Full nautical

Lifestyle

September 21, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) – Tommy Hilfiger loves celebrating New York City and its landmarks. He also loves a nautical theme – and a big surprise.

So for his New York Fashion Week show, the designer brought all those elements together in his typically splashy way, inviting guests aboard a decommissioned ferry boat and giving them not only a runway show but a rap-filled finale.

“We’re inspired by nautical this season,” Hilfiger told The Associated Press (AP) before the show. “But it’s nautical, preppy, collegiate, all-American and modern. So we needed to show it either on the water, on a boat or near the water. Then we found out the Staten Island Ferry was available.”

The boat, called the John F Kennedy, served as a Staten Island Ferry until it was decommissioned in 2021. It was bought the following year by investors including actor-comedian Pete Davidson and Saturday Night Live’s Colin Jost, who both grew up in the New York City borough.

“We are really the first people to utilise it (the ferry) for an event,” Hilfiger said. “We’re really excited.”

Hilfiger’s Spring 2025 collection featured nautical style stripes “inspired by sailing heritage,” the label explained, and casual styles like capri pants and oversized knits.

There were Hilfiger’s much-loved varsity jackets, trench coats, club blazers, and polos.

Accessories included bandanas around the neck. “It’s the New American Prep wardrobe,” the label said in a statement, “fusing vibrant Ivy League style with everyday coastal functionality.”

Cambodian opposition figure in court on incitement charge

Southeast Asia

September 21, 2024

PHNOM PENH (AFP) – An outspoken Cambodian opposition politician appeared in court yesterday for questioning on new charges, the latest in a series of legal cases brought by the authorities against dissenting voices.

Rong Chhun, an adviser to the Nation Power Party, which was founded last year, faces up to six years in prison if he is convicted of new charges which include “incitement to disturb social stability”.

Rong Chhun said the allegations against him relate to his meetings with victims of land disputes, and his interview about Prime Minister Hun Manet’s recent visit to the border area with Vietnam.

A judge granted him bail but he was banned from attending political rallies and travelling overseas among other conditions, Rong Chhun told reporters after the hearing. “I lost some freedom,” he said.

The incitement charge is frequently used by Cambodian authorities against activists. Several dozen supporters and party members gathered outside the Phnom Penh Municipal Court and cheered when they saw Rong Chhun leave the building.

“It is repression and a limitation of my freedom to participate in political activities,” a former vice president of the opposition Candlelight Party Rong Chhun told reporters before entering the courtroom.

Police set up barricades around the court, preventing journalists and supporters from approaching the entrance.

France poised to finally get new government

World

September 21, 2024

PARIS (AFP) – French President Emmanuel Macron yesterday was weighing a long-awaited new government which includes fresh faces in almost all key posts and marks a shift to the right.

The full line-up wasn’t announced yesterday but is due tomorrow following “final fine-tuning”, Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s office said, after two-and-a-half months of deadlock created by inconclusive legislative elections.

While there appeared to be no major surprises or big name entrants into the cabinet, there are set to be new foreign, economy and interior ministers, with only the defence minister remaining unchanged among the key offices of state.

Barnier is proposing Europe Minister Jean-Noel Barrot as foreign minister, a source close to Macron’s political faction, asking not to be named, told AFP.

The move would be a major promotion for the 41-year-old, whose slick media appearances have impressed observers, but boosting France’s presence on the international stage could pose a challenge.

Bruno Retailleau, who heads the faction of the right-wing The Republicans (LR) in France’s upper house Senate, is to take on the interior ministry, according to several sources who spoke to AFP. Landing the interior ministry, which oversees the police and domestic security, would be seen as a major success for the right. And another meteoric rise will likely see Antoine Armand, 33, the head of Parliament’s economic affairs commission installed as economy minister.

One key person said to be staying on is Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu who is believed to enjoy a close and trusting relationship with Macron.

Barnier was at the Elysee Palace late Thursday to discuss the nominations with Macron.

The list is a government “ready to act in the service of the French people”, the premier’s office said, later adding the new government would be unveiled “before Sunday”.

Macron could seek to veto Barnier’s proposals but doing so would cause immense tensions with his premier at this stage. Sources added that names still need to be vetted to ensure they have no conflicts of interest before entering government, as is customary.

But Macron “will not censor any name”, said a source close to him asking not to be named. There had been tensions between centrist Macron and Barnier, who comes from the LR, over the balance of the government notably at a lunch earlier this week that reports said was far from cordial.

Animal rescuers help fox with head stuck in plastic container

World

September 21, 2024

The fox with its head stuck in a container. PHOTO: UPI

UPI – Animal rescuers in England came to the assistance of a hungry fox that went searching for food and ended up with its head stuck in a plastic container.

Secret World Wildlife Rescue said on social media that its response team was called out to help a fox that “had managed to get its head stuck in a container whilst curiously looking for food”.

The rescuers were unable to pull the container off the fox’s head, so the animal was taken to Green Pastures Vets for additional assistance.

“The fox was able to be released that evening with no injuries,” the post said.

The wildlife rescue said the incident serves as a reminder to make sure all trash is properly disposed of so it doesn’t pose a danger to wildlife.

Balloons, trampoline in toy Hall of Fame spotlight

World

September 21, 2024

In this undated photo released by the National Toy Hall of Fame showing the 12 finalists being considered for induction this year. The winners will be announced in November. PHOTO: AP

ROCHESTER (AP) – The National Toy Hall of Fame is floating the idea of inducting balloons.

Praised for their versatility and universal appeal, balloons made the list on Wednesday of 12 finalists being considered for the honour later this year, alongside other first-time contenders including the trampoline and the party game Apples to Apples.

A panel of expert judges and the public will vote on which of the finalists will be inducted in November.

This year’s nominees also include the bestselling Choose Your Own Adventure gamebooks, which encourage readers to plot stories; Hess Toy Trucks, which have signaled the holiday season since 1964; remote-controlled vehicles and the stick horse.

Rounding out the list are the games Phase 10, Sequence and the Pokemon Trading Card Game, along with two perennial nominees, My Little Pony figures and Transformers action figures, both of which debuted in the 1980s.

“These 12 toys represent the wide range of play — from strategic to whimsical to physical – and present many playful matchups. The selection judges and public will have some tough decisions this year,” predicted vice president Christopher Bensch for collections and chief curator.

Fans can vote for their favourites until September 25 at toyhalloffame.org. The three toys that receive the most public votes will make up a ‘Player’s Choice’ ballot that will be tallied along with ballots from 22 historians and other experts.

Since 1998, the National Toy Hall of Fame has recognised more than 80 toys for inspiring creative play across generations. They range from humble playthings like the stick, paper airplane and cardboard box to those that have influenced pop culture, like the Barbie doll and Dungeons & Dragons.

Last year’s inductees were baseball cards, Cabbage Patch Kids, Fisher-Price Corn Popper and Nerf foam toys. The National Toy Hall of Fame is inside The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York.

India minister blames dam release for flooding

World

September 21, 2024

An aerial view shows houses partially submerged after the rise in the water level of river Ganges in Patna, India. PHOTO: AFP

KOLKATA (AFP) – A top politician in eastern India yesterday blamed authorities in a neighbouring state for causing a flooding crisis by opening dams after 26 people were killed and 250,000 others were forced to relocate.

Television news images showed rescuers in boats ferrying people to safety in West Bengal state, with a state-run hospital in one village completely inundated.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee told reporters that 26 people had been killed this week, with another 250,000 forced to leave their homes and find shelter.

She accused authorities in neighbouring Jharkhand state of needlessly opening dam sluice gates and releasing the waters that had inundated her state.

“The flooding is man-made,” she said, adding she had ordered the border with Jharkhand to be closed for three days in response.

A member of the ruling coalition in Jharkhand Supriyo Bhattacharya told AFP that his state had no choice but to ease pressure on the dams.

“Holding back the water could have damaged the dams and led to massive floods in both the states,” he said.

“Our government will naturally protect the interests of the people of Jharkhand.”

The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), which manages dams along the Damodar river that flows through the states, said it had “reduced” the release of water yesterday after rainfall eased.

In West Bengal, railway employee Pradip Maity said most people living in his village of Ghatal had taken shelter in relief camps.

“Boats are now the only mode of transportation in the village,” he told AFP.

NZ links fifth death to ‘suicide kit’ sales

World

September 21, 2024

WELLINGTON (AFP) – A New Zealand coroner has linked a fifth death to a “suicide kit” allegedly sold online by a former Canadian chef, according to findings released yesterday.

Coroner Alexandra Cunninghame found that a 25-year-old killed herself in an Auckland hotel in April 2022 after receiving an item ordered from an online business linked to Canadian Kenneth Law.

The coroner was unable to confirm whether the package actually contained the substance used in her suicide, but noted the “drug is heavily restricted, and therefore not easily obtainable, in New Zealand”.

Cunninghame has previously connected the deaths of three students and a personal trainer who took their own lives in 2022 and 2023 to purchases from a website associated with Law.

Police in Canada believe the former chef sent as many as 1,200 “suicide kits” to people in more than 40 countries between 2020 and his arrest last year – specifically targeting vulnerable people online.

Canadian prosecutors allege the kits contained a food additive that can kill if misused.

Law was arrested in May 2023 and charged in Canada with 14 counts of murder and a further 14 counts of aiding and counselling suicide.

He has denied the charges.

Alerted by Interpol, several other countries, including the United Kingdom (UK) and Italy, have also launched investigations.

In Britain, at least 272 people purchased products from Law’s websites and 88 of them died, police there have said.

Kompany, Alonso call for action on player workload amid strike talks

Sports

September 21, 2024

BERLIN (AFP) – Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany and his Bayer Leverkusen counterpart Xabi Alonso yesterday joined the growing chorus calling for action on player workload, amid talks of strikes.

Kompany said a cap should be introduced on the amount of games a player can play each year, while Alonso said players must have greater involvement in decisions about the fixture calendar.

Concern about the load on players has grown in recent years, particularly as the number of fixtures has been increasing.

This year’s Champions League adds fixtures while FIFA’s expanded 32-team Club World Cup will take place this summer, a time when players would normally have a break from games.

Top clubs with European and domestic cup commitments could play up to 75 games this season.

At a press conference, Kompany said that “it was already a theme during my (playing) career” and labelled it “a very important topic”. “To play 75, 80 games, it gets to a point where it’s not realistic anymore,” he said. “The solution I’ve always wanted is to put a cap on the amount of games a player can play as an individual. Put a cap, put a compulsory period of holidays (for players).”

Rodri, the current midfield general of Manchester City where Kompany spent many years as a player, said on Tuesday the “general opinion of the players” was that “we are close to a strike”.

ABOVE & BELOW: Bayern Munich’s Belgian head coach Vincent Kompany; and Bayer Leverkusen’s Spanish coach Xabi Alonso. PHOTO: AFP

“If it keeps going this way, there will be a time when there’s no other option,” the Spaniard added.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and Real Madrid goalie Thibaut Courtois have made similar statements in recent days.

Speaking before Leverkusen host Wolfsburg in the league last Sunday, Alonso told reporters, “I understand Rodri and the other players.

“Professional players must be involved in these decisions because we want to see good football.

“The schedule is very tight. They have to be heard.”

Kompany has previously spoken out on the issue and was a member of the FIFPro players union during his time on the pitch, where he captained Manchester City and the Belgian national team.

The 38-year-old said the cap would be “the best of both worlds” as it would “take away the pressure on the clubs”.

He also said the model should “always include exceptions for finals – we can’t take that away from players”.

Kompany promised squad rotations in the coming weeks as Bayern manages midweek football commitments. “We are talking about a crowded schedule and stress on the players.

Our squad is not a luxury, we need it to achieve our goals.”

The coach said a decision on whether veteran captain and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer would be fit to face Bremen “would be made after training”.

The goalie was subbed off at half-time in Tuesday’s 9-2 win over Dinamo Zagreb after falling on his back. Kompany said Bayern “did not want to take any unnecessary risks”, but added that “it looks good (for Neuer)”.

Wallabies sense ‘massive’ chance to upset All Blacks

Sports

September 21, 2024

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson talks with the media ahead of their clash with New Zealand. PHOTO: AFP

SYDNEY (AFP) – Skipper Harry Wilson said yesterday that the Wallabies’ crushing loss to Argentina this month was in the past and they have a “massive opportunity” to upset the All Blacks this weekend.

Joe Schmidt’s side are looking to pick up the pieces in Sydney today from their humiliating Rugby Championship capitulation to Los Pumas in Santa Fe, where they led 20-3 before collapsing to a 67-27 defeat.

“It was a tough loss and we took our learnings,” said Wilson.

“We had a detailed review and tried to put it behind us, and it is not very hard to motivate a group for the Bledisloe Cup.

“We learned that if you let the other team score a few tries, you have to look to change the momentum and try and do a few good things in a row to get back on track,” he added.

“We have had a good week of preparations and are really focused on tomorrow afternoon.”

His mis-firing team have their work cut out against a New Zealand side that have lost just one of their last 12 Tests against Australia.

The All Blacks have owned the Bledisloe Cup since 2003.

But Wilson said he sensed an opportunity with New Zealand reeling from two straight defeats in South Africa.

“It’s a massive opportunity for us. They’ve played some pretty good footy against a South Africa team in their own country, but they are coming off a couple of losses.”

Australia have made five changes to the starting side, with Nic White and Noah Lolesio back as the halves pairing, while centre Hunter Paisami and fullback Tom Wright return from injury.

Flanker Fraser McReight is the only change to the forward pack.

New Zealand have also rung the changes after their 18-12 defeat in Cape Town a fortnight ago, with veteran full-back Beauden Barrett recalled to the starting side and dangerous wing Caleb Clarke also returning.

Skipper Scott Barrett said he was expecting a stern test despite being odds-on favourites to win, refusing to underestimate an Australian side desperate to bounce back.

“We’re expecting a high-tempo game, they will want to hold the ball, so that’s a challenge we’re prepared for,” he said.

“They will also look to challenge us around the fringes and take us on up front, so we’ve prepared accordingly.”

Barrett revealed the Bledisloe Cup – the trophy the two teams fight for each year – had been prominently displayed in the team room this week to remind them what was at stake.

“Typically we show the cup to physically see what we are playing for, that we have to earn it, it’s up for grabs,” he said.

“You look into the history and what it means and the Bledisloe Cup means a lot to us, and there are 23 hungry Australians who want to get their hands on it.”

Raducanu forced to wait as rain hits Korea Open

Sports

September 21, 2024

A general view of centre court during a rain delay at the Korea Open tennis championships in Seoul, South Korea. PHOTO: AFP

SEOUL (AFP) – The Korea Open quarter-final between Russian top seed Daria Kasatkina and former United States (US) Open champion Emma Raducanu was pushed back a day after all play was washed out by heavy rain yesterday.

The quarter-finals and semi-finals in Seoul will take place today, although more wet weather is forecast.

Also in the last eight, Brazil’s number three seed Beatriz Haddad Maia faces Russia’s Polina Kudermetova, while Russian number four seed Diana Shnaider faces Ukraine’s number five seed Marta Kostyuk. Another Russian, Veronika Kudermetova, plays Bulgaria’s Viktoriya Tomova.

The tournament was hit by a string of last-minute withdrawals including world number one Iga Swiatek, US Open runner-up Jessica Pegula and former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.

Borneo Bulletin OnlineThe Independent Newspaper in Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Sarawak

Social Media

Category

Site Links