Dan Campbell, Lions no longer satisfied with making playoffsNumber of people 'dispersed from area' at Oxford United football match, police say
Article content Mayor Olivia Chow says she never got the emails — but the Toronto Sun got ’em. Recommended Videos Dozens of pages worth of emails, released to the Sun after a freedom-of-information request, appear to show at least two messages about the Oct. 7 vigil were delivered to Chow’s inbox well before the event took place. The vigil, hosted by the United Jewish Appeal Federation in North York, was held one year after the attack on Israel by Hamas to honour the 1,200 people who were slain. Several politicians attended, including city councillors and Premier Doug Ford, but not Chow. Arianne Robinson, who until recently was Chow’s press secretary, told the Sun ’s Joe Warmington shortly after the vigil that the mayor’s office “didn’t receive an invitation.” The documents released to the Sun tell a different story. On Sept. 6, the Jewish humanitarian group Ve’ahavta sent its newsletter to a list of email addresses that included Chow. That email ended with a link to register for the UJA vigil. On Oct. 1, Marni Blustein, director of strategic community initiatives and engagement with the UJA, was more personal — and direct. “Enough is enough!” Blustein began the email. “On Oct. 7, my community has organized a peaceful vigil in honour of the victims. Countless counter-protests are already been (sic) organized — what are you going to do to keep us safe? Whose side are you on?” Chow does not appear to have replied to either message. However, other emails lend credence to Chow’s story that an invitation, sent Sept. 23, was lost to the digital ether. Michelle Stock is a vice-president with the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, which worked with the UJA on the invitations for the vigil. In October, she shared with the Sun an email sent to the mayor’s office on Sept. 23 that invited Chow to the event. She said that message followed emails to Chow on Sept. 3 and 10. A series of emails show that Sara King, Chow’s executive assistant, was in touch with the city clerk’s office’s IT department on Oct. 8 and 9 regarding that invitation. “I’m still having issues with this email that supposedly was sent to me. The sender insists I would have received it,” King wrote. “Could you do whatever is in your IT power to check if any incoming mail was rejected (or) bounced back from my inbox on Sept. 23 at 14:24?” That evening, King was told: “The results indicate that the email did not reach the city servers. The messaging team will look into this further, and will report back to me tomorrow. I’ll keep you posted.” It’s unclear if anything else came of the matter, and the Sun can’t rule out that Chow’s office did receive the CIJA emails. That’s because of the 135 pages of emails disclosed to the Sun , all but 44 are fully redacted — nothing but blank grey pages. “An unjustified invasion of privacy” was cited as the reason. (Bradley Hammond, Chow’s new director of communications, referred a question about these pages back to the office of the city clerk, which made the redactions.) Blustein’s email wasn’t the only one from the UJA that Chow received over the time span — all of September and the first 10 days of October — covered by the Sun ’s freedom-of-information request. About an hour before Blustein’s message, Florence Glickman, a donor relations representative for the UJA, urged Chow to do more about “hate” — presumably referring to anti-Israel protests. “I am asking for your help in ensuring that the city of Toronto be a safe place. Hate has no place in Toronto. We implore you to have the appropriate steps to ensure police monitor these events for incitement and hate speech,” Glickman wrote. (Chow also did not appear to respond to this email.) In a statement, Chow told the Sun she “should have been at the Oct. 7 vigil hosted by UJA.” “My lack of attendance hurt members of the Jewish community,” Chow added, “and I have offered my deepest apologies. I am very sorry and take full responsibility for missing such an important event. “As mayor, I should have been there to show the Jewish community how much I care about their safety and well-being in this city, especially during this time of rising antisemitism and hate. Antisemitism and acts of hate have no place in Toronto.” Councillor James Pasternak has said he personally asked Chow before the vigil if she would attend. In a statement to the Sun , he acknowledged that feelings were hurt, but “the mayor has apologized and it’s time to move on.” “That being said,” he added, “when a part of our mosaic in Toronto, in this case the Jewish community, is in grief and under siege it is vital that the mayor remain a source of healing, unity and collective safety no matter what the blowback is in social media or on the streets. These hateful mobs do not represent the vast majority of Torontonians.” Representatives with the UJA and CIJA declined to get into specifics about the emails, echoing Pasternak’s comment about the mayor having already apologized. jholmes@postmedia.com RECOMMENDED VIDEOWarning: This post discusses weight loss. In recent years, celebrities have turned to Ozempic and similar drugs for weight loss. While the FDA has approved Wegovy and Zepbound for weight management, Ozempic and Mounjaro officially remain medications for type 2 diabetics. According to NPR , shortages due in part to Hollywood's fondness for the drugs have left many diabetics unable to access the medications they need. NPR pointed out that the drugmakers themselves have advertised heavily, with some commercials including the number of pounds patients lost even when that particular medication was meant for type 2 diabetics. This, in combination with social media, has also increased demand for using those drugs for weight loss. Because these drugs are so popular, many social media users accuse famous people of using Ozempic whenever a celebrity loses weight. Here are 19 celebrities who have either admitted to or denied using Ozempic and similar drugs: 1. Admitted it: Kelly Osbourne This year, the reality TV star raved about Ozempic while chatting with E! News . "I think it's amazing. There are a million ways to lose weight. Why not do it through something [that] isn't as boring as working out?" "People hate on it because they want to do it," she continued. "And the people who hate on it the most are the people who are secretly doing it or pissed off that they can't afford it. Unfortunately, right now it's something that is very expensive, but it eventually won't be because it actually works." 2. Denied it: Khloé Kardashian In 2023, the reality TV star posted photos of herself on Instagram, which sparked Ozempic accusations in the comments. “Let’s not discredit my years of working out," Khloé replied . "I get up 5 days a week at 6am to train. Please stop with your assumptions. I guess new year still means mean people." This year, she shared more of her thoughts on an episode of The Kardashians . "When I was bigger, if they had Ozempic, I probably would have tried it, 'cause I tried any other thing. I tried any fad weight loss trend except for the real thing that actually works, and that’s a lifestyle change." She encouraged viewers to focus on "healthiness" and not just "the number on a scale." 3. Admitted it: Amy Schumer On a 2023 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen , the actor called out other celebs for lying about their weight loss. "Everyone has been lying saying, 'Oh, smaller portions.' Like, shut the fuck up," she said. "You are on Ozempic or one of those things, or you got work done. Just stop. Be real with the people. When I got lipo, I said I got lipo." The actor also said she used Ozempic in the past but experienced negative side effects. "Like a year ago, I tried it. I was one of those people that felt so sick and couldn't play with my son. I was so skinny and he's throwing a ball at me and [I couldn't]. And you're like, 'OK, this isn't livable for me.' But I immediately invested because I knew everyone was going to try it." 4. Denied it: Lizzo In September, the singer shared an Instagram video of herself at the gym. In the comments, someone accused her of either using Ozempic or cocaine to achieve weight loss. Lizzo responded a few days later with another video, this one captioned, "When you finally get ozempic allegations after 5 months of weight training and calorie deficit." She spoke along to the sound of the video, saying, "It's like a reward." 5. Admitted it: Elon Musk On X (formerly known as Twitter), a user complimented Elon's looks and asked for his secret. The X owner replied , "Fasting." In a second tweet, he said , "And Wegovy." According to WebMD , "Ozempic and Wegovy are different brand names for the same injectable drug, semaglutide." Wegovy is "approved to manage weight in adults and kids 12 and up who have obesity" while Ozempic is "approved to lower blood sugar when you have type 2 diabetes." 6. Denied it: Kylie Jenner Ozempic rumors have plagued the reality TV star since Travis Scott (Kylie's ex and the father of her two children) released a song with the lyrics: "She doin' Ozempic, tryna be different, tryna be a newer woman." In August, she spoke to British Vogue about her body's journey throughout motherhood, explaining that as soon as she felt "in shape" again after the birth of her first child, she became pregnant with her second. "I feel like people didn’t give me, or give women in general, enough empathy... I see pictures [online] and people are accusing me of being on drugs or something,” she added, referring to Ozempic and similar drugs. "I’m back at my weight I was before I had my daughter and son, and people are putting side-by-sides of me three months postpartum. I’m like: 'Does everyone forget that I had two children, and I gained 60 pounds both pregnancies?'" 7. Admitted it: Oprah Winfrey Last year, the media mogul told People that she uses a weight loss drug, though she didn't specify the name of it. "It was public sport to make fun of me for 25 years," she said. "I have been blamed and shamed, and I blamed and shamed myself." Oprah explained that she uses it "as a tool to manage not yo-yoing. The fact that there's a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthier, in my lifetime, feels like relief, like redemption, like a gift, and not something to hide behind and once again be ridiculed for. I’m absolutely done with the shaming from other people and particularly myself." 8. Denied it: Jessica Simpson Last year, the singer addressed Ozempic rumors during an interview with Bustle . "Oh, Lord. I mean, it is not. It’s willpower. I’m like, do people want me to be drinking again? Because that’s when I was heavier. Or they want me to be having another baby? My body can’t do it." 9. Admitted it: James Corden In September, the comedian discussed his Ozempic usage on his SiriusXM podcast This Life of Mine. "It won’t be surprising to you when you look at me now that it didn’t really work. All it does is make you feel not hungry. But I am very rarely eating [because of hunger]. You are looking at someone who’s eaten a king size — and when I say king size Dairy Milk, one you give someone for Christmas — in a carwash. None of that was like: 'Oh, I’m so hungry.' It is not that, it’s something else." 10. Denied it: Ice Spice In August, the rapper hosted an X Spaces (formerly known as Twitter Spaces) where she denied the Ozempic rumors that abounded after her recent weight loss. "I wish y'all never learned the word Ozempic," she said. "That's one thing I wish. Oh my God, like, what even is Ozempic? What the fuck is that? Genuinely, what is that?" "Like, you lazy ass bitches never heard of a gym?" she continued. "It's called the gym. It's called eating healthy. It's called being on tour. Like, what the hell? Maybe if I was sitting home all day, it would be easier to stay big." 11. Admitted it: Rebel Wilson In March, the actor told The Sunday Times that she embarked on a journey to lose weight when a doctor told her it would be beneficial for IVF. While she no longer takes Ozempic, she previously combined it with exercise, a high-protein, low-sugar diet, and examining her relationship with food with a doctor. "Basically no one apart from my mom wanted me to lose weight," she said. "People thought I'd lose my pigeonhole in my career, playing the fat funny character, and they wanted me to continue in that." Rebel added, "I feel strongly that young women shouldn't try to obsess over looking like Victoria's Secret models — they should just look like themselves. I know that my relationship with food is complicated." 12. Denied it: Ashley Benson Four months after giving birth to her daughter, the actor posted a mirror selfie on social media, where commenters accused her of using Ozempic. She responded in an Instagram story, writing, "I know a lot of people take ozempic and that's totally fine. To each their own. But don't discredit people who also work very hard to get their body back like I've done with mine." "Getting back to work forced me to focus on my health and working out and I wanted to feel confident and good about myself. And again couldn't do this without my @melissawoodtepperberg app." 13. Admitted it: Whoopi Goldberg In March, the actor discussed her weight loss on an episode of The View . "I will tell you, I weighed almost 300 lbs. when I made Till ," she said. "I had taken all those steroids, I was on all this stuff. And one of the things that’s helped me dropped the weight was the Mounjaro. That’s what I used." According to WebMD , Mounjaro and Zepbound are brand names for the same drug (tirzepatide), but "Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes" while "Zepbound is approved for weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or more" or overweight adults with health conditions. 14. Denied it: Julia Fox During a 2023 interview with Entertainment Tonight , the actor addressed the swirling rumors that she was using Ozempic. "All these people are coming for me saying that I take the weight loss things... people are saying that I'm taking Ozempic or whatever it's called. I'm not, and I've never have... I would never do that. There are diabetics that need it." 15. Admitted it: Chelsea Handler On a 2023 episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast, the comedian said she took it without realizing it. "So, my anti-aging doctor just hands it out to anybody. I didn't even know I was on it. She said, 'If you ever want to drop five pounds, this is good.'" After a vacation, Chelsea injected herself with it, and she met a friend for lunch a few days later who complained of nausea from Ozempic. When Chelsea said she was also nauseous and "on semaglutide," her friend replied, "That's Ozempic." Chelsea said she's no longer taking it. "That's too irresponsible. I'm an irresponsible drug user, but I'm not gonna take a diabetic drug. I tried it, and I'm not gonna do that. That's not for me. That's not right for me." 16. Denied it: Jesse Plemons When questions swirled around his weight loss this year, the actor told the Los Angeles Times , "It’s really unfortunate that I decided to get healthy when everyone decided to take Ozempic. It doesn’t matter, everyone’s going to think I took Ozempic anyways." He credited intermittent fasting for his weight loss. "Several people talked to me about intermittent fasting, and I just gave it a shot and [was] surprised at how quickly it was effective. So I lost a little bit before I did that part and then felt like I was in the rhythm, I was feeling better, and something shifted in my head. I just sort of got a handle on it." 17. Admitted it: Sunny Hostin In March, the talk show host shared her experience on an episode of The View . "During COVID, I gained 40. lbs. All I did was eat ... I love to cook, and I found out, I love to eat. And I was horrified about the fact that I would have to come out on air. So I also took Mounjaro." She added, "I found that my cholesterol went up to 200 when I gained the extra weight. And I use Mounjaro, and my cholesterol is 140 now. I feel better, I think I look better, and that’s what this is about for people." 18. Denied it: Julianne Hough In October, the actor posted an Instagram video of herself wearing a bikini and having fun as she enjoyed her friend's routine: sauna, cold plunge, and jumping on a trampoline. The comments were particularly negative, with many social media users discussing her body and some accusing her of using Ozempic. Julianne addressed the backlash and seemingly denied Ozempic use. "My body has never been healthier - I was full of inflammation in my 20’s and had a marker for an auto immune that I addressed and committed to over a year and a half ago. I’ve frozen my eggs over the last few years which also shifts the body fluctuation. I’ve never been healthier or happier from the inside out. Grief, loss. Sadness and fear also get stored in the body and we hold on to that in different ways. I made it a huge priority to accept, express, process and release a lot of emotions over the years." 19. And finally, admitted it: Sharon Osbourne On a 2023 episode of Piers Morgan Uncensored , the reality TV star warned viewers about the Ozempic side effects she experienced. “I didn’t want to go this thin. It just happened... You can’t stay on it forever. I lost 42 pounds now and it’s just enough." She added, "You don’t throw up physically, but you have got that feeling. I was about two, three weeks where I felt nauseous the whole time. You get very thirsty, and you don’t eat. That’s why I say you have to keep this stuff away from younger people. They will go berserk on it, and it’s not right." What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below.Sonipat (Haryana), Nov 23 (PTI) India’s first Constitution Museum opened at the O P Jindal Global University is designed to provide the citizens with a deep and engaging exploration of the Constitution's essential elements and key provisions that helped shape the nation. The first-of-its-kind museum was inaugurated by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday in the presence of university chancellor and BJP MP Naveen Jindal. At the museum, the visitors can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of pre-Independence India through a 360-degree visual spectacle. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and multimedia storytelling, the exhibit unfolds the chronological tapestry of events leading to the drafting of the Constitution. The aim is to make the Constitution both accessible and relevant, demonstrating how its values and ideals have shaped the nation, Professor C Raj Kumar, founding vice-chancellor of the university, said. "All of us just visited the Constitution Museum. It was certainly an amazing experience, far beyond what I had imagined," Naveen Jindal said. "I plan to spend a whole day at the museum as it would teach me a lot more about the Constitution than by just reading it," Jindal added. A collaboration between the O P Jindal Global University and IIT Madras, the museum offers a unique experience through a tour guide robot called ‘SAMVID’ to commemorate the most significant document that defines India as a republic, Kumar said. The museum is dedicated to commemorating the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution on November 26, 1949. On display at the museum is one of the 1,000 photolithographic reproductions of the Constitution. The elaborately crafted original edition which took nearly five years to complete bears the signatures of the framers of the Constitution. Prem Behari Narain Raizada rendered the calligraphy, while Nandalal Bose and other artists illustrated the original text. The manuscript was published in Dehradun and photolithographed by the Survey of India. Anjchita B Nair, CEO, Culture, and Head, Centre for Museums, has curated the museum emphasising how it steers away from the typical unidirectional tone taken by conventional museums using a multitude of formats for innovative storytelling. The museum specifically highlights the role of the women members of the Constituent Assembly with animations about their lives highlighting their contributions to the making of an Independent India. To commemorate the memory of nearly 300 members of the Constituent Assembly, sculptured busts of each of them have been placed at the museum to recognise their contributions. The gallery also explores the global inspirations and historical frameworks that influenced the creation of the Constitution, highlighting how these ideas were reimagined and adapted to suit the unique needs and aspirations of India's diverse populace. The mezzanine floor holds a hologram exhibit of B R Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Constitution. The installation brings his words and vision to life, allowing visitors to experience his legacy first-hand. The answers have been crafted based on his speeches and writings. Also, the artworks displayed at the museum are anticipated to be a major attraction for the visitors. Rajesh P Subramanian’s sculpture 'We, The People of India' embodies 'unity in diversity', a core constitutional principle. In 'Echoes of Liberty', Rahul Gautam creates a mural that fuses elements from the constitutional manuscripts with modern design. Harsha Durugadda's 'Triad of Unity' links themes of unity, justice and sovereignty, while Nishant S Kumbhatil's creation 'Insaaf Ki Devi' portrays lady justice holding a balance, a powerful emblem of impartiality in Indian law. Pradeep B Jogdand's 'Equality Before Law' symbolises equality and justice, while 'Freedom' by K R Nariman celebrates 'We, the People' who uphold constitutional values in their daily lives as citizens. Rahul Gautam's second work 'Founding Mothers' represents an imagined photograph featuring the 15 women members of the Constituent Assembly, honouring their contributions to shaping the country’s constitutional framework. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Luke Kromenhoek threw for 209 yards and tossed three touchdown passes as Florida State halted a six-game losing streak and routed Charleston Southern 41-7 on Saturday. Kromenhoek completed 13 of 20 passes in his first college start, including a 71-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Khi Douglas, as the Seminoles (2-9) won for the first time since Sept. 21. The true freshman also connected with Amaree Williams for a 4-yard TD and Hykeem Williams for a 10-yard TD. Florida State had the nation’s lowest scoring offense at 13.3 points. The Seminoles hadn’t scored more than 21 points or surpassed the 300-yard mark in 2024. But Florida State overwhelmed FCS Charleston Southern (1-11), accumulating 415 offensive yards. Kaleb Jackson completed 22 of 32 passes for 218 yards, including a 7-yard touchdown pass to Landon Sauers, and an interception for the Buccaneers. The takeaway Charleston Southern: While the Buccaneers found some success through the air, they couldn’t sustain drives and managed just 57 rushing yards on 29 carries. Florida State: The Seminoles picked up a season-best 176 rushing yards, scoring 17 points in the second quarter and 14 points in the third quarter to take control. Up next Charleston Southern’s season is over. Florida State plays host to Florida on Nov. 30. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25More than 100 arrested in Georgia protests after government puts EU hopes on iceAES Announces 2% Increase in Quarterly Dividend
“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” - Alan Kay This sentiment captures the essence of Pakistan’s ongoing journey through a landscape marred by deep-seated corruption and significant economic challenges, reflected in its 2023 ranking of 133rd out of 180 countries on the Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International. This persistent issue of corruption, with an average rank of 113.04 since 1995, undermines the social contract between the government and its citizens, hampering trust in institutions and stalling progress. Furthermore, the country’s economic landscape is precarious, as illustrated by a GDP contraction of 0.2% in 2023, following a robust growth of 6.2% the previous year. This volatility highlights the direct impact of governance on economic performance, with historical data revealing a fluctuating growth rate that has often been undermined by cronyism and systemic corruption. Amid these challenges, the necessity for substantial fiscal policy reform is critical. Pakistan’s low tax-to-GDP ratio, one of the lowest in South Asia, reflects ongoing inefficiencies that hinder revenue generation, despite a slight increase from 0.8 percentage points between 2011 and 2022. The fluctuating ratios reported by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) indicate struggles with compliance and enforcement, essential for maximizing government revenues. While there have been positive developments, such as a 55% increase in foreign direct investment and remittances in 2024, these indicators are inconsistent and come with political and social costs. The pervasive issues of illegal economic activities, exemplified by smuggling and unauthorized spectrum usage, further illustrate the critical need for effective governance and a collaborative tax system to foster sustainable development. The failure of governance reflects Milton Friedman’s assertion about the essential relationship between control and freedom, as unregulated operations ultimately erode both economic and social sovereignty. Amid these challenges, the role of accountability becomes essential. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have been positioned as guardians against corruption, but their efficacy in addressing the ongoing crises remains under scrutiny. As former British Prime Minister William E. Gladstone aptly stated, “Justice delayed is justice denied.” This encapsulates the frustrations of a populace that yearns for swift and fair accountability mechanisms that can provide recourse against systemic injustices. Moreover, amendments made to the National Accountability Ordinance further complicate these narratives. As Socrates noted, “The unexamined life is not worth living”. The rule of law, conflict of interest, blurred vision about bona fide and mala fide, differentiation between economic activity and accountability and vague definition of criminalization of economic activity are the unexamined aspects of social and economic life, to say the least. However, the discretion given to the bureaucracy is posing a critical challenge to system of accountability, which has led to almost complete erosion of trust in institutions. The technological advancement, the intersection of governance and innovation presents a critical focus area for Pakistan’s transformation. Automation, when integrated effectively into administrative frameworks, holds the potential to drastically enhance operational efficiencies and reduce corruption. Furthermore, the public sector has made strides towards modernization through e-government initiatives designed to streamline operations and enhance service delivery. These efforts aim to bridge the chasm between governance and citizen engagement by facilitating greater transparency and reducing bureaucratic red tape. The possibilities here are substantial; as efficiency increases, so too does the capacity to combat corruption and promote accountability, echoing the sentiments of modern economists who advocate for the use of technology as a fundamental driver for economic growth. The evolution of tax collection methods, the reduction of human discretion in administrative processes, and the digitization of services can alter the prevailing narrative about inefficiencies deeply rooted in systemic practices particularly the use of AI in FBR, judicial system, law enforcement The algorisms will substitute the discretionary powers of executive without prejudice and bias. Hopefully, it will depoliticize and demilitarize the bureaucracy Though world is thinking of embarking upon journey of laying off its debts through cyber currency, Pakistan can also envision the long-term project parallel to it because Pakistan faces the existential challenge of circular debt, though it is a day dream but ‘I think, therefore I am,’ Rene Descartes claimed To truly effect a change, meaningful strategies must manifest that elevate the development and consequent happiness, which is fundamental right. Though the numbers in economy of Pakistan are vacillating but as Albert Einstein said, ’’not everything that can be counted counts not everything that counts can be counted“ it is more than a numbers game, that is; development, satisfaction, contentment and pursuit of happiness of common man for common good. This can only be achieved through objective, quantifiable, trustworthy new social contract, which is only possible through medium of technology that is universal truth defying the multiple truths of social world rationalizing contradictory phenomenon. This can help foster a culture of change that transcends individual interests and promotes collective aspirations. Plato eloquently reminded us that “The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.” This cautionary reflection should resonate deeply, inspiring citizens and state to cultivate a commitment to common good. Copyright Business Recorder, 2024