
Nicholas Hoult gifted Bill Skarsgard's prosthetic penis from Nosferatu and has it 'framed'
DUBAI (Reuters): Iranian authorities have lifted a ban on Meta’s instant messaging platform WhatsApp and Google Play as a first step to scale back internet restrictions, Iranian state media reported on Tuesday. The Islamic Republic has some of the strictest controls on Internet access in the world, but its blocks on U.S.-based social media such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are routinely bypassed by tech-savvy Iranians using virtual private networks. “A positive majority vote has been reached to lift limitations on access to some popular foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Google Play”, Iran’s official IRNA news agency said on Tuesday, referring to a meeting on the matter headed by President Masoud Pezeshkian. “Today the first step in removing internet limitations... has been taken,” IRNA cited Iran’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology Sattar Hashemi as saying. Social media platforms were widely used in anti-government protests in Iran. In September the United States called on Big Tech to help evade online censorship in countries that heavily sensor the internet, including Iran.WM TECHNOLOGY ALERT: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. Is Investigating WM Technology, Inc. On Behalf Of Long-Term Stockholders And Encourages Investors To Contact The Firm
The ‘Varsity Battles 2024’, the second edition of the inter-university capital market quiz competition organised by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), concluded on a high note at The Epitome, Kurunegala. This prestigious event saw participation from 38 teams representing 13 state universities, showcasing the intellectual calibre and enthusiasm of Sri Lankan undergraduates. The winning team, the Faculty of Law (Team 01) from the University of Colombo, emerged victorious after an intense series of rounds, securing the championship along with a cash prize of Rs. 400,000. The first runner-up, the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies (Team 01) from the University of Kelaniya, received a cash prize of Rs. 300,000, while the Faculty of Medicine (Team 01) from the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka the second runner-up, walked away with Rs. 200,000. Participants were tested on their knowledge across a variety of topics, including global markets, general knowledge, Sri Lankan economy and business, current affairs, sports, and entertainment, as well as their understanding of the capital market and financial securities management. The inaugural rounds of the competition consisted of inter-faculty competitions conducted in three clusters to select the leading teams from each of the 13 state universities. The event culminated in an electrifying finale, where the top-performing teams competed head-to-head for the coveted title. The SEC and CSE extend their gratitude to the sponsors who contributed to the success of this event: Platinum Sponsors, Bartleet Religare Securities Ltd. and First Capital Holdings PLC, along with Co-Sponsor, Motorola by Abans. The evening concluded with a fellowship for participants, celebrating their achievements. Varsity Battles 2024 continues to serve as a platform to inspire, educate, and challenge Sri Lanka’s brightest university students, shaping the next generation of financially literate citizens.Helldivers 2 just released its crushing new Omens of Tyranny update , and developer Arrowhead wants you to know that it isn't for the faint of heart. "This content is for the more hardcore players," production director Alex Bolle told GamesRadar+ in a recent interview. Omens of Tyranny introduces the impressively horrible, tentacled Illuminate faction with its menacing, high-powered technology, throwing in a monstrous Fast Recon combat vehicle for players crusading against them. While most people would rather not interact with any kind of octopus people, Helldivers 2 fans have been eager for the fabled Illuminate faction to make an appearance. And for cars in their third-person shooter, obviously. So the Omens of Tyranny update is a welcome acknowledgement of fans' desires in a year where Arrowhead was sometimes plagued with "low lows," as Bolle put it, like review bombs and a disillusioned playerbase. "Yeah, we've made mistakes. It's like trial and error," Bolle said. "Understanding the player has been something super fun and interesting." "It's kind of finding the magic recipe to make the game we want and they want — but who [are] 'they'?" Bolle continued. "It's something we talk about: 'the potion that will match everyone's needs.' You can't match everyone's needs, but you can create different content, like we do. This update is pretty much that — it's content for a certain type of player." And if you like getting blown apart by alien sadists, then you're that type. Now that the Illuminate faction's arrived, Helldivers 2 is "finally the three-front battle of the galactic war" fans have been "waiting for."President , President-Elect and more high-profile elected officials on Sunday paid tribute to former President , Biden said the world lost an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian” and that he lost a dear friend. He cited Carter’s compassion and moral clarity, his work to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless and advocate for the disadvantaged as examples for others. “To all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning — the good life — study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility,” Biden said in a statement. “He showed that we are great nation because we are a good people – decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong.” Biden added that he is ordering a state funeral for Carter in Washington. Trump posted a statement in response to Carter’s death on his social media site Truth Social. “Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History,” he wrote. “The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers.” Former President Barack Obama posted a tribute on X. “President Carter taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice and service,” he wrote. “Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man.” Former Vice President Al Gore praised Carter for living “a life full of purpose, commitment and kindness” and for being a “lifelong role model for the entire environmental movement.” Carter, who left the White House in 1981 after a landslide defeat to Ronald Reagan. concentrated on conflict resolution, defending democracy and fighting disease in the developing world. Gore, who lost the 2000 presidential election to George W. Bush, remains a leading advocate for action to fight climate change. Both won Nobel Peace Prizes. Gore said that “it is a testament to his unyielding determination to help build a more just and peaceful world” that Carter is often “remembered equally for the work he did as President as he is for his leadership over the 42 years after he left office.” During Gore’s time in the White House, President Bill Clinton had an uneasy relationship with Carter. But Gore said he is “grateful” for “many years of friendship and collaboration” with Carter. Meanwhile, Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, remembered Carter as a man who lived to serve others. “Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others — until the very end.” The statement recalled Carter’s many achievements and priorities, including efforts “to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David.” After he left office, the Clinton statement said, Carter continued efforts in “supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn’s devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanity — he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world,” the statement said. California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted his tribute on X, saying the late president “was a man of rare character — whose beliefs ran true, deep, and never wavered. His candor and compassion, moral leadership, and sense of duty set a standard we all should aspire to. California joins the nation and the world in mourning his passing.” U.S. Rep Nancy Pelosi, the former Speaker of the House who hails from California, also posted on X. “At the heart of President Carter’s public service was his fervent commitment to honoring the spark of divinity within every person,” she wrote. “He always defended that spark: whether teaching Sunday school in his beloved Marantha Baptist Church, brokering the landmark Camp David Accords to pave the way to peace or building homes with Habitat for Humanity. As President, his work to restore integrity to the political arena during a difficult chapter in our history was a testament to his firm faith in the sanctity of the public good, which he always placed above his own. After leaving the White House, he carried on his service — leading perhaps the most impactful post-presidency in history. She added that Carter’s “love for his wife, First Lady Rosalynn Carter, is immortal. Their beautiful bond and partnership in service were a wonder to behold.” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer posted on X that Carter “personified the true meaning of leadership through service, through compassion, and through integrity. From his legacy as president, to his dedication to improving human rights across the globe, and his tireless efforts alongside his wife Rosalynn, in building a better world through Habitat for Humanity, he inspired millions with his unwavering commitment to justice and equality.” He added that Carter’s “faith in the American people and his belief in the power of kindness and humility leave a strong legacy. He taught us that the strength of a leader lies not in rhetoric but in action, not in personal gain but in service to others.” Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa also paid tribute to Carter in a statement. “Jimmy Carter was a man of character and integrity whose lifelong service to the greater good was most evident when he left office,” he said in a statement. “His tireless advocacy on behalf of the unhoused was something I was fortunate enough to witness firsthand and a remarkable feature of a humanitarian who never stopped believing in the dignity of our neighbors. May we continue the legacy of President Carter through acts of selfless service to others to never stop uplifting our community.” Former Georgia State Rep. Stacey Abrams shared her own tribute on X. “President Jimmy Carter lived a life of courage, fortitude, kindness and grace,” she wrote. “He was a giant who never saw anyone as smaller than himself. Whether at a Boys & Girls Club banquet or when he sponsored a medical clinic for the uninsured in his corner of rural Georgia, he lived James 2:17 each day. Jimmy Carter built homes, saved lives and tended to souls. God bless President Carter, may the family he and Mrs. Carter raised know only comfort in these days of grief.” U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, who hails from Georgia, also posted on X, saying “Carter’s lifetime of work and and dedication to public service changed the lives of many across our state, our country and our world.” He added that Carter “will be remembered for his commitment to democracy and human rights, his enduring faith, his philanthropic leaders and his deep love of family.” THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day More from The Hollywood Reporter
A man accused of setting a woman on fire inside a New York City subway train and then watching her die after she was engulfed in flames has made an initial court appearance and will remain in custody. Sebastian Zapeta, 33, who federal immigration officials said is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the US illegally, was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court. He appeared briefly before a judge and wore a white jumpsuit over a weathered black hooded sweatshirt. He did not speak. He will remain jailed ahead of his next court date on Friday. The apparently random attack occurred on Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Police said on Tuesday that identification of the victim was still “pending at this time”. Authorities say Zapeta approached the woman, who was sitting motionless in the train car and may have been sleeping, and used a lighter to set her clothing on fire. The woman quickly became engulfed in flames, while the suspect then sat at a bench on the subway platform and watched, according to police. Video posted to social media appeared to show the woman standing inside the train ablaze as some people look on from the platform, and at least one officer walks by. NYPD chief of transit Joseph Gulotta said that several officers had responded to the fire and one stayed to keep the crime scene “the way it’s supposed to be” while the others went to get fire extinguishers and transit workers. They were eventually able to douse the fire, but “unfortunately, it was too late”, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said — the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. During Zapeta’s court hearing on Tuesday, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg said Zapeta at one point fanned the flames on the woman using his shirt. He said a 911 call from a subway rider helped identify Zapeta. Mr Rottenberg added that under interrogation Zapeta claimed he did not know what happened, noting that he consumes alcohol. But he alleged that Zapeta identified himself to interrogators in images related to the attack. Zapeta was taken into custody on Sunday afternoon while riding a train on the same subway line after police got a tip from some teenagers who recognised him from images circulated by the police. A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support. The shelter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Federal immigration officials said Zapeta had been previously deported in 2018 but at some point reentered the US illegally. The crime — and the graphic video of it that ricocheted across social media — deepened a growing sense of unease among some New Yorkers about the safety of the subway system in a city where many residents take the subway multiple times each day.
Anticipation is building as the 30th Palmolive Sindh Women’s Swimming Championship approaches, set to showcase one of the most significant female sporting events in Pakistan. Karachi Women’s Swimming Association (KWSA) has been organizing this annual swimming championship in partnership with Colgate Palmolive Pakistan since 1991, a period of 30+ years. This swimming championship serves as a premier platform for discovering emerging talent in Sindh, the best of which go on to the national level. For Karachi Women’s Swimming Association, this 30th edition is a testament to decades of dedication and hard work in promoting women’s swimming across Pakistan. It reflects their ongoing commitment to nurturing young swimmers, providing them with the tools and opportunities to excel both locally and internationally. This event serves as an exciting milestone for the young female athletes who are taking part in the championship. It symbolizes not just a competition, but an opportunity to make history, set records, and inspire future generations of swimmers. This unique platform offers them a chance to showcase their talents, build their confidence, and aim for the highest levels of achievement in national and international swimming events, empowering them on the world stage. Many of the event’s past standout performers have gone on to win medals at prestigious tournaments, including the South Asian Games, South Asian Swimming Championships, and the Islamic Women’s Games. These athletes have also represented Pakistan at the World Swimming Championships, consistently raising the national flag and making the country proud. By empowering female athletes with the same competitive opportunities as their male counterparts, Palmolive continues to affirm its role as a socially responsible brand. Open to female swimmers from across Sindh, the 30th Palmolive Sindh Women’s Swimming Championship 2024 will be held on November 23-24, 2024, at the Karachi Club. Over 300 participants are expected from various schools, clubs, and individual entries, including Karachi Grammar School, Beaconhouse School System, Karachi Club, Karachi Gymkhana, Karachi American School, The City School, Links, Bayview Academy, DHA Sports Club Moin Khan, The CAS School, The Intellect School, The Ivy School, and Haque Academy, among others. The competition will feature all official FINA events. The Opening Ceremony will take place at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2024, with the medal presentation scheduled for Sunday, November 24, 2024, at 4.30 p.m. The Closing Ceremony will be open to the public.Warren Buffett gives away another $1.1B and plans for distributing his $147B fortune after his deathHARARE – Several Zimbabweans are among the dozens arrested as part of a month-long crackdown by Northamptonshire Police targeting drink and drug driving offences over the festive period. According to the , the operation, which began on December 1 and runs until January 2, 2025, involves naming individuals charged with driving under the influence on the force’s website and social media pages in an effort to deter dangerous driving. This annual campaign aims to highlight the consequences of impaired driving while ensuring road safety during the holiday season. It features roadside checks and patrols at various times, including early mornings, when residual alcohol or drugs from the previous night’s celebrations may impair drivers. Notable Arrests Involving Zimbabweans Among those charged is Takwana Phiri, 27, of St Austell Way, Swindon, who was charged with driving over the legal alcohol limit. He is set to appear before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on January 10. Similarly, Philip Gobvu, 41, of Windsor Road, Wellingborough, pleaded guilty to driving over the alcohol limit and awaits sentencing. Gobvu was arrested after providing an evidential reading of 72 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, significantly above the legal limit of 35 micrograms. He was disqualified from driving and released on bail pending his sentencing on February 13. So far, 86 arrests have been made during the campaign. These include 66 drivers suspected of exceeding the alcohol limit, 19 for drug-related driving offences, and one for both. Comparatively, 2023 saw 97 arrests for drink driving and 37 for drug driving during the same campaign. Police are emphasising the importance of public awareness to curb the trend. Superintendent Richard James of Northamptonshire Police stated: “Naming offenders publicly is part of our commitment to ensuring safer roads. It’s about accountability and educating the public on the life-altering consequences of these actions.” The crackdown has sparked debates around the ethics of publicly naming offenders. Supporters argue that it acts as a deterrent, while critics believe it could lead to stigmatisation. Nonetheless, authorities maintain that the approach is necessary to address the ongoing risks of impaired driving. The campaign serves as a reminder to drivers worldwide, including Zimbabweans in the diaspora, about the serious repercussions of drink and drug driving, particularly during the holiday season. Authorities urge drivers to make responsible choices and consider alternative transportation options to prevent tragic outcomes and maintain public safety.
MONTREAL — Canadian boxer Tammara Thibeault has signed with a company owned by boxing promoter and influencer Jake Paul ahead of her professional debut. Most Valuable Promotions, which boasts Puerto Rican boxer Amanda Serrano as one of its fighters, announced Friday it signed Thibeault. The 27-year-old from Shawinigan, Que., was scheduled for a bout Friday night in Orlando against fellow Canadian Natasha Spence (8-6-2, 6 KOs), ranked 10th among middleweight contenders by the World Boxing Association. Thibeault and Spence were set to make history as the first women to compete in three-minute rounds at the professional middleweight level. "I'm super happy, I'm really excited," Thibeault said in a phone interview. "It's the first time in history that this is happening in a professional debut, and it's an honour to be part of history like this. For me, it's the standard: I've been doing three-minute rounds for years." Thibeault has represented Canada at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. She was a favourite in Paris after reaching the 75-kilogram quarterfinals in Tokyo, but suffered a surprise defeat in her first match, losing by split decision to Cindy Ngamba of the Olympic Refugee Team. That loss ended a three-year streak that included gold medals at the 2022 IBA World Amateur Championships, the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 Pan American Games. Despite the unexpected setback in Paris, Thibeault’s negotiations with MVP were already well underway. "I’ve been negotiating with MVP for about a year. Regardless of the Olympic results, MVP was interested," said her manager, Katia Banel. "I met (MVP's Head of Boxing) Mike Leanardi a few months ago and again before making our decision. "Compared to other offers, whether from Matchroom or Boxxer, MVP’s initial offer was always the highest financially, and they presented it first. They offered something unparalleled: a huge signing bonus. Olympians without medals usually don’t have access to such bonuses. They also pay the highest purses in women’s boxing, even for four- or six-round fights. It’s unheard of. It’s like being paid for a 10-round fight." MVP plans to make the most of its new protégé. Thibeault will fight at least four times a year over the three-year contract. "What’s great with MVP is that we can negotiate higher purses for each fight," Banel said. "They’ve been very open to negotiating every clause." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2024. Frédéric Daigle, The Canadian PressPhilippine showdown: President says he'll fight vice president's plot to have him killed‘NCIS’ Preview: Christmas Episode Raises McGee’s Suspicions About LaRocheWorld Reacts To Life, Passing Of Former President Jimmy Carter
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COMMENTARY: Thought leadership is the key to building your brandGEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (AP) — Javan Buchanan's 28 points off of the bench led Boise State to an 83-82 victory against South Dakota State on Monday. Buchanan went 11 of 17 from the field (4 for 8 from 3-point range) for the Broncos (5-1). Alvaro Cardenas Torre added 16 points while going 6 of 13 (3 for 6 from 3-point range) while they also had seven assists. Julian Bowie went 4 of 4 from the field (3 for 3 from 3-point range) to finish with 13 points. Oscar Cluff finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds for the Jackrabbits (5-2). Joe Sayler added 19 points for South Dakota State. Kalen Garry had 13 points and five assists. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
How to Watch Top 25 Women’s College Basketball Games – Saturday, December 14