the genie of the lamp

the genie of the lamp Dr Yusof (left) presenting Mohd Arifin with a token of appreciation for officiating the carnival today. SIPITANG (Dec 28): Sipitang is undergoing rapid development due to its strategic location as the only district bordering Sarawak and serving as a gateway to Sarawak, Brunei Darussalam and West Kalimantan via Lawas, said Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob. This rapid development is already evident with the government’s decision to establish the Sabah Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP) as the center for the state’s oil and gas industry, he pointed out at the ‘Pesta Makan Tahun Kadayan’ today. Currently, there is already a fertilizer plant owned by Petronas and the Sabah State Government, the Sabah Fertilizer SB (PEFSB). Additionally, the Z-LNG project is under construction and is expected to begin operations in 2027. According to the plans, many more industries will operate in SOGIP, which will drive Sipitang’s growth. “On behalf of the people of Sipitang, we are very grateful to the Sabah State Government under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition. And there are still several needs for the district. “Although some have been planned, we urge the government to expedite the construction of the Pan Borneo Highway from Sipitang to Kota Kinabalu, the acceleration and approval of funding for the construction of the road from Meligan to Long Pasia, extending to North Kalimantan. “As Sipitang serves as an entry and exit point and a tourist destination, we request the establishment of a Tourist Information Centre in the district. I have proposed that the old District Office building, a British heritage structure, be rebuilt while retaining its original features for this purpose. “Sipitang has grown rapidly, and the town itself is congested. Therefore, we request the expedited approval of land and sites for constructing a modern bew Sipitang township to be located in the Marintaman coastal area,” he said, adding that for the youth, there is a request for a university campus to be established in Sipitang. “There are many more needs for Sipitang, and I am confident that the government will assist us in making Sipitang a progressive and thriving area,” he said. The ‘Pesta Makan Tahun Kadayan’, a traditional communal celebration of the Kadayan ethnic group, is particularly significant for the Kadayan people of Borneo, including those in Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan and Brunei Darussalam, said Dr Yusof who is the president of Persatuan Kadayan Sabah (PAADIAN). At its core, the celebration is similar to the Harvest Festival of the Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) communities, a festive occasion held after a bountiful rice harvest. Traditionally, the Kadayan Harvest Festival is celebrated in every village, with preparations such as setting up a communal cooking and gathering space called “Teratak” done collectively. Traditional foods that must be prepared include Kelupis, Wajit, rice made from freshly harvested grains, Amping, and various other Kadayan delicacies. “However, times have changed. Farming rice is no longer the primary occupation for many, as younger generations now prefer office jobs. Despite this shift, we, the Kadayan people of Sabah and Borneo, continue to strive to organize the Kadayan Harvest Festival to preserve our cultural heritage and traditions so they remain alive and do not fade away with time,” said Dr Yusof. “Today, PAADIAN, in collaboration with Kelab Usahawan Anak Tempatan Sabah (KUAT), the District Office, the District Council, and various government agencies organised the ‘Karnival Kesenian, Kebudayaan dan Makanan Tradisi here. “The event began on December 27 and runs through December 31, 2024, culminating in the New Year’s Eve celebration to welcome 2025. This initiative is a contribution from PAADIAN, to enliven Sipitang town with a series of events designed to attract visitors,” said the Sindumin assemblyman. Dr Yusof said that they estimated the event would attract up to 50,000 visitors, injecting approximately RM5 million into the local economy. The carnival has already shown positive impacts, he said, with all hotels, motels and homestays in Sipitang fully booked for the event’s duration and the overflow has extended to Beaufort and Lawas, where accommodations are also fully booked, as Sipitang currently lacks sufficient lodging facilities. The carnival also creates opportunities for local entrepreneurs to generate income through the sale of their products, he said, adding that a key attraction remains the satay stalls at the Satay Esplanade in Sipitang, which are famous and a major draw for visitors. The carnival was launched by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Arif who represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

Too early to celebrate – Arne Slot keeps leaders Liverpool focusedCLINTON, S.C. (AP) — Quante Jennings rushed for 190 yards and a tiebreaking touchdown as Presbyterian beat Butler 30-20 in a regular-season finale on Saturday. Collin Hurst threw for 172 yards and two scores and ran for another for the Blue Hose (6-6, 4-4 Pioneer League). Reagan Andrew threw for three touchdowns and was intercepted once for the Bulldogs (9-3, 5-3). Jennings' 50-yard rush led to Hurst's 17-yard touchdown pass to Worth Warner to tie the game at 20 midway through the third quarter. Presbyterian's next possession began on the Butler 30 after a short punt from deep in Bulldogs territory, and five plays later Jennings scored from 10 yards out. Peter Lipscombe made it a 10-point lead with a field goal with 2:15 to go after a 15-play, 89-yard drive that took over 10 minutes. About a minute later, Andrew threw a 42-yard score to Ethan Loss but the Blue Hose recovered the onside kick. The Blue Hose defeated a ranked FCS team — Butler (9-3, 5-3) is No. 23 in the coaches poll — for the first time in its Division I history that began in 2007. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25 Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Shohei Ohtani to become a father for the 1st time in 2025A chorus of support is growing behind actress Blake Lively after she filed a complaint alleging sexual harassment and a smear campaign against "It Ends With Us" co-star Justin Baldoni. Actress Amber Heard on Monday became the latest celebrity to speak out on behalf of the "Gossip Girl" alum over what she says was a coordinated social media effort to tarnish her name. Over the weekend, Lively filed a complaint claiming that Baldoni and a lead producer had behaved unacceptably during the filming of box office hit "It Ends With Us." The allegations included that Baldoni -- who also directed the film -- had spoken inappropriately about his sex life, and had sought to alter the film to include sex scenes that were not in the script and had not been agreed to. They also detailed how lead producer Jamey Heath had watched Lively while she was topless, despite having been asked to turn away. But the complaint goes into great detail -- including with texts and emails -- on a PR campaign to wreck her reputation and to divert attention from any public comments she might make about the men's alleged misbehavior. This was "a carefully crafted, coordinated, and resourced retaliatory scheme to silence her, and others from speaking out about the hostile environment that Mr Baldoni and Mr Heath created," the complaint says. It includes allegations that the two men hired a crisis PR team that amplified or planted negative stories about Lively on social media platforms. "You know we can bury anyone," Melissa Nathan, a member of the team, is alleged to have said, according to messages contained in the complaint. Heard's ex-husband Johnny Depp hired the same PR team during the high-profile defamation trial between the couple in 2022, in which a jury unanimously found that Heard defamed Depp over allegations he abused her. "Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying 'A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on,'" Heard said in a statement carried by NBC News. "I saw this firsthand and up close. It's as horrifying as it is destructive." Heard's support came on the heels of a joint statement by America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn and Alexis Bledel, who starred with Lively in "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants." "As Blake's friends and sisters for over 20 years, we stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation," they wrote on Instagram. "Throughout the filming of 'It Ends with Us', we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set, and we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice." A lawyer for Wayfarer, the studio behind the film, said in a statement released to the New York Times that neither the studio, its executives, nor its PR team did anything to retaliate against Lively. "These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media," lawyer Bryan Freedman wrote. The complaint was lodged with the California Civil Rights Department, and is a precursor to a lawsuit. Major Hollywood talent agency WME -- which represents Lively -- has reportedly dropped Baldoni as a client. hg/ahaBeware of fake scams relating to cottage booking in Mahakumbh 2025Elisabeth Borne, only the second woman to serve as French prime minister, is making a surprise return to frontline politics as education minister less than a year after losing a job that she never wished to relinquish. An experienced technocrat known for her resilience who pushed through a controversial pensions overhaul while in office, Borne served as premier from May 2022 to January 2024. The 63-year-old engineer was the first woman to head a French government in three decades after the brief stint in office of Edith Cresson who lasted under 11 months in the early 1990s, during which time she endured rampant sexism. When Borne took power, she dedicated the moment to "all the little girls". "Follow your dreams, nothing must slow the fight for women's place in our society," she said. But her departure after just over 18 months left her denouncing the "insidious sexism" that she said still permeated French politics. At President Emmanuel Macron's request, she resigned in January and was replaced by the then 34-year-old Gabriel Attal, who became France's youngest head of government but he only lasted to the summer. Borne said after her resignation that women in politics were "constantly" compared to men. "Men in politics, they all have an interest in imposing masculine codes, it eliminates the competition," she added. She also noted that all candidates to succeed her were men. "It's as if commentators were saying to themselves, 'We've just had a woman prime minister for 20 months, that's it, we're back to normal life'," she told RTL. Even when she handed over office to Attal on January 9, Borne had made clear her resentment over sexism in French politics, saying: "I have also been able to see quite often that there is still some way to go for equality between women and men." But she added in a message to women: "Hold on, the future belongs to you." Borne had proved her loyalty to Macron during his first term in office, serving as transport, environment and finally labour minister from 2020. As premier she staunchly defended his flagship pensions reform to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. She deployed a controversial executive power to force through the legislation without a vote, despite previously saying she did not want to use it. Discreet about her private life, Borne was accused by critics of showing too little personality in office. Borne's Jewish father had been deported to Auschwitz during World War II and survived the Nazi death camp but never fully recovered. Her father took his own life when she was just 11 years old. "It's shocking for an 11-year-old girl to lose her father in these conditions," Borne told LCI. "And I think I closed up and that I avoid showing my emotions too much." "I think... this closing up, maybe, goes a little far. Yes," she acknowledged. But she expressed pride over how France had allowed her to study under a special programme for children who have lost parents. "We are a country where you can be the daughter of an immigrant, where you may have lost your father at 11, but the country reaches out to you to allow you to study," she said. "And then you are a prefect (senior local official), and then you are a minister and you are even prime minister," she added. Her father, who was reportedly named Joseph Bornstein, fled to France from Poland in 1940 and then fought in the French resistance during World War II. He was captured and deported to Auschwitz in 1944. bur-sjw/as/phz

VMPL New Delhi [India], November 23: A new report commissioned by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has uncovered a notable shift in the preferences of Indian couples when it comes to wedding planning. The research, surveying 1,000 recently engaged or married individuals across India, reveals that while Goa, Udaipur and Jaipur continue to be the top priority of couples, unique and scenic destinations such as Darjeeling, Amritsar, Mussoorie and Dehradun are gaining popularity as wedding locations, offering both beauty and exclusivity. This trend reflects a broader desire for personalised celebrations that go beyond tradition, with couples seeking more meaningful and memorable experiences for their big day. Also Read | Palakkad Assembly By-Election Result 2024; Congress Candidate Rahul Mamkootathil Wins Bypoll by Margin of Over 18,000 Votes, Highest Recorded in Constituency. The findings also highlight a resurgence of large, multi-day weddings, with an emphasis on creating lasting memories with family and friends. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are increasingly balancing luxury with budget-conscious choices, embracing a more collaborative, hands-on approach to wedding planning. This evolving landscape shows a growing preference for authentic, customised celebrations that incorporate modern trends like sustainability and technology while honouring time-honoured traditions. With approximately 60 hotels across India, situated in some of the most romantic destinations, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts boasts flexible venues in beautiful settings for every wedding preference, size and budget. As wedding trends emerge alongside the rise of sustainability and technology, Wyndham set out to understand evolving wedding preferences and help shape future hospitality offerings for couples planning their special day. Also Read | Madhya Pradesh: Man Kills 2 Children, Attacks Wife and Injures Self With Axe After She Refuses To Return Home in Barwani; Probe Launched. Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, commented: "Wyndham's wedding trend report reveals a shift toward unique, personalized wedding destinations like Goa and Udaipur reflecting a desire for more exclusive, meaningful experiences. While large and multi-day celebrations are making a comeback, it is great to see younger generations, especially Tech savvy Gen Z's blending opulence with budget and sustainable-conscious choices, emphasising authenticity and collaboration. At Wyndham, we're dedicated to helping couples create unforgettable and personalized weddings, making it a moment to remember." The grand comeback of Indian weddings: Couples go bigger for their big day Indian weddings have witnessed a resurgence in scale, with guest lists averaging 350-400 attendees. This return to medium and large gatherings reflects a post-pandemic yearning for grand celebrations, where weddings are not just about tying the knot but creating lasting memories. Primarily driven by social and familial expectations, about 52% of couples embrace extravagant celebrations to create unforgettable memories, while 34% acknowledge social expectation as a driving factor. This rise in larger gatherings contrasts with an increased interest in budget-conscious weddings, highlighting the diversity in wedding styles nationwide. Modern Weddings: Balancing Budget, Aspirations, and Inspiration Couples (especially Gen Z) today blend budget-conscious planning with big aspirations. While social media fuels many wedding trends, with 35% of couples motivated to showcase their weddings online, friends and family weddings still provide authentic ideas. Many of those surveyed opt for celebrations under INR 25 lakhs (approx. $29K USD), with loved ones helping with decor and planning to create a personal touch. Despite budget awareness, couples are drawn to Instagrammable locations like beaches, rooftops, and mountain venues, balancing financial caution with the dream of a visually captivating event. This blend of practicality and aspiration reflects a modern approach to weddings that values connection and style. Couples opt for local venues, prioritising family convenience While destination weddings hold a special allure, the study reveals that only 11% of couples go to far-off locations. Instead, 40% opt to celebrate in their home city or nearby family locations, underscoring the importance of ease and accessibility for loved ones. Local weddings not only reduce logistical challenges but also allow more family members and close friends to join the festivities, making the celebration feel more intimate and inclusive. With properties spanning popular destinations and emerging locales like Goa, Jaipur, Darjeeling and Udaipur, Wyndham's portfolio aligns well with this trend, offering venues catering to convenience and experiential luxury. The rise of the digital wedding: Technology drives new experiences With technology now woven into the fabric of modern weddings, innovations like digital menus, e-invites, and even drones have made their way into ceremonies. According to the study, 36% of Gen X couples have adopted LED screens, 29% use digital invitations, and 28% incorporate drone photography to capture aerial views of their celebrations. Not only are tech-driven elements practical and customisable, but they also cater to a more immersive guest experience. Trends such as live streaming, QR codes for guest check-ins, and AI-generated vows reflect a shift towards weddings that marry tradition with modern convenience. Zero-waste weddings: Eco-conscious couples make a difference Environmental awareness is no longer just a consideration but an action. The study highlights a growing interest in zero-waste weddings, where couples (especially those in premium budget segments) are choosing sustainable options. Popular choices include dried flowers, solar lanterns, recycled paper invitations, and eco-friendly wedding favours. By opting for reusable decor and minimising single-use plastics, couples are ensuring that their big day is memorable for guests and gentle on the planet. This trend resonates particularly with millennial couples who are inclined toward charitable initiatives. The report shows that one in ten couples now donate part of their wedding funds to causes they support, blending celebrations with social responsibility. Budget considerations shape celebrations Budgets and spending patterns vary with 46% of people planning to spend up to 10 lakhs on their weddings, indicating a preference for budget-conscious celebrations which is mostly driven by Gen Z. Another 30% have allocated or plan to spend between 10 to 25 lakhs, showing an inclination toward more elaborate arrangements within a moderate spending range. Meanwhile, 9% have set aside 25 to 40 lakhs, suggesting a focus on premium experiences and luxury elements. Lastly, an additional 9% plan to invest above 45 lakhs, demonstrating a commitment to hosting grand, high-end wedding events. This distribution highlights diverse spending patterns across different budget brackets, reflecting the varied approaches to wedding planning in today's market. Nowadays weddings often feature greater involvement from friends and family in planning themes, decor, and cuisine. This collaborative approach creates personalised celebrations while managing costs effectively. The research demonstrates that Indian weddings are evolving into more personalised, tech-savvy celebrations while maintaining strong family connections. With Wyndham's extensive network of properties across India, couples can find venues that perfectly match their vision, whether they prefer traditional locations or emerging destinations. Dimitris Manikis concluded, "At Wyndham, we are committed to supporting couples in bringing their vision to life. Whether they choose an iconic destination like Udaipur, a quieter gem like Darjeeling or their hometown, we understand that every wedding is unique. With our broad portfolio of venues across India, we are well-positioned to cater to a wide spectrum of wedding styles--allowing couples to celebrate in ways that feel both meaningful and memorable." (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)Standard Silicone Cable Market Outlook and Future Projections for 2030

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Iowa rushed the ball 58 times for 268 yards to secure a 26-13 road win over Maryland in fourth-string quarterback Jackson Stratton’s first career start on Saturday. The commitment to the ground game allowed the Hawkeyes (7-4, 5-3 Big Ten) to win the time of possession battle 37:41-22:19. Iowa also limited the Terrapins, the Big Ten's No. 2 passing offense entering Saturday, to a season-low 129 passing yards. Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) celebrates his touchdown during Saturday's game against Maryland in College Park, Md. Head coach Kirk Ferentz told the Hawkeye Radio Network the win was a real team effort during a postgame interview. “The defense did a great job, played smart, played competitively,” Ferentz said. “That was a team effort, good pass rush, trying to disrupt the thrower, and being opportunistic in the back end. “The other component was, especially in the first half, being able to keep the ball in our hands ... that minimized the wind and ... I know this, they cannot score if they are over on their sideline.” Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) celebrates his touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Running back Kaleb Johnson, who rushed for 164 yards on 35 attempts, surpassed Shonn Greene for sole possession of the Hawkeyes' single season rushing touchdown record with his 21st of the season in the second quarter. “Not only did I break the record, but I played another game with my boys,” Johnson told Big Ten Network. “We got one more game. My focus is on Nebraska ... . I always want to chase greatness. I am not satisfied just because I had a little record. I just want to keep going.” Stratton finished 10-of-14 for 76 yards and a 117 passing efficiency rating in the win. “He really, I thought, played with great poise,” Ferentz said. “Also, awareness, for a guy who has never started a game ... it did not seem to affect him at all. He really did a good job of preparing himself and did a really nice job of inserting himself. I thought he really played a good game.” Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz watches during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Iowa set the tone early and often in the first half against the Terrapins (4-6, 1-7 Big Ten) with three straight drives of 12 or more plays, which each lasted longer than six minutes. On its opening drive, the Hawkeyes marched 57 yards in 12 plays to the Maryland 23-yard line before a botched exchange between Stratton and running back Kamari Moulton gave the ball to the Terps. After Iowa’s defense forced a punt on the ensuing Maryland drive, Stratton led Iowa 59 yards back down the field over the course of 13 plays before Drew Stevens put Iowa in front 3-0 with a 27-yard field goal with 22 seconds remaining in the first quarter. A three-and-out on Maryland’s second drive set up Iowa’s third long, sustained drive of the game. Stratton piloted the offense 77 yards in 14 plays on a drive that lasted 7:26 and ended with a two-yard touchdown run from Johnson. Maryland quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) is sacked during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Stevens added a 54-yard field goal with a minute remaining in the first half to send Iowa to the break with a 13-0 lead. Stevens made it 16-0 with a 50-yard field goal to cap the Hawkeyes first drive of the second half. Trailing by two scores, the Terps managed to find the end zone for the first time with an 11-play, 70-yard drive capped by an eight-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback MJ Morris to Tai Felton. Maryland attempted a two-point conversion but failed allowing Iowa to remain in front by two scores, 16-6. After trading punts, Iowa answered with Stevens’ fourth field goal of the game, a 49-yard boot, to push the lead to 19-6 at the end of the third quarter. Maryland found the end zone once more on a 12-yard connection between Morris and Felton with 11:05 to play in regulation, trimming the lead to 19-13. A 68-yard rushing touchdown from Moulton on the subsequent Hawkeye drive, back-to-back Morris interceptions and a 26-yard field goal from Stevens allowed Iowa to swell its final advantage to 29-13. Stevens finished with a school-record 5-of-5 on his field goal attempts. Iowa will wrap up the regular season against Nebraska on Black Friday at 6:30 p.m. with broadcast coverage provided by NBC. “They are a tough, competitive football team,” Ferentz said. “So, nothing easy, there is nothing east. Nothing is easier today, but that is how college football is supposed to be.” According to Ferentz, he expects Stratton to start against Nebraska. "He is the leader of the group right now," Ferentz said. 5 Takeaways from Iowa’s bounce back win over Maryland Iowa QB breaks silence, reaffirms commitment to Hawkeyes Iowa coaches send congratulations, find common ground with retiring UNI head coach Get local news delivered to your inbox!