Mayor of South West District and chairwoman of the mayors’ committee, was speaking to the media at the official launch of the Great Budget Meal Hunt, a government initiative that encourages the local community to help crowdsource meals priced at $3.50 and below.
“This shows that the launch of the CDC Voucher 2024, where every Singaporean household can claim $500 of vouchers, has provided relief to the Singaporean household and also provided a boost to our heartland shops and our hawkers,” she said at City Foodcourt in Bendemeer.
The fourth tranche of the CDC vouchers was available from Jan 3. Half the vouchers can be used at supermarkets, while the other half can be used at hawker stalls and heartland merchants.
Singaporean households have until Dec 31, 2024, to claim and spend their CDC Vouchers 2024.
Ms Low urged people to check out the listings in the Great Budget Meal Hunt – which received more than 1,600 recommendations from the public for budget meals through the CrowdTaskSG portal during its pilot, which began in late October 2023 – so that they can stretch the value of their CDC vouchers.
“When the residents venture out into the neighbourhood centres to spend their CDC vouchers, they are taking concrete steps to support the heartland shops, F&B (food and beverage) establishments, and also the hawkers,” said Ms Low, who added that, in turn, many F&B establishments are giving back to the community through budget meals.
“This really is a demonstration of a stronger sense of care support and cooperation in the community,” she said.
The official link to claim the CDC vouchers is go.gov.sg/cdcv
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/over-11-million-or-88-of-s-porean-households-have-claimed-cdc-vouchers-low-yen-ling
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SINGAPORE – One platform each at the Telok Blangah and HarbourFront Circle Line (CCL) MRT stations will be closed from Jan 20 to May 24, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and rail operator SMRT said on Jan 16.
This is to facilitate track works for the integration of Stage 6 of the CCL with the existing network. The Circle Line 6 extension will add three stations between HarbourFront and Marina Bay MRT stations, closing the loop for CCL. The stations are Keppel, Cantonment and Prince Edward Road. Stage 6 is slated to start operations in 2026, according to LTA’s website.
During the temporary closure of the platforms, a shuttle train will operate on the other platform between HarbourFront and Labrador Park stations at 10-minute intervals.
CCL trains will turn around alternately at Kent Ridge and Labrador Park stations instead of HarbourFront station.
During peak hours, passengers travelling between Kent Ridge and Labrador Park stations can expect trains to arrive at five-minute intervals.
LTA and SMRT advised passengers to refer to train announcements and platform display panels for information on which station the train will end its service at.
As an alternative to the CCL during the platform closures, passengers can use 11 public bus services (10, 30, 57, 61, 93, 97, 100, 143, 166, 188 and 963).
Additionally, an Express Shuttle Bus Service (E31) will ply HarbourFront, Telok Blangah, Labrador Park and Kent Ridge stations at intervals of 10 to 15 minutes during peak hours on weekdays between 6am and 10am, and from 5pm to 9pm, according to the joint statement.
Those travelling to or from Haw Par Villa and Pasir Panjang stations can also use existing bus services, such as 10, 30, 143 or 188.
Passengers are advised to check LTA’s MyTransport.SG mobile app and LTA’s and SMRT’s social media platforms for more details. Station staff will also be deployed at the affected stations to guide passengers.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/telok-blangah-harbourfront-stations-to-close-1-platform-each-from-jan-20-for-circle-line-works
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MELBOURNE - Pat Cummins confirmed Australia's new-look batting line-up on Tuesday with Steve Smith to open and Cameron Green at number four in the team to face West Indies in the first test at Adelaide Oval from Wednesday.
Smith, one of the best batsmen of his generation, was a late candidate to replace David Warner after the veteran opener retired from the format in the wake of Australia's sweep of their three-match series against Pakistan over the New Year.
His move up the order makes way for 24-year-old Green to slot in and play his 25th test in the position where he has been a prolific run-scorer for Western Australia.
"We were pretty open that we thought Cam Green was in our top six batters and really all there was to iron out was the details around the order," captain Cummins told reporters in Adelaide.
"It wasn't until around then that we started chatting seriously to (Smith) and found out just how keen he was ...
"It all made sense to get Smithy into a position that he'd love to bat in, and Green into a spot (he) knows pretty well."
With all-rounders Green and Mitch Marsh in the team, Cummins has plenty of bowling options to take the pressure off him and fellow quicks Josh Hazlewood and Mitch Starc as they all play their fourth test of the home summer.
West Indies are without their best all-rounders Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers with the duo having preferred to play in lucrative Twenty20 leagues.
Skipper Kraigg Brathwaite also named his team on Tuesday and confirmed that Kavem Hodge and all-rounder Justin Greaves would make their test debuts in the middle order with quick Shamar Joseph also winning his first cap.
"I'm expecting a lot of fight from the guys, obviously guys relatively new to test cricket and they've got to show the world their worth," said Brathwaite.
"We've got to work extremely hard and we have to believe in ourselves."
Once the most feared of tourists when their famed pacemen terrorised batsmen on Australia's hard decks, West Indies have not tasted victory Down Under in 16 matches going back to their last win in Perth in 1997.
Australia won a day-night test by 419 runs at Adelaide in December 2022 -- the biggest win by runs in test history -- as they swept West Indies in a two-match series. The second test this year is a pink ball test in Brisbane starting on Jan. 25. REUTERS
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Eleventh-seeded Norwegian Casper Ruud wasted little time in the oppressive heat, downing Albert Ramos-Vinolas of Spain 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 on Tuesday (Australia time) at the Australian Open in Melbourne.
It took Ruud just over two hours to oust Ramos-Vinolas, who had just two aces to Ruud's 11. Ruud also saved all four break points he faced and won 34 of 41 first-service points.
Ruud called the Australian event his favorite of the Grand Slams, and he said he felt a quick start was important.
"It's warm out there (Tuesday), so I didn't want to spend too much time in the sun," he said.
Even with such taxing conditions, Ruud added that the atmosphere "makes it all worth it, with the crowd and how good Melbourne is as a city and the fans down here, so it's great to be back."
Other seeded players that won their matches on Tuesday included No. 19 Cameron Norrie of Great Britain and 32nd-seeded Czech Jiri Lehecka. Both pulled off sweeps, with Norrie blanking Peru's Juan Pablo Varillas 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 and Lehecka topping Spaniard Bernabe Zapata Miralles 6-3, 6-2, 6-3.
Lehecka finished with 33 winners in his victory, while Norrie tallied 30.
Tallon Griekspoor, a Dutch player seeded 28th, rallied to beat Russia's Roman Safiullin 2-6, 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-4, 7-5 in a match that lasted nearly four hours.
American Alex Michelsen knocked out Australian wild card James McCabe 7-6 (5), 3-6, 6-1, 6-2. French wild card Arthur Cazaux and countryman Arthur Fils also prevailed on Tuesday, as did qualifier Giulio Zeppieri.
--Field Level Media REUTERS
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Sofia Kenin had a tough first-round draw at the Australian Open -- top-seeded Polish superstar Iga Swiatek -- as the American continued to try to find her stride.
Kenin, who won the 2020 Australian Open and lost to Swiatek in the 2020 French Open final, failed while serving for the first set and wound up losing 7-6 (2), 6-2 on Tuesday (Australia time) in Melbourne.
Now ranked 41st in the world, Kenin led 3-1 in the opening set and served at 5-4 before Swiatek pulled level. Swiatek won three of the first four points that Kenin served in the tiebreaker to pull away.
In the second set, Swiatek captured the final four games, serving out the match at love to seal the victory in 1 hour, 51 minutes.
Swiatek battled the heat as well as Kenin.
"It wasn't easy at the beginning to find my rhythm," Swiatek said. "I felt a little bit off, and I felt like Sofia did everything to keep it that way. Huge respect to her ... but I'm happy that I managed to get my level up in the second set."
The win was Swiatek's 17th in a row, including championships at Beijing and the WTA Finals in Cancun last year, then three in the United Cup to open 2024.
Kenin saw her record slip to 1-3 this year after she lost three of her final four matches last year.
In other action early Tuesday, No. 14 Russian Daria Kasatkina defeated the United States' Peyton Stearns 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.
Unseeded American Sloane Stephens rolled past Australian Olivia Gadecki 6-3, 6-1, and Italian Martina Trevisan took down Mexico's Renata Zarazua 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. Italy's Elisabetta Cocciaretto downed Swiss qualifier Lulu Sun 6-1, 7-5.
--Field Level Media REUTERS
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MELBOURNE - Iga Swiatek came through a testing opener in her hunt for a first Australian Open title on Tuesday as the world number one battled past 2020 champion Sofia Kenin 7-6(2) 6-2 in sweltering heat on Rod Laver Arena.
Four years after Swiatek won the pair's only previous meeting in the French Open final, the 22-year-old twice fought back from a break down to win the first set in a tie-break.
The four-times major champion had enjoyed a strong build-up to the year's first Grand Slam, with five successive singles wins in Poland's run to the United Cup mixed team event final, and she broke American Kenin for a 3-2 lead in the next set.
Kenin, who has battled injuries, illness and off-court issues in recent years, fought on bravely and had the opportunity to hit back but top seed Swiatek stretched her advantage and pulled away for victory.
"It wasn't the easiest first round," said Swiatek, who is now on a 17-match winning run after triumphs in Beijing and the WTA Finals last year as well as her United Cup heroics.
"I tried to find my rhythm, play the important points well in the opening set. I felt off in terms of the timing. For sure the temperature was higher than any match I've played here and I needed to adjust as the balls were flying in these conditions."
Up next for Swiatek is 2022 finalist Danielle Collins, who beat former champion Angelique Kerber 6-2 3-6 6-1.
"I can't say that I have an easy draw here. Danielle's a good player, we've played tight matches," Swiatek added. "Every match is different, I'm not going to anticipate anything and I'll be ready."
Russian 14th seed Daria Kasatkina overcame American Peyton Stearns 6-2 3-6 6-2 but she too struggled with the weather.
"It's windy and its hot, so it was difficult to control the ball," said Kasatkina, before looking ahead to her second-round clash with former U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens.
"I'm really happy with how I was able to play in the third set."
Stephens, who reached a career-high ranking of number three in 2018 but has slipped to number 44, eased past local wild card Olivia Gadecki 6-3 6-1.
"Her ranking doesn't talk about her level," Kasatkina added. "I hope the crowd will be by my side, it'll be a tough match."
Norwegian 11th seed Casper Ruud enjoyed a more comfortable day under the midday sun as he sent Albert Ramos-Vinolas packing 6-1 6-3 6-1.
"It's minus 20 back home, so it's quite a change. It's much nicer to be in the warm summer weather," said Ruud, who lost in the second round in 2023.
"The body and tennis is feeling great. Hopefully I can have a good run down here. It's been a couple years in a row where I wasn't able to play as well as I hoped here. Hopefully 2024 we can turn that around."
Czech 32nd seed Jiri Lehecka, fresh from winning his first title at the Adelaide International, continued his strong form Down Under, last year's quarter-finalist cruising to a 6-3 6-2 6-3 victory over Spaniard Bernabe Zapata Miralles. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/tennis/swiatek-passes-kenin-test-at-australian-open-ruud-roars
| 2024-01-16T05:58:30Z
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WASHINGTON - Vivek Ramaswamy, a multi-millionaire former biotech executive, ended his White House bid on Jan 16 and endorsed Donald Trump.
His longshot bid caught attention but failed to catapult him high enough in the Republican Party's first nominating contest in Iowa.
Mr Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old born in Ohio to immigrant parents from southern India, was one of the surprises of the 2024 Republican race dominated by former president Trump.
A fierce defender of Trump throughout the campaign, Mr Ramaswamy likely secured himself a spot in Republican politics going forward with his youthful demeanour, deep pockets and fast-talking, pugnacious campaigning.
However, Trump turned on him in the final days leading up to the Iowa caucus, calling him a "fraud" and asserting that a vote for Mr Ramaswamy was a vote for the "other side".
Partial results for the Iowa caucuses showed Mr Ramaswamy coming in fourth with around 7.7 per cent of votes.
Harvard-educated Mr Ramaswamy gained fame in right-wing circles thanks to his 2021 bestseller Woke, Inc., which decries decisions by some big companies to base business strategy around social justice and climate change concerns.
His combative debate performances and intense focus on media, especially social media, earned him headlines, but also put off some voters, and buzz around him ebbed in the autumn.
By the end of 2023, his national opinion polling numbers with likely Republican primary voters languished in the low single digits.
Mr Ramaswamy's fellow Republican candidates often appeared irritated with the newcomer in debates, with former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley telling him during one contentious encounter: "Every time I hear you, I feel a little bit dumber."
However, he gained some support, or at least interest, among libertarian crowds and the tech world. They included Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk, whom Mr Ramaswamy confirmed to Reuters had attended a fundraiser for him in the autumn.
Mr Ramaswamy says he was a libertarian while studying but has staked out some deeply conservative policy positions.
On the campaign trail, he opposed affirmative action and supported state-level bans on abortion after six weeks.
He also said he wanted to greatly expand the powers of the presidency and dismantle much of the federal government, including the FBI and the Department of Education.
Mr Ramaswamy was also reflective of a growing isolationist movement in the Republican Party, once made up of staunch foreign policy hawks.
He opposed Nato membership for Ukraine and said Kyiv should make concessions to Russia to end the war, including allowing it to retain parts of Ukraine it occupies. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/entrepreneur-ramaswamy-drops-out-of-white-house-race-endorses-trump
| 2024-01-16T05:58:40Z
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Kieran Culkin is on a roll! After winning big at the Golden Globes and the Critics Choice Awards, the actor bagged an Emmy for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series on Monday night. Overcome with emotion, the Succession star headed to the stage, where he used his acceptance speech to make a cheeky request.
After thanking his mother, Patricia Brentrup, for his "great" childhood, the father-of-two turned his attention to his wife, Jazz Barton. "Thank you for sharing your life with me and giving me two amazing kids, Kinsey Sioux and Wilder Wolf," he said. "I love you so many and so much. And Jazz, I want more. You said! You said maybe if I win! I love you so much."
Prompting cheers from the audience, the camera then panned onto Jazz, laughing hysterically. Just last week, the actor gave a sweet nod to his wife at the Golden Globes, after winning Best Performance by a Male Actor on Television in a Drama Series.
After thanking "My wife Jazz, for putting up with this and all... that comes with it," Kieran then headed off stage.
The loved-up couple – who met in a bar in the Big Apple in 2012 – have been married for 10 years, and have since welcomed Kinsey Sioux, aged four, and Wilder Wolf, aged two.
Speaking about the moment he first laid eyes on Jazz, in 2021 Kieran told The Hollywood Reporter: "I said, 'I'm Kieran. You have an English accent. What's your name?'"She said, 'Jazz.' I said, 'J-A-Z-Z, like the music?' And she said, 'Yeah.' And I said, 'Well, that's [expletive] stupid.'"
After making the London-born beauty laugh, the rest is history! Now a proud father of two, Kieran may be busier than ever, but his kids are his number one priority.
Chatting with Taika Waititi for Interview in May, Kieran admitted that he struggles to be away from Kinsey Sioux and Wilder Wolf. "I don't like being away from them for more than two days at a time," he said.
MORE: 2024 Emmys best moments: From history-making wins to a heartbreaking tribute to Matthew Perry
"I have a friend who works crazy. He goes away for months at a time for what he does. And I remember thinking, 'You must have a very disconnected relationship with them.' Then I see him with his kids, and they're still intensely close," Kieran added.
"I guess there's just an understanding that dad has to go away for long stretches of time. But I saw that and I'm like, 'Oh, okay. There's still a chance to be a good parent and have a connection with your kids even if you're busy.' I always saw it as, I need to be home. But then again, my kids are between one and three. I do need to be home because if I go for a week, they change."
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511315/kieran-culkin-asks-jazz-charton-for-third-baby-after-emmys-win-for-succession/
| 2024-01-16T06:33:21Z
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Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco just made their relationship red carpet official! The couple – who first confirmed their romance in December – were spotted arriving at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday night.
Accompanying his girlfriend at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, record producer Benny stood aside while Selena – garbed in Oscar De La Renta – posed for photos, before reuniting with her Only Murders in the Building co-stars, Martin Short and Steve Martin.
Keeping their first joint appearance low-key, Benny was ever the supportive boyfriend, blowing Selena a kiss as she headed off to mingle. After doing her thing on the red carpet, the couple were captured walking into the ceremony together.
Putting on a stylish display for the evening, Selena and Benny looked picture-perfect. Stepping out in an opulent Oscar De La Renta creation, Selena, 31, posed in a botanical-inspired gown, accessorised with jewels by Tiffany & Co.
The Rare Beauty founder wore her trademark dark hair slicked back with tendrils framing her face, allowing her statement diamond necklace to take centre stage.
Meanwhile, Benny, 35, opted for a navy trench coat, teamed with a grey silk shirt and matching high-waisted trousers.
A milestone moment for the couple, the Emmys marks their red carpet debut. Selena and Benny – who collaborated on her hit song, 'I Can't Get Enough' in 2019 – had been friends for years, before entering a relationship in 2023.
The pair went Instagram official in December after Selena shared photos of herself wearing a 'B' ring on her finger, followed by a sweet snuggled-up snap with her beau.
Selena's fans were delighted witht the news. "Happy for you Sel," replied one, while another added: "You deserve it all." A third agreed: "Ekkkkk I'm so so happy for you. You deserve the world," while a fourth penned: "We love to see you living your best life!!"
Until now, Selena and Benny had avoided the red carpet, with the singer attending the Golden Globes solo last week. During the evening, the music star was at the center of a viral moment, after she was captured chatting with pals Taylor Swift and Keleigh Teller.
MORE: Selena Gomez gives Princess Kate's winter whites outfit a 'California makeover'
READ: Selena Gomez finally reveals the secret gossip she told Taylor Swift amid debate
Lip reading fans speculated that Selena had told Taylor that she'd asked for a photo with Wonka star Timothée Chalamet, but his partner Kylie Jenner said no. Eek!
Selena has since reacted to the reports on social media. In response to a fan's Instagram query about whether she was discussing Kylie and Timothée's appearance at the event, Selena clarified: "Noooooo I told Taylor about two of my friends who hooked up. Not that that's anyone's business."
Selena has since confirmed that she's taking a break from social media. "I'm off social (media) for a while. I'm focusing on what really matters," she announced in an Instagram story on January 9.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511316/selena-gomez-benny-blanco-red-carpet-debut-at-2024-emmys/
| 2024-01-16T07:17:12Z
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DAVOS - Chinese Premier Li Qiang is set to address global investors and politicians in Davos on Jan 16 as Beijing grapples with a sluggish post-pandemic recovery and a real estate slump.
His speech comes as, for the first time in the four decades since China opened up to foreign investment, overseas executives have grown concerned about the country’s long-term growth prospects.
Mr Li, who leads a large government delegation at this week’s World Economic Forum (WEF), is the most senior Chinese official to rub shoulders with global business and political elites at the Swiss ski resort of Davos since President Xi Jinping in 2017.
He will “promote global cooperation, address various risks, bridge the development divide, and seek peaceful coexistence and win-win outcomes”, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported.
“China is generating a steady stream of growth momentum and potential for its economy,” Xinhua’s report added.
Mr Li’s past overtures declaring China open for business have been met with scepticism in some boardrooms in the light of a broader anti-espionage law, raids on consultancies and due diligence firms, and exit bans, trade bodies say.
In addition, businesses have longstanding worries about geopolitics, tightening regulations and a more favourable playing field for state-owned companies. In the July-to-September quarter, China recorded the first quarterly deficit in foreign direct investment since records began in 1998.
WEF organisers said more than 2,800 leaders from 120 countries, including more than 60 heads of state, are due to participate at the annual meeting.
Chinese premiers have typically been responsible for overseeing the economy, but Mr Xi has tightened his grip in recent years and steered it more directly in a statist direction.
Mr Li, a career bureaucrat, was revealed as the pick for China’s No. 2 role in October 2023 when Mr Xi unveiled a leadership line-up stacked with loyalists.
Beyond the message on the economy, investors will be on the lookout for any bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event, especially with Middle Eastern leaders and United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is also scheduled to attend.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Jan 14 for a larger, more authoritative Israeli-Palestinian peace conference and a timetable to implement a two-state solution as the Gaza conflict escalated and the Red Sea became a new flashpoint.
Also on Jan 14, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff said it is important that Russian ally China is present when Kyiv convenes future peace meetings, although no meeting between Mr Li and Mr Zelensky is on the official agenda. REUTERS
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| 2024-01-16T07:28:36Z
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He boarded a Hong Kong Airlines (HKA) flight for Osaka with a stack of notes totalling HK$50,000 (S$8,500) in his bag. But hours later, he arrived in Japan with only HK$1,500 of the money left.
A Hong Kong man identified by only his surname Chow told Sing Tao Daily that he was travelling with his girlfriend and a family member on a red-eye flight from the Chinese city to Osaka when someone stealthily replaced his money with Indonesian rupiah on the plane.
It was not clear when the trip took place.
Mr Chow said he was carrying 100 HK$500 bills bundled with a rubber band in his backpack and had intended to exchange the money for yen after he arrived in Japan, Sing Tao Daily reported on Jan 14.
At first he stowed his backpack under his seat on the plane, but a flight attendant asked him to place it in the overhead compartment instead.
Mr Chow said he was sitting in the last row, and the overhead compartment above him had no room for his backpack as it was packed with life vests. Therefore, he placed the bag in an overhead compartment a few seats away from his.
During the flight, he fell asleep.
When he arrived at the destination, he retrieved his backpack, and his stack of cash fell out.
He believed his money had been stolen by then, but he had not noticed the loss because the thief had sandwiched a thick wad of 2,000 rupiah notes - 153 pieces in all and worth HK$1 each - between three HK$500 bills.
It was onboard a train in Japan later when the holidaymaker realised his money was gone.
Mr Chow said his credit card was also missing, and he quickly cancelled the card.
“The most cunning thing about the thief was that he covered the Indonesian money with Hong Kong money to create the illusion that my money was not gone,” said Mr Chow. “This made me miss the opportunity to expose the theft on the plane.”
Mr Chow also blamed the flight attendant for insisting that he put his bag in the overhead compartment, even though he had flown several times without a hitch with the same backpack kept under his seat.
“If I had kept it under my seat, I would be stirred from my sleep if someone moved my bag, but I was made to leave it three or four seats away. On top of that, it was a red-eye flight and the lights were out. Even if I was not asleep, I wouldn’t have noticed something’s amiss,” he added.
Mr Chow filed a police report after he returned from Japan, a claim that was confirmed by Hong Kong police.
In response to media queries, HKA said passengers will be asked to put their bags in the overhead compartment if the bags are of a bigger size to prevent obstruction at certain points, like the exits, on the plane.
Passengers should also inform the cabin crew immediately if their things are stolen, and police officers can be arranged to board the plane for investigation.
In 2023, a Chinese national on a Scoot flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore took another passenger’s bag from an overhead compartment back to his seat and stole money from the bag. He was sentenced to eight months in jail in January 2024.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/hong-kong-man-loses-thousands-of-dollars-allegedly-on-flight-to-japan-in-rupiah-swop
| 2024-01-16T07:28:47Z
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SEOUL - North Korea’s Jan 14 solid-fuel missile test hogged the news worldwide, but another event of much, if not greater, significance went under the radar.
That same day, Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui and her delegation departed for a three-day visit to Russia at the invitation of her counterpart Sergei Lavrov.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/north-korea-may-get-bolder-as-ties-with-russia-deepen-say-analysts
| 2024-01-16T07:28:57Z
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SHANGHAI - China rolled out a plan for a so-called “silver economy” estimated to be worth trillions of US dollars, catering to a rapidly ageing population needing services ranging from meal delivery to nursing homes and entertainment options.
Beijing wants to mobilise state and the private sector companies, it said in an outline released by the State Council. They will be encouraged to tailor consumer products such as clothes, vehicles and food to the specific needs of older people, the paper said. Smart devices and virtual reality are expected to fill labour shortages and improve the quality of eldercare, it added.
The silver economy will be worth an estimated 30 trillion yuan (S$5.7 trillion) in the next decade – accounting for 10 per cent of China’s overall total by 2035 – the Beijing News reported this week, citing figures from a government think-tank.
Local governments will be able to issue special bonds to support silver economy development, while banks are encouraged to extend credit to elderly care facilities and businesses dedicated to facilitating the lives of senior citizens, the outline said. Ten silver economy industrial parks are planned for development in major cities.
A 1960s baby boom and subsequent decades-long single-child policy – meant to rein in population growth – have turned China into one of the world’s quickest-ageing populations. One in five of the mainland’s 1.4 billion people were aged 60 or above at the end of 2022 – with the ratio set to exceed 30 per cent in a decade, according to China’s National Health Commission.
Still, China has yet to develop a comprehensive infrastructure and service sector catering to its swelling ranks of elderly. Some 90 per cent of its senior citizens spend their later years at home, rather than in aged care, state broadcaster CCTV reported. A meagre 3 per cent are now in nursing facilities, CCTV said.
Compounding the problem: Many seniors have only one adult child, stretched thin by work and caring for families of their own, to look after their needs.
Premier Li Qiang pledged to grow the country’s silver economy earlier in January, saying that while the government will ensure basic services, it will ask companies and other organisations to serve the diverse needs of elderly people. BLOOMBERG
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/china-unveils-plan-for-massive-silver-economy-to-serve-elderly
| 2024-01-16T07:29:08Z
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TOKYO - Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC is considering selling a 1,053-room hotel in western Japan, and has been marketing the property to potential investors since late 2023, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk hotel is located on the coast of Fukuoka – one of Japan’s major cities – and has an asking price of around 85 billion (S$778 million) to 90 billion yen, said the sources. Jones Lang LaSalle is advising on the sale, they added.
Hotels in Japan have been among the most popular real estate investments in the Asia-Pacific region in the past year, with many properties selling quickly and drawing interest from foreign and domestic buyers. Investors are betting that tourism will continue its strong recovery amid a weak yen, and are attracted by the ability to change room rates quickly in an inflationary environment.
In the third quarter of 2023, about half of all hotel transactions in Asia took place in Japan, according to MSCI Real Assets. That helped the island nation become the most active market for overall commercial property transactions in the region in the first nine months of 2023.
Hilton’s management agreement on the hotel will expire soon, which may give any new owner the chance to bring in a new operator, the sources said.
The sale process is still at an early stage, and GIC could ultimately decide against proceeding with a deal, the sources said. There’s also no guarantee that the property will change hands at the asking price, they added.
Representatives for GIC and JLL declined to comment. Hilton does not comment publicly on its business relationships, a spokesperson said.
The hotel is part of a complex that GIC acquired in 2007, which included a baseball stadium and shopping mall. The wealth fund sold the arena, home to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, to Softbank in 2012 for 87 billion yen. BLOOMBERG
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/gic-seeks-to-sell-hilton-hotel-in-japan-for-over-778-million
| 2024-01-16T07:29:18Z
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LONDON - Huge numbers of merchant ships have continued to navigate the southern Red Sea since warnings by western navies to stay away from the crucial trade route to avoid attack by Houthi militants.
On Jan 12, the Combined Maritime Forces – encompassing both British and US navies – advised merchant ships to stay away from the danger zone. Their advice came after both nations bombed targets in Yemen to try to quell attacks on commercial vessels by Houthi militants, prompting concern about reprisals.
Numerous vessels turned away following the advice. The number passing through the Bab el-Mandeb since Jan 12 has fallen by more than half compared with the corresponding period a month earlier, ship-tracking data monitored by Bloomberg show.
However, 114 vessels – including oil tankers, bulk carriers and container ships – still passed into or out of the Red Sea through the narrow chokepoint, according to the data.
The latest count compares with 131 during the same period a week earlier, when tensions in the region were already high and vessels were being targeted by Houthi missiles and drones.
However, it is down from 272 ships in the same period a month ago and 252 during the same timespan six months earlier.
The fact that so many have gone through is a reminder that different shipowners have different risk tolerances, and that some may assess they can get their vessels through safely.
While the number of shipments are sharply down, the number transporting oil from Russia has dropped by significantly less. Many vessels have also advertised connections to China in the hope of sailing through safely. Others also pointed out that they weren’t involved in trade with Israel.
Gas carriers have seen the biggest drop, with the number of ships down by 96 per cent from a month ago.
They are followed by container ships and vessels that do not fall into any of the other categories, with both down by about 80 per cent. Oil tankers passing through the area has fallen by about 55 per cent from a month ago.
Bulk carriers have been least affected, down by 25 per cent from a month earlier.
More than 20 ships are idling to the east of the Gulf of Aden, several of them u-turned after the Combined Maritime Forces issued their warning. BLOOMBERG
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/ships-keep-running-red-sea-gauntlet-after-us-warnings
| 2024-01-16T07:29:28Z
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Welcome to the latest edition of ST HeadSTart, bringing you the best of The Straits Times’ career and personal finance coverage every Monday morning. Sign up here to get weekly tips right into your inbox.
Hello there! I’m Sue-Ann, and for the past several months, my team and I have been working hard to bring you the new version of the HeadSTart newsletter.
If you are already a subscriber to the newsletter, you might have noticed some changes over the past few weeks. Today marks the official launch of the revamped version of HeadSTart, where on top of a new look and feel, we will also be bringing you fresh elements. This includes a video series titled We Try First, and other interactive and specially curated features and stories.
The We Try First series will feature us getting out of the office and testing out life, career and adulting hacks, and hopefully learning some important lessons on how we can all optimise our adult lives in the process. Which we will also share and reflect upon weekly.
This week, we test out the idea of working from anywhere. In this day and age, where remote working has increasingly become an option for many, we test out various places touted as new-age "workplaces", to see, apart from working from home, if we can in fact get work done outside of the office. After all, I don’t know about you, but a change of scenery every now and again does wonders for my mental health and productivity.
I hope you enjoy the new format, and that we can learn together on this journey, while having some laughs along the way. And of course, if you enjoy our content, please consider sharing the newsletter with your friends too!
Let me know what you think of the new version of the newsletter at headstart@sph.com.sg.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/st-headstart-cat-cafe-or-hair-salon-as-your-office-can-you-get-work-done
| 2024-01-16T07:29:39Z
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MILAN – The “king” of Italian fashion, Giorgio Armani, unveiled his latest men’s collection, marked by fluid cuts and soft lines, on Jan 15.
Under the piercing blue eye of the 89-year-old maestro, projected on the runway’s backdrop, models showed off the Fall/Winter 2024/25 collection in the intimate setting of his historic headquarters in Via Borgonuovo.
“Men’s fashion must not be an object of desire at any cost. It must be a nice suit, a beautiful jacket, a lovely fabric, a perfect colour and nothing more, or else we descend into carnival,” Armani said.
Loyal to his DNA of relaxed chic, he presented ample but refined trousers, and half-length unbuttoned coats that allowed freedom of movement.
For next winter, shapes have enlarged “to provide even more ease and fluidity”, he said.
His signature offerings – unstructured jackets with no shoulder pads or lining – were presented in a variety of styles: for a dandy with a vest and pleated trousers, or in a sporty version with cargo pants tucked into boots.
The ever-existing challenge for a designer is to “do the usual in an unusual way”, Armani said after the show on the fourth day of men’s Fashion Week.
Ties were discreet in his show, generally thin, black or grey, hidden under a blazer or often replaced by a scarf.
“A tie depends on the occasion. We have one for the man who goes to the office, with the respect for this office, because I hope he’s not going to an important meeting in a T-shirt,” he said.
Armani had already presented on Jan 13 a maritime-inspired collection for Emporio, the upscale pret-a-porter line intended for a trendier clientele.
Fluid cuts and effortless elegance were also the mantra of Zegna’s show, which transformed an immense hangar on the outskirts of Milan into an “oasis of cashmere”.
“It’s a collection for collectors. I hope these clothes will be bought by people who will keep them for a long time,” said artistic director Alessandro Sartori.
The pleated trousers were ample, to be combined with turtleneck sweaters and short vests of the same fabric. The vest lapels were detachable.
Sartori left nothing to accident, closely studying the tiniest details to reflect men’s needs. Trousers and coat pockets were deepened “to let you slide in your hands with ease,” he said. Colours ranged from olive green to royal blue, passing through eggshell, beige and grey.
Milan’s Fashion Week finishes on Jan 16 with digital shows before the fashion world moves on to Paris, first for men’s fashion and then haute couture. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/armanis-men-mix-refinement-and-nonchalance
| 2024-01-16T07:29:49Z
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LOS ANGELES – Television’s top stars sparkled on the Emmys red carpet on Monday, embracing the trends that have emerged in a hectic week of awards shows in Hollywood – red gowns, sumptuous purple frocks and lots of basic, sexy black.
Here is a glimpse at the top looks seen at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
Women in red
Succession (2018 to 2023) star Sarah Snook, who won the best drama actress honours for her work on the popular HBO show, glowed in a red draped Vivienne Westwood ball gown with a plunging neckline. A sparkling choker completed the look.
Janelle James, nominated for best supporting actress in a comedy for her work on ABC hit comedy Abbott Elementary (2021 to present), went for a similar look in a crimson Rodarte gown with a lingerie vibe.
Best supporting actress in a limited series nominee Camila Morrone from Daisy Jones & The Six (2023) also got the memo, sizzling in a red Versace gown with a train.
Katherine Heigl, who was invited as part of a Grey’s Anatomy (2005 to present) reunion, channelled Old Hollywood in a strapless red Reem Acra gown with a brooch – the must-have accessory this awards season – adorning the waist.
Glamorous black
Black is basically a foolproof red carpet choice – or silver carpet, in this case – and several nominees went for it.
Ayo Edebiri, who won a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award in the past week for her work on The Bear (2022 to present), made it a three-peat at the Emmys, claiming the first award of the night in a sculptural strapless black leather Louis Vuitton gown.
When asked if her younger self would have imagined her success, she told E! network: “She didn’t dream of nights like this. She sort of dreamt of, just, dental insurance.”
Jennifer Coolidge, winner of the best supporting actress in a drama award for her work on The White Lotus (2021 to present), hit the red carpet in a gauzy black pleated gown with sheer sleeves and a bronze pattern.
And bringing the swagger on the men’s side, Abbott Elementary star and nominee Tyler James Williams sported a leather Dolce and Gabbana tuxedo – shirt not required.
Royal purple
Purple, the colour of royalty, is reigning supreme at the moment in Hollywood, perhaps in part due to the release of the 2023 film The Color Purple.
Rachel Brosnahan, a past Emmy winner for The Marvelous Mrs Maisel (2017 to 2023) and again a nominee on Monday, rocked a purple Versace corset gown, with a high slit in the front.
She told E! she felt like a “warrior princess”.
The Color Purple actress Taraji P. Henson wore a sultry sleeveless purple gown with a bodice cutout – and showed a fair bit of leg. The gown had a train – another major trend on the red carpet this season.
Elizabeth Debicki, a nominee for her portrayal of the late Princess Diana on The Crown (2016 to 2023), wowed in a regal Dior burgundy velvet column gown, her back revealed.
And Daniel Radcliffe, nominated for best actor in a limited series or movie for his portrayal of Weird Al Yankovic (2022) – yes, you read that correctly – rocked a purple tuxedo with black lapels. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/emmys-fashion-red-black-and-purple-all-the-rage
| 2024-01-16T07:30:00Z
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SINGAPORE – Firing machine guns, throwing punches and taking down bad guys.
K-drama A Shop For Killers gave its two leads – actor Lee Dong-wook and actress Kim Hye-jun – a chance to play out the action fantasies of their childhood.
The stars of the action series – premiering on Disney+ on Jan 17 – have many thrilling sequences in the eight-parter, where they play uncle and niece.
In a video interview with The Straits Times, Lee, 42, says: “As boys, we played with toy guns, weapons, toy cars and acted out these grand action scenes with our friends. This drama has given me a chance to play those fantasies out in such a realistic way.”
He plays a mercenary-turned-weapons dealer and got to fire 200 bullets from a machine gun on set.
Meanwhile, Kim, whose character is a college girl trained in muay thai, attended a stunt academy every day for four months before filming began.
The 28-year-old says: “In South Korea, many kids go to a taekwondo training academy when they’re young, but I had never once set foot in such a place. So I romanticised the idea of being able to fight and the series satisfied this childhood dream of mine.”
In A Shop For Killers, which is adapted from the novel The Killer’s Shopping Mall, Kim plays Jeong Ji-an, a girl who was raised from a young age by her uncle Jeong Jin-man (Lee) after her parents’ death. One day, Jin-man dies mysteriously. While settling his affairs, Ji-an discovers that Jin-man had long been secretly running a website selling weapons to professional killers. Her life is plunged into chaos when these killers descend upon her.
While the series begins with Jin-man’s death, it jumps back and forth between the past and the present, still allowing for plenty of scenes between Lee and Kim as loving uncle and sassy niece.
Kim (Kingdom, 2019 to 2020) admits she found Lee, who is known for fantasy dramas such as Tale Of The Nine Tailed (2020) and Goblin (2016), distant when she first met him.
“He’s such a huge star and a senior of mine, so I did feel like it was a bit difficult to get close to him at first. But then, he approached me with so much ease. He would reach out and ask to get meals together. He was friendly on set,” she recalls.
The actress adds: “Every time he has a photo or commercial shoot for a product he endorses, he returns to the set with a lot of gifts of whatever product he was advertising for all of us. It felt like meeting an uncle right after his payday.”
A Shop For Killers also stars actors Seo Hyun-woo, Jo Han-sun and Geum Hae-na as shady killers and villains, while actor Park Ji-bin plays Ji-an’s former classmate, who is a skilled hacker.
The story’s premise of assassins and mercenaries who co-exist in an underground world with its own rules and taboos, as well as its stylish action sequences, are reminiscent of the John Wick cinematic universe (2014 to present).
Asked about the famed action movie franchise, of which he is a huge fan, Lee says: “It would be a stretch to say what we did was equivalent to what was done in the John Wick series, but everyone on the team poured their heart and soul into this series.”
A Shop For Killers premieres on Jan 17 on Disney+.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/k-star-lee-dong-wook-is-a-friendly-uncle-on-the-set-of-a-shop-for-killers
| 2024-01-16T07:30:10Z
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SINGAPORE – When it comes to health, maybe people should “play-play”.
Health institutions in Singapore are turning to games and rewards in order to spread the word about illness and disease, and also to nudge people to pick up healthier habits.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/play-your-way-to-better-health-with-games-the-doctor-ordered
| 2024-01-16T07:30:20Z
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SINGAPORE - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong met Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in Brunei, and they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Jan 16.
PM Lee also congratulated the king on the conclusion of Bhutan’s general elections on Jan 9, MFA added.
PM Lee was in Brunei from Jan 13 to 15 to attend the royal wedding of Prince Abdul Mateen and Pengiran Anak Isteri Anisha Rosnah.
Prince Mateen is the 10th child and fourth son of the Brunei Sultan.
PM Lee was accompanied by Mrs Lee, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean, and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.
During the trip, PM Lee also met Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on Jan 15.
Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to the close ties between Singapore and Brunei, MFA said.
“Prime Minister Lee thanked His Majesty for his strong support for the bilateral relationship over the decades, and expressed his confidence that the next generation of leaders will work closely to take the partnership to greater heights,” it added.
PM Lee noted in a Facebook post on Jan 15 that 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
PM Lee and the delegation attended the royal banquet on Jan 15 before returning to Singapore.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/pm-lee-king-of-bhutan-discuss-ways-to-strengthen-bilateral-cooperation
| 2024-01-16T07:30:41Z
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LOS ANGELES – Joel Embiid scored 41 points in a dazzling return from injury on Jan 15 as the Philadelphia 76ers romped past the Houston Rockets 124-115, but there are concerns about his fitness in the near future.
Kicking off a packed slate of National Basketball Association (NBA) fixtures as the US marked the Martin Luther King Jr. public holiday, the Sixers were always in control as they cruised to victory at home.
Embiid had missed the past three games after twisting his left knee in a Jan 5 loss to the New York Knicks.
But the NBA’s reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) showed no sign of rustiness as he posted his seventh 40-point game of the season, adding 10 rebounds and three assists.
“Hopefully it doesn’t swell up again,” Embiid said.
The Cameroonian centre and his team will both be hoping that he can stay healthy – he has already missed 10 games this season, which also means that he is in jeopardy of not winning another MVP award.
Players must be on the floor in at least 65 games to be eligible for accolades such as the MVP or the All-NBA teams.
This means that Embiid – who has met that mark only twice in his eighth season, when he played 68 games in 2021-22, and 66 games last season – can miss only seven more games in the final 44.
“It doesn’t matter how many games I play; the goal is to be healthy the rest of the year,” he added.
“If I have a chance to get a second one (MVP), I’ll do it. But I’m not going to force myself or push for it. We’re winning, that’s the main thing, and we’ve got to keep winning. At the end of the day, if I can’t meet the requirement for the amount of games played to qualify for MVP, then so be it.”
When he is fit, however, he does well most of the time.
Embiid shot 12-of-21 from the field against the Rockets and was near-perfect from the foul line, making 16 of 17 free throws in a comfortable win for the Sixers, who improved to 25-13 to remain in third place in the Eastern Conference.
His performance also extended a remarkable scoring streak.
The 29-year-old has now gone 16 consecutive games with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds, tying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the second-longest streak of its kind in NBA history. Only Wilt Chamberlain (65) is ahead.
While Embiid made a successful return from injury, there was less to celebrate for Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green in his first game back since missing 16 games through suspension.
Green, who was given an indefinite ban by the NBA in December after striking Phoenix Suns player Jusuf Nurkic, played 23 minutes off the bench and had seven points in the Warriors’ 116-107 road loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
In other games, Anthony Davis finished with 27 points, 15 rebounds and five assists while LeBron James added 25 points as the Los Angeles Lakers ended Oklahoma City Thunder’s four-game winning streak with a 112-105 home win.
In Toronto, the East-leading Boston Celtics (31-9) rolled on with a 105-96 defeat of the Raptors, with Derrick White and Jrue Holiday leading the scoring for the visitors with 22 points apiece. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/basketball/joel-embiid-scores-41-on-return-for-sixers-lakers-end-thunder-streak
| 2024-01-16T07:30:51Z
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ABIDJAN – Senegal coach Aliou Cisse was full of praise for the young Lamine Camara, who scored a stunning brace as the team began their defence of the Africa Cup of Nations title with a 3-0 win over Gambia on Jan 15.
Fellow heavyweights Cameroon and Algeria, however, were both held in their opening matches.
Sadio Mane’s Senegal are hoping to retain the trophy they won in Cameroon two years ago and were too strong for their Gambian neighbours, who played the whole second half with 10 men.
“Lamine Camara is a young player, and his time has come,” said Cisse of the 20-year-old attacking midfielder who plays for French Ligue 1 side Metz.
“He scored two goals against Gambia and gave a distinguished performance on the field. The young player must be trusted and developed.”
On the win, he added: “I am very satisfied with the performance of the players, especially since things were difficult given the climatic conditions and heat that we faced.
“We will continue to work hard on a few things that need to be rectified but overall, I am very happy with this victory.”
Marseille midfielder Pape Gueye swept home an assist by Mane to give the Lions of Teranga the lead inside four minutes in Ivorian capital Yamoussoukro.
Gambia endured a troubled build-up to the tournament, boycotting a training session over an unpaid qualification bonus before their flight to Ivory Coast was forced to turn around just nine minutes after take-off due to technical problems.
Quarter-finalists in 2022, they had midfielder Ebou Adams sent off for a studs-up challenge just before the break.
Senegal effectively killed off the game early in the second half when Camara, the African young player of the year, drilled a low shot into the far corner.
He then completed the victory with an early contender for goal of the tournament in the 86th minute, expertly bending a shot into the top corner from just outside the box.
Senegal will likely face a tougher assignment in their next Group C match when they face five-time winners Cameroon.
The Indomitable Lions, champions in 2017, had to come from behind to draw 1-1 with 10-man Guinea in the second game of the day in Yamoussoukro, with Frank Magri equalising for Cameroon early in the second half.
Guinea had taken an early lead through Mohamed Bayo, who was leading their attack in the absence of the injured Serhou Guirassy, the striker enjoying a fine season in Germany with Stuttgart.
Algeria, who won the title in 2019, then became the latest major nation to fail to win their opening game after Cameroon, Nigeria, Egypt and Ghana, as they were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Angola in Bouake.
Baghdad Bounedjah gave Algeria the lead after 18 minutes, but Angola equalised through a Mabululu penalty midway through the second half in the Group D game.
The matches on Jan 15 were played out before swathes of empty seats, which has quickly become a source of embarrassment for tournament organisers.
Ivorian Prime Minister Robert Beugre Mambe said measures would be taken to try to ensure full stadiums, without revealing details. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/senegal-enjoy-winning-start-to-afcon-defence-cameroon-and-algeria-held
| 2024-01-16T07:31:01Z
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DAVOS – Almost half of global chief executives said their business models won’t be viable within a decade due to the pace of technological advances such as AI and climate pressures, according to a survey.
The accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers’ poll of 4,702 company leaders around the world found that 45 per cent said their businesses could fail in 10 years unless they adapt, up from 39 per cent in 2023.
“They are actually less optimistic than last year about their own revenue prospects, and more acutely aware of the need for fundamental reinvention of their business,” said Mr Bob Moritz, global chair of PwC, unveiling the survey at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. As inflationary fears ease, Mr Moritz said business leaders were becoming more focused on AI and climate change.
Mr Moritz added that countries needed better infrastructure and clean energy to keep up with the soaring demand for AI. “Everybody’s jumping to the bright, shiny new toy, and we don’t even have enough computing power to actually get the world up and running on it yet,” he said during a phone call. Economic growth is needed to fuel investment in AI and demand for energy will keep rising, he added.
Business leaders are becoming less concerned about macroeconomic challenges, the survey also found, with more than a third of CEOs expecting their workforce to increase by 5 per cent this year.
Discussing his own business, Mr Moritz said PwC was trying to make “smarter” decisions about corporate travel, to reduce emissions and cut costs. “You’re trying to be more effective and efficient with your travel when you travel, how you travel,” said Mr Moritz. BLOOMBERG
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/ai-and-climate-change-threaten-nearly-half-the-world-s-businesses-survey-shows
| 2024-01-16T07:31:12Z
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Cartoons of the week Published: Jan 16, 2024 Cartoons of the week Published: Jan 16, 2024 Lee Chee Chew @chewonit.comics Miel Miel Lee Chee Chew @chewonit.comics Miel Miel Restart Share these cartoons Facebook WhatsApp Telegram Messenger X (Twitter) Copy Permalink Tap next
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https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/graphics/2024/01/cartoons-of-the-week-january-16/index.html?shell
| 2024-01-16T07:33:13Z
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Protesters in Australia step up pressure to send retired MRH-90 helicopters to Ukraine instead of dismantling them, ABC Australia reported.
“The Australian government, for some reason, wants us all, the taxpayers, to pay close to $2 billion to dismantle them, to bury it in Australian soil, to pollute the environment instead of helping a friend in need,” said Anton Bogdanovych, who helped organize a rally of Ukrainian supporters in Sydney on Sunday.
In September last year, the Australian Army’s MRH-90 helicopters were retired 14 months earlier than scheduled after a crash in Queensland killed four defense personnel during a training exercise. Ukraine officially requested the MRH-90s on 19 December 2023, despite the aircraft’s safety and operational concerns. “Our assessment of risk is different. We’re at war,” Bogdanovych said.
The co-chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, Kateryna Argyrou, said that “the Australian government, unfortunately, hasn’t communicated why those helicopters have been decommissioned and why they are being buried into the ground.”
Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko said he’s “hoping that there’s still a possibility … because we didn’t get any reply yet.”
The disassembly process has already begun, according to ABC.
Australia has been one of the largest non-NATO contributors to boost Ukrainian defense capabilities against Russian invasion. In particular, Australia has provided Ukraine with 120 Bushmaster vehicles and other support.
Read more:
- The Australian company sells its new Slinger anti-drone systems to Ukraine
- Ukraine will purchase 100 Remote Weapon Systems from Australia
- Australia commits additional $ 126 mn to train Ukrainian soldiers
- Australia boosts Ukraine’s defense with additional Bushmaster armored vehicles
- Australia to send reconnaissance aircraft to Germany to protect supplies to Ukraine
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https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/16/protesters-in-australia-demand-sending-retired-helicopters-to-ukraine-instead-of-paying-for-dismantling-them-abc-australia/
| 2024-01-16T07:41:50Z
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The first Ukrainian positions south of Bakhmut are only 200 meters away from Russians across the canal. Russian troops are trying to regain lost land and dig in.
— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) January 16, 2024
"Humor is the armor of mind. Otherwise, it will be completely sad," says the soldier, melting ice to make a coffee.… pic.twitter.com/LgOU9WvAAG
The soldier, the callsign Singer, is originally from Donetsk. After his city was occupied in 2014, he moved to Balakliya in the neighboring Kharkiv region. Still, in 2022, Russians occupied Balakliya as well, locked Singer in the basement, and tortured him, as he says with humor, “a bit.” He joined the Armed Forces immediately after they liberated Balakliya in September 2022.
His 28th brigade bears the name of the Knights of the Winter campaign. That is why winter should be more advantageous for them while some rest can be taken in summer, soldiers joke, melting ice to make a coffee.
“Humor is the armor of mind. Otherwise, it will be completely sad,” Singer says.
Read more:
- Conquering the darkness: journey of Ukrainian soldier from despair to resilience
- None of them wanted this life: the fury, silence, and “beauty” of war as recounted by Ukrainian soldiers
- Born in independent Ukraine, they now defend their country’s sovereignty & territorial integrity
- How a Ukrainian reconnaissance dog escaped from Russian hybrid forces
- “There are no words to describe that fear.” How I managed to escape the Russian siege alive
- Whoever could, fled the Russians. They went back to Irpin to save the rest
- “The route to life.” How volunteers secretly rescued 75,000 from a city encircled by Russian troops
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https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/16/ukrainian-troops-are-holding-defense-south-of-bakhmut-in-extreme-cold-only-200-meters-away-from-russians-video/
| 2024-01-16T07:42:30Z
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Back where their love story began 20 years ago, Zara and Mike Tindall look closer than ever as they cuddle up in the Australian sunshine. Putting aside their busy family life for a few days, the couple made the most of their working trip as they escaped the harsh British winter.
Zara, 42, and Mike, 45, left their three children at home in Gloucestershire to fly Down Under for the Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival, the equestrian festival she has served as ambassador of for the past 12 years. As well as competing in a showjumping event, playing in a polo match and galloping down the long, sandy beach at Surfer's Paradise, Zara also enjoyed some much-needed couple time with her husband, including lunch dates and ocean dips.
In this exclusive interview, Zara tells HELLO! that her annual visit to Queensland has made Australia feel like a "second home" and gives her and Mike, who appeared in the 2022 series of I'm A Celebrity .. Get Me Out of Here a chance to escape the bleak winter back in the UK, where they share a home on her mother the Princess Royal's Gloucestershire estate Gatcombe Park.
"Mike and I both love the vibe and personality of Australia," Zara says. "It really suits us with the outdoor lifestyle and everything that comes with it. What is not to love about being here? It feels busy but being by the beach and in the middle of summer is also relaxing, especially coming from the depths of our winter right now back home. We have always had a love for Australia and look forward to coming here. It is a second home to us but wouldn't move here as it's too far from family, but we will continue to get down as much as we can and enjoy it while we are here.
"I do like to be able to get out the summer wardrobe in the middle of our winter – that is a definite bonus," adds Zara, who stepped out in Aussie labels Zimmerman, Rebecca Vallance and Leo Lin.
Zara says she was thrilled to take part in the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo and Showjumping and to play alongside Argentinian polo star Nacho Figueras – a close friend of the Duke of Sussex – and his wife Delfina Blaquier, fellow ambassadors for the Australian thoroughbred auction house.
"It's always a great fun match with the other ambassadors, and with Mike alongside the field helping out on the commentary team, it is so much fun," she says. "The exhibition horse run down the Surfers Paradise foreshore is a real highlight. Those are the photos that really show off the Magic Millions carnival across the world, the real magic of what it is like here and how amazing it is."
Zara says she's proud to be Ambassador for Magic Millions Racing Women, which promotes female racehorse ownership.
"This year, for the first time, we also celebrated the Magic Millions Racing Women Awards to further celebrate the incredible work women are doing in this multifaceted industry. I was lucky enough to be on the judging panel for that and feel very privileged to be able to play a very small part in the progression of woman in this sport," says Zara, who was invited to be an ambassador by Katie Page, who co-owns Magic Millions with her husband Gerry Harvey. "Championing women, paving the way in the sport of racing, by offering bonus prizemoney for all female owned horses was the first concept of its kind, and it has grown so much. I am really happy to be part of this growing movement and hope that we can continue to develop it."
Zara, who was part of the silver medal winning three-day eventing team at the London 2012 Olympic Games, also competed in the Queensland Off the Track showjumping event, which features ex-racehorses – a transition she supports as patron of UK charity Retraining Racehorses, which helps retired horses into showjumping and other equestrian sports.
"Retraining of Racehorses is something I am really invested in," she says. "Life after racing is an important consideration for these incredibly intelligent and capable animals."
During their stay, Zara and Mike joined Nacho and Delfina for a day out at Byron Bay, a beach resort an hour south of the Gold Coast and had lunch with Australian actor Chris Hemsworth and his Spanish wife Elsa Pataky, who have a house in the area.
The trip Down Under is sure to have brought back happy memories for the couple, who met in Sydney during the 2003 Rugby World Cup while Mike was playing for the winning England team and Zara was on a gap year and visiting with her cousin Prince Harry. Mike has told how their paths crossed while he was in a bar with teammates Martin Correy and Austin Healey after being dropped from the semi-final.
"Later on, Austin gave me her number and said, 'She wants you to text her, to say where you're all going out after the final so she can come along," he told a newspaper in 2011. "First actual date, just went out for lunch locally. And ended up being quite a boozy one. Then we figured out that we both quite like getting smashed. It was a good start."
While the couple enjoyed a shared sense of fun and adventure, they also bonded over being at the top of their game in their respective sports.
"He understands the pressures and vice versa, which obviously helps, but it actually started from becoming very good friends," Zara later explained.
Mike, a down-to-earth Yorkshireman who went to a state grammar school, quicky won the hearts of Zara's family too, including her mother Anne and ger grandmother, the late Elizabeth 11.
"Zara's mum is a legend and her father is lovely too," he once said. "My mates in Wakefield are forever asking how I fit in among the royal family, but they are really down to earth."
The couple married in July 2011 at Canongate Kirk on Edinburgh's Royal Mile and are now hands-on parents to Mia Grace, who turns 10 this week (17 Jan), Lena, five, and two-year-old Lucas and the lively children have been spotted larking around with Mike at equestrian events. He admits that parenthood came as a "massive shock" and changed his relationship with Zara. The couple also suffered the heartbreak of two miscarriages.
"A marriage or long-term relationship can't always be roses and rainbows," he said in 2021. "When you have children, that is a massive shock, change to your system that you've never experienced, and there is going to be those rocky roads. There are things that are thrown at you that have to test both of you and that will test that relationship. The thing is no one is right, no one is wrong. You have to work through it together."
Pick up the latest issue of HELLO! on sale now. Subscribe to HELLO! to get the magazine delivered free to your door every week or purchase the digital edition online via our Apple or Google apps.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511317/mike-zara-tindall-explain-why-australia-second-home/
| 2024-01-16T08:05:26Z
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Crown Prince Leka II and Crown Princess Elia are divorcing after eight years of marriage.
Taking to social media on Monday, Prince Leka, who is the head of the Albanian royal family, announced the couple's mutual decision to end their marriage, saying their three-year-old daughter Geraldine remains their priority.
The statement, translated from Albanian, read: "Hello friends and well-wishers,
"Through this post, I officially inform you that LTM Princ Leka and Elia Zaharia have agreed to end their marriage. Since the marriage has lost its function, they have seen the way to resolve it by mutual consent by starting the necessary legal procedures."
It continued: "Despite the trust in the institution of the family, LTM Prince Leka II believes that the values of mutual respect and understanding will form the basis of the relationship in its continuity, which will have as its motive the growth and education of LSM Princess Geraldine!!!
"The spiritual and physical well-being of the girl, LSM Princess Geraldine, will remain at the center of their attention, dedicated to ensuring a happy and safe life for Geraldine.
"LTM Princ Leka Il will not make further statements or comments and requests that the right to privacy be respected regarding this matter."
Princess Elia, a former actress and singer, also shared a statement on social media in which she thanked her followers for their "kindness" during "these difficult months". The post, which has since been deleted, read: "Friends and well wishers, I need to inform you that today we started the legal procedures for the settlement of marriage, as we jointly decided to seek a divorce.
"This is not at all a reality that makes me happy, as I believe in family values as the most precious thing! I would never have chosen for my daughter to grow up with separate parents, but sometimes separation is the only option.
"What matters most, is that my baby girl experiences this moment as easily as possible. Thank you very much to all of you who wrote to me and gave me courage!
"Despite these difficult months I've gone through, your kindness has given me strength. I wish you health and happiness in your families."
READ: The shortest royal marriages: from Princess Caroline of Monaco to Peter and Autumn Phillips
Prince Leka, 41, and Princess Elia, 40, tied the knot back in 2016 in Albania's second-ever royal wedding. Four years later, they welcomed their first and only child, a baby girl named Geraldine.
The little girl was named in honour of the prince's grandmother, Queen Geraldine, who coincidentally passed away 18 years to the day before the young princess' birth.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511318/royals-announce-shock-divorce-after-eight-years-prince-leka-princess-elia/
| 2024-01-16T08:05:32Z
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Riley Keough reunited with her grandmother Priscilla Presley at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday night. The duo – who were involved in a legal dispute over the estate and will of Lisa Marie Presley – put on a united front as they posed for photos on the red carpet.
Coordinating in black gowns, Riley and Priscilla shared a few laughs, before heading into the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. A milestone moment, the Emmys marks Riley and Priscilla's first public appearance together, following the settlement of their highly-publicised dispute in court.
The family's legal battle began after Priscilla, 78, challenged the validity of an amendment to the will of her late daughter, Lisa Marie. Made in 2016, the amendment declared that Riley, as opposed to Priscilla and Lisa Marie's former business manager Barry Siegel, was the sole trustee of her estate.
Prior to Lisa Marie's passing in January 2023, Priscilla alleged that she had not been notified of her removal as a trustee. Moreover, the actress questioned the authenticity of Lisa Marie's signature on the document, noting that Lisa Marie had misspelt her own mother's name.
The estate left behind by her daughter included Graceland, the Memphis, Tennessee home that Elvis Presley bought in 1957 for $100,000 at age 22, and which today generates millions of dollars a year in revenue.
While explicit details of the settlement have not been made public, it was confirmed that one had been reached and filed in June, putting an end to any uncertainty over who is in charge of Lisa Marie's will.
Following their time in court, Priscilla's attorney, Ronson J. Shamoun, confirmed that "Everyone is happy," with the outcome. He also insisted that the family remains "united." Meanwhile, Riley's attorney, Justin Gold, declared that his client was "very content with the settlement."
Releasing a statement at the time, Priscilla said: "As a family, we are pleased that we resolved this together. "My family and I hope that everyone will grant us the privacy we have needed to properly grieve Lisa Marie and spend personal time together."
It was on 12 February 2023 that Lisa Marie passed away. Aged 54, the singer-songwriter died after experiencing complications from bariatric surgery – a weight loss procedure.
Sharing a tribute to her mother on the first anniversary of her death, Riley, 34, posted a photo of Lisa Marie on Instagram last week. Captioned with a heart emoji, the picture captured a young Riley sitting with her mom in a corner booth.
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Sally Nugent returned to BBC Breakfast on Tuesday morning after a two-week absence. The 52-year-old presenter usually fronts the programme every Monday to Wednesday with Jon Kay but has been away from her usual spot on the red sofa since New Year's Day.
Taking to Instagram over the weekend, Sally revealed that she had been away on holiday in the Maldives and was looking forward to returning to work.
Sharing a carousel of snaps from her idyllic trip, including one showing the journalist beaming on a beachfront while donning a royal blue, one-shoulder dress, she penned: "Home from a dreamy holiday and excited to get back to work. We've got a busy 2024 for you! See @bbcbreakfast soon."
Sally's co-star Jon was quick to comment on the post. He joked: "Love the Wirral. Looks incredible. Can't wait to see you and hear all about it x."
Sally's return comes after fans expressed concern over her extended absence. Taking to social media during her time off, viewers speculated whether the star had left the programme, with one person writing: "Where's Sally has she left #bbcbreakfast," while another penned: "@sallynugent Missing you on BBC Breakfast, hope you LL be back soon?"
This isn't the first time Sally has been away from the show in recent weeks. Back in December, the mum-of-one took some time off to rehearse ahead of her appearance on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.
Sally, who was partnered with professional dancer Graziano Di Prima for the one-off special, danced the Foxtrot to 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas', scoring a total of 38 points. Despite her impressive score, Sally lost out to EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and his dance partner Nancy Xu, who stole the show with their Quickstep to 'Merry Christmas Everyone'.
Sally isn't the only BBC Breakfast star to have returned to the programme this week. Weather presenter Carol Kirkwood was back on our screens on Monday in her first programme since her wedding to Steve Randall in December last year.
The Scottish star, who tied the knot with Steve at Cliveden House in Berkshire, opened up about her "romantic" winter nuptials.
READ: Carol Kirkwood and Steve Randall's love story is like something out of a movie
"I cannot tell you how fabulous it's been," she told hosts Jon and Sarah Campbell. "You shouldn't really be talking like this about your own wedding, but it was blissful. It was romantic. It was absolutely perfect. And I would not change a thing about the day."
The 61-year-old, who became engaged in the spring of 2022, continued: "It was very small as well and intimate so you didn't have to worry that Auntie Nellie didn't have a glass of sherry in her hand. You know, that kind of thing."
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511320/bbc-breakfast-sally-nugent-reveals-reason-for-absence-returns-after-fan-concern/
| 2024-01-16T08:49:24Z
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WELLINGTON - The first refugee to be elected to New Zealand’s Parliament resigned on Jan 16 over alleged shoplifting, which she said was related to personal stress and trauma.
Ms Golriz Ghahraman, an MP for the centre-left Green Party and its justice spokeswoman, is being investigated by police after three allegations of theft from boutique clothing shops.
The lawmaker, a former human rights lawyer, said her actions were “not a behaviour I can explain”.
Ms Ghahraman conceded she had fallen short of the standards expected of politicians and needed time to address her mental health.
Work-related stress led her to “act in ways that are completely out of character. I am not trying to excuse my actions, but I do want to explain them”, she said in a statement.
“The mental health professional I see says my recent behaviour is consistent with recent events giving rise to extreme stress response, and relating to previously unrecognised trauma.
“I have let down a lot of people and I am very sorry. It’s not a behaviour I can explain because it’s not rational in any way, and after medical evaluation, I understand I’m not well.”
Iran-born Ghahraman, 42, moved to New Zealand as a child with her family when they were granted political asylum as refugees.
After studying law, she became a United Nations human rights lawyer, working on international criminal tribunals before entering Parliament in 2017.
The theft accusations surround two alleged incidents at an Auckland luxury clothing store and another at a Wellington high-end clothes retailer – all in late 2023.
Last week, the Greens announced that Ms Ghahraman had stood down from her portfolio responsibilities while a police investigation was ongoing.
Prior to the allegations becoming public, Ms Ghahraman had been criticised for her prominent involvement in a string of pro-Palestine protests.
Green Party co-leader James Shaw said the pressure on his MP had mounted during that period, and he believed it intensified the stress that accompanied her through six years in Parliament.
“Golriz herself has been subject to pretty much continuous threats of sexual violence, physical violence, death threats, since the day she was elected,” Mr Shaw told journalists on Jan 16.
“Obviously, if you’re living with that level of threat in what is already quite a stressful situation then there are going to be consequences.
“So I have a lot of empathy for the fact that she has identified that she is in a state of extreme mental distress.”
Co-leader Marama Davidson said Ms Gharaman’s resignation was the right decision but lamented the party would lose a “lone voice” on many of her portfolios.
“We have seen the conversation over the past years, especially over the particular treatment of women with public profiles, and in addition, the particular treatment of women of colour with public profiles.” AFP
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| 2024-01-16T09:01:01Z
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TOKYO – Japan plans to double a fund used for disaster relief and other contingencies to US$6.8 billion (S$9.1 billion) after a devastating New Year’s Day earthquake, the government said on Jan 16, as snow worsened conditions for survivors.
The magnitude 7.5 quake and powerful aftershocks killed at least 222 people in central Japan, laying waste to houses and infrastructure.
In the Ishikawa region on the Sea of Japan coast, about 16,700 people were still stuck in limbo in shelters, many without running water.
“Uninterrupted support is necessary for the reconstruction and recovery of the disaster-hit areas,” Mr Hiroshi Moriya, deputy chief Cabinet secretary, told reporters.
In the fiscal year from April, the government will raise its reserve fund – used for emergencies from disasters to economic downturns – from 500 billion yen (S$4.6 billion) to one trillion yen, he said.
The revised draft budget is expected to be approved by ministers later on Jan 16 and will then be submitted to Parliament for enactment.
Separately, around 100 billion yen from the current fiscal year’s reserve fund was set to be earmarked for a relief package for the New Year’s Day quake, he added.
Fears are rising of further deaths due to worsening health conditions in shelters as a cold front blankets the coast in snow.
TV footage showed a long line of evacuees with heavy coats and umbrellas waiting for food rations, while others sifted through donated winter clothing.
Officials are trying to move people to secondary shelters in other regions with water, electricity and heaters, but progress has been slow.
On Jan 16, the quake-ravaged city of Wajima said it made prolonged accommodation arrangements for displaced residents at hotels elsewhere in Japan.
“Our infrastructure has been decimated, and full-fledged reconstruction is still nowhere in sight,” the city said in a statement.
Even so, analysts said the impact of the disaster on Japan’s economy would likely be limited, as the earthquake struck a remote area with few industrial sites.
Mr Takahide Kiuchi, an economist at the Nomura Research Institute, evaluated the cost of material damage at around 800 billion yen in a preliminary estimate.
That figure represents only 0.15 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product, and less than 5 per cent of the damage cost of the huge earthquake and tsunami that devastated north-eastern Japan in 2011. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japan-to-double-emergency-funds-to-9b-after-new-year-s-day-quake
| 2024-01-16T09:01:12Z
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TOKYO - Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) plans to start a fourth release of treated waste water from the wrecked Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in late February, an official said on Jan 16, continuing a move criticised by China.
The staged water releases began in August 2023.
Japan says the move is a key step in decommissioning the plant hit by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011 in the world's worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl.
China and Russia have banned seafood imports from Japan over safety concerns that Tokyo has said are scientifically unjustified.
In the fourth release, about 7,800 cubic metres of the treated water will be sent into the Pacific Ocean, similar to the previous three discharges, Mr Junichi Matsumoto, the Tepco official overseeing the operation, said in a media presentation.
As part of the decades-long plan to release the water, the fifth and sixth discharges will occur during the fiscal year ending in March 2025, his presentation showed.
Japan says the water is treated to remove most radioactive elements except tritium, an isotope of hydrogen that must be diluted because it is difficult to filter.
Tritium levels in surrounding waters since the initial discharge have met pre-determined standards and are below the World Health Organization's guidelines for drinking water quality, Mr Matsumoto said.
After initially stopping all nuclear reactors after the 2011 Fukushima disaster, Japan has started to gradually bring nuclear power back to its energy mix as it tries to cut its carbon footprint and reduce imports of fossil fuels.
But the powerful earthquake that struck Japan's Ishikawa prefecture on New Year's Day caused water spillover from spent nuclear fuel pools and oil leaks at the idled Shika nuclear power station in the region, spurring fresh safety concerns.
Mr Akira Ono, Tepco's chief decommissioning officer, told the same briefing on Jan 16 that its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the world's biggest, did not observe "any specific damage" during the Jan 1 earthquake, which also affected the Niigata prefecture where the plant is located.
Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority lifted an operational ban on the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant just days before the recent earthquake, but its restart time is unknown. REUTERS
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| 2024-01-16T09:01:22Z
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MANILA - Philippine jeepney drivers staged a noisy protest in the capital Manila on Jan 16 over the government’s plan to phase out the smoke-belching vehicles nationwide and replace them with modern mini-buses.
Jeepneys – first made from leftover United States jeeps after World War II – are a national symbol in the Philippines, and serve as the backbone of the country’s transport system.
They provide rides for millions of people across the country for as little as 13 pesos (31 Singapore cents).
A convoy of jeepneys drove through Manila in opposition to the phase-out plan, which was launched in 2017 as part of a programme to improve the country’s chaotic public transport system.
It has been repeatedly delayed due to protests and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Jeepney operators were given until the end of 2023 to join a cooperative, which will have two or three years to replace their fleet with modern vehicles that are safer and less polluting.
The cooperatives will be able to access bank financing and receive a government subsidy of between 200,000 pesos and 300,000 pesos per vehicle to ease the financial burden of the transition, officials have said.
But drivers opposed to the phase-out argue that joining a cooperative and buying a new vehicle will bury them in debt and they will not be able to earn enough money to survive.
And they will be required to drive a fixed schedule, rather than the current system that allows them to work for as long, and often, as they want.
“We are not against modernisation, what we are against is the system. They made a programme without consulting us,” said Mr Emilio Millares, 59, who has been driving a jeepney for four decades and took part in Jan 16’s protest.
“We will continue to fight for these jeepneys and our livelihoods until our last breath.”
The police said about 50 jeepneys were in the Manila convoy. Protests were also held in other cities.
Mr Restituto Rocafort told AFP on Jan 15 that he had almost paid off his jeepney and the phase-out plan would “only give me a huge debt”.
To meet his contribution requirements to the cooperative, he would need to earn 7,000 pesos a day, compared with his current daily earnings of 600 to 700 pesos, Mr Rocafort said.
Nearly 77 per cent of registered jeepneys in the country have joined cooperatives, while 97 per cent in Manila have consolidated, the transport bureau said on Jan 15.
Drivers who missed the Dec 31 deadline have been given permission to continue operating until the end of January.
Older drivers, like Mr Artemio Cinco, fear they will struggle to find employment after January 31 due to their age.
“I’m losing sleep, especially now that the grace period is ending in a few days,” Mr Cinco, 55, said. “I have eight children and many grandchildren. All are dependent on me.” AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/philippine-jeepney-drivers-protest-over-phase-out-plan
| 2024-01-16T09:01:32Z
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TAIPEI – Taiwan Premier Chen Chien-jen said on Jan 16 that the Cabinet will resign in accordance with past constitutional practice before the new Parliament meets in February, after the ruling party lost its majority in the legislature.
He did not give an exact date, but the new Parliament meets on Feb 1 following elections on Jan 13.
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party won the presidential election, but lost its majority in Parliament. Neither of Taiwan’s other parties, the Kuomintang (KMT) and the much smaller Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), won majorities either.
Under Taiwan’s system of government, the president appoints the premier, who then forms a Cabinet, and signs legislation into law.
Given that President-elect Lai Ching-te’s party will not have a parliamentary majority, he may have to reach across the aisle and appoint a premier and Cabinet that include opposition or non-party figures to enable legislation to be passed.
The KMT said on Jan 16 that it will “definitely fulfil the role of largest party” in Parliament and “exert the strongest supervisory power”.
TPP chairman Ko Wen-je wrote on his Facebook page on Jan 15 that its eight lawmaker seats out of 113 made it the “crucial minority”.
The DPP won 51 seats and the KMT 52.
While the new Parliament meets in February, Mr Lai will not take over as president until May 20. REUTERS
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| 2024-01-16T09:01:43Z
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Washington - The United States said it was disappointed that the tiny South Pacific nation of Nauru had switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China.
The State Department on Monday said: “While the Government of Nauru’s action on Jan 15 to sever its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan is a sovereign decision, it is nonetheless a disappointing one.
“Taiwan is a reliable, like-minded, and democratic partner. The PRC often makes promises in exchange for diplomatic relations that ultimately remain unfulfilled,” it said, referring to China by its official acronym, the People’s Republic of China.
In a move that bolsters Beijing’s ambitions in the region, the Nauru government said it would no longer recognise Taiwan “as a separate country” but “rather as an inalienable part of China’s territory”.
Nauru’s decision will likely be seen as a major coup for Beijing, as it was one of the few countries left that officially recognized Taipei on a diplomatic basis.
China claims democratic, self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if needed.
Nauru – population 12,500 – is one of the world’s smallest countries and lies about 4,000km north-east of Sydney.
Taiwan and China have engaged in a diplomatic tug-of-war to lure allies in the Pacific region, offering generous aid packages and assistance in agricultural and educational development. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/us-says-it-is-disappointed-as-nauru-switches-ties-from-taiwan-to-china
| 2024-01-16T09:01:53Z
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TOKYO – Uniqlo, part of the Fast Retailing Company, has sued Shein in Japan, accusing the Chinese retailer of copying its popular Round Mini Shoulder bag.
The entities that operate the Shein brand must immediately cease sales of “imitation products” and compensate for damages, Fast Retailing said in a statement on Jan 16.
The bag, sold for around 1,500 yen (S$14) in Japan, has become a global hit, with Uniqlo warning consumers about counterfeits and similar products being sold online.
Fast Retailing joins rival Hennes & Mauritz in suing Shein for copyright infringement in Hong Kong, where litigation aimed at mitigating the threat posed by the Chinese rival has been under way since 2021.
Representatives for Shein, which was founded in China and is now based in Singapore, did not immediately respond to requests seeking comment.
Uniqlo filed the lawsuit against Roadget Business, Fashion Choice, and Shein Japan on Dec 28 at the Tokyo District Court.
“The company filed this complaint because it has determined that the form of the imitation products sold by Shein closely resembles that of its own product,” Fast Retailing said in the statement.
“The sale of the imitation products by Shein significantly undermines the high level of customer confidence in the quality of the Uniqlo brand and its products.” BLOOMBERG
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/uniqlo-sues-shein-saying-chinese-retailer-copied-popular-shoulder-bag
| 2024-01-16T09:02:04Z
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Comedian Jee Seok-jin resumed filming of Running Man on Jan 15, a month after taking a hiatus due to health issues.
SBS, the South Korean broadcaster that airs the popular South Korean television variety show, announced the news on Running Man’s official Instagram account on Jan 16.
It posted a photo of Jee with the other cast members, along with the caption: “The eldest brother of the show is back. Expect big laughs and fun this year.”
The episode featuring Jee will air on Jan 28.
The 57-year-old South Korean entertainer has been part of Running Man since 2010 and is one of the show’s original members.
The current roster of cast members includes Yoo Jae-suk, Haha, Kim Jong-kook, Song Ji-hyo and Yang Se-chan.
On Dec 18, Jee announced via his agency, ESteem Entertainment, that he was taking a temporary break from filming the K-variety show as he needed treatment after a health screening. He did not elaborate on his condition.
The production team of Running Man also released a statement in Korean and English at the time.
“Jee has played a big role as the reliable eldest brother of Running Man,” it said. “But he was recently advised that he needs rest and treatment for his health.”
At the 2023 SBS Entertainment Awards held on Dec 30, Running Man received the coveted title of Program of the Year, while Jee won the Producer Award, which was chosen by producers of the awards show.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/comedian-jee-seok-jin-resumes-filming-of-running-man-after-short-hiatus
| 2024-01-16T09:02:14Z
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SINGAPORE – A man who was a part-time tutor when he molested his students, including an eight-year-old boy, was sentenced to 27 months’ jail and four strokes of the cane on Jan 16.
On Jan 5, Muhammad Nur Ikhlas Mohd Hashim, 26, pleaded guilty to three charges including two counts of molestation. Two other charges were taken into consideration during sentencing.
At the time of the offences in 2021 and 2023, Nur was a Singapore University of Social Sciences student and was working as a part-time tutor, earning about $2,000 to $3,000 a month.
In early 2021, he was hired to tutor a 13-year-old boy in science every Saturday evening. The lessons took place in the teenager’s bedroom with the door closed.
In June that year, Nur groped him during a lesson. The teenager did not know how to react and remained silent, and lessons with the offender continued until December 2022.
The second victim was an eight-year-old boy, whom Nur started tutoring in mathematics in October 2022.
The sessions were held in the child’s bedroom with the door left slightly ajar.
The boy’s mother would sit in the living room and look into the bedroom occasionally.
In earlier proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Claire Poh said the boy addressed the offender as “Abang Ikhlas”, or “ Brother Ikhlas” in Malay, and they were on good terms.
After a month, the boy’s mother noticed that Nur would rub her son’s back and poke him in the body, but she did not think much of the behaviour.
Between January and February 2023, Nur began placing the victim on his lap.
DPP Poh had said that Nur was trying to get the victim to become accustomed to physical contact so that the boy would let his guard down when Nur molested him.
On Feb 26, 2023, Nur touched the boy inappropriately while the latter was doing his homework.
Stunned, the boy did not know what to do and continued with his work. Nur then molested him again that day.
When the lesson ended, the boy told his mother about what had happened. She fired Nur that day, but did not lodge a police report.
The third victim was a 13-year-old boy, and Nur taught him mathematics and science from March 2022.
The lessons, which took place every Sunday afternoon, were conducted in the boy’s bedroom with the door closed.
The Secondary 2 student, who was shy and introverted, noticed that Nur liked to caress his thigh.
When Nur molested him on March 26, 2023, the shocked boy moved away from him.
DPP Poh had earlier said: “(The victim) was initially reluctant to report the accused’s actions to his family. On April 1 that year, he plucked up the courage and told his mother.”
The victim’s sister lodged a police report two days later. The other offences came to light during police investigations.
For molesting a person below 14 years of age, an offender can be jailed for up to five years, fined, caned, or receive any combination of such punishments.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/27-months-jail-caning-for-tutor-who-molested-his-students-including-boy-8
| 2024-01-16T09:02:24Z
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SINGAPORE – A mother who witnessed her son sexually assaulting her then 12-year-old daughter in their flat did not report it to the police and merely reminded him that she is his younger sister.
When the girl later got pregnant, the mother, who feared that the baby was her son’s, took her to try and get an abortion in Malaysia.
On Jan 16, the woman, 45, pleaded guilty to three charges, including two under the Children and Young Persons Act. She is expected to be sentenced on Feb 22.
The woman and other parties linked to this case cannot be named due to a gag order to protect the daughter’s identity.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Niranjan Ranjakunalan said the woman, her son – who is referred to as B2 in court documents – and her daughter, were living together in a two-room flat. The woman and the girl’s father are divorced.
In 2010, the mother walked into the kitchen in their flat and saw her son, who was then 13, and her daughter, then five years old, naked. She asked her son what he was doing, but he did not respond. She later told him that the girl is his younger sister and that he “should not do such a thing to her”.
Some time that same year, the victim was taking an afternoon nap in the flat while B2 was watching pornographic videos on the computer. Feeling aroused, he approached his sister and sexually abused her.
Later that day, the mother saw stains on her daughter’s panties while she was showering her and asked her son if he had sexually abused his sister. When he denied this, the mother again reminded him that the girl is his younger sister and that he “cannot do such a thing to her”.
The prosecution said that despite knowing as early as 2010 that B2 was sexually abusing his sister, and that the girl was at risk of further sexual abuse by her brother, the mother failed to take steps to protect her daughter from that risk.
She also did not regularly check with B2 and her daughter on whether her son had stopped the sexual abuse, and did not ensure that the siblings do not share a bed, added the DPP.
In fact, in 2017, the mother told her son, who was 20 years old then, to sleep on the same bed as her daughter, who was 12.
That same year, B2 committed statutory rape against his sister in the flat. While he was sexually assaulting her, the mother woke up from her sleep, lifted the blanket and saw her son on top of her daughter.
The mother asked her son what he was doing, but he did not answer. She then reminded B2 that the girl was his younger sister.
Later that year, B2 committed statutory rape against the victim while their mother was sleeping in the same room.
Shortly after, the siblings got into an argument, which woke their mother up. When she saw them together, she reminded B2 again that the girl was his younger sister and asked if he was not afraid of the consequences.
The offences came to light when the girl missed her period in October and November 2017. The mother got her daughter to take a home pregnancy test and realised she was pregnant.
She asked B2 if he had done anything to the victim, adding that she hoped he was not the father of the baby. B2 did not reply to this.
The mother subsequently took the victim to a clinic to confirm the pregnancy. She was advised to lodge a police report and take her daughter to the hospital for a full examination, but she did not do so as she was afraid her son would be arrested.
Instead, the mother took the girl to a clinic in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, for an abortion. When the doctor declined to perform the abortion as the foetus was more than eight weeks old, the mother decided that the daughter would keep the baby.
In January 2018, when the girl did not turn up for school several times, the school contacted the mother, who claimed her daughter was unwell and requested that she be withdrawn from school.
When the school said it needed a doctor’s letter confirming that the victim was not well enough to attend school, the mother admitted that the girl was pregnant and that her brother was the baby’s father.
The school informed the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s Child Protection Service and a police report was lodged.
The DPP said the girl’s pregnancy was terminated in February 2018, and that further investigations, including a paternity test, revealed that the biological father of the foetus was not B2 but someone else referred to as B3.
B3’s age was not revealed in court, but the prosecution said the victim met him online in 2017, and her sexualisation as a result of her repeated sexual activity with B2 contributed to her engaging in sexual acts with B3.
B3 was sentenced to eight years’ jail and six strokes of the cane for his offences, including having sex with the girl when she was below 14 years old.
For his offences such as statutory rape, B2, a diagnosed paedophile, was sentenced to 11½ years’ jail and seven strokes of the cane.
Seeking four to five years’ jail for the mother, DPP Niranjan said it was an egregious breach of trust on the mother’s part, and noted that she took active steps to evade detection of the crimes.
The DPP said the proposed sentence “is commensurate with the gravity of the accused’s offences and signals society’s disapprobation of a parent’s failure to protect her own child from serious sexual abuse”.
Defence lawyer Cory Wong sought not more than 36 months’ jail for his client, noting that she was born into a dysfunctional family and was herself a sexual assault victim when she was 13.
Gesturing to the filled seats in the courtroom, he told the judge that her family and relatives, including her daughter, turned up to show their support.
The defence lawyer added: “(We hope) this case does not leave behind an immutable thorn in this mother-child bond, at least from (my client’s) daughter’s perspective.”
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/mother-who-saw-son-sexually-assault-12-year-old-daughter-but-did-not-report-it-pleads-guilty
| 2024-01-16T09:02:35Z
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SINGAPORE - A pre-school teacher is under investigation for allegedly pushing a one-year-old boy away from a window when he tried to climb up the grille, after which he fell.
In response to queries, an Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) spokesperson on Jan 16 said the teacher had used an “inappropriate method” in trying to stop the child from climbing the grilles.
The incident was caught on closed-circuit television (CCTV).
The spokesperson said: “On Jan 3, 2024, the child was repeatedly attempting to climb onto a low window grille and the educator pushed him away from the window.
“The child fell on his bottom on the play mat and rolled over sideways onto his back.”
She added that ECDA reviewed CCTV footage from Jan 2 to Jan 5 when the child was in school, and that was when the incident was uncovered.
The incident was uncovered when the agency was reviewing CCTV footage from the child’s pre-school, after the child’s parents had reported to the pre-school that he was injured. The pre-school is PCF Sparkletots in the northern part of Singapore.
The boy’s father told ST on Jan 10 he had discovered a bruise the size of a 50-cent coin on his son’s right ear and scratches on his face on Jan 5.
This was just the fourth day of pre-school for the 22-month-old, who is an only child.
The father added: “My wife and I assumed that the injury could only come from school, as he did not suffer any knocks or falls at home.”
Worried, the father lodged a police report and took the child to see a doctor, who said there was no internal bleeding.
When pre-school operations resumed on Jan 8, the parents flagged the incident to the school.
Responding to queries, the pre-school’s operator PCF said on Jan 10 that CCTV footage was shown to the parents on Jan 9 and no cause for the bruise was seen then.
ECDA said the pre-school reported the incident to the agency on Jan 8, leading to investigations that included unannounced visits to the pre-school, reviewing CCTV footage when the child was present in the school, as well as interviews.
Based on the agency’s preliminary findings, the bruise on the boy’s right ear could have occurred on Jan 4 when the child was seated on a low chair, lost his balance and fell backwards onto the floor, ECDA said. This was caught on CCTV.
In an updated statement on Jan 16, PCF said it will cooperate with the agency’s investigations.
While the boy’s injuries have faded, he has stopped attending school after the injuries were discovered as he was “badly traumatised”, his father told ST on Jan 16. The boy’s parents have yet to decide on withdrawing their son from the pre-school.
Even now, the child’s father remains doubtful that the bruise on the boy’s ear had been caused by the child falling on his own.
He questioned why the pre-school had not flagged the incident involving a teacher, adding that he had learnt about that incident only on Jan 15 when ECDA informed him.
The agency said: “While incidents involving children may sometimes occur despite the pre-school’s best efforts, ECDA takes a serious view towards all cases of child mismanagement.
“Actions will be taken against the pre-school operator and staff if our findings support the allegation.”
When educators are found to have inappropriately managed children, ECDA will issue warning letters.
In serious cases, the individuals will be barred from working in the pre-school sector and can be referred to the police for criminal investigation.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/ecda-investigating-pre-school-teacher-for-pushing-one-year-old-boy-away-from-window
| 2024-01-16T09:02:45Z
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ROME – AS Roma have parted ways with manager Jose Mourinho with the club ninth in the league standings, the Serie A side said on Jan 16.
“AS Roma can confirm that Jose Mourinho and his coaching staff will leave the club with immediate effect,” the club said in a statement.
“Further updates on the new first team coaching staff will follow imminently.”
The Portuguese, who has coached a host of top European clubs including Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United, joined Roma in May 2021 and spent two-and-a-half-years in the role, leading them to the Europa Conference League title in 2022.
He also guided them to the Europa League final last season, before they were defeated by Sevilla on penalties.
The 60-year-old’s final game in charge was the 3-1 defeat to AC Milan on Jan 14 which meant the Stadio Olympico-based outfit had won just one of their past six league games. REUTERS
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| 2024-01-16T09:02:56Z
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SINGAPORE – At first glance, water polo player Chow Yong Jun does not appear to be your typical 14-year-old boy with his 1.86m and 80kg frame.
It is not just his physique that sets him apart from his peers. In a few days, the teenager will be travelling over 9,400km to the Serbian city of Valjevo, where he will be based on his own for two years with Valjevo Valis’ youth water polo squad as he chases his sporting dreams.
The longest he has been away from home was just over two weeks in 2022 for a training camp in Serbia with his local club Pacer.
It was during that trip that Yong Jun caught the eye of Valis, who compete in the Serbian Water Polo League A, the country’s top league.
A powerhouse in the sport, the Serbia national men’s team are two-time Olympic winners and three-time world champions.
Yong Jun said: “The environment there and in Singapore is quite different. In Singapore they prioritise studies, but over there they play sports, they’re very passionate and they have a lot of drive.
“By going over there, I can improve much faster. The training there is much more tedious and they have a different kind of experience – they’re all bigger, stronger, more aggressive.”
While the club had expressed interest in recruiting Yong Jun as a professional player, his parents were apprehensive as they were worried that the two-year stint would affect his studies.
But when they found out that the Singapore Sports School (SSP) allowed for remote learning, Yong Jun transferred from the School of Science and Technology to SSP in 2024.
The Singapore Olympic Foundation-Tan Family Water Polo Fund, Sport Singapore and Singapore Aquatics also came on board to sponsor him financially.
His mother Krystal Koh said: “We’re very worried about him being alone there at this age, but he loves the sport so much and he proved to us that he wants to go there.
“He assured us that he can do it and this is a rare opportunity so we eventually agreed to let him try it out.”
The homemaker, 48, noted her son’s dedication to the sport – there were times when he got home after 11pm owing to his training.
Yong Jun’s love affair with water polo began in Primary 3, when his father, a former player, introduced him to it. He then made the switch from table tennis.
The right driver and wing impressed in the National League, winning many Most Valuable Player awards in his various Under-14, U-15 and U-16 matches, before earning the call-up to the national youth development squad about six months ago.
Travelling to Serbia in winter to join the team mid-season will be tough, with Yong Jun noting that it was challenging to play against players in his age group during the 2022 trip.
He can also expect an increased training load – in the mornings he will work with the senior squad, with gym sessions scheduled on some days, followed by an evening session in the pool with the younger players.
Yong Jun is determined to do all it takes to get himself ready. When his team here were on a holiday break, he worked out at the gym to maintain his fitness and he has been learning Serbian on his own in the past month.
Ahead of his Serbia stint, he has been training with the senior national team for the last few months.
National men’s coach Kan Aoyagi, who is also Singapore Aquatics’ water polo technical director, noted that it is unusual for a Serbian club to take in players of Yong Jun’s age as “they must be really, really good”.
The Japanese said: “Our target is to have more competition and understand his ability as compared to players of other countries... He really has the motivation to play, very passionate. I hope when he goes to Serbia, he continues to improve.”
Yong Jun is already eyeing a spot in Singapore’s senior side, who have won 28 gold medals at the SEA Games. He added: “I believe when I go over to Valis, they will help me achieve the best of my ability and push me. I hope that I will be able to play for the national team one day and win some medals.”
Professor Tan Say Beng, representative of the Singapore Olympic Foundation-Tan Family Water Polo Fund, said it is “pleased to support Yong Jun’s aspirations in water polo”.
“We are encouraged by his desire and courage to take the path less travelled to train and study in a foreign and competitive environment in his aim to be a better athlete. We hope he fulfils his objectives in this endeavour and gains valuable experience to continue contributing to Singapore water polo.”
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/singapore-water-polo-player-chow-yong-jun-14-lands-two-year-stint-with-serbian-club
| 2024-01-16T09:03:06Z
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The mayor of the southern Russian city of Voronezh declared a state of emergency on Tuesday after what officials said was a Ukraine-launched drone attack that damaged several buildings and wounded a child.
People from at least one apartment building were evacuated to a nearby school after drone debris sparked a small fire and blew out windows, Mayor Vadim Kstenin said on the Telegram messaging app.
Windows in other buildings were also shattered, he said, adding: "The introduced state of emergency in the city will ... allow for a prompt implementation of measures to replace them."
The governor of the region, Alexander Gusev, said on his Telegram channel that a girl was injured when drone debris fell onto her apartment building.
On its Telegram channel, the Russian defence ministry said it had destroyed five drones and intercepted three others overnight over the Voronezh region, which borders Ukraine. Voronezh city is the administrative centre of the region.
The ministry also said that it intercepted four drones in the nearby Russian Belgorod region.
Voronezh, a city of more than 1 million people, lies some 250 kilometres (155 miles) from the border with Ukraine.
There was no immediate comment from Ukraine. Kyiv has intensified its air attacks in recent months in what it says are strikes targeting Russian military infrastructure to undermine Moscow's war efforts.
Russia has an air base near Voronezh city, where some Sukhoi Su-34s bombers are based, according to Russian media. Russia often deploys the fighter-bomber aircraft during air strikes on Ukraine.
Russian news outlet Shot reported on Telegram that at least 15 blasts were heard near the air base and some drone debris fell nearby onto an apartment building.
Reuters could not independently verify the reports. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/officials-declare-state-of-emergency-in-russias-voronezh-city-after-ukraine-drone-attack
| 2024-01-16T09:03:16Z
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MOSCOW - Elvira Nabiullina, the governor of Russia's central bank, has cancelled a scheduled appearance at an exhibition in Moscow on Tuesday.
No reason was given for her absence. The central bank declined to comment.
Nabiullina, who has led the Bank of Russia since 2013, had been due to speak at the 'Finance Day' forum at the Rossiya exhibition in Moscow.
Nabiullina, 60, is credited with modernising Russia's central bank policy, particularly launching a floating exchange rate in November 2014 that enabled the regulator to pursue an inflation targeting regime.
Nabiullina won plaudits at home and abroad for steering Russia's economy through an oil-price slump and the first barrage of Western sanctions following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Her decision to hike interest rates to 20% shortly after Russia sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022 and the imposition of capital controls were crucial factors in defending the rouble and preventing severe capital outflows that could have derailed Russia's economy. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/russian-central-bank-governor-nabiullina-cancels-appearance-at-exhibition
| 2024-01-16T09:03:27Z
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MOSCOW - Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has filed a lawsuit in a St Petersburg court seeking to nationalise car dealership Rolf, the court said late on Monday, just weeks after Moscow put the asset under the state's temporary management.
St Petersburg's Moskovskiy District Court said it had accepted a lawsuit filed by prosecutors, which seeks the seizure of all shares in Rolf, Russia's largest car dealership, and affiliated companies as "property obtained in violation of anti-corruption legislation".
Russian businessman Sergei Petrov, who owns Rolf, has long been accused by Russian authorities of illegally moving money abroad, charges he denies, and has had a warrant issued for his arrest. He now lives in Austria and did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In December 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin placed Rolf under temporary state management, a move the Kremlin said was driven solely by "economic expediency and compliance with current legislation".
Petrov in December called that seizure another blow to Russia's investment landscape and said state management may have been ordered "in the interests of one of the structures now trying to buy up (assets)".
The court said prosecutors had asked the court to hand over all shares, should they be seized fully, to the state. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/russian-prosecutors-seek-to-nationalise-seized-car-dealership-court-says
| 2024-01-16T09:03:37Z
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LONDON – Funds managing more than US$4 trillion (S$5.35 trillion) of assets have joined forces with climate activist organisation Follow This to intensify the pressure on Shell to slash its greenhouse gas emissions.
The group, which includes Europe’s largest asset manager Amundi, will co-file a shareholders’ resolution pushing the oil firm to align itself with the Paris climate agreement, according to a statement on Jan 15. This is a step further than where the investors have gone in previous years, when they voted in support of resolutions filed by Follow This.
“This escalation of 27 leading investors puts the call for emissions reductions by energy companies front and centre,” Follow This founder Mark van Baal said in the statement.
The resolution focuses on so-called Scope 3 emissions – those generated when customers use oil companies’ products that make up the bulk of their greenhouse gases. It asks Shell to align its medium-term Scope 3 reduction target with the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to well below 2 deg C above pre-industrial levels.
A Shell spokesperson said: “We remain committed to constructive engagement with our shareholders, and we believe our climate targets are aligned with the more ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement.
“The 2024 resolution from Follow This is broadly unchanged from its 2023 submission, which was rejected by shareholders.”
As well as Amundi, the group of co-filing investors includes pension provider Scottish Widows, asset management firm Candriam, the Rathbones Group and Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management. The 27 investors collectively own around 5 per cent of Shell stock, according to Follow This.
Their direct involvement in the filing is a coup for the activist group, after support for its shareholder resolutions at oil majors fell from a peak reached in 2021.
“Escalation is necessary if investors want to urge major CO2 (carbon dioxide) emitters to review their business model in order to reach global climate targets,” Mr Vincent Kaufmann, chief executive officer of the Ethos Foundation, which represents five Swiss investors, said in a statement.
The group understands the need for fossil fuels in the short-term but “we see the need for open communication and a clear strategy” on the transition away from hydrocarbons, Mr Jan Peterson, senior portfolio manager at Swedish pension fund AP4, said in the statement.
Shell has come under increased scrutiny from environmentalists and climate-conscious investors after it raised the proportion of annual investments that go into fossil fuels in 2023. Each year, the company seeks an advisory vote on the progress of its energy transition strategy, which will be updated before its annual general meeting in May. BLOOMBERG
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/shell-investors-join-climate-activist-group-in-urging-greater-emissions-cut
| 2024-01-16T09:03:48Z
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PORT LOUIS – Mauritius raised a cyclone warning alert to maximum on Dec 16 as powerful winds and rains from tropical storm Belal caused havoc in the Indian Ocean island nation.
The government ordered all inhabitants to stay indoors, but the meteorological service said the storm was now moving eastwards away from the remote island.
Belal has left thousands of people without power, and numerous cars piled up on streets or submerged under flood waters caused by torrential rains.
The police said the body of a motorcyclist was found on a flooded highway, and the person was the victim of a road accident.
Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, in a statement on national television on Jan 15, said there has been one fatality so far.
Belal earlier battered the French overseas territory of Reunion, leaving one person dead.
The international airport in Mauritius was closed on Jan 15 until further notice and Air Mauritius said several flights scheduled for Jan 16, including to France and South Africa, have been cancelled.
In his address on Monday, Mr Jugnauth criticised the Mauritius Meteorological Services (MMS) and announced that its director had submitted his resignation.
He said: “I have to admit that the country has had a difficult time because of Cyclone Belal.
“I am surprised that the arrival of the heavy rains was not anticipated by the weather services. I share the anger of many Mauritians. Those responsible will have to assume their responsibilities.”
He added that all decisions made by the government depended on information from the met service.
On Jan 15, the government said a curfew would remain in force until noon on Jan 16, with only certain people such as emergency workers allowed to go outdoors.
The Central Electricity Board said 8,400 people in Mauritius, which has a population of nearly 1.3 million, were without power.
The country’s met service said in its update on the morning of Jan 16 that gusts of up to 120kmh were pummelling the island, which is a magnet for tourists attracted by its stunning white beaches and crystal-clear waters.
It added that the highest level cyclone warning of four was now in force, but that barometric pressure was rising, “indicating that Belal has already crossed at its closest distance from Mauritius”.
“However, the cyclonic winds associated with Belal are still influencing the island,” the MMS added.
It warned of sea swells of up to 10m beyond the reefs.
“Storm surge will cause coastal inundation along low-lying coastal areas. It is strictly advised not to go out at sea and to avoid venturing along beaches.”
Severe Tropical Storm Belal is centred at about 150km south-south-east of Mauritius, and is moving eastwards at a speed of about 15kmh.
About a dozen storms or cyclones occur each year in the south-west Indian Ocean during the November to April season.
In February 2023, Mauritius was lashed by heavy rains and high winds from Cyclone Freddy, which caused a wave of death and destruction in south-eastern Africa including Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/mauritius-on-maximum-cyclone-alert-as-storm-belal-wreaks-havoc
| 2024-01-16T09:03:58Z
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WASHINGTON – When Estonia’s much-feted prime minister, Ms Kaja Kallas, went to Washington in November, she did not just meet White House officials. She also made sure to talk to key allies of former US president Donald Trump.
In October, her foreign minister was in the heart of Trump country, thanking workers at a Lockheed Martin Corp. factory in Arkansas for their contribution to his country’s security – in the form of the Himars multiple rocket launchers made there.
“It’s important that we take these messages not only to Washington but also to other part of American society, to states that are perhaps a little more conservative,” Mr Margus Tsahkna told reporters.
The outreach is just one example of how countries around the world are delicately – but urgently – preparing for Trump’s possible return to the White House.
It is a reality that is likely to resonate at this week’s meetings of the global elite in Davos after the former president’s convincing win in the Iowa caucuses further tightened his grip on the Republican nomination.
It sets up a probable rematch with US President Joe Biden, who lags in national polls.
Back in 2016, Trump’s election stunned US allies and rivals alike. This time, leaders are not taking any chances.
Residents of Washington’s Embassy Row have been scouring the city to meet ex-officials and anyone else close to the former president to get a read on his foreign policy plans.
Some have even reached out directly to Trump, massaging his ego, or in Estonia’s case, seeking to head off his habitual complaint that Europe is not spending enough on defence.
Others are sounding the alarm publicly. “It is clearly a threat,” European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde told French TV last week, citing the lessons of Trump’s first term.
Few in power are so open. But interviews with government officials from Europe to Asia, Africa and Latin America lay bare their concerns – in some cases, their hopes – about the impact of a Trump reprise, for security, trade, and climate action, and the balance of global power.
Most asked not to be named discussing what is nominally an internal US matter, with the campaign only now picking up and predicted to be tight.
Fears, hopes
Many US allies are concerned about Trump’s America First rhetoric and threats to pull out of Nato, not to mention his protectionist trade policies.
At European Union summits, some leaders are scared to even mention the prospect of his return for fear of making it more likely, one senior diplomat said.
With Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine heading into its third year, 2024 could be a tipping point for Europe’s security, said a Baltic official.
In the Middle East, Trump’s unquestioning embrace of Israel has some EU diplomats worried that the Gaza war might worsen, fuelling a new wave of refugees heading for Europe.
But some nations of the Global South see opportunities in the former president’s more transactional approach.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi enjoyed a personal rapport with Trump, and his government preferred the previous administration to Mr Biden’s, which has lectured New Delhi on human rights even as it has sought to enlist its support against China, according to officials. Their fondest hope: Trump picks Indian-American Vivek Ramaswamy as his running mate.
Brazil, which assumed the Group of 20 presidency from India, sees President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s G-20 plans for climate action, poverty reduction and reform of the International Monetary Fund as vulnerable to a resurgent Trump.
Italy’s agenda for its G-7 presidency is similarly affected by the spectre of his return. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also faces a personal and political dilemma, having cheered on Trump while in opposition at an event in Washington in 2019, but in office, cultivating a close relationship with Mr Biden.
Perhaps counter-intuitively, the view from Beijing is one of little change in the fundamental trajectory of China-US relations.
Renmin University’s Institute of International Affairs’s director, Professor Wang Yiwei, noted that tariffs levied during the Trump presidency remain in place, and despite positive signals from 2023’s presidential meeting, what he called the US containment of China has not changed, bringing “real harm”.
Trade worries
In fact, China’s economy would benefit modestly from one of Trump’s signature initiatives, the imposition of 10 per cent across-the-board tariffs on imports and the likely retaliation it would bring, according to estimates by Bloomberg Economics. US growth and employment would slow. Canada and especially Mexico, fellow signatories of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), would suffer disproportionately.
Canada’s business community sees the USMCA as an existential issue – and it is due for a joint review in 2026.
Still, as a veteran of Trump’s first term, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took care to stay on good terms with him in public, while his senior aides forged relationships with Trump’s staff behind the scenes. That gives his team some confidence they can “stick-handle” another Trump presidency, though no one pretends it would be easy.
Mexican officials are having conversations with all camps, including people in Trump’s orbit, and see their successful dealings with Trump before on complex topics like trade and migration as giving them confidence they can wrangle him again. What’s more, even though June elections mean a new Mexican president is due to take office in October, a singular focus in Washington on migration at the southern US border is likely to be something of a relief after the Biden administration’s additional interest in democracy, human rights and the environment.
The EU, which engaged in tit-for-tat sanctions with the Trump administration over US tariffs on steel and aluminium, wants to “Trump-proof” agreements with the US, though it is not clear how successful those efforts will be.
One senior EU diplomat – who put the chance of a Trump return at 50-50 – said there is a greater awareness of the bloc’s dependencies in energy and raw materials, and the need to address them. His possible return has come up several times at official meetings.
Defence, security
Many of the most critical – and anxious – voices are to be heard in Europe, where governments are bracing themselves for the potential impact of Trump 2.0 on Russian relations, the Ukraine war and the future of Nato.
Several European delegations have been shuttling to Washington to reach out to Trump’s representatives and to the Heritage Foundation that is working on his policy platform.
The aim is partly to sound out who might be part of his administration to get a better handle on what to expect and to convey the message that Europe is paying its way in defence terms.
Personal ties are seen as key – something former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe grasped from the outset, according to Mr Ichiro Fujisaki, Japan’s ambassador to the US from 2008-2012.
“Abe-san’s way was to play golf and have a lot of time together,” he said. “But then try not to give in but to speak personally about what he needs and what he has done for Trump.”
Still, Trump demanded more money from Tokyo to pay towards the upkeep of US bases in Japan. It is a return to that quid-pro-quo approach to US security guarantees that worries many governments the most.
Taking no risks, Sweden, Finland and Denmark signed defence cooperation agreements with Washington in December. Finland is buying 64 F-35A fighter jets from the US, and in December announced investments to double artillery shell production.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a favourite target of Trump’s in the past, has made no secret of his preference for Mr Biden, and there is anxiety in Berlin over what a new Trump administration could bring.
But Germany, too, is finally taking defence spending seriously, stepping up to help Ukraine militarily while deploying troops to the Baltic states. Mr Scholz has said that Germany should be ready to step in if others – read the US – pare back aid for Kyiv.
Others in Europe worry that could come even before a change of administration, as Republican opposition has stalled US support in 2024.
Opportunities
Some sense a chance: France, which has consistently pushed for a more sovereign Europe in industrial and defence terms, is aware of the paradox that Trump may provide the best opportunity yet for Europe to overcome national reservations and come together.
Britain sees a possibility of restarting negotiations on a free trade deal with the US that was viewed by Conservatives as the prize of quitting the EU. Having made little progress under Mr Biden, the prospects may be brighter under Brexit supporter Trump.
Trump is any case not much concerned by his European critics. “The last thing we’re really thinking about is a handful of people in Europe,” Mr Chris LaCivita, a Trump senior adviser, said in a roundtable hosted by Bloomberg News in Des Moines, Iowa, when asked about Ms Lagarde’s comments.
Trump enjoyed warm ties with Saudi Arabia, and his son-in-law, Mr Jared Kushner, has retained and built on his business relations in the United Arab Emirates, including setting up a private company in the Abu Dhabi Global Market in late 2023.
Trump’s temperament is in some ways more in tune with the UAE and other Gulf states, meaning there is not much that worries them about the prospect of his return.
But the reality is they’re becoming used to volatility in US foreign policy and are moving to solve problems by themselves without relying on Washington.
Sheer unpredictability is an issue for all governments, though: Even Russia bemoans the inability to count on any long-term stable foreign policy strategy by Washington. With the war in Ukraine at a stalemate and likely to remain so in 2024, Russian eyes are on the US election.
There is a general sense that things will go better for Mr Putin and his entourage in 2024, with Trump’s re-election one of the main expectations, said a person familiar with the Kremlin’s thinking. Still, after uncontrolled enthusiasm over Trump’s election in 2016 quickly gave way to disappointment that he didn’t deliver more for Moscow, the view this time is cautious. Whatever happens, the person said, the Kremlin will enjoy the spectacle. BLOOMBERG
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/a-wary-world-girds-for-trump-s-return-to-the-white-house
| 2024-01-16T09:04:08Z
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WASHINGTON – The world’s two biggest greenhouse gas emitters are charting a new course for cooperation after the departures of Mr John Kerry and Mr Xie Zhenhua – two titans of climate diplomacy who paved the way for landmark agreements.
Representing the United States and China, the two men spent years on opposite sides of the negotiating table hammering out global deals to cut planet-warming emissions.
Their close personal relationship has endured even as ties between the two superpowers deteriorated over issues from trade to Taiwan, which is set to become a renewed source of tension after a weekend election that returned the US-friendly ruling party to power.
The challenge now is building a system that can continue even without Mr Xie and Mr Kerry’s unique connection.
Their successors will be able to draw on a foundation of goodwill built during their years of leadership and already have a mechanism in place to keep talks going.
While China has named career diplomat Mr Liu Zhenmin, 68, to the role, a replacement for Mr Kerry has yet to be announced.
The two countries in 2021 agreed to establish a working group and later tasked it with collaborating on the energy transition, methane, deforestation and the circular economy, among other issues. That group, which had a virtual meeting on Jan 12, is meant to sustain progress during the shift in envoys and potentially a change in US presidents, too.
“Xie and Kerry knew they were on their way out, and they wanted to make sure there was some architecture” so work could carry on, said Mr Jake Schmidt, senior strategic director of international climate at the Natural Resources Defence Council. “Having it embedded in the working group is one way to do that.”
Mr Kerry, a seasoned politician and diplomat, brought unusual gravitas to his role. Previously, the job has been held by bureaucrats who are steeped in diplomacy but lack the same high profile.
Mr Biden could go back to that low-key route, though that might require US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to work more aggressively and visibly on climate issues – a challenge given ongoing turmoil in the Middle East and Ukraine.
High-profile potential successors include former Washington state governor Jay Inslee, whose 2020 campaign for the White House was focused on climate, and Mr John Podesta, a seasoned government strategist now in the White House overseeing the implementation of the 2022 climate law known as the Inflation Reduction Act.
2024 will be a challenging year for whoever fills the role.
This year’s United Nations COP talks, the most important annual gathering on the climate diplomacy calendar, will focus on how much developed countries must contribute financially to help poor nations deal with global warming.
The US, which is most responsible for the emissions in the atmosphere today, will be under special scrutiny. China, now the world’s top emitter, is also under pressure to contribute funds, despite its official status as a developing nation.
The summit in Azerbaijan is set to begin just days after a US presidential election that could dramatically reorient the country’s posture on climate.
On the campaign trail, Republicans and Democrats are already pushing a tougher line against China. Mr Biden will be increasingly under pressure to do the same, making it tough to remain conciliatory over climate issues.
China, meanwhile, has gone with a non-controversial option in Mr Liu, the top diplomat appointed to succeed Mr Xie.
A fluent English speaker and law school graduate, Mr Liu has served as Chinese vice-minister for foreign affairs and under-secretary-general for economic and social affairs at the UN. He has been involved in past UN climate talks, including the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement negotiations.
Mr Liu attended the COP28 summit in 2023 as a senior adviser to Mr Xie and spoke on behalf of the Chinese delegation on several occasions. However, he kept a low profile and avoided conversations with journalists offstage.
Many Chinese government officials close to Mr Xie said they want to preserve his legacy in a more visible way to ensure that the levers for cooperation he developed with Mr Kerry continue to work.
Mr Xie and Mr Kerry were key figures at COP28 in Dubai, helping to broker the first global agreement to move away from fossil fuels. As the conference wrapped up, Mr Kerry invited Mr Xie to join him for a closing press conference. The Chinese diplomat stressed that the two men would continue to work together even outside their official roles.
“We are good friends,” Mr Xie said. “Why? Because we have a common philosophy, which is to value and commit to environmental protection and respond to climate change. We will not leave this field and will do our best to push forward the progress.” BLOOMBERG
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/us-china-start-new-climate-era-after-veteran-envoys-step-down
| 2024-01-16T09:04:19Z
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Planning a Valentine's Day proposal in 2024, or hoping for one? They say diamonds are a girl's best friend, which is why you can't go wrong with a sparkling diamond engagement ring when you're planning to pop the question. Whether it's an oval diamond engagement ring, halo, trilogy or your classic solitaire, there's an engagement ring peppered with a diamond or two to suit all tastes and budgets. It even topped the list as the most iconic engagement ring type of 2023, with Megan Fox's sparkler taking the top spot.
And if it's a proposal you're hoping for, why not leave this website open on your laptop next time your other half is around...nothing like a little engagement ring inspiration to get the thoughts flowing.
How I chose the best diamond engagement rings
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Variety: From halo to oval to emerald cut and more, the edit includes a wide variety of rings to cover all tastes. There's trend-led rings, classic cuts and unusual shapes too.
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Shop HELLO!'s pick of the best diamond engagement rings
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Available in yellow gold
Free delivery
Mappin & Webb's solitaire diamond engagement ring is a beautifully traditional engagement ring, with the focus on one stunning round brilliant cut diamond.
Beaverbrooks
Platinum Diamond Halo Ring
Carat size: .53
Diamond shape: Round brilliant
Ring sizes available: I-R
Also available in 18ct white gold and 18ct yellow gold
Free next delivery on orders over £75
A timeless token of love, this Platinum Diamond Halo Ring is seriously stunning. It's hard not to fall in love with the beautiful round-cut diamond which sits at its centre.
H Samuel
White Gold Pear Cut Halo Ring
Carat size: 0.33
Diamond shape: Pear
Ring sizes available: I-S
9ct white gold band
Free delivery with a £40 spend
This stunning diamond engagement ring from H Samuel looks luxurious, but comes in under £800.
Crafted in smooth 9 carat white gold, this diamond halo ring is styled with a central pear cut claw set diamond.
Goldsmiths
Jenny Packham Platinum Diamond Oval Halo Engagement Ring
Carat size: 0.75
Diamond shape: Oval
Ring sizes available: I-Q
Available in platinum or 18ct white gold
Free delivery
Returns within 30 days
For vintage-inspired elegance, it doesn't get much better than this oval-cut halo ring created by one of the Princess of Wales's favourite designers, Jenny Packham, available at Goldsmiths.
Pandora
Infinite Lab-Grown Diamond Ring
Carat size: From .25 - 1.75
Diamond shape: Round brilliant
Lab-grown diamond
Ring sizes available: 48-60
Available in 14k gold, 14k white gold and sterling silver
Free special delivery
A solid 14k yellow gold ring, hand set with a lab-grown diamond, which you can choose to be from .25 to 1.75 carats.
This infinity style ring is a beautiful sentiment to give your soon to be Mrs to show your commitment.
Carrie Elizabeth Jewellery
Aria Salt & Pepper Diamond Engagement Ring
Carat size: 0.18
Salt and pepper diamond
Also crafted with 6 white baguette cubic zirconia's
Ring sizes available: H-Y
Available in 14k or 18k solid white gold
Free delivery with £75 spend
For an engagement ring that's unique and interesting, Carrie Elizabeth should be a go-to. This ring is crafted in 14k solid white gold and the stunning Salt & Pepper diamonds have a wild, natural beauty that is mysterious and luxurious in appearance.
The distinctive “Salt & Pepper” pattern is created by inclusions and imperfections in the diamond that look like little speckles and flecks of white and black, creating a mottled, smoky effect in a spectrum of silky grey tones - no two are ever the same.
Dower & Hall
Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring
Carat size: 0.50-0.75
Diamond shape: Marquise
Made to order
Ring sizes available: J-P
Available in platinum, 18k white gold and 18k yellow gold
Free delivery with £75 spend
Created using recycled metals, this Marquise cut diamond engagement ring is a showstopper, with its contemporary, angular shape and yet classic design.
Handcrafted in London, and comes with a one-year warranty.
Tiffany & Co
Soleste Pear-Shaped Halo Engagement Ring
Carat size: From 0.56 - 1.74
Diamond shape: Pear
Diamond platinum band
Hailed as the inventor of the modern engagement ring, that little blue Tiffany & Co. box alone will be enough to ensure she says yes.
The Tiffany Soleste Pear-shaped engagement ring gathers and mirrors light, resulting in an unrivalled display of brilliance. According to the jeweller, the pear shape was made popular in the 18th century and is said to represent tears of joy, fitting as it will surely make her emotional.
Vrai
The Five Stone Heirloom Round Brilliant Engagement Ring
Carat size: From 1 - 2 available (centre stone)
Diamond shape: Round brilliant
Ring sizes available: 3-11
Available in platinum, 14k rose gold or 18k white gold or yellow gold
Engraving available
Sustainably grown diamond
£20 delivery cost
Vrai creates utterly stunning engagement rings using Vrai created lab grown diamonds, and this ring is no exception.
This ring can be personalised, with the buyer being able to choose metal, diamond shape and even have it engraved too.
Ernest Jones
Diamond Round and Baguette Ring
Vera Wang
Total Diamond Engagement Ring
Carat size: 0.70
Diamond shape: Emerald cut
Ring sizes available: I-S
Platinum band
Free standard delivery
The go-to wedding dress designer for everyone from Rochelle Humes to Hailey Bieber, you can also snap up Vera Wang's designs from her Vera Wang LOVE jewellery collection. The white gold diamond halo ring features a 0.70ct diamond with Vera's signature sapphire underneath
Taylor & Hart
Utopia Emerald Diamond Centre Platinum Engagement Ring
Carat size: 0.9
Diamond shape: Emerald
Lab-grown diamond
Ring sizes available: A-Z
Available in platinum
Engraving available
Free special delivery
90 day returns policy
Celebrities including Amal Clooney, Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez all love their emerald cut diamond engagement rings, so she'll be in good company with this sparkler from Taylor & Hart.
Annoushka
Marguerite Five Diamond Engagement Ring
Carat size: 1.36ct total
Ring sizes available: K-P
Available in white gold or bi-colour
Crafted using 100% recycled metal
Responsibly sourced diamonds
Free next day delivery
This five stone engagement ring is handset with a 0.50ct central diamond, flanked by four smaller diamonds in Annoushka's signature bezel setting.
Neil Lane
Diamond Halo Ring
Carat size: 0.75ct total
Ring sizes available: I-S
Available in white gold
Free next day delivery
A go-to designer worn by everyone from Miley Cyrus to Jennifer Lawrence, you don't need a Hollywood budget to treat that special someone to a Neil Lane engagement ring. A highlight from his Ernest Jones collection is this diamond halo ring, currently half price.
How much money should you spend on an engagement ring?
Past traditions dictate that three months' salary should be spent on an engagement ring, however, these days there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Everyone has a different idea of budget and with so many designers and high-street jewellers offering a wide range of stunning styles, price doesn't have to be a major cause for concern. Steven Stone’s Managing Director Zack Stone commented: "Though it emerged as a marketing tactic post World War II to boost diamond sales, people tend to follow the guideline that they should spend three months salary on a ring. As of 2024, the typical expenditure on an engagement ring falls within the range of £4,000 to £5,000.
"However, there’s no obligation to conform to this average - what’s most important is that you spend what you’re comfortable with and get the best possible value for your money."
If you're worried about making the wrong choice, a dummy proposal ring could be an option and you and your bride-to-be can go ring shopping together afterwards.
How many carats is appropriate for a diamond engagement ring?
"The average carat weight for a natural diamond engagement ring sold at Steven Stone in 2023 was 0.844," reveals Zack. "In line with the years rise in lab grown diamonds, the average carat weight for a lab-grown diamond engagement ring sold at Steven Stone was 1.358." Of course, there's no pressure to abide by a certain carat size as other factors such as budget and style can impact your final choice.
Buying a diamond engagement ring - the four C's
Don't hit the jewellery shops without arming yourself with the knowledge of the four C's, what to look for when buying an engagement ring:
Carat - This refers to the diamond's actual weight, not size. One carat equals 0.2g. The bigger the carat, the bigger the diamond.
Colour - With a white diamond, this refers to how white the diamond is. They're graded D to Z, with D being the most white. "An I colour is the average offered by high-street jewellers," explains one of 77 Diamonds in-house experts. "J, K and L have a slight tint to them and you can see it's quite yellow, so they're much more suited to rose gold or yellow gold rings because you have the warmth of the metal, so you don't see the colour of the diamond as much."
Clarity - When talking about clarity, it's about how flawed or flawless the diamond is. The top-level of clarity is flawless or internally flawless – that means inside the stone there's nothing wrong with it whatsoever
Cut - A lot of the time, cut is mistaken for shape but shape refers to just that, whether it's an oval, emerald, square etc. Cut refers to the light reflection within the stone, and is graded excellent, very good, good, fair or poor.
What's the most popular diamond engagement ring trend?
At Steven Stone, 44% of engagement rings sold boasted a round cut diamond, which Zack calls "a timeless cut that exhibits exceptional symmetry and brilliance."
"The round cut diamonds enduring popularity is a testament to its unmatched brilliance, adaptability to various settings, and deep-rooted symbolism of everlasting love. As couples continue to seek timeless and elegant symbols of commitment, the round cut diamond remains a steadfast and beloved choice for generations to come," he adds.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/511044/best-diamond-engagement-rings-we-love/
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