The US needs a red wave and will be finished if the Republican Party does not prevail in the 2024 presidential election, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.
The billionaire, who had previously revealed he voted for Joe Biden in 2020, has since criticized the incumbent US president and clashed with his administration. Musk has repeatedly criticized Biden’s handling of the Southern US border crisis and has accused Democrats of being “controlled by the unions.” “I voted 100% Dem until a few years ago. Now, I think we need a red wave or America is toast,” Musk wrote on X. According to media reports, the entrepreneur became increasingly critical of Biden after Tesla, the top-selling electric-car company in the US, was excluded from a White House summit on EVs in 2021. Last year Musk revealed that he had doubts he’d be voting for Biden in the 2024 presidential election. As of yet, however, he hasn’t endorsed Biden’s rival Donald Trump. “I think I would not vote for Biden,” Musk told a DealBook summit in November, adding “I’m not saying I’d vote for Trump.” Earlier this month the New York Times reported that Trump had met with Musk in Florida, as the former US president seeks a major cash infusion for his re-election campaign. Musk confirmed the meeting but maintained that he is not donating to the Republican’s campaign. “I was at a breakfast at a friend’s place and Donald Trump came by, that’s it,” he told former CNN host Don Lemon last week, adding that Trump had not requested any financial assistance. “I’m not paying his legal bills in any way, shape or form. And he did not ask me for money,” Musk said.
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Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is a city steeped in history, culture, and tradition. Renowned for its stunning temples, picturesque gardens, and traditional tea houses, Kyoto has long been celebrated as a bastion of Japanese heritage. One of the most iconic symbols of Kyoto's cultural richness is the geisha, embodying grace, elegance, and refinement. To understand what makes Kyoto famous, it is imperative to delve into its rich history, particularly the captivating tale of the geisha. Historical Background Kyoto served as the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years, from 794 until the capital was moved to Tokyo in 1869. Throughout its history, Kyoto has been a center of political power, cultural innovation, and artistic expression. It was during this time that the geisha tradition began to flourish, evolving into one of Kyoto's most enduring and cherished cultural exports. Geisha Icons of Elegance and Tradition: The geisha, or geiko as they are known in Kyoto, are traditional Japanese entertainers who are skilled in various arts such as classical music, dance, and the tea ceremony. Contrary to popular misconceptions, geisha are not courtesans or prostitutes but rather highly trained performers who entertain guests through conversation, music, and dance. The geisha tradition traces its roots back to the 18th century when female entertainers began to entertain guests at tea houses and restaurants in Kyoto. Over time, the geisha evolved into refined artists who became synonymous with grace, sophistication, and elegance. The Geisha Districts of Kyoto Kyoto is home to five geisha districts known as hanamachi, each with its own distinct character and charm. Gion, located in the heart of Kyoto, is the most famous and prestigious geisha district, renowned for its historic tea houses, traditional architecture, and narrow cobblestone streets. Pontocho, another well-known hanamachi, is famous for its vibrant nightlife, riverside restaurants, and atmospheric lantern-lit alleys. These geisha districts serve as living museums of Japanese tradition, where visitors can experience the enchanting world of the geisha up close. Geisha Training and Apprenticeship Becoming a geisha is a rigorous and demanding process that requires years of training, dedication, and discipline. Young girls, known as maiko, typically begin their apprenticeship at a geisha house, or okiya, in their early teens. Under the guidance of senior geisha, maiko learn the art of traditional dance, music, and etiquette, as well as the intricacies of conversation and hosting. The maiko stage is characterized by distinctive attire, including elaborate kimono, intricate hairstyles adorned with floral ornaments, and striking white makeup. Cultural Significance and Legacy
The geisha hold a special place in Japanese culture as symbols of beauty, grace, and tradition. Through their performances, geisha preserve and promote traditional arts that date back centuries, ensuring that Japan's cultural heritage continues to thrive in the modern era. Despite the challenges of modernization and changing societal norms, the geisha tradition remains resilient, attracting visitors from around the world who seek to experience the timeless elegance of Kyoto's cultural ambassadors. In conclusion, Kyoto's fame as a cultural mecca is inextricably linked to its rich history and traditions, particularly the captivating legacy of the geisha. As custodians of Japan's cultural heritage, the geisha embody the grace, elegance, and refinement that define Kyoto's cultural identity. Through their performances, the geisha continue to enchant audiences and perpetuate the timeless beauty of Kyoto's traditional arts. In a rapidly changing world, the geisha serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of tradition and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.
2024 FORMULA 1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CONSTRUCTOR STANDINGS
Chinese coast guard ship uses a water cannon on a Philippine resupply vessel Unaizah May 4 as it approaches Second Thomas Shoal, locally called Ayungin shoal, at the disputed South China Sea, March 23, 2024. China's coast guard on Saturday fired a water cannon at a Philippine supply boat in disputed waters in the South China Sea, causing “significant damages to the vessel” and injuring its crew, the Philippine coast guard said.
Manila was attempting to resupply troops stationed on a ship at the Second Thomas Shoal, known locally as Ayungin Shoal, when the Chinese coast guard and maritime militia “harassed, blocked, deployed water cannons, and executed dangerous maneuvers against the routine RoRe (rotation and resupply) mission,” said the Philippine National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea. The West Philippine Sea is the part of the South China Sea that Manila claims as its jurisdiction. The Chinese coast guard also set up “a floating barrier” to block access to shoal where Manila ran aground an old warship, BRP Sierra Madre, to serve as a military outpost. The Philippine task force condemned China’s “unprovoked aggression, coercion, and dangerous maneuvers.” Philippines’ RoRe missions have been regularly blocked by China’s coast guard, but this is the first time a barrier was set up near the shoal. The Philippine coast guard nevertheless claimed that the mission on Saturday was accomplished. Potential consequences The Second Thomas Shoal lies within the country’s exclusive economic zone where Manila holds sovereign rights. China, however, claims historic rights over most of the South China Sea, including the Spratly archipelago, which the shoal forms a part of. A Chinese foreign ministry’s spokesperson on Saturday said the Philippine supply vessel “intruded” into the waters near the shoal, called Ren’ai Jiao in Chinese, “without permission from the Chinese government.” “China coast guard took necessary measures at sea in accordance with law to safeguard China's rights, firmly obstructed the Philippines’ vessels, and foiled the Philippines’ attempt,” the ministry said. “If the Philippines insists on going its own way, China will continue to adopt resolute measures,” the spokesperson said, warning that Manila “should be prepared to bear all potential consequences.” U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson wrote on social media platform X that her country “stands with the Philippines” against China’s maneuvers. Beijing’s “interference with the Philippines’ freedom of navigation violates international law and threatens a free and open Indo-Pacific,” she wrote. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu also said that Canberra shares the Philippines’ “serious concerns about dangerous conduct by China’s vessels adjacent to Second Thomas Shoal.” “This is part of a pattern of deeply concerning behavior,” Yu wrote on X.
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Toyota recently showcased the IMV 0 concept. The small entry-level pickup truck is now launched in Thailand as the Toyota Hilux Champ. As reported earlier, the Hilux Champ is offered with various customisation options. In fact, there are two wheelbase options on offer, along with three engine choices. It sits below the Hilux, as a more affordable product to enjoy the Hilux legacy. However, the Hilux Champ’s key highlight remains its modification potential. Toyota claims that except for the mechanicals and select body panels, the remaining part of the truck can be customised via third-party modifiers. Toyota Hilux Champ Price In Thailand, the Toyota Hilux Champ pickup truck is launched at a starting price of TBH 459,000, which in Indian Rupee is Rs 10.91 lakh. The prices go up to TBH 577,000 (Rs 13.71 lakh). Bookings for the truck are already open, and it will be produced at the brand’s Samrong facility in Thailand. Toyota Hilux Champ Design The Hilux Champ has not changed much in comparison to the IMV 0 concept. On the front it gets a chunky bumper and a prominent grille, all finished in black. It has a single-cab layout and a long deck. The design is utilitarian in every sense. However, Toyota is offering the option of modifications for the Hilux Champ, as it can be converted into a food truck, camper, or RV. On the inside, it gets a purpose-built dashboard with a rugged appeal. There’s no provision for an infotainment unit, and the steering wheel is free of any button, whatsoever. Toyota Hilux Champ Specs Starting with engine options, there are three of them - 2.4L diesel, 2.0L petrol and 2.7L petrol. The diesel is good at pushing out 150 Hp/400 Nm and the 2.0L NA petrol develops 130 Hp/183. Lastly, the 2.7L NA petrol churns out 166 Hp/245 Nm. Transmission options include a 5-speed MT and 6-speed AT. Toyota Hilux Champ Dimensions
The Toyota Hilux Champ gets two wheelbase options - 2.75 metres and 3.08 metres. The truck is 1.8 metres tall and wide. The SWB version measures 4.9 metres in length, while the LWB trim measures 5.3 metres long. The ground clearance stands at 180 mm. Toyota Hilux Champ-Based Mini Fortuner SUV Reports suggest that Toyota is also developing a new SUV on the IMV platform, which will be smaller than the Fortuner. It will possess similar offroading credentials, and it could possibly be making its way to our shores. Spain’s National Court has ordered internet providers to suspend the use of the Telegram instant messaging service, pending an investigation into claims of copyright infringement.
Friday’s ruling came after Spain’s four leading media organizations – Mediaset, Atresmedia, Movistar, and Egeda – filed a complaint arguing that the platform allows users to distribute their content without permission. According to local media, Judge Santiago Pedraz requested certain information from Telegram’s owners as part of the probe. After the request was not fulfilled, he ordered for access to the app to be blocked, effective on Monday. The judge described the measure as “precautionary” and cited Telegram’s lack of cooperation. The suspension is expected to last throughout the investigation. The newspaper El Pais said that Telegram largely remains accessible in Spain, although some users started to report problems with the service on Friday night. The ruling was met with widespread criticism. Consumer rights watchdog FACUA called it “absolutely disproportionate” and said that the blocking of the popular service will cause “enormous damage.” “It would be like shutting down the internet because there are websites that illegally host copyrighted content, or cutting the entire television signal because there are channels that engage in piracy,” FACUA Secretary General Ruben Sanchez said in a statement. Fernando Suarez, the president of the General Council of Professional Associations of Computer Engineering in Spain, made a similar point, comparing the suspension of Telegram to “completely closing off one province in our country because there was a case of drug trafficking or theft on that territory.” According to a survey conducted by independent competition regulator CNMC, nearly 19% of Spaniards use Telegram. Telegram is a cloud-based service that allows users to exchange text messages, share media files, and make voice calls and public live streams. The platform was launched in 2013 by Russian-born entrepreneur Pavel Durov. It reached 800 million active users in 2023, according to industry news website Business of Apps.
FORMULA 1 ROLEX AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2024 - Race Results
Earlier this month, the US embassy in Russia said it was “monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow,” including concerts. The embassy warned US citizens to avoid large gatherings. On Friday, following reports of the Crocus City Hall attack, it advised US citizens not to travel to Russia.
Starting in November, there has been a steady stream of intelligence that ISIS-K was determined to attack in Russia, according to two sources familiar with the information. ISIS-K stands for ISIS-Khorasan, the terror organization’s affiliate that is active in Afghanistan and the surrounding region. US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the US government had had information about a planned terrorist attack in Moscow – potentially targeting large gatherings, to include concerts – and that this is what prompted the State Department to issue the public advisory. “The US government also shared this information with Russian authorities in accordance with its longstanding ‘duty to warn’ policy,” Watson said. In a speech Tuesday, Putin had blasted the American warnings as “provocative,” saying “these actions resemble outright blackmail and the intention to intimidate and destabilize our society.” In March alone, Russian authorities had thwarted several ISIS-related incidents, according to RIA. On March 3, RIA reported that six ISIS members were killed in a counter-terrorist operation in the Ingush Karabulak; on March 7, it said security services had uncovered and “neutralized” a cell of the banned organization Vilayat Khorasan in the Kaluga region, whose members were planning an attack on a synagogue in Moscow; and on March 20, it said the commander of an ISIS combat group had been detained. A US official said Friday that Washington had no reason to doubt ISIS’ claim that it was responsible for the latest attack. FSB: Moscow attackers had contacts in Ukraine The perpetrators of the attack in Moscow on Friday evening had contacts in Ukraine. Four attackers were on their way to the Ukrainian border when they were apprehended on Saturday morning, the Russian security service FSB said. The arrests the FSB refers to took place in Bryansk province, several hundred kilometers southwest of Moscow. Bryansk borders both Ukraine and Belarus. The FSB does not say what role these 'Ukrainian contacts' would have played in the attack. Shortly after the attack on Crocus City Hall, the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group claimed responsibility. Employees of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also immediately announced on Friday evening that Kiev had nothing to do with the attack in Moscow. The United States also said on Friday evening that it had no indications that Ukraine was involved in the shooting. What we know so farRussia suffered one of the worst terrorist attacks in its modern history on Friday. At least 60 people were killed and scores injured by a group of gunmen who stormed a large music venue just outside of Moscow. Details are still emerging, but it appears that the attack was well prepared and designed to maximize casualties. Here is what is known so far. A packed venue The terrorists struck at Crocus City Hall, a concert venue located in Krasnogorsk, a settlement on the western outskirts of the Russian capital. It is part of a larger entertainment complex opened in 2009, which also includes a shopping mall and hotel. The concert hall holds up to 7,500 people and was almost packed when the terrorists launched their assault. The popular rock band Picnic was set to perform. Shooting spree According to footage circulating online, some five gunmen took part in the shooting. They appeared to be carrying automatic firearms and had other military gear. They reportedly killed the security guards – who were unarmed – at the main entrance to the venue, and blocked it before continuing their rampage inside. Large blaze follows Once the terrorists reached the concert hall, they reportedly set chairs inside on fire. The blaze spread across the building and reached the roof before firefighters could start combating it. Helicopters were seen pouring large quantities of water on the building following the attack. Dozens killed Russia’s Investigative Committee has said at least 60 people (red. 115) were killed in the attack, and warned that “the number of victims might increase.” Three children have died following the mass shooting at Crocus City Hall, according to hospital data posted on the Moscow Region’s Health Ministry website. A list of the wounded released by the ministry has more than 140 entries, some of whom are yet to be identified. Dozens of the injured are said to be in serious condition. At least 70 ambulances were dispatched to the scene on Friday night, according to officials. Fate of the perpetrators Russian law enforcement did not report any arrests in the wake of the shooting. Commando units were dispatched to the scene, but it was not immediately clear whether they confronted the gunmen inside. Unconfirmed media reports said that several Crocus employees had been detained. Identity of the terrorists
No terrorist group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Senior Ukrainian official Mikhail Podoliak posted a video statement on social media shortly after the news broke. The aide to President Vladimir Zelensky distanced the Ukrainian government from the tragedy, claiming that Kiev does not resort to terrorism in its fight against Russia. ISIS had claimed the attack, but experts say that the claim couldn't be confirmed as by now. However, USA source say that the claim can be legit. Reactions from abroad International organizations and foreign governments, including those that Russia considers unfriendly, have condemned the terrorist attack. White House White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby, who was giving a daily briefing shortly after the incident, called the images from the scene “hard to watch,” adding: “Our thoughts obviously are going to be with the victims of this terrible, terrible shooting attack.” Security alerts in March Earlier this month, the US issued a warning to its citizens in Russia, urging them to avoid public places and mass gatherings. The embassy claimed that “extremists” had imminent plans for an attack in Moscow. Several other embassies followed suit, issuing similar alerts. Kirby stressed that Washington had “no advanced knowledge” of Friday’s shooting. Why is Russia a target for ISIS? There is no direct connection between ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) and Russia. In fact, Russia has been involved in conflicts against ISIS, particularly in Syria, where it has supported the Syrian government in its fight against the terrorist group. However, Russia's involvement in the Syrian conflict has also been complex, with various geopolitical considerations beyond just combating ISIS. However, as ISIS has ties with Iraq and Iran supports Russia in it's war against Ukraine. It make that ISIS is behind this attack! |
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