
X Æ A-12's public plea for his father to "save America" has raised eyebrows and prompted questions about the nature of their relationship and the significance of this call to action. While Musk has made headlines for his efforts to advance space exploration and sustainable energy, his son's words indicate a desire for him to have a greater impact on a national scale.
A recent tragic incident has once again highlighted the dangers of distracted driving on our roads. A young man, whose name has not been disclosed to the public, was responsible for a serious car accident that left three individuals injured. The accident scene, now revealed to the public, serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of failing to prioritize safe and focused driving practices.
The upcoming launch event on December 16 is set to be a grand affair, with a host of exciting announcements, product demonstrations, and interactive sessions planned for attendees and viewers worldwide. Honor fans and tech enthusiasts can expect to witness firsthand the unveiling of the Honor GT and its unique features, as well as the insights shared by KPL champion Yino on the performance tuning process.Donald Trump to 'kick all transgender soldiers out of US military'
But the question remains - would you buy it? Is the allure of a limited edition co-branded product enough to convince consumers to part ways with their hard-earned money? Let's delve deeper into the factors that might influence a consumer's decision.10-man Botafogo wins its first Copa Libertadores titleSome of the most hotly contested categories include Game of the Year, Best Multiplayer Game, Best Art Direction, and Best Narrative. With so many fantastic games released in the past year, the competition is fierce, and fans are sure to have strong opinions on which titles deserve to win.The collaboration between human directors and AI technology has the potential to revolutionize the way stories are told on screen, offering new possibilities for artistic expression and storytelling. By leveraging the analytical capabilities of AI, filmmakers can streamline the creative process, identify emerging trends, and connect with audiences on a deeper level.
Instead, the spotlight has turned to young talents such as Kylian Mbappe, who has been in scintillating form for both club and country. Mbappe's explosive speed, clinical finishing, and big-game performances have made him a standout player in 2021, earning him a spot in the Best XI.On the monetary policy front, the Central Political Bureau discussed the importance of maintaining a prudent and neutral stance. Balancing the need for economic growth with the imperative of controlling inflation and financial risks will require careful coordination and monitoring. By adopting a proactive and dynamic approach to monetary policy, China can effectively manage its economic challenges and maintain stability in the financial system.Once synonymous with modesty and decorum, tights, pantyhose, and stockings have dramatically transformed over the decades. These once-functional garments, originally designed to cover and conceal, now play a pivotal role in the broader narrative of fashion, body image, and self-expression. Their journey from being a tool of societal propriety to an emblem of modern sensuality reflects significant shifts in cultural attitudes. The origins of tights and stockings date back to the Renaissance when men primarily wore them as a status symbol. By the 20th century, women had embraced them as essential components of modest dressing. In the post-World War II era, sheer nylon stockings were considered a marker of refinement and femininity. They were a practical solution for achieving the appearance of flawless legs, often paired with midi skirts and modest heels. “Initially, they were all about elegance, modesty, and societal decorum. But as societal views on body image and personal empowerment have shifted, these garments evolved too. They’ve transformed into tools for embracing individuality and celebrating the body, challenging traditional ideas of conformity. This shift reflects how comfortable people have become with their bodies, embracing fashion as a tool for celebrating individuality.” says Artist/Fashion Designer Venkat Gaddam (Hyderabad) Pantyhose gained popularity in the 1960s with the rise of miniskirts, offering a seamless alternative to garters and stockings. At this stage, legwear was still deeply tied to the concept of covering up, serving as a social expectation for women in professional or formal settings. By the late 20th century, legwear began shedding its conservative connotations. Designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and Vivienne Westwood reimagined tights and stockings as bold fashion statements. The rise of punk and grunge aesthetics saw fishnet stockings, once relegated to burlesque shows, embraced by mainstream audiences. Instead of symbolizing modesty, they exuded rebellion and sensuality. In pop culture, icons like Madonna and Cher significantly transformed legwear into a symbol of empowerment and sexuality. Music videos and concert performances frequently showcased tights and stockings styled provocatively, influencing an entire generation’s perception of these garments. Today, tights, pantyhose, and stockings are celebrated as versatile fashion accessories. They are no longer confined to neutral shades or understated styles. Bold patterns, bright colours, and unconventional textures dominate collections by luxury brands and fast fashion retailers alike. Gucci, Prada, and Wolford, among others, have contributed to this evolution by showcasing legwear as high-fashion staples on the runway. Sheer tights with back seams, embellished stockings, and patterned hosiery have become synonymous with elegance and seduction. Fishnets, once a countercultural symbol, are now paired with tailored blazers and designer heels, seamlessly blending edginess with sophistication. “Societal attitudes toward body image have grown to champion confidence, boldness, and self-expression. This has made tights not just an accessory but a statement. You see them in vibrant hues, with daring patterns, and even sheer designs that turn them into expressions of art and power. What was once about subtlety is now about confidence and reimagined sensuality. Fashion has transformed these pieces into canvases that resonate cultural and personal freedom,” says Venkat. This transition reflects broader societal changes. As traditional notions of modesty have loosened, there is greater acceptance of individual expression and body positivity. Women now embrace their legs not as parts to hide but as canvases for creativity. Hosiery enhances this confidence, offering a way to play with fashion and express personality. Moreover, the normalization of lingerie as outerwear and the rise of athleisure have further blurred the lines between function and aesthetics. Hosiery, too, has evolved beyond its utilitarian roots to become a central element of self-expression. The resurgence of hosiery in modern wardrobes also speaks to the power of nostalgia and reinvention. While tights and stockings were once imposed as societal expectations, they are now worn as choices—deliberate acts of styling that reflect confidence and agency. For many, these garments are not just fashion but statements of empowerment. This shift has been bolstered by social media, where influencers and celebrities routinely showcase bold legwear looks. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have democratised fashion trends, allowing hosiery to find its place in everyday ward-robes, from casual streetwear to high-glam ensembles. The evolution of tights, pantyhose, and stockings from symbols of modesty to icons of sensuality mirrors the broader cultural journey toward embracing individuality and rejecting rigid norms. In today’s fashion landscape, hosiery is not merely an accessory but a powerful tool for self-expression. As societal attitudes continue to evolve, these garments remain at the forefront of conversations about style, confidence, and modern sensuality—a testament to their enduring allure and adaptability.
10-man Botafogo wins its first Copa Libertadores titleHowever, behind the facade of professionalism and authority, a darker truth was lurking. It has now emerged that the referee had been involved in a series of illicit activities that compromised the integrity of the game. Reports suggest that he had been receiving illegal payments from bookmakers in exchange for influencing the outcome of matches. This shocking revelation has not only tarnished his own reputation but has also cast a shadow over the entire refereeing profession.Title: The Rise of Social Commerce in the United States: TikTok Racks Up Billions in Sales on Black Friday
This trend was clearly evident during the Black Friday shopping extravaganza, where TikTok emerged as a major player in the social commerce landscape. The short-form video platform, known for its viral challenges and dance trends, experienced a surge in shopping activity as users flocked to the app to discover and purchase products from their favorite creators.
In the ongoing season of the English Premier League, the competition to create goal-scoring opportunities has been intense among the top players. As per the latest statistics, it is fascinating to see the creative geniuses on the field pushing themselves to the limit to set up scoring chances for their teammates.
( MENAFN - GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) NEW YORK, Dec. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- XION , the first walletless layer one blockchain, and Thrive Protocol, the industry leader in ROI-positive capital allocations today announced the launch of a one-of-a-kind 12.6 million dollar funding program aimed at accelerating mainstream adoption of Web3 through comprehensive builder support. The program, named the "Anti-Grant-Grant Program," seeks to address the limitations of traditional blockchain grant models by prioritizing sustainable builder growth, utility development, and innovation within the XION ecosystem. The initiative is designed to incentivize developers to create practical, real-world applications leveraging XION's blockchain technology. Unlike conventional grant systems, the program adopts a structured approach to ensure accountability. Mercenary developers who accept funds without delivering on their intention to build will be featured on XION's Wall of Shame – a deterrent to others who plan to do the same. "We hate crypto grants. It's simple. Said Burnt Bansky, Core Contributer to XION. The industry has given them a terrible connotation, and it's hurt promising builders the most. Through this initiative, we're excited to work with Thrive to support talented entrepreneurs as they take their first step into the XION ecosystem." Thrive Protocol, which has successfully collaborated with platforms such as Arbitrum, Polygon, and Hedera, will bring its proven proof-of-value (POV) mechanism to the program. This methodology leverages a decentralized network of expert reviewers to evaluate the impact and feasibility of projects, ensuring efficient capital allocation. “At Thrive, we make sure builders get paid for creating enormous value-and we help well managed treasuries deploy funds even more efficiently. Our partnership with XION delivers upfront funding for builders, proof-of-value for XION, and clear ROI for everyone. Builders win. XION wins. Crypto levels up,” Daniel Jacobs, Founder, Thrive Protocol. The program launches on December 13, 2024, and invites developers to apply via thrivexion.com . Applications will be evaluated based on criteria including their potential to drive Web3 adoption, technical feasibility, and alignment with XION's mission of simplifying blockchain technology for everyday users. This initiative builds on the success of XION's mainnet launch and underscores the platform's commitment to supporting a thriving ecosystem of builders and applications that contribute to genuine user engagement. About XION XION is the first walletless layer one blockchain purpose-built for consumer adoption through crypto abstraction. Utilizing protocol-level implementations related to abstracted accounts, signatures, fees, interoperability, and more, XION enables secure, intuitive, and seamless user experiences. The project has previously raised over $36M from top-tier investors, including Animoca, Circle Ventures, Multicoin, Draper Dragon, Spartan, and more. About Thrive Protocol Thrive is the first protocol for proof of value (POV), a pioneering consensus mechanism that streamlines the crypto funding process. Thrive's decentralized network of expert reviewers validate when value is actually created at key milestones, helping to make grant and capital allocations more efficient. Thrive partners with leading chains like Polygon, Abritrum, XION, ApeCoin, and Hedera to fund builders who are delivering real impact in crypto. Contact M Group on Behalf of Burnt ... A photo accompanying this announcement is available at MENAFN14122024004107003653ID1108993057 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has nvited Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration next month — extending a diplomatic olive branch even as Trump threatens to levy massive tariffs on Chinese goods. Trump's incoming press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed on Thursday that Trump invited Xi, but said it was “to be determined” if the leader of the United States' most significant economic and military competitor would attend. In fact it seems unlikely. Xi is likely to see the invitation as too risky to accept, and the gesture from Trump may have little bearing on the increasingly competitive ties between the two nations as the White House changes hands, experts say. Danny Russel, vice president for international security and diplomacy at the Asia Society Policy Institute, said Xi would not allow himself to “be reduced to the status of a mere guest celebrating the triumph of a foreign leader — the U.S. president, no less.” Still, Leavitt saw it as a plus. “This is an example of President Trump creating an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just our allies, but our adversaries and our competitors too,” she said in an appearance on Fox News' program ”Fox & Friends." “We saw this in his first term. He got a lot of criticism for it, but it led to peace around this world. He is willing to talk to anyone and he will always put America’s interest first.” CBS News first reported the invitation to Xi. Asked at a Chinese Foreign Ministry briefing on Thursday about Trump's invitation, spokesperson Mao Ning responded: “I have nothing to share at present.” Leavitt said that other foreign leaders have also been invited, but did not provide any details. The move by Trump to invite a leader of an adversarial nation to the American moment that is Inauguration Day is unorthodox. But it also squares with his belief that foreign policy—much like a business negotiation—should be carried out with carrots and sticks to get the United States' opponents to operate closer to his administration's preferred terms. Jim Bendat, a historian and author of “Democracy’s Big Day: The Inauguration of Our President,” said he was not aware of a previous U.S. inauguration attended by a foreign head of state. “It's not necessarily a bad thing to invite foreign leaders to attend,” Bendat said. “But it sure would make more sense to invite an ally before an adversary.” Edward Frantz, a presidential historian at the University of Indianapolis, said the invitation helps Trump burnish his “dealmaker and savvy businessman” brand. “I could see why he might like the optics," Frantz said. “But from the standpoint of American values, it seems shockingly cavalier." White House officials said it was up to Trump to decide whom he invites to the inauguration. “I would just say, without doubt it's the single most consequential bilateral relationship that the United States has in the world,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby said. “It is a relationship both fraught with peril and responsibility.” Trump on Thursday during an appearance at the New York Stock Exchange , where he was ringing the opening bell to open the market, said he’s been “thinking about inviting certain people to the inauguration” without referring to any specific individuals. “And some people said, ‘Wow, that’s a little risky, isn’t it?’” Trump said. “And I said, ‘Maybe it is. We’ll see. We’ll see what happens.’ But we like to take little chances.” Meanwhile, a top aide to Hungarian President Viktor Orban, one of Trump's most vocal supporters on the world stage, said Thursday that Orban isn't slated to attend the inauguration. “There is no such plan, at least for the time being," said Gergely Gulyás, Orban's chief of staff. The nationalist Hungarian leader is embraced by Trump but has faced isolation in Europe as he's sought to undermine the European Union's support for Ukraine, and routinely blocked, delayed or watered down the bloc’s efforts to provide weapons and funding and to sanction Moscow for its invasion. Orban recently met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Every country's chief of mission to the United States will also be invited, according to a Trump Inaugural Committee official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The Xi invitation comes as Trump has threatened to enact massive tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China to get those countries to do more to reduce illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He has said that, on his first day in office in January, he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada and that China could be hit with even higher tariffs. China produces precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl, but Beijing has stepped up efforts over the last year to crack down on the export of the chemicals. “We’ve been talking and discussing with President Xi, some things, and others, other world leaders, and I think we’re going to do very well all around,” Trump said in a CNBC interview Thursday. Xi during a meeting with President Joe Biden last month in Peru urged the United States not to start a trade war. “Make the wise choice,” Xi cautioned. “Keep exploring the right way for two major countries to get along well with each other.” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also pushed back on Trump's threats, warning such a tariffs move would be perilous for the U.S. economy as well. Trudeau earlier this week said that Americans “are beginning to wake up to the real reality that tariffs on everything from Canada would make life a lot more expensive” and said he will retaliate if Trump goes ahead with them. Trump responded by calling Canada a state and Trudeau the governor. In addition to the tariff dispute, U.S.-China relations are strained over other issues, including what U.S. officials see as Beijing indirectly supporting Russia's war on Ukraine. The Biden administration says China has supported Russia with a surge in sales of dual use components that help keep its military industrial base afloat. U.S. officials also have expressed frustration with Beijing for not doing more to rein in North Korea's support for the Russian war. China accounts for the vast majority of North Korea’s trade. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has dispatched thousands of troops to Russia to help repel Ukrainian forces from the Kursk border region. The North Koreans also have provided Russia with artillery and other munitions, according to U.S. and South Korean intelligence officials. Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration takes place a day after the U.S. deadline for ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of social media giant TikTok, to sell the social media app or face a ban in the United States. — Associated Press writers Didi Tang in Washington and Balint Domotor in Budapest, Hungary, contributed reporting.International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM) Shares Down 0.8% – What’s Next?
Kerala a jewel in India's startup crown: TharoorHowever, what Da Bing failed to realize was that many of these so-called "wool gatherers" were actually individuals who were facing financial hardships themselves and saw the subsidy program as a means of survival. These individuals, like many others in society, were simply trying to make ends meet in a difficult economic climate.STRIKES could cause travel chaos for Brits across Europe this winter, including one at a major UK airport. Disruption is scheduled at a range of European airports, with some airlines also at risk of pilots and other employees striking. Advertisement 2 Travel across Europe could be disrupted by multiple airport strikes this winter Credit: Kevin Dunnett Tanker drivers employed by North Air at Edinburgh Airport are set to walk out for over two weeks, according to Scotland's largest union Unite. The strike will begin at 5am on Wednesday, December 18 and will end at the same time on Monday, January 6. The routes most likely to be affected include United Airlines' flights to New York, as well as Emirates' to Dubai, according to the union. It added that Loganair's domestic routes to the Scottish islands could also be "directly impacted". Advertisement Read More on Travel Disruption FESTIVE GRIDLOCK Map reveals traffic hotspots to AVOID this Xmas as 23mil Brits hit roads NIGHTMARE BEFORE XMAS Warning for getaway chaos with strikes & 'busiest airport Xmas ever' However, a spokesperson for the airport told The Independent that it is "working with airlines to understand their contingencies to minimise passenger disruption." United and Emirates are likely to be affected as they cannot store enough extra fuel from their incoming flights, due to their long distance, without exceeding safe landing limits. Loganair may be able to load extra fuel at locations such as the Isle of Man , Stornoway, Orkney, and Shetland to reduce the impact the strike may have on its flights. However, its more than 350 mile route to Southampton could prove more difficult due to runway payload restrictions. Advertisement Most read in News Travel PASS IT ON Boarding pass mistake most passengers make that may see you lose your plane seat SOUK UP THE SUN Up-and-coming winter sun hotspot near the UK has golden beaches and is 25C Exclusive ALPINE ADVENTURE I visited winter hotspot with one of Europe's longest slides & 'gluhwein' PARK UP New UK campsite set to open with holiday lodges, swimming pool and nearby beach When fuel has not been available at an airport, long-haul carriers have previously flown short distances, such as London Heathrow to Stansted , to refuel. Those due to travel to Italy are also expected to suffer from disruption on and around Sunday December 15. UK airport reveals new security rules for passengers Techno Sky employees, who manage the technological infrastructure for Italy's air navigation service, are set to strike for the entire 24 hours of Sunday. In addition, Techno Sky personnel at Milan Control Center, Linate Airport Center and Monte Settepani CRT will strike for four hours, from 13:00 to 17:00, on Sunday too. Advertisement The company oversees operations at 45 Italian airports, and the industrial action is also being backed by two of Italy’s major transport unions: FILT-CGIL and UILT-UIL. Also joining the four hour walkout are air traffic controllers operating across Milan's three airports and Palma Airport, as well as workers from Aviation Services at Catania-Fontanarossa Airport. Finland has already been hit by strikes this winter, with walkouts on December 9 and 13 affecting 33,000 people after around 300 flights were cancelled. Action by the Finnish Air Line Pilots Association caused major disruption to Finnair operations, with one in three of its flights being cancelled on Friday. Advertisement Flight compensation rules A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed? Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late. If you're flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight. You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven't used yet. So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded. But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline. When am I not entitled to compensation? The airline doesn't have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather. Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation. Some airlines may stretch the definition of "extraordinary circumstances" but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled? If you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you. Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer. Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof. If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance. Since September, EasyJet employees in France have been striking in protest against the closure of the operator’s Toulouse hub, scheduled for March 2025. It’s thought that 125 employees could be affected, and the strike is set to continue until Monday December 16. This comes as Brits have been warned to brace for busy Christmas travel period which could cause chaos. Heathrow Airport has said it is preparing for its busiest ever Christmas Day. Advertisement It expects the number of passengers travelling through its terminals on December 25 to be 21 per cent higher than on the same day last year. The airport also predicts that passenger numbers for the month as a whole will exceed the previous record of 6.7 million in 2023. It made the forecast after confirming it served 6.5 million passengers last month in the "busiest ever November". Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said: “As we embrace the festive season, our focus remains on ensuring smooth, joyful journeys – whether it is helping passengers get away for Christmas to reunite with their loved ones, or making sure cargo reaches its destination on time.” Advertisement 'SIGNIFICANT DISRUPTION' Meanwhile, those travelling by rail may also face delays after West Coast train managers voted to strike for three days over the Christmas period. The RMT union said that walkouts have been scheduled for 22, 23 and 29 December for Avanti services after rejecting the train company's proposals for "rest day working arrangements". Train managers usually work a 41-hour week but due to staff shortages can be asked to work on their days off - but the RMT said that the current arrangements were "unacceptable". A spokesperson for Avanti West Coast said that at "one of our busiest and most important times of the year" customers "will now face significant disruption because of these strikes". Advertisement Rail services on all three days are expected to be limited. A revised timetable for 22 and 23 December should be made available from today. Around 300 train managers are expected to join the walkout. Drivers travelling over Christmas have been warned to check their preferred route before setting off - with delays expected at five major motorways. Advertisement It is expected that some 16 million cars will take to the roads on December 23 and Christmas Eve. Read more on the Scottish Sun XMAS BLOW Dozens sacked by Scots tech firm weeks before Christmas as bosses travel to Spain HAVE A BRAKE Entire Scots town to enforce new 20mph limit in major road shake-up Brits could be forced to queue for hours, while demand for electric vehicle charging stations is set to soar. As the festive period gets ever-closer, the M1, M5, M6, M60 and M25 are all expected to be hit by severe traffic - especially on the final weekend before Christmas. 2 Travel may be disrupted over the Christmas period Credit: Alamy Advertisement
Critics of the naturalization process argue that it may undermine the development of local players and hinder the growth of domestic football talent. They raise questions about the criteria used to select and naturalize foreign players, as well as the potential repercussions for the long-term sustainability of Indonesian football.As the footballing community grapples with the aftermath of this shocking revelation, there is a collective sense of regret for not having seen the signs earlier. The fall from grace of a once-revered referee serves as a cautionary tale for all those involved in the game. It is a sobering reminder that trust and integrity must always be safeguarded, no matter the cost.