Israeli hospital says Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgeryTEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — An Israeli hospital says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery. Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center said his prostate was removed late Sunday. Netanyahu was placed under full anesthesia for the procedure. Doctors said he was awake and recovering Sunday night. Netanyahu’s office had said Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, would serve as acting prime minister during the procedure. Doctors ordered the operation after detecting an infection last week. Netanyahu is expected to remain hospitalized for several days. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is having his prostate removed on Sunday, his office said, a procedure that comes as he manages multiple crises including the war in Gaza and his trial for alleged corruption . Netanyahu, who has had a series of health issues in recent years, has gone to great lengths to bolster a public image of himself as a healthy, energetic leader. During his trial this month, he boasted about working 18-hour days, accompanied by a cigar. But as Israel's longest-serving leader, such a grueling workload over a total of 17 years in power could take a toll on his well-being. Netanyahu, 75, is among older world leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden, 82 , President-elect Donald Trump, 78 , Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva , 79, and Pope Francis , 88, who have come under scrutiny for their age and health issues. Netanyahu's latest condition is common in older men, but the procedure has had some fallout. The judges overseeing his trial accepted a request from his lawyer on Sunday to call off three days of testimony scheduled this week. The lawyer, Amit Hadad, had argued that Netanyahu would be fully sedated for the procedure and hospitalized for “a number of days.” Netanyahu's office said Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, would serve as acting prime minister during the procedure. With so much at stake, Netanyahu’s health in wartime is a concern for both Israelis and the wider world. As Israel’s leader, Netanyahu is at the center of major global events that are shifting the Middle East . With the dizzying pace of the past 14 months, being incapacitated for even a few hours can be risky. Netanyahu will be in the hospital at a time when international mediators are pushing Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and as fighting between Israel and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels intensifies . Prostate issues are common and in many cases easily treatable. Still, the procedure puts a dent in Netanyahu’s image of vigor at a time when he would want to project strength more than ever, both to an Israeli audience navigating constant threats as well as to Israel’s enemies looking to expose its weaknesses. Netanyahu insists he is in excellent health. His office releases footage of him touring war zones in full protective gear flanked by military officers, or meeting with defense officials on windswept hilltops in youthful dark shades and puffer jackets. But that image was shattered last year when Netanyahu’s doctors revealed that he had a heart condition , a problem that he had apparently long known about but concealed from the public. A week after a fainting spell, Netanyahu was fitted with a pacemaker to control his heartbeat. Only then did staff at the Sheba Medical Center reveal that Netanyahu has for years experienced a condition that can cause irregular heartbeats. The revelation came as Netanyahu was dealing with massive anti-government protests. The news about a chronic heart problem stoked further anger and distrust during extreme political polarization in Israel. Last year, Netanyahu was rushed to the hospital for what doctors said likely was dehydration . He stayed overnight, prompting his weekly Cabinet meeting to be delayed. Earlier this year, Netanyahu underwent hernia surgery , during which he was under full anesthesia and unconscious. Levin served as acting prime minister during the operation. According to Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli leader was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection on Wednesday stemming from a benign enlargement of his prostate. The infection was treated successfully with antibiotics, but Sunday's procedure will remove his prostate. Complications from prostate enlargement are common in men in their 70s and 80s, Dr. Shay Golan, head of the oncology urology service at Israel’s Rabin Medical Center, told Israeli Army Radio. Golan spoke in general terms and was not involved in Netanyahu’s care or treatment. He said an enlarged prostate can block proper emptying of the bladder, leading to a build-up of urine that can lead to an infection or other complications. After medicinal treatment, doctors can recommend a procedure to remove the prostate to prevent future blockages, Golan said. In Netanyahu’s case, because the prostate is not cancerous, Golan said doctors will likely perform an endoscopic surgery, carried out by inserting small instruments into a body cavity, rather than making surgical cuts in the abdomen to reach the prostate. The procedure lasts about an hour, Golan said, and recovery is quick. He said that aside from catheter use for one to three days after the procedure, patients can return to normal activity without significant limitations.
Australian rules football legend Anthony Koutoufides says he has learned from his defeat to Nick Reece for the City of Melbourne Mayor role last month, and will remain as an independent in future elections. Koutoufides, who played 278 games for Carlton and is a club great, picked up 12.91 per cent of the 87,852 votes, with victor Reece getting 23.36 per cent and winning comfortably. But Koutoufides said he learned valuable lessons from his defeat, and added he would return stronger and wiser while remaining an independent. “Life’s good. I’m not complaining. It was a good effort by everyone,” he told The Epoch Times. “Unfortunately, we didn’t win, but that’s the way it goes, isn’t it? “It would’ve been phenomenal if we had gotten over the line, but it proves we weren’t quite ready. “Everyone worked hard. And I’m the sort of guy who will work extremely hard on something and have no regrets at the end. And that included not joining the Victorian Liberal Party, which now mirrors Koutoufides’ own beliefs under new leader Brad Battin. Battin won many new supporters with his approach to the Allan Labor government’s blocking of a Bill that would have banned convicted criminals from receiving IVF (in vitro fertilisation) while serving prison time. As the Victorian Liberal spokesman for criminal justice reform and corrections, Battin called for the Bill to receive bipartisan support on Nov. 28. This was after it was revealed that convicted murderer Alicia Schiller would receive pregnancy treatment in her desire to raise a child behind bars until it turns five, while housed as an inmate at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre. Battin lobbied hard to make sure this situation never arises again, and was unsuccessful, but he won many admirers for his stance on the issue. “We want to introduce these Bills because the community is rightfully angry when you hear that a person is getting out of the prison system and taking leave to go and get treatment,” Battin, also the former shadow minister for police and youth justice, said in state parliament on Nov. 28. Battin added his office had been inundated with concerned residents who did not support Schiller being granted IVF access, after putting forward a petition on the issue. With John Pesutto being removed from the Victorian Liberal leadership position on Dec. 27, and former tennis star Sam Groth tapped to serve as Battin’s deputy, it would appear that Koutoufides wouldn’t seem out of place serving on the frontbench. But he ruled that out at this stage. “I’m not sure what’s happening there at this stage—I just want to stay as an independent,” he said. “I haven’t really thought too hard about it (entering state politics). “I’m not disappointed (about losing to Reece). I would’ve loved to have won, but it wasn’t the case. I’m a realist too. “You can’t always win, and you’ve got to just keep battling away.” While campaigning, Koutoufides spoke about giving Victorian police in the Melbourne CBD area financial incentives as a way of supporting them in their ongoing pay and staffing dispute with the current Allan Labor government. He also said he would implement a permit system for public rallies which were having a detrimental effect on nearby small businesses. “We’ve spoken about the safety stuff and we spoke to the police association. Safety to me is the number-one priority. We’ve said there’d be safety booths around hotspots in the city, so it’ll be like a refuge if people feel a bit intimidated or scared,” he said. “The other one is increased numbers of police, so if we subsidise or give them free car parking we’ll get a lot more police into the city. Melbourne was once crowned the world’s most liveable city for seven years in a row—due to its living standards, cleanliness, and entertainment—but it has recently slumped in the Global Liveability Index. After being dethroned by Vienna in 2018, post-pandemic Melbourne dropped to 10th place on the list, before steadily moving back into the top five in 2024. A combination of rising crime, graffiti, and businesses closing due to cost-of-living pressures caused the drop in the Index. This steady decline led to former AFL star and Carlton legend Anthony Koutoufides declaring that he “had enough”. One of Koutoufides’s promises in his campaign for City of Melbourne Mayor was to get as many people active as possible, offering free weekly exercise sessions in open spaces across the city. He believed a more physically and mentally healthy electorate would lead to increased productivity in the workplace. Since his election defeat, he has maintained this attitude with his Kouta Fit business. Kouta Fit’s mission statement is to prioritise a personalised approach for each individual, recognising that everyone faces unique challenges. “Our all-inclusive program is designed to cater to individuals with varying capabilities, ensuring that each participant receives tailored support to navigate obstacles and achieve their goals,” it says on the company’s website. Koutoufides—also a public speaker—said a busy schedule might see him not devote as many hours to being a personal trainer next year. But he said he noticed many of his clients had become more mentally resilient from his fitness sessions. “It’s been for over a decade that I’ve been doing the community training,” he said. “I have so much on that I might have to pull back on it a little. “In terms of the mental health stuff it’s important, because you create communities and people turn up. “They mingle and meet new friends. It’s not just about the training part of it; it’s the other aspects which can help you in life, too.”Prohibition was a difficult time for those who enjoyed a tipple. In an effort to get a drink, or made moonshine at home. Many others visited speakeasies. After Repeal Day, speakeasies all but disappeared as regular pubs, bars, and clubs took their place. Speakeasies only re-emerged in the 1990s and early 2000s, acting not as a secret location to indulge in illicit drinks but a quiet, calm setting that placed cocktail artistry – and the appreciation of it — front and center. While location, décor, and a sense of discovery have all come to form a part of speakeasies over the years, craft cocktails remain a fundamental part of the speakeasy experience. However, lengthening and increasingly complicated menus mean many customers are unsure of what to order when visiting one of the nation's many speakeasies. To aid you with this decision, we have interviewed three leading mixologists based in Las Vegas who work in some most respected speakeasies in Las Vegas: Anthony Partridge, lead bartender at , Pahola Figueroa, bartender at Wax Rabbit a speakeasy located within , and Tony Arnone, lead mixologist at . Each of these experts has years of experience helping customers find their perfect speakeasy drink. We're sure they can do the same for you. Order: Manhattan As with any other bar, the quality of a speakeasy can be judged on how it makes classic cocktails; tried and tested drinks that have been enjoyed for generations such as the old fashioned, daiquiri, and martini. If a speakeasy gets these staples wrong, you can probably assume the rest of the mixed drinks will also fail to hit the mark. As Anthony Partridge told us, "Poor execution of an old-fashioned Manhattan, or even a daiquiri, would have me ordering something neat or on the rocks afterward." While as good a yard stick as any classic cocktail, our experts don't solely order Manhattans — or — to test a bartender's skills. In actual fact, many knowledgeable people, Tony Arnone included, recommend ordering this simple mixture of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters because it stands as an excellent introduction to the type of cocktails enjoyed during The Prohibition Era. Arnone said, "Personally, I would recommend the Manhattan. Not only does this classic give you a glimpse into the style of cocktails for that era but also shows the beauty of simplicity when it comes to cocktail creation." Order: Vieux Carré Those of us who visit speakeasies are easily intimidated by cocktails that have names we don't recognize. All too often, we avoid ordering these drinks no matter how enticing they sound. The Vieux Carré, a drink , is one such cocktail. Tony Arnone is on a mission to change that by championing the drink wherever possible. He told us, "The Vieux Carré is an amazing cocktail that was created as a tribute to the diversity of social groups within the French Quarter in the 1930s. It encompasses a wide range of sweetness and bitterness by using an array of different spirits and is an amazing piece of history as well as a delicious drink." It's easy to see why lead mixologists like Arnone are enamored with this drink. When made well, it presents a fantastic balance of bitterness and sweetness, wrapped in a smooth, boozy body. What's more, it was invented only a few years after Prohibition ended, making it well-suited to the traditional speakeasy setting. Avoid: Wine and beer Just about all speakeasies specialize in craft cocktails. That being said, the majority also carry a select offering of beer and wine. This gives customers a greater degree of choice and allows those who don't want a spirit-based drink to still indulge in something alcoholic. That being said, both Tony Arnone and Anthony Partridge generally don't encourage people to order beer or wine when visiting a speakeasy for the simple reason that it's not that adventurous. In our interview, Partridge said, "Pouring a beer or wine is missing the point [...] You risk defaulting to a safe and run-of-the-mill experience with beer and wine." Arnone added, "Personally, I wouldn't recommend ordering beer or wine because it's generally not the focus of a speakeasy, and there are many better options available." This touches on an important point: customers get the most enjoyment when they visit a venue that caters to their specific wants and needs. If that "need" happens to be craft beer, customers are better off visiting a taproom or craft beer bar instead of a speakeasy. This isn't to say that wine or beer lovers can't have a wonderful time in a speakeasy, rather that they will have the best time only if they choose to indulge in the speakeasy's specialties. Order: Dark spirits Although Wax Rabbit, The Barbershop, and The Laundry Room all serve a range of exceptional cocktails, our experts often give suggestions to those who would rather drink something a little simpler. In these instances, they usually suggest one of several dark spirits. Given that Wax Rabbit specializes in Mexican spirits, it's no surprise that Pahola Figueroa recommends two of the country's most famous exports. She said, "Go for something dark to match the room. Personally, I would recommend an aged tequila or mezcal [...] if you aren't feeling that adventurous, a good bourbon or scotch can also give those Prohibition vibes." Tony Arnone echoed the latter statement, adding, "The Barbershop Cuts and Cocktails, where I work, is a whiskey and rock 'n' roll-themed speakeasy, so I'd say dark [spirits]. I'd recommend drinking whiskey, not only for the venue but because it's a personal favorite as well." The Barbershop also happens to stock over 60 whiskeys, including Suntory Whisky Toki and Drambuie, making Arnone's job of recommending an exceptional whiskey that much easier. Aside from matching the dark atmosphere of speakeasies, dark spirits like aged mezcal and whiskey are also more flavorful than their light counterparts thanks to the greater maturation period they have undergone . This means that, while initially challenging for some drinkers, dark spirits hold layers of flavor that many people appreciate. Order: Something you wouldn't usually drink One of the few things all our experts mentioned in their interview was that speakeasies are places where drinkers should try something new. As Pahola Figueroa said, "I always encourage people to try something different and new, it's a great chance to broaden your horizons." Visiting a speakeasy is a great opportunity to do this thanks to the range of unique drinks that are usually on offer. For example, Wax Rabbit uses premium Mexican spirits in novel ways, creating drinks like Medusa, a blend of extra añejo tequila, raspberries, egg whites, lemon, and agave syrup. Customers will be hard pressed to find anything similar to this drink at other bars. While Figueroa encourages drinkers to try something new, Tony Arnone goes one step further. In our interview he said, "I always encourage people to step outside their comfort zone. If there is something you tell me you don't like, my response is 'You haven't found a way in which you enjoy it.' [...] If there is something you usually avoid, you could be surprised by how the bartender incorporates those flavors into a cocktail that you may end up loving." In other words, challenge the experts to change your opinion on spirits you don't often enjoy. Who knows, one such challenge may lead you to a lifetime of enjoyment. Order: Mai tai Tiki cocktails might not be the first thing customers think of when they visit a speakeasy, however many speakeasy venues across the United States include a couple of tiki-inspired drinks on their menu. Wax Rabbit is one of them, as Pahola Figueroa explained. "At Wax Rabbit we have our 'Hidden Passion' which is sweet and fruity, with subtle hints of citrus and topped off with aromatic bitters [...] it's our take on a Mai Tai with tequila." Many customers may scoff at the idea of ordering a Mai Tai, especially in a speakeasy setting. The cocktail's reputation has, after all, suffered in recent decades as substandard iterations, far removed from , have become the norm. However, craft-orientated speakeasies are the perfect place to indulge in this Tiki classic for reasons explained by Tony Arnone who said, "I feel that most people haven't had a real one. One made with fresh ingredients at a craft/mixology/speakeasy setting. It is an amazing cocktail with so much depth and flavor, and worth getting from someone who knows what they're doing." Avoid: Anything involving a blender Although it wasn't mentioned by any of our experts, a general rule when ordering drinks at a speakeasy is that drinks which require the use of a blender are off limits. In fact, the vast majority of speakeasies won't even offer blended drinks in the first place. This is for a couple of reasons. Firstly, blenders are loud, messy, and can ruin the ambiance of any bar let alone that of a chilled speakeasy. As bar owner Duggan McDonnell highlighted to : "I worked in one restaurant that did blender drinks and I'm telling you the noise, the whirring, you're going through blades in the middle of service, and craziness abounds." Secondly, the majority of drinks that are made in blenders, such as the Miami Vice, don't really conform to most people's idea of Prohibition-style cocktails. Add to this blended drinks' reputation for getting people plastered, and it is no wonder that most bartenders suggest avoiding them. Order: Paloma Known as the "lazy man's margarita," that is notoriously simple to make. Traditional recipes only call for three ingredients: tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda. The drink's simplicity has done nothing to hamper its popularity and many bartenders, including Pahola Figueroa, encourage customers to order one. She said, "A paloma is a must, especially at Wax Rabbit. It's the national drink of Mexico, and we elevate it by using a smoky mezcal to deepen its flavor profile and make it unique. Everyone loves a good paloma." One of the reasons why the drink is so popular is that these ingredients create a surprisingly complex cocktail with the spirit — whether it is tequila or mezcal — adding earthy notes that mix well with the cocktail's bright citrus flavors. Such a flavor profile ensures that the paloma offers a welcome relief from the dark, heavy cocktails that often dominate speakeasy menus. Order: Non-alcoholic aviation It has been a whirlwind few years for low and no alcohol businesses. Growing demand for non-alcoholic drinks has come in conjunction with a boom in alcohol-free spirit innovation. To put it simply, bartenders and mixologists now have the tools and demand necessary to create a host of wonderful mocktails. In our interview, Tony Arnone reflected this, saying, "It's not a question of what works and what doesn't, but how to make them work. I would build the mocktail menu around the setting and theme of the venue. For example: in a classic speakeasy setting, one may design a variation of a non-alcoholic Aviation." For those who are unaware, the aviation is a cocktail that includes gin, crème de violette, maraschino liqueur, and lemon juice. It has a wonderful, floral taste and an appetizing light blue color. It has also been served since the early 20th century, making it a popular feature of many modern speakeasies. Until a few years ago, making a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail would have been incredibly difficult as non-alcoholic gins lacked the quality and complexity of their full strength counterparts. This, however, has changed, meaning that non-alcoholic aviations are now interesting and engaging despite containing non-alcoholic gin and violet syrup in place of crème de violette. Order: Sidecar The sidecar is a Prohibition-era classic that was served in venues across Europe and the United States, including Paris' famous Harry's New York Bar. Despite being one of the premier cocktails of its time, this mixture of brandy, orange liqueur, and lemon juice is one of few classic cocktails that have failed to regain their standing in recent decades. While martinis and negronis are ordered the world over, few people ever order a sidecar. Pahola Figueroa is trying to change that. "A sidecar is always a great choice. A cognac-based cocktail that is spirit-forward and delicious, it's easy to drink and looks great served in a martini glass with sugar. You can't go wrong with it." And yet, so often bartenders manage to create a poor version that lacks the sidecar's distinct tart, dry flavor profile. Make it with too much cognac and the drink becomes overbearingly boozy; too weak and it'll quickly become sweet and flabby. That being said, the drink is truly exceptional when made well so, if you trust the bartender at your local speakeasy, take Figueroa's advice and give this underappreciated Prohibition classic a try. Order: Anything from the signature menu Drinks listed on a speakeasy's signature cocktail menu are often the bar's best work. They frequently use local ingredients and have been designed with the speakeasy's unique atmosphere, setting, and location in mind. Aside from this, the signature menu often contains the drinks bartenders and mixologists have put the most work into and are proudest of. In intimate settings, such as The Laundry Room's 22-seat space, customers have the opportunity to pick the mixologist's brains about signatures like hindsight, the speakeasy's delightful take on a rum sour. It's for these reasons that Tony Arnone turns to signature menus whenever he is ordering drinks at a speakeasy he's never been to. "I always ask to see the signature cocktail menu if one is available. I know how much passion and time goes into creating cocktails, as I've done for over 10 years. With that respect and regard, I'll order from there." Admittedly, such an approach requires nerve, a willingness to take a chance, and the courage to put your trust in the person serving you. Although daunting, the opportunity to try new things is the modern speakeasy's main appeal, and our experts encourage customers to make the most of it. Order: Non-alcoholic mojitos Given advances in non-alcoholic spirit production, many popular cocktails now retain their quality when made in a non-alcoholic format. The mojito is a shining example. Usually made with white rum, sugar, lime juice, mint, and soda water, this enormously popular cocktail loses no quality when the rum is substituted for non-alcoholic alternative such as Lyre's white cane spirit. Other recipes, which replace the rum with fruit juice, also abound. Each offers a unique but recognizable take on what is one of the most popular cocktails around. As a leading bartender and mixologist, Pahola Figueroa is more than aware of a non-alcoholic mojito's charm and encourages those looking for low and no options to order one. She said, "Mojitos are a great conversion to mocktails as they are refreshing and can be flavored or lightly adjusted to make something delicious. While not every bartender enjoys making them, I enjoy it and love how they look." Avoid: Some non-alcoholic drinks Mixologists, like everyone else, have different opinions, and while our experts agree on the majority of drinks mentioned in this article, there was one point of contention: the presence of non-alcoholic drinks in speakeasies. As we've seen, both Pahola Figueroa and Tony Arnone encourage customers to enjoy the range of non-alcoholic options speakeasies serve. Anthony Partridge has a slightly different view. In our interview, Partridge said, "I don't believe n/a's are suited to speakeasies. Speakeasies are supposed to be your seeking out the illegal alcohol experience. No one needs the cloak and dagger for juice and soda. This is not to say you can't have a fine n/a beverage, but it's missing the point." These days, just about all speakeasies put a great deal of care into their non-alcoholic options. This was not the case when speakeasies were popularized during Prohibition. As we all know, during this period speakeasies were where customers went to get drunk, not to enjoy a non-alcoholic beverage. In this regard Partridge has a point; for a modern speakeasy visit to come anywhere close to recreating the Prohibition-era experience, alcohol is a must. Order: Anything with interesting flavor combinations While each of our experts has their own personal likes and dislikes when it comes to speakeasy drinks, they all agree that customers should adopt an open and adventurous approach when ordering. One way of doing this is to look for interesting flavor combinations. As Anthony Partridge said, "I look for odd combinations in cocktails. After tasting the drink, I can piece together the measurements to understand the intent and art of the target taste values. Reading "Masala infused Peychaud's" is one thing, but experiencing it in the cocktail as a segment of its whole is another. It's like knowing that there's a cello in an orchestra but not knowing its place in a symphony." Aside from ensuring that customers try something slightly off-piste, focusing on flavor combinations also allows novice drinkers to navigate intimidating menus. While a cocktail's name might confuse them, the list of ingredients gives a tangible means of deciphering the drink's nature. Pahola Figueroa reminded us that searching for unusual flavor combinations also opens customers up to exciting possibilities, saying, "I always look for the most intricate, show-stopping cocktails that are unique to that specific speakeasy. When I go out, I'm there for the experience first and the booze second." If you remember anything from this article, make it that; it's a sure fire way to order the perfect drink when you next visit a speakeasy. Recommended
Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s divorce rumours have been circulating for months all over the social media. Abhishek’s name was linked to his ‘Dasvi’ co-star Nimrat Kaur and Aishwarya was reportedly seen distancing herself from the Bachchan family. However, the Bachchans has remained tight-lipped, refusing to address the ongoing speculation. But! Abhishek’s sister Shweta Bachchan recent came with a ‘new twist’ ie, Shweta sent flowers to Aishwarya’s sister-in-law, Shrima Rai. Shrima, who is married to Aishwarya’s brother Aditya Rai, shared an Instagram story thanking Shweta and her husband, Nikhil Nanda, for sending a bouquet of flowers. Internet Reacts The post quickly went viral, with netizens flooding social media with their reactions. Some viewed the gesture as an attempt to highlight Aishwarya’s alleged estrangement from both her in-laws and her own family. One user speculated, “So either things are not as bad as everyone says, or Aishwarya simply doesn’t get along with anyone.” Another quipped, “Nanad ki nanad se dosti? Bombastic side eye.” On Reddit, users debated the implications of the bouquet, with one commenter suggesting it was a subtle jab at Aishwarya: “This is so below the belt. Sending flowers and pleasantries while knowing full well how strained her relationships are.” The divorce speculation first gained traction earlier this year when Aishwarya and her daughter, Aaradhya, attended a high-profile wedding separately from the rest of the Bachchan family. This incident, combined with Abhishek liking a social media post about the challenges of love and marriage, fueled rumours of a rift. Adding to the drama, reports claim Aishwarya has a strained relationship with her brother Aditya Rai and his wife, Shrima Rai. These allegations, coupled with her alleged distance from her in-laws, have painted a complex picture of her personal life. While the rumours show no signs of slowing down, the Bachchan family has opted to maintain a dignified silence. Abhishek has denied the divorce claims in the past but has refrained from making any detailed public statements. Meanwhile, Shweta Bachchan’s unexpected gesture has left fans speculating about the dynamics within the Bachchan and Rai families. ALSO READ: Kantara Chapter 1 Shooting Stops, Six Injured After Bus Overturned In Udupi
Premier Burt On UK Meetings And Discussions
New Delhi, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global teller cash recycler market was valued at US$ 4,143.47 million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach US$ 6,441.49 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 5.16% during the forecast period 2025–2033. The teller cash recycler (TCR) market is experiencing robust demand driven by the banking industry's pursuit of operational efficiency and enhanced customer service. In 2023, the global TCR market was valued at approximately $2.7 billion, with over 65,000 units deployed worldwide according to a report by Grand View Research. Major financial institutions like HSBC and Citibank have collectively installed over 10,000 TCRs across their global branch networks. The increasing volume of cash transactions, which the World Bank estimates at over $20 trillion annually, underscores the need for efficient cash handling solutions like TCRs. Download Free Sample Copy @ Opportunities in the teller cash recycler market are expanding due to technological advancements and the integration of artificial intelligence. Manufacturers such as Glory Ltd. and Hitachi-Omron Terminal Solutions have invested over $300 million in R&D in 2023 to develop next-generation TCRs with features like predictive maintenance and advanced security protocols. The Asia-Pacific region, particularly China and India, presents significant growth potential; these countries collectively ordered 20,000 TCR units in 2023, as reported by the Asian Bankers Association. Additionally, the rise of hybrid banking models that combine digital and physical services is propelling the demand for TCRs that can seamlessly integrate with online platforms. The potential outlook for the teller cash recycler market is optimistic, with projections suggesting it could reach a valuation of $6.44 billion by 2033, based on data from Astute Analytica. The replacement cycle of outdated machines is accelerating, with approximately 30,000 units globally nearing the end of their operational lifespan, driving new sales. Collaborations between banks and fintech companies are fostering innovation; for example, a partnership between BNP Paribas and a leading fintech startup aims to deploy 5,000 AI-enhanced TCRs across Europe. Government initiatives are also influencing market growth; the European Central Bank allocated $200 million in grants in 2023 to support automation in banking, further stimulating the market. Key Findings in Teller Cash Recycler Market Multi-Cassette Cash Recyclers: The Backbone of Modern Cash Management Across Industries Controlling Over 53% Share Multi-cassette cash recyclers have become indispensable tools for cash-heavy industries due to their unparalleled efficiency in handling multiple denominations and high transaction volumes. These machines in the teller cash recycler market have revolutionized operations by reducing manual intervention and increasing accuracy. In 2023, global sales of teller cash recyclers reached $4.14 billion, with multi-cassette variants contributing the majority share owing to their advanced functionality. A leading Japanese bank recently deployed over 2,000 units, reducing cash handling errors by 60,000 transactions annually. Additionally, multi-cassette systems are now capable of processing up to 1,200 banknotes per minute, making them ideal for high-traffic environments like retail and banking. A significant driver of their dominance in the teller cash recycler market is their compatibility with emerging financial technologies. Many multi-cassette recyclers now feature AI-powered counterfeit detection, capable of identifying even the most sophisticated fake banknotes. In 2022, a European study reported that such systems helped prevent over $1 billion in counterfeit-related losses. Moreover, the machines now integrate seamlessly with digital payment systems, enhancing their utility in hybrid cash and digital transactions. For example, a German retail chain installed 500 units in 2021 and reported a reduction of $400,000 in cash storage costs due to optimized cash flow management. Electronic Lock Systems is the Gold Standard in Security for Teller Cash Recyclers, Set to Account for Over 66% Market Share Electronic lock systems are the cornerstone of security in teller cash recycler market, offering unmatched protection against unauthorized access and theft. In 2023, the global electronic lock market for financial equipment reached $2.3 billion, with the majority deployed in cash recyclers. A U.S. bank recently reported that upgrading to electronic locks eliminated over 250 instances of unauthorized access attempts within a year. These locks provide multi-layered security, including biometric authentication, PIN codes, and remote access control, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the cash storage compartments. One of the major factors driving their adoption is real-time monitoring and reporting capabilities. Advanced electronic lock systems generate access logs that allow institutions to track every interaction with the machine. In 2023, a study found that such systems reduced internal fraud cases in banks by $900,000 annually. Additionally, electronic lock systems in the teller cash recycler market are designed to comply with global security regulations, making them a preferred choice for financial institutions worldwide. For instance, banks in the Middle East recently invested $120 million in upgrading their cash recyclers with electronic locks to meet evolving compliance standards. Moreover, the rising threat of cyber-physical attacks has accelerated the demand for electronic locks. These systems are now integrated with IoT-enabled security platforms, enabling remote access management and instant lock-down features during emergencies. A French financial institution reported using IoT-enabled locks to prevent a coordinated cyber-physical attack in 2022, saving $2 million in potential losses. The ability to reprogram access credentials instantly also ensures operational flexibility, making electronic locks indispensable for large-scale operations. With an expected industry investment of $3 billion in advanced security systems by 2026, electronic locks will continue to lead the way in safeguarding cash-handling equipment. Hardware is the Engine Driving Teller Cash Recycler Market Leadership The hardware segment dominates the market, controlling the majority share due to the critical role of physical components in ensuring reliability and performance. In 2023, the global hardware segment in teller cash recycler market share surpassed $2.6 billion, highlighting the reliance on advanced components. Key hardware like high-speed banknote recognition sensors can process up to 1,500 notes per minute, reducing transaction times significantly. A major U.K. bank recently upgraded its hardware systems, processing 2 million transactions monthly with near-zero errors, saving $1.5 million annually in operational costs. One of the standout contributors to this dominance in the teller cash recycler market is the use of robust, tamper-proof cash storage units. These units are designed with reinforced materials that can withstand physical attacks, ensuring the safety of cash reserves. In 2022, a bank in Asia reported foiling a $1.2 million heist attempt thanks to the durability of their storage hardware. Similarly, advanced dispensing mechanisms equipped with anti-jam technology have reduced machine downtime by over 20 hours annually per unit, translating into improved customer service and operational efficiency. Investments in cutting-edge hardware have also enabled manufacturers to meet the growing demand for customization. Modular designs allow businesses to choose components tailored to their unique needs. For example, a Canadian retail chain installed 800 units with dual-cassette configurations in 2023, optimizing storage for small-denomination currencies. Ask For Customization @ Top 6 Players Controlling Over 70% Revenue of Teller Cash Recycler Market: Glory Global Solutions Alone Capture over 46% Market Share Glory Global Solutions has firmly established itself as the leader in the teller cash recycler (TCR) market, commanding over 46% of the global market share as of 2024. This dominance stems from the company's long-standing expertise in cash management, dating back over a century, and its ability to innovate continuously. Glory's product portfolio, particularly its advanced GLR series of TCRs, has been pivotal in meeting the evolving needs of financial institutions. These machines are designed to support multiple deployment modes, including traditional teller-operated, customer-facing, and self-service options, making them highly adaptable to diverse banking environments. By integrating cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and IoT, Glory has ensured its solutions remain efficient, secure, and aligned with the growing demand for automation in cash handling. This focus on innovation has allowed the company to address key industry challenges, such as reducing operational costs, minimizing errors, and enhancing cash security, which has further solidified its market position. The company's sustained leadership in the teller cash recycler market is also a result of its strategic approach to market trends and customer needs. Glory invests heavily in research and development, as seen in its Vertera 6G TCR, which offers enhanced functionality and reliability. Additionally, the company has embraced the shift toward digital and contactless transactions by integrating these capabilities into its solutions, ensuring relevance in a rapidly changing financial landscape. Glory's UBIQULARTM cloud-based platform exemplifies its commitment to providing comprehensive solutions, offering advanced business intelligence and remote monitoring features that go beyond hardware. Furthermore, the company has capitalized on regulatory incentives promoting TCR adoption and ensured compliance with international standards, making its products a preferred choice for financial institutions worldwide. By aligning its innovations with industry demands and maintaining a customer-centric approach, Glory Global Solutions has successfully retained its leadership in the teller cash recycler market. Global Teller Cash Recycler Market Key Players: Key Segmentation: By Product Type By Lock Type By Component By Provider By Region Inquire more about this report before purchase: About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a global analytics and advisory company which has built a solid reputation in a short period, thanks to the tangible outcomes we have delivered to our clients. We pride ourselves in generating unparalleled, in depth and uncannily accurate estimates and projections for our very demanding clients spread across different verticals. We have a long list of satisfied and repeat clients from a wide spectrum including technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and many more. These happy customers come to us from all across the Globe. 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While Mia Thornton has been filled with little beyond contradictions and Restylane throughout her seasons on the Potomac franchise, her penchant for inconsistent storytelling has for the most part been outweighed only by her propensity for entertainment. When you make good television and are willing to roll with the punches, many are willing to forgive the odd transgression or two. This season, however, Mia is pushing the boundaries of what both viewers and her fellow castmates find to be acceptable, and this week their frustrations with her decision-making finally began to spill onto the TV. On its face, Mia’s current position is absurd. She has made a hill out of demanding that the cast hold Karen accountable at every opportunity. At the same time, her personal life is a walking Maury episode and the longer she keeps up the charade, the more her fellow Housewives look at her sideways. The scene at the GNA wellness event — which has now rebranded into ClassPass with branded tees — is a perfect example of this friction. Mia takes advantage of Karen’s being MIA to slip in as many jabs as possible about Karen’s alcohol habits and pending legal issues, only for her to take the women aside and reveal to them details about the on-camera fight we saw last week. If Mia is going to (correctly) claim that Gordon had no right to disclose her personal health information regarding an alleged abortion, then it is equally irresponsible for Mia to claim that every hostile interaction they have is Gordan “in mania.” Perhaps it is, but Gordon is not sharing that information willingly, nor is it necessarily evident on-camera. According to Mia, Mister Incognito offered to pull back from the situation as she figured out how to co-parent healthily, an option that briefly had me relieved that functioning brain cells were reentering the conversation. Still, that plan lasted about as long as my last “social media break.” Watching the fracas from afar, Gizelle Bryant’s gears are finally starting to turn. The green-eyed bandit may live for onscreen drama, but even she finds this whole scenario tactless, and bringing Mia down to size also puts her in better standing for any future conflicts with Karen. Gizelle finds herself in an interesting position this season. She usually drives so much of the story, but this time around, she is taking a back seat and trying to figure out which horse she plans to hitch on for the rest of the season. With Mia’s recent antics, she has decidedly taken her out of the running. The issues continue at Wendy’s birthday party, where Gizelle finally confronts Mia about the inconsistencies in her story. Gordon and Incognito can barely stand each other and he’s a massive trigger, yet Mia is on Instagram posting videos and photo shoots of them all getting along — what is really going on here, and how do her children benefit? To be fair to Mia, I do think that people are assuming Gordon doesn’t know how to manipulate cameras as well. Gordon, after all, was the first person to bring up the drama with Inc and allegations about paternity on-camera, not Mia, and he certainly seems to time his temper tantrums to when he already knows he has a call time to film for the show. But Mia could just as soon choose not to document this part of her life so sloppily and extensively for the time being. It doesn’t seem to be doing anyone any good, and the sensationalism of the drama isn’t reaping the returns she may have expected by bringing this to all of our screens — both the fans and the wives seem disenchanted by it all. Perhaps Mia is so focused on maximizing the entertainment value of her personal life because she looks at someone like Ashley and is terrified of the possibility of that being her future. Ashley and Mia have a lot in common when it comes to their life experiences: rough, working-class upbringing before becoming “self-made,” then thinking that they would be able to cling to their marriages as a life raft to class migration. Both of them have tragically come to realize that marrying an older man is not a honeymoon, and they are seeking to figure out what comes next. Ashley seems to have never prepared for this possibility, and we are watching her try to wring a coin out of every opportunity possible: she is booking drag-king shows, shilling GNA screen tees and QR codes, and even trying to persuade her cast to give her nonexistent musical career some pity streams. Mia must have heard 30 seconds of the torture ritual known as “Healing and Thriving” and simply gone into a fugue state, deciding that as messy as it may get, there was no way she wasn’t going to secure her future both with a man and on the cameras. I might understand that impulse, but I certainly do not have to respect it. Unfortunately, it seems that her castmates don’t either. Ashley has tried to keep her personal life separate from the show to her detriment and is now forced to carve out a lane and share more of her life than she is comfortable doing. When you have two kids at home and a mortgage to pay for, you can no longer afford to be skittish about whether or not your ex cheated on you as you try to mediate a settlement. It may make you cringe to hear your family freely tell you that they always thought that walking canker sore was a controlling turd, but you will grin and bear it because you have no other option; your livelihood is dependent on people wanting to hear your story after years of closing that part of your life off to the cameras. Even as a veteran, Ashley is uncomfortable with the Faustian bargain she has made for success in reality TV, which is why she attempts to deflect by stirring up messes in everyone else’s lives. Mia has no such scruples, and for better or worse, what we are seeing on our screens is a consequence of that lack of restraint. In current events, Ashley Darby has finally filed for divorce . Hopefully, the negotiations will take less than the next five seasons because I certainly can’t take much more of this journey. • Karen went to her first court date dressed like Sister Mary Clarence and seemingly got a continuance to September (which, if I recall, was part of her recent attempts to get the arrest thrown out, which failed). I, like most of you in the comments, really wish she would go the plea-deal route so that she could speak about this openly and move toward embracing her complicity, but it seems that we have a long way to go until we get there and it likely won’t be this season. • While Karen and Mia’s civil war is starting to wear out its welcome, this episode was filled with bits of high comedy. Their stilted non-hug at Wendy’s birthday event was top-tier, as was Gizelle gleefully telling Karen, “I am so happy you’re free and amongst us.” • Wendy’s 40th birthday looked lovely (save for the plastic gold top hats for the servers), and I am happy that Eddie’s family made it. I was genuinely in tears when I realized that Wendy chose to celebrate her 40th on Ashley’s actual birthday. Watching Ms. Darby try to find passive-aggressive ways to remind the guests that it was her birthday as well, including sporting a tacky lace frock, seemed like a bit straight out of Curb Your Enthusiasm . • Speaking of the birthday dinner, TJ chiding Stacey felt like a bit much. I consistently come away wondering if TJ even likes Stacey, and I think Ashley is right to express concern and skepticism. • It is fascinating to see just how much of the episode is predicated on Karen’s presence or absence. If Karen is there, we have to gossip among ourselves and see which cast member is going to take up the mantle of trying to hold Karen accountable this time; if she skips an event, it is gossip and speculation as to why or for what reason. • Vivien watch: Our flailing “friend of” made the cameras in one scene again this season. Vivien, we speak your name. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us.How young Canadians are pursuing the dream of homeownership despite a challenging market
Fernanda Galan | (TNS) The Sacramento Bee Is your Thanksgiving turkey safe to eat? As poultry farms and dairies across California continue to battle bird flu outbreaks, residents may be worried about food safety this holiday season. Related Articles Health | Political stress: Can you stay engaged without sacrificing your mental health? Health | Trump chooses controversial Stanford professor Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead NIH Health | Abortion bans could reverse decline in teen births, experts warn Health | After institutions for people with disabilities close, graves are at risk of being forgotten Health | A stroke changed a teacher’s life. How a new electrical device is helping her move Highly pathogenic avian influenza surfaced in the United States in January 2022, the virus has been detected in wild birds and domestic poultry, according to the Fresno Bee’s previous reporting. As of Nov. 18, a total of 294 dairies in California were under quarantine due to the avian flu, state agriculture officials confirmed. More than 4 million turkeys and chickens have been killed at poultry ranches across the state in an attempt to stop the virus from spreading. Meanwhile, the bird flu virus was detected in a batch of raw milk from Raw Farm in Fresno County, the California Department of Public Health reported. The Fresno Bee talked to María Soledad, a food safety inspection service spokeswoman at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to learn more about the virus and how it affects food safety. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, highly pathogenic avian influenza — also known as bird flu or H5N1 — is a highly contagious and often deadly disease primarily found in poultry. It is “caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5) and A (H7) viruses,” the agency said on its website. HPAI can spread from wild birds to domestic poultry and other animals. The virus can also infect humans in rare cases. “It is important to note that ‘highly pathogenic’ refers to severe impact in birds, not necessarily in humans,” the agency said. Unlike seasonal influenza viruses, which are typically contracted through human-to-human transmission, avian influenza viruses are spread by infected birds through saliva, mucus and feces, according to the CDC. The virus can also be present in the respiratory secretions, organs, blood, or body fluids of other infected animals — including milk. Human infections occur when the virus enters the eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled through airborne droplets, aerosol particles or dust. It can also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face. “Illness in humans from avian influenza virus infections have ranged in severity from no symptoms or mild illness to severe disease that resulted in death,” the CDC said. “Consumers can safely enjoy turkey this holiday season,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration wrote in an email to The Bee, noting that food safety inspectors examine turkeys for disease “before and after slaughter.” That includes your Thanksgiving bird. “The turkeys from farms with confirmed avian influenza don’t even get sent to slaughter,” Soledad said. “They are destroyed on premises.” During an avian flu outbreak, “The chance of infected poultry or eggs entering the food chain is low,” the FDA said on its website in April, “because of the rapid onset of symptoms in poultry as well as the safeguards in place, which include testing of flocks and federal inspection programs.” “When food is properly prepared and stored, the risk of consumers becoming infected with HPAI is reduced even further,” the FDA said. UC Davis professor Linda J. Harris, who focuses on microbial food safety, says you should prepare your Thanksgiving turkey using four essential steps: clean, cook, chill and separate. You can watch the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Holiday Food Safety video for tips on how to prepare a turkey the safe way, or check out the turkey recipe developed by the Partnership for Food Safety Education, a nonprofit organization that works to reduce food-borne illness risks. According to the USDA, any traces of highly pathogenic avian influenza in your turkey are inactivated when food reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. The USDA recommends following this rule anytime you’re preparing raw poultry, including chicken. On its Thanksgiving food safety website , the USDA has videos and information including calculators that help you determine the appropriate amount of time to thaw and cook your turkey. “Simply select your turkey’s weight, along with your preferred thawing and cooking methods, and you’ll immediately receive guidance on how to safely prepare your turkey this Thanksgiving!’ USDA congressional public affairs specialist Maria Machuca wrote in an email to The Bee. “There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to humans through properly prepared food,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on its website. Pasteurized milk and other dairy products are safe to consume and cook with, according to Hebah Ghanem, infectious disease specialist at University of California San Francisco, Fresno. “The most important thing that it has to be pasteurized, because the virus is killed with heat,” Ghanem told The Bee. “Pasteurization of milk was adopted decades ago as a basic public health measure to kill dangerous bacteria and largely eliminate the risk of getting sick,” the FDA said on its website. All egg products are pasteurized as required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “This means that they have been rapidly heated and held at a minimum required temperature for a specified time to destroy bacteria,” the agency said. However, eggs that are still in their shells aren’t required to be pasteurized, leading to potential health risks if eaten raw or uncooked. According to the CDC, avian flu symptoms in humans may include: California dairy workers infected with avian flu have experienced mild flu-like symptoms, The Bee previously reported. “All the cases that we have here in California are very mild,” Ghanem told the Fresno Bee in October. “They haven’t needed hospitalization.” To prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, people should avoid exposure to dead animals, Ghanem said in October. That includes wild birds, poultry, other domesticated birds and cows. People should also avoid exposure to animal feces as well as fluids. Here are other tips from Ghanem: ©2024 The Sacramento Bee. Visit at sacbee.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.South Korea plane crash: Acting Prez declares 7 day mourning period
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NEW YORK – Angelina Jolie never expected to hit all the notes. But finding the breath of Maria Callas was enough to bring things out of Jolie that she didn’t even know were in her. “All of us, we really don’t realize where things land in our body over a lifetime of different experiences and where we hold it to protect ourselves,” Jolie said in a recent interview. “We hold it in our stomachs. We hold it in our chest. We breathe from a different place when we’re nervous or we’re sad. Recommended Videos “The first few weeks were the hardest because my body had to open and I had to breathe again,” she adds. “And that was a discovery of how much I wasn’t.” In Pablo Larraín’s “Maria,” which Netflix released in theaters Wednesday before it begins streaming on Dec. 11, Jolie gives, if not the performance of her career, then certainly of her last decade. Beginning with 2010’s “In the Land of Blood and Honey,” Jolie has spent recent years directing films while prioritizing raising her six children. “So my choices for quite a few years were whatever was smart financially and short. I worked very little the last eight years,” says Jolie. “And I was kind of drained. I couldn’t for a while.” But her youngest kids are now 16. And for the first time in years, Jolie is back in the spotlight, in full movie-star mode. Her commanding performance in “Maria” seems assured of bringing Jolie her third Oscar nomination. (She won supporting actress in 2000 for “Girl, Interrupted.”) For an actress whose filmography might lack a signature movie, “Maria” may be Jolie's defining role. Jolie's oldest children, Maddox and Pax, worked on the set of the film. There, they saw a version of their mother they hadn't seen before. “They had certainly seen me sad in my life. But I don’t cry in front of my children like that,” Jolie says of the emotion Callas dredged up in her. “That was a moment in realizing they were going to be with me, side by side, in this process of really understanding the depth of some of the pain I carry.” Jolie, who met a reporter earlier this fall at the Carlyle Hotel, didn't speak in any detail of that pain. But it was hard not to sense some it had to do with her lengthy and ongoing divorce from Brad Pitt, with whom she had six children. Just prior to meeting, a judge allowed Pitt’s remaining claim against Jolie, over the French winery Château Miraval, to proceed. On Monday, a judge ruled that Pitt must disclose documents Jolie’s legal team have sought that they allege include “communications concerning abuse.” Pitt has denied ever being abusive. The result of the U.S. presidential election was also just days old, though Jolie — special envoy for the United Nations Refugee Agency from 2012 to 2022 – wasn’t inclined to talk politics. Asked about Donald Trump’s win , she responded, “Global storytelling is essential,” before adding: “That’s what I’m focusing on. Listening. Listening to the voices of people in my country and around the world.” Balancing such things — reports concerning her private life, questions that accompany someone of her fame — is a big reason why Jolie is so suited to the part of Callas. The film takes place during the American-born soprano’s final days. (She died of a heart attack at 53 in 1977.) Spending much of her time in her grand Paris apartment, Callas hasn’t sung publicly in years; she’s lost her voice. Imprisoned by the myth she’s created, Callas is redefining herself and her voice. An instructor tells her he wants to hear “Callas, not Maria." The movie, of course, is more concerned with Maria. It’s Larrain’s third portrait of 20th century female icon, following “Jackie” (with Natalie Portman as Jacqueline Kennedy) and “Spencer” (with Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana). As Callas, Jolie is wonderfully regal — a self-possessed diva who deliciously, in lines penned by screenwriter Steven Knight, spouts lines like: “I took liberties all my life and the world took liberties with me.” Asked if she identified with that line, Jolie answered, “Yeah, yeah.” Then she took a long pause. “I’m sure people will read a lot into this and there’s probably a lot I could say but don’t want to feed into,” Jolie eventually continues. “I know she was a public person because she loved her work. And I’m a public person because I love my work, not because I like being public. I think some people are more comfortable with a public life, and I’ve never been fully comfortable with it.” When Larraín first approached Jolie about the role, he screened “Spencer” for her. That film, like “Jackie” and “Maria,” eschews a biopic approach to instead intimately focus on a specific moment of crisis. Larraín was convinced Jolie was meant for the role. “I felt she could have that magnetism,” Larraín says. “The enigmatic diva that’s come to a point in her life where she has to take control of her life again. But the weight of her experience, of her music, of her singing, everything, is on her back. And she carries that. It’s someone who’s already loaded with a life that’s been intense.” “There’s a loneliness that we both share,” Jolie says. “That’s not necessarily a bad thing. I think people can be alone and lonely sometimes, and that can be part of who they are.” Larraín, the Chilean filmmaker, grew up in Santiago going to the opera, and he has long yearned to bring its full power and majesty to a movie. In Callas, he heard something that transfixed him. “I hear something near perfection, but at the same time, it’s something that’s about to be destroyed,” Larraín says. “So it’s as fragile and as strong as possible. It lives in both extremes. That’s why it’s so moving. I hear a voice that’s about to be broken, but it doesn’t.” In Callas’ less perfect moments singing in the film, Larraín fuses archival recordings of Callas with Jolie’s own voice. Some mix of the two runs throughout “Maria.” “Early in the process,” Jolie says, “I discovered that you can’t fake-sing opera.” Jolie has said she never sang before, not even karaoke. But the experience has left her with a newfound appreciation of opera and its healing properties. “I wonder if it’s something you lean into as you get older,” Jolie says. “Maybe your depth of pain is bigger, your depth of loss is bigger, and that sound in opera meets that, the enormity of it.” If Larraín’s approach to “Maria” is predicated on an unknowingness, he's inclined to say something similar about his star. “Because of media and social media, some people might think that they know a lot about Angelina,” he says. “Maria, I read nine biographies of her. I saw everything. I read every interview. I made this movie. But I don’t think I would be capable of telling you who she was us. So if there’s an element in common, it’s that. They carry an enormous amount of mystery. Even if you think that you know them, you don’t.” Whether “Maria” means more acting in the future for Jolie, she's not sure. “There's not a clear map,” she says. Besides, Jolie isn't quite ready to shake Callas. “When you play a real person, you feel at some point that they become your friend,” says Jolie. “Right now, it’s still a little personal. It’s funny, I’ll be at a premiere or I’ll walk into a room and someone will start blaring her music for fun, but I have this crazy internal sense memory of dropping to my knees and crying.”Wirt County at Doddridge County football box score