From Caveat Emptor To Caveat Venditor: What Do Consumer Rights Mean Today? National Consumer Rights Day Consumer protection is the core aspect of the consumer movement in India and is vital for a healthy economy. Strengthening consumer rights and restoring balance in the buyer-seller relationship is a collective responsibility. India celebrates National Consumer Rights Day on December 24 every year to spread awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities. This day commemorates the date when the Consumer Protection Act received the assent of the President on 24th December 1986 and came into force. Since then, National Consumer Rights Day is celebrated annually to educate people about their rights as consumers. In India, consumer protection has been a part of the country’s culture. Kautilya’s Arthashastra was the first law addressing consumer protection, which was later strengthened with the Consumer Protection Act of 1986. The Consumer Protection Act can be considered a significant milestone in the consumer movement in India. The main objective of this Act is to provide better protection for consumers. Unlike existing laws, which are punitive or preventive in nature, the provisions of this Act are compensatory in nature. This means a consumer can get a faulty item replaced or obtain a refund of the cost paid. Consumers may also receive compensation for any loss suffered through inexpensive grievance redressal mechanisms. Today’s consumer is often more acted upon than acting. The current profile of the consumer is that of a passive, helpless, hapless, and gullible individual who feels responsibility only for themselves. Their social, cultural, environmental, national, and global links are neither acknowledged nor supported. The consumer of the future needs to become sufficiently aware so that they can use all avenues of self-protection and empowerment available. Every consumer, regardless of age, gender, class, or region, must assume personal responsibility for the right consumer behaviour. Consumer empowerment is a necessary component of India’s vital national interest. As far back as 1934, Mahatma Gandhi defined what the empowerment of consumers truly means: A customer is the most important visitor to our premises. He is not dependent on us; we are dependent on him. He is not an interruption to our work; he is the purpose of it. He is not outside our business; he is part of it. We are not doing him a favour by serving him; he is doing us a favour by giving us an opportunity to do so.” By now, we are aware that as consumers, we are concerned with our money, health, safety, and social environment. The fleecing of customers has become widespread, whether through false or misleading advertisements, fixing bargain prices, offering fake gifts and prizes, noncompliance with product safety standards, or hoarding goods. These practices make us, knowingly or unknowingly, victims in one way or another. However, unlike in the past, consumers need not feel helpless. Today, several laws protect consumers, conferring a number of rights on them and imposing duties on sellers, manufacturers, and service providers. More importantly, these rights are not just social codes but have legal sanctions behind them. In other words, we now have enforceable rights. However, there is still a general lack of awareness about these rights. Consumer Rights in India The fundamental need for consumer protection arises from “consumer dissonance”. Consumer protection is the core aspect of the consumer movement in India and is vital for a healthy economy. Strengthening consumer rights and restoring balance in the buyer-seller relationship is a collective responsibility. A consumer is entitled to the following rights: This right protects consumers from goods and services that may be hazardous to their health, life, or property. For example, if you hire a vehicle and the operator neglects its mechanical fitness, resulting in an accident due to faulty brakes, the injury caused to you or any passenger is a violation of this right. Consumers are entitled to compensation in such cases. Similarly, negligence by a doctor, dangerous driving, or electrical equipment causing shocks are examples of violations. Consumers have the freedom to choose between goods and services available at competitive rates. A buyer has the right to select a product of their choice and derive satisfaction from the quality and price of the goods. A shopkeeper cannot force or pressure a customer into buying a particular brand or product. Consumers must be provided with accurate information about the quality, price, purity, potency, usage, date of manufacture/expiry, etc., of goods or services. This protects them against unfair trade practices. Consumer complaints must be given due consideration at appropriate forums. This right also includes representation in various forums concerned with consumer welfare. Consumers must be provided with fair settlement or compensation against unfair trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation. This includes prompt resolution of genuine grievances. This right encourages consumers to acquire knowledge and skills to become informed throughout their lives. It is the government’s duty to inform consumers of their rights and to educate them about fraudulent practices, misleading advertisements, and improper labelling. Challenges in the Digital Era From dense marketplaces to door-to-door marketing and now digital marketing, the scenario of consumerism has changed dramatically. In this digital era, consumers are often cheated on social media by unscrupulous and fake online marketers. Clever and misleading advertisements tempt consumers with exaggerated claims about products and services. After paying the full value, consumers sometimes receive inferior products in delivered parcels, leaving them unable to claim refunds or other relief. This is a violation of consumer rights, particularly the right to choose and the right to be informed. Consumer Responsibilities Alongside rights, consumers also bear certain responsibilities: – Be alert and question the goods and services used. – Avoid being tempted by misleading advertisements with exaggerated claims. – Critically examine the utility, guarantees, and warranties of products or services. – Compare the merits of products and services wherever choices are available. – Demand quality goods and services to ensure full value for money. Role of Government For a long time, the market was ruled by the principle of caveat emptor (“let the buyer beware”). However, an alert consumer asserting their rights, combined with a responsive administration, can shift this principle to caveat venditor (“let the seller beware”). The government must play a vital role in protecting and empowering consumers. The Department of Consumer Affairs should ensure proper monitoring of markets and establish an effective, transparent, and accountable administration. This includes training personnel for strict enforcement of consumer protection laws, setting up mechanisms for citizen involvement, and providing prompt, time-bound redressal of grievances through formal and informal channels. In conclusion, a well-informed consumer is the foundation of a healthy economy and society. Empowering consumers through education, awareness, and enforcement of rights will help create a balanced buyer-seller relationship, ensuring fairness and accountability for all. The writer holds a post-graduation in Public Administration and a d iploma in Consumer Protection/Food Safety By Syed Mudasir Mushtaq [email protected]
None
France's Macron announces fourth government of the yearDebate on Australia's industries of the future is ramping up as parliament considers tax incentives for green hydrogen and critical minerals. Login or signup to continue reading The centrepiece of the Labor government's broader Future Made in Australia package, the tax credits are designed to help secure the nation's place in the global net zero supply chain. Treasurer Jim Chalmers is expected to introduce the legislation for production tax credits totalling $13.7 billion to parliament on Monday. "Our production tax incentives are about more investment and more jobs in Australia's resources sector and ensuring local communities benefit from the global transformation to net zero," he said. The production incentive for critical minerals and rare earths would refund 10 per cent of the processing and refining costs between 2027/28 and 2039/40 for up to 10 years per project. Tax credits of $2 per kilogram would be made available for production of renewable hydrogen from 2027/28. The coalition has previously criticised the proposal, with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton calling it "corporate welfare for billionaires" in his budget reply speech. Dr Chalmers called on Mr Dutton to clarify his position. "Peter Dutton's reckless arrogance is the worst enemy of the resources sector and communities across Australia that will be supported through these investments," he said. The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia chief executive Rebecca Tomkinson said the government incentives would "level the playing field in what is an intensely competitive global market". "Australia's resources, including our critical minerals, have a key role to play in the energy transition," she said. Clean Energy Council decarbonisation policy director Anna Freeman said it was an important part of the policy's design that incentives would only go to businesses investing in and delivering hydrogen and critical minerals. "Other major markets, including the United States and Canada, are providing generous support to hydrogen production and Australia too needs to create attractive investment conditions if we are to attract the tens of billions of dollars of new private investment waiting in the wings," she said. The Greens have previously expressed their broad support for critical minerals and green hydrogen industries and said they would assess the production incentives legislation on its merits. Australian Associated Press DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Get the latest property and development news here. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. WEEKLY Follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL? Don't miss your weekly Knights update. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!
Sam Darnold sensed the backside pressure as soon as he dropped back with Minnesota trailing by four points late in the fourth quarter in Seattle, so he moved into a safe space in the pocket and did precisely what the Vikings would prefer him to do with the game on the line. He threw the ball down the field to Justin Jefferson. The perfectly placed throw near the sideline beat double coverage for a 39-yard touchdown that put the Vikings back in front with 3:51 remaining in a 27-24 victory over the Seahawks on Sunday. “It was a great call,” said Jefferson, who had 10 receptions for 144 yards and two scores, all season highs. “I’m not going to say too much about that play, but something went on where me and Sam were on the same page, and he found me and we went up.” The Vikings were understandably coy about the context around the go-ahead touchdown , when Darnold made a difficult on-the-run pass just over cornerback Tariq Woolen that Jefferson deftly twisted to catch next to his backside hip so he could shield the ball from late-breaking safety Julian Love. Darnold saw Love's shoulders initially shaded inside just enough to believe he couldn't retreat fast enough to prevent Jefferson from getting the ball. Jefferson also applied some improvisation to his route that Darnold clearly and properly read during the play. “I want those guys to have some freedom in those moments,” coach Kevin O'Connell said. “We do a lot of things with Justin and Sam, seeing the coverage and then with some route opportunities to get to at the line of scrimmage, and I think those guys have just gotten so comfortable with that stuff.” Darnold's long-delayed breakout performance under O'Connell has been one of the stories of the NFL this season, one that wouldn't have unfolded as neatly for the third overall pick in the 2018 draft without such synergy between him and his superstar wide receiver. If the Vikings (13-2) win their last two games, they will not only be NFC North champions for the second time in three years but also get the No. 1 seed and the lone first-round bye in the NFC for the playoffs. “Every single game we’re finding different ways to overcome adversity, overcome the different stuff defenses have thrown towards us," Jefferson said. “Sam has done a great job being a leader.” The pass rush was strong, with Andrew Van Ginkel recording two sacks and pressure leading to both interceptions of Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith. The Vikings were credited with eight hits on Smith. The Vikings converted only three of 12 third downs, their second-worst rate of the season. Theo Jackson, who saw significant playing time at safety with Harrison Smith out, had the game-sealing interception with 49 seconds left. Tight end Josh Oliver has played 47% of the snaps the last two games, his two lowest usage rates of the season. He dropped the only pass he was thrown on Sunday. The defense ought to get a big boost this week with the expected return of the 13-year veteran Smith from his first absence in two years when he was sidelined at Seattle with a foot injury. Linebacker Ivan Pace, who has missed four games on injured reserve with a hamstring strain, is also on track to be back with his return to practice. Backup defensive lineman Jalen Redmond, who didn't play against the Seahawks because of a concussion, has made progress through the protocol, O'Connell said. Backup cornerback Fabian Moreau, who was inactive at Seattle with a hip injury, will continue to be evaluated throughout the week. 13.6% — That's the third-down conversion allowance rate for the Vikings over the last two games, with Chicago and Seattle combining to go just 3 for 22. The Vikings rank second in the NFL in third-down defense at 33.7% for the season and also rank second on fourth down at 36.7%. The Vikings host Green Bay on Sunday, with the kickoff moved to the late afternoon showcase spot on Fox. If Minnesota loses to the Packers, the Lions will clinch the NFC North and the Vikings would open the playoffs on the road as the No. 5 seed at best. Even if the Lions were to lose at San Francisco on Monday night, the Vikings would need to win at Detroit on Jan. 5 to take the division title. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLNewport throw away lead to draw, Yachtsmen crushed and Vics lose top of table clashElisabeth Borne, only the second woman to serve as French prime minister, is making a surprise return to frontline politics as education minister less than a year after losing a job that she never wished to relinquish. An experienced technocrat known for her resilience who pushed through a controversial pensions overhaul while in office, Borne served as premier from May 2022 to January 2024. The 63-year-old engineer was the first woman to head a French government in three decades after the brief stint in office of Edith Cresson who lasted under 11 months in the early 1990s, during which time she endured rampant sexism. When Borne took power, she dedicated the moment to "all the little girls". "Follow your dreams, nothing must slow the fight for women's place in our society," she said. But her departure after just over 18 months left her denouncing the "insidious sexism" that she said still permeated French politics. - 'Some way to go' - At President Emmanuel Macron's request, she resigned in January and was replaced by the then 34-year-old Gabriel Attal, who became France's youngest head of government but he only lasted to the summer. Borne said after her resignation that women in politics were "constantly" compared to men. "Men in politics, they all have an interest in imposing masculine codes, it eliminates the competition," she added. She also noted that all candidates to succeed her were men. "It's as if commentators were saying to themselves, 'We've just had a woman prime minister for 20 months, that's it, we're back to normal life'," she told RTL. Even when she handed over office to Attal on January 9, Borne had made clear her resentment over sexism in French politics, saying: "I have also been able to see quite often that there is still some way to go for equality between women and men." But she added in a message to women: "Hold on, the future belongs to you." - 'Goes a little far' - Borne had proved her loyalty to Macron during his first term in office, serving as transport, environment and finally labour minister from 2020. As premier she staunchly defended his flagship pensions reform to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. She deployed a controversial executive power to force through the legislation without a vote, despite previously saying she did not want to use it. Discreet about her private life, Borne was accused by critics of showing too little personality in office. Borne's Jewish father had been deported to Auschwitz during World War II and survived the Nazi death camp but never fully recovered. Her father took his own life when she was just 11 years old. "It's shocking for an 11-year-old girl to lose her father in these conditions," Borne told LCI. "And I think I closed up and that I avoid showing my emotions too much." "I think... this closing up, maybe, goes a little far. Yes," she acknowledged. But she expressed pride over how France had allowed her to study under a special programme for children who have lost parents. "We are a country where you can be the daughter of an immigrant, where you may have lost your father at 11, but the country reaches out to you to allow you to study," she said. "And then you are a prefect (senior local official), and then you are a minister and you are even prime minister," she added. Her father, who was reportedly named Joseph Bornstein, fled to France from Poland in 1940 and then fought in the French resistance during World War II. He was captured and deported to Auschwitz in 1944. bur-sjw/as/phz
It looked like a recipe for disaster. So, when his country's swimmers were being accused of doping earlier this year, one Chinese official cooked up something fast. He blamed it on contaminated noodles. In fact, he argued, it could have been a culinary conspiracy concocted by criminals, whose actions led to the cooking wine used to prepare the noodles being laced with a banned heart drug that found its way into an athlete's system. This theory was spelled out to international anti-doping officials during a meeting and, after weeks of wrangling, finally made it into the thousands of pages of data handed over to the lawyer who investigated the case involving 23 Chinese swimmers who had tested positive for that same drug. The attorney, appointed by the World Anti-Doping Agency, refused to consider that scenario as he sifted through the evidence. In spelling out his reasoning, lawyer Eric Cottier paid heed to the half-baked nature of the theory. “The Investigator considers this scenario, which he has described in the conditional tense, to be possible, no less, no more,” Cottier wrote. Even without the contaminated-noodles theory, Cottier found problems with the way WADA and the Chinese handled the case but ultimately determined WADA had acted reasonably in not appealing China's conclusion that its athletes had been inadvertently contaminated. Critics of the way the China case was handled can't help but wonder if a wider exploration of the noodle theory, details of which were discovered by The Associated Press via notes and emails from after the meeting where it was delivered, might have lent a different flavor to Cottier's conclusions. “There are more story twists to the ways the Chinese explain the TMZ case than a James Bond movie,” said Rob Koehler, the director general of the advocacy group Global Athlete. "And all of it is complete fiction.” In April, reporting from the New York Times and the German broadcaster ARD revealed that the 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for the banned heart medication trimetazidine, also known as TMZ. China's anti-doping agency determined the athletes had been contaminated, and so, did not sanction them. WADA accepted that explanation , did not press the case further, and China was never made to deliver a public notice about the “no-fault findings,” as is often seen in similar cases. The stock explanation for the contamination was that traces of TMZ were found in the kitchen of a hotel where the swimmers were staying. In his 58-page report , Cottier relayed some suspicions about the feasibility of that chain of events — noting that WADA's chief scientist “saw no other solution than to accept it, even if he continued to have doubts about the reality of contamination as described by the Chinese authorities.” But without evidence to support pursuing the case, and with the chance of winning an appeal at almost nil, Cottier determined WADA's “decision not to appeal appears indisputably reasonable.” A mystery remained: How did those traces of TMZ get into the kitchen? Shortly after the doping positives were revealed, the Institute of National Anti-Doping Organizations held a meeting on April 30 where it heard from the leader of China's agency, Li Zhiquan. Li's presentation was mostly filled with the same talking points that have been delivered throughout the saga — that the positive tests resulted from contamination from the kitchen. But he expanded on one way the kitchen might have become contaminated, harkening to another case in China involving a low-level TMZ positive. A pharmaceutical factory, he explained, had used industrial alcohol in the distillation process for producing TMZ. The industrial alcohol laced with the drug “then entered the market through illegal channels,” he said. The alcohol "was re-used by the perpetrators to process and produce cooking wine, which is an important seasoning used locally to make beef noodles,” Li said. “The contaminated beef noodles were consumed by that athlete, resulting in an extremely low concentration of TMZ in the positive sample. "The wrongdoers involved have been brought to justice.” This new information raised eyebrows among the anti-doping leaders listening to Li's report. So much so that over the next month, several emails ensued to make sure the details about the noodles and wine made their way to WADA lawyers, who could then pass it onto Cottier. Eventually, Li did pass on the information to WADA general counsel Ross Wenzel and, just to be sure, one of the anti-doping leaders forwarded it, as well, according to the emails seen by the AP. All this came with Li's request that the noodles story be kept confidential. Turns out, it made it into Cottier's report, though he took the information with a grain of salt. “Indeed, giving it more attention would have required it to be documented, then scientifically verified and validated,” he wrote. Neither Wenzel nor officials at the Chinese anti-doping agency returned messages from AP asking about the noodles conspiracy and the other athlete who Li suggested had been contaminated by them. Meanwhile, 11 of the swimmers who originally tested positive competed at the Paris Games earlier this year in a meet held under the cloud of the Chinese doping case. Though WADA considers the case closed, Koehler and others point to situations like this as one of many reasons that an investigation by someone other than Cottier, who was hired by WADA, is still needed. “It gives the appearance that people are just making things up as they go along on this, and hoping the story just goes away," Koehler said. “Which clearly it has not.” AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-gamesNuggets rip Lakers, Bucks win as Spurs beat WarriorsNigerian social media activist, VeryDarkMan (VDM), has responded to actress Iyabo Ojo, involving her daughter, Priscilla, and her partner, Paulo Okoye, in their ongoing feud. The conflict escalated after Iyabo Ojo wrote an emotional message addressing VeryDarkMan. In her note, she described his behavior as troubling and linked it to his upbringing. She claimed his childhood lacked love, care, and stability, leading to what she described as toxic, narcissistic traits. Iyabo further criticized his parents, suggesting his mother lacked independence and initiative, and speculated about issues like infidelity or poor character as contributing factors. Responding in a video message posted on his Instagram page on Friday, VeryDarkMan accused Iyabo Ojo of being unfaithful to Paulo Okoye, alleging it was due to his low libido, and claimed she was with him solely for his wealth. He also made disparaging remarks about Priscilla, alleging she had been promiscuous and predicting she would eventually become a single mother like her mother. READ MORE: Bobrisky Loses Rights Violation Suit Against EFCC, National Assembly VDM went on to claim that Priscilla’s future daughter would follow the same pattern, calling it a “generational curse.” He continued with offensive remarks, suggesting Iyabo’s partner, Paulo, was too old to meet her physical needs, and accused her of pursuing relationships with younger men. He stated, “Till you reach your old age, we dey this matter. The only thing that can save you is if you die. I know you are a very happy woman knowing that Paulo is very old, that will give you a lot of room for young boys. A person like Paulo can’t work on you well; you have a high libido. Everything in his body has shrunk; I am even beginning to believe that that one no dey knack, dem dey knack am. “You are happy that your daughter has brought home a man, and I know she is experienced with the likes of Kesh, you know dem plenty, who has smashed her. She was a pass-around girl. I am not lying and I can swear by anything. You aren’t with Paulo because you like him but for his property. Nigerians make una no put una mouth, just be enjoying it. Nobody can do anything, we have passed that level that they will be using police to arrest. We go dey go court tire, nothing go sub. “If your daughter marries, that marriage can never last. She will end up like you becoming a single mother. She will also give birth to a daughter that will end up like her. It’s a generational thing and I am laying the curse. You’re already cursed, and I am laying more curses”. Watch him speak below... https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC9r0prsRgk/?igsh=MWZmYjR0eHp4NTVvcg==
The Labour MP behind the assisted dying bill has said she has no doubts “whatsoever” about her legislation, rejecting claims it could lead to a slippery slope. Issuing a last-minute broadcast intervention to persuade MPs to legalise assisted dying, Kim Leadbeater rejected claims from her own government ministers that the bill is not sufficiently watertight. She told Sky News: “I don’t have any doubts whatsoever. I wouldn’t put the Bill forward if I did. “What I’m very clear about is we have got people now who the law is failing. We have got people taking their own lives. “We have got families losing loved ones in very harrowing circumstances and we have got people having very painful deaths ... so there is a very clear problem that needs to be solved. “By creating a legal framework, we will improve the situation.” MPs will vote on the Bill this coming Friday, with the party whips taking a back seat and allowing members of parliament to vote however they want. It’s not known how the vote will go, with 64 Labour MPs currently going on the record in favour of the change, 33 against. The Cabinet itself remains divided, despite the Cabinet Secretary asking members not to get actively involved in the debate. 14 members of the Cabinet, including the Prime Minister, are thought to be supportive, while 9 are expected to vote it down. Yesterday the Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall reiterated her support for Assisted Dying, insisting that the safeguards in the Bill “are much stronger” than the last time it was voted on in 2015. She argued: “I believe in giving people as much power, say and control as possible over the things that matter to them most”. “I believe the Bill has the right safeguards to make sure that can be done properly.” Ms Kendall rejected arguments against assisted dying by both the Health Secretary Wes Streeting and the Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, the latter of whom recently told constituents that the safeguards in the Bill are “particularly weak”. She insisted the Bill is very clear it requires someone contemplating assisted dying to be terminally ill, to have two independent doctors agree they are of sound mind and are not under pressure, and a high court judge. In an astonishing intervention this weekend, the Justice Secretary blasted the legislation as a “state death service”, warning constituents she is “profoundly concerned” in a letter to her Birmingham constituents. She argued that recent scandals in the public sector, including Hillsborough, infected blood and the Post Office Horizon affair, should act as a reminder that the State and those acting on its behalf “are not always benign”. She continued: “I have always held the view that, for this reason, the state should serve a clear role. It should protect and preserve life, not take it away. The state should never offer death as a service.” “It cannot be overstated what a profound shift in our culture assisted suicide will herald. In my view, the greatest risk of all is the pressure the elderly, vulnerable, sick or disabled may place upon themselves. This weekend Gordon Brown became the latest senior Labour figure to oppose the Bill, saying the death of his newborn daughter in 2002 convinced him of the “value and imperative of good end-of-life care”. He argued that the debate has been too quick given the “profound ethical and practical issues” at stake. Ms Kendall argued people will “always disagree” over assisted dying, and that the core issue is about the “right to choose”. She insisted the debate is “much bigger” than the Westminster soap opera of which side each Cabinet Minister is on, arguing it’s essential for society to have a debate about the fact many people will experience “longer deaths”. Senior Conservative Kevin Hollinrake also came out yesterday [SUN] to back the Bill, saying he wishes the choice had been available when his mother passed away in “very difficult circumstances”. He also argued that the right checks and balances are in the Bill, insisting: “We’re not oblivious to the concerns that people raise, things like coercion”. “But I think people should have the right to choose. You should have dominion over your body and your soul. So, I think it’s really important that people are given that choice, both in Parliament, of course, the vote on Friday, but, ultimately, the decision for people to end their life in this way.”AH Real Deal: The Ninja TB201 blender drops to $99
Vancouver Islander becomes first Canadian student to fly an electric plane solo
New Netflix Christmas movie Hot Frosty has gone viral after a scene left viewers in hysterics . The newly released festive flick stars Mean Girls actress Lacey Chabert and Schitt's Creek star Dustin Milligan and tells the story of a widow who finds love when she brings a beautiful snowman to life with a magic scarf. One scene in particular has caught the attention of viewers since the film arrived on the streaming service on November 13. The scene in question sees Jack Snowman (Milligan) ask love interest Kathy (Chabert) what cancer is. They are in Kathy's kitchen while Jack makes some food when he says, "Can I ask you a question?" before Kathy replies, "Of course you can." Virgin River fans still not over Jack Sheridan's 'off-putting' behavior towards key character in season one Netflix reality TV star caught smuggling $190k of cannabis in Manchester drug bust Jack then says, "Okay, so earlier today, I was checking the house for vampires and I went downstairs... What's cancer?" Kathy - having lost her late husband to the disease - then stumbles over her answer as she replies, "Jack, it's um... it's not a nice thing that happens to some people." Many social media users admitted they found the scene hysterical as they gave their view on it. Taking to X, one user shared a clip of the scene and wrote, "I watched Hot Frosty and it was wonderfully ridiculous but this part was downright insane." A second viewer said, "Watched this with my mom and sister the other day and I screamed at this and they didn't even blink." A third quipped, "Went looking for vampires, found cancer. One of life's universal experiences." A fourth social media user posted, "This scene had me cackling." A fifth asked, "How did he find cancer in the basement?" Jack asked about cancer after he found a pile of photos and trinkets of Kathy's late husband. Looking through the items around their home he also found documents that included medical notes and details about chemotherapy appointments. Dustin recently opened up about his love for the movie's script admitting it has "depth and heart." Speaking to CBC, he said, "For a movie that is about a woman who falls in love with a snowman and a snowman who falls in love with this woman - it is, on paper, a very silly premise. But I think what I love about the script is that it does have more to it than that. "There's a bit more depth and heart and it's grounded a little bit more than the premise would suggest, and I think audiences are picking up on that. I think it's kind of easy to roll your eyes at the genre and to not be as invested." He added, "And yeah, all of us, we sort of knew the magic that was possible. The script was really wonderful, but we knew that there was a little bit more that we could all give in terms of commitment to it. I just think as a result, we're very fortunate that it ended up in the final product and ended up kind of resonating with people the way it has." Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sport and entertainment stories. DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter.
ELEMENT 29 Introduces 'E29 Ignite' Initiative To Bridge Academic Knowledge And Industry InnovationMumbai Indians Squad for IPL 2025: Karn Sharma Sold to MI for INR 50 Lakh at Indian Premier League Auction