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LONDON – Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced a multi-year partnership with Formula E, Extreme E and E1 powerboat racing on Jan 22 to “supercharge” the growth of electric motorsport globally.
The Gulf state’s sovereign wealth fund said that the Electric 360 partnership would also drive technological innovation and advance the future of electric mobility.
Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest oil exporter but wants to become a leading provider of all kinds of energy, with a transition plan that includes renewables, green hydrogen production and carbon capture technologies.
“It’s one more push of PIF into the world of sports and for electric motorsports it’s fantastic to have them supporting all three championships,” Alejandro Agag, founder of the three, told Reuters.
The PIF is the main financial backer of LIV Golf and has a sporting portfolio that includes tennis, football club ownership at home and abroad, including English Premier League side Newcastle United, boxing and Formula One.
It already has a 5 per cent stake in Formula E and close to 50 per cent of off-road Extreme E, which is undergoing a transition year before morphing into a hydrogen-powered Extreme H series, and the new E1.
All three have races in Saudi Arabia in 2024. Formula E has Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) and airline Saudia among its existing sponsors while Extreme E has ENOWA as its official green hydrogen partner.
The kingdom also hosts a Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah, the two-week long Dakar Rally and has plans to add MotoGP in future.
Agag said that the PIF would become principal partner of the electric championships, the first time one sponsor has backed all three at the same time.
“For the long-term sustainability of the championships, particularly the two smaller ones, it’s very relevant... it helps consolidate those ventures long term,” he added.
No financial details were provided.
The PIF, which also announced a brand revamp, said Electric 360 would reflect its broader sponsorship platform with a focus on inclusivity, sustainability, youth, and technology.
Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of using its sovereign wealth fund to engage in “sportswashing” in the face of heavy criticism of the country’s human rights record.
But Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said last September he did not care about such allegations and would continue funding sport if it added to the country’s gross domestic product. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/saudi-arabia-s-pif-to-sponsor-three-electric-motorsport-series
| 2024-01-23T04:20:13Z
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The University of Colorado Boulder announced that the campus will operate on a delayed schedule on Tuesday due to inclement weather conditions, including temperatures below zero degrees.
All in-person and remote synchronous classes beginning before 10 a.m. will be canceled. Classes beginning at or after 10 a.m. will not be affected.
“The weather is forecast to improve beginning tomorrow,” said Steve Hurlbert, the director of communications and chief spokesperson for CU Boulder.
“We felt confident that both our crews would be prepared, as well as the extra time would give students, faculty and staff a couple of extra hours to get to campus,” Hurlbert said of the university’s decision to operate on a delayed start, rather than instate a full closure of the campus.
Campus facilities such as dining halls and residence halls will remain open as crews clear roads and sidewalks, according to an email sent by the university.
However, some students have taken to the anonymous social media app YikYak to voice their concerns that a delayed start does not properly address safety concerns for students coming to campus.
“10 a.m. delay as if the roads in Boulder haven’t remained unplowed for at least three days now,” one student wrote in an anonymous post.
The university, according to Hurlbert, has been working to combat these safety concerns on campus grounds.
“Our facilities crews have been doing such a great job of staying on top of the storm and removing the snow as it was coming,” Hurlbert said.
The university’s alerts website has stated that students and faculty should continue monitoring the site for potential future updates regarding the campus.
Contact CU Independent News Editor Jessi Sachs at Jessica.Sachs@colorado.edu.
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https://www.cuindependent.com/2024/01/15/cu-to-operate-on-delayed-schedule-on-jan-16-due-to-inclement-weather/
| 2024-01-23T04:44:36Z
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Conservative activist Chris Rufo told an audience of CU Boulder community members that diversity should be a secondary goal of higher education. The lecture echoed his efforts to eliminate critical race theory and diversity initiatives on college campuses nationwide.
Rufo, who was vital in ousting former Harvard President Claudine Gay earlier this year, was invited and paid to speak by the Bruce D. Benson Center for the Study of Western Civilization.
“(Diversity, equity and inclusion), in practice, imposes an ideological orthodoxy on faculty and students that undermines the pursuit of truth,” Rufo told the 170-strong crowd, including two University of Colorado Regents, on Wednesday, Jan. 17.
Five officers from the university police department provided security for the talk. One officer said these measures were typical for political events of this size.
Rufo’s talk, titled “Laying Siege to the Institutions,” is a variant of one he’s been giving since 2022. He encouraged attendees to push for legislation restricting public universities from operating social equity programs. Those programs include gender or ethnic studies departments; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) offices and critical race theory in academic curriculum.
“Without active DEI measures contributing to representation, accessibility and inclusion, it can leave underrepresented students feeling isolated and unsupported, which can affect retention rates and overall student wellbeing,” said Nimisha Mallela, CU Boulder student government’s director of diversity, equity and inclusion, in a statement.
Rufo took swings at several trainings and classes he said CU Boulder has promoted or published, which addressed “white supremacy culture,” and graduation ceremonies held specifically for marginalized students.
“DEI suppresses the freedom of speech and inquiry by policing not only thought, not only speech, not only behavior but oftentimes even unconscious expressions,” Rufo said.
Sitting in the front row, University of Colorado Regent Wanda James said she found the event distasteful and inaccurate.
“These are the rantings of not a very educated man on the subject of diversity,” James said after the event. “I was less impressed with his academic premise than I was expecting … I could have probably argued against DEI better than he did.”
CU Regent Mark VanDriel said he felt mixed about the event but was interested in some of what Rufo had to say.
“There are some things I really liked about where we are, and I think he has some ideas that could be really interesting,” VanDriel said.
VanDriel said he felt the university’s implementation of DEI efforts could be more transparent, something he took away from Rufo’s comments about CU Boulder’s policies.
‘Vision into concrete policy’
Chris Rufo’s public campaigns against diversity initiatives in education, whose goals are laid out plainly on Twitter and in interviews with Politico, have drawn condemnation from the left and admiration from the right.
We have successfully frozen their brand—"critical race theory"—into the public conversation and are steadily driving up negative perceptions. We will eventually turn it toxic, as we put all of the various cultural insanities under that brand category.
— Christopher F. Rufo ⚔️ (@realchrisrufo) March 15, 2021
He’s publicly outlined his strategy online to create easily identifiable cultural issues that demonize academic institutions, making issues like critical race theory untenable for voters.
“Rufo is publicly doling out right-wing rationales for policymakers to dismantle educational institutions,” said Lauren Lassabe Shepherd, a historian at the University of New Orleans and author of “Resistance from the Right: Conservatives and the Campus Wars,” in a statement.
This strategy has launched him to the forefront of conservative activism. He landed a distinguished fellowship at Hillsdale College, became a trustee of the formerly progressive New College in Florida and writes for the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think-tank.
Since delivering the first version of “Laying Siege to the Institutions” at Hillsdale, Rufo said he’s made a lot of progress in advancing his vision of American academia.
“In the last year and a half, I’ve worked with governors, legislators … to translate that vision into concrete policy, and we’ve already started to significantly reform institutions,” he said in an interview.
Shepherd said large public academic institutions could be impacted by Rufo’s efforts.
“While Rufo has tended to target particularly unique institutions … it’s actually larger state public (universities) like CU that are the most vulnerable to the right’s attacks on higher ed,” Shepherd said. “State colleges are heavily dependent on state funding, especially those without major football or basketball programs and thus a reliable donor base.”
Seth Cotlar, a professor of history at Willamette University in Oregon, said Rufo’s arguments — while effective — are deeply flawed and aren’t argued in good faith.
“He is a specialist in producing moral panics,” Cotlar said. “That is his expertise, and he is quite good at it.”
Most recently, Rufo helped lead the effort to remove Claudine Gay from her position as president of Harvard University. Gay’s critics said she failed to condemn antisemitic speech forcefully enough in congressional testimony, and Rufo alleged she plagiarized several passages in work she published throughout her career.
What followed was a weeks-long pressure campaign from Rufo, major donors to Harvard and internal actors in the university — according to Rufo — which resulted in Gay’s resignation on Jan. 2 this year.
Rufo maintains Gay, who was Harvard’s first Black president, obtained her position in part because of diversity initiatives and was less qualified than previous university presidents.
‘A different perspective’
Professor Daniel Jacobson, the director of the Benson Center, did not say how much the center paid Rufo for Wednesday’s lecture. However, he said the funds to pay Rufo came from gifts and grants specifically dedicated to the center.
“Christopher Rufo is one of the most important figures in the current debate over the use of critical race theory and DEI in academia,” Jacobson said in a statement. “His challenge to those controversial ideas and practices deserves to be heard on campus, regardless of whether one agrees with it, and his lecture promises to bring a different perspective to these issues than is commonly heard at CU.”
The center, named after a former CU system president, is far more conservative than the rest of campus and has invited controversial figures to give guest lectures in the past.
Rufo praised the Benson Center in an interview, calling it “critically important.”
“The same ideologues who have ruling hegemony over the institution as a whole cannot seem to tolerate a minuscule numerical minority of scholars that disagree with them,” he said.
The Benson Center attracted widespread attention when John Eastman, who was the center’s visiting scholar in conservative thought and policy, spoke at a rally held just before the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. Eastman helped former President Trump challenge the results of the 2020 election and was recently indicted by prosecutors in Georgia for alleged racketeering to overturn that election.
Brandon Warmke is the newest visiting scholar in conservative thought and policy, the position Eastman once held. He moderated Wednesday’s event.
“A university can fulfill its mission only when it welcomes conversations about a diversity of ideas,” Warmke said. “The Benson Center is proud to contribute to those conversations.”
Contact CU Independent Special Investigations Editor Henry Larson at henry.larson@colorado.edu.
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https://www.cuindependent.com/2024/01/18/conservative-activist-chris-rufo-tells-cu-boulder-audience-to-lay-siege-to-institutions/
| 2024-01-23T04:44:44Z
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The University of Colorado Boulder Retired Faculty Association hosted Jo Ann Joselyn, a 2002 Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame inductee for her career in the space sciences. Her talk on Jan. 16 focused on her research of sun activity and her career as a woman of many firsts.
Joselyn graduated with a PhD in astro-geophysics at CU Boulder in 1978, becoming the first woman to earn a doctoral degree in that department.
“The space age had completely revolutionized the scientific discipline of space science, and my major turned out to be plasma physics, a topic that had not existed when I was getting my master’s degree a few years before,” Joselyn said, referring to the rapid advancement in space exploration and research in the 1970s.
Joselyn’s graduation from CU Boulder led her to a career working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center. She researched coronal mass ejections (CME), the discharge of material from the outer atmosphere of the sun. CMEs directed toward Earth can disrupt power grids as they interfere with the magnetic field.
“One of the takeaways, obviously, is that the sun controls many things in our environment, not just weather… but also controls things like the safety of electronic equipment,” said Jeffery Linsky, an audience member and professor emeritus in the astrophysical and planetary sciences department.
Joselyn’s career led her to serve as the first woman and first American secretary general of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics, a global non-governmental organization involved in the advancement of scientific exploration into Earth and space. She also served as the first female secretary general of the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy, an association of the IUGG.
When asked how careers in science have become more accessible to women, Joselyn replied. “I think (women) basically just got permission… It just suddenly became okay to do that. Once it’s okay, then the women picked it up.”
In the 2023 CU Boulder Fall Enrollment Census, women made up 52.8% of those enrolled in the astrophysical and planetary studies major. This is up from 29.4% in 2013 and marks the highest female enrollment for this major in last decade of records available.
Joselyn’s work in improving the accuracy of CME predictions will be especially important this year as 2024 marks the peak of the sun’s 11-year cycle. Solar activity is expected to be at its highest between January and October. The Space Weather Prediction Center will update its website for any space weather alerts, a page Joselyn said she visits daily despite her retirement from the institution.
Joselyn’s long career has spanned many cultural changes in the scientific field as well as helped instigate some of them. Linsky recalled attending the most recent American Astronomical Society meeting and noticing that a significant portion of the younger attendees were women.
“This large wave of female astronomers is not just at the undergraduate/graduate level where it’s totally obvious. It’s gone into the junior faculty and now in the more senior faculty,” said Linsky. “Things have changed and it’s ocurring very rapidly.”
Contact CU Independent Breaking News Editor Ann Marie Vanderveen at ann.vanderveen@colorado.edu.
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https://www.cuindependent.com/2024/01/20/astronomy-pioneer-jo-ann-joselyn/
| 2024-01-23T04:44:51Z
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For bioartist Darya Warner, the path to their somewhat unconventional career was a tumultuous one, beginning in post-Soviet Ukraine and bringing them nearly 6,000 miles away to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.
Warner, who uses both she and they pronouns, is a Colorado Art Science and Environment fellow. The CASE fellowship pairs fellows with University of Colorado scientists to explore Colorado-specific climate issues through collaborative artistic and scientific research. Her work for “Coloradans and Our Shared Environment in Times of Challenge and Change” is currently on display in CU Boulder’s Sustainability, Energy and Environment Complex.
For Warner, the project has been a sort of homecoming, combining their long-held interests in both the scientific and artistic worlds.
“I always drew as a kid, but I never considered art as a profession because back then, this was not feasible because you have to be coming from a wealthy family,” Warner said. “Usually in post-Soviet countries, it was more about getting (what) they call a ‘real degree,’ like a doctor or lawyer… But I was always interested in science as well.”
This cultural bias against careers in the arts led Warner through a stint in law school in Belarus, researching nuclear power legislation and regulation, a subject that they noted was of special interest due to the nation’s contamination after the Chernobyl disaster.
Ultimately, after Warner’s research was rejected for publication, considered too “hot” under a governmental dictatorship, they decided to take a fateful leave of absence.
It was during this leave in 2001 that Warner was presented the opportunity to come to the U.S. on a work and travel exchange program that brought them to work in children’s summer camps in New York City just before the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center.
“We worked really long hours, and looking at this now from perspective… this was total discrimination in a lot of levels and also on the level of being an immigrant, speaking with an accent,” Warner said. “You’re just being treated like a servant.”
While the hours were long and their time after arriving in New York was marked by other struggles, such as losing all of their completed law school credentials in the overseas transfer, it was also Warners’ immigration to the U.S. that led them back to pursuing art.
“I decided… I’m here, and I can do actually whatever I want and learn whatever I want,” Warner said. “(I thought), ‘Well, I have a gift of drawing, why don’t we apply that some way or another?’”
Warner said they tried out paths ranging from fashion design to graphic design before enrolling at New York’s School of Visual Arts, another fateful decision as the school opened up a Bio Art lab as a part of its fine arts department during their time as a student.
“That was it. That was exactly why I was there. It was like perfect. It was like everything I’ve done before that led me to that moment,” Warner said. “That’s the place where you combine the art and science… we got to work with scientists and got to do stuff in the lab. So that science part of me that always wanted to participate was like, ‘That’s it.’”
After earning a master’s degree in Bio Arts, Warner accepted a job in Colorado Springs teaching at the United States Air Force Academy.
It was here that Warner first noticed one major difference in the climates of Colorado and New York, where she’d originally landed after immigrating.
“I didn’t know anything about Colorado except it was really dry here,” Warner said in their speech at the opening reception of “Coloradans and Our Shared Environment in Times of Challenge and Change,” the art exhibition that is the culmination of the CASE program. “What I was interested about the lack of water (was that) I felt this anxiety right away when I got here, especially from the East Coast, and just this general anxiety about water and water issues.”
After being paired with Suzanne Anderson, a researcher and professor of geological sciences at CU Boulder, the team knew exactly what climate issue they wanted to tackle with their work.
“We definitely wanted to work on water,” Anderson said of her shared interest with Warner.
The pair ultimately landed on combining their artistic and scientific skills to create art concerning the importance of groundwater, specifically through using wells to measure groundwater’s involvement in how water moves throughout the water cycle.
It is a topic of concern for Coloradans, especially considering the historic drought that has impacted the state in the last two decades.
“Everybody has something to say about water. Everybody was excited, from little kids to older folks who have been living here for a long time,” Warner said. “(Coloradans) did know what’s happening on the local level, but they just don’t know what’s happening across the state. And I wanted to know what’s happening across the state.”
For Warner to accomplish this took careful and dedicated research. Something that, according to Anderson, speaks to their personality and devotion to art.
“I’ve admired her persistence in really having an idea and pushing it forward,” Anderson said.
Warner and Anderson’s work, along with a number of other teams of CASE fellows and scientists, is on display at SEEC through Feb. 24, when it will then join the rest of the collaborative works from the project on a traveling tour around the state.
“I’ve been really pleased with the energy that she’s brought to this (and) her persistence,” Anderson said.
These qualities, noted by Anderson, are the same reasons that Warner herself believes they were able to succeed in both the artistic and scientific worlds.
“It’s like the quintessential American Dream… If you work hard, you will get somewhere, and I am a good example of that,” Warner said.
Contact CU Independent News Editor Jessi Sachs at Jessica.Sachs@colorado.edu.
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https://www.cuindependent.com/2024/01/21/how-a-bioartist-from-ukraine-brought-attention-to-colorado-groundwater-concerns/
| 2024-01-23T04:44:59Z
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As the saying goes, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and this couldn't be more true for Frankie Johnson, the youngest son of former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie.
In a recent photo shared by Carrie Johnson on Instagram, young Frankie, born in July 2023, bears a striking resemblance to his famous father.
The rare image captures a tender moment between father and son, with Boris gently leaning in, his face just inches away from the curious gaze of baby Frankie.
The child's expression is one of fascination, his tiny hand reaching out to touch his father's face, as if he's beginning to recognize the man whom he mirrors so closely.
A single red heart emoji floats above them in the Instagram story, a silent testament to the love that encircles this young family.
When Frankie was first born, Carrie's playful caption revealed the joy and humor that fill their household. "A week of Frankie. Welcome to the world Frank Alfred Odysseus Johnson, born 5th July at 9.15am," she wrote, teasing Boris with the quip, "Can you guess which name my husband chose?!"
Delving into her experience as a new mother again, Carrie shared, "Am loving every minute of the sleepy baby bubble. Seeing my older two embrace their new brother with such joy and excitement has been the most wonderful thing to see. We are all very smitten."
The warmth of her message is palpable, reflecting the bliss and chaos that a newborn brings into a family already blessed with two children, Romy, two, and Wilfred, three.
In her Instagram post, Carrie also took a moment to express her deep appreciation for the "incredible" maternity team at University College London Hospitals, a sentiment any mother can relate to after the birth of a child.
And with a touch of the relatable humor that endears her to many, she added, "Now, can anyone recommend any good series/box sets to binge while breastfeeding? Time for a drink."
Previously, Carrie shared an image of Romy and Wilfred twinning in matching denim dungarees adorned with farmyard animal prints.
The delightful photo showed the siblings sitting at the kitchen table, each embodying the essence of their parents.
Romy's blonde hair echoes Carrie's, while Wilfred's fair locks are reminiscent of Boris's own distinctive hairstyle.In a nod to the children's fashion, Carrie wrote, "The best kids dungarees from @maisieandmoouk," giving a shout-out to the brand behind the adorable outfits.
The Johnsons, who tied the knot in 2021, have created a life filled with the hustle and bustle of a growing family.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/511839/boris-johnsons-baby-looks-identical-to-his-famous-dad-in-rare-photo/
| 2024-01-23T05:07:49Z
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CANBERRA – Former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison has announced he will retire from politics in February, ending a prolonged period of speculation over his future following an election defeat in 2022.
In a Facebook post on Jan 23, the 55-year-old said he would be resigning from Parliament by the end of February to “take on new challenges in the global corporate sector and spend more time with my family”.
Mr Morrison thanked his family, friends and voters for giving him the opportunity to “serve my country at the highest level and make Australia a stronger, more secure and more prosperous country”.
First elected to the New South Wales seat of Cook in 2007, Mr Morrison rose quickly through the ranks of the centre-right Liberal Party. He was initially known for implementing the government’s hardline crackdown on asylum seekers arriving by boat, then went on to become treasurer in 2015 and prime minister in 2018.
A devout Christian, when Mr Morrison unexpectedly won the 2019 election, he told a jubilant crowd that he had “always believed in miracles”.
However, Mr Morrison’s time in power will be mainly remembered for the Covid-19 pandemic, during which he oversaw strict border controls to limit all travel in and out of Australia and deployed a massive fiscal stimulus.
His tough response was initially very popular. However, as restrictions were gradually lifted, the government was increasingly perceived as bungling important initiatives such as vaccinations, resulting in his approval rating falling sharply.
After losing the 2022 election to Labor’s Anthony Albanese, it was revealed that Mr Morrison had secretly sworn himself into several ministerial portfolios during the pandemic, sparking fury from members of his own party.
Some lawmakers called for Mr Morrison to resign, but the former prime minister stayed on as the member for Cook for more than 18 months after his election defeat – a historically unusual step for a former Australian leader whose party has lost office. BLOOMBERG
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/australianz/former-australian-pm-morrison-to-quit-parliament-in-february
| 2024-01-23T05:50:52Z
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KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia is considering initiating legal proceedings against foreign banks linked to the multi-billion dollar 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) corruption scandal, the chairman of the 1MDB asset recovery taskforce said on Jan 23.
Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani did not identify the foreign banks but said they did not conduct proper due diligence before facilitating fund transfers related to the sovereign fund.
Malaysian and United States investigators estimate US$4.5 billion (S$6 billion) was stolen from 1MDB, implicating a former Malaysian prime minister, Goldman Sachs staff and high-level officials elsewhere.
In 2021, Malaysia sued units of Deutsche Bank, JP Morgan and Coutts to recover billions in alleged losses from the fund, though the cases have yet to progress in court.
“The 1MDB task force is firmly committed in addressing the 1MDB matter transparently and holding all parties accountable,” Mr Johari said in a statement.
Separately, he added that Malaysia had responded on Nov 8 to an arbitration request by Goldman Sachs, and the two parties were in the process of agreeing on a procedural timetable.
Goldman Sachs in 2020 had agreed to pay US$3.9 billion to settle Malaysia’s criminal probe over its role in the scandal.
But the parties are now in disagreement over the settlement, which stipulates that Goldman should make an interim payment if Malaysia did not recover at least US$500 million from the firm by August 2022.
Goldman sued Malaysia in a British court in October 2023 for the Malaysian government’s violation of its obligations to appropriately credit assets against the guarantee provided by Goldman in the settlement agreement and to recover other assets worth US$1.4 billion.
Malaysia has denied the allegations it breached the settlement deal.
On Jan 23, Kuala Lumpur accused Goldman Sachs of trying to offset 1MDB fines and settlements recovered from other institutions such as AmBank, and Abu Dhabi’s International Petroleum Investment against the US$1.4 billion sum.
Mr Johari said the fines and settlements were not within the scope of Goldman’s asset recovery guarantee.
The 1MDB taskforce was also examining whether negotiators and lawyers representing the Malaysian government at the time failed to secure a fair and adequate settlement from Goldman, given the firm’s role in the scandal.
Goldman had helped 1MDB raise US$6.5 billion through bond sales, earning US$600 million in fees, which was “unusually high”, Mr Johari said.
“Such lapses on the part of negotiators and lawyers, in failing to negotiate a fair and clear settlement agreement, have compromised the government of Malaysia’s position in the ongoing dispute,” Mr Johari said. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-considers-legal-proceedings-against-foreign-banks-linked-to-1mdb-graft
| 2024-01-23T05:51:02Z
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HONG KONG – China’s gaming regulator has removed from its website the rules it proposed in December aimed at curbing spending and rewards that encourage playing video games, checks by Reuters on Jan 23 showed, in a move that boosted gaming company shares.
The link to the draft rules on the National Press and Publication Administration’s (NPPA) website was inaccessible as of the morning of Jan 23, after having worked the day before.
The consultation period on the rules, which sparked market turmoil when they were first announced, expired on Jan 22.
The removal was described by analysts as unusual, with some saying a revision could be in store. The NPPA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the reason for the removal.
Ms Hu Xiaoyue, an analyst at Haitong Securities, said in a note to clients that the removal of the announcement could signal “there might be further changes in the new measures”.
She said previous regulatory measures seeking opinions had a track record of staying on the government’s websites even after the consultation period ended.
Shares in Tencent Holdings, the world’s biggest gaming company, and its closest rival, NetEase, rose as much as 6 per cent and 7 per cent respectively in morning trading. The two companies’ shares were still up more than 4 per cent at noon against a 2.4 per cent increase in Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index.
The draft rules, which proposed setting spending limits for online games, had sparked panic among investors, wiping out nearly US$80 billion (S$107 billion) in market value from China’s two biggest gaming companies when they were announced.
Analysts said at the time that the plans brought the risk of potential regulatory change back to the fore in the minds of investors, hurting confidence at a time when the government has been trying to boost private sector investment to spur a slowing economy.
But five days later, the NPPA struck a more conciliatory tone, saying it would improve them by “earnestly studying” public views. Earlier in January, Reuters reported that China removed a gaming regulatory official from his post, in a move linked to the rules.
Two of the most contentious items in the proposed rules were Articles 17 and 18, analysts said. The NPPA had acknowledged concern over those articles in December and analysts said there was a possibility they could be removed or changed.
Article 17 seeks to ban video games from forcing players into combat, which confused the industry as combat is the key mechanic of the majority of contemporary multi-player games.
Article 18 requires games to set a spending limit for players, in addition to barring features that incentivise players to spend in the game.
“Our base-case view expects the government to remove Articles 17 (prohibition of mandatory player versus player) and 18 (imposing spending limit) from the final rules,” Morningstar analyst Ivan Su told Reuters.
Mr Charlie Chai, a Shanghai-based analyst at 86Research, said regulators had been working to contain the fallout of the proposed rules.
“It seems (government) officials were caught off guard by the overwhelming negative reaction from investors, businesses and the public,” he said, adding that the government has since “moderated its stance (and labelled) the proposal as ‘negotiable’”. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/china-regulator-removes-draft-video-game-rules-from-website-shares-jump
| 2024-01-23T05:51:13Z
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SINGAPORE - Singapore consumer prices rose at a faster pace in December from a month earlier, even as full-year 2023 inflation eased considerably from a year ago.
Core inflation, which excludes private transport and accommodation costs to better reflect the expenses of local households, rose to 3.3 per cent year on year in December, according to official data released on Jan 23.
It came in above the 3 per cent forecast by analysts in a Bloomberg poll, and compares with 3.2 per cent in November.
Overall inflation, as measured by all-items consumer prices, also edged up, to 3.7 per cent compared with 3.6 per cent in November.
For 2023, overall inflation averaged 4.8 per cent, down from 6.1 per cent in 2022.
Core inflation last year was 4.2 per cent, down from 4.1 per cent in 2022.
Both inflation measures came in lower than officially forecast. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) last month said that overall inflation for 2023 is expected to average around 5 per cent, and core inflation around 4 per cent.
MAS and MTI said on Jan 23 that core inflation is expected to be affected in early 2024 by increases in the goods and services tax (GST) and administrative prices, such as the announced increases in bus and train fares - that took effect in late 2023 - and electricity and gas tariffs in the first quarter of 2024.
However, core inflation should resume a gradual moderating trend over the rest of the year, as import-cost pressures decline and tightness in the domestic labour market eases.
The statement reiterated the core inflation forecast of 2.5–3.5 per cent in 2024.
It however noted that Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums have been volatile, notwithstanding further increases in the COE quota since November 2023.
Hence, the forecast range for all-items inflation in 2024 will be updated in the next monetary policy statement due on Jan 29.
The MAS/MTI statement also stressed that while inflation has globally eased through last year, upside risks remain.
The risks include fresh shocks to global energy and shipping costs due to geopolitical conflicts, higher food commodity prices from adverse weather events, as well as more persistent-than-expected tightness in the domestic labour market.
At the same time, an unexpected weakening in the global economy could induce a faster easing of cost and price pressures, they added.
For December, overall inflation was powered by a 5.1 per cent jump in healthcare cost, followed by 3.9 per cent rise for both transport and communication.
Housing and utilities costs rose 3.8 per cent, while food prices went up by 3.7 per cent.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/singapore-inflation-eases-to-48-in-2023-from-61-in-2022-december-prices-rise-at-faster-pace
| 2024-01-23T05:51:23Z
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We Try First: Can AI help us hack our CVs?
Welcome to the latest edition of ST HeadSTart, bringing you the best of The Straits Times’ career and personal finance coverage every Monday morning. Sign up here to get weekly tips right into your inbox.
This week, we look at the use of AI in job applications, workplace trends in Singapore and more.
Hi there, and welcome to another edition of HeadSTart. I’m Sue-Ann!
In recent years, many of my friends, colleagues and experts I work with have been talking about how influential Artificial Intelligence has become, especially in the job recruitment process. In fact, in many cases, the first time a human sees your CV might be the day of the interview itself!
In a job market where so much of the recruiting process is done by AI, I wanted to see if I could beat AI at its own game. So, I employed the services of an AI-powered CV generator, and tried to pit it against a CV I painstakingly put together myself. I then brought them both to a professional recruiter, to see if she can tell the difference.
I won’t spoil the results of that test for you, but I did learn a few things through the process. For one, applying for jobs can be difficult and demoralising. Technology is meant to make life a little easier for us, and there should be no shame in using whatever tools we have at our disposal to help overcome that inertia.
Just make sure the final product still reflects who you are accurately and with some personality. After all, if the employer wanted to hire a robot, they would.
Watch as I pit the two CVs, one I made myself and one made with the help of AI, on this episode of We Try First.
askST Jobs: Will quitting right after a promotion hurt chances for your next job?
Tay Hong Yi finds out how quitting right after a promotion could affect your job prospects.
‘Chaotic working’ tops S’pore workplace trends in 2023, survey finds
Moonlighting came in second with 13 per cent, while 12 per cent of respondents reported being a boomerang employee.
More S’pore professionals seeking to change jobs despite cooling labour market: LinkedIn
86 per cent of over 1,000 Singapore professionals polled are considering a new job in 2024.
Is the tech boom tapering off?
Layoffs in the tech industry have been making headlines recently, but analysts think it is more to do with strategy and re-organisation than a lack of growth prospects.
Interning at funeral home: Students may benefit from attachments unrelated to future careers
Venturing into a different domain can equip interns with expanded skill sets, say educators.
Sorry you were fired but putting it on TikTok won’t change anything
Workplace norms and new tech increase the likelihood that all sorts of private conversations end up online, says the writer.
Singapore’s fastest-growing companies 2024
Is your company one of them? Check out the firms which made the annual list of 100 fastest-growing companies.
If you received this newsletter from someone, sign up here to get it right into your inbox!
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/can-we-hack-our-cvs-with-the-help-of-ai-why-you-shouldn-t-quit-right-after-a-promotion
| 2024-01-23T05:51:44Z
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SINGAPORE - Five puppies and three kittens were found during a vehicle inspection at Woodlands Checkpoint on Jan 10, in what is the first case of animal smuggling detected in 2024.
The National Parks Board (NParks) and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a joint statement on Jan 23 that the animals were found hidden in the car’s spare tyre compartment. A 42-year-old driver has been arrested.
Less than one month ago, ICA officers detected two separate smuggling attempts on Dec 27, 2023. Five puppies were found hidden in the boot of a vehicle, while five kittens were found under the seats of another vehicle.
Both drivers and another three people were arrested by NParks officers in those cases.
NParks said the cases are under investigation.
More than 30 cases of pet animal and wildlife smuggling were detected by NParks and partner agencies in 2023.
NParks said that since 2021, it has seized 180 wildlife specimens in cases which involved suspects who had advertised these animals for sale through online platforms such as Telegram. Many of these animals were protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites).
Cites-protected species are not allowed to be sold, offered for sale or kept as pets in Singapore.
Under the Animals and Birds Act, a first-time offender found guilty of importing any animal or bird without a licence may be fined up to $10,000, jailed up to 12 months, or both.
Those found guilty of illegally trading Cites-protected species may be fined up to $100,000 per specimen and be jailed up to six years.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/5-puppies-3-kittens-rescued-in-first-smuggling-case-of-2024
| 2024-01-23T05:51:54Z
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SINGAPORE - A man who was a CityCab driver when he allegedly shoved a private hire driver, causing him to fall into a drain, was charged in court on Jan 23 with causing hurt by performing a rash act.
Tok Wee Hoong, 53, is accused of pushing Mr Allan Wong, 59, at the Pan Island Expressway towards Changi at around 5.20am on Sept 25, 2023.
According to court documents, Mr Wong fell backwards, hit a road divider and ended up in a drain.
In a 20-second video posted on citizen journalism site Stomp in September 2023, a man can be seen standing near the open driver’s side door of a yellow CityCab taxi and addressing somebody inside the vehicle.
The taxi surges forward with the door still open before coming to a stop. The driver then steps out and pushes the man who falls over.
In an earlier statement, Mrs Grace Wu, from transportation company ComfortDelGro which owns CityCab, said that the group does not take this incident lightly and will be taking disciplinary action against the taxi driver.
The Straits Times has reached out to ComfortDelGro on Jan 23 to find out if Tok is still with the firm.
His case has been adjourned to Feb 15.
Offenders convicted of causing hurt to another person by performing a rash act can be jailed for up to a year and fined up to $5,000.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/cabby-who-allegedly-shoved-private-hire-driver-charged-with-performing-rash-act
| 2024-01-23T05:52:05Z
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SINGAPORE - Coldplay concert-goers will be able to travel for free from the National Stadium to four MRT stations on selected days from Jan 23 to 31.
In a Facebook post on Jan 22, ride-hailing company Grab said it will offer shuttle buses that will go to Redhill, Jurong East, Boon Keng and Toa Payoh MRT stations.
Coldplay will perform sold-out concerts on Jan 23, 24, 26, 27, 30 and 31. Some 300,000 fans, who paid $68 to $298 a ticket, are slated to attend the British rock band’s highly anticipated shows.
The buses will come every 15 to 30 minutes between 9.30pm and 12am at a pick-up point near the bridge at gate 14 of the National Stadium.
A post on the Grab app notes that “seating availability is limited, and will be made on a first-come, first-served basis”.
Paid shuttle services, like Wagon Asia, are also offering buses for concert-goers hoping to beat the crowd. Early-bird tickets cost $10 while regular ones cost $15.
The 45-seater buses will go to Eunos, Woodlands, City Hall, Jurong East and Serangoon MRT stations.
Ticket holders will board the buses on a first-come, first-served basis. The bus will leave for its designated MRT station once it hits maximum capacity.
Chief executive of Wagon Asia Hafiz Azhar said 600 seats were sold in a day after the company posted a TikTok video introducing its services on Jan 16.
Another 300 people are on the waiting list for bus tickets.
Coldplay’s current tour is in support of their ninth studio album Music Of The Spheres (2021).
The two-hour show will be divided into four acts, each themed around the idea of planets, moons, stars and home.
Coldplay last performed two concerts at the National Stadium in 2017 as part of their A Head Full Of Dreams tour (2016 to 2017).
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/grab-to-offer-free-shuttle-buses-to-4-mrt-stations-from-coldplay-concerts
| 2024-01-23T05:52:15Z
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SINGAPORE - A teen who advertised two girls as social escorts on a Telegram chat group, leading them to provide sexual services to multiple strangers, has been sentenced to at least six months of reformative training.
On Jan 23, the 18-year-old received his sentence via video link in a district court. He had previously pleaded guilty to six charges, including offences under the Women’s Charter and Prevention of Human Trafficking Act.
Reformative training is a more severe punishment than probation and results in a criminal record. It involves being detained in a reformative training centre for six to 12 months to attend rehabilitative programmes and counselling.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Tay Jia En said the teen was not suitable for probation, but the reasons were not revealed in court.
After handing down the sentence, Deputy Principal District Judge Kessler Soh also arranged for the teen to meet a court counsellor.
The perpetrator and his victims, identified only as V1 and V2 in court documents, cannot be named owing to a gag order.
The Straits Times previously reported that the teen got to know V1 from a friend, who was the girl’s ex-boyfriend and father of her child.
In June 2022, V1 needed money to support her baby and asked the teen to recommend jobs that paid “fast cash”.
The teen became a member of the Telegram chat group in July 2022, and was allowed to post advertisements in the chat.
He told V1 he had found a “high-paying” job for her, but she would need to provide sexual services. She would earn up to $500 from each booking and pay him $100 in commission each time.
He asked V1 for sexually provocative photos and personal details to advertise her services on the chat group, claiming she was a 17-year-old social escort despite knowing she was only 16.
In total, he found at least five customers for V1.
In January 2023, V1 introduced V2 to him, as V2 was also interested in providing sexual services to earn money. The teen subsequently found at least four customers for her.
The scheme was exposed when a 34-year-old customer, Muhamad Reduan, called the police after engaging V2 for sexual services.
He said he had been scammed, but it was not clear from court documents what the “scam” was.
DPP Tay said Muhamad Reduan and the other customers of the victims will be dealt with separately.
Upon realising his operation had been compromised, the teen changed the title of the chat group to an innocuous name. He also logged out of his Telegram account and deleted chats with customers on his digital devices.
For this, he was charged with more offences of obstructing the course of justice.
Investigations revealed that the teen had offered to waive some commissions from V1 and V2 if they had sex with him. They refused and paid him instead.
DPP Tay had called for a reformative training suitability report, saying: “The conduct of the accused clearly points towards a sustained pattern of criminal conduct which befits a sterner form of rehabilitative sentence.”
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/reformative-training-for-teen-who-prostituted-two-underage-girls-on-telegram-chat-group
| 2024-01-23T05:52:26Z
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SINGAPORE – Mr Amparo Juan Carlos Camero and his wife, Ms Jasmine Tan, had taken their 21-month-old son for a vaccination at Punggol Polyclinic on Jan 3, when a coordinator there told them that they could tap on free parenting programmes nearby at the same time.
Previously, parents would have to search for such programmes - ranging from how to improve their child’s emotional health, to guiding kids through play, on their own.
But Family Nexus@Punggol, an initiative at SingHealth Polyclinic-Punggol, has brought together health and social service referrals for young families, to make it more convenient for them. It was conceptualised by the Health Ministry (MOH), after feedback from parents and couples who asked for more community resources and support in parenthood.
Said Mr Carlos, 26, a financial consultant: “It feels like we have a loving community reaching out to us, instead of us having to source for it.”
Led by the MOH and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), the pilot programme at Punggol directs people to relevant social services and programmes while they are at the polyclinic, including how to get advice and support in health and wellness of mothers and mothers-to-be, child health and development, and marriage and parenting.
Apart from Punggol, there are similar initiatives at polyclinics in Tampines, Choa Chu Kang and Sembawang.
At the launch of Family Nexus@Punggol on Jan 22, Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information and Health, said: “We hope that families with young children in Punggol and the Northeast region will have more convenient access to health and parenting services.”
The support programmes are run by by community partners such as the Families for Life (FFL) council, a movement that promotes resilient families which comes under the MSF.
Healthwise, the Punggol polyclinic provides families with young children access to developmental assessment, screening for growth concerns for children, postnatal depression in mothers, maternal emotional health support and lactation support.
More than 190 referrals have been made to the parenting programmes via the polyclinic since it started in Dec 2023, said Dr Guo Xiaoxuan, clinic director of the polyclinic and programme lead at Punggol.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/support-programme-for-young-families-launched-at-punggol-polyclinic
| 2024-01-23T05:52:36Z
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PHILADELPHIA – Joel Embiid was mad at himself because he wanted to score more points on Jan 22.
It came after the Cameroonian centre became only the ninth player in National Basketball Association (NBA) history to score 70 points or more in a single game, as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 133-123.
A sensational individual performance from the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player led the way to victory for the Sixers and upstaged an impressive 33-point showing from Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama.
Embiid finished with 70 points, 18 rebounds and five assists.
His franchise-record effort – beating Wilt Chamberlain’s 68 points in 1967 – vaulted him into an elite band of NBA stars who have posted 70 or more points in a single game, joining Chamberlain, David Robinson, David Thompson, Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, Donovan Mitchell, Devin Booker and Damian Lillard.
“It feels good,” Embiid said after the win, paying tribute to his “extremely unselfish” teammates.
“I was hot and they just gave me the ball and made sure they put me in the best positions. Credit to the coaching staff too – I’m just surrounded by amazing people.”
However, it was clear that he wanted more – Chamberlain was playing for the Philadelphia Warriors when he set the NBA record with 100 points.
“I was actually mad at myself because I missed a lot of easy shots that I’ve been making all season,” Embiid added.
“Obviously, Wilt accomplished a lot of things. To be in the same conversation is pretty cool. It was just a great night. Had it going. They just kept giving me the ball and I just finished it.”
Tyrese Maxey added 18 points for the Sixers while Tobias Harris finished with 14 – the only other Philadelphia players to crack double figures.
Sixers coach Nick Nurse said Embiid’s combination of size and skill made him nearly unplayable.
“He can score in so many ways,” he said.
“His sheer size gets him a lot of stuff around the basket and a lot of free throws. And his shooting touch is the skill that makes it extra hard to stop him. When he gets motivated like that, anything can happen.”
Wembanyama, the highly rated No.1 draft pick from France, produced one of his best performances of the season in a losing effort for San Antonio, who remain at the bottom of the Western Conference.
Embiid lavished praise on the Frenchman, but would not say if facing up against the highly rated rookie had given him additional motivation.
“The big fella, he’s amazing, he’s great,” Embiid said of the 2.24m Wembanyama.
“In my opinion he’s already up there as one of the best players in the league. Obviously a bright future.”
Asked whether Wembanyama had fueled his 70-point display, he added: “It doesn’t matter who’s in the building. That’s my mindset – attack, dominate, offensively and defensively. Tonight was no different.”
Embiid’s masterpiece propelled Philadelphia (29-13) to a sixth straight victory, leaving them third in the Eastern Conference behind Boston (34-10) and Milwaukee (30-13).
San Antonio’s revered coach Gregg Popovich, meanwhile, saluted Embiid’s virtuoso performance.
“He’s a fantastic player,” he said. “He’s wonderful – he’s playing such an all-round game.”
Embiid’s 70-point was not the only eye-catching individual performance around the NBA on Jan 22.
In Charlotte, Minnesota Timberwolves stalwart Karl-Anthony Towns erupted for 62 points in his team’s 128-125 loss to the Hornets.
Towns’ performance included 10 three-pointers but it was not enough to prevent Charlotte snatching a notable win against the Western Conference leaders.
Miles Bridges led the Charlotte scoring with 28 points, followed by Brandon Miller with 27.
In Detroit, Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 31 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists as the Milwaukee Bucks notched a 122-113 victory over the Pistons.
In Dallas, 38 points from Jayson Tatum and a 35-point haul from Jaylen Brown earned the Boston Celtics a 119-110 win over Luka Doncic and the Mavericks. Doncic finished with 33 points while Kyrie Irving added 23. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/basketball/brilliant-joel-embiid-scores-70-as-philadelphia-76ers-down-san-antonio-spurs
| 2024-01-23T05:52:46Z
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DOUALA, Cameroon - The global fight against malaria took a stride forward on Jan 22 as Cameroon started the world’s first routine vaccine programme against the mosquito-borne disease, although Reuters journalists witnessed few people in clinics receiving the shot.
Around 40 years in the making, the World Health Organisation (WHO)-approved RTS,S vaccine developed by British drugmaker GSK is meant to work alongside existing tools such as bed nets to combat malaria, which in Africa kills nearly half a million children under the age of five each year.
After successful trials, including in Ghana and Kenya, Cameroon is the first country to administer doses through a routine programme that 19 other countries aim to roll out in 2024, according to global vaccine alliance Gavi.
About 6.6 million children in these countries are targeted for malaria vaccination from 2024 to 2025.
“For a long time, we have been waiting for a day like this,” said Dr Mohammed Abdulaziz of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at a joint online briefing with the WHO, Gavi and other organisations.
Cliniques des Anges hospital manager Caroline Badefona in Douala said five girls and one boy aged six months were vaccinated at her hospital on Jan 22.
“It went very well,” she said. “We are proud to have this programme in place because it will eradicate malaria in children aged six months to 59 months.”
In a health centre in the northern Cameroon district of Datcheka, 12 children were vaccinated early on Jan 22, according to a Reuters reporter.
But health workers in other centres told Reuters that parents had not been adequately informed about the vaccine, and some were afraid to consent to their children receiving it.
Others were not even aware of the start of the campaign.
“The reason I didn’t accept is because I wasn’t made aware of it – I didn’t know it existed,” said Ms Audrey Stella, a mother who declined to have her child vaccinated at the Japoma District Hospital in Douala.
Cases rising
Disruption linked to the Covid-19 pandemic and other issues have hindered the fight against malaria in recent years, with cases rising by around five million year on year in 2022, according to the WHO.
Overall, more than 30 countries in Africa have expressed interest in introducing the vaccine, and fears of a supply squeeze have eased since a second vaccine completed a key regulatory step in December.
Rolling out the second vaccine “is expected to result in sufficient vaccine supply to meet the high demand and reach millions more children”, the WHO’s director of immunisation, Dr Kate O’Brien, said at the briefing.
This R21 vaccine, developed by the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India, could be launched in May or June, said Gavi’s chief programme officer, Ms Aurelia Nguyen.
“Having two vaccines for malaria will help to close the huge gap between demand and supply and could save tens of thousands of young lives, especially in Africa,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the WHO, at a meeting of the UN body’s executive board on Jan 22.
Some experts have expressed scepticism about the potential impact of the vaccines, saying attention and funding should not be drawn away from the wider fight against the age-old killer and the use of established preventative tools like bed nets.
Health experts at the briefing said the roll-out was accompanied by extensive community out-reach to combat any vaccine hesitancy and emphasise the importance of continuing to use all protective measures alongside the vaccines. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/cameroon-begins-routine-malaria-shots-in-global-milestone
| 2024-01-23T05:52:57Z
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In the early morning of 23 January, Russians started another missile attack against Ukraine.
The first reports on the takeoff of 12 Tu-95MS strategic bombers, capable of carrying Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles, from the Olenya air base in Russia emerged around 2 a.m. Kyiv time. The Olenya base is located in Murmansk Oblast in Russia’s far northwest.
At 5:20, air raid alerts were declared in Ukraine’s eastern and some central regions after the first launches of the missiles. Later, the alerts expanded all across Ukraine, with the first Russian missiles entering the Ukrainian air space at around 6 a.m. through the country’s northeastern Sumy Oblast.
The first group of the missiles bypassed Kyiv Oblast from the south and approached the Ukrainian capital from Zhytomyr Oblast (southeast). Monitoring channels reported air defense activities in Kyiv.
While the second group of the missiles was approaching Kyiv, the Russians attacked Dnipro and Kharkiv cities with ballistic missiles from the south.
At around 7:10, the second group of the missiles was moving towards Kyiv and was reportedly successfully repelled, while more missiles headed towards Pavlohrad, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
As of 7:30, there were no new waves of missiles in the Ukrainian airspace. However, at the moment only a few of the Russian strategic bombers have made launches and the missile threat was still persisting.
The Kyiv City Military Administration said cars were on fire in Kyiv’s Sviatoshynskyi district after the explosions. Kyiv Mayor Klitschko reported that first responders got emergency calls in Solomianskyi district.
One injured person was hospitalized after the explosions in Kyiv’s Solomianskyi district, Mayor Klitschko said.
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that the Russian strike destroyed an entire section of an apartment building. Rescuers were dismantling the rubble trying to find people blocked under it.
“Also, one of the most affected parts of [Kharkiv’s] Kyiv district has no electricity and partially no water. Relevant services are working to repair the damage caused by the enemy shelling,” Terekhov added.
A Ukrainian air defense forces linked Telegram channel said that as of about 7:40, Russia used the following assets during the attack:
- up to 12 Tu-95MS
- 5 Tu-22M3 aircraft
- an unspecified number of S-300/S-400 ballistic missiles, “as well as others.”
- “and there were probably launches from tactical aircraft.”
(The article is being updated as the Russian missile attack is unfolding)
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https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/23/russia-launches-another-massive-missile-attack-against-ukraine-updates/
| 2024-01-23T06:07:35Z
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Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (NS) - Review
by Paul Broussard , posted 48 minutes ago / 197 ViewsIt continues to be Metroidvania month around here, with Ubisoft of all companies now throwing its hat into the ring. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown was announced last year to a chorus of “eh” from the general Prince of Persia fanbase, who were all presumably still drinking themselves into a coma after hearing that development on the Sands of Time remake was being rebooted. It feels particularly odd to see Ubisoft investing in what has tended to be a niche genre, but you know what, I’m willing to let the last decade of ruining Assassin’s Creed and throwing Rayman out with the trash be bygones. Show us what an AAA Metroidvania that isn’t made by Nintendo looks like.
Taken literally, the answer to that question is “not great.” Lost Crown has fairly unappealing art direction and looks quite ugly in general. The various human characters in the world look, for lack of a better way of putting it, like they belong in Fortnite, or even worse, one of those awful mobile games with fake advertisements. Non-human characters are thankfully better in that they’re merely fine, although they still have a cheap, almost plastic look. The game also has a bad habit of displaying oddities in its in-engine cutscenes, like when the camera cuts to an animation of a boss character charging up a powerful attack, but it still shows the player moving in the background. One area where I will give it credit is the background detail for the areas you explore; nearly every room in Lost Crown is absolutely packed with completely unnecessary but awesome details like giant statues, trees, rivers, ancient machines, and more, but on the whole the visuals get a pretty thorough thumbs down.
The plot is also fairly bland. You play as Sargon, one of the seven “Immortals,” which feels like a rather ironic title for a character who starts the game with a health bar that can take a handful of hits from standard enemies at most. After saving Persia from an invading force, the titular Prince of Persia is kidnapped by one of the immortals and taken to the mystical Mount Qaf, prompting Sargon and his comrades to pursue them. Arriving at Mount Qaf quickly reveals that not all is as it seems, however, as they're sealed inside by magic and time distortions begin popping up routinely. It’s a cool concept, but the game doesn’t do a whole lot with it, and I do think there was some missed potential to craft a more interesting narrative around such an intriguing idea.
Mixed visuals and story aside, the gameplay of Lost Crown handles very well. Sargon, the main character, has a moveset inspired by a variety of Metroidvanias from recent years, including Blasphemous’ slide, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night’s backstep, a counter system reminiscent of modern Metroid, and a standard sprint filling out the diverse starting toolkit. One of the game’s unique inclusions is a sprinting kick that launches smaller enemies into the air and allows for continued combo strings. Combat itself mostly revolves around standard melee attacks from Sargon’s two swords, and while you start off with one ground combo and one air combo, it gradually opens up, with pause combos and optional equippables that allow for extra hits with precise timing.
The strong handling foundation translates directly into excellent platforming and environmental puzzles. Lost Crown is a Prince of Persia title, after all, and it wouldn’t be Prince of Persia without some fast-paced platforming over spike pits. Many of the game’s various optional upgrades require solid platforming chops, and this is only possible with a great control scheme. The level design shines at its brightest on the occasions when the game throws in some kind of puzzle to solve as well. There’s one segment leading up to acquiring a powerup which tasks you with entering four mini-challenge rooms and solving timed puzzles with various duplicate copies of yourself. It’s a really unique and interesting way of pushing the mechanics to their fullest, and it’s something I would’ve liked to have seen more of.
Combat is the other half of the control aspect, and it’s handled quite well, offering up a good amount of depth. Sargon’s kit is heavily melee focused (utilising his dual swords), with a sprinkling of ranged attacks from a bow that he acquires as the first major upgrade. The aforementioned counter system plays a big role, with most melee attacks being counterable, and specific yellow attacks resulting in a cinematic playing out and killing regular enemies outright. One of the more unique additions that Lost Crown’s combat brings to the table is a meter system, where you build meter primarily through successful counters and can spend it on a variety of super moves that deal a huge amount of damage. This creates a good risk/reward proposition that keeps combat entertaining and adds a layer of strategy to things, as you need to figure out when it’s worth countering and when it’s worth backing off.
My only complaint on the combat side is that some of the regular enemies can get a bit frustrating; the limited range of the sword and the miserable damage output of the bow mean that the bevvy of enemies who either operate from a distance and/or actively run away from you are often more annoying to deal with than fun. Enemies also have a bad habit of stunlocking the player, and in a crowd, one hit can often snowball into you getting ping-ponged back and forth for a huge chunk of your health bar.
The real star of the show that is Lost Crown’s combat has to be the selection of boss fights. I will say up front that this is another title that leans into the increasingly popular trend of “bosses you will likely have to die to a couple times in order to learn their patterns,” and I know that isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. For me, though, nearly every single encounter was a treat, and I think Lost Crown is up there with the absolute best in the genre in this respect. There are some truly unique and elaborate fights that do a fantastic job of putting every single skill you’ve acquired to the test, and by the end of the game I can safely say that if there are any post launch plans for Lost Crown, one of them absolutely needs to be the addition of a boss rush mode.
The boss fights aren’t the only element of Lost Crown that’s ambitious; the world is probably one of, if not the biggest I’ve seen a Metroidvania launch with. There's a ton to take in here, and a variety of diverse environments, each with their own sets of obstacles, enemies, and unique platforming challenges. The point where I thought things were wrapping up and I was about to take on one of the last bosses turned out to be a set up for three more bosses in brand new areas. I can’t believe I’m saying this in the year 2024, but Ubisoft clearly put a lot of thought into crafting the areas that make up Mount Qaf. It really is a shame that the game looks as shaky as it does, because nailing this element really could’ve made this absolutely massive world come to life. Even with the dubious visuals, though, there’s still a ton to take in here; if you’re someone who frets about getting enough content out of a game, rest assured, you’ll find plenty of it here.
Powerup design is also pretty inventive, with a lot of experimentation being on display in terms of the different abilities you collect. There are, of course, your seemingly pre-requisite upgrades for the genre, like an air dash and a double jump, but there are also some entirely new and unique upgrades, like the ability to create a memory of your character and later revert back to the point on screen where that memory was saved. This is put to great effect in both the game’s boss fights and puzzles, and it’s genuinely impressive how far the concept gets pushed. This isn’t just for optional stuff either; the solution to progress to the next mandatory area often requires you to really think about everything in your kit and intuit creative ways to use your abilities, frequently without any prompts or hints. And, again, I can’t believe I’m saying that about a Ubisoft release in 2024.
Environmental design as a whole is one of Lost Crown's strengths. There are some really unique themes to the areas, ranging from a spike-filled industrial site with moving pistons (or whatever the ancient equivalent is), to a desert with giant centipedes and sandfalls that can be moved up and down, to a raging sea battle between ships, all stationary, frozen in time. I’ve never been one to get excited by the deployment of standard environmental themes like “cold area” and “lava area,” but I can definitely appreciate a developer going the extra mile to make a game's environments stand out, and Lost Crown definitely does that. It’s a shame the game looks as shaky as it does, as even halfway competent visual design probably would’ve made these areas really stand out. Nevertheless, even with the present artstyle, Lost Crown's environments are praiseworthy.
There’s only one major problem with the core gameplay, and it’s unfortunately a big one for a game based around exploration: most of the rewards for exploring… kind of suck. If you’re extremely lucky, completing a platforming challenge or exploring a tucked away corner will reveal a fraction of what you need to improve your life bar, or an item that you’ll need several of to upgrade your weapons. And those are quite rare. Much more likely is discovering one of the game’s several dozen amulets, 75% of which you will never, ever use. The maximum number of equippable amulets is pretty small, even with upgrades, and there’s no reason to remove one of the handful of actually good ones for something as situational as “decreased frost damage” when only like two enemy types even use ice attacks.
But at least charms are something tangible. The most common “rewards” that you’ll find while out exploring are little fragments of lore that you can pick up, which will provide some detail about the area and what events took place there. While I’m all for leaving tidbits of lore around as breadcrumbs for the player to assemble, this has to be one of the least inspiring rewards that I can think of. Overcoming a tough optional boss or going through a long platforming challenge over spike pits only to be rewarded with yet another bit of text that does nothing to improve my character in any tangible way is probably as close as any game has come to replicating the feeling of being blue balled. And this happens all the time, to the point where I genuinely started to wonder if the developers were trying to make this some kind of message about the futility of looking for help in a lost world.
Another point against the game is how technically shaky it is; this is a title that, at least for me, was filled with glitches and bugs. Some were weird but mostly harmless, like a cinematic from much earlier in the game replaying after re-entering the room where it had played the first time. Others were a bit more detrimental to the experience, like a bug that made character’s voices almost impossible to hear in cutscenes, even with volume turned up to max. The worst were the glitches where Sagron would clip into a wall, or a quest line animation wouldn’t load properly, effectively softlocking the game. The worst one of these cost me about 20 minutes of progress, and while that’s hardly the worst glitch I’ve endured in a title I’ve reviewed, it’s hard to see why a 2D platformer struggles so much to just keep things running smoothly, even if it is one as big as The Lost Crown.
Conversely, one area where The Lost Crown massively succeeds is its quality of life options. This is the first game I’ve seen in the genre since the Metroid Prime titles to allow for a completely optional hint system that points you in the right direction if you get lost, and with “getting frustratingly lost” being such a large barrier to entry for the genre, it’s kind of amazing that it’s taken this long for such a feature to be re-implemented. Another incredible and, to my knowledge, entirely unique addition is allowing players to take pictures of areas they find but aren’t yet able to access, so they don’t have to waste their time doubling back to a point on the map that they still can’t access while looking for where to go next.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown would be an excellent first attempt at a Metroidvania by any company, and is an especially pleasant surprise coming from Ubisoft. If you’re a fan of the genre, it’s hard to not recommend this to you. It's also a pretty good starting point for those new to the genre, thanks to a bevy of optional systems that make the Metroidvania learning curve a bit less steep. The puzzles, combat, boss fights, and general progression all make The Lost Crown a joy to play, notwithstanding some frustrating technical issues and lackluster optional discoverable items.
VGChartz Verdict
8.5
Great
This review is based on a copy of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for the NS
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| 2024-01-23T07:00:51Z
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SINGAPORE - Users of AXS here can now pay a multitude of bills, fines, taxes and student fees in digital currencies, following a tie-up that opens up a new payment option in the market.
Popular bills payment platform AXS and cryptocurrency payment firm Triple-A on Jan 23 said they have partnered up to allow people to pay 550 of the 600 AXS services in four digital currencies.
This excludes all 50 AXS services relating to credit cards and bank loans.
Users can choose to pay in either Bitcoin, Ether, Tether or USD Coin.
This means the public can make top-ups or pay their recurring bills, such as road tax and enrichment class fees, in the four cryptocurrencies.
For instance, when a payment for a town council bill is made in Bitcoin, the payment goes to Triple-A, which acts as a gateway. The transaction is settled in one business day with Triple-A instantly converting the amount of Bitcoin paid into Singdollar and crediting the Singdollar amount into AXS’ bank account.
For now, the option to pay in cryptocurrencies is available only on AXS’ mobile app.
The two firms aim to roll out the service to the 650 AXS machines islandwide and the AXS website in the second quarter of 2024.
AXS, which counts DBS Bank and Singapore-based private equity firm Tower Capital Asia as shareholders, has a monthly active user base of 650,000 on its mobile app. These refer to users who pay at least one bill on AXS monthly.
Mr Chin Mun Chung, chief executive of AXS Services, noted that the collaboration allows the firm to cater to the evolving preferences of its diverse user base.
Others who have partnered Triple-A for crypto payments include iStudio, Farfetch, Charles and Keith, Singapore Red Cross, Razer, Reap, 2c2p and Asia Pay.
Mr Eric Barbier, Triple-A’s chief executive, said the collaboration provides users a new form of convenience and choice for their bill payments. “By accepting digital currencies, AXS can enjoy reduced processing times and fees.”
Triple-A was founded by Mr Barbier in 2017 and was among the first batch of applicants to receive a digital payment token licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore in November 2021.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/banking/axs-to-allow-payments-in-digital-currencies-in-tie-up-with-crypto-payment-firm
| 2024-01-23T07:23:09Z
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SINGAPORE - Seatrium has obtained a $400 million committed green revolving loan facility from UOB to support environmentally sustainable projects.
The loan is secured via its unit Seatrium Financial Services, the offshore and marine engineering group said on Jan 23.
The facility will support the group’s green projects, furthering its business growth in the offshore renewables space while allowing it to achieve its environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets over time, Seatrium noted.
“Seatrium is pleased to partner with UOB on our inaugural green loan facility that will enable us to unlock new opportunities to scale our business ambitions in maritime and offshore renewables,” said Mr Adrian Teng, the group’s chief financial officer.
The group noted that it secured over $2 billion in sustainability-linked loans and green financing in 2023, while working to reduce its carbon footprint in the construction of environmentally sustainable vessels and subsea developments.
“The group has set a target 40 per cent of its net order book to comprise cleaner or greener solutions and renewable sources of energy by 2030,” it added.
Seatrium shares were trading unchanged at 10.7 cents as at 1.15pm on Jan 23.
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| 2024-01-23T07:23:19Z
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LOS ANGELES – Norman Jewison, the Oscar-nominated director of In The Heat Of The Night (1967) and Moonstruck (1987) whose half-century career of film-making defied categorisation, has died at age 97, his publicist said on Jan 22.
The Canada-born Jewison worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Steve McQueen, Denzel Washington, Sidney Poitier and Cher.
Singer-actress Cher took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to bid farewell to a “Sweet Prince”.
“Thank you for one of the greatest, happiest, most fun experiences of my life,” she wrote in reference to her Oscar-winning role in Moonstruck.
“Without you, I would not have my beautiful golden man.”
Over an eclectic career, Jewison hopped among genres, helming musicals including Fiddler On The Roof (1971), as well as comedies and romances, but is best known for films tackling weighty social issues.
He began his career in television but moved to Hollywood in the early 1960s, where he teamed up with Tony Curtis for the comedy 40 Pounds Of Trouble (1962), a box-office hit.
Two films with Doris Day followed with Jewison tied to Universal, a partnership that also saw him working with James Garner on The Art Of Love (1965).
Oscar recognition came in 1966 with quirky comedy The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming, when he scored a nomination for Best Picture.
But it was with In The Heat Of The Night that he announced his arrival as a serious auteur, conjuring memorable turns from Oscar-winner Rod Steiger as a racist Southern sheriff playing opposite Poitier.
The film won five Oscars at the Academy Awards in 1968, including Best Picture. Jewison was nominated for Best Director.
Jewison paired up with McQueen for the smash The Thomas Crown Affair (1968) and then pivoted to a silver-screen version of Fiddler On The Roof, which audiences lapped up.
More music was to follow with the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) with Joshua Mostel playing the deliciously camp King Herod.
In 1975, he directed James Caan in dystopian action flick Rollerball before teaming up with Al Pacino for the dark 1979 comedy And Justice For All.
It was in 1987 that he hit commercial and critical gold with Moonstruck, starring Cher and Olympia Dukakis, who both bagged acting Oscars. The film also introduced the world to Nicolas Cage.
The following years saw projects with Bruce Willis (In Country, 1989), Robert Downey Jr (Only You, 1994) and Whoopi Goldberg (Bogus, 1996).
In 1999, he directed Washington in The Hurricane, a true story of a boxer wrongly accused of murder.
Jewison was born in Toronto, Canada, on July 21, 1926, and made his acting debut at the age of five.
He spent time in the Royal Canadian Navy, and earned his bachelor’s degree at University of Toronto’s Victoria College.
A stint as a cab driver underpinned his nascent acting career at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Over the following few years, he would write, direct and produce some of Canada’s most popular musicals, dramas, comedy-variety shows and specials for the CBC.
Canada made Jewison an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1982, and a member of the Order of Ontario in 1989. In 1992, he was decorated with the Companion of the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian award.
Minister of Canadian Heritage Pascale St-Onge wrote on social media that Jewison’s many films resonated with people all over the world.
“Norman Jewison’s films were unique stories because of his special talent,” she said.
The Canadian Film Centre said it was mourning the loss of its founder, a man it called a “brilliant storyteller”.
“Norman was loved for his creative spirit, his infectious energy and his distinct voice,” it said.
“His legacy will live on through his timeless films and the countless individuals and organisations he has inspired, and will continue to inspire, for generations to come.” AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/heat-of-the-night-moonstruck-director-norman-jewison-dies-aged-97
| 2024-01-23T07:23:30Z
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LOS ANGELES – When Hollywood heavyweights Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks team up on a World War II drama, you can expect big things.
And according to actors Austin Butler and Callum Turner, big is what you get with Masters Of The Air, the historical miniseries produced by Spielberg and Hanks – reportedly at a cost of more than US$250 million (S$335 million).
Spielberg, the 77-year-old American film-maker behind Oscar-winning war epics such as Schindler’s List (1993) and Saving Private Ryan (1998), “describes this as the biggest production he’s been a part of”, Turner says.
Debuting on Apple TV+ on Jan 26, the nine-part series tells the story of the United States’ 100th Bomb Group, which carried out daring B-17 raids over Nazi Germany.
Nicknamed “The Bloody Hundredth”, the unit had the dubious distinction of seeing the highest casualty rate in the American armed forces, with three-quarters of its men ending up dead, injured or captured by the end of the war.
The series is a companion piece to 2001’s Band Of Brothers, the acclaimed World War II series co-created by Hanks and Spielberg three years after the pair collaborated on Saving Private Ryan.
The 100th Bomb Group was commanded by Majors Gale Cleven (Butler) and John Egan (Turner), two gifted pilots, charismatic leaders and best friends.
For Butler and Turner, playing the soldiers and filming on vast, purpose-built sets in England was like stepping back in time.
“It was completely immersive,” says Turner, 33.
The creators and production team “left no stone unturned and gave us everything. The base where the characters lived and ate, it’s all real. There was even a church for the chaplain”, he added.
“It was a live airport with runways and we had three B-17s that we played around in.
“And when they built all that, they gave us a map. That tells you how big it is,” says the English star, who appeared in the 2018 to 2022 Fantastic Beasts fantasy films.
The actors did everything they could to learn about this period of history and get into character.
Butler, 32, threw himself into reading as much material as he could on that time period. This included the 2006 non-fiction book the series is based on, Masters Of The Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought The Air War Against Nazi Germany.
The American actor, who received an Oscar nomination for his breakout role in the musical biopic Elvis (2022), also obsessively watched and rewatched home movies provided by Major Cleven’s family.
“That was a gold mine for me as far as getting his cadence and his personality,” says the star, who was in the comedy-drama Once Upon A Time In... Hollywood (2019).
But what helped the actors more than anything was the army boot camp they had to do.
“That was the thing that bonded us all and set the foundation for how we would relate to one another,” Butler says.
“Everything from how to march and salute to history lessons on World War II, it was all in the boot camp.”
Like many who will watch the show, the actors were initially unaware of this story and the heroism of these men.
“But there’s an abundance of information out there. There are websites dedicated to the 100th and to these men, and deservedly so,” Turner says.
Delving into this chapter of history is also a reminder of what was at stake in World War II, the actor adds.
“Discovering what they did and how they changed the tide of the war was so important. It truly is an honour to represent these guys, and to serve their legacy was a privilege,” he says.
- The first two episodes of Masters Of The Air debut on Apple TV+ on Jan 26. The remaining seven episodes will air every Friday through March 15.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/set-of-wwii-drama-masters-of-the-air-had-live-airport-with-runways
| 2024-01-23T07:23:40Z
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Today in Pictures, Jan 23, 2024
Snow-covered terraced fields in southwestern Guizhou, displaced Palestinians on a beach in southern Gaza, and other photos from around the world in Today in Pictures.
Desmond Foo
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https://str.sg/hriY
Aerial view showing snow-covered terraced fields and houses in Congjiang county, in China's southwestern Guizhou province on Jan 22.
PHOTO : AFP
Displaced Palestinians on the beach in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on Jan 21 January. More than 25,000 Palestinians and at least 1,300 Israelis have been killed, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), since Hamas militants launched an attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip on 07 October.
PHOTO : EPA-EFE
Ivorian supporters react as they watch on a tv screen during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 Group A football match between Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast, on a street in Korhogo, on Jan 22.
PHOTO : AFP
In this aerial photo taken on Jan 21, a worker walks past incense sticks arranged in the form of a Vietnamese map in a courtyard in the village of Quang Phu Cau on the outskirts of Hanoi.
PHOTO : AFP
Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine in action against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus during the women's fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia on Jan 22.
PHOTO : EPA-EFE
Chinese military personnel and rescue workers search for missing victims following a landslide in Liangshui village at Zhaotong, in southwestern China's Yunnan province on Jan 22. Dozens of people were buried and eight confirmed killed when a landslide struck a remote and mountainous part of southwestern China.
PHOTO :AFP
Cape Verde's forward Bryan Teixeira lies down as players jump, trying to intercept the ball during a free kick in the Africa Cup of Nations 2024 group B football match between Cape Verde and Egypt at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Jan 22.
PHOTO : AFP
A Ghana supporter looks on during the Africa Cup of Nations 2024 Group B football match between Mozambique and Ghana at Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan on Jan 22.
PHOTO : AFP
Kandyan performers take part in a parade during the annual Perahera festival at the historic Kelaniya Buddhist temple, in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka on Jan 22.
PHOTO : AFP
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| 2024-01-23T07:24:02Z
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SINGAPORE - At least 30 cases of pet animal and wildlife smuggling were detected by the authorities in 2023.
The largest of these cases took place in March 2023 and involved the smuggling of 337 birds, according to a joint statement on Jan 23 from the National Parks Board (NParks) and Immigrations and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
Two of the men involved in that case received sentences of up to 72 weeks in jail, the highest to date meted out by the courts for animal smuggling. An attempt to illegally import an Asian arowana and three axolotls through the Singapore Cruise Centre on Dec 14, 2023, was foiled by ICA officers. These species are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) and were imported without the appropriate permits.
Five puppies and three kittens were found during a vehicle inspection at Woodlands Checkpoint on Jan 10 in what was the first case of animal smuggling detected in 2024.
The animals were found hidden in the car’s spare tyre compartment and the 42-year-old driver of the car was arrested.
NParks said that the case is under investigation.
Since 2021, NParks has seized 180 wildlife specimens in cases which involved suspects who had advertised these animals for sale through online platforms such as Telegram.
Many of these animals were Cites-listed and as such are not allowed to be sold, offered for sale or kept as pets in Singapore.
Under the Animals and Birds Act, a first-time offender found guilty of importing any animal or bird without a licence may be fined up to $10,000, jailed up to 12 months, or both.
Those found guilty of illegally trading Cites-protected species may be fined up to $100,000 per specimen and be jailed up to six years.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/over-30-cases-of-illegal-pet-wildlife-smuggling-detected-in-2023
| 2024-01-23T07:24:12Z
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SINGAPORE - A self-styled religious teacher who admitted to committing sex crimes against four boys, including one he met on a dating app, was sentenced to 21½ years’ jail and eight strokes of the cane on Jan 23.
His offences were uncovered after police officers patrolling near Changi Beach conducted a spot check on the man, who was with two boys.
The man was arrested after child pornography and text messages, including one offering $75 for oral sex, were found on his mobile phone.
The 35-year-old pleaded guilty in the High Court on Sept 8, 2023 to three charges of sexual penetration of a minor. The charges related to three boys, two of whom were below the age of 14 at the time of the offences.
Another 18 charges were taken into consideration during sentencing.
These include a charge for molesting a fourth boy, who was below the age of 14, as well as a charge for engaging in sexual activity with one of the boys without informing the victim that he was HIV-positive.
In a statement on Sept 11, 2023, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) said the man was not and has never been registered under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS), which means he is not authorised to offer any form of religious instruction or guidance in Singapore.
Muis said the case was a timely reminder to individuals and parents to only seek instruction and guidance from ARS-registered religious teachers.
The 35-year-old man provided religious and Arabic language home tuition in 2013 after he returned from his studies in Egypt. He also worked part-time as a food delivery rider.
The man got to know an 11-year-old boy, identified as V1, on a dating app in 2014.
He told the boy he was a part-time religious teacher, and they chatted about sex.
They eventually met in person at a toilet cubicle in Hougang Mall, where the man performed oral sex on the boy.
From 2015 to 2018, the two continued to meet for mutual sex acts. In July 2019, V1 tested positive for HIV, although it cannot be concluded that the man had transmitted the virus to him.
In 2017, the man got to know a 12-year-old boy, identified as V2. They played video games and went on e-scooter rides together, and the man often bought V2 and his friends food and cigarettes. He also tutored V2 in maths.
On three occasions in 2018, when V2 was 13, he allowed the man to perform sex acts on him, in exchange for $30 worth of video game credits each time.
The third victim, V3, was in primary school in 2016 when he started chatting with the man, who had followed the boy on Instagram.
After they met in person, the man often bought V3 presents, including a second-hand video game console.
Between 2017 and 2018, the man engaged in sex acts with the boy, when the latter was 14 to 15 years old.
In June 2019, a few months after the man had tested positive for HIV, he did not inform V3 about it before they engaged in sexual activities.
The man was arrested later that month in the spot check. He cannot be named under a gag order to protect the identities of the victims.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/self-styled-religious-teacher-who-preyed-on-boys-gets-21-years-jail-for-sex-offences
| 2024-01-23T07:24:23Z
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PARIS – From the windows of “Les Bons Vivants” cafe, a short walk from the athletes’ village for the Paris Olympics, the changes underway in the once run-down neighbourhood are instantly visible.
Next door, the makeover of the 130-metre Tour Pleyel skyscraper is nearly complete, turning the 1970s eyesore into a modern landmark that will host a four-star hotel and a pool with panoramic views.
Its private owner started the €500 million (S$730 million) renovation in anticipation of an Olympics dividend for the Saint-Ouen area, which has been a focus of public investment for the July 26-August 11 Paris Games.
Around the corner from the cafe, a freshly completed apartment block with a modern facade of concrete and wood stands opposite relics of the past – scruffy two-storey brick buildings hosting garages and kebab shops.
A brand-new station – Saint-Denis Pleyel – is also emerging nearby from a mass of cranes and scaffolding, set to one day be a hub for four metro lines and 250,000 daily travellers.
“It’s taking time but after the Games it’s going to be good,” said Ethan, a 28-year-old waiter at Les Bons Vivants. “As soon as they’re finished, all the infrastructure will be for the town.”
The emerging modernity outside contrasts with life inside the bar. With its formica tables, old wooden bar and staff in traditional black waistcoats and white aprons, time appears to have stood still.
The meeting of the new and old in Saint-Ouen is causing some tensions and fears, Ethan admits.
“House prices have gone crazy and it’s going to change the population, it’s undeniable,” he said.
Saint-Ouen lies just to the north of Paris, separated from the capital by the ring road that divides the generally wealthy and mostly white centre of the city from its more deprived, immigrant-heavy suburbs.
Known for its 150-year-old flea market and for once hosting the famed Pleyel piano factory, Saint-Ouen is also associated with the modern scourges of Paris’ suburbs – run-down tower blocks and drug-dealing.
The decision to place the athletes’ village there and extend two metro lines into the area – another three are planned in the future – was part of the pitch for the Paris Games which French authorities won in 2017.
Just as the 2012 London Olympics helped regenerate the eastern Stratford area of the British capital, Paris organisers believe their Games will help develop Saint-Ouen and surrounding areas of the notorious Seine-Saint-Denis district.
“I guess we’re part of the gentrification process,” admits local resident Maite Gallen, 37, a psychologist who moved to Saint-Ouen from Paris with her husband “to have a bit more space”.
“In terms of the impact of the Games, I’m sceptical,” she added. “I guess it’s a good thing overall, but they came here and did a big presentation about the future ‘international attractiveness’ of Saint-Ouen which made me laugh.
“We’re not quite there yet. You can’t even find a supermarket nearby.”
She hopes, thought, the new village that will house competitors and officials for the Games will bring positive changes.
The giant complex has seen private developers build nearly 3,000 new apartments that will become a mix of private, student and public housing once the Olympics and Paralympics have finished.
The ground-floor spaces of the eco-friendly blocks will be given over to new commercial spaces including shops.
A kilometre away lies the Stade de France – which will host the Olympic track and field events – which is undergoing a makeover 26 years after its inauguration.
Synchronised swimming, diving and waterpolo will take place in a new aquatics centre opposite.
But in a reminder of local crime problems, two teenagers were stabbed and beaten to death last week just to the north in the historic Saint-Denis area.
“I hope the Olympics are going to offer up another image of Saint-Denis,” said retired lawyer Malika Madjour, whose parents moved to France during the first major wave of north African immigration in the 1940s and 50s.
“It’s an extraordinary opportunity for the town.” AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/paris-grittiest-suburb-awaits-olympics-dividend
| 2024-01-23T07:24:33Z
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MELBOURNE - U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff came through a huge test at the hands of Ukrainian world number 37 Marta Kostyuk 7-6(6) 6-7(3) 6-2 to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open for the first time on Tuesday.
The fourth-seeded American will rarely play as badly and still progress but prevailed after more than three hours on a blistering hot Rod Laver Arena to fulfil her coach Brad Gilbert's famous maxim by "Winning Ugly".
"I'm really proud of the fight I showed today, Marta's a tough opponent, every time we play it's a tough match," she said.
"Yeah, I really fought and left it all out on the court today."
Gauff, playing her final Grand Slam as a teenager, had swept into the last eight on a nine-match winning streak as she looked to back up her first major success in New York last year.
Kostyuk got right in the American's face from the off, however, and stormed to a 5-1 lead, serving twice for the opening set as well holding a set point on Gauff's serve.
The 19-year-old American knew she was up against it and, problem-solving on her feet, battled her way back into the contest by rattling off five successive games to serve for the set herself.
"I was just trying to get one more game in the first set and make it more competitive, then one game turned into another and I was able to win that set," Gauff added.
Kostyuk had been looking increasingly frequently at her coach as her confidence waned but she earned three break points off Gauff's forehand and forced the tiebreak when the American double-faulted.
The Ukrainian was revived by treatment on blisters on her feet before the tiebreak but blew her second set point, allowing Gauff to come racing into the net to go a set up.
The players traded breaks throughout a second set featuring some lengthy rallies but it was Gauff who was able to edge ahead and serve for the match at 5-3.
Again, however, a combination of Gauff's frail second serve and Kostyuk's ability to conjure up winners - she fired 39 across the contest -- allowed the Ukrainian to get back on serve and then level up the contest at one-set all.
Gauff found the fix as Kostyuk tired in the third set by ramping up the pace of her first serve and backhand but was broken when serving for the match for the second time.
She finally got over the line at the third time of asking to move into a semi-final against either Aryna Sabalenka - a rematch of last year's Flushing Meadows final - or Czech ninth seed Barbora Krejcikova. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/tennis/coco-survives-kostyuk-test-to-reach-australian-open-semis
| 2024-01-23T07:24:43Z
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WASHINGTON - Israel has proposed to Hamas via Qatari and Egyptian mediators a pause in fighting of up to two months as part of a deal to free all the hostages being held in Gaza, United States news site Axios reported on Jan 22.
The report, citing unnamed Israeli officials, said the deal would take place in multiple stages, the first of which would see the release of women, men over 60 and those in critical medical condition.
Subsequent phases would involve the release of women soldiers, younger civilian men, male soldiers and the bodies of dead hostages.
The officials said the deal would also see the release of an as yet undetermined number of Palestinian prisoners being held in Israel.
The proposal does not include promises to end the war.
But it would involve Israeli troops reducing their presence in major cities in Gaza and gradually allowing residents to return to the territory’s devastated north.
The officials said the deal was expected to take around two months to implement.
Israeli outlet Ynet also reported on the proposal, citing unnamed sources, and said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had alluded to it in a meeting with hostages’ families on Jan 22.
News of the proposal comes as US media said the White House’s coordinator for the Middle East, Mr Brett McGurk, was due in the region for meetings in Egypt and Qatar aimed at securing a new hostage exchange deal.
About 250 hostages were taken during Hamas’s Oct 7 attacks on southern Israel. Around 130 still remain in Gaza.
That includes the bodies of at least 28 dead hostages, according to an AFP count based on Israeli data.
The Oct 7 attacks resulted in the deaths of about 1,140 people in Israel, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
In response, Israel launched a relentless offensive that has killed more than 25,000 people in Gaza, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/israel-proposes-pause-in-fighting-as-part-of-hostage-deal-report
| 2024-01-23T07:24:54Z
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LONDON - Twenty-one Israeli soldiers were killed during intense fighting in Gaza, military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said on Tuesday, marking the highest one-day Israeli death toll since fighting began in the enclave.
Hagari said militants had fired rocket-propelled grenades, triggering the collapse of a building. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/israeli-military-says-21-soldiers-killed-in-gaza-fighting
| 2024-01-23T07:25:04Z
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KYIV -Russia launched a missile strike on Kyiv and Ukraine's second-largest city of Kharkiv, wounding several people and damaging residential buildings in both cities, as well as a gas pipeline, Ukrainian officials said on Tuesday.
Seven people were injured in the capital's districts of Solomianskyi and Sviatoshynskyi, its mayor, Vitali Klitschko, said on the Telegram messaging app, adding that several apartments had been set ablaze in the attack.
Air defence systems were repelling Russia's missile attack, Serhiy Popko, head of the military administration in Kyiv and his counterpart in the surrounding region, said on Telegram.
A non-residential building in the capital's Pechersk district had been damaged, one official said. Popko said several cars caught fire in Sviatoshyn, west of the capital's centre.
"Strong explosions, our house ... was shaking," lawmaker Iryna Geraschenko said on Telegram, as Reuters witnesses reported hearing several waves of explosions in Kyiv and around it.
Ihor Terekhov, the mayor of Ukraine's northeastern city of Kharkiv, said Russia also targeted his city.
"They're hitting Kharkiv again - there have already been several explosions," he said on Telegram.
A residential building was hit in the city of Kharkiv, said Oleh Sinehubov, the region's governor.
"There are people under the rubble," he said on Telegram.
The city's police said a gas pipeline was on fire as a result of the attack, and children were among the several people injured.
Reuters could not independently verify the reports. There was no immediate comment from Russia. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/russia-launches-missile-attack-on-kyiv-kharkiv-ukraine-says
| 2024-01-23T07:25:15Z
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A man suspected of shooting eight people to death and wounding another in suburban Chicago has turned up dead hundreds of miles away in Texas, where he apparently took his own life after an encounter with law enforcement there, police said on Monday.
The death of 23-year-old Romeo Nance near the town of Natalia, Texas, about 35 miles (56 km) southwest of San Antonio, ended a manhunt that began with the slaying of one man and the wounding of another in two Chicago-area shootings on Sunday, police said.
The search for a suspect in Sunday's gun violence led police to the discovery of two more crime scenes on Monday in the city of Joliet, Illinois, where seven members of one family were found shot to death in two houses across the street from each other.
There was no immediate word on a possible motive for the shootings, but police in Joliet, a town about 35 miles (56 km) southwest of Chicago, said investigators believed Nance knew the seven people slain at the two dwellings there.
"I've been a policeman 29 years. This is probably the worst crime scene I've ever been associated with," Joliet Police Chief William Evans said about two hours before the search for the suspect had ended.
The Joliet Police Department said it learned Monday night that U.S. marshals had located Nance about 1,200 miles (1,930 km) away in south-central Texas near Natalia, "at which time it is believed that Nance took his own life with a handgun following a confrontation with Texas law enforcement officials."
No further details were provided, and the circumstances and sequence of events surrounding the killings in Illinois likewise remained sketchy on Monday night.
Authorities said the first person killed in the spate of gun violence was a man found shot dead on Sunday afternoon in Joliet Township, identified as a 28-year-old immigrant from Nigeria who has been living in the U.S. for about three years.
An investigation of that shooting led deputies to an overnight stakeout in search of Nance, the registered owner of the suspected getaway vehicle, at his last known address in the nearby city of Joliet.
Officers eventually made entry into Nance's residence and a second home across the street after finding blood outside one of the two dwellings. They found five people dead of gunshot wounds inside one home and two inside the other, police said, bringing the total death toll at the three homicide scenes to eight.
A ninth person, a 42-year-old man, was left wounded from yet another "random" shooting on Sunday in Joliet that authorities said was linked to Nance's vehicle but who was not otherwise connected to the other victims. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/suspect-in-8-chicago-area-slayings-turns-up-dead-in-texas
| 2024-01-23T07:25:25Z
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NEW YORK – Fruits and vegetables grown in urban gardens in Europe and the US have a carbon footprint six times larger on average than the same produce grown on conventional farms, according to researchers.
Farmers and gardeners at 73 urban agriculture sites in France, Germany, Poland, the UK and the US participated as citizen scientists in the research led by scientists at the University of Michigan and published on Jan 22 in Nature Cities. The study is the largest ever conducted comparing the emissions of urban and conventional agriculture.
Researchers tracked greenhouse gas emissions from farm infrastructure, supplies and irrigation water through daily diary entries made during the 2019 season. They found that on average, food grown in city gardens emitted 0.42kg of carbon dioxide equivalent per serving, compared to 0.07kg of CO2 equivalent per serving for food from conventional farms.
However, some crops proved to be less carbon intensive when grown in cities than on conventional farms. Urban tomatoes often outperform conventional tomatoes, mainly due to the energy intensity of commercial greenhouses. Highly perishable conventional vegetables like asparagus, which are often distributed by plane, also have an equal or higher carbon footprint than the same crops grown in cities.
About 20 per cent to 30 per cent of global city dwellers engage in some form of urban agriculture, most of which takes place in soil on open-air plots. Growing food in cities has benefits such as mitigating higher temperatures from heat-trapping asphalt and concrete, known as the urban heat island effect. It also provides key social and health benefits to people involved – boosting their mental health, improving their diets and strengthening local social networks.
Research on the crops that urban farmers choose to grow suggest their motivation for choosing one vegetable or another varies substantially and depends on priorities like having a balanced diet or on cultural preferences. People might choose to grow food that’s not widely available in the city they live in. But the most common motivation among those the scientists surveyed for this research was environmental sustainability.
“Urban agriculture offers a variety of social, nutritional and place-based environmental benefits, which make it an appealing feature of future sustainable cities,” Mr Jason Hawes, the paper’s co-lead author, said in a statement. “Urban agriculture practitioners can reduce their climate impacts by cultivating crops that are typically greenhouse-grown or air-freighted, in addition to making changes in site design and management.”
Switching crops is not the only way to make urban farming more climate-friendly, the authors found. “Most of the climate impacts at urban farms are driven by the materials used to construct them – the infrastructure,” said co-lead author Benjamin Goldstein. “These farms typically only operate for a few years or a decade, so the greenhouse gases used to produce those materials are not used effectively.”
Extending the lifetime of materials and structures such as raised beds, composting containers and sheds can help reduce an urban garden’s footprint. The researchers also suggest reusing urban waste such as construction debris and demolition to build structures, and using rainwater and recycled water for irrigation.
The social benefits of urban farming are so high that, when considered together with the carbon and environmental impact, they still outcompete conventional agriculture, the researchers concluded. BLOOMBERG
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/urban-farming-has-a-surprisingly-high-climate-toll
| 2024-01-23T07:25:36Z
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Cartoons of the week Published: Jan 23, 2024 Cartoons of the week Published: Jan 23, 2024 Manny Francisco www.inklingsanddrawnconclusions.com Lee Chee Chew @chewonit.comics Lee Chee Chew @chewonit.comics Manny Francisco www.inklingsanddrawnconclusions.com Restart Share these cartoons Facebook WhatsApp Telegram Messenger X (Twitter) Copy Permalink Tap next
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https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/graphics/2024/01/cartoons-of-the-week-january-23/index.html?shell
| 2024-01-23T07:27:48Z
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PREBLE COUNTY — Consider helping older adults in your community by representing your county on the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council. We currently seek a representative for Preble County. The Advisory Council advises the AAA Board of Trustees regarding administration of federal and state funds for services to people age 60 and older, and other issues impacting older adults and their caregivers.
The Advisory Council is composed of three representatives from each of the nine counties in our service area. The Preble County opening begins on April 1, and runs through March 31, 2027, at which point may be renewed for up to two terms. The Advisory Council meets online until further notice.
Visit https://info4seniors.org/advisory-council-seeks-representatives-2024/ for more the position description and application form. Applications are due Feb. 23.
For additional information, contact Kelsey Snowden, Communications & Training Coordinator, 937-341-3020 or [email protected].
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https://www.registerherald.com/2024/01/19/advisory-council-representative-sought-for-preble-county-3/
| 2024-01-23T07:35:15Z
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ENGLEWOOD — January is an important time to give blood. Join the mission of National and Ohio Blood Donor Awareness Month by donating at the Kleptz YMCA community blood drive Monday, Jan. 22 from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 1200 West National Road, Englewood or at the Fairview Brethren in Christ Church monthly community blood drive Thursday, Jan. 25 from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 750 Union Blvd., Englewood.
Schedule an appointment to donate with Solvita (formerly Community Blood Center) on the Donor Time app, by calling (937) 461-3220, or at www.donortime.com.
Everyone who registers to donate at any Solvita blood drive, or the Solvita Dayton Center in January and February will receive the “Donor Love” long-sleeve, hoodie shirt, while supplies last.
Solvita currently has an urgent need for multiple blood types. January Blood Donor Awareness Month was proclaimed nationally in 1969 and by the Ohio General Assembly in 2018. The joint purpose is to honor donors and encourage more donations during the winter months when the holiday season, severe weather, and seasonal illness get in the way of maintaining an adequate blood supply.
You can save time while helping save lives by using “DonorXPress” to complete the donor questionnaire before arriving at a blood drive. Find DonorXPress on the Donor Time App or at https://bit.ly/3QtEDWs.
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https://www.registerherald.com/2024/01/19/blood-drives-this-week-in-englewood/
| 2024-01-23T07:35:21Z
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CLAYTON — Northmont will be inducting six people into the Athletics Hall of Fame on Saturday, January 27 beginning with a ceremony at 3:30 p.m., followed by dinner and a public acknowledgement during the basketball game that evening.
Jim Campbell
Jim Campbell played baseball at Northmont from 1979 to 1981. He did appear in a couple of games his sophomore year, but most of his activity is between his junior and senior years.
As a lefty with a lively fastball, Jim achieved some outstanding stats his junior year: a 0.23 ERA with a total of 94 strikeouts. His senior year, Jim was the most dominate pitcher in the Dayton area and still holds Northmont records in wins: 13 wins, 99 innings pitched, and 151 strikeouts (this is 1.5 strikeouts an inning).
At the end of the season MCC tournament, Jim pitched both games of a double-header to lead the team to the league championship. Jim said he felt good after the first game and wanted to continue in the second game. As such, Jim threw a complete game and a “no hitter.” After high school, Jim continued his baseball career at Wright State. Jim now lives in Dallas, Texas with his daughter Meghan.
Jessica Clutter Kunk
Jessie Clutter played softball at Northmont from 2008 to 2011. Jessie held most of the pitching records in program history. Her totals are: Career wins – 60, with 26 wins coming in her junior year; 598 strikeouts out of 514 total innings pitched; an ERA of 0.55 runs per game with her highest being a small 1.85.
Her awards include 1st team All-League, 1st team All-District, 1st team All-Metro and 2nd team All-State. Jessie often displayed leadership that the opponents’ coaches recognized awarding her the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award and the Dayton Rae Burick Women in Sports nominee for 2010.
After high school, Jessie played for Wilmington College. Jessie is married to Dustin Kunk and they have two kids, Nolan and Kinley.
Libby Pfeffer Kunkel
Libby Pfeffer played softball and basketball for Northmont from 2010 to 2013. From the first game of her freshmen year through her senior year, she filled the shortstop position. She displayed great range and throwing ability.
Offensively, there are record-holders and then there are record-holders! After reviewing the softball record book, her name is sprinkled multiple times in all the categories.
Libby’s top two years in single seasons are: Runs scored – 44 (No. 3) and 43; RBIs – 59 (No. 1) and 39; Hits – 61 (No. 1) and 48; Homeruns – 10 (no 1) and 6; Doubles – 13 (No. 3) and 11. She holds the single-season batting average of .678 (No 1).
Libby achieved Ohio All-State in honorable mention as a sophomore and in her junior and senior years, she was 1st team. Libby continued her softball career at Wright State and started every game. She is married to Ryan Kunkel and they have two children, Quinn and Luka.
Justin Watkins
Justin Watkins played football, basketball, and baseball from 2002 to 2006. Besides being an outstanding all-around athlete, Justin was Captain in all three sports his senior year.
As a receiver on the football team, Justin’s name is sprinkled throughout the record book: 1st in receiving yards for a game; 2nd in catches in a game with 11. For a season and career, Justin held the 2nd most receiving TDs in a game, season and career. Justin played in the annual Miami Valley All-Star Game after his senior year.
In basketball, he was a crafty point guard according to Assistant Basketball Coach Sam Pfeffer. Per Pfeffer, “being a three-sport captain shows the type of leader and person Justin showed each day on and off the field and court.”
In baseball, Justin was a mid-infielder and pitcher. He batted .373 in his junior year and followed up with a .354 average his senior year. He achieved a 1st Team all GWOC honor and 2nd team all MVBCA honor. Justin also achieved Academic All-Ohio.
He continued his football career at University of Dayton where he has record holder for career receiving yards and won the Emile Karras Award for Inspirational Leadership. Justin lives in Cincinnati with his wife, Krista and children are Kyra and Griffin.
CJ Barnett
CJ Barnett played football and basketball for Northmont from 2005 to 2009. On the football fields, CJ concentrated his athletic ability as well as his leadership skills on the defensive side of the ball, playing cornerback and special teams returner.
Coach Abels talked about how CJ was truly Northmont’s “lockdown” corner and took away the opponent’s best receiver. As such, CJ was Northmont’s two-time Defensive Back of the Year, two-time 1st team All-GWOC, 1st Team All-SW District, and 1st Team All-State. He is one of only a handful of players who ever achieved being a captain in his junior and senior years.
On the basketball court, CJ played both guard positions. He continued his career in football as a three-year starter for the Ohio State Buckeyes defense. He signed as a free agent with the New York Giants and currently works for the OSU athletic department as the Assistant Athletic Director for Player Development and External Affairs.
He is married to Charli and they have three children, Kobie, Callie and Amari Valerio.
Mark Mays
Mark Mays played football and ran track from 2005 to 2009. From the first day at Northmont, his coaches stated “Mark is one of the fastest football players to ever play at Northmont.” As a running back, he led his team in rushing his junior and senior years. In a high school playoff game against Fairmont, Mark rushed for a school record for most yards gained.
His awards are numerous with a two-time Offensive Back of the Year, a 2nd team and 1st Team all-GWOC. He then was selected to play in the 2009 North-South Ohio All-Star Game. While running track in the spring, Mark held school records in the 100- and 200-meter events.
Mark was 1st team all-GWOC in his senior year and 2nd team all GWOC his junior year. Mark continued his football career at Bowling Green State University. He came back to Northmont as a Jobs for Grads Instructor. He is married to Katanna and they have two children, Miliana and Kya.
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https://www.registerherald.com/2024/01/19/northmont-to-induct-six-into-hall-of-fame/
| 2024-01-23T07:35:27Z
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BEIJING – The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Jan 23 it hoped all parties at the United Nations reviewing China’s human rights record would be “constructive” and “non-politicised”.
According to diplomats and documents, China has been lobbying non-Western countries to praise its human rights record ahead of a UN group’s meeting, where it will face questions and criticism over its actions in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, Reuters reported on Jan 22.
China upholds a people-centred human rights philosophy and has made “historic progress” in human rights issues, said ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin when asked about what the diplomats said.
The UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group will examine China’s human rights record in a meeting in Geneva. China is one of 14 states to be reviewed by the UPR working group between Jan 22 and Feb 2.
“I want to stress that China always does its work in participating in the UPR according to UN procedures,” Mr Wang said.
The review on Jan 23 will be the first since the UN’s top rights official released a report in 2022 saying the detention of Uighurs and other Muslims in China’s Xinjiang region may constitute crimes against humanity. China denies any abuses.
“The Universal Periodic Review is an important platform under the UN framework for fair and candid exchanges, constructive dialogue and cooperation on human rights issues,” Mr Wang said.
“We hope that all parties in their participation in the review will follow the UPR mechanism’s principle of being constructive and non-politicised.”
China’s human rights record was previously reviewed by the UPR in 2009, 2013 and 2018. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/china-hopes-un-review-of-human-rights-is-constructive-non-politicised
| 2024-01-23T08:55:40Z
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Hong Kong film director Danny Pang, one half of the Pang Brothers, has withdrawn his bankruptcy application because a new film project has helped to resolve his financial woes.
The 58-year-old told Hong Kong’s Oriental Daily News in December that he had filed for bankruptcy after accumulating debts of about HK$2 million (S$340,000) due to his wife’s lung cancer treatment.
The director updated the newspaper on Jan 23 that he had since made arrangements to clear the debts, and had notified the Official Receiver’s Office on Jan 22 that he was withdrawing the bankruptcy application.
Hong Kong’s Sing Tao Daily reported that the judge approved his application after a court hearing on Jan 23.
Pang gave more details on his new project on Chinese social media platform Weibo on Jan 23.
“There will soon be a joint project between Alibaba Pictures and Hong Kong’s Universe Entertainment which will help me to immediately resolve my current financial issues and withdraw the earlier bankruptcy application,” he wrote. “I can pick up the pieces as I focus on my work again while taking good care of my wife.”
The Pang Brothers are famous for directing horror movies such as The Eye (2002), which starred Malaysian actress Lee Sinje, and its sequels in 2004 and 2005.
Lee, who turned 48 on Jan 23, married Oxide Pang, the older of the Pang twins, in 2010.
Danny Pang disclosed in December that his wife of about 30 years had been diagnosed with lung cancer in February 2023.
He spent all his savings on her medical expenses and was unable to secure loans from banks, as he did not have proof of income. Filming for a Chinese movie was repeatedly postponed, so he had no income.
He resorted to borrowing money from second-tier lenders, which charge higher interest rates, and racked up huge debts.
He said his brother and sister-in-law had helped him, but that it was not a long-term solution as they had their own family to care for.
Oxide has seven-year-old twin boys with Lee, as well as a 23-year-old daughter from a previous marriage.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/hong-kong-director-danny-pang-withdraws-bankruptcy-application
| 2024-01-23T08:55:50Z
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SINGAPORE – A gruelling Olympic triathlon comprises a 1.5km swim, a 40km bike ride and a 10km run, for a total distance of 51.5km.
Now, imagine multiplying that by more than 100 times. In a remarkable feat of human endurance, Mr Luigi Castelli, who used to be a casual jogger, has set the Guinness World Record for the longest triathlon.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/man-swam-cycled-ran-9555km-in-singapore-to-set-record-for-longest-triathlon
| 2024-01-23T08:56:00Z
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SINGAPORE – Thirteen people were evacuated after an offshore fish farm near Pulau Tekong caught fire on the evening of Jan 21.
The fire, which involved a generator at the fish farm, happened at about 11.50pm, said the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).
SCDF used a water monitor from a Rapid Response Fire Vessel to extinguish the fire.
The 13 people on the fish farm were evacuated by the Police Coast Guard before SCDF arrived.
There were no reported injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/13-evacuated-after-offshore-fish-farm-near-pulau-tekong-caught-fire-no-reported-injuries
| 2024-01-23T08:56:11Z
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MELBOURNE - U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff came through a huge test at the hands of Ukrainian world number 37 Marta Kostyuk 7-6(6) 6-7(3) 6-2 to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open for the first time on Tuesday.
The fourth-seeded American will rarely play as badly and still progress but prevailed after more than three hours on a blistering hot Rod Laver Arena to fulfil her coach Brad Gilbert's famous maxim by "Winning Ugly".
"I'm really proud of the fight I showed today, Marta's a tough opponent, every time we play it's a tough match," she said.
"Yeah, I really fought and left it all out on the court today."
Gauff, playing her final Grand Slam as a teenager, had swept into the last eight on a nine-match winning streak as she looked to back up her first major success in New York last year.
Kostyuk got right in the American's face from the off, however, and stormed to a 5-1 lead, serving twice for the opening set as well holding a set point on Gauff's serve.
The 19-year-old American knew she was up against it and, problem-solving on her feet, battled her way back into the contest by rattling off five successive games to serve for the set herself.
"I was playing not great. I was just missing everything on both wings and not serving well. I was just trying to win one extra game," Gauff recalled.
"I believe every point, every game matters, and eventually
the score started to get closer."
Kostyuk had been looking increasingly frequently at her coach as her confidence waned but she earned three break points off Gauff's forehand and forced the tiebreak when the American double-faulted.
The Ukrainian was revived by treatment on blisters on her feet before the tiebreak but blew her second set point, allowing Gauff to come racing into the net to go a set up.
The players traded breaks throughout a second set featuring some lengthy rallies but it was Gauff who was able to edge ahead and serve for the match at 5-3.
Again, however, a combination of Gauff's frail second serve and Kostyuk's ability to conjure up winners - she fired 39 across the contest -- allowed the Ukrainian to get back on serve and then level up the contest at one-set all.
Gauff found the fix as Kostyuk tired in the third set by ramping up the pace of her first serve and backhand but was broken when serving for the match for the second time.
She finally got over the line at the third time of asking to move into a semi-final against either Aryna Sabalenka - a rematch of last year's Flushing Meadows final - or Czech ninth seed Barbora Krejcikova.
Kostyuk, who was playing in her first Grand Slam quarter-final, was remarkably upbeat despite the defeat.
"For me, it's a win because I was playing one of the best girls in the world. Managed to be still very close," the 21-year-old said.
"It feels far but also very close. This whole tournament I think is a big win for me." REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/coco-gauf-survives-marta-kostyuk-test-to-reach-australian-open-semis
| 2024-01-23T08:56:21Z
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Following is a factbox on the five-match test series between India and England beginning in Hyderabad on Thursday:
FIXTURES
First test: Jan. 25-29, Hyderabad
Second test: Feb. 2-6, Vishakhapatman
Third test: Feb. 15-19, Rajkot
Fourth test: Feb. 23-27, Ranchi
Fifth test: March 7-11, Dharamsala
*Play begins 0400 GMT/0930 local
INDIA
World ranking: 2
Captain: Rohit Sharma
Coach: Rahul Dravid
Top-ranked batsman: Rohit Sharma (10)
Top-ranked bowler: Ravichandran Ashwin (1)
India squad for first two tests: Rohit Sharma (captain), KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar
ENGLAND
World ranking: 3
Captain: Ben Stokes
Coach: Brendon McCullum
Top-ranked batsman: Joe Root (2)
Top-ranked bowler: Ollie Robinson (6)
England squad: Ben Stokes (captain), Jonny Bairstow, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Rehan Ahmed, James Anderson, Gus Atkinson, Tom Hartley, Jack Leach, Ollie Robinson, Shoaib Bashir, Mark Wood
HEAD-TO-HEAD IN INDIA:
Test series: 16
India wins: 8
England wins: 5
Draws: 3
OVERALL HEAD-TO-HEAD:
Test series: 35
India won: 11
England won: 19
Draws: 5
LAST THREE SERIES
2018: England beat India 4-1 in five-test series in England
2020-21: India beat England 3-1 in four-test series in India
2021-22: Five-test series in England ended in 2-2 draw REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/cricket-india-v-england-test-series
| 2024-01-23T08:56:32Z
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NEW DELHI - India have not lost a test series at home in more than a decade but that formidable record will be under threat when Rohit Sharma's side take on England in a five-match series beginning in Hyderabad on Thursday.
Ben Stokes returns from knee surgery to skipper the side under coach Brendon McCullum, with the pair ready to unleash the ultra-aggressive approach which has injected new life into the test format.
England have not lost a test series since the duo took charge in 2022 but beating India in India, which former Australia captain Steve Waugh famously called the "final frontier", remains the toughest challenge in the game.
With their last test series defeat coming in the 2012-13 season, India will start as favourites despite having a Virat Kohli-shaped hole in their batting order.
Kohli will miss the first two matches due to personal reasons and the late development has left India wondering how they will replace arguably the best batter of this era.
Veteran Cheteshwar Pujara finds himself back in the reckoning, while uncapped duo Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan are also reported to be in the mix.
Another big question for the hosts is who to pick as wicketkeeper, a key role on India's generously turning tracks.
Ideally, specialist KS Bharat would be behind the stumps but in Kohli's absence India may look to KL Rahul's superior batting.
India's bid to win a 17th consecutive home test series, however, hinges on the success of their three-pronged spin attack comprising Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.
Jasprit Bumrah has complimented England for "showing the world there’s another way to play test cricket" but the pace spearhead believes their approach suits him.
"As a bowler, what I think is that it keeps me in play," Bumrah told the Guardian newspaper.
"And if they're going for it, playing so fast, they won’t tire me out, I could get heaps (of wickets).
"I always think about how I can use things to my advantage. Kudos to them but, as a bowler, you're in the game."
England have already been forced to rejig their batting order after Harry Brook withdrew due to personal reasons.
Ollie Pope is set to play at number three, while Ben Foakes is likely to reclaim the keeping gloves with Jonny Bairstow playing as a specialist batter.
While England's approach has injected fresh excitement into test cricket, McCullum said being one-dimensional would not fly in India.
"That's what I love about this series - we are going to be tested, and our methods are going to be challenged and we'll see where we are at," said the former New Zealand captain.
"We've got to take 20 wickets with the ball in each test match and we've got to get one more run than them with the bat.
"It's not rocket science but it will be the nuances of the game, when to stick and when to twist which will be the fascinating part."
Squads:
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, KS Bharat, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Avesh Khan
England: Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, James Anderson, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Dan Lawrence, Shoaib Bashir, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Mark Wood REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/india-put-proud-home-record-on-the-line-against-flamboyant-england
| 2024-01-23T08:56:42Z
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DONETSK REGION, UKRAINE - A Ukrainian soldier near the front line looks into video goggles and clutches a control set in both hands as he guides a drone during the war against Russia.
The soldier, who goes by the call sign Sam, looks up and complains: "There's no video".
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, have become vital for Ukraine's military since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Hundreds can buzz over Russian positions in eastern and southern Ukraine at any one time.
But many of them are hastily and cheaply assembled by volunteers, and the lack of quality is affecting Ukraine's ability to survey and attack Russian positions.
At an undisclosed location along the eastern front line in the Donetsk region, soldiers in the Raroh squadron said they would rather have 10 well-made devices than 50 less reliable ones.
"Most common problems are problems with the video link and with the control link," Mr Sam said during a recent visit by Reuters.
He added: "And most of them are because of low-quality parts that are used very often to make the drones even cheaper".
Some of the drone operators called for UAVs to be tested before they are used in battle.
"We must test drones supplied by new producers or made by a civilian," said one operator who goes by the call sign Fest.
"In addition to losing the drone itself, we can lose ammunition which is not cheap."
Another, who uses the call sign Pit, said drones should conform to standards so that operators know in advance how the device they are asked to operate will work.
He said: "You work a lot and have to do flight after flight while drones differ a lot. One has different controllers, another different settings, and so on.
"When under pressure, it happens that you miss a detail and it leads to missing a target."
An integral part of Ukraine’s war effort
Ukraine's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the soldiers' remarks.
The use of what are known as First Person View (FPV) drones in battle has been one of the more successful low-cost strategies Ukraine has used on the battlefield.
Russia has expanded its own drone fleet since the start of the war, and has improved its ability to block Ukrainian UAVs through electronic warfare, but drones are an integral part of Ukraine's war effort.
Drones range from small UAVs controlled remotely to larger devices that can fly hundreds of kilometres deep into Russian territory. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said Kyiv plans to produce one million drones in 2024.
Video footage provided by Ukraine's military, and demonstrating the use of UAVs in action, shows a small drone carrying an explosive device flying into a Russian armoured vehicle parked in a garage before the screen goes blank.
Reuters could not independently verify the footage.
Despite their impact, Sam said drones could not win the war on their own. Artillery remains an important weapon against Russian forces using fortified trenches and dugouts, and Ukraine has told its allies it is running short of ammunition.
"This war has like a high-tech side of it and still the old-school trench warfare side of it," Mr Sam said.
He added: "Modern warfare today combines modern tactics with old-school tactics working together". REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/drones-are-hit-and-miss-for-ukrainian-soldiers
| 2024-01-23T08:56:53Z
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Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has been placed in solitary confinement for 10 days in a prison above the Arctic circle for "incorrectly introducing himself" to a guard, his spokesperson said late on Monday.
Navalny, 47, a former lawyer who rose to prominence more than a decade ago by lampooning President Vladimir Putin's elite and voicing allegations of vast corruption, is currently in a jail about 60 km (40 miles) north of the Arctic Circle.
Kira Yarmysh, his spokesperson said on X late on Monday that it was the 25th time Navalny had been placed in solitary confinement and that he had spent 283 days in such conditions.
Sentenced to stay in prison until he is 74 on charges he says were trumped up to keep him out of politics, Navalny said on Monday that he was being forced to listen to a pro-Putin pop singer at 0500 every morning after being played the Russian national anthem.
The Russian authorities cast Navalny as a fraudulent Western-backed extremist out to up-end political stability and sew chaos across the world's largest country, something he denies. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/jailed-kremlin-critic-navalny-put-in-solitary-confinement-in-arctic-prison-spokesperson
| 2024-01-23T08:57:03Z
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MIAMI – When Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas embarks on its first official voyage on Jan 27, the journey is sure to make waves. The world’s largest cruise ship, the Icon, is over 360m long and weighs in around 250,000 gross registered tonnes. It boasts 20 different decks; 40 restaurants, bars and lounges; seven pools; six waterslides and a 17m waterfall. Royal Caribbean says its boat will usher in “a new era of vacations”.
Maybe so. But the Icon is also a doubling down on a negative aspect of cruising’s current era: greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2022, Mr Bryan Comer, director of the Marine Programme at the International Council on Clean Transportation, examined the carbon footprint of cruising compared with a hotel stay plus air travel – since cruises are effectively floating hotels. His analysis found that a person taking a US cruise for 2,000km on the most efficient cruise line would be responsible for roughly 500kg of carbon dioxide (CO2), compared with 235kg for a round-trip flight and a stay in a four-star hotel. In other words: Taking a cruise generates “about double the amount of total greenhouse gas emissions” as flying, he says.
Not to mention, “usually people fly to take a cruise”, notes Ms Stella Bartolini Cavicchi, marine policy advisor at OceanMind, a non-profit organisation that uses satellite and other technologies to understand humans’ impact on the sea. Flying to a cruising port means you “end up with quite a carbon-intensive holiday,” she says.
A Royal Caribbean spokesperson says the Icon is designed to operate 24 per cent more efficiently than the international standard for new ships, which per International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations must already be 30 per cent more energy-efficient than those built in 2014. The company will also monitor the Icon “over the next six to 12 months to ensure that we’re getting what we were designing the ship to be”, the spokesperson said.
In 2022, the most recent year for which data is available, Royal Caribbean direct (or Scope 1) emissions totalled 5.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, up from 5.3 million tonnes in 2019.
Just a few years ago, the future of cruising seemed like it was in dire straits. When Covid-19 travel restrictions grounded ships for months on end, there was major concern in the industry that passenger interest would be slow to return. But as soon as restrictions were lifted, “people did not think twice”, Ms Bartolini Cavicchi says. “The Oceania world cruise sold out within one day in January 2021. People were just dying to get back out there.”
The Cruise Lines International Association (Clia), which says its membership accounts for roughly 95 per cent of global cruise trips, predicts passenger volume will hit 36 million this year, up from almost 32 million in 2023 and 30 million in 2019. Last year, the ClimateTrace coalition (of which OceanMind is a member) published an analysis that found cruise ship emissions are already 6 per cent higher than they were before the pandemic.
Cruise ships’ climate impact isn’t limited to emissions that trap heat in the atmosphere. The enormous vessels also spew a soot-like substance known as black carbon, which absorbs sunlight and traps heat on the ground. In the Arctic, which is playing host to a growing number of cruises, black carbon can settle on snow and ice, speeding up the rate at which glaciers melt. Ms Bartolini Cavicchi says that while cruise ships account for around 1 per cent of the global fleet, they’re responsible for 6 per cent of black carbon emissions.
Unlike flying, whose climate impact spurred flygskam, or flight-shaming, cruise ships don’t always get the same environmental scrutiny. That’s in part because shipping is often seen as more energy-efficient than air travel, which is true for cargo ships thanks to their relatively small living areas and efficient use of space. Cruise ships, by contrast, are energy hogs: Paying vacationers expect more square footage, and modern cruises offer a slew of amenities.
“You’ve got things like heating the pool and keeping the lights on,” Mr Comer says. “(You) have heating and air conditioning; you’ve got the casino. There’s just a lot of equipment to keep running to keep everybody entertained and comfortable.”
At the same time, cruise companies are quick to cite sustainability goals. Royal Caribbean Cruises, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings have all pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, while Carnival Corp plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
To meet those goals, cruise operators are increasingly replacing oil-based fuels with less carbon-intensive alternatives, most commonly liquified natural gas (LNG). The Clia says that, of the 44 new vessels on order through 2028, more than half will be powered by natural gas. The Icon of the Seas runs on a 300-tonne LNG fuel tank.
LNG-powered ships do emit 25 per cent less CO2 than those running on conventional marine fuels, but one 2023 investigation by environmental activists found that cruise ships running on LNG often leak some of it directly into the atmosphere as methane, a greenhouse gas that in the short term is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide. For three out of four engine types, the investigation determined that LNG was worse for the climate in the short term than conventional fuels.
Mr Comer says cruise ship operators could transition to more sustainable fuels. Replacing LNG with methanol – an alternative that has little to no lifecycle emissions – would slash methane output.
The Royal Caribbean spokesperson says that when the Icon was designed eight years ago, LNG was the “next new-age fuel for any ship” and the vessel’s engine was the most efficient option. The company’s next ship – the Utopia of the Seas, slated for completion this spring – will have a different engine designed to reduce the risk of methane leaks. The Celebrity Xcel, which is part of Royal Caribbeans’ Celebrity subsidiary and expected to begin operations in 2025, is being designed with an engine that can run on three kinds of fuel, including methanol.
The maritime industry overall is under pressure to cut emissions. Last year, the IMO began requiring companies with ships over a certain size to calculate an Energy Efficiency eXisting Ship Index (Eexi) and to begin collecting data related to an operational Carbon Intensity Indicator, which factors in a ship’s emissions, the amount of cargo being transported and the distance travelled. Starting this year, ships will receive an A to E sustainability rating based on their data; those with a D rating for three consecutive years, or an E for one year, will have to submit a plan for improvement, though it’s unclear what penalties there are for poor performance.
But the cruise industry is pushing for a metric that doesn’t factor in distance travelled, as cruise ships’ time in port means they’re likely to receive a worse CII rating. The vessels’ hotel-like infrastructure still requires significant energy use even when there are fewer people on board and no nautical miles being traversed. “The metric is not set up for ships that do not move continuously,” says the Royal Caribbean spokesperson.
Recent research indicates this inconsistency could even incentivise cruise ships to adopt itineraries with more time on the move, which would increase their overall emissions. The authors suggested replacing distance travelled with percentage of time spent at sea. BLOOMBERG
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/the-world-s-largest-cruise-ship-is-a-climate-liability
| 2024-01-23T08:57:13Z
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Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello shocked their fans when they announced on July 17, 2023, that they were ending their seven-year marriage.
Two days later, when Joe, 47, filed divorce papers, he cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the couple's split.
However, six months on, Sofia, 51, has shared the real reason the couple called time on their marriage in a candid new interview with Spanish newspaper El País.
"I'm newly divorced from my second husband, who I was with for 10 years," the Griselda star said before confirming their differing opinions on having children played a major role in the breakup.
"My marriage broke up because my husband was younger; he wanted to have kids and I didn't want to be an old mom,” she stated.
Sofia, who is already a mom to son Manolo Gonzalez Vergara from her marriage to Joe Gonzalez, continued: “I feel it’s not fair to the baby.
"I respect whoever does it, but that’s not for me anymore. I had a son at 19, who is now 32, and I’m ready to be a grandmother, not a mother.”
Sofia added that if "love comes along" in the future, her partner has to "come with [his own] children".
Explaining why she doesn't want more children, Sofia added: "I'm almost in menopause; it's the natural way of things."
She continued: "When my son becomes a dad, let him bring the baby to me for a while and then I’ll give it back to him and go on with my life; that’s what I have to do."
The America's Got Talent star and the Magic Mike actor first met in May 2014 while attending the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. One month later, they went on their first date.
Joe later admitted that Sofia initially tried to push him away, telling Haute Living: "Our first date was her giving me every reason why it would never work out.
"Like, 'You're too young, you're an actor, you're this, you're that,' she was just doing it to hear herself say it. She was trying to talk herself out of going there."
They enjoyed a whirlwind romance before tying the knot in November 2015 at The Breakers Palm Beach resort in Florida.
The actress was a beautiful bride in a custom Zuhair Murad wedding dress that featured a fitted silhouette that highlighted her figure, a strapless sweetheart neckline, and a dramatic detachable skirt.
According to Grazia, it took 32 people 1,657 hours to make the gown, which was also adorned with 350 crystals, 11 pounds of sequins, and seven pounds of pearls.
Sofia later swapped it for a short cocktail dress for the evening party, which she told Ellen DeGeneres continued until 6 am! "It was like a dream, like a fairy tale. Like, it came out perfectly how I wanted," she said.
That fairy tale came to an end last July when the former couple issued a statement confirming their intent to divorce.
"We have made the difficult decision to divorce. As two people that love and care for one another very much, we politely ask for respect of our privacy at this time as we navigate this new phase of our lives," they said.
Since their split, Sofia has been photographed enjoying several dates with orthopedic surgeon Justin Saliman. Joe, meanwhile, is now dating actress Caitlin O'Connor.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/511841/sofia-vergara-joe-manganiello-real-reason-divorce-children/
| 2024-01-23T09:09:01Z
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Viewers who tuned into the second episode of True Detective: Night Country were left asking the same question after spotting direct links to season one, which starred Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson.
Warning! Spoilers for episode two ahead!
In the latest installment, we learned that Rose Aguineau was led to the frozen bodies by the ghost of her former lover, Travis Cohle. Rose explained that Travis froze to death, choosing to walk out onto the ice rather than die of leukaemia.
Fans quickly spotted the link to Matthew McConaughey's season one character, Rust, who spent a great deal of his upbringing in Alaska with his father, a Vietnam veteran and survivalist called Travis.
This isn't the only connection to season one, however. The spiral symbol imprinted on the forehead of one of the frozen victims, as well as on Annie K's back, is the same that was found on season one murder victim Dora Lange.
The symbol was connected to the sadistic Tuttle cult, a powerful group that worshipped the seemingly mythical figure, The Yellow King.
Taking to X after watching the latest episode, viewers questioned whether the Easter eggs could lead to a cameo from Matthew McConaughey, given the link to his father and the old case.
One person penned: "It's all starting to come together and it's only been 2 episodes. Travis COHLE!!! Rust's dad with leukemia. The guys whose cousin bought a trailer with cash, whose name was Rust! Rust Cohle being in Alaska. I'm hooked!" while another added: "#TrueDetectiveNightCountry is 2 for 2 so far. We getting some MAJOR Season One connections?! Maybe a certain Rust Cohle returns? I'm loving it!"
A third person tweeted: "Is Night Country bringing Rust back to Alaska? He said his life was a circle. Is Travis his dad? Is Rose his mom? He never said if she was alive or dead. So many questions," while another asked: "Is there a chance that #TrueDetective could actually bring back Rust Cohle?"
So, could Matthew make a comeback in season four? It's certainly not impossible given the actor is listed as an executive producer on the series, along with Woody Harrelson.
Plus, during an interview on The Rich Eisen Show back in 2016, Matthew said he would be keen to reprise the role. "It would have to be the right context, the right way," he said.
For those yet to watch the new series, it stars Jodie Foster and Kali Reis as detectives Liz Danvers and Evangeline Navarro investigating the mysterious disappearance of eight men from a research station in the fictional mining town of Ennis, Alaska.
True Detective: Night Country is available to watch on Max in the US and on Sky Atlantic and NOW in the UK.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511840/true-detective-viewers-ask-same-question-spot-huge-link-to-season-one/
| 2024-01-23T09:09:07Z
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AYODHYA - Tens of thousands of Hindus braved biting cold on Jan 23 to pray at a new temple to Lord Ram in India’s northern city of Ayodhya, a day after its inaugural by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a site believed to be the god-king’s birthplace.
Hindu groups, Mr Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party and its affiliates have portrayed the opening as part of a Hindu renaissance after past centuries of subjugation by Muslim invaders and colonial powers.
“I was adamant about this... I will only leave after I have seen my Lord Ram,” one of the visitors, Mr Guddu Shukla, who queued at the temple gate at 4am in temperatures of about 8 deg C, told news agency ANI.
He was among more than 50,000 devotees who lined up before dawn on Jan 23 to enter the temple, among some 200,000 who arrived in the city after the consecration, said a government official, Mr Murli Dhar Singh.
The site was bitterly contested for decades by Hindus and minority Muslims, sparking nationwide riots in 1992 that killed 2,000 people, mainly Muslims, police say, after a Hindu mob destroyed the 16th-century mosque there.
Hindus say the site is the birthplace of Lord Ram, and was holy to them long before Muslim Mughals razed a temple at the spot to build the Babri Masjid, or mosque, in 1528.
The Supreme Court handed the land to Hindus in 2019, ordering that Muslims be given a separate plot.
“Devotees inside are hugging the temple walls and crying,” said a worshipper from central India, who did not give his name.
“If you are a true follower of Hindu tradition, you’ll have tears in your eyes, because that idol represents the 500-year-long struggle.”
Police on social media urged people to stay away from the temple area because of the large crowds there and diversions on the route.
Analysts say the temple inauguration is expected to boost Mr Modi’s effort to secure a third term in general elections due by May.
Celebrations were held on Jan 22 across the nation, where Hindus form most of a population of about 1.42 billion, after Mr Modi’s call to treat the day like Diwali, the festival of lights, which marks Ram’s return to Ayodhya in Hindu mythology.
Muslims, who plan to begin building a new mosque in the city in May, have signalled they have moved on from the dispute, saying the temple was built following court orders and they bear no ill will. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/hindus-throng-ram-temple-in-indias-ayodhya-as-it-opens-to-the-public
| 2024-01-23T10:28:04Z
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BRUSSELS - NATO has signed a 1.1 billion euro contract for 155mm artillery ammunition, the alliance said on Tuesday, with part of the shells to be supplied to Ukraine after complaints a shortage of munitions was hampering its war efforts.
"The war in Ukraine has become a battle of ammunition," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said after a signing ceremony at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels.
NATO struck the deal on behalf of several allies who will either pass on the shells to Ukraine or use them to stock up their own depleted inventories. Bulk buying ensures lower prices.
The contract will likely buy some 220,000 rounds of artillery ammunition, with the first deliveries expected at the end of 2025, a NATO official told Reuters.
The ammunition will be supplied by French arms maker Nexter and Germany's Junghans, according to an industry source. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/nato-signs-11-billion-euro-contract-for-155mm-artillery-ammunition
| 2024-01-23T10:28:15Z
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NEW DELHI – South-east Asian countries are pulling out all stops to woo increasingly affluent Indian travellers, amid rising competition from other regions to tap the expanding appetite for travel in the world’s fastest-growing economy.
Malaysia and Thailand are among the countries that have introduced visa-free entry for Indians. Singapore, meanwhile, is looking to tap latent demand in non-metro cities to attract young adults and families. Indians need to apply for a visa to enter Singapore and the processing time is within three days.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/south-east-asian-countries-step-up-efforts-to-woo-indian-tourists
| 2024-01-23T10:28:24Z
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ANKARA - Turkey's parliament is widely expected to approve Sweden's NATO membership bid on Tuesday, clearing the biggest remaining hurdle to expanding the Western military alliance.
Turkey's general assembly, where President Tayyip Erdogan's ruling alliance holds a majority, is set to vote on Sweden's application about 20 months after Stockholm asked to join NATO following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Once parliament has ratified the move, Erdogan would be expected to sign it into law within days, leaving Hungary as the only member state not to have approved Sweden's accession.
Hungary has said it believes NATO membership is "not a priority" for Sweden based on its actions. It had pledged not to be the last ally to ratify Sweden's membership, but its parliament is in recess until around mid-February.
Turkey and Hungary maintain better relations with Russia than other members of the U.S.-led North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
While opposing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Turkey has criticised Western sanctions on Moscow, which has cautioned that it would respond if NATO bolstered military infrastructure in the two Nordic states.
The delay in securing Turkey's approval has frustrated some of Ankara's Western allies and enabled Turkey to extract some concessions.
DELAY OVER RATIFICATION
When Sweden and Finland asked to join NATO in 2022, Turkey surprised some alliance members in raising objections over what it said was the two countries' protection of groups that Ankara deems terrorists.
Turkey endorsed Finland's membership in April last year but, along with Hungary, has kept Sweden waiting. Ankara had urged Stockholm to toughen its stance on local members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which the European Union and United States also deem a terrorist group.
In response, Stockholm introduced a new anti-terrorism bill that makes being a member of a terrorist organisation illegal. Sweden, Finland, Canada and the Netherlands also took steps to relax Turkey arms-export policies.
Erdogan, who sent Sweden's bid to parliament in October, has linked Sweden's ratification to U.S. approval of sales of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey.
The White House backs the sale, though there is no clear time frame for the U.S. Congress to approve it and Turkey faces some congressional opposition over delaying NATO enlargement and its human rights record.
Turkey's general assembly is set to convene at 1200 GMT, with Sweden expected to be among the first of dozens of matters to be debated.
Parliament's foreign affairs commission approved the bid last month, with Erdogan's ruling AK Party, nationalist allies MHP, and main opposition CHP backing it. Opposition nationalist and Islamist parties rejected it.
MHP leader Devlet Bahceli said on Tuesday his party would continue backing Sweden's bid in the general assembly vote. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/turkey-set-to-approve-swedens-nato-membership-bid-after-long-delay
| 2024-01-23T10:28:24Z
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SINGAPORE - With the merger between Singtel Singapore’s consumer and enterprise arms now complete in just over six months, the hard work of streamlining the integrated business will likely continue for at least another 2.5 years, its top executive said.
“We have a three-year time frame to accomplish this multiphased consolidation,” Singtel Singapore’s chief executive Ng Tian Chong told The Straits Times.
“While our people have settled into their roles, on my part – there’s still a lot to do,” added the ex-Hewlett Packard veteran of some 30 years, who was helicoptered in to helm the new entity in June 2023.
The business restructuring is part of a strategic reset to jumpstart growth at Singtel, as well as to be “more agile, competitive and compelling when bringing solutions to market”, group CEO Yuen Kuan Moon had said in April 2023.
That pivot began in May 2021, when the telco spun off its information and communications technology and digital services arm – NCS, enabling it to expand more quickly into the Asia-Pacific as an autonomous business unit.
A year later, in July 2022, the group further decentralised its organisational structure by transferring the management of Optus Enterprise to Australia, where it is the second-largest telco.
While the move gave Optus more operational autonomy and direct accountability, its management has since also come under scrutiny for failing to prevent a data breach in September 2022 and a 12-hour network-wide outage in November 2023.
Some eight months earlier, in April 2023, the consolidation of Singtel’s consumer and enterprise business units, together with the setting up of an infrastructure unit called Digital InfraCo, was announced.
All this is taking place as growth in Singtel has flatlined amid rising competition and changing consumer demands.
Notably, the group’s half-year operating revenue to Sept 30, 2023, slipped 3 per cent to $7 billion from the same period the previous year. At the same time, earnings before interest and taxes (Ebit) or operating profit excluding contributions from associates, remained flat at $580 million.
However, this was due largely to the impact of a strong Singapore dollar versus a weak Australian dollar, which had blunted both operating revenue and Ebit. They would have each posted a 1.5 per cent increase otherwise.
While the mobile business, NCS and Digital InfraCo showed sustained growth, Singtel Singapore’s operating revenue was down 3 per cent for the same period, while Ebit declined by 4 per cent.
Shares of Singtel are down by 3.6 per cent over the past year, and closed on Jan 22 at $2.39 each.
But things should improve moving forward. Mr Ng said the inefficiencies that resulted from having two parallel business lines in the past are expected to be eliminated now that they have been melded into a unified outfit.
He said the challenge, however, was in identifying areas that have natural synergy and those that do not.
For example, both the retail outlets and call centres can serve the consumer and the enterprise segments, but the skill-sets of sales staff catering to each segment may not necessarily overlap.
Mr Ng likened this to the food business where horizontal functions such as the central kitchen can be merged for greater efficiency, but the cooking process will vary from cuisine to cuisine.
“For Singtel’s horizontal functions, such as information technology, human resources, finance and networks, the group’s overall efficiency should improve when duplication is removed,” Mr Ng added.
Additional cost savings can be attained from simplifying the organisation, along with its offerings and processes, he noted.
While this saves on cost, the changes must also improve both employee satisfaction and customer experience.
To gauge how employees are doing, the company gathers feedback and uses engagement scores to evaluate how the 5,000 staff, composed of more than 100 nationalities with an average age of 39 years, are coping with the changes.
“We know that changing mindsets and attitudes take time, but the engagement scores we’ve seen so far are good,” Mr Ng said.
Backed by the group’s annual budget of $20 million for training and development, Mr Ng wants to create a resilient workforce that is used to adapting to change.
“This is because technology changes continually and how we add value will also evolve in tandem,” he said.
His goal is to foster a culture that is agile and willing to lean out to take calculated risks.
From the customers’ perspective, the aim is to make Singtel their first port of call, regardless of whether they are individual consumers or small and medium businesses.
“For this to happen, we have to take an outside-in view, providing them frictionless services. At the end of the day, we want to be in the top quartile of leading global telcos,” said Mr Ng.
Commenting on his leadership style, he said that it was no longer good enough to be just a conductor of an orchestra.
“With unpredictability a given constant amid unfolding crises, leaders cannot simply follow a script.”
“I prefer to see myself as the leader of a jazz band, who can improvise and can still get things done when there isn’t a music score to play from,” he noted.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/singtel-s-pore-business-units-merged-but-still-lots-to-do-says-s-pore-ceo
| 2024-01-23T10:28:27Z
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SINGAPORE – British pop artist Philip Colbert, known even among his friends as “the lobster man”, came across his first lobster by a Scottish seaside when he was eight.
It was a Damascene moment, one that fired his imagination and began the obsession with the crustacean that has made his career.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/lobster-artist-philip-colbert-there-is-nothing-more-unattractive-than-pretentiousness
| 2024-01-23T10:28:48Z
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Colombian-American actress Sofia Vergara has broken her silence on her divorce from American actor Joe Manganiello.
In an interview with Spanish newspaper El Pais on Jan 15, the Modern Family (2009 to 2020) actress revealed they had conflicting opinions about having children.
In July 2023, Vergara, 51, and Manganiello, 47, announced in a joint statement that they had made the “difficult decision” to part ways after seven years of marriage.
“My marriage broke up because my husband was younger. He wanted to have kids and I didn’t want to be an old mum,” Vergara told El Pais.
She added that having another child was not on the cards for her. She is already a mother to son Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, from an earlier marriage to high-school sweetheart Joe Gonzalez.
“I feel it is not fair to the baby. I respect whoever does it, but that is not for me any more. I had a son at 19, who is now 32, and I’m ready to be a grandmother, not a mother,” said Vergara. “I’m almost in menopause. It’s the natural way of things.
“When my son becomes a dad, let him bring the baby to me for a while, and then I’ll give it back to him and go on with my life. That’s what I have to do.”
Apart from being a judge on reality show America’s Got Talent (2006 to present), the actress is promoting Griselda, which will stream on Netflix on Jan 25.
The six-episode drama features Vergara as Griselda Blanco, the Colombian leader of a drug cartel, also known as the Black Widow and Cocaine Godmother.
Vergara and Manganiello (Magic Mike XXL, 2015) first met in May 2014 while attending the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.
Their whirlwind romance ended with a proposal in December that year and they tied the knot in November 2015.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/actress-sofia-vergara-reveals-reason-for-divorcing-actor-joe-manganiello
| 2024-01-23T10:28:58Z
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In 2022, Republicans seemed to have an easy path to regaining the White House, no actual policy proposals required. All they had to do was contrast Donald Trump’s economic record – which they portrayed as stellar – with the lousy economy under President Joe Biden.
That rosy view of the Trump economy involved a lot of selective forgetting – more about that in a minute. But the Biden economy was indeed troubled for much of 2022, with the highest inflation in 40 years. Jobs were plentiful, with unemployment near a 50-year low, but many economists were predicting an imminent recession.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/is-the-vibecession-finally-coming-to-an-end
| 2024-01-23T10:29:09Z
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Technology innovation requires solving hard technical problems, right? Well, yes. And no.
As the Apple Macintosh turns 40, what began as Apple prioritising the squishy concept of “user experience” in its 1984 flagship product is, today, clearly vindicated by its blockbuster products since.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/mac-at-40-user-experience-was-the-innovation-that-launched-a-technology-revolution
| 2024-01-23T10:29:19Z
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SINGAPORE - Within just 15 minutes, a man allegedly molested three women and choked a fourth in Orchard Road on Aug 6, 2023.
On Jan 23, Joseph Mark Mervin, 48, was charged with three counts of molestation and one count of using criminal force on another person.
He is accused of starting his crime spree around 6.50pm when he allegedly molested an 18-year-old girl at a staircase in Lucky Plaza shopping centre.
He is accused of molesting a 44-year-old woman outside the same mall some five minutes later.
Joseph is said to have targeted his third alleged victim, a 20-year-old woman, at a zebra crossing near Lucky Plaza at around 7pm.
According to court documents, the Singaporean allegedly used his right hand to choke the woman and shoved her backwards.
He was at an underpass near Tangs department store at around 7.05pm when he allegedly molested a 28-year-old woman.
Joseph is expected to plead guilty on Feb 14.
For each count of molestation, an offender can be jailed for up to three years, fined, caned or receive any combination of such punishments.
And for using criminal force on another person, an offender can be jailed for three months and fined up to $1,500.
Joseph was one of multiple men who faced molestation charges on Jan 23.
In an unrelated case, Mia Md Sohag, 24, was in a corridor of a Tampines block of flats shortly before 5pm on April 18, 2023, when he allegedly molested a nine-year-old girl by stretching his hand through a window grille to touch her chest.
Separately, Selvaraja Robert, 67, is accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl in the Bugis area that month.
Three other men are accused of committing molestation within Marina Bay Sands in unrelated incidents.
Al Amin, 41, is said to have molested a 27-year-old woman at the Ce La Vi club at around 2.40am on Oct 12, 2023.
Jephthah Goh Poh Khang, 29, was at the Marquee Singapore nightclub shortly before 5.20am on Nov 25, 2023, when he allegedly molested a 25-year-old woman.
And on Jan 1, 2024, July Izaak, 30, was at the Avenue Singapore lounge when he allegedly molested a 31-year-old woman.
Separately, Pooraneswaran Rajeeththan, 41, is accused of molesting a woman at around 11.45am on Feb 27, 2023. Details about the location of the alleged crime have been redacted from court documents.
Another man, Kher Rohit, 57, is said to have committed a similar offence at the traffic junction of River Valley Road and Nathan Road on Sept 1, 2023.
Ten days later, Ho Keng Sin, 55, allegedly molested a 31-year-old woman at a Kelantan Lane coffee shop near Jalan Besar.
On Oct 7, 2023, Yew Yap Hon, 38, was in a condominium apartment in Balestier Road when he allegedly molested a woman.
Chinnaiyan Abimanyu, 21, is accused of molesting a woman in Campbell Lane in Little India the following month.
All the accused are Singaporeans except for Yew, a Malaysian; Chinnaiyan, an Indian national; Pooraneswaran, a Sri Lankan; as well as Mia and Al Amin, who are Bangladeshis.
Their cases are pending.
The identities of the alleged victims cannot be disclosed due to gag orders to protect their identities.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/man-who-allegedly-molested-3-women-in-15-minutes-among-multiple-men-charged-with-molestation
| 2024-01-23T10:29:29Z
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SINGAPORE - A 34-year-old lorry driver had to be extricated from his vehicle after it collided with a tipper truck along the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) on the evening of Jan 22.
The police and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said they were alerted to the accident on the PIE towards Tuas before the Jurong West Avenue 2 exit at about 7.30pm that day.
According to Chinese language media outlet Shin Min Daily News, the front of the lorry was severely damaged in the accident, which resulted in blocking off at least two lanes.
When SCDF officers arrived at the scene, they found the lorry driver trapped in his seat.
They freed him from his vehicle using hydraulic rescue equipment, and he was conscious when he was taken to the National University Hospital.
Police investigations are ongoing.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/driver-rescued-from-lorry-taken-to-hospital-after-collision-with-tipper-truck-along-pie
| 2024-01-23T10:29:40Z
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SINGAPORE – There are just four physiotherapists at the 224-bed Sree Narayana Mission (Singapore) nursing home, but some bed-bound residents still get an extra therapy session in the afternoon that will help them live more comfortably.
This is because 20 nursing aides and healthcare assistants have been trained to provide essential physiotherapy exercises, such as passive range of motion moves and chest physiotherapy for these residents, to prevent the stiffening of joints and mucus build-up.
This has been made possible by a cross-training initiative aimed at upskilling the care staff while addressing manpower challenges – the brainchild of Ms Jezsica Ida Su, the home’s director of nursing and head of therapy.
Ms Su, who joined the home in June 2019 and has 15 years of nursing experience after switching from a career in human resources, said her plan is to train the rest of the care staff to do the physiotherapy exercises. The home currently has 85 care staff.
The mother of three, who is pursuing a PhD in nursing, was one of 16 recipients of the Superstar Award at the 14th Singapore Health Quality Service Awards 2024 on Jan 23.
The event has been organised annually by SingHealth, one of three public healthcare clusters here, since 2011.
Dr Janil Puthucheary, the guest of honour at the event, highlighted the achievements of a few winners such as Ms Su and Ms Nennie Fadillah Hasnawi, who leads one of Changi General Hospital’s patient service associate teams at its emergency department.
Ms Nennie was one of the first patient service associates to be deployed in a new initiative to have the associates support and care for patients awaiting admission to the emergency department. She advocated for having more associates to help relieve nurses there of non-clinical tasks, such as delivering meals and helping patients contact their families.
Also given the Superstar award was Associate Professor Lee Lui Shiong, the head and senior consultant at Sengkang General Hospital’s urology department.
He led the launch of a system to partially automate the tracking of ureteric stents – tubes placed in the ureter to help drain urine from the kidney – after observing that manually tracking such implants could be prone to human error.
“Previously, we would manually trawl the record periodically to see which patient has forgotten.” While not many implant removals were missed, the repetitive task of checking the books every week or month could impact morale, Dr Lee added.
“Most patients have the implants for two to four weeks, but some come back (to remove them) late because they have forgotten about it,” he said, adding that patients are generally fine if the stent is removed within four to five months of insertion.
However, implants that are left in the body for too long are difficult to remove, and they can put patients at risk of complications such as compromised kidney function.
Another six Best Team Awards and awards in the Star, Gold and Silver categories were given at the event. The recipients were selected based on commendations from patients and colleagues for going the extra mile, in addition to the number of compliments and service awards they received.
In all, 4,444 awards were given to healthcare professionals and teams from 45 public and private healthcare institutions, and organisations from the community care sector for delivering quality care and patient experience at the ceremony held at the National University of Singapore’s University Cultural Centre.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/healthcare-workers-get-superstar-awards-for-going-the-extra-mile
| 2024-01-23T10:29:50Z
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SINGAPORE – Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will make a four-day working visit to New York City from Jan 24 to Jan 27.
In a statement on Jan 23, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said PM Lee will be accompanied by his wife, Mrs Lee, and officials from the PMO as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During PM Lee’s absence, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong will be the acting prime minister.
PM Lee was last on a working visit to the United States in November 2023, when he attended the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting in San Francisco at the invitation of US President Joe Biden.
During the visit, PM Lee also met California Governor Gavin Newsom and business leaders from prominent US firms, including Google and Alphabet chief executive Sundar Pichai and Apple chief executive Tim Cook.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/pm-lee-to-visit-new-york-city-from-jan-24-to-27
| 2024-01-23T10:30:01Z
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MELBOURNE - Highlights of the 10th day of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Tuesday, all times local (GMT +11):
2030 DJOKOVIC BEATS FRITZ IN FOUR SETS
Novak Djokovic stormed into the semi-finals of the Australian Open with a 7-6(3) 4-6 6-2 6-3 victory over American Taylor Fritz.
The Serbian top seed will meet either Andrey Rublev or Jannik Sinner for a place in the final.
1620 GAUFF DOWNS KOSTYUK IN EPIC THREE-SETTER
Fourth seed Coco Gauff battled back from 5-1 down in the first set to beat Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk 7-6(6) 6-7(3) 6-2 in searing conditions on Rod Laver Arena to reach her first Australian Open semi-final.
The American struggled on serve but raised her game in the third set to wrap up the win in just over three hours.
1308 SINGLES QUARTER-FINALS ACTION UNDERWAY
Quarter-finals action in the singles draw got underway as scheduled on Rod Laver Arena, where U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff was taking on unseeded Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk.
It looks like being a hot day at Melbourne Park with the temperature already 25 degrees Celsius (78 Fahrenheit) and forecast to peak at 31 in the late afternoon.
Australian Open order of play on Tuesday
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Ukrainian qualifier Yastremska reaches quarter-finals on fairytale run REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/tennis/australian-open-day-10-0
| 2024-01-23T10:30:11Z
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MELBOURNE - Novak Djokovic continued his dominance over Taylor Fritz but not before a big test as he sealed a 7-6(3) 4-6 6-2 6-3 win over the 12th-seeded American on a steamy Tuesday at the Australian Open to move into a record-extending 48th Grand Slam semi-final.
The 36-year-old defending champion had beaten Fritz in all eight of their previous meetings, including a five-sets win at Melbourne Park in 2021 and a crushing victory at the U.S. Open last year.
But Djokovic has taken his time to get going at this year's tournament as he seeks an 11th title and 25th major to surpass Margaret Court's haul, and the top-seeded Serb was unable to break in a marathon first game that had nine deuces.
Fritz saved eight break points and went toe to toe with his opponent in energy sapping conditions before setting up two set points but Djokovic saved them both to force a tiebreak, where he took his level up a few notches.
The Serb cupped his ear as the crowd roared when he fired a superb cross-court winner to earn five set points and bagged the early lead in the contest after 84 minutes.
Fritz broke early in the next set and bailed himself out of trouble several times with stinging backhand winners as Djokovic looked to respond, but the 26-year-old American held firm and drew level at one set all with a comfortable hold.
Djokovic cooled off by placing ice packs on his head in the third set but he was only comfortable after finally breaking his opponent on his 16th attempt en route to a 2-0 lead, which gave him the platform to push on and win the set.
Fritz appeared to struggle with his movement at times in the fourth set and Djokovic moved in for the kill to break in the sixth game before fending off a comeback attempt from Fritz to prevail. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/tennis/djokovic-extinguishes-fritz-fire-to-make-melbourne-semis
| 2024-01-23T10:30:21Z
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MELBOURNE - Coco Gauff eked out a victory to reach her first Australian Open semi-final on Tuesday and while the victory was more graft than glamour the U.S. Open champion was just fine with that.
The three-hour, eight-minute battle against Ukrainian world number 37 Marta Kostyuk took nearly as long as three of her previous four matches at Melbourne Park combined, with Gauff eventually prevailing 7-6(6) 6-7(3) 6-2.
Her normally reliable serves and returns let her down, but she managed to claw her way back from a 5-1 deficit in the first set, one point at a time.
"I think today was definitely a C game, so didn't play my best tennis - but really proud that I was able to get through today's match," Gauff told reporters. "Hopefully got the bad match out of the way and I can play even better."
The world number four, playing a Grand Slam for the last time as a teenager, lived out her coach Brad Gilbert's strategy, captured in his tennis manual "Winning Ugly".
"I bought a copy but I didn't read it," said Gauff, who is looking to become the first woman in three years to win the U.S. Open and Australian Open back-to-back.
"But, you know, I feel like I got the real version so I don't need a book. But maybe it could help."
The strategy paid off, making up for shots that she said she is normally able to make but was "missing by a lot" against Kostyuk.
"Today was frustrating because I knew how I needed to play," she added. "I just couldn't execute. Eventually I was able to find it, which is what I'm proud of. But, yeah, problem-solving is tennis."
Undaunted by the scorching heat on Rod Laver Arena, which she said was not as hot as back home in Florida, Gauff was forced to rely on her mental game strength to make up for her below-par shot-making.
"I think that's gotten me through a lot of matches, and I feel like mentally I'm one of the strongest out there, and I try my best to reset after each point," she said.
Next up she will face either world number two Aryna Sabalenka, whom she beat to clinch the U.S. Open last year, or ninth seed Barbora Krejcikova.
"The goal is to stay here as long as possible and keep going upwards," said Gauff. "I mean, I'm not at the top but I'm up there." REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/tennis/gauff-doesnt-need-to-read-coachs-winning-ugly-manual
| 2024-01-23T10:30:32Z
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Graduating from an accelerator program backed by the federal government helped improve the performance of a Holland-area energy storage startup’s battery components and prepared it for commercialization.
Jolt Energy Storage Technologies LLC, which has been developing organic energy storage materials for power grid applications, was selected in 2020 to participate in the third cohort of the Shell GameChanger Accelerator. The program is operated by the multinational energy giant in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Jolt Energy received a $250,000 grant as part of the program, which is commonly referred to as GCxN. The accelerator provides startups with financial support and advanced energy expertise as well as access to NREL’s world-class researchers and facilities.
Since its founding in 2014, Jolt Energy has been developing low-cost storage components that are made from organic materials and used for large-scale flow batteries that would allow utilities to store and deploy electricity produced from intermittent sources like wind and solar.
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The organic materials would serve as an alternative to more widespread lithium ion batteries, and help eliminate the reliance on metals such as nickel, cobalt, manganese, iron and copper that must be mined, processed and refined at great cost.
“We hope to have a product in the field — a real cell battery in the field — in the next year and a half,” said Jolt COO Jack Johnson, who co-founded the company with Thomas Guarr.
Johnson also co-founded Holland Township-based mobile lithium-ion energy technology startup Volta Power Systems in 2014, serving in various leadership roles until stepping away from day-to-day operations in 2023 to grow his role at Jolt as head of business development.
Guarr has served as the director of research and development at the Michigan State University Bioeconomy Institute-Holland’s Organic Storage Laboratory. Jolt operates out of the institute, which is housed in a former pharmaceutical research and development and pilot production facility near Lake Macatawa.
Accelerator benefits
Jolt connected with the GCxN opportunity through work with Argonne National Laboratory. The GCxN program typically spans about two years, but Jolt’s cohort was stalled by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Having graduated from the accelerator, Johnson said it was beneficial for Jolt to work with a reputable group of professionals in a national lab setting and demonstrate the competitiveness and cost effectiveness of the startup’s materials.
McKinsey & Co. in an August 2023 report forecasted nearly 500% growth in the need for battery energy storage system capacity through 2030, highlighting a need for diversified and rapidly scalable technology solutions.
“The need is high. The demand is there,” Johnson said. “There just isn’t any technology that’s low enough cost to make it all work. And we’re coming in with this opportunity that shows that we can build it.”
According to Johnson, the startup will continue to focus on its trajectory toward commercialization while also raising $5 million in capital from an ongoing Series A funding round to help bring the technology to market. Johnson also anticipates hiring about six additional team members this year.
The company will then focus on preparing the materials for applications in large-scale redox flow batteries.
Jolt leaders say the use of organic materials in technology for widespread societal needs draws inspiration from a well-known, nearby advanced manufacturer.
“We hope to be the next Gentex,” Johnson said, noting the electrochromic organic compounds the Zeeland-based manufacturer has used in auto-dimming mirror applications.
“That innovation back in the mid 1980s created Gentex, using organic base compounds that are electrically active, and here we’re trying to do something very similar,” he said.
More from Crain’s Grand Rapids Business:
Kalamazoo billionaire donates $100M to Black women’s college in Atlanta
Financing, construction costs stall 39-unit Grand Rapids housing project
Global packaging company to close Grand Rapids-area plant, laying off 111 workers
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https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/energy/accelerator-brings-holland-energy-storage-startup-closer-to-market/
| 2024-01-23T10:55:51Z
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A Grand Rapids apartment developer had one item on his holiday wish list: an easier environment for debt financing.
Brad Laackman is CEO of Honor Construction, which he founded in 2009. In 2020, he co-founded Victory Development Group with Brian Hamrick and Jeff Royce to expand multi-tenant housing in West Michigan, with a 1,000-door goal by 2027.
Laackman also serves as a partner at Isle Construction, formed in 2022 to support diversity in local construction management.
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This conversation has been edited and condensed.
What are some of the opportunities and tools that might help facilitate your multifamily development this year?
It’s been really hard to make projects work these days because of interest rates and the conservatism of the banks due to interest rates. So we are constantly looking for incentives and gap funding to make the pro formas work on projects.
What else is keeping you up at night?
Those are really the biggest ones that stop us short of letting projects continue on time, when the funding and the access to mortgages and debt service are very limited.
What are the tools in the toolkit you’re looking at to help with that, as far as incentives?
The incentives are local brownfield financing and Neighborhood Enterprise Zones for tax credits and tax abatements. We are market-rate developers, so we don’t do low income housing tax credits. We’re looking at HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) loans, which can help secure better terms underwritten by the government, but they take much longer to get off the ground.
Are there projects you’re working on that you feel have to be done by a certain time to make the financing stack work and so the costs do not creep up even more?
I think we’re past that, because … the interest rates are kind of at a pause right now. So the need is still there, which is the conundrum, in the county and the city. But the national interest rates and banking outlooks are not able to support that right now.
What are you most excited about, either something in your own project pipeline or something happening in the industry as a whole?
Locally, I’m excited about the catalyst of the amphitheater — what’s going to go on around that and the potential growth of housing in that area. We’re also still very excited about our Victory on Celebration project (at Celebration Village in Grand Rapids). But there’s still a lot of work to be done to get that off the ground. It’s really just working through the pro forma on the funding, but we’re continuing with the project and looking for ways to make it work.
Anything else you want to add about the multifamily development landscape right now?
The need is still there. And every month, every year that passes, it’s just going to get harder to get to that critical number to be able to have enough doors to satiate the area. So that’s really the challenge.
See more executive outlook in the 2024 Crystal Ball edition from Crain’s Grand Rapids Business.
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https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/real-estate/grand-rapids-multifamily-developer-says-financing-will-be-this-years-biggest-hurdle/
| 2024-01-23T10:55:57Z
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A Walker board deadlocked Wednesday in a vote over a developer’s long-running plan for townhomes off Greenridge Drive, resulting in a decision to table the proposal for a fourth time.
The Walker Planning Commission on Wednesday evening voted 4-4, with one member absent, on a motion to consider the preliminary area site plan for River Ridge Townhouses. The proposal includes 162 units of multifamily rental townhomes on about 50 acres at 330, 350 and 740 Greenridge Drive NW in Walker.
The project is led by Scott Wierda, principal and managing partner at CWD Real Estate Investment and co-owner of Jade Pig Ventures LLC.
Following the deadlocked vote — with half the members opposing due to persistent concerns over stormwater drainage and whether the project fits with the master plan guidelines for density and open space preservation — commissioner Elaina Huizenga-Chase moved to table the decision until the board’s next meeting on Feb. 7, when it hopes to have an odd number of commissioners present. That motion passed unanimously.
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The vote came after three new planning commissioners — Tom Winkelman, Patrick Nolan and Huizenga-Chase, who also is a city commissioner — started their terms Jan. 1. The new members expressed discomfort making a decision without being as familiar with the project’s history as others on the board. Several commissioners also shared trepidation over the ramifications of approving the plan with conditions and losing the ability to control the big-picture details during final site plan review.
Another factor in the decision was that Planning Director Paula Priebe, who recommended approval with conditions, was absent and not able to explain her thinking beyond her written report. Community Development Director Frank Wash stood in for her at the meeting and recommended tabling the project.
“From my standpoint, I think it would be wise to table this and go back and do what we said we were going to do, which was to do a public process to review the master plan for this site and this general area,” he said. “That’s my two cents. Paula has a different recommendation.”
Following the vote to table, Planning Commission Chair Terry Schweitzer said the extra time should give the commissioners more time to study the project and come back ready to make a decision.
“We’ve kicked the can for another three weeks, but at the same time, this is going to give us all a chance to digest this tonight, and you may have an assignment after that next meeting, either to provide rationale to deny or rationale to approve,” Schweitzer said in addressing the board. “So that’s kind of homework for you guys to think about, if it goes one way or another, as to what things are going to be important to provide to us to back up that decision.”
The property is just southeast of M-37/Alpine Avenue and 4 Mile Road NW, surrounded by a single-family neighborhood on one side and Greenridge Apartments on the other. It was the former home of the Masonic Country Club from 1921 to 1931, then later the Greenridge Country Club until 1988. Jade Pig Ventures acquired the land in 1998 and first proposed townhomes on the site in early 2022.
This is the fourth time the planning commission has voted to table the project amid strong neighborhood opposition and concerns such as the site’s topography, stormwater drainage, endangered species, traffic and density.
The board’s most recent vote to table was Dec. 6. At that meeting, commissioners requested time to confer with the city’s legal counsel and master plan consultant McKenna about whether the project aligns with the master plan.
Christopher Khorey, West Michigan manager for McKenna, submitted a report Jan. 11 that found the project complies with the city’s vision for land use and is of compatible density, but that it does not adequately protect natural features, and the layout of roads and the stormwater pond on site will create new impediments to the road connection and will not ease traffic congestion.
Suzanne Schulz, the urban planning practice leader for Progressive AE, spoke on behalf of her client, Jade Pig, at the meeting. She said that the planning commission is “convoluting” the zoning ordinance, which is law, and the master plan, which is a best practice policy document. She noted Jade Pig already has the right zoning and is simply seeking preliminary approval on a plan to develop land it already owns and has a right to build on.
She said Jade Pig is more than willing to provide more details and studies in the final area site plan review to satisfy concerns the commission may have, but it would like a preliminary decision before doing further assessments and studies.
“There’s no point in doing due diligence and doing $30,000 worth of hydrological studies, doing all of those components, if we don’t even know if the site plan as laid out is acceptable to you,” she said.
The developer’s counsel, Pat Lennon of Honigman LLP, said he believes the commission “is on legally thin ice” with its continuous delay tactics, noting “under any iteration or interpretation, the applicant has fulfilled the requirements of the ordinance.”
“We have spent a lot of time reacting to comments and effectively playing a game of Whac-a-Mole,” he said. “Every time we solve one problem, another one is presented. Tabling into infinity is no longer acceptable to us.”
Toward the end of the meeting, Schweitzer thanked the applicant for their continued patience.
“In three weeks, we’re going to reconvene, and this will be on the agenda to allow for action to be taken,” he said.
More from Crain’s Grand Rapids Business:
Financing, construction costs stall 39-unit Grand Rapids housing project
Global packaging company to close Grand Rapids-area plant, laying off 111 workers
Talent constraints drive need for pre-planning in 2024 construction projects
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https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/real-estate/walker-board-again-deadlocks-over-plan-for-townhomes-at-former-golf-course/
| 2024-01-23T10:56:04Z
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ASTANA – Almaty city witnessed an earthquake on Jan. 23 at 12.09 a.m. Astana time, causing no fatalities or severe damage, said Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov, according to the Prime Minister’s press service.
With an epicenter 264 kilometers southeast of Almaty on the border of the Kyrgyz Republic and China, the seismic activity continued with a magnitude 2 shockwave at 12.42 a.m. and an imperceptible one at 01:36 a.m.
As of 7 a.m., Kazakhstan experienced three seismic events, with the maximum perceptibility in Almaty being 5, Shymkent recording 2, the Zhambyl Region registering 2-3, and the Zhetisu Region noting 4 points.
Despite no recorded casualties, eight people were injured due to rash actions, as they jumped from the second and third floors driven by panic in the absence of timely information. They were promptly taken to city hospitals.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of timely warnings and clear instructions for citizens in such situations.
A national operational headquarters, led by the Minister of Emergency Situations, has been established along with hotlines with psychological support and reception points set up for the affected population.
The state civil protection system in the regions was put on high alert, with command and staff vehicles deployed, rescue units mobilized, and the public warning system prepared for immediate response.
The seismic forecasting commission reported that strong and destructive earthquakes are not expected in Almaty, urging residents of the region not to panic and to trust only official sources.
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https://astanatimes.com/2024/01/kazakh-officials-confirm-no-casualties-in-almaty-earthquake/
| 2024-01-23T11:14:17Z
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ASTANA – In the first half of 2023, Kazakhstan surged $4.1 billion in net inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI), 86% more than in the previous year, Acting Chairman of the Kazakh Invest National Company Zhandos Temirgali said in an interview with Forbes, published on Dec. 28, 2023, reported the Kazakh Invest’s press service.
The country saw a 60% surge in investments directed towards the manufacturing industry, Temirgali added.
According to him, increased business activity during that period resulted in a record number of 22 significant investment events organized by Kazakh Invest, with eight of them conducted with the participation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and three with Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov.
With Kazakh Invest’s support, 47 new production facilities worth $1.1 billion with foreign participation were put into operation, generating over 4,500 jobs for citizens.
Also, 2023 marked the commencement of construction and installation work on 42 projects valued at over $3 billion, including the production of thermal insulation materials by the Italian company Cormatex, the construction of a new KIA plant valued at $250 million, and the establishment of 1,500 jobs.
Speaking about corporate relocation, Temirgali noted that 80 companies are currently under consideration, with 41 having completed the process in 2022-2023. The total cost of these projects approached $1.5 billion.
“The Wabtec company relocated its regional office and began implementing a project to produce locomotives and components. Microsoft Corporation opened multi-regional hubs in Kazakhstan, Wika launched equipment production for the oil and gas industry, and Honeywell moved its regional office to Almaty and opened production facilities in several regions of Kazakhstan,” he said.
Kazakhstan secured the fifth place among the world’s developing economies for attracting net investments in renewable energy projects from 2015 to 2022, accumulating a total of $56.3 billion.
“Italian ENI, French TotalEnergies, German Svevind, China Power, Emirati Masdar, Saudi ACWA Power, and others are interested in the development of renewable energy sources in Kazakhstan,” he shared.
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https://astanatimes.com/2024/01/kazakhstan-attracts-4-1-billion-in-fdi-in-first-half-of-2023/
| 2024-01-23T11:14:23Z
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ASTANA – The National Center for Manuscripts and Rare Books published a copy of the manuscript of the great philosopher and scientist, Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, found in the United States, the Kazakh Culture and Information Ministry’s press service reported on Jan. 23.
The three-chapter original book “Risala Mirat al-Qulub,” written in the 12th century in Arabic script in the Turkic language, describes the humanistic values of justice, honesty, and goodness.
Currently, experts examine the 18th-century copy discovered in the Library of Congress in Washington, comparing it to the original for any differences.
Almat Absalykov, the center’s chief expert, elaborated on the diverse methods used in heritage search efforts, one of which is to search the Internet for electronic versions of ancient manuscripts, rare books, and maps.
“On foreign websites, we identify copies of important written data related to the history of Kazakhstan and make facsimiles,” he said.
The process of binding the book took three weeks. The original work is housed in the National Library of Kazakhstan.
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https://astanatimes.com/2024/01/kazakhstan-publishes-khoja-ahmed-yasawi-manuscript-copy-discovered-in-us/
| 2024-01-23T11:14:30Z
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ASTANA – Sergek, Kazakhstan’s leading platform for monitoring and analyzing traffic offenses on city roads and streets, completed a pilot project based on Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud solutions, having tested the technical capabilities of integration to increase efficiency and deploy Sergek solutions abroad, reported Sergek press service on Jan. 19.
“This is done for the convenience of customers who implement Sergek’s smart developments for their cities in a plug-and-play format and will allow us to develop solutions for smart cities,” the statement reads.
Sergek exports solutions based on artificial intelligence and big data for smart and sustainable cities, focusing on road safety, transportation analytics, and assessing the impact of transportation on air quality.
Sergek solutions have been launched in Uzbekistan and are being piloted in Azerbaijan and the Philippines.
According to Sergek, using the AWS cloud infrastructure will be a significant step in the geographic expansion of Kazakh solutions.
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https://astanatimes.com/2024/01/kazakhstans-sergek-service-starts-applying-amazon-web-services-cloud-solutions/
| 2024-01-23T11:14:36Z
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ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is set for a scheduled working trip to Almaty on Jan. 24-25, said Tokayev’s spokesperson Berik Uali on his Instagram page.
The President will visit several facilities, particularly the city administration building renovated after the 2022 January events.
Tokayev will hold a meeting at this location, covering the situation in the city.
Almaty was shaken by an earthquake on Tuesday night, the first time since a magnitude 4-5 earthquake occurred in the city on May 1, 2011.
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https://astanatimes.com/2024/01/president-tokayev-to-visit-almaty-this-week/
| 2024-01-23T11:14:43Z
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White House expresses concern about Ukraine’s lack of weapons as Russia is building up military potential.
“The next few months are going to be critical for Ukraine,” US National Security spokesperson John Kirby said at the White House press briefing on 22 January. “If you think the fighting’s going to stop because the snow has fallen, think again. Russians continue to fire drones and missiles at Ukraine.”
According to Kirby, Ukrainian commanders struggle to choose which weapons they will spend due to the uncertainty about the next military aid shipment. Meanwhile, “the Russians are certainly not suffering under the same uncertainty,” reaching out to North Korea and Iran for ballistic missiles and drones, as well as producing their own weapons.
Previously, Biden’s national security aides assessed that “Russia could win the war within weeks or months if Congress doesn’t act,” as NBC News reported. The White House cannot announce further military aid packages for Ukraine due to Congress’s failure to approve supplementary funding at the end of 2023. The most recent package of $250 million was announced on 27 December 2023. On 3 January, Kirby said that it was “the last security assistance package that we have funds to support.”
US announces $ 250 mn military aid package for Ukraine, “the last until Congress authorizes additional funds”
At the 22 January briefing, Kirby said the White House wants Ukraine’s borders “internationally established and recognized by everyone, including Mr. Putin.” He expressed the desire to continue supporting Ukraine to achieve its goals.
“It’s transparent and clear: we want Ukraine to win this war,” he said.
Read also:
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https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/23/kirby-next-few-months-to-be-critical-for-ukraine/
| 2024-01-23T11:17:26Z
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Poland has raised its military aircraft readiness amid the Russian morning missile attack on Ukraine, the Operational Command of Polish Armed Forces reported on 23 January.
“We are observing the intense activity of the Russian Federation’s long-range aircraft, which is connected to the intention to carry out strikes on the territory of Ukraine,” said the statement. “The situation is being monitored on a current basis.”
According to the Operational Command of Polish Armed Forces, Polish and allied air forces have been activated, “which may be associated with the occurrence of an elevated noise level, especially in the southeastern part of the country.”
On 2 January, during a Russian massive missile long-range attack on Ukraine, Poland scrambled F-16 fighter jets to “ensure the security of Polish airspace” for the first time.
The decision was made following the Russian forces’ attack on Ukraine on 29 December 2023. Then, the Polish Operational Command detected an unknown object that flew in from Ukrainian territory near the Ukrainian border in the Zamość area of Poland.
In the early morning of 23 January, Russians launched another missile attack against Ukraine, targeting Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
A total of 41 Russian air attack vehicles were recorded during the night, Ukraine’s Air Forces reported
Ukraine’s Air Force shot down 21 Russian missiles: 15 X-101/X-555/X-55 cruise missiles, 5 Iskander-M ballistic missiles, and a Kh-59 guided missile.
Read also:
- Ukraine downs 21/41 Russian missiles in another massive missile assault that killed at least five civilians
- Zelenskyy: Poland allocates Ukraine with new defense package
- Zelenskyy’s top aide warns new wars may erupt in world if Putin wins in Ukraine
- Russia launches another massive missile attack against Ukraine killing at least two civilians (live updates)
- Minister: Some 5,000 trucks left for Poland after Polish truckers suspended border blockade
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https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/23/poland-activates-its-air-defenses-amid-russias-morning-missile-attack-on-ukraine/
| 2024-01-23T11:18:06Z
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After a week-long break, Russia launched another massive aerial attack on Ukraine. The main target of the assault was the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv. The Interior Minister said the attack killed at least five civilians and injured dozens. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Air Force says Russia has used 41 missiles of five types as the air defenders destroyed 21 of those.
Combined missile attack
The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine says Russia launched 41 missiles of five different types, including cruise, ballistic, air-guided, and anti-air missiles.
The AF says Russia launched the following missiles:
- 4 S-300/S-400 anti-aircraft guided missiles from Russia’s Belgorod region targeting Kharkiv Oblast;
- 15 Kh-101/Kh-555/Kh-55 cruise missiles from six Tu-95MS strategic bombers (launch area: Engels, Russia)
- 8 Kh-22 anti-ship missiles from Tu-22M3 bombers from Russia’s Bryansk and Oryol oblasts in the direction of Ukraine’s Kharkiv and Sumy Oblasts;
- 12 Iskander-M ballistic missiles (launch area: Belgorod and Voronezh oblasts)
- 2 Kh-59 guided missiles from two Su-34 aircraft (launch area: Belgorod Oblasts, Russia).
The ballistic missiles are the most challenging aerial targets for Ukraine’s air defenses. Of all Ukrainian anti-air systems, only the Patriot surface-to-air missile systems can destroy them.
The Ukrainian Air Force says the country’s air defenders destroyed 21 missiles of those 41:
- 15 Kh-101/Kh-555/Kh-55 cruise missiles;
- 5 Iskander-M ballistic missiles;
- one X-59 guided missile.
“It is important to note that not all enemy missiles that attacked via ballistic trajectory reached their targets,” the Air Force noted.
Civilian casualties
The Russian January 23 missile attack killed at least five civilians in Kharkiv, Kyiv, and Pavlohrad, and injured at least 40, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said.
Kharkiv
As of 11:00, the search and rescue operations continued in Kharkiv, where the Russians hit residential areas with S-300 missiles. The State Emergency Service reported that the attack killed at least three and injured 42, including four children, while the first responders rescued 27 people from the rubble.
“The occupiers hit residential high-rise buildings, causing significant damage. An educational institution and other civilian infrastructure were also destroyed. There are people trapped under the rubble,” the Emergency Service reported.
Kyiv
Interior Minister Klymenko reported that several fires broke out in Kyiv due to the missile strike – in the Sviatoshynskyi, Solomianskyi, and Pecherskyi districts. One person was killed. In Kyiv Oblast, rescuers were working in the Bucha district. Two multi-storey buildings, a private house, outbuildings, and cars were damaged. Three people were injured.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said a woman reportedly killed in the Russian attack was resuscitated and brought to an intensive care unit:
“As of this hour [10:32], 20 people have been injured in the capital by the Russian missile attack. Of these, 13 have been hospitalized, including three children. One 13-year-old boy and six adult victims were treated on the spot by medics. One woman was resuscitated. She is in a serious condition in the intensive care unit, but she is alive!” Klitschko wrote.
Later the Kyiv City Military Administration said the injury toll in Kyiv rose to 22.
Pavlohrad
The Russian attack killed one civilian in Pavlohrad, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, and injured another one, according to Klymenko.
Read also:
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https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/23/ukraine-downs-21-41-russian-missiles-in-another-massive-missile-assault-that-killed-at-least-five-civilains/
| 2024-01-23T11:18:46Z
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Peter Andre has given fans a sweet new update on his wife Emily's pregnancy. The couple, who are already parents to two young children, are gearing up for the new arrival in the coming months.
The new baby is set to be the Mysterious Girl singer's fifth child and third with his doctor wife Emily. During a new chat with the Evening Standard, Peter gushed: "Emily's great. She takes pregnancy in her stride, she's brilliant."
He added: "The thing is it really makes you respect a mum and what she has to go through."
Peter, 50, went on to admit that although he's very "hands on," there's only so much he can do to help since Emily, 34, will be taking on more than him – including breastfeeding, should she decide to.
The couple, who have been married since 2015, shared their baby news back in October with a selfie that saw them proudly beaming alongside five sonogram photos.
They captioned the image: "We are delighted to share the news with you all. A new addition to our family in 2024. The kids are so excited. So are we."
They already share son Theo, seven, and daughter Amelia, nine, while Emily is also a stepmum to Peter's children Princess, 16, and son Junior, 18, from his marriage to model Katie Price.
As a stepmother, Emily has revealed she is careful not to take too much of a parenting role. "I think I take on more of a big-sister role," she told The Times in a heartfelt interview.
She went on: "They are lovely children and they've made my life easy, to be honest. It just sort of works, but I don't think there’s one right way of being a step-parent. I have to say I do buy parenting books – I have a fair few on my shelf."
Last week, Junior Andre opened up to HELLO! about welcoming a new sibling to the fold. "Well I'm going to be one of eight now, which is crazy, I'm going to be a big brother again," he said.
"Obviously, I'm going to be like 19 years older, so I'm going to treat it as if it's my child. It's going to prepare me for fatherhood but yeah I'm very excited."
On the subject of the baby's gender, Junior added: "I don't know what it's going to be, a boy or a girl, but either way I'm going to love it so much, I can't wait. But I'm not changing any nappies though, but honestly, I can't wait - it's like a restart on life again. We've got a new baby sibling, it's crazy."
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511851/peter-andre-praises-wife-emily-andre-new-pregnancy-update/
| 2024-01-23T11:20:40Z
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The Duchess of Edinburgh looked so stylish as she stepped out for another public engagement and she looked so elegant. The royal, 59, was seen arriving in Surrey for a visit that truly put the forest in her forest green outfit.
The Duchess wore a tasteful tailored power suit that was comprised of a fitted single-breasted blazer and a pair of coordinating trousers with a slight flare from the knee down, both by Victoria Beckham. The blazer had boxy shoulders which added structure to the outfit.
Sophie teamed the suit with a chiffon shirt in a black and white abstract print, also by Victoria Beckham, which she wore tucked into the green trousers. Though not her go-to, the royal added a statement belt by Mulberry in white mottled leather with a stand-out gold buckle.
She also popped on a pair of brown heeled leather boots by Prada, the 'Madras' style, and completed the look with a burgundy scarf knotted around her neck. We loved how the mother-of-two wore her hair in a voluminous chignon style and wore a pair of understated teardrop earrings by Heavenly London.
The Duchess paid a visit to Community Projects at Burwell Hall in Walton-on-Thames last week. Walton Charity is a charity supporting people in Elmbridge who are experiencing financial hardship. The charity works with local partners and the wider community to tackle poverty, inequality, homelessness, and isolation in the area.
The royal met the Walton & Hersham Foodbank team and was seen putting together food packages before meeting members of the charity’s independent living schemes’ art group. Sophie also joined in with a parachute game with the members of Elmbridge Mencap’s Day Service and the pupils of the local Walton Leigh School, before cutting out cookies during a cookery session.
The Prince's wife then headed outside to join Walton Charity’s community allotment volunteers to sow spring seeds and she even planted a tree with the Elmbridge Tree Wardens group. The visit was just days before her 59th birthday.
The week before the royal was seen also sporting green as she visited the Katherine Low Settlement in Battersea, London. She rocked a cream turtleneck cashmere jumper by N.Peal and a coordinating mid-length skirt from Gabriela Hearst.
She popped a tweed jacket in an emerald green shade from Guiliva Heritage over the top which cinched in with the help of a built-in waist tie. She sported her favourite chestnut brown suede knee-high boots with a pointed toe by Gianvito Rossi and was seen holding an envelope clutch by Sophie Habsburg in the same hue.
The organisation has worked to reduce poverty and isolation and bring the community in Battersea together for 100 years.
DISCOVER: Duchess Sophie's £1.2m wedding tiara's hidden tribute to father-in-law
Sophie upped the sartorial ante when she stepped out looking immaculate at the Dispensaire Français biennial gala dinner last week in a gorgeous metallic Maison Alaïa midi dress. She teamed the fit-and-flare style with navy pointed-toe heels, a Maison Valentino clutch, and 'Drop Stone Earrings' from Pomegranate Jewellery.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/royal-style/511847/duchess-sophie-edinburgh-gorgeous-leg-lengthening-suit/
| 2024-01-23T11:20:46Z
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Tre Lowe is just one of 18 hopefuls competing for Lord Sugar's investment in the upcoming season of BBC One's The Apprentice. The new series, which kicks off on Thursday 1 February, will see a fresh batch of aspiring entrepreneurs battle it out for a chance to bag the £250,000 investment and mentorship after facing a series of tasks and challenges.
Whilst most contestants on the show tend to be relatively unknown faces, Tre is an award-winning musician and DJ. Keep reading for all we know about the star, including who he's married to.
Tre is a music and wellness entrepreneur based in London. He's already made a name for himself in the music industry as one-half of the 00s garage duo Architects, which he formed with his late brother Ashley.
Tre is also a producer and songwriter, having remixed for the likes of Usher, Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston.
Tre, who co-owns the records label MBL Entertainment, is perhaps best known for his 2021 remix of Body Groove, which he created in honour of his brother Ashley, who passed away in 2020.
Tre's wife is also a successful businesswoman. The musician is married to Enas Daeki, who is the founder of the consultancy agency, Arabela Beauty, which establishes international beauty brands and brings them to the UK and European markets. Enas, who describes herself as a refugee advocate in her Instagram bio, is also a regular contributor for GB News.
Tre shared a sweet tribute to his wife, whom he married last year, whilst away in Cannes on their honeymoon. "From the moment I laid eyes on her, I knew she would be my wife," he penned. "That was 7 years ago… and through trials and tribulations, ups and downs, covid, losing my brother, cultural challenges and all the laughter and joy in between… here we are. We did it! Love you for life."
Tre clearly lives a glamorous lifestyle and can be seen rubbing shoulders with various A-listers on his Instagram page.
In one photo, Tre is seen posing alongside actress Emma Thompson at HELLO!'s Inspiration Awards, while another snap sees the musician with his arm around former boxer Amir Khan.
Tre announced his place in The Apprentice 2024 line-up via Instagram on Tuesday. "Guys, I can finally announce something I've sat on for months," he began. "I will be a contestant on one of my favourite shows - The Apprentice. As someone who has been entrepreneurial my whole life, plus being Nigerian - I couldn't pass up the challenge!
"As a mentor and coach who empowers others to live life to the fullest, embracing any and all challenges, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to do the same."
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511850/the-apprentice-tre-lowe-all-we-know-wife-lifestyle/
| 2024-01-23T11:20:52Z
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Sharon Osbourne shared the heartbreaking confession that she tried to take her own life after she learned her husband, Ozzy, was having an affair in 2016.
The 71-year-old temporarily split from the Black Sabbath frontman, 75, after she discovered emails that revealed he had been unfaithful with celebrity hairdresser, Michelle Pugh, between 2012 and 2016.
At the time, the couple's spokesman confirmed that they "mutually agreed" that Ozzy would move out of their marital home.
According to reports, Sharon recalled the trauma of Ozzy's infidelity during her stage tour last week, revealing she almost overdosed after discovering the news.
"He always, always had groupies and I was so used to that," she said on Sunday during the London leg of her show, according to The Mirror.
Sharon added: "But when he knows the name of the person, where they live and where they work... it is a whole different thing as you are emotionally invested. I took, I don’t know how many pills."
Speaking on stage with friend Jane Moore, Sharon continued: "I just thought, 'My kids are older, they are fine and can take care of themselves'.
"So, I took an overdose and locked myself in the bedroom. The maid tried to come in to clean the room and saw me."
Sharon confirmed the couple's split during an appearance on The Talk in 2016. "I'm 63 years of age, and I can't keep living like this," she said. "I've been avoiding looking at any pictures or reading anything.
"I know what's going on. I don't need to read about or see about it. It's like putting salt in a wound. I don't need to... He's back, and now I'm out of the house."
Speaking about Ozzy's affair, Sharon previously told HELLO! "I felt like a fool. It was as though everyone else had known about it and that everybody was laughing at me. I felt very humiliated and belittled."
After five months apart, the couple – who married in 1982 and share three children, Amy, 40, Kelly, 39, and Jack, 38 – reunited and went on to renew their wedding vows after 35 years of marriage in 2017.
Sharon and Ozzy renewed their vows in a secret ceremony at The Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, which took place without the knowledge of their three children.
Ozzy admitted that their second wedding was "a new beginning" for the couple. "I think that everyone should reaffirm their marriage," he told HELLO!
"I walked out of the ceremony feeling completely refreshed: I know my wife loves me and she knows how much I love her. I’m excited for whatever our future holds."
The former X Factor judge and her husband also split in 2013 when Ozzy suffered a drug relapse. In her autobiography Unbreakable, Sharon admitted that she had considered a divorce before Ozzy sought professional medical help.
"It's a disease that not only hurts the person that has the disease, but it hurts the family," she said on The Talk.
"It hurts people that love you and we're dealing with it. We've dealt with worse, and we will deal with it, and this too shall pass," she added.
Both Ozzy and Sharon have also stood by one another during their health struggles, including when Sharon was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2002, and when Ozzy found out he had Parkinson's disease in 2003.
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletterand get them delivered straight to your inbox.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/health-and-fitness/511843/sharon-osbourne-attempted-end-her-life-ozzy-osbourne-affair/
| 2024-01-23T11:20:58Z
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Happiness after heartbreak becomes possible once we’ve faced the pain and accepted the new status quo, one which incorporates heartbreak into our lives. We have to accept that our loved one is gone and that they perhaps love someone else.
We don’t have to like it, forgive them or condone their actions in any way, but we do have to accept that it is what it is. Radical acceptance is the cornerstone of everything that follows, because freedom lies in acceptance.
We must embrace the freedom to choose new perspectives and alternative ways of dealing with our circumstances and relationships, and perhaps most significantly, the freedom to discover ourselves anew.
How to find happiness after heartbreak
1. Take it slow
We’d suggest holding off on jumping back into the dating scene for now. The answer to your next chapter will not be found there yet.
2. Prioritise yourself
The antidote to heartbreak is getting back together with yourself, after all, it’s the only relationship you have that’s guaranteed to last until your dying breath, so may as well invest in it now.
Spending time getting to know yourself as you are now and exploring what makes you tick and what really matters to you is key. For many women who have spent a great deal of time in service to others, this may have become obscured.
3. Accept the slow return of happiness
A feeling of happiness isn’t going to return overnight. Your heart is broken and there may still be pain and sadness, but orientating your life around what matters to you will mean your life choices start to align better with what you want and need.
Futures unfold one step at a time, so there is no rush. Each small step back towards yourself counts.
READ: I learned to love my own company - and now I’m happier than ever
Finding happiness again
Once the most intense period of heartbreak has passed and the obsessive rumination has died down, you may find your feelings begin to settle and each day is less of a battle to get through.
When you are ready, there is happiness to be found from just being out and about in nature and noticing your surroundings.
INSPIRATION: How to be happy: 30 expert-approved tips to become your most optimistic self
When I’m feeling down or anxious or frustrated and I get outdoors, I make a point of seeing the world with the purposeful intention to discover it anew – and it never disappoints.
The challenges ahead will still be present, but daily doses of joy will help you through the darkest moments.
Finding Your Self at the Heartbreak Hotel by Alice Haddon & Ruth Field is available to buy from 1 February (HQ, £20, hardback).
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/health-and-fitness/511849/finding-happiness-after-heartbreak/
| 2024-01-23T11:21:04Z
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Dakota Johnson's on and off-duty wardrobes are sartorial havens for classic, no-nonsense capsule-dressing lovers.
The 33-year-old actress, best known for playing Anastasia Steele in the Fifty Shades movies adaptations, has a penchant for putting an It-girl stamp on the 'less is more' dress code, and her latest look is the epitome of understated glamour.
Dakota appeared on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon to discuss Madame Web and her role as the eponymous protagonist in the upcoming Marvel movie. For the occasion, she stunned in a fitted black mini dress with a strapless neckline paired with sheer black tights and a pair of black stilettos with an ankle strap from Christian Louboutin.
A black necklace with a statement diamond and simple gold rings completed her look. Her overall ensemble exuded It-girl elegance (when you're chosen as an ambassador for Gucci, it's a given that you possess an innate sense of glamour) and proved that a LBD is the ultimate evening wardrobe staple, regardless of the time of year.
Seeing Dakota's outfit immediately reminded us of Anne Hathaway, who also wore a similar, pared-back yet powerful outfit when appearing on Jimmy's show at the end of 2023. She oozed chic in a black velvet mini dress with long sleeves, flattering ruching that draped from the waist and a plunging v-shaped neckline. She paired her dress with suede slingback heels and sheer tights.
Though pairing an outfit with tights during the winter isn't exactly groundbreaking, hosiery with a super light dernier has been one of the cool-girl accessories of this winter.
From music royal Taylor Swift pairing them with unexpected heels, to fashion royalty Anne Hathaway with her LBD and actual royalty Lady Amelia Spencer wearing them with opera gloves at the Walpole British Luxury Awards, a plethora of fashion-forward icons have stepped out in sheer tights for various occasions this season.
Madame Web is in cinemas on Valentine's Day 2024.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/hfm/fashion-trends/511846/dakota-johnson-sheer-tights-black-mini-dress/
| 2024-01-23T11:21:10Z
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Shirlie Kemp often shares updates on her and husband Martin Kemp's enormous transformation project which they began in 2021. The couple, who met in the 1980s while in their popstar heydays, have even revamped a separate cottage on their sprawling land, as well as an outhouse, which was once a pig shed, and Shirlie gave fans another glimpse inside recently.
Taking to her Instagram account dedicated to her home improvements, Shirlie revealed to her followers that she is giving the outhouse, known affectionately as 'Piglet', a spruce up after it needed a "big spring clean and paint" due to the wintery conditions.
The former Wham! dancer star panned a video across the room and revealed she was going to paint the shutters. The inside of the shed looked super cosy thanks to a little bench area and gorgeous plates on the wall and hanging baskets – adding a Mediterranean feel to the area.
Shirlie, who is mum to Capital FM DJ Roman Kemp and singer Harley Moon, then shared a stunning photo of one corner in Piglet, featuring a huge bouquet of winter flowers and foliage, sharing details in the caption: "A pretty corner in Piglet but the rest of it is in need of a big spring clean and paint.
"White floors look like a mud bath now but I quite enjoy bringing it back to life in the spring. At least there is a little corner that looks sweet as the winter sun highlights the colours."
The choice of flowers was perfect for the season. With lots of brown and orange hues and a pop of pink and lilac here and there, the sideboard looked rustic and seriously chic. Two hanging mirrors on the wall as well as candelabras with tall, orange candlesticks added gorgeous finishing touches.
'Piglet' has been a labour of love for Shirlie since the Kemps moved into their home and the area was nearly torn down completely. However, always seeing an opportunity to create something new, Shirlie decided to halt the demolition and turn it into an area for their family to use in the garden.
MORE: Shirlie Kemp confuses fans with new photo of second cottage kitchen at family home
MORE: Martin Kemp's bride Shirlie's four wedding dresses for clifftop ceremony, boat party & more
Piglet is clad in trendy wooden panels and features industrial lantern-style lights inside. Outside, there's even a barbeque set up with two wooden rocking chairs underneath a trendy pergola for when the warmer months allow alfresco dining. The former pig shed also serves a working studio for the mother of two.
Shirlie shared a fascinating before and after transformation video showing Piglet in all its glory. She made sure to tell fans the story of how it came to be another dream project for her.
"As I mentioned it wasn't just a house we needed to renovate and the very first time I looked at the house I walked towards this little ruin that was once a pig-shed and all I can say is that it felt magical to me.
"Others were not so sure but I was not going to knock it down as suggested. I ad specialists remove the roof and @soulfulhideaways came along and shaped it into a very special garden house/studio. It has even had a Princess inside (I knew it was special)."
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/homes/511848/roman-kemps-mum-shirlie-reveals-glimpse-inside-revamped-outhouse-as-she-updates-on-renovation-journey/
| 2024-01-23T11:21:16Z
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Sexual wellness products have been having a moment for a while now, and with January officially Self-Love month, plus Valentine's Day around the corner, what better time is there than now to explore the best sexual wellness products at Ann Summers right now? The brand is known for its extensive range of sexual wellness products (there’s over 250 sex toys alone to choose from), including toys for him, for her and couples too – Ann Summers’ sexual wellness toys are so popular, they sell one every 20.2 seconds!
Not forgetting the sexual wellness gifts, extras and essentials, which the intimate lifestyle brand is known for. With a long, cold January still ahead, there’s plenty of sexy games for couples to try at Ann Summers too plus Ann Summers lingerie to wear to celebrate your sexiness and sexual wellness accessories too.
Don't forget, Ann Summers deliver their products in discreet packaging and offer free delivery on orders over £40. Want to spice up your winter? We’ve got the intel from Ann Summers to find out which sexual wellness products are trending…
How I chose the best Ann Summers sexual wellness products
- Expert information: We’ve spoken to the experts at Ann Summers to discover which products are bestsellers across their range, including sexual wellness toys, intimate extras, games, lingerie and more.
- Availability: These products sell fast, and we’ve only included those that have plenty of stock availability.
- Variety: Since it isn’t just toys that are trending, we’ve included a range of trending products at Ann Summers across all categories including lingerie, games and gifts.
The ultimate bestseller
Ann Summers sells one Rampant Rabbit every three and a half minutes, so we can safely say the classic sexual wellness toy still remains the most popular. This set is currently trending at Ann Summers, and includes a rabbit vibrator, pebble massage and water-based lubricant.
The trending lingerie
Sexual wellness isn’t just about toys and games, it’s about feeling confident and sexy in your body – and Ann Summers’ bestselling lingerie clearly has shoppers feeling amazing, as they’re sold in their droves. It’s highlighted as an Ann Summers product that’s selling fast!
Available in a range of colours and from size 30A to 44G, this is the lingerie set to celebrate YOU in. With over 4,000 positive reviews, it’s not only described as “comfy” and having “ample coverage”, and has been lauded as being “really sexy” too.
There are also matching items available, including different styles of briefs, suspender belt and body.
The popular massage product
Along with the rabbit, this is one of the top trending sexual wellness toys at Ann Summers. With eight vibration functions and three intensity levels, it has a soft silicone head and comes with a cotton storage bag, perfect for safekeeping or travel.
The couples board game
Recently named the Adult Board Game of the Year, this best-selling game is a saucy romp to help you learn more about your partners likes and dislikes, as you move around the board picking up different forfeit and dare cards. It features 400 sexy suggestions, from the romantic to the risqué – definitely one way to make January less blue.
The discreet toy
Ann Summers sells over 20 of these a day at the moment, so it’s a popular - and affordable - choice among shoppers. Expertly designed with Ann Summers’ Climax Technology, it’s made from dual-density silicone with a super-soft tip and ridged texture along with 10 functions to explore, and is waterproof too.
The five-star body
This is one of Ann Summers’ bestselling bodies, with reviewer declaring it “flattering over curves”.
Created using fishnet and floral embroidery, it has non-padded underwired balcony cups, with a crossover strap back for sexy, barely there coverage. Finished with cut-out sides, keyhole detail above the thong and adjustable suspender straps, it comes in a range of sizes from size 8 with a B/C cup to 18 with a D/DD cup.
The gift set
With Valentine's Day next month, buy this now and you’ve got self-love covered for every month of the year. Within the gift set, you’ll find 12 luxurious ways to explore self-love including six sex toys and six accessories, chosen to “excite and tease your senses.”
We hope you love the products within this article created in collaboration with our brand partner Ann Summers. Our team of expert editors and writers has independently selected these products for this promotional piece. We will receive compensation for this article, and commission when you click on the links or purchase a product. Prices accurate and items in stock at time of publication.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/shopping/511356/ann-summers-trending-sexual-wellness-buys/
| 2024-01-23T11:21:22Z
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Brides to be - if the idea of scheduling appointments and traipsing around boutiques isn’t appealing, you may want to consider buying your wedding dress online. There are so many great websites where you can browse for 'the one', from the comfort of your own home.
Best wedding dress websites at a glance
Monsoon: Best for vintage-style wedding dresses and gorgeous details.
Phase Eight: Multiple styles - including wedding jumpsuits - to suit all tastes.
Whistles: For classic bridal gown styles bought up to date
ASOS: Gorgeous styles that won't break the bank
John Lewis: Multiple big brands all in one place, including Ghost, Maids to Measure and more
Coast: Classic and boho-style wedding dresses with a modern twist
What are the benefits of buying a wedding dress online?
This approach has so many benefits - you can ship the dress to your home and take your time trying it on at your leisure without the pressure of salesperson, then you can return what doesn’t work and have a seamstress make any adjustments if necessary.
We spoke to Lauren Goodman, Wedding Expert and founder of Bluebird Creative and Bluebird Bride Academy for advice. She told us: “There are definite perks of purchasing a dress online - in terms of timing, it can be a lot quicker than utilising a bridal boutique, however, you may miss out on the 1-2-1 personal service.
“Alongside this, lots of brands are now carrying bridal collections so you will know your taste/sizing is being catered for by ordering from a brand you shop from on a day-to-day basis.
“For those brides who may feel nervous about an in real-life shopping experience or those who would like a more low-key dress selection process, online can also be a great place to start!”
What should brides be look into before hitting 'add to basket'?
Bear in mind that this might be one of the most important purchases of your life, so proceed with caution - and make sure you do your own measurements and compare with their online size charts.
Lauren advises: “As these dresses aren’t made to measure in the same way a boutique would be, definitely ensure you are aware of a website's returns and refund policy - this way you will be covered in the eventuality that it doesn’t fit correctly.
“In addition, if you are ordering a dress close to the wedding, ensure you have read the delivery times - the last thing you want is to order something that won’t be on time!
“The other thing I would recommend is checking out the reviews of the online store - these often give details on the dress quality, delivery time and any other general feedback. More than anything, this can also help put your mind to rest.”
What are the best websites to check if you're looking to buy a wedding dress online?
Lauren says: “This would be purely dependent on your budget - there are some great bridal high street products coming out including Monsoon, ASOS and Chi Chi London.
“If you are looking for something more luxe, RIXO and Needle & Thread have a bridal collection which is a bit more pricy but has great variety and is a great place to start if you are already a brand fan!
“When looking more independent, we really love online stores such as Thread The Spool - Charlotte has a great collection of ready-to-wear dresses which can be personalised online but she offers a super personal service!”
Best wedding dress websites to browse in 2024
Monsoon Simone Bridal Maxi Dress Ivory
- Colour: Ivory
- Style: Vintage style wedding dress
- Sizes: 6 to 22
- Delivery cost: Free over £50
- Delivery time: 3-5 days (Next day available for £6.95)
- Returns: Within 30 days
From luxurious lace to beautiful beads, Monsoon bridal styles are all about those gorgeous details – and we’ve been swooning over this floral beaded number.
Phase Eight Ariel Fit And Flare Wedding Dress
- Colour: Ivory
- Style: 50s style wedding dress
- Sizes: 6 to 20
- Delivery cost: Free over £150
- Delivery time: 3-5 days (Next day available for £6)
- Returns: Within 28 days
Phase Eight has a beautiful range of wedding dresses in multiple styles, to suit all tastes. There are even some very chic jumpsuits in the mix. The dress that caught our eyes was a 50s-style fit and flare wedding dress - the style is one of the most searched by brides on the web and it features a plunging neckline with seam detailing along the bodice, feminine floral applique at the waistband and falls to a pretty pleated a-line skirt.
Whistles Mia Square Neck Wedding Dress
- Colour: Ivory
- Style: Square neck wedding dress
- Sizes: 6 to 18
- Delivery cost: Free over £150
- Delivery time: 5-7 days (Next day available for £6)
- Returns: Within 28 days
Whistles know how to bring classic styles up to date, using luxurious lace and sultry silk to create the most gorgeous dresses. Consider a minimal maxi dress to look effortlessly chic on your big day, and this one is under £500!
ASOS DESIGN Mila Floral Embellished Mesh Wedding Dress
- Colour: Ivory
- Style: Boho-style wedding dress
- Sizes: 6 to 18
- Delivery cost: Free over £40
- Delivery time: 2-3 days (Next day available for £5.95)
- Returns: Within 28 days
With a diverse range of styles to suit every type of bride, ASOS will leave you spoilt for choice - and you can rest easy knowing that your dream dress won’t break the bank. Check out swiftly to bag this stunning, standout number that we bet nobody would be able to guess costs £250!
Ghost Delphine Satin Maxi Dress, Ivory
- Colour: Ivory, Boudoir Pink, Silver Lake, Dark Nude
- Style: Vintage-style a-line wedding dress
- Sizes: XS to XL
- Delivery cost: Free over £50
- Delivery time: 2-5 days (Next day available for £7.50)
- Returns: Within 30 days
With a selection of brands under stocked, you've got the likes of Whistles, Ghost, Maids to Measure and more brands to choose from. John Lewis is a great place to start when it comes to choosing from a selection of bridal styles. Our favourite? This vintage-style, a-line number which comes in a number of different colours.
Coast Halterneck Contour Pearl Embellished Fishtail Wedding Dress
- Colour: Ivory
- Style: Embellished halterneck wedding dress
- Sizes: 8 to 18
- Delivery cost: Free with Coast Unlimited for £9.50 a year or from £2.95
- Delivery time: Next day free with Coast Unlimited
- Returns: Within 28 days
You can rely on Coast for classic wedding dresses with a modern twist. This vintage style halterneck is both elegant and flattering - the contour silhouette beautifully accentuates the figure.
Needle & Thread Vivian V-Neck Gown
- Colour: Champagne, Beige, Blush Pink
- Style: V-neck wedding dress with tulle frills
- Sizes: 8 to 20
- Delivery cost: Free
- Delivery time: 2-3 days
- Returns: Within 14 days
With whimsical patterns and oodles of tulle, Needle & Thread is the destination for fairytale brides. Calling all frill-seeking ladies - this beauty is for you! It's also available in a micro mini version, which would be perfect for any brides looking for beach style wedding dresses.
Jenny Packham Cape-effect Embellished Tulle and Crepe Gown
- Colour: Ivory
- Style: Cape-effect embellished tulle and crepe wedding dress
- Sizes: 6 to 18
- Delivery cost: Free over £300
- Delivery time: 3 days (same day available for £15)
- Returns: Within 28 days
A world of choice from all of your favourite brands, NETAPORTER is a one-stop-shop to find your dream dress. For a statement look, how about this gorgeous Jenny Packham gown with a fabulous caped feature - simply stunning.
Badgley Mischka One-shoulder belted crepe gown
- Colour: Ivory
- Style: One-shoulder crepe wedding dress
- Sizes: 8 to 16
- Delivery cost: £7
- Delivery time: 7 days (next day available for £12)
- Returns: Within 28 days
The place to go to bag yourself a designer dress at a fraction of the price, and there are new lines added all of the time on THE OUTNET! This gorgeous Badgley Mischka one-shouldered gown is sophisticated and timeless.
Galvan Bridal Cova Satin Midi Dress
- Colour: Ivory
- Style: Halter neck satin wedding dress
- Sizes: 8 to 16
- Delivery cost: £8
- Delivery time: 2-3 days (1-2 days available for £14)
- Returns: Within 30 days
MyTheresa is perfect for brides who want to tear up the rule book and look seriously cool on their wedding day. This stunning Galvan midi dress for example is not only reminiscent of Meghan Markle's divine second wedding gown but is just an effortlessly cool, chic take on the typical wedding dress.
Reformation Ronda Silk Dress
- Colour: Ivory, Dried Herbs, Serene
- Style: 1920s style wedding dress
- Sizes: 4 to 16
- Delivery cost: Free over £100
- Delivery time: 2-5 days
- Returns: Within 30 days
If romantic, girlie styles are right up your street, you’ll love the bridal gowns at Reformation - plus, they are made from sustainable fabrics. This stunning, silk dress epitomises timeless, old-school glamour and would be perfect for your special day
LK Bennet Colette Cream Silk Chevron Stripe Long Wedding Dress
- Colour: Cream
- Style: 30s style wedding dress
- Sizes: 6 to 18
- Delivery cost: Free over £300
- Delivery time: 5 days (1-2 days available for £6.95)
- Returns: Within 28 days
Why not turn to one of the Duchess of Cambridge's go-to designers? LK Bennett has some gorgeous vintage-style wedding dresses, shoes and hair accessories to choose from, including this off-white silk number.
Meet the expert
Lauren Goodman is the founder and creative director of Bluebird Creative and Bluebird Bride Academy. With a wealth of experience in her field, Lauren is well-versed in all things wedding planning, from table styling and creating the perfect mood board to tips on calming nerves and coordinating the logistics for the big day.
The mission of Bluebird Bride Academy is to make wedding planning accessible to couples across the world via Youtube and digital downloads. Bluebird Creative is the full, luxury wedding planning/coordination arm of the business in which Lauren and the team work hands-on with couples through the process of planning/executing their special day!
Through both tailor-made wedding planning services as well as the library of downloadable resources, Lauren’s goal is to make the wedding planning process enjoyable so that couples can enjoy their big day from start to finish.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/511545/best-websites-to-buy-a-wedding-dress-online/
| 2024-01-23T11:42:36Z
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It’s been a huge few weeks for famed faces of all variations, and things aren’t looking so slow down any time soon. From awards shows, red carpet appearances, front row Fashion Week sightings and regular celeb business, the world’s most notable stars are out in full force, of course donning some seriously stylish looks.
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The latest celeb-adorned carpet was Salt Lake Cities 2024 Sundance Film Festival. From Aubrey Plaza wearing sneakers with tights to Julia Fox wearing a very Julia Fox-coded ensemble, here are all the best-dressed celebs that have taken to the carpet thus far.
Aubrey Plaza
Just when I thought I couldn't love her anymore, she pulls up to the function wearing sneakers and itty bitty shorts. Keeping things subtle, the White Lotus star layered a pair of opaque black tights under micro shorts and a black turtleneck under a long-line button-up cardigan. The whole look was topped off with a pair of sensible, high-top sneakers.
Kristen Stewart
Keeping things casual, Kristen Stewart wore a pair of red hot trousers, complete with a singular cream stripe down the side. She paired her funky pants with a distressed vest top and a pair of Adidas sneakers.
Camila Cabello
Singer, songwriter and now actress, Camila Cabello proved that double denim in all forms is still very much on trend. The star paired a maxi denim skirt, complete with a train, and a front zip bustier corset together to create an effortlessly cool ensemble.
Julia Fox
As per usual, Julia Fox came to play, donning an all-black outfit so complex you have to look twice. She paired a bodycon sequin dress with an ultra-cropped hoodie that looks to say “MOM” across the chest in classic frat boy style lettering, a pair of micro leather gloves and heeled black boots. The crop hoodie also featured accentuated shoulder pads, adding that beloved Julia Fox zest.
Saoirse Ronan
Debuting a fresh bob cut, Saoirse Ronan completed her new do with a light-catching sequin stripe jumpsuit and a pair of artistic heels.
Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart spiced things up for her next red carpet appearance, swapping her red trousers and vest top for a matching Chanel jacket and trouser combo.
Pedro Pascal
Mr Pascal was all smiles on the red carpet presumably because he finally got his sling off (real ones know what I’m talking about) that’s been accompanying the star to award shows for the past few months. To celebrate the star chose to sport a matching cream colour two-piece, complete with black contrasting stitch accents.
Riley Keough
All eyes were on Riley Keough's tight choice at the Sasquatch Sunset Premiere. Choosing to pair her delicate white lace tights with a black and white checkered blazer dress and calf-high black boots, the actress took the chic casual dress code to all-new heights.
Alicia Silverstone
Channelling her inner Clueless, Alicia Silverstone looked chicer than ever in a matching brown and black snakeskin print twin set. The actress paired her look with a sheer turtleneck and a swooping side-parted hairdo.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/hfm/fashion-trends/511853/sundance-film-festival-2024-best-dressed-celebrities/
| 2024-01-23T11:42:42Z
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GENEVA - China underwent scrutiny of its human rights record at a key U.N. meeting on Tuesday, with Western countries calling for more protections for Xinjiang Uyghurs and greater freedom in Hong Kong while Beijing said it had made historic progress.
The review at the U.N. in Geneva is the first since the global body's top rights official released a report in 2022 saying the detention of Uyghurs and other Muslims in China's Xinjiang region may constitute crimes against humanity.
Beijing denies any abuses.
China has been lobbying non-Western countries to praise its human rights record ahead of the meeting by sending memos to envoys in recent weeks, diplomats told Reuters.
China's diplomatic mission did not comment on the reported lobbying. Its delegation in Geneva said on Tuesday it had made progress since its last U.N. review in 2018, saying it had lifted nearly 100 million people out of poverty.
"We embarked on a path of human rights development that is in keeping with the trend of the times and appropriate to China's national conditions and scored historic achievements in this process," said Ambassador Chen Xu at the meeting.
Some 163 countries are set to speak at the Tuesday session and countries had only 45 seconds each to speak.
Many countries lauded China's efforts on human rights, including Ethiopia and Cameroon. Western countries raised concerns including Germany, which cited human rights violations in Xinjiang and Tibet, and Canada which called for China to repeal a controversial Hong Kong national security law.
Eric Chan, Hong Kong's chief secretary, praised the law.
"The days of social disturbance and fear are now over. Stability as well as law and order has been restored and our city is back on track," he told the U.N. meeting.
Amnesty International's Sarah Brooks said the meeting risked working as a "fig leaf" for China and countries pursuing closer ties with Beijing.
A protest is planned later on Tuesday outside the U.N. building with Tibetan, Uyghur and Hong Kong activists and Chinese dissidents. REUTERS
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| 2024-01-23T12:00:26Z
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ROME - Italy will use its presidency of the Group of Seven major democracies to challenge growing perceptions that Russia is winning in Ukraine and that the West is tiring of the war, a source familiar with Italy's G7 plans said.
Italy will chair the G7, which also groups the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France and Canada, throughout 2024 and will host a summit in June.
Laying out Italy's priorities for the first time, the source said core issues on the leaders' agenda would include conflict in the Middle East, food security, climate change, development in Africa, engagement with China and Artificial Intelligence.
As in the last two G7 presidencies, the war in Ukraine will also be a major consideration, said the source, who was not authorised to go on the record talking about Italy's plans.
The West's once-staunch wartime support for Kyiv has appeared to waver in recent months amid political wrangling in Washington and Brussels that has held up the delivery of badly needed arms and funding.
However, the source said G7 leaders were determined to show they remained fully committed to Kyiv and could not risk showing signs of weakness two years after Russia invaded its neighbour.
"We must change the narrative on Ukraine," the source said, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin had lost significant financial, military and diplomatic clout since the invasion.
Italy is planning to stage 20 ministerial meetings during its G7 presidency, kicking off with a three-day gathering from March 13-15 on industry, technology and digitalisation, which will put a spotlight on the fast-paced AI revolution.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has already said that the dangers posed by AI will be a key issue for Italy's G7 presidency and she will dedicate one session to the subject at the June 13-15 summit in Puglia, the source said.
Italy wants to focus on the impact of AI on jobs and inequality, while also laying down "ethical guardrails" for the development of the technology. Rome will also propose creating a steering committee to ensure greater G7 coordination on AI.
The source said G7 leaders were "pretty much on the same page" over AI, adding that there was broad consensus on most of the major issues facing the wealthy-nation club, including on how to deal with China.
There was a determination on all sides to avoid tensions with Beijing, the source said, adding: "Nobody wants to impede or put obstacles towards Chinese growth."
There was also agreement, the source said, on the need to develop economies in Africa and try to stem illegal immigration - a domestic priority for Meloni, who is struggling to honour an 2022 election pledge to stem migrant flows. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/italy-looks-to-use-g7-chair-to-boost-support-for-ukraine-scrutinise-ai
| 2024-01-23T12:00:36Z
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TOKYO - Japan and the United States said on Tuesday they would continue to work with each other in maintaining the sanctions against Russia and supporting Ukraine in line with an agreement the Group of Seven industrialised nations reached last year.
During an hour-long meeting with visiting U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo, Japan's Vice Finance Minister for International Affairs Masato Kanda, said the two sides also exchanged candid views on the global economy among other issues.
The G7, comprising Japan, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and the European Union, had pledged in May to restrict exports to Russia that could fund its war effort in Ukraine. Japan was the group's chair in 2023.
Western countries, led by the United States, have sent billions of dollars in weapons and economic support to Ukraine since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022. REUTERS
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| 2024-01-23T12:00:46Z
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MANILA - Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said the country's constitution needs to be amended because it was "not written for the globalised world".
Marcos, in an interview with GMA News TV aired on Tuesday, said the economic provisions of the 1987 constitution, which was introduced a year after the overthrow of his father and namesake after two decades in power, must be changed to attract more foreign investors. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/philippines-marcos-says-constitution-should-be-changed-to-fit-globalised-world
| 2024-01-23T12:00:57Z
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MANILA – The Philippine government will not cooperate with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into a brutal anti-narcotics campaign, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Jan 23.
“I consider it as a threat to our sovereignty. Therefore, the Philippine government will not lift a finger to help any investigation that the ICC conducts,” Mr Marcos told reporters, reiterating his earlier position.
The ICC in July rejected an appeal by Manila and allowed an investigation to resume into the thousands of killings during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs” and other suspected rights abuses.
Mr Marcos said ICC investigators can come and visit “as ordinary people”, but the government will not assist them.
His remarks followed a statement made by his justice minister who last week told Kyodo News the government may allow an ICC probe if legal procedures were followed, a move that Mr Duterte’s camp maintained was illegal.
In a statement, Vice-President Sara Duterte echoed the position long held by her father that foreigners should not be allowed to meddle in the country’s affairs, adding that she will refuse to be part of a process that would put shame on the country’s courts and judicial system.
“Allowing the ICC to conduct its probe in our country, in brazen violation of the Constitution, is an absolute surrender of our birthright as a sovereign nation,” Mr Salvador Panelo, Mr Duterte’s former presidential spokesperson, said.
The Philippines officially withdrew from the ICC in 2019 after Mr Duterte questioned its authority to investigate the campaign against illegal drugs that killed thousands of people.
Police say they killed 6,200 dealers who resisted arrest during anti-drug operations during Mr Duterte’s term. Many thousands more users and peddlers were gunned down during the crackdown, in what the authorities said were vigilante killings.
Rights groups and some victims accuse the police of systematic cover-ups and executions, which they deny.
In November, Mr Marcos said he was studying the Philippines’ return to the ICC’s fold, months after saying he would cut off contact with the tribunal. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/philippines-will-not-lift-a-finger-to-assist-icc-s-drug-war-probe
| 2024-01-23T12:01:07Z
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BENGALURU - Singapore’s Keppel said on Jan 23 that it has launched a sustainability-linked financing framework and has secured a total of $1 billion of sustainability-linked revolving loans from DBS Bank and United Overseas Bank.
The framework spells out the key performance indicators and sustainability performance targets that the company aims to achieve. These targets include a reduction in Keppel’s absolute scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2030, compared to the 2020 baseline.
The company also aims to “increase (its) portfolio of renewable energy assets, including renewable energy imports, to 7 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, compared with the 2020 baseline which was not significant,” it said.
It additionally projected an interim target of 4.9 GW of renewable energy assets by the end of 2027.
In conjunction with the framework, Keppel entered into sustainability-linked revolving credit facilities with DBS and United Overseas Bank of $500 million each, with tenures of up to three years. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/keppel-launches-sustainability-framework-secures-1b-sustainability-linked-loans
| 2024-01-23T12:01:18Z
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SINGAPORE - The Securities Investors Association (Singapore), or Sias, is pressing AEM Holdings for more details on an inventory shortfall that is expected to hit the semiconductor equipment maker’s fourth-quarter earnings.
The shortfall, first disclosed on Jan 14, is estimated to be between $17.9 million and $25.1 million. It was caused by human error in transactions with AEM’s enterprise resource planning system, the company said on Jan 22, adding that its Q4 2023 profit before tax would be adjusted.
In an e-mail to AEM’s chief executive Chandran Nair and its board on Jan 23, Sias president David Gerald called on the company to “clearly state” the potential financial impact on earnings for the full year ending Dec 31, 2023.
“Can the board (and) management confirm that there are no other discrepancies in the group’s financial statements and financial position?” he questioned, also asking if shareholders can still rely on unaudited financial statements for the six months ended June 30.
Mr Gerald also called for more details on the reasons for the internal stock-taking exercise through which the shortfall was discovered.
“For example, was it a routine exercise or were there any whistle-blowing reports, negative findings from the internal audit or did the group face challenges in fulfilling customers’ orders? When was the board and management first informed of the shortfall?” he questioned.
He also asked what level of oversight was provided by the audit committee after the discovery of the shortfall, and how it concluded that the shortfall was the result of human error.
Gerald further queried when AEM’s audit committee will complete its review of the company’s stock monitoring processes and systems.
“When was the last time the internal audit assessed the risk management controls and procedures pertaining to inventories? What proactive steps are being taken to prevent the recurrence of similar situations in the future?” he added.
Other questions posed by Mr Gerald were:
- How does the overstatement or shortfall in inventories affect the remuneration (including cash bonuses, stock options etc) of senior executives?
- Can management also provide greater clarity on how the shortfall in inventories may affect operations, such as the order fulfilment schedule or the onboarding of new customers?
- Does the audit committee intend to carry out a comprehensive review of the adequacy of the group’s internal controls?
- Can the board elaborate on the measures and protocol in place to enforce accountability within the group?
“Your kind response to our questions above will help your shareholders to understand the issues better. We should also be happy to discuss the above questions,” Mr Gerald told AEM’s management in his e-mail.
AEM shares ended Jan 23 at $2.91, up $0.06 or 2.1 per cent. THE BUSINESS TIMES
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/sias-presses-aem-for-more-details-on-inventory-shortfall-financial-impact
| 2024-01-23T12:01:28Z
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SINGAPORE - Stocks in Singapore ended in the red on Jan 23, continuing their losing streak for the second day in a row. Their performance bucked the trend of regional bourses which mostly ended in the black.
The Straits Times Index (STI) fell 0.4 per cent or 13.87 points to close at 3,135.25. Across the broader market, decliners outnumbered advancers 293 to 264 after 1.5 billion securities worth $1.1 billion changed hands.
Most STI constituents were in the red at Jan 23’s close. At the bottom of the index was consumer group conglomerate Jardine C&C, which fell by 4 per cent or $1.16 to close at $27.69.
Another counter in the red was airport services company Sats, which fell by 3.2 per cent or $0.09 to close at $2.74.
The biggest gainer on the STI was food and beverage company Emperador, which gained 1 per cent or $0.005 to close at $0.51.
Shares of Seatrium were the most actively traded by volume, with 343.8 million shares worth $36.6 million changing hands.
Regional bourses ended mostly in the black. South Korea’s Kospi was up by 0.6 per cent while the Shanghai Composite Index was up by 0.5 per cent. Australia’s ASX 200’s edged up 0.5 per cent and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index was up by 2.6 per cent.
However, Japan’s Nikkei 225 ended in the red, dropping by 0.1 per cent to 36,517.57.
This came after its share average rose to a 34-year peak of 36,984.51 earlier on Jan 23, buoyed by Wall Street’s climb overnight to a fresh record high and the Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) decision to keep ultra-easy policy settings intact.
Mr Yeap Jun Rong, a market analyst at financial company IG, said in a note that the BOJ’s decision came off the back of subdued wage growth in November, further easing in inflation and a recent earthquake, which drove some near-term economic uncertainty.
He noted that the currency exchange rate between the US dollar and the yen had “a great run” since the start of the year.
Mr Yeap added that this was driven by widening yield differentials between the United States and Japan on expectations that the policy divergence between the two central banks could drag for longer.
He added that the pair is expected to face “a key resistance” at the level of 150 yen against US$1. The BOJ had previously intervened with aggressive yen-buying back in October 2022, when the yen slipped past the level. THE BUSINESS TIMES
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/singapore-shares-continue-losing-streak-even-as-asian-markets-rally
| 2024-01-23T12:01:38Z
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Hong Kong actor Lee Lung Kei, 73, has refuted speculation that his relationship with fiancee Chris Wong, 36, is on the rocks.
The couple have been in the spotlight since their relationship came to light in 2019 due to their huge age gap.
Wong removed all her posts, including her photos with Lee, from Instagram on Jan 22, leaving netizens wondering if there was a problem with their relationship.
This took place after various allegations were made against her, casting aspersions on her qualifications, among other things.
Lee, who is best known for playing emperors in Hong Kong dramas, told Hong Kong’s Ming Pao Daily News on Jan 22 that Wong deleted the posts to avoid further attention.
He said he would pursue legal action against those spreading rumours about her.
He told the newspaper: “Chris is of course unhappy, and I don’t understand why someone would target a girl. She is not afraid as she has nothing to hide.”
Wong returned to Instagram early on Jan 23, writing several posts to address some of the allegations against her.
She posted a photo of a legal firm that same afternoon, saying the issue will be dealt with by the law.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/actor-lee-lung-kei-73-says-relationship-with-fiancee-36-is-not-on-the-rocks
| 2024-01-23T12:01:49Z
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SINGAPORE – Fans of British band Coldplay were out in full force at the National Stadium on Jan 23, the first night of the band’s six concerts at the 55,000-capacity venue.
The quartet, famous for pop and rock hits from the last two decades such as Yellow (2000) and My Universe (2021), is the first act to schedule six nights at the National Stadium, one of the largest venues for music performances in Singapore.
They will also perform on Jan 24, 26, 27, 30 and 31.
American pop star Taylor Swift is set to achieve the same feat when she plays six sold out nights at the National Stadium in March.
Undergraduate Sheryl Chow, 26, was among the first fans to enter the venue when security checks started at 4pm. She had arrived at the National Stadium two hours earlier.
“Coldplay songs like Fix You and The Scientist helped me through some of the difficult times, like when I was failing my subjects in school and going through relationship problems,” she said.
While waiting for the concert to start, many fans were seen buying merchandise ranging from $60 T-shirts to $45 bucket hats.
Some jumped on kinetic energy floors and rode on stationary bicycles near the stage that helped to generate electricity for the concert.
Tickets for the concert priced between $68 to $1,098 had sold out soon after they went on sale in June 2023.
According to concert promoters Live Nation, the band broke the record for most tickets sold by an artiste in a single day in Singapore. In December, a limited number of tickets priced at $28 – for randomly allocated spots in the venue – were also released.
The Singapore shows are the band’s longest Asian stint in its Music Of The Spheres world tour, which included two nights each in Taiwan, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines, as well as one night each in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Coldplay last performed in Singapore in 2017 and played two nights in the same venue. The band also performed at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in 2001 – a double bill with Scottish band Travis – in 2006 and 2009.
Among the concertgoers on Jan 23 were many who travelled from neighbouring countries.
Sales manager Jalyne Rodriguez from Manila, the Philippines, spent about 100,000 Philippine pesos (S$2,383.90) on tickets and other expenses such as flights and a six-night hotel stay.
“I wanted to go to the Singapore show instead of their concert in the Philippines because I think the venue here is much nicer,” said the 40-year-old, adding that she is a big fan of Coldplay singer Chris Martin.
Indonesian fan Anton S, who works in the banking industry and in his 30s, failed to get tickets to the band’s concert in Jakarta in November 2023, and was happy when he managed to score tickets for the Singapore show.
“I’ve been a fan for more than 20 years and this is the first time that I got to see them live, so this is very special for me.”
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/coldplay-fans-pack-national-stadium-for-first-of-six-sold-out-concerts
| 2024-01-23T12:01:59Z
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“As I look ahead, I am filled with foreboding. Like the Roman, I seem to see the River Tiber foaming with much blood...”
Enoch Powell’s warning about the danger of mass immigration into Britain was made in 1968. Those who regard the late Tory politician as a prophet will be feeling vindicated right now. A backlash against immigration is increasingly central to Western politics.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/in-praise-of-mass-immigration
| 2024-01-23T12:02:10Z
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SINGAPORE - There were three reported deaths from local dengue infections from October to December 2023, making a total of six fatalities for the year, said the National Environment Agency (NEA) in its latest quarterly report.
A total of 2,546 cases were reported in the fourth quarter, a 16.6 per cent decrease compared with the previous three months, according to figures released by NEA on Jan 23. There were two reported dengue deaths from April to June, and one from July to September.
In 2022, Singapore recorded 19 dengue deaths amid a total of 32,325 dengue cases, with the latter the second-highest number in a year on record. In 2021, five dengue deaths were recorded.
Local dengue cases have also risen for the seventh consecutive week, with 410 cases recorded from Jan 14 to Jan 20, according to the NEA website.
There were 305 reported cases between Dec 31, 2023, and Jan 6, 2024, 395 between Jan 7 and 13. Between Jan 21 and 22, there were 70 reported cases as at Jan 22 at 3pm.
A total of 1,180 dengue cases has been reported so far in January 2024, topping the January numbers in the last three years (1,016 in 2023; 603 in 2022; and 647 in 2021).
There are currently more than 80 active dengue clusters, with 19 classified as high-risk areas – each of them has 10 or more cases, according to NEA’s data.
They include areas such as Boon Lay, Pasir Ris and Ang Mo Kio. The Boon Lay Place cluster is the biggest with 216 cases, followed by 119 in the Pasir Ris Street 71 cluster.
Dengue typically peaks between June and October because of warmer weather, faster multiplication of the virus in mosquitoes and accelerated development of the mosquitoes.
NEA had said previously that Singapore could see a large number of dengue cases in 2024, attributing it to warmer weather due to El Nino – a climate pattern associated with the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
Warmer weather caused by El Nino will make it more conducive for mosquitoes to breed, and this may extend the usual dengue peak period that falls between July and October, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment Baey Yam Keng said at the time.
In an earlier ST report, experts said the wet weather in January could lead to a drop in dengue cases, as heavy rain could cause a flushing effect and wash away mosquito larvae.
NEA urged those living in areas with dengue clusters to do their part to stop dengue transmission, and to cooperate with its officers when they inspect properties for mosquito larvae.
The agency also advised the public to protect themselves from Aedes mosquitoes by using insect repellent, among other methods.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/3-reported-deaths-from-dengue-in-4q-2023-number-of-infections-rise-for-7th-straight-week
| 2024-01-23T12:02:20Z
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Singapore core consumer prices rise faster in December; overall inflation eases to 4.8% in 2023
Core inflation in December rose to 3.3 per cent year on year from 3.2 per cent in November.
AXS to accept digital currencies in tie-up with crypto payment firm
The tie-up with Triple-A allows users to pay a wide range of bills, fines, taxes and student fees in digital currencies.
PM Lee to visit New York City from Jan 24 to 27
Support programme for young families launched at Punggol Polyclinic
The initiative brings together health and social service referrals for young families to make it more convenient for them.
Singapore hedge fund Asia Genesis shuts after ‘big mistake’ on China trade
“I have reached the stage whereby my confidence as a trader is lost,” chief investment officer Chua Soon Hock said.
Over 30 cases of illegal pet, wildlife smuggling detected in 2023
Self-styled religious teacher who preyed on boys gets 21½ years’ jail for sex offences
His offences were uncovered in a spot check by police officers patrolling near Changi Beach.
Wife of Malaysia’s former finance minister charged with failing to disclose assets
If found guilty, Na’imah Abdul Khalid faces a maximum prison term of five years and a hefty fine.
Man swam, cycled, ran 9,555km in Singapore to set record for longest triathlon
Grab to offer free shuttle buses to 4 MRT stations from Coldplay concerts
The buses will ferry people to Redhill, Jurong East, Boon Keng and Toa Payoh MRT stations.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/evening-update-today-s-headlines-from-the-straits-times-on-jan-23-2024
| 2024-01-23T12:02:30Z
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