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In line with the NRM manifesto and President Yoweri Museveni’s ongoing nationwide campaign of wealth creation through the four-acre model, Presidency Minister Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda has encouraged residents of Buyende district to adopt new farming methods. While addressing parents, teachers, and pupils at Nduudu Church of Uganda Primary School in Kidera sub-county, Hon Babalanda emphasized that the fight against poverty at the household and community level requires collective effort. “...I am here to encourage you to do everything using the peace and facilities put in place by the NRM government to join the money economy by embracing wealth creation strategies...” she urged every citizen to come on board, rather than leaving it to leaders alone. The minister also stressed the importance of integrated efforts in health, family sanitation, agriculture, and education as cornerstones to the growth and development of the area. She challenged faith organizations to use their platforms to support poverty alleviation initiatives. In a show of commitment, Hon Babalanda promised to construct a pit latrine for the school, addressing the sanitation challenges faced by pupils and staff. She also donated 1 million Uganda shillings to support the making of desks for over 1,300 pupils and 500,000/= towards the church project. The headteacher, James Kauta, commended Minister Babalanda for her practical gesture, which motivated the residents. Mr Kauta confessed that Babalanda was the first leader to visit and freely interact with locals. This move is particularly pivotal, as it addresses the sanitation challenges that affect studies, especially for girls who often prefer to stay home due to inadequate facilities. The enthusiastic residents of Buyende district are warmly welcoming the hardworking Minister, Hon. Milly Babirye Babalanda, and pledging their support for her and President Yoweri Museveni. The residents, represented by the Kidera LC3 chairperson Wagumaale Kiiza praised President Museveni for bringing sustainable peace to Uganda over the last four decades, allowing them to move freely and conduct business without fear of roadblocks or segregation. “...the four-acre model is a proven strategy for wealth creation, and it is already transforming lives in many parts of Uganda, so I urge you, the people of Buyende, to seize this opportunity and join the ranks of those who are already benefiting from this initiative...”, Babalanda appealed. The minister’s passionate call to the residents to come on board is part of the government’s efforts to promote economic growth and development at the grassroots level. Experts believe that by adopting the four-acre model, residents of Buyende can improve their agricultural productivity, increase their incomes, and contribute to the country’s overall economic prosperity. Hon. Babalanda also took the opportunity to encourage parents to send their children to school, emphasizing the importance of education in unlocking individual and societal potential. President Yoweri Museveni recently resumed his wealth creation campaign in the Bukedi and Teso sub-regions, and next week, he’s expected to take his campaign to the Karamoja region. This region, once plagued by violence, has seen a significant return of peace and security thanks to the joint efforts of security agencies led by the UPDF. President Museveni’s wealth creation campaign aims to empower local communities to improve their livelihoods through various initiatives, including the Parish Development Model (PDM). The PDM has already shown promising results in most areas, with individuals in Kibuku, Pallisa, Tororo, Bukeda, Soroti, Kumi, and other districts benefiting from the multi billion shillings program. The Parish Development Model (PDM) was officially launched on February 26, 2022, by President Yoweri Museveni in Kibuku district. This launch marked the beginning of the nationwide implementation of the PDM, which aims to increase household incomes and facilitate sustainable socio-economic transformation. The Parish Development Model (PDM) is a flagship anti-poverty program initiated by the NRM government, aimed at transforming the livelihoods of Ugandans and promoting sustainable development. The President’s campaign in Karamoja is expected to focus on promoting wealth creation and poverty alleviation through sustainable agricultural practices, entrepreneurship, and other initiatives. The crowd’s excitement was palpable as Minister Babalanda delivered warm greetings from President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni. The First Lady, known for her philanthropic work, particularly in education and HIV/AIDS awareness, has been a prominent figure in Ugandan politics. Her greetings, conveyed through Minister Babalanda, were met with ululations, a clear indication of the crowd’s admiration and respect for Mama Janet as she is fondly referred to. Commentators are praising Minister Babalanda’s grassroots engagement approach, saying that if all ministers and leaders followed her example, the government’s mind-change efforts would be much more effective. This is especially important in Uganda, where critics, particularly the opposition politicians, often spread negative messages through local radio stations and social media platforms. By engaging directly with the community, Minister Babalanda is able to promote the government’s initiatives and address concerns in a more personal and effective way. This approach can help to build trust and credibility with the public, making it easier to achieve the government’s goals. In fact, Minister Babalanda’s efforts have already been recognized as a success story in many parts of the country. Her approach is a great example of how grassroots engagement can be a powerful tool for achieving positive change.
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WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden faces a stark choice as he contemplates broad preemptive pardons to protect aides and allies from potential retribution by Donald Trump: Does he hew to the institutional norms he’s spent decades defending or flex the powers of the presidency in untested ways? The deliberations so far are largely at the level of White House lawyers. But the president discussed the topic with senior aides, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss. No decisions have been made, the people said, and it is possible Biden opts to do nothing at all. President Joe Biden speaks Thursday during a tree-lighting ceremony on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington. Biden is taking the idea seriously and has been thinking about it for as much as six months — before the presidential election — but has been concerned about the precedent it would set, according to another person familiar with the president’s discussions who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. People are also reading... Statesville native Tomlin leads Delaware State to MEAC volleyball title, NCAA berth Top vote-getter Houpe: Why am I not chairman of Iredell board of commissioners? Trump, Musk can learn from North Carolina, Raleigh writer says 4 pounds of marijuana, gun seized by Mooresville police officers Letter to the editor: Charging kids to play baseball at Jennings Park is poor idea Iredell-Statesville Schools closed Tuesday due to snow, ice Tiny, 4 more dogs seeking homes at Iredell County Animal Services Iredell County deputies charge 7 people in drug trafficking investigation New school chairman rules 2 fellow board members out of order in Iredell North Dakota man brings shed-building expertise to Troutman 3 Eagle Scouts and 1 grateful Iredell County resident Get to know Mooresville basketball player Cadence Lane Mooresville’s bid to topple No. 3 seed East Forsyth comes up short in third round Iredell County woman celebrates $100,000 scratch-off win Lake Norman residents voice concerns with Marshall Steam Station changes Pardons are historically afforded to those accused of specific crimes — and usually to those who have already been convicted of an offense — but Biden’s team is considering issuing them for some who have not even been investigated, let alone charged. The president could, if he chooses, issue blanket pardons to specific people whom Trump and his allies threatened to punish. Or he could pardon a broad class of people — not unlike pardons issued to those convicted of federal marijuana offenses or those ensnared in the “don't ask, don't tell” military policies. A federal judge rebuked President Joe Biden's pardon for his son, Hunter, who the president claims was unfairly prosecuted. Either way, he'd be using the powers of the presidency in a new way. Some worry that Trump and his allies, who talked of enemies lists and exacting “retribution,” could launch investigations that would be reputationally and financially costly for targeted people even if they don’t result in prosecutions. Biden already extended a broad pardon to his son, Hunter , who was convicted and pleaded guilty in tax and gun cases. He explained that decision by saying he believed the prosecution of his son was poisoned by politics. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Friday that Biden plans additional pardons before leaving office, though she would not elaborate on the process. She referenced “changing factors” that motivated the president to pardon his son despite promising he wouldn’t. She said Republicans continued to try to see Hunter Biden investigated for an array of alleged offenses, a rationale that could support additional pardons for Biden aides and allies. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks Friday during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington. It was two weeks ago that one of the president’s closest allies in Congress, Rep, Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, encouraged Biden to pardon his son Hunter. The morning after that conversation, Clyburn told Biden’s staff that he believed the president should also pardon those being targeted by Trump. “I was very forceful in my discussions with him about what I thought he ought to do regarding his son,” Clyburn said Friday. “But I also told them that I thought he ought to go even further, because all the noise about Jack Smith and Liz Cheney and Doctor Fauci and all of that.” Special Counsel Jack Smith has been investigating Trump for his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and for accusations he hoarded classified documents at his home. Liz Cheney, a conservative Republican , was the vice chairwoman of the congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection and campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris. Fauci, an infectious-disease expert, was instrumental in the government's response to the coronavirus. All raised the ire of Trump. President-elect Donald Trump criticized President Joe Biden's decision to pardon Hunter Biden for federal gun and tax convictions, calling it a "miscarriage of justice." Trump highlighted individuals imprisoned for the January 6th Capitol riots, questioning whether they were included in Biden's pardon. Trump suggested he might consider pardoning Hunter Biden during an interview in October, expressing concern over its impact on the country. Hunter Biden's pardon prevents significant prison time, as he faced nearly forty years for gun and tax-related convictions. Clyburn said he told Biden’s team, only half jokingly, that because the Supreme Court already said the president has certain immunities, “let’s give that same immunity to Jack Smith for carrying out his duties and to, Doctor Fauci, Liz Cheney, they were carrying out their duties.” Among those mentioned publicly for possible presidential pardons, there are different sentiments on whether pardons would even be wanted. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi supported the president’s move to pardon his son, but was silent on the speculation that Biden is considering additional pardons for her or others. A top Pelosi ally, Rep. Adam Schiff, the Democratic congressman who led Trump’s first impeachment, panned the idea of pardoning Biden's allies. He says “the courts are strong enough to withstand” the worst of Trump’s threats. “I don’t think a preemptive pardon makes sense,” the incoming senator told NPR recently. “I would urge the president not to do that. I think it would seem defensive and unnecessary,” Schiff said. Several people on President-elect Donald Trump's team are reportedly supporting efforts to make an Edward Snowden pardon happen. Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, the lead manager on Trump’s second impeachment on the charge of inciting the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol, said the speech and debate clause in the Constitution already protects members of Congress from prosecution for participating in their legislative duties. Raskin said figures like Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and John Kelly , Trump's former White House chief of staff, would similarly be protected by the First Amendment. Still, Raskin said the question is, “Should they go through the criminal investigation and prosecution for not doing anything wrong? I think that’s why this whole issue has erupted.” Raksin added that with Trump promising to pardon hundreds of people who assaulted police officers on Jan. 6, “I can hardly fault President Biden for exploring the use of the pardon to protect people from a fraudulent and unjust prosecution.” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he’s had no conversations with the White House regarding any preemptive pardons for current or former members of Congress. Trump's FBI pick has plans to reshape the bureau. This is what Kash Patel has said he wants to do By ERIC TUCKER - Associated Press PHOTOS: The top images from the 2024 elections Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President Joe Biden walks to the Oval Office after attending the House Democratic Caucus Issues Conference, Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz arrive during a campaign rally at Desert Diamond Arena, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) A delegate looks at her phone during the Republican National Convention Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Jocardo Ralston, 47, from Pennsylvania, looks up to a television to watch the presidential debate between President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at Tillie's Lounge on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Supporters of Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump look on as a bus carrying Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris passes by following a campaign event, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Rochester, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Attendees look on at a campaign rally for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Annie Mulligan) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to speak on the final day of the Democratic National Convention, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump gestures as he arrives at the Republican National Convention Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at PPG Paints Arena, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and former first lady Michelle Obama arrive to speak during a campaign rally, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, Mich. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) A supporter greets Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump after a campaign event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) A political advertisement for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris is displayed on the Sphere, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris walks toward reporters to speak before boarding Air Force Two, as she departs Las Vegas from Harry Reid International Airport, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, en route to Arizona. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) A voter works on her ballot at a polling place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Former President Donald Trump waits for the start of proceedings in Manhattan criminal court, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in New York. Before testimony resumes Tuesday, the judge will hold a hearing on prosecutors' request to sanction and fine Trump over social media posts they say violate a gag order prohibiting him from attacking key witnesses. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, Pool) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump dances after speaking at a campaign event Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, in Savannah, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris looks at a monitor of the event from backstage, just before taking the stage for her final campaign rally, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is prayed over with Pastor Paula White during the National Faith Summit at Worship With Wonders Church, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Powder Springs, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) Forgiato Blow wears a necklace with a likeness of former President Donald Trump before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Elon Musk jumps on the stage as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Voters stand in line outside a polling place at Madison Church, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Phoenix, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris hugs President Biden during the Democratic National Convention Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Lee's Family Forum, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Henderson, Nev. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is reflected in the bullet proof glass as he finishes speaking at a campaign rally in Lititz, Pa., Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, bottom center, greets supporters after speaking during a campaign rally Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, Mich. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) A young girl holds a "Black Voters for Harris-Walz" sign outside of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris' election night watch party at Howard University, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, left, shares a laugh with second gentleman Doug Emhoff, after reuniting in Pittsburgh, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, aboard Air Force Two, just before taking off from Pittsburgh for her final campaign rally in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool) With tears streaming down her face, a supporter of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris applauds as Harris delivers a concession speech after the 2024 presidential election, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, on the campus of Howard University in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Bikers show their support for President-elect Donald Trump while riding on I-84, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, near Lords Valley, Pa. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump stands on stage with steelworkers as he speaks during a campaign rally at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Latrobe, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Supporters cheer as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Erie, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris appears on NBC's "Saturday Night Live," with Maya Rudolph, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 in New York. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) A delegate wearing a small American flag on his ear watches as Republican presidential candidate and former president, Donald Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris hugs a child after speaking during a campaign event at Washington Crossing Historic Park, in Washington Crossing, Pa., Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) President Joe Biden pauses before he addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, about his decision to drop his Democratic presidential reelection bid. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump departs after speaking at a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) A voter watches the stage before former first lady Michelle Obama speaks at campaign rally in support of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in College Park, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris shake hands before the start of an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.Football Reporters Were Accidentally Pepper Sprayed During Ohio State, Michigan Brawl
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Stock Market Today: Stocks Struggle in Post-Christmas SessionJardine’s Lookout is a mountain in Hong Kong’s Wan Chai district rising above Happy Valley. Named after William Jardine, founder of Jardine Matheson, it has a historic past. Now a global business conglomerate, Jardine Matheson was one of Hong Kong's original trading houses dating back to imperial China. From here, Jardine watched out for the sails of the company’s clippers bring goods and traders from India and London. Today, Jardine’s Lookout is a popular hiking trail with the reward of Victoria Harbour views at the peak. “Jardine’s Lookout is a verdant residential area known for its tranquillity and scenic views,” said Alex Ho, who co-founded Hong Kong-based interior design firm Soil Studios with his wife and business partner, OJ Miu. The studio was also behind the design of Wyndham Social – Centrals’ newest art and cultural space. The sprawling nature and low density of Jardine’s Lookout is miles away from Hong Kong’s general ultra-dense real estate stock, but it’s only an efficient five-minute drive down to Causeway Bay. High-end shops and amenities like schools catering to residents make this a sort of bubble only the most privileged can enter into. Not surprisingly, it is also where Hong Kong’s most affluent choose to stay. Residents include tycoons, celebrities, government officials and expatriates on the higher rung of the pay scale. This is the setting of a home designed by Soil Studios, located in a luxury condominium development called Duke’s Place. There are only 15 units in the building designed by UK- and Hong Kong-based Studio PDP, with most being duplexes. In each unit, four-metre sliding corner glass doors are incorporated into the continuous ribbon windows so one feels entirely connected to the outdoors. The ribbon windows also mean that natural light travels deep into each apartment. “The mountainous landscape visible from the home is a highlight, providing a serene backdrop that enhances the feeling of retreat and connection with nature,” said Ho. With such a spectacular view, how can one create an interior that enhances rather than compete with the scenery? ? The solution was to mirror the surroundings, using plenty of organic materials and earth tones “to reflect the natural beauty of the environment”, Ho responded. Wood, leather, marble and glass meld elegantly, alongside exquisite detail and interesting touches. Ho said: “Features like the sculptural light fixture in the stairwell mimic the fluid forms of the hill’s contours. This harmony between the architecture and its setting enhances the tranquil atmosphere, making the home feel like a part of the lush landscape.” At the private lift lobby, geometric green, black and ivory wallpaper make a refreshing and bold first statement. The design team inserted a fabric-laminated glass screen between this zone and the common areas to diffuse daylight into the originally dark space. The geometric print is seen again inside the common area, as the backing of a bespoke glass cabinet to display artful paraphernalia. In front of it, two plush armchairs from Poliform and a small glass table from Potocco define an informal sitting area. In the common area, the palette comprises beige and brown, with spots of cobalt and navy in the furnishing and joinery. They mimic the colours of nature and sky from outside the expansive windows. In one corner is the dining area, anchored by a round, 10-seater walnut timber dining table from Giorgetti. Behind it, walls are detailed as with repetitive profiles and wrapped oak timber veneer, giving the surface a three-dimensional effect. The family’s dedication to belting out musical hits as a communal activity is facilitated by a karaoke lounge with a superior sound system and a dedicated television set, backed by indigo fabric. The main television set is incorporated into a feature wall behind the living space, wrapped in high-gloss red mahogany wood in a book-matched pattern. Ho shared that this design feature was inspired by a gentleman’s cigar lounge, hence the masculine and more ornate aesthetic. This wall also demarcates the public and private zones of the apartment as it hides the staircase to the bedrooms. In this home, no wall is left untouched, even the transitional spaces. The stairwell wall is decorated with metallic silver wallpaper, whose subtle sheen is repeated in the aforementioned custom chandelier of interlocking bronze forms, dangling from the ceiling like a giant necklace. It was conceptualised as a piece of art installation, Ho highlighted. The artistic ambience continues upstairs, where a lightly stuccoed wall becomes the backdrop for artwork. In a small sliver of wall between the doors of the two bedrooms, Ho inserted a slim, orange lacquered shelf that becomes a stage for a petite floral arrangement, flanked by curved timber walls and accented by ambient illumination. The master bedroom also boasts abundant textures. Among dark timber walls and earth-toned fabrics, a panel of backlit, monochromatic wall with geometric prints adds interest to the vertical surfaces. Ho highlighted that it was intended to bring a dose of exuberance into the space. The blue ombre curtain does that as well, while a bamboo silk rug adds softness to the timber floors. The use of the colour blue continues into the walk-in wardrobe, screened off from the sleeping area with a glass panel inlaid with fabric. This functional area is given a craft sensibility with blue lacquered joinery and blue vinyl leather shelving. The second bedroom has a more subdued mood. Beige fabric panels on the walls and a silver-toned bamboo floor rug lend softness underfoot. A round, top-hung mirror atop a ‘floating’ table lends lightness to a corner; likewise, a family of bronze-tinted glass pendants illuminate the bedside. Ho explained that the apartment was designed with dual personalities – as a family space in the day and entertainment area at night. “The family spend weekends enjoying time together in the open living areas or hosting friends in the sophisticated dining space.” The dining area was conveniently located next to the karaoke corner for this purpose. During the daytime, ample light streams in, highlighting the many textures. At night, when illumination is lowered, these fade into the background and only some key accents become the focus. One of them is the dining’s bespoke chandelier, conceived as a cluster of stainless steel rings with crystal-encrusted edges in a complex tangle. Ho added that the interior design adheres closely to feng shui principles. But there are no gaudy colours or awkward parts. The aim is to incorporate good aesthetics and functionality with a sense of harmony. Some examples are seen in the placement of the bed and the ample use of the colour blue. Like in a high-end hotel, there are plentiful luxurious touches in the apartment but they are designed for everyday comfort rather than as showpieces. Finesse comes in the careful deliberation of materials as well as the painstakingly designed details that extend to doorway thresholds and cabinetry profiles. With every jointure, corner and surface well thought out, there is good visual flow to the entire apartment. It is just like nature’s work – beautiful, harmonious, and with plenty to see and feel.Detroit (AP) — China will soon see a massive expansion of electric vehicle battery swapping, as global battery maker CATL said Wednesday it is investing heavily in stations there next year. Battery swapping is not new — but it's had a challenging journey. Adoption of electric vehicles has varied in regions across the globe over the past several years, and that doesn't always bode well for building new infrastructure. While the technology could do well in China, it's uncertain whether it could work in other countries. Battery swapping allows EV drivers to pull into a station on a low battery and receive a swapped, fully-charged battery within minutes. An EV has to be equipped with the right technology to receive a swap — and not many models around the world currently have it. Automakers have to buy into the idea, and EV adoption among consumers also has to grow, so that investing in new infrastructure seems worthwhile. Consumers also have to be comfortable not owning their battery. China is much further along in adopting EVs than other countries. Not only is it the world's largest auto market, but in July, the country hit a milestone with 50% of new sales electric — and it accounts for most of this year's global EV sales. China supports EV growth through government subsidies and mandates. So it makes more sense for companies to invest in unique EV infrastructure there because that's more likely to be needed. The most notable example might be Israeli startup Better Place, which tried its hand at swapping in 2007. But the company shut down a few years later after investing a lot of money and coming up against roadblocks with logistics. EV adoption was especially low at the time. Startup Ample, for example, has a modular battery swapping station that it says can complete a swap in 5 minutes. That’s important as charging time remains a point of concern for prospective EV buyers. Even the fastest fast chargers could take at least 15 minutes for a decent charge. But in the U.S., pure EVs only accounted for 8% of new vehicle sales as of November. Meanwhile Nio, a rival Chinese EV brand, has about 60 swap stations in northern Europe, and the EV adoption is higher there than the U.S., but the same challenges remain. Different automakers put different batteries in their various EV models, so a station would need all of those available if the industry didn't agree to a standardized battery, and not all of those models are out yet in volume. This is something that really needs scale. Swapping could help with EV cost — currently a barrier to adoption for many — because a driver wouldn’t necessarily own the most expensive part of an EV: the battery. Greg Less, director of the University of Michigan Battery Lab, said with proper framing and education, people might like the idea of battery swapping. To him, it's not unlike buying a propane-fueled grill and purchasing a refilled tank every so often. But it would require a rethinking of car ownership. "Where I could see it working is if we went entirely away from vehicle ownership and we went to a use-on-demand model," Less added. “I don’t think we’re there yet.” Battery swapping might make most sense for ride-sharing or other fleet vehicles. Drivers of buses, taxis, Uber or Lyft vehicles want to spend as much time on the road as possible, transporting customers and making money. If battery swapping can shorten the time needed to charge EVs, that makes driving one less disruptive to their business. Alexa St. John is an Associated Press climate solutions reporter. Follow her on X: @alexa_stjohn . Reach her at ast.john@ap.org . Read more of AP’s climate coverage at http://www.apnews.com/climate-and-environment The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org .BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — Myles Rice scored 18 points to lead Indiana to a 77-68 victory over Winthrop on Sunday. Rice made 7 of 13 shots and all four of his free throws for the Hoosiers (10-3), who improved to 9-0 at home by holding the Eagles (10-5) scoreless over the final 3:16 to wrap up the victory. He added four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Malik Reneau totaled 14 points and seven rebounds for Indiana. Trey Galloway added 11 points and five assists. Langdon Hatton had a game-high 11 rebounds to go with seven points off the bench. K.J. Doucet and Kasen Harrison both scored 14 to lead Winthrop, which fell to 1-4 on the road. Doucet grabbed 12 rebounds for his third double-double of the season. Kelton Talford scored 13 and Paul Jones III and Nick Johnson added 10 points apiece. Rice had 12 points in the first half to help Indiana take a 41-37 advantage into the break. Doucet had eight points and Harrison and Jones both scored seven to keep Winthrop close. Luke Goode followed his basket with a three-point play to give Indiana a 54-47 lead with 15:15 left to play. Talford finished off a three-point play to get Winthrop within three with 11:34 to go. Reneau answered with a basket and Mackenzie Mgbako followed with a dunk as Indiana quickly pushed its lead back to seven. Johnson buried a 3-pointer with 3:16 remaining to pull Winthrop within a point at 69-68, but the Eagles went scoreless from there. Indiana will host Rutgers on Saturday in a Big Ten Conference matchup. Winthrop returns home to play South Carolina Upstate on Thursday in a Big South Conference opener. ____ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up . AP college basketball: and The Associated Press
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Nikolaj Ehlers Reflects on Jets’ Momentum and Surging Power PlayHoney, they shrunk the catalogs. While retailers hope to go big this holiday season, customers may notice that the printed gift guides arriving in their mailboxes are smaller. Watch NBC Bay Area News 📺 Streaming free 24/7 Many of the millions of catalogs getting sent to U.S. homes were indeed scaled down to save on postage and paper, resulting in pint-sized editions. Lands’ End, Duluth Trading Company and Hammacher Schlemmer are among gift purveyors using smaller editions. Some retailers are saving even more money with postcards. Lisa Ayoob, a tech-savvy, online shopper in Portland, Maine, was surprised by the size of a recent catalog she received from outdoor apparel company Carbon2Cobalt. “It almost felt like it was a pamphlet compared to a catalog,” she said. Catalogs have undergone a steady recalibration over the years in response to technological changes and consumer behavior. The thick, heavy Sears and J.C. Penney catalogs that brought store displays to American living rooms slimmed down and gave way to targeted mailings once websites could do the same thing. Recent postal rate increases accelerated the latest shift to compact formats. The number of catalogs mailed each year dropped about 40% between 2006 to 2018, when an estimated 11.5 billion were mailed to homes, according to the trade group formerly known as the American Catalog Mailers Association. In a sign of the times, the group based in Washington rebranded itself in May as the American Commerce Marketing Association, reflecting a broadened focus. But don't expect catalogs to go the way of dinosaurs yet. Defying predictions of doom, they have managed to remain relevant in the e-commerce era. Retail companies found that could treat catalogs with fewer pages as a marketing tool and include QR and promo codes to entice customers to browse online and complete a purchase. Despite no longer carrying an extended inventory of goods, catalogs are costly to produce and ship. But they hold their own in value because of growing digital advertising costs, helping retailers cut through the noise for consumers barraged by multi-format advertisements, industry officials say. In an unlikely twist, notable e-commerce companies like Amazon and home goods supplier Wayfair started distributing catalogs in recent years. Amazon began mailing a toy catalog in 2018. That was the same year Sears, which produced an annual Christmas Wish Book Wish starting in 1933, filed for bankruptc y. Fans of printed information may rejoice to hear that apparel retailer J.Crew relaunched its glossy catalog this year. Research shows that the hands-on experience of thumbing through a catalog leaves a greater impression on consumers, said Jonathan Zhang, a professor of marketing at Colorado State University. “The reason why these paper formats are so effective is that our human brains haven’t evolved as fast as technology and computers over the past 10 to 20 years. We retain more information when we read something on paper. That's why paper books remain relevant," Zhang said. “The psychology shows that three-dimensional, tactile experiences are more memorable.” Pint-sized presentations still can work, though, because the purpose of catalogs these days is simply to get customers’ attention, Zhang said. Conserving paper also works better with younger consumers who are worried about the holiday shopping season's impact on the planet, he said. Postal increases are hastening changes. The latest round of postage hikes in July included the category with the 8.5-by-11-inch size that used to be ubiquitous for the catalog industry. Many retailers responded by reducing the size of catalogs, putting them in a lower-cost letter category, said Paul Miller, executive vice president and managing director of the American Commerce Marketing Association. One size, called a “slim jim,” measures 10.5 by 5.5 inches. But there other sizes. Some retailers have further reduced costs by mailing large postcards to consumers. Lands' End, for one, is testing new compact formats to supplement its traditional catalogs. This year, that included folded glossy brochures and postcards, along with other formats, Chief Transformation Officer Angie Rieger said. Maine resident Ayoob said she understands why retailers still use catalogs even though she no longer is a fan of the format. These days, she prefers to browse for products on the internet, not by flipping through paper pages. “Everybody wants eyeballs. There’s so much out there -- so many websites, so many brands,” said Ayoob, who spent 35 years working in department stores and in the wholesale industry. Targeting customers at home is not a new concept. L.L. Bean was a pioneer of the mail-order catalog after its founder promoted his famous “Maine Hunting Shoe” to hunting license holders from out-of-state in 1912. The outdoor clothing and equipment company based in Freeport, Maine, is sticking to mailing out regular-sized catalogs for now. “By showcasing our icons, the catalog became an icon itself,” L.L. Bean spokesperson Amanda Hannah said. "Even as we invest more in our digital and brand marketing channels, the catalog retains a strong association with our brand, and is therefore an important part of our omni-channel strategy, especially for our loyal customers.”
It has a population of just under 3.5 million inhabitants, produces nearly 550,000 tons of beef per year, and boasts a glorious soccer reputation with two World Cups in its history and a present full of world-class stars. Uruguay, the country of writer Mario Benedetti and soccer player Luis Suárez, has achieved what many countries have pledged for decades: 98% of its grid runs on green energy. Luis Prats, 62, is a Uruguayan journalist and contributor to the Montevideo newspaper El País . He remembers that during his childhood, blackouts were common in Uruguay because there were major problems with energy generation. “At that time, more than 50 years ago, electricity came from two small dams and from generation in a thermal plant,” Prats explained in Spanish by telephone. “If there was a drought in the Negro River basin, where those dams are, there were already cuts and sometimes restrictions on the use of electrical energy.” Just 17 years ago, Uruguay used fossil fuels for a third of its energy generation, according to the World Resources Institute . | Today, only 2% of the electricity consumed in Uruguay is generated from fossil sources. The country’s thermal power plants rarely need to be activated, except when natural resources are insufficient. Half of Uruguay’s electricity is generated in the country’s dams, and 10% percent comes from agricultural and industrial waste and the sun. But wind, at 38%, is the main protagonist of the revolution in the electrical grid. But how did the country achieve it? Who were the architects of this energy transition? Energy revolution In 2008, Uruguay faced a problem that many developing countries face. The economy was growing, but it did not have enough electrical energy to fuel all that growth. Energy rationing had to be implemented, and electricity bills continued to rise. “It was difficult for us to cope,” Ramón Méndez Galain, a professor at the University of the Republic in Montevideo, Uruguay, said in an interview with NPR . He is one of the architects of the energy revolution in that country. “It was difficult to get electricity. For a while, we began to have power outages, but the crisis also represents an opportunity.” In 2008, President Tabaré Vázquez appointed Méndez Galain as national director of energy. Although the blackouts posed an immediate threat to the economy, the country’s continued dependence on oil undermined its autonomy. A primary question guided Méndez Galain’s work: What strategies could lead the country toward long-term energy independence? The physicist developed a detailed plan to move Uruguay toward almost exclusive dependence on renewable energy. Méndez Galain’s plan was based on two simple facts about his country. First, although there was no domestic supply of fossil fuels such as coal or oil, there was a large amount of wind. Second, that wind was blowing over a country that was largely made up of uninhabited agricultural land. His vision for Uruguay’s energy future was to cover those empty lands with hundreds of wind turbines. Pablo Capurro, agronomist and livestock engineer, shared with Deutsche Welle his concern at the time about the possible impact of wind turbines on the life of his farm. Capurro and other farmers in the region sought advice from a team of engineers and took a trip to Brazil to visit wind farms in that country. After the trip, they were convinced that the implementation of the wind turbines would not affect the production system. Capurro’s cows seem not to be affected by the presence of the windmills: “I feel very satisfied for having introduced a wind energy park on a livestock farm.” In 2010, Uruguay reached a multiparty agreement and adopted the energy transition to indigenous and renewable sources as a state policy, guaranteeing its execution and continuity, Walter Verri, Uruguay’s undersecretary of industry, energy, and mining, explained by telephone in Spanish: “This policy included a long-term perspective and also incorporated the social, ethical, and cultural dimensions in addition to the classic technical-economic analysis of the energy issue.” The state energy company, UTE, pays rent every year to the owners of the land where the wind farms operate. Don Quixote, Ivy, and the windmills In the vision of the ingenious gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha, windmills stood like defiant giants, reflecting his boundless imagination and idealistic perspective on the world. This mythical interpretation of the windmills resonates with the contemporary perception of wind towers in Uruguay, where they are seen as symbols of a clean and renewable energy source. Today, Mendez Galain directs the nongovernmental organization Ivy , which means “land without evil” in Guaraní. Guaraní is the native language of the inhabitants of that area and is one of the two official languages of Paraguay. Just as Don Quixote faced the windmills as a challenge that he had to overcome to fulfill his duty as a knight-errant, the installation and maintenance of wind farms in Uruguay also involved facing significant obstacles. From technical challenges to financial and regulatory barriers, the transition to clean energy sources needed a concerted effort to overcome these difficulties and move toward a more sustainable future. How to pay for all those turbines? Méndez Galain, winner of the 2023 Carnot Prize , which recognizes distinguished contributions to energy policy, conceived a variation of an approach used by some electric companies in Brazil. These companies operated through public-private partnerships, where the companies were responsible for energy generation, while private entities managed distribution and customer service. Méndez Galain’s innovation lay in reversing that dynamic: Private companies would be responsible for installing and maintaining the wind turbines that would supply Uruguay’s grid, while the public company would continue to distribute the energy to consumers. This approach had the inherent advantage of transferring the costly initial outlay for the construction of wind turbines to private companies. The state company agreed to acquire all the energy produced by said turbines at a preestablished rate for 20 years. “Investors need assurance that their investment will be repaid,” Méndez Galain explained during the interview with NPR, “and for that, they need a specific time horizon.” There was political will for this approach: All parties in Uruguay agreed with the transition. In 2009, Uruguay began auctions in which wind companies from around the world competed to offer the cheapest renewable energy to the country. In 2011, a specific auction aimed to secure an additional 150 megawatts of wind energy, which would represent approximately 5% of the country’s total power generation capacity. After receiving offers from more than 20 international companies, the professor and his team decided to drastically accelerate the country’s energy transition. Ultimately, they accepted many more offers than initially planned, signing contracts that expanded Uruguay’s capacity to generate electricity not by 5%, but by more than 40%. Uruguay’s energy grid became powered almost exclusively by domestic renewable sources, and consumer prices, adjusted for inflation, fell. “Electricity bill prices dropped substantially,” said Alda Novell, a resident of Montevideo, by telephone. Today, Uruguay has more than 700 wind turbines distributed throughout its territory. “At first glance, the change is seen in many areas of the country: You go down the road and see the modern windmills in rural areas,” Prats said. “Starting in 2010, with the variety of energy sources, and also renewable ones, blackouts became very rare. It was a relief for state coffers not to have to spend on fossil fuels for energy generation.” For Walter Verri, undersecretary of industry, energy, and mines, the development of renewable energy in Uruguay has been possible thanks to the collaboration of various actors, including the entire political sector and public and private companies. This energy transformation created new careers, job opportunities, and training pathways in Uruguay, Verri added. Countries around the world have spent the last decade announcing ambitious goals to reduce the emissions that cause climate change. Few are on track to achieve that goal. Uruguay is a good example that the green transition is still possible. This article was translated by Climate Cardinals . This article first appeared on Yale Climate Connections and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. — Johani Carolina PonceWASHINGTON (AP) — Cosmetic companies would have to take extra steps to ensure that any products containing talc are free of asbestos under a federal rule proposed Thursday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * WASHINGTON (AP) — Cosmetic companies would have to take extra steps to ensure that any products containing talc are free of asbestos under a federal rule proposed Thursday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? WASHINGTON (AP) — Cosmetic companies would have to take extra steps to ensure that any products containing talc are free of asbestos under a federal rule proposed Thursday. The proposal from the Food and Drug Administration and mandated by Congress is intended to reassure consumers about the safety of makeup, baby powder and other personal care products. It follows years of lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson and other companies alleging links between talc-based baby powder and cancer. Despite the lawsuits, research has found mixed evidence of a potential link between cancer and talc, although the possibility has been recognized for decades because of how it is mined. Talc is a mineral used to absorb moisture or improve the texture, feel and color of cosmetics. It is mined from underground deposits that are sometimes located near the toxic mineral asbestos. The risk of cross contamination has long been recognized by cosmetic companies. But recent FDA-sponsored testing hasn’t uncovered any safety issues. Since 2021, laboratory analysis of more than 150 cosmetic samples has come back negative for asbestos, according to the FDA. Still, concerns about the risk prompted Congress to pass a 2023 law requiring the FDA to release new industry standards for asbestos testing. Dr. Linda Katz, the director of the FDA’s Office of Cosmetics and Colors, said in a statement that the agency has “carefully considered the scientific evidence and complex policy issues related to detecting and identifying asbestos in talc and talc-containing cosmetic products.” “We believe that the proposed testing techniques are appropriate methods to detect asbestos to help ensure the safety of talc-containing cosmetic products,” Katz said. The long-running litigation against J&J alleges that the company’s talc baby powder caused women to develop ovarian cancer, when used for feminine hygiene. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. A J&J subsidiary has proposed paying roughly $8 billion to settle tens of thousands of lawsuits. As part of the deal, the subsidiary would declare bankruptcy, although that proposal has been challenged in court by the Justice Department. J&J removed talc from its baby powder in the U.S. market in 2020 and then internationally in 2023. The company says it continues to stand by the safety of its products. Determining the root cause of cancer is difficult, especially in cases of ovarian cancer, which is a relatively rare form of the disease. Even large studies in thousands of women might not gather enough data to show a clear connection or definitively rule one out. The American Cancer Society says that, if there is an increased risk of cancer due to talc, “it is likely to be very small.” ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Advertisement AdvertisementThe demand for in vitro fertilization (IVF) is higher than ever, but a new study reveals that air pollution may be impacting the success of these procedures. Published last month, the research indicates that the delicate process of IVF, which already has a success rate of less than 50%, could be hindered by environmental factors, specifically air pollution. Understanding IVF and Its Vulnerabilities IVF is an assisted reproductive technology that involves extracting eggs from a patient and fertilizing them in a laboratory setting. The resulting embryos are matured for several days, after which they can either be frozen for future use or implanted back into the patient, hoping one will successfully implant and result in a healthy pregnancy. However, recent findings suggest that environmental factors, such as air quality, could significantly influence the outcome. Researchers at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health conducted a study that linked air pollution data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with addresses associated with the eggs and sperm used in IVF cycles. The study analyzed the effects of air pollution on egg development, ovarian stimulation, and sperm quality. Tracking air quality during critical stages of IVF By tracking the air quality during the critical stages of IVF, the team found a clear connection between increased exposure to pollutants and decreased egg survival and embryo quality. Notably, higher concentrations of certain pollutants, particularly on the day eggs were thawed, were associated with lower egg survival rates and fertilization success. A unique aspect of this study, published in Environment International , was the inclusion of donor eggs, allowing researchers to examine how pollution affects both the egg and sperm separately. The use of donor eggs, which come from women living in different environments, enabled the team to distinguish the impacts of pollution on the male and female contributors. Study Sample and Findings The study involved data from 500 egg donors and 915 couples, with the male partner providing sperm. The researchers found that organic carbon, a component of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter), showed a consistent negative effect on egg survival and embryo quality. PM2.5 particles, which are small enough to enter the lungs and bloodstream, are often produced by vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and wildfires, making them a significant environmental health concern. Mary Willis, an assistant professor at the Boston University School of Public Health, praised the study, noting its innovation in examining the timing and biological mechanisms involved. “This is probably one of the only studies where you can get at really, really specific biological mechanisms and timing,” Willis said. “Because it’s IVF, you know exactly when ovarian stimulation is happening. You know exactly when fertilization is happening. So you can get some really specific answers to biological questions that haven’t been answered in the literature.” Widespread Air Pollution and Public Health Concerns Despite its significant findings, the study has its limitations. It primarily focused on individual pollutants, like organic carbon, but air pollution is typically composed of a mix of various pollutants. LaPointe mentioned that future research will involve multi-pollutant analysis to better understand the complex ways in which air pollution affects IVF outcomes. Although air quality has improved in the U.S. over recent decades, nearly 40% of the population still lives in areas with unhealthy levels of ozone or particulate pollution, according to the American Lung Association. Communities of color are disproportionately affected by poorer air quality, increasing the urgency of understanding the health implications, particularly for individuals undergoing fertility treatments. This study follows similar research published earlier in the year, which analyzed data from 3,659 frozen embryo transfers in Australia. That study also found a decrease in the chances of a live birth associated with higher levels of air pollution. Also Read: Cancer Vaccine Is ready! Russia Makes A Big Claim, It Could Be Launched At The Beginning Of 2025
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