
Democracy is widely heralded as the ideal form of governance, promising freedom, equality, and representation. However, history and contemporary events reveal that democracy can sometimes devolve into a “tyranny of democracy.” This term describes situations where democratic principles or practices lead to oppression, marginalization, or inefficiency. French political thinker Alexis de Tocqueville first articulated the concept of the “tyranny of the majority” in Democracy in America (1835). He warned that in a democracy, the majority could impose its will on minorities, disregarding their rights and interests. This imbalance could lead to social injustice and the erosion of fundamental freedoms. Plato argued in The Republic that democracy, with its emphasis on freedom and equality, could lead to chaos and the rise of demagogues. He believed that unchecked populism could destabilize society and pave the way for tyranny. The inherent flaws in democratic systems, such as majoritarianism, populism, and the potential for political gridlock, create opportunities for oppression and inefficiency. In the United States of America, Post-Civil War Southern states employed democratic mechanisms to enforce racial segregation and disenfranchisement. Although African Americans constituted a significant portion of the population, white majorities used their voting power to uphold oppressive laws. The Reign of Terror (1793–1794) unleashed during the French Revolution, demonstrated how revolutionary democratic ideals could devolve into authoritarianism. Leaders like Robespierre used the rhetoric of equality and liberty to justify executions and suppress dissent. In Germany, the democratic Weimar Republic (1919–1933) failed to withstand the rise of extremist parties, including the Nazis, who exploited electoral processes to dismantle democracy itself. In the modern era, leaders use elections to legitimize their rule while suppressing opposition. These regimes exploit democratic structures to entrench power, marginalize minorities, and stifle dissent. The rise of populist leaders in the United States, and Brazil highlights how democratic systems can amplify division. Leaders often appeal to the majority’s fears and prejudices, sidelining minority rights and fostering social discord. India’s democracy, the largest in the world, has faced criticism for majoritarian policies under the leadership of nationalist parties. These policies have allegedly marginalized religious minorities and suppressed dissent. The Brexit referendum illustrates how democratic decisions, shaped by misinformation and populist sentiment, can have long-term detrimental consequences for a nation. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter have become breeding grounds for misinformation and polarization. Algorithms favor sensationalism, often amplifying the voices of extremist groups and undermining democratic discourse. In many democracies, advanced surveillance technologies are used to maintain control over the population, raising concerns about how democratic tools like public participation could be manipulated. In recent years, the notion of democracy as a beacon of fairness and freedom has been increasingly challenged. Across the globe, democratic institutions and processes are being leveraged by powerful actors to consolidate authority, often undermining the very principles they are meant to uphold. This phenomenon—sometimes called the “tyranny of democracies”—raises profound concerns about the trajectory of governance in the 21st century. Populist leaders like Donald Trump in the United States have demonstrated how democratic frameworks can be used to advance authoritarian tendencies. Donald Trump’s presidency revealed how fragile democratic norms could be in the face of a leader willing to exploit them for personal gain. From questioning the legitimacy of elections to polarizing rhetoric, Trump’s tenure highlighted the susceptibility of democracies to populist waves that prioritize the leader over institutions. Even post-presidency, his influence continues to shape U.S. politics, with his grip over the Republican Party serving as a testament to how populism can redefine democratic landscapes. In India, government has been criticized for eroding secular and pluralistic traditions enshrined in the country’s constitution. In Pakistan, the military has consistently overshadowed democratic institutions, often justifying its interventions as necessary to protect national interests. While civilian governments come and go, the military’s grip remains steadfast. This quasi-democratic facade undermines voter representation and perpetuates a cycle of governance where real power lies outside elected bodies. The ousting of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the military’s central role in controlling the political narrative serve as stark reminders of democracy’s vulnerability in hybrid regimes. South Korea, a robust democracy, has faced challenges where democratic processes sometimes seem to enable populist agendas or partisan divides. The recent impeachment of presidents, societal polarization, and the overreach of political elites raise questions about the health of democratic institutions. Though South Korea remains a strong democracy, the tension between political factions often stymies governance and reflects broader global trends of using democratic mechanisms to assert dominance. The examples of Trump, Pakistan’s military, and South Korea illustrate a disturbing trend: democracies can serve as vehicles for tyranny when leaders and institutions manipulate them for personal or partisan power. Leaders or factions undermine checks and balances, eroding trust in judiciary, media, or electoral bodies. Political divides are exacerbated to rally a loyal base, sidelining pluralism. The will of the majority is often imposed at the expense of minorities, threatening the social fabric. While democracy remains a powerful ideal, its implementation is increasingly fraught with challenges. The rise of authoritarian tendencies within democratic systems suggests that vigilance is necessary to safeguard freedoms and rights. Whether this is a temporary phase, or a long-term shift depends on the resilience of civil society, the integrity of institutions, and the ability of global citizens to demand accountability from their leaders. This growing tension underscores the need to rethink how democracy operates in a complex and polarized world. Mufti Showkat Farooqi, Attorney at Law, New York, USA.They are a lovable couple — Dr. Chris Liebrum and his wife, Cindy — known for quickly-triggered smiles, positive attitudes, deep faith and commitment to close-knit families. Married for 52 years, they have reached highest peaks and navigated life’s storms — shortening them when possible — confident of a safe arrival on the other side. They’re the kind of folks whose company is treasured. Cindy has earned “life of the party” status, laughing — even cackling — all the way, sometimes way out on limbs. Comparatively, Chris is content in the shade of trees, maybe planting something to bloom later. In short, they personify the expression heard during long ago cattle drives: “They’ll do to ride the river with.” — They’re proud of their sons, Cory and Clay, their daughters-in-law and their four grandchildren. Chris and Cindy, who met as students at Howard Payne University, carve out “family time” admirably. This was difficult to accomplish during Chris’s schedule-packed professional years of denominational leadership. Even with their mid-70s now at hand, they press on, barely slowed in “semi-retirement.” Chris works parttime for his alma mater, and still preaches often on Sundays throughout Texas. They are beloved by everyone, even friends with other religious beliefs or political leanings. I deeply value their friendship, these thoughtful, caring Christians. He is studied, his words carefully chosen when serious topics are broached. Cindy can be serious, too, but most friends can’t remember the last time she was. She’s always “at the ready” to snap pictures. Fact is, the camera strap marks formerly marking the back of her neck are slowly disappearing. Now, she values her smartphone, handy not only for “yakking” but also for photography. Grandchildren are favorite targets, as are much else that moves, or — for that matter — stands still ... — I joke with them endlessly, sometimes even jabbing a bit, and they jab back, particularly Cindy. She’s a joyful soul, but probably would be a lousy poker player. Chris, with quiet reserve and contemplation, can steer around most workaday challenges, two of which will be addressed in this column. To most people, they’ll fit in the “minutia box,” probably even at the very bottom. Neither is mentioned critically, and typically broached jokingly. He can’t pronounce “New Braunfels,” and he’s colorblind. (I don’t intend to joke about his visual condition, but he does.) — First things first. Like television newsmen who never knew they’d need to pronounce “Uvalde” often until the shootings there, Chris never thought he’d need to pronounce — or try to pronounce — ”New Braunfels”on a regular basis. Not so fast! HPU has a branch campus there, so he’s often involved in discussions that include the community’s name. In the past, he’s been able to “mumble through it,” or simply go ahead and pronounce it “New Braunsfel” or “New Braunsfels,” like many others do. I have tried endlessly to help him conquer this slight pronunciational flaw, but so far have been unsuccessful. It’s his “blind spot,” so to speak, similar to my failure to understand the difference in “imply” and “infer.” Trying to do so makes my hair hurt ... — Now, let’s jump into his world which often isn’t “black and white,” but various other shades and hues, most of which he has learned to live with. He and Cindy are theater-go’ers, treasuring attendance at live productions like “Wicked,” a Broadway hit that opened in 2003. They’ve seen it at least a half-dozen times on various stages, most recently at Dallas Summer Musicals. At intermission, he heard a lady seated behind him mention the green-colored witch, Elphaba. Puzzled, he turned to Cindy, expressing that he’d never realized the witch’s greenish hue. Chris is doubly careful at traffic lights, too. “I try to go with the flow,” he says, “And I’ve learned that the shortest measurement of time is that brief moment between the light turning green and the horn honking behind me. Remember, I told you their faults are few ...The plight of the 50 elderly individuals left stranded at the roadside is a sobering reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and compassion in the tourism sector. Let their experience serve as a cautionary tale for both tour operators and travelers alike, urging us all to prioritize integrity and human decency above all else.
Additionally, the meeting also addressed the importance of promoting innovation and technological advancement. Brokerage firms have pointed out that companies in the tech, biotech, and renewable energy sectors are likely to receive government support and incentives to drive innovation and create a more competitive market environment. This focus on innovation is expected to further enhance China's position as a global leader in technology and drive growth in related industries.Opposition fighters are at Damascus' gates. Who are they and what now?Kurt's exclusion from UEFA's refereeing ranks is not just a mere administrative decision; it is a statement of values and principles that UEFA upholds in maintaining the credibility of football. By taking swift and decisive action, UEFA sends a clear message that any conduct that undermines the sport's integrity will not be tolerated.
2. **All-Nighter**The timing of UEFA's action coinciding with the Premier League's investigation into Kurt raises questions about the thoroughness and diligence of the referee selection process. It underscores the importance of thorough vetting and ongoing monitoring of officials to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
In the aftermath of the woman's tragic passing, the spotlight has turned to the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the cosmetic surgery industry. Critics argue that the lax standards and lack of accountability in some clinics and practices have put patients at risk, with procedures often performed by underqualified or unlicensed individuals.
PTA enables VPN registration for freelancers via mobile numbersTop Stories | India mourns Manmohan Singh, rupee hits record low, Ultratech’s big acquisition and moreIrving, Texas–(Newsfile Corp. – December 7, 2024) – United Flow Technologies (“UFT”), a leading platform in the municipal and industrial water and wastewater sector is pleased to announce its strategic acquisition of The TDH Company, effective October 25, 2024. UFT and TDH Logos This acquisition signifies a major step in UFT’s commitment to building a best-in-class company through strategic acquisitions and organic growth. The TDH Company, founded in 2000, brings over two decades of specialized experience in sales and marketing within the municipal public works water and wastewater market. Operating in Georgia, Alabama, Eastern Tennessee, and the Florida Panhandle, TDH has established a strong regional presence and a reputation for innovative solutions and exceptional customer service. By integrating TDH’s broad expertise and strong relationships with local municipalities and engineering firms, UFT expands its geographic footprint into the Southeastern United States. This move enhances UFT’s capabilities to deliver comprehensive, innovative, and reliable solutions to meet the complex needs of water and wastewater treatment markets nationwide. “We are excited to welcome The TDH Company into the United Flow Technologies team,” said Matt Hart, CEO of UFT. “TDH’s established reputation, local expertise, and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our mission to offer high-quality, engineering-driven solutions that meet the evolving demands of our customers. This acquisition not only strengthens our product and service offerings but also enhances our ability to serve clients in key markets across the Southeast.” The TDH Company will continue to operate under its well-respected name, ensuring continuity for its customers and partners. Together, UFT and TDH are committed to fostering long-term partnerships, driving innovation, and advancing water and wastewater systems across the region. “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring,” said Clint Curl, President of The TDH Company. “As part of UFT, we will have access to greater resources, expanded expertise, and a broader platform to deliver innovative solutions to our customers. Being the first part of the UFT platform in the Southeast is an exciting opportunity and we look forward to growing with them.” About The TDH Company Founded in 2000, The TDH Company is a trusted agency specializing in sales and marketing within the municipal public works water and wastewater market. With extensive industry experience and a strong portfolio of equipment manufacturers, TDH provides innovative solutions and exceptional customer service to clients in Georgia, Alabama, Eastern Tennessee, and the Florida Panhandle. For more information, visit www.tdhco.com . About United Flow Technologies United Flow Technologies is a market leader in process and equipment solutions for the municipal and industrial water and wastewater markets. Established by H.I.G. Capital, UFT is dedicated to building a market-leading company through strategic acquisitions and organic growth. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and customer service, UFT delivers high-quality products and services that drive long-term value for clients across the United States. For more information, visit www.uft.com . About H.I.G. Capital H.I.G. is a leading global alternative investment firm with $66 billion of capital under management.* Based in Miami, and with offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco in the United States, as well as international affiliate offices in Hamburg, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Bogotá, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Dubai, and Hong Kong, H.I.G. specializes in providing both debt and equity capital to middle market companies, utilizing a flexible and operationally focused/value-added approach. Since its founding in 1993, H.I.G. has invested in and managed more than 400 companies worldwide. The Firm’s current portfolio includes more than 100 companies with combined sales in excess of $53 billion. For more information, please refer to the H.I.G. website at hig.com . *Based on total capital raised by H.I.G. Capital and affiliates. UFT Portfolio Companies About United Flow Technologies United Flow Technologies is a platform established in July 2021 to invest in the municipal and industrial water and wastewater market. UFT has partnered with market leading businesses, MISCOwater, Tesco Controls, The Henry P. Thompson Company, Shape Incorporated, EES, Newman Regency Group, Southwest Valve and Equipment, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota Pump Works, Hydro Controls, Municipal Valve Company, and The TDH Company to create a national provider of process, pump, automation & control, and other equipment solutions. And we’re just getting started making strategic partnerships to provide clean water across the country! To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232909 #distro
The United States saw an 18.1% increase in homelessness this year, a dramatic rise driven mostly by a lack of affordable housing as well as devastating natural disasters and a surge of migrants in several parts of the country, federal officials said Friday. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said federally required tallies taken across the country in January found more than 770,000 people were counted as homeless — a number that misses some people and does not include those staying with friends or family because they don't have a place of their own. That increase comes on top of a 12% increase in 2023, which HUD blamed on soaring rents and the end of COVID-19 pandemic assistance. The 2023 increase also was driven by people experiencing homelessness for the first time. The numbers overall represent 23 of every 10,000 people in the U.S., with Black people being overrepresented among the homeless population. People are also reading... A man walks past a homeless encampment Oct. 25, 2023, in downtown Los Angeles. "No American should face homelessness, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring every family has access to the affordable, safe, and quality housing they deserve," HUD Agency Head Adrianne Todman said in a statement, adding that the focus should remain on "evidence-based efforts to prevent and end homelessness." Among the most concerning trends was a nearly 40% rise in family homelessness — one of the areas that was most affected by the arrival of migrants in big cities. Family homelessness more than doubled in 13 communities impacted by migrants including Denver, Chicago and New York City, according to HUD, while it rose less than 8% in the remaining 373 communities. Almost 150,000 children experienced homelessness on a single night in 2024, reflecting a 33% jump from last year. Disasters also played a part in the rise in the count, especially last year's catastrophic Maui wildfire, the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. More than 5,200 people were in emergency shelters in Hawaii on the night of the count. Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries agents assist state police as they order people living in a homeless encampment to move to a different designated location during a sweep ahead of a Taylor Swift concert in New Orleans. "Increased homelessness is the tragic, yet predictable, consequence of underinvesting in the resources and protections that help people find and maintain safe, affordable housing," Renee Willis, incoming interim CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, said in a statement. "As advocates, researchers, and people with lived experience have warned, the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to increase as more people struggle to afford sky-high housing costs." Robert Marbut Jr., the former executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness from 2019 to 2021, called the nearly 33% increase in homelessness over the past four years "disgraceful" and said the federal government needs to abandon efforts to prioritize permanent housing. "We need to focus on treatment of substance use and mental illness, and bring back program requirements, like job training," Marbut said in an email. The numbers also come as increasing numbers of communities are taking a hard line against homelessness. People living in a homeless encampment pick up belongings Oct. 23 after Louisiana State Police ordered them to move to a different designated location during a sweep ahead of a Taylor Swift concert in New Orleans. Angered by often dangerous and dirty tent camps, communities — especially in Western states — have enforced bans on camping. That follows a 6-3 ruling this summer by the Supreme Court that found outdoor sleeping bans don’t violate the Eighth Amendment. Homeless advocates argued that punishing people who need a place to sleep would criminalize homelessness. There was some positive news in the count, as homelessness among veterans continued to trend downward. Homelessness among veterans dropped 8% to 32,882 in 2024. It was an even larger decrease for unsheltered veterans, declining 11% to 13,851 in 2024. "The reduction in veteran homelessness offers us a clear roadmap for addressing homelessness on a larger scale," Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, said in a statement. "With bipartisan support, adequate funding, and smart policy solutions, we can replicate this success and reduce homelessness nationwide. Federal investments are critical in tackling the country's housing affordability crisis and ensuring that every American has access to safe, stable housing." Several large cities had success bringing down their homeless numbers. Dallas, which worked to overhaul its homeless system, saw a 16% drop in its numbers between 2022 to 2024. Los Angeles, which increased housing for the homeless, saw a drop of 5% in unsheltered homelessness since 2023. A rat sniffs the hand of a sleeping man experiencing homelessness Dec. 18 in downtown Los Angeles. California, the most populous state in the U.S., continued to have the nation's largest homeless population, followed by New York, Washington, Florida and Massachusetts. The sharp increase in the homeless population over the past two years contrasts with success the U.S. had for more than a decade. Going back to the first 2007 survey, the U.S. made steady progress for about a decade in reducing the homeless population as the government focused particularly on increasing investments to get veterans into housing. The number of homeless people dropped from about 637,000 in 2010 to about 554,000 in 2017. The numbers ticked up to about 580,000 in the 2020 count and held relatively steady over the next two years as Congress responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with emergency rental assistance, stimulus payments, aid to states and local governments and a temporary eviction moratorium. Emergency housing resources for older Americans in need Emergency housing resources for older Americans in need Homelessness is intertwined with the cost of living, and the high cost of living is hitting older adults fairly hard. A Westat survey for the Department of Health and Human Services found that older adults are the fastest-growing cohort of the homeless population. Emergency housing for seniors can keep that number from climbing higher. Caring.com details how to access it. The number of homeless seniors isn't based solely on people remaining homeless as they age; it also includes those whose first experience with homelessness came after they turned 50. In 2023, The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported that 1 in 5 homeless people were over the age of 55. For seniors and other older adults, fixed incomes make it hard to battle the ever-increasing cost of expenses. Endhomelessness.org cites that 2.35 million older adults are paying over half of their limited income to rent. Based on Caring.com's July 2024 survey of seniors in the workforce , that's exactly why 1 in 15 retired seniors worry about losing their homes. Shelter use in homeless people older than 51 has gone up over 10% from 2007 to 2017, according to the HUD. But luckily, so has the number of shelters. Between 2022 and 2023, the HUD reports that emergency shelters added 28,760 more beds in emergency shelters, though this is a reduction in the amount of beds available during the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic. What Is Emergency Housing? Emergency homeless assistance, or emergency housing, is a temporary solution. It's designed to provide shelter while those facing housing instability figure out their next step. Emergency housing for homeless seniors gives someone the immediate ability to remain housed and safely sheltered. Local nonprofits are often involved in placing people experiencing homelessness or housing instability into emergency shelters. Low-income seniors, seniors who are low on funds and might not make rent, or seniors who need to leave their homes for other reasons can use emergency housing. How To Find Emergency Housing For Seniors Many cities have their own emergency housing programs. There are also nationwide programs that provide emergency housing for seniors. The internet is the fastest tool for locating local emergency housing. Libraries have free internet access, for those who might not have a computer or Wi-Fi to begin their search. The list below leads to websites that include phone numbers for emergency homeless assistance. Senior Programs for Emergency Housing Crisis Hotline 2-1-1 Seniors in need of immediate assistance and resources should call 2-1-1 or contact the United Way online . The 2-1-1 crisis hotline partners with United Way, which is committed to helping homeless seniors find local shelters or access transitional housing. The service can also connect seniors with other resources, including food, mental health support, or funding for health care expenses. Calling 2-1-1 is often required as a prerequisite before trying to get into a shelter or obtaining other assistance. Because 2-1-1 is for people in crisis, there are no eligibility requirements. However, some programs seniors may access through 2-1-1 do have eligibility requirements. Seniors can simply dial 2-1-1 from nearly anywhere in the U.S. to be put in touch with the programs and resources they need. Housing Choice Voucher Program Designed specifically for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families, the Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federal program offering low-income housing options and rent assistance. These vouchers are available through your local public housing agency (PHA). This program enables and encourages participants to choose their own housing. Housing options don't need to be a part of subsidized housing projects, but there are limits on unit size. Typically, participants must pay 30% of their monthly adjusted income towards their rent, and the voucher program pays the remainder. Applicant income and family size help the PHA determine eligibility. Citizenship and eligible immigration status also play a factor. The family's income cannot exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area where they're applying to live. Of the vouchers, 75% must go to people whose income is at or less than 30% of their area's median income. Contact your local public housing agency . Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program The Section 202 program helps expand the supply of affordable housing with supportive services for seniors. This program gives low-income seniors options that allow them to live independently, with support for cooking, cleaning, transportation, etc. This program is open to any very low-income household that has at least one person 62 years old or older. Applicants must submit an application in response to a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) posted on Grants.gov . U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing Voucher (HUD-VASH) The HUD-VASH program was created as emergency homeless assistance for veterans. Its goal is to give homeless veterans access to permanent housing through public housing authorities. Veterans receive rental assistance through the HUD Housing Choice Voucher program and additional case management services through the VA. By December 2023, the HUD had allocated nearly 112,000 vouchers to help house veterans nationwide. To help veterans achieve stability and remain housed, VA case managers may connect veterans with support services such as health care, mental health treatment, and substance use counseling. If you or your loved one is a low-income senior with eligible military service, you may apply. Your local VA can tell you if your service qualifies you for HUD-VASH. Senior veterans may apply online or call (877) 424-3838. Emergency Housing Resources by State Click here to learn more about the emergency housing options for seniors available in your state. The Bottom Line Low-income seniors who aren't in assisted living or independent living communities might find themselves facing housing instability. Emergency housing for seniors can help you or your loved one seek shelter. Crisis hotlines and public housing agencies can offer support. Senior Emergency Housing FAQ Finding emergency housing for seniors depends heavily on your area. The first step is to call the Crisis Hotline at 2-1-1. Finding a shelter takes less time than applying and getting approved for low-income housing voucher programs. The 2-1-1 hotline can direct you to local resources and locators. Yes and no. The duration depends on the type of housing. Shelters have limits that vary. Some shelters allow people to stay for up to six months, though that can vary based on demand. Seniors can remain in Section 202 supportive housing as long as they meet age and income requirements. Yes. Many counties have financial emergency programs that help seniors handle home repairs or short-term financial crises like utility shutoff. These programs allow the senior to focus their funds on their rent or mortgage. This story was produced by Caring.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! 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They're short but no different from 'normal people', and they defy stereotypes every day
美发言人:未启用与俄罗斯的冲突降级机制As gamers eagerly await the release of the PlayStation 5 Pro, they can now appreciate the hidden connection between their favorite console and a simple bathroom heater. Who would have thought that a household appliance could influence the future of gaming in such a profound way?
Lisa Simpson once said during an episode of “The Simpsons:” What could be more exciting than the savage ballet that is pro football? On Monday night, the entire Simpsons universe gets to experience it in a way not many could have imagined. The prime-time matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys will also take place at Springfield’s Atoms Stadium as part of “The Simpsons Funday Football” alternate broadcast. The altcast will be streamed on ESPN+, Disney+, and NFL+ (on mobile devices). ESPN and ABC have the main broadcast, while ESPN2 will carry the final “ManningCast” of the regular season. The replay will be available on Disney+ for 30 days. Globally, more than 145 countries will have access to either live or on replay. “We’re such huge football fans, and the Simpsons audience and the football audience, I feel, are like the same audience of just American families and football. And the Simpsons are so much a part of the DNA of the American family and culture that for us to, like, mush them together in this crazy video game, it’s so fun,” said Matt Selman, executive producer of “The Simpsons.” While the game is the focal point, the alternate broadcast, in some ways, will resemble a three-hour episode of “The Simpsons.” It starts with Homer eating too many hot dogs and having a dream while watching football. Homer joins the Cowboys in the dream while Bart teams up with the Bengals. Lisa and Marge will be sideline reporters. “That’s the beginning of the story, and the story continues through the entire game until Homer wakes up from his dream at the end of the game. It is like a complete story, and the NFL game will happen in between. It’s just going to be an amazing presentation with tons of surprises,” said Michael “Spike” Szykowny, ESPN’s VP of edit and animation. This is the second year ESPN has done an alternate broadcast for an NFL game. It used the characters from “Toy Story” for last year’s Sunday morning game from London between the Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars. “The Simpsons” has featured many sports-themed episodes during its 35 seasons. Even though “Homer at the Bat” remains the consensus favorite sports episode for many Simpsons fans, there have been football ones such as “Bart Star” and “Lisa The Greek.” There also was a Super Bowl-themed one after Fox’s broadcast of Super Bowl 33 between Denver and Atlanta in 1999. Even though “The Simpsons” remains a staple on Fox’s prime-time schedule, it is part of the Disney family after their acquisition of 20th Century Fox in 2019. All 35 seasons are on Disney+. The show’s creators have worked with ESPN and the NFL to make sure the look and sound is definitely Simpsonsesque. The theme song is a mash-up of “The Simpsons” opening and “Monday Night Football’s” iconic “Heavy Action.” There have also been pre-recorded skits and bits to use during the broadcast featuring Simpson’s legendary voices Hank Azaria, Nancy Cartwright, Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, and Yeardley Smith. The telecast will be entirely animated, with the players’ movements in sync with what is happening in real-time on the field. That is done through player-tracking data enabled by the NFL’s Next Gen Stats system and Sony’s Beyond Sports Technology. While Next Gen Stats tracks where players are on the field with a tracking chip in the shoulder pads, there is skeletal data tracking and limb tracking data — which uses 29 points per player — to get closer to the player’s movements. The other data tracking will allow Beyond Sports and Disney to add special characters to the game. For example, there might be a play where Lisa catches the ball and goes 30 yards instead of Cincinnati’s Tee Higgins. “Lisa is much smaller than the rest of the players. So, in real life, the ball would go over her head, but now, with data processing, we can take the ball and make it go exactly into her hands. So for the viewer, it still looks believable, and it all makes sense,” said Beyond Sports co-founder Nicolaas Westerhof. The other major challenge is making “The Simpsons” two-dimensional cartoon characters into 3-D simulations. Szykowny and his team worked to make that a reality over the past couple of months. “That’s a big leap of faith for them to say, hey, we trust you to make our characters 3-D and work with it. Our ESPN creative studio team has done a wonderful job,” Szykowny said. Lisa, Krusty, Nelson, Milhouse and Ralph will be with Bart and the Bengals; while Carl, Barney, Lenny and Moe join up with with Homer and the Cowboys. The broadcast will also feature ESPN personalities Stephen A. Smith, Peyton Manning and Eli Manning. ESPN’s Drew Carter, Mina Kimes and Dan Orlovsky will call the game from Bristol, Connecticut, and also be animated. They will wear Meta Quest Pro headsets to experience the game from Springfield using VR technology. For Kimes, being part of the broadcast and being an animated Simpsons character is a dream come true. She is a massive fan of the show and has a framed photo of Lisa Simpson — who she said is a personal hero and icon — as part of her backdrop when she makes appearances on ESPN NFL shows from her home in Los Angeles. “I didn’t have any input, and I didn’t see anything beforehand, so I wasn’t sure if it would look like me, but it kind of does, which is very funny,” said Kimes, who drew Simpsons characters when she was a kid. “To see the actual staff turn me into one was a dream.” Even though the Bengals (4-8) and Cowboys (5-7) have struggled this season, Selman thinks both teams have personalities that appeal to “The Simpsons” universe. “We were just so lucky also that the Cowboys are sort of like a Homer Simpson-type team, American team, and Mike McCarthy might be a Homer-type guy, one might imagine,” he said. ”And then you have Joe Burrow on the other side who is a cool young, spiky-haired, blonde bad boy -- he’s like Bart. And that fits our character archetypes so perfectly. “If Homer is mad at Bart and has a hot dog dream while watching ’Monday Night Football’, and then it’s basically McCarthy versus Burrow, Homer versus Bart, and that’s the simple father versus son strangling — Homer strangling Bart dynamic that has been part of the show for 35 years. I don’t know if that would have worked as well if it was like Titans versus Jacksonville. We would have found something. We would have made it work.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflStock market today: Stocks waver in thin trading after US markets reopen following a holiday pause
Post-operative care and follow-up are equally important components of the medical aesthetics process. Patients should be provided with clear instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and potential side effects to monitor for. Additionally, regular follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider are necessary to assess the outcomes of the procedure and address any concerns or complications that may arise.Stock market today: Wall Street slips as technology stocks drag on the market
Thiruvananthapuram: The ultimate loser in the byelections to two assembly seats and Wayanad Lok Sabha segment in Kerala is BJP. The party's dismal performance in the byelections, especially Palakkad, took the sheen out of the emphatic win it clinched in the last Lok Sabha election at Thrissur. It's not a secret that the loss of C Krishnakumar in Palakkad did not come as a shock to a number of BJP leaders in Kerala. While a section of the leaders thought that Krishnakumar was the wrong choice in Palakkad this time since he came third as the party candidate in Palakkad in the recently-held Lok Sabha elections. "Being an overexposed candidate, tried and tested by BJP in several elections, Krishnakumar failed to attract voters in a way that could catapult him to victory. Sobha Surendran, who was more than willing to contest from Palakkad, would have been a better candidate to put up a better fight, at least," said a senior BJP leader. Until the day of vote counting, those who ran the election campaign in Palakkad for BJP were under the impression that the party would significantly improve its tally in municipal areas and thus overcome the possible surge of Congress in rural parts of the constituency. Maharashtra Jharkhand Maharashtra Alliance View i Party View Seats: 288 Results Majority: 145 BJP+ 229 MVA 47 OTH 12 Results : 288 / 288 BJP+ WON Jharkhand Alliance View i Party View Seats: 81 Results Majority: 41 INDIA 56 NDA 24 OTH 1 Results : 81 / 81 INDIA WON Source: PValue The failure of the saffron party to improve its position in Palakkad also questions the claim that it would be an advantage for BJP if there is a tightly-contested tri-party fight. Party leaders said that the support extended by SDPI and Jamaat-e-Islami had benefited Congress in winning the votes of those who subscribe to the ideology of political Islam. But the fact that the difference in votes polled in favour of Krishnakumar and LDF's independent candidate P Sarin is just 2,256 votes and so there is not much scope for BJP to blame minority consolidation alone for its defeat. The landslide victory of Priyanka Gandhi in Wayanad Lok Sabha byelection and the resounding victory of Rahul Mamkootathil in Palakkad byelection are confidence boosters for Congress and UDF. The formidable victory of UR Pradeep in Chelakkara is a face-saver for CPM and LDF. But, for BJP and NDA, the defeat in this tight contest in Palakkad doused its hope that the victory of Suresh Gopi in Thrissur could have a domino effect in constituencies considered as its stronghold.