swerte 999

swerte 999 Srinagar, Dec 28: BJP Media Incharge Kashmir, Sajid Yousuf Shah, praised the people of Kashmir for their kindness in helping tourists who got stranded due to the ongoing snowfall, which has caused many difficulties across the region. In a statement, Shah highlighted the strong tradition of hospitality in Kashmir, where locals opened their homes and mosques to provide shelter, food, and warmth to those in need. Despite the challenges of heavy snow, as well as water and power shortages, the people of Kashmir have shown great generosity, making the region proud, he added. Shah also shared videos on his social media showing how local residents and mosque committees have been helping the stranded visitors.

What better subject for a new year! Moses is dead; Joshua carries on. Here’s the story. The promised land has been spied out and all systems are go! The Israelites have followed Joshua to the Jordan River. The long-awaited-for promised land is just ahead. A new exciting day is dawning. But then it happens — trouble — an obstacle. These obstacles may be economic, political, social or personal — but they always come. The obstacle facing the children of Israel was the flooding of the Jordan River. There were no boats or bridges, just gallons of rushing waters. They were so close to their destination, could even see it, but couldn’t reach it. They had to be disappointed as they waited three days to cross over into the promised land. So what is Joshua’s word to the Israelites and to us as we begin our journey into the new year 2025? First, acknowledge the source of your hope! Note in this story that the children of Israel are to be led into the land of promise not by the military, but by the priests. The favorable presence of God must go before them. Joshua says, “when you see the Ark of the Covenant ...go after it.” The Ark, of course, is the symbol of God’s presence and must be acknowledged. So, why are these Israelites to keep the Ark in sight? Plainly and simply, because they do not know the way. They are about to enter a brand new, unknown territory. And without God’s guidance neither they nor we will know where to go. Writing in his book “The Divine Conquest,” A.W.Tozer states, “Wherever faith has been original, wherever it has proved itself to be real, it has invariably had upon it a sense of the “present God.” Our hope is in God and his guidance. Second, set out! Then you shall set out from your place ...”Joshua admonished. Note again that Joshua doesn’t say that you should crawl out from your place or sneak out from your place. Joshua said, “Set out!” “See the Ark-set out!” Acknowledge God — set out! I like those words “set out,” and I think they mean “Hang in there.” Sometimes that is absolutely the best thing we can do — “just hang in there.” Some days survival itself is an achievement. At 95 years of age, J.C. Penny was asked to share the secret of his life and long success. He quickly replied, “Being grateful for all my problems. As I have dealt with each one, I became stronger. I grew on my difficulties.” It sounds like J.C. Penny knew how to hang in there. He had fortitude which means “firmness of spirit.” Third, dwell in possibility! A few years ago, a friend gave me a unique gift that I treasure very much. It’s a silver paper weight with the following words cut across the front of it, “Dwell in possibility.” Now, these words remind me of Joshua’s words to the children of Israel, “ ...For tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you” (Joshua 3:5). If you study churches or individuals or other groups, you’ll discover that they frequently make it or miss it on how well they manage the possibilities. Personally, I like the way that Don Quixote expresses it in the “Man of La Mancha” He said, “To dream the impossible dream!” To make everything better because we dare to believe they can be better. And we live our lives seeking to make them better. Happy New Year!Counting is under way across the country – and each constituency has its own backdrop of political intrigue and turf wars, while playing its role in the national picture. The Irish Times will be monitoring key races – the contests that will tell the story of the count as the 34th Dáil is pulled together. Keep track of the most important moments that matter below. Follow live news updates here . A year ago, it looked like immigration was going to be a defining issue for this election - but it seemed to reach a high water mark just around the local elections and then recede in relevance for voters. Our exit poll found that just six per cent of voters said immigration was most important to them when heading to the polls. A slew of candidates who were running primarily on migration are running - but how are they getting on? Cllr Malachy Steenson in Dublin Central was not looking strong for one of four seats, with 4.9 per cent of the tally. Derek Blighe of Ireland First tallied just four per cent of first preferences and was well adrift of the five seats on offer. Cllr Gavin Pepper looks to be in similar shape in Dublin North West, tallying at about six per cent, and not in the running in the three seater Phil Sutcliffe is on just two per cent in Dublin South Central where Sinn Féin has rallied in a big way. He won’t have been helped by his very visible support for Conor McGregor. Philip Dwyer has bombed in Wicklow, securing less than one per cent of the vote with almost all boxes open. One of the major questions heading into this election was how Fine Gael would defend a whopping 18 seats without the benefit of incumbency. Let’s take a whirl around a few and see how they’re getting on: In Kerry, where Brendan Griffin stood down, there’s a third of the tally in. Fine Gael ran just one candidate – former Kerry footballer Billy O’Shea, and he is duking it out with Fianna Fáil’s second candidate Michael Cahill, on 10.8 per cent and 10.2 per cent. In Donegal, the Fine Gael vote is down, as it seeks to hold on to Joe McHugh’s seat – and both its candidates are some way outside the seats during the tally, with Sinn Féin predictably leading the way and Fianna Fáil in the hunt for two seats. Fine Gael have a lot to do here to come into the reckoning. In Cavan-Monaghan, David Maxwell looks likely to hold on to Heather Humphreys’ seat. Holding two in Dublin-Rathdown is a key target for Fine Gael, where Maeve O’Connell is hoping to hold on to Josepha Madigan’s seat. With all boxes open, she has her nose in front of Fianna Fáil’s Shay Brennan. But with a lot of candidates bunched together on between 6 and 9 per cent, there could be some volatility below her which she will hope to avoid. Emer Currie looks set to hold in Dublin West, Leo Varadkar’s old seat. John McGahon, caught up in campaign trail controversy, is trailing in Louth where Simon Harris effectively removed his endorsement late in the race. But a lot of those boxes are from the Drogheda end of the constituency, not his heartland in Dundalk. Cork East , where Mark Stanton is hoping to defend his father David’s seat, is tightly bunched at the moment with six candidates on between 10 and 12 per cent of first preferences with a little more than half the boxes tallied. Stanton is among them, on 12 per cent, with running mate Noel McCarthy on 11 per cent. We’ll check back in on the other constituencies in a while. The battle for primacy between the Civil War parties is going to be a ground war – the path looks clear for a government based on a coalition between the two, but their candidates are fighting it out between themselves – and against others – in a way that could decide who holds the upper hand. Some races to watch: In Fingal East, Fine Gael’s Alan Farrell was predicted to take a seat comfortably alongside Fianna Fáil’s Darragh O’Brien. While the Minister for Housing is sitting pretty, Farrell (14.4 per cent) is marginally behind Labour’s Duncan Smith (14.5 per cent) and Sinn Féin’s Anne Graves (14.6 per cent). Aontú, Independents4Change, and Green transfers will come into play soon, with Joan Hopkins of the Social Democrats still in touch. Across the border in Fingal West, Fine Gael’s Grace Boland and Fianna Fáil’s Lorraine Clifford Lee are polling close to each other with all boxes open. But they trail Louise O’Reilly of Sinn Féin and Labour’s Robert O’Donoghue, who the party heavily tipped for a seat. If there’s only one government seat here, one of the pair of Boland and Clifford Lee look likely to miss out. Fianna Fáil are looking to add a seat in Clare, where Timmy Dooley is out in front with 21 per cent with more than half the tally in, while Cathal Crowe is on 9 per cent. Fine Gael’s Joe Cooney (14.9 per cent) is ahead of party colleague Leonora Carey (8.4 per cent), with Fianna Fáil comfortably ahead of Fine Gael on first preferences as it stands. In Galway West, Fine Gael’s Seán Kyne (10.6 per cent) is ahead of party colleague, the super junior minister Hildegarde Naughton (8.3 per cent) with a little more than half boxes tallied. John Connolly is comfortably outpolling celebrity candidate Gráinne Seoige who is currently outside the seats. In Louth, with a third of boxes tallied, John McGahon (who was ensnared in a campaign controversy over a fight he was involved in outside a pub several years ago) is trailing both his own party colleague Paula Butterly and both Fianna Fáil candidates Erin McGreehan and Alison Comyn. Early boxes tallied seemed to be from Drogheda though, with McGahon’s base in Dundalk . On the eve of the election, the Greens mood was growing increasingly despondent. There was a glimmer of hope for them in the exit poll on Friday night, having them on 4 per cent nationally. But everywhere you looked on Saturday morning, tallies were not favourable for the party, including in its heartlands. In Dublin West , with almost all boxes open, Roderic O’Gorman (6.5 per cent) had his nose in front of John Walsh of the Labour Party (5.6 per cent). But with Fianna Fáil’s Jack Chambers (20.9 per cent) and Sinn Féin’s Paul Donnelly (17.1 per cent) looking strong, and Fine Gael’s Emer Currie odds on to hold Leo Varadkar’s old seat (15.2 per cent). But Ruth Coppinger was going well on 8.6 per cent, making her early favourite to take the fourth seat, leaving O’Gorman scrapping for the last. In Dún Laoghaire , Ossian Smyth is a bellwether for the entire party’s fortunes – probably even more so than O’Gorman. He will be looking very nervously at the Social Democrats’s Hugo Mills, tallying just 105 votes behind the Green in a strong performance. In Dublin South Central , where the party was hopeful of holding on to Patrick Costello’s seat, he is holding just 6 per cent of the vote in the tally, making it hard to see him coming home. Ditto Neasa Hourigan across the river in Dublin Central. Steven Matthews is struggling in Wicklow, with Marc Ó Cathasaigh on 3 per cent in Waterford. Hazel Chu is also facing a big battle to keep Eamon Ryan’s seat in Dublin Bay South where he topped the poll in 2020. It looks like a dark day for the Greens. Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin went down the N11 to Wicklow on the last day of campaigning, in a bid to shore up support for Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly in what was always going to be an absolute bear pit, with five TDs seeking four seats in a shrunken constituency. Donnelly is in one hell of a scrap. With 53 per cent of boxes open, he had 6.4 per cent of the vote. This has him just behind the second Fine Gael candidate, Edward Timmins on 6.6 per cent. The Green Party’s Steven Matthews looked doomed on just under 4 per cent, trailing the Fine Gael gene-pool Independent Shay Cullen (4.8 per cent). If we assume (and on these numbers it looks likely enough) that Taoiseach Simon Harris , Sinn Féin’s John Brady and Social Democrats’s Jennifer Whitmore are heading back to the Dáil (30.1 per cent, 13.8 per cent, 13.7 per cent), then Donnelly will have to get ahead of Timmins and hope for a favour from Harris’s surplus, and that Cullen’s presumed elimination doesn’t favour Timmins too heavily. Independent Joe Behan, a former Fianna Fáil TD, was on 5.6 per cent, so perhaps some Fianna Fáil-leaning votes might come home to Donnelly – but remember, many view him as Fianna Fáil in name only. Gerry Hutch – the gangland figure running as a non-party candidate in Dublin Central – has attracted perhaps more coverage than any other independent across the country. And with 100 per cent of boxes tallied, the man known as “the Monk” was right in the heel of the hunt on Saturday. He has polled way above the expectations privately proffered by his competitors, taking north of 3,000 first preference votes, leaving him in fourth position in the tally. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald will top the poll, followed by Fine Gael’s Paschal Donohoe . Hutch trailed Gary Gannon of the Social Democrats – who on these numbers, was looking good for the third seat on 13.3 per cent of the poll – but on 9.4 per cent was out in front of Fianna Fáil’s Mary Fitzpatrick (7.1 per cent) and the centre left candidates, Labour’s Marie Sherlock (7.5 per cent) and the Green Party’s Neasa Hourigan (6 per cent). The key question is: where can Hutch get the transfers to stay in the race for a seat. He will likely pull strongly from Independent Malachy Steenson’s 1,588 votes, perhaps extending his lead – but then, it could become a case of the chasing pack reeling him in. If Hourigan goes out, her transfers should break for Labour and Gannon, and if Fitzpatrick follows her out, few if any votes will make their way to Hutch. So, if we had to call it now, he could get squeezed. But he’s doing better than expected – arguably, much better. A nail biter.Musk causes uproar by backing German far-right party ahead of key electionsWho Wants To Be A Millionaire celebrity special viewers stumped by TWO lifelines used in first five minutes

“I am definitely not following the news anymore,” one patient told me when I asked about her political news consumption in the weeks before the 2024 U.S. presidential election. This conversation happened around the time I talked with a local TV channel about why we saw fewer political yard signs during this year’s election season, compared with past ones. I am a psychiatrist who studies and treats fear and anxiety. One of my main mental health recommendations to my patients during the 2016 and 2020 election cycles was to reduce their political news consumption. I also tried to convince them that the five hours a day they spent watching cable news was only leaving them helpless and terrified. Over the past couple of years, though, I have noticed a change: Many of my patients say they either have tuned out or are too exhausted to do more than a brief read of political news or watch one hour of their favorite political show. Research supports my clinical experience: A Pew research study from 2020 showed that 66% of Americans were worn out by political stress. Interestingly, those who are not following the news feel that same news fatigue at an even higher percentage of 73%. In 2023, 8 out of 10 Americans described U.S. politics with negative words like “divisive,” “corrupt,” “messy” and “polarized.” In my view, three major factors have led Americans to exhaustion and burnout with U.S. politics. -- The politics of fear In my 2023 book, “AFRAID: Understanding the Purpose of Fear, and Harnessing the Power of Anxiety,” I discuss how American politicians and major news media have found an ally in fear: a very strong emotion that can be used to grab our attention, keeping us in the tribal dividing lines and making us follow, click, tap, watch and donate. Over the past few decades, many people have felt a strong push for tribalism, an “us vs. them” way of seeing the world, turning Americans against one another. This has led to a point where we are not just in disagreement with each other. We hate, cancel, block and attack those who disagree with us. -- People live in information bubbles It can feel like Fox News and MSNBC commentators are talking about Americas from two different planets. The same is true when it comes to different social media feeds. Many people are part of social media communities that are closed to the world outside their homes and familiar social circles. Based on people’s political views and what they search for or watch and read, social media algorithms feed them content where everybody talks and thinks alike. If you hear about the other side, it is only about their worst attributes and behavior. The disconnect is so wide that people are not even able to comprehend the thinking of those from other perspectives and find their logic or political beliefs unfathomable. Many Americans have gotten to the point of believing that the other half of Americans are, at best, unintelligent and stupid; and at worst, immoral and evil. -- People’s political opinions have become their identities There was a time in American politics where two politicians or two neighbors could disagree, but still believe that the other person was fundamentally good. Over time, and more so since the early 2000s, this ability to connect despite political beliefs has decreased. The majority of both Democrats and Republicans said in a 2022 Pew Research survey that someone’s political ideas are an indicator of their morality and character. This 2022 Pew survey also shows that partisan animosity extends to judgments about character: 72% of Republicans and 63% of Democrats said they believe members of the opposing party are more “immoral” than other Americans. This is evident in day-to-day conversations of members of both political tribes: “How can I be friends with someone who wants to kill babies,” or “How can I talk to someone who is OK with women dying in a corner of a clinic parking lot”. We can no longer see someone’s political affiliation in the context of their humanity at large. What psychology and neuroscience say Fear as a deeply ingrained survival mechanism takes priority over other brain functions. Fear guides your memories, feelings, attention and thoughts, and can cause you to keep watching, scrolling and reading to monitor this perceived threat. Positive or neutral news could then become uninteresting because it is not important in your survival response. That has been the key to a person’s deep engagement with the fear-based political news. But too much fear does not keep someone engaged forever. That is because of another survival mechanism – what’s called “learned helplessness.” In 1967, American psychologist Martin Seligman exposed two groups of dogs to painful shocks. Dogs in group 1 could stop the shock by pressing a lever, which they quickly learned to do. But the dogs in group 2 learned that they could not control when the shock starts and stops. Then, both groups were placed in a box divided into two halves by a small barrier, and shock was applied to only one side of the box. Dogs in group 1 – who had learned how to stop the shocks in the earlier experiment – quickly learned to jump over the barrier to the shock-free side. But dogs in group 2 did not even attempt to do so. They had learned there is no point in trying. This experiment has been replicated in different forms with other animals and humans with the same conclusion: When people feel they cannot control the painful or scary situation, they just give up. During such experiences, the brain’s fear region – called the amygdala – is hyperactive. Meanwhile, emotion-regulating brain areas like the prefrontal cortex decrease in activity under these circumstances. Learned helplessness also means the brain mechanisms commonly involved in regulating anxiety and depression don’t function as well. When working with patients who have suffered from long periods of intense anxiety, fear, trauma and exhaustion, I see learned helplessness showing up in the form of depression, loss of motivation, fatigue and lack of engagement with the world around them. The COVID-19 pandemic, more than a decade of intense political stress, polarizing social media and wars across the world, as well as public disillusionment with U.S. politics and media, have led, I believe, to many people experiencing burnout and learned helplessness. If you feel politically exhausted, you are not the problem. Feel free to tune out from the noise. Arash Javanbakht is Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Wayne State University. The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.

EPL: I don’t know what will happen against Liverpool next week – GuardiolaJORGINHO received a ticking-off from referee Anthony Taylor after “turning into Ben White” with some “dark arts” for Arsenal. The former Chelsea star played all 90 minutes as Mikel Arteta’s men moved up to second with a 5-2 win at West Ham. 4 Jorginho showed off his 'dark arts' in Arsenal's 5-2 win at West Ham Credit: Sky Sports 4 The midfielder tried distracting Lukasz Fabianski at a free-kick late on Credit: Sky Sports Arsenal scored all five of their goals in a first-half blitz. And the result means they are now within six points of leaders Liverpool, who play defending champs Manchester City on Sunday. The Gunners’ win never looked in doubt after racing into a 4-0 lead. Bukayo Saka’s penalty, which came after a quickfire double from the Hammers, put the result beyond doubt. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Fan brawl Moment huge brawl breaks out in West Ham vs Arsenal with punches thrown But that didn’t stop Jorginho from doing everything possible to get his team over the line. With just moments remaining, Arsenal won a direct free-kick which was lined up by loanee Raheem Sterling. The game was a done deal by that point, with many home supporters already exiting the building. Yet Jorginho showed his competitive side by standing in front of West Ham goalie Lukasz Fabianski in an attempt to play mind games. Most read in Football IN THE HAT Full list of teams in Scottish Cup fourth round draw as Prem big guns enter SOLD FIRM Scott Brown's stunning new £2m mansion used to belong to Rangers supremo FAB FINISH Rangers loan flop scores stunner as he and unsung Scotland star take down Barca CELTIC 5 ROSS COUNTY 0 Hoops stun visitors with FIVE first half-goals despite six changes FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS The Gunners have become the best in the league for their set-piece routines, with defender White often the focal point for ruffling opposition feathers. But Jorginho’s efforts were quickly picked up by ref Taylor, who gave him a telling off before Sterling’s free-kick sailed over the bar. Moment huge brawl breaks out in West Ham end with punches thrown and fan knocked to ground in London derby vs Arsenal 4 Anthony Taylor made sure to give Jorginho a ticking off Credit: Sky Sports 4 Fans were left amazed at the midfielder's antics Credit: Sky Sports Fans were quick to react to the incident too, with many loving Jorginho’s attempts to replicate the injured White’s set-piece “dark arts.” One said: “Jorginho blissfully epitomising dark arts.” Another declared: “Jorginho still finding the time to be unsporting.” One noted: “Jorginho turned into Ben White for a moment.” Another yelled: “What was he trying to do there?” One fan had a different opinion, adding: “Jorginho ridiculous! Anti-football!”By JOSH BOAK WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump loved to use tariffs on foreign goods during his first presidency. But their impact was barely noticeable in the overall economy, even if their aftershocks were clear in specific industries. The data show they never fully delivered on his promised factory jobs. Nor did they provoke the avalanche of inflation that critics feared. This time, though, his tariff threats might be different . The president-elect is talking about going much bigger — on a potential scale that creates more uncertainty about whether he’ll do what he says and what the consequences could be. “There’s going to be a lot more tariffs, I mean, he’s pretty clear,” said Michael Stumo, the CEO of Coalition for a Prosperous America, a group that has supported import taxes to help domestic manufacturing. The president-elect posted on social media Monday that on his first day in office he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada until those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. Those tariffs could essentially blow up the North American trade pact that Trump’s team negotiated during his initial term. Chinese imports would face additional tariffs of 10% until Beijing cracks down on the production of materials used in making fentanyl, Trump posted. Business groups were quick to warn about rapidly escalating inflation , while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she would counter the move with tariffs on U.S. products. House Democrats put together legislation to strip a president’s ability to unilaterally apply tariffs this drastic, warning that they would likely lead to higher prices for autos, shoes, housing and groceries. Sheinbaum said Wednesday that her administration is already working up a list of possible retaliatory tariffs “if the situation comes to that.” “The economy department is preparing it,” Sheinbaum said. “If there are tariffs, Mexico would increase tariffs, it is a technical task about what would also benefit Mexico,” she said, suggesting her country would impose targeted import duties on U.S. goods in sensitive areas. House Democrats on Tuesday introduced a bill that would require congressional approval for a president to impose tariffs due to claims of a national emergency, a largely symbolic action given Republicans’ coming control of both the House and Senate. “This legislation would enable Congress to limit this sweeping emergency authority and put in place the necessary Congressional oversight before any president – Democrat or Republican – could indiscriminately raise costs on the American people through tariffs,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash. But for Trump, tariffs are now a tested tool that seems less politically controversial even if the mandate he received in November’s election largely involved restraining inflation. The tariffs he imposed on China in his first term were continued by President Joe Biden, a Democrat who even expanded tariffs and restrictions on the world’s second largest economy. Biden administration officials looked at removing Trump’s tariffs in order to bring down inflationary pressures, only to find they were unlikely to help significantly. Tariffs were “so new and unique that it freaked everybody out in 2017,” said Stumo, but they were ultimately somewhat modest. Trump imposed tariffs on solar panels and washing machines at the start of 2018, moves that might have pushed up prices in those sectors even though they also overlapped with plans to open washing machine plants in Tennessee and South Carolina. His administration also levied tariffs on steel and aluminum, including against allies. He then increased tariffs on China, leading to a trade conflict and a limited 2020 agreement that failed to produce the promised Chinese purchases of U.S. goods. Still, the dispute changed relations with China as more U.S. companies looked for alternative suppliers in other countries. Economic research also found the United States may have sacrificed some of its “soft power” as the Chinese population began to watch fewer American movies. The Federal Reserve kept inflation roughly on target, but factory construction spending never jumped in a way that suggested a lasting gain in manufacturing jobs. Separate economic research found the tariff war with China did nothing economically for the communities hurt by offshoring, but it did help Trump and Republicans in those communities politically. When Trump first became president in 2017, the federal government collected $34.6 billion in customs, duties and fees. That sum more than doubled under Trump to $70.8 billion in 2019, according to Office of Management and Budget records. While that sum might seem meaningful, it was relatively small compared to the overall economy. America’s gross domestic product is now $29.3 trillion, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The total tariffs collected in the United States would equal less than 0.3% of GDP. The new tariffs being floated by Trump now are dramatically larger and there could be far more significant impacts. If Mexico, Canada, and China faced the additional tariffs proposed by Trump on all goods imported to the United States, that could be roughly equal to $266 billion in tax collections, a number that does not assume any disruptions in trade or retaliatory moves by other countries. The cost of those taxes would likely be borne by U.S. families, importers and domestic and foreign companies in the form of higher prices or lower profits. Former Biden administration officials said they worried that companies could piggyback on Trump’s tariffs — if they’re imposed — as a rationale to raise their prices, just as many companies after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 boosted food and energy costs and gave several major companies the space to raise prices, according to their own earnings calls with investors. But what Trump didn’t really spell out is what might cause him to back down on tariffs and declare a victory. What he is creating instead with his tariff threats is a sense of uncertainty as companies and countries await the details to figure out what all of this could mean. “We know the key economic policy priorities of the incoming Trump administration, but we don’t know how or when they will be addressed,” said Greg Daco, chief U.S. economist at EY-Parthenon. AP writer Mark Stevenson contributed to this report from Mexico City.

NEW YORK — I’ll get you, my pretty! And your little pygmy hippo, too! Forgive us the shameless attempt to link the fantasy hit “Wicked” to the delightful Moo Deng . But, hear us out — there’s something the two have in common as the year draws to a close. Escapism. Whether we found it on the yellow brick road, or in videos from a Thailand zoo, or perhaps in unlikely Olympic heroes , we gravitated toward fantasy and feel-good pop culture moments this year. There were new trends, as always. “Brat summer” became a thing, as did “demure, mindful.” And for some inexplicable reason, we became obsessed with celebrity lookalike contests. There were breakups — Bennifer is, again, a thing of the past — and reunions: Oasis, please try to stay together for the tour. Yet some things stayed, remarkably, the same: Taylor Swift and Beyoncé kept on breaking records and making history. So, after a year where much changed but some things held steady, here’s our annual, very selective trip down pop culture memory lane: Lily Gladstone poses in the press room Jan. 7 with the award for best performance by an actress in a motion picture, drama for "Killers of the Flower Moon" at the 81st Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. It starts as a cheery tweet from a beloved “Sesame Street” figure: “ ELMO is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” The answers hint at something deeper and more worrisome. “Not great, Elmo. Not great,” says one milder reply. Doing much better is the viral phenomenon called “BARBENHEIMER,” which makes its awards season debut at the GOLDEN GLOBES . But perhaps the most poignant moment comes from neither film: LILY GLADSTONE , first Indigenous winner of best actress in a drama for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” begins her remarks in the language of her tribe, Blackfeet Nation. Valentine’s Day — a perfect time to settle into a sweet love saga via TikTok. Only that’s not quite what we get with “Who TF Did I Marry?,” REESA TEESA ’s depressing, fascinating, 50-part account of her disastrous marriage with a man who lied about absolutely everything. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a single week that encapsulates peak SWIFT cultural dominance , try this: she begins with the Grammys in Los Angeles (becoming the first artist to win album of the year four times AND announcing a new album), then heads to Tokyo for four tour dates, then jets back just in time for the Super Bowl in Las Vegas — where she shares a passionate smooch with boyfriend TRAVIS KELCE on the field of victory. Ryan Gosling performs the song "I'm Just Ken" from the movie "Barbie" on March 10 during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. “What was I made for?” BILLIE EILISH sings at the OSCARS, channeling BARBIE . And what was KEN made for? Not entirely clear — but it's clear RYAN GOSLING was made to play him. His singalong version of “I’m Just Ken” is one of the most entertaining Oscar musical moments in years. Still, Christopher Nolan's “OPPENHEIMER” prevails, a rare case of the top prize going to a blockbuster studio film. Will it happen again in 2025? CYNTHIA ERIVO and ARIANA GRANDE sure hope so; as presenters, they make a sly reference to their upcoming juggernaut, “WICKED.” Speaking of marketing, people are obsessed with that bizarre “DUNE” popcorn bucket. Beyonce And BEYONCÉ carves her space in country music with “Act II: Cowboy Carter,” which will make her the first Black woman to top the Billboard country chart. Taylor Swift performs June 21 at Wembley Stadium in London as part of her Eras Tour. Tennis, anyone? The game’s been around for centuries, but it’s having a cultural moment right now, helped mightily by “CHALLENGERS,” the sweaty romance triangle starring ZENDAYA, MIKE FAIST and JOSH O'CONNOR (40-love? More like 40-sex.) Elsewhere, a new era dawns: At midnight, SWIFT drops “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT," then drops another 15 songs two hours later. The fascinating and disturbing “BABY REINDEER,” the story of a struggling comedian’s extended encounter with a stalker, debuts on Netflix. Ben Affleck, left, and Jennifer Lopez arrive Feb. 13 at the premiere of "This Is Me ... Now: A Love Story" at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. It’s MET GALA time — or as it's known in 2024, another early marketing moment for “WICKED.” ERIVO and GRANDE make fashion waves on the carpet and then musical ones at dinner, with a soulful performance of “When You Believe.” If the “Wicked” tour is in full force, another one stops in its tracks: JENNIFER LOPEZ cancels her summer tour amid reports of both poor ticket sales and trouble in her marriage to BEN AFFLECK . It’s been an eventful year for J.Lo, who's released an album and movie called “THIS IS ME ... NOW" — both reflections on her renewed love with Affleck. Welcome to BRAT SUMMER ! CHARLI XCX releases her hit “Brat” album , with its lime green cover, and launches a thousand memes. Collins Dictionary defines “brat,” its word of the year, as “characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude.” At the celeb-heavy SWIFT shows in London, we see PRINCE WILLIAM shaking it off, which is either charming or cringe, you decide. Even better: KELCE dons a top hat and tux and performs for one night. At another stadium across the pond, METS infielder JOSE IGLESIAS delights the crowd with his cheery number “OMG.” Stephen Nedoroscik is introduced June 29 at the United States Gymnastics Olympic Trials in Minneapolis. Bonjour, it’s OLYMPICS time! In Paris! An audacious opening ceremony along the Seine is punctuated by a fabulous CELINE DION , perched on the EIFFEL TOWER , singing her heart out — in the rain, too. Controversy swirls over a scene critics feel mocks Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” (organizers say it does not). Olympic stars are born — including French swimming superstar LEON MARCHAND , rugby player ILONA MAHER , and bespectacled “Pommel Horse Guy” gymnast STEPHEN NEDOROSCIK , who nets two bronze medals and comparisons to Clark Kent. Baby pigmy hippo Moo Deng plays with a zookeeper Sept. 19 in the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand. Also capturing hearts: yep, MOO DENG , born this month. Her name means “bouncy pork.” Australia's Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, competes Aug. 9 during the Round Robin Battle at the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. This is them ... now: BENNIFER is no more. After two decades, two engagements and two weddings, J.Lo files for divorce. One union dissolves, another returns: OASIS announces a reunion tour. Everyone seems to want to get in on TikToker JOOLS LEBRON 's “ DEMURE, MINDFUL ” act — even the WHITE HOUSE press team. Back at the Olympics, in the new sport of breaking, we meet Australia’s RAYGUN , arguably neither demure nor mindful with her “kangaroo” move. Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani brings his dog Decoy to the mound Aug. 28 before Decoy delivered the ceremonial first pitch prior to a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Baltimore Orioles in Los Angeles. Cute animal alert: SHOHEI OHTANI ’s perky pooch DECOY does a great “first pitch” in his Major League Baseball debut. Chappell Roan performs "Good Luck, Babe" on Sept. 11 during the MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. One of the year’s biggest breakout artists, CHAPPELL ROAN , withdraws from a music festival after speaking out about frightening fan interactions. And more on the price of fame: In an excruciating moment, “Bachelorette” JENN TRAN , the franchise’s first Asian American lead, is forced to sit through a painful viewing of her proposal to her chosen suitor, after tearfully explaining how he’d later dumped her over the phone. Tran is keeping busy though — she’s announced as part of the new “Dancing with the Stars” lineup. Also on the list: rugby player Maher, and Pommel Horse Guy! Also, ANNA SOROKIN , dancing with an ankle monitor. Online fandom, meanwhile, is shaken when X is temporarily suspended in Brazil and celebrity stan accounts post tearful farewells, revealing to many across the globe that their favorite accounts are run by Brazilians. Miles Mitchell, 21, wins of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest Oct. 27 near Washington Square Park in New York. “Dune” Chalamets! “Wonka” Chalamets! Thousands gather in Manhattan for a TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET lookalike contest, and things really get interesting when Chalamet himself shows up. He doesn’t enter the contest, though, and with his mustache, he may not even have won. The trend continues with contests for JEREMY ALLEN WHITE, ZAYN MALIK and — in a very Washington version — Kennedy scion JACK SCHLOSSBERG , who's been gathering a following with some interesting social media posts. New York Liberty Kennedy Burke dances with the mascot, Ellie the Elephant, during an Oct. 24 ceremony after a parade in honor of the Liberty's WNBA basketball championship at City Hall in New York. Turning to basketball, who’s that dancing with USHER ? Why it’s ELLIE THE ELEPHANT , the now-viral NEW YORK LIBERTY mascot. Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, right, appears Nov. 2 with Maya Rudolph on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" in New York. MAYA RUDOLPH does a pretty good KAMALA HARRIS laugh on “Saturday Night Live,” but you know who does it better? HARRIS herself. The Democratic candidate makes a surprise cameo three days before the U.S. presidential election, following in the footsteps of HILLARY CLINTON , SARAH PALIN and others. Elsewhere in television, Bravo announces that “VANDERPUMP RULES,” the Emmy-nominated reality show that has lived through countless scandals, is entirely recasting its 12th season — apart from namesake LISA VANDERPUMP . As for MOO DENG , she doesn't have her own TV series yet, but our favorite pygmy hippo is generating plenty of merch . And THAT brings us back to ... Ariana Grande, left, and Cynthia Erivo pose for photographers Nov. 11 prior to the premiere of "Wicked" at Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City. “WICKED” ! Director JON M. CHU ’s emerald-hued fantasy remains very very popular, to quote one of its buzzy show tunes, dancing through life and defying gravity at the multiplex. Moviegoers also come for “GLADIATOR II” and, in a veritable tidal wave, Disney's “MOANA 2,” which beckons us back to the seas of Oceania. Once again, 2024 seems to be telling us: Give people some whimsy, a place to escape, maybe some catchy tunes — and no one knows how far they’ll go. The stories and images that defined 2024. Searching for something? From queries about U.S. politics to cricket in India, Wikipedia has become a source of information for millions of people across the globe. From the Paris Olympics to the Super Bowl. From Simone Biles to Shohei Ohtani. And, of course, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. These are the sp... AP photographers assembled a visual catalog of our civilization as life in 2024 hurtled directly at us at every speed and in every imaginable ... In 2024, photographers captured glimpses of humanity, ranging from a deeply divisive presidential election, to hurricanes and fires that ravag... Associated Press photographers captured voters with raw emotions of joy, excitement, contemplation or sorrow. It beat five other finalists: demure, slop, dynamic pricing, romantasy and lore. News anchors, politicians and other public figures in the U.S. struggled with these words the most this year. Is it any surprise Merriam-Webster's word of the year is "polarization"? Here are the other words that rounded out the top 10 for 2024. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., Nov. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FrankSpeech Broadcast Network is making waves in the world of independent media, delivering its strongest quarter ever in Q3 2024. The company has not only seen impressive viewer growth across its channels but also made major strides in enhancing the user experience with powerful new platform features and expanding its content offerings-driving engagement to new heights. With over 7 million monthly viewers tuning in across its 24/7 channels, FrankSpeech is proving that a platform dedicated to free speech and independent content is resonating with audiences looking for alternatives to mainstream media. The momentum continues to build as the network expands its reach, engages more content creators, and strengthens partnerships with advertisers. Breaking Records in Viewer Engagement FrankSpeech is seeing a surge in both viewer engagement and content creator participation, thanks to the newly branded VOCL app. The app, which has been a game-changer in connecting independent content creators with their audiences, has been expanding rapidly-bringing in new users and boosting interaction on the platform. The VOCL app's growth reflects a growing demand for platforms that put the user experience front and center. With its seamless integration across FrankSpeech's ecosystem, the app is revolutionizing how viewers discover and interact with content. The recent user interface updates-including live chat, dynamic homepage streaming, and an improved login experience-have made it easier than ever for users to connect, stream, and engage with the content that matters most to them. "We're thrilled with the progress we've made in Q3 and the growth we've seen in both our viewer base and the VOCL app," said Mike Lindell, CEO of FrankSpeech. "We're on a mission to create a more interactive, engaging experience for our audience, and it's clear that our efforts are paying off. The future looks incredibly bright as we continue to build on this momentum." Platform Enhancements Driving Viewer Growth FrankSpeech has not only focused on growing its audience but also enhancing the platform to keep viewers engaged for longer periods of time. With a reimagined design and new, user-friendly interfaces, the FrankSpeech website, OTT platform, and mobile app are all now optimized for a better, smoother viewing experience. These enhancements include: - A refreshed visual identity across all platforms, giving the user experience a sleek, modern feel. - Advanced user analytics that provide deeper insights into viewer behavior, allowing the platform to deliver more relevant content and improve engagement. - A new live-streaming experience with interactive features, including live chat and an intuitive UI designed for real-time engagement. What's Next for FrankSpeech and VOCL? As we move into Q4 2024, FrankSpeech is positioned for continued success with an aggressive roadmap to expand content offerings, attract more content creators, and deepen partnerships with advertisers. The company is also exploring new ways to engage its growing community, tapping into emerging technologies and content formats that will shape the future of independent media. "We're only just getting started," Lindell added. "With the incredible response we've received from both viewers and content creators, we're excited to continue scaling our platform, expanding our reach, and delivering the kind of unfiltered, authentic content that people are craving." About: FrankSpeech is a major broadcast platform founded by Mike Lindell in April 2021 to provide a superior First-Amendment-friendly alternative to highly censored Big Tech options. In just a few short years, FrankSpeech has grown to serve over 7 million monthly viewers on three continuous 24/7 channels. Visit https://frankspeech.com to learn more. For more information, visit http://www.frankspeech.com. Contact Information: Josh Shave Chief Marketing Officer [email protected] Safe Harbor: The aforementioned statements and any future correspondence made by FrankSpeech Network, Inc. (the Company) may be forward looking in nature, particularly related to the business plans of the Company within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by these sections. Actual results may differ materially from projected statements. The Company believes that its primary risk factors include, but are not limited to the need for substantial financial requirements; the need to develop effective internal process and system; changes in the overall economy; changes in technology, the number and size of competitors and the mix of products and services offered in its markets; and changes in the law and regulatory policy. Additionally, certain information included in this communication contains statements that are forward-looking, such as statements relating to the future anticipated direction of the media industry, plans for future expansion, various business development activities, planned capital expenditures, future funding sources, anticipated sales growth and potential contracts. These forward statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual operations or results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, among others, risks associated with unproven sales derived from the Company's programming, risks associated with the media and communications industry and the risks related to the transition to a new management team.