AP – A suspected gunman in a mass shooting at a nursing home in Croatia is facing 11 criminal charges, including murder, after he was accused of killing six people, including his own mother, and wounding as many more, police said.
The carnage stunned Daruvar, in central Croatia and sent shock waves throughout the country where such shootings have been rare despite many weapons left over from war.
“The 51-year-old walked into the nursing home in Daruvar where he opened fire, with the intent to kill multiple people,” police said in a statement.
The detained suspect, retired military police officer Kresimir Pahoki is transferred for interrogation in Bjelovar, central Croatia. PHOTO: AP
AP/THE CONVERSATION – More than 85 per cent of women – and more than 300 million people worldwide at any given time – use hormonal contraceptives for at least five years of their life. Although primarily taken for birth control, many people also use hormonal contraceptives to manage a variety of symptoms related to menstruation, from cramps and acne to mood swings.
For up to 10 per cent of women, however, hormone contraceptives can increase their risk of depression. Hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, are crucial for brain health.
So, how does modifying hormone levels with hormone contraceptives affect mental health?
I am a researcher studying the neuroscience of stress and emotion-related processes. I also study sex differences in vulnerability and resilience to mental health disorders.
Understanding how hormone contraceptives affect mood can help researchers predict who will experience positive or negative effects.
HOW DO HORMONE CONTRACEPTIVES WORK?
In the United States (US) and other western countries, the most common form of hormonal contraceptive is “the pill” – a combination of a synthetic estrogen and a synthetic progesterone, two hormones involved in regulation of the menstrual cycle, ovulation and pregnancy. Estrogen coordinates the timed release of other hormones, and progesterone maintains a pregnancy.
This may seem counterintuitive – why do naturally occurring hormones required for pregnancy also prevent pregnancy? And why does taking a hormone reduce the levels of that same hormone?
Hormone cycles are tightly controlled by the hormones themselves. When progesterone levels increase, it activates processes in cells that shut off production of more progesterone. This is called a negative feedback loop.
Estrogen and progesterone from the daily pill, or other common forms of contraceptives such as implants or vaginal rings, cause the body to decrease production of those hormones, reducing them to levels observed outside the fertile window of the cycle. This disrupts the tightly orchestrated hormonal cycle required for ovulation, menstruation and pregnancy.
PHOTO: ENVATOPHOTO: ENVATO
BRAIN EFFECTS OF HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES
Hormonal contraceptives affect more than just the ovaries and uterus.
The brain, specifically an area called the hypothalamus, controls the synchronisation of ovarian hormone levels. Although they’re called “ovarian hormones”, estrogen and progesterone receptors are also present throughout the brain.
Estrogen and progesterone have broad effects on neurons and cellular processes that have nothing to do with reproduction. For example, estrogen plays a role in processes that control memory formation and protect the brain against damage. Progesterone helps regulate emotion.
By changing the levels of these hormones in the brain and the body, hormonal contraceptives may modulate mood – for better or for worse.
HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES INTERACT WITH STRESS
Estrogen and progesterone also regulate the stress response – the body’s “fight-or-flight” reaction to physical or psychological challenges. The main hormone involved in the stress response – cortisol in humans and corticosterone in rodents, both abbreviated to CORT – is primarily a metabolic hormone, meaning that increasing blood levels of these hormones during stressful conditions results in more energy mobilised from fat stores. The interplay between stress systems and reproductive hormones is a crucial link between mood and hormone contraceptives, as energy regulation is extremely important during pregnancy.
So what happens to someone’s stress response when they’re on hormonal contraceptives?
When exposed to a mild stressor – sticking an arm in cold water, for example, or standing to give a public speech – women using hormone contraceptives show a smaller increase in CORT than people not on hormone contraceptives.
Researchers saw the same effect in rats and mice – when treated daily with a combination of hormones that mimic the pill, female rats and mice also show a suppression of the stress response.
HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES AND DEPRESSION
Do hormonal contraceptives increase depression risk? The short answer is it varies from person to person. But for most people, probably not.
It’s important to note that neither increased nor decreased stress responses are directly related to risk for or resilience against depression. But stress is closely related to mood, and chronic stress substantially increases risk for depression.
By modifying stress responses, hormone contraceptives change the risk for depression after stress, leading to “protection” against depression for many people and “increased risk” for a minority of people. More than nine out of 10 people who use hormonal contraceptives will not experience decreased mood or depression symptoms, and many will experience improved mood. – Natalie C Tronson
BRASILIA (AP) – To combat ongoing destruction in the Amazon rainforest, Brazil announced a plan on Tuesday to dramatically expand selective logging to an area the size of Costa Rica over the next two years.
In Brazil, vast forest lands are designated as public yet have no special protection or enforcement and are vulnerable to land grabbing and illegal deforestation. Criminals frequently take over land and clear it, hoping the government will eventually recognise them as owners, which usually happens.
“The main goal of forest concessions is the conservation of these areas,” said Director of forest concessions for the Brazilian Forest Service Renato Rosenberg during an online press conference. “They also create jobs and income in parts of the Amazon that would otherwise have little economic activity.”
Companies that get timber concessions have to follow strict rules. They can log up to six trees per hectare over a 30-year period. Protected species, such as Brazil nut, and older, seed-producing trees are off limits.
The idea is that granting permission to timber companies to take a limited number of trees gives them a stake in overseeing the forest, something the Brazilian government cannot afford to do. Several studies show that illegal deforestation in concession areas is significantly lower than outside them.
Timber from a woodmill sits next to the jungle near Vila Nova Samuel, Brazil. PHOTO: AP
Eventually, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva plans to treat as much as 310,000 square kilometres of public undesignated Amazon rainforest this way – an area the size of Italy.
A working group is assessing which areas should be designated as conservation areas, Indigenous territories or forest concessions.
Currently, there are 22 such timber lease areas in the Amazon, covering more than 13,000 square kilometres.
Since the country initiated its first timber concessions, only two companies have declined to renew their leases, which shows the model works, according to Rosenfeld.
Still, the programme is much smaller than first envisioned when Brazilian legislation established it in 2006.
Brazil’s Forest Service is part of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. It was created that same year to promote sustainable activities in public forests by private organisations.
The government plan is a partnership with two private institutions – Imaflora and Systemiq – that will help do research and design community forest management, according to an official statement.
Funding comes from Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions, the primary programme of the United Kingdom´s International Climate Finance to address climate change.
The announcement was met with skepticism by the National Forum of Forest-Based Activities, representing some 3,500 companies with interests in the timber industry.
“Forest management is the best way to halt environmental crime, from land-grabbing to illegal logging,” Frank Almeida, president of the National Forum, told the AP. “But there is no use in creating a project that won´t become a reality.”
AP – The typical backyard food grower is familiar with planting greens, tomatoes, peppers, squash, herbs, berries and other staples, plus perhaps a few exotic crops that are difficult to find at the grocery store. Beverages, however, aren’t usually at the top of their lists.
I’ve written about growing coffee indoors, but that’s more for sport than supply, as an average houseplant can be expected to produce only enough beans for a single cup.
Growing tea plants in the garden, however, can provide enough leaves to keep your kettle whistling year-round.
Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, a cold-hardy variety native to China, is a multi-branched shrub best for growing in United States (US) hardiness zones 7 and 8, although it may survive winters in zone 6b with protection.
Camelia sinensis var. assamica, which leans more tree than shrub, is native to India and only recommended for zones 8 and up. Some other cultivars may push those boundaries.
These evergreen plants are easy to grow in deep shade to full sun (although part sun or light shade are ideal), requiring only well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH.
Young plants will take roughly two years to produce enough leaves for a sufficient harvest.
In five years, a single plant should provide enough to supply a moderate tea drinker. Need more? Plant more.
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Camellia sinensis plants, in which its leaves are used to make white, green, black and oolong teas. PHOTO: APPHOTO: APPHOTO: ENVATOPHOTO: ENVATO
White, green, black and oolong teas all come from the same plant, but their differences are due to harvesting practices and post-harvest leaf-oxidation treatments.
For white tea, pluck the buds from each stem tip before they fully open. Heat in a pan over low heat, stirring constantly for about 10 minutes, then cool and store in an airtight container.
For green, black and oolong tea, pluck two or three of the youngest leaves from each stem, along with the leaf bud from each stem tip, every 10-12 days as new shoots develop. Then proceed as follows for the type of tea desired.
GREEN TEA
Briefly steam leaves over boiling water, then spread on a dish towel and allow to sit for five minutes. Roll the leaves up in the towel and squeeze very gently to absorb excess moisture. Remove from the towel, separate leaves and place on a cookie sheet.
Heat in an oven or toaster oven set to 300 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until dehydrated.
Brew immediately or cool and store in an airtight container for future use.
OOLONG TEA
Spread leaves in a single layer on a cookie sheet or tray and allow to wilt in a sunny outdoor spot. After 30-60 minutes, move the tray into the shade and toss the leaves every hour for eight to 10 hours.
Next, place in a wide pan and cook over low heat for 15 minutes, tossing gently as needed to prevent scorching. Cool, then roll each leaf individually to preserve its oils and flavours.
Allow to dry completely before storing in an airtight container.
BLACK TEA
Place leaves on a baking sheet set in the sun for 10-12 hours to remove only 50 to 75 per cent of their moisture, then cut into strips and roll into small balls. Ferment by placing the balls in a humid, 78- to 80-degree room until they turn coppery-black, then dry in an oven set at 200 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) for five minutes. Lower heat to 140°F and continue drying for an additional hour. Cool and store in an airtight container. – Jessica Damiano
TUXTLA GUTIÉRREZ (AFP) – Hundreds of migrants continued their journey to the United States (US) on foot on Tuesday from a city in southern Mexico, appealing for permits that would allow them to travel freely to the border.
The migrants, mostly from Venezuela and Central America, marched along a highway from Tapachula in Chiapas state near the Guatemalan border.
Some of them complained of delays in receiving humanitarian visas from the immigration authorities that would allow them to traverse Mexico without being deported.
“The immigration people told us that they were going to help us,” said Ana Perez, a Salvadoran traveling with her two children.
“In the end they still beat us… They took away our tents,” added Perez, who said she had lost an eye because of gang violence in her home country.
Thousands of migrants fleeing violence and poverty travel across Mexico every year for the US border.
While some pay people smugglers to transport them in trucks, others join caravans undertaking the long journey on foot, enduring hunger, exhaustion and insecurity.
The marches are also a way to protest against delays in receiving humanitarian visas. The Mexican government has come under increased pressure from the US to tackle the highly contentious issue of migration in an election year.
Migrants at the outskirts of Tapachula, State of Chiapas, Mexico. PHOTO: AFP
AFP – US President Joe Biden will give what could be his final Oval Office speech today to explain why he dropped out of November’s election and deny that he will spend six months as a lame duck.
With the world’s eyes already on a looming clash between Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, Biden will insist in his address to the nation that he still has work to do despite his historic decision to bow out.
The 81-year-old Democrat said on X he would discuss “what lies ahead, and how I will finish the job for the American people” in the primetime televised event.
The speech, expected to last eight to 10 minutes, will be Biden’s first since stepping aside from the race on Sunday after weeks of pressure following a disastrous debate performance against Trump.
He had promised in his withdrawal announcement – made while he was isolating with Covid at his Delaware beach home – that he would give Americans more details on his stunning decision. It comes just over a week since his last Oval Office address following an assassination attempt against Trump on July 13, but is only the fourth of his presidency overall – and could well be his last.
President Joe Biden at Dover Air Force Base, United States. PHOTO: AFP
With Harris, who has effectively clinched the Democratic presidential nomination, and Trump both back on the campaign trail, Biden will be fighting an uphill battle to show Americans he is not yesterday’s man.
Republicans have called for Biden to step down altogether, saying that if he is not fit to stand for re-election then he is not fit to serve as president.
The veteran Democrat insists he still has much to offer, with a particular focus on the economy and on achieving an elusive ceasefire in Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.
“I’m not going anywhere,” a hoarse Biden said as he called Harris at a campaign meeting in Delaware on Monday, adding that he was going to be “working like hell” both as president and to campaign.
With the clock ticking on his presidency, Biden said on X late on Tuesday that it was “great to be back at the White House” after returning from Delaware and that he had met his national security team for a briefing.
Biden’s decision to drop out has however injected a huge dose of enthusiasm into a Democratic Party that had been plunged into chaos by the debate over his age.
An exuberant Harris was cheered to the rafters on Tuesday as she held a campaign rally in the battleground state of Wisconsin, her first since saying she had secured the delegates necessary for the nomination.
She could be nominated as soon as early August in a virtual vote by Democratic delegates.
Nestled in northeastern Peninsular Malaysia, Kelantan charms with its lush paddy fields, quaint fishing villages, and tranquil casuarina-lined beaches. The state offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and rich Malay cultural heritage, making it an ideal travel destination.
A GLIMPSE INTO KELANTAN’S HEARTBEAT
Kelantan’s capital, Kota Bharu, is the vibrant heart of the state, where modern life dances seamlessly with tradition. Known as the Cradle of Malay Culture, Kelantan offers a fascinating showcase of traditional customs and art forms. From the spectacular giant kites of wau to the intricate shadow puppetry of wayang kulit, the state is a haven for culture enthusiasts.
Kelantan has a population of approximately 1,847,400 and spans an area of 17,100 square kilometres (km). As of 2021, its gross domestic product per capita stands at MYR15,584.
The state is divided into districts like Kota Bharu, Tumpat, and Pasir Mas, each brimming with its own unique charm, predominantly made up of Malays (93.8 per cent), with small Chinese, Indian, and other communities adding to its multicultural fabric.
HOW TO GET THERE
Getting to Kelantan is a breeze with various travel options:
. By Air: Fly into Kota Bharu from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) 1 and KLIA 2 with airlines such as Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air, and Firefly.
. By Train: Take the train from KL Sentral to Tumpat, with a quick change at Gemas Train Station.
. By Bus: Express buses to Kota Bharu depart from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in Kuala Lumpur.
Batik on display at Ayu Fashion. PHOTO: TOURISM MALAYSIAABOVE & BELOW: Batik-making; and serunding cooking process. PHOTO: TOURISM MALAYSIAPHOTO: TOURISM MALAYSIARumah Hijau. PHOTO: TOURISM MALAYSIAABOVE & BELOW: Restoran Nasi Berlauk Kak Chik; and Restoran KST Ikan Bakar; and Laman Warisan Kampung Laut. PHOTO: TOURISM MALAYSIAPHOTO: TOURISM MALAYSIAPHOTO: TOURISM MALAYSIAABOVE & BELOW: Masjid Brunei Darussalam; and Rumah Singgora. PHOTO: TOURISM MALAYSIAPHOTO: TOURISM MALAYSIAABOVE & BELOW: Masjid Kampung Laut; and Istana Jahar. PHOTO: TOURISM MALAYSIAPHOTO: TOURISM MALAYSIAPHOTO: TOURISM MALAYSIAA Dikir Barat performance. PHOTO: TOURISM MALAYSIA
MUST-SEE SPOTS AND HIDDEN GEMS
Kelantan offers a delightful mix of must-see spots and hidden gems that cater to diverse interests. Among the top attractions is Masjid Brunei Darussalam in Pasir Mas. This stunning floating mosque, gifted by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, is set against serene lake waters, creating a peaceful retreat perfect for reflection and prayer.
For food enthusiasts, Rumah Hijau in Pasir Mas is a must-visit. This culinary haven is renowned for its traditional Kelantanese treats, including dodol, crispy crackers, and an array of local snacks that highlight the region’s rich culinary heritage.
In Tumpat, Ayu Fashion is a treasure trove for batik lovers. The workshop showcases over 5,000 unique block batik designs, offering a fascinating insight into the artistry and tradition of this iconic textile craft.
Rumah Singgora in Kota Bharu is another gem, where traditional Kelantanese and Terengganu architecture converge. This charming spot offers visitors a glimpse into local life and culture, complemented by delicious local cuisine.
Dataran Rehal in Kota Bharu is perfect for capturing memories with its vibrant atmosphere and excellent photo opportunities. Nearby, Istana Jahar stands as a historical treasure, formerly a royal residence now housing the Museum of Royal Traditions and Customs of Kelantan.
The Masjid Muhammadi in Kota Bharu is a key landmark, showcasing remarkable Kelantanese architecture. For an authentic local experience, Pasar Siti Khadijah is a bustling market, named after Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) wife, where visitors can explore local produce, crafts, and delicious foods while soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Laman Warisan Kampung Laut is a cultural haven featuring Malaysia’s oldest wooden mosque. Visitors can explore the mosque, enjoy local art, and witness traditional crafts.
Pantai Cahaya Bulan, just 10km from Kota Bharu, is a favourite beach spot with pristine sands, water sports, and delicious seafood. Similarly, Pantai Irama Bachok offers breath-taking beauty, a gentle sea breeze, and a picturesque setting ideal for a relaxing day by the sea.
For adventure seekers, Gunung Stong State Park presents stunning mountain peaks, the impressive Jelawang Waterfall, and rich flora and fauna. The park is perfect for hiking and exploring nature’s wonders. Lastly, Gua Ikan, or Fish Cave, offers a captivating experience with its dramatic stalactites, stalagmites, and resident bats, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Don’t miss out on the Rantau Panjang Duty Free Zone, located on the Malaysia-Thailand border. This shopper’s paradise offers great deals and a unique border-town experience.
LOCAL CUISINE AND DINING
If you’re eager to savour authentic Kelantan cuisine, there are several standout options you should explore.
Restoran Nasi Berlauk Kak Chik is a culinary gem in Kelantan, renowned far beyond the state for its nasi berlauk. This iconic dish is a must-try for anyone visiting the region, offering a genuine taste of local flavours that have made it a beloved staple.
For seafood enthusiasts, Restoran KST Ikan Bakar is the ultimate destination. Famous for its delectable grilled fish and fresh seafood, it promises a delightful dining experience that highlights the region’s rich seafood offerings.
In Kota Bharu, Wakaf Che Yeh stands out as a vibrant market that’s perfect for both shopping and dining. This bustling spot is a feast for the senses, offering everything from local fabrics and clothes to a variety of delicious foods and fresh fruits. It’s an excellent place to immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine.
Whether you’re a culture buff, nature lover, or foodie, Kelantan promises an unforgettable adventure. Pack your bags and prepare for a journey filled with vibrant traditions, stunning landscapes, and delicious local flavours.
BANGKOK (AFP) – Thailand’s government unveiled a billion-dollar handout scheme yesterday that it hopes will boost the flagging economy.
More than 50 million eligible citi-zens will be able to begin registering for a digital payment of USD277 from August 1, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat told a news conference.
The money can be spent at registered shops and outlets but he said that those selling marijuana, jewellery or lottery tickets would not be eligible. Recipients will begin receiving the money in the fourth quarter of 2024, he said. The scheme is projected to cost around THB450 billion (USD12.5 billion). Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said it was necessary to “inject money” into the system to boost Thailand’s flagging economy.
The nation’s vital tourism sector accounts for almost 20 per cent of its gross domestic product but has struggled recently.
Chinese tourists in particular have been slow to return. They previously accounted for the largest percentage of Thailand’s visitors, with around 11 million in 2019.
Tuk-tuk drivers wait for customers in front of a fruit stall in Bangkok. PHOTO: AFP
AP – World stocks fell yesterday as the earnings reporting season ramped up for big companies, with investors showing a lack of enthusiasm for results so far.
Germany’s DAX lost 1.1 per cent to 18,363.59 while the CAC 40 in Paris was down 1.6 per cent to 7,475.17. In London, the FTSE 100 declined 0.5 per cent to 8,126.38.
Shares of luxury giant LVMH sank five per cent in early trading as the company on Tuesday reported quarterly sales that missed market expectations.
The future for the S&P 500 slipped 0.8 per cent and that for the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 0.5 per cent.
In Asian trading, Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 slipped 1.1 per cent to 39,154.85, with the Japanese yen trading at its highest level in weeks ahead of a Bank of Japan (BOJ) policy decision next week.
The US dollar was trading over JPY162 earlier this month but the Japanese currency has strengthened in recent days after officials intervened to staunch the yen’s decline.
Expectations that the BOJ may raise its near-zero interest rate, and that the Federal Reserve may in turn cut rates, have helped support the yen, which has languished as the gap between US rates and those in Japan widened.
A stronger yen hurts earnings of major exporters when they are brought home and also makes Japanese products less competitive in overseas markets.
Early yesterday, the dollar was trading at JPY154.84, down from JPY155.59 late Tuesday.
A business survey released yesterday showed Japan’s factory activity contracted in July, as weak demand weighed on the manufacturing sector.
A passerby looks at an electronic stock board showing Japan’s Nikkei 225 index at a securities firm in Tokyo. PHOTO: AP
BRUSSELS (AFP) – Business activity in the Eurozone slowed further in July, signalling a “near-stagnation” as the economy is weighed down by weakness in the manufacturing sector, a key survey showed yesterday.
The Hamburg Commercial Bank (HCOB) Flash Eurozone purchasing managers’ index (PMI) published by S&P Global recorded a figure of 50.1, down from 50.9 in June and its lowest level in five months.
Any reading above 50 indicates growth, while a figure below 50 shows contraction.
“Is this the summer lull? It feels a bit like it as the Eurozone economy barely moved in July,” said chief economist at HCOB, Cyrus de la Rubia. “The situation deteriorated significantly in the manufacturing sector and counteracted moderate growth in the services sector,” he added.
Manufacturing activity slid to 45.6 from 45.8 a month earlier, a seven-month low.
Despite the data, de la Rubia said “growth in the third quarter is still on the cards”.
The Eurozone’s two biggest economies, Germany and France, “continued to underperform the wider region”, HCOB said, with both recording a contraction in activity in July.
Germany’s PMI fell to 48.7, significantly down from 50.4 but France’s economic activity recovered to reach 49.5 in July, up from 48.2 a month earlier.
De la Rubia said “while Germany is seemingly struggling to grow, the French economy is being fuelled by the Olympic Games”.
Economists said the data pointed to a sluggish recovery for the Eurozone. “While improving business sentiment in the first months of the year as well as better-than-expected gross domestic product growth in the first quarter had supported hopes of a surprise recovery of the eurozone economy, the latest developments have proved to be something of a cold shower for those expectations,” ING Bank’s Carsten Brzeski said.
