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NoneTech entrepreneur Elon Musk caused uproar after backing Germany's far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of key parliamentary elections in the Western European country, leading to the resignation of the paper's opinion editor in protest. Germany is to vote in an early election on Feb. 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalize the country's stagnant economy. Musk's guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag —a sister publication of POLITICO owned by the Axel Springer Group — published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month he supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD. "The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is the last spark of hope for this country," Musk wrote in his translated commentary. He went on to say the far-right party "can lead the country into a future where economic prosperity, cultural integrity and technological innovation are not just wishes, but reality." The Tesla Motors CEO also wrote that his investment in Germany gave him the right to comment on the country's condition. The AfD is polling strongly, but its candidate for the top job, Alice Weidel, has no realistic chance of becoming chancellor because other parties refuse to work with the far-right party. The technology billionaire challenged in his opinion piece the party's public image. "The portrayal of the AfD as right-wing extremist is clearly false, considering that Alice Weidel, the party's leader, has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka! Does that sound like Hitler to you? Please!" Musk's commentary has led to a debate in German media over the boundaries of free speech, with the paper's own opinion editor announcing her resignation, pointedly on Musk's social media platform, X. "I always enjoyed leading the opinion section of WELT and WAMS. Today an article by Elon Musk appeared in Welt am Sonntag. I handed in my resignation yesterday after it went to print," Eva Marie Kogel wrote. A critical article by the future editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Jan Philipp Burgard, accompanied Musk's opinion piece. "Musk's diagnosis is correct, but his therapeutic approach, that only the AfD can save Germany, is fatally wrong," Burgard wrote. Responding to a request for comment from the German Press Agency, dpa, the current editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Ulf Poschardt, and Burgard — who is due to take over on Jan. 1 — said in a joint statement that the discussion over Musk's piece was "very insightful. Democracy and journalism thrive on freedom of expression." "This will continue to determine the compass of the "world" in the future. We will develop "Die Welt" even more decisively as a forum for such debates," they wrote to dpa. Musk waded heavily into the 2024 U.S. presidential election, putting millions into electing President-elect Donald Trump. Trump rewarded him after the election by naming Musk to head the newly-created Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, with Vivek Ramaswamy. Musk and Ramaswamy were embroiled over the weekend on X, the social media platform Musk owns, over H-1B visas, which are applied to highly skilled workers. Musk, who came to the U.S. on a H-1B visa, defended the use of the policy amid backlash from Laura Loomer and other Trump supporters who endorse hardline immigration policies. In an interview with the New York Post , Trump said he "always liked the visas," although he tried to change the program during his first time. "I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I've been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It's a great program," Trump told the newspaper.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise reports strong sales growth on boost from AI, serversPhotos: Remembering Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president
Photos: Remembering Jimmy Carter, the 39th US presidentPublished 6:39 pm Sunday, December 29, 2024 By Data Skrive Here’s a peek at the injury report for the Golden State Warriors (16-15), which currently has three players listed, as the Warriors prepare for their matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers (27-4, one injured player) at Chase Center on Monday, December 30 at 10:00 PM ET. Watch the NBA, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up. The Warriors are coming off of a 109-105 win over the Suns in their last outing on Saturday. In the Warriors’ win, Jonathan Kuminga led the way with a team-high 34 points (adding nine rebounds and three assists). The Cavaliers’ last outing on Friday ended in a 149-135 win over the Nuggets. Donovan Mitchell scored 33 points in the Cavaliers’ win, leading the team. Name Position Status Injury PPG RPG APG Moses Moody SG Questionable Knee 7.4 1.8 0.8 Brandin Podziemski SG Questionable Abdominal 8.0 4.5 3.2 Gary Payton II PG Questionable Calf 4.6 2.8 1.2 Sign up for NBA League Pass to get live and on-demand access to NBA games. Name Position Status Injury PPG RPG APG Isaac Okoro SG Out Shoulder 6.6 2.3 1.7 Get tickets for any NBA game this season at StubHub. Catch NBA action all season long on Fubo. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .
Sylvamo Co. ( NYSE:SLVM – Get Free Report ) saw unusually-high trading volume on Friday . Approximately 1,072,707 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 235% from the previous session’s volume of 320,276 shares.The stock last traded at $78.92 and had previously closed at $81.79. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts have weighed in on the company. Sidoti initiated coverage on Sylvamo in a report on Tuesday, October 15th. They set a “buy” rating and a $100.00 target price on the stock. Bank of America reaffirmed an “underperform” rating and issued a $96.00 price target on shares of Sylvamo in a research note on Wednesday, December 11th. Get Our Latest Analysis on Sylvamo Sylvamo Stock Performance Sylvamo ( NYSE:SLVM – Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 12th. The company reported $2.44 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $2.18 by $0.26. Sylvamo had a return on equity of 30.60% and a net margin of 7.13%. The firm had revenue of $965.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $960.47 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.70 EPS. The business’s revenue for the quarter was up 7.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts anticipate that Sylvamo Co. will post 7.15 earnings per share for the current year. Sylvamo Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 24th. Stockholders of record on Monday, January 6th will be issued a dividend of $0.45 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, January 6th. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.27%. Sylvamo’s payout ratio is presently 27.99%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Sylvamo A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of SLVM. Tidal Investments LLC increased its stake in Sylvamo by 150.9% during the 3rd quarter. Tidal Investments LLC now owns 22,469 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,929,000 after purchasing an additional 13,512 shares in the last quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Sylvamo by 80.4% during the second quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 23,181 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,590,000 after acquiring an additional 10,332 shares in the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Sylvamo by 473.5% in the 3rd quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 18,467 shares of the company’s stock worth $1,587,000 after acquiring an additional 15,247 shares during the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. lifted its position in Sylvamo by 67.0% in the 3rd quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 46,518 shares of the company’s stock valued at $3,994,000 after acquiring an additional 18,657 shares in the last quarter. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in Sylvamo by 6,693.0% during the 3rd quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 69,085 shares of the company’s stock valued at $5,931,000 after purchasing an additional 68,068 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 91.16% of the company’s stock. Sylvamo Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Sylvamo Corporation produces and markets uncoated freesheet for cutsize, offset paper, and pulp in Latin America, Europe, and North America. The company operates through Europe, Latin America, and North America segments. The Europe segment offers copy, tinted, and colored laser printing paper under REY Adagio and Pro-Design brands; and graphic and high-speed inkjet printing papers under the brand Jetstar; as well as produces uncoated freesheet papers. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Sylvamo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sylvamo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .iShares iBonds Dec 2028 Term Corporate ETF (NYSEARCA:IBDT) Sees Unusually-High Trading Volume – Should You Buy?
For Dakota, a 17-year-old transgender high schooler from the San Gabriel Valley, it was an older trans girl at school who made the difference — who helped ease Dakota’s loneliness and give her hope. “It really just let me know that, OK, I’m not alone in this. There are other trans people. They exist,” Dakota said. “If she’s real, maybe I can be real, too.” Judith Webb, an 89-year-old grandmother raised in a progressive Hollywood film family, said she inherited her parents’ acceptance of LGBTQ+ people early in life. “I was ‘woke’ when I was 10 years old,” she said. Today, she cherishes visits at her San Pedro mobile home with her gay grandson and his husband. During one, he played the piano for her for an hour. During another, they went for an early-morning walk in the rain as his husband slept in. “We had my little dog with us. It was the first time I’d really had a chance to chat with him since they were married,” she said. “He’s just an absolutely great kid.” In the past year, LGBTQ+ people have become a favorite punching bag of the political right — including President-elect Donald Trump, whose campaign spent millions on anti-transgender ads and who has promised to roll back transgender rights during his second term. Misinformation about queer people — and especially queer youth and their healthcare — has spread, thanks in part to Trump, his followers and some of his recent picks for administration posts. But across the country, Americans are also interacting with, getting to know and learning to love LGBTQ+ people like never before. Queer communities are growing and thriving, the average American knows more about transgender people, and queer kids are coming out earlier and to wider acceptance. Young people identify as LGBTQ+ today at the highest rates in history — dwarfing the number in prior generations. The hyperpoliticization of LGBTQ+ issues is part of a broader backlash to that expansion of LGBTQ+ knowledge, understanding and community. In some parts of the country, anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment is robust and getting stronger. But such retrenchment of queer rights is not the only LGBTQ+ trend at work. LGBTQ+ Americans are also having daily positive influence in the lives of those around them — strengthening America’s acceptance of LGBTQ+ folks along the way. ‘Real people, with real lives’ In June, The Times ran “Our Queerest Century,” a retrospective look at the vast and indelible contributions of LGBTQ+ Americans from 1924 to 2024 . Queer issues had swept to the center of the nation’s political discourse, and a slew of anti-LGBTQ+ laws had been proposed nationwide. Efforts to erase queer people — to ban LGBTQ+ books, drag queen performances, gender-affirming healthcare and the mere mention of LGBTQ+ identities in schools — were cropping up all over. The project placed those shifts within the broader context of our shared LGBTQ+ history. It included essays by queer writers on the contributions of LGBTQ+ people since the 1924 founding of the nation’s first known gay rights organization, and a news analysis of a national poll on LGBTQ+ issues today — which showed that people who know someone queer are less likely to hold anti-LGBTQ+ views. The project also asked readers to tell us how queer people had positively influenced their lives, and dozens wrote in, mostly about their own loved ones — their LGBTQ+ uncles and aunts, cousins and siblings, children and grandchildren and friends. “You couldn’t find more kind, loving and fun relatives if you searched the whole earth,” one respondent wrote. Another wrote that her LGBTQ+ family had “normalized the issue” for her simply by being “who they are, real people, with real lives, real emotions, real feelings, just like the rest of us.” A third wrote that her queer loved ones had taught her “to be less judgmental and more curious, not just about sexuality, but about many other human differences, such as race, family structure, faith, etc., and to put myself in other people’s shoes.” ‘Hope for the future’ Dakota — whose full name is being withheld to protect her safety — was the youngest respondent. She wrote about the “out-and-proud trans girl” at her school — who was also popular and nice — becoming “an instant role model” for her. In a recent interview, Dakota said this election cycle has been “absolutely crazy” and “very frightening” given Trump’s use of “a lot of anti-trans rhetoric.” Her mother said it’s been “terrifying as a mom of a trans kid,” too. “I try to have reassurance with the California wall we basically have — the metaphorical safety wall for all marginalized groups — and I just don’t know how strong that’s going to be two, four years from now after Trump unleashes whatever tsunami of hate he’s going to release.” Dakota said she is especially scared for her fellow trans Americans in red states, but doesn’t want to be hung up on feeling down — because there’s too much else to life. She’s been accepted socially at school, where peers have no problem with her pronouns. She’s applied to colleges — all in California — and is excited about starting a new and more independent chapter. She plans to major in political science after loving a high school course and seeing the importance of this election. “I wish people understood that being trans doesn’t define who we are as people,” she said, “because we’re still normal people and there’s so much else going on in our lives.” Webb was the oldest respondent. She wrote to The Times that she was grateful for her “long exposure” to the queer community, which began with a gay friend of her parents who visited often during her childhood. Webb wrote of being a homemaker before working at USC for decades, where she became friends with gay graduate students, and now being “the grandmother of a talented, delightful, successful grandson” who is “married to an equally delightful young man.” In an interview, Webb recalled the morning walk and the impromptu piano concert. She also noted a post-election visit, where they had a “really good conversation about what’s going on in the world” and her grandson reassured her he is happy. “He’s just the most positive person,” she said. A strong foundation Jennifer Moore, a transgender woman in her late 60s, called Trump’s victory and the anti-queer rhetoric being espoused by him, some of his nominees and other Republicans “crushing” and “a nightmare.” Queer support groups are advising transgender members to make sure their driver’s license and passport are up to date, and to consult their doctors about stocking up on transition medications, she said. She feels lucky to live in California , but has friends who are considering fleeing less progressive states or the country overall — or already have. Against that backdrop, Moore said it has been helpful to reflect on the country’s long history of queer progress — which she said was captured by “Our Queerest Century,” but also exemplified by The Times’ decision to publish it. Moore said she first started reading The Times as a kid in 1968 and was “always searching for information” about queer people like her in its pages, but only ever found negative things. That The Times today would publish a lengthy celebration of queer accomplishments “was just incredible,” she said. Moore wrote to the paper that three LGBTQ+ people had greatly helped her in her journey to transitioning in the last decade: a lesbian former Catholic nun who told her she would be “miserable” until she was authentic, a fellow trans woman who talked her through the first steps of transitioning and a gay co-worker who welcomed her on an AIDS charity bike ride and showed her that there is a whole world full of out, happy queer people. “The bravery and normality of these three LGBTQ folks taught me it was OK to live freely and authentically,” Moore wrote. Owen Renert, 24, an associate marriage and family therapist who works mostly with queer clients, said they decided to write in after their grandmother, a longtime LGBTQ+ ally who marched for AIDS awareness in the 1980s, gave them the “Our Queerest Century” section. “She brought it to lunch, and was like, ‘Here, it’s gay, you should look at it,’” Renert said with a laugh. Renert, who is nonbinary, wrote that having queer friends and mentors “dramatically shifted” how they view the world and helped tremendously in understanding their own queer identity — from “learning how I wanted to dress as a teen to finding safe places to enter life as an adult.” In an interview, they said many of their clients have voiced a similar need to be “surrounded by queer people” since the election, and “Our Queerest Century” was a good reminder that there is a strong foundation for such community to build on. “It’s going to be work, [but] that has always been the case,” Renert said. “We’ve been able to do that.” The century ahead Tony Valenzuela, executive director of the One Institute — one of the nation’s oldest LGBTQ+ organizations and a partner with The Times in hosting an “ Our Queerest Century” event in October — said highlighting queer history is “incredibly important” today, given the stakes. “Our work will be even more urgent and necessary, to remind people that it is at times where we’re embattled, when we’re attacked, that both our creativity comes out, but also when we organize, when [we] understand the importance of coalition,” he said. Valenzuela said queer leaders are eager to use this moment to build out queer networks, including by using the tactics of queer activists at the start of the AIDS epidemic . “There were activists on the streets. There were folks who were working at the policy level. There were folks who were [in] science and public health. There was this huge growth in the way we fundraise for our nonprofits. There was a call to rich people, frankly, to step up,” Valenzuela said. Craig Loftin, an LGBTQ+ scholar and history lecturer at Cal State Fullerton, agreed that queer history “provides all of the responses to the right wing politics and the Trump rhetoric” that are needed today — which is why it must be taught. It is full of hope and triumph. Years ago, Loftin uncovered and published for the first time a collection of letters that readers had submitted in the 1950s and ‘60s to One Magazine, an early gay rights publication founded in Los Angeles in 1952. As with the responses to “Our Queerest Century,” they came from all over the country, he said. Somewhat to his surprise, they were filled with as much hope and love as sadness and fear. “I was braced for gloom and doom, and I found myself riveted and inspired by how these people were existing in that environment and, despite it all, finding happiness, finding love, finding meaning,” Loftin said. “There was still a sense of humor. There was still a sense of hope. There was still a kind of affirmative spirit that taught me as a queer person that, no matter what we’re facing now with Trump and all this rhetoric, we faced much worse in the past.” “Our Queerest Century” provided a similar reminder “of the sheer abundance of LGBT history” that queer people and their allies can draw on as they chart a path forward today, he said. “In the wake of Trump’s election, in the wake of the storm that is brewing and already starting to rain on us, we need to do a lot more [to] get this history out there,” he said. “For me, knowledge of the past is the path forward.”
Creating a stunning New Year’s table setting doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With a little creativity and these DIY tips, you can transform your table into the centerpiece of your celebration. The New Year is the perfect occasion to gather loved ones around the table and celebrate new beginnings. To make your feast truly unforgettable, a beautifully set table is essential. Here’s how you can create stunning DIY table settings that will impress your guests and set the tone for the festivities. 1. Choose a Theme Begin by deciding on a theme that complements the mood of your New Year’s celebration. Some popular themes include: Golden Glam: Think metallics, glitter, and sparkle. Winter Wonderland: Soft whites, icy blues, and frosted accents. Rustic Elegance: Natural elements like wood, burlap, and greenery. 2. Layer Your Tableware Create visual depth by layering your tableware. Here's how: Base Layer: Start with a stylish tablecloth or runner. For a chic look, use a solid color that contrasts with your tableware. Placemats and Chargers: Add texture with woven placemats or metallic chargers. Dinnerware: Stack plates of different sizes, starting with a dinner plate, followed by a salad plate, and ending with a small bowl. 3. Napkins with a Twist Napkins can be both functional and decorative. Fold them into elegant shapes or wrap them with a ribbon. Add a sprig of rosemary or a festive ornament for a personalized touch. 4. Statement Centerpiece A centerpiece can set the mood for your table. Consider these DIY options: Floral Arrangement: Combine seasonal flowers with pinecones and candles. Candle Display: Use varying heights of candlesticks and tea lights for a warm glow. Fruit Bowl: Arrange fresh fruits like pomegranates and oranges with a sprinkle of glitter. 5. Personalized Place Cards Create simple yet classy place cards for your guests. Use card stock and metallic pens to write their names. Attach the cards to mini pinecones, or place them in small decorative holders. 6. Add Festive Accents Incorporate small details to tie the look together: Fairy Lights: Drape them across the table for a magical ambiance. Confetti: Scatter metallic confetti or sequins for a celebratory vibe. Miniature Clocks: Add tiny clocks set to midnight for a whimsical New Year’s touch. 7. Incorporate Colors Wisely Stick to a cohesive color palette of 2–3 colors to avoid a cluttered look. Metallics like gold and silver pair well with almost any theme. 8. Serveware that Shines Use elegant glassware and serving dishes. Mix and match patterns for an eclectic look, or stick to a uniform style for a more polished appearance. 9. DIY Party Favors Place small party favors at each setting. These could be mini champagne bottles, sparklers, or a handwritten note wishing them a Happy New Year. 10. Final Touches Before guests arrive, ensure the table is tidy and everything is in place. Dim the lights slightly to enhance the ambiance created by your candles and fairy lights. Start the year off in style by wowing your guests with a feast that’s as beautiful as it is delicious! Stay informed on all the latest news , real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in india news and world News on Zee News.