text
stringlengths 102
112k
| url
stringlengths 37
240
| crawl_date
timestamp[us, tz=UTC]date 2024-01-04 00:15:18
2024-01-31 23:10:45
| exclusion_reason
stringclasses 1
value |
|---|---|---|---|
Scotland back row Rory Darge and flyhalf Finn Russell will co-captain the team in the Six Nations, while wing Darcy Graham is out of the first two games and replaced in the squad by uncapped Sevens international Ross McCann, officials said on Sunday.
Darge and Russell each captained Scotland last year in the absence of Jamie Ritchie, with the flyhalf in charge as the side secured a memorable comeback win over France at Murrayfield.
"Appointing co-captains for this year's Six Nations allows us to further grow and develop the leadership within the squad," coach Gregor Townsend said.
"Both are highly respected within our squad and have been part of our leadership group for some time.
"I'm sure they will thrive with this responsibility and lean on our other leaders to drive certain aspects of our preparation, mindset and performance."
Ritchie, who led Scotland at the World Cup in France, has been relieved of his duties for now.
"Jamie has done an excellent job as our captain since October 2022 and he will continue to be one of the key leaders in our group.
"He now has the opportunity to focus more on his game and deliver his best rugby over the next few weeks," Townsend said.
Graham has been ruled out of the opener against Wales in Cardiff on Feb. 3 and the visit of France a week later with a quad injury and no firm return date has been set.
McCann, 26, competed for Great Britain at the Olympic Games in Tokyo and is still part of the squad, though his preparations for Paris 2024 have been put on hold.
Scottish Rugby said in a statement they would "like to thank Great Britain 7s for their cooperation in allowing his release to be available for the squad". REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/darge-russell-to-skipper-scotland-in-six-nations-but-graham-sidelined
| 2024-01-21T13:48:58Z
|
blocked_url
|
MELBOURNE – A lonesome racket lies on the surface of Margaret Court arena. Gently thrown. Forgotten by the defeated Amanda Anisimova who has left the court and soon the Open. The racket lies there like a stringed symbol of despair and frustration. This game hurts all the time.
A day at these courts is never about justice. Nothing feels fair. Adrian Mannarino played so bravely across three five-set matches and his reward is Novak Djokovic who starts their match 6-0, 6-0. The only way the tequila-slugging Frenchman gets to overthrow the Serb is if there’s a drinking contest at changeovers. Ah but Djokovic, tennis’ austere conqueror, doesn’t consume alcohol. Just sips at immortality.
The second week at a Slam is precious as talent starts to thin out slowly. “Nothing is easy,” said the Serb who makes it look precisely like that. Rain falls on a greying Sunday like a sullen drip. The defeated take their pay cheques and leave the premises, suddenly irrelevant to proceedings and yet sometimes forever altered. Maria Timofeeva lost to Marta Kostyuk, but the world No. 170 takes home applause and 8,000 more Instagram followers after an earlier win. “That’s crazy,” she had said.
Grand Slams events in the fourth round remind me of vast, great libraries. There’s still something to suit everyone’s taste. Stefanos Tsitsipas’ one-handed backhand can be erratic but it has such flourish. Mannarino’s racket resembles a set square while Aryna Sabalenka’s racket should be registered at an armoury. The game’s variety has somewhat deteriorated but it hasn’t lost it entirely.
The drama isn’t just in the shots but the anticipation. Organisers want to protect players’ privacy but cameras are aimed everywhere. Anisimova ties her shoelaces, Sabalenka jogs in the corridor. Abba plays, though really these big-hitting women deserve rock. At one point, as Anisimova walks past Sabalenka downstairs, the latter wears a half-smile but the former walks past her without looking. Hardly rudeness, merely a competitor taking refuge in a zone of concentration.
On the next court, Rod Laver creeps quietly into the arena named after him. The cameras catch him and a roar of respect echoes. He’s wondering what the fuss is about, then sights himself on the screen and can barely get himself to wave. He’s all 1.73m of modesty, Sabalenka (1.82m) and Anisimova (1.80m) are towers of talent.
The average height of Singapore men – according to worlddata.info – is 1.73m. The average height of Sunday’s eight fourth-round women is almost 1.75m. Power is a switch only some can produce on easy command. After winning the first set 6-3, Sabalenka was 0-30 while serving at 3-2. Her response was serves at 170kmh (wide), 185, 195 and 185. Match over.
So much we can see – the shots, the faces – and so much we might never know. Kostyuk, the Ukrainian, said she hadn’t been sleeping well for days and who would know this. Everyone is playing for something and struggling with something. “COME ON” – Tsitsipas’ desperate roar seemed to rise from his gut, but his first Grand Slam still eludes him.
The rain tipped down and players waited. Rhythm comes and then flutters away like the bird trapped in the stadium. Fans tittered but players find interruptions foul. Djokovic spoke of the wrestle with greatness and said: “Especially the guys at the top, they want to move the bar at least for 1 or 2 per cent, or try different things, maybe, disguise their flaws in the game and improve them so they’re not as exposed in certain shots.”
Rust, doubt, insecurity, form are usual adversaries in sport but Kostyuk’s fight is unique. In another time, Muhammad Ali, Jackie Robinson and Arthur Ashe took an inspiring stance against bigotry even as they competed. Sport is not always as simple as serving stats and counting winners. Kostyuk thinks people’s attention has slipped away from her nation and she, full of long, thoughtful, answers, is a sneakered ambassador.
“I have to go through all the information (on the war) myself,” explained Kostyuk, “and see what’s the best way to present it to people so they understand it in the easiest way. It’s an extra duty that I have that I don’t think other players have. I mean from other countries.”
No scrap in sport, of course, is equally provocative. Animisova’s great struggle has been to find happiness. Gifted and celebrated, she found fame suffocating and has been out of the game for eight months, for mental health reasons, and at 22 is making a return. The young in sport learn fast. The American quit tennis, went to college, painted to soothe herself and a fourth-round Australian Open place is remarkable.
The thrown racket was not insulting. It was defiance, desperation and perhaps in a way a tennis painter’s respectful surrender to Sabalenka. Who is, of course, a work of art.
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/players-produce-works-of-art-on-a-rainy-sunday
| 2024-01-21T13:49:08Z
|
blocked_url
|
SINGAPORE – A quantum leap at the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) has boosted the self-belief of short track speed skater Ryo Ong.
At these quadrennial Games in Gangwon, South Korea, the Singaporean not only has to grapple with rivals from across the globe but also learn to be self-reliant.
Unlike his other competitions where he would stay with his parents at a hotel or an Airbnb, the 17-year-old has been staying on his own in a room at the athletes’ village. But it is in this unfamiliar environment that he made history on Jan 20 by reaching the B final of the men’s 1,500m event.
No other Singaporean short track speed skater had made it to the semi-finals since the Republic made its Winter YOG debut at the 2020 Lausanne Games.
At the Gangneung Ice Arena, his timing of 2min 25.282sec placed him third in his quarter-final, earning him a direct spot into the semi-finals where he clocked 2:38.401 for third place and a berth in the B final.
The top two from the three semi-finals make the A final grade, while the next two finishers qualify for the B final.
Ryo eventually finished 13th overall in the event won by South Korea’s Joo Jae-hee.
He said: “I did not think I would make it to the finals – even making it to the semi-finals was quite an achievement... I was quite shocked and I was quite unprepared because I didn’t expect it.”
He added: “I thought the standard would be too different but I realised they are around my level so I had to focus and fight with them.
“Most of the international competitions I’ve taken part in are World Cups and world championships where it’s mainly senior skaters skating so their level is much higher than mine. But in this competition, the skaters are much closer to my level so I have to strategise and fight, so it’s really intense.”
Strategising for his races required him to observe his competitors and what they did in their races.
For example, he noted how the South Koreans would usually sit back before sprinting in the final few laps, while some European skaters would push themselves throughout the race. That in turn influenced how Ryo approached his races – whether to take it slow at first or starting strong.
On Jan 21, Ryo finished 26th in the 1,000m and is hoping to wrap up his campaign by beating his personal best time of 43.161sec in the 500m the following day.
Compatriot and fellow short track speed skater Amelia Chua, who was placed 28th and 31st in the women’s 1,000m and 1,500m respectively, will also race in the 500m event.
For now, Ryo wants to make the most of his time in South Korea. Outside the rink, he has been enjoying the wide array of options at the village’s food hall and taking part in game sessions for the athletes. He even had a snowball fight with some of his fellow athletes.
Ryo said: “I won’t get this experience again so this is something that I will treasure while I’m here.”
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/short-track-speed-skater-finds-self-belief-in-an-unfamiliar-environment-at-the-winter-youth-olympics
| 2024-01-21T13:49:19Z
|
blocked_url
|
MELBOURNE - Frenchman Arthur Cazaux and Czech teenager Linda Noskova will look to continue their giant-killing exploits in the Australian open fourth round on Monday after announcing themselves on the big stage with two of the biggest upsets in Melbourne so far.
The 21-year-old Cazaux, who toppled eighth seed Holger Rune — one of the rising stars of the men's tour — in the second round, could become the first wildcard to reach the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam since Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon in 2014.
Standing in his way is Polish ninth seed Hubert Hurkacz, with the pair set to meet on John Cain Arena.
Cazaux, ranked 122nd in the world coming into the tournament, has never before faced the big-serving Hurkacz, who beat Frenchman Ugo Humbert in the previous round.
A boys singles' runner-up in Melbourne in 2020, Montpellier native Cazaux said he was determined not to go down without a fight.
"I'm ready to fight everyone," he said after his third-round win over 28th seed Tallon Griekspoor.
"I'm here to give everything on court. Sometimes I play bad, sometimes I play good. You know, it doesn't matter. The only thing important is to give everything on court. That's my rules."
In the women's draw, 19-year-old Noskova came from a set down to stun world number one and four-times Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek and book her ticket to the fourth round of a major for the first time.
Noskova, the first teenager to defeat the top-ranked player at the Australian Open since Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo in 1999, faces former world number three Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in the first singles match on Margaret Court Arena.
Twice major winner and second seed Carlos Alcaraz resumes his bid for a maiden Australian Open crown when he takes on unseeded Serb Miomir Kecmanovic in the first match of the night session on Rod Laver Arena.
Third seed Daniil Medvedev of Russia faces 69th-ranked Portuguese Nuno Borges, while Britain's last remaining hope in the singles, Cameron Norrie, meets German sixth seed Alexander Zverev in the day's final match on Margaret Court.
Twice Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, seeded 18, plays Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska in the opener on Rod Laver while Russia's Anna Kalinskaya meets Italian 26th seed Jasmine Paolini in the final match on John Cain. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/tennis/cazaux-and-noskova-aim-to-resume-giant-slaying-runs-in-melbourne
| 2024-01-21T13:49:29Z
|
blocked_url
|
JERUSALEM - Air travel to and from Israel plunged in the last three months of 2023 amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, but the number of passengers travelling through Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv still rose 10% in 2023.
The number of international travellers reached 21.1 million in 2023, up from 19.2 million in 2022, the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) said in a report on Sunday.
Over the first 9 months of the year, before the Oct. 7 attacks by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, passenger traffic surged by an annual 38.5%, to 19.1 million.
But since then, traffic has plunged, culminating in a 78% drop in November and 71% dive in December, the IAA said.
With almost all foreign carriers having halted flights to and from Israel as a result of heavy rocket attacks from Gaza and the war, flag carrier El Al Israel Airlines benefited, with the number of passengers rising 32.5% to 5.5 million in 2023 for a 26.3% market share at Ben Gurion.
Wizz Air was the second-largest airline last year with a more than 9% share; passenger traffic was up 35.5% despite the company halting flights in the fourth quarter. Ryanair was third with a 5.4% share, although its number of passengers dipped 12% in 2023.
"Ben Gurion remains operative while maintaining and observing the safety and security of the planes and passengers," said Udi Bar Oz, managing director of Ben Gurion.
In December, nearly 80% of passengers flew El Al, followed by smaller Israeli carrier Israir at 10% and FlyDubai at 3.2%. During the month, just seven foreign carriers flew to Israel.
Bar Oz noted that at 17%, the United States - mainly via New York's JFK airport - was the country with the highest volume of activity in December, followed by France and Britain.
Airlines such as Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian and Aegean have resumed flights to Tel Aviv. Air France and Ryanair are slated to restart this week and next week.
In 2023, 3 million tourists visited Israel, up from 2.7 million in 2022. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/air-traffic-climbs-at-israels-tel-aviv-airport-in-2023-but-war-weighs
| 2024-01-21T13:49:39Z
|
blocked_url
|
DOHA/GAZA - The toll of Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza since Oct. 7 has passed 25,000, health officials in the enclave said on Sunday, amid heavy Israeli strikes and street battles raging across the Hamas-run Strip.
Israeli forces and Hamas fighters clashed in several locations, from Jabalia in the north to Khan Younis farther south.
Gaza's health ministry said 178 Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours, one of the deadliest days so far of the war. Israel's military said a soldier was killed in fighting.
A total of 25,105 Palestinians have been killed and 62,681 have been injured in Israeli strikes since Oct. 7, the Gaza ministry said in a statement. It does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths but says most of those killed have been civilians.
Israel launched its campaign to eliminate Hamas after the Islamist group burst into Israel on Oct 7. and rampaged through southern towns and bases killing 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and dragging 253 hostages back to the enclave.
Israeli forces have said they have cleared much of northern Gaza of Hamas' military network and more than a million residents of that part of the enclave have moved south to flee the bombardment. However fighting has continued in the Jabalia refugee camp and other areas around Gaza City.
Palestinian still in the area described dire conditions.
"We struggle to survive bombs, but frankly we try to survive hunger more. Finding food for the family, for the children, has become a more challenging adventure than surviving war," Amer, 32, a father of three who lives in northern Gaza, told Reuters. He messaged via eSIM card, Gazans' only tool to connect with the outside world amid a ninth day of disruptions to communications.
The price of flour, for example, has surged along with other food items that are hard to come by in the already impoverished territory.
"Amid the famine threatening residents of northern Gaza, the people began to grind what is available to make flour, starting with corn and reaching to animal food," Anas Al-Sharif, a Palestinian freelance journalist reporting from northern Gaza, posted on X.
Israel's military said its soldiers had killed 15 Palestinian gunmen during fighting in the northern Gaza Strip, while snipers, backed by air support, had "eliminated a number of terrorists" in Khan Younis.
Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri dismissed the Israeli account and the reported death toll, saying it was meant to "portray fake and delusional victory".
Palestinians said fierce fighting has raged in Jabalia for the past three days. The sounds of shelling from the air and the ground were non-stop, they said. Some buildings caught fire and smoke rose where bombs had fallen.
Along Gaza's southern coast, witnesses said Israeli naval boats shelled the beach.
In the southern city of Rafah, where over a million displaced people are concentrated, three Palestinians were killed in an Israeli air strike on a car. Another car was hit in Gaza City, killing three other people, health officials said.
Violence has also surged in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where Hamas's rival the Palestinian Authority has limited self-rule. The Palestinian Health Ministry there said Israeli forces have killed 360 Palestinians since Oct. 7. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/death-toll-from-israeli-strikes-in-gaza-passes-25000-gaza-health-officials-say
| 2024-01-21T13:49:50Z
|
blocked_url
|
VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis on Jan 21 called for the release of a group of people, including six nuns kidnapped in Haiti, the Caribbean nation plagued by gang violence.
“I learnt with pain of the news of the kidnapping in Haiti of a group of people, among them six religious sisters,” the pontiff said at the end of his weekly Angelus prayer at the Vatican.
“In earnestly asking for their release, I pray for social harmony in the country.
“I invite everyone to stop the violence that causes so much suffering to that dear population.”
According to the Haitian Religious Conference, the country’s association of religious orders, eight people including six nuns were kidnapped on Jan 19 while travelling on a bus in the capital Port-au-Prince.
The incident comes amid an increase in kidnappings in Haiti, the poorest state in the Americas and currently facing a spiralling security crisis.
Pope Francis, 87, also made reference to the situation in Ecuador, another country battling gang violence.
As he addressed the crowd in St Peter’s Square to hear his prayer, the pontiff called out to “the bishops and migrants of Ecuador, to whom I assure my prayers for peace in their country”.
Ecuador, once considered a bastion of peace in Latin America, has been plunged into crisis by the rapid spread of transnational cartels that use its ports to ship drugs to the United States and Europe. AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/pope-urges-release-of-nuns-kidnapped-in-haiti
| 2024-01-21T13:50:00Z
|
blocked_url
|
British & Irish Lions lock carted off with gruesome injury
Former England and British and Irish Lions second row Jonny Hill suffered a gruesome injury during Sale Sharks’ Champions Cup match with La Rochelle, leading to him being stretchered off the field at the AJ Bell Stadium.
The Sale Sharks forward is believed to have sustained a dislocated kneecap. This injury is another significant setback for the lock, with the giant forward being carried off with just 18 minutes on the clock.
Hill moved to Sale in 2022 after a successful tenure at Exeter Chiefs marked by over 100 appearances and 30 tries.
His career trajectory has faced challenges recently, particularly with the England national team.
Hill, who last played for England in the Rugby World Cup warm-ups in August, missed out on last year’s Rugby World Cup squad.
We’re wishing Jonny Hill a quick recovery after a suspected dislocated kneecap 🤕#InvestecChampionsCup #SALvLAR pic.twitter.com/eRCdiWsAhz
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) January 21, 2024
The 6’7 forward played a crucial role in Exeter Chiefs’ double success in the 2019/20 season and earned his first England cap in the delayed 2020 Six Nations Championship.
His impressive debut and performances in the Autumn Nations Cup, including scoring his first international try against Italy in the 2021 Six Nations, led to his selection by British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland for the tour to South Africa.
|
https://www.rugbypass.com/news/british-irish-lions-lock-jonny-hill-carted-off-with-gruesome-injury/
| 2024-01-21T14:18:58Z
|
blocked_url
|
Jake White: 'If you see La Rochelle play Leinster... It’s club rugby on steroids'
Jake White, the Bull’s Director of Rugby, says the Champions Cup is club rugby on steroids but navigating the challenges to compete against the best teams out there takes its toll.
White tried to explain the calibre of the competition with teams like Leinster, Stade Rochelais and the likes.
“I believe we will grow and we will just get better and better. But I’m also a realist. If you see La Rochelle play Leinster guys, if you see those games last weekend. You see La Rochelle running out at Leicester Tigers. It’s a different level altogether. It’s club rugby on steroids.”
In the Champions Cup game at Loftus on Saturday, Bordeaux scored five tries in the second half and the Bulls were clearly slower out of the blocks to plug all the holes.
White hinted that his team was tired and flat due to their heavy traveling schedule and could not make use of the altitude to get on the front foot.
“I’d like to believe it’s due to the traveling. Coming back from Bristol, getting here on Monday, having flown via Dubai. It’s quite bizarre, because we fly London, Dubai, Dubai, Joburg,” he explained.
“The team we play against flies from Paris to Joburg. So it’s quite weird you know. We end up playing against the same team. But we’ll get there. I don’t want to sound like I am moaning and whinging.
“We are very lucky, our owners pay for business class for our players so we are even better off than the other teams. But there is no doubt that if we can go via London, straight from London to Bristol, London and straight onto Joburg, we would’ve got here earlier Monday morning.
“By the time we got to Loftus on Monday, it was after two in the afternoon. Considering you play Saturday night and you only get home on Monday after lunch, it’s a long haul,” he said.
“It’s been a bit of a slog, back and forth. We really looked flat today. I don’t know why but we looked flat. We didn’t get to the breakdowns, we turned the ball over a few times. We just looked like we were dead on our feet.
“I know they were too, but you talk about altitude and speed and pace and tempo of the game, we looked as though sometimes we were one or two yards behind the ball as well.”
He remained positive about the outcome, having beaten a side that has not conceded 46 points in a long time.
“We will take the win and the energy it brings and hopefully, if things go according to plan, we finish second to get a home top 16. That’s not a bad place to be as a young group of players.
“It is disappointing, of course, you want to make sure that you stay in the fight, but we still managed to win with that group of players at the end.
“Cause we could quite easily have thrown it away… Some would say to me maybe I should’ve kept the team on for longer, I changed the front row after 50 minutes, I put all the guys that were on the bench on.
“The reason is I want them to experience that pressure.
“You can’t teach that to someone at training. So I am very happy that they found a way to manage the last five or six minutes and get a win.
“I’m trying hard to digest what actually happened there. At halftime, we probably thought we could get a 36 points difference, which meant that we would’ve come first,” White said.
“I thought we probably got seduced a little bit by the style – we probably started thinking like it’s a sevens game. That probably helps them because you could see that they are a good team.
“But I can’t be cross with them. Four of the forwards who played today are 21 and under: JF van Heerden is 19, Cameron 21, Jan-Hendrik 22, Reinhardt Ludwig 21.
“Now if you consider that this is the next step to Test-match rugby, then the only way you are going to learn is through these tests. One of the things that I will debrief when I sit with them is that we’ve got to be a little more streetwise – and that only comes with time.
“You don’t score 46 points against Bordeaux… If you go and look at how many times they have conceded 46 points, it’s not often. They have been dominating in France, even away from home.
“So, I’m happy, and there will be lessons that we will learn. But it’s always nice to learn lessons when you’ve won. It would have been a different speech if we had thrown that away.”
|
https://www.rugbypass.com/news/jake-white-if-you-see-la-rochelle-play-leinster-its-club-rugby-on-steroids/
| 2024-01-21T14:19:05Z
|
blocked_url
|
You'd think that since he's the busiest he's ever been, King Charles would have little time for his family. How packed is his schedule? Well, in 2023 he had 425 royal engagements (making him the second most hard-working member of the royal family behind Princess Anne) and the new reign has meant more outings, appointments and travel.
And let’s not forget the King’s Red Box—a case containing papers for the monarch, including documents from government ministers in the United Kingdom, representatives from the Commonwealth, and other pressing work that might need the crown's attention.
Whilst one would assume that becoming King would take Charles further away from his family, that couldn’t be further from the truth. So says royal author Robert Hardman, who has been at the King's side for the past 18 months and who spoke to HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast team.
LISTEN: King Charles 'loves' spending time with his UK-based grandchildren
A new reign has meant a new routine for Charles, who - to everyone’s surprise - now enjoys spending more time at Windsor Castle; which is close to where his son Prince William and his family are now based.
“For a man who had seldom spent much time at Windsor since his youth, he has quickly reconnected with the ancestral seat, to a degree that has surprised even those who know him very well,” Robert writes in his new book Charles III New King. New Court. The Inside Story.
In this week’s podcast episode, which you can listen to above, Robert tells hosts Andrea Caamano and Emmy Griffiths, as well as HELLO!’s royal editor Emily Nash: “He didn't really like Windsor very much. He spent very little time there as Prince of Wales. People said, ‘Oh, it's too noisy. It's got the Heathrow traffic going over. He won't stay there, he'll hand it over to William’, but actually, that hasn't been the case at all.”
Robert, who shadowed the King for the last year-and-a-half to write his incredible new book, admits that Charles now “loves Windsor”.
“He's there two or three nights a week,” he adds before confirming that Charles also “loves” visiting his grandchildren, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, at Adelaide Cottage. Listen to the podcast to find out more about his new-found love of Windsor.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511594/king-charles-loves-seeing-his-grandchildren-prince-george-princess-charlotte-and-prince-louis/
| 2024-01-21T15:15:55Z
|
blocked_url
|
NEW DELHI – Shi Yuqi overcame a stiff challenge from Lee Cheuk Yiu of Hong Kong to clinch his second India Open badminton title on Jan 21 and then warned top-ranked Viktor Axelsen that he is coming for the Dane’s throne.
The 27-year-old Chinese player, ranked second in the world, battled for 54 minutes to win the final 23-21, 21-17 and add to his 2018 title in New Delhi.
Shi, who was appearing in his second final in two weeks after a runners-up finish in Malaysia, remained on top of his baseline play and smashes against his relentless opponent.
After a hard-fought first game, Shi was tested again in the second when Lee took 10 straight points after trailing 6-14, but the Chinese kept his nerve to emerge the winner.
“In the second game, despite several contentious calls, Lee Cheuk Yiu went ahead. But I was patient and ultimately came through to win,” said Shi.
“This victory is immensely significant in my career, given the prestigious nature of this tournament... Since the second half of last year, I have been going through a difficult time. I am eager to win every championship and give my all in every game...
“Even though Viktor is currently world No. 1, it is so competitive that anyone can claim the throne.”
In the women’s singles, Taiwanese Tai Tzu Ying served past reigning Olympic champion Chen Yufei of China 21-16, 21-12 in 42 minutes.
Chen, who beat Tai in the Olympic final in Tokyo, raced to 7-1 before her opponent hit back with aggressive play and soon took the lead as a raucous crowd cheered on.
Chen stretched the opening game with some fighting rallies but Tai came roaring back in the second to make a huge statement in the build-up to the Paris Olympics.
“I was feeling a bit nervous but I got a lot of support from the fans,” Tai said.
“I will fight for the medal in this year’s Olympics. I know it’s going to be difficult but I am working hard for it.
“I think this match (at the India Open) is at the start of the season when (Yufei) is still tired. At the Olympics, everyone is very well prepared.”
Tai has said she will retire after the Paris Games and reiterated that sentiment earlier in New Delhi, After Paris, no more.
Said Chen: “She (Tai) has become more patient than before. She was very fast, which put me under a lot of pressure. There is a lot I can learn from her.”
Japan’s Mayu Matsumoto and Wakana Nagahara were crowned women’s doubles champions after they beat Zhang Shu Xian and Zheng Yu of China 21-12, 21-13.
Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai clinched the mixed doubles title with a 21-16, 21-16 win over Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin of China.
It was heartbreak for the Indian fans after local heroes Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty went down in a thrilling men’s double final won by the South Korean world champions Kang Min-hyuk and Seo Seung-jae 15-21, 21-11, 21-18. AFP, XINHUA
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/china-s-shi-yuqi-downs-lee-cheuk-yiu-to-win-india-open-badminton-title
| 2024-01-21T15:20:48Z
|
blocked_url
|
Chelsea's England forward Lauren James scored a superb hat-trick to secure a 3-1 win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and keep her side clear at the top of the Women's Super League but it was far from plain sailing for the hosts.
James got her first goal in the fifth minute with a close-range finish and doubled the tally with a superb first-time strike midway through the first half.
The visitors pulled a goal back through Hayley Ladd two minutes before the break and dominated much of the second half, with the referee denying them two strong shouts for penalties.
That set the scene for 22-year-old James to net her third four minutes from time to leave Chelsea on 28 points, three ahead of second-placed Arsenal after 11 games.
With three other matches still to play on Sunday, Manchester United are fourth on 18 points
The WSL resumed after the winter break on Friday with Aston Villa winning 1-0 at Leicester City, while Arsenal beat Everton 2-1 on Saturday. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/james-hat-trick-gives-chelsea-3-1-wsl-win-over-man-united
| 2024-01-21T15:20:59Z
|
blocked_url
|
Rory McIlroy retained the Dubai Desert Classic title on Sunday with a final round of 70 to finish on 14-under-par overall, one stroke ahead of Poland's Adrian Meronk, for a record fourth win in the tournament.
McIlroy won his first professional career title in the competition in 2009 and his two-under-par final round was enough to hold off a battling Meronk and overtake Ernie Els for the most wins at the event.
"It's really cool," McIlroy said. "I didn't really think about that during the course of the round, it was a really tricky day."
McIlroy began the day alongside Meronk, two shots off American Cameron Young, and the world number two completed his comeback after Friday's third round saw him come from 10 shots behind to within striking distance of the leader.
Young hit two bogeys on the front nine and McIlroy took full advantage to take a three-shot lead at the turn, while Meronk looked out of the running with a double-bogey on the seventh and a bogey on the ninth leaving him five shots behind.
Meronk recovered and got to within one shot of the leader by the 14th with three birdies in the first five holes of the back nine as McIlroy hit his first bogey of the round at the 13th, but Meronk's bogey on the 16th restored the gap.
The Pole hit a birdie at the last to take him back to one-shot behind and put some pressure on McIlroy, but the Northern Irishman showed his experience to par the final hole for the win.
"It's a great start to the season, last year I started well with a win here ... it's a great platform to build from," McIlroy said.
Young, who had taken the lead after the second round, had to settle for third place, finishing on 12-under-par overall. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/golf/mcilroy-completes-comeback-to-win-dubai-desert-classic-for-record-fourth-time
| 2024-01-21T15:21:09Z
|
blocked_url
|
SINGAPORE – At the Webex Players Series’ Murray River event last week, Shannon Tan got a taste of what life as a professional golfer would be like, with crowds and camera crew following the action at the Cobram Barooga Golf Club in Australia.
While she is still getting used to being in the limelight, Tan impressed on the course as she came in second after a final-round six-under 65 on Jan 21.
She was two strokes behind champion Kazuma Kobori of New Zealand (68).
In her first competition as a professional, she carded a 19-under 265 total, two strokes ahead of Kiwi Momoka Kobori (68) and Australians Aaron Wilkin (68) and Andrew Martin (69), who were joint third in the A$250,000 (S$221,600) New South Wales tournament.
The tournament is a mixed-field event on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, the main professional golf tour in Australia and New Zealand.
Noting the special experience of being part of a mixed field, she said: “Overall, I really enjoyed my experience at the event – great atmosphere, crowd and a lot of TV cameras around, which is something I’m getting used to.”
The 19-year-old’s campaign, which earned her A$25,000 in prize money, started with opening rounds of 68 and 69 before an impressive 63 in the third round.
“I’m happy to be in contention at my first event as a pro golfer,” said Tan. “I had a solid weekend and a bogey-free final round, but I also know there is a lot to learn.”
This is the first of two events that Tan will be playing in Australia before making her debut on the Ladies European Tour (LET), which begins with the Magical Kenya Ladies Open in February.
She became the first Singaporean to earn an LET card in December and announced her decision to turn professional in January.
She will head to Victoria for the A$840,000 Vic Open from Feb 1-4, where former world No. 1 Shin Ji-yai will defend her title. The Vic Open is also a mixed-field event.
Tan had enjoyed some outstanding outings as an amateur.
They included becoming just the second Singaporean to win on the China Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour when she lifted the Singapore Ladies Masters title at Laguna National Golf Resort Club in July 2023.
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/singaporean-golfer-shannon-tan-gets-professional-career-off-to-bright-start-with-runner-up-finish
| 2024-01-21T15:21:20Z
|
blocked_url
|
VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis on Sunday called for the release of hostages, including six nuns, who were kidnapped on a bus in Haiti on Friday, and said he was praying for social harmony in the country.
Armed gunmen hijacked a bus in Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince with at least six nuns on board and drove off to an unknown destination taking all passengers hostage, Vatican News reported on Saturday, citing the Haitian Conference of Religious group.
"I have learned with sorrow of the kidnapping, in Haiti, of a group of people, including six religious sisters", Pope Francis said after his weekly Angelus prayer.
"In my heartfelt plea for their release, I pray for social concord in the country, and I invite everyone to bring an end to the violence, which is causing a great deal of suffering to that dear population," he added.
Violence has been escalating for months in Haiti as gangs jockey for power and seek to put pressure on interim Prime Minister Ariel Henry, ahead of the Feb. 7 expiry of a political accord that consolidated his power.
The violence comes ahead of a court decision expected on Jan. 26 on a Kenyan-led multinational force to address gang violence in the country, one of the poorest in the Western Hemisphere. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/pope-francis-calls-for-release-of-nuns-other-hostages-kidnapped-in-haiti
| 2024-01-21T15:21:30Z
|
blocked_url
|
LONDON - Britain is taking threats of foreign interference in the elections expected later this year “very seriously”, the defence minister said on Jan 21, after a warning from a counter-terrorism official.
“Obviously, that’s something that we take very seriously,” Mr Grant Shapps told the Sky News channel.
Counter-terrorism bodies and other institutions would “be looking very carefully at that”, he said.
British counter-terrorism chief Matt Jukes said on June 19, 2023, that the espionage threat from foreign states – such as China, Russia and Iran – is greater now than it has been “since the days of the Cold War”.
He said the police had set up a new unit to counter the threats of interference ahead of the election, which is expected to be called later this year.
The unit would use powers granted by the National Security Act passed in July 2023 to make it harder for countries to spy and interfere in the political process, he said.
“We are talking about parts of the state apparatus of Iran, China and Russia,” Mr Jukes said.
A report by United States software company Microsoft in November 2023 said Russia, Iran and China were likely to engage in sophisticated influence and interference efforts ahead of the 2024 US presidential election and in other pivotal elections worldwide.
All three countries were expected to seek to shape geopolitical outcomes in their favour amid major ongoing or potential regional conflicts, the report said.
Interference efforts were likely to take place on different online platforms than those targeted in elections in 2016 and 2020.
The counter-terrorism chief also warned that conflict in the Middle East had led to a surge in Islamist activity and that Britain was facing “a radicalisation moment”.
He said there had been a 25 per cent increase in information flowing through police systems about terrorism and violent extremism, “a significant increase” on “usual levels”.
“We always see spikes after terrorist incidents, but what we’ve seen since October 7 has been a spike which is higher and more sustained than ever before,” Mr Jukes said in comments to local media.
“I would describe the speed and the scale of the impact of those global events as extraordinary.” AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/uk-is-taking-election-interference-threats-very-seriously
| 2024-01-21T15:21:40Z
|
blocked_url
|
GAZA STRIP - The Hamas armed group said on Jan 21 the Oct 7 attack that led to war with Israel was a “necessary step” against Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories.
But the group admitted in a 16-page report on the attacks that “some faults happened... due to the rapid collapse of the Israeli security and military system, and the chaos caused along the border areas with Gaza”.
The document was the group’s first public report released in English and Arabic justifying the attacks.
The group said the assault was a “necessary step and a normal response to confront all Israeli conspiracies against the Palestinian people”.
The Oct 7 attack left 1,200 people dead, according to Israeli tallies. About 240 people were also taken hostage.
Around 100 of the captives were released during a week-long truce in November in exchange for dozens of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
Israel launched a bombing and ground offensive in Gaza in response to the Hamas action.
Israel’s military offensive has killed more than 25,000 people in the enclave, Gaza’s health authorities said in an updated toll on Jan 21.
Hamas urged “the immediate halt of the Israeli aggression on Gaza, the crimes and ethnic cleansing committed against the entire Gaza population”.
And the group rejected any international and Israeli efforts to decide Gaza’s post-war future.
“We stress that the Palestinian people have the capacity to decide their future and to arrange their internal affairs,” the statement said, adding that “no party in the world” had the right to decide on their behalf. AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/hamas-says-oct-7-attacks-a-necessary-step-but-admits-faults
| 2024-01-21T15:21:51Z
|
blocked_url
|
KAMPALA, Uganda - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Jan 21 urged Ethiopia and Somalia to open talks to settle their dispute over the former’s maritime deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland.
Tensions in the Horn of Africa have escalated since landlocked Ethiopia struck a deal with Somaliland on Jan 1 that gives it much sought-after access to the sea.
In return, Somaliland, which unilaterally declared independence in 1991, has said Ethiopia would give it formal recognition – a claim that has not been confirmed by the latter.
Somalia on Jan 18 ruled out mediation with Ethiopia unless the deal is cancelled, and vowed to fight by “all legal means” to oppose it.
At a press briefing at the G-77 plus China summit in the Ugandan capital, Mr Guterres said: “We are always guided by our principles and our principles are related to the unity, the sovereignty and territorial independence of countries, including Somalia.
“We hope that through dialogue it will be possible to overcome the current situation.”
His comments added to calls led by the United States, China, the European Union, African Union and Arab League to respect Somali sovereignty.
Ethiopia and neighbouring Somalia have a history of stormy relations and territorial feuds, fighting two wars in the late 20th century.
Somalia has branded the maritime pact an act of “aggression” by Ethiopia, which has in turn insisted no laws have been broken.
Under the deal, Somaliland agreed to lease 20km of its coast for 50 years to Ethiopia, which wants to set up a naval base and a commercial port.
Somalia vehemently opposes the independence claim by the former British protectorate of 4.5 million people that is not recognised by the international community.
Ethiopia – the second-most populous country in Africa – was cut off from the coast after Eritrea seceded and declared independence in 1993 following a three-decade war.
Addis Ababa had access to a port in Eritrea until the two countries went to war from 1998 to 2000. Since then, Ethiopia has sent most of its sea trade through Djibouti.
While Somaliland is largely stable, Somalia has witnessed decades of civil war and a bloody Islamist insurgency. AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/un-urges-ethiopia-and-somalia-to-hold-talks-to-solve-dispute
| 2024-01-21T15:22:01Z
|
blocked_url
|
ASTANA – The Shymbulak Mountain Resort’s tourist potential gained recognition in Condé Nast Italia, the Italian edition of the renowned magazine. It was ranked among the top five places in the world that winter sports enthusiasts should visit, reported the Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ press service on Jan. 16.
The list includes the Troll Peninsula in Iceland, Mount Denali in Alaska, Kazbegi in Georgia, and Zao Onsen Ski Resort in Japan.
According to the publication, the Shymbulak Ski Resort, situated just a half-hour drive from Almaty city, is renowned for its legendary atmosphere and modern comfort. The editorial strongly recommends not to miss the après-ski experience.
Location and history of the resort
The Shymbulak Mountain Resort, located in the picturesque gorge of Trans-Ili Alatau at an altitude of 2,260 meters above sea level, was established in 1954. Since the mid-1950s, Shymbulak has served as the training base for Soviet skiers and has hosted championships in the USSR and Kazakhstan. In its early years, before the construction of chairlifts and gondolas, athletes ascended on foot, taking about three hours. Over time, the resort added cable cars, hotels, a Finnish sauna, and restaurants. Since 1983, Shymbulak has been the Soviet Olympic Center for ski training.
The resort underwent significant reconstruction in 2011 in preparation for the Winter Asian Games. The total length of the tracks nearly tripled, and snow cannons were installed to extend the season, allowing for an earlier start and later end. Nowadays, operating year-round with ten lifts, the resort boasts a track length of 25 kilometers.
Main features
It features seven dining establishments, two hotels (one directly on the mountain slope), a ski shop, and a service and repair workshop. To reach the highest point of Shymbulak, visitors can take a modern cable car starting 800 meters from the Medeo rink. The first section leads to the lower point of Shymbulak’s ski slopes, housing ski, snowboard, and equipment rentals, snack bars, and restaurants. The second section takes you roughly to the middle of the track, where you can begin your descent or transfer to the third section, leading to Shymbulak’s highest point, the Talgar Pass.
Another notable feature of the resort is limited transportation access. Private vehicles, unless electric, are not permitted to reach the place. Visitors have the option of using an eco-bus, eco-taxi, or cable car to access Shymbulak. The one-way trip from Medeo to Shymbulak starts at 1,500 tenge ($3), with prices varying depending on the day of the week, cabin type, and final destination. Opting for a shuttle bus will cost 700 tenge ($1.5) for a one-way journey.
Hiking enthusiasts can reach the ski resort on foot. Despite the steep ascent, the walk rarely poses challenges for tourists, as the total length of the route is 7 kilometers.
For those willing to climb the steps to the dam and then follow the trail beyond it, the route can be shortened. In this case, the overall length of the path will be reduced to 4 kilometers.
|
https://astanatimes.com/2024/01/almatys-shymbulak-ski-resort-secures-top-five-winter-destinations-in-conde-nast-italia/
| 2024-01-21T15:27:57Z
|
blocked_url
|
ASTANA – Richard Martin, a French engineer, shifted from a full-time job in the United States during the pandemic in 2020 to become a traveler. He has recently arrived in Kazakhstan, where his vlog documenting Astana has been gaining popularity. In an interview with the Astana Times, Martin shared insights into the country, Kazakh culture, and his plans.
A shift in lifestyle
Having previously worked as an engineer on electric propulsion systems for marine vessels worldwide, Martin decided to embrace a nomadic lifestyle, and explore diverse cultures, particularly those under-represented in mainstream Western media.
“I extensively traveled for work, designing, engineering, and commissioning electric propulsion systems for ships worldwide, contributing to energy, renewables, and oil and gas projects from South Korea to Canada, Netherlands, Japan, Egypt, the United Kingdom, the United States, Malta, the United Arab Emirates, and more,” he said.
Martin, whose main YouTube channel titled Oops I Moved Again, is dedicated to documenting his travels through social media including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and his newsletter at oopsimovedagain.com. He also creates educational content related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) on his second YouTube channel – I Teach While Traveling.
Discovering Kazakhstan’s history and people
While this was his first visit to Kazakhstan, Martin had encountered Kazakh people in the United States and France. He aims to delve into Kazakh culture, understand the diversity of its people, and share his experiences globally through social media and newsletters.
Martin expressed a keen interest in understanding Kazakhstan’s history from the post-World War II era until its independence in 1991.
“I decided to visit Kazakhstan to learn further about its history and people in the most genuine way, starting with your historic figures such as Kerey and Zhanibek Khans, founders of the Kazakh Khanate. Rakhimzhan Koshkarbayev, a Kazakh man, who raised one of the flags over the Reichstag during World War II, Queen Tomiris, Al-Farabi, (…) and other people. I spent hours learning about their stories, and the importance they represent to the people of Kazakhstan,” he said.
Surprises in Kazakhstan
Upon arrival in Kazakhstan, Martin was pleasantly surprised by the rich ethnic and religious diversity within the country. The country embraces multiple religions, including Orthodox Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
Martin praised Astana’s innovative infrastructure, describing it as a city reminiscent of Disneyland.
“I was also impressed with the city’s digital infrastructure. The seamless internet connectivity and the prevalence of ride-sharing and food delivery apps contribute to the city’s comfort and modernity. This digital landscape not only enhances life in Astana but also opens up new opportunities for the city and Kazakhstan,” he said.
Martin emphasized that traveling taught him to abandon expectations, enjoy life’s uncertainties, and appreciate both the good and challenging aspects.
He noted the kindness, hospitality, and communal spirit of people, noting Kazakh grandmothers’ role in educating their grandchildren.
“The local Kazakh lifestyle, focused on family and friendship, stands out. Unlike in Europe or North America, I observed that Kazakh grandmothers contribute to their grandchildren’s education. This involvement differs from the more typical grandparents role in other countries, where grandparents often indulge grandchildren in amusement parks, cafes, and various gifts, leaving the educational responsibility primarily to the parents,” he said.
Martin expressed admiration for Kazakh cuisine, with its light and balanced offerings, and expressed a desire to immerse himself in the nomadic life of the Turkic and Kazakh tribes.
“Beshbarmak and the unique experience of tea mixed with milk and tary [a millet] were particular highlights. I hope to visit a village or a place where I can truly immerse myself into the nomadic life of the Turkic tribes and Kazakh tribes as they lived thousands of years,” he said.
Future explorations
Reflecting on his travel and work experiences, where he conducted projects in various challenging conditions worldwide, Martin emphasized his readiness to face difficulties.
“I have encountered tough and challenging work and life situations, and I think that my travels have equipped me with patience and a certain sense of adaptation to various unexpected situations,” he said.
Martin shared his upcoming plans, including exploring Astana, visiting the Soviet Gulag (Chief Administration of Corrective Labour Camps), experiencing life in Karagandy, exploring Almaty and its surroundings, and visiting Turkistan and Baikonur. He expressed anticipation for continuing his journey to the Kyrgyz Republic, where he plans to meet a friend who, like him, left a job in the United States.
For Martin, communication and interaction with locals are crucial for travelers to truly understand the country. He encourages a genuine curiosity about other cultures, participation in local activities, and building connections with people regardless of language barriers.
“You do not need to speak the same language to enjoy a theater play or a good soccer game together. Remember that the reason why you left your Western country is to explore other countries, meet their people, and learn about the things that matter to them,” he said.
|
https://astanatimes.com/2024/01/french-traveler-explores-kazakhstans-rich-and-diverse-culture/
| 2024-01-21T15:28:04Z
|
blocked_url
|
AKMOLA REGION – A beguiling new museum in the Kosshy village, a 20-minute drive from Astana, is showcasing an excellent collection of over 1,600 Kazakh and Turkic instruments in an effort to preserve and revive the rarest pieces.
A love letter to rich Kazakh musical heritage, the small museum is much more than a series of instruments hanging on a wall. It is an interactive museum, where visitors are welcome to listen to, pick up, and try some of the less precious pieces and even make their own instruments.
Founded in 2023 by a musician and instrument maker, Azamat Bakiya, it aims not only to explain the contexts within which the instruments were used back in the day but also to show how one plays an instrument and what it sounds like.
Why settle for a recorded sound when one could hear a live performance culminating in all instruments playing traditional Kazakh kui (music) in a small orchestra made by the museum’s masters?
Sazsyrnai
From early childhood, Bakiya was particularly captivated by the sazsyrnai. During the visit, he shared his lifetime relationship with one of the country’s oldest musical instruments, which dates back to the ninth century.
“I have been making instruments since I was 12 years old. The first instrument I made was the sazsyrnai. There was a movie called ‘Batyr Bayan.’ In that movie, after killing his brother Noyan, Batyr Bayan leaves the sazsyrnai in that place. I cried to my parents for two years asking them to take me there and take the sazsyrnai,” said Bakiya, reminiscing about his first love for the instrument.
Since then, he has struggled through many burnt and broken sazsyrnais before becoming one of the most prominent masters. He can now make a sazsyrnai in 40 seconds. His workshop makes up to 100 sazsyrnais in a day.
At first glance, sazsyrnai appears to be an ordinary round whistling instrument made of clay with four holes. Its true beauty is revealed only in the hands of a loving player. A miracle of efficient design in compact size allows all kinds of music to be played on it.
With delicate sound, sazsyrnai reminds a person of a mother’s lullaby soothing one to sleep, yet it also has quite an expressive range that goes up to 4.5 octaves.
Kernei
There are only two remaining pieces of kernei, a traditional horn-like instrument, in Kazakhstan and both of them are at Bakiya’s museum. It is an ancient Kazakh wind instrument that has a very powerful sound.
Kernei varies in size, with some as long as two meters. It is thought to have been used ceremonially during military battles and to deliver messages over long distances.
“This instrument is mentioned in the heroic poem of ‘Alpamys.’ One of the purposes of this instrument was to honor the young men returning from the battle with victory by walking them under the kerneis. According to our scholar Zharkyn Shakarim, it was used during the war. This was a very big thing that kept the army in line and inspired them,” said Bakiya.
Bakiya’s one blow into the instrument, which is above his height, is pretty impressive. Its sound could reach up to four kilometers.
“Another way to use it was by putting five kernei players every four kilometers, which would disperse the sound as far as 20 kilometers. They used to spread the military message for 20 kilometers like the Morse alphabet. Because the ‘code’ was constantly changing, no kui (traditional Kazakh music) was preserved,” added Bakiya.
Donyz kauak
Besides the wind and string instruments, there are many types of drums of different sizes and shapes that make up Kazakh traditional music. The most intriguing of them is the donyz kauak drum, which has a sound that mimics a tiger’s voice.
“Our country was inhabited by a tiger known as the Turanian tiger. In 1929, during the construction of Turksib (Turkistan-Siberia railroad), the British took a picture of it,” said Bakiya in the story’s preface.
“Then, back in 1969, while some Kazakhs planted crops, others still kept livestock. So, someone’s cattle got into the crop, and they quarreled with each other. It even went as far as trying to shoot the cattle. At that time, someone’s grandmother said that there is an instrument called ‘donyz kauak,’ and if you play it, the animals will be scared,” added Bakiya.
Donyz kauak is made from kauak (pumpkin family plant) and covered with animal skin. It has bristles, usually made from the hairs of a horse’s tail. The player waters his hands and pulls the bristles of the instrument with one hand to produce a whooping sound that resembles a tiger.
It was once used to scare off tigers in the thick reeds when villagers searched for lost cattle while traveling from village to village. A tiger stays out of the reeds when he hears that there is another tiger around.
Shankobyz
Little is known about the history of shankobyz in Kazakhstan, but it is an instrument that has strong links to rituals performed by the baksy (shamans).
A pulsating sound that shankobyz produces is almost hypnotic. According to Bakiya, even a five-minute play on the instrument could make a person dizzy. It was believed that its powerful tones could affect the person being treated by a baksy.
Producing such evocative sounds takes no small amount of craft, as Bakiya puts it.
“This instrument is available in almost all countries of the world, not only in Kazakhstan. It is highly developed in Yakutia. Artists of that country are considered the world’s best artists. A world competition was held there too,” said Bakiya.
The museum is situated at the following address: 24a Zhabayeva Street, Kosshy.
|
https://astanatimes.com/2024/01/interactive-museum-celebrates-rich-history-of-kazakh-musical-instruments/
| 2024-01-21T15:28:11Z
|
blocked_url
|
Rebel Wilson has been quite open about her journey with her health, having documented her year of health during the pandemic and sharing her struggles with body image.
The 43-year-old Australian actress and singer took to her social media recently to open up about gaining 30 pounds over the past few months due to stress, but her fans have been ever so supportive.
On Saturday, Rebel took to her Instagram Stories to share her reaction to another touching comment from a fan, who aimed to lift her spirits up.
The message read: "Your body is the least interesting thing about you! Don't be so hard on yourself. From a fellow fatty x," and Rebel responded to it with: "Love messages like this, thank you."
With a video of herself relaxing in a hot tub while wearing a black swimsuit, the Pitch Perfect actress got candid about gaining weight due to overexertion while also allowing herself the grace to not beat herself down for it.
"Working really hard has meant that, coz of all the stress, I've gained 14 kgs (30 pounds)!" she shared. "It makes me feel bad about myself…it shouldn't…but it does.
"I'm really proud of the work I've been doing on new movies and my memoir, it's just been a LOT and I've lost focus on my healthy lifestyle. Anyone else going through the same thing?"
Soon after sharing the post, though, the star was bombarded with supportive messages, and she updated the caption of her post with: "I woke up this morning and read all your comments – they bring a tear to my eye. Thanks everyone!"
MORE: Rebel Wilson convinces fans she has full body tattoos – see striking photo
Fans and friends shared responses like: "You are great and you look even better. Don't let the doubt in. See you soon Wonder Woman," and: "As soon as I first saw you on screen, I was like, this lady is my hero! My opinion never changed when you lost some weight. You've always been an inspiration, anyone can lose weight, only you have your light," as well as: "Your weight doesn't change your acting skills or sparkling personality we all love. Keep being an inspiration to us and our daughters."
Lisa Lorraine Taylor, a certified personal trainer for Total Shape, explained to HELLO! the reasons and ways in which people can suddenly gain weight during periods of stress.
MORE: Rebel Wilson stuns in a plunging neon orange swimsuit in photo from romantic island vacation
She stated: "It's common to initially lose appetite under stress, but chronic stress often leads to increased cravings for sugary and fatty foods. This happens because our bodies produce more cortisol, a hormone that raises appetite.
"Such cravings can start a cycle: we seek comfort in food, feel guilt, and then lose motivation to exercise, leading to weight gain."
MORE: Rebel Wilson shares adorable pic of daughter during sun-soaked vacation
She continued: "It's natural to seek comfort when stressed, and being kind to yourself is crucial. Simple strategies like setting aside time for relaxation and mindfulness, getting adequate sleep, or talking to a friend can make a difference.
"Most importantly, remember it's completely okay to seek professional help. It's about taking small, sustainable steps towards better health, both mentally and physically."
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features, and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/health-and-fitness/511746/rebel-wilson-response-fan-comment-following-weight-gain-confession/
| 2024-01-21T15:50:59Z
|
blocked_url
|
Kourtney Kardashian has been on cloud nine since welcoming her baby son Rocky Thirteen, with her husband Travis Barker.
On of The Kardashians star's latest Instagram post featured a selection of behind-the-scenes photos of herself and Travis walking hand-in-hand at the recent Emmys last Sunday.
She simply captioned the post "Rocky's parents," resulting in several fans remarking that the couple both had several other children too.
However, showing that there was no offense taken whatsoever by the post, Kourtney's stepdaughter, Alabama Barker, was quick to respond to the photos, writing: "Oof," with a love heart eye emoji.
Travis shares Alabama, 18, and Landon, 20, with ex-wife Shanna Moakler, and is also a doting stepfather to her daughter Atiana, 22.
Kourtney, meanwhile, is mom to children Mason, 14, Penelope, 11, and Reign, nine, who she shares with ex Scott Disick.
The beauty mogul loves nothing more than being a mom and recently gave a glimpse into her post partum wellness routine with photos of her on a treadmill. "Doing the most important job in the world… being a mommy," she captioned the image.
"Keeping my baby alive, on demand breastfeeding means keeping calories high with lots of nourishing food."
She continued: "Taking time to slowly ease back into some uphill walks on the treadmill when I can sneak them in, along with my walks outside with my stroller", adding an important message at the end: "Be kind to yourself".
Baby Rocky is doted on by his entire family and is Kris Jenner's youngest grandchild, joining the ever-growing Kardashian-Jenner brood.
While Kourtney and Travis have only shown several candid snapshots featuring their son, he is often referenced on their social media channels.
Recently, a glimpse inside his nursery appeared on TikTok, while Kourtney shared a selfie from her evening at home on New Year's Eve, which saw her wearing a sweet necklace with Rocky's name written out in italics.
According to The Blast - who obtained a copy of the baby's birth certificate - Rocky Thirteen Barker was born on November 1, 2023, at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Travis explained the inspiration behind his son's unique name during a conversation with his daughter, Alabama, for Complex's GOAT Talk video series in July.
At the time Travis explained: "Rocky George played guitar for [the band] Suicidal Tendencies and 13 is just the greatest number of all time… And Rocky, the greatest boxing movie of all time."
Kourtney and Travis live with their family in Calabasas, and are near the rest of the star's famous siblings and mom, Kris Jenner.
The pair were good friends for years before getting together in 2021. They went on to get married the following year, and welcomed their first child together a year after that.
Read more HELLO! US stories here
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/511748/kourtney-kardashian-stepdaughter-responds-to-comment-on-being-rockys-parents/
| 2024-01-21T15:51:05Z
|
blocked_url
|
It’s late July 2023 at Ireland’s high performance centre on the northside of Dublin. Ryan Baird and Jimmy O’Brien, up for their media penance, are quizzed about how Leinster will approach the new season. This is the first opportunity to speak with the lads after Leinster’s second successive Champions Cup final heartbreak against La Rochelle and it quickly becomes clear there has been little contact with their province.
Baird got some titbits from Scott Penny, his good friend, but that was the height of it. In those final days of summer, as World Cup warm-ups and selection loomed, there was only one cup this set of players cared about.
Nearby, Caelan Doris chatted amiably to TV reporters in front of the sponsored backdrop. Doris was a shoo-in for selection and a starting berth in the big games. He spoke about a mindfulness session he carried out, aided by his father, Chris, after that La Rochelle defeat and working closely with forwards coach Paul O’Connell. He had mashed the reset button.
Take it all the way up to the World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand and all was going to plan, for Doris and Ireland. Andy Farrell had put big minutes on his frontliners but the gap between the wins over South Africa and Scotland eased doubts. Ireland were on a winning streak stretching back to the second Test against the All Blacks in July 2022.
As part of the quarter-final build-up, a Kiwi podcast selected 10 Irish players in a combined XV with New Zealand. It seemed perfectly reasonable. In the space of seven years, the inferiority complex was lifting. In Ireland, we still found grounds to grumble – Ardie Savea was picked ahead of Doris at number eight as he ‘probably had a wee bit more to his game’. Doris, they insisted, was phenomenal but some here felt he was hard done by.
Retrospect tells us that call was on the money. Savea is an incredible operator and would have you awestruck at some of his performances, even when the chips do not fall the way of his side. Heading into that October 14th game, though, there was barely anything between them. In the quarters, New Zealand put it so ruthlessly to the Irish that they needed every ounce of experience and fight just to stay in touch. They were rarely allowed play on their terms.
“There were some things we feel we could have done better, regardless of what they were doing,” Doris reflects. “Then there are other things, through their pressure and opportunities and options, they took away from us.
There was a lot of confidence going into the week, which, in some ways, makes it harder to take.
“We were aware they had improved quite a bit since we beat them over there. We were aware it was going to be a different team, but we felt we’d made good steps and leaps forward since that series too. So, there was a lot of confidence going into the week, which, in some ways, makes it harder to take.”
There were some magnificent performances, in a losing cause, by men in green jerseys. Bundee Aki was carnage incarnate, Tadhg Beirne not far behind. Tadhg Furlong and Johnny Sexton held up their end of the bargain, and Jimmy O’Brien was an impact replacement.
Doris, too, had a fine game. He won a big first-half turnover and was the best forward source of front-foot ball. He was a handful. Most of that is forgotten now. He spilled a New Zealand goalline drop-out in those closing stages, after Rónan Kelleher was held up by Jordie Barrett. For Irish supporters, it was unnerving. The mistake came under no pressure from an opposition player but plenty pinned to the occasion. Just like Andrew Porter would replay those scrum penalties or Peter O’Mahony the crosskick he almost pouched for a try, that handling error is hard to get off a loop.
On October 29th, the night after his New Zealand side lost a gripping World Cup final to the Springboks, Savea was acknowledged as World Rugby Player of the Year for 2023. Not far removed, Doris was sitting in his socks, in a classroom at Kilkenny College, semi-circled by Irish rugby reporters.
Leinster had just wrapped an open training session and he was back on media duties. If there was any question of his motivation for the season ahead, that was soon dismissed. He was right up to speed with how Leinster had fared in the opening weeks of the new season. He knew all about how 21-year-old James Culhane had made an early name for himself with three starts and a try against Edinburgh. “I’m setting new goals and trying to improve,” said Doris, “because if I don’t do that, then he is going to take my position.”
It’s pretty… yeah, it still hurts, but you kind of have to find ways to put a positive spin on it.
Catching up with Doris ahead of the festive interprovincial derbies, he had reclaimed that starting jersey and was building with each match he logged. Asked to assess his first World Cup, the Mayo man observed: “The disappointment is still there, and the frustration of it. But I also look back with so much fondness and so many connections that grew.
“We were already a pretty close-knit crew. Spending the whole pre-season and our time in France together for the guts of two months, those relationships grow further. We had great craic off the pitch, even the bus journeys and trips out for coffees and lunch. But, obviously, we didn’t reach our end goal. It’s pretty… yeah, it still hurts, but you kind of have to find ways to put a positive spin on it.”
It did not take long to get back on the Leinster script, especially with Munster cock of the walk after last season’s United Rugby Championship heroics. We are far from the trophy presentations, but there have been statement wins over La Rochelle and Munster (twice) in the space of a month. Doris captained Leinster for the first time, in a surprising New Year’s Day home loss to Ulster, yet insists he is happy to bide his time for that honour with Ireland. There are a few ahead of him, he insists, in the pecking order with O’Mahony leading Farrell’s team into the Six Nations.
In the championship opener, his performances improving week on week, Doris is desperate for another memorable occasion on French soil. “Friday night, away to France… if you can’t get excited for that game, you’re in the wrong career.”
|
https://www.rugbypass.com/plus/caelan-doris-targets-french-tonic-for-rugby-world-cup-wounds/
| 2024-01-21T15:54:03Z
|
blocked_url
|
Russian forces have increased offensive activity along the entire front line in Ukraine, which is why its losses also increased, the UK Defense Ministry reported on 21 January.
On 19 January, Ukrainian General Staff reported that there was a 27% increase in Russian assaults on the frontline over the previous day. Russian forces launched 81 airstrikes and 45 multiple rocket attacks.
“The Ukrainian military also compared the 14-18 January period with the previous five-day period, supporting this uptick in Russian assaults. Over these five-day periods, the number of military vehicle losses by Russia increased by 88%, and the number of Russian tank losses increased by 95%. The number of Russian casualties over the same period also increased by 15%,” the UK Defense Ministry reported.
UK intel said this data points towards a steady increase in the intensity of Russian offensive activity across the front over the past two weeks.
Besides, according to the UK intel, a key enabler for this is the freezing ground conditions, which allow cross-country movement of armored vehicles.
The Ukrainian Defense Forces eliminated about 376,030 Russian troops from 24 February 2022 to 21 January 2024, including 760 people over the past 24 hours.
Read also:
- Russia shelled Donetsk Oblast 11 times over the past day, injuring 2 people
- UK intel: Russia fails to dislodge Ukrainian defenders on Dnipro’s left bank
- Reuters: Ukraine starts to rebuild towns and cities amid Russia’s war
- Canada to continue to stand with Ukraine in face of Russia’s invasion, says deputy PM
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/21/british-intel-russia-intensifies-its-assault-along-the-frontline-suffers-more-losses/
| 2024-01-21T16:05:17Z
|
blocked_url
|
ISW also reported that Russian forces recently advanced along the Kupiansk-Svatove-Kreminna line on 20 January, ISW said in its daily report on 21 January.
According to the Institute for the Study of War, Russian forces captured Krokhmalne, 20 km northwest of Svatove, Kharkiv Oblast.
Volodymyr Fitio, the Land Forces Command spokesman, confirmed on 21 January that Krokhmalne village is currently under Russian control. According to Fitio, Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from their positions in Krokhmalne village in the Kupiansk sector to more prepared positions.
The village of Krokhmalne was occupied for the second time. In 2022, it was liberated during the Slobozhansk counteroffensive.
ISW also said in its daily report that Russian forces marginally advanced east of Ivanivka, 20km southeast of Kupiansk.
The Russian military recently advanced southwest of Bakhmut, ISW reported. Geolocated footage posted on 20 January shows Russian forces recently advanced in a small forest belt northwest of Klishchiivka (southwest of Bakhmut).
ISW also reports that Russian troops have made minor advances near the border of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. Geolocation footage released on 20 January shows limited Russian advances southeast of Urozhaine (10 km south of Velyka Novosilka).
Other takeaways from the ISW report:
- Russian President Vladimir Putin falsely claimed that Russia supports the “unconditional equality” and “sovereignty” of all states in a 20 January letter to the Non-Aligned Movement Summit, contradicting Russia’s official position on its war in Ukraine and its wider imperial ambitions.
- Russian Ambassador to Denmark Vladimir Barbin threatened Denmark, a founding member of NATO, on 20 January in response to a recent US-Danish agreement allowing US forces access to military bases in Denmark.
- Russian energy exports to China significantly increased in 2023 amid increasing Russian reliance on oil revenues to manage the fiscal burdens of the war in Ukraine.
- European Union (EU) Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton stated on 20 January that the EU will have the capacity to produce 1.3 to 1.4 million artillery shells by the end of 2024 and will ensure that it delivers the “majority” of the shells to Ukraine.
Read also:
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/21/isw-russian-forces-captured-khrokmalne-in-kharkiv-oblast/
| 2024-01-21T16:05:58Z
|
blocked_url
|
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview for the British TV program Channel 4 News that he does not need the General Staff to mobilise 500,000 Ukrainians.
“I don’t see the point in mobilizing half a million people right now,” Zelenskyy said. “I’m not saying this just to get people to like me.”
The president outlined three main arguments against mass mobilization at this stage. Firstly, he prioritizes saving lives over operations. “This is more than just lives; lives are the top priority,” Zelenskyy said.
Secondly, the president questioned whether large-scale mobilization is appropriate and necessary. “I haven’t seen sufficient evidence to conclude that half a million should be mobilized,” he said.
Thirdly, Zelenskyy raised concerns over the costs of paying and training 500,000 soldiers. “All that funding doesn’t come from our partners, and I want everyone to understand that,” he explained.
However, the president said he believes further mobilization is required to rotate soldiers at the front.
In a recent press conference on 19 December, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Ukrainian military leadership proposed an additional mobilization of 450,000 to 500,000 individuals.
Zelenskyy stated that the military leadership raised the issue at the strategic level, addressing concerns related to the protection of the state, potential counteroffensive actions, and resource deficits.
Related:
Mobilisation is Ukraine’s word of the year in 2023 – Myslovo
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/21/zelenskyy-no-need-to-mobilize-half-a-million/
| 2024-01-21T16:06:38Z
|
blocked_url
|
MUNICH, Germany - Bayern Munich slumped to a 1-0 home loss to Werder Bremen on Sunday courtesy of a Mitchell Weiser goal to stay seven points adrift of leaders Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga title race.
It was Werder's first victory in Munich since 2008 and Bayern's second league loss of the campaign.
The result leaves Bayern on 41 points in second place with a game in hand. Leverkusen are on 48 following their last-gasp 3-2 win over RB Leipzig on Saturday.
The hosts, who face Union Berlin in their postponed league game on Wednesday, struggled throughout to break down a disciplined Werder backline.
The visitors also put the ball in the net with a 25th-minute quick break only for Justin Njinmah's effort to be disallowed for a foul at the start of the move.
Former Bayern player Weiser did it better in the 59th minute, charging into the box, then pulling back to shake off his marker and fire an unstoppable shot past keeper Manuel Neuer.
The host then poured forward but had no clear plan with top scorer Harry Kane missing the target with a close range header in the 72nd.
Werder keeper Michael Zetterer then palmed a Leroy Sane shot wide in the 79th before tipping the ball away from Kane's head a little later as the visitors held on to their big league win. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/bayern-suffer-shock-home-loss-to-werder-to-drop-seven-points-behind
| 2024-01-21T16:53:19Z
|
blocked_url
|
ABIDJAN - Egypt's Mohamed Salah said a statement on his injury at the Africa Cup of Nations will be made by his country and Premier League club Liverpool, leaving up in air whether he will be able to compete further at the tournament in the Ivory Coast.
The Liverpool forward and Egypt captain limped out of his country's last match on Thursday and has already been ruled out of their last Group B game against the Cape Verde Islands in Abidjan on Monday.
But he did not give clarity on the prospect of his continued participation if Egypt advance to the knockout stage, which starts at the weekend.
“There will be a joint statement between the national team and Liverpool regarding the injury today or tomorrow at the latest,” Salah told Sunday's press conference.
It suggests there might be a return to Liverpool in the next days for Salah, 31, to continue treatment on the injury.
"My injury is still there but the most important thing now is to speak about the game,” he told reporters.
“Our primary goal is to secure qualification for the next round, with skilled players, a good coach and a clear vision.
"We're fully committed to giving our best in the tournament and we just need to fight and see what will happen," he added of the game with Cape Verde, who despite being the smallest country at the finals have already secured top place in the group.
Salah also spoke about the fact he has yet to win a trophy with Egypt, having twice been a runner-up at the Cup of Nations.
"I have won everything possible but not this one yet. It will happen somehow, that is what I believe, and whatever I believe I achieve, so sooner or later it will happen.
“Everybody knows what it means to any player to win an Africa Cup. We were unlucky at the last one and also in Gabon. The players are very motivated to win the tournament. We all want to win it."
Salah, who has 96 caps, was in the side that lost to Cameroon in the 2017 decider in Gabon and again at the last edition in Cameroon two years ago, where Senegal edged them on post-match penalties. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/salahs-fitness-at-cup-of-nations-unclear-as-statement-expected
| 2024-01-21T16:53:29Z
|
blocked_url
|
Mirra Andreeva saw her Australian Open run end in the fourth round on Sunday and the 16-year-old admitted that facing an opponent she had already beaten only added to the pressure.
The Russian teenager made headlines with her win over sixth seed Ons Jabeur in the second round and her comeback against Diane Parry, after losing the first set 6-1 and going 5-1 down in the decider, set up the clash with Barbora Krejcikova.
Andreeva had already faced the Czech ninth seed twice, emerging victorious on both occasions. The Russian was 6-3 4-0 up at Wimbledon last year when Krejcikova retired injured and then won 6-2 6-2 at the China Open in October.
"I had a little bit of pressure on myself before the match because I felt like I have an advantage," Andreeva said.
"I beat her twice before. It's the round of 16. I can go through to the quarter-finals for the first time."
Winning the opening set may also have allowed complacency to set in but Krejcikova came back to win 4-6 6-3 6-2.
"After winning the first set, I was like, okay, I'm almost there," Andreeva said.
"But the first set doesn't mean that you won the match. That's what happened to me a few times last year. I guess I have to learn from it."
Despite failing in her bid to reach a quarter-final for the first time, having also made it to the fourth round at Wimbledon last year, the young Russian will take plenty of good memories from the Australian Open.
"I think I had a good tournament overall. I played a fourth round for the second time in my life, I hope it's not the last," Andreeva said.
"There are a lot of positive things to take from this trip. My last match was great, I have beaten my idol (Jabeur) here. Yeah, a lot of positive things to take, and also from today's match."
Krejcikova will face defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-finals, while Andreeva said she will now tackle the Qatar Open in Doha and Dubai Tennis Championships next month. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/tennis/andreeva-says-previous-wins-over-krejcikova-only-added-to-pressure
| 2024-01-21T16:53:40Z
|
blocked_url
|
AL-ARISH, Egypt - About 1,000 people from Gaza have been treated in a French field hospital aboard a ship off the coast of Egypt, its captain said, providing care for some as health infrastructure in the war-devastated enclave collapses.
The Dixmude, a French helicopter carrier, has been docked in the Egyptian port of al-Arish, 50km west of the Gaza Strip, since November. The vessel is equipped with wards, operating theatres and 70 medical staff.
Nearly 120 injured people have been hospitalised on board, while hundreds more have been seen for outpatient consultations, including follow-ups on injuries and psychiatric issues, said Captain Alexandre Blonce, calling it an “unprecedented mission”.
Israeli forces launched all-out war to eliminate Gaza’s ruling Palestinian Islamist group Hamas after its militants burst across the border into southern Israeli towns and bases on Oct 7, killing 1,200 people and taking 253 hostages back to the enclave.
Over 25,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war.
Gazans have struggled to get medical care at home as tens of thousands have been wounded, with most of Gaza’s 36 hospitals no longer functioning, and those remaining operating at far over capacity, the World Health Organisation says.
Israel has targeted the largest remaining hospitals, saying Hamas fighters are operating there, something Hamas denies.
Those lucky enough to cross into Egypt, like 16-year-old Ahmed Abu Daqqa, who was injured on Nov 1, faced long waits for medical care.
Doctors in Gaza “took out the shrapnel and put in two rods, but a month later they discovered more shrapnel in my knee. They told me they’ll handle it later because there were too many surgeries,” he said, on board the Dixmude.
“I tried many times to get a transfer” before finally crossing into Egypt, he said.
He was then able to undergo further surgery where the rods and shrapnel were removed and a resulting infection dealt with, as well as receiving physical therapy.
He and others on board the French ship were awaiting further transfers to hospitals in Egypt or abroad.
Italy sent a similar floating hospital to the Egyptian coast in December. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/french-warship-treats-around-1000-injured-gazans-off-egyptian-shore
| 2024-01-21T16:53:50Z
|
blocked_url
|
FRANKFURT/BERLIN - Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets across towns and cities in Germany this weekend as the country enters a second week of nationwide protests against the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Demonstrations have gained momentum after reports emerged from investigative news website Correctiv of a meeting of right-wing extremists in Potsdam at which migration policies including mass deportations of people of foreign origin were discussed.
The AfD, which is polling second in nationwide surveys, has denied the reported migration plans are party policy.
On Sunday, rallies were held in Berlin, Munich and Cologne, as well as in more traditional AfD voting strongholds in eastern Germany such as Leipzig and Dresden, with turnout in many places far higher than expected.
Organisers in Munich ended the demonstration early due to overcrowding with around 100,000 participants, according to police. Protest organisers said 200,000 people attended. At the start of the event in Berlin, there were 30,000 people and the number was growing, police said.
Several tens of thousands also took to the streets in Cologne and Bremen on Sunday. Event organisers estimated around 300,000 people demonstrated nationwide on Saturday.
"It's a signal to the world that we won't let this happen without commenting on it," said protestor Steffi Kirschenmann, a social counsellor based in Frankfurt, one of tens of thousands that gathered peacefully in sub-zero temperatures in Frankfurt's centre on Saturday.
Lord Mayor of Frankfurt, Mike Josef, addressed crowds on Roemer Square, which he reminded protesters was the same spot where the Nazi regime had burnt books.
The AfD declined to comment on the demonstrations against it.
Business leaders have voiced their concerns, with Siemens Energy supervisory board chairman Joe Kaeser telling Reuters the reports trigger "bitter memories".
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has seen the rallies across Germany against right-wing extremism as a sign of strength. In a video message distributed on Sunday, Steinmeier said: "You are standing up against misanthropy and right-wing extremism, these people encourage us all."
He called for an alliance of all democrats, saying "Let's show that we are stronger together."
German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck told a local newspaper he saw the demonstrations as an encouraging sign for democracy.
"It is impressive to see that many people are now taking to the streets and flying the flag for our democracy", the Green party politician told the Augsburger Allgemeine. The Central Council of Jews in Germany also welcomed the demonstrations. For Jews, this is an image "that can restore confidence in the democratic conditions" of the country, Central Council President Josef Schuster told Welt-TV.
Germany's Boersen-Zeitung on Saturday published a series of statements from companies listed in Germany's DAX stock market index in which the companies spoke out against xenophobia, anti-semitism and political extremism on the right-wing fringe. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/hundreds-of-thousands-demonstrate-against-right-wing-extremism-in-germany
| 2024-01-21T16:54:01Z
|
blocked_url
|
MUNICH, Germany - Tens of thousands gathered across Germany again on Jan 21 to protest against the far-right AfD, after it emerged that party members discussed mass deportation plans at a meeting of extremists.
The influx of demonstrators was so large in Munich that organisers were forced to cancel a planned march and ask people to disperse for safety reasons.
Organisers said some 50,000 people had turned up to the demonstration, twice as many as were registered for the event.
An earlier estimate announced to the crowd had put the figure at 200,000, according to an AFP journalist.
Police estimated a figure somewhere in the middle, around 100,000, according to the German daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung.
Those who made it to the site of the planned protest carried signs saying “Nazis out” and “never again is now”.
Some 250,000 people had already gathered in cities across the country on Jan 20, according to ARD estimates.
Demonstrations were called in some 100 locations across Germany from Jan 19 through the weekend, including in Munich, Berlin and cities in the east of the country where the AfD has its strongholds.
‘Take a stand’
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.
In Cologne, organisers estimated 70,000 people had joined a protest in the city on Jan 21, while in Bremen, local police said 45,000 people had turned out in the centre.
Politicians, as well as church leaders and Bundesliga football managers have called on people to make a stand against the far right.
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”.
‘Huge uncertainty’
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser went so far as to say in the newspapers of the Funke press group that the far-right meeting was reminiscent of “the horrible Wannsee conference”, where the Nazis planned the extermination of European Jews in 1942.
The protests against the far right could “restore trust in democratic conduct”, Mr Josef Schuster, the head of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, told broadcaster Welt TV.
Jews in the country had felt “huge uncertainty” added to by a wave of anti-Semitic incidents following the start of the Israel-Hamas war, Mr Schuster said.
Protesters first gathered last weekend in Berlin and Potsdam, where the extremist meeting was held, and have gathered pace since.
On Jan 20, around 35,000 people gathered in the centre of Frankfurt, responding to the call to “defend democracy” against the AfD.
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Jan 21 the protesters “give us all courage”.
“They defend our republic and our constitution against its enemies,” Mr Steinmeier said in a video message. AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/tens-of-thousands-flood-protests-against-far-right-in-germany
| 2024-01-21T16:54:11Z
|
blocked_url
|
JERUSALEM - Some of the bereaved families whose loved ones were killed in a Hamas rampage at the Nova music festival joined an Israeli Jewish nature project group on Sunday for a special tree-planting event at the site.
Around 1,000 people planted about 200 seedlings in the scorched earth of the Re'im parking lot where thousands of young people were partying in the dawn hours of Oct. 7 when armed Palestinian infiltrators swept in.
According to police, 364 people were shot, bludgeoned or burned to death at the Nova festival in a stretch of tree-dotted brush near Kibbutz Reim. Another 40 people were taken hostage by Hamas back to the Gaza Strip, 5 km (2 miles) away, police said.
It was the bloodiest incident in the shock cross-border assault by the Palestinian Islamist faction, and triggered a devastating Israeli counter-offensive in Gaza.
“I still can’t believe that we are planting a tree instead of hugging our child,” Ela Bahat, whose son Dror was killed at the festival, told Reuters.
Family members wept while planting trees with the Israeli Jewish National Fund, hoping to bring new life to the scene of death and desecration.
"We buried him four days after on October 11, and this was the first day of the rest of our lives," Bahat's father Idan said. "I really hope that in any way, that from upstairs they will bring some peace to earth." REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/bereaved-family-members-plant-trees-in-israeli-memorial-for-festival-dead
| 2024-01-21T16:54:21Z
|
blocked_url
|
Alex Sanderson says La Rochelle beat Sale Sharks at their own game
Sale boss Alex Sanderson was left to rue missed opportunities and called for more ruthlessness after seeing his side knocked out of the Investec Champions Cup following an impressive display by holders La Rochelle.
The two-time reigning champions secured their place in the last 16 while consigning Sale to the Challenge Cup with a 37-24 win at the AJ Bell Stadium.
Sale trailed 30-0 after 50 minutes but staged a spirited second-half rally which resulted in tries for Tom Roebuck, Sam Dugdale, Telusa Veainu and Agustin Creevy.
But that proved to be too little too late for the Sharks, with director of rugby Sanderson admitting they need to do better in key moments.
He said: “I’m very proud of the effort, but we missed a few opportunities out there which could have made a huge difference.
“There were massive momentum swings in that game, but ultimately we weren’t good enough as you need to be more clinical against the top teams.
“They have statistically the lowest time in play, on average 31 minutes, so we wanted to move the ball and play faster than them, but they did move the ball better than us.
“At the start of the season, our attack was behind others in terms of performance, but I think we are now up to scratch in that area so that’s encouraging.”
La Rochelle had looked in danger of seeing their title defence come to an early end after losing their first two group matches, but they stepped up when it mattered to remain on track for a hat-trick of crowns.
Jack Nowell was a second-half replacement for La Rochelle against Sale and the former Exeter and England star, playing his first season at the club, is thrilled with life at the French side.
He said: “I’m absolutely loving it, it’s an unbelievable place to be and it’s an unbelievable team.
“With many of the boys at the World Cup, it was a slow start to the season and it took some time to bed the boys back in.
“We fronted up last week against Leicester last week and again here today.”
“Playing at home in our stadium is fantastic, but we’ve put ourselves in a position where we are going to be on the road in this competition, but we are good enough to win away.
La Rochelle’s director of rugby Ronan O’Gara added: “It was a strange game and we are a serious team when we get our moments right, but we need to put it all together.
“The team is all about character. Boys like Will Skelton and Uini Atonio are not fussed about training, but they certainly show their capabilities on match day.”
La Rochelle captain Gregory Alldritt, who was named player of the match, said: “We are pleased to get through to the next stage of the competition. The tournament means a lot to us so we’ll keep trying to the last minute to make it a hat-trick of successes.
“We showed we can play anyone anywhere so playing away is not a huge problem.”
|
https://www.rugbypass.com/news/alex-sanderson-says-la-rochelle-beat-sale-sharks-at-their-own-game/
| 2024-01-21T17:23:48Z
|
blocked_url
|
Glasgow to sign one cap England prop Patrick Schickerling
Scottish URC outfit Glasgow Warriors are set to sign 120kg prop Patrick Schickerling from Exeter Chiefs.
The Namibian-born forward first played rugby in Walvis Bay, Namibia and has been a part of Exeter Chiefs since November 2018 and has made a name for himself in the Gallagher Premiership.
Schickerling was called up to Eddie Jones’ England squad for an uncapped test match against the Barbarians, coming off the bench in the 21-52 loss. He was also named in the squad for England’s 2022 rugby union tour of Australia but did not feature in any matches. It was later revealed that Schickerling was ineligible for England, as the residency qualification period was extended from three to five years during his stay in the country.
The Thistle Scottish Rugby Podcast tweeted about the move and RugbyPass understands from a separate source that the deal is set to go ahead.
Hearing Exeter tight head Patrick Schickerling is Glasgow bound.
Namibian by birth, played for
England in uncapped match v babas.Anyone got his genealogy handy – SQ?
— Thistle Scottish Rugby Podcast (@thistlerugbypod) January 21, 2024
Schickerling’s father Adrian – a former South Africa junior representative – has been a significant influence, inspiring him to pursue a rugby career.
Before establishing himself in the Exeter Chiefs’ first team, Schickerling had stints with Chinnor in National League One, where he scored on his debut, and with Cornish Pirates in the RFU Championship. His recall to the Chiefs midway through the 2021/22 season marked a turning point, as he solidified his place in Rob Baxter’s squad at Sandy Park.
The move to Glasgow Warriors represents a new chapter for Schickerling, offering him an opportunity to further his career in the United Rugby Championship.
|
https://www.rugbypass.com/news/glasgow-to-sign-one-cap-england-prop-patrick-schickerling/
| 2024-01-21T17:23:56Z
|
blocked_url
|
Why Gregor Townsend parted ways with Jamie Ritchie as skipper
Gregor Townsend has opted for a twin track on his Six Nations captaincy after announcing Rory Darge and Finn Russell as his chosen leaders for the 2024 campaign.
The Scotland head coach created some intrigue at last week’s squad announcement when he left the captaincy vacant, despite including his 2023 captain Jamie Ritchie in the squad. What was clear was that Townsend, and his forwards coach John Dalziel, were not convinced that Ritchie would start against Wales in next Saturday’s opening match if all their back row selections were fit and so could not make him skipper.
Darge did not feature in Glasgow’s big win over Toulon on Friday, as he completes recovery from the knee injury sustained in the 1872 Cup win over Edinburgh, and with Jack Dempsey’s return from injury, the good form of Matt Fagerson at Glasgow, Luke Crosbie at Edinburgh and Saracens’ Andy Christie, he is not assured of a start against Wales. But such is Scotland’s relative embarrassment of riches in the back row department, that he is ahead of the country’s recent captain in the pecking order.
Both Darge and Russell have captained Scotland before. Darge was a surprise when first handed the armband, in victory over Italy last summer, as he had just seven caps, but Ritchie was being left out of that World Cup warm-up. Russell was viewed as Townsend as a future captain when he first emerged in international rugby on Scotland’s summer tour of 2014, such was the player’s ability to understand a game and develop technical and tactical ideas. However, his ability to follow instructions and provide leadership off the park, amid well-documented issues with alcohol and ill-discipline, knocked that on the head when Townsend started casting the net.
That has changed over the past year with Russell becoming a father, and the stand-off admitting that that changed his focus from a selfish one to more aware of those around him, and their needs. Townsend named him skipper on the occasion of his 70th cap, against France in another World Cup warm-up for which Ritchie was unavailable.
Now, however, Townsend has opted for co-captains in Darge, who he views as a leader now but more importantly for the next decade, and Russell, who he knows is the one player that has global respect in this Scotland team and is genuinely feared. That level of respect is always a good trait in a team captain. Both are highly skilled and confident individuals, likeable too, and so have respect across the Scotland squad ranks. Darge, a product of state school North Berwick rugby, has a level of maturity beyond his 23 years, but the co-captain call also leaves the door open for Ritchie to respond and displace Darge, as they both have terrific Test-quality talent when on top form.
Townsend insisted that it was also about developing leadership more widely, knowing Ritchie is not the type to throw his toys out of the pram, and will instead provide the same leadership qualities in the squad whether starting or not.
“Appointing co-captains for this year’s Guinness Six Nations allows us to further grow and develop the leadership within the squad,” said Townsend. “Rory and Finn captained Scotland last summer and bring different strengths and styles of leadership to the table. Both are highly respected within our squad and have been part of our leadership group for some time. I’m sure they will thrive with this responsibility and lean on our other leaders to drive certain aspects of our preparation, mindset and performance.”
He was quick to praise Ritchie, but alluded to the need for him to get back to his best form.
“Jamie has done an excellent job as our captain since October 2022 and he will continue to be one of the key leaders in our group. He now has the opportunity to focus more on his game and deliver his best rugby over the next few weeks.”
Darge was surprised to be asked to captain the team last summer, but did it well and now seems much more ready for the role.
“I enjoyed captaining the team last summer and immediately felt proud when Gregor told me the news. To co-captain your country is a tremendous honour and to do it alongside a guy like Finn who is respected across the game and such a talented player will be great for me.
“Everyone in our leadership group plays a vital role and we all have strengths that will take the team forward. This year’s Guinness Six Nations represents a chance for us to continue to progress as a group and everyone is looking forward to that first game against Wales”
That collectiveness, and cohesion, is what Townsend has been searching for. Someone as experienced as he in Scotland’s history, and first-hand knowledge of Scottish close things, burst bubbles and failure to follow through on promise, believes firmly that Scotland’s only chance of winning a Six Nations, and that remains his goal – finishing second or third is not among the targets – comes not from individual talent but from maximising the group impact. He will talk about watching Scotland’s 1984 and 1990 Grand Slams, speaking to the players and coaches involved in those, and was involved in the narrow miss of 1996 and triumph in 1999. For that reason, Russell’s agreement to help deliver the message that a championship cannot be won on the fly-half’s flair alone, was key to this appointment.
“We have such a talented squad and to lead them alongside Rory represents a massive opportunity,” said Russell on being handed the honour.
“Rory has been a key player for us since he made his debut and leads by example during matches and in training. We’ll both have different leadership styles which will complement each other and ultimately benefit the team as we go into the tournament.”
|
https://www.rugbypass.com/news/gregor-townsend-on-why-hes-dumped-jamie-ritchie-as-captain/
| 2024-01-21T17:24:03Z
|
blocked_url
|
George North injury mars Ospreys win in SA as Newcastle snatch first win
Ospreys produced a stirring late comeback to beat Lions 38-28 and wrap up their Challenge Cup group stage campaign in style in South Africa.
The Welsh side trailed 28-17 but stormed back with late tries from Keelan Giles, Cameron Jones and Morgan Morse wrapping up a highly impressive win.
Both sides had already qualified for the next stage of the competition and Ospreys were without a number of injured players including prop Gareth Thomas.
Owen Watkin and George North – who exited with a shoulder problem – scored early tries but Ospreys had to bide their time to get the better of the hosts, who had three players sin-binned.
Newcastle Falcons ended a run of 14 successive defeats as they wrapped up their campaign with a 32-23 win at Perpignan.
With both sides already eliminated from the competition there was little to play for but for Falcons players there was the chance to impress incoming consultant director of rugby Steve Diamond.
Louie Johnson kicked Newcastle into a 9-3 lead but it was wiped out by a Lucas Dubois try for Perpignan, who led 13-9 at the break.
Tries from Hugh O’Sullivan and Ben Redshaw put the Falcons in control and the unfaltering boot of Johnson secured a thoroughly deserved win in the south of France.
|
https://www.rugbypass.com/news/ospreys-and-newcastle-wrap-up-challenge-cup-group-stage-with-wins/
| 2024-01-21T17:24:11Z
|
blocked_url
|
Sale drop into Challenge Cup as O'Gara's La Rochelle keep title defence alive
Sale dropped into the Challenge Cup after being brushed aside by La Rochelle as the French giants kept alive their bid for hat-trick of Investec Champions Cup titles.
La Rochelle fly-half Antoine Hastoy scored 20 points as the reigning champions, who looked at risk of an early elimination this season after losing their first two matches, sealed their spot in the last 16 with a 37-24 win at the AJ Bell Stadium.
Hastoy was surprisingly omitted from France’s squad for the upcoming Six Nations but he was back on top of his game as Sale were convincingly beaten, the 26-year-old finishing with a try, three penalties and three conversions.
Dillyn Leyds, Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Ulupano Seuteni also crossed for the visitors, with Hugo Reus adding a conversion.
Sale, who trailed 30-0 after 50 minutes, salvaged some pride as they staged a second-half fightback through tries from Tom Roebuck, Sam Dugdale, Telusa Veainu and Agustin Creevy.
Sharks v La Rochelle – Investec Champions Cup – Pool 4 – AJ Bell Stadium” />
But it was still a miserable afternoon for the Sharks, who had rested a number of leading players for last week’s trip to Stormers in anticipation of this shoot-out for the final qualification spot in Pool Four.
They were given a salutary lesson by the holders to finish the group in fifth place with just one win and six points, meaning their European participation will now continue in the Challenge Cup.
The first scoring opportunity actually came from Sale when, in the sixth minute, strong running from Arron Reed and Rob du Preez created an opportunity for Roebuck but the wing lost possession in the process of touching down.
Almost immediately, the home side were made to pay when Du Preez’s kick was charged down for Leyds to scoop up the loose ball and just hold off the cover defence to score.
Hastoy converted and added a penalty to give the French a 10-point lead at the end of the first quarter.
Sale then suffered a further setback when former England lock Jonny Hill was carried off the pitch on a stretcher with a leg injury to be replaced by Tom Ellis.
The Sharks had no answer to the scrum power of their opponents, conceding frequent penalties, but a couple of unforced errors from La Rochelle prevented them from capitalising with a second try.
Instead, they had to rely on the boot of Hastoy for their next scores with two penalties in quick succession giving his side a 16-0 interval advantage.
Two minutes after the restart, the visitors delivered a hammer blow to Sale when they broke from inside their own 22, with Seuteni sending Hastoy on a 45-metre run to the line.
Soon after, scrum-half Kerr-Barlow, scored the visitors’ third try and Sale were 30 points adrift.
La Rochelle then introduced former Exeter and England wing Jack Nowell in place of the impressive Leyds and also replaced a number of prominent players with the game already won.
Unsurprisingly, Sale then enjoyed had their best period of the match and a flowing move presented Roebuck with a walk-in on the overlap.
There was now a major momentum shift in favour of the hosts, with Hastoy yellow-carded for the team’s persistent infringements before Bruce Dulin followed him to the sin bin for a head-high challenge on Reed, who departed for an HIA.
Sale immediately capitalised with a try from Creevy from a line-out drive, but they could get no closer as Seuteni intercepted for a bonus-point try for La Rochelle.
Hastoy and Dulin both returned from the bin, but Sale had the final say with tries from Dugdale and Veainu.
|
https://www.rugbypass.com/news/sale-drop-into-challenge-cup-as-la-rochelle-keep-title-hopes-alive-in-style/
| 2024-01-21T17:24:18Z
|
blocked_url
|
It may have been over a week since Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan's appearance together at the National Board of Review's Annual Awards Gala in New York City, but it seems like the memories of a fun night still remain.
The 62-year-old actor took to his Instagram Stories on Sunday morning to share a sweet behind-the-scenes photo from the event, which took place on January 11.
In the shot, the two were seen at the table inside the venue, cozying up to one another in a tender moment as they smiled for the camera, showcasing their comfort around each other.
Michael and Tracy, 63, have been married for over 35 years, ever since falling in love when they starred together in the classic '80s sitcom Family Ties, and they also share four children: son Sam, 34, twin daughters, Aquinnah and Schuyler, 28, and youngest daughter Esmé, 22.
The couple have also been diligent advocates for awareness surrounding Parkinson's disease, which has affected Michael since he was 29 years old, and raise millions of dollars each year for Parkinson's research through the Michael J. Fox Foundation. While the disease currently has no cure, the organization has helped raise over $2 billion since it was founded in 2000, which has gone towards research efforts.
At the event, where the Back to the Future star was honored with the award for Best Documentary Film for the autobiographical Apple TV+ documentary film Still, he spoke openly about the making of the project and his relationship with his disease.
"It's been a gift that keeps on taking. It's been a gift because it's given me an audience to talk about what's possible," he told the audience at the gala.
FROM THE NBR: Mark Ruffalo reveals how he, Emma Stone, and rest of Poor Things cast really celebrated Golden Globes win
In reference to his collaboration with Still director Davis Guggenheim, he said: "We tend to think of documentaries as journalism, and they are journalism. But they're also cinema.
"And he's a master. He tricked me into saying [expletive] I never would've. And so I thank you, brother, you're just an amazing talent."
NBR EXCLUSIVE: The Holdovers star Da'Vine Joy Randolph reveals how she celebrated first Golden Globes win
In a recent interview with CBS Mornings, he opened up about the support of his wife Tracy, who has been actively by his side and on the frontlines of Parkinson's advocacy for decades.
"I love Tracy. She's an amazing person," Michael said, before adding: "But she has a life separate from me having Parkinson's."
He continued to explain that neither of them had any idea where their lives would take them after he opened up about his 1991 diagnosis (which he went public with in 1998). "I had no idea what to expect and neither did she. But for better for worse… in sickness. She was going to stick with me and she has for 35 years."
Michael then told anchor Nate Burleson: "We knew the bus was coming, but we didn't know when or how fast it was coming before it hit us. At any time, she could be forgiven for saying, 'I just want to step out.' But she didn't do that."
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features, and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/511752/michael-j-fox-cozies-up-wife-tracy-pollan-rare-date-night-photo/
| 2024-01-21T18:02:36Z
|
blocked_url
|
Ice baths and plunges are all the rage in the wellness space, and it seems they’ve infiltrated the Strictly Come Dancing Live! 2024 tour, with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova revealing it’s one of her post-show rituals.
In a daring snap shared by Strictly’s Angela Scanlon, who is also on tour with the SCD crew, Nadiya can be seen cooling off her legs and feet in a big bucket of ice.
Looking incredible in nothing but a towel, Nadiya is clutching what appears to be her hair extensions and is beaming with a massive grin on her face. She shared Angela’s post to her own Stories, commenting: “Reality backstage!”
The pro, who has been dating fellow professional dancer Kai Widdrington since they met on the BBC One show in 2021, posted the pic following the show’s opening night in Birmingham, where she was joined by the class of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 including Bobby Brazier, Diane Buswell and Annabel Croft.
Strictly judges Anton Du Beke, Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood were also on hand to offer the dancers some sound advice, with Janette Manrara hosting the tour.
And it wasn’t just Nadiya who let fans in on how she manages to tear up the dancefloor night after night for the six week-long tour. Strictly winner Ellie Leach also indulged in the post-show ritual, sharing a similar snap of her feet submerged in ice.
The former Coronation Street actress, who lifted the 2023 Strictly glitterball trophy with professional dancer Vito Coppola, wrote: “After show glitz & glam!!!”
Nadiya and her Strictly crew are onto a thing or two, as ice is a well-known secret of dancers who need to soothe and repair their feet after hours of dancing. Ice is said to reduce swelling and inflammation and can prevent soreness.
And it isn't just the Strictly stars who turn to ice therapy in the name of self-care. David Beckham recently posted a pic of himself in an icy bath with the Kardashians, Nicole Scherzinger and Harry Styles said to be fans too.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511751/strictly-nadiya-bychkoba-daring-backstage-selfcare-snap/
| 2024-01-21T18:02:42Z
|
blocked_url
|
Mariah Carey is the Queen of sparkle! After showing off her sequinned workout gear, the singer, 54, gave fans a glimpse of her glistening 'swimwear'. Taking to Instagram on Saturday, the famed chanteuse posted a video of her latest look – a sparkling mini-dress, which she donned for a dip in the pool.
Sending her followers into meltdown, Mariah was immediately inundated with comments. "Anything counts as swimwear for MC, even a blinged out floor length evening gown," quipped fashion designer, Hayden Williams. "Mariah being Mariah," added a fan. Meanwhile, a third noted: "Only the MC swims wearing a luxurious dress."
Just days before, the mom-of-two had posted an ultra-luxe video from her home gym. Captured working out in a gold sequined gown with heels, the singer poked fun at her 'diva' persona. "I'm Mariah Carey, of course this is my workout ensemble," she said to the camera.
When it comes to fashion, Mariah loves to stand out, and she recently rocked another glitter-soaked outfit for New Year's Eve. Posting a photo from her family celebrations, the 54-year-old opted for a silver, sequinned dress with a round neckline.
Sporting her natural curls in a half-up-half-down style, Mariah kept her makeup natural and dewy for the occasion, combining a brown smoky eye with a honey-hued blusher and a high-shine pink lip gloss.
Mariah's New Year's celebrations were particularly poignant this year, marking her first since splitting with ex-boyfriend Bryan Tanaka. The couple had been together for seven years, before announcing their breakup in December 2023.
Bryan, a professional dancer, confirmed the news on Instagram. "Dear friends and fans, with mixed emotions, I share this personal update regarding my amicable separation from Mariah Carey after seven extraordinary years together," he penned last year.
"Our decision to embark on different paths is mutual, and as we navigate these separate journeys, we do so with profound respect and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the invaluable time we've shared. The memories we've created and the artistic collaborations are etched in my heart forever."
Expressing his admiration and love for Mariah and her "incredible" children, Bryan added: "During this sensitive time, I kindly ask for your understanding, privacy and respect.
"The outpouring of support from friends and fans has been a beacon of strength, and I am grateful for the encouragement that continues to uplift me. "I eagerly anticipate continuing my journey, knowing my passion for inspiration, dance, and the creative arts will resonate in the unfolding chapters."
MORE: Mariah Carey shares rare video with twins during NYE celebrations following split
Mariah and Bryan's relationship first began in 2016 when he signed on as a backing dancer to her Adventures Of Mimi tour. Despite a short split in 2017, the couple had been together until their recent breakup in 2023.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/celebrity-style/511754/mariah-carey-poses-in-sparkling-dress-by-the-pool/
| 2024-01-21T18:02:48Z
|
blocked_url
|
Malia Obama is not just incredibly talented, but she has a great sense of humor too!
The oldest daughter of Michelle and Barack Obama gave her parents something to be proud about last week as she showcased her short film, The Heart, at the Utah-based Sundance Film Festival on Thursday 18 January.
What's more, Malia - who is notoriously private - was heard speaking in a brief video about the film. where her personality shined through. Watch it below.
Not only is she incredibly caring, as she said: "We hope it makes you feel a bit less lonely or at least reminds you not to forget about the people who are," but she also joked: "The folks who came together to make this film have my heart, pun intended!"
For her Sundance Film Festival debut, Malia went by the name Malia Ann - her first and middle names - rather than using her famous surname.
In the footage explaining the film, the 25-year-old also revealed that the project is "an odd little story, somewhat a fable, about a man grieving the death of his mother after she leaves him an unusual request".
"The film is about lost objects and lonely people and forgiveness and regret, but I also think it works hard to uncover where tenderness and closeness can exist in those things," she continued.
For her rare red carpet appearance at the film festival, held at Prospector Square Theater in Park City, the creative looked stylish dressed in a maxi coat, loose white button-down shirt and black jeans, paired with chunky boots and a thin scarf.
Malia's impressed high-profile stars with her creative abilities during her career so far, including Donald Glover.
The Heart was in fact, one of the first projects under the star's new production company, Gilga. Malia and Donald have worked together before on the actor's Amazon series Swarm, where she worked as a writer, and the star had nothing but praise for the former First Daughter when chatting about her to GQ magazine.
He said: "The first thing we did was talk about the fact that she will only get to do this once. You’re Obama’s daughter. So if you make a bad film, it will follow you around."
Malia's resume also includes working as a production assistant on Halle Berry's CBS sci-fi drama series, Extant, and as an intern on the set of HBO's Girls.
Malia worked with Lena Dunham during her work experience, and the actress had nothing but praise for her, describing her as an "angel" while talking to Howard Stern.
"She was interning at HBO, and they thought, what if she comes a couple days a week to the set of Girls? She loved the show, and I mean, obviously we weren't, like, making her go get our coffee. You're not going to send [the president's daughter to get coffee]. But she wanted to do all the jobs. That was the cool thing. She was totally enthusiastic."
The actress also described Malia as being "so smart". Despite living away from home - with Michelle and Barack living in Washington D.C. - both Malia and Sasha stay in regular contact with their famous parents, who she has a close relationship with.
Michelle previously gave an insight into their family dynamics by discussing their Whatsapp group. The Becoming author revealed that Barack was the most active in the group, describing him as the "typical [Dad]".
"You have these weird panic thoughts that your girls are out living in this messy world," she said. "And so, you think about crazy things you want to make sure you tell them. It's like, 'Remember, don't walk alone at night!' Barack sent them an email about earthquake preparedness because they're living in California. He's a big article sender, and we all just read them and laugh."
Read more HELLO! US stories here
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511750/michelle-obama-daughter-malia-makes-joke-in-rare-video/
| 2024-01-21T18:02:54Z
|
blocked_url
|
Even celebrities have bad hair days! In a recent appearance on LIVE, Kelly Ripa recalled one of her worst experiences at the salon which, in the words of her husband Mark Consuelos, left the blonde beauty looking like 'Carol Brady.'
Explaining that she's never too adventurous when it comes to her tresses, Kelly, 53, confessed that she's far too afraid to go short these days.
"Yes, I want to get a haircut until I get the haircut," she said. "Because once I get the haircut, then I have to maintain the haircut. And when your hair is this length, this is a good ponytail length. So, like, when I come to work, my hair is done for me and it looks nice."
Chiming in, Mark, 52, brought up the time that Kelly opted for a change, after feeling inspired by Michelle Pfeiffer's bob.
"It ended up looking like Carol Brady, and I just didn't understand how it happened," Mark quipped. "I was like, 'Wait, what happened, I saw Michelle Pfeiffer five minutes ago! Now it's Carol Brady!' So now when you ask me, I say, 'Babe, do what you want to do. Just do what you want to do.'"
Firing back, Kelly replied: "No, that's not what you say. What he says is, 'Do what you want to do, but just know that you're going to be miserable as soon as you cut your hair off.' That's what you say. So that discourages me."
These days, Kelly loves her mid-length hair, which she regularly dyes too. Back in 2022, the mom-of-four opened up about the possibility of going gray.
"During the early days of the pandemic, I had embraced my gray hair privately while publicly I was using brown eyeshadow to paint my roots some shade that wasn't Santa Clause white," she revealed on LIVE.
MORE: Kelly Ripa looks tiny in strapless swimsuit alongside ripped Mark Consuelos during vacation
READ: What is Kelly Ripa's net worth? Live with Kelly and Mark star's fortune revealed
However, after reading Cher's interview with People about not letting her iconic jet-black hair go gray, Kelly became inspired to stick to her blonde. "Cher was saying that gray hair is not for her. She is not caving in, she doesn't care about the trend — you know, people are embracing their gray hair all over the place. Everybody's embracing their gray hair," remarked Kelly.
"I need to dye my hair," she confessed, before adding that people were free to embrace their natural hair color if they wanted to, and that certain people could pull them off better.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/hair/511749/kelly-ripa-reveals-fears-over-changing-her-hair-on-live-with-kelly-and-mark/
| 2024-01-21T18:03:00Z
|
blocked_url
|
When Jess Wright was thinking about moving house, she would regularly drive by a property near where she lived with her husband William Lee-Kemp and their toddler son Presley and dream of moving in there.
The detached, three-storey home in a country village in Essex was very close to family and friends while also offering the perfect mix of the city/country living she craved. And so, when the property finally came up on the market, beauty and fashion influencer Jess and businessman Will put in an immediate offer which was accepted straight away.
Inside Jess and Will's new home
One year on, they have opened their doors exclusively to HELLO! magazine to show off the dream residence which has only recently been finished after more than six months of renovations.
"It's a really amazing feeling to be here," Jess, 38, tells HELLO! as she shows us around the six-bedroom, four-bathroom property. "I walk around and say to Will: 'I can't believe we live here'. It's a dream come true - I just pinch myself every time I walk through the front door. And to know that me and Will have achieved our new home by working hard and doing it all ourselves is wonderful."
Location, location, location
While the home also features his-and-hers walk-in wardrobes, a hand-painted 'Painty Jen' playroom for Presley, 19 months, and a 'glam room' where the former TOWIE star can get her hair and make-up done in peace, the icing on the cake is that Jess's famous television family, including her brother Mark Wright and his actress wife Michelle Keegan, are just seconds away.
"It's a really good location for us," Will, 40, says. "It's close to her mum and dad as well – they are in the next road."
Jess continues: "My cousin lives at the bottom of the road as well and Mark and Michelle live five minutes away. The gate is always being buzzed, whether it is my mum and dad or my brother."
Interior design
After getting the keys to their new residence, the couple - who got married in a beautiful ceremony exclusively covered by HELLO! magazine in September 2021 - set to work, removing flooring, carpets and all the doors while redoing the kitchen and all the bathrooms and repainting the walls in pale colours.
They approached top Mayfair-based interior designers Sixty3 London to work with them and also turned to Jess's brother Mark, who has just recently completed his and wife Michelle's purpose-built £3.5million home nearby, for guidance.
"Mark would come around and advise us," she recalls. "He gave us really good advice on structural things and certain lighting and things like that. For Christmas, we all did Secret Santa and Mark and Michelle got us this huge PA system with karaoke included. I was absolutely buzzing about that - Will was totally unamused – because whenever we go to Mark's house we're always on the karaoke in their bar."
Baby number two
Jess and Will love Presley's hand-painted playroom. Will there be any other small children who will eventually share Presley's space with him?
"I don't want him to not have a sibling because I have three and Will has got two but when is the right time?" she muses. "We have only just found our feet in terms of getting a bit of our life back, but we are also getting older so there is the pressure of the body clock."
Will adds: "I think whatever we do, it will be the right time and we will make it work."
Credits:
Wardrobes by Hammonds
Kitchen stone by Sharpstone
Flooring by London Parquet Flooring
Bed, sofas and bar stools by Bella Homes
Carpets by Cormar
Glass doors by Steel Door Company
Pick up the latest issue of HELLO! on sale now. Subscribe to HELLO! to get the magazine delivered free to your door every week or purchase the digital edition online via our Apple or Google apps.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/homes/511652/jessica-wright-invites-us-inside-new-essex-home-exclusive-photos/
| 2024-01-21T18:03:06Z
|
blocked_url
|
The Princess of Wales is still in hospital following the news earlier this week that she'd been admitted for abdominal surgery, although she is reportedly working as she recuperates.
While royal watchers instantly suspected that Kate's surgery meant she and her husband's upcoming trip to Italy would likely be postponed, it also impacted another visit that hadn't yet been officially announced.
As The Telegraph reports, the couple additionally planned to go to Latvia, which borders Estonia, Russia and Lithuania and was previously visited by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in 2022, to celebrate the UK's links with the Baltic state.
It is likely that visit has now been postponed, along with the couple's trip to Italy, which was set to be their first joint overseas visit at the request of the Government since becoming Prince and Princess of Wales. Kate will also miss the BAFTA ceremony on Sunday, 18 February, at which she has been a fashion-forward fixture for the last few years.
Other events likely to have been taken off the royal's calendar include Children's Mental Health Week in February, the Commonwealth Day service in early March and the St Patrick's Day parade.
She also will probably not attend the traditional Easter service, as she isn't expected to return to work until after the holiday. The news of her hospital admission was released on Wednesday, the day after her operation.
In an official statement, Kensington 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 apologise 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."
The London Clinic previously treated Prince Philip for "abdominal investigations" and also operated on Princess Margaret in 1980. The Princess' condition is understood to be non-cancerous but she will need to remain in hospital for the next few days before recovering at home.
The future Queen will return to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor to continue her recovery once she is deemed well enough to leave hospital. In the meantime, Prince William has visited his wife, having been seen leaving the private London Clinic at around 12.35pm on Thursday, and he has also rearranged his diary to be at home to support Kate and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
LISTEN: King Charles 'loves' seeing his grandchildren Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis...
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511747/prince-william-princess-kate-secret-trip-revealed-amid-hospital-stay/
| 2024-01-21T18:03:12Z
|
blocked_url
|
Queen Mary wowed in a purple dress and matching hat on Sunday for her first appearance at church since her husband, King Frederik X, acceded to the throne last week.
Seated in the front pew between her husband and eldest son, Crown Prince Christian, she matched her mother-in-law, Queen Margrethe, who also wore a purple dress.
The 83-year-old abdicated last Sunday on health grounds but retains her title. After the service, the former monarch kept a low profile as Princess Isabella, 16, Prince Vincent, 13, and Princess Josephine, 13, joined their parents and older brother to wave to the crowds who had gathered outside Aarhus Cathedral to wish them well.
The couple's daughters showcased their commitment to sustainable style as they wore their mother's coats, in flattering shades of pastel blue for Isabella and pink for Josephine. The new Queen is known for her elegant fashion taste, which has often been compared to the Princess of Wales.
Sunday's public outing came after Denmark celebrated its new King and Queen last weekend, when Mary wore a beautiful white gown reminiscent of a bridal look, designed by Copenhagen-based fashion brand Soeren Le Schmidt.
The change of monarch took place after Queen Margrethe became the first Danish royal in almost 900 years to abdicate. She was Europe's longest-reigning living monarch, having sat on the throne since her father's death, 52 years ago.
However, she shocked royal watchers on New Year's Eve when she announced that she was standing down in her annual speech – and according to officials, only told her children of her decision three days before her statement to the nation.
Speaking at the time, she said: "I have decided that now is the right time. The 14th January 2024 – 52 years after I followed my beloved father – I will step back as the Queen of Denmark. I leave the throne to my son the Crown Prince Frederik."
It continued: "Tonight, I first and foremost would like to express my thanks. Thank you for the overwhelming warmth and support which I have received during all these years. Thank you to the changing governments with whom the collaboration always has been rewarding, and thank you to The Parliament, who have always invested their confidence in me.
"Thank you to the many, many people who on special occasions and in everyday life have embraced me and my family with kind words and thoughts, turning the years into a string of pearls. The support and assistance which I have received throughout the years have been crucial to the success of my task.
"It is my hope that the new King and Queen will be met with the same trust and devotion which have fallen to my lot. They deserve it! Denmark deserves it! I will conclude my new year’s address in my usual manner: GOD BLESS DENMARK, GOD BLESS YOU ALL."
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen released a statement in response, which began: "On behalf of the entire population, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Her Majesty the Queen for her lifelong dedication and tireless efforts for the Kingdom…"
LISTEN: A Right Royal Podcast talks all about abdications...
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511753/queen-mary-denmark-vision-purple-church-service-after-accession-king-frederik/
| 2024-01-21T18:03:18Z
|
blocked_url
|
Kelly Clarkson is feeling more confident than ever following a new health kick, that has resulted in her wearing items of clothing she never thought she would!
Over the weekend, The Kelly Clarkson Show star took to Instagram to post a backstage video of herself from her dressing room wearing a pair of skinny jeans while promoting one of her favorite snacks close to her heart.
In the video, Kelly spoke about Rob's Backstage Popcorn, which she first collaborated with in 2023 to create Kelly's Classic BBQ flavor, which she admitted was so moorish that she dared fans not to eat the entire pack.
What's more, it's gluten free and non GMO, something that's important to the singer.
Just recently, Kelly admitted that she found jeans a struggle to wear, so her rocking a pair of high-waisted navy jeans was everything.
Her comments about jeans came about on November 6th's episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, where the mom-of-two admitted to guests Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Bush that she found it hard to find jeans that fitted her.
The three women first addressed the subject of weight when the 4th Hour with Hoda and Jenna host claimed she had a "chubby" stage growing up, and Kelly joked: "I've had many stages."
As the singer then asked if the twins were often dressed the same as kids, Jenna lamented she no longer fits in her sister's clothes, and Kelly in turn exclaimed: "I don't fit into mine!"
She went on: "I love losing weight –" before Jenna interjected with: "Are you joking me?! You look amazing!"
Kelly then clarified: "No wait, I love losing weight, but here's the thing: jeans are so hard. I feel like jeans are so hard, when you have a butt…"
"Do you want me to take you jeans shopping?" Jenna then offered, though Kelly confessed: "I don't want to go shopping," to which Jenna ultimately countered with: "Should I do what I do for Hoda [Kotb] and send you some jeans?"
"Do you do that?!" Kelly exclaimed, amused, before adding: "I'm the worst. Jeans are so hard. Anyways… This is a first world problem."
Kelly has received a mass of compliments following her weight loss transformation since moving to New York City in the summer of 2023, and most importantly, appears happier and more confident than ever.
She opened up about her weight loss journey in a recent interview with People, crediting her weight loss, in part, to exploring the city with her children, River Rose, nine, and son Remington Alexander, seven.
The steps she walks in the walkable city gives her "quite the workout," but Kelly says she hasn't lost weight for appearance sake, but for her health.
"I dropped weight because I've been listening to my doctor," she told the outlet. "A couple years I didn’t."
This means not only adding more exercise to her regime but focusing on a healthy diet too. "I eat a healthy mix," said the star.
"90 percent of the time I'm really good at it because a protein diet is good for me anyway. I'm a Texas girl, so I like meat. Sorry, vegetarians in the world!".
Read more HELLO! US stories here
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/511756/kelly-clarkson-wears-something-she-never-thought-she-would-amid-weight-loss-new-video/
| 2024-01-21T18:06:59Z
|
blocked_url
|
Emerald Fennell has firmly established herself as one of Hollywood's most exciting filmmakers, with her latest film, Saltburn, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about films of awards season. The Oscar-winning filmmaker is known for her writing and directing work, particularly her critically-acclaimed 2020 thriller, Promising Young Woman, as well as for her roles in The Crown, and Barbie.
While Emerald is now a household name across the world, she first rose to fame playing Nurse Patsy in the BBC's beloved drama, Call The Midwife. The 38-year-old starred in the show for four years until stepping down from the role. But why did she leave and will she ever return? Keep reading for all we know…
Emerald made her Call the Midwife debut way back in 2013 during the show's second season. She quickly became a fan favourite in her role as Nurse Patsy and left viewers heartbroken when she departed the drama.
In 2017, Emerald took to Twitter, now X, to share her appreciation for the show for allowing her to focus on her other projects. "Very sad I'm not filming wonderful CTM, had writing to do and they were so lovely and gave me the time to do it because they are the best," she penned.
The news of Emerald's departure from the show was confirmed the following year in 2018, when Bryony Hannah and Kate Lamb also left the programme.
A spokesperson for the drama said at the time: "We are always sad when actors want to move on to pastures new, as it's a wrench to let go of such beloved characters, but time and again over the years it has proved hugely exciting to bring new faces and personalities into the mix. As a large ensemble family, comings and goings are part of life in Call the Midwife and we wish Emerald, Kate and Bryony all the luck for their next projects."
But what happened to Patsy?
In series six, Patsy received a letter from her dying father in Hong Kong and left Poplar to be with him during his final days. Later in the series, Patsy returned to London and was reunited with her girlfriend Delia. In the two seasons that followed, it was revealed that the couple had gone travelling together before eventually settling down in Scotland with a puppy named Garbo.
With Patsy living her happily-ever-after, Emerald could focus on other opportunities in writing and directing.
Call the Midwife creator Heidi Thomas confirmed the reason for Emerald's departure during a previous interview with Express.co.uk. "By the time she left the show, it was because she wanted to concentrate on her scriptwriting," said the writer, adding: "And God, did she make the right choice!"
While Emerald has remained tight-lipped over whether she would return to the show one day, we probably won't be seeing her reprise the role anytime soon given her busy schedule.
EXCLUSIVE: Call the Midwife star Leonie Elliott reveals if Lucille will return to show
Stephen McGann, who plays Dr Turner, also confirmed that it's unlikely any former stars will return to the show. Chatting with HELLO! back in 2021, he said: "If I had my way, I'd have them all back," he said, before adding that in reality, that's not very likely because "I don't think Heidi [Thomas, Stephen's wife and the creator of Call the Midwife], ever really brings characters back."
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511642/why-emerald-fennell-left-call-the-midwife-and-will-she-return/
| 2024-01-21T18:07:05Z
|
blocked_url
|
MADRID - A Dani Carvajal strike in the ninth-minute of stoppage time rescued Real Madrid, earning them a 3-2 comeback win at home against bottom side Almeria on Sunday in a frantic LaLiga tussle that was marked by VAR controversy.
Lowly Almeria, who remained winless after 21 LaLiga matches this season, grabbed a two-goal lead with goals from Largie Ramazani and Edgar Gonzalez in the first half.
But Real Madrid reduced the deficit in the 56th minute with a Jude Bellingham penalty awarded for handball after a lengthy VAR check.
Almeria had a Sergio Arribas effort ruled out a little later after another long VAR check, with the referee Francisco Maeso ruling there was an infringement in the build-up when Almeria midfielder Dion Lopy caught Bellingham in the face.
Five minutes later, Maeso first ruled out Real Madrid's equaliser for a Vinicius Jr handball before awarding the goal after deciding it was off the shoulder following another VAR review.
Nine minutes into added time, as Real made a late push, Bellingham lifted a cross to Carvajal who tapped in the winner at the far post.
Real climbed to the top of the LaLiga standings on 51 points, two ahead Girona who host Sevilla later on Sunday. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/real-madrid-recover-to-beat-almeria-3-2-after-var-controversy
| 2024-01-21T18:25:41Z
|
blocked_url
|
Alex de Minaur's belief that he could beat Andrey Rublev and finally reach the Australian Open quarter-finals made Sunday's defeat all the more devastating for the local favourite.
On a day when Australia Open defending champions Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka were both in action, all eyes in Melbourne were on 10th seed Alex de Minaur as he aimed to keep home interest in the competition alive.
De Minaur was the last Australian left in the singles, but his 6-4 6-7(5) 6-7(4) 6-3 6-0 loss to the fifth seed was certainly a world away from last year's exit at the same stage, when he was demolished in straight sets by Djokovic.
"Maybe a couple of years ago or even last year, I would be sitting here, maybe even happy with the result, saying, I probably shouldn't have won, he's ranked higher than I am, I took him to five sets, pretty decent effort," De Minaur said.
"But it's completely changed because now I'm sitting here and I'm absolutely devastated because I saw it as a great opportunity and a match that I strongly believed I could have won.
"But it just slipped away."
De Minaur won the second and third sets on a tiebreak, and just when it seemed like he had Rublev on the ropes, the Russian came back swinging.
"That's the thing, it's tough because I thought he was hurting physically in the third, and then in the fourth he just let go, he started swinging, the balls went in," the Australian said.
"It's not a match that I thought I lost physically. It was just that the racquet was taken out of my hand. Got to a stage where I just could not get him moving or expose that movement."
While clearly disappointed at exiting at this stage of the competition for the third consecutive year, De Minaur remains positive about his overall improvement, having beaten Djokovic at the United Cup earlier this month.
"Look, I mean, I know it's a little bit disappointing that I'm sitting here after a loss in the fourth round. I do think I've made a lot of steps in the right direction," De Minaur said.
"I think my level is quite there. Against top-10 opponents this year, I'm 3-1. It's not the worst of things, I was very close today. I'm doing the right things." REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/tennis/de-minaur-left-devastated-after-believing-he-could-progress-in-open
| 2024-01-21T18:25:51Z
|
blocked_url
|
JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday rejected conditions presented by Hamas to end the war and release hostages that would include Israel's complete withdrawal and leaving Hamas in power in Gaza.
"In exchange for the release of our hostages, Hamas demands the end of the war, the withdrawal of our forces from Gaza, the release of all the murderers and rapists," Netanyahu said in a statement. "And leaving Hamas intact."
"I reject outright the terms of surrender of the monsters of Hamas," Netanyahu said.
A deal brokered in late November by the United States, Qatar and Egypt saw the release of more than 100 of the estimated 240 hostages who were taken captive to Gaza during an attack by Hamas militants on Oct. 7, in exchange for the release of 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
Since that deal ended Netanyahu has faced mounting pressure to secure the release the 136 hostages who remain in captivity.
Netanyahu also took a stronger line on the issue of Palestinian statehood than previously.
"I will not compromise on full Israeli security control of all territory west of the Jordan River," he said.
U.S. President Joe 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.
Netanyahu appeared on Saturday to push back against Biden's remarks about Palestinian statehood after the war against Hamas in Gaza ends as the two men do not see eye-to-eye on Palestinians having a state, a solution Biden has advocated to achieve long-term peace.
In the statement on Sunday, Netanyahu repeated that he would insist upon "full Israeli security control over all the territory west of Jordan."
Netanyahu said that he faced down "international and internal pressures," to change this position.
"My insistence is what prevented for years the establishment of a Palestinian state that would have posed an existential danger to Israel," Netanyahu said. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/israels-netanyahu-rejects-hamas-conditions-for-hostage-deal-which-include-outright-surrender
| 2024-01-21T18:26:01Z
|
blocked_url
|
Aaron Reed in line for Scotland cap as star winger's injury opens door
Scotland have suffered a blow with wing Darcy Graham being ruled out of the opening two matches of the Six Nations Championship, with uncapped Arron Reed now in line for a place in Scotland’s squad against Wales.
Graham and Duhan van der Merwe are stick-ons for the Scotland wing berths when fit, but head coach Gregor Townsend revealed in his 39-man squad selected last week for the tournament that he was concerned about depth of strength behind the top try-scoring pair. Graham was coming back well from a hip injury suffered in Scotland’s defeat to Ireland in the World Cup, but suffered a quad injury in Edinburgh’s recent European Challenge Cup defeat to Gloucester.
He is out for at least three weeks, but, after missing last year’s Six Nations with a serious knee injury, is still hopeful of returning later in the championship.
With full-back Ollie Smith also injured, Townsend last week called in Edinburgh youngster Harry Paterson and Sale wing Reed as uncapped newcomers to the Scotland ranks. He also has Kyle Steyn and Kyle Rowe seemingly ahead of Reed in the pecking order for wing spots, and has now added Ross McCann, a 26-year-old Scotland and GB sevens player, who has played for Edinburgh.
Many imagined the uncapped call-ups were there to gain experience, with an eye on the future, but while Van Der Merwe and Steyn are now the expected wing choices, Reed may find himself thrust into the squad aiming for a first win over Wales in Cardiff in 22 years.
The 24-year-old is similar in stature to Graham, and his pace and ability to beat players on either side at Sale has been similar to the Edinburgh man’s style. Reed was born in Chester and came through the Sale academy system, going on to play for England at under-18 and under-20 level – the latter including scoring against Scotland in the 2019 under-20s Six Nations.
He credits his Scottish father Allan, a keen flanker, for persuading him to switch football for rugby, however, followers of Scottish rugby might remember his uncle, Steven, who was a pacy centre/wing with Boroughmuir in the 1990s and Edinburgh at the time rugby turned professional. He also played for Bath, but focused more on his career as a police officer before becoming a defence lawyer. Arron’s Scottish grandmother Christine also comes from a rugby background, having grown up in the Borders, and the success of Townsend’s persuasion of Reed to follow his Scottish roots may prove very timely for the Sale flyer.
|
https://www.rugbypass.com/news/aaron-reed-in-line-for-scotland-cap-as-star-wingers-injury-opens-door/
| 2024-01-21T18:55:15Z
|
blocked_url
|
Battling Bath beaten by Toulouse in Champions Cup
Bath were beaten 31-19 by Toulouse in their Investec Champions Cup clash at Stade Ernest-Wallon as the hosts finished top of Group B.
Both sides had already qualified for the last 16 but were aiming to keep their respective unbeaten runs going in the competition.
Toulouse led 12-0 and then 19-12, with Bath hitting back on both occasions to go in level at the break, but the home side proved too strong and scored two tries deep into the second half to earn a fourth win from four.
Toulouse took the lead in the sixth minute after an incredible 20 phases, Emmanuel Meafou bundling his way over the line despite the best efforts of Josh Bayliss. A TMO review confirmed the grounding, but Thomas Ramos hit a post with the conversion attempt.
Toulouse moved 12 points in front three minutes later. Following a penalty, Antoine Dupont took a quick tap and kicked in behind the Bath defence, Ramos latching on to the long ball before touching down in the corner. This time he made no mistake with the conversion.
Bath struck back quickly and had a try of their own five minutes later. After winning a penalty the five-metre line-out was executed to perfection as Beno Obano ran over the line before Ben Spencer added the extras from the left touchline.
Bath were level after 23 minutes when Thomas du Toit proved too powerful for the defensive line and crossed the whitewash from close range following a five-metre tap penalty.
Toulouse re-established their lead via a penalty try. They worked their way to within a metre of the line from a 10-metre line-out before Charlie Ewels illegally dropped the maul and was subsequently shown a yellow card.
Ramos hit a post with a penalty and Bath made Toulouse pay just before the break when Ollie Lawrence crossed to make it 19-19 at half-time.
However, Toulouse won it late on by crossing twice in the final 12 minutes.
Juan Cruz Mallia got on the end of Ramos’ kick and the win was sealed with three minutes to go when Dupont kicked behind the defence for Ramos to round off a 31-19 win.
|
https://www.rugbypass.com/news/battling-bath-beaten-by-toulouse-in-champions-cup/
| 2024-01-21T18:55:22Z
|
blocked_url
|
Witch Rise (NS) - Review
by Evan Norris , posted 5 hours ago / 460 ViewsThere's something very comfortable about old-school first-person shooters, especially for a particular subset of gamers. If you belong to Generation X or fall on the older end of the Millennial set, and grew up with shareware shooters like Wolfenstein 3D and Doom, what could be more homey and nostalgic than a maze-like FPS set in a 3D space with 2D assets? That's a big part of what makes Witch Rise, a retro "boomer shooter" from Juliano Ferreira de Lima, so enticing. But is it enough just to look like great games of the past?
Witch Rise takes place in a faraway land, where once upon a time lived a wise and beautiful witch, respected by all. As time went on, the witch grew greedy for knowledge and secret power, and ultimately succumbed to darkness. When the witch learned about a young girl, pure of heart and skilled in magic-casting, she felt intense jealousy. She transformed the girl into a pig and dared her to collect four magic staffs hidden throughout the land. The girl now sets off on a quest to find the staffs and regain her human form.
The story in Witch Rise doesn't leave a strong impression. The characters and premise are generic, and apart from brief narrative bookends at the beginning and end of the game, there's no storytelling or world-building to speak of. There are also a handful of grammatical issues in the text that make the experience feel unrefined. Now, to be fair, story isn't essential in a game like this. No one would mistake Doom for Dune, or Wolfenstein 3D for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Unfortunately, Witch Rise also struggles in other areas.
In terms of momentary gameplay, Witch Rise is a straightforward, no-frills experience. You aim with the right stick, move with the left stick, and attack with the right trigger. There are a few more inputs and commands, but this is essentially how you will interact with the game's fantasy world. For a time, it's refreshing. With so many modern games buried under busy UIs and intrusive feedback notifications, it's nice just to walk through a forest or sewer and blast baddies. There's a certain visceral, shut-your-brain-off satisfaction to Witch Rise — at least at first.
Things soon become monotonous, however, as you travel through similar-looking rooms and fight the same battles over and over. Witch Rise does actually have some nice environmental and enemy diversity — there are four distinct biomes and several monster types, including blobs, skeletons, bats, spiders, and goblins — but every encounter feels the same. This is due in part to predictable enemy AI and in part to the Little Witch's limited arsenal. She starts the game with the "Old Short Sword" and soon finds her first staff, which fires magic projectiles. Each subsequent weapon is also a staff, which either fires one or three bolts, at different damage levels. You'll most likely settle in on your favorite staff and never change weapons again. It all becomes rote after a while.
It hurts, too, that the game is far too easy. In my two hours with Witch Rise, I didn't die once. Boss battles raise the stakes slightly, but with enough patience they're easily dispatched. Speaking of bosses, they represent a huge missed opportunity. Each of the four guardians, including the Witch herself, performs only two moves: a spread projectile attack or a ramming maneuver. They're just boring.
One thing that Witch Rise does well is non-linear exploration. From your starting point in the Little Witch's house, you can explore three biomes in any order you please (the fourth and final biome is locked at first). There are very few signposts and indicators, apart from wooden signs with one to four skulls indicating the difficulty of the area ahead. It's up to you to explore the terrain, update your map, and find your way forward — all without instruction. It's very reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda. There are even cracked walls with treasure behind them.
Ferreira de Lima goes a little too far, however, by omitting any icons on the world map. You can see openings and connections between rooms on the map, but you can't see the location of a shopkeeper or a locked door, even after you've discovered them. It leads to a bunch of tedious backtracking and meandering.
Even with all that backtracking, Witch Rise is a painfully short experience. I completed my quest at 75% in less than 80 minutes. If you want to purchase each upgrade, find every last treasure chest, and hit max level (and earn a special thank-you message in the process), you could extend that playing time to around 120 minutes. Still, that's not a lot of value. Gratefully, the game is priced at only $4.99, so it might be worthwhile if you're interested in a quick adventure you can finish in a single sitting.
At the very least you'll be treated to some charming visuals. Not only does Witch Rise lean into that nostalgic early-90s first-person shooter aesthetic — 3D levels filled with enemies and objects created via 2D sprites — but it makes those sprites quite winsome. There's a colorful chunkiness to everything in the game, which works with its storybook setting. Furthermore, it features some small details which enhance the experience: falling leaves in the Forbidden Garden and a cartoonish "puff" cloud each time an enemy is dispatched. Now, sometimes things feel too claustrophobic, due to each room's high walls and lack of a sky box, but in general the game's aesthetic is inviting.
The music in Witch Rise, by Andy Ray, is similarly inviting. Each biome has its own intimidating theme, which helps highlight the urgency of the quest. The best individual track plays throughout Freezing Caves, a chilly land infested with skeletons. Its thumping beat evokes the "Cave Theme" from A Link to the Past.
While Witch Rise looks the part, thanks to its first-person perspective and interplay between 3D and 2D assets, it doesn't deliver what you'd expect from a great old-school FPS. It's too short, too easy, and too tedious, and it lacks a memorable story and heroine. There's some fun to be had, due to the game's charming pixelated graphics and its focus on non-linear exploration, but not enough to justify a purchase, even at such a low price. For those Gen X-ers and Millennials looking for their next "boomer shooter" fix, keep searching.
VGChartz Verdict
4
Poor
This review is based on a digital copy of Witch Rise for the NS, provided by the publisher.
|
https://www.vgchartz.com/article/459660/witch-rise-ns/
| 2024-01-21T19:32:45Z
|
blocked_url
|
Palworld Sells Over 4 Million Units in 3 Days - Sales
by William D'Angelo , posted 3 hours ago / 580 ViewsDeveloper Pocket Pair announced Palworld has sold over four million units in about three days since it released in Early Access.
This figure is up from two million units sold in in the first 24 hours and one million units sold in the first eight hours.
"Palworld has sold over 4 million copies in only about 3 days!," sad the developer. "Momentum has increased since yesterday, with the latest sales at 86,000 units per hour. Thank you everyone for playing Palworld!"
Palworld released in Early Access on the Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC via Steam and Microsoft Store, and Xbox Game Pass on January 19.
#Palworld has sold over 4 million copies in only about 3 days!
— Palworld (@Palworld_EN) January 21, 2024
Momentum has increased since yesterday, with the latest sales at 86,000 units per hour.
Thank you everyone for playing Palworld!
Please leave a review if you've been enjoying your time in Palworld!#Pocketpair pic.twitter.com/lTSLLiFHjc
Read details on the game below:
Palworld is an open-world survival crafting game that supports up to 32 players and is set in a world where mysterious creatures called “Pals” live.
Along your adventures, you will encounter many Pals. Capture them, make them work, fight, breed and even sell them. You can adventure in a large world alongside your Pals.
Over 100 Pals
In Palworld, mysterious creatures called “Pal” live in the wild. There are also many rare pals such as subspecies, bosses, legends, lucky pals, etc. Additionally, more Pals will continue to be added in future updates.
Capture and Train Pals
Every pal has a special skill for you to utilize. There are also Pals that can fly and Pals that can use guns!
Vast Open World and many Dungeons to Explore
There are various areas such as plains, deserts, snowy mountains, and volcanoes, and the pals living there are all different. There are also many dungeons with hidden treasures and special pals. Set out on a great adventure in search of unknown treasures and unknown pals.
Fight Against Leaders of Hostile Factions and Field Bosses
As you explore the vast open world, you may come across giant Pals. In addition, each biome has a hostile faction based there, whose leaders stand in your way and won’t back down without a fight.
Fight Alongside Pals using a Wide Variety of Weapons
From traditional weapons such as bows and swords to modern weapons such as assault rifles and rocket launchers. Some pals can use heavy weapons such as Gatling guns and missile launchers!
Build a Base
Leave production, farming, cooking, power generation, etc. to your pals. Pals work in ways that suit their personalities. However, pals are also living creatures like us. If you forget to give them food and rest, it will negatively affect their motivation.
Supports Multiplayer for up to 32 Players
Palworld can be played alone as well as multiplayer. By forming a guild and cooperating with your friends, you can adventure together towards a common goal. Player Battles will be implemented in a future update.
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.
More Articles
This game is something else, just keeps setting new records
It was 4K players away from passing Dota 2 on Steams all time highest concurrent player count. Just shy of 1.26 million. Still number 5 on the all time list.
Will they wait 12 hours to tell us it has 6 million players, or 24 hours to tell us they have 8 million players.
They’ve only been announcing sales, not player counts.
Edit, will they wait 12 hours to tell us its sold 6 million, or 24 hours to tell us they sold 8 million?
The latest 3 articles are Palworld sales...
Because people are interested in this new thing. Look at the engagement in the previous posts.
It's just copy and paste, except with a higher number...
On reddit it is even worse. This is either the best game of all times or the best marketing of all times. I am guessing it isn't the first
Will this game outsell Fortnite is now the new question
|
https://www.vgchartz.com/article/459697/palworld-sells-over-4-million-units-in-3-days/
| 2024-01-21T19:32:51Z
|
blocked_url
|
At least 25 people were killed and 20 more injured in a shelling attack on a market in the Kirovskyi district of Russian-occupied Donetsk, according to Moscow-installed local authorities. This happened around 10 AM.
Self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) leader Denis Pushilin blamed Ukrainian forces. He said that the city was hit by a combined strike from 152mm and 155mm barrel artillery from the Kurakhove and Krasnohorivka directions.
The official Kyiv has not yet commented on the shelling. However, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Volunteer Army Serhiy Bratchuk reported that the Russians did this from their positions at the Chervonohvardiyske mines in Makiivka, a satellite city of Donetsk.
Meanwhile, the permanent mission of Russia to the UN reported that the 22 January shelling of Donetsk will be one of the topics at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine with the participation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Donetsk city and its surrounding region in eastern Ukraine, occupied by Russian-backed forces since 2014, often experience shelling attacks. Moscow-installed authorities blame the Ukrainian military, but evidence suggests that Russian troops shell Ukraine-controlled areas from residential neighborhoods, using civilians as human shields. The Ukrainian government also claims that Russians shell occupied territories to intimidate local residents. About 20 km from the frontline, the city has witnessed intense fighting in nearby areas like Mariinka and Avdiivka.
Read more:
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/21/25-dead-in-occupied-donetsk-shelling-russia-blames-ukraine-but-is-it-true/
| 2024-01-21T19:53:23Z
|
blocked_url
|
Russian forces shelled the town of Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast, killing a 31-year-old man on the spot and injuring another person, reported the head of the Donetsk Military Administration Vadym Filashkin.
“The Russians shelled the town with Grad rockets, hitting residential buildings. A 31-year-old man was killed at the scene of impact, another person was injured,” Filashkin wrote on Telegram.
He also added that the strike damaged a kindergarten and several other buildings, causing a fire that rescuers have already extinguished.
Filashkin also called for the evacuation of all civilians who remain in the Ukraine-controlled part of Donetsk Oblast. Fierce battles are underway there, with Avdiivka near occupied city of Donetsk at the epicenter.
Read more:
- Russia shelled Donetsk Oblast 11 times over the past day, injuring 2 people
- Police: Russia bombs Donetsk’s New York, injuring three
- ISW: Russian forces captured Khrokmalne in Kharkiv Oblast
- British Intel: Russia intensifies its assault along the frontline, suffers more losses
- 25 dead in occupied Donetsk shelling: Russia blames Ukraine, but is it true?
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/21/russians-shelled-kurakhove-in-donetsk-oblast-killing-young-man/
| 2024-01-21T19:54:03Z
|
blocked_url
|
Ukraine has created over 600 miles (965 kilometers) of new fortifications along the front line, reports the British newspaper The Telegraph. These include trenches, concrete “dragon’s teeth” tank traps, and underground command centers.
The large-scale construction of new defensive lines marks a shift from promises of a major offensive in 2023 to a strategy of active defense in 2024.
The new fortifications are located in Donetsk Oblast near the towns of Lyman and Avdiivka, in Kharkiv Oblast near Kupiansk, and in the north along the Russian and Belarusian borders. Kyiv has boosted its defenses in the north by 63%, according to a Reuters report.
The Telegraph notes Ukraine’s new defenses closely resemble Russia’s so-called “Surovikin Line” – a three-layered system of trenches, traps and strongpoints that successfully blunted Ukraine’s counteroffensive. Kyiv has replicated the minefields that inflicted damage on NATO-trained brigades with western tanks and armored vehicles.
By emulating these Russian defenses, Ukraine aims to stop further territorial losses while preparing its forces for future counterattacks to liberate occupied regions.
Read more:
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/21/ukraine-builds-its-own-surovikin-line-telegraph/
| 2024-01-21T19:54:43Z
|
blocked_url
|
A drone attack, allegedly by Ukraine, has forced Russian natural gas company Novatek to halt operations at its gas condensate plant in the Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga, Bloomberg reports. Citing sources in Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), Ukrainska Pravda says the attack was a special operation by Ukrainian forces.
Ukrainian drones have been launching almost daily attacks on targets in Russia, primarily focusing on border regions near Ukraine. The recent strikes on Saint Petersburg, located more than 900 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, underscores Kyiv’s significantly enhanced capabilities.
Russian natural gas producer Novatek has suspended operations at its terminal in the Ust-Luga port after an attack by 🇺🇦 drones, Bloomberg reports.
Novatek is one of the world's largest private natural gas companies.
🎞️ https://t.co/hmU0FjfU1w pic.twitter.com/wZAxWMQELD
— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) January 21, 2024
The fire at Novatek’s terminal was from “external influence,” the company said, without giving details. Local media outlet Fontanka reported drones hit the Leningrad region facility early Sunday, though Russia’s defense ministry claimed no attacks occurred.
The incident comes days after Moscow said Ukrainian drones were downed near Saint Petersburg in the Leningrad region. However, Ukraine said that its drones successfully attacked an oil depot there.
The Ust-Luga facility processes gas condensate into refined fuel products for export. In 2022 it processed almost 7 million tons of condensate. The port is one of Russia’s two main Baltic Sea energy hubs, located 130 km from Saint Petersburg.
Read more:
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/21/ukraine-drones-shut-down-russian-gas-giant-novateks-fuel-plant/
| 2024-01-21T19:55:23Z
|
blocked_url
|
BOURNEMOUTH, United Kingdom - Liverpool shrugged off the absence of Mohamed Salah to move five points clear at the top of the Premier League as Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez struck twice in a 4-0 win at Bournemouth on Jan 21.
The Reds’ title credentials will be tested while their star man is away with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
But Jota and Nunez stood up to be counted to secure a vital win at one of the form sides in the Premier League.
Bournemouth had lost just once in their previous nine games to climb comfortably clear of the relegation zone.
However, the Cherries were held at arm’s length in the first half before Jurgen Klopp’s men turned on the style after the break.
The visitors were restricted to pot shots in a first period devoid of clear chances.
Alexis Mac Allister and Nunez tested Neto from long range.
But the game turned on one moment of quality from Liverpool to break the deadlock on 49 minutes.
Jota’s first time pass put Nunez in the clear and the Uruguayan showed the poise he has often lacked in his Liverpool career to date to slot into the far corner.
Substitute Cody Gakpo then teed up Jota to fire in at the near post 20 minutes from time to end the game as a contest.
Jota was more fortunate for his second as the Portuguese fluffed his initial effort from Conor Bradley’s cross only for the ball to sit up for a second attempt which he drilled low and hard across Neto.
Nunez had scored just once in his previous 16 Liverpool appearances since scoring the winner against Bournemouth in the League Cup in early November.
The confidence he gained from finding the net earlier in the half showed as he slid in perfectly to meet Joe Gomez’s cross and round off a fine afternoon for Liverpool in stoppage time.
Manchester City have a game in hand on their title rivals to be able to shave Liverpool’s advantage at the top down to two points.
But after a season in the doldrums saw Klopp’s men slip to fifth last year, there is little doubt that they are once again the biggest threat to City’s crown as champions. AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/liverpool-breeze-past-bournemouth-to-go-five-points-clear
| 2024-01-21T19:58:17Z
|
blocked_url
|
AL RAYYAN, Qatar - Saudi Arabia qualified for the Asian Cup knockout stage after they beat Kyrgyzstan 2-0 in a one-sided Asian Cup group game on Sunday at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium where two Kyrgyz players were sent off for reckless fouls.
The result moved Saudi Arabia to six points at the top of Group F while Thailand are two points behind in second after they drew 0-0 with Oman (one point) earlier on Sunday. Kyrgyzstan are bottom after losing both their games.
Kyrgyzstan had a nightmare start to the game when Aizar Akmatov saw red for a high boot on Sami Al-Naji. The Kyrgyz defender was initially cautioned but received a straight red after VAR intervened and the referee watched the replay.
Saudi Arabia took time to make their possession and man advantage count but after several opportunities to open the scoring, they finally made the breakthrough in the 35th minute when Mohamed Kanno turned in a cross at the far post.
Kyrgyzstan's night went from bad to worse when Kimi Merk was sent off in the 52nd minute for a reckless challenge on Hassan Al-Tambakti where he caught the defender on the ankle, with VAR intervening again after the midfielder was only cautioned.
Kyrgyzstan went into damage control and attempted to thwart wave after wave of Saudi attacks, but Faisal Al-Ghamdi doubled their lead with a long-range strike that slipped through the gloves of goalkeeper Erzhan Tokotayev in the 84th minute. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/saudi-arabia-beat-nine-man-kyrgyzstan-to-move-into-asian-cup-knockouts
| 2024-01-21T19:58:27Z
|
blocked_url
|
DOHA - Thailand coach Masatada Ishii was “really happy” with a point after his side held a blunt Oman 0-0 on Jan 21 to inch closer to the Asian Cup knockout rounds.
Following a lively first half in Doha, Oman sought to apply pressure after the break, the midfielder Salaah Al-Yahyaei prodding away at the Thai defence but finding no way through.
At the other end, Buriram United striker Supachai Chaided – who scored a brace in Thailand’s opening 2-0 win over Kyrgyzstan – cut an increasingly isolated figure.
When the final whistle sounded, Thailand’s players celebrated a draw which leaves them top of Group F on four points after two games and with a good chance of progressing to the last 16.
“When we went into this match we wanted three points, but as the game went by, we saw what can be done,” said the Japanese coach.
“We are really happy with one point.”
Oman coach Branko Ivanovic acknowledged that “the Thai team was very cohesive”, adding that “it was difficult to create opportunities to score”.
Saudi Arabia are second on three points but have a game in hand, against Kyrgyzstan later Jan 21.
Oman have one point and Kyrgyzstan none.
The top two are guaranteed to reach the next phase, but third place could also be enough. AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/thailand-frustrate-oman-to-inch-towards-asian-cup-last-16
| 2024-01-21T19:58:38Z
|
blocked_url
|
LONDON - Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has been diagnosed with a form of skin cancer, British media reported on Sunday, in another health problem for a member of Britain's royal family.
Ferguson, 64, who was married to Prince Andrew, was treated for breast cancer last year and has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma after several moles were removed.
"She is undergoing further investigations to ensure that this has been caught in the early stages," Sky News quoted her spokesman as saying.
"Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing, but the duchess remains in good spirits."
Ferguson, known as Fergie, has spoken of the importance of coming forward for cancer checks after her initial breast cancer surgery.
Her new diagnosis was reported as King Charles, 75, prepares for a "corrective procedure" for an enlarged prostate this week.
On Wednesday royal officials also announced that Catherine, wife of Charles' heir Prince William, had undergone successful planned abdominal surgery and will be in hospital for up to two weeks. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/britains-duchess-of-york-diagnosed-with-skin-cancer
| 2024-01-21T19:58:48Z
|
blocked_url
|
DUBLIN - Airlines cancelled 102 flights in and out of Dublin airport on Sunday due to a storm that was forecast to rage for the rest of the day, the airport operator said.
Storm Isha had also forced 24 aborted landings by 1700 GMT, while 27 flights opted to divert to other airports, Dublin Airport said in a post on social media platform X.
Ireland's national meteorological service Met Eireann issued an orange weather warning early on Sunday for most of the country, including Dublin, meaning the winds could significantly impact people, property and activity in an area.
Parts of the west and northwest were placed under a more severe red warning.
Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport cancelled 130 flights scheduled for Monday as a preventive measure because of strong winds expected when Storm Isha reaches the Netherlands, the airport said on Sunday. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/over-100-flights-cancelled-at-dublin-airport-due-to-storm
| 2024-01-21T19:58:58Z
|
blocked_url
|
MANCHESTER, New Hampshire - Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley makes her closing argument in New Hampshire on Jan 21 even as the latest polling shows former President Donald Trump widening his lead in the state ahead of Jan 23’s Republican presidential primary.
Trump is the first choice for 50 per cent of likely Republican primary voters, widening his lead over Ms Haley, who has 39 per cent support, according to the final CNN/University of New Hampshire poll released on Jan 21. The poll, conducted Jan 16 through Jan 19, had a 2 percentage point margin of error.
The poll showed Trump gained supporters since early January, when 39 per cent of those surveyed said they would vote for him. Ms Haley’s support level also rose - from 32 per cent in the earlier poll - as other Republicans have exited the race.
Time is running short for Ms Haley, who served as Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations, to topple the Republican presidential frontrunner.
Trump’s Iowa caucus victory last week underscored his dominance among the party’s voters despite facing four criminal cases and growing concerns about his authoritarian language.
Trump has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges and says the cases are politically motivated.
If she cannot score an upset win in New Hampshire, Ms Haley’s already-narrow path to the nomination could close altogether.
“She needs to shock everybody on Tuesday,” Dante Scala, political science professor at the University of New Hampshire, told Reuters. “She needs to reset expectations.”
Ms Haley has stepped up her attacks on Trump in recent days with a last-minute move to draw contrasts with a businessman and politician whose four years in the White House were characterised by chaos and who faces 91 criminal indictments, including for his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election that he lost to now President Joe Biden.
“Chaos follows him,” Ms Haley said, in an interview on CBS News on Jan 21. “He’s just not at the same level he was in 2016.”
‘Warning signs’
Ms Haley again knocked Trump, 77, for his age after he seemingly confused her with former Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi at his Jan 20 night rally in Manchester, telling CBS: “I don’t know if he was confused, I don’t know what happened. But it should be enough to send us warning signs.”
Ms Haley, who turned 52 over the weekend, has long cast herself as a fresher alternative to Trump or Mr Biden, 81, in November’s general election.
Trump, who often attacks Mr Biden for his age, brushes off criticisms about his own.
“I feel better now, and I think cognitively I’m better than I was 20 years ago. I don’t know why,” he said at a Jan 17 campaign appearance, according to multiple US media accounts.
Reuters/Ipsos polling has shown that Americans worry both about Mr Biden’s and Trump’s age, though more are concerned about Mr Biden. Some 77 per cent of respondents to a September poll said Mr Biden was too old to be president, while 56 per cent said that of Trump.
Trump has also intensified his already fierce offence against Ms Haley, including racist attacks on social media targeting her Indian name and amplifying false claims about her US citizenship. Ms Haley has responded that they are a sign that Trump is “insecure.”
The daughter of two immigrants from India, Ms Haley was born Nimarata Nikki Randhawa but has long used her middle name Nikki and later took her husband’s surname.
Despite the late slight shift in Ms Haley’s tone, some Republican and independent voters say she has not hit Trump hard enough throughout her campaign and must sharpen her offence.
“I think Trump needs to be put in his place,” said Mr Chris Jay, 57, a Republican who said he was leaning towards Ms Haley but wanted her to lob more head-on attacks against her main rival.
‘Love the guy’
Even tougher attacks are unlikely to sway Trump’s devotees.
“I really love the guy. And I’ve never felt that way about a politician before. He says stuff that’s inappropriate a lot, but a lot of it is stuff that I thought,” Ms Carla Marshall, 67, said while waiting to attend Trump’s Jan 20 rally.
“They’re working hard to keep him down, but he just keeps coming back.”
Trump also leads Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who had jumped ahead to South Carolina only to cancel several planned television appearances on Jan 20 to return to New Hampshire for a hastily-scheduled evening campaign event.
Meanwhile, Mr Biden, who is not officially on the New Hampshire ballot, is likely to get 63 per cent of write-in votes, according to the CNN/University of New Hampshire poll.
His showing in the state will offer a first sign from the polls of the incumbent president’s strength heading into November’s potential rematch with Trump. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/haley-makes-late-push-in-new-hampshire-as-poll-shows-trumps-lead-growing
| 2024-01-21T19:59:09Z
|
blocked_url
|
Sarah Ferguson has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, it was revealed on Sunday. In a statement, a spokesman for Sarah, Duchess of York said: "Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma.
"Her dermatologist asked that several moles were removed and analysed at the same time as the Duchess was undergoing reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, and one of these has been identified as cancerous.
"She is undergoing further investigations to ensure that this has been caught in the early stages. Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing but the Duchess remains in good spirits.
"The Duchess wants to thank the entire medical team which has supported her, particularly her dermatologist whose vigilance ensured the illness was detected when it was. She believes her experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, colour and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma."
Sarah is being treated at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London by Dr Andrew Furness, consultant medical oncologist, and by Catherine Borysiewicz, consultant dermatologist at the King Edward VII Hospital in London and is now recuperating in Austria at the MAYRLIFE clinic. Her eldest daughter HRH Princess Beatrice is patron of the British Skin Foundation and has worked with skin cancer patients.
The duchess' skin cancer was reportedly spotted by dermatologists during her treatment for breast cancer last year, with several moles removed for testing and results arriving just after Christmas.
Sarah will need to undergo further testing to ensure it hasn't spread but it was found early so more treatment may not be needed. Malignant melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. According to the NHS website, "Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to other areas of the body. The main cause of melanoma is ultraviolet light, which comes from the sun and is used in sunbeds."
Your chance of developing melanoma increases as you age, while a family history of the disease, sun exposure and having pale skin are also risk factors.
In June 2023, Sarah revealed that she'd been successfully treated for breast cancer. A spokesman for the Duchess said at the time: "Sarah, Duchess of York was recently diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer detected at a routine mammogram screening.
"She was advised she needed to undergo surgery which has taken place successfully. The duchess is receiving the best medical care and her doctors have told her that the prognosis is good. She is now recuperating with her family.
"The duchess wants to express her immense gratitude to all the medical staff who have supported her in recent days. She is also hugely thankful to the staff involved in the mammogram which identified her illness, which was otherwise symptom-free, and believes her experience underlines the importance of regular screening."
It is understood that Sarah was treated at the private King Edward VII Hospital in London which has treated members of the royal family for decades. Sarah selflessly went on to launch a campaign to raise awareness and encourage other women to be screened for the disease.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511758/sarah-ferguson-diagnosed-malignant-melanoma-after-breast-cancer-battle/
| 2024-01-21T20:14:19Z
|
blocked_url
|
After looking sensational in silver for last week's kick-off episode of Dancing on Ice, Holly Willoughby delivered a fabulous follow-up look for week two of the ITV skating competition.
Rocking the most incredible off-the-shoulder long pink dress, Holly, 42, was spellbinding as she joined her brand new co-host Stephen Mulhern to welcome the 2024 crop of aspiring ice skaters to the rink. The stunning gown hugged her figure perfectly and featured an eye-catching large, gathered bow at the left shoulder.
Holly shared a look at her outfit on Instagram before the show and referenced Mean Girls as she wrote in the caption: "On Sundays we wear pink! @dancingonice 6:30pm on @itv … see you soon #hwstyle dress by @solacelondon jewellery by @damianiofficial @di_damiani shoes by @renecaovilla."
The star's stylist Danielle Whiteman always helps her look stunning, as does her trusted MUA Patsy O'Neill and beloved hairstylist Ciler Peksah. On Sunday, the mum-of-three wore her blonde bob with a centre parting and wore a smokey eye with a neutral lip, keeping her accessories simple to allow her va-va-voom dress to make a statement.
Last week, Holly ensured she was looking her best in a figure-hugging silver Suzanne Neville dress that sparkled like a dream. She styled the low-cut garment with simple jewellery and wore her blonde bob loose with a neutral hue of pink lipstick enhancing her pout.
The presenter's return to the limelight comes after a lengthy period of absence following her decision to step down from This Morning amid an attempted kidnap plot.
The shock move came just a few months after her close friend and colleague Phillip Schofield left ITV following his admission he had an affair with a younger male colleague.
Just this week, ITV confirmed Holly's official This Morning replacement, Sian Welby. The rising star currently hosts Capital Breakfast alongside Roman Kemp, and fans of This Morning might recognise her as being a regular reporter on the show.
Holly's stylist Danielle previously gave an insight into working with the presenter in an interview on the star's lifestyle blog, Wylde Moon, revealing she feels lucky to consider Holly a friend.
"I love the aspect of the job where I get to meet people that wouldn't normally cross my path in everyday life. And most importantly the fact that I get to work with my friends! Because we spend so much time together, there’s nothing we don’t know about each other's lives and support each other through," she said.
"It’s honestly not like work. I'm so lucky… apart from the returns… did I mention the returns?!"
The Welsh stylist also added that her most asked question is whether she gets to keep the clothes – and the answer is a resounding no.
"We have great relationships with most of the fashion/designer PRs where we’re able to loan sample items for Holly to wear, that we then return afterwards – which is great for sustainability" she explained.
"There are of course some occasions where I do need to buy, but more often than not, the outfits go back."
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/celebrity-style/511669/holly-willoughby-dancing-on-ice-week-two-dress-off-shoulder/
| 2024-01-21T20:14:25Z
|
blocked_url
|
Savannah Guthrie has had a fulfilling few months in the leadup to the release of her latest book, and she's showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon!
The Today Show star has enlisted the help of her good friend and co-star, Jenna Bush Hager, to help promote her upcoming book, What God Does, when she goes on the road for a book tour.
Taking to Instagram, Savannah shared a heartfelt message updating her followers on her book tour, which kicks off shortly after What God Does is released, on February 20.
She wrote: "NEW BOOK TOUR DATE ADDED. This one is gonna be amazing - moderated by my dearest @jennabhager and hosted by my church @goodshepherdny. Ticket link in bio and stories!!!"
Jenna will be joining Savannah on the book tour on March 6, which takes place at her church, Good Shepherd New York.
The star's colleagues and famous friends were quick to cheer her on with her latest endeavor, with Sheinelle Jones writing: "This is going to be a great one!" while Al Roker's wife, ABC anchor Deborah Roberts, wrote: "This will be huge!" Jenna herself responded: "Can't wait my dear!"
Savannah and Jenna go to the same church, with the NBC star opening up about their close bond outside of work during an interview with HELLO! back in 2022.
"I am so lucky to work with this group of extraordinary moms. We all have kids who are similar ages so it's been really fun and kind of wild," Jenna said. "It's great and I don't take it lightly. Even this weekend when I was gone, I had one kid, my husband had two, and Savannah [Guthrie] picked up my kids and took them to church."
What's more, Savannah's chat with Jenna has already sold out. However, the star is also going to be joined by other Today co-stars on her book tour, including Hoda Kotb, Craig Melvin and Carson Daly.
The book, as per Amazon is described as "Mostly What God Does is centered on the essentials of God's love, a love that is needed now more than ever. Savannah Guthrie turns her journalistic eye toward the power of faith in everyday life."
The Christian literature will share reflections on faith and life and aims to be an inspiring read. Savannah is deeply spiritual and delved into her beliefs in an essay for Today which was adapted from a speech she gave at a Catholic luncheon.
"Motherhood and faith go together," she wrote. "I couldn’t do one without the other. You need faith to get through motherhood. Wine helps. But faith is crucial.
"Motherhood tells us everything we need to know about faith. Being a parent teaches us in the clearest terms how God, our Father in heaven, relates to us.
"His love, his frustrations, his compassion for us … The way we feel about our kids is about as close as we can get to grasping how God feels about us, His children."
Read more HELLO! US stories here
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511759/today-savannah-guthrie-joined-by-co-star-venture-away-from-show-close-to-heart/
| 2024-01-21T20:14:31Z
|
blocked_url
|
Will Smith knows how to keep it real for his fans, although will also not shy away from lightly shading members of his own family for a fun moment.
The actor, 55, took to his Instagram to shoot another one of his vlogs from his family home, but ended up facing an obstacle from none other than his son Jaden Smith.
Watch in the video below as the Oscar-winning star calls out his son in his hilarious vlog…
"It's always them middle children," he joked in the caption of his video. "Go watch the new vlog, sound design by Jaden," he continued, and fans found the candid interaction hysterical.
"I swear THE MIDDLE CHILD IS SOMETHING ELSE," one joked, with another saying: "Jaden really don’t bother nobody lol he really be just chillin' living life," and a third adding: "JADEN SAID 'GIMME MY THEME MUSIC!'"
A fourth wrote: "I love his music tho. It's so calming and just good for the soul," while a fifth joked: "It's Jaden Smith he was born and raised, interrupting Will Smith's vlogs most of these days."
Jaden, 25 stands in the middle of Will's famous children, flanked by older half brother Trey Smith, Will's son with first wife Sheree Zampino, and younger sister Willow Smith, 23, with Jaden and Willow being Will's children with Jada Pinkett Smith.
Among the famous family, Jaden is the one who prefers to keep his private life off social media the most, usually deferring to promoting his work instead, including his fashion lines and music.
MORE: Jada Pinkett drops new surprise revelation about marriage to Will Smith
He most recently made an appearance with the rest of his family for their wacky series of Christmas portraits, including the entire blended family of Will, Jada, Jaden, Willow, Trey, and Sheree, plus Jada's mom, "gammy" Adrienne Banfield-Norris.
In a previous interview on The Drew Barrymore Show, Jada, 53 opened up about her difficult childhood and how it inspired her to become a better mother.
"I've had to learn how to listen," she explained. "Because they are living a life that I don't know. I can relate more to the upbringing of their cousins than them necessarily, because I didn't grow up in a lifestyle like that. So I've had to learn."
MORE: Jada Pinkett Smith reveals the real reason she stayed with Will Smith amid separation bombshell
Back in June, though, Jaden opened up at the Psychedelic Science conference about being introduced to psychedelics by none other than his mom, and explaining how it had helped build stronger relationships with the rest of the family.
"I think it was my mom, actually, that was really the first one to make that step for the family," he shared according to USA Today. "It was just her for a really, really long time and then eventually it just trickled and evolved and everybody found it in their own ways."
MORE: Willow Smith and brother Jaden's major transformations for lavish double celebration need to be seen
Jaden also said that it allowed him to develop greater empathy for his siblings Willow and Trey. "Siblings can argue so much and fight so much, and lord knows me and my siblings have done so much of that in the past.
"But the level of love and empathy that I can feel for them inside of the (psychedelic) experiences and outside of the experiences has been something that's profound and beautiful."
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features, and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/511757/will-smith-calls-out-son-jaden-smith-working-against-me-family-home-video-watch/
| 2024-01-21T20:14:37Z
|
blocked_url
|
Norway's Princess Ingrid Alexandra turned 20 on Sunday but it will be a very different birthday from her usual celebrations. While she may still mark the day, she won't spend it enjoying a party or with her parents and grandparents as she typically does.
Instead, the young royal will be in a very different environment as she continues her military service, which began on Wednesday at the Skjold camp, part of the Northern Brigade of the Norwegian Army, and will continue for the next year.
During her training, she will learn hand-to-hand combat among other skills and will live alongside an estimated 800 soldiers and 200 civilian employees.
Although they couldn't be with her on her special day, the Norwegian royal family's social media accounts paid tribute to the princess, including with one photo that showed her wearing her military uniform, which was captioned: "Happy birthday to Princess Ingrid Alexandra who turns 20 today."
Another image showed Ingrid performing military manoeuvres alongside fellow soldiers in training, with a caption that read: "The princess has begun her first service serving in the engineer battalion at Camp Skjold in Indre Troms." It's the latest move towards independence for the princess, who is the daughter of the heir to the throne Crown Prince Haakon and his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
Last October, the princess moved out of the family's royal residence, Skaugum, and into a flat in Oslo, according to local media.
Norwegian publication Se og Hør reported at the time that Ingrid, who is second-in-line to the Norwegian throne after her father, had chosen the hipster area of Grünerløkka for her new abode.
Close to the city centre, Grünerløkka is dubbed one of the city's coolest neighbourhoods and as Vogue noted: "Simply put, Grünerløkka is where you want to be next time you're in Norway."
The area is known for its street art, stylish bars, nightclubs, hipster cafés, live music venues, and boutiques selling vintage clothing, while picturesque walking trails follow the Akerselva River.
Ingrid graduated from the Elvebakken Upper Secondary School in Oslo last April before working as a school assistant and environmental worker at one of her old schools, Uranienborg School, also in the capital. Her military training sees her follow in her father's footsteps.
While Ingrid may have flown the nest, however, her younger brother Prince Sverre Magnus, 18, is still living at the family home in Asker as he completes high school at Elvebakken Upper Secondary School.
The Norwegian royals were among the guests who attended now-Crown Prince Christian of Denmark's 18th birthday gala in Copenhagen last year. Royal watchers were thrilled to see Crown Princess Mette-Marit on good form as she returned from a period of sick leave, looking radiant in an ice-blue satin gown.
Ingrid was equally stunning in a one-shoulder pleated gown in the same ice blue as her mother's. She wore the Boucheron pearl circle tiara and the Order of the Elephant for the first time – a Danish order of chivalry and Denmark's highest-ranked honour.
Listen to HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast and find out why a reconciliation between King Charles and Prince Harry is set to happen...
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511755/princess-ingrid-alexandra-norway-marks-birthday-unusual-celebration/
| 2024-01-21T20:14:43Z
|
blocked_url
|
Rob Kardashian is notoriously private when it comes to his family life, but his young daughter Dream, seven, often makes appearances on social media.
The little girl is growing up fast, and a recent picture featuring her and her younger cousin Chicago West, six, had fans seeing double, as they looked so alike!
The pair were pictured in a sweet image posted by grandmother Kris Jenner on Monday January 18, to mark Chicago's sixth birthday.
In the image, the pair twinned in co-ordinating pink outfits, while posing outside in the backyard.
Comments included "Dream and Chicago are twins," and "Dream looks just like Chicago!"
The pair are incredibly close too, and Dream was by Chicago's side as she celebrated her birthday at home in Calabasas, complete with a Bratz themed birthday party and fashion show.
Chicago looked incredibly shy as she walked down the catwalk at her birthday party, dressed in a pretty pink outfit, but Dream was by her side, confidently walking next to her younger cousin and making sure that she was okay.
Rob clearly is just as close with his young niece as Dream is, and made a rare return to social media on Monday to pay tribute to Chicago on her special day.
The doting uncle shared a picture of Dream and Chicago wearing matching outfits while enjoying lunch out, and wrote: "Happy birthday Chi," alongside a slew of love heart emojis.
While Rob keeps out of the spotlight, his daughter Dream often features on her family members' social media pages.
The adorable little girl - who Rob shares with ex Blac Chyna - is particularly close with her aunt Khloe. Khloe has revealed the reason why Dream spends so much time at her family's home in a past episode of The Kardashians, admitting that she was like the little girl's "third parent", and is there to help Rob - who is notoriously private - out whenever he needs it.
"Rob does such an incredible job with her and I'm just there to help whenever he needs. Rob and I are crazy close to one another, we’ve always been," she said.
She also explained: "Dream is one of my babies too, just like all the rest of them, and I absolutely love being a mom to people. I love mothering people, I don't know if they like that or not but it’s in my blood just to be a mom, I wouldn’t have it any other way."
Khloe added: "I feel like I'm like a third parent for Dream. I do know how important it is for Dream to have a great maternal influence — whether that be from me or her own mom or whoever, it's important and wherever she gets it from she gets it from."
Read more HELLO! US stories here
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/511760/rob-kardashian-daughter-dream-twins-family-member-unseen-photo/
| 2024-01-21T20:36:15Z
|
blocked_url
|
Kaley Cuoco is quickly coming up on one year of motherhood, welcoming baby Matilda Carmine Richie Pelphrey with boyfriend Tom Pelphrey on March 30, 2023.
The actress, 38, has been opening up more and more about the ups and downs of parenting while making the promotional rounds for her film Role Play.
However, in an interview with USA Today, she firmly stated that she had one parenting hack that she stood by despite believing that some people might "hate on me for it": letting Matilda watch TV.
"Some people are going to hate on me for that. Don't care," she confessed. "My daughter's seen every Disney movie that there is at this point, and she loves it!"
She continued to gush about their shared love for the House of Mouse, adding: "It's actually been cool to go back and watch some of these Disney movies. Some of them are so new that I've never even seen them. So I'm experiencing this whole thing with her."
Kaley expanded upon the topic, saying that despite her ideas of parenting differing from what others may think is "acceptable," she believes that taking parenting advice is difficult because every child has different needs.
"My advice is don't take any advice because every kid is different," she explained. "What my kid needs is not what your kid needs, and our household is different than yours, and it's survival. You do what you can do."
The star continued: "If she's going crazy, and I plop her on the couch to watch a Disney movie, like thank you, you get 10 minutes. That's great. To me, that's wonderful.
MORE: Kaley Cuoco and Tom Pelphrey welcome new family member in adorable announcement: 'Our girl Connie'
"There's maybe the next mom who doesn't want them to watch TV, and that's fine too. But that definitely works for us."
The 8 Simple Rules actress also gushed about Matilda's favorite toy at the moment – which just happens to be the leather strap of her phone case.
MORE: Kaley Cuoco shares emotional new chapter in heartwarming video with family
"She has every toy in the universe, but all she wants is the leather strap from my phone," she revealed. "So I ordered two leather straps on Amazon. I was like, 'Here.' So she chews on my leather strap. That's what she prefers. Doesn't want any of her toys, just wants my leather strap."
The actress was recently also on The Jennifer Hudson Show, where she doted over her nine-month-old and her first few words, leaving Jennifer and her audience in awe.
"She's so precious, you guys. She is so beyond, she just started saying 'uh oh' and it's the funniest thing," Kaley lovingly told the studio. "I'm convinced that she says it at the correct time, like something will drop and she'll hear something on TV and goes, 'uh oh.'"
She mentioned that Tom, 41, thought she said "uh oh" all day long, but Kaley insisted that her daughter had the smarts to pick the right time. "She says 'uh oh' ‘cause she knows what it means," she defiantly stated, and when asked if she believed Matilda inherited her smarts, she responded: "Yes, the genius, of course!"
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features, and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/511761/kaley-cuoco-defends-parenting-style-home-life-baby-matilda/
| 2024-01-21T20:36:21Z
|
blocked_url
|
SYDNEY – In a leafy waterside suburb of Sydney, a barren patch lies where, until recently, a thick cluster of native trees stood in the forest along the foreshore.
Now, the spot is peppered with rotting stumps – the remnants of an estimated 285 trees on public land that were deliberately killed, presumably as part of an attempt by a local home owner to secure a view of the harbour.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/clandestine-tree-killers-a-dark-side-to-sydney-s-million-dollar-waterfront-views
| 2024-01-21T21:30:51Z
|
blocked_url
|
BEIJING – Mr Lai Ching-te, President-elect of diplomatically isolated Taiwan, would have been cheered by congratulatory messages from Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and several other international partners after his Jan 13 election victory.
But the euphoria was short-lived. In a major diplomatic setback for Taiwan, Nauru announced on Jan 15 that it would switch diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing under the “one China” policy. This means that there are now just 12 nations around the world that formally recognise Taiwan, mainly in Central America and the Caribbean.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/diplomatic-isolation-military-pressure-taiwan-s-lai-ching-te-faces-early-test-from-china
| 2024-01-21T21:31:02Z
|
blocked_url
|
KUALA LUMPUR – Rising costs of living are expected to hit Malaysia’s middle- and high-income households the hardest in 2024, as the government shifts to targeted subsidies for fuel and electricity, and imposes tax hikes as part of its economic reforms.
Household budgets for these two groups will be significantly squeezed in the second half of 2024, say economists, as they will not qualify for state assistance and will also have to grapple with higher prices of imported goods due to shipping disruptions in the Red Sea.
“Although both the middle- and high-income households will feel the pressure, the most vulnerable would be the middle-income earners as they tend to have lower savings compared with the high-income households,” said Mr Mohd Afzanizam, chief economist and social finance head at Bank Muamalat Malaysia.
Malaysia categorises household income levels as B40, for the bottom 40 per cent of income earners; M40, the middle 40 per cent; and T20, the top 20 per cent of earners.
M40 households have a gross monthly income of between RM5,250 (S$1,490) and RM11,819. Families with higher earnings, the T20, are considered high-income, while B40 households earn a gross monthly income of below RM5,250.
Utility bills are among the big-ticket items set to rise.
From Feb 1, monthly household water bills will rise between RM1.60 and RM8 in 11 states in Peninsula Malaysia and three federal territories, to fund new water-treatment plants and fix leaking pipes.
For the first six months of 2024, monthly electricity bills will rise by an average of RM22 for domestic users paying between RM230 and RM738. This is part of the government’s plan to lower expenditure on electricity subsidies, by adjusting tariffs every six months to reflect changes in fuel prices or other generation-related costs. In 2023, targeted electricity subsidies helped save the government RM4.6 billion.
From March, Malaysia also plans to increase the service tax on water and power to 8 per cent from 6 per cent.
The largest chunk of the government’s subsidy bill, whose total is estimated to exceed RM81 billion for 2023, is for petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas. The government is expected to withdraw petrol subsidies for the T20 group by the second half of 2024, a move which would add between RM15 billion and RM17 billion to its coffers.
All this comes on top of the lifting of price controls on chicken in October 2023, which was aimed at reducing subsidies and regulating supply, but has also resulted in prices rising by as much as 17 per cent in November.
Savings from subsidy cuts will be channelled to the low-income group in the form of cash aid, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said.
An M40 income-earner, who wanted to be known only as Ms Anuradha, said it has become harder to live comfortably on a single income as prices of basic necessities have increased.
“I am surprised that now, when I buy daily goods such as milk, eggs, bread and vegetables, the bill is already between RM50 and RM100, which is double (what it was) six months ago. About 30 per cent of my total expenditure goes into buying groceries,” the 40-year-old e-commerce entrepreneur told The Straits Times.
Housewife Satya Abeywickrama, 35, was also shocked to see her latest grocery bill, which was 50 per cent more compared with her bill two months ago for the same items. The price hike that stood out the most for her was for sausages, yogurt, and imported strawberries and grapes.
“Higher petrol prices will further increase my Grab fare, which is already very high. Right now, I spend up to RM1,000 on Grab fares monthly,” said Ms Satya, who belongs to a T20 income household.
T20 households saw their gross income grow 5.6 per cent between 2019 and 2022, compared with the B40 group at 8.6 per cent, and M40 at 8.4 per cent.
In the first 11 months of 2023, Malaysia’s inflation rate was 2.6 per cent, and 3.3 per cent in the same period in 2022.
Geopolitical tensions and macro-economic conditions will further squeeze incomes in 2024, say economists.
Mr Mohd Afzanizam told ST: “Costs of imported goods will also start to rise due to higher shipping costs as container vessels are forced to circumnavigate a much longer route via South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, compared with the Red Sea, due to the ongoing shipping attacks by Houthis.”
The Red Sea is linked to the Mediterranean by the Suez Canal, which is the shortest shipping route between Asia and Europe. The diversion of container vessels to a longer route around the southern tip of Africa could result in freight rates tripling in 2024 from a year ago, according to the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers.
Malaysia’s seaborne exports and imports amounted to about 53.5 per cent and 60 per cent of total exports and imports, respectively, in the first 11 months of 2023, according to the Department of Statistics.
“Given that our seaborne trade is more than 50 per cent of total trade, any interruptions in the global supply chain will increase the costs of doing business in Malaysia,” said Mr Mohd Afzanizam.
The M40 and T20 groups will be more affected by higher shipping costs as they consume more imported goods, said Mr Patrick Tay Soo Eng, PwC Malaysia’s deals partner of economics and policy.
Malaysia’s economic growth for 2023 is expected to register at 3.8 per cent, dragged by a slowdown in construction and stagnant manufacturing activity, according to advance estimates released by the Department of Statistics on Jan 19. This is below the central bank’s estimate of 4 per cent.
Mr Tay expects the economy to continue its lacklustre pace in 2024, on the back of a slowing global economy from weakening global trade, elevated public debt and high borrowing costs amid mounting geopolitical tensions.
Sluggish economic growth in Malaysia will dampen business earnings and lead to slower growth in household incomes, he said. He noted, however, that the government’s economic reforms are necessary.
“Biting the bullet by taking the hard decisions will create the room and resources to build a stronger, more resilient economy, ultimately resulting in higher incomes and better public services for all,” he added.
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-s-economic-reforms-set-to-eat-into-budgets-of-middle-high-income-households
| 2024-01-21T21:31:12Z
|
blocked_url
|
NEW DELHI - India has decided to fence its border with Myanmar and is considering terminating a bilateral agreement with its eastern neighbour that allows people living on either side of the frontier to move freely across it.
The decision has prompted vocal opposition from many communities in north-east India that have relied on this liberal arrangement to sustain deep cross-border links.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/india-s-move-to-fence-indo-myanmar-border-draws-opposition
| 2024-01-21T21:31:22Z
|
blocked_url
|
The year 2023 was a rough one for Chinese stocks.
The CSI 300 Index, a benchmark for Shanghai- and Shenzhen-listed stocks, was down by over 11 per cent in 2023. That puts it squarely in the ranks of the worst global benchmark indexes, especially considering that equity benchmarks in other major Asian economies have experienced gains of 8 per cent to 10 per cent.
All this – alongside the Chinese renminbi’s slide to a 16-year low – is enough to make one a tad pessimistic. But hope might be on the horizon, thanks to several factors.
Light at the end of the tunnel?
China may well benefit from the latest movements in the United States. In mid-January, the US 10-year Treasury note yield retreated to around 4 per cent, after hitting 5 per cent in October 2023, the first time it did so since 2007.
There are also indications that the US economy is cooling – a number of regional Federal Reserve bank surveys indicate that US employers expect to hire less in 2024. With markets pricing in an interest rate cut by March, the US dollar index fell by 0.11 per cent in early January. A weaker US dollar will lead to a strengthening of Asian currencies and could stimulate capital inflows to Asia as a whole, including China.
You may argue that China has been mired in a bear market that began in January 2022. But bear markets historically last an average of 289 days – or close to 10 months. This means China could be nearing the end of this bearish season, even as China and Hong Kong stock market valuations of price-to-earnings ratios and price-to-book ratios are hitting multiple-year lows.
Moreover, in a bid to boost the country’s flagging stock market, the Chinese government has introduced a series of measures.
For instance, the country’s sovereign wealth fund has been buying exchange-traded funds (ETFs) since October 2023. Central Huijin Investment – a unit of China’s sovereign wealth fund – bought an undisclosed amount of ETFs and has vowed to continue increasing its holdings. This led to the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 Index and the Hang Seng Index experiencing gains of 7 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively.
Then in November 2023, Beijing drafted a list of 50 real estate firms that are eligible for a range of financing. There was an almost immediate boost with China developer stocks gaining as much as 7.6 per cent in early trading. This trend continued in December – the Hang Seng Properties Index gained 4.66 per cent between Dec 1 and Dec 15.
What to look out for in the new season
While it remains to be seen whether these gains can be sustained in the long term, the Chinese government’s direct intervention in the market may serve as encouragement for investors. There are several sectors that stand to benefit, starting with commodities.
Commodities tend to grow alongside positive economic activities, and with the China Caixin Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reaching 52.9 points in December 2023 – the highest reading since July – it hints at growing consumer optimism. Coupled with the 1 trillion yuan (S$188 billion) sovereign debt plan by the Chinese government to spur economic activity, commodities have the potential to benefit from the path of economic recovery.
Although the technology sector had a rocky start in 2023, the MSCI China Information Technology Index ended the year with a 0.47 per cent gain. In comparison with their US counterparts, China tech shares are trading at lower values because the bad news around Chinese stocks has been priced in. However, they are still generating profits, which could prompt investors to reconsider their avoidance of Chinese stocks.
Another sector that emerged from 2023 relatively unscathed is telecommunications. The CSI 300 Telecom Index had a steady growth of 3.79 per cent and the country’s top telecoms companies – China Telecom, China Mobile and China Unicom – had a year-on-year revenue growth of 20.1 per cent in 2023. These statistics are not surprising, considering the consistent profitability of Chinese telecoms giants over the years and their healthy debt-to-equity ratio of less than 50 per cent.
China versus Singapore stocks
It is here that a Singapore investor might ask: With a possible recovery of Chinese stocks, is this a good time to put hard-earned funds into the China market? Is there a way to balance the two?
If you are a long-term valuation investor who looks beyond short-term market fluctuations, the Chinese market is worth some attention. According to the Bloomberg Economics forecast, China is projected to have the world’s largest gross domestic product in the mid-2040s. Singapore investors seeking exposure to China and to diversify their portfolio can achieve this through Singapore-listed ETFs that follow indexes like the CSI 300, Hang Seng Index and FTSE China A50 Index.
But if you are an investor who prefers a predictable investible condition, then China stocks might not be for you at the moment. For one thing, Sino-US diplomatic and trade tensions continue to persist without any clear resolution in sight. This has resulted in Chinese and Hong Kong stocks experiencing volatility.
Singapore’s stock market has sometimes been labelled as unexciting, with its “boring” stocks and “lacklustre” price movements, but it does provide stability in the midst of global uncertainties. Comprising largely of banks, telcos, industrials and real estate investment trusts (Reits), the Straits Times Index has a record of offering consistent dividends and stable earnings. In 2023, the STI offered a dividend yield of over 4 per cent.
After the US Federal Reserve’s shift to a more dovish stance during its December meeting, there is growing anticipation of an interest rate cut in 2024, which could potentially benefit S-Reits. Early indicators of this positive trend are already emerging, as evidenced by the iEdge S-Reit index’s impressive 9 per cent gain in December. This marked the index’s strongest monthly performance since September 2010.
Given China’s substantial global influence, there is potential in this market. Whether to dodge or dive into investing in China stocks at this juncture, that will depend on one’s investment risk appetite. China has weathered its fair share of challenges, with 2023 proving to be particularly harsh. Despite this, I remain cautiously optimistic about China’s prospects and will watch to see what the new year yields.
- The writer is a trading strategist at OCBC.
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/china-stocks-to-dodge-or-dive-into
| 2024-01-21T21:31:33Z
|
blocked_url
|
SINGAPORE - Global markets powered higher through a rocky week, even amid signals that central banks’ pivots to easier monetary policy might take longer than expected.
Wall Street stocks hit bull market territory despite signs that the United States economy is defying projections of a soft landing – seen as necessary to moderate price rises.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/markets-scale-new-heights-despite-potential-rate-cut-delays
| 2024-01-21T21:31:43Z
|
blocked_url
|
SINGAPORE – Japanese firms went on a buying spree in Singapore and the rest of South-east Asia in 2023, with spending hitting levels not seen since 2020.
Market watchers say the deals struck are a direct result of Japanese companies looking overseas for growth as opportunities dwindle in their domestic market.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/s-pore-benefits-from-rise-in-ma-deals-as-japanese-firms-look-for-investments-in-south-east-asia
| 2024-01-21T21:31:54Z
|
blocked_url
|
TAIPEI – The finger-pointing began as soon as the elections were over.
Days after Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), lost its presidential bid for the third time running on Jan 13, party members called for the immediate resignation of their chairman Eric Chu.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/after-triple-blows-can-taiwan-s-grand-old-party-kuomintang-revive-its-fortunes
| 2024-01-21T21:32:26Z
|
blocked_url
|
The report “Mum witnessed sexual assault of daughter, but did not report son” (Jan 17), which involved a single parent failing to guide a child negatively impacted by early exposure to pornography, is not the first time young sexual offenders have been featured in the news.
It was previously reported that there had been a rising number of young people who committed outrage of modesty and rape offences from 2018 to 2021 (School counsellors will be trained to prevent sexual offending among youth, among other measures, Sept 27, 2023).
These reports might just be representative of a bigger malaise. Porn may not be the root cause; it might merely be an expression of sexual misinformation afflicting our increasingly sexualised society.
Society seems to deal with the topic of sex in different ways. On the one hand, nudity, vulgarity and promiscuity have become commonplace and even hip in popular culture, the arts and daily conversations. On the other hand, the effects of pornography’s misleading depiction of sex are little known, sexual dissatisfaction in marriage is often swept under the carpet, and sexual harassment concerns are still routinely hushed up.
In short, serious conversations on sexual issues and the deliberate study of sexual knowledge are not the norm here, even among married couples. Despite our displays of sexual bravado, we are prudish as far as dealing with real-life sexual relationships is concerned.
This enduring mindset that treats sex as a taboo subject is perpetuating a vicious circle of ignorance, misinformation and abuse. A whole-of-society effort is required to break this taboo, so that knowledge-based sexual discourse can replace the pornification of sex in the public sphere.
And the biggest irony is that if decent members of society discourage public sexual education efforts on grounds of modesty, privacy or personal boundaries, they then risk perpetuating the vicious circle of misinformation, causing more harm.
Osman Sidek
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forum/forum-conversations-on-sexual-issues-needed-to-rein-in-youth-offences
| 2024-01-21T21:32:36Z
|
blocked_url
|
My cousin, who is five, was in Japan with his parents in a cafe when the Jan 1 earthquake happened.
He hid under the table with his mum and dad. He was scared but stayed calm. The tremors from the earthquake were strong and lasted for some time.
In such situations, it is important for everyone, including children, to stay calm even when scared. Keeping yourself protected is important. We learnt this in school from a book and when Singapore Civil Defence Force officers told us to “run, hide, tell” in an emergency.
Schools can also teach children survival skills and conduct drills. Parents can help children by telling them stories about what to do during a fire, earthquake, flood or other emergencies.
Aarush Gurnani, 6
Primary 1
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forum/forum-important-that-children-know-what-to-do-in-an-emergency
| 2024-01-21T21:32:47Z
|
blocked_url
|
While I agree with Mr Jeffrey Law (Don’t ask supermarket staff to do everything at self-checkout counters, Jan 19), the question is whether supermarket self-checkout is as efficient as it is made out to be.
Often, you still have to wait in line. The checkout kiosks bleat and flash when you fail to set a purchase down in the right spot. Scanning items can be hit-or-miss – wave a barcode too vigorously in front of an unresponsive machine, and suddenly you’ve scanned it two or three times.
Then you need to locate the usually lone employee charged with supervising all the finicky kiosks, who will show her exasperation while scanning her ID badge and tapping the kiosk’s touch screen from pure muscle memory.
There is little evidence that self-checkout is reliably faster than the traditional cashier system, and that feel of convenience has always been largely a trick of perception.
Trained cashiers can scan and bag goods faster than even the most enthusiastic shopper.
But actual checkout speed tells only part of the story.
Self-checkout has a psychological effect: As long as the shopper is taking an active part, it seems to go faster.
But sometimes the user is a less digitally savvy senior forced to use a kiosk because there aren’t enough cashier counters open.
There is also the issue of theft, as the act of bagging your own stuff creates opportunities to make it out the door without paying for everything, including pilfered plastic bags.
Losses from unscanned and mis-scanned items at poorly designed kiosks are a trade-off that retailers are well aware of.
The self-checkout system is not about efficiency or convenience for companies. It is about saving costs by making customers do the scanning and bagging instead of hiring cashiers.
Roland Paul Ang
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forum/forum-self-checkout-comes-with-its-own-host-of-problems
| 2024-01-21T21:32:57Z
|
blocked_url
|
Foreign editor Li Xueying’s commentary, “What are you proudest of about your country?” (Jan 21), resonated deeply with me, particularly the question: “What use is economic growth if people don’t feel its benefits?”
This question applies not only to nations as a whole, but also to individuals and families, where “economic” can be replaced with “income”.
While economic growth remains crucial, a truly great nation should strive for a wider range of metrics. These include fertility rates, real living standards (encompassing living spaces, healthcare, education and transport, for example), and the happiness index of its citizens.
By focusing on these holistic measures, we can ensure that progress translates into tangible improvements for all, fostering a truly thriving society.
Cheong Wing Kiat
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forum/forum-truly-great-nation-should-strive-for-more-factors-besides-economic-growth
| 2024-01-21T21:33:07Z
|
blocked_url
|
Melania Trump appears to be sitting out Donald Trump’s bid for presidential re-election in 2024. In fact, since leaving the White House, the former first lady has largely retreated from public view. It feels, writes The Washington Post, as if she is hiding.
Who would not want to hide?
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/goodbye-to-the-era-of-the-professional-spouse
| 2024-01-21T21:33:18Z
|
blocked_url
|
The Great Budget Meal Hunt in Singapore is well under way.
Launched officially on Jan 16, the initiative encourages people to crowdsource for hawker meals that cost $3.50 or less, with their recommendations listed on the BudgetMealGoWhere website.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/hawkers-should-not-have-to-charge-rock-bottom-prices-all-the-time
| 2024-01-21T21:33:28Z
|
blocked_url
|
A slush fund scandal is causing more ructions in Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida offering to dissolve his faction within the party and suggesting that other factions disband.
The move, aimed at restoring public trust, came amid a widening probe into funding irregularities.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/kishida-faces-new-fight-over-widening-ldp-corruption-scandal
| 2024-01-21T21:33:38Z
|
blocked_url
|
Viral videos don’t usually last nearly 10 minutes. They don’t usually spawn a week-long conversation. But a video an employee at Cloudflare recorded of being fired from her sales job clocks in at 9min 15sec. It has been viewed more than a million times on her TikTok account – and has been shared, remixed and endlessly analysed since it was posted several days ago.
Its popularity is due not only to a prurient interest in watching someone suffer – there are countless videos of human suffering online. And it is not just because of morbid curiosity about what it is like to get fired. There are other videos of that too.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/sorry-you-were-fired-but-putting-it-on-tiktok-won-t-change-anything
| 2024-01-21T21:33:49Z
|
blocked_url
|
Since the 1990s, at least 37 countries have either introduced or expanded their screening of investments on national security grounds. With the passage of the Significant Investments Review Bill (SIB) in Parliament on Jan 9, Singapore will join the list. National security concerns have intensified, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and then the Russia-Ukraine war, which led to interruptions in the supplies of essential goods such as medical equipment, food and energy. Rising geopolitical tensions have also heightened concerns about inward investments being driven by political rather than commercial considerations to get access to critical technologies.
It is only prudent for Singapore to step up its vigilance in regard to such investments to protect its most strategic assets. The law that has been passed is expansive in scope, covering not only foreign but also local investments. Going beyond sector-based regulation, it will identify certain “designated entities”, which include companies whose activities are considered critical to national security, but this can also be extended to other entities. It empowers the Government to review transactions relating to changes in ownership and control above certain shareholding thresholds. The Government will also have the right to unwind investments and to vet appointments of senior executives such as the chief executive and board members in certain cases.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/st-editorial/use-investment-screening-law-sparingly
| 2024-01-21T21:33:59Z
|
blocked_url
|
Build a better mousetrap and the world apparently will beat a path to your door. Alternatively, if you don’t actually have any new ideas, perhaps you can just rebrand the existing device as AI-powered.
Proclaiming the benefits of the latest technology is a well-tried staple of the retail business. So it should not have required expensive visits to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to predict that every absurd gadget is finding ways to incorporate the promise of artificial intelligence (AI) into its latest merchandise.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/when-ai-powered-means-rebranded-rip-off
| 2024-01-21T21:34:10Z
|
blocked_url
|
Understanding its potential to influence and empower the communities in which it operates has driven this Singapore apparel manufacturer to teach farmers’ wives to sew.
Home-grown firm Ghim Li Group, which produces clothing for major USA retailers and department stores, has a presence in several countries, including Fiji, where it initiated a training programme as part of a broader goal to help workers move out of the poverty cycle and improve the quality of life for their families.
Ms Felicia Gan, CEO of Ghim Li Group, says: “Our corporate purpose is about creating value, not just through our products but also through responsible and sustainable business practices, innovation, and a deep commitment to the communities we are a part of.”
This is also why the firm is part of the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre’s (NVPC) Company of Good community, which seeks to partner, support and recognise businesses in Singapore as they make progress in their journey to do right, do good and do well – beginning with corporate purpose.
Singapore’s national grid operator, SP Group, is also dedicated to being a business for good and generating value for society. “Creating sustained impact in the community to uplift and improve lives is integral to our corporate strategy of empowering the future of energy. Being purpose-driven enables us to take a holistic and integrated approach to our business and community-building initiatives,” says Mr Stanley Huang, group CEO of SP Group.
For NVPC, corporate purpose can be carried out in five impact areas: People, Society, Governance, Environment and Economic.
Businesses in Singapore can be recognised at a national level under NVPC’s Company of Good Recognition System, for their commitment to adopting corporate purpose and creating impact in these five areas.
Enhanced from previous Champions of Good editions, the new Recognition System is designed to be inclusive towards companies at varying stages of their purpose journey, acknowledging their growing impact in contributing to a better shared future for Singapore.
Harnessing the power of people
On the people front, Ghim Li Group and SP Group go beyond merely providing jobs. They are committed to prioritising their employees, focusing on developing talent, and ensuring that each individual is connected to a meaningful purpose in his or her work.
This is certainly one of the reasons why Ghim Li Group has managed to grow from a collection of six sewing machines in 1977 to an Asia-wide manufacturer of textiles and apparel that supplies some of the biggest US retailers today.
With operations in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Brunei, Fiji and Guatemala, the company has always taken the initiative to make a lasting change by upskilling its people. “It was all about continuous education and exposure,” says Ms Gan, talking about the Fijian training programme, which started in 1995. “To date, we still have some of these Fijian associates working with us.”
In addition, the company actively promotes volunteerism through inclusivity, allowing employees to take the lead in these activities so that they feel genuinely engaged. Ghim Li Group also does its part to nurture the next generation by providing student internships and collaborating with universities to foster local talent in design.
Putting people at its core is also central to how the SP Group runs. “At the heart of our purpose-driven business are our 3,700 employees,” says Mr Huang. “They uphold our values and priorities in safety, reliability and sustainability, while being multipliers of good in the community.”
Staff enjoy a comprehensive workplace health and wellness programme, as well as continuous training and development to deepen their core competencies. They also get many opportunities to engage in volunteerism through the SP Group’s comprehensive network of funding and programmes that benefit the vulnerable in the community – from children to youths and seniors.
“In 2022, our corporate social responsibility contributions totalled around $5 million in donations, sponsorships and volunteer manpower,” says Mr Huang.
Integrating sustainability across its operations
Enhancing sustainability is also crucial for purpose-driven companies. Putting green practices into place is not just a way of reacting to growing consumer awareness and demand, it also benefits businesses by driving innovation, increasing cost savings and reducing waste.
As a manufacturer of apparel, Ghim Li Group is more than aware of the impact that the fashion industry has on the environment, which is why sustainability is embedded into its core purpose.
Its approach is centred on developing eco-friendly products while continuously educating and encouraging consumers to adopt sustainable products and incorporate environmental responsibility into their personal lives. Constant innovation is a must, something it drives by engaging in joint research and development projects with academic institutions and start-ups.
“We have a dedicated green team of more than 30 members and growing,” says Ms Gan, of a journey that started in 2016 when they became one of the pilot vendors of a major USA retailer’s green initiative that encourages companies to cut emissions in the US. “We attained gold status in 2018, and that is being consistently maintained today.”
As a leading utilities group in Asia Pacific, SP Group is forging the way ahead by providing low-carbon, smart energy solutions for both business districts and residential townships. “We aim to strengthen the resilience, reliability and sustainability of our energy networks, building on network capabilities,” says Mr Huang, of the company’s determination to incorporate more renewable energy sources into the grid.
This is seen in SP Group’s efforts as it works to install rooftop solar panels at 37 electricity stations by 2025, while operating the largest and fastest electric vehicle network in Singapore and maintaining its position as Southeast Asia’s largest underground district cooling operator, a viable and proven solution that saves energy and reduces carbon emissions.
The company has also developed a suite of green digital solutions for building owners that integrate different systems and diverse data sources to create a seamless, sustainable utility management experience that works to reduce wastage and lower electricity consumption.
“A multitude of opportunities lie in the evolving energy landscape,” added Mr Huang. “Being purpose-driven helps to rally and unite different stakeholders in decision-making, enabling businesses to make meaningful and sustainable contributions to the society, while enhancing the overall resilience and sustainability of the company.”
By integrating purpose into their strategies, companies such as Ghim Li Group and SP Group not only drive innovation but also significantly bolster environmental stewardship and community welfare. This approach fosters a virtuous cycle, enhancing the future for businesses, society, and the planet – proving that doing good is good for everyone.
Find out how your organisation can be recognised at the national level as a Company of Good.
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/community/how-singapore-firms-get-future-ready-corporate-purpose-nvpc-company-of-good
| 2024-01-21T21:34:20Z
|
blocked_url
|
In yet another monument to humanity’s devastating impact on the environment, naturally formed rocks fused with plastic debris and other pollutants have been found all over the world.
The peculiar-looking, blue-green “plastistones” are composites formed when materials such as heavy metals, organic solvents and microplastic debris are fused into, or adhere to, the surface of sedimentary rocks.
They have been found across five continents and 11 countries – the United States, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, Spain, China, India, Bangladesh, Brazil and Peru.
The “disturbing” finds, even on far-flung islands, have left researchers unsettled, raising questions about this development possibly marking the beginnings of the Anthropocene – a new geological age indicating when humanity began to substantially alter earth’s surface, atmosphere, oceans and systems of nutrient cycling, the effects of which will far outlast man’s existence on the planet.
“We talk so much about the Anthropocene, and this is it,” said geologist Fernanda Avelar Santos. “The pollution, the garbage in the sea and the plastic dumped incorrectly in the oceans are becoming geological material... preserved in the earth’s geological records.”
Plastistones have been found on Trindade Island, a volcanic outcrop 1,140km off the coast of Brazil and accessible only via a three- to four-day boat trip.
“Marine pollution is provoking a paradigm shift for concepts of rock and sedimentary deposit formations,” wrote a team helmed by Professor Santos in a study published in September 2023 in the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin.
“Human interventions are now so pervasive that one has to question what is truly natural.”
Prof Santos, who is from the Federal University of Parana in southern Brazil, first found these plastic rocks in 2019 when she travelled to Trindade Island to research for her doctoral thesis on a completely different topic – landslides, erosion and other “geological risks”.
She was working near a protected nature reserve known as Turtle Beach, the world’s largest breeding ground for the endangered green turtle, when she came across a large outcrop of what she later found were plastistones.
Following her expedition, she took the rocks back to her lab for analysis, and found the rocks to be a new kind of geological formation.
“We concluded that human beings are now acting as a geological agent, influencing processes that were previously completely natural, like rock formation,” she told AFP, adding that the “new and terrifying” finding left her disturbed and upset.
Her research led her to find out that similar rock-like plastic formations had previously been reported in places including Hawaii, Britain, Italy and Japan since 2014. Trindade Island is the most remote place on the planet where the formations have been found so far, she said.
She fears that as the rocks erode, they will leach microplastics into the environment and further contaminate the island’s food chain.
The main component in the rocks Prof Santos discovered was remnants of fishing nets, the team found. But ocean currents have also swept an abundance of bottles, household waste and other plastic trash from around the world to the island.
“The (nets) are dragged by the marine currents and accumulate on the beach. When the temperature rises, this plastic melts and becomes embedded with the beach’s natural material.”
Researchers Hou Deyi and Wang Liuwei from China’s Tsinghua University explored plastistones in a paper published in November 2023.
“Plastistones have been shown to alter the microbial communities of the surrounding environment and can generate significant amounts of microplastics and nanoplastics,” they said.
“This new type of sedimentary rock provides compelling evidence of how human activities can act as a powerful exogenic geological process that reshapes the geological record of our planet.”
In 2022, microplastics were detected in human blood for the first time, with results of a study indicating that human exposure to plastic particles results in absorption of the particles into the bloodstream, travelling to the organs.
Bottle-fed babies may ingest more than a million pieces of microplastics each day.
Nanoplastics are plastic particles under one micrometre in length, or one-70th the width of a human hair.
They pose a greater threat to human health than microplastics because they are small enough to penetrate human cells, enter the bloodstream and impact organs.
They can also pass through the placenta into the bodies of unborn babies.
More than 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are produced every year, with less than 10 per cent of it being recycled, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, choking landfills and despoiling oceans.
That amount is also set to surge in the coming decade as oil companies, which often also produce plastics, look to new sources of revenue amid the energy transition away from fossil fuels.
The vast majority of plastic does not degrade naturally, but breaks down into smaller pieces over time. Tiny plastic bits are also routinely shed from plastic-containing products while they are in use, including many synthetic fabrics.
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/plastistones-rocks-formed-from-plastic-pollution-a-terrifying-find
| 2024-01-21T21:34:30Z
|
blocked_url
|
In this series, manpower reporter Tay Hong Yi offers practical answers to candid questions on navigating workplace challenges and getting ahead in your career. Get more tips by signing up to The Straits Times’ HeadSTart newsletter.
Q: Does it reflect well on me if I resign from my current employer soon after a promotion?
A: In most circumstances, it is not advisable to resign shortly after a promotion, says Ms Loh Kaili, recruitment manager at recruitment firm RGF Singapore.
“This is especially so when the promotion is part of succession planning and has been a topic of discussion for the past few months,” she notes.
The move does not reflect well on the employee and may burn bridges if not handled properly, she adds.
This could mean the candidate is jeopardising future interactions with the past employer, such as for job references.
“We would recommend the employees stay in their new role for nine to 12 months before considering a move.”
Recruitment firm chief Foo See Yang says that although all employees have the right to resign from their jobs at any time and there is no hard rule on how long one should stay in a newly promoted role, resigning from a job after having been recently promoted is traditionally frowned upon.
This is because of the preconceived notion that the employee was merely waiting for a better title to increase the chances of easily getting hired elsewhere, says Mr Foo, who is managing director and country head at Persolkelly Singapore.
Nonetheless, employees have become more open to frequent job changes following the Covid-19 pandemic, he notes.
As for reasons employees might leave despite a promotion, Mr Foo says one possibility is that the new role is not living up to expectations.
A divergence between long-term career goals and the new role may play a significant role too.
“In such cases, the individual may choose to resign to pursue a path that better aligns with their ultimate career objectives.”
Better prospects in another industry may also prompt an employee to resign despite a promotion.
Mr Foo adds that work-life balance is another crucial consideration.
“If the demands of the new role become overwhelming or clash with personal priorities, the individual might decide to resign,” he says.
Ms Loh notes that some candidates may have the right skills and abilities but are in an unsuitable work environment that adversely impacts their performance.
On how to decide whether and when to leave, Mr Foo advises employees to consider if the role they were promoted to aligns with their long-term career goals.
“Resigning too soon may not allow the individual to fully capitalise on the opportunities and experiences the promotion offers.”
Another factor to consider is how future employers might perceive frequent job changes after a promotion.
“They may question the candidate’s commitment and reliability if they observe a pattern of resigning shortly after receiving a promotion.”
In addition, Mr Foo says, resigning shortly after a promotion might raise concerns about the candidate’s ability to adapt to the increased responsibilities and challenges associated with the higher role.
“Hiring managers may wonder if the candidate struggled with the demands of the position or if their performance was a factor in the decision to leave.”
Resigning shortly after a promotion could be seen as not honouring the investment by companies to train and develop employees for higher roles, Mr Foo says.
Honesty and transparency are essential when discussing the subject of resigning from a previous job after being promoted, to reassure prospective employers, he advises.
He also says it is crucial for candidates who find themselves in this situation to reassure potential employers during interviews with transparency, self-awareness and a clear career plan, to prove the potential new job is what they are looking for to advance their careers.
“This may involve explaining the reasons behind the decision, highlighting the lessons learnt from the previous role, and emphasising a commitment to the responsibilities of the new position.”
Have a question? Send it to askst@sph.com.sg
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/jobs/will-quitting-right-after-a-promotion-hurt-chances-for-your-next-job
| 2024-01-21T21:34:51Z
|
blocked_url
|
SINGAPORE - Madam Sharmila T. shuns a coffee shop at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 whenever she is out for food with her young children.
Despite clear signs prohibiting smokers from lighting up on its premises, the unwelcome smell of cigarette smoke drifts through the open-air dining area whenever she is there.
“It’s really unpleasant when we’re trying to enjoy our meal,” said the 33-year-old teacher, who has two sons aged seven and four.
The source of the fumes? A cluster of people lighting up at a makeshift smoking corner, mere steps from where people dine.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) told The Straits Times that smoking is currently not permitted at more than 49,000 places, both indoors and outdoors.
To limit the impact of second-hand tobacco smoke on non-smokers, smoking corners are typically placed at peripheral sections of outdoor refreshment areas and are limited to 20 per cent of these spaces, the agency added.
NEA has stopped accepting applications for new smoking corners at retail food establishments since June 2017, and such smoking corners will be phased out when licences of the establishments are terminated or cancelled, it said.
Smoking is also prohibited at “any area within 5m of ventilation intakes, external windows, openings, entrances and exits to buildings of commercial, industrial or recreational purposes or publicly accessible”, according to NEA’s website.
NEA told ST that its officers actively check and take enforcement action against errant smokers, including for littering, with more than 14,600 tickets issued in 2023 for smoking in prohibited places.
But smoking is allowed in certain areas, such as open areas in residential estates and town centres.
In response to queries, the agency said: “There is no prohibition for makeshift smoking points, as long as the smoking points are not smoking-prohibited places under the Smoking Regulations.”
There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke, according to the United States’ Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC). Exposure to second-hand smoke for adults can cause coronary heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and other diseases. It can also result in premature death.
Second-hand smoke can cause negative reproductive health effects in women, including low birth weight, said the US CDC website. Exposure to second-hand smoke can cause children to have respiratory infections, ear infections and asthma attacks. In babies, second-hand smoke can cause sudden infant death syndrome.
Following a complaint about a makeshift smoking corner near an Upper Serangoon Crescent coffee shop on the Complaint Singapore Facebook group, ST visited 12 coffee shops in areas including Bendemeer, Bedok, Chinatown and Bukit Panjang, as well as the one at Upper Serangoon Crescent.
Makeshift smoking corners were found near almost all the coffee shops, some close to sheltered walkways. These corners were marked with plastic chairs, benches and the occasional foldable table. Even during off-peak hours, smokers were occasionally seen sitting in the area puffing away at several of these corners. During peak hours, large groups of people can be observed smoking at some of these corners.
While checking out coffee shops in various areas, ST also observed that makeshift smoking zones are frequently strewn with cigarette butts, empty cigarette packets and foil papers typically found inside cigarette boxes.
Meanwhile, it was claimed in the Complaint Singapore post that the makeshift smoking corner near the Upper Serangoon Crescent coffee shop had blocked a fire engine access route.
When ST visited the coffee shop on Jan 3, a notice from the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council, dated Dec 28, 2023, was placed at the smoking corner. It warned against blocking the access route with chairs and other items.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), responding to queries, stated that as at Jan 9, no fire safety violations were found at the location.
Madam Sharmila said she is concerned about the impact of second-hand smoke on her children’s health.
“I’ve had to tell smokers to move away because I don’t want my kids to inhale second-hand smoke,” she said.
Recounting an incident some years ago, she said she nearly got into an argument with a smoker who refused to move away from the area near her family at a coffee shop.
“When he started smoking near us, I felt very angry and told him sternly to leave the premises or smoke (further) away,” she added.
“However, he refused to budge at first and left only after one of the stallholders pointed at the no-smoking sign and directed him to smoke where the others were smoking at.”
Noting there are often no bins nearby to stub out and dispose of cigarettes, Madam Sharmila said makeshift smoking corners end up looking unsightly with the litter.
A factory worker, who wanted to be known only as Ms Ho, said people are always smoking near a coffee shop in Bendemeer, near where she works.
“I come to this coffee shop daily during lunch hour as I am working nearby. Sometimes I feel like coughing when the cigarette smoke gets to me,” she said.
Mr Rajah A, 46, who frequents coffee shops near his home in Telok Blangah Heights, has also experienced such smokers, and calls them inconsiderate.
“There are many areas that one can smoke. Just don’t do it in the areas next to coffee shops,” the software engineer said. “This is not fair to those who want to have a decent meal and not need to go through the discomfort of breathing in smoke.”
Some are unfazed by the smoke. Madam Cheah Ah Kim, a regular at an open-air food court in Bendeemer, said she is not bothered by the smell of cigarette smoke from the makeshift smoking corner nearby.
“Singaporeans these days are more considerate and are aware of the environment, so they don’t smoke near non-smokers if they can,” said the 85-year-old retired driver in Mandarin.
Some smokers feel they are not doing anything wrong by lighting up in makeshift zones, while others ask for more understanding from non-smokers.
Mr Zam, a 57-year-old logistics worker, was seen smoking at the edge of a sheltered walkway in Chai Chee, just metres from a coffee shop.
The man, who did not want to give his full name, told ST he smokes outside the coffeeshop to avoid NEA fines, which can amount to several hundred dollars.
“My friends and I sometimes smoke here to avoid getting caught by NEA officers. As long as we are smoking in an open area, they cannot fine us,” he said.
“We are not in the coffee shop smoking, not disturbing anyone. Nobody has told me to leave.”
Mr Selva Gunasekaran, 63, who frequents coffee shops in the west, said he tries to stay away from diners to avoid being disruptive while he is smoking.
“My friends and I make it a point to dispose of the cigarette butts properly to prevent fire hazards,” said the electrician.
“I used to be a fireman, so I am mindful about fire safety and make sure I remind my friends not to throw a lit cigarette away, especially on grass.”
However, Mr Selva added that he sees cigarette butts and litter, such as cigarette boxes, around the makeshift smoking corners.
“Although the cleaners clear the litter the next day, this should not be taken for granted as it could be a fire hazard. People should clean up after themselves.”
Sales executive Rosaline Tan, 28, told ST that she does not smoke outside eateries as it may “stink up the area” and diners nearby may be affected.
Ms Tan, who lives in Pasir Panjang, said her parents tend to complain about the smoke from the makeshift smoking corners while dining at the nearby coffee shops.
“My mum, who is sensitive to the smoke, ends up coughing a lot, which is why I feel that smokers should try to be considerate to others around them.”
NEA told ST that it “encourages smokers to be socially responsible when smoking at public places, and to not light up at smoking-prohibited places”.
“Owners of premises should also be considerate when allowing makeshift smoking corners to be set up,” it added.
ST contacted three operators of coffee shops with makeshift smoking corners nearby, but they did not reply to queries.
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/makeshift-smoking-corners-in-heartland-not-illegal-but-smokers-should-be-considerate-nea
| 2024-01-21T21:35:02Z
|
blocked_url
|
SINGAPORE – An organ donor, a record-breaking athlete and community champions who made an impact are among the seven nominees for The Straits Times Singaporean of the Year 2023 award.
Public voting begins on Jan 22 and will close on Feb 4. Votes can be cast at str.sg/soty23vote
The winner will be announced at a ceremony on March 13.
The annual award, now in its ninth year, recognises a Singaporean person or group for making an impact on society. It also pays tribute to Singaporeans who have put the country on the world map or persevered to overcome great adversity.
A panel of judges comprising ST editors, UBS representatives and individuals who have made their mark in various fields will make the final decision in February, while also taking into account the results of the public vote.
The following are the seven nominees:
Shanti Pereira
Sprint queen Shanti Pereira brought glory to Singapore in 2023 with a record-breaking year in track and field.
The gold rush began in May, when the 27-year-old won the 100m and 200m titles at the Cambodia SEA Games, and she repeated the feat at the Asian Athletics Championships in July.
In August, she became the first Singaporean track and field athlete to reach the semi-finals of the world championships in Budapest, and her performance in the 200m earned her a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
In October, she ended Singapore’s 49-year wait for a track and field gold at the Asian Games by claiming the women’s 200m crown, to add to her 100m silver.
Over the course of 2023, she rewrote the 100m national mark six times and the 200m record four times.
Ronita Paul and Geraldine Lee
Former nurse Ronita Paul and volunteer coordinator Geraldine Lee opened Singapore’s only daycare centre for children battling cancer and other critical illnesses in 2011.
Other than emotional and moral support, Arc Children’s Centre offers educational and developmental activities to allow kids who are facing the same difficult experiences to play with and care for one another, and ultimately enjoy a normal childhood.
Over the last decade, the pair persevered through the challenges of caring for vulnerable children and introduced new initiatives like overnight camps, speech therapy to help kids behind on their developmental milestones, and access to a child psychologist to help with trauma they might have faced.
Hani Isnin-Racine
At a time when most shops were increasing prices due to inflation, hawker Hani Isnin-Racine decided to slash prices at her stall to ensure that the residents of Jalan Kukoh could get a hearty meal for only $2.50.
Her decision to lower the prices of her Malay food was sparked by numerous encounters with underprivileged families living in the area, which is home to many public rental flats.
Although the low prices mean she goes without pay half the time, the 40-year-old law and economics graduate said her heart is full from feeding the hungry.
Herman Sing
Logistics director Herman Sing donated 67 per cent of his liver to a stranger on the national waiting list in 2023.
There are around 50 people on the waiting list at any time, and some do not survive the average wait time of one or two years.
The 45-year-old knew he wanted to do more for people after caring for his father, who suffered end-stage colon cancer.
Seeing how fragile life was, Mr Sing vowed to step up if he had the chance to help someone in need, even if it was a stranger.
He also regularly volunteers on weekends, delivering bread and groceries to those in need, befriending dialysis patients and cleaning up beaches.
Sandy Goh Siew Hua
Madam Sandy Goh Siew Hua has been a community volunteer leader in Bedok Reservoir since 2011, organising programmes to help those in need.
These include distributing free food, organising free tuition and connecting volunteers to provide services for beneficiaries.
The 55-year-old also set up what she calls an SOS station at the void deck of Block 702 Bedok Reservoir Road, where there are items such as free food, toiletries and even assessment books for residents.
She went on to help set up 18 similar corners around Singapore, manned by more than 50 volunteers who distribute free foodstuff to about 6,000 families every week.
Chng Rui Jie
At the age of nine, Chng Rui Jie held her first fund-raising campaign and raised $56,000 for The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, which helps students from low-income families.
Now 12, she has raised more than $1.2 million through 60 online fund-raising campaigns on Giving.sg for charities such as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Assisi Hospice.
Rui Jie also volunteers in other ways, such as distributing food for a community fridge. The Secondary 1 student said she intends to volunteer for this cause at least once a month if her school schedule permits.
Priscilla Ong
Former infantcare teacher Priscilla Ong set up a charity in 2014 to provide free food to needy children at the pre-school she was working in.
Although she now struggles with limited mobility due to an accident, the 41-year-old is still actively driving Project Love Lunch to feed the needy.
The full-time volunteer serves about 400 low-income rental block residents in Yishun and Sengkang, and started an emergency fund to help the elderly foot their medical expenses and transport to appointments.
She also puts herself down as the next of kin of the lonely elderly to help them settle their affairs before the end of their lives.
About the award
The Straits Times Singaporean of the Year award has been given to outstanding Singaporeans in various fields over the years.
Mr Anson Ng, a second-hand car dealer who has made it his life’s mission to help strangers in need, was named Singaporean of the Year 2022.
The year before, the award went to Mr Sakthibalan Balathandautham, who donated part of his liver to a one-year-old child after he came across a plea online from a young couple.
The Singaporean of the Year will get a trophy and $20,000, presented by UBS, which has supported the award since its inauguration. Other individuals or groups chosen as finalists by the panel of judges will receive $5,000 each.
The winner will also receive a five-night stay at any of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels’ global properties and a three-night stay at Raffles Hotel Singapore. Other finalists will get a three-night stay at any of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels’ global properties.
Singapore Airlines is sponsoring a pair of business class tickets for the Singaporean of the Year, and a pair of economy class tickets for the other finalists.
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/public-voting-for-st-s-singaporean-of-the-year-award-now-open-till-feb-4
| 2024-01-21T21:35:22Z
|
blocked_url
|
SINGAPORE - Twice a week, a crew of 60 people and 20 vehicles rumble onto Changi Airport’s Runway 1 in the dead of the night. The mission: to comb 4km of runway to make sure it is fit for aircraft take-offs and landings.
The frequency of maintenance depends on how heavily a runway is used. Only one runway is closed for maintenance, so there is still one runway in operation.
The maintenance team typically has between 1am and 5am to do the work, which includes fixing potholes, scraping out rubber deposits left by aircraft, securing fixtures like lighting and signage that can come loose, and trimming the grass on the side of the runway.
The first plane usually lines up to use the reopened runway within a few minutes after the last maintenance vehicles leave.
Changi Airport handled 298,000 flights in the first 11 months of 2023, with the planes using either Runway 1 or 3.
Runway 2 was reopened on Dec 1, 2023, after it was closed in December 2020 for infrastructure work, taking over from Runway 3.
Eventually, all three runways will be operational as part of the airport’s expansion plan, which includes building Terminal 5 to increase overall capacity.
The Straits Times followed Changi’s maintenance team to Runway 1, which runs parallel to the Terminal 3 building, to find out how the runways are kept in good shape.
Getting to the runway access point involves taking a minibus on a private road that runs along the airport’s perimeter. Being a controlled area, security is tight and runway access is coordinated with airport traffic control.
In addition to exchanging passes at the airport’s security office, those entering the runway are issued location trackers at the office beside the access point. This is followed by a five-minute safety briefing before work begins.
As the other teams, like the 12 grass cutters, go about their tasks on different sections of the runway, a friction tester takes up position on one end.
The tester is a modified Saab 9-5 SportCombi – an old workhorse that is due to be replaced by a new Volkswagen Transporter van. The Saab’s odometer shows that it has covered 175,157km, a comparable mileage with what a private car would clock on public roads after more than 10 years. In the 1980s, the airport used a Lamborghini Countach, which is a low-slung supercar, to do this work.
The Saab has a 550-litre water tank mounted where the rear seats would normally be. As the car is zooming down the runway, reaching speeds of between 95kmh and 97kmh, it sprays a thin film of water onto the runway surface.
A test wheel, which extends from the boot floor of the vehicle to make contact with the runway, is used to measure the grip level on the surface.
Each test lasts between 10 and 15 minutes.
From one end of the 4km runway, the Saab has 300m to get up to the target speed. The driver has to start braking by 3.6km, or there may be insufficient road space to stop safely.
There are not many landmarks to guide the driver, so it is a challenge to keep the vehicle on the correct trajectory and know exactly when to start decelerating.
Although the runway is 60m wide, the friction tester is focused on the middle portion nearer to the centre line, because this is where aircraft tyres touch the runway.
The friction tester checks a portion of the width of the runway at each maintenance session. It takes four sessions to complete the tests.
In addition to the friction tester assessing grip levels, teams in inspection rovers, which are basically minibuses, do visual checks of the runway.
There are three teams charged with repairing potholes while another team repaints any part of the centre line on the runway that has been blackened by aircraft tyres. Pilots use the centre line to guide the aircraft’s approach.
With frequent take-offs and landings, a considerable amount of rubber deposits is left on the runway by aircraft tyres. If allowed to build up, these will reduce friction and pose a safety hazard to planes that are landing.
This is where the rubber removal machine – a six-wheel truck with two rotating discs that carry high-pressure jet nozzles – comes in.
Compared with the speedy friction tester, the truck moves at a more leisurely pace of between 10kmh and 15kmh.
Its nozzles can send out jets of water at a pressure as high as 35,000 psi – enough to strip the paint markings on the runway.
Mr Jamal Juki, 63, manager for airfield systems and engineering management who oversees the work of the rubber removal machine, said the paint markings need to be stripped if they become too thick after repainting, as the thickened surface can compromise the level of grip.
In between coordinating with the other teams working on the runway over his mobile phone, the long-time employee, who has been with Changi Airport for more than 40 years, explained that the water pressure is otherwise set at between 21,000 and 25,000 psi to loosen rubber deposited by plane tyres.
The dislodged materials are then sucked into the waste tank on the back of the machine.
Rounding up the routine runway maintenance is the runway sweeper. There are two runway sweepers on duty.
The truck looks similar to a typical road sweeper except for the large bar that is mounted in front of the bumper, which is magnetised to pick up metal objects left on the runway, such as small bolts.
Under its belly, between the wheel axles, are rotating brushes to sweep the floor and a suction hood to suck up the debris. Travelling at around 25kmh, it takes around 90 minutes to finish the planned work for each maintenance session.
The sweepers are usually the last machines to leave the runway, so as to give the surface a final scrub after the other teams have completed their tasks.
When that is done and everyone is safely out of the area, the runway is then ready to receive the first flights of the day.
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/how-changi-airport-keeps-its-runways-safe-for-airplanes
| 2024-01-21T21:35:43Z
|
blocked_url
|
LIVERPOOL, England - Jurgen Klopp said it “makes sense” for Mohamed Salah to return to Liverpool from representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for treatment on a hamstring injury.
Salah will miss the Pharaohs’ crucial Group B clash against Cape Verde on Jan 22 and Egypt’s last 16 match in the Ivory Coast should they progress.
After drawing their opening two games at the tournament, the record seven-time African champions need to beat already-qualified Cape Verde to be guaranteed of qualifying.
Salah salvaged a 2-2 draw with Mozambique from the penalty spot in Egypt’s opening game before limping off in the first half against Ghana.
“That’s the plan,” Klopp said after Liverpool’s 4-0 victory away to Bournemouth when asked if Salah would now return to Merseyside.
“If that’s already decided 100 per cent, I don’t know. But that’s the plan. I think probably everybody sees it makes sense that he’s doing the rehab with us or with our people.”
However, Klopp did leave the door open for Salah to return to the tournament should he prove his fitness while Egypt are still alive.
“If Egypt qualifies for the final and he is fit before the final, then probably yes,” added Klopp. “Why not? That’s clear.”
Salah’s injury is the latest cruel twist of fate for the 31-year-old at the AFCON.
He has never won the trophy and twice fallen short in the final to Cameroon in 2017 and Senegal two years ago.
Salah told a press conference on Jan 21 he remains convinced he will be crowned champion of Africa “sooner or later”.
“I have won everything possible but this one not yet,” said the two-time African footballer of the year.
“It will happen somehow, that is what I believe, and whatever I believe I achieve, so sooner or later it will happen.” AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/klopp-expects-salah-to-return-to-liverpool-for-injury-rehab
| 2024-01-21T21:35:54Z
|
blocked_url
|
LONDON - Sheffield United substitute Ollie McBurnie scored a penalty deep in stoppage time to give the bottom side a deserved 2-2 Premier League home draw with sixth-placed West Ham United on Jan 21 in a game that saw both sides have a man sent off late on.
McBurnies’ strike in the 103rd minute is the latest on record in the Premier League and it was nothing less than his struggling side deserved after a spirited display.
The Yorkshire club have 10 points from 21 games and are seven points adrift of the safety zone, while West Ham have 35 and are eight points outside the top four.
The hosts started brightly but their shoddy finishing was punished when the Hammers’ Ivorian winger Maxwel Cornet pounced on a deflected Danny Ings shot and fired the ball into the net first-time in the 28th minute.
Playing his first league game since arriving on loan from Villarreal on Jan 5, Ben Brereton Diaz got the Blades back in the game just before the break.
West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola parried a header from William Osula and the England-born Chile international took a touch before thumping the ball home.
The home side looked to be on course for their 16th league defeat of the season when West Ham’s James Ward-Prowse scored from the spot in the 79th minute after Ings was upended by Gustavo Hamer.
Their chances of staging any sort of a comeback looked to be over when substitute Rhian Brewster was shown a straight red card for a strong challenge.
However, there was one final twist as West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal picked up his second yellow for what looked an innocuous challenge in the 97th minute.
From the resulting free kick, Areola injured himself while fouling McBurnie in the box and the striker stepped up to slam the ball passed substitute goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski to snatch a well-earned point.
“I thought we were really good. My side has character, resilience and a bit of bottle,” Blades boss Chris Wilder told broadcaster TNT.
“We have to bridge the gap and we have some good players.
“We had to go more direct at points but we were more than that today... I felt we had control of the game and for Ben (Brereton Diaz) to get a goal, he will be an asset for us,” he added. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/ollie-mcburnie-spot-kick-gives-sheffield-united-late-2-2-draw-with-west-ham
| 2024-01-21T21:36:04Z
|
blocked_url
|
Barcelona secured a last-gasp 4-2 win at Real Betis on Sunday, as stoppage-time goals from substitute Joao Felix and striker Ferran Torres, who completed his hat-trick, helped to ease the pressure on manager Xavi Hernandez in a stuttering season.
Barcelona are third in the LaLiga standings on 44 points, seven behind leaders Real Madrid and five adrift of second-placed Girona, who host Sevilla later on Sunday.
Torres opened the scoring in the 21st minute tapping in a cross from the right by Pedri and he extended Barca's lead from a rebound in the 49th, after a Lamine Yamal strike came back off the crossbar.
However, Betis struck back as Isco scored twice in four minutes to level the score.
With Betis dominating possession, Felix made the most of a quick counter-attack to strike a tidy finish from the edge of the box past the goalkeeper in the 91st minute.
Three minutes into added time, Torres scored his third and Barca's fourth from another counter to secure a hard-fought win for last year's champions. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/torres-hat-trick-helps-barcelona-snatch-4-2-win-at-betis
| 2024-01-21T21:36:14Z
|
blocked_url
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.