text
stringlengths 102
112k
| url
stringlengths 37
240
| crawl_date
timestamp[us, tz=UTC]date 2024-01-04 00:15:18
2024-01-31 23:10:45
| exclusion_reason
stringclasses 1
value |
|---|---|---|---|
Today marks one week since Princess Kate was admitted to hospital for abdominal surgery, with the 42-year-old expected to stay under the watchful eye of medical staff for another seven days.
Once she is discharged from her ultra-private hospital, the Princess of Wales isn't expected to return to her royal duties until Easter, with her recovery the utmost of importance.
"Resting after surgery is crucial for a safe recovery," confirms GP and aesthetic doctor Dr. Chandni Rajani. "Procedures involving anaesthesia or incisions carry the risk of complications and infections.
"Overexertion, particularly after major surgeries, can lead to immediate or long-term physical issues. While it's essential to follow your doctor's advice on gradually becoming active again to encourage blood flow and strength-building, don’t rush the process.
"Many surgical procedures necessitate ongoing post-operative care for days, weeks, or months."
Princess Kate is known to be fit and healthy, but this doesn't mean she should rush back to physical activity either. "Feeling good doesn't necessarily mean your body is ready for a return to normal activities," says Dr. Rajani.
Though Princess Kate is among the hardest-working royals and is likely keen to return to her role, going back to work too soon could impede her recovery, says Dr. Rajani.
"Returning to work prematurely after abdominal surgery can hinder the essential healing process. Incisions from such surgeries require time to mend and rushing back to work may disrupt this, elevating the risk of complications."
The active nature of Princess Kate's royal engagements is an added concern. "The physical strain associated with many jobs can stress weakened abdominal muscles, potentially impeding recovery. Recovery time is vital to ensure proper healing, minimise complications, and facilitate a smoother recovery process."
READ: The sign that the Princess of Wales' recovery is going well
While several months seems a long time to take off work, Dr. Rajani explains the importance of rest when it comes to recovering from abdominal surgery.
"Rest is needed for a full recovery," he says. "During rest, the body directs energy to healing processes, with sleep being particularly crucial for tissue repair and hormone production.
"Adequate rest supports immune function, reduces inflammation, and manages pain, creating optimal conditions for efficient and effective recovery. Rest is an active phase that allows the body to prioritize healing, contributing to a smoother and more complete recovery."
The fact that Princess Kate's royal duties require her to be smartly dressed in tailored trousers and sophisticated dresses is another reason she needs to take time before returning to work.
INSIDE: Prince William and Princess Kate's secret trip revealed amid hospital stay
"Choosing lightweight and breathable clothing that doesn't exert pressure on or stretch your wounds is crucial; avoid anything elasticated or tight," says Dr. Rajani. "A onesie, for instance, is excellent for home recovery—loose-fitting, warm, and comfortable. Furthermore, wearing comfortable clothes influences mental well-being, fostering a sense of comfort and relaxation that enhances the overall recovery experience."
We hope Princess Kate is getting all the rest she needs!
Royally obsessed? Listen to the latest episode of HELLO!'s Right Royal Podcast, revealing why Prince William was ‘really hurt’ by Prince Harry’s ‘veiled criticisms of Kate
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/health-and-fitness/511892/princess-kate-rush-back-to-work/
| 2024-01-23T17:16:38Z
|
blocked_url
|
It’s embarrassing to admit how much time I’ve spent wishing I still had my 18-year-old body.
At 34, I’ve had to accept that no amount of working out will restore me to how I looked in my teens, but that’s not to say I don’t lament what has passed. I’m also aware that it’s not healthy to want to look 16 years younger than I am.
I’m not to blame though. Society’s glorification of youth is, as it the unrealistic pressure put on women's bodies. A recent post by body acceptance influencer Emily Clarkson highlighted exactly how I’ve been feeling. "You don’t need to look like you did at 22, because you’re not 22," she wrote alongside photos of herself at 22 and now. She captioned the clip: "She hasn’t lived what I have lived, loved all the people I have loved or been the person we became. I gotta let her go."
The comments section on Emily's proved she and I are not alone in our feelings. "Our bodies are supposed to change as we get older. We don’t expect our hair to never grey, or our skin to stay smooth and wrinkle-free, it’s insane that society has taught us our body weight should remain unchanged," one follower wrote.
Selena Gomez echoed the sentiments last night online, posting a photo of herself from a decade ago in a bikini, captioned: "Today I realised I will never look like this again.”
A second slide showed a recent photo of the 31-year-old, captioned: "I’m not perfect but I’m proud to be who I am. Sometimes I forget it’s okay to be me.”
I loved seeing that one of the most beautiful women in the world feels the same way that I do, and positive psychology coach Ella Mace explained why it’s helpful to see celebrities be open about their body image.
"When public figures openly discuss their body image, especially the struggles and weight gain, it can break societal norms and reduce the stigma surrounding body issues.
"This transparency often encourages others to embrace their own bodies, fostering a more positive and inclusive attitude towards diverse body types and that it’s not better to be one size or another, everyone is different and that is what we need to focus on and celebrate."
RELATED: How rejecting clothing sizes made me happier
Hopefully, Selena's open comments will help the younger generations avoid the way I feel about my body, as Ella adds: "Public figures are naturally role models, especially for the younger audience. Younger people are often seeking approval and attention therefore following and admiring a celebrity or influencer makes them feel safe and that if they accept and love their bodies, then it’s ok for me to as well."
Accepting our changing bodies
"Accepting the natural changes that come with aging involves embracing a broader definition of beauty and focusing on the value of experiences, wisdom, and personal growth," says Ella.
"Cultivating self-compassion and gratitude for what your body has allowed you to do can help shift the focus away from past appearances to present well-being."
Though accepting change is important, it's still difficult, as psychotherapist and founder of the Luxe Psychology Practice Jade Thomas explains: "Any change in life can feel intimidating or scary so it is natural to have some apprehension about our bodies changing as we age. However, our bodies are not meant to stay the same as we move through the lifespan.
INSPIRATION: 3 body acceptance experts share how they learned to appreciate themselves
"A helpful technique is to change how you are viewing your body, rather than being critical of your physical appearance, try reframing your thoughts and thinking about what does your body do for you, how does your body function on a day-to-day basis to allow you to do things? What are you grateful for when it comes to your body? And how can you take care of your body in the best way possible?"
Here's hoping Selena's open, honest post helps others on their self-acceptance journey. As for me? I'm still working on it.
Read more inspiring content about accepting ourselves on HELLO!'s Beautiful You hub.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/health-and-fitness/511896/body-acceptance-struggles-women/
| 2024-01-23T17:16:45Z
|
blocked_url
|
Doug Kyed, an NFL reporter for the Boston Herald, is mourning the tragic passing of his two-year-old daughter.
The sports journalist – whose beat is the New England Patriots – shared in a heartbreaking post on Instagram on Monday that his daughter Halle had lost a nine-month battle with leukemia.
Doug shared Hallie with his wife Jen, with whom he also shares daughter Olivia. Sharing a slew of photos from Hallie's painful cancer journey, he first wrote: "Hallie died peacefully in her sleep on Sunday morning as Jen and I held her hands in bed.
"We're completely lost and heartbroken without Hallie. Our lives will never be the same. Hallie was a special kid, and she made a positive impact on so many people she met. We were lucky to be her parents, and Olivia was fortunate to have the best baby sister."
He continued: "We knew the prognosis was poor when she relapsed after her bone marrow transplant, so the whole family spent special time at the hospital last week, but we held out hope for remission because of how brave, strong and resilient Hallie had been through her entire nine-month battle with acute myeloid leukemia and all of its complications."
However he then added: "Unfortunately, chemotherapy after transplant was ineffective, and her aggressive form of leukemia had grown out of control by the time she started a trial treatment," noting: "Doctors at Boston Children’s Hospital did everything they could to help Hallie, and she beat AML every day for over nine months straight. Nothing could have ever prepared us for this moment when she was first diagnosed in April or after her successful transplant in October."
Continuing his difficult tribute, he went on: "Hal, my koala baby, my little Hallie Bear, my Sour Patch Kid. She'd yell 'DADDDDYYY' at me to take her on a walk around the hospital floor and then give me sweet little pats on the back when I took her out of her crib," adding: "She was so beautiful, naturally funny (and knew it) and was going to be a star in dance class. Doctors, nurses and hospital staff loved seeing which princess dress she’d be wearing that day (or particular hour).
RELATED: Cher shares heartfelt tribute to late Moonstruck director Norman Jewison
"She loved painting, LOL dolls, her pink Hallie blanket, boots, using sign language for 'more,' having an assortment of chips, her cat Rambe, puppies and her family."
Doug then declared: "The world is a worse place without Hallie in it," before reminding his followers: "If you can take anything from Hallie today, it's to know exactly what you want and to be persistent in asking for it, whether it's going on a walk, ride in the car or wearing one particular Disney dress (usually Cruella)."
RELATED: Martin Luther King Jr.'s youngest son Dexter Scott King dead at 62
He concluded with: "I'll miss rubbing her hair and kissing her head and telling her I love her the most."
According to the National Cancer Institute, childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is "a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes a large number of abnormal blood cells," and can affect red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
The Cleveland Clinic reports AML impacts around 4 in 100,000 adults annually, and approximately 1,160 children are diagnosed with it each year.
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/511891/nfl-reporter-doug-kyed-tragic-death-two-year-old-daughter-cancer/
| 2024-01-23T17:16:51Z
|
blocked_url
|
If skiing isn't exactly your forte, the most exciting part of your snow-clad trips is likely to be the apres ski (trust me, I can relate).
But even if I don't have a knack for skiing, I do for fashion.
This time of year is perfect for getting apres fashion inspo, as many of the It-girls are currently at Courchevel or frolicking at Folie Douce (in either Val d'Isere or Méribel to be precise), meaning there are plenty of top-notch outfits flooding the social feeds.
Whether you're mad for minimalism, loving the mob wife trend or like dopamine-inducing outfits to dance in, we've found some seriously chic outfit inspo and the coolest pieces to replicate the look...
The Apres Ski Outfit Inspo...
(Designer) Jeans and a Nice (Warm) Top
Jeans and a nice top, but make it weather-appropriate. If designer jeans aren't within budget, opt for any funky patterned pair as an alternative to get a similar look and keep things interesting.
Sandy Hues
Minimalistic girlies, this one's for you. For a timeless look that will never go out of style, head-to-toe sandy hues scream chic.
Red Run
Red is bang on trend for this season, and the variety of crimson ski-clad pieces on offer is endless. Wear a red puffer jacket over your favourite denim jeans, cream ski trousers or leggings to create a cool ensemble that packs a punch.
Cosy Comfort
I'm completely on board with wearing comfies to apres ski in. Below I've found the perfect affordable pair of fleece-lined leggings to pair with a Sporty and Rich jumper - the ultimate off-duty chic combo.
Winter Mob Wife
I can't get enough of this trend there I'm an advocate for it to be taken to the slopes. An oversized (faux) fur coat paired with some designer sunglasses will give Adriana from The Sopranos a run for her (bountiful amounts of) money...
Quirky and Colourful
Inject a pop of colour into your Aperol-sipping outfit with a funky ski suit or bold separates. If standing out from the crowd is on your sartorial agenda, this aesthetic will certainly do the trick...
Winter Whites
Pared-back chic is a good place to start if you're either new to ski holidays or want to invest in one to keep for as long as possible. If you're in the mood for something bolder, switch up your accessories depending on the mood, whether that's a leopard print knitted hood or oversized sunnies.
The Pieces To Shop:
(Designer) Jeans and a Nice (Warm) Top
Ray 5 Pocket Jeans
Vivienne Westwood
If "tell me you're wearing Vivienne Westwood, without telling you're wearing Vivenne Westwood" was a piece of clothing, it would be these jeans. I love the brand's quintessentially British tartan pattern symmetrically sprawled across the legs.
Heritage Cable Fairisle Knit
Holland Cooper
For a look that's as classic as it is chic, nothing quite beats a fairisle pattern. Holland Cooper is renowned for its knits, and I love this chunky cream piece from the brand approved by the Princess of Wales and influencers alike.
Sandy Hues
Icon Low Cream Nylon Boots
Moon Boot
As much as I love Moon Boots in literally every colourway, I would personally want them to pair with any outfit, therefore a minimalistic neutral pair are perfect.
Chunky Pure Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper
Cos
A cashmere jumper is a wardrobe essential, and therefore is an apres ski investment you can wear for any occasion. I adore the chunky ribbed trims on this piece, and although it's more pricey than your average jumper, is surprisingly cheap than other pieces on the market.
Red Run
Glossy New York Puffer Jacket
Tommy Hilfiger
Red is trending right now and I've always been an advocate for richer, more decadent deep hues. This stunning glossy coat in "deep rouge" is everything I want and more. Pair with some designer jeans or cream ski trousers for the chicest It-girl ensemble.
Ski II Merino Wool Turtleneck
Perfect Moment
If you're an avid influencer follower on Instagram, you'll likely have spotted at least one wearing this jumper. Not only do I love the design of this knit, but I love that the fit is quite snug, creating a more flattering shape when tucked into your favourite apres ski party pants.
Cosy Comfort
Womens Fluffy Fleece Lined Thermal Leggings
Mountain Warehouse
If, like me, your comfy clothing doesn't need to be designer, these fleece-lined Moutain Warehouse leggings are ideal. I previously had a pair of winter leggings from the outdoor brand, and they did exactly what they say on the tin.
Exercise Often Hoodie
Sporty and Rich
Sporty and Rich is chic, quirky and utterly It-girl approved. I love this faded black and white hoodie with the 'Drink More Water' slogan on the back (a necessary reminder as rosé is often the apres ski tipple of choice).
Winter Mob Wife
The Hustle Fur
House of Sunny
Words fail me because I am in heaven. Aptly called 'The Hustle Fur', this vegan fur patchwork jacket from House of Sunny is truly stunning. Whether you have a ski trip planned or not, this winter coat should be at the top of your outerwear wishlist.
MU 09WS Glasses
Miu Miu
Does anything say mob wife like statement designer branding and the colour red? I'm obsessed with these Miu Miu glasses and the 'cognac opal' colourway. They're the ultimate accessory to pair with a neutral-hued faux fur coat.
Quirky and Colourful
Hit The Slopes Printed Pullover
Free People
This fleece is giving all the retro Hailey Bieber/Princess Diana vibes we need. Free People says this is perfect for "lightweight warmth" - ideal for adding layers underneath or on top when necessary.
Pippa Softshell Ski Trousers
Goldbergh
I'm a huge fan of ski outerwear separates - taking off your jacket to reveal a different underlayer brings a totally different outfit. The bright pink flared trousers are so chic - paired with your favourite turtleneck tucked in for a Barbie-approved party look.
Winter Whites
GT Ski Suit
Perfect Moment
Perfect Moment is a cool-girl favourite this season, proven by how quickly its ski suits fly off the shelves. This white suit with contrasting navy oozes chic.
Signature Verbier Ski Suit
My Sunday Ski
At the more 'affordable' end of the designer scale, I immediately sought out this suit after seeing Sophie Habboo wear it on her Christmas ski trip. I love the elevated quilted design and 'sugar-white' colourway.
How We Chose:
I chose pieces based on the outfits worn by influencers who have a large following thanks to their innate sense of fashion. I've tried to find pieces that suit a variety of budgets, style tastes and aesthetics.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/hfm/wish-list/511726/what-to-wear-to-apres-ski/
| 2024-01-23T17:16:57Z
|
blocked_url
|
While King Charles is being treated for an enlarged prostate this week, his private residence in Gloucestershire is preparing to welcome new guests.
The monarch's primary home with his wife Queen Camilla is Clarence House in London, but the royals have access to multiple homes across the country. One of those is Highgrove House, a nine-bedroom, six-bathroom mansion set on 900 acres of organic land.
The property will open its doors this week in celebration of Burns Night, where guests can attend a black tie dinner in what appears to be the Orchard Room, featuring mustard concrete walls and plinths and an alcove-shaped ceiling.
A series of photos on Instagram show round tables topped with green patterned plates, silver cutlery and green and blue napkins while matching tartan material was draped across each chair. Giant candelabra with green candles served as centrepieces for each table, while oversized indoor plants and vintage china completed the decorations.
"Don't miss our exclusive Burns Night black-tie dinner and dance event this week!" the caption read. "This exclusive event offers a jam-packed evening of festivities, from a welcome Highgrove Bramble (Highgrove's exclusive Champagne with a Bramble twist), delicious canapés, and a sumptuous four-course dinner prepared by our very own Highgrove chefs to a host of traditional Scottish festivities, including addressing of the Haggis and cèilidh with live music by the Ceilidh Tree Quartet."
The King previously lived at Highgrove House with his late ex-wife Princess Diana and their two young sons Prince William and Prince Harry.
Photos released in 1982 show Charles sitting in the living room, which had been decorated with a cream sofa, green and blue patterned cushions, and a wooden side table with framed photos and ornaments on it. In the background, a desk was positioned in front of large sash windows.
In 1986, Princess Diana was pictured playing with Harry and William on a children's climbing frame. While the garden has been transformed under the careful eye of Charles, the outdoor space is not Harry's favourite spot at the home.
In his memoir, Spare, he discussed a secret underground room called Club H. "The basement had once been a bomb shelter," he wrote, but it had been decorated with "a Persian rug, red Moroccan sofas, wooden table, electric dartboard".
Speaking of his fondness for the private space, he continued: "Club H was the perfect hideout for a teenager, but especially this teenager. When I wanted peace, Club H provided. When I wanted mischief, Club H was the safest place to act out.
"When I wanted solitude, what better than a bomb shelter in the middle of the British countryside? Willy felt the same. I often thought he seemed more at peace down there than anywhere else on earth."
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/homes/511886/king-charles-900-acre-country-mansion-looks-fit-for-royalty-ahead-of-new-guests/
| 2024-01-23T17:17:03Z
|
blocked_url
|
King Frederik and Queen Mary stepped out with all of their children for the first time since accession day, attending a church service at Aarhus Cathedral last Sunday.
And Queen Mary, 51, and her eldest daughter, Princess Isabella, 16, experienced an amusing mishap as they waved to the crowds outside of the Cathedral.
But luckily both mother and daughter saw the funny side of the slightly awkward moment.
Take a look in the clip below…
It comes after Princess Isabella was seen cooing over her parents' kiss on the balcony following Frederik's proclamation on 14 January.
Princess Isabella, who is a pupil at Øregård Gymnasium, donned a powder blue Prada coat for her church appearance, while her younger sister, Princess Josephine, 13, complemented her in a rose pink jacket by Andiata – also borrowing from her mother Mary's wardrobe.
Meanwhile, Queen Mary repeated her striking purple coat dress, designed by Soeren Le Schmidt, from King Charles' coronation last year.
King Frederik, 55, wore military uniform while his sons, Crown Prince Christian, 18, and Prince Vincent, 13, matched in navy suits.
It has been announced by the Danish royal palace that the monarch will head up a Danish business delegation in Poland from 31 January to 2 February.
The press release also revealed there will be further trips for King Frederik and Queen Mary, stating: "In Denmark, there is a tradition that a new sovereign begins travel activity together with his or her spouse with visits to the neighbouring countries as the first made. Thus, the plan is that The King and The Queen will visit Sweden and Norway as the first such trips. The dates for these visits will follow as soon as possible."
The Danish royals share a close bond with the Swedish and Norwegian royals, with Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden being Crown Prince Christian's godmother.
Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway are also godparents to Christian.
LISTEN: Inside Queen Margrethe's abdication
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511889/queen-mary-laughs-off-awkward-moment-princess-isabella/
| 2024-01-23T17:17:09Z
|
blocked_url
|
Calling all the women who are after a chic and stylish laptop bag for their trips to the office in 2024. The commuter life might be new to some of you, and for others, you might be all-too familiar with catching trains and tubes (and planes!) to the office. If you do, you'll need a comfortable and lightweight laptop bag that won't cramp your style.
Whether you're after a designer laptop bag or a cheap and cheerful tote bag for the office, you're in for a treat because there are so many stylish options to choose from. In fact, some of these options have game-changer pockets. Practical and chic, what's not to love?
Best laptop bags for serious commuter style - at a glance
I love how this model is styling her laptop bag for her winter work look...
How We Chose the Best Laptop Bags
- Size: Different sized laptops factor, but also some women might want to fit more than just a laptop and a cable in their laptop bag. A lot of the suggestions below feature extra pockets for items such as a mobile phone, a notebook or a diary, or even roomy enough for a makeup bag or your lunch box.
- How It Looks: This is an edit of stylish laptop bags, so we wanted to choose the most stylish out there. Whether that's the colour choice, the material or the shape, we want shoppers to feel chic and trendy en route to the office.
- Practicality: Ideally, a laptop bag has two handles - one small and one long. We know there are times when you need to carry your laptop around in different ways. It also needs to be compact enough to fit next to your feet on a busy commute or overhead on a train.
- Safety: Some internal pockets are useful, but making sure your laptop can't be pinched from its carrier is of utmost importance. We were on the hunt for laptop bags that have the option to conceal the contents inside.
Why you should trust me
I really wanted to do this feature when I found myself - post pandemic - having to commute from Leamington Spa to the HELLO! offices in London. It's pretty much two hours door-to-door and lugging around my Apple MacBook just filled me with dread each week. I tried just a regular tote bag from the high-street but it just wasn't right; it slipped off my shoulder, it flopped to the floor when I placed it down (that was my biggest bugbear) and I knew I needed something a little more serious for my weekly trips to the office.
As we prepare for our office trips in 2024, here are some great investments...
The best women's laptop bags to shop now
1/24
ANTLER Chelsea Everyday Backpack
ANTLER Chelsea Everyday Backpack In Blush
Specifications
- Size: 37cmH x 26cmW x 17cmD
- Primary Material: Durable nylon water resistant
- Fits up to 15" laptop
- Colours available: Blush, Slate
I haven't tried this backpack, but I am a fan of Antler in general and think their products are well made. On the website there are lots of photographs showing how clever this laptop bag is. There are plenty of handy features; a back sleeve that slots over a suitcase handle (again, if you travel with a suitcase, it's so ideal), a full zip opener for easy packing and access, a zipped front pocket with card sleeve and key clip inside, a 16.5” laptop pocket, and an elasticated side pocket for a water bottle. I love the space for a water bottle, I do think this would be great if you cycle to work and you can hydrate on the go. Oh, and another great feature - inside the backpack, there’s a removable packing pocket for shoes or a change of clothes. Great if you want to store your running shoes or after-work gym kit in there.
2/24
VSNOON Laptop Backpack
VSNOON Laptop Backpack In Black
Specifications
- Weight: 1.82 lbs;
- Volume: 23L;
- Size: 17"H x 11.8"L x 7.5"W
- Primary Material: water resistant and durable polyester fabric
I've chosen this one because the reviews were too good to scoff at, and just look at it! It's giving me major Chanel vibes - but for a whole lot less. I think this is a multi-function laptop backpack to take note of to be honest. The main area has separated compartments and pockets which can provide roomy space for your laptop (15.6inch) as well as your tablet, power bank, A4 files, wallet, and even clothes (I don't know about you but I often shove my heels in my laptop bag). It features an elastic pocket at each side so you can hold your umbrella or your water bottle. What's more, there's also a USB charging port extended on the side of the backpack and built-in charging cable inside. I think this is pretty genius, especially if your bus or train is delayed and you just want to look at your phone, you needn't have to worry about it running out of phone battery.
3/24
John Lewis Solo NY Triumph Collection Parker Hybrid Tote Backpack
John Lewis SOLO Laptop Bag In Black
Specifications
- Size: 40.6cmH x 38.1cmW x 11.4cmD
- Primary Material: Polyester
- Fits up to 15.6" laptop
Talk about practical! This SOLO NYC laptop bag is like having two bags for the price of one. You can wear it like a rucksack and you can carry it as a tote bag.
Designed with the commute in mind, but still with an eye for style. The classic black is accented with timeless gold. What's more, the padded 15.6" laptop compartment, interior organizer section and hideaway backstraps make Parker a desk-to-dinner essential.
4/24
Karl Lagerfeld Rue St Guillaume Laptop Bag
Karl Lagerfeld Laptop Bag In Black With White Logo
Specifications
- Size: 25cmH x 35cmW x 4cmD
- Primary Material: Polyurethane 51%, Neoprene 49%
- Colours available: Black
Want a designer laptop bag but without a price tag in the thousands? The Karl Lagerfeld black laptop bag would be top choice. You can carry it stylishly with the top handles or you can choose to wear it with the long strap, which is adjustable.
5/24
Nordace Siena Smart Backpack
Nordace Siena Smart Laptop Backpack In Pink
Specifications
- Size: 42cmH x 29cmW x 16cmD
- Primary Material: Frosted fabric polyester
- Fits up to 16" laptop
- Colours available: Multi options
Ok, I'm very impressed with this backpack - and there are plenty of colours to choose from if you're not a fan of pink (can you tell that I am?!). My highlights include an anti-theft pocket, a space for your water bottle, a fleece lined pocket for your reading glasses (yes, really!) and a built-in USB charging point which is perfect for charging your phone on the go.
6/24
Fiorelli Anna Backpack
Fiorelli Anna Backpack In Winter Leopard
Specifications
- Size: 32cmH x 29cmW x 13cmD
- Primary Material: Leather
- Fits up to 13" laptop
- Colours available: Multi options
Fiorelli’s iconic Anna backpack has been refreshed this season with brand new colour mix options and I'm a fan of the leopard design - perfect if you're looking for a fun laptop bag.
The Anna can be worn as a work backpack or carried by the top grab handle. The multi-functional bag with discreet side and back pockets will fit a laptop in the main compartment plus all your daily essentials.
7/24
Kate Spade New York Hudson Bag
Kate Spade New York Hudson Bag In Black
Specifications
- Size: 10.5"H x 14.75"W x 5.5"D
- Primary Material: Pebbled leather Faille and Spade Flower Jacquard linings
- Fits up to 13" laptop
Kate Spade New York often is a go-to destination for work bags and this one is done in soft pebbled leather to withstand scratches. Use code EXTRA20 for a further 20% off.
8/24
Tory Burch Perry Triple-Compartment Tote Bag
Tory Burch Perry Triple-Compartment Tote Bag In Black
Specifications
- Size: 11.4"H x 14.2"L x 5.3"D
- Primary Material: Leather
- Fits up to 13" laptop
Tory Burch's designer laptop bag is called the 'Perry tote' and it has pockets for organisation, longer straps that fit comfortably over the shoulder and extra room — with a centre zip compartment that fits a laptop. Made of Italian pebbled leather, it has protective feet and comes with a removable charm, in tonal or contrast colours.
9/24
AWAY The Everywhere Bag
AWAY The Everywhere Bag In Navy
Specifications
- Size: 25.9cmH x 41.4cmW x 18.5cmD
- Primary Material: Water-resistant nylon and leather trim
- Fits up to 15" laptop
- Colours available: Black, Navy, Coast
I'm a big fan of Away in general, and I have been ever since I tried my first Away suitcase. I wanted to include this laptop bag because it's new and the brand is known for being top quality. I love a lot of things about this bag; the top zipper will keep your belongings secure, it's made with water-resistant nylon and leather trim, it fits up to a 15" laptop and secures to any Away suitcase for a seamless travel experience. Another positive point is that you can put this to the test and make sure it’s right for you and if you don't like it, you can return it anytime within the first 100 days of purchase. If you want to see it on, check out the picture of the model wearing it with her trench coat - very chic, I think you'll agree.
10/24
Stubble&Co The Everyday Backpack
Stubble&Co The Everyday Backpack In Matcha And All Black
Specifications
- Size: 46cmH x 30cmW x 14cmD
- Primary Material: 600D Recycled PET
- The body of the bag is made from waterproof materials, the seams have waterproof binding and features water-resistant zips
- Fits up to 16" laptop
This 20l backpack features a compartment that will fit a 16-inch laptop, as well as a spacious organised bag interior. If you're after a waterproof design as well, this is for you! It also has comfortable straps, and plenty of compartments. The colour selection includes a gorgeous matcha version as well as black and concrete.
11/24
Radley London Cannon Street Laptop Bag
Radley London Cannon Street In Navy
Specifications
- Size: 28cmH x 38cmW x 8cmD
- Primary Material: Nylon
- Fits up to 15" laptop
Radley London is a class act when it comes to handbags, and if you're looking for a large laptop bag that looks sophisticated well made, this is the one for you. Perhaps you work in a corporate environment, and you carry your laptop bag to various lunch or dinner meetings and you want your bag to reflect how you style yourself and the way you do business. The Cannon Street laptop bag, with its navy colourway, looks very expensive and is functional, as well.
12/24
Stackers Laptop Bag
Stackers Laptop Bag In Blush & Gold
Specifications
- Size: 12.4H x 2.6"D x 15.7"W
- Primary Material: Faux leather and velvet
- Space for a laptop (up to 15 inch)
When I was on the hunt for my own laptop bag I couldn't decide if I wanted a rucksack or a tote bag. I know that rucksacks are brilliant - and perfect for distributing the weight on your body - but sometimes they don't quite work with your outfit. You can't wear a linen shirt or a linen blazer to the office and expect to look polished if you're all crinkled because of the rucksack you've been carting in. When I discovered the Stackers laptop bag, I knew I'd found the one. Talk about functionality! This can be worn as a backpack, handbag or a shoulder bag. It's so ideal. Keep reading to see why I think the Stackers laptop bag deserves to be at the top of this round up.
This bag is clever and has been well designed for a career woman. With space inside for your laptop (up to 16 inch), your phone, multiple pens, cables as well as a large zipped pocket, this bag is not only stylish but super practical. At the front there is a large zipped pocket for your charger, additional cables and accessories and a smaller zipped compartment at the back. The multi-wear laptop bag is made with a faux leather exterior and a soft velvet padded lining to ensure your laptop stays safe whilst on-the-go. I have the pink and I did worry it would look too babyish (I'm almost 40) but it's a very muted blush shade. I think the black might have been a better choice as my pink one limits what I can wear with it. I also think it's a very good price for how well made it is.
13/24
Ted Baker Fabiann Croc Effect Leather Document Bag
Ted Baker Fabiann Croc Effect Leather Document Bag In Black
Specifications
- Size: 40cmH x 28cmW x 28cmD
- Primary Material: Croc effect leather
- Fits up to 15" laptop
- Colours available: Black
Made of croc effect leather, the Fabiann laptop bag is highly durable and adds a luxurious touch to your work outfit. The padded pocket holds a 15 inch laptop, while the main compartment can hold all of your papers and daily needs. The best bit? The case comes with a trolley slip, perfect for short haul travel.
14/24
Simpolor Laptop Case
Simpolor Laptop Case In Grey
Specifications
- Size: 37.9cmH x 30.8cmW x 5.6cmD
- Primary Material: High-quality waterproof canvas exterior and soft lining interior
- Fits up to 13.5" laptop
- Colours available: Multiple
I haven't tried this one but I really wanted to include a laptop bag that had multiple compartments. This would be great for a university student looking for a laptop bag for her lectures. This Simpolor bag (which I found on Amazon) has three compartments to meet all your needs well. The large tech compartment can fit a laptop sized up to a 13.3 inch, as well as your standard iPad. There are three sets of mesh pockets in small, medium and large. All of these pockets allow you to put your daily necessities conveniently inside. I scoured the reviews and they look really good. One happy customer wrote: "Everything works on this bag. It's a great size, not too big but large enough for everything to fit in neatly. The handles and strap are comfortable for carrying. It somehow feels lighter than my previous bag and I love the padding and all the different pockets."
15/24
Lulu Guinness Black Lip Ripple Bethany Bag
Lulu Guinness Bethany Bag
Specifications
- Size: 25.50"H x 36"W x 11"D
- Primary Material: Bovine leather
- Fits up to 13" laptop
- Colours available: Black
The handheld Bethany bag is designed for the office and perfect for storing away your laptop and other office essentials. Crafted from luxurious full grain leather in Black with a quilted lip ripple design, it's perfect for the bar after.
16/24
Aspinal of London Regent Zipped Tote Bag
Aspinal of London Regent Zipped Tote Bag In Black
Specifications
- Size: 11.4"H x 18.1"W x 6.1"D
- Primary Material: Finest full-grain leather
- Fits up to 14" laptop
- Colours available: Multiple
I wanted to include a mixture of price points in this roundup of the best laptop bags for women, as it's only fair. When I think of trusted British bag brands I always think of Aspinal of London - one of Princess Kate's favourite bag brands - and this one looks perfect for the office (and beyond). Extremely elegant looking, the Zipped Regent Tote is the perfect companion for your work-to-weekend wardrobe. Handcrafted from full-grain leather, the semi-structured and lightweight design has a spacious interior with the capacity to hold a lightweight 14-inch laptop along with an open slip pocket for your valuables and two mobile slip pockets. I think this would suit a fashionista who likes a designer bag and wouldn't be seen dead wearing a £30 Amazon one. The best thing about this bag is the zip-top closure which will keep your belongings secure, while the long shoulder straps ensure all-day comfort for a trip to the office.
17/24
WAT THE BRAND Vegan Leather Shopping Tote Bag
WAT THE BRAND Vegan Leather Shopping Tote Bag In Black
Specifications
- Size: 41cmH x 32cmW x 12cmD
- Primary Material: Vegan leather
- Fits up to 13.5" laptop
- Colours available: Black
This is the laptop bag for all the fashionistas out there. You might prefer style over a dedicated compartment for your phone charger, and that's totally ok. In fact, if my commute wasn't so long, this is probably the bag I'd choose. The carryall tote is made from vegan leather, it's lined in cotton, and is ideal if you're after a chic laptop bag. Inside, you can hold everything from your laptop to your water bottle! There's also a matching WAT vegan clutch. I will say that you can only carry this as a tote, there's no strap for the shoulder so just bear this in mind if you decide to purchase. Having ordered from the WAT many times I can say that the customer service is brilliant and delivery is speedy, too.
18/24
Mulberry City Briefcase
Mulberry City Briefcase In Sapphire Heavy Grain
Specifications
- Size: 32cmH x 41cmW x 7cmD
- Primary Material: Heavy grain leather
- Fits up to 13.5" laptop
- Colours available: Sapphire, Chestnut
I deliberated whether to include this laptop bag as all the options available were modelled on men and I wanted more from Mulberry. I love this brand, and I own many Mulberry bags, but they need to bring out some amazing laptop bags for women (or ultimately style them on women). The one I've chosen, regardless of it being styled by a male model, is very much unisex in its design. It only has one main zip compartment and one internal zip pocket, but there is one external slip pocket at the back.
19/24
The Cambridge Satchel Company The Music Case
The Cambridge Satchel Company The Music Case In Heather Green
Specifications
- Size: 30.5cmH x 38.5cmW x 7.5cmD
- Primary Material: Leather
- Fits up to 15" laptop
- Colours available: Multiple
The Cambridge Satchel Company's leather bags are legendary for being durable and comfortable to carry. I own a couple of Cambridge Satchel bags I bought over 10 years ago and they still look good today, so I'm confident this would be a good choice for a laptop bag. The Music Shoulder Bag is large enough to fit a 15inch laptop and with the brand's distinctive bar closure, which slips over its single top handle to secure the front flap, it'll keep your laptop safe. Along with a choice of seven colours, you can also have the bag personalised with your initials for a small cost. I love that. Would also make a great graduation gift.
20/24
Kipling Art Organized Large Tote Bag
Kipling Art Organized Large Tote Bag In Rose Black
Specifications
- Size: 27cmH x 49cmW x 20cmD
- Primary Material: 100% Polyamide
- Fits up to 15" laptop
- Colours available: Rose Black
Kipling has smashed it out of the park with a bag that features the following: Multiple compartments, a bottle holder, a trolley sleeve, a laptop compartment, a key fob and an adjustable strap length. I love that it's zipped, making sure your laptop is secure inside. With a handy removable pouch, a trolley sleeve and adjustable straps, you'll be commute ready in no time. It's also perfectly designed for cabin storage.
21/24
Accessorize Laptop Rucksack
Accessorize Laptop Rucksack In Black
Specifications
- Size: 29cmW x 35cmL
- Primary Material: Polyurethane (PU)
- Fits up to 13" laptop
- Colours available: Black
Accessorize really is a great place to shop for every handbag emergency isn't it? Need a beach bag? Accessorize. Need a last minute glam clutch? Accessorize! Need a practical laptop bag for the office? They've got you. An extremely trusted brand, so I think this £42 timeless backpack is the perfect workwear staple - and it will come in so handy for travelling, too. I've not tried this one or felt the quality but from the pictures on the website, it looks really stylish.
22/24
Longchamp LePliage Green S Briefcase
Longchamp LePliage Green S Briefcase In Black
Specifications
- Size: 28cmH x 37cmW x 8cmD
- Primary Material: Cowhide leather
- Fits up to 13" laptop
- Colours available: Multiple
Ok, I'm fascinated by this one. Look at how light it looks! This Longchamp document holder features a simple and classic style and if you're already in the Longchamp fan club, you'll no doubt be smitten. Designed to hold all of your documents, it can be folded up when not being used. According to the website, Longchamp drew its inspiration from origami when creating Le Pliage, a light, foldaway bag that has since become a cult object worldwide. It's USP? Light as a feather, folds away to the size of a paperback, and is durable enough to keep all your essentials close to hand.
23/24
Etsy Personalised Laptop Bag
Etsy Personalised Laptop Bag In Pink
Specifications
- Size: 29cmH x 38cmW x 3cmD
- Primary Material: Polyster, PU leather
- Fits up to 14" laptop
- Colours available: Pink, Blue, Beige
Ok, I'm a sucker for personalisation and I think that's why I love Etsy so much (and I like supporting small businesses). I wanted to show you this laptop bag because it's just adorable and, if you're anything like me, things with your name on just sparks joy. It comes in different colours and different sizes. I scoured the reviews on Etsy and my favourite one was this: "The best communication I’ve ever had from a seller, amazing! The product itself is even better!" Isn't that lovely? I think this would make a great gift for a teenage girl who's off to school or university or her first job. Hell, I'm nearly 40 and I want it.
24/24
Nawal's Ladies Convertible Genuine Leather Backpack
Nawal's Ladies Convertible Genuine Leather Backpack In Metallic
Specifications
- Size: 36cmH x 30cmW x 13cmD
- Primary Material: Leather
- Colours available: Multiple
Want something a little jazzy? This silver metallic bag is the on-trend backpack you need. One thrilled online reviewer wrote: "I'm really surprised by the quality of it. Its a lovely bag and fits in everything I need. I saw one that was almost an exact match for three times the price."
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/shopping/511899/best-laptop-bags-for-women-top-rated/
| 2024-01-23T17:17:15Z
|
blocked_url
|
ASTANA – The Kazakh Ministry of Tourism and Sports offered the list of the top five tourist destinations in 2023, revealing the most popular places travelers chose in Kazakhstan.
The Almaty mountain cluster recorded the biggest number, with 1,728,000 people visiting local resort areas from January to September last year. The cluster includes the Forest Tale mountain resort, located in the picturesque gorge of Oi-Qaragai, the Shymbulak ski resort, recognized as the world’s highest night skiing slope in 2023, the Akbulak high mountain resort, the Tabagan ski resort, the Kok Tau ski and health resort, and others.
Mangystau witnessed 299,000 tourists, securing the second place. Besides steadily developing resort areas on the Caspian Sea coast, the region’s territory boasts various landscapes and desert lands.
In addition to the must-see attraction – Bozzhyra, located on the territory of the Ustyurt Plateau – the region offers no less captivating places such as Sherkala mount, Kapamsay canyon, the Torysh valley of balls, and historical and sacred places of Beket Ata, Shakpak Ata, and the Sultan Epe underground mosques.
The North Kazakhstan Region broke into the top three destinations with the Shchuchinsk-Burabai resort areas, attracting 243,000 travelers with its bizarre scenery, which covers pine forests, lakes, mountain ranges, cliffs and capes.
The Alakol resort area in the Abai Region glorified eastern Kazakhstan, with 204,000 tourists coming. One of the locals’ favorite tourist spots – Lake Alakol – amazes visitors with its changing colors and delightful views.
Last but not least – Balkhash – drew 94,000 travelers as Kazakhstan’s largest lake. The blue and crystal-clear water lake has a fascinating legend, narrating the story about love between a rich man’s daughter who escaped with a poor shepherd. The enraged father, Balkhash, turned the lovers into two rivers and turned himself into a lake depriving the two of a chance to reunite.
Thus, Kazakhstan saw over 3,073,000 tourists visiting resort areas across the country in nine months of 2023, recording a 12.6% growth compared to the previous year, according to the Bureau of National Statistics.
|
https://astanatimes.com/2024/01/kazakhstan-presents-top-five-tourist-destinations-of-2023/
| 2024-01-23T17:21:31Z
|
blocked_url
|
ASTANA – This year, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s diplomatic schedule began with the first official visit to Italy, Kazakhstan’s strategic partner and third largest trading partner. This visit should be seen through the lens of Kazakhstan’s growing cooperation with the European Union, said Yersultan Zhanseitov, a senior expert at the Astana-based Institute of World Economics and Politics.
The visit signals Kazakhstan’s broader engagement with the EU, just two months after French President Emmanual Macron’s historic visit to Kazakhstan. Two months before Macron’s visit, President Tokayev himself paid an official visit to Germany, further consolidating Kazakhstan’s relations with the EU.
Beyond increased contacts with the EU, President Tokayev’s visit to Italy reflects Kazakhstan’s constructive, multi-vector foreign policy. The last time a Kazakh leader visited Italy was 15 years ago. Oscar Luigi Scalfaro was the only Italian president to visit Kazakhstan in May 1997.
The cooperation witnessed a milestone in 2009 after the signing of a strategic partnership agreement. In September 2023, the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani visited Kazakhstan.
“Especially in the current geopolitical situation in the world, Kazakhstan is diversifying its foreign connections, trading partners and strategic partners in general,” Zhanseitov told The Astana Times.
The agenda of the visit was packed. It included meetings with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Georgia Meloni.
Business and economy
Data from the Ministry of National Economy show that trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Italy between January and October 2023 reached $13.1 billion, just 0.7% more than the same period in 2021.
Out of this, Kazakh exports to Italy made $12.1 billion, and crude oil accounts for 97.4%, or $11.8 billion. In more than 30 years of cooperation, the energy sector has become a pillar of bilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and Italy.
Besides oil, Kazakhstan exports wheat, ferroalloys, and unprocessed aluminum to Italy.
Imports to Kazakhstan from Italy have increased by 32.4%, reaching $1 billion. This growth stems from the increase in imports of seamless pipes, tubes, and profiles of black metals (from $15.8 million to $64 million), tractors and semi-trailers (from $1.1 million to $43 million), and equipment for soil sorting and grinding (from $7.1 million to $20.1 million), to name a few.
Kazakhstan also imports pharmaceuticals packaged for retail sale, pipeline valves, food products, vaccines, and blood serums.
“Italy is the number one exporter of oil [from Kazakhstan] within Europe, so it is pretty clear that the value of Italy in Kazakhstan’s foreign policy cannot be underestimated,” said Zhanseitov.
Signed deals
The visit was packed on the side of business and economy. A Kazakh-Italian roundtable in Rome on Jan. 18 concluded with 18 agreements worth $1.5 billion.
“There are still different directions in bilateral cooperation. First, it is transport and logistics. As we know the current situation in Eastern Europe needs alternative trade and transport roads,” he said. For Kazakhstan, it is the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.
While energy has been a priority area for cooperation between Kazakhstan and Italy, Zhanseitov also sees substantial potential in diversifying energy exports and imports.
“Of course, the energy sector is the priority in our bilateral relations, but still, it can be diversified, not only by exporting oil but also by switching to uranium and rare earth metals that are essential in constructing all the facilities needed for the green energy,” said Zhanseitov.
Kazakhstan’s KazMunayGas (KMG) and Italian Eni agreed to build a hybrid power station in Zhanaozen in western Kazakhstan with a total capacity of 247 megawatts (MW).
According to the statement from KMG, the project envisions a wind power plant of 77 MW, a solar power plant of 50 MW, and a 120 MW gas power plant for supplying stable electricity to KMG’s industrial facilities in the region. A hybrid project of this type will be the first to be implemented in Kazakhstan.
“This project is in line with the goals of diversifying the business portfolio and decarbonizing the operations of KMG and Eni, ensuring the long-term sustainable development of our operations,” said KMG CEO Magzum Mirzagaliyev. The plans are to bring the project to full design capacity by the end of 2025.
Another important document signed in the energy sector was between Kazakhstan’s Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund and Balestra. The document defines the terms of the implementation of a project to build a sulfuric acid plant in the Suzak district in the Turkistan Region. The capacity of the plant, which will supply sulfuric acid to the companies of the Kazatomprom national company, will be 800,000 tons per year.
Kazakhstan’s Agrofirma TNK, which produces agricultural products on 400,000 hectares of land in the Akmola Region, and Italy’s Bonifiche Ferraresi, which is engaged in the cultivation and marketing of agricultural products, agreed to exchange experience in the field of technologies, seeds, and personnel training in the initial stage of the partnership. Moving forward, the companies will work together in the development of processing, including pasta production.
Italian investments
With these projects coming into effect, more Italian investments will be injected into the Kazakh economy. Since 2005, the total volume of gross foreign direct investments from Italy to Kazakhstan has hit $7.3 billion, according to the Kazakh Ministry of National Economy.
The latest data for the first nine months of 2023 show that the gross inflow of investments reached $107.4 million, a 28.3% increase compared to the same period in 2022.
In Kazakhstan, Italian investors have been involved in projects related to energy, geological exploration and extraction of natural resources, construction, infrastructure, transportation, communications, and agriculture.
Some notable projects include Eni’s Badamsha wind farms in the Aktobe Region and the production site of PetrolValves in Aksai in western Kazakhstan.
At the roundtable, President Tokayev invited Italian businesses to consider investing in Kazakhstan and explore such areas as service maintenance of the oil and gas industry, critical raw materials and renewable energy, transport and logistics and agroindustry.
No less significant areas
However, there are other areas where Kazakhstan and Italy can benefit from cooperation. Significant strides have been made in education and culture, notably in the creative industry.
Kazakhstan and Italy have concluded nearly 100 inter-university agreements between their universities. To foster this cooperation, during the visit, the Kazakh Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of University and Research of the Italian Republic signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the fields of higher education, research, and innovation.
Both countries are also keen on developing creative industries, which have a multifaceted impact, encompassing economic, cultural, and social dimensions.
In 2023, the Italian Cultural Institute opened in Almaty, the first of its kind in Central Asia. This year, the plan is to open the Italian-Kazakh Cultural Center for Creative Industry.
As part of Tokayev’s visit, the Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Information and the Italian Ministry of Culture signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of art and culture.
According to Italian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Marco Alberti, the visit was not “merely a protocol event,” but was meant to revitalize relationships, identify areas of collaboration, and strengthen partnerships.”
“Therefore, it marks a starting point, not an endpoint. Much work lies ahead, as each commitment made during the visit must be honored,” he wrote in a social media post.
He commended a “shared ambition to grow and improve.” “There is acknowledgment that much work still needs to be done to transform the existing relations into a genuine strategic partnership,” he wrote.
During the visit, Kazakhstan and Italy agreed to open direct flights connecting Astana to Rome and Milan. This move will positively impact the countries’ effort to grow their ties, most importantly, people-to-people ties.
|
https://astanatimes.com/2024/01/president-tokayevs-first-visit-to-italy-reflects-kazakhstans-multi-vector-foreign-policy-broader-engagement-with-eu/
| 2024-01-23T17:21:38Z
|
blocked_url
|
Welcome to the Daily Lowdown podcast from HELLO!. In this episode, we chat about a man getting arrested outside Taylor Swift's house in New York on stalking charges, and Justin Timberlake's big return to music.
Not only that, but the Oscar 2024 nominations are here and Ariana Grande shares her reaction to landing the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
Listen to the episode in full below…
A man has been arrested and charged with stalking and harassment after being reprimanded by police outside Taylor Swift's New York City home. The 33-year-old man is called David Crowe from Seattle and NYPD officers arrested him after locals put in complaints about an emotionally disturbed male acting erratically outside the superstar's townhouse. A spokesperson for NYPD said multiple calls forced officers to arrest the man and take him into custody, no injuries were reported. It comes just days after a man was found attempting to tamper with Taylors' front door on Saturday, but authorities have not confirmed if it's the same suspect. The anti-hero hitmaker is yet to comment on the news.
MORE: The Daily Lowdown: Adele shares her plans for when Las Vegas residency wraps
MORE: The Daily Lowdown: Ariana Grande shares big news with fans after 'hitting back' at critics
After dropping plenty of hints recently, Justin Timberlake has confirmed he is making his music comeback with a brand new single set to drop in just a matter of days and it's called Selfish. The former Nsync star did reveal a snippet of the new track on his Instagram. JT hasn't released solo material in almost six years and his fans are no doubt thrilled that he's making a big return. Meanwhile, the star took the stage in his hometown Memphis recently to perform his biggest hits to a sold-out crowd. Selfish lands on Thursday.
Parklife Festival has revealed their 2024 headliners and they're pretty big. DJ duo Disclosure will be hitting the main stage as well as Doja Cat, J Hus and Becky Hill. Disclosure will close the weekend's music on Sunday while Doja will perform on Saturday. Also on the bill are Sugababes, Anne-Marie, Rudimental and many many more. The festival takes place at Heaton Park in Manchester across the second weekend of June. Tickets go on sale at 10 am this Friday.
Ariana Grande has said she is overwhelmed and moved by the response to her hit song Yes, And? which has reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Her place in the top spot marks her eighth number one single and the superstar thanked her fans from the bottom of her heart. Ari's new track is the leading single off her new album Eternal Sunshine which is due for release on March 8th.
Speaking of new music, Megan Thee Stallion has said she is dropping her brand new track called Hiss this Friday. The rapper teased the song by unveiling the artwork on Instagram, drumming up much excitement from her fans. It's thought that Hiss will feature on her new upcoming album which has been funded by Megan independently after she previously cut ties with her former record label. Meanwhile, the new release comes just a few days after she appeared on SNL alongside Rene Rapp to perform their track from the new Mean Girls movie.
And the 2024 Oscar nominations have been announced and it looks like Oppenheimer and Barbie are sweeping the board. The huge titles – which went head to head at the box office last summer - have picked up nominations in major categories including Best Supporting Actor for Ryan Gosling and Robert Downey Jr respectively, as well as America Ferrera and Emily Blunt for Supporting Actress. The Best Actor nominations feature Cillian Murphy for Oppenheimer, Bradley Cooper for Maestro and Colman Domingo for Rustin. In the actress category, Emma Stone, Lily Gladstone and Carey Mulligan also picked up nods.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511901/taylor-swifts-stalker-is-arrested-and-justin-timberlake-confirms-his-comeback/
| 2024-01-23T17:29:23Z
|
blocked_url
|
With Dry January almost over, millions of participants around the world are left either itching to finally grab a drink, or alternatively, wondering if it's a lifestyle they want to keep up.
In Hollywood, the month-long sober challenge falls on the busiest time for celebrities: awards season, which comes with its fair share of high-pressure press campaigns, boozy luncheons, and even boozier award shows.
Below, take a look at some of the stars who have mastered the art of Hollywood socializing without a drink in their hand, and what they've said about choosing sobriety.
Tom Holland
Tom Holland was actually inspired by having done Dry January to stick to his sobriety. Speaking on the Jay Shetty podcast On Purpose, he explained: "I didn't one day wake up and say, 'I'm giving up drinking'. I just – like many Brits – had had a very, very boozy December. Christmas time, I was on vacation, I was drinking a lot…" adding: "I decided to just give up for January... and all I could think about was having a drink. It was all I could think about. I was waking up thinking about it, I was checking the clock... and it just really scared me."
Cara Delevingne
After one of Cara Delevingne's lowest moments was made public by the paparazzi last year, the iconic model was quick to turn to sobriety. She first opened up about her journey for Vogue's April 2023 cover, and said: "It's heartbreaking because I thought I was having fun, but at some point it was like, 'Okay, I don't look well,'" adding: "You know, sometimes you need a reality check, so in a way those pictures were something to be grateful for."
MORE: Cara Delevingne returns to the runway
Jessica Simpson
In a 2021 Instagram post, Jessica Simpson reflected on all of the "self discovery to unlock and explore" that she had back in 2017, and further said: "Personally, to do this I needed to stop drinking alcohol because it kept my mind and heart circling in the same direction and quite honestly I was exhausted. I wanted to feel the pain so I could carry it like a badge of honor."
MORE: Jessica Simpson's daughter Maxwell recreates mom's most infamous Newlyweds mishap 20 years later
Bradley Cooper
Bradley Cooper has long been open about why and how he has been sober for the last 20 years. Back in 2012, he opened up to The Hollywood Reporter about going sober when he was 29, telling the outlet: "I realized I wasn't going to live up to my potential, and that scared the hell out of me. I thought, 'Wow, I'm actually gonna ruin my life; I'm really gonna ruin it,'" and noted: "Being sober helps a great deal."
MORE: Body language expert weighs in on Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga's 'awkward' reunion
Drew Barrymore
Though Drew Barrymore has always been candid about the struggles she faced as a child star, including with drugs and alcohol, she revealed for the first time in 2021 that she had officially decided to abstain from drinking two years prior. In a conversation on CBS News with Gayle King, she explained: "When you are stuck in a pattern or if you are going through things and you not only admit them out loud, but you force yourself to say, 'I'm willing to make big changes,' I think we all think we're very weak when we don't make those changes."
Chrissy Teigen
Chrissy Teigen marked her first year of sobriety back in July 18, 2022, and shared on Instagram at the time: "I miss feeling loopy and carefree sometimes, but to be honest toward the end, it didn't give that fun feeling anymore anyhow. I drank to end crazy anxiety that later mostly went away when I – get this – quit drinking!"
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/health-and-fitness/511900/dry-january-inspiration-bradley-cooper-chrissy-teigen-sobriety-journeys/
| 2024-01-23T17:29:29Z
|
blocked_url
|
Despite facing relentless assaults, Avdiivka has repelled the attempts by Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups to infiltrate the city, according to Vitaliy Barabash, head of the Avdiivka City Military Administration.
In a statement made on “Ukrainska Pravda Live,” Barabash reported, “Right now, they are simply storming in this direction. It’s no longer about sabotage groups; these are full-scale assault operations… From the first days of the full-scale invasion, maybe after two or three weeks, the first sabotage groups tried to enter the city. And it’s been almost constant since then. There have been many such attempts during this period.”
Barabash added that Russians couldn’t enter and never managed to get into the city. “There have been many attempts thwarted on the approaches (to the city) – in the process, they almost reached the populated area and were also eliminated. Up to this moment, no group has entered the city,” he added.
Detailing the situation at the “Tsarska Ohota” restaurant, Barabash mentioned that this suburban complex was breached by Russian groups, but they were driven out: Ukrainian forces have controlled the complex for 2-3 days now.
This follows the analysis by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW), which concluded from geolocational footage published on January 21 that Russian forces had advanced in the area of the “Tsarska Ohota” restaurant along Soborna Street in the south of Avdiivka and along the tree line to the southwest of the city.
The head of Avdiivka’s Military Administration highlighted that the worst situations are in the Marinka (Novomykhailivka), Kupiansk, and Bakhmut directions, but the situation in Avdiivka remains tense, though the enemy has not managed to break through into the city.
In his words, “There is pressure. There are assault operations. Yesterday, they even tried to storm in the direction of ‘Tsarska Ohota’ with equipment. There is pressure there, and it’s intense. They achieved certain results: the grey zone has definitely shrunk. Some positions were lost and retaken by our guys.”
“No one says that everything is okay and ‘sweet’ – far from it. But to say that all is lost – that is not true,” he added.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported on January 22 that Russian forces continue to press along the entire front line, with the most enemy attacks repelled in the Avdiivka direction.
The situation in Avdiivka has been extremely challenging due to the ongoing Russian offensive. Initially, Avdiivka, a city previously home to 32,000 people, transformed into a near ghost town due to relentless Russian shelling and airstrikes. The majority of the residents evacuated, leaving only a small number behind in this besieged area.
Russian forces have surrounded Avdiivka from multiple directions, but crucial supply routes to the west of the city remain under Ukrainian control. This has been pivotal in sustaining the Ukrainian defense. The Ukrainian Army has fortified Avdiivka with extensive networks of fortifications, trenches, and underground tunnels, which have been critical in withstanding intense artillery shelling. Furthermore, these defenses have been reinforced by additional troops and equipment, including US-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and German-made Leopard main battle tanks.
Despite Russia’s attempts to encircle and occupy Avdiivka with a large-scale offensive, their efforts have been largely unsuccessful. The Russians have not been able to cut off key Ukrainian supply routes or capture strategic positions like the Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant. This failure is partly due to the robust Ukrainian fortifications and the effective use of countermeasures like minefields, artillery fire, and kamikaze drones.
Both sides have incurred significant losses, but the Ukrainian forces’ tactics have proven effective in halting the Russian advances.
Related:
- Frontline report: Disjointed Russian attacks stall against stubborn Ukrainian defenses north of Avdiivka
- Frontline report: Russian assaults on Ukrainian positions near Avdiivka resume after fortnight respite to regroup units
- UK Intel: Neither side able to achieve breakthrough in Ukraine war
- Defense Ministry: Ukraine retakes 3 km² near Bakhmut
- Ukrainian troops advance 1-2 km in six directions near Bakhmut, capture 17 km² in south
- Russo-Ukrainian War. Day 372: Russia loses major tank battle in Vuhledar
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/23/intense-pressure-on-avdiivka-but-russian-forces-never-entered-the-city-says-avdiivka-military-administration-head/
| 2024-01-23T17:37:10Z
|
blocked_url
|
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that victory over Russia in its war against Ukraine can be achieved once every NATO member country fully commits to ending this war as if it were their own battle. Zelenskyy expressed this opinion while engaging in a joint discussion with the Polish Prime Minister, addressing students from various Ukrainian universities.
“Ukraine is not in NATO, because there are indeed several skeptical countries. What is this group of states afraid of? They fear escalation from Russia. This is an official such statement. But I can’t tell now which countries they are. You are smart, you yourself will understand,” Zelenskyy said.
He noted that such an approach “sounds very insulting.”
“When someone says that there will be an escalation, it says specifically that now we are here where about a third of the territory is occupied and how many people have died, and this suggests that this is not an escalation for them. That is, this is not a war for everyone, even for those who help you and who believe that Russia is an occupier,” Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy stressed that “it will be possible to defeat Russia when all [NATO countries] are completely frank, open and really on the side of ending the war.”
“And they will think about the security of society, and not about their personal political security. But we are fighting this skepticism [by a group of countries],” Zelenskyy concluded.
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/23/nato-countries-must-prioritize-security-of-their-societies-to-defeat-russia-zelenskyy-says/
| 2024-01-23T17:37:50Z
|
blocked_url
|
The documentary “20 Days in Mariupol,” directed by Mstyslav Chernov and featuring the work of Ukrainian photographer Evgeniy Maloletka and Ukrainian field producer Vasilisa Stepanenko, has been nominated for an Oscar in the Best Documentary Feature category.
The Oscar nomination of “20 Days in Mariupol” brings global attention to the siege of Mariupol, a critical episode in the Russia-Ukraine war, highlighting the human tragedy and resilience in the face of relentless military aggression
The film, a co-production between the AP and PBS’ “Frontline,” captures the harrowing early weeks of Russia’s war against Ukraine in 2022. Chernov and his team documented the siege of Mariupol, including the tragic death of a young girl, the creation of mass graves, and the bombing of a maternity hospital. Their work unflinchingly portrayed the grim realities of the siege, providing a crucial window into the war as it unfolded.
“20 Days in Mariupol” has not only garnered critical acclaim at film festivals but has also been recognized with a Pulitzer Prize for public service and for breaking news photography. The documentary has been acknowledged as one of the most significant nonfiction films of the year and has received multiple nominations, including from the BAFTAs, the Producers Guild, and the Directors Guild. This Oscar nomination marks first Associated Press’ Oscar nomination in its 178-year history.
This recognition at the Oscars is particularly noteworthy as it comes nearly two years into the ongoing full-scale Russia’s war against Ukraine. The film’s team faced immense challenges, including the Russian blockade of Mariupol, which cut off essential resources like water, food, and internet access.
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/23/oscar-nominated-ukrainian-journalists-film-on-mariupol-highlights-impact-of-russias-invasion/
| 2024-01-23T17:38:31Z
|
blocked_url
|
Members of Ukraine’s Brave cluster have unveiled the AD Counter FPV system, a groundbreaking innovation that disrupts radio frequencies to thwart Russian FPV drones, presenting a formidable tool in Ukraine’s defense arsenal.
The introduction of the AD Counter FPV system marks a pivotal advancement in Ukraine’s defense capabilities, offering an effective solution to counter the growing threat posed by Russian FPV drones.
According to the Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, Mykhailo Fedorov, the system emits white noise within the 850–940 MHz radio frequency range, rendering FPV drones inoperable by severing their communication link with operators. This disruption can occur within a radius of up to 250 meters, even when the drone and its operator are separated by distances of up to 3,000 meters. The system activates swiftly, requiring just 0.5 seconds to initiate its operation.
Ukrainian military forces have already begun actively deploying this technology, considering AD Counter FPV as one of the most efficient portable Radio Electronic Countermeasure (REB) systems available. Notably, this system’s advantages include its lightweight nature, weighing a mere 3 kilograms without a battery and featuring a tripod for easy installation on vehicles.
In response to military requests, developers have also introduced a backpack version of AD Counter FPV, further enhancing its utility in the field. This versatile innovation has proven indispensable to Ukrainian military personnel in their ongoing efforts to counter the threat of hostile FPV drones.
“Brave1” is a cluster in Ukraine dedicated to the development of Defense Tech. It provides developers with financial, informational, and organizational support to gain a technological advantage over the enemy and achieve victory. This support includes testing and codifying military equipment, obtaining grant support, attracting investments, facilitating business development, and ensuring compliance with NATO standards.
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/23/ukraines-brave-cluster-unveils-ad-counter-fpv-system-to-counter-russian-drones/
| 2024-01-23T17:39:11Z
|
blocked_url
|
PARIS - Laying out the horrors of the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, documentary 20 Days In Mariupol was on Jan 23 nominated for an Oscar.
Almost two years on from the start of Russia’s attack, the film recounts the dying days of a major city.
“Wars start with silence”, filmmaker Mstyslav Chernov says on day one of the 2022 onslaught, as he enters Mariupol by car with his colleague, Associated Press photographer Evgeniy Maloletka.
The journalists, both Ukrainian, know that the southern strategic port will be one of the first targets for Moscow’s troops.
Chernov films the last images of a still “normal” city – a world that will soon be wiped off the map.
As the shelling begins, the pair encounter a horrified woman asking what she should do.
“They don’t shoot civilians,” Chernov reassures her, telling the woman to return to her home – only to add in voice-over that “I was wrong”.
Her neighbourhood is bombed soon after and the filmmakers find her again in a gym where hundreds of families were sheltering.
Images of so many men, women and children leave the viewer wondering how many lives will be claimed by the war.
Chernov has a premonition that “something terrible” is coming for Mariupol.
Just three days into their attack, Russian forces began encircling the city, while a quarter of its population had fled.
Those left behind would face carnage.
‘Film it! Show it!’
One week into the war, Chernov and Maloletka are the only international reporters still in Mariupol.
On their perch at the hospital – one of the only sites enjoying some degree of protection – they witness the deaths of children and parents’ fathomless grief.
Managing to show respect even through the chaos, Chernov films weeping doctors’ desperate struggle to save the life of a four-year-old girl, Evangelina.
A father is seen moaning over the dead body of his “beloved son” Ilya, 16, while the parents of 18-month-old Kyrill simply collapse.
“Film it! Show it!” one doctor at the end of his tether urges the cameraman.
Stretcher-bearers’ frantic dashing, people lying in the corridors shaken by bombardment, blood, suffering and nurses taking a brief cigarette break all pass before the lens.
“The world has fallen apart and we’re smoking,” one says with a smile, as if to keep the horror at bay.
Getting their images to the outside world becomes an obsession for the two journalists, even as Mariupol is under siege and cut off.
They encounter wild-eyed people and bodies lying in the street as they step out to search for mobile signal and film the city’s death throes.
People stripped of emotion calmly loot a shop in front of the camera as the owner pleas and a soldier barks for “solidarity”.
“The city has changed so fast,” Chernov narrates.
As the camera records bodies tossed into mass graves, he adds that “my brain will desperately want to forget all this, but the camera will not let it happen”.
“If the world saw everything that happened in Mariupol, it would give at least some meaning to this horror,” he hopes.
Maternity hospital
On March 9, the war’s 14th day, Mariupol’s maternity hospital was bombed.
The AP journalists’ images of that day have become landmark documents of the war and of atrocities attributed to Russian forces in Ukraine.
When the pair hear Moscow has accused them of staging the pictures with actors, they hunt out the survivors.
But they learn that Iryna, a pregnant woman whose picture on a stretcher was seen worldwide, died with her baby.
They follow the difficult birth of a baby girl to one of the survivors in their quest to get proof out to the world.
In the end, Ukrainian special forces were sent in a high-stakes mission to retrieve the journalists and keep them out of Russian hands as the invaders entered the city.
Leaving Mariupol in a Red Cross convoy, Chernov cannot help but think of those he is “abandoning”, whose “tragedies will never be known”.
At least 25,000 people died in the 86-day siege of Mariupol, according to authorities in Ukraine, where the fighting remains fierce. AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/oscar-nominated-20-days-in-mariupol-from-normality-to-ruins
| 2024-01-23T18:10:32Z
|
blocked_url
|
DOHA - Australia coach Graham Arnold said he was “blending and gelling” a new team after they topped their group at the Asian Cup with a 1-1 draw against Uzbekistan on Jan 23.
Martin Boyle gave the already qualified Socceroos the lead with a controversial first-half penalty, before a late equaliser from Azizbek Turgunboev ensured Uzbekistan went through to the last 16 in second spot.
It was the first goal Australia have conceded at the competition, following opening wins over India and Syria.
Arnold has picked an inexperienced squad for the tournament and said his side were “getting better as we go”.
“We have four players here who have had Asian Cup experience and in the squad of 26 we only had 12 players that were here in Qatar for the World Cup,” he said.
“I’m blending and gelling a new squad together. It’s about us connecting as a group.”
Australia won Group B ahead of Uzbekistan, with Syria beating India 1-0 to finish third.
The Socceroos took the lead in the first minute of first-half injury time after a VAR check gave them a hotly disputed penalty.
The danger looked to have passed when Riley McGree missed a glaring chance in front of goal after Kusini Yengi had danced his way through the Uzbekistan defence.
But the Australians were given a reprieve when a VAR check judged that the ball had hit Uzbek defender Odiljon Hamrobekov’s hand in the build-up as he slid in to tackle Yengi.
Uzbekistan coach Srecko Katanec said the decision had caused “big confusion”.
“If this is a penalty I don’t understand the rules. There is no intention,” he said.
Late equaliser
Boyle converted the penalty to set Australia on course to win all three group games at the Asian Cup for the first time.
But Uzbekistan fought back in the second half and Turgunboev outjumped Aziz Behich to head in an equaliser in the 78th minute.
Jaloliddin Masharipov, who made a huge impact after coming on as a half-time substitute, said Uzbekistan’s games against Australia were “always very important”.
“We are very happy with this result because in the past we couldn’t score against them,” said Masharipov, whose cross set up Turgunboev’s goal.
“We played for a successful result and tried to execute what the coach wanted us to do.”
Arnold said his squad had “more depth” after making five changes to his starting line-up from the previous game against Syria.
They were missing regular centre-forward Mitchell Duke, who has a hamstring problem.
But Arnold warned his players that they will have to improve in front of goal, having scored only four times in three matches.
“I thought that we played some good combination football, some good attacking football, but it’s the last pass,” said Arnold.
“That’s down to the individual. The individual has to be able to put them in the back of the net – I can’t do that.” AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/australia-blending-and-gelling-after-topping-asian-cup-group
| 2024-01-23T18:10:43Z
|
blocked_url
|
COPENHAGEN - Reported measles cases soared above 30,000 in Europe between January and October last year, 30 times higher than in 2022, the World Health Organisation said on Jan 23, calling for “urgent” vaccination efforts.
“We have seen in the region not only a 30-fold increase in measles cases, but also nearly 21,000 hospitalisations and five measles-related deaths. This is concerning,” said the organisation.
The cases were reported by 40 of the 53 nations in the WHO’s Europe region, which includes Russia and Central Asia.
Russia and Kazakhstan fared the worst, with 10,000 cases each. In Western Europe, Britain had the most cases with 183.
Vaccination rates against the disease slipped during the Covid-19 pandemic and “urgent vaccination efforts are needed to halt transmission and prevent further spread”.
Some 1.8 million infants in the WHO’s Europe region were not vaccinated against measles between 2020 and 2022.
“It is vital that all countries are prepared to rapidly detect and timely respond to measles outbreaks, which could endanger progress towards measles elimination.”
Vaccination rates against measles have been dropping across the globe.
In 2022, 83 per cent of children received a first measles vaccine during their first year of life, up from 81 per cent coverage in 2021, but down from 86 per cent before the pandemic, WHO has said previously.
In 2021, there were an estimated 128,000 measles deaths worldwide, mostly among under-vaccinated or unvaccinated children under five, it said. AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/measles-cases-soar-in-europe-says-who
| 2024-01-23T18:10:54Z
|
blocked_url
|
PS5 Outsells SNES - Sales
by William D'Angelo , posted 9 minutes ago / 166 ViewsSony's latest video game console, the PlayStation 5,which is part of the ninth generation of video game consoles, has outsold the lifetime sales of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), according to VGChartz estimates.
The PS5 had sold an estimated 52.96 million units worldwide through December 2023, while the SNES sold 49.10 million units lifetime.
Up next for the PS5 is the Xbox One with 57.96 million units sold, followed by the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) with 61.91 million units sold and the Nintendo 3DS with 75.94 million units sold.
Breaking down sales by region, the PS5 has sold an estimated 20.56 million units in North America, 17.38 million units in Europe, 4.97 million units in Japan, and 9.74 million units in the rest of the world. This compared to the SNES, which sold 22.88 million units in North America, 8.15 million units in Europe, 17.17 million units in Japan, and 0.90 million units in the rest of the world.
Breaking down PS5 Europe sales, the console has sold an estimated 3.65 million units in the UK, 2.95 million units in Germany, and 2.89 million units in France.
The PlayStation 5 launched in November 2020.
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.
|
https://www.vgchartz.com/article/459706/ps5-outsells-snes/
| 2024-01-23T18:35:50Z
|
blocked_url
|
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 Tops the French Charts - Sales
by William D'Angelo , posted 2 hours ago / 329 ViewsMarvel's Spider-Man 2 (PS5) has retaken first place French charts for week 2, 2024, according to SELL.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder (NS) is down one spot to second place, while EA Sports FC 24 (PS5) remained in third place. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (NS) dropped two spots to fourth place and Nintendo Switch Sports (NS) re-entered the top five in fifth place.
Top sellers per system were as follows:
PS5
- Marvel's Spider-Man 2
- EA Sports FC 24
- Gran Turismo 7
Xbox Series X|S
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
- EA Sports FC 24
- Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
- EA Sports FC 24
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Grand Theft Auto V
- Hogwarts Legacy - Deluxe Edition
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Nintendo Switch Sports
- Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
- Minecraft
- Microsoft Flight Simulator
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.
|
https://www.vgchartz.com/article/459707/marvels-spider-man-2-tops-the-french-charts/
| 2024-01-23T18:35:56Z
|
blocked_url
|
Palworld Debuts in 1st on the Steam Charts - Sales
by William D'Angelo , posted 2 hours ago / 367 ViewsPalworld has debuted in first place on the Steam Weekly Top Sellers chart (excluding revenue generated by free games) for Week 4, 2024, which ended January 23, 2024.
Steam Deck dropped one spot to second place, EA Sports FC 24 is up two spots to third place, and Lethal Company fell from second to fourth place. Baldur's Gate 3 dropped from third to fifth place and Call of Duty is down from fourth to sixth place.
Cult of the Lamb re-entered the charts in seventh place and Grand Theft Auto V is up two spots to eighth place. Pre-orders for two games entered the top 10 this week: Tekken 8 came in ninth place and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth came in 10th place.
Here are the Steam Weekly Top Sellers by revenue for the week (excluding free games):
- Palworld - NEW
- Steam Deck
- EA Sports FC 24
- Lethal Company
- Baldur's Gate 3
- Call of Duty
- Cult of the Lamb
- Grand Theft Auto V
- Tekken 8 - Pre-orders
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Preorders
Here are the Steam Weekly Top Sellers by revenue for the week (including free games):
- Palworld - NEW
- Steam Deck
- Counter-Strike 2
- PUBG: Battlegrounds
- EA Sports FC 4
- Warframe
- Lethal Company
- Baldur's Gate 3
- Apex Legends
- Call of Dut
The Steam charts are ordered by revenue, include pre-order numbers, and hardware. If a game appears multiple times it is because it has multiple editions.
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.
|
https://www.vgchartz.com/article/459708/palworld-debuts-in-1st-on-the-steam-charts/
| 2024-01-23T18:36:03Z
|
blocked_url
|
Hogwarts Legacy topped the PlayStation 5 charts in the US and Canada, while EA Sports FC 24 was number one on the European charts. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare IIIwas number two in the US and Canada, while it was Hogwarts Legacyon European charts. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2was number three in the US and Canada, while it wasCall of Duty: Modern Warfare IIIin Europe.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III was the most downloaded game on the PlayStation 4 charts in the US and Canada, while it was EA sports FC 24 in Europe. Hogwarts Legacy was number two in the US and Canada, while it was Minecraft in Europe. MLB The Show 23 was number three in the US and Canada and Red Dead Redemption 2 came in third in Europe.
Pavlov topped the PlayStation VR2 charts in the US and Canada, as well as in Europe.Beat Saberwas number two in the US and Canada, while Kayak VR: Mirage came in second in Europe. Kayak VR: Mirage was number three in the US and Canada, while it was Beat Saber in Europe.
Beat Saber topped the PlayStation VR charts in the US and Canada, while Job Simulator topped the charts in Europe.Job Simulatorwas number two in the US and Canada, while it was Beat Saber in Europe.
Fortnite topped the free-to-play US and Canada charts, as well as on the European charts. Roblox came in second on both charts.
Here is the complete list of charts:
PS5 Games
*Naming of products may differ between regions *Upgrades not included
PS4 Games
*Naming of products may differ between regions
PS VR2 Games*
*PS Store purchases only. Game upgrades or games bundled with hardware not included
PSVR Games
Free to Play (PS5 + PS4)
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelowas first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his ownYouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.
Always impressive to see how much more popular GTA is outside of the US compared to inside of the US. Good for FFXVI that it's still on the list and even did beat RE4 remake in the US.
|
https://www.vgchartz.com/article/459709/hogwarts-legacy-tops-the-ps5-ps-store-download-charts-for-2023/
| 2024-01-23T18:36:09Z
|
blocked_url
|
Palworld Sells Over 6 Million Units in 4 Days - Sales
by William D'Angelo , posted 2 hours ago / 396 ViewsDeveloper Pocket Pair announced Palworld has sold over six million units in four days since it released in Early Access on Friday, January 19.
This figure is up from five million units sold in three days, four million units in about three days, two million units sold in in the first 24 hours and one million units sold in the first eight hours.
"Palworld has sold over 6 million copies in only 4 days!," said the developer.
The game has also surpassed 1.85 million all-time peak concurrent players on Steam, which is the second most in Steam history. Only PUBG Battlegrounds with 3.26 million peak concurrent players has had more.
Palworld released in Early Access on the Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC via Steam and Microsoft Store, and Xbox Game Pass on January 19.
#Palworld has sold over 6 million copies in only 4 days!
— Palworld (@Palworld_EN) January 23, 2024
Our all-time peak player count has also surpassed 1.7 million.
Thank you very much!!
Some users are experiencing problems and bugs, which we are addressing with the highest priority.
Thanks for your support! pic.twitter.com/j1CGWW52Rr
[2nd highest all-time peak in Steam history! ]
— Palworld (@Palworld_EN) January 23, 2024
The number of Steam users currently playing #Palworld has exceeded 1.85 million!
Thank you for playing the game even though it is a weekday!
The team is working hard to ensure that you can enjoy the game even more comfortably. pic.twitter.com/v8IBwXCB3C
Read details on the game below:
Palworld is an open-world survival crafting game that supports up to 32 players and is set in a world where mysterious creatures called “Pals” live.
Along your adventures, you will encounter many Pals. Capture them, make them work, fight, breed and even sell them. You can adventure in a large world alongside your Pals.
Over 100 Pals
In Palworld, mysterious creatures called “Pal” live in the wild. There are also many rare pals such as subspecies, bosses, legends, lucky pals, etc. Additionally, more Pals will continue to be added in future updates.
Capture and Train Pals
Every pal has a special skill for you to utilize. There are also Pals that can fly and Pals that can use guns!
Vast Open World and many Dungeons to Explore
There are various areas such as plains, deserts, snowy mountains, and volcanoes, and the pals living there are all different. There are also many dungeons with hidden treasures and special pals. Set out on a great adventure in search of unknown treasures and unknown pals.
Fight Against Leaders of Hostile Factions and Field Bosses
As you explore the vast open world, you may come across giant Pals. In addition, each biome has a hostile faction based there, whose leaders stand in your way and won’t back down without a fight.
Fight Alongside Pals using a Wide Variety of Weapons
From traditional weapons such as bows and swords to modern weapons such as assault rifles and rocket launchers. Some pals can use heavy weapons such as Gatling guns and missile launchers!
Build a Base
Leave production, farming, cooking, power generation, etc. to your pals. Pals work in ways that suit their personalities. However, pals are also living creatures like us. If you forget to give them food and rest, it will negatively affect their motivation.
Supports Multiplayer for up to 32 Players
Palworld can be played alone as well as multiplayer. By forming a guild and cooperating with your friends, you can adventure together towards a common goal. Player Battles will be implemented in a future update.
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.
|
https://www.vgchartz.com/article/459710/palworld-sells-over-6-million-units-in-4-days/
| 2024-01-23T18:36:16Z
|
blocked_url
|
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Gets Opening Movie Ahead of Release - News
by William D'Angelo , posted 2 hours ago / 263 ViewsPublisher SEGA and developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have released the opening movie for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
View the opening movie below:
Read details on the game below:
Two larger-than-life heroes, Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu are brought together by the hand of fate, or perhaps something more sinister… Live it up in Japan and explore all that Hawaii has to offer in an RPG adventure so big it spans the Pacific.
Epic Emotional Drama
Two larger-than-life heroes brought together by the hand of fate, or perhaps something more sinister…
Ichiban Kasuga, an unstoppable underdog who’s no stranger to crawling up from rock bottom, and Kazuma Kiryu, a broken man facing down his last days.
Best-in-Class RPG Action
Experience one-of-a-kind combat with dynamic, fast-paced RPG battles where the battlefield becomes your weapon, and anything goes. Adapt your party’s skills to the situation with outlandish jobs and customizations to strategically subdue enemies with over-the-top moves.
Infinite Adventure
Live it up in Japan and explore all that Hawaii has to offer in an adventure so big it spans the Pacific. Unforgettable moments await at every step of the journey with a unique mix of quests and activities to enjoy at your leisure.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth will launch for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store worldwide on January 26, 2024.
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.
|
https://www.vgchartz.com/article/459711/like-a-dragon-infinite-wealth-gets-opening-movie-ahead-of-release/
| 2024-01-23T18:36:23Z
|
blocked_url
|
POSTAL: Brain Damaged Headed to Switch on February 2 - News
by William D'Angelo , posted 2 hours ago / 297 ViewsPublisher and developer Hyperstrange, and developer CreativeForge Games announced POSTAL: Brain Damaged will launch for the Nintendo Switch via the eShop on February 2 for $24.99.
The game is available now for the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC via Steam and GOG.
Read details on the game below:
Get ready to experience POSTAL from a brand-new perspective!
This boomer-shooter spin-off of the fan-beloved Running With Scissors’ franchise will take you further down the rabbit hole than any previous game of the series. You’re not in Paradise anymore, and things are about to get weird, as POSTAL: Brain Damaged happens within the twisted psyche of the POSTAL DUDE, himself! Yes, a whole new, retro-modern, action-oriented, skill-based approach to POSTAL. “Did HYPERSTRANGE pull it off”—you might ask. Oh, yes. It seems we did.
Wild setting? Even wilder gameplay! While staying true to POSTAL‘s trademark tone and humor the game plays very different to all the previous titles in the series. What you get is fast, challenging, and full of varied, meticulously designed enemies and environments. If you’re surfing the tidal wave of throwback shooters or enjoyed the latest installment of that game where you single-handily take on the forces of Hell invading Earth, you will feel right at home (even more so if your home smells really bad).
Make sure your body is ready to:
- Explore an all-new, hand-crafted world full of surprises.
- Experience the challenging, fast-paced gameplay with quake-like movement and outrageous level design.
- Take a trip through the rich, twisted, ever-changing environments of POSTAL DUDE’S deranged mind.
- Shoot a variety of insane guns at some of the freakiest enemies to ever grace computer screens.
- Follow the all-original story line making the POSTAL-VERSE continuity even more effed-up than it was.
- Hear Corey Cruise returning as the POSTAL DUDE, with guest appearances from other fan-beloved voices.
- Enjoy the POSTAL series trademark dark, crude humor and glorification of fantasy violence.
It’s a mad game for the mad times, kids! From the studio that brought you ELDERBORN and Blood West, comes the first-person shooter you didn’t know you need in your life—POSTAL: Brain Damaged.
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.
|
https://www.vgchartz.com/article/459712/postal-brain-damaged-headed-to-switch-on-february-2/
| 2024-01-23T18:36:34Z
|
blocked_url
|
Baldo: The Guardian Owls Out Now for PS5 - News
by William D'Angelo , posted 2 hours ago / 298 ViewsNaps Team announced the action RPG, Baldo: The Guardian Owls, is now available for the PlayStation 5 via the PlayStation Store for $24.99.
The game first released in August 2021 for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC via Steam and GOG, and Apple Arcade.
Read details on the game below:
Journey through a magical land teeming with mysteries to unravel.
Baldo: The Guardian Owls is full of challenging puzzles to solve and intricate dungeons to explore.
Traverse this captivating open world as Baldo, and meet a host of quirky and unforgettable characters, as you struggle to decipher the cryptic prophecy, and thwart destiny.
From delightful whimsy to thrilling adventure, discover new towns and their distinctive inhabitants, fight ferocious foes, locate hidden temples, and collect objects both magical and mundane to obtain powerful new weapons, or to help unveil the myriad secrets of this strange land.
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.
|
https://www.vgchartz.com/article/459713/baldo-the-guardian-owls-out-now-for-ps5/
| 2024-01-23T18:36:45Z
|
blocked_url
|
Roguelite Strategy Game Sakura and the Airyvixen Announced for PC - News
by William D'Angelo , posted 2 hours ago / 243 ViewsDevelopers SimonCreative and Storia have announced roguelite strategy gamem Sakura and the Airyvixen, for PC via Steam. It will launch in Q2 2024.
View a trailer of the game below:
Read details on the game below:
A roguelite full of strategy, cultivation, and cute girls!
Sakura and the Airyvixen is an anime-inspirated roguelite with cute girls and strategy to spare! Cultivate an adorable team of fighters, then lead them through challenging gauntlets to ultimate victory!
A Mysterious Plot
Craziness erupts in a small, peaceful town, forcing everyone into a battle royale! Adventure together with a party of cuties and get to the bottom of all this chaos.
Strategic Dice Battles
Roll the dice on your character’s turn to rack up action points, then spend those points on special moves and abilities! You’ll have to use your points wisely if you want to take down every new enemy in your path.
Dozens of Different Character Types
Customize and cultivate a team of unique fighters, matching their strengths against enemy weaknesses in tense 3v3 battles!
Roguelite Design
Fight your way through a new map each time you play, forging your own path forwards. Will you choose to face powerful enemies for epic rewards, or take the easier route? Each choice brings you one step closer to success… or failure!
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.
|
https://www.vgchartz.com/article/459714/roguelite-strategy-game-sakura-and-the-airyvixen-announced-for-pc/
| 2024-01-23T18:36:55Z
|
blocked_url
|
Aksys Games to Host All Aksys 2024 Showcase on February 1 - News
by William D'Angelo , posted 2 hours ago / 234 ViewsAksys Games announced it will host the All Aksys 2024 showcase on February 1 at 10:00 am PT / 1:00 pm ET / 6:00 pm UK. It can be watched on Twitch.
The All Aksys 2024 showcase will feature updates and new game announcements.
SAVE THE DATE!
— Aksys Games (@aksysgames) January 23, 2024
We will see you on the first! As in Feb 1, 2024 with updates and new game announcements!
Tune in to our Twitch channel at 10am PST for all the latest info!https://t.co/Ag5MNkkRYG pic.twitter.com/uvM3JvUPSA
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.
|
https://www.vgchartz.com/article/459715/aksys-games-to-host-all-aksys-2024-showcase-on-february-1/
| 2024-01-23T18:37:04Z
|
blocked_url
|
Freedom Planet 2 Releases April 4 for All Major Consoles - News
by William D'Angelo , posted 2 hours ago / 273 ViewsPublishers XSEED Games and Marvelous Europe, and developer GalaxyTrail announced Freedom Planet 2 will launch for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on April 4 for $24.99.
The PS5 and PS4 version support cross-play, while the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One versions supports Smart Delivery. Pre-orders on the Nintendo eShop are currently live and include a 10 percent discount.
The game first released for PC via Steam in September 2022.
View the console release date trailer below:
Read details on the game below:
A newly released video showcases the four playable heroines racing across levels with the franchise’s signature high-speed pixel platforming to save Avalice from the ancient water dragon Merga, and her plans to destroy the moon! The video also showcases the new, fan-requested ‘Boss Rush’ mode, which will be included in all console versions of Freedom Planet 2 and added to the PC version simultaneously upon release. These new challenges will be accessible from the in-game Battlesphere, bringing the total number of challenges and modes available up to 20. ‘Boss Rush’ will feature two divisions with 17 deadly bosses each to challenge Lilac, Carol, Milla, or Neera in a marathon of speed and skill. Players able to best both boss divisions will unlock access to a special in-game VIP room with Easter eggs for dedicated Freedom Planet fans.
Return to the vibrant world of Avalice to battle an ancient threat in the long-awaited sequel to the surprise indie action–platformer hit, Freedom Planet. In the years since the events of the original game, our three heroines have refined their signature abilities, making them more formidable than ever before. Take advantage of Lilac’s speed with her Dragon Boost, reach new heights with Carol’s Jump Disc or motorcycle, or take a more measured approach with Milla’s shield. And all-new playable character Neera won’t be left out in the cold, as she can use her powerful Frost Arts to punish foes. Like its predecessor, this high-speed platforming adventure delivers exhilarating momentum-based action, but advances the formula with new gameplay systems and enhancements.
With 24 expertly designed stages, an ambitiously expanded Adventure mode, retro-but-refined 2D visuals, and the addition of the highly requested Boss Rush mode, Freedom Planet 2 is the indie darling grown up to become a true platforming power.
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.
|
https://www.vgchartz.com/article/459716/freedom-planet-2-releases-april-4-for-all-major-consoles/
| 2024-01-23T18:37:13Z
|
blocked_url
|
Princess Peach: Showtime! Gets Transformation Trailer - News
by William D'Angelo , posted 2 hours ago / 240 ViewsNintendo has released a new trailer for Princess Peach: Showtime! that features Princess Peach's transformations in the game, including cowgirl and ninja.
View the trailer below:
Read details on the game below:
The leading lady is ready for her spotlight on Nintendo Switch. Just as Princess Peach and her retinue of Toads are attending a show at the Sparkle Theater, the wicked Grape and the Sour Bunch take center stage to cause a ruckus. Now it’s up to Peach and Stella, the theater’s guardian, to save the play – and the day. Luckily, Peach has gained some showstopping abilities: She can now use the power of Stella’s ribbon – and she can transform! For example, Peach can become a Swordfighter to fend off foes with sensational swordplay, mix it up with martial arts moves as Kung Fu Peach or show off her sweet skills as a pastry chef. And one more thing – she can even crack the case as Detective Peach! In this adventure, the gameplay changes depending on Peach’s role, and even more surprising transformations are waiting to be revealed.
Princess Peach: Showtime! will launch for the Nintendo Switch on March 22, 2024.
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.
|
https://www.vgchartz.com/article/459717/princess-peach-showtimenbspgets-transformation-trailer/
| 2024-01-23T18:37:24Z
|
blocked_url
|
Death Stranding Director's Cut Releases January 30 for Mac, iPad, and iPhone 15 Pro - News
by William D'Angelo , posted 2 hours ago / 294 ViewsPublisher 505 Games and developer Kojima Productions announced Death Stranding Director's Cut will launch for Mac, iPad, and iPhone 15 Pro on January 30 for $39.99.
Pre-orders for the game include a 50 percent discount price of $19.99.
Read details on the game below:
From legendary game creator Hideo Kojima comes a genre-defying experience, now expanded in this definitive Director’s Cut.
In the future, a mysterious event known as the Death Stranding has opened a doorway between the living and the dead, leading to grotesque creatures from the afterlife roaming the fallen world marred by a desolate society.
As Sam Bridges, your mission is to deliver hope to humanity by connecting the last survivors of a decimated America.
Can you reunite the shattered world, one step at a time?
Death Stranding Director’s Cut on Mac makes full use of Metal 3 features like MetalFX Upscaling, allowing for unbeatable graphical fidelity and amazing performance. It also includes a high frame rate, Photo Mode, and cross-over content from Valve Corporation’s Half-Life series and CD Projekt RED‘s Cyberpunk 2077. Stay connected with players around the globe with the Social Strand System.
Death Stranding Director’s Cut is currently available for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.
A sequel, Death Stranding 2 (Working Title), is in development for the PlayStation 5.
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.
More Articles
Imagine trying to play Death Stranding on a tiny iPhone screen, what a massacred experience.
True. At least it’s a cross-purchase to where you can play on your 27in iMac as well without having to double dip.
I don't think I would ever want to play this game on such a small screen. If they are going to release it on mobile, PLEASE adjust the UI to make it easier to see!
Wow
I mean it’s cool this is getting into more hand. Plus I think Sony and Apple are about a Decade or 2 away from a merger, but I really think playing games of this design will be rough on a phone or tablet. Maybe I have to see in order to change my mind. Maybe if iPad had a kickstand and a Native Controller.
|
https://www.vgchartz.com/article/459718/death-stranding-directors-cut-releases-january-30-for-mac-ipad-and-iphone-15-pro/
| 2024-01-23T18:37:34Z
|
blocked_url
|
Pastel Pink Switch Joy-Con Controllers to Launch Alongside Princess Peach: Showtime! on March 22 - News
by William D'Angelo , posted 1 hour ago / 244 ViewsNintendo has announced a new set of Pastel Pink Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers will release alongside Princess Peach: Showtime! on March 22.
The controllers will be available for a limited time at select retailers and on the My Nintendo Store, according to Nintendo of America.
With the release of #PrincessPeachShowtime on March 22, a set of pastel pink Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers will be available at select retailers and #MyNintendoStore for a limited time! pic.twitter.com/NIzpvS2iom
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) January 23, 2024
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.
|
https://www.vgchartz.com/article/459719/pastel-pink-switch-joy-con-controllers-to-launch-alongside-princess-peach-showtime-on-march-22/
| 2024-01-23T18:37:45Z
|
blocked_url
|
Riot Games Lays Off 530 Employees - News
by William D'Angelo , posted 1 hour ago / 350 ViewsRiot Games, the League of Legends and Valorant developer, announced it is laying off about 530 employees or 11 percent of its total workforce.
"Minutes ago, we shared with Rioters that we are refocusing on fewer, high-impact projects to move us toward a more sustainable future," reads the announcement from Riot Games. "Now, we want to tell you what these changes mean for our games, everything around them (esports, Arcane, music, etc.), and what to expect going forward.
"For most of our history, we’ve managed to avoid days like this, but this decision is critical for the future of Riot. This isn’t to appease shareholders or to hit a quarterly earnings number—it’s a necessity. Over the past few years, as Riot more than doubled in headcount, we spread our efforts across more and more projects without sharp enough razors to decide what players needed most. The adjustments we're making aim to focus us on the areas that have the greatest impact on your experience while reducing investment on things that don’t.
"This means we’re eliminating about 530 roles globally, which represents around 11% of Rioters, with the biggest impact to teams outside of core development. We recognize that many of you don’t just care about the games you play, but also about the people who make them. These are not just organizational changes; they affect individuals and families, and we do our best to approach these decisions with respect and sensitivity."
Minutes ago, we shared an important update with Rioters about the future of Riot Games. Here’s what these changes mean for our games and what players can expect from us going forward: https://t.co/SPjvtANGdK pic.twitter.com/WGSr6fkvjp
— Riot Games (@riotgames) January 22, 2024
The announcement from Riot Games adds, "Our vision for the future is bold and our commitment to our core live games – League of Legends, Valorante, Teamfight Tactics, and Wild Rift – is more ambitious than ever. We're prioritizing these teams so they can focus on the content, features, and updates that directly respond to what you’ve been asking for. Expect events, modes, and long-term roadmaps that lead to vibrant (hopefully multi-decade) futures for these games.
"Our strategy will more tightly integrate esports, music, and entertainment with our games. Esports isn't just about competition; it's about the highs, the lows, and the communities that flourish around the games. Entertainment isn't just about storytelling; it's a gateway to the deeper narratives, characters, and worlds that enrich the game experience. As we’ve grown, some of our efforts have become more isolated, and we aspire to more seamlessly blend gameplay, competitive excellence, and narrative depth in ways that truly make it better to be a player. Whether it’s the next hit from K/DA, the story unfolding in Arcane, the intensity of a TFT Open, the one-of-a-kind chills of a Worlds game 5, or the electric atmosphere of VAL Champs, our focus is on quality, impact, and unified experiences for players around the world.
"Beyond live titles, we have projects in the pipeline that we can’t wait to get to you when they’re ready. Project L has been making great progress and we’re looking for more opportunities for you to try out the game (stay tuned for more updates coming later this year). Arcane Season 2 is on track for November 2024. Plus, we have a number of projects cooking in various stages of R&D.
"Our volume of releases will never be massive. We want everything we deliver to be something that you can be proud of and excited to share with friends. That requires having financial flexibility to be able to take the time to make things that are truly great for players. We know we’ll still have occasional misses, but we want those misses to be for the right reasons, not because we prioritized the wrong things or had to rush projects out the door before they were ready."
Read an internal message from Riot Games CEO Dylan Jadeja below:
Rioters,
Today, I’m sharing a decision we hoped we would never have to make at Riot. We’re changing some of the bets we’ve made and shifting how we work across the company to create focus and move us toward a more sustainable future. This decision means we’re eliminating about 530 roles globally, which represents around 11% of our workforce, with the biggest impact to teams outside of core development. This also sadly means we’ll be saying goodbye to many talented colleagues and friends across all areas of Riot.
I realize this is awful news to hear, and especially hard for those who will be leaving us. To all the Rioters who are being laid off, we are deeply sorry that it has come to this.
As CEO, I’m accountable for the changes we’re making and where we’re headed in the future. So, I think it’s important for me to share how we got here and how the next few days will work.
How we got here.
Since 2019, we’ve made a number of big bets across the company with the goal of making it better to be a player. We jumped headfirst into creating new experiences and broadening our portfolio, and grew quickly as we became a multi-game, multi-experience company — expanding our global footprint, changing our operating model, bringing in new talent to match our ambitions, and ultimately doubling the size of Riot in just a few years.
Today, we’re a company without a sharp enough focus, and simply put, we have too many things underway. Some of the significant investments we’ve made aren’t paying off the way we expected them to. Our costs have grown to the point where they’re unsustainable, and we’ve left ourselves with no room for experimentation or failure – which is vital to a creative company like ours. All of this puts the core of our business at risk.
Over the past several months, we’ve tried to alter our trajectory in many different ways. We asked leaders to make tradeoffs in the things their teams are working on. We rolled out hiring slowdowns, and in some cases hiring freezes. We put an emphasis on controlling costs while strengthening our revenue growth. All of which has without a doubt been tough for our teams.
But as I’ve dug in with leaders across Riot, it’s become clear to all of us that these changes aren’t enough. We have to do more to focus our business and center our efforts on the things that drive the most player value – the things that are truly worth players’ time. Unfortunately, this involves making changes in the area where we invest the most — our headcount.
I want to be super clear about something: this is absolutely the last thing we ever wanted to do. A decision like this has a massive impact on people’s lives and on the culture of Riot. We’re not doing this to appease shareholders or to hit some quarterly earnings number – we’ve made this decision because it’s a necessity. It's what we need to do in order to maintain a long-term focus for players.
How this will work.
There is no perfect way to do a layoff, but our guiding principle is to do our very best to make sure we’re treating Rioters with respect and grace. We want those who are leaving us to feel supported in this difficult moment. This starts with limiting the time they spend in ambiguity about their role and future with Riot, wherever possible.
Within the next hour, Rioters around the world will receive an email informing them whether or not their role is, or may be, impacted. This isn’t the usual way we do things, but we wanted to optimize for letting people know as soon as possible, and that’s tough to do at our scale without using email.
Shortly after, every Rioter whose role is or may be impacted will get a calendar invite to meet with their Senior Leader and People team partner and discuss next steps within 48 hours. There's a wide range of local employment processes that have to be followed in situations like these. So, while these meetings will be completed this week in the US, it may take several weeks to finish them around the world as we follow local laws and regulations.
Rioters whose roles are going away, and who aren’t moving into new positions, will be offered:
-
-
Severance Pay — We’ll offer a minimum 6 months of salary, which includes notice period for all Rioters whose roles are going away, and more for those with longer tenure, in line with local laws.
-
Cash Bonus — We’ll offer a cash bonus equal to 1x (100% of) everyone’s individual 2023 Annual Performance Bonus (APB) target, even if Rioters joined within the last year.
-
Health Benefits — In locations where Riot provides healthcare, Rioters covered by our health benefits will continue to be covered through their last day of employment. In addition, they’ll be offered additional pay to cover their health benefits (medical, dental and vision), equal to the length of severance pay, and rounded up to the whole month.
-
Play Fund, Wellness Fund, etc. — We know Rioters may have planned future expenses that would normally be covered by things like the Play Fund & Wellness Fund, so we’re offering an additional $1000 (or local equivalent) to cover these and other types of expenses.
-
Equity — Rioters who have received Riot shares from vesting their single-vesting RSUs will get to keep them, subject to their terms and conditions. This also applies to other vested instruments (like options, or cash-settled SARs in certain jurisdictions such as China). In the event of a future buyback opportunity, we intend to allow these former Rioters to participate. Rioters who hold dual-vesting equity, who have satisfied the service-based vesting component at the time of exit, will be able to vest their equity in the event we have a qualifying liquidity event (like a change-in-control transaction) within the next 12 months.
-
Computer — A laptop is an essential part of finding new work, so after returning their work computers, Rioters will have the option to request a laptop from IT if they don’t have one at home. They can keep their current peripherals like their headset, mouse, and keyboard.
-
Career Support — Rioters will have immediate access to job placement services for 6 months including, career coaching, networking, resume writing and review, and more to help them transition to a new job.
-
Rioter Assistance Program — Rioters will continue to have access to RAP 24/7 for three months after they leave Riot which includes trained counselors who can help with emotional, legal, and financial concerns. In addition, enhanced employee assistance programs (including mental health benefits) will be accessible in a number of locations worldwide. Our local HRBPs will provide information about these programs as available.
-
Visa Support — We know this change will be particularly challenging for Rioters who hold visas as part of their employment with Riot. Each situation is unique, and we have dedicated support lined up for those who need it. This includes supporting transitions to non-employment visas where possible. Our Global Mobility team and outside immigration consultants will be in touch with impacted Rioters ASAP to discuss their individual situations.
-
Riot Email Access — Rather than immediately cut off email access, which is more common in these moments, we will continue to provide access to impacted Rioters for a limited time after notification (this will vary by region). We want to make sure Rioters who are leaving us this week have a bit of time to identify and unwind any personal info or accounts that may be tied to their Riot email addresses.
-
We’re not expecting this to be a normal, “business as usual” week for us. We’re asking everyone to cancel meetings and rituals over the next few days where possible as we move through these changes together. Also, if you’re at one of our US offices now, we ask that you head home for the rest of the day and work remotely through Wednesday. If you need to come into the office on those days, please respect those who may be having difficult conversations and give them space to process.
What this means for our portfolio.
Let me start by saying we’re as committed as ever to League PC, VALORANT, TFT, Wild Rift, and to exploration in R&D. In some cases, we’re reshaping our portfolio and teams to develop these games more effectively, but you can expect these to be areas where we continue to invest. Our commitment to esports and entertainment in support of our games is also unchanged. The relationships we have with players are a real differentiator for us, so we’ll continue building the experiences in and around our games that have a meaningful impact on what it feels like to be a player.
While it's the normal course of business for us to spin projects up and down, we also need to make hard choices when our bets aren’t performing as well as we hoped. We’re making adjustments to some of our R&D efforts across games, esports, and entertainment. We’re also re-thinking the level of support we demand from our enterprise teams. And we’ve made two decisions about our current games portfolio that we want to share with you now. We plan to announce these to players shortly.
-
-
As Legends of Runeterra continues its journey, we’re making changes to move the game toward sustainability. We know there’s a passionate community who absolutely love this game, and we do too. However, it hasn't performed as well as we need it to, despite our best efforts. We’ve been subsidizing the cost of development on LoR through our other games, but at this point, that’s just not a viable option. So, we’re reducing the size of the team and shifting our focus to the 'Path of Champions' PvE game mode.
-
In addition, we’re sunsetting Riot Forge after the upcoming release of Bandle Tale. Forge has been our collaboration with external studios to develop smaller scale games in our IP. While we’re proud of what we’ve created in this space, and we’re grateful for the Forge team and for our external partners who made these games happen, we don’t view this as core to our strategy moving forward. We aren’t closing the door entirely on single-player experiences or working with other developers if the right project comes along, but we would want it to look pretty different in the future.
-
In early February, we’ll be holding a product focused RiotNow to get deeper into our portfolio and to discuss some of our plans for players in 2024.
The path forward.
There’s no way around the fact that this is an extremely sad moment. For those who are leaving… I want to reiterate, we are deeply sorry for the impact this has on you and your family. I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for Riot, and for your dedication to players. We’re committed to doing our best to support you in this moment and through this transition.
For those who are staying, I know this is a difficult time for you too. You’re not only losing coworkers and friends, but you may also feel uncertain about the road ahead. I want to assure you that our vision for the future remains ambitious – we will not lose our desire to dream for players, and as hard as this moment may be, we will emerge from it in a stronger place. I’m confident that by creating focus together, thinking long-term and operating as One Riot, we’ll be able to truly make it better to be a player.
While we’d love for this news to remain within our virtual walls, we know that’s not realistic; there are many members of our global community who care deeply about the people who make and support their favorite games. With that in mind, I’m going to share this email publicly on riotgames.com in the hopes that it answers most of their questions so you don’t have to.
We’re going to hold a Riot WW Town Hall on Thursday to give more context into this moment as well as portfolio changes we’ve made. Until then, I’d like to reiterate my deep gratitude to all the Rioters who are leaving. Your passion and commitment has been felt by the people around you and the millions of players we serve.
Dylan
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.
More Articles
Obviously it sucks for everybody impacted by layoffs. But, the reality is that almost all tech companies went on hiring sprees over the last several years. So most companies, even while laying off several percent of their workforce, are really only rolling things back a couple of years, in terms of head count. That doesn't make it any easier for the people that are losing their jobs. But, I don't think it's all of that big of a deal from a consumer perspective.
Will be a lot more major layoffs this year I fear.
Tradition continues
And just like that, 2024 is off to a rough start.
|
https://www.vgchartz.com/article/459720/riot-games-lays-off-530-employees/
| 2024-01-23T18:37:53Z
|
blocked_url
|
Matthew McConaughey opened up about the one thing that he and his wife Camila will always do together in the morning, whether they're arguing or not.
The couple, who have been married for almost 12 years, appeared on Michele Norris' Your Mama's Kitchen podcast, where she asked them what they have learned in their kitchen about "how to argue productively". It turns out that no matter what, the couple weather their disagreements with the same routine no matter what.
Every morning, Camila will serve Matthew tea, and this is something that never changes, whether they are arguing or not.
"I don't make my tea as good as you", Matthew told his wife on the podcast, "the fact that you make my tea and serve me my tea in the morning makes it just taste better."
He explained that even if the couple are in disagreement, she will still make him tea in the morning - and the fact that she does that is "the difference between being married and dating."
He continued: "When you're dating somebody and suddenly you get in disagreement, you think, 'oh, this is a sign of things to come. Better get out now.' But you're married and you disagree. You're like, I'm not pulling the parachute."
"This is part of it and I'm going to work through this. I'm still going to serve my man his tea", he concluded.
But according to the 40 year old model, it isn't always easy. "Trust me, ladies, some mornings I do not want to serve that tea", she joked. Yet, as Matthew pointed out, "she will still make it for me anyway!"
But it's not only Camila who serves her Matthew - the precedent would remain the same, for example, if the Dallas Buyers Club actor was making a "steak and sushi dinner".
He explained that he won't just "quit serving" if they were arguing. "I'm still going to serve my lady at my steak sushi because I know she loves it, even though we may be in a disagreement."
The couple share three children together and started dating after they first met in 2006 in a nightclub. They got married in 2012 and just last year celebrated their 11th anniversary - which it seemed that Camila forgot.
Matthew McConaughey posted a video of himself with his wife, sat on a bench listening to music, where he said: "Romance is not so much where you are, but who you're with. Right now, I'm here on a cozy little bench with my hot mama. Happy anniversary, baby."
Camila looked utterly shocked as she looked down at her phone to check the date and said: "No!"
She then clarified in her own Instagram post: "You know…We are sooo romantic…… while a lot of folks are posting out there their extravagant anniversaries, roses, gifts, etc… we are sitting on a bench heading to work."
She added: "do YOU whatever way it is! Extravagant or simple just don’t think it's less because it is simple! I won’t change a thing! “No one else I’d rather be doing it with…” and DON’T let him Fool YOU! SOMEONE MUST WARNED HIM OF THE DATE."
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511903/matthew-mcconaughey-reveals-morning-routine-with-wife-camila-alves/
| 2024-01-23T19:06:07Z
|
blocked_url
|
Actor Gary Graham has tragically passed away His wife of 25 years, Becky Graham, told The Hollywood Reporter her late husband died of cardiac arrest at a hospital in Spokane, Washington.
The star was most well known for his turn as Solvan, the Vulcan ambassador to Earth in the show Star Trek: Enterprise, playing the recurring role for 12 episodes between 2001-05. He also appeared in another show as part of the franchise, Star Trek: Voyager.
He was also best known for starring in the short-lived sci-fi procedural Alien Nation, based on the 1988 movie of the same name, which only ran for one season from 1989-1990. He played Detective Matthew Sikes, a reluctant LA police officer who teams up with an alien recruit (played by Eric Pierpoint) in an alternate future.
The pair reprised their roles in the TV films Alien Nation: Dark Horizon (1994), Alien Nation: Body and Soul (1995), Alien Nation: Millennium (1996), Alien Nation: The Enemy Within (1996), and Alien Nation: The Udara Legacy (1997).
Graham made his screen debut in the mid 1970s with roles in TV and made his film debut in the 1979 neo-noir thriller Hardcore, starring George C. Scott. He also made appearances in shows like Starsky and Hutch, The Incredible Hulk, CHiPs, The Dukes of Hazzard, Remington Steele, Moonlighting, and Hunter, before his debut with Alien Nation.
As for films, he played a supporting role opposite Tom Cruise in 1983's All the Right Moves, and also appeared in Man Trouble (1992), Steel (1997), and other Star-Trek spin-offs.
The actor's first ex-wife Susan Lavelle, who co-starred with him on Alien Nation, shared a touching tribute on Facebook. The two welcomed a daughter named Haylee together.
MORE: Starsky & Hutch actor David Soul dies aged 80
"It is with deep profound sadness to say that Gary Graham, my ex husband, amazing actor and father of our beautiful only child together, [Haylee] Graham, has passed away today. We are completely devastated, especially our daughter Haylee. His wife, Becky was by his side.
"I met Gary when I was just 20 years old and he was one half of the star duo on the tv series, Alien Nation. But he had already been in movies like All the Right Moves with Tom Cruise. Of course, Gary has many more credits."
She continued to gush about the late star and shared more insight into his personality, writing: "Gary was funny, sarcastic sense of humor but kind, fought for what he believed in, a devout Christian and was so proud of his daughter, Haylee."
Susan concluded: "This was sudden so please pray for our daughter as she navigates through this thing called grief. Fly high into the heavens Gar! Thank you for our journey and thank you for the gifts you left me in acting, my love of horses and most importantly, our daughter."
Get the lowdown on celebrity news, features, and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511905/star-trek-gary-graham-dead-at-73-cause-of-death/
| 2024-01-23T19:06:13Z
|
blocked_url
|
*sigh* It's Oscars season, and when nominations morning rolls around each year, it's usually quite a predictable affair, given the prestigious ceremony is the last in the awards circuit, giving other competitive shows the option of setting the trend.
When the nods for the 96th Academy Awards were ultimately revealed on the morning of January 23, fans of the movies collectively scratched their heads at several of the films and people nominated for top trophies.
The trend it sets is this – Oscar bait always wins out (hello, Maestro with seven nominations), if you're popular but not necessarily *elite,* you might be in danger (hello, Barbie shut-outs), and just when you expect the Oscars to make history, they don't (hello, Best Director).
Here's a rundown of some of the biggest shockers from the list of nominations…
The Barbie affair
The major consensus remains that the biggest upset from the nods are Greta Gerwig missing out on a Best Director mention, while Margot Robbie was shut out of Best Actress. It seems like the more popular you are, the less likely you are to get some Oscars love (Oppenheimer was popular, but $500 million less, based on box office, so…).
It's a little ironic that a film centered around championing the role of the female in an existential sense got excluded from these top categories. While Best Actress in particular was a tough field, Margot had been picking up every nod she could.
MORE: Where to watch the biggest award winners' movies and TV shows of 2024
America Ferrera did get her nomination for Best Supporting Actress, well deserved but a bit of a surprise given she hadn't been a major factor at many significant televised ceremonies. Ryan Gosling, once the frontrunner in his category, did get his coveted nod (again, the irony of Ken getting his nomination without Barbie…).
Wait, where was [xxx] film?
Several of the year's biggest films, whether in buzz, box office, or acclaim, were completely excluded from not just the major categories, but also the technical.
To flag some noteworthy ones, this could've been the chance to surprise viewers with some love for The Iron Claw; Ferrari missed out on a partially expected nomination for Penelope Cruz; Saltburn was excluded ALTOGETHER (#JusticeForBarryKeoghan).
Other misses include All Of Us Strangers, Wonka, Priscilla, John Wick: Chapter 4, The Taste of Things, Asteroid City, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (aka one of the year's most underrated animated movies).
For the girls
Academy…academy…oh, academy. This was your year to create a banner year for women by nominating more than two women in the Best Director field, for the first time ever with Anatomy of a Fall's Justine Triet, Past Lives' Celine Song, and Greta.
While the trifecta of Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan, and Yorgos Lanthimos was always going to be hard to break, there were vulnerabilities showing (both Martin and Yorgos missed out at the BAFTAs while Justine made it in).
READ: EE BAFTA Film Awards 2024 nominations: see full list from Saltburn to Oppenheimer
However, the French director became the only one to receive a nod, with Jonathan Glazer emerging as a surprise for The Zone of Interest, which has only one other major nomination in the category (at the BAFTAs). On the plus side, this is the first time that three Best Picture nominees (all the ones mentioned) were heralded by women.
The other big misses
Maestro picked up a Best Original Screenplay nod, despite that being considered its weakest point by most critics for the non-linear storytelling. And in the same category, May December received its only nomination, despite celebrated performances from the likes of Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, and Charles Melton.
Sterling K. Brown, despite not being a major contender for most of the season, received a Supporting Actor nod for his divisive turn in American Fiction. And Diane Warren, a national treasure, got one as well for her contribution to the Flamin' Hot soundtrack, proving her Academy darling status despite receiving no other major nominations.
The big wins
That's not to say this year's ceremony didn't provide some welcome contenders. Chief among them, apart from women making history in Best Picture, is Lily Gladstone, who becomes the first Native American to receive a nomination for Best Actress for her stirring Killers of the Flower Moon performance.
Emily Blunt receives her first Oscar nod EVER (can you believe it?) for Oppenheimer, The Holdovers proves to be a strong contender, while Jodie Foster and Annette Bening continue to slay the season with nominations for Nyad, despite the film being considerably less high-profile than the rest of the contenders.
Stay tuned for what happens the night of March 10!
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features, and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511898/2024-oscars-nominations-snubs-shockers-surprises-misses/
| 2024-01-23T19:06:19Z
|
blocked_url
|
Serena Williams enjoyed a beach day with her eldest daughter Olympia, six, on Tuesday with the pair twinning as they enjoyed some time in the sun.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion and her young daughter frolicked on the sand, with Serena sharing a short clip of the pair jumping together in the shallows with the crystalline waters of the sea stretching out behind them. The star also shared standalone photos and Olympia looked like a future Olympian with the height of her jump!
Serena looked absolutely gorgeous in the stunning photos as the mom-of-two rocked a figure-flattering black swimsuit that showed off her toned physique. Meanwhile, Olympia was so sweet in her tropical-themed outfit as she enjoyed her day out with her mom.
The former tennis superstar has had plenty of time to focus on her family since she retired from the sport in September 2022 and Serena was certainly enjoying the family moments.
Alongside Olympia, Serena is also a mom to daughter Adira, who is just five months old. She shares both of her daughters with husband Alexis Ohanian, who she married on November 16, 2017.
Olympia was welcomed into the world in September 2017 after the sports star needed to have an emergency C-section, something which initially left her "devastated" with Serena opening up about the moment in an interview with People magazine.
"I think every woman, a part of them, wants to have birth naturally and [to] feel that … when you get a c-section it's different," Serena confessed to the publication, while also revealing that she was worried about living with a "scar."
The recovery process also affected Serena, as she continued: "My whole life I've been physically pushing my body to the limits. And this is the one time where I couldn't control anything. I couldn't push my body. My body pushed to its maximum. That was so hard."
Olympia adores being a big sister to Adira, who didn't feature in Serena's latest photos, with the tennis star telling Entertainment Tonight: "She's navigating it. She loves it. Adira's like a tiny little baby, so Olympia just calls her her little sis."
READ: Serena Williams' unusual beauty hack sparks debate
PHOTOS: Serena Williams is a Gothic ballerina in waist-cinching tulle look
Serena also joked that Olympia had been "praying" for a younger sister before Adira was welcomed into the world.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/511902/serena-williams-ultimate-beach-babe-form-flattering-swimsuit-poses-lookalike-daughter/
| 2024-01-23T19:06:20Z
|
blocked_url
|
Janette Manrara is currently on the road, touring the nation with the Strictly Live Tour, and although the tour's first dates allowed her to stay close to her family, the dancer will now be spending time away from her loved ones.
Taking to her Instagram Stories, the mum-of-one admitted the heartbreak that she was feeling about being away from her young daughter Lyra, who was born in July. Alongside a photo of the pair cuddled up together, Janette penned: "I didn't want to move from this spot last night… Won't see her now until Sunday night."
The dancer continued: "It'll be [the] longest I've been away from her. It's hard but loving what I do and being busy helps. See you tonight Sheffield. In the meantime, I'll watch this video over and over [white heart emoji]."
Outside of Sheffield, Janette and the tour will be stopping in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Glasgow this week before the star is able to return home to her family.
Lyra was able to pay a visit to her mum during the tour, with the mum of one sharing the sweetest video, which can you watch below, of her carrying her six-month-old daughter onto the stage alongside husband Aljaz Skorjanec, who will be caring for the tot.
Captioning the photo, the It Takes Two host penned: "Such a beautiful moment having Lyra [rose emoji] and @aljazskorjanec come to visit and get on stage w/ me. I was pregnant w/ her all of the @strictlycomedancinglive last year, so it was quite a full-circle moment to have her on stage.
"I miss them both, but so thrilled to show her one day how much mami loved doing what she did and how wonderful it is to bring so much joy to those who come watch. Feeling very blessed."
Janette and Aljaz welcomed their daughter last July and the 40-year-old was quick to return to the world of work, which sadly prompted the star to be targeted by trolls.
Back in November, the dancer made an emotional video for Morning Live, which she presents on, where she explained the negative way that she had been affected by some of the comments.
"We decided that I would return to work and Aljaz would take on the majority of the care for Lyra," Janette explained in the video. "Then six weeks after giving birth, I returned to the Morning Live studio."
She added: "I was excited and I felt really empowered being a working mum for the first time. But some people had other views. I have had a few negative comments on social media about going back to work.
SEE: Aljaz Skorjanec shares adorable video with baby Lyra and wife Janette at family dinner date
RELATED: Janette Manrara leaves fans saying the same thing with adorable new picture of baby Lyra
"Comments like these do give me a sense of guilt because I do spend time away from Lyra. But I also think parents' situations are all completely different and they must do what's best for their children. In my situation, it works for my family but I don't understand why some parents' choices are shamed because they don't conform to parental stereotypes."
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/511906/strictly-janette-manrara-heartbreak-lyra-absence/
| 2024-01-23T19:06:26Z
|
blocked_url
|
New year, new… You know how the rest goes.
If you’re one of the good ones who is still on their resolution grind ( we are not the same) then you deserve a mega pat on the back. If you’re at the other end of the spectrum where your leggings haven’t been touched since the second week of Jan, don’t worry I get it, then perhaps you’re in need of little motivation.
As someone who needs an extra active pep in their step, I scoured the social media world to find the best fitness influencers who actually inspired me to change out of my sweatpants...
Kayla Itsines
Kayla is one of the OG fitness influencers who started out making YouTube videos. She’s still on the fitness buzz but has fine-tuned her teaching technique to make things easy to follow for beginners right through to pros through her app ‘Sweat’. Sweat is designed by women, for women and it really shows.
Bryony Deery
Bryony Deery is a distinguished London-based Pilates instructor and the founder of Pilates By Bryony. She embarked on her Pilates journey following a severe road accident at the age of 17, which resulted in chronic pain and arthritis for her. This experience significantly influenced her career path, leading her to become a renowned figure in the wellness community. She recently was invited by Dior Beauty to host a wellness retreat to celebrate the launch of the Dior Spa Cabins at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc.
Esther da Costa
Yoga lovers listen up, Esther da Costa is the fitness creator for you. Specialising in yoga, strength and meditation, Esther uses her platform to showcase easy-to-follow routines, specifically targeted muscle group stretches and everything in between.
Naomi Rumer
If you’re after good vibes, fun content and cute fitness ‘fits, Naomi Rumer specialises in all three. Naomi uses her platform to inspire others to achieve their fitness goals whilst respecting your body and living intentionally.
Krissy Cela
Albanian-born Girl boss Krissy Cela is a highly influential figure in the industry. Boasting a substantial following across platforms like Instagram, where she has over 2.6 million followers, and YouTube, with 795K subscribers. Her journey into the fitness world is marked by her development of the successful fitness app Tone & Sculpt, which has since evolved into EvolveYou. She is also the co-founder of Oner Active and both her app and brand have grown into multi-million pound brands.
Meggan Kirkland
With 1.3 million followers on Instagram, Meggan Kirkland is popular for a reason. The fitness-focused mother of one makes her followers feel like friends, all while encouraging them to live a healthier, more fulfilled life. From delicious meal preps, self-care Sundays and gym tips.
Simone Charles
Simone Charles’ main goal is to help women feel confident in their bodies. Through guided exercise videos, inspirational chats and divine meal ideas, Simone makes working out and getting fit look fun.
Gabby Dawn Allen
Gabby’s motto is "Fitness is FUN!! with me anyway.." so you can be reassured that her high-energy videos are all about making living a healthy lifestyle exciting and enriching.
Courtney Black
If you’ve got the workout game down-packed but need a little help with meal prepping and healthier alternatives, then give Courtney a follow. Focusing on making delicious and nutritious breakfasts, lunches, dinners and desserts, Courtney makes eating clean easier than ever.
Lucy Haldon
Lucy is all about pushing your body to the max, whilst also recognising the best ways to nourish and look after yourself. Her Instagram features lots of outdoor content, gym tips, funny troll clapbacks and inspirational reminders.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/hfm/culture/511677/best-fitness-influencers-to-follow/
| 2024-01-23T19:06:28Z
|
blocked_url
|
The Duke of Edinburgh began a four-day working visit to one of the world's most remote islands on Tuesday.
Prince Edward, 59, arrived in St Helena, part of the British Overseas Territory which sits in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean.
On the first day of his trip, the Duke got to meet the island's most famous inhabitant – 191-year-old Jonathan, the Seychelles giant tortoise.
During his long life, Jonathan has also met Edward's grandfather, King George VI, his late mother, Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother.
Ahead of receiving their royal visitor, St Helena's Governor Nigel Phillips said: "We are honoured to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to St Helena on a four-day visit. This promises to be a special occasion, with a public holiday allowing the entire community to join this opportunity to celebrate all that is great about the culture and environment of this remarkable island."
It's an exciting week for the island as the Princess Royal was the last member of the royal family to travel there 22 years ago in 2002.
It comes after Edward's working visit to South Africa, where he made a stop at Pretoria National Botanical Garden.
Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are continuing their royal engagements amid the Princess of Wales's recovery from abdominal surgery.
Kate, 42, was admitted to the London Clinic last Tuesday and is expected to remain at the private hospital for between 10 to 14 days.
Her husband, the Prince of Wales, 41, has stepped back temporarily from royal duties to care for her and their children.
Meanwhile, the King, 75, will undergo treatment for an enlarged prostate this week. He travelled to Sandringham from Scotland last week, but Buckingham Palace has not disclosed where Charles' medical procedure will take place.
The Queen, 76, visited Deacon & Son, a 175-year-old family-run jewellery shop, in Swindon on Monday. Camilla also toured a domestic violence refuge to mark the service's 50th anniversary.
And on Tuesday, she carried out a previously unannounced visit to Refuge’s Gaia Centre in Lambeth, south London.
LISTEN: Why King Charles is the ‘happiest’ he has been despite royal dramas
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511904/prince-edward-travels-to-st-helena-amid-king-charles-hospital-treatment/
| 2024-01-23T19:06:34Z
|
blocked_url
|
Happy birthday Mariska Hargitay! The actress, best known for her long running role as the legendary Olivia Benson, is celebrating her milestone 60th birthday on January 23.
The Law & Order: SVU star today holds the honor of playing the longest-running character in a primetime drama in television history, and this month is also celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Dick Wolf show that made her a household name.
Below, take a look back at her life and career, and her thoughts on turning 60.
Tragic Hollywood Beginnings
Mariska was born out of old-Hollywood star Jayne Manfield's marriage to Mickey Hargitay, a Hungarian-American actor and the 1955 Mr. Universe. Before her untimely death aged 34, she was married three times and welcomed five children.
She first married Paul Mansfield in 1950, and they had one daughter, Jayne Marie Mansfield, 73, that year. She next wed Mickey in 1958, and they had three children together: Mickey Hargitay Jr., 64, then Zoltan, 62, and Mariska. After divorcing Mickey in 1964, Jayne wed Matt Climber, and welcomed her fifth child, Tony Climber, 57.
Jayne died in a 1967 car crash in Biloxi, Mississippi. Her car, a 1966 Buick Electra 225, crashed head-on at high speed to the back of a tractor trailer, instantly killing her along with her attorney Sam Brody and their driver Ronnie Harrison, who was 20 at the time. Mariska, Mickey Jr. and Zoltan were in the back of the car, and faced minor injuries.
Following Her Hollywood Roots
Mariska first got her start in acting by way of a music video role, appearing on Ronnie Milsap's music video for "She Loves My Car" in 1984, before nabbing a small role in horror film Ghoulies the following year.
MORE: Mariska Hargitay reveals youngest son's baffled reaction to mom's fame and fan encounters
She subsequently had several appearances in different television series for the coming years, before her big break in 1999, when she was cast as Olivia Benson opposite Christopher Meloni as Elliott Stabler in the first spin-off of the Law & Order universe.
Reflecting on the show's 25th anniversary, she recently told People of the two ways she sees the milestone: "One is I can't believe it’s been 25 years, a quarter of a century! And the other is, I can't see it any other way. I can't imagine the show ending, and can't imagine not going on this journey with my cast, my crew. I have so much to look forward to. And I'm still growing. I like that you can be so many things at one time."
Her Fairytale Marriage
This year, Mariska is turning 60, SVU is turning 25, and her marriage to Peter Hermann is turning 20! The longtime couple, who tied the knot on August 28, 2004, first met on the set of SVU, when Peter guest starred as defense attorney Trevor Langan.
Their first date was at church, per Peter's request, and of the special moment, Mariska once told People: "We went to church together, and it was like getting hit with a lightning bolt," adding: "I just started sobbing. Peter thought I was crying because I was so moved by the service. No, it was because I was just overwhelmed, realizing he was the one."
The two have since welcomed son August Miklos Friedrich, 16, and they adopted his siblings Amaya Josephine, 12, in 2011, and Andrew Nicholas, also 12, four months later.
On Turning 60
Reflecting on the milestone, Mariska declared to People: "I'm proud of it. I'm stronger than I've ever been," adding: "The age thing was never something I was scared of."
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511907/mariska-hargitay-60th-birthday-look-back-milestones/
| 2024-01-23T19:14:54Z
|
blocked_url
|
On 23 January, NATO signed a €1.1 billion ($1.2 billion) contract to purchase 220,000 rounds of 155mm artillery ammunition, the Alliance’s most in-demand artillery shell, enabling allies to resupply their arsenals and continue providing vital artillery stocks to Ukraine to help defeat Russia’s invasion, AP and Newsweek report.
With the major US aid package funding stalled by Congress Republicans for months and the EU’s aid vetoed by Russia’s ally, Hungary, the Ukrainian troops are experiencing shell shortages on the front.
“This is important to defend our own territory, to build up our own stocks, but also to continue to support Ukraine,” said NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, adding, “We cannot allow [Russian] President Putin to win in Ukraine. That would be a tragedy for the Ukrainians and dangerous for all of us.”
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/23/nato-inks-1-2-bn-deal-for-220000-shells-to-resupply-allies-ukraine-but-delivery-could-take-years/
| 2024-01-23T19:32:45Z
|
blocked_url
|
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the President of the European People’s Party (EPP) and Chairman of the largest European Parliament group, Manfred Weber, in Kyiv on January 23, 2024.
During the meeting, President Zelenskyy and Chairman Weber discussed the upcoming elections to the European Parliament and the forthcoming EU summit, where a 4-year support plan for Ukraine amounting to 50 billion euros is expected to be approved.
President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to the EPP and the European Parliament for their leadership in supporting Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The two sides also discussed Ukraine’s European integration and the current security situation.
Manfred Weber emphasized that “Ukraine can fully rely on the support of the representatives of the European People’s Party at various levels, especially in communication with foreign leaders,” as reported by the Presidential Office.
Manfred Weber, a German politician, was elected as the President of the European People’s Party (EPP) in June 2022, replacing Donald Tusk, who is currently the Prime Minister of Poland. Weber is well-known for his strong support of Ukraine within the EU, advocating for increased military assistance to Kyiv, including the provision of German Taurus cruise missiles and Ukraine’s membership in the European Union and NATO.
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/23/president-zelenskyy-and-european-peoples-party-chief-discuss-key-issues-in-kyiv/
| 2024-01-23T19:33:00Z
|
blocked_url
|
NEW YORK - A Seattle man was arrested twice in the span of a few days outside the New York City home of musician Taylor Swift, the second time on stalking and harassment charges, police and local media reported on Jan 23.
The New York Police Department said it responded to a 911 call on Jan 20 that David Crowe, 33, was trying to open the door of a building on a street in the Manhattan neighbourhood of Tribeca where Swift, 34, has an apartment.
He was trying to open the door of Swift’s home and was reported to police by a member of Swift’s security team, ABC News reported, which police were unable to confirm.
He was arrested on an outstanding warrant from 2017, police said.
Police on Jan 22 evening again found Crowe near the building after receiving reports that he was harassing multiple people in the street and acting “erratically.”
He did not attempt to enter the building, but was asking people if they knew that Swift lived there and had been scouring the neighbourhood for several weeks, the New York Post reported.
He was again arrested, this time on multiple charges of stalking and harassment, police said, and remained in police custody on Jan 23.
Crowe could not be reached for comment, and it was unclear whether he was represented by a lawyer.
Swift, who came out of the Nashville country music scene to become one of the most successful performers in the United States, has repeatedly been harassed by stalkers over the years.
A spokesperson for Swift did not immediately respond to questions on Jan 23.
Swift wrote in an Elle magazine article in 2019 about the frightening nature of stalkers, and said she carries around army-grade bandage dressing designed for gunshot or stab wounds.
“Websites and tabloids have taken it upon themselves to post every home address I’ve ever had online,” she wrote. “You get enough stalkers trying to break into your house and you kind of start prepping for bad things.” REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/man-arrested-twice-within-a-few-days-near-new-york-home-of-taylor-swift
| 2024-01-23T19:43:10Z
|
blocked_url
|
PARK CITY, United States - Nominations for the 96th Academy Awards were unveiled on Jan 23, with Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer leading the way on 13 nods.
Here are six key takeaways from the Oscars announcement:
Unstoppable ‘Oppenheimer’?
It has, by the account of many pundits, been a remarkably strong year for film, with 2023 easily offering the most packed lineup of commercial and critical hits since before the pandemic.
That strength makes the seemingly unstoppable awards success of Nolan’s Oppenheimer all the more impressive.
The film earned rave reviews on its release last summer, and ranked third at the global box office with US$950 million (S$1.2 billion) – behind only Barbie and The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
The three-hour historical drama has since swept every major best picture award going, including at the Golden Globes (best drama) and the Critics Choice Awards.
And its haul of 13 Oscar nominations is only one shy of the all-time record for a film, held jointly by All About Eve, Titanic and La La Land.
Can anything now stop the Oppenheimer juggernaut on March 10?
‘Barbie’ surprises
Barbie, 2023’s highest grossing film, had been widely expected to secure an Oscar nomination for its female star.
But it was America Ferrera, not Margot Robbie, whose name was read out on Jan 23.
Ferrera, a Latina actress of Honduran ancestry, was previously best known for television comedy Ugly Betty.
But her emotional turn as a regular mom in Barbie, which included a powerful monologue on the impossible double standards of being a woman, clearly caught Academy voters’ attention.
Female directors
Another “snub” for the film came as Greta Gerwig missed out on a best director nomination, four years after she was controversially overlooked for her adaptation of Little Women.
But there was solace for Gerwig as the movie landed a best picture nomination, making her one of three female directors with a film in the key category for the first time in Oscars history.
And Gerwig’s presumed slot was taken by another woman – France’s Justine Triet, who becomes only the eighth female ever to be nominated for best director by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Hollywood vintage
Hollywood veterans Martin Scorsese and John Williams added to their impressive Oscar nominations hauls on Jan 23 – and broke a couple of records in the process.
Scorsese, 81, became the oldest person ever nominated for best director.
The nod for his critically adored epic drama nominee Killers Of The Flower Moon is his 10th in the category.
That puts him just two behind record-holder William Wyler – and Scorsese is already working on his next project.
Meanwhile, composer Williams racked up an astonishing 54th nomination, for his score to Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny.
He has the most nominations for any living person, and is only second overall to Walt Disney.
“He is also, to the best of our knowledge, the oldest nominee in a competitive award category at 91 years of age,” said the Academy.
Domingo pips DiCaprio
It had been the subject of intense discussion in Hollywood for weeks.
Could Leonardo DiCaprio, arguably the world’s biggest movie star, already an Oscar winner for The Revenant, really miss out on a best actor nod?
After all, he is on screen for nearly two hours in Killers – around an hour longer than his nominated co-stars Lily Gladstone and Robert De Niro.
But in a crowded category, the spot that had been expected to fall to DiCaprio went instead to veteran actor Colman Domingo, for Rustin.
Domingo, 54, has had a long career on stage and screen, with supporting roles in movies like Lincoln, Selma, If Beale Street Could Talk and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
His portrayal of gay civil rights activist Bayard Rustin now places him front and centre.
Documentary surprises
Perhaps no category produced more surprises this year than best documentary.
The field included several big-hitting and starry productions that were presumed by many pundits to be shoo-ins.
These included Apple’s Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, charting the actor’s battle with Parkinson’s disease, and Netflix’s American Symphony, which portrays the creative process of Grammy-winning musician Jon Batiste as he supports his wife through cancer.
Neither were picked, although the latter earned a best original song nod.
Instead, the spots went to films on subjects from Ugandan politics (Bobi Wine: The People’s President) and the war in Ukraine (20 Days In Mariupol) to Alzheimer’s disease (The Eternal Memory) and women’s rights (Four Daughters and To Kill A Tiger). AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/six-takeaways-from-the-oscar-nominations
| 2024-01-23T19:43:20Z
|
blocked_url
|
DOHA - Palestine reached the Asian Cup knockout rounds for the first time after beating Hong Kong 3-0 on Jan 23 for their maiden win in the history of the competition.
They just missed out on second spot in Group C but advance as one of the four best third-placed teams, with Oday Dabbagh the hero for his two goals.
United Arab Emirates went through in second place despite losing 2-1 to group winners Iran.
The historic victory in Doha comes against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war in the Palestinian territory of Gaza.
“Thank you to the fans who are coming to support Palestine and the national team of Palestine. Thank you from our heart,” captain Musab Al-Battat told beIN SPORTS after the game.
“We will do our best to put a smile for the people.”
Palestinian players and staff have lost loved ones in the conflict and said before the tournament that they hoped to provide some comfort to those suffering back home.
A pre-match moment’s silence was overrun by shouts of “Free Palestine”.
No side had played more Asian Cup matches without a win than Hong Kong (12 games) or Palestine (eight), but victory would offer either side a chance of making the last 16.
In the 12th minute, Palestine scored their first goal on the way to breaking that duck.
Battat made an overlapping run from right-back and launched a cross into the box which Dabbagh headed into the net.
Hong Kong were dealt a blow when centre-back and match-day captain Vas Nunez sustained an arm injury and had to be replaced by Li Ngai-hoi.
But they started creating chances as the half wore on, Philip Chan and Everton Camargo blazing over.
Throughout the game the 6,568 people inside the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium were almost entirely supporting Palestine, like at most grounds during the team’s campaign.
But a dense and boisterous red-clad bloc of Hong Kong fans provided an unending beat of encouragement for the 150th-ranked side from southern China.
Minutes into the second half Palestine doubled their lead, Battat again the provider from the right wing, this time Zeid Qunbar taking him up on a generous invitation to score.
Palestine got a third after the hour, Tamer Seyam’s long-range effort hitting the bar and falling to Dabbagh, who tapped in his second of the match.
They were given a scare during the eighth minute of added time when referee Shaun Evans awarded Hong Kong a penalty after a VAR review for a handball by Battat.
But Everton’s spot-kick thudded against the bar as Hong Kong headed home. AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/palestine-reach-asian-cup-knockouts-for-first-time
| 2024-01-23T19:43:30Z
|
blocked_url
|
JERUSALEM - Two freed Israeli women hostages on Jan 23 gave testimony to a parliamentary hearing on sexual violence on the abuse they experienced while being held captive by Hamas militants in Gaza.
“I was there 51 days and there wasn’t a moment that we didn’t go through abuse of any kind,” said Ms Aviva Siegel, who was taken hostage on Oct 7.
Ms Siegel, 62, told the hearing on sexual violence during the Israel-Hamas conflict that militants had turned both women and men hostages into “dolls on a string that they can do with them what they please, whenever they please”.
“I saw it with my own eyes. I didn’t just see, I felt the women as if they were my daughters,” she said.
Ms Siegel said male hostages were suffering equally in captivity.
“The men are also going through what the women are experiencing... They are also dolls on a string,” she said.
Ms Chen Goldstein-Almog, another freed hostage, said she had seen fellow female hostages miss periods during their captivity.
She said this may have been due to “the difficult conditions in captivity”, but added that she feared that “heaven forbid they get pregnant”.
The biggest fear the captives had was of being abandoned by the Israeli authorities, added Ms Goldstein-Almog, 48.
“The feeling there is that you’re forgotten, that they’ve given up on you,” she told the meeting via video link.
Both women were freed during a seven-day humanitarian pause in late November that led to the release of 80 Israeli hostages in exchange for aid deliveries into Gaza and the freeing of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, carried out an unprecedented attack on Oct 7 that resulted in the deaths of about 1,140 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
During the attack Palestinian militants also seized about 250 hostages. Israel says around 132 remain in besieged Gaza, including the bodies of at least 28 dead hostages, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli data.
Fourteen women hostages are still being held in Gaza, according to an AFP tally.
Accounts of sexual violence emerged from the Oct 7 attack but a scarcity of survivor testimonies and forensic evidence made it difficult to assess their scale.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met a group of freed hostages last month, saying after the meeting that he had been told “about cases of sexual abuse and cruel rapes”.
In response to the attack, Israel has launched a relentless offensive in Gaza that has killed at least 25,490 people, mostly women and children, according to the latest toll issued on Jan 23 by Gaza’s health ministry. AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/freed-israeli-women-hostages-tell-of-abuse-in-hamas-captivity
| 2024-01-23T19:43:42Z
|
blocked_url
|
OTTAWA - Three people were killed and four others suffered serious injuries in the crash of a helicopter carrying a group of recreational skiers on an outing in the west coast Canadian province of British Columbia, police said on Jan 23.
The chopper went down on Jan 22 near Terrace, a town of about 12,000 residents in the Skeena region of west-central British Columbia about 110km east of the Alaska border, according to tour operator Northern Escape Heli-Skiing.
The helicopter, one of three running a heli-skiing operation in the mountainous area, had seven people on board, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said in a statement on Jan 23.
The crash happened in a very remote location only accessible by helicopter. Authorities will fly to the scene on Jan 23 to investigate, the RCMP said.
The British Columbia Emergency Health Services said earlier that the four people injured in the crash were treated by paramedics at the scene and were taken to Mills Memorial Hospital in Terrace in critical condition.
The tour operator, whose website promotes trips featuring “big mountain, backcountry skiing at its finest”, said it was working with the RCMP and other authorities to support the investigation into the cause of the incident.
“Helicopter accidents are rare but do pose a risk to people who heli-ski in the mountains and backcountry,” a spokesperson for Northern Escape Heli-Skiing said in a statement.
The company “takes every precaution to minimize the risks while being in the backcountry ... However, similar to many outdoor activities, it’s impossible to eliminate 100 per cent of the risks posed,” the spokesperson said. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/three-dead-four-seriously-hurt-in-helicopter-skiing-crash-in-west-canada
| 2024-01-23T19:43:52Z
|
blocked_url
|
After years of speculation and controversy, the occupants of three tombs belonging to the family of Alexander the Great have finally been identified. Located in the Great Tumulus of Vergina in northern Greece, the burials contain the remains of Alexander’s father, stepmother, half-siblings, and son, along with armor and other items belonging to the man himself.
First excavated in 1977, the tombs are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, according to the authors of a new study, “contained an astoundingly rich array of burial goods.” However, while there’s never been any doubt that the interred bones belonged to close relatives of Alexander, scholars have spent almost half a century bickering over who exactly lies within each grave.
To figure out who’s who, the study authors combined osteological analyses, macrophotography, X-rays, and anatomical dissections of the ancient remains with historical sources from the ancient past. In doing so, they discovered that Tomb I contained the bones of a man with an injured knee, as well as a woman and a baby, who was just days or weeks old at the time of death.
They therefore conclude that the male figure was King Philip II of Macedon - Alexander the Great’s father - who was known to have a limp. The extremely young age of the infant also lines up perfectly with the story of Philip’s assassination in 336 BCE.
According to most sources, Philip II was slain by his bodyguard just a few days after his wife Cleopatra had given birth. It’s thought that the murder was ordered by Philip’s previous wife Olympias, the mother of Alexander the soon-to-be Great.
Almost immediately after the assassination, Olympias then killed both Cleopatra and her baby - possibly by burning them alive - thus clearing the way for Alexander to succeed the throne. According to the researchers, the “skeletal evidence from the neonate is conclusive that Tomb I belongs to Cleopatra and her newborn child and consequently to Philip II, as Cleopatra’s child is the only assassinated newborn known from any royal Macedonian couple.”
Previously, some scholars had argued that Philip II was buried in Tomb II, which also contains the remains of a man and a woman. However, the absence of a baby, combined with no apparent signs of physical trauma on the male skeleton, ultimately rules this out as a possibility.
Instead, based on skeletal evidence for excessive horseback riding, the study authors conclude that Tomb II belongs to the “warrior woman” Adea Eurydice, wife of Alexander’s half-brother King Arrhidaeus.
“Due to ancient depictions and descriptions, some scholars have suggested that some of the objects in Tomb II, such as the armor, belonged to Alexander the Great, which is possible only if this is the Tomb of Arrhidaeus, not Philip II,” write the authors. Thus, these remains are determined to be those of “Alexander's much less impressive brother” and his rather impressive warrior wife.
Finally, the study authors find no reason to question the long-standing assumption that Tomb III contains the remains of Alexander IV, the teenage son of Alexander the Great.
To put it neatly, then, the researchers write that “the evidence presented supports the conclusion that Tomb I belongs to King Philip II, his wife Cleopatra and their newborn child. Tomb II belongs to King Arrhidaeus and his wife Adea Eurydice. Tomb III to Alexander IV.”
“These conclusions refute the traditional speculation that Tomb II belongs to Philip II,” they say.
The study is published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.
|
https://www.iflscience.com/alexander-the-greats-father-brother-and-son-finally-identified-in-greek-tomb-72585
| 2024-01-23T19:55:00Z
|
blocked_url
|
A small rock called 2024 BJ will fly past Earth and the Moon in just a few days. It was discovered only last week, on January 17, and will approach our planet on Saturday, January 27. The object is estimated to be 25 meters (82 feet) across and is a near-earth object. It won’t get anywhere close to us this week – at least, relatively speaking.
While the flyby is close in cosmic terms, 2024 BJ is flying 353,000 kilometers (220,000 miles) away. That’s 92 percent of the average distance between the Earth and the Moon. The object will first approach the Moon (although even further away than our planet) at around 2 pm UTC and then reach its close passage to Earth about three and a half hours later. A video livestream is being organized by our friends at The Virtual Telescope Project.
2024 BJ is among the 158 new space rocks discovered since the beginning of the year, and one of the 119 Apollo types. These are objects that cross the orbit of the Earth at their closest point to the Sun but whose orbit goes much further out. In fact, 2024 BJ gets slightly closer to the Sun than our planet does, but then extends well beyond the orbit of Mars.
Humans are getting better at discovering potentially hazardous asteroids in advance and before they get too close, although sometimes the warnings come just minutes before. Just this weekend, a meteor was predicted to hit the atmosphere over Germany, only the eighth time this type of prediction has happened.
|
https://www.iflscience.com/an-asteroid-5-giraffes-wide-will-fly-near-earth-this-week-72582
| 2024-01-23T19:55:06Z
|
blocked_url
|
Pharmaceutical companies raised the list prices of hundreds and hundreds of drugs in January 2024. While that figure is down from previous years, the recent price hikes have caught the attention of the US Senate Health Committee, which wants to hear testimonies from big pharma CEOs about why Americans pay the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs.
To herald in the new year, drugmakers often jack up their prices on January 1 – and 2024 was no different. On January 1, 453 branded drugs increased in cost, according to data analysis by drug price transparency NGO 46brooklyn Research.
That’s similar to January 1, 2023, which saw 452 brand-name drugs up in price – but it’s significantly down from 2022 and 2021, which saw 540 and 602 drug price increases respectively.
More followed the New Year’s Day price hike. According to further analysis for the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) by 46brooklyn Research, 775 brand-name drugs underwent raised list prices during the first half of January 2024.
The drug companies reportedly raised the prices by a median of 4.5 percent, which is higher than the rate of inflation.
Some of the most prominent price rises involved the asthma medication Xolair and the Shingles vaccine Shingrix, which saw price increases of over 7.5 percent, as per the WSJ analysis. Cancer-treating medications – such as Verzenio, Ibrance, and Pomalyst – also saw surges in price over 5 percent.
Ozempic, a diabetes treatment that has become an in-vogue weight-loss drug, has also risen in price by 3.5 percent. That means a month’s supply reportedly now costs $970.
Bear in mind that drug prices and pharmaceutical markets are deeply complex beasts, especially in the US due to private healthcare. Rises in drug list prices don’t necessarily mean people will be paying more at the pharmacy counter or through their health insurance plans. Likewise, a price hike doesn’t always mean that a drugmaker will be profiting more.
As 46brooklyn Research explains: “Tracking drug prices is an exercise fraught with complication due to the fact that pricing is more of a range of experiences (see price discrimination) rather than something that is a consistent, transparent, shared experience among purchasers. And even with something as surface level as tracking list prices, there are many ways to view and contextualize what’s happening from an overall system impact perspective.”
There were also some notable decreases in drug prices this January. At least 24 products became cheaper in January which 46brooklyn Research described as “nearly unprecedented.”
The subject of drug prices has recently caught the attention of Senate health committee chair Bernie Sanders.
On January 25, the Senate Health Committee intended to hold a hearing called: “Why Does the United States Pay, By Far, The Highest Prices In The World For Prescription Drugs?”. As reported by STAT News, Johnson & Johnson CEO Joaquin Duato, Merck CEO Robert Davis, and Bristol Myers Squibb CEO Chris Boerner were asked to testify about why consumers in the US pay higher prices for drugs compared with other countries.
However, it didn’t go ahead because the CEOs of Johnson & Johnson and Merck declined the invite. The Bristol Myers Squibb CEO then ducked out of the hearing on the grounds he would only participate if at least one other pharma CEO was present.
Bernie is now set to hold a committee vote on whether to issue the two subpoenas to the CEOs of Johnson & Johnson and Merck, forcing them to testify, according to STAT. If that goes ahead, it will be the first time the health committee has issued a subpoena in more than 40 years.
“The American people have a right to know why it is that they pay, by far, the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs while the pharmaceutical industry in the US makes hundreds of billions in profits and pays their CEOs tens of millions of dollars in compensation,” Chairman Sanders said in a statement published November 2023.
"A life-saving drug is not effective if the patient who needs that drug cannot afford it," he added.
|
https://www.iflscience.com/big-pharma-has-increased-hundreds-of-drug-prices-in-2024-so-far-72581
| 2024-01-23T19:55:12Z
|
blocked_url
|
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has announced that the Doomsday Clock will be kept at 90 seconds to midnight for a second year – which is still the closest to "Doomsday" it's ever been. Since its inception in the late 1940s, the clock has been a symbol to reflect the state of the world and our proximity to midnight or "Doomsday" signifying the annihilation of our species - and it has been ticking forward dramatically in the last few years.
“Make no mistake: resetting the Clock at 90 seconds to midnight is not an indication that the world is stable. Quite the opposite,” said Rachel Bronson, PhD, president and CEO of the Bulletin, in a statement. “It’s urgent for governments and communities around the world to act. And the Bulletin remains hopeful—and inspired—in seeing the younger generations leading the charge.”
This year's announcement is not a surprise. A lack of commitment to tackling the unfolding climate crisis resulting in 2023 being the hottest year record and working to build preparedness for the next pandemic are still global issues. There are unfolding humanitarian crises across the world while military conflicts continue too with the Russian war in Ukraine about to enter its third year. The last few months have also seen the Israeli invasion of Gaza following the Hamas attack of October 7 that so far has resulted in the death of over 25,000 Palestinian civilians and a daily death rate exceeding any other 21st-century conflict.
The Bulletin also listed the deterioration of agreements to reduce nuclear weapons and the threat of biological weapons as a major threat, as well as the continued spread of misinformation on the internet, stoked by politicians, media, and pundits. The unregulated development of cyber technologies that might exacerbate the problem adds to the current concern about the future of humanity.
Why Does The Doomsday Clock Move?
The clock is moved based on the opinions and expertise of the members of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Since 1947, the Doomsday Clock has represented the ability of human-made threats to lead to our extinction. It's not surprising it was established at the dawn of the Cold War, when the US and the USSR raced to build as many nuclear weapons as possible.
An atomic war today, as then, would certainly spell doom; even a relatively small conflict fought with nuclear weapons could kill tens of millions in just a few hours. Following such a war, it's estimated that 5 billion people would die from the subsequent famine.
In 1947, the clock was initially set at 7 minutes to midnight. The furthest from midnight it has ever been set was in 1991, following the easing of tensions between the former Soviet Union and the United States, the reunification of Germany, and the signing of the first Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. It was set at 11:43 pm – 17 minutes to midnight.
So, what are the criteria the Bulletin members must ask themselves to make their decisions? They must answer just two questions: is humanity safer than last year, and is humanity safer than it has been over the last 76 years from human-made threats?
It has been set at less than two minutes to midnight for the last several years, reaching the 90-second mark for the first time last year. This year, the clock – and the threat – stays the same.
“For decades, scientists have been warning us of the dangers facing humankind,” Bill Nye, who participated in the 2024 Doomsday Clock announcement, said. “We could be facing catastrophe unless we better manage the technologies we’ve created. It’s time to act.”
|
https://www.iflscience.com/doomsday-clock-stays-closest-to-midnight-its-ever-been-for-second-year-72588
| 2024-01-23T19:55:18Z
|
blocked_url
|
Animal vision comes in quite literally all the colors, from those that can see the ultraviolet spectrum to those that see the world in grayscale. As each animal perceives color differently, it is of immense value to ecologists and zoologists to be able to see the world in the same way as their study subject. Now, new camera and software technology is helping them do just that, and the results are surprisingly beautiful.
The new camera system allows the team to produce videos that accurately replicate what the animals would see in their habitats. Previous attempts to recreate the colors seen by animals with a method called spectrophotometry have been time-consuming and unable to capture moving images. This new camera system is able to simultaneously record video in four color spectrums: UV, red, blue, and green.
After the recording the data is then processed into something the team are calling “perceptual units”, creating an accurate video of how the colors are perceived by the animals. To do this they use their knowledge of the photoreceptors present in the eyes of each different animal.
“We’ve long been fascinated by how animals see the world. Modern techniques in sensory ecology allow us to infer how static scenes might appear to an animal; however, animals often make crucial decisions on moving targets (e.g., detecting food items, evaluating a potential mate’s display, etc.). Here, we introduce hardware and software tools for ecologists and filmmakers that can capture and display animal-perceived colors in motion,” said senior author Daniel Hanley in a statement.
When compared to the old spectrophotometry method, this new camera system was found to predict perceived colors with an accuracy of over 92 percent. The team do acknowledge some limitations of their system, such as the need to use manual focusing and the challenges of keeping a fast-moving object in focus. The software is available open source to allow others to build on and use this technology for their own research.
The study is published in PLOS Biology.
|
https://www.iflscience.com/experience-colors-as-animals-see-them-in-astonishing-new-videos-72584
| 2024-01-23T19:55:25Z
|
blocked_url
|
If you thought aliens in a Miami strip mall would take the title for “weirdest thing to happen in Florida” this month, you might have to think again – it is Florida, after all. Thankfully extraterrestrial life isn’t falling from the sky and into GameStop for a quick browse, but with chilly temperatures hitting the Sunshine State, something else might be raining down upon unsuspecting Floridians: frozen iguanas falling from trees.
The US has been experiencing severe winter storms and bitterly cold temperatures; though normally fairly balmy, Florida hasn’t been spared. Matt Devitt, chief meteorologist for WINK News in southwest Florida posted to X last Thursday that southwest Florida could experience lows of around 4°C (40°F) and wind chills around -1°C (30°F), while other regions of the state could dip as low as the 20s at the weekend.
That’s not much fun if you were planning a day at the beach, but arguably, it’s probably worse for the local iguana population. A very meme-worthy graphic posted alongside the forecast indicates that bringing a hard hat alongside an extra layer or two might be useful, as there’s a chance iguanas could be falling out of trees.
Why are iguanas falling out of trees in Florida?
Iguanas are cold-blooded reptiles; while temperatures are fine for them in Florida for most of the year, the problem comes with the arrival of fall. When temperatures drop below around 7°C (45°F), these lovable lizards are no longer able to regulate their body temperature. As a result, they enter a state called torpor, where their breathing and metabolism slow down.
Iguanas also lose muscle control when this happens, and since they often sleep in trees, this also means that they can fall out of them. Whilst they might look dead when they’ve hit the ground, they normally aren’t – and it’s best to take caution if you’re tempted to check.
Although it sounds like the inspiration of a new film brought to you by the creators of Sharknado, iguana fall is a stark reminder of reality. These lizards don’t belong in Florida – they’re an invasive species. That plays into the advice given by local authorities as to what you should do if you come across (or are bumped on the head by) a frozen iguana.
Homeowners in Florida are permitted to humanely kill any iguanas that are found on their land, or they can simply be left to succumb to the elements. Where that’s not possible, they can be put in a secure bag or cat carrier and taken to a local wildlife center or veterinarian.
Some people have even taken to eating iguanas to solve the problem of the invasive species, but if you do plan on swiping any frozen lizards for your dinner, make sure your car isn’t warmed up first.
|
https://www.iflscience.com/heads-up-its-falling-iguana-season-in-florida-72590
| 2024-01-23T19:55:31Z
|
blocked_url
|
A distinct new dialect has been emerging in certain pockets of Miami in recent times as a result of cultural intermingling between Spanish and English speakers.
The new parlance is a Spanish-influenced dialect of English being spoken in Southern Florida, a lingo-infusion born out of decades of immigration from Spanish-speaking countries, most notably Cuba since the end of the revolution in 1959.
With its majority Hispanic and Latino population, Miami is considered one of the most bilingual cities in the US and it’s also arguably the most dialectally diverse Spanish-speaking city in the world. Over recent decades, the rich influence of the Spanish language has intermingled with more established American English dialects, giving rise to its own expressions and phrases.
Linguists at Florida International University in Miami have been keeping an eye on this linguistic development over the past 10 years or so and believe it shows a beautiful example of how human languages are constantly shape-shifting in the face of historical and social conditions.
“All words, dialects, and languages have a history,” Professor Phillip M. Carter, Director of the Center for Humanities in an Urban Environment at the Florida International University, told IFLScience.
“In Miami, there are many ways of speaking English. The variety we have been studying for the past 10 years or so is the main language variety of people born in South Florida in Latinx-majority communities. The variety is characterized by some unique but ultimately minor pronunciations, some minor grammatical differences, and word differences, which are influenced by the longstanding presence of Spanish in South Florida,” added Carter.
What does Miami English sound like?
Users of the new dialect will “borrow” Spanish sayings and directly translate them into English while retaining the existing Spanish structure of the phrase. This is what linguists call a calque.
For instance, “bajar del carro” becomes “get down from the car” — not “get out of the car” like in most American English dialects.
Likewise, “una empanada de carne” becomes “meat empanada” instead of something more specific “beef empanada.” This is because in Spanish, depending on the context, “carne” can refer to all meat or specifically just to beef.
Another example might be users saying something like “Marco and I went to a bar and he invited me a beer,” instead of, “Marco and I went to a bar and he bought me a beer.” People might also be more prone to say something like “We are going to make a party for my friend Maria,” instead of, “We are going to throw a party for my friend Maria.”
Miami English shows how languages evolve
While this Spanglish cocktail was first stirred up by bilingual people, linguists have noted that certain phrases have since become adopted by native English speakers in Miami too.
“These are examples of literal lexical calques – direct translations. What is remarkable about them is that we found they were not only used in the speech of immigrants – folks who are leaning on their first language Spanish as they navigate the acquisition of English – but also among their children, who learned English as their co-first language,” Carter said.
Whether you know you’re using them or not, the English language is full of calques. Writing for the Conversation, Carter explains how one interesting example is the flower known as a “dandelion,” which was borrowed from the French term “dent de lion.” This can be traced back to botany books written in Latin, where it was called Dens lionis, or “lion’s tooth.”
In 2022, Carter carried out a study with linguist Kristen D’Allessandro Merii to document Spanish-origin calques in the English spoken in South Florida. They first asked 33 people in Miami – including a diverse mix of first-generation Cuban Americans, second-generation Cuban Americans, and non-Cuban Hispanic people – what they thought of more than 50 sentences that were typical of the new dialect. They had to rate whether the sentences sounded "perfect," "okay," "awkward," or "horrible." A national group from beyond South Florida was then asked to perform a similar task.
Their findings showed that the dialect typically sounded “natural” to the Miamians, but people living outside the region found it significantly more alien. The researchers explain how this research showed how dialects are born: by subtle differences and minor changes adding up to the point where people who don’t speak the dialect find it ungrammatical or “foreign”.
Misconceptions about Miami English
Unfortunately, new dialects can have a tendency to generate stigma, particularly if they emerge from marginalized communities. People might be told they’re mispronouncing words or simply being sloppy with their speech. However, Carter wants to show that this is simply a misunderstanding of how human languages evolve into their wonderful array of colors and tones.
“I want Miami English to lose its stigma because Miami English is someone’s home language variety. It’s the language that person learned from their parents, that they used in school, that they hear in their community. It’s the language variety they developed their identity in, developed their friendships in, found love in. Why should that be stigmatized?” asks Carter.
“This principle holds to any and every language variety. There is no reason to stigmatize any form of human language. Doing so reflects our own limited understanding of humanity and human language. All human language varieties are a reflection of the miraculous interweaving of our evolutionary capacity for language with the unique historical and cultural circumstances in which that capacity finds context,” he added.
An earlier version of this article was published in September 2023.
|
https://www.iflscience.com/linguists-speak-of-a-new-language-dialect-evolving-in-the-us-72596
| 2024-01-23T19:55:43Z
|
blocked_url
|
As a science website, it's easy to get bogged down in questions like "Is there life on Enceladus?" and "Where are all the aliens?", when people are struggling with more basic (but fun!) questions like "Why can't we power our cars with magnets?" and "If you fell from a skyscraper on the Moon, would you die or otherwise get badly injured?"
Another basic question people have been asking: why do we feel acceleration, but not velocity? One person recently effectively asked this in the "Physics Is Fun" Facebook group.
"While traveling in a flight which is flying at a height of 30000 feet [9,144 meters], we feel as if we are sitting stationary (unmoved)," the Facebook user wrote. "How come it gives us such a feeling when the aircraft is cruising at 700 [kilometers] per hour [435 miles per hour]?"
The short answer is that you only feel a force when a force is being applied to you. This only happens during acceleration, when the plane's engines push the plane forward. You feel that push via the seat, as you are accelerating.
When you reach the cruising speed, however, force is not being applied to you via your seat. You are in a state of inertia, or the tendency for objects in motion to remain in motion in a straight line at the same velocity unless another force acts upon it.
Since the plane is remaining at the same speed, you carry on at that speed unless something acts upon you, like speeding up or slowing down of the aircraft.
An easy way to think about this is to imagine what would happen if the plane were to suddenly stop while you were not wearing your seatbelt as the flight attendant advised. The answer is that you would continue your journey forward that you've been set upon until you are rapidly decelerated to rest by (for example) the chair in front of you. If they were to swing a left or right, of course, you would feel the centrifugal force, which isn't real, but let's not complicate things for now.
If you were to feel speed and not velocity of a plane or car, that would be really, really weird, considering that the car is only going along at 110 kilometers per hour (68 miles per hour) while the planet orbits the Sun at 107,000 kilometers per hour (66,500 miles per hour), and the Sun hurtles through the galaxy at 828,000 kilometers per hour (514,500 miles per hour). Let's just say it's good thing that we only feel acceleration.
|
https://www.iflscience.com/people-are-asking-why-do-we-feel-acceleration-but-not-constant-speed-72576
| 2024-01-23T19:55:49Z
|
blocked_url
|
A while back, we explained what those weird floating things are that you sometimes see in your vision; little blobs of tissue, protein clumps, and red blood cells.
But eyes do not just reserve being little weirdos for when they are open. When you close your eyes or open them in a very dark room, you might sometimes notice different patterns and swirls of colors, or even flashes. Some visual disturbances can be caused by medical conditions, and if you experience persistent disturbances you may want to visit a medical professional. But most people experience harmless visual hallucinations with their eyes closed, which are the result of the normal functioning of your eyes.
These are called "phosphenes", which are sensations of light experienced by people when there is no light to cause them.
"Our eyes don’t turn off in the dark, but instead they create very weak internal signals that mimic light. These signals are constantly being made by the cells at the back of your eyes," Katrina Schmid, Associate Professor in the School of Optometry and Vision Science at Queensland University of Technology, explained in a piece for The Conversation.
"The swirls and waves we see are made by changes in activity from these cells. The blobs may be coloured because the cells in your eyes that detect colour also show this activity. These signals are transmitted to the brain, and the brain interprets this random activity. Your brain doesn’t know they weren’t produced by real light, so we think we’re seeing coloured lights and patterns that are not there. It’s a kind of illusion!"
While they do occur in healthy individuals, they can also be a sign of retinal issues, such as retina detachment, neurological conditions, or that you've simply been rubbing your eyes too much. You can cause phosphenes if you (accidentally, please don't do it on purpose) apply slight pressure to your eyeball.
"If what you’re seeing has changed, and the patterns of light become much more noticeable or hang around for longer," Schmid added, "it could indicate a problem".
All “explainer” articles are confirmed by fact checkers to be correct at time of publishing. Text, images, and links may be edited, removed, or added to at a later date to keep information current.
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
|
https://www.iflscience.com/what-are-those-patterns-you-see-when-you-close-your-eyes-72589
| 2024-01-23T19:55:55Z
|
blocked_url
|
“Disease X” is appearing all over social media and news feeds once again. So, what actually is Disease X? Why is everyone talking about it? And is it anything to be concerned about?
What is Disease X?
The term "Disease X" is used by some scientists and the World Health Organization (WHO) to refer to unknown pathogens that have the potential to cause a serious international epidemic on the scale of COVID-19 or worse.
The term is not new. The WHO first used it around 2018, but it was reignited in the public imagination when COVID-19 arrived on the scene, starkly highlighting the need for pandemic preparedness. Indeed, some scientists even argued that COVID-19 could be considered as the “first Disease X” because it was a novel disease, unknown to science when it first started infecting humans.
What might the next Disease X be?
That’s the thing: no one knows.
The WHO has a priority list of known pathogens that have the potential to spark a major global disease outbreak, including Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Ebola, Marburg virus disease, Lassa fever, Nipah and henipaviral diseases, Rift Valley fever, Zika, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and COVID-19.
The priority list also includes Disease X, a placeholder name for a novel infectious agent that is not yet on the radar of any scientists.
It’s treated as a “known unknown", to quote the infamous speech by US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld in 2002. The exact nature of the threat is not clear, but it’s evident a threat is out there.
Perhaps a relative of the pathogen is already out there; existing undiscovered in a natural reservoir, “waiting” for the right mutation (and chance) that will allow it to spill over into humans. Quite simply, we don't know yet.
Why are people talking about Disease X now?
Disease X was recently the subject of an expert panel discussion at the 2024 World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, which featured Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO director-general.
This has brewed some conspiracy theories along the lines of “global elites preparing to release Disease X”. However, that’s a total distortion of what was said. In reality, the talk was simply about preparing for the next pandemic, which is almost inevitable (just as it always has been throughout human history).
"Disease X is a placeholder for an unknown disease… Although COVID came immediately, we were preparing for COVID-like diseases. You may even COVID as the ‘first Disease X’ - and it may happen again,” said Dr Tedros.
“Of course, there are some people that say this may create panic. No. It’s better to anticipate something that may happen – because it has happened in our history many times – and prepare for it,” he added.
Should you be worried about Disease X?
Well, in short, yes. However, there’s no need to panic – you certainly don’t need to raid the supermarkets for toilet paper.
Once again, it is almost inevitable there will be another global pandemic in the future. Disease outbreaks have riddled humanity throughout history and continually molded the shape of societies around the world.
In the 21st century, the risk of a pandemic is even higher since we live in a hyper-connected, globalized, and urbanized world that creates the ideal setting for an infectious pathogen to run riot across millions of people. Furthermore, humanity’s increasing infringement on the natural world is increasing the odds that it will run into potential pathogens and a spillover event will occur.
The good news is that the world is already taking steps to brace itself for the next pandemic, through an array of preparedness, prevention, and response measures. Hopefully, we also learned some good lessons about how to – and how not to – deal with disease outbreaks from the COVID-19 pandemic.
All “explainer” articles are confirmed by fact checkers to be correct at time of publishing. Text, images, and links may be edited, removed, or added to at a later date to keep information current.
|
https://www.iflscience.com/what-is-disease-x-and-why-are-people-talking-about-it-72586
| 2024-01-23T19:56:01Z
|
blocked_url
|
Where did life begin? While musing over this question in 1871, Charles Darwin suggested that the origins of life may have emerged from a “warm little pond” on the surface of the primordial Earth. Since then, scientists have learned that the complex molecules of life can indeed emerge from inorganic materials found in certain bodies of water. All you need are the right conditions. Now new research posits that shallow “soda lakes” in western Canada may match these conditions.
In 1952, the American chemist Stanley Miller, under the supervision of Harold C. Urey, conducted what is now known as the Miller-Urey experiment that tested whether organic molecules could be created from inorganic ones. During this experiment, the scientists found that amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) and other organic molecules could be created from the environmental conditions present on the early Earth. As such, it was a powerful demonstration of chemical evolution, whereby complex chemicals could emerge from simple ones over time.
Since then, researchers have shown that the building blocks of RNA can also be created in similar ways, but through a process requiring extremely high phosphate concentrations. This is because phosphates form the “backbone” of RNA and DNA, and is also a component of cell membranes.
But this has represented a problem in the past. To create these biomolecules in a laboratory, researchers need to use concentrations of phosphate that are hundreds to 1 million times higher than the levels typically found in natural rivers, lakes, or oceans. This “phosphate problem” has been a hurdle for the emergence of life hypothesis. However, soda lakes may solve it.
“I think these soda lakes provide an answer to the phosphate problem,” senior author David Catling, a University of Washington professor of Earth and space sciences said in a statement. “Our answer is hopeful: This environment should occur on the early Earth, and probably on other planets, because it’s just a natural outcome of the way that planetary surfaces are made and how water chemistry works.”
Soda lakes are named after the high levels of dissolved sodium and carbonate they contain, which is similar to dissolved baking soda. They get this property from the interaction between water and volcanic rocks beneath their surface. Importantly, these lakes can also contain high levels of dissolved phosphate.
In 2019, other work from the University of Washington showed that soda lakes could have been the hot spot for the emergence of early life. By combining chemical models with laboratory experiments, they showed that natural processes could theoretically concentrate phosphate levels to up to 1 million times higher than is typical.
In this new study, researchers went searching for potential examples of these types of conditions in nature. This brought them to the Last Chance Lake in British Columbia, Canada.
This lake is about 0.3 meters (1 foot) deep, with various murky patches, and meets the requirements for a soda lake. It sits above volcanic rock (basalt) and is surrounded by a dry, windy atmosphere that keeps water levels low, allowing for higher concentrations of dissolved compounds.
The team visited the lake three times between 2021 and 2022: they collected observations during early winter, when the lake was covered in ice; in early summer, when rain and ice-melt streams had raised water levels; and in late summer, when the lake had nearly dried up.
In most lakes, dissolved phosphate quickly binds with calcium to form calcium phosphate, the hard stuff that makes our teeth enamel. This would remove phosphate from the water. But in Last Chance Lake, calcium binds with carbonate and magnesium, forming dolomite. This means that the phosphate lacks a bonding partner, so its concentration rises.
“This study adds to growing evidence that evaporative soda lakes are environments meeting the requirements for origin-of-life chemistry by accumulating key ingredients at high concentrations,” Catling said.
In other lakes, such as the nearby Goodenough Lake, any spare phosphate tends to be used by other lifeforms, such as cyanobacteria– but at Last Chance, the salt content is so high that there are few living organisms present to consume it. This, the team argues, adds to its suitability as an analog for an otherwise lifeless Earth.
“These new findings will help inform origin-of-life researchers who are either replicating these reactions in the lab or are looking for potentially habitable environments on other planets,” Catling said.
The study is published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment.
|
https://www.iflscience.com/where-was-the-cradle-of-life-perhaps-it-was-a-shallow-warm-soda-lake-72583
| 2024-01-23T19:56:07Z
|
blocked_url
|
Celine Dion has faced a lot of challenges over the past few years, most recently her diagnosis with Stiff Person Syndrome, which she first spoke about in December 2022.
The My Heart Will Go On hitmaker has taken a step back from the spotlight, and has been forced to postpone and cancel planned shows as she puts her health first, although her sister, Claudette, has been keeping fans updated on her sister's progress by giving regular interviews.
According to French publication Tele 2 Semaines, the 74-year-old recently opened up about Celine's ailments, and how she first began to notice that something wasn't right back in the summer of 2021.
She said: "We know she's supported, she's an intelligent woman and we're not worried. We're not worried, because if it was very serious, we'd know about it."She also said that Celine was suffering from "leg cramps" before adding that it was "a kind of twisted foot that's giving her muscle spasms in the leg".
The symptoms started when she was in Quebec with her three children in the summer of 2021.
Claudette said: "I think she's pushed herself a bit too hard and her muscles are crying out. She gives more than she's able to… It's not the first time it's happened to her. She needs to take a couple of days off, and learn to listen to her body and not push herself too hard."
She later told Paris Match: "Celine isn't a diva, she's a wonderful human. She's worked very hard for this comeback, but she's pushed herself too much. It's always the same thing: she's very hard on herself. Her body is saying no.
"She's 53 years old. The peri-menopause and the hormonal changes it brings aren't helping."
It's been a difficult time for Celine and her family, as just last month, her niece Brigitte Dion, 51, tragically died in a car crash in the town of Saint-Thomas, in the Lanaudiere region of Quebec, Canada.
Brigitte was the daughter of Celine's older brother, Clement Dion, and according to the Journal de Montréal, Brigitte was killed in a head-on collision after a car left its lane for unknown reasons and ended up in the wrong direction.
While Celine has yet to comment on the death of her niece, Brigitte's daughter, Kim Cantin Dion, shared an emotional post on Facebook alongside photos of her and her mom.
She wrote in part: "I can't believe what I'm doing... the words... the pictures... I'm confused mom. Look how beautiful my mommy is. Cause you were my mom all to me. Just mine."
Kim added: "My mom was a little tired, but that wasn't the reason she left. My mom wants us to remember the beautiful dynamite bomb she was.
"Remember the bridge that makes sparks. Talk about my mom often. Make her live again, my mom. You're still there mom. But otherwise. I love you mom."
Read more HELLO! US stories here
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/health-and-fitness/511910/celine-dion-muscle-spasm-symptoms-before-health-decline-revealed/
| 2024-01-23T20:51:28Z
|
blocked_url
|
Rocking a chic all-black ensemble by Fendi, Eugenie added a pop of berry red lipstick to her monochrome look.
Makeup artist Jessica Bérullier shared a full run-down of Eugenie's beauty look on Instagram, including a soft peachy blusher from Dior Beauty and Charlotte Tilbury highlighter.
See all of the royals who've attended the fashion shows in the gallery below...
Princess Eugenie, Dior Homme
Princess Eugenie was seated alongside French actor Nicolas Maury (right) at the Dior Homme show.
Dior is a couture house long loved by the royal family including the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the late Diana, Princess of Wales and the late Princess Margaret.
The Italian journalist and wife of Pierre Casiraghi looked elegant in a head-to-toe ensemble from Dior's Fall/Winter 2023 Couture collection.
Beatrice has been an ambassador for the French fashion house since the start of 2021.
Charlotte Casiraghi, Chanel
Princess Caroline's daughter looked elegant in a houndstooth jacket with blue jeans and Mary Jane-style heels.
The model and mother-of-two has been a Chanel brand ambassador since 2021.
Princess Alexandra of Hanover, Chanel
The 24-year-old, who is the daughter of Princess Caroline of Monaco and Ernst August, Prince of Hanover, is already a style muse.
The figure skater looked chic in a black tuxedo dress with gold braiding around the cuffs and pockets, teamed with sheer tights and heeled mules
Bourbon-Two Sicilies royals, Giorgio Armani Prive
Princess Camilla of Bourbon-Two Sicilies made a glamorous appearance alongside her daughters, Princess Maria Chiara and Princess Maria Carolina at the Giorgio Armani Privé Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2024 show in Paris.
Princess Alexandra of Hanover, Giambattista Valli
Princess Alexandra of Hanover looked striking in a tangerine-hued dress at the Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2024 show.
LISTEN: King Charles 'loves' seeing his grandchildren Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511908/princess-beatrice-beatrice-borromeo-royals-paris-fashion-week/
| 2024-01-23T20:51:35Z
|
blocked_url
|
The 81st Golden Globes proved meaningful to Jennifer Aniston for two reasons – it was her first red carpet since the death of her close friend Matthew Perry, and it marked the return of "The Rachel."
The popular haircut, characterized by a choppy layered style, often found with highlights that frame the face, was a staple for her character Rachel Green during the '90s and '00s, and was one of the biggest trends of the era.
It seems like good things never go out of style, though, as the 54-year-old star gave the style an updated look on her latest red carpet, and the 'do remains as viral as ever.
Hair experts at GetHair reported that the style was the most popular cut of 2023, particularly on TikTok, with the tag "#rachelgreenhair" appearing on videos that have racked up over 39 million views in the past year.
Hair transplant expert Dr. Tayfun Oguzoglu speaks with HELLO! about the phenomenon and explains what makes the style so popular. "The proven popularity of Jennifer Aniston's iconic 'Rachel' hairstyle, as much so now as when it first debuted in the '90s, can be attributed to the actress' celebrity influence, the nostalgia of the show and the timelessness of the hairstyle."
He continues: "The style encapsulated the carefree spirit of the '90s comedy series, which many are continuing to try and emulate."
Dr. Oguzoglu also elaborated on her bringing back the style in a new way and how that was adding to its appeal while explaining how the subtle changes made to the look helped.
MORE: Jennifer Aniston is a vision in leather micro shorts
"The star's new take on her original style, 'The Rachel', takes inspiration from the iconic look whilst bringing a more toned-down and softer version of the haircut. To create a modern take on the style she has a softer layered look with more natural highlights."
He concluded: "The beauty of 'The Rachel' hairstyle is that it is versatile, and can be adapted to suit everyone. The layering works to frame the wearer's face and can be styled to suit each person's face shape.
MORE: Jennifer Aniston wows in feathers and sequins
"This brings with it the timeless appeal of the look, as layered, voluminous hair continues to be popular year after year." The popularity could be attributed to a resurgence in rewatches for Friends after Matthew's death.
Jennifer has been a fixture of several red carpets already this year, thanks to her nominated work in The Morning Show, but was absent at the Emmys despite a rumored reunion with her Friends co-stars.
MORE: How the 2024 Emmys paid an emotional tribute to Friends actor Matthew Perry
Several early reports suggested that the five living stars of the iconic NBC sitcom would reunite for a tribute to their late Friend, but in a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Emmys executive producers Jeannae Rouzan-Clay and Jesse Collins revealed that it wasn't in the cards.
Explaining that it felt "too fresh," Jesse shared: "I can imagine, from their side, they're mourning someone who was still very close to them. I can't speak for them, but we all have to respect that they were their own family. It was probably just a little too soon."
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features, and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/hair/511911/jennifer-aniston-returns-the-rachel-secret-behind-going-viral/
| 2024-01-23T21:00:15Z
|
blocked_url
|
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards
Spin the wheel now
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/st-picks-the-realities-of-hiring-people-with-disabilities-and-special-needs
| 2024-01-23T21:16:00Z
|
blocked_url
|
SINGAPORE – My first encounter with the folks at Foreword Coffee Roasters was a somewhat awkward affair.
Rushing for time and unaware that I was speaking to someone with a hearing disability, I had rattled off my coffee order to the cashier, who, instead of responding verbally, pointed to his ears and smiled.
I did not understand his gesture, so I unabashedly raised my voice and repeated my order. Luckily, my friend quickly stepped in to help translate the order using sign language, much to my relief and everybody’s amusement.
This short interaction led me to seek out the man behind Foreword: Mr Lim Wei Jie.
Founded in 2017, Foreword Coffee Roasters is a Singapore-based social enterprise start-up that employs individuals with disabilities or special needs in its cafes and coffee roastery.
Mr Lim, its co-founder and director, hopes to reduce social stigma by placing such workers in customer-facing roles, thereby giving them more opportunities for public interaction.
“If we have more opportunities to interact with people with disabilities, we will have more positive experiences and view them as more diverse and able than what we think,” said the 32-year-old.
Of the 35 employees working in Foreword’s seven cafes here, around 80 per cent are people with disabilities, special needs or mental health conditions.
Part-time staff make up about half the company’s workforce. Mr Lim said part-time employees are compensated at a rate below the market average to encourage their transition to full-time positions, while full-time staff receive a competitive salary.
The workers, usually referred to Foreword by social service agencies like the Singapore Association for the Deaf or focal agency SG Enable, are able enough to live and work independently, but they do not qualify for mainstream employment because of the time needed to train and place them in suitable roles.
The majority of Foreword’s supervisors are deaf, and they are tasked with managing employees who may have other special needs or disabilities, such as autism, mild intellectual disability or cerebral palsy.
Mr Lim, who studied psychology at the National University of Singapore (NUS), said that besides the challenges of running a business, working with people with disabilities or special needs can be emotionally taxing.
He also has to manage the expectations of his employees’ parents, some of whom have high expectations for the business to provide for their children for the long term.
“The challenge so far is always how to renew our energies, and keep ourselves going,” he said, adding that it takes a lot of time and patience to train his staff.
But tough choices are part and parcel of running Foreword, he said.
The start-up has had to fire some of its workers due to behavioural issues and job mismatches.
“The first employee I let go worked with me for almost three years. He was great in his role, but he has autism and all my supervisors were unable to manage him... If someone cannot gel with the team, I can’t just sacrifice our team culture for one individual,” Mr Lim said.
As there are no signs at Foreword’s cafes indicating that it employs workers with disabilities, customer expectations can be another wild card.
Mr Lim noted that customers have complained that the service provided was subpar simply because their orders were not understood or they had to repeat themselves.
“We want our customers to know that people with disabilities are able to serve normally, given sufficient training,” he said.
“The ones who need to change are us – we need to change the way we communicate and the way we treat people with disabilities.”
To date, Foreword has raised about $450,000 from its founders and entrepreneurship schemes like the DBS Foundation Grant Programme, the Lotus-NUS Fund, and the VentureForGood Grant by the Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise.
The start-up is currently breaking even, and is seeking funds from impact investors.
Foreword also runs a coffee pushcart which can be hired for corporate events. It will open its eighth cafe at the Esplanade by mid-2024.
Mr Lim, who is married but has no children, said that when he launched Foreword, he had to communicate with his employees through written instructions on notepads. He eventually became proficient in sign language after completing a 10-week course.
Additionally, he incorporates psychology theories, such as the ABC Model (incorporating antecedents, behaviour and consequences), as a tool to understand any problematic behaviour at work.
Reflecting on his start-up journey, Mr Lim noted that it took “some naivety” to start Foreword.
He said: “As I gained maturity over the past years, I realised that it’s much tougher than I expected... But it’s rewarding, and I want to grow the business’ influence in the disability community so that we can continue to advocate for them.”
Fun facts about Lim Wei Jie
- He runs to de-stress.
- He likes to cook with his wife.
- He collects ceramic coffee cups.
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/starting-a-start-up-social-enterprise-hires-people-with-disabilities-to-help-reduce-social-stigma
| 2024-01-23T21:16:10Z
|
blocked_url
|
There has been a noticeable shift in recent years among consumers and investors towards financial products that embrace sustainability.
According to Global Market Insights, the sustainable finance market is expected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 22.4 per cent from 2023 to 2032, driven by investors who seek financial returns alongside measurable social and environmental impacts.
This uptick is a clear indication of the changing priorities of this group, who are increasingly aligning their financial goals with their concerns for sustainable and ethical practice.
To meet the growing demand for solutions that promote a sustainable future, Citibank Singapore recently became the first bank in the country to join the Mastercard Priceless Planet Coalition (PPC), marking another step in the bank’s contribution to environmental conservation.
The PPC is an initiative that brings together merchant and issuer partners of Mastercard in an effort to restore 100 million trees. As a PPC partner, Citibank has pledged to restore at least 1,000 trees monthly over two years in partnership with Mastercard and environmental non-profit groups Conservation International and World Resources Institute.
This initiative involves a global portfolio of high-quality restoration projects that currently includes 20 reforestation projects across six continents, helping to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, tackle biodiversity loss and environmental pollution, as well as empower local communities.
Spending with the planet in mind
The bank joined the PPC to mark the launch of the Citigold Private Client (CPC) World Elite Debit Mastercard. The card offers exclusive privileges for CPC clients with a minimum asset under management of S$1.5 million with Citibank. With each S$1,000 spent using this card, Citibank pledges to restore one tree on behalf of its clients.
Brendan Carney, Citibank Singapore’s chief executive officer, said: “Our CPC clients are global citizens with interests and responsibilities that transcend geographical borders, and we designed these card enhancements to provide them with even more value as they work, play, and travel globally.
“We know that sustainability matters to our clients in this top-tier segment, and that’s why we joined the Mastercard Priceless Planet Coalition in tandem with this launch.”
Promoting a sustainable future
As a bank with a global footprint, Citi is committed to helping to responsibly transition to a low-carbon economy by working with clients to help decarbonise their businesses.
In Singapore, Citibank Singapore also recognises that its retail clients are increasingly prioritising environmental issues, and is doing more to promote a sustainable future for all.
Beyond being a partner of the coalition, Citibank Singapore offers its clients investment insights on sustainability-related trends.
From as early as 2021, it has identified “Greening the world” as an “unstoppable trend”. In its latest Wealth Outlook 2024 report, it put the spotlight on renewable energy, noting that the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (Opec) recent decision to cut production to support oil prices could make greener energy sources more attractive and valuable.
Renewable energy is among several “unstoppable trends”; others being increasing longevity and healthcare innovation, as well as AI-propelled digitisation, that the bank has identified as “powerful multi-year forces that produce lasting change in multiple spheres”. The bank offers a range of products and solutions where clients are able to participate in these “unstoppable trends” as they build their portfolios.
Said Carney: “By marrying financial services with environmental stewardship, we hope not only to cater to the needs of our affluent clients but also contribute meaningfully to the global sustainability agenda.”
Get up to S$44,155 when you start a Citigold Private Client relationship and enjoy a limited time S$888 wealth booster*. Learn more about it here.
*Terms and conditions apply.
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/invest/go-green-while-growing-your-wealth-bank-creating-opportunities-for-you-to-fight-climate-change-citibank
| 2024-01-23T21:16:20Z
|
blocked_url
|
Just over 15 years from its launch in January 2009, Bitcoin – the world’s leading crypto asset – has now gone mainstream.
On Jan 10, after about a decade of holding back, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) finally gave the green light for spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), in which Bitcoin is the underlying asset, to be traded on US exchanges.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/bitcoin-etfs-will-reshape-the-investment-landscape
| 2024-01-23T21:16:52Z
|
blocked_url
|
The adage, “Be the change you want to see”, will have a new meaning here with the formation of the Singapore Government Partnerships Office (SGPO) to act as a focal point for those who have ideas and want to work together with the Government, amid a push to broaden and deepen partnerships between the Government and the people. The SGPO will help connect people and groups, direct them to funding sources, and work with government agencies to identify more opportunities for collaboration. The aim of the office is to make partnering the Government more seamless and accessible.
Partnerships – and the consultative approach to politics that underpins them – are based on the idea that, while the Government is obliged to take and implement decisions on behalf of all Singaporeans, it does not have all the answers. Compared with the early decades of independence, Singapore’s economy is far more advanced now, the society far more mature, and its citizens far more aware and demanding. This is as it should be. The new office would develop deep understanding of the public mood in an evolving nation, facilitate the national conversation among citizens and between them and the Government, and convey feedback to the authorities so that policy can be fine-tuned as necessary. True, there already are various platforms for government agencies to partner with community groups, but it can be difficult for people to figure out which agency to approach. The SGPO would provide a single-counter service to consolidate partnerships which, great or small, do contribute to a palpable sense among Singaporeans that their voices, suggestions and concerns are being heard and acted on, where feasible.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/citizens-as-government-partners
| 2024-01-23T21:17:02Z
|
blocked_url
|
I refer to Mr Lai Yew Chan’s letter “Not easy to replicate Mount Alvernia Hospital model” (Jan 18).
I agree with his observation about how commercial considerations lock horns with compassionate healthcare. I am a surgeon in private practice and have served as a volunteer on the Singapore Medical Association Council for 20 years and advocate for doctors and patients.
In many of my talks, I share my view that when running a business, one should always seek to be profitable; that is common sense. However, in healthcare matters, I firmly believe that one must not profiteer from others’ suffering.
We must acknowledge that healthcare needs are constant. With technological advancements and the increasing complexity of medical conditions, healthcare costs will keep going up. Many factors contribute to the costs: multidisciplinary care teams, imaging studies, laboratory tests, administration, logistics, marketing, insurance companies, third-party agents. Shareholders who have invested in a healthcare firm expect profits and returns.
There is no simple solution when so many stakeholders are involved. I urge everyone to also play a part, by taking up personal responsibility in health education. Understand your medical conditions, go for health screenings, and do your due diligence in understanding what your medical insurance covers and what options are available to you.
How does one access subsidised care; what are the pros and cons? How does one access private care, be it within a restructured hospital or a private hospital? What are the differences? What is co-payment; what is the impact on the future yearly premiums?
As a surgeon, I take informed consent when performing surgery. As a consumer, I should also be informed about my options, and the financial implications.
When you choose a doctor, you might have asked for recommendations or gone for second opinions. Do you do the same before you buy insurance?
There are many official resources available from the Ministry of Health and Central Provident Fund Board, for example, on the financial aspects of medical care. People should read and understand how healthcare insurance plans are structured, so they are not caught by surprise.
Tan Yia Swam (Dr)
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forum/forum-be-responsible-for-own-health-education
| 2024-01-23T21:17:13Z
|
blocked_url
|
I agree that the accident and emergency (A&E) departments in public hospitals should attend only to those who need urgent care (Why are we still rushing to hospitals when it is not an emergency?, Jan 17).
The commentary suggested various reasons for the trend, such as patients being unable to assess the seriousness of their condition and hospitals having more facilities compared with general practitioner clinics, not all of which open 24 hours.
I would like to suggest that suitable polyclinics could function as 24-hour satellite A&E units and charge less than hospitals. General practitioner clinics with basic testing and X-ray facilities could also be appointed to operate 24-hour services.
Lim Chong Leong
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forum/forum-can-polyclinics-open-24-hours-to-take-the-load-off-ae-departments
| 2024-01-23T21:17:23Z
|
blocked_url
|
The announcement that commuters no longer need to switch to SimplyGo as the Land Transport Authority reversed its decision to scrap the older ticketing system by June was unexpected (LTA shelves plan to replace older public transport payment cards with SimplyGo by June, Jan 22).
After money was spent on a supposedly well-thought-through initiative, another $40 million will be spent so that commuters can continue using ez-link and Nets FlashPay cards for public transport.
It was reported the funds will be spent on maintaining and replacing the hardware of the card-based ticketing system. The authorities should still give a breakdown and account for the money spent.
In addition, the hiccups commuters experienced in the upgrading process are disappointing.
It was reported that people could not use some of the SimplyGo app’s features and passengers faced difficulties in upgrading their ez-link cards to SimplyGo cards after the news of the conversion broke.
I hope the authorities will explain clearly to commuters what happened during this U-turn.
Ng Lee Kwang
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forum/forum-explain-what-happened-during-simplygo-u-turn
| 2024-01-23T21:17:33Z
|
blocked_url
|
I am disappointed with the Land Transport Authority’s decision to delay replacing older fare cards with SimplyGo cards.
The key issue is that SimplyGo does not show fare deductions and card balances at fare gates and bus card readers.
Instead of spending $40 million to prolong the old system, these resources could have been better used to introduce real-time displays for commuters’ convenience and transparency.
The goal should be to offer a seamless and user-friendly public transportation experience, and this can be achieved by focusing on the necessary improvements within the system.
Chia Choon Leng
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forum/forum-improve-new-cards-instead-of-prolonging-use-of-older-cards
| 2024-01-23T21:17:44Z
|
blocked_url
|
We refer to the article “Some buyers hope for more BTO options, others rue move to hold just one sale of balance flats yearly” (Jan 9). It carried some views that fewer Build-To-Order (BTO) and Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercises in a year could result in perceived keener competition among applicants.
We would like to clarify that this will not be the case and, in fact, it is quite the opposite.
The BTO flat supply for each year remains unchanged regardless of the number of launches in a year. With the same number of flats spread across three BTO launches instead of four, flat buyers can look forward to a larger housing supply and a wider range of flat options at each sales launch. Applicants will thus face less competition and enjoy a higher chance of success in finding a flat that meets their budget and needs. In addition, a wider gap between sales launches will provide applicants with greater certainty as it reduces the extent of overlaps between flat selection exercises.
As for SBF flats, the total yearly supply is much smaller than BTO flats, ranging from 7 per cent to 25 per cent of the annual BTO supply in recent years. However, due to their shorter waiting times, demand for SBF flats can be as high as BTO flats.
For example, if there are 1,500 SBF flats for sale and 10,000 SBF applicants, launching them in one instead of two exercises will reduce the application rate by half, to 6.6 from 13.3. Splitting the limited flat supply over two exercises, each with 750 flats on offer, is equivalent to having all SBF flat applicants applying for a single BTO project. This will significantly reduce the chance of success and lead to more disappointment for applicants.
To help home buyers, especially first-timers, move into their new homes and settle down quickly, we will launch about 2,800 BTO flats with shorter waiting times of less than three years this year. We will also recalibrate our building programme so that over time, such flats form a larger proportion of our supply of new flats.
Emily Ang
Acting Director (Marketing & Development)
Housing & Development Board
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forum/forum-larger-housing-supply-at-each-launch-will-offer-more-choices-and-reduce-competition
| 2024-01-23T21:17:54Z
|
blocked_url
|
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/st-picks-a-matter-of-trust-what-simplygo-lacks
| 2024-01-23T21:18:05Z
|
blocked_url
|
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/st-picks-bitcoin-etfs-could-reshape-the-investment-landscape
| 2024-01-23T21:18:15Z
|
blocked_url
|
While walking around Arab Street recently, I chanced upon a quaint cafe. I was paying for my takeaway when the woman at the cafe blurted excitedly: “Is that you, Madam Intan?”
I did a double take and asked, “Did I teach you back in Woodlands Secondary School?”, to which she said that I taught her mathematics, and that she enjoyed it. I recalled her name, and that she was a bubbly girl who played netball.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/the-key-to-unlocking-a-young-person-s-potential-significant-adults
| 2024-01-23T21:18:25Z
|
blocked_url
|
If the SimplyGo debacle could be boiled down to one emotion, it would be trust or, more precisely, the lack thereof.
At its core, the SimplyGo payment process and its accompanying app, although offering expanded functionality in many ways, are unable to elicit in users the critical feeling of trust – trust that the transaction has gone smoothly, trust that you have been charged fairly and trust that your hard-earned money is safely stored for future rides.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/trust-the-feature-that-vending-machines-and-atms-share-but-simplygo-lacks
| 2024-01-23T21:18:36Z
|
blocked_url
|
ANKARA - Turkey’s parliament on Jan 23 ratified Sweden’s Nato membership after more than a year of delays that upset Western efforts to show resolve in the face of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Lawmakers voted 287-55 in favour of the Nordic nation’s bid to become the 32nd member of the alliance after it won the public backing of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The Turkish leader is expected to sign Sweden’s ratification document and conclude Ankara’s role in the protracted saga in the coming days.
Turkey’s green light leaves Hungary as the last holdout in an accession process that Sweden and Finland began in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago.
Ankara forced the northern neighbours to split up their applications after finding fault with Sweden and approving Finland after a few rounds of talks.
Finland’s membership in April 2023 doubled the length of Nato’s border with Russia and boosted the defences of three tiny Baltic nations that joined the bloc following the collapse of the former Soviet Union.
Sweden and Finland pursued a policy of military non-alignment during the Cold War era between the Soviet Union and the West.
But the Ukraine war upturned geopolitical calculations and forced the two to seek the nuclear protection afforded by the world’s most powerful defence bloc.
Hungary has followed Turkey’s lead throughout the Nato accession process and was expected to approve Sweden’s without significant resistance.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Jan 23 invited his Swedish counterpart to Budapest to discuss the bid.
But hints emerged on Jan 23 of strains between Stockholm and Budapest.
Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said he saw “no reason” to negotiate with Hungary about Stockholm’s Nato candidacy “at this point”.
Demand for US jets
Mr Orban and Mr Erdogan have maintained good rapports with Russian President Vladimir Putin throughout the Ukraine war.
Nato leaders had feared that the Kremlin was trying to use the two mercurial leaders – both regular visitors to Moscow – to seed divisions in the West.
The bloc’s commanders have cast the latest round of expansion as a show of Western resolve in the face of Russia’s aggression.
Mr Erdogan’s objections to Sweden’s bid initially focused on Stockholm’s perceived acceptance of Kurdish groups that Ankara views as “terrorist”.
Sweden responded by tightening its anti-terrorism legislation and taking other security steps demanded by Mr Erdogan.
But Mr Erdogan then turned his gaze on an unmet US pledge to deliver a batch of F-16 fighter jets that has met resistance in Congress because of Turkey’s perceived backsliding on human rights and standoffs with fellow Nato member Greece.
Turkey also wants Canada to follow through on its promise to lift a ban on the sale of a key component used for making combat drones.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Turkey over two visits in the past three months that the Swedish candidacy’s ratification could help break congressional resistance to the F-16 sale.
“We have not parsed words about how ready we are for Sweden to formally join the alliance,” deputy State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said, after news emerged on Jan 22 that Turkey was on the verge of finally voting on Sweden’s candidacy.
Turkish opposition lawmaker Cengiz Candar said during the Jan 23 ratification debate that Turkey’s leaders had “blackmailed” their Western partners during the drawn out negotiation process.
“Turkey violated three pillars of foreign policy: predictability, credibility and consistency,” he said before voting for the bid. AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/turkey-ratifies-swedens-nato-membership-after-protracted-delay
| 2024-01-23T21:18:46Z
|
blocked_url
|
WASHINGTON - US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Jan 23 that Washington’s support to Ukraine remains “unwavering” as it fights Russia’s invasion, even as Congress remains deadlocked on aid requested by the White House.
Dr Yellen affirmed the US stance in a virtual meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, where she also “underscored the importance of Congress acting on financial support for Ukraine as quickly as possible,” according to a Treasury Department readout.
Although US lawmakers last week green-lit temporary funding to avert a partial government shutdown, Congress remains divided on key issues.
Republicans are demanding tightened border security and strict immigration curbs before they will consider President Joe Biden’s request for US$106 billion (S$140 billion) in supplemental cash, mostly for Ukraine and Israel.
On Jan 23, Yellen stressed the Biden Administration’s efforts to secure US$11.8 billion in direct budgetary support to Ukraine as part of the national security supplemental request before Congress.
Meanwhile, the European Union has been trying to get Hungary, Russia’s closest ally in the bloc, to drop its veto on €50 billion (S$70 billion) in financial aid for Ukraine at a summit on Feb 1.
US budget support aids Ukraine on the home front in its resistance against Russia, by helping maintain key government operations, said the Treasury on Jan 23.
US efforts also helps to “catalyse other donors,” boosting Ukraine financing, the Treasury added.
“Providing financial support to Ukraine will help Ukraine win the war and advance US national security interests globally,” the statement said.
On Jan 23, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke via video link at the opening of a meeting on aid for Ukraine’s fight against invading Russian forces.
“The security of the entire international community is on the line in Ukraine’s fight. I am more determined than ever to work with our allies and partners to support Ukraine and to get the job done,” Mr Austin said. AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/us-support-for-ukraine-unwavering-financial-aid-key-says-yellen
| 2024-01-23T21:18:56Z
|
blocked_url
|
WASHINGTON - Atomic scientists on Jan 23 kept their “Doomsday Clock” set as close to midnight as ever before, citing Russia’s actions on nuclear weapons amid its invasion of Ukraine, nuclear-armed Israel’s Gaza war and worsening climate change as factors driving the risk of global catastrophe.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, as they did last year, set the clock at 90 seconds to midnight - the theoretical point of annihilation. Scientists set the clock based on “existential” risks to Earth and its people: nuclear threats, climate change and disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence and new biotechnology.
“Conflict hot spots around the world carry the threat of nuclear escalation, climate change is already causing death and destruction, and disruptive technologies like AI and biological research advance faster than their safeguards,” Dr Rachel Bronson, the Bulletin’s president and chief executive officer, told Reuters, adding that keeping the clock unchanged from the prior year is “not an indication that the world is stable.”
The Chicago-based nonprofit created the clock in 1947 during the Cold War tensions that followed World War II to warn the public about how close humankind was to destroying the world. It said on Jan 23 that ominous trends continue to point toward catastrophe, including the fact that China, Russia and the United States all are spending large amounts of money to expand or modernise their nuclear arsenals, boosting the risk of nuclear war through mistake or miscalculation.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, set to reach its second anniversary in February, has escalated tensions with the West to their most dangerous levels since the Cold War.
“A durable end to Russia’s war in Ukraine seems distant, and the use of nuclear weapons by Russia in that conflict remains a serious possibility. In the past year Russia has sent numerous worrying nuclear signals,” Dr Bronson said.
Dr Bronson cited Russian President Vladimir Putin’s February 2023 decision to suspend Russian participation in the New Start treaty with the United States that limited the strategic nuclear arsenals of the two countries. The United States and Russia together hold nearly 90 per cent of the world’s nuclear warheads, enough to destroy the planet many times over.
Dr Bronson additionally cited Mr Putin’s March 2023 announcement of Russia’s deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus and the Russian parliament’s October 2023 passage of a law withdrawing ratification of the global treaty banning nuclear weapons tests. Russian analyst Sergei Karaganov in 2023 also spoke of the need to threaten nuclear strikes in Europe in order to intimidate and “sober up” Moscow’s enemies.
Traditional nuclear arms control has come to an end for now even as a three-way nuclear arms race is shaping up among China, Russia and the United States, said Professor Alexander Glaser of Princeton University, a member of the Bulletin’s board of experts on nuclear technology and climate science.
“The picture is quite bleak on the nuclear side this year,” Prof Glaser added.
Israel has been at war with Hamas since the Palestinian Islamist group, based in Gaza, launched attacks in southern Israel in October 2023.
“As a nuclear state, Israel’s actions are clearly relevant to the Doomsday Clock discussion. Of particular worry is that the conflict might escalate more broadly in the region creating a larger conventional war and drawing in more nuclear powers or near-nuclear powers,” Dr Bronson said.
Climate change was added as a factor in setting the clock in 2007.
“The world in 2023 entered into uncharted territory as it suffered its hottest year on record and global greenhouse gas emissions continued to rise,” Dr Bronson said. “Both global and North Atlantic sea-surface temperatures broke records, and Antarctic sea ice reached its lowest daily extent since the advent of satellite data.”
Dr Bronson said that while 2023 was a record-breaking year for clean energy with US$1.7 trillion (S$2.2 trillion) in new investments, fossil fuel investments totalled nearly US$1 trillion. Dr Bronson called current efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions “grossly insufficient to avoid dangerous human and economic impacts from climate change, which disproportionately affect the poorest people in the world.”
The Bulletin was founded in 1945 by scientists including Albert Einstein and J. Robert Oppenheimer. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/atomic-scientists-keep-doomsday-clock-as-close-to-midnight-as-ever
| 2024-01-23T21:19:07Z
|
blocked_url
|
KUALA LUMPUR – Political tensions are rising in Malaysia as the wife of former finance minister Daim Zainuddin was charged in court on Jan 23 with failure to declare her assets, while a son of former premier Mahathir Mohamad is under a separate anti-graft probe.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is using the investigations over alleged corruption against the two Tuns and their family members to showcase his fight against graft involving prominent people.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-pm-pushes-anti-graft-probes-against-foes-raising-questions-over-potential-abuse?utm_campaign=STPicks
| 2024-01-23T21:20:28Z
|
blocked_url
|
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.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/life/man-swam-cycled-ran-9555km-in-singapore-to-set-record-for-longest-triathlon?utm_campaign=STPicks
| 2024-01-23T21:20:38Z
|
blocked_url
|
With a brush dipped in red ink, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing dotted the eyes of the lion crouched before him.
The majestic creature batted its eyelids and sprang to life in a celebratory dance as the rhythmic beat of drums and clash of cymbals resonated through the air.
Fair to say, the Chinese New Year celebration in Holland Close on Jan 20 did not involve a run-of-the-mill lion dance performance.
The exuberant show at the community event marked the debut of the Silver Pride Lion Troupe, Singapore’s first group of lion dancing seniors.
Taking turns to manipulate the lion head were Mr Tan Sung Ming, 68, a retired process manager, and Mr Chia Chiang Teck, an 80-year-old part-timer with McDonald’s.
The hind position was supported by lion dance trainer Chua Lai Hock, 74.
Mr Tan said that for him, lion dance was not just a physical pursuit but a tangible connection to his cultural heritage.
“I witnessed many lion dances before, but I did not know the meaning behind the movements. Learning lion dance reconnects me with my childhood,” he said, adding that he gave himself 85 marks out of 100 for his debut performance.
During the show, his 95-year-old mother watched him perform approvingly.
Mr Chia, who is trained in wushu, gave himself six out of 10.
“Maybe it’s easier for me as I have a basic foundation, but my legs have grown weaker with age,” he said. “I’m glad I can perform seated (in a wheelchair).”
The 25-strong troupe, whose youngest member is 63 years old and oldest member 99, went through a training programme specially designed for seniors by lion dance masters at Cantonese clan association Kong Chow Wui Koon.
Over six two-hour training sessions that began in December 2023, the performers spent their Friday afternoons doing specially choreographed chair Zumba exercises at Fei Yue Active Ageing Centre (Holland Close).
These included body twists, leg raises and arm extensions with martial arts and lion dance movements using stress balls and weighted hula hoops to build their agility, grip strength and dexterity.
The Silver Pride Lion Troupe is a programme supported by the Lien Foundation, heritage consultancy Bridging Generations, and innovation design studio NextOfKin Creatives (NOK), in collaboration with Kong Chow Wui Koon and Fei Yue Family Service Centre.
By 2030, one in four Singaporeans will be aged 65 and above, and 100,000 may require assistance with at least one activity of daily living, according to the Ministry of Health.
To better support the ageing population and lighten the burden on the healthcare sector, the programme taps into Singapore’s cultural heritage to help seniors stay active, healthy and socially engaged.
Mr Lee Poh Wah, Lien Foundation’s chief executive, said: “Lion dance is synonymous with vitality, community, celebration and life – the very things we don’t associate with seniors. Seeing them perform such a dance helps us break down walls. The lion can be a Trojan horse to fight ageism.”
While many existing lion dance troupes have older performers, they are usually long-time practitioners.
In contrast, the Silver Pride Lion Troupe performs a modified choreography with equipment suited to elderly first-timers.
Ms Lynn Wong, a fifth-generation disciple of famed martial arts and lion dance master Wong Fei Hung, redesigned the choreography for the seniors.
The 35-year-old is the director of Bridging Generations and a member of the Kong Chow Wui Koon lion dance troupe.
She consulted 76-year-old Master Siew Puay Lee (below), a third-generation disciple of Master Wong, to develop a sequence that stays true to the essence of a traditional lion dance performance while also adapted for seniors.
In the modified choreography, the front dancer sits in a wheelchair regardless of his functional ability, while the hind dancer performs the footwork and manoeuvres the front dancer’s wheelchair. This allows elderly people of all abilities to find a role in the troupe.
The lion head and cymbals were modified by the NOK team for the seniors, after testing them out with at least 30 other seniors at two social service agencies – Fei Yue Family Service Centre and Yong-en Care Centre.
Mr Sim Hao Jie, NOK’s design lead, said: “Ease of use and safety were the top priorities when we altered the lion head. We redesigned and 3D-printed a more accessible pulley and lever system for easier control over the lion’s eye blinking and ear twitching, and integrated padded grips and non-slip tapes to enhance grip stability and comfort.”
On average, more male seniors signed up for the lion dance training compared with other activities at Fei Yue Active Ageing Centre (Holland Close).
Mr Arthur Ling, chief executive of Fei Yue Family Service Centre, said it is heartening to see seniors breaking societal stigmas and physical limitations to perform the lion dance.
The oldest member of the troupe is Madam Mah Ying Khuan, a 99-year-old retired cook who lives alone in a block of rental flats nearby. While she does not have enough strength to play the cymbals, she led other seniors in clapping to the beat.
“I always participate in Fei Yue’s activities,” she said in Cantonese. “I believe one should keep on learning.”
The performance was a treat for non-Chinese residents too.
Madam Norlia Buang, 77, said: “I’m here to support my friends who are performing, and I’m happy they did a very good job.”
With the completion of the pilot programme and the Lien Foundation’s funding support, Bridging Generations and NOK hope to keep the troupe going to allow more seniors to participate.
They also aim to transform other heritage culinary practices, dance, and arts and craft into active ageing programmes.
Find out more at https://inheritage.sg
Watch the video to see how Singapore’s first lion dance troupe for seniors moves to the beat.
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/graphics/2024/01/silver-pride-lion-troupe-singapore/index.html?shell
| 2024-01-23T21:20:49Z
|
blocked_url
|
On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, Canada’s Minister of Defense, Bill Blair, announced a new package of military assistance for Ukraine during the 18th meeting of the Contact Group on Defense Issues (Ramstein format). This includes the transfer of Canadian instructors to assist in the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets.
The acquisition of F-16 fighter jets is significant for Ukraine as it seeks to enhance its air superiority against Russian forces.
As reported by European Pravda, the military assistance package, valued at approximately $15 million, consists of 10 rigid-hull inflatable boats from Zodiac Hurricane Technologies.
These boats will aid Ukraine in operations such as search and rescue, troop and cargo transport, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Each boat provided by Canada will be equipped with modern sensor, navigation, and communication systems. Additionally, Canada will facilitate the training of Ukrainian military personnel on these boats, with the expectation that Ukraine will receive them by the end of spring 2024.
In parallel, starting from February 2024, Canada, as part of the F-16 coalition, will provide civilian instructors, aircraft, and support personnel to assist in the training of Ukrainian pilots, in collaboration with Denmark and France. This training program is set to continue until 2025.
Finally, during the “Ramstein” meeting, the Canadian Minister of Defense announced Canada’s participation in the armored vehicle coalition and the coalition for the development of Ukraine’s Air Force, established by the participants of the format.
It’s worth noting that the current meeting of the Contact Group on Defense Issues took place online and focused on Ukraine’s long-term needs. In his opening remarks, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine in its resistance against full-scale Russian aggression.
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/23/canada-to-provide-naval-boats-and-f-16-training-support-to-ukraine/
| 2024-01-23T21:24:09Z
|
blocked_url
|
In a recent address during the opening of the Defense Contact Group meeting (Ramstein format), Ukraine’s Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov highlighted Ukraine’s resilience in the face of Russian aggression.
He pointed out that despite Russia’s significant military operations, they struggled to achieve their objectives and suffered heavy losses.
Umerov stated that Russia is currently losing approximately 400 soldiers for every square kilometer of Ukrainian territory captured. Additionally, Russia used six times more artillery shells than Ukrainian forces, yet it took them a year to capture Bakhmut and Mariinka.
Umerov highlighted the significance of defense technologies, which will play a central role in Ukraine’s defense agenda for 2024. He pointed out that while Russia had invested heavily in FPV drones, Ukraine had made progress in developing its countermeasures.
“Despite a sixfold artillery advantage, the enemy failed to achieve any significant results. Imagine how the situation on the battlefield would change if the proportions were 1 to 1,” Umerov said.
In his address, Umerov encouraged collaboration and investment in defense technologies, joint production, and long-term contracts with interested companies. He emphasized that Ukraine could outsmart Russian forces through an asymmetric approach, including technology integration, precise decision-making, and coordination.
“In just two months, the terrorist regime unleashed over 600 rockets and more than 1000 Shahed drones on Ukrainian cities. The number of Shahed drones launched increased by over a third,” Umerov said.
Despite facing thousands of rocket attacks from Russia in recent months, Umerov mentioned that Ukraine’s air defense capabilities had improved significantly. The country had also focused on building fortifications and investing in technologies to enhance its defense.
“Despite their resources and advantage in weapon production, Russia has not made significant progress toward achieving its strategic objectives,” Umerov said. “The entire Russian military machine is operating at full capacity to attack small Ukrainian villages.”
Umerov also thanked countries that have taken the lead in developing coalition capabilities:
– The United States, Denmark, and the Netherlands – Aviation Coalition
– France – Artillery Coalition
– Great Britain and Norway – Naval Coalition
– Germany and Poland – Armored Coalition
– Estonia and Luxembourg – IT Coalition
– Lithuania – Demining Coalition
He also expressed his gratitude to the United States, France, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Norway, and other partners for military cooperation.
Umerov added that recently Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense established a two-tier procurement system based on NATO principles.
In conclusion, Minister Umerov conveyed Ukraine’s determination to defend its sovereignty and expressed gratitude to its international partners for their support in developing Ukraine’s military potential. He underlined the importance of innovation and technology in maintaining a strategic advantage in the ongoing war.
“We can outsmart the enemy by applying an asymmetric approach. Through technology integration, training, precise decision-making, and coordination. By improving personnel selection, supply chain management, and digital solutions. This will provide us with technological and strategic superiority,” he concluded.
Rustem Umerov assumed the role of Ukraine’s Defense Minister in September 2023, replacing Oleksiy Reznikov. Umerov is actively engaged in international discussions, including negotiations with the US and Belgium for defense support, as well as proposing Türkiye’s participation in a Black Sea security coalition. His call for Ukrainian expatriates to join the military and his role in advocating for enhanced maritime security in the Black Sea underscore his dedication to bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities and international partnerships.
Related:
- Ukraine to receive €611 million in Belgian military aid
- Ukraine’s Defense Minister Umerov cancels France visit
- Umerov, News from Ukraine
- Defense Minister: Ukrainian drone manufacturers working
- Germany not to deport Ukrainian citizens for service in
- ISW: Russian forces take minor gains near Avdiivka
- Umerov: Ukraine to receive military aid from US despite
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/23/russia-loses-400-soldiers-per-square-kilometer-in-ukraine-umerov-says/
| 2024-01-23T21:24:17Z
|
blocked_url
|
Exclusive
Military
Russia loses 400 soldiers per square kilometer in Ukraine, Umerov says. Despite a sixfold artillery advantage, Russia failed to achieve advantage, Ukraine’s defense minister said.
Military: Russians intensify artillery, drone strikes in southern Ukraine. Russia mounts over 100 daily artillery attacks on Kherson Oblast, intensifies drone strikes to make up for time lost when weather impacted operations, the Ukrainian military says.
Ukraine downs all eight Russian suicide drones in nighttime attack. Russia continues its Shahed suicide drone attacks: last night it targeted Ukraine’s center and south with eight drones, all were downed, injuring no one, according to Ukraine’s Air Force and regional authorities.
As of 23 Jan 2024, the approximate losses of weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces from the beginning of the invasion to the present day:
-
-
- Personnel: 377820 (+960)
- Tanks: 6214 (+22)
- APV: 11548 (+59)
- Artillery systems: 8947 (+51)
- MLRS: 970 (+2)
- Anti-aircraft systems: 657
- Aircraft: 331
- Helicopters: 324
- UAV: 6961
- Cruise missiles : 1820 (+1)
- Warships/boats: 23
- Submarines: 1
- Vehicles and fuel tanks: 11956 (+65)
-
Intelligence and technology
Ukraine’s Brave cluster unveils AD Counter FPV system to counter Russian drones. The system, which emits white noise in the 850–940 MHz radio frequency range, renders FPV drones inoperable within a radius of up to 250 meters, even at distances of up to 3,000 meters from operators.
Canada to provide naval boats and F-16 training support to Ukraine. Canada’s Defense Minister Bill Blair announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, including sending Canadian instructors for F-16 fighter jet pilot training and providing 10 rigid-hull inflatable boats for various operational uses.
International
PM Shmyhal: Ukraine has three key tasks for 2024. Outlining 3 key objectives for 2024, Ukrainian PM Denys Shmyhal sought Poland’s backing to secure EU accession negotiations this year, clear NATO decisions on Ukraine’s pathway to membership at the Washington summit, and release of funding from the Ukraine Facility aid program.
NATO countries must prioritize security of their societies to defeat Russia, Zelenskyy says. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that victory over Russia hinges on NATO members fully committing to the war’s end, criticizing the skepticism and fears of escalation.
Humanitarian and social impact
Ukraine downs 21/41 Russian missiles in another massive missile assault that killed at least six civilians (updated). Ukraine’s Air Force says Russia launched 41 missiles as air defenders downed 21 of those. The attack killed at least six civilians.
Ukrainian journalist’s film on Mariupol nominated for Oscar. Documentary “20 Days in Mariupol,” capturing the devastating siege of the Ukrainian city by Russian forces, has earned a significant Oscar nomination.
Political and legal developments
President Zelenskyy and European People’s Party chief discuss key issues in Kyiv. During the meeting, President Zelenskyy and Chairman Weber discussed the upcoming European Parliament elections and the forthcoming EU summit, where a 50 billion euros support plan for Ukraine is set to be approved
Anti-graft watchdog: Key MoD procurement corruption scandal suspect caught trying to escape Ukraine. Son of key suspect in $25 million Ukraine defense procurement fraud scheme nabbed trying to flee, faces over a decade behind bars.
Zelenskyy signs decree acknowledging Russian territories historically populated by Ukrainians. According to the decree, Ukraine will make an action plan to preserve the identity of ethnic Ukrainians living in Russian territories after centuries of forced relocations and Russification policies.
Minister: Some 5,000 trucks left for Poland after Polish truckers suspended border blockade. Ukraine-Poland border traffic picking up pace with about 5,000 trucks having crossed over since Polish truckers suspended the blockade of border checkpoints last week, says Ukraine’s Infrastructure Minister Kubrakov.
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/23/russo-ukrainian-war-day-699-russia-strikes-kharkiv-as-ukrainian-journalists-film-on-mariupol-earns-oscar-nomination/
| 2024-01-23T21:24:19Z
|
blocked_url
|
There's controversy once again brewing in the world of country music, this time over the recent Dolly Parton birthday tribute show held at the Grand Ole Opry on Friday in honor of the music icon's 78th birthday.
At the center of the controversy is singer Elle King, who has faced backlash after a botched, expletive-ridden performance of Dolly's song "Marry Me," after which she admitted she was "hammered."
Below, read everything there is to know about Elle, what she said during her performance that angered attendees, and the reaction, including from the "Jolene" singer's family.
Who is Elle King?
Elle, 34, was born Tanner Elle Schneider, and is the daughter of actor and comedian Rob Schneider, 60, who is best known for his roles in The Hot Chick, Grown Ups, 50 First Dates, among others. Elle is a product of his marriage to London King, which lasted from 1988 to 1990.
MORE: Dolly Parton makes huge reveal on 78th birthday - and her husband will be thrilled
The singer released her debut album, Love Stuff, in 2015, and with it one of her most popular songs, "Ex's & Oh's," which received two Grammy nominations.
What did Elle King say during her Grand Ole Opry tribute to Dolly Parton?
Videos from Elle's performance shared on social media see her mumbling the lyrics to "Marry Me," before confessing she's drunk and can't keep up. After struggling through the song, she told the audience: "This [expletive] is [expletive] fast, how'd Dolly sing this [expletive]?" and even added: "I don't know the lyrics, don't tell Dolly 'cause it's her birthday."
She also said: "Y'all bought tickets for this [expletive]. You ain't gettin' your money back," and after segueing into one of her own songs – because "I can barely play another person's song, let me see if I can play one of mine" – she concluded her performance with: "Hi, my name is Elle King and I'm [expletive] hammered."
Did Dolly Parton react to Elle King's performance?
While neither Dolly nor Elle have publicly addressed the messy tribute, one Dolly's sisters, Stella Parton, wrote on X: "I'm still stewing and thinking bout how any lil spoiled brat with an opportunity to sing on the Opry to pay tribute to a legendary songwriter like Dolly Parton would just piss on the star circle on the stage. Taylor Swift wouldn't."
MORE: Dolly Parton's 11 lookalike siblings: all you need to know about the star's famous family life
The Grand Ole Opry also hasn't released an official statement, though in response to an X user complaining of the "profane" performance, they wrote: "We deeply regret and apologize for the language that was used during last night's Opry performance."
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511914/elle-king-dolly-parton-controversy-explained/
| 2024-01-23T22:32:24Z
|
blocked_url
|
Jane McDonald is currently thrilling us as the travel presenter explores the Canary Islands, and her latest beachside photo had everyone turning their heads.
Taking to her Instagram Stories, the fashionable presenter looked as incredible as ever as she posed in an all-white ensemble that consisted of a shirt and shorts, alongside a beautiful pair of sandals. Her footwear was perfect for where the snap was taken as she posed on the unique black sands at the Playa El Ancla in Lanzarote.
The unique colouring of the beach comes from the nearby magma, which has produced the black sand instead of the signature white colourings of many beaches.
It's not just the beach that Jane will be exploring during her time in Lanzarote, as the star also shared a photograph of herself relaxing in a hotel hot tub in a psychedelic swimsuit that perfectly suited her bubbly personality.
In her caption, Jane shared her love of the location, as she quipped: "'The Canary Island with Jane McDonald' – this week Lanzarote. Friday, 9pm, Channel 5."
Jane has been sharing several pictures from all the beaches she's been exploring in the Spanish islands and she looked amazing last week in a flamboyant floral shirt and she finished the stylish look with a pair of white trousers.
The presenter confirmed her latest travel show at the start of January, sharing: "New Series: The Canary Islands with Jane McDonald - starts this Friday. Join me on my island-hopping adventure across the Canaries, where I'll be discovering the hidden treasures that each destination has to offer.
"Starting in Tenerife, I'll be staying in Playa de las Americas and heading up Mount Teide by cable car. I'll be tasting the Canarian banana, visiting the old town of La Orotava, visiting Siam Park, and taking a day trip to neighbouring island La Gomera! Episode 1: Friday 5th January 9pm on Channel 5."
It's not just her current series that means Jane will be on our screens, as the telly favourite revealed on Tuesday that she would be featuring in the upcoming series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs. the World.
Jane will be serving as a guest on the show's legendary Snatch Game challenge, which sees contestants impersonate celebrities in a show similar to legendary shows like Match Game and Blankety Blank.
Her fans all applauded her appearance, with many voicing that it was "about time" that the popular presenter made an appearance on the programme, which has been running for five seasons, alongside another 'Vs. the World' format.
The upcoming series will see 11 drag queens from across the franchise's international editions competing to be crowned 'Queen of the World' and for the first time in the UK format's history, the winner will be awarded a cash prize, which will total £50,000.
The 11 competing queens are Arantxa Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), Choriza May (UK), Gothy Kendoll (UK), Hannah Conda (Down Under), Jonbers Blonde (UK), Keta Minaj (Netherlands), La Grande Dame (France), Marina Summers (Philippines), Mayhem Miller (US), Scarlet Envy (US) and Tia Kofi (UK).
RELATED: Jane McDonald inundated with support as she marks major achievement: 'It's an absolute honour'
WOW: Jane McDonald, 60, is an ethereal snow queen in daring sheer dress with cheeky leg slit
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/celebrity-style/511918/loose-women-jane-mcdonald-heads-turning-unique-beach-photos/
| 2024-01-23T22:32:30Z
|
blocked_url
|
Dylan Dreyer has paid a heartfelt tribute to someone incredibly close to her in an emotional new message on social media.
The Today Show star took to Instagram at the start of the week to share footage of herself at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions golf competition, where she was seen hitting a ball on the golf course.
The caption explained that this particular shot had a lot of personal meaning for both Dylan and her husband, Brian Fichera, because it landed close to 'hole 18' which was named in honor of a late friend, Tim Wakefield, who recently passed away.
Dylan wrote in the caption: "A few months ago, we lost our dear friend #timwakefield. They honored him with his number on hole 18 at #hgvlpga. @fishlense and I had tears in our eyes when my ball landed within 10 feet from this tribute. We miss you every day Wake!!"
Dylan and her husband Brian are both keen golfers and have been taking part in the latest tournament over the past few days.
The couple are big fans of the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions golf competition, and last year opened up to HELLO! about taking part ahead of the tournament.
The event brings together LPGA Tour winners to play alongside 50 of the biggest stars in sport, entertainment and music. Like last year, Brian was there to be Dylan's caddy, and the star spoke to HELLO! about working with her husband ahead of the event.
She said: "It's really fun for him to be my caddy. He is truly my biggest fan. If I make a good shot, he's the first to jump up and down for me. "He knows me so if I'm having a good round, he knows how to keep it going. He also knows how to snap me out of a bad round. He's the perfect caddy because he's in my head and he gets my mind right.
"Brian knows how to make me feel better. We get to be together every second and we don't get that enough. I'm truly looking forward to it and I think it'll be great fun for others to watch too."
Dylan and Brian often share snippets of their life on social media, and have gained a large fanbase as a result. The down-to-earth couple are raising three young children in a two-bedroom apartment in New York City.
They are parents to six-year-old Calvin, three-year-old Oliver, and one-year-old Rusty. And while Dylan often gets asked if she would ever add to her brood, the TV star admitted that she thinks she's "maxed out" while talking to HELLO! in 2022.
"I think I've maxed out now," she said, before admitting: "I wish I had started having kids sooner, because I really love everything about kids. "I never thought I would love it as much as I do. Being a mom is the best. I love fostering their ideas, I also somehow found more patience after becoming a mom."
Although she and Brian weren't always convinced that a family with children was in their future. "We didn't think we wanted kids at all," she said.
"We were living in New York City, traveling whenever we wanted to, doing whatever we wanted, and then suddenly it sort of came to us both. We were like 'let's have kids'. Both of us obviously love it."
The number three also holds a special place in Dylan and Brian's hearts as she explained: "When we decided to have children, I used to always want three. I grew up with two brothers, my husband is one of three. Three just feels right for us now."
Dylan's children have a magical childhood, spending the weeks in New York City, and a lot of the weekends and holidays by the beach.
The family have a beautiful beachside property just outside of the city, which boasts sea views and is seconds from the beach, meaning her sons have a lot of space to play and run around.
Read more HELLO! US stories here
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511912/today-dylan-dreyer-mourns-death-loved-one-emotional-message/
| 2024-01-23T22:32:36Z
|
blocked_url
|
Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick have swapped New York City life for a taste of London, and they are having the best time!
The celebrity couple have been in the UK's capital for the past few weeks for their much-anticipated London run of Plaza Suite.
The pair have taken the West End by a storm, and last week, took to the stage for the first time to bring the magic of their popular show to London.
After receiving many supportive messages and a positive reaction from the crowd on the opening night, Sarah took to Instagram to share her appreciation.
She wrote: "For all the beautiful and thoughtful flowers and tokens from dear friends and folks we have yet met, we thank you so much for thinking of us and our first performance of @plazasuiteuk We are happily occupying the gorgeous @savoytheatreldn With gratitude and very touched by the welcome we have been offered. Hope to see you in Suite 719 while we are guests. X, SJ."
On January 15, Sarah had shared another update online as she gave an insight into how she and Matthew were getting accustomed to London life.
She wrote: "Walking around. London. It’s nice seeing new things. Reading new things. Signs. Even directions. Finding our shops. Learning the Tube. The buses. Which one gets me where I need to go. On time. X, SJ."
Sarah and Matthew's stint in London has been in the works for a while, and it's likely that their 14-year-old twins, Marion and Tabitha, have joined them for the experience.
It's a big year for the twins, who will be moving to high school in a few months time. Matthew spoke about his daughters' transition to high school during an episode of Live with Kelly and Mark back in June.
The actor said that they are "very excited," about the "big step in their lives," and that they had decided to attend the same school, having previously thought about going to separate ones. However, thanks to their doting parents, they will be more than prepared, as Sarah has the best advice for her children for any problems they may face over the years.
Sarah and Matthew are both hands-on parents and the actress opened up to HELLO! about her parenting style and the invaluable lessons she's taught her kids back in October.
She said: "I think staying too long in things that are upsetting hasn’t been helpful for me. "I say this to my kids, too. You should feel upset if you have an unpleasant or disappointing experience: feel it, but what are the ways in which you can resurface? Where do you find your resilience? "There’s danger in sitting in the saddle of blue. For me, I have to say: 'Okay, that happened – now what?’”
And now her children are older, they need her even more. She said: "First, as a parent. I'm a mother of three children and I've discovered that they don't need you less as they get older – they need you more. That's a dominant, joyful part of my life but it's also the thing that's most important."
Sarah added: "I'm a wife – I’ve been with my husband for 30 years – and I'm a friend and colleague. And a serious professional. I love what I get to do and the people I get to work with and for."
Sarah and Matthew's oldest child, James Wilkie, 21, flew the nest several years ago, having started studying at Brown University in Rhode Island in 2021.
Read more HELLO! US stories here
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511915/sarah-jessica-parker-and-matthew-broderick-grateful-for-support-during-update-away-from-home/
| 2024-01-23T22:32:42Z
|
blocked_url
|
Barbie star America Ferrera woke up on Tuesday January 23 to discover she was a first-time Oscar nominee – and then she immediately had a FaceTime call from Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel, and Amber Tamblyn, the cast of The Sisterhood of Traveling Pants.
"They FaceTimed me as a group right away,” America revealed of the moments after the news was announced. "It was hilarious and funny and emotional and it’s wonderful to be celebrated and held up by my sisters."
The 2005 film saw the four actors become the best of friends, and they have remained so in the almost 20 years since; based on the 2001 book, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is a coming-of-age story about a group of friends who realize the same pair of jeans will fit them all. As they spend their first summer ever away from each other, they decide to send the jeans back and forth to each other as a way to stay connected.
Speaking to Variety, America added: "These women who I’ve had the honor of growing up with in this industry and being loved and cheered on and supported by them. Which we all do for each other. They’re amazing, and such a gift in my life."
Mom-of-two America has been nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role of Gloria in the Greta Gerwig-directed film. She goes up against Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer), Danielle Brooks (The Color Purple), Jodie Foster (Nyad), and Da'Vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers). Her appearance in the category came as a welcome surprise to awards prognosticators, although there were some major snubs including Margot Robbie missing out on Best Actress for the titular role in Barbie and Greta missing out on a Best Director spot.
Elsewhere, Leonardo DiCaprio was left out of the Best Actor category – although he had not been actively campaigning – while his co-star Lily Gladstone did receive a nod for Best Actress for Killers of the Flower Moon, making her the first Native American nominee in the organization's 96 years.
Annette Bening's appearance in Best Actress, and Jodie in Best Supporting Actress for their Netflix flick Nyad was a surprise to many, as the film had received few nods at other ceremonies and was a huge critical success, and there was no love for Celine Song's Past Lives.
America was joined by Blake, Alexis and Amber in December to celebrate America and her award-winning film Barbie at a special event, with Gossip Girl star Blake taking the theme to heart, wearing a Barbie-pink mini dress with an oversized fluffy skirt and matching gloves. America wore a white asymmetrical dress, while Gilmore Girls actress Alexis rocked a maroon pencil skirt and black peplum top, and Amber wore a salmon pink pant suit with white blouse.
"The Sisterhood came through all in pink to celebrate my performance in Barbie last night. I love these women with all my heart," America captioned a video posted on her Instagram that showed the girls posing for pictures and taking their own selfies.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511917/america-ferrera-emotional-facetime-blake-lively-sisterhood-of-the-travelling-pants-oscar-nominations/
| 2024-01-23T22:32:48Z
|
blocked_url
|
Larry Birkhead celebrated his birthday with his daughter by his side, and honored the late Daniel Wayne Smith, who would have turned 38 the same day.
The photographer and doting dad marked his 51st birthday on January 22, and shared with fans a glimpse of what he and his daughter Dannielynn got up to, including the cheeky, "really bad" photos the teenager took of her dad.
Dannielynn is Larry's daughter from his brief relationship with the late Anna Nicole Smith, who passed away in February 2007, months after welcoming her daughter In September of the previous year.
In honor of his birthday, Larry took to Instagram and shared a slew of photos from his special day, the first of which capture him and his daughter having a laugh over a meal.
He also shared a throwback photo of him celebrating his fourth birthday alongside his twin brother Louie, plus one of Anna Nicole with her late son Daniel, who she shared with ex-husband Billy Wayne Smith. Daniel, whose birthday also fell on January 22, passed away aged 20 in September 2006, three days after the birth of his younger sister Dannielynn.
In his caption, Larry wrote: "I got trolled on my birthday by my daughter!!" before sharing: "A friend took us to dinner for my birthday and Dannielynn continued her journey to take really bad pictures of me."
Referencing the throwback with his twin brother, he added: "Check out those haircuts and the cool floors!"
MORE: Anna Nicole Smith's ex Larry Birkhead pays touching tribute to late star on birthday
MORE: Anna Nicole Smith's ex Larry Birkhead pays touching tribute to late star on birthday
Then, paying tribute to Anna Nicole's late son, he wrote: "Today would have been Anna Nicole's son Daniel's birthday as well," and endearingly noted: "I miss celebrating the day with him as well."
He continued: "I'm always thinking about him (especially on this day) and the great person he could and would have been," before concluding with: "Trolls, Bowls (haircuts) and Angels, what a day!"
MORE: Anna Nicole Smith's daughter Dannielynn looks just like her mom in rare photo – fans react
It's a big year for both Larry as well Dannielynn, who is currently exploring her options for her forthcoming college career. In a conversation with People last year about the big milestone, Larry reflected: "It's one of those things that all parents go through. They don't want their kids to go off, but they know they have to."
He explained: "It's one of those things where she's just now dipping her toe into getting stuff, and people are mailing her things. And every time I get something in the mail for college, I don't know if I really want to give her this because she might take them up on this offer and go somewhere to college."
The Kentucky-native also shared what his daughter's interests are shaping up to be so far, revealing: "She's starting to show an interest in forensics," and: "She takes a forensic class in high school, and she enjoys it, so she's starting to talk about that, which is great because I like to watch Dateline."
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/511919/larry-birkhead-honors-anna-nicole-smith-son-daniel-birthday-photos-dannielynn/
| 2024-01-23T22:32:55Z
|
blocked_url
|
Meghan Markle will no doubt be celebrating a close friend after the 2024 Oscar's nominations were confirmed, with short film The After getting a nod from the Academy.
The project has been nominated for Best Live Action Short Film and the Duchess of Sussex is close friends with the film's director, Misan Harriman. Misan is currently the Chair of the Southbank Centre and in 2021, he shot the photograph that Meghan and her husband Prince Harry used to confirm their second pregnancy. Misan has also photographed the couple's daughter, Princess Lilibet.
Talking about his friendship with Meghan and Harry, Misan previously said: "When you see people who have the connection that they have, it's like reading the pages of a book. Meg reminded me that had I not introduced her to a mutual friend then she wouldn't have met Harry. I'm grateful for whatever small part I played."
Meghan has shown her support for the project, joining her friend back in November at an LA Tastemakers event where she spoke with the director and the film's lead actor, David Oyelowo.
The After stars David, Jessica Plummer and Amelie Dokubo, and the Netflix synopsis reads: "After witnessing a violent crime, a shattered rideshare driver picks up a passenger who forces him to confront his grief."
The film has already won several awards this season, scooping Best Short Film at the Astra Film Awards and the African-American Film Critics Association. The film is Misan's directorial debut and premiered at the opening night of the HollyShorts Film Festival on 10 August where it also scooped Best Live Action.
Also nominated for the Oscar award are Invincible, Knight of Fortune, Red, White and Blue and The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar.
Meghan's joy for her friend will come amid a worrying time for the royal mum-of-two when she had to miss her husband pick up an award after one of their children "fell ill".
Harry was picking up an award at the Living Legends of Aviation at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, for his work as a British Army veteran and pilot when either Prince Archie or Lilibet became unwell.
John Travolta presented the Duke, 39, with his medal and referenced the sweet moment he danced with the Duke's late mother, Princess Diana, at the White House in 1985.
Harry made a "poetic" speech according to Twilight director, Catherine Hardwicke, who told HELLO!: "He talked about taking off and being up in God's playground, up in the clouds, and he talked about the taste of magic [being up there,] it was poetic."
READ: Is Meghan Markle 'set for return' to acting in Suits creator's new spin-off?
PHOTOS: 10 Meghan Markle mini dress moments we'll never forget
LISTEN: Why a reconciliation between King Charles and Prince Harry is set to happen
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511913/meghan-markle-celebrate-oscars-misan-harriman-nomination/
| 2024-01-23T22:33:01Z
|
blocked_url
|
Tiffani Thiessen, the actress celebrated for her iconic role as Kelly Kapowski in Saved By The Bell, marked her 50th birthday in a bold and empowering way.
On Tuesday, the star took to social media to share a striking image of herself posing nude, covered only by a sheet, as she lay in bed.
The photograph, captured by Rebecca Sanabria, showcased Tiffani's tanned and toned physique, a testament to her enduring beauty and vitality.
The actress's playful caption, "Over the hill," accompanied by the hashtag #ThisIs50, belied the undeniable fact that she looked anything but past her prime.
The image received an outpouring of support and admiration in the comments. Celebrities like Sarah Michelle Gellar praised her with a flurry of fire emojis, while Valerie Bertinelli called her "a hot mama." Mario Lopez, her former SBTB co-star, who himself turned 50 in October, welcomed her to the "5th level kid!"
Jennifer Love Hewitt reminisced about knowing Tiffani as a teenager and aspired to her level of grace and beauty, a sentiment that she still holds to this day. "You make 50 look great!" she exclaimed with affection.
Jenna Fischer chimed in with a supportive "Well done. Starting the 50s exactly right. Happy birthday!" Vanessa Lachey and Brittany Cartwright were among many who hit the like button, celebrating Tiffani's milestone.
Reflecting on the past decade, Tiffani acknowledged that her outlook has significantly transformed.
Once pressured by personal expectations to maintain a certain image as she approached 40, she now embraces a more relaxed attitude, not giving in to societal pressures. "I don't know if it's me just not giving a s***," she shared candidly, expressing a newfound ease compared to ten years ago.
Tiffani, a mother of two with son Holt Fisher, three, and daughter Harper, 13, recognized the hormonal and mental shifts her body underwent during her pregnancies.
Today, she feels grounded in a "good place," with her focus squarely on nurturing "happy, healthy kids that are going to do well for themselves and society."
Her commitment to health and longevity is personal, driven by the desire to see her children grow and to be present for their future milestones.
Married to Brady Smith since 2005, Tiffani underscored the importance of her health not just for herself, but also for her family, saying, "I want to be around for as long as possible, of course, to be able to see my kids grow up and have kids of their own."
Reflecting on her time on SBTB, Tiffani admitted she felt the "added pressure of what people were saying." She divulged her thoughts on the Good Instincts podcast from Dear Media, hosted by dietitian Shira Barlow.
Despite external expectations, Tiffani remains true to herself, aging naturally and taking care of her wellbeing.
Her outlook on body image is balanced and sensible. She shared her philosophy of not panicking over weight fluctuations and leading a life of balance, especially in her diet.
"I’ve never been one to eat bad all the time and I’ve never been one to always be healthy. I’m like an 80-20 percent kind of person," she explained, highlighting her love for food and cooking.
Born in Long Beach, California, Tiffani's journey to stardom began with beauty pageants and modeling for Teen magazine before landing the role that would catapult her to fame in Saved By The Bell.
Her career has spanned various TV series, movies, and even a nostalgic reunion on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where she joined other SBTB cast members for a sketch.
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511920/saved-by-the-bells-tiffani-thiessen-celebrates-her-50th-wearing-nothing-but-her-birthday-suit-photos/
| 2024-01-23T22:41:11Z
|
blocked_url
|
NEW YORK - US stocks ended the day mixed on Jan 23, as corporate earnings results weighed on some companies and sent others surging.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell rose 0.3 per cent to 37,905.45, snapping a three-day winning streak that pushed it to record highs on Jan 22.
The broad-based S&P 500 closed up 0.3 per cent at 4,864.60, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index gained 0.4 per cent to close the day at 15,425.94.
“So far for the most part earnings have been good enough,” Steve Sosnick from Interactive Brokers told AFP, adding that results included “the usual assortment of winners and losers.”
He added it was “still early” in the season, and that more than 75 companies in the S&P 500 are due to report earnings this week, including some big tech firms.
The US conglomerate 3M was one of the day’s biggest losers, falling more than 11 per cent after reporting disappointing earnings results for the fourth quarter.
And US defence giant RTX, formerly Raytheon, saw its share price jump 5.3 per cent after it beat expectations.
In after-hours trading, the streaming giant Netflix saw its share price jump more than 4.5 per cent after its earnings showed stronger-than-expected revenues. AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/us-stocks-finish-mixed-as-earnings-season-continues
| 2024-01-23T22:48:14Z
|
blocked_url
|
KYIV - Russian strikes on Ukraine on Jan 23 killed 18 people and wounded 130, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, warning that the death toll could increase as rescue efforts were ongoing.
The strikes hit the capital Kyiv and the northeastern city of Kharkiv in a deadly day for Ukraine as Russia’s invasion drags on for almost two years.
“Unfortunately, 18 people died,” Mr Zelensky said in his evening address, adding that another 130 people were wounded.
He said Kharkiv was particularly badly hit and warned “the number of dead may increase.”
Mr Zelensky said rubble from an “ordinary high-rise building” in Kharkiv was still being dismantled and search efforts were ongoing. “Ordinary people lived here,” he said.
He said around 139 “ordinary houses” were damaged in the attack and that Russia had fired “more than 40 missiles” onto Ukraine.
He also warned of retaliation, saying: “Let them know over there, in Russia, that the Ukrainian character knows how to be sufficiently far-reaching in response.”
“The Russian war will surely return home, to where this evil came from... Right there, in Russia,” he added. AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/russian-strikes-on-ukraine-kill-18-wound-130-says-zelensky
| 2024-01-23T22:48:24Z
|
blocked_url
|
GAZA/JERUSALEM/WASHINGTON - The White House said on Jan 23 its envoy was having active discussions about ensuring the release of hostages in Gaza and securing a humanitarian pause in the war after Israel suffered its worst loss of soldiers in over three months of conflict.
In the hours after the death toll of 24 from two separate incidents became clear, officials in Israel reiterated that the objectives of its war against the Palestinian Hamas movement that runs Gaza were unchanged and that efforts were being made to bring about release of more than 100 hostages.
Acknowledging that Jan 22 had been one of the most difficult days since the war broke out, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “In the name of our heroes, for the sake of our lives, we will not stop fighting until absolute victory.”
Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy said there would be no ceasefire that left Hamas in power and hostages in Gaza, following the militant group’s cross-border rampage on Oct 7 in which some 1,200 Israelis were killed.
Palestinian health officials said at least 195 Palestinians had been killed in the past 24 hours, raising the documented death toll from Israeli air strikes and shelling to 25,490. Thousands more are feared lost in the rubble.
The soldiers’ deaths came on the day the Israeli military launched its biggest operation in a month, to seize remaining parts of Khan Younis, encircling Gaza’s main southern city that is sheltering hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians.
Israeli forces have killed more than 100 militants in western Khan Younis in the past 24 hours, military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said on Jan 23 evening. Israel says it has killed around 9,000 militants in total. Reuters is unable to verify the number.
US envoy in Cairo
However, giving weight to media reports that a deal could be in the works to pause the fighting at least temporarily and free hostages, Qatar’s foreign ministry had said earlier in the day it was engaging in serious discussions with both sides.
“We have presented ideas to both sides, we are getting a constant stream of replies from both sides, and that in its own right is a cause for optimism,” foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said.
White House spokesman John Kirby said later US Middle East envoy Brett McGurk was in Cairo and would travel in the region for “active” discussions on ensuring the release of hostages and securing a humanitarian pause.
“The conversations are very sober and serious about trying to get another hostage deal in place,” Mr Kirby told reporters.
Each of the warring sides blamed the other for causing the collapse of a seven-day truce in November by rejecting terms to extend the daily release of hostages held by militants in exchange for Palestinian detainees.
Women, children and foreign hostages were freed, but mediators failed at the final hour to find a formula to release more, including Israeli soldiers and civilian men.
On Jan 23, former hostage Aviva Siegel, 62, who was taken captive from Kfar Aza kibbutz with her husband who is still held in Gaza, spoke at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, during a discussion about sexual abuse during the war.
“I can’t live with it. I can’t breathe. I can’t cope with it. It’s too difficult. It’s been almost four months and they are still there... Something has to change. Urgently. Now,” said Ms Siegel, who was released during the November truce.
Tanks shut Khan Younis road
Giving details of the latest Israeli casualties, military spokesman Adm Hagari said 21 of the soldiers were killed when “a militant squad surprised the force with RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) fire” on Jan 22.
He said the first rocket hit a building in which explosives had been laid out to demolish it. This led to an explosion that caused the collapse of the building and the one next to it.
Three soldiers were killed in a separate attack. In total, 220 Israeli soldiers have been killed since the start of the ground offensive in late October.
Families and friends mourned at funerals across Israel, touching coffins draped in the national flag and hugging one another in their grief.
Advancing Israeli tanks shut the road out of Khan Younis towards the Mediterranean coast on Jan 23, blocking the escape route for civilians trying to reach Rafah, the last town on Gaza’s southern edge bordering Egypt - now crammed with more than half the enclave’s 2.3 million people.
“I am trying to leave for Rafah but the tanks are now very near to the coast and are firing towards the west,” Shaban, 45, an electrical engineer with four children, said by phone.
The Israelis have blockaded hospitals, which Palestinian officials say makes it impossible to rescue the dead and wounded. At the European Hospital, reached by Reuters in southern Khan Younis, Ahed Masmah brought in five corpses, piled on a mattress on his donkey cart.
“I found them face down in the street,” he said.
At Khan Younis’ main Nasser hospital, the biggest still functioning in the Gaza Strip, bodies were being buried on the grounds because it was unsafe to go out to the cemetery.
Mr Ashraf Al-Qidra, spokesman for Gaza’s health ministry, said medical teams were unable to transfer critical cases from the Nasser Medical Complex to the nearby Jordanian field hospital due to ongoing shelling.
Israel says Hamas fighters operate in and around hospitals, which hospital staff and Hamas deny.
Mr Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Palestinian relief agency UNRWA, said six displaced people had been killed at one of the biggest UN-run shelters in Khan Younis. The Israeli military said it was unaware of any strikes in that area at the time in question.
After nightfall, an Israeli air strike hit a house in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, killing seven Palestinians, health officials said. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/us-pushes-for-pause-in-gaza-as-israel-suffers-worst-loss-of-soldiers
| 2024-01-23T22:48:35Z
|
blocked_url
|
Turkey ratifies Sweden’s Nato membership
Turkey’s parliament on Jan 23 ratified Sweden’s Nato membership after more than a year of delays that upset Western efforts to show resolve in the face of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Lawmakers voted 287-55 in favour of the Nordic nation’s bid to become the 32nd member of the alliance after it won the public backing of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The Turkish leader is expected to sign Sweden’s ratification document and conclude Ankara’s role in the protracted saga in the coming days.
Turkey’s green light leaves Hungary as the last holdout in an accession process that Sweden and Finland began in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago.
Russian strikes on Ukraine kill 18, wound 130
Russian strikes on Ukraine on Jan 23 killed 18 people and wounded 130, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, warning that the death toll could increase as rescue efforts were ongoing.
The strikes hit the capital Kyiv and the northeastern city of Kharkiv in a deadly day for Ukraine as Russia’s invasion drags on for almost two years.
Mr Zelensky said around 139 “ordinary houses” were damaged in the attack and that Russia had fired “more than 40 missiles” onto Ukraine.
Measles cases soar in Europe, says WHO
Measles cases soared in Europe in 2023 to 42,200, a nearly 45-fold increase over the previous year, the UN health agency said on Jan 23, calling for urgent vaccination efforts to halt the spread.
Some 41 countries out of 53 the World Health Organisation includes in its Europe region reported the infectious disease, WHO said. In 2022, 941 cases were registered.
Vaccination rates against the disease slipped during the Covid-19 pandemic and “urgent vaccination efforts are needed to halt transmission and prevent further spread”.
Palestine reach Asian Cup knockouts for first time
Palestine reached the Asian Cup knockout rounds for the first time after beating Hong Kong 3-0 on Jan 23 for their maiden win in the history of the competition.
They just missed out on second spot in Group C but advance as one of the four best third-placed teams, with Oday Dabbagh the hero for his two goals.
United Arab Emirates went through in second place despite losing 2-1 to group winners Iran.
Oppenheimer leads the way with 13 Oscar nominations
Oscar voters lined up behind a classic studio blockbuster, giving 13 nominations to Oppenheimer, the most of any movie, and setting up the long-awaited coronation of its director, Christopher Nolan, as Hollywood’s leading film-maker.
No film by Nolan has ever been named best picture. He received his second nomination for directing on Jan 23.
The recognition for Oppenheimer had been expected. But the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences threw surprises into all of the other major categories.
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/while-you-were-sleeping-5-stories-you-might-have-missed-jan-24-5
| 2024-01-23T22:48:45Z
|
blocked_url
|
In a world where celebrity romances often blur the lines between true affection and publicity stunts, the budding relationship between Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner has caught the public's eye.
And according to body language expert and celebrity psychic Inbaal Honigman, the pair display signs of infatuation rather than the depths of true love.
At the Golden Globes, photographs captured Timothée and Kylie holding hands, sitting intimately close, exchanging gazes, and sharing kisses. "They're infatuated without a doubt," Inbaal tells HELLO!
"Likely this is a real romance, not a showmance." Yet, the nuances of their body language tell a more complex story. When not engaged in direct contact, Timothée's posture is open, his legs apart, with Kylie's knees nestled between them, though at a considerate distance.
"This is a couple-y protective gesture which shows that he's surrounding her, wanting to keep her safe," Inbaal explains. "Tim cares for his lady and feels responsible for her wellbeing."
Despite these tender gestures, the two are not inseparable. "Even in some of their Golden Globes pics, they're close together but not touching at all," Inbaal points out.
Their appearance at the US Open further highlights their proximity without physical connection. According to Inbaal, this indicates that "they're both independent personalities, and haven't blended into each other as a couple yet."
What stands out is the flexibility in their body language. They seem to be a pair enjoying the present moment without rushing into a more profound union.
"They're together, but their body language is flexible, suggesting they're taking each day as it comes," Inbaal assesses.
Delving into the esoteric realm of Tarot, Inbaal reveals contrasting aspects of their relationship through the cards drawn for each individual.
Timothée is represented by the emotionally charged Queen of Cups, indicating a romantic nature and a desire to lavish affection on a partner.
Kylie, on the other hand, draws the materialistic 6 of Disks, hinting at her preference for a partner who can provide the lifestyle she is accustomed to.
The relationship itself is symbolized by the 5 of Cups, an "incomplete love card," signifying that something essential is missing in their connection.
"Their compatibility isn't perfect," Inbaal clarifies. The Tarot cards suggest that Timothée and Kylie have different aspirations and expectations from a romantic partnership, indicating that they may not be each other's ideal match but rather companions for the present.
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/511921/timothee-chalamet-and-kylie-jenner-infatuated-with-one-another-but-their-romance-may-not-last-exclusive/
| 2024-01-24T00:13:19Z
|
blocked_url
|
Ever since Pamela Anderson’s documentary was screened last year, I have become slightly obsessed with her! Pre-doc she was always someone on my celebrity radar, but for the wrong reasons. She was the blonde bombshell from Baywatch. The original sex tape diva. It was hard to get past the fake boobs, red swimsuit and perma-tan…especially because I’m a less-is-more kind of girl when it comes to beauty and aesthetics.
But then Pamela’s Netflix documentary, Pamela - A Love Story, came out and I was obsessed! I was surprised by how she looked. I’d never seen her so unfiltered and natural. And her make-up free face didn’t just reveal her freckles and pores - it also projected the inner Pamela Anderson. A Pamela Anderson we had never seen. Raw, intelligent, strong. A beautiful person and mother. A genuine warm soul.
Pamela then went onto show off her pared back persona at public events and fashion shows. Unsurprisingly, much fuss was made about her make-up free face and editors like me wrote articles applauding her new look.
Pamela’s transformation is a clear example of how superficial personal image can be. She is obviously the same person that she was in the 90s. So did the barbed-wire tattoo and pumped up pout prevent the public from seeing her true self? Did she simply not show her real personality back then, on purpose or not? Or did we just greet her at face value and not see her for who she truly was? Is? I am ashamed to admit that I formed the textbook opinion (which I won’t spell out) that a blonde, blue eyed pin up image normally generates. And how wrong could I have been?
After watching Pamela, A Love Story, I subscribed to Pamela’s newsletter, The Open Journal, which has since landed in my inbox every Monday. I often read it, but normally it’s more of a skim read. But this week the subject line and first few lines really drew me in:
Inner Beauty…
Sonsie. A world where we…embrace, love, and accept our true selves.
Even the most hardened and cynical part of my Beauty Editor DNA was enticed. Scrolling down, I read how Pamela has taken ownership of Sonsie, a skincare brand with - as she writes - ‘an important message.’
Pamela continues to explain that her son’s girlfriend had the idea of creating a ‘simple, no nonsense’ skincare brand that works around her busy life as a working mum. Yep, I can relate to that! She then draws upon her own life and experience saying how she loved the sound of a brand that “fits into a schedule that isn't all about me” and is a “proponent of attentive (hands-on) mothering” and “self-acceptance.”
I was won over. Sold. Sign me up.
And even without trying a single Sonsie product, I found myself exploring the brand’s website and adding products to basket. Why?
There has been no fanfare behind this launch. No big, glitzy press event that’s normally attributed to celebrity brands. Plus zero sign of a stressed-out Beauty PR clogging up my inbox in the hope that I should write a flattering article (like this one, natch) in the hope that our readers will buy it.
Instead Pamela shares the news of Sonsie’s existence in a beautifully honest and authentic way. And Pamela is frank in her claims that while she hopes Sonsie will be ‘something everyone could love and use’, she also admits that ‘it doesn’t promise anything unrealistic.’ An honest stance that I believe more brands should take. Not least celebrity ones. Yes, we all want results from our skincare Of course! But we also don’t want false hope.
I also love that there are only 3 products to buy: a multi-tasking face mask, serum and balm. Yes, more products may follow but this subtle and slow kind of launch is what the market needs right now. Less waste financially and environmentally.
Pamela has been testing the range out for a year, which is probably no coincidence being in the same year that she chose to show her ‘inner beauty’. Her realness. And her real skin. Yes, it may be a smart marketing move in preparation for Sonsie’s reveal to the outside world. But honestly, I don’t care. This feels different. A new era in celebrity brands. And I am all here for it!
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/511922/pamela-anderson-skincare-sonsie/
| 2024-01-24T00:13:20Z
|
blocked_url
|
NEW YORK – Alibaba Group Holding shares jumped after The New York Times reported that founder Jack Ma has been buying up shares in the company.
Mr Ma and Alibaba chairman Joe Tsai have bought a combined US$202 million (S$271 million) of shares in recent months as the stock plunged, the newspaper reported on Jan 23, citing unidentified people familiar with the matter.
The share purchases reflect Mr Ma’s and Mr Tsai’s belief that the business is undervalued after its stock fell sharply from its 2020 peak, the Times reported. Alibaba is valued at about US$175 billion.
Alibaba’s US-traded shares gained as much as 8.6 per cent in New York on Jan 23, the most intraday since last July.
They had declined 43 per cent over the past 12 months as Alibaba, once the most valuable company in China, has fallen behind Chinese rivals like Tencent Holdings and PDD Holdings.
Mr Tsai’s Blue Pool Management family investment vehicle purchased almost two million of Alibaba’s US-traded shares in the fourth quarter, worth about US$152 million, according to a securities filing on Jan 23.
It was the first time Mr Tsai’s fund has purchased Alibaba shares since at least the last quarter of 2017, according to a review of regulatory filings.
Mr Ma, who gave up his role as executive chairman in 2019 but is still a major shareholder, bought US$50 million worth of stock in the quarter, the Times reported, citing a person with knowledge of the matter.
Mr Ma, the once-outspoken billionaire who stayed out of public view after clashing with Beijing, took to an internal message board in 2023 to urge Alibaba to “correct its course” and praised PDD, which has been swiping market share with its hit shopping app Temu.
Mr Ma said Alibaba could again be successful with determination and hard work.
Mr Ma has been selling shares in Alibaba in recent years, and his stake in the business had dropped below 5 per cent.
He disclosed plans to sell 10 million shares worth about US$870 million on Nov 21 through two companies he owns, JC Properties and JSP Investment, according to regulatory filings in 2023. BLOOMBERG
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/alibaba-shares-jump-as-jack-ma-joe-tsai-buy-271-million-in-stock
| 2024-01-24T00:20:47Z
|
blocked_url
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.