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Cameron Young recovered from a poor front nine to card a one-under-par 71 and has a two-shot lead after the third round of the Dubai Desert Classic on Saturday, where Rory McIlroy shot the lowest round of the day to roar back into contention.
The American is 14 under-par overall, with McIlroy and Poland's Adrian Meronk two shots behind going into the final round.
Young began the day with a three-shot lead, but world number two and defending champion McIlroy, 10 shots off the lead at the start of play, hit a flawless nine-under-par 63 to give himself a great chance of retaining his title.
"I played some very, very good golf, definitely better than I played the last couple of days and nice to get myself right back in the tournament," McIlroy said.
He holed five birdies on the front nine and as he eagled the 18th, Young was hitting a double-bogey on the seventh, and when the American followed up with a bogey on the next, McIlroy was in the clubhouse with the overall lead.
It's a competition McIlroy has won three times already, and was the first title of his professional career when he triumphed in 2009.
"I think for me the key to this golf course is always the front nine because it is the tougher nine and if you can play that nine well you give yourself a ton of momentum going into the more scorable back nine," McIlroy said.
Young didn't wilt under the pressure, however, and three birdies on the back nine saw him regain the lead.
China's Li Haotong and Dane Rasmus Hojgaard are both five shots adrift of the leader. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/golf/young-hangs-onto-lead-going-into-final-round-in-dubai-as-mcilroy-roars-back
| 2024-01-20T14:42:14Z
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SINGAPORE – From 2004 to 2015, Valeri Obidko had helped to develop several national jumpers in Singapore, with some of their national records still standing. Yet a second spell still excites the 59-year-old.
On Jan 20, Singapore Athletics (SA) announced that the Russian-born Singaporean has been appointed as its national jumps coach and coach developer.
SA president Lien Choong Luen said Obidko’s experience had benefited Singapore previously.
Two of his former athletes, Stefan Tseng and Matthew Goh set national records for the men’s triple jump (16.04m) and long jump (7.62m) respectively in 2009, both of which have yet to be eclipsed.
“SA wants to take a systematic discipline-by-discipline approach to our programmes to maximise our success for the 2029 SEA Games,” said Lien, adding that Obidko is “ready to help our jumps community develop their fullest potential”.
Obidko had two stints as Singapore Sports School’s (SSP) jumps coach (2004-2009 and 2013-2015), sandwiching his tenure as national jumps coach from 2009 to 2013.
From 2016 to 2023, he had coached Thailand’s national jumpers. Under his guidance, long and triple jumper Parinya Chuaimaroeng clinched an Asian Games silver medal in 2018 and an Asian Championships gold in 2019. She also won the women’s triple jump gold at the last SEA Games.
Speaking to The Straits Times on Jan 20, Obidko said: “I am always excited by a challenge. And the challenge of bringing up the jumps level here is something that will not be easy but that is also why I am looking forward to taking it on.”
While he had informal talks with Lien in May 2022, it was not until he resigned from his post in Thailand after the 2023 Asian Games that serious discussions about returning took place.
A primary reason for returning is to be with his wife Chan See Huey, a local jumps coach, who returned to Singapore from Thailand in 2023 to care for her mother.
Obidko, who gained Singapore citizenship in 2011, added: “I am very happy to be back home. To contribute back to this country and its sport scene gives me a good feeling and I feel a bit like I have unfinished business.”
The Republic has enjoyed a good spell on the track in recent years, with sprint queen Shanti Pereira leading the way. But it is in the field events that Singapore has failed to meet the mark.
At the 2023 SEA Games, the only medal from a field event came in a bronze by high jumper Michelle Sng.
There have been no Singapore representative – male or female – in either the long or triple jump since the 2015 SEA Games on home soil.
The fact that Tseng and Goh’s national records have been standing for almost 15 years is also a clear sign that “things must improve”, said Obidko.
While he has just taken up the assignment, he is bullish about meeting a long-term objective of having two Singapore athletes in every jump event in both genders at the 2029 SEA Games, which the Republic will be hosting.
He said: “Results motivate me and the result I want to see in the future is to ensure we have good representation at the SEA Games when it comes back to Singapore.
“Since 2015, we have no representatives in horizontal jumps at the Games and we must change that and to do that, I will work with our local coaches to bring up our level of jumps.
“For a start, we must have more sparring sessions locally and send our athletes for more competitions.”
It is not all doom and gloom, however, with Obidko identifying Tia Louise Rozario, 23, whom he had worked with at SSP previously, and Kampton Kam, 22, as medal prospects.
Rozario is the triple jump national record holder (12.92m) while Kam holds the national mark for indoor high jump (2.08m).
Obidko will also keep a close eye on the National School Games to identify fresh talents. While he promises to leave no stone unturned in a bid to boost the national jumps scene, do not be surprised if you see him at a music festival.
An avid drummer, Obidko’s return to Singapore will also see him reunite with his Singapore-based rock band MegalomaniA, which began as a Black Sabbath tribute band before releasing two albums of original songs.
Helping Singapore to win a medal in the jump events at the 2029 Games might prove to be his greatest hit.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/valeri-obidko-returns-to-singapore-for-second-spell-as-national-jumps-coach
| 2024-01-20T14:42:25Z
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MOSCOW - The wife of a Russian soldier delivered an emotional appeal for his return from Ukraine on Jan 20 at the election headquarters of President Vladimir Putin, a defiant gesture in a country where open criticism of the war is banned.
"Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has issued a decree that my husband has to be there (in Ukraine). I'm interested to know when he will issue a decree that my husband has to be home," Ms Maria Andreyeva said, as campaign workers looked on.
She became involved in a heated exchange with a woman who told her that Russian soldiers in Ukraine were defending the motherland and she should pray for them.
"So what's next? The Ministry of Defence has spent its money, now we need to squeeze everything out of our guys, get the last life out of them? So that they come back to us just as stumps?" Ms Andreyeva demanded.
"Will they give me the stump? What will I get back? A man without legs, without arms, a sick man? Don't you know what's happening there?"
The exchange took place during a visit to President Putin's election base by a small delegation from "The Way Home", an organisation of soldiers' wives that is campaigning for their return from the front.
It showed the depth of anger and despair among some soldiers' families as the war grinds on, with no end in sight after nearly two years.
President Putin mobilised 300,000 reservists in September 2022 in an unpopular move that he has said there is no need to repeat because hundreds of thousands more have signed up voluntarily as contract soldiers.
He told the country in December that Russia was in a strong position across the entire front line and would press ahead to meet the goals of what he calls its "special military operation".
President Putin chose a gathering with soldiers in December to announce his plan to run for a new six-year term at an election in March, where supporters and opponents alike see his victory as a foregone conclusion. He also frequently appears with soldiers' families, including relatives of those who have died in combat, whom he has praised for their sacrifice and heroism.
Ms Andreyeva said she did not detect any urgency from the authorities to address the concerns of soldiers' wives, and it was time to step up their campaign.
She told reporters her toddler daughter was suffering from arrested speech development because of her father's absence.
"All my family's problems can only be solved by one thing - by my husband being demobilised. Because she is a completely different child when her father comes home." REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/at-putin-campaign-hq-soldiers-wife-says-bring-him-home
| 2024-01-20T14:42:35Z
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LONDON – A manager who sued her employer for not being allowed to work from home full-time has lost her case at a London court.
Ms Elizabeth Wilson, a £140,000 (S$238,300)-a-year senior manager, sued the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) at a British employment tribunal after her request to work from home permanently was turned down due to her management responsibilities, according to the ruling.
Judge Robert Richter said the FCA was “right to identify weaknesses with remote working” and that technology is not well suited to the “fast-paced interplay of exchanges” or for “rapid discussion”, in a ruling from December 2023 that was made public this week.
The employment tribunal decision is one of the first public British court rulings on the rollback of pandemic remote working arrangements.
Many global companies are now cracking down on employees who are staying away from the office, even though many workers favour flexible work arrangements.
Ms Wilson requested to work remotely permanently following the easing of pandemic restrictions, when FCA staff were asked to work from the office around 40 per cent of the time.
Her line manager refused the request because although she was high-performing, the arrangement would have a “detrimental impact” on her work.
Ms Wilson’s manager said working from home would mean she would not be able to provide face-to-face training or coach new joiners, according to the judgment.
She also said Ms Wilson played a vital leadership role and junior colleagues would want to meet her in person.
The judge said working from home will mean the manager’s ability to observe and respond to non-verbal communication, which can arise outside of formal events, will be limited and such interaction is important for working with other people.
The FCA declined to comment. BLOOMBERG
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/british-judge-rejects-manager-s-bid-to-work-from-home-permanently
| 2024-01-20T14:42:45Z
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JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared on Saturday to push back against U.S. President Joe Biden's remarks about Palestinian statehood after the war against Hamas in Gaza ends.
Biden on Friday said he spoke with Netanyahu about possible solutions for creation of an independent Palestinian state, suggesting one path could involve a non-militarized government.
"In his conversation with President Biden, Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated his policy that after Hamas is destroyed Israel must retain security control over Gaza to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel, a requirement that contradicts the demand for Palestinian sovereignty," a statement from the Israeli prime minister's office said.
Asked to clarify whether Netanyahu is opposed to any kind of Palestinian statehood, his office did not immediately respond.
Biden's call with Netanyahu was the first in nearly a month, the White House said. Asked if a two-state solution was "impossible" while Netanyahu was in office, Biden said, "No, it's not."
He said Netanyahu was not opposed to all two-state solutions, and there were a number of types possible.
Netanyahu has stopped short of outright and explicit rejection of Palestinian statehood. But on Thursday he said that in any arrangement in the foreseeable future:
"With an accord or without an accord, Israel must have security control over the entire territory West of the Jordan River. That's a necessary condition. It clashes with the principle of sovereignty but what can you do."
U.S.-backed peace talks toward the so-called "two-state solution" that would see Israel living side by side with a Palestinian state in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, collapsed a decade ago.
On Thursday, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said there was no way to solve Israel's long-term security challenges and the short-term challenges of rebuilding Gaza without the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Miller said Israel had an opportunity right now as countries in the region were ready to provide security assurances to Israel. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/netanyahu-told-biden-gaza-plans-clash-with-palestinian-sovereignty-statement-says
| 2024-01-20T14:42:56Z
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Anglo-Welsh league dreams look dead in the water
The likelihood of an Anglo-Welsh or British and Irish League being set up any time soon seems very low following remarks made by Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chairman Richard Collier-Keywood.
Despite apparent enthusiasm from Wales head coach Warren Gatland and support from former Wales and British Lions captain Sam Warburton for an Anglo-Welsh league following decent crowds at Cardiff for games against English teams in the Investec Champions Cup, Collier-Keywood has dismissed the idea for the time being at least.
Collier-Keywood stated that no formal discussions have taken place regarding such a league. “None that I have been involved in or am aware of,” Collier-Keywood told the BBC. “Our position is we are committed to the United Rugby Championship (URC).
He did however fall short of ruling out the future possibility of change, saying: “There are dates we are committed to and we will have a good look at what the future options are. It is not straight forward to switch and we’re doing our best to make sure the URC is commercially attractive. The URC is in place and England have their own commitments. But I agree with Warren that Anglo-Welsh games get the blood running, are great spectacles and likely to attract larger crowds.”
“Those matches are often the most exciting, have the most emotions attached and we would love more of them.”
The Welsh regions are currently facing continued financial strains, with budgets set to reduce to £4.5m next season. Collier-Keywood acknowledged the challenges posed by the budget cap, indicating the WRU are making efforts to channel more funds into the regional game.
Despite the financial difficulties, the union remains committed to maintaining four competitive regions, despite calls for the axing of at least one side.
Collier-Keywood also addressed the 25-cap rule for Welsh players, noting that while no changes are imminent, the rule is under review. The aim is to retain top Welsh talent within the country, a crucial factor for the national team’s success.
The repayment of the £20m Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), negotiated to save the regions during the pandemic, adds to the financial woes. The Welsh regions are burdened with a high-interest rate of 8.25 per cent and are in talks with the Welsh Government for support.
In addition, the WRU is progressing with the implementation of recommendations from an independent review conducted in November 2023, which found issues of sexism, misogyny, racism, and homophobia within the organization. Dame Anne Rafferty heads an external oversight group to monitor the progress of these reforms.
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https://www.rugbypass.com/news/anglo-welsh-league-dreams-look-dead-in-the-water/
| 2024-01-20T15:29:50Z
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Although he hasn't been president for seven years, Barack Obama still has a number of fans as he maintains a regular public presence. But when Bree Woodrum sent out spontaneous invites to the former president and his wife Michelle, she couldn't have expected to actually receive a response.
The bride-to-be was gearing up for her wedding to partner Jean in September 2023, when she sent an invitation to Barack and Michelle on a whim. Months later, she received a response from the couple which she shared on TikTok.
The letter read: "Dear Bree and Jean, Congratulations on your wedding! We hope your marriage will be blessed with love, laughter and happiness and that your bond grows stronger with each passing year."
"This occasion marks the beginning of a lifelong partnership and as you embark on this journey, know you have our very best for the many joys and adventures that lie ahead", they wrote, signing off from Barack and Michelle.
The couple were utterly gobsmacked by the letter, which had their wedding date - September 2nd 2023 - printed on it as well as a stamp from the couple.
The letter read: "Dear Bree and Jean, Congratulations on your wedding! We hope your marriage will be blessed with love, laughter and happiness and that your bond grows stronger with each passing year."
"This occasion marks the beginning of a lifelong partnership and as you embark on this journey, know you have our very best for the many joys and adventures that lie ahead", they wrote, signing off from Barack and Michelle.
The couple were utterly gobsmacked by the letter, which had their wedding date - September 2nd 2023 - printed on it as well as a stamp from the couple.
Speaking to People, Bree explained that the reason she had sent a letter to the Obamas was because "he legalized gay marriage which allowed us to get married as a same-sex couple." As such, they were first on the couple's list.
"I’ve just always loved the Obamas in general because they’re just a powerhouse couple", she added. "He was also the first president I got to see and remember getting inaugurated, so he’s special to me."
The couple had always planned to send leftover wedding invitations to celebrities just in case they actually replied.
"I have seen others online in the past show responses or gifts they received from celebrities they invited to graduations, baby showers and weddings, and just thought, why not?" she explained, as the couple had also invited Drew Barrymore.
With the original video amassing millions of views, it's safe to say that Bree and Jean were overwhelmed by the positive response. As she had initially had to wait for her wife to return from work before opening the letter, her favorite messages were ones like "'You need to drive to your wife’s job right now, we can’t wait any longer to see what’s inside the letter.' And others that keep saying Barack Obama and I are best friends now."
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511724/michelle-barack-obama-major-fan-reaction-respond-couples-wedding-invitation/
| 2024-01-20T15:47:42Z
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Michelle Keegan is always on our style radar for her glamorous attire and fabulous hairstyles. But now she has shown that she can really wear it all as she took to Instagram to share an array of stunning snaps from her picture-perfect snowy getaway where she wowed in fitted skiwear.
She shared a snowy Instagram story captioned 'winter wonderland' and we can see why. The Fool Me Once actress, 36, looked so stylish in not one, but two stunning skiwear looks on her mountainous French getaway. She was seen in a set with fitted black ski trousers and a padded coat in a black and white houndstooth pattern. She paired it with a gorgeous cream knitted beanie and a pair of black cat-eye sunglasses. Her hair was worn down and wavy for a casual look.
On the same day the former Corrie star posed with her husband former TOWIE star and Heart radio host Mark Wright, 37, who was cuddled up to his wife in a black ski suit with a pair of orange-tinted ski goggles balanced on his head. Michelle wrote a sweet message to Mark who celebrates his birthday today, saying: "Happy birthday. What a fab week celebrating it by doing what you love to do the most...having no chill, racing down the slopes & thrashing everyone."
In another snowy shot, Michelle was seen against a picturesque backdrop with her skis on one shoulder wearing a beige all-in-one ski suit with white and grey patterning. The Brassic actress wore a coordinating beanie and her hair was styled straight for an apt off-duty look.
The Ten Pound Poms star shared an array of photos of the incredible landscape of their trip, including a lighthearted selfie in a ski-lift and a snap of their après-ski treats that included a glass of Aperol Spritz and a delicious hot chocolate. Michelle was also seen posing in a line with Mark's family whom they went away with including his sister Jess Wright, 38, and fellow former TOWIE star James Argent, 36.
Before she went away on the picturesque ski holiday, Michelle had been pulling out the stops sartorially as she promoted her new hit Netflix series Fool Me Once starring Joanna Lumley and Richard Armitage.
The actress made an appearance on The Graham Norton Show wearing a sensational black midi dress with a statement gold panel on the waist that almost looked like armour. She paired the unusual dress with a pair of gold strappy heels and upped the ante on the makeup front thanks to her MUA Krystal Dawn with a sultry black eyeliner and wore her hair in a swept-over loose wave look courtesy of Harold Casey.
Just days prior, Michelle stepped out with her co-star Joanna Lumley for an appearance on The One Show in a gorgeous power suit moment. The Our Girl actress paired matching checked pieces – a pair of wide-leg trousers and a wrap top with a buckle on the waist-tie. She wore her hair in a voluminous updo and ditched accessories altogether.
We also couldn't get enough of Michelle's second take on a power suit when she was spotted entering the BBC studios for a Radio 2 interview in a stunning 60s-inspired tweed and denim cropped jacket and mini skirt co-ord. She teamed the ensemble with a pair of ultra-trendy silver kitten heels, an oversized navy leather clutch, and an unexpected pair of leather gloves. The finishing touch was a navy longline coat slung over her shoulders.
DISCOVER: Michelle Keegan's beautiful bridesmaids wore the slinkiest fitted dresses for Mark Wright nuptials
Princess Kate was seen visiting The National Portrait Gallery Workshop at the Evelina London Children's Hospital in 2020 in a very similar blue-toned tweed jacket and skirt co-ord to Michelle's in 2020 showing the versatility of the classic aesthetic.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/celebrity-style/511720/michelle-keegan-wows-fitted-skiwear-winter-wonderland-getaway-mark-wright/
| 2024-01-20T15:47:48Z
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Abbey Clancy put her model credentials on full display on Saturday as the star shared a clip from her photoshoot with Perfect magazine where she stunned in the most risqué swimsuit.
The black one-piece featured a design of nude body parts in white paint and its high-cut meant that Abbey's stunningly toned legs were on full display. As the model posed for the photoshoot, she playfully she playfully struck a few sultry poses while moving her beach-blonde hair across her face, making her appear to be the biggest bombshell.
Alongside her stunning swimsuit, Abbey also dazzled in a pair of sky-high heels, allowing her to appear statuesque as she posed for the shots.
The mum-of-four opted for a simple caption, sharing: "theperfectmagazine ISSUE 6 sneak peak," alongside a heart emoji, but her fans went wild in the comments.
One enthused: "I wish my legs were half as long as those. LOVING the swimsuit too…," while a second commented: "These are the legs that ZZ Top sang about," and a third added: "4 kids and a body like that absolutely unreal."
A fourth complimented: "What a beautiful woman and what a body," while close friend Holly Willoughby called the 38-year-old "gorgeous".
Abbey has always commanded attention with her daring looks and last year, the star posed in the most ravishing pink sheer item that showed off her physique alongside her toned stomach.
Abbey playfully posed with an arm over her chest while also making sure to grab attention in a pair of strappy heels. Her long beach-blonde hair partially obscured her face, as it cascaded down her face. She kept her caption simple with a beating heart emoji.
Abbey has previously revealed that the secret to her amazing figure is a healthy, balanced diet combined with regular exercise like reformer pilates. Speaking to Your Fitness Today, the star said: "I hate running, I can't do it but I love a family bike ride or pushing the pram with my 20 million stone baby! Then the toning element comes from reformer pilates. I love it."
But despite her husband, Peter Crouch, being a sports megastar, the star avoids working out with the former footballer. "He does so much for his job already and even keeps it up on holiday, going for a run or hitting the gym and that's a little too dedicated for me," she confessed to Health & Wellbeing.
"I think everybody exercises for different reasons, whether it's stress relief, to lose weight, tone up or for their overall health. For me it makes a massive difference to my energy levels and muscle tone."
WOW: Abbey Clancy is the ultimate Bond Girl in tiny flaming bikini
RELATED: Abbey Clancy smoulders wearing plunging deep-V bikini in steamy photoshoot
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/celebrity-style/511723/abbey-clancy-all-legs-wows-risque-swimsuit/
| 2024-01-20T15:47:54Z
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BANGKOK - The 14.8 million tonnes of mineral resources discovered recently in Phang Nga province may not be entirely lithium, a rare mineral which is a key component for making batteries for electric vehicles (EV), a government official clarified on Jan 20.
“The 14.8 million tonnes discovered are the total amount of mineral resources and not lithium resources,” deputy government spokeswoman Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri said. “Mineral resources could contain several kinds of minerals, including lithium.”
Earlier on Jan 18, Ms Radklao quoted an Industry Ministry report which confirmed the capacities of the Ruangkiat and Bang Etu sites in Phang Nga province, south of Thailand.
The report said the sites contained lepidolite, which has an average lithium oxide of 0.45 per cent. With proper mining and refining operations, the sites could produce raw material to make lithium-ion batteries for at least one million units of 50 kWh electric vehicles.
Ms Radklao said on Jan 18 that the finding of high lithium content in Phang Nga makes Thailand the country with the third-largest lithium resources after Bolivia and Argentina.
However, on Jan 20 she quoted the Department of Primary Industries and Mines as saying that the earlier report was a misunderstanding, as the discovery confirmed availability of mineral resources and not purely lithium resources.
This also invalidates the claim that Thailand has the third-largest lithium resources in the world.
“The discovery of 14.8 million tonnes of mineral resources is still a good news for all Thais, regardless of the amount of lithium found,” said Ms Radklao.
“All key mineral resources found in Thailand, be they lithium, sodium or potash, can contribute to the country’s economic stability and reduce reliance on import.”
She added that the government is committed to promoting the EV industry in Thailand under its EV3.5 campaign, which also includes promoting Thailand to be a hub of EV battery manufacturing in the region.
The government’s clarification on Jan 20 came after several parties criticised the report of lithium discovery in Phang Nga as inaccurate.
Chulalongkorn University science lecturer Jessada Denduangboripant posted on his Facebook page on Jan 19 that the average amount of lithium that could be extracted from 14.8 million tonnes of mineral resources is only about 66,600 tonnes.
It is estimated that there are about 93 million tonnes of lithium resources in the world, most of which are in South America.
The top 10 countries with confirmed lithium resources are Bolivia (21 million tonnes), Argentina (20 million), Chile (11 million), Australia (7.9 million), China (6.8 million), Germany (3.2 million), Congo (3 million), Canada (2.9 million), Mexico (1.7 million), and Czech Republic (1.3 million).
“With 66,600 tonnes of lithium, Thailand will be ranked in 22nd place, between Finland (68,000) and Austria (60,000),” he said. THE NATION / ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/thai-government-clarifies-on-lithium-discovery-after-experts-debunk-claims
| 2024-01-20T16:14:12Z
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GANGNEUNG, South Korea – German teenager Antonia Pietschmann claimed the first gold medal at the 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympic Games after dominating the women’s singles luge on Jan 20.
The 17-year-old finished her opening run in 47.985 seconds, leading the event at the Alpensia Sliding Centre that had also hosted the sport at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in 2018.
Pietschmann went faster in the second run in 47.789sec, becoming the only athlete to cross the finish line under 48 seconds.
She claimed the gold with an overall time of 1min 35.774sec, notching the 10th luge medal at the Winter Youth Olympics for Germany.
The women’s luge is the first sport to begin at the Games, with 31 athletes competing. Alexandra Oberstolz of Italy secured the silver 1:36.326, while the bronze went to Marie Riedl of Austria.
“I feel incredible because I also know that I am the first medal winner for Germany, and it’s a gold medal, so very nice,” Pietschmann said.
“I expected to have chances, but I didn’t know how good I was,” she added.
Also on Saturday, China’s short track speed skating youngsters took three medals.
Yang Jingru claimed China’s first gold medal in the women’s 1,500m in 2:33.148, followed by teammate Li Jinzi in 2:41.543, while Zhang Xinzhe clinched a silver in the men’s 1,500m in 2:22.095, marking his first international podium.
“I achieved my goal. Actually, I wanted to win the gold medal beforehand, and I am very happy that I got it,” said 17-year-old Yang.
“There are still competitions to come, and I will continue to strive for good results.”
Joo Jae-hee won the event in 2:21.906, giving the host nation their first gold.
With two golds, a silver and a bronze from the first competition day, France currently top the medal table.
Jonas Chollet took first place in the men’s snowboard cross, while Antonin Guy won the men’s biathlon 12.5km individual.
A total of 1,802 athletes aged 14 to 18 from 78 nations and regions will compete in the four cities of Gangneung, Pyeongchang, Jeongseon and Hoengseong until Feb 1.
The Games feature seven sports, 15 disciplines and 81 events. China are second (1-2-0) in the standings, followed by Germany and Italy (both 1-1-1). XINHUA
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/first-gold-goes-to-germany-as-chinese-skaters-shine-on-day-1-of-gangwon-winter-youth-olympics
| 2024-01-20T16:14:23Z
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LONDON - Arsenal returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion with a 5-0 drubbing of toothless London rivals Crystal Palace to climb one place to third in the Premier League on Saturday.
Gabriel's headed goal from a corner and a Dean Henderson own goal - also largely the work of Gabriel - put Mikel Arteta's side in control in the first half, and with Palace looking lacklustre, Leandro Trossard increased the lead just short of the hour as he finished off a sweeping move.
Substitute Gabriel Martinelli confirmed Arsenal's superiority and added some gloss to the scoreline with two almost identical finishes in stoppage time.
Palace, who are 14th, had a few chances of their own and almost equalised when Jefferson Lerma's swerving shot was well-saved by David Raya shortly before Arsenal made it 2-0.
Such was Arsenal's comfort that Arteta was able to make four substitutions late on with Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Trossard and Gabriel all being given a breather.
Arsenal's victory ended a run of three successive defeats in all competitions and put them level on 43 points with Aston Villa and champions Manchester City. Arsenal's goal difference is superior to Villa's but worse than City's. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/arsenal-get-back-on-track-with-5-0-thrashing-of-palace
| 2024-01-20T16:14:33Z
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LONDON – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he wanted to see more of the same kind of aggression, as his side breathed new life into their English Premier League title challenge with a 5-0 home win over Crystal Palace on Jan 20.
Centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes did most of the damage before half-time as he headed in the opener and then forced Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson into an own goal.
Leandro Trossard made it 3-0 just before the hour mark, before substitute Gabriel Martinelli struck twice in stoppage time.
Victory moves Arteta’s men level with Manchester City and Aston Villa, two points behind leaders Liverpool (45).
“Very pleased, clean sheet and five goals,” said the Gunners boss.
“I had a really good feeling after we left the stadium after Liverpool (2-0 FA Cup defeat), the performance was there but the results were not.
“Today we were much more efficient in the opponents’ box, particularly than the last few games, and this is about scoring goals.
“Set pieces are a big part of us, especially against teams that want to defend deeply. It is a good way to win games. We used moments of the game we knew we could exploit really, really well. The subs did really well and had a big impact. Everyone was really focused.”
On his side’s title ambitions, he added: “This is the second part of the season and we want to tackle it with a lot of aggression and motivation.
“We will keep preparing and we must continue to do better and improve as a team.”
The Gunners had won just once in seven games before a two-week staggered winter break.
However, a warm weather training camp in Dubai looked to have refreshed last season’s runners-up, even if they did have very obliging visitors in struggling Palace.
The Eagles have won just once in 12 games to leave them still perilously poised above the relegation zone, as pressure piles on 76-year-old boss Roy Hodgson.
Arsenal’s lack of a natural scorer has been scrutinised during their downturn in form, and the fact it was one of his defenders that ended a barren run in front of goal will remain a concern for Arteta.
No side has scored more goals from corners in the Premier League this season than Arsenal (nine) and it was two set pieces that undid Palace before half-time.
Gabriel outmuscled Chris Richards to rise highest and meet Declan Rice’s delivery with a downward header to settle the home side’s nerves just 11 minutes in.
Palace did not learn their lesson as Gabriel again got ahead of Richards to meet Bukayo Saka’s corner and the ball rebounded in off the unfortunate Henderson in the 37th minute.
For the third goal in the second half, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya collected a cross into the box and quickly set Gabriel Jesus galloping free on the counter-attack.
The Brazilian crossed for Trossard, who kept his cool to cut inside Nathaniel Clyne and smash home his seventh goal of the season.
With the game all but done for Palace, a banner unfurled in the away end in the closing stages that will do little to quell the pressure on Hodgson.
“Wasted potential on and off the pitch, weak decisions taking us backwards,” was the message from the Palace fans aimed at co-owner and chairman Steve Parish.
Martinelli then rubbed salt in the wounds by coming off the bench to score twice in stoppage time.
The Brazilian had been dropped after scoring just two goals in the Premier League all season. But he doubled that tally in a matter of seconds as he twice coolly slotted past Henderson into the far corner.
“We know our qualities. It doesn’t matter what people say on the outside, we believe in ourselves. We showed that today and what we can do,” said Martinelli. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/arsenal-thrash-crystal-palace-to-ease-back-to-winning-ways
| 2024-01-20T16:14:43Z
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DOHA – Son Heung-min’s South Korea avoided an Asian Cup upset by the skin of their teeth on Jan 20 after an own goal in stoppage time gave them a 2-2 draw with Jordan.
A day after Iraq stunned tournament favourites Japan, Jordan looked to be heading for a famous win in Doha after a Park Yong-woo own goal and a Yazan Al-Naimat strike in the first half cancelled out Son’s ninth-minute penalty.
But Yazan Al-Arab deflected the ball into his own net in the first minute of injury time at the end of the game to let Jurgen Klinsmann’s men escape with a point in Group E.
A win for either team would have sent them through to the knockout rounds with a game to spare, but Son was still relieved with the draw nonetheless.
“There were many situations where we conceded goals because of our mistakes,” the South Korea captain said.
“We talked about the need for improvement in these areas. And because there was still time (to get an equaliser), there will gradually be more space as the game wore on and more chances will come.
“The equaliser at the end of the second half was a fortunate goal and result for us.”
Klinsmann’s side beat Bahrain 3-1 in their opening match and face Malaysia in their final group game on Jan 25. Qualification for the last 16 is still within their grasp.
As it is for Jordan, who beat Malaysia 4-0 and face Bahrain on the same day.
Klinsmann was forced into one change from the first game, bringing in goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo for Kim Seung-gyu.
Kim suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a training session and has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament.
The South Koreans also had five players on yellow cards from their game against Bahrain.
But Son settled their nerves with the opening goal after they were awarded a penalty following a VAR (video assistant referee) check. Ehsan Haddad was adjudged to have brought down the South Korean skipper and he converted the spot kick himself with a cheeky chip.
He celebrated by holding up a goalkeeper’s shirt with Kim’s name on it.
The Taegeuk Warriors were dominant, but Jordan started to threaten and grabbed an equaliser in the 37th minute.
South Korea failed to deal with a corner and Park bundled the ball into his own net under pressure.
Al-Naimat then lashed Jordan into a shock lead in the sixth minute of first-half injury time, drilling a shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
South Korea struggled to find a response in the second half and Cho Gue-sung was guilty of a terrible miss when he screwed a shot over the bar on the hour mark.
The team did not look like scoring, until Hwang In-beom sent in a shot one minute into injury time that Al-Arab deflected into his own goal. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/south-korea-salvage-late-2-2-draw-with-jordan-at-asian-cup
| 2024-01-20T16:14:54Z
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MELBOURNE - The Australian Open had its biggest shock to date when teenager Linda Noskova knocked world number one Iga Swiatek out of the competition in the third round on Jan 20, and the Polish top seed was at a loss to explain how she felt.
Swiatek began strongly, winning the opening set 6-3, but after losing the second by the same score, the decider saw Czech 19-year-old Noskova break serve twice to win 6-4.
When asked to articulate her feelings so people could understand how she felt, Swiatek hit back with a question of her own.
"Why do you need to understand?" Swiatek asked.
"Sometimes I don't even understand, so I don't know if you will. I mean, I really wasn't expecting a lot. I just tried to do the best kind of work possible.
"I felt today that, OK, I wasn't playing my best game, and I had many things that didn't work in previous rounds."
Swiatek needed a tiebreak to win the first set in her opening match with Sofia Kenin, and on Jan 18 came back from two breaks down in the deciding set to overcome Danielle Collins, but insisted she wasn't feeling the effects of those battles.
"No, physically I felt, honestly, I didn't feel anything. So, pretty good," Swiatek said.
"Mentally as well, I felt like actually I came back in my match against Danielle, and I could kind of start over and not expect a lot, just try to play my game."
In the end, Noskova won three consecutive games in the final set to make it 5-3 and take control, and Swiatek regretted not seizing her own chances earlier in the match.
"I think she just went all in without any pressure. She probably knew that she has nothing to lose, you know?
"Maybe I should have done that when I had break points in previous games, but I wanted to kind of be the solid version of myself."
The Pole went out in the fourth round at last year's tournament, but Swiatek is feeling more positive this time around about the season to come.
"Last year, I felt much more off balance. I felt like the whole season may be tough just because of the start," Swiatek said.
"Last year, I felt like I was just overwhelmed with beginning the year as world number one. It kind of took me off my balance.
"This year, I feel like I just want to get back to work. I know I'm going to have plenty of chances during the season to show my game." REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/tennis/swiatek-at-a-loss-to-understand-australian-open-exit
| 2024-01-20T16:15:04Z
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SINGAPORE – Having got past Indonesia’s world No. 7 Gregoria Tunjung and South Korea’s top-ranked An Se-young, Singapore’s Yeo Jia Min had achieved a breakthrough by reaching the last four of the India Open.
But the final proved to be a step too far for Yeo, who fell 21-13, 21-18 to Chinese Taipei’s world No. 3 Tai Tzu-ying in her first semi-final of a Badminton World Federation World Tour Super 750 event on Jan 20.
World No. 20 Yeo, who has yet to take a game off Tai in their five meetings, believes the 29-year-old is a “different player” from the rest.
Yeo, 24, said: “Her skills allow her to play some unexpected shots to change the momentum of the match with the speed of her shots.”
Bursting out of the blocks, Yeo got off to a good start with 4-1 and 7-5 leads in the first game. But with the scores tied at 11-11, Tai then pulled ahead and sealed the first game.
Recovering well in the second game by winning seven of the first nine points, Yeo was in control with a 15-9 advantage before a resilient Tai went on a 12-3 run to close out the match.
Yeo added: “I’m a little disappointed I was unable to keep my lead towards the end. However, looking at the positives, it is another match that will help me to see where to improve again.
“The second game I tried to counter her gameplay and that kind of worked. I tried to ride the momentum but after the interval she was a bit more focused and was able to keep the rallies a bit longer and get used to my style a bit more.”
Despite the defeat, Yeo can take heart from a bright start to her 2024 season. She has a 5-2 record, having reached the quarter-finals of the Jan 9-14 Malaysia Open, a Super 1000 event, before losing to No. 1 An.
“My attitude towards every challenge is a bit different. I’m definitely playing better than last year. I’m now very excited when I’m going to play any top player,” said Yeo, who had started her 2023 season with five straight losses.
“I just really want to bring my best game in every match and not focus too much on the outcome. I’m trying to bring my speed up at different times of the matches and I’m happy that my endurance did improve over the years.”
Tai also believes that Yeo has become a better player since their last meeting in October’s Denmark Open.
The No. 4 seed said: “She moves around really well and very fast so it gives me more pressure to return her shots. I had to be patient and focused on every point.”
There will be no rest for Yeo, with a flight to Jakarta waiting for her after the match. Next up for her is the Jan 23-28 Super 500 Indonesia Masters.
“It will be my third back-to-back competition, so I will have to try my best to maintain a good physical condition for next week.”
Tai will meet world No. 2 Chen Yufei in the final on Jan 21 in a repeat of the Tokyo Olympics gold-medal match won by the Chinese.
Chen had beaten 10th-ranked compatriot Wang Zhiyi 21-13, 21-18 in the other semi-final.
In the men’s singles, Hong Kong’s 18th-ranked Lee Cheuk Yiu reached the final after a 21-13, 15-21, 21-19 win over Japan’s sixth-ranked Kodai Naraoka.
He had beaten Indonesia’s fourth-ranked Anthony Ginting and Thailand’s 2023 world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn to reach the semi-finals and will meet India’s ninth-ranked H.S. Prannoy or China’s world No. 2 Shi Yuqi in the final.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/yeo-jia-min-s-india-open-run-halted-in-semi-finals-by-world-no-3-tai-tzu-ying
| 2024-01-20T16:15:15Z
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VICENZA, Italy – Protesters clashed with police in the Italian city of Vicenza on Jan 20 following a demonstration against the presence of Israeli exhibitors at an international jewellery fair.
Police used water cannons against demonstrators who fired smoke bombs and flares, as violence erupted after a planned march by hundreds of people, some holding up banners saying “Free Palestine” and “Stop Bombing Gaza”.
More than 1,300 exhibitors from almost 40 countries are showing at the Vicenzaoro fair, which opened on Jan 19 and runs until Jan 23, according to organisers.
A spokesperson told AFP the clashes took place several kilometres away and had no impact on the event, while declining to give information on the Israeli presence at the fair.
Vicenza Mayor Giacomo Possamai said there was “no justification” for the violence.
“It also hurts the causes that it claims to support. It is a contradiction in terms to demonstrate for peace and a ceasefire through violence,” he said in a statement posted on social media.
Islamist group Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on Oct 7, resulting in the death of about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
Militants also seized about 250 hostages, around 132 of whom Israel says remain in Gaza. At least 27 captives are believed to have been killed.
Vowing to destroy Hamas, Israel has been conducting a relentless air and ground offensive in Gaza that has killed at least 24,927 Palestinians, around 70 per cent of them women, children and adolescents, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-run territory. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/anti-israel-protest-at-italy-jewellery-fair-turns-violent
| 2024-01-20T16:15:25Z
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The Norwegian government has allocated over $190 million to increase production capacity in the Norwegian defense industry, mainly for artillery ammunition. Ukraine and Norway itself, as well as its other allies, will be supplied with the planned ammunition.
Previously, the European Union promised Ukraine 1 million artillery shells by March 2024 but has delivered only 300,000 so far.
“The war in Ukraine leads to a spur in demand for ammunition. The government will increase the financial support for the Norwegian defense industry in order to ramp up ammunition production,” Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stated.
According to the official, half of the funding will be allocated to specific projects at the aerospace and defense company Nammo, and another $95 million will be provided to other projects within the Norwegian defense industry.
“Enhancing the capacity in the defense industry is important, both for Ukraine and for our own security. We are now contributing to a significant increase in production capacity at Nammo to meet the needs of Norway, allies, and Ukraine,” said Minister of Defense Bjørn Arild Gram.
Earlier, the Norwegian defense minister announced Oslo would send two F-16 fighter jets to assist in training Ukrainian pilots on the US-made aircraft in Denmark.
Norway to send F-16 jets, instructors to assist training Ukrainian pilots in Denmark
According to Ukraine’s Air Forces, the F-16 is expected to boost Ukraine’s air force in the ongoing war with Russia and become Ukraine’s primary combat aircraft.
In his speech, Gram said Norway had already sent ten instructors to Denmark to help train Ukrainian pilots. By sending jets and instructors, Norway joins other nations, including Denmark and the Netherlands, that have pledged support for training Ukrainian pilots.
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https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/20/norway-allocates-over-190-million-for-defense-production-boost-to-help-ukraine/
| 2024-01-20T16:50:29Z
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Mixed news for England as Harlequins' smash and grab tactics send Ulster packing
Harlequins produced the ultimate smash-and-grab victory to register a 47-19 win over Ulster that keeps them in the chase for home advantage in the Investec Champions Cup knockout phase.
Louis Lynagh claimed two of four tries scored against the run of play at The Stoop, his first a sensational solo score that started on his own 22 and left four beaten tacklers in his wake.
It needed the stars to align for Lynagh to even get on the pitch as only an injury-enforced reshuffle hours before kick-off created a vacancy on the bench that he filled until Oscar Beard limped off in the 17th minute.
The injury-troubled England stepped up and prospect took his chance beautifully, issuing a reminder of his finishing skills with Nick David and Danny Care also tormenting an Ulster side that had otherwise dominated.
By the time David, Andre Esterhuizen and Will Evans ran in additional tries, the Irish province were a spent force knowing the win they needed to progress was out of reach.
There was mixed news for England with Joe Marler lasting 40 minutes in his comeback from a biceps injury ahead of the Six Nations, but Beard was in obvious discomfort when he limped off in the opening quarter.
Quins need events elsewhere to go their way if they are to play their round-of-16 match in south west London, but the points avalanche in their final pool outing has strengthened their cause.
It looked an unlikely outcome as Ulster took early control of the game only to allow David to touch down from a quickly-taken line-out by Esterhuizen, who capitalised the visitors’ loss of concentration.
Ulster launched consecutive raids originating inside their own half with one producing a try for David McCann made possible by the athleticism of wing Rob Baloucoune.
The Irish onslaught continued and the only surprise was the score remained 7-7, but disaster struck a second time for them when Smith launched Lynagh from his own 22 and the England prospect went on to score a stunning try.
Lynagh bulldozed through Billy Burns and outfought a floundering Jacob Stockdale to gather his own kick, but the score was also made possible by his electric pace and instinctive running.
Six minutes later and the jet-heeled 23-year-old was over again as Baloucoune failed to deal with Esterhuizen’s mammoth hack forward, allowing the lurking Lynagh to produce a classy pick-up and touch down.
The theme of Quins scrambling their way out of pressure continued early in the second-half as hapless Ulster blew another promising spell and the critical blow was landed in the 48th minute when Care side-stepped over from close range.
Esterhuizen strode through the yellow shirts to add the fifth try and on this occasion the score came after a period of Quins tightening the screw rather than a counter-punch out of nowhere.
David and Evans went over in a high scoring finish that also produced tries for Ulster’s Stuart McCloskey and Stockdale.
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https://www.rugbypass.com/news/harlequins-resist-ulster-onslaught-and-emerge-with-big-win/
| 2024-01-20T17:01:17Z
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Brighton & Hove Albion have signed versatile Argentina U-23 international Valentin Barco from Boca Juniors on a four-and-a-half-year deal, the south coast club said on Saturday.
The 19-year-old started in 18 Primera Division matches for Boca last year and made nine appearances in their Copa Libertadores campaign, including the final.
"He has played predominantly on the left side, as a full-back, wing-back or winger, but also shown his versatility with Boca playing across the midfield," Brighton technical director David Weir said.
Barco is currently representing Argentina at the South American Olympic qualifiers in Venezuela, which conclude on Feb. 11.
Brighton are eighth in the Premier League with 31 points from 20 matches, and host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/brighton-sign-argentine-teenager-barco-from-boca-juniors
| 2024-01-20T17:46:47Z
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LONDON - Disgruntled Crystal Palace fans let their feelings be known for the second time in a week as they sat through a 5-0 hammering at Arsenal on Saturday, but manager Roy Hodgson remained defiant.
Hodgson was criticised for taking off Eberechi Eze during the 1-0 FA Cup defeat at Everton in midweek, and towards the end at Arsenal a banner was unveiled against the club's hierarchy.
The banner, which read: "Wasted Potential. On and off the pitch weak decisions are taking us backwards", was taken down before two goals in stoppage time from Gabriel Martinelli turned a sound defeat into an outright thrashing.
Former Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea manager Graham Potter was in the crowd at The Emirates, increasing speculation that he is being lined up as a future Palace manager.
Palace, who are 14th, have managed only one win in their last 10 Premier League games and sit five points above the relegation zone. The 76-year-old Hodgson, who returned to the club for a second spell as manager in March last year after Patrick Vieira was sacked, said he understood the fans' anger but still believes in his players.
"Today's message was aimed at everyone in the club and the fans are entitled to their opinions and I understand their anger and disappointment," he told reporters.
"We can make our excuses but the bottom line is if we are to go forward and avoid relegation we need those fans on board and to do that we need to start to win football matches.
"The message has got to be that the players have to stick with the work they are doing on the training field. I don't think the attitude in the game was debatable, I didn't see people losing hope, but we were playing a better team.
"I thought we kept going. I'm not going to let those last two goals change my opinion about that - 5-0 gives the impression you have been battered, but I didn't think that was the case."
There were some mitigating factors for Palace's toothless display with striker Jordan Ayew and midfielder Michael Olise both unavailable, while Hodgson believed Arsenal's first two goals, both from corners, could have been disallowed.
But Hodgson has been in the game long enough to know that the buck stops with him if results do not improve.
"That's part and parcel of football," he said. "These days staying in the Premier League is so important and relegation is such a fear for everyone. I've been working in these modern times for a long time and nothing has changed.
"When a team isn't doing as well as it should be someone needs to be held responsible, and that's the manager. There are no magic wands in football but I believe we have shown we have capabilities and I still believe in those capabilities."
Whether or not the Palace board retain that faith may become clear before Palace's next match, at home to Premier League bottom club Sheffield United on Jan. 30. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/palace-boss-hodgson-defiant-despite-more-fan-anger
| 2024-01-20T17:46:58Z
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FRANKFURT, Germany - More than 100,000 people turned out across Germany on Jan 20 in protests against the far-right AfD, which sparked an outcry after it emerged that the party’s members discussed mass deportation plans at a meeting of extremists.
Around 35,000 people joined a call under the banner “Defend democracy – Frankfurt against the AfD”, marching in the financial heart of Germany.
A similar number, some carrying posters like “Nazis out”, turned up in the northern city Hanover.
Protests were also held in cities including Braunschweig, Erfurt and Kassel and many smaller towns, mirroring mobilisation every day over the past week.
In all, demonstrations have been called in about 100 locations across Germany from Jan 19 through the weekend, including in Berlin on Jan 21.
Not only politicians but also churches and Bundesliga coaches have urged people to stand up against the AfD.
The wave of mobilisation against the far-right party was sparked by a Jan 10 report by investigative outlet Correctiv, which revealed that AfD members had discussed the expulsion of immigrants and “non-assimilated citizens” at a meeting with extremists.
Among the participants at the talks was Mr Martin Sellner, a leader of Austria’s Identitarian Movement, which subscribes to the “great replacement” conspiracy theory that claims there is a plot by non-white migrants to replace Europe’s “native” white population.
News of the gathering sent shockwaves across Germany at a time when the AfD is soaring in opinion polls, just months ahead of three major regional elections in eastern Germany where their support is strongest.
The anti-immigration party confirmed the presence of its members at the meeting, but has denied taking on the “remigration” project championed by Mr Sellner.
But leading politicians including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who joined a demonstration last weekend, said any plan to expel immigrants or citizens alike amounted to “an attack against our democracy, and in turn, on all of us”.
He urged “all to take a stand – for cohesion, for tolerance, for our democratic Germany”.
Mr Friedrich Merz, the leader of the opposition conservatives CDU party, also wrote on X that it was “very encouraging that thousands of people are demonstrating peacefully against right-wing extremism”.
But besides members of the AfD, two members of the hard-right faction Werteunion of the CDU were also at the meeting near Potsdam cited by Correctiv.
Amid the outrage over the Potsdam meeting, the Werteunion’s leader Hans-Georg Maassen said on Jan 20 it had decided to split from the CDU.
The group said it has about 4,000 members, many of whom were originally members of the CDU or the CDU’s Bavarian sister party CSU. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/over-100000-people-protest-in-germany-against-far-right-afd
| 2024-01-20T17:47:08Z
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DAMASCUS/BEIRUT -Tehran vowed to carry out revenge attacks against Israel on Saturday after a missile strike flattened a building used as a base of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards in Damascus, killing five Guards and an unspecified number of Syrian troops.
Ambulances and fire trucks gathered around the site of the strike, which had been cordoned off, a Reuters journalist at the scene said. Rescue operations for people stuck under the rubble continued through the day. A crane was in place to hoist concrete slabs off the wreckage.
A security source in a network of groups close to Syria's government and its ally Iran told Reuters the multi-storey building was used by Iranian advisers supporting President Bashar al-Assad's government. It was completely flattened by "precision-targeted Israeli missiles", the source said.
The Guards said an unspecified number of members of the Syrian military were killed, along with the five Iranians, whom it identified without giving their ranks. The security source said one of the slain Iranians ran the elite force's information unit.
There was no comment from Israel, which has long pursued a bombing campaign against Iran's military and security presence in Syria but typically does not discuss such attacks publicly.
It has killed Iranian Guards in several such strikes in a stepped-up campaign in the wake of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by militants of the Iranian-backed Palestinian Islamist group Hamas from Gaza.
The strike was a "desperate attempt to spread instability in region", said Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani in remarks reported by state media. "Iran...reserves its right to respond to the organised terrorism of the fake Zionist regime at the appropriate time and place."
Syrian state media reported an Israeli "aerial attack" on a building in the Mazzeh neighbourhood of Damascus and said Syrian air defences had shot down a number of missiles.
Essam Al-Amin, head of the Al-Mowasat Hospital in Damascus, told Reuters that his hospital had received one dead body and three wounded people, including a woman, following Saturday's attack.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad, an Iranian-backed Palestinian faction present in Syria and Lebanon, condemned the air strike but told Reuters that none of its members were wounded, dismissing reports that some were at the bombed-out building.
Iran and its military allies in Syria have entrenched themselves in wide areas of eastern, southern and northern Syria and in several suburbs around the capital.
In December, an Israeli air strike killed two Guards members, and another near Damascus on Dec. 25 killed a senior adviser to the Guards who was overseeing military coordination between Syria and Iran.
Israel responded to the Hamas assault on southern Israel on Oct. 7 by unleashing a devastating air and ground war in Gaza with the aim of eradicating its ruling Islamist group. The conflict has reverberated across the Middle East with violence surging in Syria, Lebanon, northern Iraq and in the Red Sea.
In Lebanon, the Iranian-backed Hezbollah as well as local wings of Palestinian militant groups have fired rockets across the border at Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
On Saturday, an Israeli strike in south Lebanon killed two members of Hamas as they were travelling in their car, three security sources told Reuters. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/iran-vows-revenge-on-israel-for-strike-that-kills-5-guards-in-damascus
| 2024-01-20T17:47:18Z
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WASHINGTON - Nasa has lost contact with its tiny helicopter Ingenuity during the hard-working craft’s 72nd flight, the space agency said.
The agency’s engineers are attempting to re-establish communications, which ended abruptly on Jan 18 as the craft was making its descent from a test flight, Nasa said late on Jan 19.
Ingenuity, which resembles a large drone, had arrived on Mars in 2021 with the rover Perseverance and became the first motorised craft to fly autonomously on another planet.
Data from the helicopter’s flights are transmitted via Perseverance back to Earth.
During its flight on Jan 18 – “a quick pop-up vertical flight to check out the helicopter’s systems, following an unplanned early landing during its previous flight,” Nasa said – Ingenuity successfully attained an altitude of 12m.
But “during its planned descent, communications between the helicopter and rover terminated early, prior to touchdown,” the agency said, adding that “the Ingenuity team is analysing available data and considering next steps to reestablish communications.”
In a post on X, the former Twitter, Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory added that Perseverance was temporarily “out of line-of-sight with Ingenuity, but the team could consider driving closer for a visual inspection.”
Nasa has lost contact with the helicopter before, including for an agonising two months in 2023.
The mini rotorcraft, which weighs just 1.8kg, has far exceeded its original goal of undertaking five flights over 30 days on the red planet.
In all, it has covered just over 17km and reached altitudes of up to 24m.
Its longevity has proved remarkable, particularly considering that it must survive glacially cold Martian nights, kept warm by the solar panels that recharge its batteries during daylight hours.
Working with Perseverance, it has acted as an aerial scout to assist its wheeled companion in searching for possible signs of ancient microbial life. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/nasa-loses-contact-with-ingenuity-its-mini-helicopter-on-mars
| 2024-01-20T17:47:29Z
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The Strictly stars of 2023 took to the stage last night for the first night of the Strictly tour. Ahead of the big night, pro dancer Dianne Buswell went to Instagram to share the most heart-warming message from her dad Mark back in Australia.
The sweet video saw Dianne's dad sitting on the porch of their home in Bunbury, Western Australia wishing his daughter well ahead of the first show in Birmingham. "Hi, Dot. All the best for your first concert this weekend in Birmingham. I hope that you and Bobby do well and enjoy it and hello to all the people in Birmingham. God bless all."
Dianne captioned the post with a lighthearted message saying: "The legend is back! Dad wishing Bobby and I luck for the concerts in 'burning ham' as Dad says. Let’s go and have some fun and put on a party Bobs."
Fans rushed to the comments to remark on the sweet moment. "Oh, this is adorable. Your dad is an international treasure," said one fan, whilst another wrote: "Your dad is a legend! Have the best time out there on the dance floor Bobby and Dianne." A third added: "Who doesn’t love Dianne's dad he is just the loveliest man and a very proud dad. It’s no wonder Dianne is such a beautiful person she has such a wonderful family good luck Dianne and Bobby on the tour xxx".
Dianne regularly shares videos of her dad wishing her well ahead of a night on stage. The pro dancer went back to Australia with her vlogger boyfriend Joe Sugg to spend quality time with her family over Christmas which was especially important for Dianne as she shared with her fans that her dad had been diagnosed with cancer.
Last November she shared a photo she had been sent of her dad in a hospital bed in Australia captioned: "I’m so proud of you Dad. First round of chemotherapy today! I wish I could be there to hold your hand and support you in person but i do know that I’m making you so proud over here in my concert every week! The Australian nurses and doctors are now very aware of Strictly Come Dancing as my dad won’t stop talking about it. You can do this Daddy xxx Go Mark".
Whilst on her holiday down under Dianne kept her loyal fans updated with an array of beautiful snaps from quiet time at home. The dancer shared a photo in a stunning red bikini holding a surfboard, saying: "You can take the girl out of Australia but you can’t take the Australian out of the girl!".
Joe also kept the couple's fans entertained by documenting their trip online and shared a special carousel of beach photos where the pair were seen walking hand-in-hand, looking lovingly at each other, and later sharing a seaside picnic with Dianne's brother Andrew and niece Zofia. The former Strictly contestant wrote: "As the sun sets on another year, thank you to everyone that has made this year special to me. Cya next year! tehehe (also, look how beautiful @diannebuswell looks)."
As Dianne embarks on this year's Strictly tour she will be taking fans along with her behind the scenes on Instagram and on her ever-growing YouTube channel which now has over 260,000 subscribers. She posted a glitzy snap of herself with her celebrity partner EastEnders star Bobby Brazier whom she got to the final with last December.
DISCOVER: Dianne Buswell inundated with support as she marks parents' major relationship milestone
The pair were dressed in coordinating glittery gold outfits and Dianne marked the first night with a special tribute to her partner. "Me little bestie Bobs we had such a party out there for opening night!," Dianne said. "Seeing how much fun you had dancing made me so so happy. It’s what it is all about. If you were in the audience thank you so much for making it so special! And for anybody coming to see the show, you're in for a real treat everybody is just phenomenal."
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511725/dianne-buswell-super-heartfelt-message-family-australia-strictly-tour/
| 2024-01-20T17:54:59Z
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Dylan Dreyer opened up about the future of her career on the Today Show, as she played golf as a celebrity guest at The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.
Speaking to The U.S. Sun, the meteorologist explained that Al Roker "always teases me that I'm waiting for the day he retires."
Indeed Al is a favorite for many Today fans as he's been on the show since 1996, starting off as a meteorologist much like Dylan. But does this mean Dylan's set to take on his role once the 69-year-old steps down?
Dylan kept her response diplomatic. She said: "I truly enjoy working with him so much. He's just that quintessential guy who knows how TV works."
In fact, Dylan's perfectly happy with where she is right now, hosting Today's Third Hour with Craig Melvin, Al Roker, Hoda Kotb, and Sheinelle Jones. She couldn't help but praise the cast's incredible chemistry.
"Chemistry happens when the person you're with makes you shine, and that's how it is with Al and Sheinelle and Craig - I mean, everybody that I get to work with on the 3rd Hour, we all... make each other shine", she explained.
"There's something so special about where we're at right now," she added, "I want what we're doing to keep going as long as it keeps going."
In summary, she explained that "Today feels like such a family to me, so I hope to stay as long as they'll have me."
Dylan has been with NBC News since 2012 after working for Bostonian station WHDH since 2007. While she may not have been on Today as long as the likes of Al and Hoda, she remains a fan favorite.
As well as appearing on the Third Hour, she'll often act as the weather correspondent on Today's weekday shows and step in for the likes of Al and Carson Daly when they are unable to appear on the show.
This wasn't the first time the Today anchor has attended the golf tournament, and she took to Instagram to show fans that her golf game is definitely improving.
"Ok let’s put this into perspective", she said. "Last year, Day 1 I scored 0 points. This year I scored 5! Still in last place but way better than last year! Doesn’t matter…either way, I had a great day on the course with #johnsmoltz and @brookehendersongolf !!"
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511727/dylan-dreyer-future-today-co-star-teases-shes-waiting-for-day-he-retires/
| 2024-01-20T17:55:01Z
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Hollywood has had many famous acting duos: Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. Now it seems that another acting partnership will be dominating the screens in the unlikely form of Dua Lipa and John Cena.
You might have spotted Dua and John during their cameo in the Barbie movie. Already the 'Houdini' singer had recorded the song 'Dance the Night' with Mark Ronson for the film. But she went on to have a cameo as a mermaid alongside the wrestler, who she couldn't stop gushing about.
"It seems like I can’t seem to do anything without him", she revealed to Vanity Fair. "He’s really my emotional support actor. It was fab, and he’s amazing, and I absolutely love working with John. He’s such a great guy and so lovely."
But their role in the Barbie movie was not the first time the dynamic duo had met. Already, they had met on the set of the film Argylle, directed by Matthew Vaughn, which is slated for release in February 2024.
Both their cameos as merpeople took place at short notice. Famously John pitched himself to Margot Robbie as the Barbie movie was being filmed across the street from Fast X.
"It was a happy accident", John revealed on Today with Hoda & Jenna. "It was a chance to maybe say 'hey, would you guys be willing to have me if I could do something?'" He revealed that he would "pretty much do whatever you guys need", which is how he took on the role of a merman in the record-breaking movie.
Meanwhile Dua's cameo took place between tour dates in a "crazy back-to-back". She explained that "today I’m going to go and put on four different colored wigs and a mermaid tail, and tomorrow I’m going to fly and get up onstage again and do something completely different."
"I felt like I was holding the biggest secret in the world from the song to the little cameo, which was fun and exciting", she revealed.
2024 looks like it will be the year of Dua Lipa, as she rides on the success of performing in one of last year's biggest films with new music on the way. In an interview with Rolling Stone, the singer revealed that a large part of the record reflects her personal life, including the ins and outs of dating in her 20s.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511731/dua-lipa-surprising-friendship-john-cena-i-cant-seem-to-do-anything-without-him/
| 2024-01-20T17:55:02Z
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Heidi Klum amazed fans in a leg-lengthening floral mini dress and the highest heels as she appeared on the Jennifer Hudson Show on Friday.
The America's Got Talent judge showed off her endless legs in a halterneck mini dress that featured sheer netting with glittering detailing and white rose print embroidery. Heidi, 50, styled the look with a pair of white strappy heels and statement earrings.
For her hair, the German supermodel wore her long locks in voluminous waves with her bangs swept across her face. Opting for a glam makeup look, Heidi the star wore a pair of fluttering false lashes and a glossy pink to finish.
The mother-of-four took to Instagram to share snapshots from her time on the show, including a stunning selfie of herself and Jennifer Hudson.
The appearance comes after Heidi was struck down with food poisoning earlier this week after she attended the Walt Disney Company Emmy Awards Party for the 75th annual Emmy Awards on Monday evening.
Before she was bedridden, Heidi looked gorgeous at the star-studding event wearing a turquoise Tony Ward gown that featured a one-shoulder design, flattering ruching across the waist, and a floor-length train.
Her Emmy Awards Party look wasn't the first time this month that the star has dazzled fans with her incredible outfits. Last week, Heidi underwent an incredible transformation as she switched out her signature bangs for a 90s-style bouncy blowout.
The Germany's Next Top Model host wore a boxy bright red blazer that was adorned with red sparkly gemstones, perfectly styled with a contrasting white shirt and eye-catching silver earrings.
The star credited her gorgeous hairstyle to stylist Lorenzo Martin while rocking a deep brown smokey eye and nude satin lip courtesy of makeup artist Linda Hay who also did her Golden Globes makeup.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/celebrity-style/511728/heidi-klum-shows-off-supermodel-legs-in-sheer-mini-dress/
| 2024-01-20T17:55:04Z
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Christine Lampard filled in for Lorraine Kelly on Friday's edition of the popular daytime show, and as ever, she blew fans away with her stylish outfits.
The TV presenter, who often hosts Loose Women, looked as fabulous as ever as the star posed in a white and black stripped woollen jumper, which she paired with a darker leather midi-skirt. She finished off her ensemble with a beautiful pair of heels, and kept her accessories to a minimum, only opting for a thin silver bracelet.
Christine wore her raven locks in her signature style as they swept past her shoulders, and she opted for a natural look when it came for her makeup as she posed outside ITV Studios.
The mum-of-two had plenty of fashion credits to share in her caption, as she commented: "My Friday on @lorraine and thank you @doctoramirkhan @weemissbea @being_kelsey @paulcbrunson @jo_elvin and @luciecave for keeping me company top from @lipsylondon skirt @me_andem Thank you @helenhandmakeup @cilerpeksah_hairstylist @danniiwhitemanstylist."
Fans flocked to the comments to compliment the 44-year-old, but they also all made a similar demand. "You should be on more often," quipped one, while a second noted: "Stunning lady you should be on always."
Many others were just wowed by the star's beauty, including normal host Lorraine Kelly who enthused: "Gorgeous," while a fourth said: "Stunning Irish lady. Beautiful outfit. Fantastic Irish personality," and a fifth added: "Always stylish and beautiful, great personality."
Christine is always a winner in the fashion department, and back in October, she beguiled in an off-the-shoulder navy gown as she graced the red carpet for the Pride of Britain Awards. Complete with a fitted bodice, romantic drop sleeves and a gothic train, Christine's royal blue dress was a serious contender for one of the best dressed stars at the awards.
The beauty swept her mane over one shoulder and styled her locks in elegant curls. Adding to her natural features, Christine upped the ante with a smokey eye look, golden bronzer and glamorous caramel-toned lip.
The Pride of Britain Awards marks a rather sentimental occasion for Christine and her husband Frank Lampard, who actually met at the event back in 2009. Speaking on the Pride of Britain Life Changing Stories podcast, the TV star revealed how she almost didn't meet her future husband.
PHOTOS: Christine Lampard looks gorgeous in figure-hugging Zara skirt
LOOK: Christine Lampard wows in ethereal waist-cinching dress you don't want to miss
"It was October 6, 2009, the Grosvenor House Hotel," she recalled. "I was doing the One Show and I was worried about coming in late but I thought, 'No, I am going to go'. Then Frank decided last minute - so technically neither of us was meant to be there at all. It turned out our tables were beside one another. A couple of people claim they were the reason we met."
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/celebrity-style/511729/christine-lampard-fans-demand-lorraine-host-stuns-leather-skirt/
| 2024-01-20T17:55:10Z
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Sofia Vergara has been globe-trotting in recent weeks to promote the release of her highly-anticipated new Netflix series Griselda – and the star looked phenomenal in a cut-out leather dress to attend the Columbian premiere.
Arriving at the premiere in her home country, Sofia, 51, wowed the crowds in the black floor-length dress, which featured a leather bodice with a plunging neckline, cut-out detailing and a leg-lengthening thigh-split.
The America's Got Talent judge completed the feminine look with a pair of black platform heels and a chunky gold ring, while her hair looked gorgeous styled in soft waves. The actress opted for vampy makeup to match her outfit, with a bold smokey eye, a rosy blush and a deep rouge lip to finish. Amazing!
Sofia shared a series of photos from the night, including a group shot as she posed alongside some of her Griselda co-stars with the caption: "The Boss Patch [laughing emoji]".
Sofia became a household name from her role as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett in Modern Family, which she played for 11 years before the show ended in 2020. Though now, she has shared that she's glad to take on a more "complex" role.
Speaking about her gripping new series while visiting London, she said: "I didn't want to create a story where there was a happy ending. I wanted change."
The actress stars as the infamous Griselda Blanco in the Netflix drama, who was once one of the world's most prominent drug lords.
However, it's been revealed that the family of the real Griselda has filed a lawsuit alleging that Netflix did not seek authorization to use the family's image. The suit has called upon a judge to halt the release of the series, which will air on 25 January 2024.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/celebrity-style/511730/sofia-vergara-figure-hugging-cut-out-dress-griselda-premiere/
| 2024-01-20T17:55:20Z
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'I will sit back and watch his try over a glass of red' – Billy Millard toasts Lynagh try
Harlequins boss Billy Millard will toast Louis Lynagh’s stunning solo try against Ulster over a glass of wine as he waits to see if his side have clinched home advantage in the Investec Champions Cup knockout phase.
Lynagh beat four defenders in a run launched by Marcus Smith on the 22 in a glorious finish to the first of his two tries that helped Quins to a 47-19 victory at The Stoop.
The 23-year-old England prospect was initially overlooked for selection on form grounds but when injury forced a reshuffle to the bench just hours before kick-off and then Oscar Beard failed a 17th-minute HIA, his chance came.
“Louis has been around us a long time so he knows exactly what the deal is. He’s worked really hard and deserves it. He gave us a real foothold into the game,” director of rugby Billy Millard said.
“Louis is outstanding and he showed that – I will sit back and watch his try over a glass of red. It was just that determination to stay in it. He’s a big part of it here and we’ve got a really strong back three.”
From not making the original matchday 23 to this… 😳
Nice one @LynaghLouis pic.twitter.com/w5p5EZcEuj
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) January 20, 2024
Quins amassed seven tries with Nick David also crossing twice and whether they play at The Stoop in the round of 16 hinges on Bath’s visit to Toulouse on Sunday.
A resounding victory in their final group match has placed them in a strong position and Millard was also impressed by Danny Care, the 37-year-old scrum-half who ran in one try and was a thorn in Ulster’s side throughout.
“Danny is a smart player. He’s pretty canny and showed that on the intercept. He didn’t have the legs to go far, but he was outstanding,” said Millard, who confirmed that Quins are in talks to extend Care’s contract by another season.
“He’s such a smart player and what people possibly don’t see is that he’s as tough as nails. He throws himself around.
“We don’t really have to look after him in the week. He does everything, he’s fresh and happy and playing really well.
“We try to look after him and the medics know him well. He just looks after himself and always plays well for us.
“I hope he has another season here. There are discussions taking place. He’s our furniture, isn’t he? He’s got more in him.”
Millard said that Beard, who has been picked in England’s Six Nations squad, will undergo the return to play protocols for concussion while Joe Marler’s withdrawal at half-time was pre-planned.
“We wanted Joe to get out there and some running in before he goes into England camp. He’s worked really hard to come back from his arm injury. He was outstanding,” Millard said.
Ulster have failed to reach the knockout phase and head coach Dan McFarland felt much of the blame lies with themselves alone.
“We’re pretty gutted about that. We had high expectations of ourselves coming into this group but we haven’t performed and we’ve got to live with that,” McFarland said.
“We’ve been beaten by some good teams in a tough group, but we’ll also look at our own performance and that’s been the most disappointing thing.”
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https://www.rugbypass.com/news/i-will-watch-over-a-glass-of-red-billy-millard-toasts-louis-lynaghs-solo-try/
| 2024-01-20T18:32:46Z
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Leicester Tigers player ratings vs Leinster | Investec Champions Cup
Leicester Tigers player ratings: Leicester started much the brighter of both sides in this Champions Cup clash, but Leinster’s turgid opening quarter wasn’t to last.
15. Freddie Steward – 6/10
Provided reliable defensive work and his usual prowess under the high ball. Despite the team’s struggles, Steward remained a steady presence in the backfield, even if he didn’t offer much by way of an attacking threat.
14. Harry Simmons – 4
Simmons had a challenging day, often getting outpaced and struggling to make a significant impact on the wing, his involvement in the game was largely limited. His missed tackle on James Lowe paved the way for a Leinster try in the 34th minute. He was taken off a few minutes later, apparently injured.
13. Matt Scott – 7
Scott put in a hard-fought performance in the centre, the Scottish international holding up Caelan Doris for what looked like a sure try just before halftime, before sparking a Leicester attack just moments later.
12. Dan Kelly – 6.5
Kelly put in a gritty performance, displaying moments of creativity, not least putting teammate Hanro Liebenberg in early doors with a sublime pass. He was a steady presence in the midfield, even if he struggled to fully unlock Leinster’s defence in the second 40.
11. Ollie Hassell-Collins – 7
Hassell-Collins was active on the wing, constantly seeking opportunities. He showed his potential but needed more ball to make a significant impact. Got flat-footed by some Jordan Larmour magic for Leinster’s second try.
10. Handré Pollard – 5
‘Polly’ had a challenging day at Welford Road, marked by a mixture of errors and missed opportunities. His most notable lapse was a failed kick to touch, which proved costly. While he had his moments, showing glimpses of his playmaking ability, these were overshadowed by unforced errors and some pretty meh tackling.
9. Tom Whiteley – 6
His yellow card aside, Whiteley delivered decent service from the scrum-half position but was hampered by Leinster’s aggressive defensive strategies. He showed glimpses of quality but was outshone by Jamieson Gibson-Park.
1. James Cronin – 6.5
Cronin was steady in the scrum and made his presence felt in open play. His breakdown smarts in particular stood out.
2. Julián Montoya – 6
Montoya led from the front, combining leadership with strong set-piece work. The Puma’s influence around the park was most keenly felt in first half, even if it tapered off in the second 40.
3. Joe Heyes – 6
The England rookie struggled at times in his scrummaging battle against Andrew Porter, getting pinged a few times against the outstanding Irishman. Strong elsewhere.
4. Harry Wells – 5
Wells faced challenges in the lineout, struggling to maintain his usual standard in this crucial area. His timing and coordination were not as sharp as expected, which led to some key turnovers for Leinster.
5. Ollie Chessum – 5
Chessum worked hard throughout the game but couldn’t make a defining impact. His contributions were solid, yet the England lock lacked the dynamism to turn the game in Leicester’s favour and was outmuscled at times by James Ryan and the beastly Joe McCarthy. Went off with a HIA and didn’t return.
6. Hanro Liebenberg – 7
One of two changes for Leicester, Liebenberg put in an impressive shift, blasting over with just seven minutes on the clock. He was a constant nuisance at the breakdown and carried well.
7. Tommy Reffell – 6
Reffell was a standout while on the pitch, showing his usual tenacity at the breakdown. He didn’t return after halftime however due to a head injury.
8. Jasper Wiese – 6
Wiese brought his usual physicality with multiple strong carries. He tried to impose himself but found the going tough against a disciplined Leinster pack. A distant second best to Doris though.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Archie Vanes – 6
Super-sub Vanes was solid in set-pieces after coming on but couldn’t change the game’s direction.
17. Francois van Wyk – 6
Van Wyk was solid in the scrum where he was expected to make an impact. His performance in open play was bright too.
18. Will Hurd – 5
Hurd had a limited impact during his time on the pitch. He couldn’t find the opportunity to make a notable difference in the game.
19. Sam Carter – 6
The Aussie lock brought some physicality into the encounter after coming on for the off colour Cheesum.
20. Kyle Hatherell – 8
Another player who took the fight back to Leinster for Wales flanker Tommy Reffell. Bundles of enthusiasm and nearly grabbed a try in the 65th minute.
21. Ben Youngs – 7.5
The England veteran added a spark off the bench, with Leicester visibly improving following his introduction. His experience and game-reading skills were evident, as he injected pace and direction into the Tigers’ play.
22. Jamie Shillcock – 6
Coming on for Harry Simmons after just 35 minutes, Shillcock made the most of his extended game time.
23. Solomone Kata – 6
Kata showed eagerness after coming on but couldn’t find the breakthrough Leicester needed. His attempts to invigorate the attack were commendable but his handling let him down on occasion.
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https://www.rugbypass.com/news/leicester-tigers-player-ratings-vs-leinster-investec-champions-cup/
| 2024-01-20T18:32:53Z
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Leicester wait to learn fate as Leinster deprive them of bonus point
Leicester were left to play a waiting game in terms of reaching the Investec Champions Cup knockout phase after Leinster toppled them 27-10 at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
The Tigers needed a point to secure qualification from Pool Four, but their fate now rests on what happens in Sunday’s clash between Sale Sharks and La Rochelle.
Leinster, chasing a record-equalling fifth European title this season, fell 10 points behind to a Hanro Liebenberg try, with Handre Pollard kicking a conversion and penalty.
But the Irish heavyweights soon found a familiar rhythm, taking charge through tries from lock Joe McCarthy, wing Jordan Larmour and hooker Dan Sheehan, while Harry Byrne added two conversions and a penalty.
Caelan Doris’ late try secured a bonus-point as Leinster ended the group-stage with four wins out of four and secured a round of 16 tie on home soil in Dublin later this season.
Leicester shaded the early sparring as both sides jostled for territory, and they deservedly went ahead through a 10th-minute try.
Number eight Jasper Wiese made initial headway, and with Leinster regrouping in defence, Tigers centre Dan Kelly surged into space and sent a scoring pass to Liebenberg.
Pollard converted from the touchline, and he increased Leicester’s lead midway through the half by kicking a 50-metre penalty after Sheehan infringed.
Leinster, though, underlined their enviable European pedigree by drawing level through a 10-point burst in six minutes.
Byrne opened their account with a penalty, and as Tigers came under mounting pressure, McCarthy crashed over from close range and Byrne’s conversion tied things.
Leicester then lost Wales flanker Tommy Reffell for a head injury assessment, and Leinster went ahead for the first time following a blistering break by scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park.
The Ireland international was hauled down short of the line by Leicester full-back Freddie Steward, but Leinster quickly recycled possession and Larmour finished strongly as Tigers found themselves 15-10 adrift.
Reffell failed his HIA and was replaced by Kyle Hatherell, before Tigers’ England forward Ollie Chessum also went off for a HIA and scrum-half Tom Whiteley was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-on.
It went from bad to worse for Leicester as Leinster stung them with a third try before Whiteley had barely left the pitch as Sheehan crossed and Byrne’s conversion opened up a 12-point gap.
Like Reffell, Chessum did not rejoin the action, but Leicester began the final quarter strongly, with their cause being helped by a yellow card for Leinster replacement Jack Conan.
But they could find no way through Leinster’s defence, and Tigers’ Champions Cup fate now rests on events elsewhere.
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https://www.rugbypass.com/news/leinster-defeat-makes-leicester-wait-to-learn-european-qualification-fate/
| 2024-01-20T18:33:01Z
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Kolisi and Wade shine as Racing 92 dump Cardiff and Ulster out of Europe
Racing 92 qualified for the Investec Champions Cup knockout phase after a 48-26 victory over Cardiff in Paris.
Stuart Lancaster’s team leap-frogged Ulster into fourth spot, clinching the final round of 16 place from Pool Two.
The result also ended Ulster’s Champions Cup hopes for this season, with them dropping into the European Challenge Cup as a fifth-placed finisher.
South Africa’s double World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi and former England wing Christian Wade were among Racing’s try-scorers as they posted seven touchdowns.
Christian Wade wasn't taking no as an answer. #InvestecChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/t6aQgxdwhZ
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) January 20, 2024
Eliminated Cardiff ended their European campaign by collecting a losing bonus-point courtesy of Wales scrum-half Tomos Williams’ try double, plus touchdowns from prop Rhys Carre and fly-half Tinus de Beer.
The Bulls ended Bordeaux-Begles’ 100 per cent record in Pool One by posting a thrilling 46-40 success in Pretoria.
Both teams had already qualified, and South African challengers the Bulls raced into a 40-21 lead – helped by two tries from Marcell Coetzee – before Bordeaux hit back.
The visitors were without France internationals Damian Penaud, Matthieu Jalibert and Maxime Lucu, yet they still posted six touchdowns and claimed two losing bonus points.
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https://www.rugbypass.com/news/racing-92-beat-cardiff-to-reach-investec-champions-cup-knockout-phase/
| 2024-01-20T18:33:08Z
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An upscale multifamily development in downtown Ada officially opened this month and is leasing up quickly.
Grand Rapids-based Wheeler Development Group received the certificate of occupancy for the final building in the 92-unit Village East of Ada apartment project in December and officially opened this month.
Construction started in July 2022 on the development at 7590 E. Fulton St. in downtown Ada, and the first building opened in August 2023.
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The complex was nearly 60% occupied as of this week, with about 39 units listed as available on its website, though applications are pending for some of those, said Jason Wheeler, WDG’s vice president of community relations.
He said the development is expected to be fully leased by March.
“We’re really pleased with how excited the community is and how well received the project has been,” Wheeler said.
Amenities
The 9-acre site features four buildings with a total of 34 one-bedroom, 54 two-bedroom and four three-bedroom units, ranging from 819 square feet up to 1,287 square feet. Leases run from $1,495 to $2,900 a month. All of the units are pet-friendly.
The complex includes 82 garages and 85 surface parking spaces. Residents also have access to a courtyard, greenspace and the recently extended bike path.
Village East of Ada features views of the Thornapple River and easy access to local retailers, restaurants, grocery stores and other walkable amenities.
Wheeler said the development was always intended to “blend in architecturally” with the rest of Ada Village, and he feels that aim succeeded.
“From being down (in Ada) so much, participating in the project and getting to know Discover Ada and the Ada Business Association, I started to get a really deep appreciation for the work being done to build a community down there,” he said. “It just feels like we were successful in integrating our design and the spirit of our rental communities into Ada.”
Part of a broader redevelopment
Ada Village has been undergoing a massive renaissance since 2015, thanks to the efforts of CDV5 Properties, a real estate development firm co-owned by Cheri DeVos Ehmann, daughter of the late Richard and Helen DeVos, and her husband, Steve Ehmann.
In the past nine years, the village has seen the addition of seven new restaurants, 11 retail shops, a new library and the construction of the Ada Hotel, which is expected to open in the third quarter of this year and will be managed by DeVos- and Van Andel-owned AHC Hospitality, according to Rick Winn, president of AHC.
“We’re excited and encouraged by that (hotel) project,” Winn told Crain’s Grand Rapids in December.
Wheeler Development’s management entity, PURE Real Estate Management, is handling leasing and property management for Village East of Ada.
“There has been a lot of anticipation in the community, and we are so grateful for the enthusiasm and interest we’ve received so far,” PURE President Anne Ficeli said in a statement. “These are beautiful apartments in the heart of a thriving village. Everything from the local amenities to the views within the apartments is first class.”
More from Crain’s Grand Rapids Business:
Kalamazoo billionaire donates $100M to Black women’s college in Atlanta
Financing, construction costs stall 39-unit Grand Rapids housing project
Talent constraints drive need for pre-planning in 2024 construction projects
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https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/real-estate/luxury-92-unit-apartment-community-filling-up-quickly-in-downtown-ada/
| 2024-01-20T19:00:48Z
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A couple hundred people turned out for a first look at Shinola Detroit’s new Grand Rapids storefront Friday morning, which city leaders are calling a shining achievement for the city’s downtown retail corridor.
The Detroit-based luxury retailer, which specializes in crafting watches and leather goods, signed a three-year lease at its newest storefront in the Peck Building at 40 Monroe Center St. NW. The building is owned by Rockford Construction Co., which also built Shinola’s new retail space.
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“Grand Rapids is the second-largest city in Michigan, so coming here made sense from that perspective,” said Scott Zimmerman, Shinola’s vice president of merchandising and direct to consumer. “We also know there is a really vibrant arts community here and it is important to us to be in a community that is aligned with our values. So it just made sense, and we know that we have a really loyal following of consumers here and we wanted to give them the Shinola experience.”
The new store also demonstrates momentum in downtown retail, Tim Kelly, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) president and CEO, said during the ribbon cutting event Friday morning.
“For us it really signals the continued growth for Monroe Center and downtown as a shopping destination,” Kelly said. “Shinola is joining a tremendous mix of downtown businesses.”
Downtown Grand Rapids experienced 18 storefront closures in 2023, and had a 20% storefront vacancy rate, according to a December report from DGRI. Meanwhile, 15 new businesses opened downtown since December 2022, according to the report.
Grand Rapids’ Downtown Development Authority approved a $61,000 retail innovation grant for Shinola’s new store. The company is in the process of hiring and will likely have about 10 employees at the downtown location.
Shinola’s goal was to open in time for the 2023 holiday shopping season, but there were challenges with sourcing materials needed for the store to meet their timeline.
“Our standards are really high and we wanted to make sure when we opened our store that it aligned with the right experience we choose to give our consumers,” Zimmerman said.
More from Crain’s Grand Rapids Business:
Kalamazoo billionaire donates $100M to Black women’s college in Atlanta
Financing, construction costs stall 39-unit Grand Rapids housing project
Global packaging company to close Grand Rapids-area plant, laying off 111 workers
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https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/retail/city-leaders-community-celebrate-downtown-grand-rapids-shinola-opening/
| 2024-01-20T19:00:49Z
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LONDON - Brentford striker Ivan Toney took just 19 minutes on Saturday to score on his Premier League return from an eight month ban for betting offences.
The 27-year-old England international opened his account with a perfectly-flighted free kick, the ball bending to the right around the defensive wall, to equalise 1-1 against Nottingham Forest at the Community Stadium.
Forest had stunned the home crowd through Danilo in the third minute.
Toney, Brentford's top scorer last season with 20 goals in 30 league appearances, was barred from all football last July for 232 breaches of the betting rules.
Handed the captain's armband in the absence of injured regular skipper Christian Norgaard, the striker was playing his first competitive match in 259 days. REUTERS
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KINSHASA -Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi was sworn in for a second five-year term on Saturday after a landslide victory his opponents have refused to recognise due to widespread irregularities over the December general election.
Authorities have acknowledged there were issues but dismissed allegations the vote was stolen. The fractious standoff echoes previous electoral disputes that fuelled unrest in Africa's second-largest country, with protests breaking out in two eastern cities.
Tshisekedi took the oath of office in a stadium in the capital Kinshasa packed with flag-waving supporters, government officials, African heads of state and foreign envoys including from the United States, China, and France.
In a speech, he acknowledged the nation's hopes of better living conditions and economic opportunities. Around 62% of Congo's 100 million people live on less than a dollar a day.
"I am aware of your expectations," he said. "A goal of this new five-year term is to create more jobs."
He also promised "a profound restructuring of our security and defence apparatus" and further diplomatic efforts to address Congo's long-running security crisis in eastern provinces.
Choirs signing the Hallelujah chorus from Handel's Messiah, marching military bands, and a 21-cannon salute marked his inauguration.
"ELECTORAL CATASTROPHE"
With armed military police deployed throughout the capital, there was no immediate sign opposition supporters were heeding a call from two of Tshisekedi's main opponents to protest his re-election across the country.
In the eastern city of Beni, protesters set up makeshift barricades in the early hours and burned tyres - a demonstration that police dispersed without major incident. Similar small-scale protests broke out in the eastern city of Goma and other urban centres, but were contained by the mass deployment of security forces, Reuters reporters said.
Congo's largest election-monitoring group CENCO this week called the presidential and legislative polls an "electoral catastrophe", citing its own observations of fraud, mishandling of election materials, parallel voting, and other issues.
The CENI election commission has said such infractions were limited in scale and did not affect the outcome of the elections, which they say were ultimately free and fair.
Many African and Western countries, wary that the dispute could further destabilise a globally important mineral exporter, have recognised Tshisekedi's victory since Congo's highest court dismissed official challenges.
"We deplore the indifference and astonishing complacency of international diplomacy," said opposition presidential candidate and Nobel Peace Prize-winning gynaecologist Denis Mukwege in a statement on Saturday.
He and Tshisekedi's main challengers, including Moise Katumbi and Martin Fayulu, have refused to contest the results in court over the alleged lack of independence of state institutions. The government has rejected their demand for a full re-run of the vote. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/congolese-president-tshisekedi-sworn-in-for-second-term-after-disputed-vote
| 2024-01-20T19:19:27Z
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WASHINGTON/BAGHDAD - US personnel suffered minor injuries and a member of Iraq’s security forces was seriously wounded in an attack on Iraq’s Ain al-Asad air base on Jan 20, a US official said.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said initial reports indicated that the base was hit by ballistic missiles but he left open the possibility it was struck by rockets.
An assessment was ongoing, the official said.
Two security sources in Iraq and one government source said the base was hit by multiple rockets fired from inside Iraq.
A second US official said the attack was carried out by militants from inside Iraq.
Since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, the US military has come under attack at least 58 times in Iraq and another 83 times in Syria by Iran-backed militants, usually with a mix of rockets and one-way attack drones.
The militants are seeking to impose a cost on the United States for its support of Israel against Iran-backed Palestinian militant group Hamas.
The US has 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq on a mission to advise and assist local forces trying to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, which in 2014 seized large parts of both countries before being defeated.
Iraq is deeply concerned about becoming a battleground between the United States, Israel and Iran.
Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s office announced moves to evict US forces following a US drone strike in Baghdad that was condemned by the government.
The Pentagon said the strike killed a militia leader responsible for recent attacks on US personnel.
The Pentagon said it has not been formally notified of any plans to end the US troop presence in the country, and says its troops are deployed to Iraq at the invitation of the government in Baghdad.
Iran on Jan 15 struck Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, with ballistic missiles in what it said was an attack on an Israeli spy headquarters - claims denied by Iraqi and Iraqi Kurdish officials. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/us-personnel-suffer-minor-injuries-in-iraq-base-attack
| 2024-01-20T19:19:37Z
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Dancing on Ice is putting the 2024 contestants through their paces with gruelling schedules. Although the likes of Ryan Thomas and Adele Roberts will be spending time away from home with their loved ones, we have no doubt their partners will be rink-side to support them.
While stars such as Made in Chelsea's Miles Nazaire and Love Island's Amber Davies are not currently married or engaged, Greg Rutherford, Roxy Shahidi and more have shared a few rare details of their relationships. Take a look at their love lives when they're not on our screens…
Ryan Thomas
Ryan Thomas announced his engagement to Lucy Mecklenburgh in 2019 after proposing at a five-star hotel called Villa TreVille while on holiday in Positano, Italy. Lucy – who was given a gorgeous yellow diamond engagement ring during a romantic dinner – shared a stunning shot of the couple captioned: "I said YES." Ryan had originally planned to pop the question with the help of Italian singers on their balcony, but he changed his mind at the last minute.
The former Coronation Street actor met the former TOWIE star while taking part in Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls in 2017. The couple, who are parents to Roman and Lilah, have revealed they are in no hurry to get married and have prioritised raising their young family.
Roxy Shahidi
Emmerdale star Roxy met actor Arsher Ali in 2007 when they worked together on a theatre production – and they got engaged after just two weeks! Roxy told The Mirror of the whirlwind proposal: "He just looked me in the eye at a cast party and said, 'Will you marry me?'
"I didn’t answer and he said, 'You will be my wife' and that was it. I didn’t quite know what to make of it because I didn’t know him that well. I knew that he liked me but we hadn’t really said anything. We hadn’t even kissed!"
Three years later, they gathered friends and family for a "blessing" at Eastwood Hall in Nottingham, but the actress revealed they were still not legally married in 2014. She said: “We will get round to it at some point. I just don’t think it’s been a massive priority that’s all. We view ourselves as man and wife. I call him my husband.”
Greg Rutherford
Olympian Greg Rutherford was planning to marry Susie Verrill in May 2023, but he revealed he had to postpone their big day following the "loss of someone close." Next to photos of his fiancée holding up her halo diamond engagement ring, he wrote: "Today was meant to be our wedding day…Due to the loss of someone so close and important we postponed the big day - In typical fashion the UK weather is going to be perfect we’re a bit miffed.
"But we get to plan it all again and hopefully really put together exactly what we want. @susiejverrill I know today will be frustrating, but I love you so much and we’ll have an even better wedding when we finally manage to do it.”
Eddie the Eagle
Michael Edwards, known as Eddie the Eagle, was married to Samantha Morton from 2003 until 2016. The Olympic ski jumper tied the knot with the part-time radio presenter in the Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas in 2003.
They welcomed daughters Otillie and Honey before announcing their split in 2016, which Eddie said was "the worst two years of my life" during an interview with The Sun.
"I wouldn't wish it on anybody. But [expletive] happens. You've got to think life can give you some bad knocks, no matter how hard you're knocked you've got to get up. We are still relatively close and I see the kids as much as I can," he said.
Adele Roberts
Adele Roberts and her fiancée Kate Holderness haven't revealed their wedding plans, but she announced in 2022, "I’m going to have to marry her" after praising Kate's support following her bowel cancer diagnosis.
They met in 2004 when Adele was a presenter for radio station Rock FM in Lancashire, but the couple had already discussed marriage just two weeks into their relationship.
"I'd seen a girl DJing at a nightclub and decided it was my calling, too," Kate told HELLO!. "But it turned out the universe was calling me to Adele. When I asked a friend if she knew of any DJs who could teach me, she introduced us. The moment we met, I felt like I already knew her, that I’d found my twin soul."
"I felt the same," added Adele. "I'd never been good at relationships, but with Kate I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. Since then, we've barely been apart. We’d stay up all night talking and within the first week were discussing marriage. I thought I’d loved before but with Kate it's on a different level; she’s the first person I’ve fallen in love with. I took her to meet my family, which I’d never done with a partner before."
DON'T MISS: Exclusive: The Repair Shop's Richard Talman on pressures of creating Will Kirk's 'classic' wedding ring
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/511588/dancing-on-ice-stars-weddings-engagements-ryan-thomas-roxy-shahidi/
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Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are still co-parenting the best way they know how, as they showed up for their eight-year-old son's Saint's basketball game Friday night in Los Angeles.
Although the pair left several seats between them, daughter Chicago, six, bridged the divide as she was pictured wandering between her two parents for hugs. Kanye arrived separately from Kim and Chicago, but the two were pictured talking once throughout the game to the surprise of many.
The pair finalized their divorce in 2022 after eight years of marriage; they are also parents to daughter North, ten, and four-year-old son Psalm.
In recent months reports have suggested that the pair have been at odds more than normal, with Kim unhappy with Kanye's continuing public anti-Semitics rants; the 46-year-old rapper was dropped by Adidas, Gap and Balenciaga in October 2022 after he posted a series of harmful messages on social media.
Kim and Kanye agreed to joint physical and legal custody of their four children in the divorce, but it is thought that Kim is the primary caregiver.
"She’s very hands-on and encouraging, always wanting to be there when they need. As shown by the TV series, family is the most important thing to her and so her kids will grow up feeling valued, listened to and supported – knowing they have the love and support of close relatives, particularly Kourtney who Kim says she turns to for advice," expert Lucy Shripton, Founder of The Sleep Nanny and parenting expert at The Baby Show, told HELLO! of how Kim is raising her four children.
“In a recent episode [of The Kardashians] Kim complained about being ‘frazzled’ showing she has the same old feelings that so many of us have; pulled in different directions by work, family and other commitments. But she always makes an effort to spend quality time with each of her kids.
"The fact that Kim is so candid and honest about the joys and chaotic side of parenting makes her more relatable for her fanbase but also helps her kids to understand her more, encouraging them to be better behaved."
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511733/kim-kardashian-kanye-west-very-rare-appearance-together-daughter-chicago-son-saint/
| 2024-01-20T19:31:39Z
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Steph McGovern has kept her private life out of the spotlight, welcoming a four-year-old daughter with an unknown partner and making sure to avoid making her daughter's identity public.
The Steph's Packed Lunch star also doesn't often talk about her young girl, but she made a reference to the youngster during the week as the mum-of-one visited a baby bank. Steph shared photos of herself with volunteers at the Leeds centre, which helps parents struggling with their finances look after their baby by providing free access to items like clothes or baby formula.
In a heartfelt caption to the centre, Steph penned: "It was an honour to visit @leedsbabybank and see the work they do to look after children in the local community. As the mam of a four-year-old girl, it was quite overwhelming to see how much care they take of the families most in need.
"People who have fled domestic violence or landed on tough times. The bank gets them back on their feet. If you want to know more about the baby banks near you have a look at the brilliant @baby_basics."
Steph's followers were full of praise for the star as one said: " Well done Steph for reaching out to them and promoting," and a second added: "Amazing work, thanks @stephlunch for shining a light on these incredible people. Hope you’re well I miss my telly family."
A third posted: "Wonderful to raise awareness for a great cause. Thank you Steph," while a fourth said: "Thanks for the reminder. We have bags of stuff to drop off. Such a great cause," while many others shared their continued sadness following the cancellation of the star's Channel 4 show.
Explaining the decision to cancel the show, Channel 4 stated: "With audience habits changing quicker than ever, we have to make difficult decisions about which programmes to invest in to best drive our digital-first strategy and we have decided not to recommission Steph's Packed Lunch when its existing production contract ends in December 2023.
"We remain as committed as ever to our mission to help level up the TV industry outside London and to our 50% origination out-of-London target. We will be reinvesting the budget previously committed to Steph's Packed Lunch into other nations and regions productions."
A former BBC star, Steph worked in financial journalism for years, and appeared regularly on BBC Breakfast, before landing her daytime show in 2020. As well as hosting Steph's Packed Lunch, the 41-year-old currently hosts the podcast The Rest Is Money alongside Robert Peston.
PHOTOS: Steph McGovern shows off phenomenal legs in tiny mini skirt following major disappointment
RELATED: Steph McGovern surprises fans with rare photo of daughter - and she looks so grown up
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/511734/steph-mcgovern-rare-comment-private-daughter-special-outing/
| 2024-01-20T19:31:45Z
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Charles Spencer reflected on his late mother, Frances Shand Kydd, on Saturday, but alongside his late mother, he also shared a baby photo of his late sister, Princess Diana.
The Earl shared several old photographs and news clippings of Frances, who died at the age of 2004 at the age of 68 after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and brain cancer. In one the clipping shares, Frances was standing with her baby daughter, Diana, after the future Princess of Wales had just been christened.
Frances looked lovingly at her daughter, while Charles also shared another snap of his mother holding a baby girl and a photo of a young girl pushing cart with a toy horse on it.
Sharing his reflective mood, the father-of-seven penned: "Remembering my mother, with love and gratitude, on what would have been her 88th birthday." Fans were quick to respond to the message, with many sharing their condolences.
One follower commented: "A beautiful woman who lived with dignity an unfair life. May she cherish this day in heavenly joy!" while a second added: "Happy heavenly birthday to your beautiful mother."
A third said: "What a beautiful looking lady, so soft and gentle. Thinking of you Charles, good memories," while a fourth shared: "Diana looks so like her," and many others shared heart emojis in the comments.
The Earl's mum had several links to the royal family, being born on the Sandringham estate, which is where the royals typically spend the Christmas holidays. Frances was also born on the same day that the late Queen's grandfather, King George V, passed away.
The Queen was even a guest at her wedding to John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer, and Frances's mum, Ruth Roche was a confidante and lady-in-waiting to the Queen Mother.
Frances and John tied the knot in 1954, and welcomed five children together, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, Baroness Jane Fellowes, John Spencer, Princess Diana and Charles. However, her marriage wasn't an easy one and Diana recalled seeing a time that John "slapped" his wife across the face.
This wasn't the only heartbreak that Frances faced in her life, as she witnessed the death of Diana and her son John, who died ten hours after he was born in 1960.
Frances and John split in 1967, with the Earl gaining custody of their children. Frances would go on to marry businessman Peter Shand Kydd, however the couple split in 1988 with Peter leaving her for another woman.
READ: Charles Spencer supported by fans as he talks 'uncompromising' childhood book in heartfelt post
SEE: Charles Spencer reveals 'magical' transformation at Princess Diana's childhood home
Following her death, she was buried in the Pennyfuir Cemetery in Oban, Argyll and Bute. Her grandchildren, Prince William and Prince Harry, were present at her funeral, with the former giving a reading.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511732/charles-spencer-fan-reaction-princess-diana-baby-photo/
| 2024-01-20T19:31:51Z
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Russia has upgraded Kh-101 cruise missiles, which are usually launched from Tu-160 and Tu-95MS strategic bombers, on Ukrainian cities, said Main Military Intelligence Directorate Deputy Chief Major General Vadym Skibitskyi in Davos, as per UkrInform.
Recently, Russia has intensified airstrikes on Ukraine, the country’s infrastructure, and its military-industrial complex with a record number of missiles and drones – 158. In December 2023, at least 26 people were killed and 120 injured in Russia’s largest strike since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
As missile attacks continue to stretch Ukraine’s military resources, the country seeks to strengthen its air defense with foreign systems.
“The enemy is learning and learning quite quickly. I’ll give you an example: Kh-101 cruise missiles are completely different from those used in 2022. Today, it is a missile with an active electronic warfare system, with active protection, heat traps”, said Skibitskyi.
The Intelligence deputy chief added that Ukraine needs to develop air defense, defense of the military-industrial complex and its production, and take counteroffensive measures to prevent the loss of territories to fight off Russia’s aggression.
According to the Kyiv Security Forum, the international discussion platform, in recent months, Russia has also employed new tactics to overcome Ukraine’s air defense systems.
For instance, Russians have used the tactic of overloading Ukrainian air defense, launching a large number of high-speed missiles, including Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched ballistic missiles, Iskander-M short-range ballistic missiles, anti-aircraft missiles from S-300/400 systems, and Kh-22 cruise missiles, during an attack. These tactics prompt Ukrainian defenders to expend three or more antimissiles on each target.
In addition, Russia launched several Kh-31P anti-radar missiles on Ukraine in each massive attack in previous months. This weapon was designed for destroying radar-based air defense systems, such as a Gepard anti-aircraft self-propelled system and a MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile system. The supersonic speed of the missile poses a significant challenge for Ukraine’s air defense units to intercept it effectively.
The Kyiv Security Forum has also suggested that one of the purposes of Russian attacks is likely to continue terrorizing peaceful Ukrainian civilians.
Open sources have documented that some Russian missiles launched on Ukraine detonated on the ground in residential areas, resulting in damage that far exceeds the cost of the missile.
Earlier, Skibitskyi reported a shift in Russian targeting from Ukraine’s energy sector last winter to the facilities of the Ukrainian defense industry. However, the threat to the country’s energy sector still looms, he said.
Ukrainian intel: Russia’s recent missile attacks targeted Ukraine’s defense industry
Russia conducted a campaign to destroy the Ukrainian energy infrastructure that lasted from the fall of 2022 to the spring of 2023, damaging multiple energy facilities across the country and causing massive blackouts in multiple regions. Russia’s latest air attacks did not target the power facilities.
Read also:
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https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/20/media-russia-modernizes-kh-101-cruise-missiles-to-strike-targets-in-ukraine-more-precisely-intelligence-says/
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Munster player ratings vs Northampton Saints - Investec Champions Cup
Munster player ratings: The men in red have catastrophically fumbled what should have been a routine win against a Northampton Saints side who found a way to win despite being down to 14 men for much of the contest.
It wasn’t all bad in terms of personal performances, but Graham Rowntree will be scratching his head as to how his side have once again failed to see out victory in the fortress Thomond.
1. Jeremy Loughman – 7/10
Strong in the scrum and active in loose play, Loughman contributed consistently, showing his capability in the front row. Perfect timing given the season-ending injury for fellow loosehead David Kilcoyne and the Six Nations looming.
2. Niall Scannell – 5
Tackled his bowels out. Impressive in set-pieces and reasonably active around the park, even if his carrying is well off the standard set by other Irish hookers.
3. Oli Jager – 6
Solid in the scrum, Jager maintained a steady presence. The former Crusader’s contributions, while not flashy, got the job done. Moves well for a big man.
4. Thomas Ahern – 5
Back in the engine room after several weeks spent at blindside, the 6’9 Ahern copped two knees to the head in quick succession just before halftime, with Northampton hooker Curtis Langdon deservedly getting a red card for the second effect. Ahern naturally didn’t return.
5. Tadhg Beirne – 5
Nowhere near his best here. Beirne wasn’t poor by any stretch but didn’t dominate across the park in the manner we’ve come to expect from the British & Irish Lion.
6. Peter O’Mahony – 7
Left talk of contract negotiations behind him, demonstrating strong leadership and presence. Was a disruptive force at the breakdown and was good value for his corner flag finish in 41st minute. Provided some comedic relief when he booted a clearing kick right into Gavin Coombes’ goolies.
7. John Hodnett – 6
Hodnett’s tenacity and work rate were commendable as he consistently put himself in key positions to make tackles and contest at the breakdown. What is maybe missing from his game are those game-changing moments that elevate a player to Test class.
8. Gavin Coombes – 6
Coombes’ physicality was there in fits and starts, challenging Northampton’s defenders and gaining valuable ground when carrying. Survived a savage clearing kick that struck him below the belt, rendering him inert for several minutes.
9. Craig Casey – 8
Quick service and smart tactical play kept Munster moving forward, with Casey proving his worth on the back foot. Steered the team with some remarkable kicking under pressure and showcased an indomitable Jack Russell spirit that just puts a smile on the face of any right-thinking rugby fan. Even won an unlikely jackal turnover in the 62nd minute.
10. Jack Crowley – 5
A mixed bag with some impressive plays balanced by a few errors from Crowley. Played himself into the game as it went on, even if there were moments of indecision when covering back. Hard to fathom how he couldn’t steer Munster to victory against a 14-man Saints side who looked beaten.
11. Shane Daly – 5
A bit of an anonymous one from Daly. Failed to make a meaningful mark on the game, with limited involvement.
12. Alex Nankivell – 8
A superb performance in the centre, the New Zealander was solid defensively and showed strong carrying ability, standing out in an otherwise hit-and-miss Munster attacking effort. Not his fault.
13. Antoine Frisch – 7
Frisch was whip-smart all game with good defensive work and no small amount of attacking verve. Broke through Northampton’s defence with a canny line just before halftime.
14. Calvin Nash – 6
Nash was a vibrant presence on the wing, using his speed and agility to be a constant attacking threat and involved in key plays. On the negative side of the ledger, the winger had three turnovers conceded against his name.
15. Simon Zebo – 4
Looked to be carrying an injury, Zebo’s performance lacked his usual flair, with limited contributions in both defence and attack before being taken off. Looked uncharacteristically distraught going off after 43 minutes, which doesn’t bode well.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Eoghan Clarke – 5
Struggled to make a significant impact after coming on. While Clarke added some energy in the scrum, his overall contribution in general play was lacking.
17. Josh Wycherley – 5
His performance off the bench was underwhelming, adding little to the team’s collective effort.
18. John Ryan – 5
Ryan’s presence in the scrum was not as impactful as expected, and his addition of physicality was minimal.
19. Brian Gleeson – 7
Running over 116kg Springbok No.8 Juarno Augustus is no mean feat. The sooner this lad is fast-tracked into the Ireland squad the better.
20. Alex Kendellen – 5
Should have brought fresh legs, but in retrospect, Rowntree may being rueing the decision to take O’Mahony off.
21. Paddy Patterson – N/A
22. Joey Carbery – 5
Bordeaux bound, Carbery didn’t do much of merit in his short time on the pitch.
23. Sean O’Brien – 6
O’Brien was solid during his time on the field, coming on for an injured Simon Zebo shortly after halftime.
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| 2024-01-20T20:02:50Z
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Joe Alwyn is ready for a busy 2024 as he reunited with old friends on Saturday January 20, for Paris Fashion Week, marking his first public appearance of the year.
The British actor – who split from Taylor Swift in early 2023 after over six years together – was joined by Andrew Garfield, Zayn Malik and his The Favorite co-star Nicholas Hoult for the Loewe Menswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show.
The 32-year-old rocked a pair of light wash denim jeans in a loose flared style, paired with a chocolate brown sweater and a deep aubergine-colored velvet peacock coat with a deep collar.
Inside the event, he was captured by fellow guests talking with Andrew – who previously dated Emma Stone, one of Joe's former co-stars and also his upcoming co-star in new film Kinds of Kindness, and who is also one of Taylor's close friends – and posing for pictures with Nicholas, whom he met several years prior as they worked together on the Yorgos Lanthimos film The Favorite, for which Olivia Colman won an Oscar.
Also in attendance was Taylor Russell – who is dating another of Taylor's ex-boyfriends, Harry Styles – Callum Turner, The Crown's Josh O'Connor, Jamie Dornan, Jamie Bell, and Zayn Malik, who was once close to Taylor as he shares three-year-old daughter with Gigi Hadid, another of the singer's best friends.
Joe was then snapped leaving the event with Heartstopper actor Kit Connor.
Joe has three films on the docket for 2024 with Lanthimos' Kinds of Kindness in post-production and potentially looking at a late 2024 release, while Brady Corbet's The Brutalist, starring Adrien Brodt, Felicity Jones and Emma Laird, has wrapped filming and is also in post. He also wrapped filming in late 2023 an adaptation of Hamlet, starring Riz Ahmed in the titular role of the Shakespeare character.
'All Too Well' singer Taylor – who is preparing to return to her sold-out Eras Tour – and the UK-born Conversations with Friends star were a notoriously private couple, and as a result little is known about their time together. It is believed that they began their romance after first meeting at the 2016 Met Gala, where Taylor was chairing the event.
The lyrics in the song 'Dress' – "Flashback to when you met me, your buzzcut and my hair bleached" – perfectly describes how both Taylor and Joe appeared that evening while attending the event. However in the weeks after that event, Taylor enjoyed a whirlwind romance with Tom Hiddleston, until they split in August 2016, and it is thought by many fans that the song 'Cruel Summer' is about Taylor falling for Joe while dating Tom.
In early 2017 it emerged that the pair were in a relationship, and had kept it under wraps, and her 2020 documentary Miss Americana revealed that they "decided together" to keep their personal lives private.
They never walked the red carpet together, although they did sit together at the 2020 Golden Globes, and attended a 2019 Bafta after-party.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Joe contributed songs to her albums Folklore and Evermore, writing under the pseudonym William Bowery; she then publicly thanked him during her Grammys acceptance speech when it won Album of the Year, her third.
In April 2023 it was revealed that the pair had split several months prior, but it had been "amicable". Taylor is now dating Kansas City Chiefs' tight-end Travis Kelce.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511735/joe-alwyn-hangs-out-andrew-garfield-zayn-malik-first-public-appearance-of-2024/
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Concerned about the rising incidents of malware scams early last year, Ms Jasmine Chye acted swiftly.
The 35-year-old digital marketing manager transferred 30 per cent of the money from her three bank accounts into investment platforms.
Each of her bank accounts serves a different function: One for crediting salary, another for bill payments, and the third for miscellaneous savings. She left three months’ worth of salary in these accounts for emergencies.
The funds transferred were her way of locking her money, which were spread across robo-adviser Autowealth and online trading platform Poems.
Ms Chye admits that the move was not a strategic one, as all investments carry some level of risk and do not guarantee full returns. “In my savings accounts, I was earning decent interest each month.”
But she felt it was necessary.
Why? The Android user explains that all her bank accounts can be accessed via her mobile phone. Malware scams typically target devices running on the Android operating system.
In the first half of 2023, there were over 750 reported cases of scam victims downloading malware onto their phones, according to figures from the Singapore Police Force (SPF).
Victims mostly responded to advertisements for services or products on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
Under the pretext of payment, scammers would send the victims a URL link over the messaging platform WhatsApp, which leads them to download an Android application that contains malware.
After the victims have downloaded the file to their smartphone, scammers would be able to obtain the victims’ internet banking credentials and credit card details.
Ms Chye says she came across the “tip” on a social media post about malware-enabled scams. A commenter suggested that transferring funds from bank accounts to investment platforms as a precautionary measure.
While Ms Chye’s investment platforms can be accessed via mobile apps, the withdrawal process makes it hard for scammers to get the money.
She explains: “An account manager from the platform will make a phone call to confirm the withdrawal before it is approved, and it takes up to three working days for the money to be disbursed.”
Protect your pocket
To fight malware-enabled scams, banks in Singapore have introduced multiple measures to safeguard customers.
The rationale behind Ms Chye’s actions is similar to the “money lock” feature rolled out by DBS, OCBC and UOB last November.
It allows customers to block part of their savings in a bank account from digital transactions. Once locked in, the money cannot be transferred through digital means, making it harder for fraudsters to drain money out of a bank account they have taken control of.
Unlike the investment platforms that Ms Chye used, funds secured using the money lock feature can only be withdrawn or transferred in-person at an ATM or at a branch, depending on the bank.
To date, the feature has been activated on around 38,000 accounts, with over $3.2 billion locked up, says Ms Ong-Ang Ai Boon, director of the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS).
“While the ‘money lock’ approach taken by banks varies, they share a similar objective of protecting customers from scams by adding a layer of safeguard should their digital access to bank accounts be compromised.”
“The techniques employed by scammers are constantly evolving, in terms of variety and sophistication,” says a MAS spokesman.
This means no single measure is foolproof, and safeguarding the public requires “a combination of measures in prevention, detection, response and recovery”. Banks will also have to constantly review and recalibrate these measures, the MAS spokesman adds.
Festive frauds
With Chinese New Year around the corner, the police warn of an anticipated surge in e-commerce scams coinciding with the traditional rise in shopping for festive items and short vacations.
Police Superintendent Matthew Choo, assistant director of the Scam Public Education Office, SPF, notes that e-commerce scams come in various forms.
These include “the simple ‘payment but no goods received’, and phishing for your bank and credit card details leading to unauthorised transactions, to malware-enabled scams”, where there could be more losses.
To protect against scams, the public should take a variety of precautions, says Police Superintendent Choo.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/here-are-some-measures-you-should-take-for-more-secure-digital-banking
| 2024-01-20T20:51:50Z
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ROME, Italy - Stephan El Shaarawy orchestrated both goals for AS Roma as they earned a 2-1 home win over Hellas Verona on Saturday in Serie A, securing newly appointed manager Daniele De Rossi a perfect start.
After 19 minutes, Roma broke the deadlock as El Shaarawy made a run into the box before passing to the unmarked Romelu Lukaku, who scored his ninth league goal of the season.
Six minutes later, the hosts doubled their lead as El Shaarawy flicked a cross towards Lorenzo Pellegrini at the back post and the midfielder volleyed into the roof of the net.
Verona pulled one back in the 76th minute when Michael Folorunsho unleashed a curled shot from around 30 metres, catching Roma keeper Rui Patricio off guard as the ball slipped through his gloves.
The atmosphere at the crowded Stadio Olimpico was vibrant and supportive as fans gathered to witness the start of a new period, following the departure of coach Jose Mourinho earlier in thw week.
Roma are now eighth with 32 points, while 18-placed Verona sit in the relegation zone with 17 points. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/de-rossi-enjoys-winning-start-at-roma-as-el-shaarawy-shines
| 2024-01-20T20:52:00Z
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LEIPZIG, Germany - Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen twice came from a goal down and then bagged a second half stoppage time winner through Piero Hincapie to snatch a 3-2 win at RB Leipzig on Saturday and remain unbeaten in the league this season.
Xabi Alonso's team are now on 48 points from 18 games, with second-placed Bayern Munich, who play Werder Bremen on Sunday, on 41 from 16 matches.
Leipzig completely overran the visitors early in the first half and had missed two golden chances by the time they took a seventh minute lead with Xavi Simons' superb goal after he twice controlled the ball in the air and then turned on the spot to beat keeper Lukas Hradecky.
Leverkusen were nowhere to be seen in the first half and also had Jeremie Frimpong taken off injured after half an hour.
But they shot out of the blocks after the break, equalising in the 47th through Nathan Tella after being left completely unmarked at the far post and tapping in an Alejandro Grimaldo cutback.
They came close with Florian Wirtz a little later but Leipzig went back in front against the run of play with a textbook break and a one-touch finish from their top scorer Lois Openda in the 56th.
That, however, only lasted seven minutes as the visitors drew level once more with Jonathan Tah rising high at the far post to head in a curling Jonas Hofmann corner.
The visitors' sensational comeback was complete in stoppage time when Hincapie shook off his marker and slid in at the far post to connect with Grimaldo's corner. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/leverkusen-score-last-gasp-goal-to-snatch-3-2-comeback-win-at-leipzig
| 2024-01-20T20:52:10Z
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YAMOUSSOUKRO - Senegal coach Aliou Cisse was expected to remain in hospital in Yamoussoukro for a second night after he was taken in on Friday following his team's 3-1 victory over Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations, officials said on Saturday.
He was admitted hours after Senegal won their second game at the tournament in Ivory Coast, a result that secured them a place in the next round, and was due to remain to undergo further tests.
"It's true that yesterday he had a little stomach ache, but it's much better," former team mate El Hadji Diouf told reporters at Senegal training on Saturday, while visiting the team.
"We will have to say prayers, you know football is everyday stress," added the former African Footballer of the Year who played with Cisse at the 2002 World Cup.
Several Senegal players visited their coach, officials added.
Cisse has been coach of his country since 2015 and led them to victory at the last Cup of Nations two years ago.
The 47-year-old also coached them at the last two World Cup finals. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/senegal-coach-admitted-to-hospital-following-cup-of-nations-win-against-cameroon
| 2024-01-20T20:52:21Z
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JERUSALEM - At the end of a kilometer-long, booby-trapped tunnel in the Gaza Strip, Israeli soldiers discovered cramped cells where the military said Hamas kept about 20 hostages.
They found a holding area, five narrow rooms behind metal bars, toilets, mattresses, and even drawings by a child hostage who was freed during a November truce, military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said.
No hostages were there when it was discovered.
The military released photos from the underground labyrinth and said it brought in journalists to document the tunnel before it was destroyed.
The tunnel entrance, Hagari said, was in the house of a Hamas member in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, where Israel has been focusing its fight in recent weeks against the Palestinian Islamist group.
"The soldiers entered the tunnel where they encountered terrorists, engaging in a battle that ended with the elimination of the terrorists," Hagari said.
The tunnel was rigged with blast doors and explosives, he said.
"According to the testimonies we have, about 20 hostages were held in this tunnel at different times under harsh conditions without daylight, in dense air with little oxygen, and terrible humidity that makes breathing difficult," he said.
Some of the hostages kept there were freed during the week-long Qatari-mediated truce. Others are among the more than 130 captured during Hamas' Oct. 7 rampage through southern Israel that are still in Gaza. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/israeli-soldiers-uncover-gaza-tunnel-that-once-held-hostages-army
| 2024-01-20T20:52:31Z
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TEL AVIV - Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Jan 20 to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, accusing the veteran leader of mishandling the nation’s security and calling for a new election.
Anti-government protests that shook the nation for much of 2023 ceased after the attacks by Hamas in southern Israel on Oct 7. Political rifts were set aside as Israelis rallied behind the military and the families of those killed or taken hostage.
But with the devastating war in Gaza in its fourth month and opinion polls showing lagging support for Mr Netanyahu, calls for leadership changes are growing stronger, though there is no indication that his position is under any imminent threat.
This was reflected on Jan 20 in the night’s turnout in a central Tel Aviv square where many of the 2023 protests took place.
While the crowd was much smaller than those seen in 2023, it still comprised several thousand people, with many banging on drums, yelling their dismay and waving Israeli flags.
“The government that abandoned us on Oct 7 continues to abandon us every day since - those evacuated from the northern and southern (borders), the families of the victims, the reservists, the hostages,” said Ms Noam Alon, whose brother, a soldier, was killed trying to clear an Israeli town from Hamas gunmen.
“The power is in our hands to change and repair,” she said from the stage. “This government needs to go home. Now!”
And the crowd answered her, shouting: “Now! Now!”
While divisions have emerged among members of his wartime Cabinet, Mr Netanyahu is intent on staying in power.
Opposition leaders have offered to form a unity government not led by Mr Netanyahu, but no moves have gained traction. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/protesters-in-tel-aviv-call-for-change-to-netanyahu-government
| 2024-01-20T20:52:42Z
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'Greatest non-catch ever': Hurricanes star Ruben Love stuns in cricket match
The annual Black Clash T20 cricket match between Team Rugby and Team Cricket has seen some memorable moments from former and current rugby players with the white ball.
Jordie Barrett has shown his pace bowling, former All Black captain Kieran Read produced a brilliant knock of 73 last year, fullback Will Jordan blitzed former Black Caps at the top of the order in 2022, and now Hurricanes fullback Ruben Love has joined the list.
Love stunned the Bay Oval crowd with a ‘speccy’ one-handed catch over the rope, producing something that you would expect from Odell Beckham Jr on the grid iron.
The aerial grab saw Love launch from inside the oval, flying back to snag Gareth Hopkins’ six with one hand. Unfortunately there was no way Love was able to make the catch count, landing way over the rope.
It’s been dubbed the ‘greatest non-catch ever’ on Twitter and was called worthy of being on ESPN’s top plays.
The 22-year-old athlete was a talented cricketer back at high school with many believing Love had a potential career in cricket too. He represented New Zealand U19 in cricket and at one point in time was favouring the bat and ball.
Love showed his ability with the bat as Team Rugby tried to chase down 222, falling just short by seven runs. Coming in down the order Love smashed 47 off 17 balls in a whirlwind cameo.
Helluva catch this (over the boundary 😢). It must be Love, Ruben Love 💛🖤 #BlackClash pic.twitter.com/kcZx1v2cWQ
— James McOnie (@JamesMcOnie) January 20, 2024
A mark of how little I know about modern rugby, who is Ruben Love and why is he not playing professional cricket?? The freakish catch (over the boundary), the down on one knee cover drive, what a talent!
— Simon Wood (@WoodOnWineNZ) January 20, 2024
How good is Ruben love woweeeee #t20blackclash
— Henry (@henry_lee11) January 20, 2024
It's a travesty that the athletic ability that Ruben Love just pulled won't be considered by anyone, anywhere apart from future Black Clash broadcasts.
If that takes place in the field of play, it's ESPN Top 10 and straight social media fodder for months.— BlackcapGunnerMagpie (@1stchoicetaken) January 20, 2024
Ruben Love with the greatest non-catch ever caught on video.
— Thee Jamie Bell (@JamieBellNZ) January 20, 2024
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https://www.rugbypass.com/news/greatest-non-catch-ever-hurricanes-star-ruben-love-stuns-in-black-clash-cricket-match/
| 2024-01-20T21:34:17Z
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14-man Northampton shock Munster to maintain 100 per cent Champions Cup record
Northampton overcame a first-half red card for hooker Curtis Langdon to maintain their 100 per cent Investec Champions Cup record by beating Munster 26-23 in Limerick.
Langdon was dismissed just before half-time following reckless contact with his knee to Munster lock Tom Ahern’s head at a ruck.
Saints skipper George Furbank had already been sin-binned for a dangerous tackle, and Munster flanker Peter O’Mahony pounced for a try when Saints were briefly reduced to 13 players.
But uncapped England Six Nations squad fly-half Fin Smith ran the show, kicking a drop-goal, three penalties and two conversions for a 16-point haul.
Smith displayed outstanding tactical control in driving rain as Northampton posted a statement victory to stay top of Pool Three prior to closest rivals Exeter’s clash against Bayonne on Sunday, with Munster also progressing among four qualifiers.
Saints had already qualified for the round of 16 following victories over Glasgow, Toulon and Bayonne, and they fought back from a 10-point deficit early in the second period to prevail.
Scrum-half Alex Mitchell and back-row forward Sam Graham scored Saints’ tries, while O’Mahony, Antoine Frisch, and Gavin Coombes claimed Munster touchdowns, with fly-half Jack Crowley kicking a conversion and two penalties.
Racing 92 qualified for the knockout phase after a 48-26 victory over Cardiff in Paris as Stuart Lancaster’s team leap-frogged Ulster into fourth spot and clinched the final round of 16 place from Pool Two.
The result also ended Ulster’s Champions Cup hopes for this season, with them dropping into the European Challenge Cup as a fifth-placed finisher.
South Africa’s double World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi and former England wing Christian Wade were among Racing’s try-scorers as they posted seven touchdowns.
Eliminated Cardiff at least ended their campaign by collecting a losing bonus-point courtesy of Wales scrum-half Tomos Williams’ double, plus touchdowns from prop Rhys Carre and fly-half Tinus de Beer.
The Bulls ended Bordeaux-Begles’ 100 per cent record in Pool One by posting a thrilling 46-40 success in Pretoria.
Both teams had already qualified, and South African challengers the Bulls raced into a 40-21 lead – helped by two tries from Marcell Coetzee – before Bordeaux hit back despite being without France internationals Damian Penaud, Matthieu Jalibert and Maxime Lucu.
And Bulls’ fellow South African challengers the Stormers progressed from Pool Four, completing their pool campaign with a 24-20 away win against Stade Francais that was clinched by Manie Libbok’s late try.
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https://www.rugbypass.com/news/northampton-maintain-100-per-cent-champions-cup-record-with-win-in-munster/
| 2024-01-20T21:34:24Z
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Gemma Atkinson is currently looking after Mia, four, and Thiago, seven months, as fiancé Gorka Marquez headed off to Spain to be a judge on their version of Strictly Come Dancing.
However, on Saturday the radio presenter took to her Instagram Stories to reveal that she had a "catastrophe" at home when Mia asked whether she could bake with her mother. Gemma revealed that this isn't one of her talents as she confessed: "Mia has been asking me to bake with her for ages. I am NOT a baker. Some mums have that in them, I most definitely don't. I don't even have a wooden spoon."
The star continued: "I tried though today and look at the state of this," before sharing a photo of a batch of cookies that were partially burnt and had fallen apart.
Thankfully, Gemma was able to pull things back by having her mum, and Mia's grandmother, come over to the house to bake a successful batch of cookies, with the actress quipping: "Lesson learnt. Always let Nana bake."
In a video shared after the attempt at baking, the mum-of-two said: "What a catastrophe that was! I mean, thank god for my mum. She came up, and she went 'Where are your scales and stuff?' and I said 'I don't have any mum'."
Gemma also revealed that one issue with the cookies were that they were too "hard" and that she had to turn down Gorka's suggestion to feed them to the birds, sharing she would have felt too guilty if one of them had "choked".
Gemma has previously told HELLO! how her parents are "lifesavers" confirming that they only live 15-20 minutes away from the star.
Whenever Gorka is with the family, Gemma revealed that the duo have ensured they split tasks such as cleaning and food shopping. "We sit down and think, ‘We need to do a big shop, we need to get the ironing done, we need to hoover the stairs – so we’ll say, ‘Well, if you go to the supermarket, I'll do this, this and this at home,'" Gemma told The Independent.
Gorka has also been open about the "guilt" that he felt leaving Gemma behind due to his work commitments, with the hardest moment being when she was recovering from a C-section following the birth of Mia in 2019.
Speaking about their second baby, Gorka said: "This time around, we have a full week together and it feels like a blessing. When I leave now, I'm thinking: 'Okay, Gemma is safe, she can move, she can be independent.'
"When Mia was born and I had to leave, I was crying because Gemma was in bed – she couldn’t even lift herself up – and I thought: 'Why am I leaving?' I just felt so guilty."
SEE: Strictly's Gemma Atkinson's daughter Mia kisses baby brother Thiago in adorable family video
SEE: Gorka Marquez's baby Thiago is dad's double in heart-melting new photo
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/511736/strictly-gemma-atkinson-catastrophe-mia-baking-gorka-marquez-absence/
| 2024-01-20T22:09:31Z
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Vanderpump Rules fans will know that Lala Kent is hoping to expand her family in 2024 by finding a sperm donor, and now she has told HELLO! that it has been a "fun" process for her.
Lala welcomed her daughter Ocean in March 2021 with then-fiance Randall Emmett; they split in October 2021 amid allegations by Lala of repeated cheating.
When asked about what life is looking like at this point for her, the reality star shared: "I'm loving myself – I'm building my business and my brand and I'm focusing on my family unit and figuring out the structure to bring another baby into this mix."
"You'll see this season that I start venturing into [looking for] a donor – it's a really fun season for me looking into that," she added.
Lala and Randall met in 2015 when he visited Sur, the restaurant where Lala was working and where the show films. They worked together on a film and became friends, and two years later Lala told viewers she was in a relationship but would not reveal his identity.
Randall – who was married to Ambyr Childers – then finalized his divorce from the actress after eight years and two children in December 2017, and the next month Lala and Randall went public.
They became engaged in September 2018 and in early 2020 Randall made his debut appearance on Vanderpump Rules, which had filmed in 2019.
"All the begging I've done has paid off. Rand is officially a Bravolebrity. I love you, babyyyy. Thank you for stepping into my world," Lala shared on social media at the time.
She fell pregnant that same year and they welcomed Ocean in March 2021, but six months later they split, and Lala later told fans: "There will be a time where I feel comfortable enough to open up and share. Today is definitely not that day. It's been a lot, I'm going through a lot."
By April 2022 Lala shared that they had "zero-contact" and later that year, a Los Angeles Times piece alleged that Randall had offered a woman film roles in exchange for sexual favors; he has always denied the claims and through his lawyers alleged that it was part of a "smear campaign" by Lala.
Lala has been outspoken about raising her daughter without a father, but she shared that she doesn't consider herself a single mom because of the "incredible support system" she has around her.
"Being a single mom has taught me patience and taught me I have a strength that I really didn't know I had," she admitted to HELLO!.
"But I have an incredible support system, I have the luxury of having [had] my mom and brother move out here, and so it's hard for me to call myself a single mom because I don't really feel like one. Single moms are my superheroes – the ones that are out there really making it happen for their kids and their families completely on their own? I adore them."
Stream the premiere of Vanderpump Rules season 11 on January 30 on Hayu in Canada and Bravo in the US, and on January 31 on Hayu in the UK
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/511737/vanderpump-rules-star-lala-kent-opens-up-on-fun-process-of-expanding-her-family-exclusive/
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SEOUL – Kim Ju Ae made her first public appearance in November 2022 during a missile launch. At that time, she wore a puffy coat and red flat shoes, and sported a schoolgirl’s fringe.
But the daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said to be either 10 or 11 years old in 2024, has taken on a more mature look since then.
Her appearance at North Korea’s New Year celebrations on Dec 31 caused quite a stir, as she strutted down the red carpet holding her father’s arm, clad in a black leather jacket with a wide fur collar, with her hair in a half-up do, the favoured hairstyle of her mother Ri Sol Ju and her aunt Kim Yo Jong.
The more mature look was completed with high heels estimated to be 7cm high, which South Korean media zoomed in on, noting that the shoes were “high enough for adult women to wear”.
A week later, Ju Ae was seen accompanying her father to inspect a newly built chicken factory, her first non-military-related appearance. This time, she added waves to her hair.
Observers say the increasing frequency of Ju Ae’s public appearances, along with the rapid transformation to a more womanly image, is likely part of a grand propaganda campaign engineered by her aunt who heads the Propaganda and Agitation Department.
Professor Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told The Straits Times that there is a multifaceted agenda behind Ju Ae’s public exposure.
Mr Kim gets to show off his softer side as an affectionate father, while his wife completes the picture of a strong family bond.
From the perspective of the sole ruling Workers’ Party of North Korea and the North Korean military, Mr Kim is showing that he is securing the future of his country through nuclear capabilities, as well as Ju Ae, who represents the fourth generation of the powerful Baekdu lineage.
North Koreans refer to the three generations of Kims who have ruled North Korea since 1948 as the Baekdu bloodline, named after the mountain located at the northernmost point of the Korean peninsula and regarded as the spiritual home of the Korean race.
Prof Yang said: “It seems that Ju Ae is being utilised not only as a successor, but also as a tool in the propaganda activities of her father, mother, the party and the military. The orchestrator of this utilisation is likely her aunt Yo Jong.”
Dr Bruce Bennett, a senior defence analyst at US think-tank Rand Corporation, thinks that it could also be the Kims’ attempt to soften the ground for North Koreans – a deeply patriarchal society – to accept a female successor in the future.
“I think Kim, from the beginning, recognised that having a woman take his place as a successor was going to be very hard, that the military wasn’t going to live with that. So from several years ago, he started making his sister take a really hard line, (changing her) into the kind of person who could rule the North Korean military.
“As for his daughter, he has taken her around to military facilities. So I think he is keeping his options open.”
Referring to the displays of affection between Mr Kim and Ju Ae, he said: “While (Ms Kim Yo Jong) is the big bad wolf of North Korea, Kim is offering a softer side with his daughter.”
The North Korean leader was shown hugging and planting a kiss on Ju Ae’s cheek during the New Year’s celebration, days before threatening to annihilate South Korea if provoked.
And if the intention is indeed to signal that Ju Ae will be the next supreme leader, then it makes sense to build a more mature image for her, said Dr Lee Sung Yoon, a fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars.
“It may very well be the case that she has been determined internally as the heir apparent. But of course, it’s a bit premature to release that to the world. It would invite mockery.”
And despite South Korea’s National Intelligence Service acknowledging recently that Ju Ae appears to be Mr Kim’s “most likely successor”, based on analyses of her public activities and the level of respect seen accorded to her, Dr Lee remains sceptical.
“Yes, she’s cute and seems to have grown physically a bit taller over the past year, but she’s still a little girl. What can a little prepubescent 11-year-old do when she receives a foreign delegation? If Kim were to die today, can she emerge as the supreme leader?”
Professor Leif-Eric Easley from Ewha Womans University in Seoul shared a similar view. “Kim has ostentatiously elevated the status of his daughter, having her accompany him to high-profile events in what looks like an apprenticeship role. The variety of her appearances has expanded, and the formality of protocol, language and attire for her has increased.
“However, we aren’t sure about her name or age, much less whether she is Kim’s chosen successor. South Korean intelligence may consider her the most likely successor among known potential candidates, but that still doesn’t mean it’s likely she will inherit the regime.”
He added: “Pyongyang’s propaganda department could be planning decades ahead, but it’s probably more focused on the current leader’s brand image while putting up smokescreens to obfuscate power dynamics in North Korean politics.”
What might the future hold for Ms Kim Yo Jong?
The feisty youngest child of the late Kim Jong Il is said to be 36 in 2024. She was widely seen as the de facto deputy to her elder brother and was tipped as successor before the appearance of Ju Ae.
Known for her strong diatribes, Ms Kim was by her brother’s side when he visited Russia and met President Vladimir Putin last September.
In her Jan 2 New Year message to South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, she described him as “an honest and foolish person who reveals his hostility towards others without hesitation”, while referring to his predecessor Moon Jae-in as “an ugly person with honey on his mouth and a sword in his heart”.
Dr Lee, who authored the book, The Sister: North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong, The Most Dangerous Woman In The World, released last June, believes that she is a strong contender. “It’s entirely conceivable that for now, the little girl is the heir apparent. When she reaches adulthood, that’s mature enough to be a leader; very young, but still not a child,” he said.
“But for the next 15 years or so, I see only one candidate, the viable Baekdu bloodline member to be able to fill in in case Kim is incapacitated or permanently gone, and that’s Kim Yo Jong.”
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/new-mature-look-of-kim-jong-un-s-daughter-said-to-set-stage-for-possible-succession
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WASHINGTON - Saudi Arabia's foreign minister said the kingdom was "very worried" that tensions in the Red Sea amid attacks by Yemen's Houthis and U.S. strikes on Houthi targets could spiral out of control and escalate the conflict in the region.
"I mean, of course, we are very worried. I mean, you know, we are in a very difficult and dangerous time in the region, and that's why we are calling for de-escalation," Prince Faisal bin Farhan told CNN 'Fareed Zakaria GPS' in an interview that will be aired on Sunday.
Attacks by the Iran-aligned Houthi militia on ships in and around the Red Sea for the past several weeks have slowed trade between Asia and Europe and alarmed major powers in an escalation of the war in Gaza.
The Saudi foreign minister said the kingdom believed in freedom of navigation and wanted tensions in the region to be de-escalated.
"We of course, believe very much in the freedom of navigation. And that's something that needs to be protected. But we also need to protect the security and stability of the region. So we are very focused on de-escalating the situation as much as possible," he told CNN.
The Houthis, who control most of Yemen, say their attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians under attack from Israel in Gaza.
Since last week, the United States has been launching strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, and this week returned the militia to a list of "terrorist" groups. President Joe Biden said on Thursday that air strikes would continue even as he acknowledged they may not be halting the Houthi attacks.
The confrontation risks an expansion of the conflict beyond Hamas-governed Gaza, where the local health ministry says over 24,000 people - or more than 1% of Gaza's 2.3 million population - have been killed in Israel's assault.
Israel launched its offensive following Oct. 7 attacks on Israel by the Palestinian Islamist group, which Israeli officials say killed 1,200 people. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/saudi-says-escalating-tensions-amid-houthi-attacks-and-us-strikes-are-dangerous
| 2024-01-20T22:24:43Z
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Victims who have been duped into buying inappropriate financial products will soon be able to claim more in compensation.
The Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (Fidrec) has proposed to raise the claim limit by 50 per cent, from $100,000 now to $150,000, if investors suffer losses from the misconduct, negligence or contractual breach by employees of financial institutions.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/invest/claim-limit-for-victims-of-mis-selling-by-financial-institutions-to-go-up-to-150k
| 2024-01-20T22:25:04Z
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SINGAPORE - Global e-commerce players are facing intensifying competition that has led to shifting market shares amid concerns over profitability.
DBS Group Research in its January report tips Amazon and PDD – the parent of Chinese online retailer PinDuoDuo – for their growth prospects.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/invest/e-commerce-competition-heats-up-for-amazon-alibaba-sea-and-temu
| 2024-01-20T22:25:15Z
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Earlier in January 2024, Lazada, a unit of New York Stock Exchange-listed Alibaba, announced plans to reduce its headcount. The e-commerce arm Lazada operates in countries across South-east Asia, including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The layoffs affected all functions, reports said. A CNBC report had put the cuts in the region of hundreds.
Subsequently, Google also announced job cuts. These were in areas such as the hardware and central engineering teams, as well as Google Assistant. Some estimates put the number affected at 1,000, with more layoffs expected this year.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/invest/is-the-tech-boom-tapering-off
| 2024-01-20T22:25:26Z
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SINGAPORE – Shelves of whiskies and cognacs occupy the entire length of financial planner Dennis Neo’s living room, but he considers the bottles to be well worth the space they take up.
The whisky fan had frequented bars and found the alcohol expensive, so in 2018, he started to build his own collection, which is now worth over $40,000.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/me-my-money-finding-a-neat-investment-in-whisky
| 2024-01-20T22:25:48Z
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https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/cartoons/a-cartoonist-s-view-lee-chee-chew-jan-21-2024
| 2024-01-20T22:26:09Z
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Fifty years together, half a century.
Young friends are awed! But 50 years with John feels, umm... normal (?)
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https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/john-and-i-celebrated-our-golden-anniversary-and-it-felt-same-same
| 2024-01-20T22:26:20Z
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By now, our best intentions for 2024 may have gone poof! So short-lived are our shiny new goals each year that Jan 17 is ingloriously dubbed the Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day.
I’ve thought about the top three resolutions of hopeful Singaporeans, polled recently by research firm YouGov. Singaporeans plan to improve their physical health (61 per cent), manage money better (53 per cent) and spend more time with friends/family (45 per cent).
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https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/power-through-the-new-year-with-micro-resolutions-and-a-sense-of-purpose
| 2024-01-20T22:26:30Z
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After a coma-inducing dinner of deep-fried soon hock fish, claypot pork liver and Yangzhou fried rice, it was not a question that I was prepared for – and not from a 12-year-old boy.
“What are Singaporeans proudest of about their country?” he asked, as I was driving home.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/what-are-you-proudest-of-about-your-country
| 2024-01-20T22:26:40Z
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SINGAPORE – There was a spate of mpox cases here in the last four months of 2023, with 25 of the total 32 cases last year diagnosed from September to December.
Twenty of all the cases were locally transmitted, although not all sources of infection are known, said a Ministry of Health (MOH) spokesman.
He said the “majority” of the 12 imported cases were local residents who had travelled to countries in South America and South-east Asia.
Of the known local transmissions, one local case was linked to an imported case, and two cases were linked to an earlier local unlinked case. Both clusters are now closed, as there have been no new cases linked to them for the last 42 days, or two incubation periods.
There were no family clusters, and the rest of the cases were unlinked.
The MOH spokesman said: “Globally, there has been an increase in mpox cases, and Singapore is also seeing an increase in cases locally.”
Professor Paul Tambyah, a senior consultant in infectious diseases at the National University Hospital, speaking in his capacity as president of the International Society for Infectious Diseases, said: “We are in line with the rest of East and South-east Asia in that the mpox peak is a bit later than in Europe and the Americas, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) data available.”
In October 2023, WHO recorded 668 cases from 29 countries; the following month, there were 906 cases from 26 countries.
Professor Hsu Li Yang, vice-dean for global health at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, said that although the mpox case count is still very low, the number of local transmissions with unknown sources “certainly could represent low-level endemicity in Singapore”. If that is the case, mpox infections will continue to emerge.
Singapore made the viral disease a reportable disease in mid-2022 following a global outbreak when the disease appeared in many countries where it is not endemic, including Europe, the United States and Australia, unlike in Africa where it originated.
Singapore recorded 18 cases in 2022 since reporting of the disease started in end-June that year.
On July 23, 2022, the WHO declared the outbreak of mpox to be a public health emergency of international concern, its highest available alarm. This is the seventh outbreak so designated by WHO since 2005. The one before this was Covid-19.
Although usually mild, mpox can prove fatal for some.
There are two clades, or groups of organisms. According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, mortality rate for Clade I (from Congo) is 10 per cent, while that for Clade II (from West Africa) is less than 1 per cent.
MOH said all the reported cases in Singapore were Clade II.
The disease can spread through exposure to respiratory droplets or direct physical contact with the blood, body fluid or lesion material from infected individual or contaminated materials. So it can be transmitted when people talk to each other, or through any form of kissing or sex.
Mpox typically starts with a fever, muscle aches and sore throat, followed by a rash that begins on the face and spreads over the body, extending to the palms of the hands and soles of the feet and evolves over two to four weeks in stages – macules, papules, vesicles, pustules. “Lesions dip in the centre before crusting over,” WHO said.
The rash can be both itchy and painful. Treatment is usually to alleviate symptoms, as the disease is often self-limiting. Antiviral medication may be used in more serious cases.
According to WHO, complications from mpox can cause serious illness and include pneumonia; corneal infection with loss of vision; pain or difficulty swallowing, vomiting and diarrhoea causing severe dehydration or malnutrition; sepsis (infection of the blood with a widespread inflammatory response in the body); inflammation of the brain, heart, rectum, genital organs or urinary passages; or death.
The MOH spokesman said that anyone who has mpox symptoms should seek medical care early.
He added that the risk of mpox infection to the general public remains low, “as the predominant route of disease transmission is through close physical contact, including intimate or sexual contact, with an infected person or contaminated materials”.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/25-cases-of-mpox-in-singapore-from-september-to-december
| 2024-01-20T22:26:51Z
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SINGAPORE – Dragons of different shapes and sizes have emerged to herald in Chinese New Year on Feb 10.
It will be the Year of the Wood Dragon, and the auspicious creature in the Chinese zodiac symbolises power, strength and good fortune.
Here are some highlights from the kaleidoscope of CNY activities around the island.
Chinatown
The cultural enclave sets the pulse for CNY festivities.
An array of breathtaking dragon dioramas themed “Soaring into the Auspicious Dragon Year” illuminates New Bridge Road, Eu Tong Sen Street, South Bridge Road and Upper Cross Street after the official light-up on Jan 19. They will set Chinatown aglow from 7pm to midnight till March 9.
Among some of the highlights is a festive fair till Feb 9 in Sago Street, Smith Street, Temple Street, Trengganu Street and Pagoda Street from 10am to 10pm daily. A countdown party will ring in the new year in Kreta Ayer Square on Feb 9 at 10pm.
The Chinatown Business Association has also organised a series of festive workshops on making nian gao (sweet rice cake) and pineapple plush toys at the Chinatown Visitor Centre in Banda Street. More details on https://chinatown.sg
The library@chinatown in Chinatown Point will have festive events like dragon-themed craft activities and Chinese calligraphy workshops. More information on https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/programmes-at-librarychinatown-2631629
Chingay
The annual multicultural extravaganza Chingay Parade will return to the F1 Pit Building on Feb 23 and 24 with the theme “Blossom”.
It will feature 3,500 performers, 17 community-made floats, five Chingay large floats and, for the first time, a 230m interactive floor projection – Singapore’s longest for a street parade.
A section of the event venue will be turned into a PAssionArts Street, where art activities and community art installations co-created by residents and community artists will be showcased.
The Chingay spirit will be brought to the heartlands with performances and a caravan of floats parading through various estates over several weekends from Feb 25.
More information on https://www.chingay.gov.sg
River Hongbao and Gardens by the Bay
River Hongbao 2024 will be held from Feb 8 to 17 at Gardens by the Bay, with overseas performances making a return after a three-year hiatus.
A stunning 140m-long dragon suspended between the two Supertrees will take centre stage, together with the God of Fortune and a dazzling display of 30 firecrackers.
Besides River Hongbao, the centre of Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay will be transformed into Dahlia Dreams, with a 15m-long dragon centrepiece close to 7m in height rising from amid more than 1,000 dahlias of 40 varieties.
Complementing this central spectacle are four colourful dragon lantern sets, each symbolising the elements of metal, water, fire and earth.
Gardens by the Bay chief executive officer Felix Loh said: “With CNY being an important time of reunion, we hope that Singaporeans will celebrate the festive period with us through our various displays and programmes as they bond with their families and friends amidst the beauty of nature.”
Resorts World Sentosa
Bask in the spirit of spring at Resorts World Sentosa with its Starlit Dragon Spectacular live performance that features a majestic 88m LED dancing dragon under a starry night sky. The free public show is set at the Lake of Dreams, at level one at the Forum. It will take place from Feb 10 to 13, and Feb 16 to 18 at 7.30pm and 8.30pm. Guests can look out for the God of Fortune on these dates.
Visitors can also capture Insta-worthy moments at AVE8’s Wealth of Dragons installation from Jan 23; and enjoy live band performances on selected dates in February at both AVE8 and Gourmet Park. More details on www.rwsentosa.com/en/events/chinese-new-year
Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre and Singapore Chinese Orchestra
Soak in the Chinese New Year vibes at the CNY Family Fun event co-organised by Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) and Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) from Feb 26 till 28 at SCCC and Singapore Conference Hall.
Families can join in CNY traditions through interactive activities such as games, performances, workshops and craft activities.
An art installation called BeLONG’s Art Playground at SCCC’s roof garden will allow visitors to explore Singapore’s unique CNY customs in a fun and colourful playground inspired by Singapore’s HDB playgrounds.
Catch an illuminated dragon dance featuring a symphony of lights and motion against a cityscape backdrop at SCCC roof garden on Jan 26 and 28 at 8pm, and Jan 27 at 8.20pm.
More details at https://singaporen.sg/festivals/chinese-new-year/familyfun/
Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
Catch the festive spirit at the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall’s Wan Qing Festival of Spring on Feb 17 and 18, from 10am to 7pm.
There will be workshops such as dragon lantern making and dragon’s beard candy making, storytelling and craft activities. Visitors will also be entertained with performances by Singapore Chinese Orchestra and Chinese wind and percussion ensemble Reverberance.
A crowd-puller will be the inflatable installation of Dino, a modern interpretation of the mythical dragon, which will be on display on the memorial hall’s lawn till Feb 25.
Admission is free except for some ticketed activities. More information on https://www.sysnmh.org.sg
Museum Roundtable Hongbao
The annual Museum Roundtable Lunar New Year Hongbao Campaign is on till Feb 9, when visitors to any of the 43 participating museums, heritage institutions and galleries can collect an eight-piece set of red packets unique to that particular museum.
This year’s hongbao set features dragons designed by Colombian artist Carlos Puentes.
More information on go.gov.sg/MRHongbao2024
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/enter-the-dragon-activities-to-usher-in-chinese-new-year-2024
| 2024-01-20T22:27:01Z
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SINGAPORE – Lying in an ambulance after he was caught in a shooting spree in Prague, the first thing Mr Peter Vendel did was to text his wife: “I am alive.”
The 48-year-old Dutchman, a Singapore permanent resident, had been shot in his right thigh. He was among the 25 injured on Dec 21, 2023, when a 24-year-old student went on a shooting spree at Charles University in the capital of the Czech Republic. Fourteen people were killed.
In Mr Vendel’s first media interview since the incident, he told The Straits Times on Jan 20 about his family of four’s harrowing experience on the last day of their holiday in Prague.
They were taking in the sights in the city when they saw people running all of a sudden. The family, too, began to run when Mr Vendel’s wife, Madam Sofea Musa, realised that gunshots were being fired.
After running for a few minutes, Mr Vendel felt his body give way.
“I was in disbelief. I did not feel any impact on my leg, nothing. I felt myself fall to the ground and I just knew I couldn’t move,” said Mr Vendel, who works as a country director in the marine sector here.
It took him a few moments to realise what had happened, and he shouted: “I’ve been shot.”
Madam Sofea, 40, tried to pull him to safety, but lacked the strength to do so. Two people nearby helped to pull him away shortly before an ambulance arrived and took him to the hospital, leaving his family behind.
In the ambulance, Mr Vendel tried to make sense of the events that had just unfolded. He thought about his wife and children – a 15-year-old daughter and a five-year-old son – and their safety.
Then, the severity of his injuries and pain hit him, along with the frigid 4 deg C weather.
“The last thing I remember is that I was rolled into the operating theatre after a CT scan to remove the bullet, before I passed out. My body had gone into shock,” he said.
Mr Vendel went through a second operation in Prague to remove the remaining shrapnel and part of his pelvis, and to stop the internal bleeding he suffered from the gunshot wound.
The couple initially planned for him to undergo subsequent operations in the Netherlands, as it is nearer to Prague, and he would be with family. But due to insurance and payment issues, they opted to return to Singapore, after doctors’ clearance was given.
But the journey back on Jan 14 had its own set of challenges.
Along with his wife, son and a medical staff member, Mr Vendel took a 15-hour Lufthansa Airlines flight from Prague – with a five-hour stopover at Frankfurt Airport – back to Singapore. Their daughter had returned to Singapore on Dec 29.
“I couldn’t sit upright, so I had to lay down on a stretcher bed that was propped up. It was at an elevated level, so I was pretty close to the luggage compartment.
“It was very uncomfortable, not being able to move for such a long period of time, along with fresh wounds,” he lamented, quipping: “It is not something I would recommend to anyone.”
Since returning to Singapore, Mr Vendel has undergone yet another operation at Mount Elizabeth Hospital to clean up the rest of the bone splinters. When a bone breaks or is fractured, small fragments of it can break off and become lodged in the surrounding tissues.
He has a final operation scheduled on Jan 25 to insert a permanent implant in his thigh.
“The doctors here have reassured me that after the installation of the implant, I will be able to do all the activities I used to do before, just not ballet or marathons, which is not a problem,” he joked.
Mr Vendel said he is aware of the long road to recovery, and although a timeline or programme has not been drawn up yet, he plans to focus on the final operation and rehabilitation. He has also begun physiotherapy to regain his ability to stand and sit upright.
Working in the marine industry requires a lot of moving around, and Mr Vendel is thankful that when he eventually returns to work, he will be able to do more deskbound work. He has received support from his company and colleagues, who have been in contact with him through phone messages and visits.
Mr Vendel and Madam Sofea, an employment inspector who is on extended leave, have also been keeping a close eye on their children to make sure they are doing well.
Their daughter has been offered counselling sessions by her school, while their son has been dealing with jet lag, having been away from home for almost a month.
“I tell everyone and my family members who are affected that crying can be a good remedy to lighten the mind,” Mr Vendel said, adding that he has not given the shooting incident much thought himself.
Madam Sofea said the ordeal will not deter the family from returning to Europe in the future.
As his final operation draws near, Mr Vendel hopes to regain a sense of normalcy as he keeps a positive outlook by celebrating each milestone he achieves, while maintaining his sense of humour.
“I took my first shower today since Dec 21. I hope I’ve not been too smelly,” he joked.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/i-m-alive-s-pore-pr-s-message-to-wife-after-being-shot-in-the-leg-in-prague
| 2024-01-20T22:27:11Z
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SINGAPORE – An unlikely friendship has formed between a Japanese artist and a group of heritage artisans here.
Ms Tsuyumi Miwa, a Nagoya-born painter, started her Singapore Cultural Series in late 2021 to showcase unique skills here that are at risk of disappearing.
One of her muses is mala (garland) seller Sevugan Ponnalagu, who owns Sri Akilandeswari Mini-marts in Serangoon Road.
“She was my fourth subject and before her, it was all men,” said Ms Miwa, a Singapore permanent resident married to a Briton here. “I wanted to find a female muse but walking around Little India, I saw that 95 per cent were men.”
She found out from a tour guide about a female mala flower seller in Little India, and managed to hunt down Ms Ponnalagu after three attempts. After taking photographs of Ms Ponnalagu, she did an acrylic painting of her, which took over two months.
“I’m happy that she has done a good job,” said Ms Ponnalagu, 43, looking at the 100cm by 70cm painting of herself. “People always come and take my pictures or ask about my garlands. I’m like an Indian culture ambassador.”
She takes 10 minutes to make a simple garland, a craft she learnt by observing others over a decade ago. The garlands are used for prayers and weddings, and as hair adornments.
“There are fewer people doing this now,” said Ms Ponnalagu. “My three children will come to help out, but won’t take over this stall.”
Mr Tan Ah Hock, owner of Sin Hoe Hin Joss Paper Dealer in Chin Swee Road, is another artisan Ms Miwa featured. The 70-year-old learnt to make paper replicas of items at the age of nine from his grandfather and father. He hopes to pass on his business to his engineer son Vincent, 35.
“I wanted to put on a shirt for the painting, but Ms Miwa said I should appear as my normal self,” said Mr Tan, who toils topless over his papercrafts of items such as houses, cars and figurines.
These items are burnt during funerals and Chinese ancestral worship ceremonies.
“This is a dying art, with only about 20 artisans left,” said Mr Tan. “Some people import joss paper products from overseas now, but the workmanship may not be as good.”
Ms Miwa, who speaks English and Mandarin, has also painted a traditional kopitiam owner, a Taoist deity statue maker, a cheongsam tailor and a Peranakan shoemaker.
Her upcoming subjects include a Chinese cultural antique and vintage instrument seller, a string puppet performer and a maker of fire dragons, which are made of straw and burnt in temple rituals.
She hopes to uncover more unique skills and traditions that make up the rich tapestry of Singapore’s cultural identity.
Ms Miwa, who declined to give her age, started painting at the age of three and enrolled in Tama Art University in Tokyo to study theatre and art. After working as a radio and television announcer in Tokyo, she came to Singapore in 2012 and rediscovered her love of painting.
She has done commissioned works, such as portraits of people, and paintings of animals and nature. She currently has an exhibition at the Singapore Polo Club featuring horses and nature.
Ms Miwa plans to have her Singapore Cultural Series culminate with an exhibition and a guided tour to watch her artisan subjects at work.
“People should be able to smell the flowers and coffee, and feel the energy and vibes, which cannot be done through paintings,” she said. “I want to inspire their five senses through the tours.”
She gets help from friends such as heritage enthusiast Victor Yue to find her artisans.
“I help anyone who is interested in our heritage, and she has the skills to help these craftsmen leave a legacy behind through her paintings,” said Mr Yue. “We should be like Japan, where the heritage artisans are treated like national treasures.”
Ms Miwa is grateful for the help she has received from Singaporeans, including the craftsmen. “They are all so welcoming,” she said. “I am so privileged to see their work up close, and have them share their stories with me.”
The artisans wondered why she was interested in them. “They said they are very ordinary, but I told them they are extraordinary people who have been dedicated to their crafts for so long,” she said.
As an artist, Ms Miwa shares a special connection with the artisans. “Sometimes, people only notice the tradition when it’s gone,” she said. “I love Singapore very much, and I hope to contribute by capturing Singaporean culture.”
Mr Alvin Tan, deputy chief executive of policy and community at the National Heritage Board, told The Straits Times that in this digital age, Ms Miwa’s efforts to get to know Singapore’s intangible cultural heritage practitioners and document their crafts through the medium of art are commendable.
“With her paintings, Ms Tsuyumi Miwa joins the ranks of artists who have captured and celebrated different aspects of Singapore’s heritage, and we hope that her efforts will inspire others to join us in safeguarding and promoting our heritage for present and future generations.”
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/japanese-artist-celebrates-singapore-s-heritage-artisans-with-paint-brush
| 2024-01-20T22:27:22Z
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SINGAPORE - The number of babies born to teenagers has halved in the past decade, and counsellors say this is largely because today’s teens are a lot more savvy about using contraception.
In 2022, 218 babies were born to teens aged 19 and younger.
This is fewer than half of the 487 babies born to teenagers in 2013, according to the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2022 published by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. The 2022 figures are the latest available.
Meanwhile, when The Straits Times asked the Health Ministry about teen abortions in the past decade, a spokesman said the incidence rate of abortions has remained largely unchanged at about two in 1,000 teens from 2018 to 2022.
The issue of teen pregnancy came up during a recent court case where a 15-year-old girl became pregnant after having sex with a 14-year-old boy. Concealing the pregnancy from their parents, they tried to abort the foetus on their own.
Their methods, which they found online, included the girl inserting a clothes hanger into her body in an attempt to pull the foetus out, taking abortion pills, and having her abdomen punched and kneed by the boy.
The girl gave birth to a stillborn son in 2021.
She kept the body of her stillborn child in her cabinet for two days before burying him in the garden of her house at her boyfriend’s instigation.
In December 2023, the boy was found guilty of sexual penetration of a minor and abetting the girl in concealing the birth by burying the child. The boy, who is now 18, is awaiting sentencing.
ST understands that the girl has been given a conditional warning for her role in the case.
Counsellors said a key reason behind the fall in the number of teen mums is that today’s young people are more savvy about using contraception.
Ms Shazana Sharif, a social worker at AMP Singapore, a non-profit serving the Muslim community, said: “Generally, there has been an improvement in teens’ knowledge and the use of contraception compared to previous generations.
“Increased access to information through the Internet, comprehensive sex education programmes, and greater awareness of contraception methods have contributed to teenagers being more informed.”
Counsellors said the falling numbers should not be interpreted as fewer teens having sex.
In fact, teens are starting to be sexually active at a younger age, and some counsellors even see pregnant teens as young as 13 asking for help, they said.
Ms Lena Teo, director of programmes and services at Care Singapore, which helps at-risk youth, said that with the proliferation of social media and online pornography, sexual behaviour has become normalised.
She added: “To certain groups of youth – but not for all teens – they want to appear cool, to be in the know, and they are looking for acceptance (from their friends).
“It is seen as cool to have sexual experience, especially for the boys. For the girls, they feel they are loved and wanted if they have a boyfriend, and it’s like their sense of self-worth goes up.”
But in the event of a pregnancy, counsellors said, some teens try to terminate it without going to a doctor for various reasons.
They fear the repercussions if their parents, school or the authorities were to find out about the pregnancy.
For example, the male partner could be afraid of getting into trouble with the law if it is known that the girl is pregnant, said Mrs Jennifer Heng, director of Safe Place, which helps pregnant women in distress.
It is an offence to have sex with a person under the age of 16, even if the person consents to it. If the girl is under 14, the offence is called statutory rape.
Ms Shazana said that another fear some young couples have is that their parents would force them to marry, so they do not have the child out of wedlock.
A spokeswoman for Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support, a charity which supports pregnant teens, said some young people resort to unsafe methods or substances in their bid to terminate the pregnancy as they cannot afford to pay for an abortion at a clinic or hospital, which can cost between $800 and $5,000.
She said: “Some may be reluctant to disclose their situation to their parents due to various reasons, including fear of judgment, cultural stigmas, or strained relationships. This fear may lead to delays in seeking medical assistance and, in turn, increase the risks associated with unsafe practices.”
To prevent teens from resorting to unsafe ways to abort the foetus, counsellors said that sex education is crucial.
The Babes spokeswoman said there is a need to strengthen reproductive and sexual health education in schools so that teens are well-informed about the consequences of getting pregnant, the legal framework surrounding sexual activity and safe methods for handling unplanned pregnancies.
Counsellors added that parents also need to have more open conversations with their children regarding relationships and sex, even if it is hard to broach such topics.
If you are facing a pregnancy crisis and need help, you can contact:
1. Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support
Helpline: 6206 6641
WhatsApp (Text): 3135 1351
2. Safe Place
WhatsApp: 8891 4214
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/plunge-in-the-number-of-babies-born-to-teens-as-youth-get-more-savvy-about-contraception
| 2024-01-20T22:27:32Z
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SINGAPORE - Anna started having sex at 15 and two years later, she was pregnant. Soon after, her parents forced her to marry her then boyfriend before the baby was born.
The pregnancy came as a shock because the couple used a condom, said Anna (not her real name).
They have since divorced. Her former husband, who was her first boyfriend, wanted her to get an abortion, but she would not hear of it.
“I wanted to keep the baby, as I was raised in a very religious household and I felt human life is very important,” she said. “To me, I was thinking, what are the chances of a condom failing? It (the pregnancy) felt like destiny.”
She started having sex when she was 15, as she felt she could not refuse her then boyfriend’s demands for sex.
“It just felt that I had to make him happy, or he would leave me,” she said. “Many of my friends say they don’t know if they like having sex, but they feel it’s more of an obligation and how a relationship should be.”
That was how Anna became a mother and a wife at the age of 17, while studying for a diploma in marketing.
Anna already had thoughts of breaking up with her then boyfriend, as she felt he was abusive. Then, she learnt she was pregnant.
She said that her parents pushed her to marry him so she would not have the child out of wedlock. He was three years older and also a polytechnic student then.
Anna agreed, as she felt she had no other choice.
Despite all her struggles, she pulled through those difficult years of juggling motherhood, studying and working.
Now 22 years old, she is working as an analyst in a multinational firm, and her daughter turns five in 2024.
The number of babies born to teenagers has halved in the past decade, and counsellors say this is largely because today’s teens are a lot more savvy about using contraception.
In 2022, 218 babies were born to teens aged 19 and younger.
This is fewer than half of the 487 babies born to teenagers in 2013, according to the Report of Registration of Births and Deaths 2022 published by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The 2022 figures are the latest available.
Anna said she felt “very alone” throughout her pregnancy and in raising her daughter.
She has a strained relationship with her mother, who is often drunk and takes drugs. Her parents are divorced, although she has a good relationship with her stepfather.
She also found out her former husband cheated on her with her best friend after they tied the knot.
He hardly took care of their daughter, leaving Anna to be effectively a single mother. She had no financial support from him or her parents.
She had to work multiple jobs – on top of studying – to earn money to raise her daughter and put herself through school. She took on jobs such as telemarketing, conducting surveys and other work that could be performed remotely.
In the day, her daughter attended childcare when Anna was in school or working. At night, her neighbours, who are like family to her, helped to look after her daughter when Anna was too busy or tired.
“I was going through so much mentally and emotionally that I felt burnt out,” she said. “Being a mum, being a student, being a worker, and just showing up and giving my 100 per cent for everything.”
What got her through that period was support from Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support, a charity that provides support to pregnant teens.
Apart from counselling and emotional support, the group helped her practically by linking her up with other agencies that could provide aid and giving her baby items such as diapers and a pram.
Anna also had financial aid from the Government, and free food and other supplies from various community groups. A lecturer from the school she used to attend and her close friends are also part of her support network.
Her daughter gave her strength to keep going.
“I have found courage and resilience since I gave birth, and I was very determined to complete my diploma. I wanted her to be proud of her mum,” she said. “She has brought so many blessings to me.”
When she turned 21, she divorced her husband, as she did not want her daughter to grow up in a dysfunctional family like she did.
Anna has since remarried, and has a six-month-old son with her current husband.
She wishes that there are more open conversations for young people about issues concerning sex.
She said: “The sex education I had in school was very focused on abstinence, which I felt was not realistic, given that teens are very curious and they want to explore at that age. While sex education touches on contraception, I feel that they have to tell us more about reproductive health and how to handle difficult situations.”
She wants teenagers facing a pregnancy crisis to know that they are not alone.
“Even if you feel that your own family have turned their backs on you, there are people out there who will support you if you reach out (for help),” she said.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/pregnant-at-17-she-was-forced-by-her-parents-to-marry-the-father-of-her-baby
| 2024-01-20T22:27:42Z
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Manchester United appointed of Omar Berrada as its new chief executive officer, the club said in a statement on Saturday.
Berrada's start date will be confirmed in due course, while Patrick Stewart will continue as interim CEO, the statement added. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/manchester-united-appoints-omar-berrada-as-ceo
| 2024-01-20T22:28:03Z
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UDINE, Italy - The Serie A game between Udinese and AC Milan was briefly suspended on Saturday due to alleged racist chants from the local fans towards Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Maignan, who alerted the referee before leaving the pitch after the half-hour mark, was followed by his team mates to the tunnel.
The incident took place shortly after Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek had given the visitors the lead with a low first-time shot inside the post.
The game was restarted after around 10 minutes. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/udinese-game-against-milan-interrupted-due-to-alleged-racist-chants
| 2024-01-20T22:28:13Z
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WASHINGTON - Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley turned a spotlight on Donald Trump’s mental fitness on Jan 20, after the former president falsely accused her of failing to stop the violent assault on the US Capitol on Jan 6, 2021.
Trump, speaking on Jan 19 at a campaign event days ahead of New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary election, appeared to confuse Ms Haley with then House speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Referring to the Jan 6 insurrection by a mob of his supporters, Trump told a crowd: “Nikki Haley is in charge of security. We offered her 10,000 people – soldiers, National Guard, whatever they want – they turned it down. They don’t want to talk about that.”
Ms Haley – Trump’s top rival in the New Hampshire contest – pointed out not only was she not in charge of security at the Capitol, she was not even in office at the time.
“They’re saying he got confused, he was talking about something else,” the former UN ambassador and South Carolina governor said, at a New Hampshire rally.
“The concern I have is, I’m not saying anything derogatory, but when you’re dealing with the pressures of a presidency, we can’t have someone else that we question whether they’re mentally fit to do this.”
Trump’s suggestion that Ms Pelosi – or Ms Haley – had turned down an offer of help while the Capitol was under siege also raised questions.
The House committee that investigated Jan 6 said it found no evidence he had made such an offer.
Trump and other Republicans have repeatedly questioned whether President Joe Biden, who is 81, has the mental acuity to serve a second term.
But the comments from Ms Haley, who turned 52 on Jan 20, were among the most direct challenges from a fellow Republican to the mental fitness of Trump, who is 77.
Critics say Trump has increasingly shown signs of ageing, and the former president himself addressed the question earlier in the week, repeating an account of how he once “aced” a test of acuity by correctly identifying animals such as a giraffe, a tiger and a whale.
But the issue appears to have done him little harm.
Far more voters, when polled, have expressed concern about Mr Biden’s age and fitness, and Trump remains the overwhelming favourite among Republicans. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/nikki-haley-questions-donald-trumps-mental-fitness-after-gaffe
| 2024-01-20T22:28:24Z
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TOKYO – Sleep deprivation has long been seen as a badge of honour in Japan, where people can commonly be found catching 40 winks on their daily commutes or even at work, with their fatigue deemed a measure of their diligence.
Many surveys have shown that the Japanese sleep the least among those in developed countries.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japanese-in-pursuit-of-quality-sleep-in-the-world-s-most-sleep-starved-country?utm_campaign=STPicks
| 2024-01-20T22:28:59Z
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JAKARTA – A new study has found that finance and personal loan apps, as well as those that boost Internet security, are the most downloaded in Indonesia.
The popularity of these apps, rather than those for entertainment, social media or messaging platforms, stems from Indonesians’ lack of access to traditional banking services and the country’s strict Internet regulations, experts told The Straits Times.
The large-scale study by US-based technology company data.ai published on Jan 10 found that app downloads from the finance and personal loan genre in Indonesia amounted to about 222 million in 2023.
In second place, at about 194.7 million downloads, was virtual private network (VPN) apps. VPN is a technology that enables a secure network connection over the Internet.
In third place was personalisation apps, such as software to change a user’s phone wallpaper, at about 190.5 million downloads.
Social media and communication apps trailed in seventh place, at 124.4 million downloads, coming after other categories like photo-editing and entertainment apps.
The findings were made based on data from Apple’s iOS App Store and Google Play in 2023.
The population of Indonesia exceeds 270 million, with more than half aged 40 and under. According to data analytics firm Statista, nearly 68 per cent of the population in 2022 owned and used a mobile phone.
The number of downloads for personal loan and finance apps in 2023 grew by 22 per cent from 2022, according to data.ai.
A spokesman for the firm said the popularity of personal loan apps in Indonesia is largely due to the country’s high digital and smartphone penetration.
He added that such apps, including the popular home-grown moneylending app EasyCash, appeal to a population lacking access to traditional banking services.
“Apps offer convenience (and) quick approvals, especially among small-business owners and individuals needing short-term financing,” said the spokesman.
This, however, also brings challenges to the archipelago, he noted, including potential high interest rates, debt risks, privacy concerns, and the need for regulatory oversight and consumer education.
Mr Li Jianggan, chief executive officer of market research firm Momentum Works, said the download numbers of such apps are due to app developers’ willingness to spend on effective digital marketing. Advertisements for these services are commonly found online in Indonesia, as well as on billboards.
Mr Li added that lending apps like EasyCash are programmes that some users download only when they need to use them, and they delete them thereafter, unlike TikTok or Shopee which they use much more frequently.
“Therefore, it is not a surprise that the same user might download that app multiple times over the year,” he said.
Compared with finance and personal loan apps, downloads for VPN apps grew even faster, by 59 per cent, according to data.ai.
“VPN apps are popular in Indonesia due to strict Internet regulations and censorship, as they allow users to bypass content restrictions – for example, among video-streaming apps – as well as access blocked websites,” Mr Li said.
Noting that Indonesians have been among the most prolific users of VPNs over the years, Mr Li pointed out that apps such as Netflix had been restricted by the authorities in the past, and people used VPNs to access them.
The data.ai spokesman said more awareness of digital privacy and security among Indonesian Internet users also drives the usage of VPNs, as they offer a layer of protection against surveillance and data theft.
The study also found that Indonesians are the world’s heaviest mobile phone users, with an average usage of 6.05 hours a day. Thailand is second at 5.64 hours, while Singapore is ranked eighth, at 4.51 hours.
Responding to this finding, Mr Li said that just like the millions of Chinese Internet users back in the early 2010s, the majority of the Indonesian population today access the Internet first through their mobile phones.
“Compared with their counterparts in the West who already have access to desktop or laptop computers, it is natural for a lot of Indonesian users to spend their online time only on the mobile phone,” he said.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/apps-for-loans-and-vpns-most-downloaded-in-indonesia-says-study?utm_campaign=STPicks
| 2024-01-20T22:29:09Z
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Earlier in January 2024, Lazada, a unit of New York Stock Exchange-listed Alibaba, announced plans to reduce its headcount. The e-commerce arm Lazada operates in countries across South-east Asia, including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The layoffs affected all functions, reports said. A CNBC report had put the cuts in the region of hundreds.
Subsequently, Google also announced job cuts. These were in areas such as the hardware and central engineering teams, as well as Google Assistant. Some estimates put the number affected at 1,000, with more layoffs expected this year.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/invest/is-the-tech-boom-tapering-off?utm_campaign=STPicks
| 2024-01-20T22:29:20Z
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SINGAPORE – More Generation Z and young millennials in Singapore are diving headlong into solo adventures – the more uncharted the territory, the better. Many are also posting about it to pay their way.
Spontaneous travel, defined as setting off on a trip without a fixed plan, has taken off alongside revenge travel, post pandemic.
Nomadic in nature, these spontaneous travellers subvert the leisurely rulebook of shopping, feasting and lush hotel resorts with niche, adrenaline-fuelled experiences.
The trend is largely subscribed to by backpackers, who prefer to wander the outdoors without a guidebook, keeping to lightweight baggage and tight budgets.
They tend to be of university age to youth under 30, who take flight whenever and to wherever they want, even if it means having to hustle for extra income on the side as content creators and micro-influencers to fund the travel.
In 2023, South-east Asia-based travel website Klook found in a study that 83 per cent of Singaporean Gen Z and millennial travellers were willing to invest in experiences – 63 per cent on nature and outdoor activities, 51 per cent on theme parks, and 56 per cent on massages and hot springs.
Studying 2023 data, travel metasearch platform Skyscanner found that up to a third of Singaporeans – 31 per cent –booked trips a mere week before flying off.
In a survey of 1,000 Singaporeans aged 18 to 34 the same year, Skyscanner also found that when it comes to spending priorities, Gen Zs and young millennials favoured experiences over comfort, allocating 39 per cent of their budget to food, 36 per cent to experiences, more than 15 per cent to accommodation and 10 per cent to flight tickets.
At 27, Singaporean Basanth Sadasivan has visited 195 countries.
He compares travel to an addiction: Once is never enough.
He continues to fly up to twice a month, usually on weekends.
His trips have taken him to observe emperor penguins in Patagonia, ride a dog sled in Norway and see the Amazon rainforests. One of the last nooks of the globe he has yet to visit is the blistery wilderness of Antarctica.
“I have not been to the South Pole yet because cruises there take two weeks. I get seasick and have to stock up on medication,” says the civil servant, who is a brand ambassador for Skyscanner.
His first unaccompanied plane ride, at age 13, to visit his aunt in Australia, developed into a penchant for “off-the-beaten-track” travelling. His next solo adventure, at 17, was to North Korea.
In recent years, an interest in anthropology pertaining to Africa’s tribal ecosystems took him to meet the Bantu and Bedouin tribes in the south-eastern and northern regions of the continent.
But pursuing the dream, he says, is made possible only with extensive planning, as the globetrotter, who speaks Mandarin, French and Spanish with varied fluency, often books accommodation, as well as tour guides or translators, up to months in advance.
He says: “Know what you want to see before going to the place so you can be protected from unforeseen nuisances, such as being unable to secure a room at the last minute.”
He advises “getting out of one’s bubble” to engage as much as possible in local life, be it through eating local cuisine or participating in local rituals, such as festivals.
One of his key discoveries abroad was the concept of Island Time in the Pacific Islands, where a relaxed pace of life meant people were not always punctual for events.
He cites Tonga, Tuvalu, an island in the Pacific Ocean, as an example. Although ranked low in economic output, its society is communally harmonious and one of the “happiest in the world” due to work-life balance.
He encourages solo travel as a way to “detox” and open oneself up to alternative ways of life that may not necessarily be documented on the Internet.
“I tend to see even the most seasoned travellers looking at natives through a sterile, outsiders’ perspective. But with an open mind, even the most remote tribe can impart values and practices which can be inculcated into our lives,” he says.
Visiting 15 countries while studying full time
In 2023, Ms Sharlyn Seet, 22, travelled to 15 countries and 45 cities across Europe, the United States, Australia and Asia, all while being a full-time university student.
The third-year business student at Nanyang Technological University posts about her travels on TikTok under the handle @sharsharcheers. She is a micro-influencer with a following of 66,300.
The comedy skits she posted on her account took off during the Covid-19 circuit breaker. “One of my random videos recreating a viral TikTok audio garnered over one million views. I decided to take social media more seriously,” she says.
In 2022, she did her first solo trip to Penang and Langkawi in Malaysia to find herself again after a break-up and has never looked back.
“What I love about solo travelling is the sense of empowerment I feel navigating places alone, learning to trust yourself and being comfortable with your space,” she says.
Since then, she has ventured to 25 cities – some solo trips and others with fellow travellers – from scuba diving in Honolulu, Hawaii, to frolicking on the beaches of Krabi in Thailand.
How does she juggle travel, side gigs and school?
She says strategic scheduling helps. She has travelled to three countries back to back during her exam season. A getaway with friends to Vietnam during her school’s recess week was followed by media trips to China and Malaysia to promote a bank’s debit card.
She burned the midnight oil, crunched a six-day itinerary into four days, worked on her assignments in between events and opted for an eight-hour layover flight, in order to return to Singapore in time for her exams.
But she has no regrets, saying: “This was my childhood ambition, and I feel privileged to be able to live this lifestyle.”
Some of the advertisers on her social media platforms include UOB’s Mighty FX multi-currency account, sports giant Adidas and online travel platform Trip.com. She declines to say how much she makes from these sponsors.
On the side, she also runs a digital marketing agency, Shark Digital Media, and is a part-time spin cycle instructor at fitness chain Revolution SG.
She is working on building several income streams to create a lifestyle where she is less dependent on location or time.
She adds: “This gives me the ability to sustain myself from anywhere and, in turn, the freedom to fly to places whenever I want to.”
Known for her interactive content, she occasionally seeks viewer suggestions for her next destination and turns these into vlogs.
One of her viral videos, titled Visiting The Most Dangerous City In The World, documented her 2023 trip to Mexico’s Tijuana, a city with one of the highest homicide rates in the world.
Ms Seet has also flown a paraplane – a motorised parachute – in Chiang Mai and camped in the deserts of Monument Valley in Arizona to photograph the Milky Way. Her bucket list is brimming, and she intends to conquer South Asia and Eastern Europe in 2024.
But she is candid about what it is like to hustle for travel.
“Many people have asked me if I plan to become a full-time traveller and content creator, which relies on sponsorships to sustain the lifestyle,” says the business and finance student.
“While it may be a dream for many, it’s quite tiring to travel for a living. You are dealing with deadlines from clients and running around different places to produce content, which may compromise the authenticity of the experience one shares.”
A life of adventure, in the end, hinges on the sums. Last year, she started a travel budget Excel spreadsheet for her followers to help them organise their travel expenditure and be money-savvy.
Ms Seet adds that her path has come with many rewards and sacrifices too.
“With social media, we have seen how an alternative lifestyle compared with a conventional one is possible. However, in order to keep my side gigs running, I am not involved in school and hall activities like I used to be.”
In 2022, the final-year student decided to take a gap year to explore internship opportunities. She ended up doing business internships in financial institutions.
What the travel influencer resolved to do after the year was over was to make self-employment her goal. But she laments: “There is not much of a support system or educational directive in Singapore that teaches you to become self-employed.”
Yet, she is pragmatic about what her options are.
“Travel and content creation will always be a huge part of my life. But I don’t think it’s wise to put all my eggs into that basket. The job can be sustainable only with adequate sponsorships.”
Doing extremist activities for ‘the plot’
For Ms Nicolette Wee, 23, a graduate trainee in e-commerce at TikTok, travel is compelled by impulse. She has checked off a personal goal to skydive off a plane in Bangkok, as well as parasailed in Penang and surfed in Bali – all on the spur of the moment.
Less thinking, just doing, is her motto, says the single, who books flights a day after deciding on her next quest or destination.
The seasoned backpacker, who has travelled to 18 countries, needs less than an hour to shove a fixed set of essentials – passport, four sets of clothing, adapters and a medical kit – into a 50-litre backpack, before she is out of the door.
She says the lure of spontaneous travelling has been made more palpable with TikTok, where content creators teleport between destinations seamlessly through video edits, showing one can have it all, right now.
It is common to see youth travelling, just for the sake of new backdrops and social media aesthetics, she adds.
On her first solo backpacking trip to Hualien County, a mountainous region in Taiwan, at 19 years old, she downed rice wine, then jumped from a cliff into rocky waters, on a dare.
Unlike some who carefully curate their travel itinerary months in advance, Ms Wee is game to tag along with strangers she meets on the road and sample their version of adventure.
No photo, no proof, believes the content creator, who says her go-to icebreaker is to ask fellow tourists to snap her picture. She posts about her exploits on TikTok under @nicolettecalliewe and has 32,400 followers.
“I do it for ‘the plot’,” says the globetrotter, when asked how she justifies her extremist activities.
“The plot”, in Gen Z lexicon, is defined as the overall narrative or “script” of one’s life. The term references film and television series, where an individual imagines himself or herself as the protagonist of his or her life story.
Ms Wee’s rationale – to do it for the plot, in the similar vein as the Latin aphorism “carpe diem” (seize the day) – justifies taking risks for the sake of it. It has seen her ride pillion on strangers’ motorbikes and strike up foreign friendships using Google Translate.
Her passion for exploring new lands stems from her childhood, when she went on road trips in New Zealand and Australia with her parents, who both work in the tech industry, and her elder brother.
“Growing up, my family and my extended family – around 18 of us – would go on long road trips every year.”
Even her parents think her madcap solo travel schedule – where she takes off at least once every three months – is crazy.
“But now that I am a corporate employee, they are more supportive of my decisions. My mother even asks if she can tag along,” says the Nanyang Technological University communications graduate, who began funding her own travel from age 18 through side gigs as a dance instructor and marketing assistant.
While her job in business acquisition gives her the financial means to travel, she is limited to 18 days of annual leave and weekends to satiate her restlessness.
Over the past two years, she has flown to places such as Thailand, Taiwan, Japan and Korea – sometimes just for a three-day-long weekend.
She usually budgets around $800 for a trip in South-east Asia and stays in hostels to save on costs. She skimps by opting out of checked baggage and tucking into street food, including fried grasshoppers, for meals.
Travel compatibility has streamlined her priorities in a prospective partner. She once booked a Singapore Airlines flight to meet her then boyfriend in Spain. She cancelled it – losing $1,800 – when their relationship soured shortly after and decided to forgo the trip.
“I know I want someone who has an adventurous streak, is ready to start a family and have children, so that one day, I may take my kids travelling,” she says.
Her travel has been laced with spontaneous romantic interludes.
She recalls visiting Hualien’s night market with an American tourist she met online in 2019. She even had dinner with his family.
“When we met, I felt an instant connection, and we went around playing arcade games,” she says, adding they had two more dates before she flew home from Taipei.
As a solo female traveller, Ms Wee equips herself with safety tools, such as an alarm buzzer that emits distress signals during a potential attack and a hidden-camera detector to identify covert recording devices that may infringe on her privacy. She also avoids wandering around red-light districts.
‘’In retrospect, I’ve just been fortunate not to fall into any mishaps as I’m quite a gullible person,” she says.
‘My plan is to do whatever I want’
Mr Dion Ong, 27, has tread a winding path in pursuit of wanderlust.
The bachelor and small-business owner says: “My plan is to do whatever I want – be it a train trip to Paris or beyond – before the age of 35, when singles like myself are eligible to buy a Build-To-Order (BTO) flat.”
The Zillenial, a portmanteau of Gen Z and millennial individuals born between 1995 and 2000, says he relates to the idealistic streak of Gen Z youth, as well as the pragmatism of millennials.
After graduating with a diploma in tourism and hospitality management from Singapore Polytechnic, Mr Ong followed in the footsteps of his cousin and elder sister – both flight attendants – and worked as a cabin crew member from 2019 to 2022.
“I was supposed to fly for only two years and return to Singapore to get a full-time degree, but Covid-19 happened and I did not manage to save enough money. I did not want to touch my parents’ money, so I continued working,” says the son of a renovation contractor and hardware storekeeper.
But the glamour of flying soon wore out. His enthusiasm for travel waned, and he grew tired of travelling to the same places – even the fabled cities of London, New York, Dubai and Rome.
He started a jewellery business during the pandemic when flying was disrupted, living mostly on a stipend of $1,500 paid by the airline. He quit working at the airline one year after borders reopened.
In September 2022, he joined Lemon8, an app operated by TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, which gained traction in Singapore that year for its catalogue of lifestyle content.
He made $1,000 producing career- and travel-related content on the app for two months, an amount that covered the cost of an impromptu backpacking trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand, where he hiked solo in the mountainous region of Mon Jam, a village community in the highlands.
Some day, he hopes to embark on a six-month one-man odyssey from Singapore to Paris by land – using public transport.
He was inspired after reading a 2016 blog post of someone who accomplished the feat. The route to London will see him crossing China to Russia, then Poland, an area which has seen major disruptions with the Russo-Ukrainian war.
But Mr Ong, who has visited 30 countries, is not one to shy away from perilous adventures.
He recounts: “In December 2023, I booked a 16-day trip to Mongolia for $4,000 through a Mongolian tourism website – that is significantly cheaper than the packages sold here, which are priced at nearly $7,000. I decided to follow a tour group and did not look at the itinerary.”
The trip involved a four-day trek on horseback in the snowy wilderness to meet a reindeer community located in Dukha, a rural province in north-eastern Mongolia. Sleeping arrangements for the trekkers were teepees, tents made of animal skin. Mid-trek, temperatures plunged to minus 40 deg C.
“I love camping, but coming from a tropical country, I was not prepared for the trip. The thermal wear I took along was useless,” he says.
He recalls hydrating himself by melting ice in a steel pot over a log fire, purchasing a Deel – a traditional Mongolian attire made of wool – to keep warm and responding to nature’s call in a sub-zero open-air toilet.
“By the end of the journey on horseback, my knees were so frozen that for 10 seconds, I could barely walk.”
He now makes his living through brand sponsorships on social media, as well as an online jewellery business, Delicate Ornaments, which he founded in 2020. He also tends to a YouTube channel, @diongdion, alongside posting on TikTok and Lemon8. He has more than 7,000 followers across all three platforms.
Since 2021, he has also been doing a part-time communications degree at Singapore University of Social Sciences. He intends to stick to content creation – before it is time to pay for his BTO flat – and has no plans for a full-time job.
In July, he hopes to go to summer school in Japan and is exploring extending his stay there afterwards on a work visa.
“I have a different expectation of my life compared with my friends, who are starting families and working full time. I respect their decisions, but when it comes to a point of stress and burnout, that’s a problem,” says Mr Ong, who is renting a room from his sister.
“I want to be able to look back on my life and find fun in every moment. I did what I wanted to do and did not push aside travelling just to hustle.”
Watching his travel footprint while seeing the world
Budget takes precedence for avid backpacker Ng Yi Yang, 28. Whether it be soaking up the nightlife in Phuket, Thailand, mountain hiking in Sapa, Vietnam, or conquering the Grand Canyon and Yosemite in the US, he limits his expenditure to $50 a day.
Packing no more than four sets of clothing into a backpack weighing just 10kg, he skips shopping and scours for experiences outdoors, such as scuba diving and hiking.
The managing director of Zyrup Media, a multimedia company comprising a creative studio, youth culture publication and podcast network, is also a content creator on Lemon8 known for his backpacking trips and travel advice.
The communications graduate started travelling spontaneously after graduating from Nanyang Technological University in 2021.
“After my semester ended, I had a week with no exams, so I took a train to Penang without thinking about what activities I would be doing.”
The travel bug bit hard afterwards. He has taken off at least once every two months since, except during the pandemic when borders were closed.
Last year, he visited 16 cities – the highlights were a visit to the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany and taking diving lessons in the Gili Islands of Indonesia.
The bachelor, who is extroverted by nature, says travelling has opened him to many facets of himself. “On a 2019 solo trip to the US, I spent five days in total silence and found that I am perfectly content doing things alone.”
He opts for hostels over hotels that cost no more than $30 a night in South-east Asia and $50 in Europe, crediting it as spaces to meet new people. Initiating conversations with fellow backpackers in the hostels has enabled him to befriend strangers from Poland and Germany.
“When put into the hostel environment, people tend to be a bit more open and accommodating. Some hostels organise activities and host communal dinners, places for you to break the ice and meet people,” he says.
The backpacking community is dominated by individuals in their early 20s, an age of much soul-searching, revelry and drinking, but he warns backpackers new to the game to play on the side of caution.
During a trip to Berlin, an 18-year-old female American backpacker got drunk, collapsing outside a train station. He and another friend spent three hours trying to take her back to the hostel.
Although Mr Ng is critical of over-hyped tourist attractions, he visits such hot spots with fellow hostel mates. “I don’t always adhere to plans and will approach tourists and ask whether I can jump onto their plans. Sometimes, I’ll ask if they want to go to specific places together with me,” he says, relating how some such encounters have led to whirlwind adventures.
Being self-employed gives him the flexibility to plan work around his holidays. The digital nomad says: “I make full use of weekends, long weekends and public holidays to do work, even when I’m abroad. And on the days when I’m not travelling, I just dream about travelling.”
Next on his travel list are the mountainous regions of Yunnan and Tibet.
But he is against travelling to over-touristed places such as Paris and Bali, where tourism has resulted in a slew of controversies surrounding environmental degradation and cultural disrespect.
“Ultimately, when you travel, you may end up being complicit in a system that directly disadvantages the locals, hence why I’m a huge hater of the over-touristed side of Bali, which can be hot spots for disrespectful, unruly tourists.
“Be careful that your footprint in the countries you are visiting is a positive one, and not directly impacting, affecting and destroying what you’re there to see.”
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/hi-mum-no-dinner-for-me-tonight-i-ll-be-skydiving-in-bangkok-gen-z-and-millennials?utm_campaign=STPicks
| 2024-01-20T22:29:30Z
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SINGAPORE – Dealing with noise disputes can be hard. Listening to the routine hammering from your neighbour’s unit in the wee hours of the night makes it harder to muster a friendly greeting the next time you bump into them in the lift.
While the Government has announced that it will be setting up a new unit to help resolve noise disputes between neighbours, what can people do in the meantime?
The Housing Board website said that residents are encouraged to manage disputes by speaking to their neighbours and being willing to compromise to maintain harmony.
The HDB said that “most neighbour disputes can be resolved effectively and amicably with a little thoughtfulness and patience”.
It offers the following advice:
Before the conversation
- Identify the most appropriate time to approach your neighbour.
- Do not confront your neighbour when you are angry as this may upset them.
- Work out what you want to say before you speak to your neighbour.
During the conversation
- Do not lose your temper as this would make things worse.
- Keep calm and be polite while you attempt to talk things through.
Ending the conversation
- Thank your neighbour for their time and leave on a friendly note.
- Wait a few days to see if the problem has been solved.
Residents can also contact grassroots leaders for help with speaking to the neighbour.
Community Mediation Centre
If the issue persists, they can get formal mediation services at the Community Mediation Centre (CMC), which has a panel of trained volunteer mediators.
The CMC was set up in 1998 to help residents resolve social and community disputes.
During a mediation session, a trained mediator will be present to help facilitate the conversation between you and your neighbour to try to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
Mediation sessions at the CMC are voluntary, and each party has to agree to attend.
Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals
For residents who wish to take the matter to court, they can apply to the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT). The CDRT may order both parties to go for mediation before hearing the case.
A claim can be filed with the CDRT only if the neighbour in question lives in the same building or within a 100m radius of the applicant’s home, and is not living in the same home.
Claims to the CDRT must be made online via the Community Justice and Tribunals System, and will need supporting documents such as police reports, mediation agreements and evidence supporting the claim. If found guilty, the neighbour has to comply with the court order from CDRT.
To reach a grassroots leader: Residents can find their nearest community centre at www.onepa.gov.sg/cc and get in touch with a grassroots leader there.
CMC’s inquiry line: 1800-CALL-LAW (1800-2255-529) from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays), 8.30am to 5pm.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/what-can-you-do-when-you-have-a-noisy-neighbour?utm_campaign=STPicks
| 2024-01-20T22:29:51Z
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Ukraine can count on further unwavering support from Canada, said Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.
“The brave people of Ukraine are fighting for their democracy and freedom – but they are also on the front lines fighting for us all. Canadians will continue to stand with Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal invasion,” Freeland wrote on X.
The brave people of Ukraine are fighting for their democracy and freedom – but they are also on the front lines fighting for us all. Canadians will continue to stand with Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal invasion. pic.twitter.com/6HOwo1YewM
— Chrystia Freeland (@cafreeland) January 19, 2024
Canada has been a long- supporter of Ukraine as the country continues to fight off Russian aggression. Canada plans to allocate more than $940 billion in aid for Ukraine until 2026, according to the 2023 Fall Economic Statement. The Canadian government will send over $595 million to Ukraine in 2023-2024, $232 million in 2024-2025, and $143 million in 2025-2026.
The statement by the Canadian Deputy prime minister came after a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Both parties discussed the implementation of mechanisms for using frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine.
“During our meeting, Canada’s Deputy PM and Finance Minister @cafreeland and I focused on the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
This is a morally, politically, and legally right thing to do. Steps must be taken collectively and swiftly by the G7 and the EU,” Kuleba said on X.
During our meeting, Canada’s Deputy PM and Finance Minister @cafreeland and I focused on the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
This is a morally, politically, and legally right thing to do.
Steps must be taken collectively and swiftly by G7 and the EU. pic.twitter.com/beyMB5Ob02
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) January 18, 2024
At the end of April 2022, the US House of Representatives had approved a bill on the confiscation of frozen assets owned by Russian sanctioned entities and individuals. The seized funds had been proposed to be directed towards providing additional military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
In December 2023, the US proposed a plan to its G7 allies to confiscate $300 billion in Russian assets. In its turn, Russia denounced the freeze as a violation of the basic principles of reserve security, and hired international law firms, and commissioned expert views to defend its interests in courts.
Related:
- White House: US aid to Ukraine stopped while Russian strikes only intensify
- Biden: “Failure to support Ukraine is just absolutely crazy”
- Biden calls on Congress to “stand with Ukraine” as Putin “banking on” US aid failure
- FT: G7 working groups explore options to confiscate Russian assets
- G7 nations lean towards seizing Russian assets
- US Congress approves bill on transfer of Russia’s frozen assets to Ukraine
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https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/20/canada-to-continue-to-stand-with-ukraine-in-face-of-russias-invasion-says-deputy-pm/
| 2024-01-20T22:35:56Z
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In Ukraine, six settlements are undergoing reconstruction as part of a pilot program funded by the state. The initiative aims to advance the necessary skills and experience required for a broader reconstruction endeavor that lies ahead, Reuters has reported.
Ukrainian officials say towns and villages require an urgent recovery from the consequences of Russia’s war and express concerns that a delayed effort could lead to the permanent exodus of millions of Ukrainians to Europe.
“We’re fighting for every person who should return; for every child who needs to return and build their future here,” said Mayor of Trostianets Yuriy Bova. The city in Sumy Oblast, which is listed in the reconstruction project, was heavily destroyed by Russian attacks.
Currently, Ukraine is planning to rebuild many buildings in Trostianets – from cafes and libraries to factories, schools, and hospitals, aiming to make life better for every resident in the city.
In October 2023, Prime Minister Shmyhal said that more than $1.6 billion had been earmarked from the fund for reconstruction. The pilot projects received about $86 million last year, though the 2024 budget has not yet been set, a spokesperson for the reconstruction agency said.
Kyiv also said it planned to finance the projects by a state fund comprised mainly of seized Russian assets.
Earlier, the US House of Representatives had approved a bill on the confiscation of frozen assets owned by Russian sanctioned entities and individuals. The seized funds had been proposed to be directed towards providing additional military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
In December 2023, the US proposed a plan to its G7 allies to confiscate $300 billion in Russian assets. In its turn, Russia denounced the freeze as a violation of the basic principles of reserve security, hired international law firms, and commissioned expert views to defend its interests in courts.
Related:
- White House: US aid to Ukraine stopped while Russian strikes only intensify
- Biden: “Failure to support Ukraine is just absolutely crazy”
- Biden calls on Congress to “stand with Ukraine” as Putin “banking on” US aid failure
- FT: G7 working groups explore options to confiscate Russian assets
- G7 nations lean towards seizing Russian assets
- US Congress approves bill on transfer of Russia’s frozen assets to Ukraine
Related:
White House: US aid to Ukraine stopped while Russian strikes only intensify
Biden: “Failure to support Ukraine is just absolutely crazy”
Biden calls on Congress to “stand with Ukraine” as Putin “banking on” US aid failure
FT: G7 working groups explore options to confiscate Russian assets
G7 nations lean towards seizing Russian assets
US Congress approves bill on transfer of Russia’s frozen assets to Ukraine
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https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/20/reuters-ukraine-starts-to-rebuild-towns-and-cities-amid-russias-war-%EF%BF%BC/
| 2024-01-20T22:36:36Z
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In its January 20 intelligence update, the British Defense Ministry says that despite facing logistical supply difficulties, Ukraine maintains its presence on the Dnipro River’s left bank, continuing to repel Russian attacks.
Ukraine maintains a presence on the Russian-controlled left (eastern) bank of the Dnipro River in the area of Krynky village, continuing to repel Russian attacks despite facing logistical supply issues, admitted by the Ukrainian military. However, Ukraine persists in holding its positions across the river as Russia tries to eliminate the bridgehead for months.
The ministry wrote:
- Ukraine maintains a presence on the left bank of the Dnipro River and has continued to repel Russian attacks despite logistical concerns. On 16 January 2024, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Southern Defence Forces remarked that logistical supply on the left bank of the Dnipro had faced difficulties.
- Russia’s Dnipr Grouping of Forces has been unsuccessful in all its attempts to dislodge the Ukrainian defenders, despite almost certainly having a significant advantage in the balance of forces on this axis. It is highly likely that the poor training and coordination of Russian forces in the area is limiting their offensive capabilities.
- Forcing Ukraine to withdraw its forces from the left bank of the Dnipro remains a priority operational objective for Russia. It is highly likely Russia will persist with attacks in the Krynky area in the coming weeks despite growing personnel losses.
Read also:
- UK intel: Russia’s eastern assaults bog down as Ukraine stymies encirclements, maintains bridgehead in south
- Ukrainian forces destroy Russia’s surface-to-air missile system, rocket launcher, two surveillance systems in Kherson Oblast over last 24 hours
- UK intel: Russia’s air superiority on southern front weakened as Ukraine downs three Su-34 bombers
- Russian shelling destroy humanitarian aid warehouse in Kherson Oblast (photos)
- UK intel: Little progress in Russia’s Ukrainian offensives over past week
- ISW: Russia confirms use of banned chemical weapons in Kherson Oblast
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https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/20/uk-intel-russia-fails-to-dislodge-ukrainian-defenders-on-dnipros-left-bank/
| 2024-01-20T22:37:16Z
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Ioan Gruffudd and Bianca Wallace have confirmed their engagement two years after they went public with their relationship and the Welsh actor split from his ex-wife, Alice Evans.
The 30-year-old took to Instagram to share the news, with the actress looking over the moon with a shiny engagement ring, that featured an emerald in its centre, on her finger with the newly engaged couple nearly kissing in the back garden of their shared home.
In her caption, Bianca enthused: "The most precious thing happened…" alongside a heart and a ring emoji, and her followers were quick to rush to the comments to share their congratulations.
One said: "We have a wedding to plan, yayayay so happy for my two favourites!!" while a second added: "Eeeeeeeee! My heart literally smiled when I saw this. Sending so much love and wishes of continued happiness to you both. Love wins."
A third commented: "What immense joy!! All the happiness to you and that together you can do everything you want," while a fourth wrote: "Congratulations!! I'm so happy for both of you. And your ring is absolutely beautiful!!!!" and a fifth posted: "Love the true love!! When you know, you know. Here's to a lifetime of joy."
Ioan and Biance went public with their relationship following the Fantastic Four star's divorce from ex-wife Alice Evans, however, the actress accused her ex-husband of having a "three-year" affair with Bianca.
Back in 2021, Alice took to X, which was then known as Twitter to write: "So it turns out that my husband, after two years of telling me I'm a bad person and I'm not exciting and he no longer wants to have sex with me and he just wants to be on set abroad… has been in a relationship for three years behind all our backs. Good luck, Bianca."
In a piece written for MailOnline, Alice opened up further about her husband's alleged infidelity, writing: "Apparently the aspiring actress Bianca Wallace had worked on Ioan's Australian show, Harrow, as an extra. For at least the last two seasons," she wrote.
"My mouth went dry and I felt like I was going to throw up as I suddenly realised where she was: the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, where my husband was staying for his six-month French shoot."
Alice continued: "Then I got that feeling. The feeling nobody in a relationship — even one that's seen better days —wants to feel: My God. They are a couple. He has a girlfriend! But, he's my husband…"
The former couple's divorce was confirmed earlier in 2021 when Alice announced that Ioan had "walked out" on her after saying he "no longer loves her". She shared: "Sad news. My beloved husband/soulmate of 20 years, Ioan Gruffudd, has announced he is leaving his family, starting next week. Me and our young daughters are very confused and sad. We haven't been given a reason except that he 'no longer loves me'. I'm so sorry."
READ: Ioan Gruffudd's girlfriend Bianca Wallace reveals devastating secret health battle
RELATED: Margot Robbie's engagement ring will be your wedding inspiration for 2024
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/511738/ioan-gruffudd-engagement-bianca-wallace-divorce-alice-evans/
| 2024-01-20T22:44:35Z
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Lauren Sanchez has given fans a rare insight into the star-studded Living Legends of Aviation gala, which saw Prince Harry and Lauren both honored.
The 54-year-old took to social media on Saturday morning, and shared a picture taken backstage of Prince Harry, John Travolta – who hosted the evening – Lauren, and fiance Jeff Bezos.
"Honored to have been in the presence of aviation legends who have shaped the history and future of flight. Thank you @livinglegendsofaviation for this incredible recognition. Grateful to my loving family for their unwavering support," Lauren captioned the post, which included a carousel of snaps including one of her family joining her on the red carpet, another of her with John holding her award, and a third which showed her on the stage receiving the Elling Halvorson Vertical Flight Hall of Fame Award.
Lauren was joined by her fiance Jeff, the founder of Amazon, at the event although Jeff skipped the red carpet; Jeff was inducted in 2023.
Lauren wore a slinky black strapless ball gown by Balenciaga for the gala, paired with elbow-length black gloves - and in true 'mob wife' fashion, wore her engagement ring, rumored to be worth more than $2million, over the gloves.
As Lauren made her way inside the ballroom at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, she joked that it was "only time" before more women were inducted into the organization; there are less than 10 female members.
"Proud of you," friend and NFL commentator Charissa Thompson commented on the post, as did Paris Hilton and Jewel, who shared: "So so proud of you!! What a bad ass accomplishment!!"
Prince Harry, 39, wearing a black velvet tuxedo, made a solo appearance at the event as his wife Meghan was later revealed to have stayed home in Santa Barbara as one of their two children was "unwell".
The British royal was honored for his work as a British Army veteran, skipping the red carpet and sneaking into the Beverly Hilton hotel, in Beverly Hills, California, via the back doors.
Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe, who appeared on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, shared a selfie taken with Harry on social media, and he later spoke to HELLO! and other media about the encounter.
"I am very very happy that he is the focus of the night, and he deserves it," he said, adding: "He has been through a lot being so public and it is a very personal moment of joy for him. What I like to do is congratulate him for the big award, and I think we all should – how many big moments in life do we all have? It is very few and this is a very big moment.
"I congratulated him for being such an accomplished pilot, and I saw that he was very touched, it is a big award and it is very well deserved. He gave the most lovely speech, thanking others, not only accepting it for himself, but also the aviation industry for making things happen [such as] engineers. I am very happy [for] him. He is fabulous, very humble and sweet."
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511739/lauren-sanchez-54-rare-picture-prince-harry-john-travolta-jeff-bezos/
| 2024-01-20T22:44:41Z
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Maro Itoje scores two tries as Saracens beat Lyon to secure European progress
Maro Itoje inspired a second-half fightback as Saracens secured a place in the Investec Champions Cup round of 16 by beating Lyon 39-24.
The England lock scored two tries in 11 minutes to help the three-time European champions progress from Pool One.
Scrum-half Ivan van Zyl, flanker Juan Martin Gonzalez and wing Lucio Cinti also claimed touchdowns at the StoneX Stadium, with Owen Farrell kicking four conversions and two penalties.
Lyon, without an away win in all competitions for almost a year, led by 12 points at half-time.
Centre Josiah Maraku collected a try double and wing Davit Niniashvili also scored, while Lyon skipper Leo Berdeu booted a penalty and three conversions, but Saracens ultimately avoided making a first pool-stage exit since 2011.
Saracens were immediately into their stride, putting together impressive phase-play, and they went ahead after just four minutes.
England forwards Itoje and Ben Earl set up a strong attacking position, and Van Zyl took a quick penalty to cross unopposed.
Victories for Lyon over Bristol and the Bulls meant they arrived in north London having already qualified, but they stunned Saracens through an opportunist 15th-minute score.
Saracens were on the attack, but Van Zyl’s pass was intercepted by Lyon’s Georgia international wing Niniashvili, who sprinted 80 metres to claim a try that Berdeu converted.
Berdeu extended Lyon’s lead with a 26th-minute penalty, and Saracens’ initial promise had evaporated as the visitors began to assert control.
Lyon displayed composure and accuracy in attack, and it was no surprise when they extended their lead just before half-time.
Saracens found themselves in a prolonged defensive mode, with Lyon patiently creating an opportunity to strike, with Maraku touching down and Berdeu converting for a 17-5 interval lead.
Lyon were good value for their advantage, but it was cut by seven points early in the second period when Itoje pounced for a try that Farrell converted.
Just when Saracens looked like they might have some much-needed momentum, they were undone when Farrell twice had kicks charged down in rapid succession.
Lyon prop Jerome Rey blocked the first attempted clearance, then lock Joel Kpoku replicated it and Maraku gathered the bounce for his second try. Berdeu’s conversion made it 24-12 before Farrell kicked a short-range penalty.
And when Saracens decided to go route-one, it was rewarded as Itoje collected his second try, this time from a lineout drive, and Farrell’s conversion left his team just two points behind.
The fly-half then kicked another penalty as Saracens edged in front, before Gonzalez’s score finally ended an impressive Lyon challenge and Cinti added try number five.
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https://www.rugbypass.com/news/maro-itoje-scores-two-tries-as-saracens-beat-lyon-to-secure-european-progress/
| 2024-01-20T23:05:42Z
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'More scrutiny upon it than any other': England calling on retired veterans after Farrell's break
England are enlisting retired stars such as Chris Ashton and Jonny May to help young players deal with the type of scrutiny that has compelled Owen Farrell to take a break from international rugby.
Farrell is missing the Guinness Six Nations to prioritise his and his family’s mental well-being following the World Cup and it’s build-up, during which he was heavily criticised online for being sent off for a dangerous tackle against Wales.
The Saracens fly-half may have already played his final game for England as he considers a move to Racing 92, which would make him ineligible for Test selection.
Aware of the demands on his players, especially emerging talent such as Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Oscar Beard and Fin Smith, head coach Steve Borthwick is keen to ensure they are properly supported.
“The environment we create around the players is vital. It’s vital in any team but especially the England team,” Borthwick.
“The England team, as we all respect, has more scrutiny upon it than any other national team in world rugby.
“That’s the nature of it so creating an environment where the players are supported and cared for is really important.
“We have looked at it and are exploring how we improve that from where we were to where we are now to try and get ahead of the societal element.
“The way we work and intensity with which we work is going to be a level up so off the field I think it needs to be incredibly enjoyable.
“They need to be able to have fun and spend time with each other, relaxing with each other so that this is an environment where you get better and you improve, and it’s fun and it’s enjoyable to be around.
“We will have that and there will be the mentors that we have within the squad – the senior guys, the guys that have had many caps.
“And there are the people from outside the squad that always offer their support to help in any way, shape or form that they can.
“Chris Ashton has offered support to help in any way he can with any of the young wingers. And Jonny May has offered his support to help the young ones. That’s really important to us.”
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https://www.rugbypass.com/news/steve-borthwick-knows-england-players-need-to-be-supported-and-cared-for/
| 2024-01-20T23:05:50Z
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SEOUL - Russian President Vladimir Putin showed his intention to visit Pyongyang soon, North Korea's state media KCNA reported on Jan 21.
Mr Putin also thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for his invitation to visit as he met North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui who visited Russia last week, KCNA said citing a foreign ministry official.
Russia thanked North Korea for its support and solidarity in the Ukraine war, and the two also expressed serious concerns over provocative acts by the United States and its allies against Pyongyang's sovereign rights while agreeing to cooperate in regional affairs, the report said.
The cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow will be in line with the UN Charter and other international laws, it added. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/putin-showed-intention-to-visit-pyongyang-soon-north-korea-says
| 2024-01-20T23:56:49Z
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LONDON - Nottingham Forest players need to be more vigilant after they allowed Brentford striker Ivan Toney to move the ball to a more favourable spot for a free kick that helped the Londoners secure a 3-2 Premier League win, Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo said on Saturday.
The Portuguese manager was left frustrated by Toney's 19th minute equaliser, with television replays showing the striker moved the ball from the marked spot before curling it around the wall and into the net.
The goal by the 27-year-old, who was making his comeback following an eight-month ban for betting offences, triggered a Brentford fightback in a 3-2 thriller, helping his beleaguered West London side return to winning ways after five straight league defeats.
Television replays appeared to show Toney twice moving the ball from its original placing, to find space behind Forest's defensive wall, without the referee being alerted.
"The situation is clear, there is a ball displacement. I think everybody saw it," Santo said in a post-match press conference, suggesting that it should have been checked by the referees.
"But it's our responsibility to be a little bit more mature, not to allow the kick to go and then do the wall properly."
Brentford's manager Thomas Frank said he had not yet seen replays of the goal, and that it was not clear to him whether moving the ball from the spot was within the rules.
"I just take the positive... it's in the back of the net, and he took it very well," Frank said. "He's a clever player, what can I say."
Brentford's winning goal, that came in the 68th minute via Neal Maupay stood after a VAR review for potential handball. Santos said he was convinced it was a handball when they showed the replay in the stadium, but highlighted that there had been a VAR check unlike in the case of the Toney goal.
The result was frustrating, he added, "but we go to Nottingham with our heads high." REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/santo-stung-by-toneys-controversial-free-kick-equaliser
| 2024-01-20T23:56:59Z
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KORHOGO, Ivory Coast - Tunisia picked up their first point at the Africa Cup of Nations, coming from behind to draw 1-1 with Mali on Saturday in their second Group E game.
Mali took an early lead through Lassine Sinayoko but Hamza Rafia equalised for Tunisia within 10 minutes at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium.
Tunisia had suffered an upset defeat in their opening game against Namibia while Mali beat South Africa the same evening and now top the standings with four points.
Namibia and South Africa play their second group game in Korhogo on Sunday.
Mali were ahead in the 10th minute as Sinayoko scored a second goal at the tournament, striking home from the left with his shot going in off the inside of the post.
But in the 20th minute, Tunisia levelled as sweeping passing move was completed by fullback Ali Abdi pulling the ball back into the path of Rafia, who fired it home to level matters.
The match struggled to match the excitement of Saturday’s earlier games in nearby Bouake where the two Group D games featured nine goals in a blitz of entertainment.
Korhogo’s proximity to the Mali border meant plenty of support but not too much for the supporters to enthuse over.
Sinayako had a half chance 11 minutes from time to restore Mali’s lead and qualify them early for the next round, but his effort was smothered by the Tunisian defence.
With the top two teams in each group, plus the four best third placed finishers, advancing to last 16, Mali’s four-point haul is almost certain to secure then them a place in the next round.
But Tunisia, who beat France at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, will likely need a win in their last game on Wednesday against South Africa in Korhogo to stand any chance of advancing. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/tunisia-draw-with-mali-to-pick-up-first-cup-of-nations-point
| 2024-01-20T23:57:09Z
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KYIV - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday that he expected a number of new Western defence packages for Ukraine to be signed this and next month.
"We are preparing new agreements with partners - strong bilateral agreements," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address.
"January and February should bring corresponding results. There are already specific dates when new and strong documents can be expected."
After Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Kyiv's Western allies united in providing unprecedented military and other aid to help Zelenskiy defend his country.
But with the war now dragging on towards its third year, little change along the front line in the past 12 months and growing opposition to more aid in the United States, funds and equipment in recent months have been slow coming in.
Zelenskiy did not name the countries with which he hoped to finalise agreements. The Ukrainian president has spent weeks on an international diplomatic frenzy trying to secure more political and military support.
He has often repeated that Russia's increased winter air strikes and Moscow's slow but gruelling offensive in Ukraine's east have underlined the need for more reinforcement of Kyiv's air and ground defences.
Earlier this month, Britain, one of Kyiv's staunchest supporters, said it will increase its support for Ukraine in the next financial year to 2.5 billion pounds ($3.19 billion).
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday he would head to Ukraine in February to finalise a bilateral security guarantee deal under which Paris would deliver more sophisticated weaponry, including long-range cruise missiles. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/zelenskiy-counts-on-more-western-defence-aid-for-ukraine-in-next-two-months
| 2024-01-20T23:57:20Z
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LERDO DE TEJADA, Mexico - Residents of a Mexican town set fire to the municipal palace overnight on Friday in a violent protest after local police shot a young man in the neck, according to his relatives, after he did not stop his car at a checkpoint.
National media reported that police shot dead 27-year-old Brandon Arellano, the son of a local teacher, as he arrived outside his grandmother's house. Videos shared online show his father attempting to revive him at the scene.
"Once he had parked, they opened fire against the car and killed him instantly, shooting him in the jugular like cowards," father Delfino Arellano said on video. "My son died instantly."
Authorities did not disclose why Arellano had been stopped.
Residents of Lerdo de Tejada, a town in the Gulf coast state of Veracruz, overturned a police car and set it on fire and clashed with police officers at the scene. They also broke windows at the local government palace and set it on fire.
A social media post from the state's public security ministry shortly after the killing said four municipal police officers had been detained for suspected homicide and would make their statements to state prosecutors.
"There will be no impunity," the ministry said. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/residents-of-southern-mexican-town-set-govt-palace-on-fire-after-police-kill-young-man
| 2024-01-20T23:57:31Z
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Nearly every copy of a newspaper vanished from the racks across a small town in the US, after its publisher ran a front-page story about a teen who was allegedly raped multiple times at a police chief’s house.
The Ouray County Plaindealer in Colorado first broke the story online.
In the report, three teenagers, including the police chief’s stepson, were accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl at a late-night drinking party at the police chief’s home.
Readers who were waiting for the physical newspapers to be stocked on the morning of Jan 18 did not get their copies though.
“All of our newspaper racks in Ouray and all but one rack in Ridgway were hit by a thief who stole all the newspapers,” said the weekly newspaper’s co-publisher Erin McIntyre in a newsletter to readers.
“It’s pretty clear that someone didn’t want the community to read the news this week,” she said.
But the theft only made her and her husband Mike Wiggins, another co-publisher, even more determined to share the story.
Mr Wiggins said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter: “If you hoped to silence or intimidate us, you failed miserably. We’ll find out who did this. And another press run is imminent.”
They also took down the paywall from the online story, so people could read all the details, including claims that the police chief’s stepson and another teen had allegedly attempted to rape the girl when she was not fully conscious.
Mr Wiggins told the Associated Press (AP) that about 200 copies of the newspaper were stolen.
The person had opened all but one newspaper rack at a coffee shop, he said.
But by the evening of Jan 18, someone had returned a rubbish bag full of newspapers to the publishers.
Mr Wiggins told AP that he believed the person who returned the newspapers was the person who took them. He had reported the information to the police.
In her newsletter, Ms McIntyre said a suspect has since been identified, but the person appears to be unrelated to the defendants of the alleged sexual assault case and the Ouray police chief.
In a show of support, readers have donated US$2,000 to the newspaper after the theft. An unknown person had also taped copies of the front-page story on the empty newspaper racks.
Executive director of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition Jeffrey Roberts told The Durango Herald that the theft of the newspapers had amplified the impact of the story.
He said: “To think that stealing the newspapers from the rack is going to prevent people from knowing that is kind of silly in 2024.”
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/hundreds-of-colorado-newspapers-stolen-after-running-story-on-alleged-rape-at-police-chief-s-home
| 2024-01-20T23:57:41Z
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Missile attacks across Middle East raise Gaza escalation risks
Missile attacks in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen on Jan 20 threw into sharp focus the increasing risk of the war in Gaza triggering a wider regional conflict pitting Iran and its allies against Israel and the United States.
Iran said five of its Revolutionary Guards were killed in a missile strike on a house in Damascus which it blamed on Israel, and security sources in Lebanon said an Israeli strike there killed a member of Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Later on Jan 20, an American official said a missile or rocket attack had injured US personnel at a base in Iraq, a country where Iran-backed groups have previously battled US forces.
The United States also said it had targeted a missile the Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen was aiming into the Red Sea, which it called a threat to shipping.
Anti-Israel protest at Italy jewellery fair turns violent
Protesters clashed with police in the Italian city of Vicenza on Jan 20 following a demonstration against the presence of Israeli exhibitors at an international jewellery fair.
Police used water cannons against demonstrators who fired smoke bombs and flares, as violence erupted after a planned march by hundreds of people, some holding up banners saying “Free Palestine” and “Stop Bombing Gaza”.
More than 1,300 exhibitors from almost 40 countries are showing at the Vicenzaoro fair, which opened on Jan 19 and runs until Jan 23, according to organisers.
Haley questions Trump’s mental fitness after gaffe
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley turned a spotlight on Donald Trump’s mental fitness on Jan 20, after the former president falsely accused her of failing to stop the violent assault on the US Capitol on Jan 6, 2021.
Trump, speaking on Jan 19 at a campaign event days ahead of New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary election, appeared to confuse Ms Haley with then House speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Referring to the Jan 6 insurrection by a mob of his supporters, Trump told a crowd: “Nikki Haley is in charge of security. We offered her 10,000 people – soldiers, National Guard, whatever they want – they turned it down. They don’t want to talk about that.”
Nasa loses contact with its mini-helicopter on Mars
Nasa has lost contact with its tiny helicopter Ingenuity during the hard-working craft’s 72nd flight, the space agency said.
The agency’s engineers are attempting to re-establish communications, which ended abruptly on Jan 18 as the craft was making its descent from a test flight, Nasa said late on Jan 19.
Ingenuity, which resembles a large drone, had arrived on Mars in 2021 with the rover Perseverance and became the first motorised craft to fly autonomously on another planet.
Swiatek at a loss to understand Australian Open exit
The Australian Open had its biggest shock to date when teenager Linda Noskova knocked world number one Iga Swiatek out of the competition in the third round on Jan 20, and the Polish top seed was at a loss to explain how she felt.
Swiatek began strongly, winning the opening set 6-3, but after losing the second by the same score, the decider saw Czech 19-year-old Noskova break serve twice to win 6-4.
When asked to articulate her feelings so people could understand how she felt, Swiatek hit back with a question of her own. “Why do you need to understand?” Swiatek asked .“Sometimes I don’t even understand, so I don’t know if you will. I mean, I really wasn’t expecting a lot. I just tried to do the best kind of work possible.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/while-you-were-sleeping-5-stories-you-might-have-missed-jan-21-4
| 2024-01-20T23:57:52Z
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Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, have reportedly sent their "best wishes" to his father King Charles and sister-in-law Princess Kate after the pair both revealed health concerns this past week.
Reports have alleged that the pair, who now live in Santa Barbara, California, contacted "the King and the Princess of Wales" to share their family's support, adding that they were contracted "in different ways to pass on their concern and best wishes".
HELLO! has contacted reps for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for comment.
The Princess of Wales, 42, remains in hospital after undergoing successful abdominal surgery, Kensington Palace announced.
In a statement, the palace said: "Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic yesterday for planned abdominal surgery. The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.
"The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private. Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share.
"The Princess of Wales wishes to apologize to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements. She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible."
It's understood that Kate's condition is non-cancerous, and that Prince William has rescheduled his diary to support his wife and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Hours later, Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles will undergo hospital treatment for an enlarged prostate. The Palace said Charles’s condition was benign and he would be having a corrective procedure.
In a statement the palace shared: "His Majesty's condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure. The King's public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation."
It's understood that the King, 75, was keen to share the details of his diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked in line with public health advice. According to the UK's NHS website: "Benign prostate enlargement (BPE) is the medical term to describe an enlarged prostate, a condition that can affect how you pee (urinate). BPE is common in men aged over 50. It's not a cancer and it's not usually a serious threat to health."
The relationship between Harry and his father Charles has been strained since he and Meghan announced they would be stepping down as senior members of the royal family in March 2020. However it fractured further this past 12 months following the publication of Harry’s memoir Spare which is said to have only widened the gap between father and son.
However, royal author Robert Hardman – who this week published a new royal book, Charles III New King. New Court. The Inside Story – revealed on HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast that the 75-year-old King would “definitely” like to reconcile with Harry – although there are “certain things” are still “non-negotiable".
As for Harry and Kate's relationship, royal watchers have been dismayed to read the stories Harry has alleged in recent years, following over a decade of what appeared to be a close friendship between the brother- and sister-in-law.
In his book Spare many felt he unnecessarily threw Kate under the bus for what were differences in American and English culture, and the ways that Kate and Meghan approached friendships.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511740/prince-harry-meghan-markle-sent-best-wishes-to-king-charles-princess-kate-health-scares-report/
| 2024-01-21T00:03:31Z
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Sam Cane scores as Tokyo Sungoliath mount wild comeback after 29-point deficit
All Blacks captain Sam Cane and Springboks star Cheslin Kolbe were part of a wild Japan Rugby League One fixture as the Tokyo Sungoliath won an epic 36-34 thriller over the Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars.
The crazy contest saw the Sungoliath fall behind by 29-0 in the first half as the Dynaboars came out with a dream start in wet conditions getting up 19-0 after 12 minutes.
Things went from bad to worse for Tokyo when Mitsubishi’s fullback Matt Vaega snatched an intercept and ran 75 metres to score and extend the lead even further.
A long-range penalty by James Grayson piled on more pain after a kick return by Kolbe was turned over near halfway for a 29-0 lead just 22 minutes into the contest.
It took a try from Australian lock Trevor Hosea from close range to give the Sungoliath some hope with their first score of the game near the half hour mark.
A double strike on either side of half-time, one to All Black captain Cane who scored from a classic openside support line on the inside, changed the complex of the game completely.
The Dynaboars saw their lead evaporate completely as Suntory took an improbable 31-29 lead when Japanese international Yutaka Nagare pounced on a loose ball following a deflected kick.
Remarkably, the home side re-took the lead 34-31 with their first try of the second half and looked to have held on for the win following the Sungoliath’s dramatic comeback.
Four minutes into injury time with the clock in the red Tokyo Sungoliath stole the win with a try to centre Shogo Nakano in the corner to break Dynaboars hearts.
The great escape kept Tokyo in third place in the ladder, behind the final two undefeated teams, Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights and Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo.
The Wild Knights pounded Mie Honda Heat by 70-12 in the other Saturday game, with Australian Brave Blossom Dylan Riley and Wallabies winger Marika Koroibete both scoring doubles.
Springbok lock Lood de Jager also bagged a try while inside centre Damian de Allende took over the kicking duties with one from three conversions and one penalty goal.
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https://www.rugbypass.com/news/sam-cane-scores-as-tokyo-sungoliath-mount-wild-comeback-after-29-point-deficit/
| 2024-01-21T00:37:07Z
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Stormers qualify despite farcical end as Stade's scrum fell apart
The Stormers not only confirmed their place in the Champions Cup Round Of 16, but they also ensured they will host the game when Europe’s premier competition reaches the play-offs in April.
Outscoring their hosts by four tries to three in a dramatic match at Stade Jean Bouin, in Paris – with some farcical scenes in the closing 10 minutes – the Stormers beat Stade Français 24-20 to secure second place in a very tough Pool Four.
Before Sunday’s final pool match between defending champions La Rochelle and Sale Sharks, Irish province Leinster tops the pool with 19 points, followed by the Stormers (14 points), Leicester (nine), La Rochelle (seven), Sale (five) and bottom-place Stade Francais (two).
The winner of the La Rochelle versus Sharks match will finish third in the pool, at best.
And the loss means the famous Paris team has been knocked out of not only the Champions Cup, but also won’t feature in the Challenge Cup – a spot reserved for teams finishing fifth in the top tier.
The Stormers now have a four-week break – their next match is a United Rugby Championship encounter with the Sharks in Durban on February 17.
It affords them the perfect time to reset, after a game that was as energy-sapping as it was dramatic.
It took Stade Français just a minute to open the scoring – a turnover inside their 22 saw Andy Timo step through the visiting defence and over the line. Joris Segonds hooked the conversion attempt to the right of the posts, but the home team was up and running – 5-0.
The Stormers settled quickly, winning a scrum penalty and setting up a line-out. From the maul, scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies sniped around the short side and in at the corner. Libbok’s conversion was also wide – 5-all after 11 minutes.
An offside penalty allowed Segonds to reclaim the lead – 8-5 after 13 minutes.
That lead didn’t last long – a penalty allowing the Stormers to set a line-out five metres out and Ruben van Heerden converting the opportunity into a try. Libbok was timed out, as he took more than the required 90 second with the conversion attempt – 10-8.
A penalty that was reversed because of a lack of discipline by Stormers skipper Deon Fourie, gifted the home team, an attacking line-out, which became another penalty five metres out. Segonds faked kicking for touch, then tapped and two quick phases later Lester Etien was over. Segonds added the conversion – and the home team was back in the lead – 15-10.
The Stormers had a couple more opportunities to set up mauls close to the home team’s line, but Stade Français held firm and took that five-point lead into the half-time break.
Stade Français piled on the pressure right from the restart and after a couple of near misses, flank Mathieu Hirigoyen burst over from close range. Segonds was again wide of the mark with the conversion – 20-10.
The Stormers coughed up a couple of chances, allowing the ball to go unprotected at the breakdown and then having possession ripped from their grasp.
Just short of the hour mark Hendré Stassen barged over from close range, after fellow replacement Hacjivah Dayimani made some good ground. Manie Libbok succeeded with his first kick of the day and suddenly the gap closed to just three points – 17-20.
With just over 13 minutes remaining Stade Français was reduced to 14 men, when Francisco Gomez Kodela was yellow-carded for repeated scrum penalties. Almost immediately that became 12 – Clement Castets yellow carded for another couple of collapsed scrums and because the Stormers wanted to scrum it went to uncontested scrums and Stade Français had to lose a conditional player.
The game turned into a massive, farcical debate about how many players the French team had on the pitch.
After almost five minutes of reset scrums and debate, Manie Libbok strolled over for the try to put the Stormers back into the lead. Libbok added the conversion – 24-20
The game then descended into another bout of farcical debates about numbers as one of the yellow-carded players returned.
And then the Stormers conceded a scrum penalty, as the scrums became contested again.
However, the men from Cape Town hung on in desperation and won a breakdown penalty to finish the game.
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https://www.rugbypass.com/news/stormers-qualify-despite-farcical-end-as-stades-scrum-fell-apart/
| 2024-01-21T00:37:15Z
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In Ukraine, six settlements are undergoing reconstruction as part of a pilot program funded by the state. Reuters has reported that the initiative aims to advance the necessary skills and experience required for a broader reconstruction endeavor that lies ahead.
Ukrainian officials say towns and villages require an urgent recovery from the consequences of Russia’s war and express concerns that a delayed effort could lead to the permanent exodus of millions of Ukrainians to Europe.
“We’re fighting for every person who should return; for every child who needs to return and build their future here,” said Mayor of Trostianets Yuriy Bova.
Currently, Ukraine is planning to rebuild many buildings in Trostianets – from cafes and libraries to factories, schools, and hospitals, aiming to make life better for every resident in the city.
In October 2023, Prime Minister Shmyhal said that more than $1.6 billion had been earmarked from the fund for reconstruction. The pilot projects received about $86 million last year, though the 2024 budget has not yet been set, a spokesperson for the reconstruction agency said.
Kyiv also said it planned to finance the projects by a state fund comprised mainly of seized Russian assets.
Earlier, the US House of Representatives had approved a bill on the confiscation of frozen assets owned by Russian sanctioned entities and individuals. The seized funds had been proposed to be directed towards providing additional military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
In December 2023, the US proposed a plan to its G7 allies to confiscate $300 billion in Russian assets. In its turn, Russia denounced the freeze as a violation of the basic principles of reserve security, hired international law firms, and commissioned expert views to defend its interests in courts.
Related:
- White House: US aid to Ukraine stopped while Russian strikes only intensify
- Biden: “Failure to support Ukraine is just absolutely crazy”
- Biden calls on Congress to “stand with Ukraine” as Putin “banking on” US aid failure
- FT: G7 working groups explore options to confiscate Russian assets
- G7 nations lean towards seizing Russian assets
- US Congress approves bill on transfer of Russia’s frozen assets to Ukraine
Related:
White House: US aid to Ukraine stopped while Russian strikes only intensify
Biden: “Failure to support Ukraine is just absolutely crazy”
Biden calls on Congress to “stand with Ukraine” as Putin “banking on” US aid failure
FT: G7 working groups explore options to confiscate Russian assets
G7 nations lean towards seizing Russian assets
US Congress approves bill on transfer of Russia’s frozen assets to Ukraine
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https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/20/reuters-ukraine-starts-to-rebuild-towns-and-cities-amid-russias-war/
| 2024-01-21T01:04:08Z
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Exclusive
Military
UK intel: Russia fails to dislodge Ukrainian defenders on Dnipro’s left bank. Despite logistical challenges, Ukraine keeps a presence on Dnipro’s left bank, continuing to beat back Russian assaults, as per UK intelligence. Russia has been unsuccessful in efforts to push Ukrainian defenders back.
ISW: Russia conducting information campaign to misrepresent NATO’s Steadfast Defender 2024 exercises. As NATO commences its Steadfast Defender 2024 exercises, Russia has launched an information campaign portraying NATO’s actions as provocative to deflect attention from its own aggression.
Intelligence and Technology
Media: Russia modernizes Kh-101 cruise missiles to strike targets in Ukraine more precisely, intelligence says. Russia has upgraded Kh-101 cruise missiles, which are usually launched from Tu-160 and Tu-95MS strategic bombers, on Ukrainian cities, said Main Military Intelligence Directorate Deputy Chief Major General Vadym Skibitskyi in Davos.
Norway allocates over $190 million for defense production boost to help Ukraine. The Norwegian government has allocated over $190 million to increase production capacity in the Norwegian defense industry, mainly for artillery ammunition. Ukraine and Norway itself, as well as its other allies, will be supplied with the planned ammunition.
Bloomberg: EU discusses revamp of €5 billion Ukraine military aid fund. EU proposes a €5 billion Ukraine military aid fund focusing on joint weapon procurement and troops training, moving away from sending weapons from existing stockpiles.
International
Canada to continue to stand with Ukraine in face of Russia’s invasion, says deputy PM. Ukraine can count on further unwavering support from Canada, said Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Humanitarian and Social Impact
Russian troops plant mines along Zaporizhzhia NPP perimeter, IAEA reveals. Mines, once removed in November 2023, resurface in the plant’s buffer zone, exacerbating concerns at Europe’s largest nuclear facility.
Political and Legal Developments
Ukraine ranks as third largest agricultural supplier to EU. From January to October 2023, Ukraine holds the third position in the volume of agricultural imports to the EU, with a total of €12.843 billion.
New Developments
Reuters: Ukraine starts to rebuild towns and cities amid Russia’s war. In Ukraine, six settlements are undergoing reconstruction as part of a pilot program funded by the state. Reuters has reported that the initiative aims to advance the necessary skills and experience required for a broader reconstruction endeavor that lies ahead.
Read our earlier daily review here.
As of 20 Jan 2024, the approximate losses of weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces from the beginning of the invasion to the present day:
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- Personnel: 375270 (+750)
- Tanks: 6171 (+4)
- APV: 11455 (+10)
- Artillery systems: 8868 (+14)
- MLRS: 967 (+1)
- Anti-aircraft systems: 654
- Aircraft: 331
- Helicopters: 324
- UAV: 6934 (+5)
- Cruise missiles: 1818
- Warships/boats: 23
- Submarines: 1
- Vehicles and fuel tanks: 11848 (+17)
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https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/21/russo-ukrainian-war-day-696-eu-proposes-revamp-of-5-billion-ukraine-aid-fund/
| 2024-01-21T01:04:49Z
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SYDNEY - Large swaths of Australia sweltered in a heatwave on Jan 21, the nation's weather forecaster said, raising bushfire risk in an already high-risk fire season amid an El Nino weather pattern.
Heatwave alerts at “extreme” level, the highest danger rating, were in place for a second day for parts of Western Australia and were extended to South Australia, while areas of Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory were under “severe” warnings, the weather forecaster said.
It cautioned that in Western Australia, the nation’s largest state, the remote Pilbara and Gascoyne areas could hit temperatures in the high 40s on Jan 21. About 1,500km north of the state capital Perth, in the Pilbara mining town of Paraburdoo, a maximum temperature of 48 deg C was forecast, more than 7 deg C above the average January maximum, according to forecaster data. It was 31.1 deg C there at 6:30am local time.
Australia’s highest temperature on record of 50.7 deg C was logged at the Pilbara’s Onslow Airport on Jan 13, 2022.
On the east coast, parts of New South Wales’ capital Sydney were forecast on Jan 21 to reach 40 deg C, almost 10 deg C above the average January maximum.
The hot, dry conditions raised the risk of bushfires in some areas, the weather forecaster said, as Australia endures an El Nino weather event, typically associated with extreme phenomena such as wildfires, cyclones and droughts.
The last two bushfire seasons in Australia have been subdued compared with the 2019-2020 “Black Summer” when bushfires destroyed an area the size of Turkey, killed 33 people, 3 billion animals and trillions of invertebrates. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/australia-sweats-in-heatwave-lifting-bushfire-risk-amid-el-nino
| 2024-01-21T01:28:55Z
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