Women are more likely to need walking sticks, wheelchairs and other mobility aids compared to men, but they are less likely to use them, according to a study. And single people are more likely to use mobility tools compared to those who are married, according to researchers from University College London (UCL) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). Researchers looked at information from a group of more than 12,000 adults in England aged 50 to 89 who were tracked over a 13-year period. At the start of the study, 8,225 adults had no mobility difficulty and did not use mobility assistive products (MAPs). Some 2,480 were deemed to have “unmet need” and 1,375 were using mobility aids. During the follow-up period, there were 2,313 “transitions” where people went from having no mobility issues to needing some help with getting around. And 1,274 people started to use mobility aids. Compared with men, women were 49% more likely to transition from not needing mobility aids to needing to use them, according to the study which has been published in The Lancet Public Health. But were 21% less likely to go on to use mobility aids when they needed them. The authors said their study showed “barriers to access” for women. For both men and women, with every year that passed during the study period the need for mobility aids increased. People who were older, less educated, less wealthy or reported being disabled were more likely to “transition from no need to unmet need, and from unmet need to use”, the authors said, with this indicating a “higher prevalence of mobility limitations and MAP need overall among these groups”. They added: “Finally, marital or partnership status was not associated with transitioning to unmet need; however, single people were more likely to transition from unmet need to use compared with married or partnered people.” Jamie Danemayer, first author of the study from UCL Computer Science and UCL’s Global Disability Innovation Hub, said: “Our analysis suggests that there is a clear gender gap in access to mobility aids. “Though our data didn’t ascertain the reason why participants weren’t using mobility aids, other research tells us that women are often more likely than men to face obstacles such as cost barriers as a result of well-documented income disparities between genders. “Many mobility aids are designed for men rather than women, which we think may be a factor. “Using mobility aids can also make a disability visible, which can impact the safety and stigma experienced by women, in particular. “There’s a critical need for further research to identify and break down the barriers preventing women from accessing mobility aids that would improve their quality of life.” Professor Cathy Holloway, also from UCL, added: “Not having access to mobility aids when a person needs one can have a big impact on their independence, well-being and quality of life. “Our analysis suggests that women, in particular, regardless of other factors such as education and employment status, are not getting the support that they need.” Professor Shereen Hussein, senior author of the study and lead of the social care group at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: “The research provides compelling evidence of gender disparities in accessing assistive technology, suggesting that cost, design bias, and social stigma are likely to disproportionally affect women. “This underscores the need for inclusive, gender-sensitive approaches in the design, production and inclusivity of assistive technologies.”Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights
NEW YORK , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI - The global barite market size is estimated to grow by USD 353.88 million from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.25% during the forecast period. Increase in oil and gas drilling activities is driving market growth, with a trend towards rising use of barite in middle Eastern oil and gas industry. However, volatility in oil and gas prices poses a challenge. Key market players include Anglo Pacific Minerals Ltd., BARIT MADEN TURK A.S ., Barium and Chemicals Inc., CIMBAR Performance Minerals, CSGLOBAL, Dev International, Guizhou Red Star Development Co. Ltd., IBC Ltd., Mil Spec Industries Corp., Milwhite Inc., Newpark Resources Inc., Sachtleben Minerals GmbH and Co. KG, Schlumberger Ltd., Sojitz Corp., SVA S.r.l., The Cary Co., Emprada Mines And Minerals LLC, J and H Minerals Pvt. Ltd., PVS global trade Pvt. Ltd., and Vishnu Chemicals Ltd, Ashapura Group; Demeter O&G Supplies Sdn Bhd; Excalibur Minerals Corp.; International Earth Products LLC; P & S Barite Mining Co., Ltd.; PVS Chemicals; SLB; The Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation Ltd AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF The Barite mining market is experiencing significant growth due to its extensive applications in various industries. One of the major sectors driving this demand is the Plastics industry, where Barite is used as a weighting agent in the production of plastic products, especially those based on petroleum. With increasing energy demand and the expansion of the Plastics industry, the market for Barite is expected to grow. Barite is also widely used as a radiation-proof material in structures shielding against gamma rays and X-rays. In the Oil & Gas industry, Barite is used as a drilling mud additive, improving the drilling process's efficiency. As a filler in paints and coatings, Barite enhances product quality and durability. In the Industrial sector, Barite is used in rubber products, cable cars, submarines, and ballast tanks for weight and stability. The Fine chemical market, particularly the Powder segment, is another significant consumer of Barite, used in the production of Barium sulfate, a key ingredient in X-ray machines, shielding panels, CT scans, and diagnostic tests. Barite is also used as a filler agent in the Paints industry, Coatings industry, and Cement industry. With the growing demand for white paint applications, the market for Barite is expected to expand. The Mining sector, including Oil & Gas and Mining, uses Barite for various purposes, such as in oil drilling, sedimentary rock analysis, and as a substitute for Calcite, Silica sand, or Celestite. Barite's versatility and wide range of applications make it an essential mineral in numerous industries, from the Plastics industry to the Oil & Gas sector and beyond. Despite its numerous applications, the Barite mining market faces challenges such as increasing competition from Barite substitutes like Nano-silica grains and the environmental impact of mining, including the carbon footprint. However, with ongoing research and development, the market is expected to continue its growth trajectory. Barite suppliers play a crucial role in meeting the market's demand for this versatile mineral. USP Barite, with its high purity levels, is in high demand in various industries, including the Pharmaceutical industry for the production of Iodine and tablets/capsules. In summary, the Barite mining market is experiencing growth due to its extensive applications in various industries, including the Plastics industry, Oil & Gas sector, and the Industrial sector. Despite challenges, the market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by increasing energy demand and the expanding applications of Barite in various industries. The Middle East , home to significant oil and gas producers like Saudi Arabia , Iran , the UAE, and Iraq , witnessed growth in the barite market in 2021. Saudi Arabia , a major exporter of oil and gas globally, saw an increase in completed projects in its oil and gas sector due to substantial investments. This boosted the country's upstream and downstream capabilities, enabling it to reap benefits from cost-effective contracts and engineering services. In 2021, Saudi Arabia's oil industry, the largest contributor to its GDP, experienced in projects, driving the demand for barite in the region. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! • The Barite mining market faces challenges from the increasing use of plastic and petroleum-based products, which have a larger carbon footprint compared to barite. However, barite's unique properties as a radiation-proof material make it essential in various industries. In the energy sector, barite is used as a weighting agent in drilling mud for oil and gas exploration. In the industrial sector, barite is used as a filler in various applications such as automotive soundproofing material, brake linings, and X-ray machines. Barite suppliers face competition from substitutes like calcite and silica sand. The fine chemical market, particularly the powder segment, is a significant consumer of barium sulfate, the primary component of barite. The paints and coatings industry uses barite as a filler agent, while the rubber industry uses it for hydrostatic pressure applications. The demand for barite in radiation shielding applications, such as shielding panels in X-ray machines and CT scans, is expected to grow due to the increasing use of diagnostic medical tests. The USP barite market is driven by the demand for iodine in the pharmaceutical industry for the production of tablets and capsules. The prices of oil and gas, the primary consumers of barite in the drilling industry, impact the barite market. Barite is also used in various applications in the cement, cosmetics, and diagnostic medical tests industries. The mining of barite involves challenges such as the extraction of barite from sedimentary rock and the transportation of heavy barite ore using cable cars, submarines, and ballast tanks. The oil & gas industry's shift towards tight oil resources and the use of nano-silica grains as barite substitutes pose additional challenges to the barite mining market. • The price of crude oil significantly impacts the financial performance of upstream oil and gas companies. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the average price of crude oil rose from USD8 /bbl to USD81.80 /bbl between 2020 and 2022, reducing its discount to the North Sea Dated to its lowest level since March 2022 at USD12.20 /bbl. However, in April 2020 , the benchmark price for US crude oil briefly turned negative due to the global economic recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and an oil market collapse. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) reports that global oil demand decreased by 25% year-over-year (y-o-y) in April 2020 , primarily due to a significant decline in domestic and international transport operations. These fluctuations in oil prices and demand can significantly impact the profitability of companies in the oil and gas industry. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report This barite market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Powder 1.2 Lumps 2.1 Drilling mud 2.2 Chemical manufacturing 2.3 Paints and coatings 2.4 Others 3.1 APAC 3.2 North America 3.3 Europe 3.4 Middle East and Africa 3.5 South America 1.1 Powder- The global barite market is experiencing notable growth, particularly in the barite powder segment. Barite powder, derived from the mineral barite or barium sulfate (BaSO4), is commonly used as a filler in various industries such as paints, plastics, and engine compartments for sound reduction. In the construction industry, it serves as a substitute for sand, enhancing the mechanical performance of concrete. Barite powder production surpassed 7.5 million metric tons in 2022. The oil and gas industry remains a significant consumer, while improvements in its use in the construction sector contribute to market expansion. Emprada Mines and Minerals Private, based in India , is among the providers of barite powder in various grades, catering to diverse applications. The powder's unique properties, including radiation shielding capabilities and improved mechanical strengths like compressive, flexural, splitting tensile, and modulus of elasticity, make it a valuable addition to various industries. These factors underpin the positive growth trajectory of the global barite powder market. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) The Barite Market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for barite in various industries, particularly in the Plastics and Petroleum-based products sectors. Barite, a mineral composed of barium sulfate, is widely used as a weighting agent in drilling mud for the oil and gas industry. In the Plastics industry, barite is used as an industrial filler in the production of plastic products, reducing their carbon footprint by improving density and reducing the need for additional raw materials. The Powder segment of the Barite Market is expected to dominate due to its wide application in various industries, including the production of radiation-proof structures for shielding against gamma rays and X-rays. The Barite Mining Market is expected to grow due to the increasing energy demand and the need for drilling mud in the oil and gas industry. Other significant applications of barite include use in the Fine Chemical Market, as a filler in rubber, and as a hydrostatic pressure agent in brake linings. The Barite market is witnessing significant growth due to its extensive applications in various industries, particularly in the production of Plastic and Petroleum-based products. Barite, a mineral composed of barium sulfate, is widely used as a weighting agent in drilling mud for Oil & Gas industry to enhance drilling efficiency. It also finds extensive usage in Radiation-proof structures as a radiation shielding material against Gamma rays and X-rays. In the Plastics industry, it acts as an industrial filler, reducing the carbon footprint by improving the density and durability of the final product. The Powder segment holds a major share in the market due to its wide applications in various industries, including the Fine chemical market, Paints and coatings, Textiles, and Rubber. Barite is also used in Hydrostatic pressure testing as a replacement for water and sand. In the Energy sector, it is used in the production of Nuclear fuel, Cable cars, Submarines, and Ballast tanks. In the Medical industry, it is used in X-ray machines, Shielding panels, CT scans, Diagnostic tests, Tablets, and Capsules. Barite is also used in the production of White paint applications, Adhesive industry, and Rubber industry. The demand for Barite is driven by the increasing Energy demand, Natural gas resources, Sedimentary rock, Lead, Zinc, Silver, and Oil prices. Barite suppliers are exploring new opportunities in Nano silica, Celestite, and Barite substitutes like Nano-silica grains to cater to the evolving market trends. 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Type Powder Lumps End-user Drilling Mud Chemical Manufacturing Paints And Coatings Others Geography APAC North America Europe Middle East And Africa South America Application 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE TechnavioLatest Champions of Gananoque announcedTexas Chain Saw Massacre 50th Anniversary Game And 4K Blu-Ray Bundle Gets Nice Discount
Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark will open their season in a blockbuster. The pair will renew their rivalry to start the WNBA season and it is no surprise their matchup is drawing huge interest with ticket prices reaching eye-watering levels. The WNBA 2024 offseason is in full-swing with the season not scheduled to start until May 2025 and all eyes on the 3x3 'Unrivaled league set to take center stage in Miami. However the league continues to make headlines, thanks in the main to Reese and Clark, with huge anticipation for the recent schedule release day. On day 2 of the WNBA season, the Clark's Fever will face Reese's Sky in Indianapolis, the scene for record-setting levels on attendance in 2024 as Clark's rookie season took over the competition. Despite the game not being until May 17, prices have sky-rocketed to levels that surpass the season openers of most NBA teams in 2024. At the time of writing, the get-in price starts at $238 with prices reaching up $2,500 according to TickPick . Only the Boston Celtics had a higher season-opener get-in price in the NBA with Clark and Reese's showdown more expensive than the other 29 teams. Social media was quick to react to the prices and were in awe. " $1000 for a family of 4 to go to a WNBA game ...," one fan wrote. " Wow, that's a steep price for Opening Night !" another said. "The Fever vs. Sky will definitely be a big game, but $271 is surprising compared to most NBA home openers." One fan compared the level of anticipation for their rivalry to an historic NBA battle, "Their version of Bird vs Magic And Jordan is on the way soon lol," the fan wrote . It is not the first time that Clark and Reese have made headlines with the cost of their games as back in August the median prices of their for their game was $845 according to Stubhub . Last season Clark and Reese faced off four times as rookies with the Fever and Clark coming out on top three times. Clark also beat Reese in the race for Rookie of the Year in a contest that was decided once Reese's season was ended with a wrist injury. One of the matchups between the pair was a 17,000 sell-out last year at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the arena that will host the Fever's season opener in 2025. The new season will also see two new head coaches lead out the teams with Stephanie White taking charge of Clark's side and Tyler Marsh leading Reese's team . Marsh is relishing the prospect of leading Reese. "We can't take for granted just what Angel was able to do in her rookie year," he said in an interview on the 'No Cap Space WBB' podcast. "And, she's a winner. She's doubted almost every year of her life and her career, and she continued to overcome, and that's something you can build on." Reese had the upper hand with a college national championship, Clark took Rookie of the Year honors and a spot in the playoffs in their first season in the pro ranks. All eyes will be on the next instalment, but it will cost.Generative artificial intelligence (“GenAI”) is reshaping the practice of law by influencing how law firms research cases, draft documents, and interact with clients. As client expectations rise and competitive pressures intensify, law firms must decide whether to build bespoke systems or instead purchase vendor-developed legal AI tools. While bespoke tools provide more customization and more closely align with a firm’s own data, workflows, and strategic priorities, this approach requires more work and could carry greater risks. On the other hand, vendor-developed tools typically provide quicker deployment and ongoing external innovation, although at the expense of some customization. Both avenues carry implications for data stewardship, regulatory compliance, financial investment, and long-term positioning. In the face of these competing considerations, one fundamental inquiry guides the decision: Should law firms build their own proprietary AI models in-house or buy commercial solutions from specialized legal AI vendors? 1. The Case for Building Proprietary Solutions Firms that build their own in-house AI solution can tailor it to their unique legal culture and specialties. Instead of relying on a generic product, they develop a system that reflects their institutional know-how, internal precedent, and well-honed practice areas. Such a customized model can generate contract language, research outputs, and insights that mirror the firm’s distinctive style and strategic objectives. Control over data remains a powerful incentive. A proprietary approach allows a firm to keep confidential client information securely within its own environment, mitigating the risk of commingling sensitive documents with a vendor’s broader database. This is particularly appealing in a profession bound by rigorous ethical rules, where the slightest misstep can erode client trust. Examples of successful in-house builds underscore the potential rewards. In May 2024, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati introduced an AI-enabled commercial contracting solution for cloud services companies. Integrated into Neuron, the firm’s proprietary software platform for startups, this AI agent supports commercial contracts attorneys and achieves an accuracy rate of 92% in contract review. Similarly, in August 2023, Dentons launched “fleetAI,” a proprietary version of ChatGPT based on OpenAI’s GPT-4 . Developed in collaboration with Microsoft, fleetAI assists lawyers in conducting legal research, generating legal content, and analyzing documents while ensuring that uploaded data is neither used to train the model nor accessible outside the firm’s secure environment. Still, building an AI solution demands substantial resources. The initial investment in data scientists, legal technologists, and machine learning engineers is significant. The firm must also prepare, clean, and structure extensive training data, a process that can be time-consuming and complex. Technology evolves quickly, forcing continuous refinement and adaptation. For some organizations, this ongoing commitment to improvement may exceed their capacity or appetite, particularly as new AI techniques emerge and threaten to make recently developed models obsolete. 2. The Case for Buying Commercial Solutions The most straightforward route is purchasing a commercial system designed by specialists who have already invested heavily in research and development. Off-the-shelf solutions arrive pre-trained, tested, and often backed by robust security frameworks. This path relieves the firm of building an internal AI team or piecing together data pipelines, allowing them to integrate advanced capabilities into existing workflows more rapidly. Time-to-market advantages can be crucial in a competitive legal environment. High-profile collaborations illustrate the potential of the buy strategy. In February 2023, Allen & Overy began utilizing Harvey, a generative AI platform and external provider , to streamline tasks such as contract analysis, due diligence, and regulatory compliance. Meanwhile, in October 2024, U.S.-based firm Fennemore Craig merged with Lucent Law and announced a collaboration with OpenAI to incorporate advanced AI technology into their operations. This partnership enhances the firm’s drafting capabilities and pricing decisions, allowing them to offer clients more efficient service models. But buying is not a panacea. Firms may face integration hurdles, as proprietary workflows must bend to fit a vendor’s platform, potentially sacrificing customization. Moreover, entrusting data to a third party can raise concerns about confidentiality and privilege, despite a vendor’s best efforts to ensure data security. There is also the risk of vendor lock-in, where future price hikes, product overhauls, or shifts in service quality could leave the firm constrained and forced into costly renegotiations or system migrations. 3. Ethical, Compliance, and Governance Challenges Whether building or buying, a firm must consider an evolving landscape of ethical obligations and professional rules. Maintaining client confidentiality, preventing conflicts of interest, and respecting privilege boundaries are paramount. A proprietary model allows a firm to encode these standards directly into the system. Parameters can be set to filter out confidential information, enforce anonymization, and comply with the procedural and substantive regulations of multiple jurisdictions. Oversight resides in-house, and modifications can be implemented swiftly as legal norms change. Commercial vendors also prioritize compliance and offer their own safeguards—encryption protocols, access controls, and monitoring features to ensure the responsible use of data. Still, when a firm turns to an external provider, the complexity of vetting these safeguards intensifies. Firms must conduct rigorous due diligence, evaluating how the vendor handles data breaches, adapts to regulatory shifts, and upholds confidentiality. This scrutiny may determine whether the firm is comfortable delegating its ethical responsibilities or prefers the direct accountability of an internally managed system. 4. Talent, Data, and Financial Considerations In deciding whether to buy or build, cost is a central factor. Building a proprietary LLM entails heavy initial spending on talent, infrastructure, and data curation. Firms building proprietary solutions must ensure that their internal documents are well-structured, current, and comprehensive. Proprietary solutions demand recruiting professionals skilled in both technology and law, a combination that is neither abundant nor inexpensive. The upside is control: the firm owns the intellectual property and can fine-tune the solution indefinitely. Over time, a well-implemented custom model may streamline labor-intensive tasks, improve accuracy, and enhance client satisfaction, justifying the initial outlay. By contrast, buying a vendor solution often involves a subscription model or licensing fee, reducing upfront costs and providing predictable expenses. Firms gain immediate access to cutting-edge technology without having to develop expertise in-house. By choosing a vendor solution, a firm can delegate most technical responsibilities, needing only enough expertise in-house to evaluate outputs, configure settings, and ensure that the AI aligns with the firm’s objectives. However, over the longer term, reliance on external providers may limit the firm’s ability to influence product direction, lock in favorable pricing, or maintain competitive differentiation. Market trends, rather than the firm’s unique needs, may shape future updates and improvements. Closing Thoughts The decision to build or buy GenAI capabilities goes to the heart of a firm’s strategic vision in an age of rapid technological change. Proprietary solutions, as shown by Wilson Sonsini’s AI-enhanced contracting platform and Dentons’ fleetAI, illustrate the potential rewards of differentiation and direct control. Yet these benefits come with high resource demands and ongoing complexity. At the same time, the buy approach, exemplified by Allen & Overy’s adoption of Harvey and Fennemore Craig’s collaboration with OpenAI, highlights how quickly firms can modernize through external partnerships. The cost is a certain dependence on outside providers and less customization, raising questions of long-term influence and operational freedom. Ultimately, neither path is universally superior. A global powerhouse with the resources to innovate from within may favor building a proprietary model to create a long-term competitive moat. A mid-sized firm seeking immediate improvements may find a vendor product more pragmatic. In all scenarios, careful assessment of data assets, ethical responsibilities, cost structures, client expectations, and strategic priorities is critical. The right decision ensures that GenAI evolves from a buzzword into a trusted ally, empowering firms to deliver sophisticated, efficient, and forward-thinking legal services.
Matty J looks worse for wear on Christmas EveMGX DEADLINE MONDAY: ROSEN, A TOP RANKED LAW FIRM, Encourages Metagenomi, Inc. Investors to Secure Counsel Before Important November 25 Deadline in Securities Class Action – MGX
Adam McKay warns 'radical' Wicked could be banned by politicians in '3 to 5 years' By TERRY ZELLER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 23:42 GMT, 24 December 2024 | Updated: 23:53 GMT, 24 December 2024 e-mail View comments Don’t Look Up director Adam McKay has expressed concern that films like Wicked could face censorship in the U.S. if current political trends persist. In a series of posts via X on Monday, McKay described Wicked as 'one of the most radical big studio Hollywood movies ever made' and criticized the increasingly right-wing atmosphere in the U.S. 'Part 1 is nakedly about radicalization in the face of careerism, fascism, propaganda,' McKay wrote, adding that its release is particularly significant 'now, when America has never been more right-wing and propagandized.' The film, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande , was recently pulled briefly from theaters in Kuwait , allegedly due to its LGBTQ cast. McKay acknowledged that Wicked: Part 2, slated for release on November 21, 2025, leans more mainstream but doubled down on his concerns. In response to another X user, he speculated that 'if America keeps going on the track it is, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the movie banned in 3-5 years.' Don’t Look Up director Adam McKay has expressed concern that films like Wicked could face censorship in the U.S. if current political trends persist; (seen in 2020) In a series of posts via X on Monday, McKay described Wicked as 'one of the most radical big studio Hollywood movies ever made' and criticized the increasingly right-wing atmosphere in the U.S He followed up with 'It’s bizarre how many people think the possibility of movies, books, music being banned in the U.S. in the near future is a "crazy" idea. 'There’s a whole crowd that really has zero idea what’s going on big picture.' The filmmaker also compared Wicked to some of the most iconic films in history, including The Sound of Music, Citizen Kane, and Bridge on the River Kwai, as well as modern hits like The Hunger Games, which he called 'incredibly left-wing.' McKay’s statements come after the film has also secured Golden Globe nominations, including Best Musical/Comedy, as well as individual acting nods for Cynthia Erivo and Grande, solidifying its position as a major contender this awards season. Kuwait removed Wicked from its cinema listings just one day before the film’s scheduled release on Thursday, December 5, sparking speculation about the reasons behind the decision. While no official explanation has been provided, local reports suggest the removal may be linked to the film’s LGBTQ+ cast, according to Variety. This mirrors past actions by Kuwait, which banned Barbie last year, citing the protection of 'public ethics and social traditions .' Lebanon also prohibited Barbie, claiming it 'promoted homosexuality.' 'Part 1 is nakedly about radicalization in the face of careerism, fascism, propaganda,' McKay wrote, adding that its release is particularly significant 'now, when America has never been more right-wing and propagandized' The film, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande , was recently pulled briefly from theaters in Kuwait , allegedly due to its LGBTQ cast In response to another X user, he speculated that 'if America keeps going on the track it is, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the movie banned in 3-5 years' While the reason is not officially known, it is speculated by local media that the film's removal from theaters is due to the LGBTQ + cast, per Variety If Wicked faced similar scrutiny, the decision might seem puzzling, as the film doesn’t include overtly LGBTQ+ storylines. However, Grande, who stars as Glinda, recently described her character as 'a little in the closet.' Additionally, fans have often interpreted the relationship between Glinda and Elphaba as carrying homoerotic undertones, though the characters are not explicitly queer. Several cast members, including Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, and Marissa Bode, openly identify as queer, potentially adding to the controversy in more conservative markets. Despite the ban in Kuwait, Wicked has been a massive success elsewhere. The musical fantasy, also starring Ethan Slater and Jeff Goldblum, premiered in the U.S. over Thanksgiving and shattered box office records. To date, the movie has now grossed over $571 million across the globe. Cynthia Erivo Share or comment on this article: Adam McKay warns 'radical' Wicked could be banned by politicians in '3 to 5 years' e-mail Add comment
Manchester United teammates Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo exchanged words after the final whistle of a 2-1 victory on Thursday. And manager Ruben Amorin has no problem with it. “For me, it’s a very, very good sign,” Amorin said after his team beat Viktoria Plzen to stay unbeaten in the Europa League. Hojlund scored two goals and hoped for a centering pass from Diallo to go for a hat trick in the final minutes. The Denmark striker didn't get the pass, though. Viktoria had been pushing forward looking for an equalizer, which created space for United counters. On another break shortly afterward, Hojlund opted to keep the ball. The pair then had a heated post-game exchange. “We need to feel something,” Amorin said. “If we need to fight each other, it's like a family. When you don't care, you don't do nothing. When you care — you fight with your brother, with your mother, your father.” AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerWomen more likely to need walking aids but less likely to use them – study
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Drew Lock marveled at the number that defined Giants great Eli Manning’s durability the same way Manning’s teammates once did. Lock will make his fourth start of the season at quarterback Sunday against the Colts. Since benching and releasing Daniel Jones , the Giants have started (in order) Tommy DeVito, Lock twice, DeVito and now Lock for a second straight game. During that time, DeVito dealt with a forearm injury and a concussion, while Lock dealt with injuries to an elbow, heel and shoulder after a hip pointer earlier in the season. So, yes, it is pretty remarkable Manning once started 210 straight regular-season games for the Giants (before a one-game benching in 2017) and never missed a game due to injury in his 16-year NFL career. “That’s tough to do on any team, any position, especially the quarterback spot,” Lock said. “He was playing a couple extra [playoff] games at the end of the year too, so add those into there, that’s impressive.” Lock said Monday’s MRI on his throwing shoulder was done as a precaution. “Right hand, right shoulder, if it feels just anything, ‘Hey, let’s go get this looked at just to make sure everything’s all right,’ ” Lock said. “It came back good, so rocking and rolling.” Head coach Brian Daboll is sticking with Lock after he threw two pick-sixes against the Falcons rather than turning to the less-experienced DeVito as a developmental situation. “Try to get two weeks of the same cadence, same play caller in the huddle,” Daboll said. C John Michael Schmitz was in a walking boot, which means another offensive line reshuffle could be in store. If Schmitz can’t play, the Giants could slide over RG Greg Van Roten to snap and insert OG Aaron Stinnie, though Stinnie missed last week’s game and has yet to clear the concussion protocol. Another option is to activate C Austin Schlottmann from injured reserve. Schlottman suffered a broken leg in the first practice after surviving cut day and spent six weeks getting around the facility on a scooter. He has been back at practice since Dec. 11. “It’s been a long year,” Schlotttman said, “so it would mean something to get back in a game or two and finish it out that way.” Schlottman snapped to Lock during the quarterback’s NFL debut in 2019. The Giants are staring at the possibility of becoming the NFL’s first team to go 0-9 at home. It only became possible in the 17-game schedule era (since 2021). “You definitely don’t want to have lowlights,” OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux said. “This year hasn’t gone as planned, but continuing to give it our best and making sure we go out and try to get a win.” Sunday’s game is the Giants’ last one at MetLife Stadium before before finishing the season at Philadelphia. In addition to Schmitz, RB Tyrone Tracy Jr., WR Malik Nabers, CB Dru Phillips, LB Micah McFadden, CB Greg Stroman Jr., S Raheem Layne and DT Corey Durden did not practice. Layne suffered a season-ending torn meniscus in his knee during his season debut, per The Athletic. It was his first game after suffering a torn ACL last season.PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Googly eyes have been appearing on sculptures around the central Oregon city of Bend, delighting many residents and sparking a viral sensation covered widely by news outlets and featured on a popular late-night talk show. On social media, the city shared photos of googly eyes on installations in the middle of roundabouts that make up its so-called “Roundabout Art Route.” One photo shows googly eyes placed on a sculpture of two deer, while another shows them attached to a sphere. It's not yet known who has been putting them on the sculptures. "While the googly eyes placed on the various art pieces around town might give you a chuckle, it costs money to remove them with care to not damage the art," the city said in its posts. The Facebook post received hundreds of comments, with many users saying they liked the googly eyes. “My daughter and I went past the flaming chicken today and shared the biggest laugh," one user said, using a nickname for the “Phoenix Rising” sculpture. "We love the googly eyes. This town is getting to be so stuffy. Let’s have fun!” Another Facebook user wrote: “I think the googly eyes on the deer specifically are a great look, and they should stay that way.” Others said the city should focus on addressing more important issues, such as homelessness, instead of spending time and money on removing the googly eyes. Over the years, the city’s sculptures have been adorned with other seasonal decorations, including Santa hats, wreaths, leis. The city doesn’t remove those, and views the googly eyes differently because of the adhesive, Bend's communications director, Rene Mitchell, told The Associated Press. “We really encourage our community to engage with the art and have fun. We just need to make sure that we can protect it and that it doesn’t get damaged,” she said. The post and its comments were covered by news outlets, and even made it on a segment of CBS's “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert .” The city regrets that its post was misunderstood, Mitchell said. “There was no intent to be heavy-handed, and we certainly understand maybe how that was taken," she said. “We own this large collection of public art and really want to bring awareness to the community that applying adhesives does harm the art. So as stewards of the collection, we wanted to share that on social media." The city has so far spent $1,500 on removing googly eyes from seven of the eight sculptures impacted, Mitchell said, and has started treating some of the art pieces, which are made of different types of metal such as bronze and steel. The "Phoenix Rising" sculpture might need to be repainted entirely, she said. For some, the googly eyes — like the other holiday objects — provide a welcome boost of seasonal cheer. “I look forward to seeing the creativity of whoever it is that decorates the roundabouts during the holidays,” one social media commenter said. “Brings a smile to everyone to see silliness.”Prince George overjoyed by Oscar-nominated actor’s rendition of ‘A Christmas Carol’