LUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — Lando Norris ignored team orders and handed his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri the sprint race in Qatar on Saturday, while Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen was stripped of the pole position. His penalty elevated George Russell to first on the grid. With McLaren eyeing its first F1 constructors' title in 26 years and Russell close behind for Mercedes, Norris was told by the team over the radio to “finish in this order,” ahead of Piastri. He chose to gift his teammate the win anyway, easing off to the right on the exit of the final corner and then swooping back across in front of Russell, who finished third. “The team told me not to do it, but I thought I could get away with it and we did,” Norris said. "Honestly, I don’t mind. I’m not here to win sprint races. I’m here to win races and the championship, but that’s not gone to plan." Norris was paying Piastri back for doing the same in the sprint race in Brazil when Norris was still fighting Verstappen for the drivers’ title. “I made my mind up in Brazil when it happened,” Norris said. “I needed to do something to give it back.” Piastri said he hadn't expected Norris to take the risk. “I was aware it could happen. I was a bit surprised that with George half a second (away) it did,” Piastri said. “It just shows off our teamwork and the lack of egos within the team.” It continues a season where McLaren’s race tactics have often been a talking point, such as when Norris and Piastri swapped for the lead in Hungary after a lengthy and often awkward radio exchange with the team. On Saturday, Norris started on pole position and kept the lead at the start as Piastri squeezed past Russell for second. As Russell repeatedly attacked Piastri, Norris dropped back instead of building a lead. That put Piastri within one second of Norris, allowing the Australian to use the DRS overtaking aid for extra speed. Russell said he found the McLaren teamwork “pretty infuriating” while stuck behind Piastri and also objected to what he saw as late moves from Piastri to defend the position. “Hopefully we can have a proper race (on Sunday) rather than this team orders stuff,” Russell said. The F1 champion thought he'd secured his first pole position since the Austrian GP in June, but a lengthy stewards' inquiry gave him a one-place penalty for driving “unnecessarily slowly” in an incident with Russell, who moved up to first on the grid. The Mercedes driver complained over the radio that it was “super dangerous” that he'd had to avoid Verstappen, who was ahead of him on the racing line as both drivers prepared for their final runs of qualifying. The stewards agreed Verstappen was going too slowly as he tried to cool his tires but didn't apply the usual three-place penalty because neither driver was trying to set a fast time. Verstappen hadn't been much of a factor in the sprint but he returned to form in qualifying, beating Russell by just .055 of a second on his last run. “Crazy. I mean, honestly, I didn’t expect that,” Verstappen said. “We did change a bit on the car but I never thought it would make such a swing in performance.” Norris was .252 off the pace and lines up third, with Piastri fourth, followed by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz Jr. McLaren increased its lead over Ferrari in the constructors’ championship to 30 points, and has both of its drivers ahead of the Ferraris on the grid. Teams can earn a maximum 88 more points from the grand prix in Qatar and next week’s Abu Dhabi GP. Red Bull dropped to 67 points behind McLaren in the standings as Verstappen — crowned the drivers' champion for the fourth time last week in Las Vegas — finished eighth and his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez was last after a pit stop to change his car's nose. AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racingPharrell Williams Is Auctioning Off His Personal Richard Mille Watch
Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, second left, speaks during a news conference at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Senators will vote Thursday on border security legislation that Republicans blocked from i Senator John Cornyn (R- Texas ) will be a part of the newly-formed Senate DOGE Caucus, designed to find and eliminate governmental waste. The caucus, led by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), will work with the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency, which is helmed by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. READ MORE: DOGE reportedly considers mobile tax-filing app to simplify US tax process "Ready to work with [Elon Musk] and [Vivek Ramaswamy] to tackle government waste. The national debt has reached staggering levels, & as a founding member of the Senate DOGE Caucus, I’m committed to tackling it alongside our fearless chair [Joni Ernst]," wrote Cornyn on social media. In addition to Cornyn and Ernst, Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Rick Scott (R-Florida). Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), and James Lankford (R-Oklahoma) will make up the Senate DOGE Caucus. Texas will also be represented in the House DOGE Caucus. Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas) will join Rep. Aaron Bean (R-Florida) as co-chairs of the House DOGE Caucus. "According to a report from the GAO, over $2.7 trillion has been lost in fraud and improper payments since 2003. This is an absolutely unacceptable misuse of taxpayer dollars. Hardworking Americans deserve a government that works efficiently and effectively. I am committed to working in bicameral fashion with Senator Ernst, Congressman Bean, and my colleagues in the DOGE Caucus to continue rooting out inefficiency in our government, ensuring taxpayers get the accountability and results they deserve," said Sessions. Ernst is expected to release a list of trillions in cuts to Washington's budget this week. Information in this article comes from a news release from Senator Jodi Ernst and social media statements by Texas Senator John Cornyn.ISSAQUAH, Wash., Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Costco Wholesale Corporation (“Costco” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: COST) today reported net sales of $21.87 billion for the retail month of November, the four weeks ended December 1, 2024, an increase of 5.6 percent from $20.71 billion last year. For the twelve-week first quarter ended November 24, 2024, the Company reported net sales of $60.99 billion, an increase of 7.5 percent from $56.72 billion last year. Net sales for the first thirteen weeks were $66.52 billion, an increase of 7.2 percent from $62.04 billion last year. Comparable sales were as follows: Comparable sales excluding the impacts from changes in gasoline prices and foreign exchange were as follows: E-commerce sales in November were negatively impacted by an estimated 15 percentage points, due to Thanksgiving / Black Friday / Cyber Monday occurring a week later this year versus last year. Total and comparable sales were negatively impacted by approximately one and one-half percent as a result of the shift in E-commerce sales. Additional discussion of these results is available in a pre-recorded message. It can be accessed by visiting investor.costco.com (click on “Events & Presentations”). This message will be available through 4:00 p.m. (PT) on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Costco currently operates 897 warehouses, including 617 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 109 in Canada, 41 in Mexico, 36 in Japan, 29 in the United Kingdom, 19 in Korea, 15 in Australia, 14 in Taiwan, seven in China, five in Spain, two in France, and one each in Iceland, New Zealand and Sweden. Costco also operates e-commerce sites in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Australia. Certain statements contained in this document and the pre-recorded message constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For these purposes, forward-looking statements are statements that address activities, events, conditions or developments that the Company expects or anticipates may occur in the future. In some cases forward-looking statements can be identified because they contain words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” or similar expressions and the negatives of those terms. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results or performance to differ materially from those indicated by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, domestic and international economic conditions, including exchange rates, inflation or deflation, the effects of competition and regulation, uncertainties in the financial markets, consumer and small business spending patterns and debt levels, breaches of security or privacy of member or business information, conditions affecting the acquisition, development, ownership or use of real estate, capital spending, actions of vendors, rising costs associated with employees (generally including health-care costs and wages), workforce interruptions, energy and certain commodities, geopolitical conditions (including tariffs), the ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, regulatory and other impacts related to environmental and social matters, public-health related factors, and other risks identified from time to time in the Company’s public statements and reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company does not undertake to update these statements, except as required by law. Comparable sales and comparable sales excluding impacts from changes in gasoline prices and foreign exchange are intended as supplemental information and are not a substitute for net sales presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. COST-Sales
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Letter: Provide families right to choosePutting the brakes on biker road deaths
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) may have been forced to withdraw from Donald Trump's nomination for attorney general, at a cost to the GOP and Trump's ability to control the caucus . But the battle to prevent unqualified nominees from controlling critical agencies is just beginning, The Washington Post editorial board wrote Friday. This comes as multiple other picks for the Trump administration deal with sexual misconduct scandals of their own, just after Gaetz was derailed by an ethics investigation into accusations he engaged in child sex trafficking. "Mr. Trump has privately told allies that he hopes Mr. Gaetz’s failure will ease confirmation of other controversial nominees," wrote the board. "It should do the opposite, steeling senators to conduct the scrutiny required of Mr. Trump’s remaining picks. Several are plainly unworthy of high office." This includes Fox News personality Pete Hegseth for Pentagon chief, who was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017; Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for secretary of Health and Human Services, despite promoting conspiracy theories about vaccines, COVID, AIDS, and Jews ; and former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence, even though she has pushed pro-Russian conspiracy theories. ALSO READ: A giant middle finger from a tiny craven man For that matter, wrote the board, even Trump's pick to replace Gaetz, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, has a questionable record — even if she is significantly more qualified as a prosecutor. "She sued to invalidate the Affordable Care Act," wrote the board. "She took contributions from prominent Scientologists and declined to pursue allegations against the church. Mr. Trump’s charity contributed $25,000 to a political group backing Ms. Bondi in 2013, around the time she decided not to pursue fraud complaints against Mr. Trump’s for-profit seminar business." She also acted as a foreign agent to lobby for Qatar. Moreover, noted the board, she led "Lock Her Up" chants against Hillary Clinton in 2016, and pushed conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, neither of which suggest an impartial law enforcement official. Senators should not let her off the hook just because they're relieved Trump didn't pick Gaetz, the board concluded. "In Ms. Bondi’s confirmation hearings, senators should ask: What would be her red lines? What could Mr. Trump ask her to do that would prompt her to resign?"Seoul-based cinema technology pioneer CJ 4DPLEX has elevated company veteran Jun Bang as its new CEO. The announcement, made Wednesday, highlights Bang’s contributions to the company’s ongoing success in revolutionizing the cinematic experience in South Korea and beyond. Bang, who joined CJ 4DPLEX in 2018, most recently served as COO of content and marketing, where he oversaw original content investments, theatrical distribution, and global marketing operations. He was instrumental in building the company’s alternative content business, producing and distributing nearly 20 original films annually, including concert films from K-pop stars and major U.S. acts, like Coldplay’s , as well as other live theatrical broadcasts of top-billed events like the Korean Baseball Organization’s playoff series, shown in the immersive ScreenX format. Before leading the content division at CJ 4DPLEX, he was a senior director of content business innovation, overseeing investment and distribution strategies as well as ScreenX and 4DX studio operations. He was also instrumental in building the ScreenX VFX Production Studio, which houses nearly 100 visual artists and has allowed the ScreenX format to significantly increase its content slate to encompass major Hollywood blockbusters as well as local tentpole projects from Japan and Korea. “Transitioning into the role of CEO at CJ 4DPLEX, I am excited to lead the company in its next phase during a pivotal moment in cinematic entertainment,” said Bang. “With all the recent momentum our theaters have gained, we will aggressively expand all facets of our operation as more moviegoers seek out 4DX and ScreenX experiences worldwide.” CJ 4DPLEX operates two innovative cinema technologies that have attempted to redefine the theatrical experience. The 4DX format offers a multisensory experience through motion-based seating synchronized with effects like wind, water, scents, and vibrations, creating an immersive connection to on-screen action. There are over 800 4DX theaters across 70 countries. The ScreenX format expands select sequences of a film onto the left and right walls of the auditorium, creating a 270-degree panoramic experience. With over 420 ScreenX theaters in 40 countries, the technology provides a virtual reality-like experience with cinema-quality resolution. CJ 4DPLEX is a subsidiary of CJ CGV and a part of the larger CJ Group, which includes entertainment powerhouse CJ ENM. Bang’s appointment was hailed by Don Savant, CEO and president of CJ 4DPLEX America. “Jun’s leadership in developing alternative content and expanding our VFX capabilities has been a game changer for the cinema industry, which is fighting to differentiate itself from home and streaming platforms,” Savant said in a statement. THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day More from The Hollywood Reporter
By Lea Skene | The Associated Press Maryland is suing the company that produces the waterproof material Gore-Tex often used for raincoats and other outdoor gear, alleging its leaders kept using “forever chemicals” long after learning about serious health risks associated with them. The complaint, which was filed last week in federal court, focuses on a cluster of 13 facilities in northeastern Maryland operated by Delaware-based W.L. Gore & Associates. It alleges the company polluted the air and water around its facilities with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances , jeopardizing the health of surrounding communities while raking in profits. The lawsuit adds to other claims filed in recent years, including a class action on behalf of Cecil County residents in 2023 demanding Gore foot the bill for water filtration systems, medical bills and other damages associated with decades of harmful pollution in the largely rural community. “PFAS are linked to cancer, weakened immune systems, and can even harm the ability to bear children,” Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said in a statement. “It is unacceptable for any company to knowingly contaminate our drinking water with these toxins, putting Marylanders at risk of severe health conditions.” Gore spokesperson Donna Leinwand Leger said the company is “surprised by the Maryland Attorney General’s decision to initiate legal action, particularly in light of our proactive and intensive engagement with state regulators over the past two years.” “We have been working with Maryland, employing the most current, reliable science and technology to assess the potential impact of our operations and guide our ongoing, collaborative efforts to protect the environment,” the company said in a statement, noting a Dec. 18 report that contains nearly two years of groundwater testing results. But attorney Philip Federico, who represents plaintiffs in the class action and other lawsuits against Gore, called the company’s efforts “too little, much too late.” In the meantime, he said, residents are continuing to suffer — one of his clients was recently diagnosed with kidney cancer. “It’s typical corporate environmental contamination,” he said. “They’re in no hurry to fix the problem.” The synthetic chemicals are especially harmful because they’re nearly indestructible and can build up in various environments, including the human body. In addition to cancers and immune system problems, exposure to certain levels of PFAS has been linked to increased cholesterol levels, reproductive health issues and developmental delays in children, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Gore leaders failed to warn people living near its Maryland facilities about the potential impacts, hoping to protect their corporate image and avoid liability, according to the state’s lawsuit. The result has been “a toxic legacy for generations to come,” the lawsuit alleges. Since the chemicals are already in the local environment, protecting residents now often means installing complex and expensive water filtration systems. People with private wells have found highly elevated levels of dangerous chemicals in their water, according to the class action lawsuit. The Maryland facilities are located in a rural area just across the border from Delaware, where Gore has become a longtime fixture in the community. The company, which today employs more than 13,000 people, was founded in 1958 after Wilbert Gore left the chemical giant DuPont to start his own business. Its profile rose with the development of Gore-Tex , a lightweight waterproof material created by stretching polytetrafluoroethylene, which is better known by the brand name Teflon that’s used to coat nonstick pans. The membrane within Gore-Tex fabric has billions of pores that are smaller than water droplets, making it especially effective for outdoor gear. The state’s complaint traces Gore’s longstanding relationship with DuPont , arguing that information about the chemicals’ dangers was long known within both companies as they sought to keep things quiet and boost profits. It alleges that as early as 1961, DuPont scientists knew the chemical caused adverse liver reactions in rats and dogs. DuPont has faced widespread litigation in recent years. Along with two spinoff companies, it announced a $1.18 billion deal last year to resolve complaints of polluting many U.S. drinking water systems with forever chemicals. The Maryland lawsuit seeks to hold Gore responsible for costs associated with the state’s ongoing investigations and cleanup efforts, among other damages. State oversight has ramped up following litigation from residents alleging their drinking water was contaminated. Until then, the company operated in Cecil County with little scrutiny. Gore announced in 2014 that it had eliminated perfluorooctanoic acid from the raw materials used to create Gore-Tex. But it’s still causing long-term impacts because it persists for so long in the environment, attorneys say. Over the past two years, Gore has hired an environmental consulting firm to conduct testing in the area and provided bottled water and water filtration systems to residents near certain Maryland facilities, according to a webpage describing its efforts. Recent testing of drinking water at residences near certain Gore sites revealed perfluorooctanoic acid levels well above what the EPA considers safe, according to state officials. Attorneys for the state acknowledged Gore’s ongoing efforts to investigate and address the problem but said the company needs to step up and be a better neighbor. “While we appreciate Gore’s limited investigation to ascertain the extent of PFAS contamination around its facilities, much more needs to be done to protect the community and the health of residents,” Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain said in a statement. “We must remove these forever chemicals from our natural resources urgently, and we expect responsible parties to pay for this remediation.” Related Articles Business | Addicts trafficked cross country by ‘army of fraudsters,’ new lawsuit alleges Business | FTC sues largest wine and spirits distributor, saying it discriminates against smaller stores Business | LA prosecutor suing over alleged demotion during Gascón era tentatively settles Business | Embattled addiction treatment empire countersues Aetna in $40 million tug-of-war Business | California charges construction firm with felony wage theft at Cathedral City projectMailbag: Why the CFP rankings could prompt major changes, a Pac-12 title game, and moreBy Lea Skene | The Associated Press Maryland is suing the company that produces the waterproof material Gore-Tex often used for raincoats and other outdoor gear, alleging its leaders kept using “forever chemicals” long after learning about serious health risks associated with them. The complaint, which was filed last week in federal court, focuses on a cluster of 13 facilities in northeastern Maryland operated by Delaware-based W.L. Gore & Associates. It alleges the company polluted the air and water around its facilities with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances , jeopardizing the health of surrounding communities while raking in profits. The lawsuit adds to other claims filed in recent years, including a class action on behalf of Cecil County residents in 2023 demanding Gore foot the bill for water filtration systems, medical bills and other damages associated with decades of harmful pollution in the largely rural community. “PFAS are linked to cancer, weakened immune systems, and can even harm the ability to bear children,” Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said in a statement. “It is unacceptable for any company to knowingly contaminate our drinking water with these toxins, putting Marylanders at risk of severe health conditions.” Gore spokesperson Donna Leinwand Leger said the company is “surprised by the Maryland Attorney General’s decision to initiate legal action, particularly in light of our proactive and intensive engagement with state regulators over the past two years.” “We have been working with Maryland, employing the most current, reliable science and technology to assess the potential impact of our operations and guide our ongoing, collaborative efforts to protect the environment,” the company said in a statement, noting a Dec. 18 report that contains nearly two years of groundwater testing results. But attorney Philip Federico, who represents plaintiffs in the class action and other lawsuits against Gore, called the company’s efforts “too little, much too late.” In the meantime, he said, residents are continuing to suffer — one of his clients was recently diagnosed with kidney cancer. “It’s typical corporate environmental contamination,” he said. “They’re in no hurry to fix the problem.” The synthetic chemicals are especially harmful because they’re nearly indestructible and can build up in various environments, including the human body. In addition to cancers and immune system problems, exposure to certain levels of PFAS has been linked to increased cholesterol levels, reproductive health issues and developmental delays in children, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Gore leaders failed to warn people living near its Maryland facilities about the potential impacts, hoping to protect their corporate image and avoid liability, according to the state’s lawsuit. The result has been “a toxic legacy for generations to come,” the lawsuit alleges. Since the chemicals are already in the local environment, protecting residents now often means installing complex and expensive water filtration systems. People with private wells have found highly elevated levels of dangerous chemicals in their water, according to the class action lawsuit. The Maryland facilities are located in a rural area just across the border from Delaware, where Gore has become a longtime fixture in the community. The company, which today employs more than 13,000 people, was founded in 1958 after Wilbert Gore left the chemical giant DuPont to start his own business. Its profile rose with the development of Gore-Tex , a lightweight waterproof material created by stretching polytetrafluoroethylene, which is better known by the brand name Teflon that’s used to coat nonstick pans. The membrane within Gore-Tex fabric has billions of pores that are smaller than water droplets, making it especially effective for outdoor gear. The state’s complaint traces Gore’s longstanding relationship with DuPont , arguing that information about the chemicals’ dangers was long known within both companies as they sought to keep things quiet and boost profits. It alleges that as early as 1961, DuPont scientists knew the chemical caused adverse liver reactions in rats and dogs. DuPont has faced widespread litigation in recent years. Along with two spinoff companies, it announced a $1.18 billion deal last year to resolve complaints of polluting many U.S. drinking water systems with forever chemicals. The Maryland lawsuit seeks to hold Gore responsible for costs associated with the state’s ongoing investigations and cleanup efforts, among other damages. State oversight has ramped up following litigation from residents alleging their drinking water was contaminated. Until then, the company operated in Cecil County with little scrutiny. Gore announced in 2014 that it had eliminated perfluorooctanoic acid from the raw materials used to create Gore-Tex. But it’s still causing long-term impacts because it persists for so long in the environment, attorneys say. Over the past two years, Gore has hired an environmental consulting firm to conduct testing in the area and provided bottled water and water filtration systems to residents near certain Maryland facilities, according to a webpage describing its efforts. Recent testing of drinking water at residences near certain Gore sites revealed perfluorooctanoic acid levels well above what the EPA considers safe, according to state officials. Attorneys for the state acknowledged Gore’s ongoing efforts to investigate and address the problem but said the company needs to step up and be a better neighbor. “While we appreciate Gore’s limited investigation to ascertain the extent of PFAS contamination around its facilities, much more needs to be done to protect the community and the health of residents,” Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain said in a statement. “We must remove these forever chemicals from our natural resources urgently, and we expect responsible parties to pay for this remediation.” Related Articles Business | Land movement leads list of top 5 biggest stories on the Peninsula in 2024 Business | Addicts trafficked cross country by ‘army of fraudsters,’ new lawsuit alleges Business | FTC sues largest wine and spirits distributor, saying it discriminates against smaller stores Business | LA prosecutor suing over alleged demotion during Gascón era tentatively settles Business | Embattled addiction treatment empire countersues Aetna in $40 million tug-of-war
Analyst Scoreboard: 6 Ratings For TeraWulf
Ohio State Coach Ryan Day Called Out For Decision During Postgame BrawlDating apps are a nice ego boost and a good way to kill time, but how often do you actually meet someone from there? Aisekiya are the middleman between dating IRL and dating via your phone. Today is the age of online everything—online shopping, entertainment, research simple things like that? We’re human beings and I think it would be hard to argue that human beings are not social creatures. Our ability to express our thoughts, feelings and emotions through verbal communication is one of the unique characteristics that set us apart from every other animal on this planet. That and opposable thumbs. So why are we limiting this basic human skill to mere digital messaging where our words are oftentimes misinterpreted anyway? I’ll tell you why: We’ve become so used to digital communication that a face-to-face conversation is now scary and uncomfortable. So am I doomed in my search to via photoshopped pics on my phone? That’s when my roommate told me all about . is a combination of the words, 相席 ( ; “sharing tables”) and 屋 ( ; “shop”). and throw them into a 居酒屋 ( ; “Japanese bar”), and you’ve got yourself one Aisekiya. Walk inside and you’ll see a dimly-lit restaurant filled with table booths. However, the main purpose of these booths isn’t to order a meal. It’s so you can chat it up with your assigned pair. And the bonus is that a buffet and drinks are available as well. #score! If you’ve ever heard of 合コン ( , joint dating party), this is very similar to that group dating concept, but Aisekiya is different in that the pairs meeting each other are totally random and have no connections whatsoever. , , ight. No need to set up a reservation here! You do have the option to download the Aisekiya app (new male customers can receive a discount on their first reservation), but as this is a more casual way of meeting new people, most people go without one. The first thing you’ll be asked is how many people you’re with (most people will go as pairs) and then wait to be seated in a booth. While you’re waiting, the waiter will ask for your photo ID (no one under the age of 20 is allowed in) and what you’d like to drink. For the ladies, you’ll be handed a red card (blue for boys) with a letter on it—this is like your group ID card. Once a booth has opened up, you’ll be seated in an empty booth to await your pairs or be seated in a booth with a pair of guys already sitting down. Grouping is done according to the time that you enter Aisekiya. If there are a couple of guys who enter right before/after you, chances are that they are the guys you’ll be paired up with. Keep in mind, this is group dating so if you go alone, you won’t be able to get in (go to one of “ ” locations instead.) If you go in a group of three or four, they will try to group you with another group similar in numbers. That being said, pairs are the most common so I recommend going with just one bestie linked to your arm. Something worth mentioning is that I was the only foreigner in the entire izakaya. If your Japanese is a bit rusty, I highly recommend going with one of your Japanese friends. Chances are the men you’ll be paired with are Japanese, so this is a great opportunity to practice your language skills! Here’s where the Tinder aspect comes into play: although you can’t literally “swipe left” the moment someone you’re uninterested in sits down, you do have the power to change partners whenever you want. Unlike Tinder, however, the people you don’t want to talk to anymore are sitting right in front of you, so you can’t just be a savage and yell, “Next!” Aisekiya requires you to be a little sneaky in your tactics: “Go to the bathroom” or “get yourself another drink” and while you’re up, secretly hand your group ID card to a waiter. Within 5-10 minutes, the waiter will come to your table and say that it’s time to switch and voila! You’ve successfully swiped left. Another reminder that you’re no longer staring at a five-inch phone screen. You’re conversing with your male counterparts in real life, so you won’t have time to think about some fancy line that makes you sound way cooler than you actually are (embrace the dorkiness within you). Sometimes, the conversation won’t flow so easily, and there can be awkward moments of silence. Luckily, Aisekiya is prepared for that! The waiters will come around periodically with quick card games to spark some liveliness in your group—and they’re surprisingly effective. The time that I went, we were lucky enough to have a magician come over and perform close-up magic tricks. Talk about working that Aisekiya magic! You didn’t think Aisekiya came without any rules, did you? Attention all: While waiting to be seated with others, the all-you-can-eat buffet and drinks are free for everyone to enjoy. However, once you’re paired up, the prices are the following: I know what some of you must be thinking. While it’s understandable why a girl would want to go (I mean, everything is free), why would a guy choose to spend money to go? My Japanese roommate gave me this insight: While Aisekiya doesn’t have as much of a “hook-up” vibe as Tinder might, definitely don’t walk in here with the expectation that you’re going to meet your future hubby. The harsh reality is that some of these men are just looking for a one-night stand or already have a significant other back home (disgusting, I know). Just be smart, cautious and careful, my friends. Savage boys still be running rampant on the streets of Tokyo. All that being said, if you’re looking for a break from the casual digital dating world or aren’t quite ready to take off your dating training wheels, this is a great way to mix things up! If you meet someone worth your time, great! If not, you’ll have some fun . Aisekiya is a fun and exciting way to meet new people—with someone you totally trust right by your side—and now you can do it the (somewhat) old-fashioned way! Multiple locations, check for one close to you Most open at 5 p.m. (check the above link for details) anyone sick of swiping, a fun night with your bestie
The US State and Treasury departments said they hit Georgian Dream party founder and honorary chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili with penalties “for undermining the democratic and Euro-Atlantic future of Georgia for the benefit of the Russian Federation”, according to a statement. The designation of Mr Ivanishvili is the latest in a series of sanctions the US has placed on Georgian politicians and others this year. Those sanctions include freezes on assets and properties those targeted may have in US jurisdictions or that might enter US jurisdictions as well as travel bans on the targets and members of their families. “We strongly condemn Georgian Dream’s actions under Ivanishvili’s leadership, including its ongoing and violent repression of Georgian citizens, protesters, members of the media, human rights activists, and opposition figures,” the State Department said in a statement. “The United States is committed to promoting accountability for those undermining democracy and human rights in Georgia.” Mr Ivanishvili is a billionaire who made his fortune in Russia and served briefly as Georgia’s prime minister. In 2012, he founded Georgian Dream, Georgia’s longtime ruling party. Critics have accused Georgian Dream of becoming increasingly authoritarian and tilted towards Moscow. The party recently pushed through laws similar to those used by the Kremlin to crack down on freedom of speech and LGBT+ rights, prompting the European Union to suspend Georgia’s membership application process indefinitely. In October, Georgian Dream won another term in a divisive parliamentary election that has led to more mass protests. Last month, the country’s prime minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, announced a four-year suspension of talks on Georgia’s bid to join the European Union, fuelling further public outrage.'Living Nostradamus' unveils seven chilling predictions for 2025 including ET life and AI autonomy