People watch a rescue mission to recover students stuck in a chairlift. PHOTO: AFP
PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN (AFP) – Six children are among the eight people who have been trapped all day yesterday in a cable car dangling over a deep valley in Pakistan, with military helicopters hovering nearby ahead of a possible rescue attempt.
The children were using the chairlift to get to school when a cable broke at a height of about 365 metres midway through its journey in a remote, mountainous part of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
“The evening is coming nearer. Tell us why the helicopters are going back?” one of the adults stuck in the cable car Gul Faraz said to AFP by phone.
Several military helicopters flew reconnaissance sorties and an airman was lowered by harness to deliver food, water and medicine, local government official Tanveer Ur Rehman told AFP.
“This is a delicate operation that demands meticulous accuracy. The helicopter can not approach the chairlift closely, as its air pressure might snap the sole chain supporting it,” he said.
Anxious crowds gathered on both sides of the ravine, which is several hours from any sizeable town.
“Every time the helicopter lowered the rescuer closer to the chairlift, the wind from the helicopter would shake and disbalance the chairlift making the children scream in fear,” Chairman of the Allai valley area Ghulamullah told Geo News.
The gondola broke down at around 7am local time, with residents using mosque loudspeakers to alert neighbourhood officials across the Allai valley.
Headmaster Ali Asghar Khan told AFP by phone that the children were teenage boys and students at his government high school Battangi Pashto.
“The school is located in a mountainous area and there are no safe crossings, so it’s common to use the chairlift,” Khan said.
“The parents are gathered at the site of the chairlift. What can they do? They are waiting for the rescue officials to get their children out. We are all worried.”
Teacher from another school in the area Abid Ur Rehman said around 500 people had gathered to watch the rescue mission. “Parents and women are crying for the safety of their children,” he told AFP.
Senior Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial official Syed Hammad Haider said the gondola was hanging about 1,000 to 1,200 feet above the ground.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar issued a directive for all chairlifts in mountainous areas to be inspected and for those that are not “safety compliant” to be immediately closed. Cable cars that carry passengers and sometimes cars are common across the northern areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and Gilgit-Baltistan, and are vital in connecting villages and towns in areas where roads cannot be built.
People watch a rescue mission to recover students stuck in a chairlift. PHOTO: AFP
Bachelor of Engineering graduate Awangku Mohd Azamuddin bin Pengiran Mohd Hardy
Universiti Brunei Darussalam graduates reflect on the road ahead.
In an increasingly interconnected and technologically driven world, the challenge of overcoming unemployment has taken a multifaceted and pressing nature.
To address this complex issue, a comprehensive approach is imperative – one that considers the interplay of education and skills training, government policies, technological innovation, and the changing nature of work itself.
With that, over 1,000 graduates successfully concluded their years of diligent studies at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), taking confident strides across the stage to be bestowed with their well-deserved certificates recently.
The long-awaited day had finally arrived, a day that marked the culmination of anticipation for all, as they stood on the threshold of their career journey or embarked on the quest for employment opportunities. Meanwhile, others harboured aspirations of further academic pursuits to elevate their knowledge to greater heights.
The 35th UBD Convocation presented an opportunity to speak to a few of the graduates from varying disciplines to gain insight on their personal experiences and perspectives concerning topics such as unemployment, leadership and internship.
Bachelor of Engineering graduate Awangku Mohd Azamuddin bin Pengiran Mohd Hardy. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD
Awangku Mohd Azamuddin bin Pengiran Mohd Hardy – Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical and Process Engineering)
Awangku Mohd Azamuddin undertook a pair of distinct internships prior to his graduation, both of which were conducted at Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd. The initial internship primarily transpired online, a response to the global pandemic circumstances at the time.
“I honestly didn’t really enjoy it because it was a lot more challenging to learn and understand something you’ve never seen before, and I only spent about 10 days physically there.”
Nonetheless, his second internship presented an entirely distinct experience – an in-person engagement that proved considerably more exhilarating and enlightening.
This time, he delved into a captivating hands-on internship, acquiring knowledge that surpassed his initial experience. The opportunity to witness the practical application of his academic studies allowed him to effectively apply the theoretical insights he had amassed throughout his degree journey.
Embarking on his full-time role with Hengyi Industries post-graduation, it’s highly likely that he will join the same department where he completed his internship.
Consequently, the valuable lessons gleaned from his second internship are poised to become instrumental in his professional endeavours. These newfound insights and skills will undoubtedly contribute significantly to his effectiveness within the workplace.
Among the trio of invaluable experiences he has acquired, one stands out as learning to collaborate with individuals hailing from diverse cultures.
Additionally, he has grasped the significance of teamwork within a professional setting and has honed the skill of effective communication despite language barriers.
Moving ahead following his graduation, Awangku Mohd Azamuddin is steadfast in his pursuit of accumulating substantial real-world work exposure. He also has a resolute ambition to enhance his proficiency in the Chinese language.
“Alhamdulillah, I feel blessed that I took this opportunity awarded to me, but it saddens me knowing that many graduates will not be able to get jobs in industries related to their majors.”
Bachelor of Health Science graduate Nur Sa’adatul Yasmin binti Mohammad Sanadi. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD
Nur Sa’adatul Yasmin binti Mohammad Sanadi – Bachelor of Health Science (Biomedical Science)
Having amassed invaluable experience during her Discovery Year (DY), Nur Sa’adatul Yasmin envisions furthering her education to delve deeper into her area of interest, with a leaning towards medical genetics.
Throughout her DY, she had the opportunity to actualise the theories and practical knowledge she had acquired at university within a genuine work environment.
Serving as an intern at both the Jerudong Park Medical Centre laboratory and the Blood Donation Centre at the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital, she engaged in hands-on application of laboratory procedures and the utilisation of diverse diagnostic equipment.
This immersive experience facilitated a comprehensive understanding of the theories she had studied.
Regarding the search for employment, Nur Sa’adatul intends to delve into various career domains beyond her field of study. This decision stems from her experience with the GenNext programme, where she engaged with modules outside her faculty that didn’t align with her major.
This exposure not only bolstered her skills beyond the realm of health science, but also encouraged her to explore broader career prospects.
“The skills that I have learnt throughout my laboratory days can also be applied to other careers in terms of safety and working procedures.”
Expressing her perspective on the nation’s unemployment rate, encompassing graduates from tertiary institutions, she observed that while achieving a complete eradication of unemployment among graduates might be highly challenging, there exist potential methods to continue driving its further reduction.
She believes that one strategy involves graduates adopting a proactive stance, rather than solely depending on educational institutions to impart all necessary skills.
“Graduates should actively explore opportunities, whether through part-time employment, i-Ready programmes, or engagement in organisations, to enhance their skills independently. This approach aims to hone their abilities and equip them for a sustained career journey.
“I have also observed the effort of UBD Centre of Networking, Employment and Career Training (UBD CoNECT) in helping graduate and soon-to-be graduate students to become more marketable for potential employers and they also prepare numerous talks relevant to career planning and development and invited employers from various companies to give talks.”
Nur Sa’adatul pointed out that this is a good initiative, adding that ultimately, such efforts must come from individuals to participate and be more committed to expanding their soft and hard skills in order to be more competitive in this fast-paced market.
“Lastly, I would like to dedicate this degree to my parents and loving husband for being my support system throughout my degree years, all of this will not be possible without them.”
Bachelor of Science graduate Muhd Amirul Raziq bin Haji Rosman. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD
Muhd Amirul Raziq bin Haji Rosman – Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)
“I see myself pursuing further studies overseas in research related to artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in the next five years after my graduation.
“However, as for now, I am open to any jobs that are related to AI and robotics as they are my research interests,” said Muhd Amirul Raziq.
The Bachelor of Science graduate considers his university years a success due to two significant accomplishments: achieving commendable grades upon completing his studies and enhancing an application designed for indoor navigation as part of his final year project.
When queried about his perspective on robust leadership skills and qualities in the workplace, he expressed his belief in the analogy that “A ship needs a captain. The crew is important, but the captain steers everything”.
He also emphasised the significance of possessing strong leadership skills in a professional setting, as they are pivotal in achieving the objectives of a company or a team.
He also affirmed that he showcased leadership attributes during his university tenure. In his second year, he held the presidency of a club at UBD for a year, underscoring the necessity of possessing leadership qualities to effectively manage the club alongside his peers.
“I would always ask for a consensus before a final decision is made as it is important for everyone to be on the same page.”
PhD in Biotechnology graduate Dr Chitra Kurup. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD
DR Chitra Kurup – Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biotechnology
Dr Chitra Kurup, one of the 19 international PhD graduates participating in the convocation, made the decision to leave her teaching role at Chung Ching Middle School to embark on her PhD journey at UBD.
Being an international student at UBD, she observed that the educational standards in Brunei excel beyond those in India, primarily due to the widespread high population density found across all Indian states. However, making a direct comparison between educational institutions in India and Brunei isn’t practical, given the significant disparity in their respective numbers.
Regarding her programme, she highlighted that it has afforded her a valuable chance to engage in thorough research under the guidance of Dr Minhaz Uddin Ahmed. She added that she also had the opportunity to collaborate with experienced mentors and make contributions to the field of Biosensors.
If Dr Chitra were to possess an extraordinary talent, she would choose to have a remarkable ability for communication. This skill would enable her to forge connections with people from various backgrounds, effectively express her ideas, and cultivate strong interpersonal relationships.
When asked about her perspective on the essential qualities of a leader, she expressed the belief that these would encompass proficient communication, robust decision-making abilities, the capacity to inspire and motivate others, empathy, and adaptability.
PhD in Islamic Education graduate Dr Haji Azrin bin Haji Tunjang. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD
Dr Haji Azrin bin Haji Tunjang – Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Islamic Education
Dr Haji Azrin bin Haji Tunjang, one of the 24 local PhD graduates, explained that studying part-time presented numerous challenges.
Nevertheless, he expressed gratitude for the Bursary Award he received, which greatly motivated him to pursue his PhD.
His aspiration to enhance skills in Islamic education through teacher professional development and self-practice played a pivotal role in his decision to pursue a doctorate in the field.
“I envision sharing the knowledge I have gained through my studies with fellow teachers in the professional learning community (PLC).” – Lyna Mohamad
Fans during the KCON at the Los Angeles Convention Center
Inside KCON LA 2023, an extravagant microcosm of K-pop’s macro influence.
LOS ANGELES (AP) – Hours before doors would open, thousands of K-pop fans lined up in downtown Los Angeles, stretching long city blocks in the warm August sun.
In pleated skirts and platform shoes, toting the clear bags that have become arena staples, they danced and traded homemade stickers, banners, bracelets and photocards. Inside was their paradise: an IRL (in real life) space to commune over their URL passions.
If anything, the 2023 Los Angeles (LA) KCON was a microcosm of K-pop’s macro influence on the music industry as a whole.
Fans during the KCON at the Los Angeles Convention Center. PHOTO: AP
Held from Friday to Sunday at the LA Convention Center and adjacent Crypto.com Arena, an estimated 140,000 fans from all over the world celebrated their favourite K-pop idols across three days of panels, premium meet-and-greets, interviews, dance breaks and concerts.
Inside the convention centre, fans carried lightsticks of their favourite groups, showed off DIY shirts with simple, direct slogans like ‘I HEART MINGI’, collected sticker books and K-beauty products, and lined-up for tteokbokki.
Attendees at KCON. PHOTO: AP
KCON started 11 years ago in Irvine, California, drawing 10,000 people to its inaugural celebration of Korean culture, said Chief Global Officer of Organizers CJ ENM Steve Chung. Now it’s a global event, taking place in multiple countries: So far in 2023, KCON has hit Thailand, Japan and the United States (US).
“We’ve welcomed something like half a million people in those (11) years all throughout the world,” he said.
In Los Angeles, panels were held on K-pop songwriting and cup sleeve creations (K-pop fan events are held at cafes on an idol’s birthday, anniversary, or some other special date). Up-and-coming groups like NMIXX led dance classes on one stage, while another stage allowed rookie groups to introduce themselves to a wider audience.
Over the course of the weekend, The Associated Press (AP) spoke to an incredible diversity of fans who, among them, drove 12 hours straight from Utah, flew in from the United Kingdom (UK) and South America and represented a range of ages, genders, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
“The culture of inclusiveness is huge,” said 40-year-old Annya Holston from Florida who got into K-pop through her daughter. “We’ve made so many friends, being here.”
At USD500 a day, premium tickets allowed attendees to access a ‘Red Carpet’ area, where acts posed for portraits and answered two or three questions in a 30-minute window – along with entry to the convention and concert. For an additional USD100, fans could pay for ‘Hi-Touch’ – a quick meet-and-greet where fans and performers high-five – with one group of their choice.
With renewed concerns about the spread of COVID-19, ‘Hi-Touch’ became ‘Hi-Wave’ (exactly what it sounds like, to the chagrin of a few fans hoping for that physical connection; others were happy with the sheer proximity).
Those experiences served as a welcome reminder of a facet of the music industry that K-pop knows remarkably well, and far better than most: fandom is this business’ most lucrative and enduring resource.
As Peyton Tran, a 17-year-old LA, native and dancer told AP at KCON, “It’s just cool to see how much people can support these businesses out here.”
In 2023, the music industry faces unique challenges, including what MIDiA Research music industry analyst Mark Mulligan has referred to as the “fragmentation of fandom”.
New artistes suffer a kind of competition unheard of before the streaming age, a direct effect of algorithmic listening. Think of it this way: It is rare for a new act to reach the level of monolithic pop star – the ranks of Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Harry Styles, all who started performing pre-streaming – because listenership is hyper-specific.
In K-pop, where companies are typically fully integrated institutions – a record label and a talent agency all in one – and hyper-consumerism is welcomed, business focuses on building a community of superfans and inspiring those loyal listeners to advocate for their group, fuelling a sense of participation beyond their purchasing power.
It doesn’t hurt that K-pop audiences have a tendency to coordinate global fan actions on their own and create rituals and events, communicating on bespoke fandom platforms like WeVerse and Vlive.
Niche doesn’t mean small; it means specialised. KCON is proof.
South Korean rapper Taeyong during the convention. PHOTO: AP
At the concerts, held all three nights for the first time, fans witnessed K-pop groups and soloists from across “generations”: Taemin from the second-generation boy band SHINee, Rain – the first K-pop idol to take off internationally, and now a manager himself – fourth-generation boy bands ATEEZ and Stray Kids, and rookie groups like XG and ZEROBASEONE.
XG performed songs like the Kesha-channeling TGIF, with production pulling heavily from the current liquid drum-and-bass/UK garage trend in global pop music, a welcomed retro-futuristic sound from a group and convention with eyes set on the future.
Notably, these concerts placed a lot of emphasis on K-pop girl groups, reflecting a recent trend in listenership. Historically, boy bands were thought to be more lucrative – but girl groups like IVE, ITZY, NMIXX, Kep1er, (G)I-DLE, and EVERGLOW proved that’s vintage thinking in their explosive KCON sets.
hownu and Hyungwon of Monsta X. PHOTO: AP
A particularly unique and effective moment during the concert was called the ‘Dream Stage’, where a few dozen fans who auditioned to perform a dance with a K-pop group earlier in the day were brought out to do exactly that.
On the second day of the convention, iHeartRadio’s KIIS-FM set up a new, open-to-the-public ‘K-pop Village’, where the K-pop-curious could experience free performances from newer acts – like LEO, who made his US debut on the outdoor stage.
“2023 is like a crossover event. The last 10 years has been about sort of serving the endemic fanbase of people who already know K-pop and who love K-pop,” Chung said.
“As evidenced by the iHeartMedia partnership, it’s really like a crossover moment where K-pop goes mainstream.”
Boy band WayV during KCON. PHOTO: AP
On the last day of the convention, not even Tropical Storm Hilary could stop the most devoted fans from lining up in the rain to see their favourite acts.
On the train the night before, the AP asked a K-pop fan from Massachusetts, who publishes fan cam videos on YouTube under the name Toadcola, if he was worried about the weather. Not so much. But, if the weather cancelled his flight home, he thought that wouldn’t be so bad: maybe, just maybe, the idols would be stuck at the airport with him. – Maria Sherman
The new job landscape can be treacherous. Here are some simple tips for a great head start in the job market.
It’s the convocation season! As the dust settles, and all the graduation caps and gowns are neatly folded away, a new chapter will unfold for thousands of recent graduates.
It’s a nerve wracking time for graduates; a transitionary period that uproots them from the comfort of the familiar academic world to the vast unknown realm of the professional world.
For many, it’s their first foray towards true adulthood, and navigating through the current job landscape – where the post-COVID era is saddled with inflation concerns and an AI-driven economy – can admittedly be overwhelming.
It’s a highly competitive scene for jobseekers and the rapidly evolving job market adds a certain pressure to be a standout candidate.
Despite an ocean of hopefuls to contend with, there are many steps that a new graduate can take to distinguish themselves from the crowd of new hires. After all, careers are not built in a day.
The Bulletin spoke with human resource generalist Norhafizan Hj Jaya, who has experience in industries such as retail, food and beverages and security, reviewing countless CVs and conducting job interviews.
If you’re one to jumpstart your career by taking a plunge into the job market in the coming months, here are the top do’s and don’ts for new jobseekers.
Do’s
Communication is key
Effective communication is one of the key interpersonal skills to ensure applicants are able to communicate to all levels professionally, whether top down or on the sidelines.
In line with this, good communication is also a skill that bring opportunities for career development, according to Norhafizan.
Admittedly, the candidate may invite roles and responsibilities that can make good use of the skill, such as conducting meetings and presentations, however proficient communicators will often find their potential noticed.
“Career advancements will need communication skills, say, in order to be a manager or a leader, you must be able to communicate with your team”.
Upgrade thyself
A CV is often the first point of contact between a jobseeker and an employer, so its importance cannot be understated. With that being said, your CV needs to pop, not just visually, but also its substance – upgrade yourself.
Show your worth and conviction by joining courses, attending workshops and getting yourself certified.
The types of certification and courses will depend on the candidate’s chosen career path but regardless, it helps jobseekers be job ready and ultimately, getting certified has a lasting advantage, because it helps you get noticed by potential employers.
“It helps. Courses and certifications narrows it down for employers (who may be looking for candidates with a certain level of talent) and it makes applicants stand out with these special skills and knowledge.
“Never be scared to learn, never be discouraged by comments. Never be scared to invest to attend workshops and courses,” added Norhafizan.
Establishing networks
Building relationships can open unexpected doors for jobseekers. The people you meet throughout your career path may surprise you with valuable insights into the job market.
“Start with social media or by joining events and workshops. Be brave and try to attend public workshops where you can meet people.”
She encouraged jobseekers to seek wisdom from those they meet within these settings, adding that the encounter may translate into future professional engagements.
Don’ts
Divert responses during interview
The interview is like a boss battle, it’s usually one of, if not, the final stage between a jobseeker and their new job, and there are certain interview faux pas that new graduates should avoid at all costs.
Diverting question is one of them as it not only is a poor response during a job interview, but it also displays the candidate’s unpreparedness.
Being an unprepared during interviews
Interviews act as a small window for employers to see the exact potential a candidate can have, and with hundreds or even thousands of applicants, this small window becomes paramount.
So, not being prepared, such as attending the interview with incomplete documents, coming up with one-word responses and asking the wrong questions, is not a good look.
“During interviews, candidates should show determination, show they are ready and able to offer quality. Interviewers want to see applicants that are able to stay long and grow with the company.”
Blow the first impression
First impressions can significantly impact one’s success in the hiring process. With the amount of candidates actively job hunting in today’s market, companies will often have to make quick judgements to assess a candidate’s suitability.
According to Norhafizan, applicants often fail to make good first impressions, whether it’s through their attire or their punctuality, which would lead potential employers to lose confidence in the candidate.
Ultimately, employers will not only look at a candidate’s skill but also whether they fit well into the company’s work environment and culture, and the first impression gives them insight in regards to those aspects.
To that effect Norhafizan congratulated all recent and upcoming graduates, wishing them a fruitful pursuit into the world of employment. – Wardi Wasli
Pheu Thai Party's prime ministerial candidate Srettha Thavisin arrives at the party headquarters in Bangkok, ahead of the Thai Parliament's second prime ministerial vote. PHOTO: AFP
Bangkok (AFP) – Thai lawmakers approved tycoon Srettha Thavisin as the kingdom’s new prime minister on Tuesday, ending three months of political deadlock on the day former premier Thaksin Shinawatra returned from exile.
Srettha easily secured a majority across the two houses of parliament to be approved as Thailand’s 30th Prime Minister, despite his Pheu Thai party coming second in the May election.
He sailed past the 374 votes needed for a majority of elected lower house MPs and senators appointed by the last junta, according to an AFP count of votes broadcast live on Parliament TV.
Pheu Thai’s coalition of around a dozen parties commands 314 of the lower house’s 500 seats.
But it has stirred controversy by welcoming former foes into the partnership, including the pro-military parties of former coup makers that ousted Pheu Thai’s last prime minister.
The vote came hours after Pheu Thai founder and figurehead Thaksin returned to Thailand for the first time since 2008 and was immediately jailed.
Pheu Thai stepped in to form a government after the reformist Move Forward Party (MFP) – which won the most seats – saw its leader denied the prime minister spot by conservative, pro-military forces.
Srettha, the former head of Thai property giant Sansiri, on Friday vowed to tackle poverty and inequality – and rejected corruption allegations made by an anti-graft whistleblower.
A wave of urban and youth discontent with nearly a decade of military-backed rule carried MFP to a surprise first-place finish in May’s election.
But the party’s pledges to reform royal insult laws and tackle powerful business monopolies saw it run into bitter opposition from the kingdom’s powerful elites.
MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat failed to win enough support from pro-military and royalist senators in a prime minister vote last month and was later suspended from Parliament by the Constitutional Court.
Pheu Thai Party’s prime ministerial candidate Srettha Thavisin arrives at the party headquarters in Bangkok, ahead of the Thai Parliament’s second prime ministerial vote. PHOTO: AFP
This file photo shows Erriyon Knighton of the United States. PHOTO: AP
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) – From cars to race times, 19-year-old sprinter Erriyon Knighton has an appreciation for all things fast.
He’s combining his two passions to provide extra fuel: Should Knighton achieve Olympic glory, he’s treating himself to a black McLaren supercar. One thing he can’t speed away from are the inevitable comparisons to retired Jamaican sensation Usain Bolt, which Knighton only welcomes as he gears up for the world championships.
Because really, slow and steady is more Knighton’s speed in his evolution as a sprinter. He feels patience will get him to the summit as he chases American teammate Noah Lyles, the two-time defending world 200-metre champion and recently crowned 100-metre title-winner.
“We’re not in a rush to be great,” Knighton said in an interview with The Associated Press in the lead-up to the first round of the 200 on Wednesday. “I mean, greatness doesn’t come overnight. Knowing this, we’re just taking everything step-by-step.”
His step-by-step blueprint has led to faster 200-metre times than even Bolt was running at this age. Knighton, a former football player turned full-time sprinter from Florida, has the top 11 fastest times ever in the 200 by a sprinter under-20, including 19.49 seconds in April 2022. For comparison, Bolt’s top time at roughly a similar age was 19.93. Bolt only got faster through the years, lowering the world record to its current mark of 19.19 at the 2009 worlds in Berlin.
It’s a time that Knighton — along with Lyles and everyone else — has eyes on.
“It’s only a matter of time” before the record falls, said Knighton, who’s never met Bolt. “And if I don’t do it, somebody’s going to do it.”
Especially with Lyles pushing him. They have one of track’s burgeoning rivalries, which features a contrast in styles. Lyles is flashy, while Knighton is more reserved.
“I like (the rivalry) because I know every time we step on the track,” Knighton said, “we’re going to bring the best out of each other.”
Lyles led an American podium sweep in the men’s 200 at last year’s worlds in Oregon, with Kenny Bednarek taking silver and Knighton bringing home bronze. It was such a blazing-fast race that Lyles broke Michael Johnson’s longstanding American record with a time of 19.31 seconds.
Let the record reflect: Lyles respects Knighton. But he doesn’t fear the youngster who turns 20 in January.
This file photo shows Erriyon Knighton of the United States. PHOTO: AP
“I see him as a kid. But he’s also a rival,” said the 26-year-old Lyles, who has finished in front of Knighton in seven of their nine races in the 200. “As soon as you enter the track world and as soon as you say that you want to be a professional, you’re a professional. I’m going to treat you as a professional.”
This summer, Knighton has worked his way into what he’s described as the best racing shape of his young sprinting life. He’s sharpening his skills under the direction of Mike Holloway, the successful coach at the University of Florida whose son, Grant Holloway, won his third straight world title in the 110-meter hurdles Monday.
One thing Knighton’s learned above all else — don’t look left or right when racing. Just concentrate on his own lane.
“Finding out more (about executing) my best race plan, instead of trying to do something that I’m not used to,” explained Knighton, who last December won a second “Rising Star” award presented by World Athletics. “Just find out what’s best for me.”
There was a time when playing football in college might be his path. A talented receiver, he had interest from schools like Florida and Florida State, according to 247Sports. But he decided to concentrate on track and turned pro at 16, signing a deal with Adidas (the same company as Lyles).
“I like where I’m at in track, but I do miss playing football because it’s more of a team-oriented thing,” Knighton said. “I just like being inside the locker room before a football game, being in there with my brothers and knowing that we’ve got to go to work.”
His drive away from the track centres on cars. He has a Grand Cherokee that’s among his prized possessions. He hopes to one day purchase a McLaren or a Lamborghini, which he’s promised himself should he win not one but two Olympic gold medals.
It’s a powerful incentive as he builds toward next year’s Paris Games.
So is this: One day buying a ranch to raise horses and goats. No growing any fruits or vegetables, though.
Too much work.
Instead, he’ll put in the work to outrun the shadow of Bolt, which trails him in the form of constant comparisons.
“It’s more high praise than high pressure on me,” Knighton said. “I’m always grateful to be even mentioned in the same sentence with him.
“At end of the day, I mean, he did what he did. I’m going to do what I do.”
A person passes an ad featuring the Nintendo character Mario at Narita airport in Narita near Tokyo on June 10, 2022. PHOTO: AP
REDMOND, Washington (AP) – Charles Martinet, the original voice of Mario in Nintendo games since the 1990s, is stepping down.
Nintendo of America confirmed Monday that Martinet will now serve in the role of “Mario Ambassador,” travelling around the world to promote the beloved plumber, signing autographs and performing Nintendo character voices.
“It’s been a privilege working with Charles to help bring Mario to life for so many years and we want to thank and celebrate him,” Nintendo said in a statement.
In addition to being the original voice of Mario, he’s also voiced Luigi, Wario and Waluigi in the video games. While he did not voice Mario in the recent movie, he did have a small role as Mario’s dad.
In a question and answer session at a Canadian gaming and comics expo two years ago, Martinet told the audience “I want to voice Mario until I drop dead” in response to a fan’s question, according to gaming blog The Game Crater. But he added “if someday I think I am no longer capable of doing it, I will tell Nintendo to look into finding someone else.”
Nintendo did not give say why Martinet is stepping down or who would replace him as Mario’s voice.
A person passes an ad featuring the Nintendo character Mario at Narita airport in Narita near Tokyo on June 10, 2022. PHOTO: AP
Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (left) with his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrives at Don Muang airport in Bangkok, Thailand on Tuesday. PHOTO: AP
BANGKOK (AP) – Thai ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra entered prison to begin serving an 8-year sentence Tuesday, hours after returning to the country after years of self-imposed exile.
The divisive former leader returned the same day that a party affiliated with him faces a key vote on its path to form a new government.
Thaksin has said his decision to return has nothing to do with the Pheu Thai party’s bid for power, but many believe the party made deals with pro-military parties to facilitate the 74-year-old billionaire’s return.
Pheu Thai is the latest in a string of parties formed by Thaksin or his allies, two of which were removed from power by military coups, resulting in years of upheaval and division that pitted a mostly poor, rural pro-Thaksin majority in the north against royalists, the military and their urban backers.
Thaksin’s private jet landed around 9am local time in Bangkok, where he was welcomed by family and supporters.
Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (left) with his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrives at Don Muang airport in Bangkok, Thailand on Tuesday. PHOTO: AP
After walking out of the airport, Thaksin placed a flower wreath and prostrated himself before a portrait of Thailand’s king and queen. He spent a moment greeting supporters and the media waiting in front of the terminal but did not speak.
Hundreds of his supporters gathered outside of the airport hours ahead of his arrival, donning red, a colour long associated with Thaksin, and holding sign with welcoming messages. They showed their devotion to him with songs and chants, then raised raucous cheers when he appeared at the entrance.
“I feel fulfilled that I travelled here today to pick him up. If possible I want to hug him. Everyone has tears, tears coming out of their eyes,” said Makawan Payakkae, a 43-year-old from Maha Sarakham province.
Decades ago, Thaksin promoted populist policies and used his telecommunications fortune to build his own Thai Rak Thai party and be elected prime minister in 2001 and easily re-elected in 2005, before being ousted in a military coup in 2006 and fleeing into exile a few years later. Thaksin was tried in absentia on corruption charges he dismissed as politically motivated, and sentenced to eight years in prison.
His convoy went from the airport to the Supreme Court, where a special body that handles criminal cases against former officeholders confirmed the sentence. He then left the court and went to Bangkok’s main prison.
Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra prays in front of a portrait of King Maha Vajiralongkorn as he arrives at Don Muang airport. PHOTO: AP
Correctional officers at Bangkok Remand Prison said in a news conference that following a medical check, Thaksin had been categorised as “vulnerable” due to his age and chronic conditions affecting his heart and lungs, including high blood pressure.
He will be quarantined for at least 10 days as a new inmate, officials said, adding that he is now confined at the prison’s medical wing alone and will be monitored at all hours due to safety and health concerns.
His daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a key figure in Pheu Thai, posted family photos with Thaksin in the middle on Facebook with a message thanking people who went to the airport to welcome her father, saying “me and my family are very grateful.”
Less than a week before May elections, Thaksin announced he would like to return before his birthday in July, but the plan was repeatedly delayed, with he and Paetongtarn citing both post-election uncertainties and his health.
Pheu Thai came in second in the elections but took over leadership in forming a new government after the surprise winner, the progressive Move Forward Party, was repeatedly rejected by conservative senators appointed by a previous military government.
Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (second left) walks with his son Panthongtae, his daughters Pinthongta and Paetongtarn (second right) as he arrives at Don Muang airport. PHOTO: AP
Move Forward’s reform agenda appealed deeply to many Thais, particularly younger voters who were disenchanted by nearly a decade of military-backed rule, but was seen as a threat by the country’s conservative elites.
After more than three months without a new government for Thailand, Parliament convened on Tuesday to attempt to choose a prime minister again. Pheu Thai’s candidate, former property developer Srettha Thavisin, was the only name nominated by his party leader Chonlanan Srikaew. Pheu Thai launched the bid to form the government after it assembled an 11-party coalition including two parties allied with its former military adversaries, holding 314 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives.
Srettha needs some support from the non-elected Senate, appointed by a previous military government, to achieve a majority in the combined parliamentary vote. Both houses of Parliament vote together for the prime minister under the military-implemented constitution, in an arrangement designed to protect conservative military-backed rule. Senators, like the army, see themselves as guardians of traditional conservative royalist values.
House Speaker Wan Muhammad Noor Matha has allocated time for lawmakers to debate on the nomination before the vote takes place in the afternoon. Srettha did not run for office and the law does not require a prime ministerial candidate to be an elected lawmaker. Parliament also does not require him to be present at the vote.
Pheu Thai has been heavily criticized by some of its supporters for backtracking on a pre-election pledge not to join hands with pro-military parties. Party officials have defended the decision by saying it was necessary to break the political deadlock and seek reconciliation after decades of deep political divisions.
Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (second right) is greeted by supporters on his arrival at Don Muang airport. PHOTO: AP
Thaksin was ousted while he was abroad in 2006. He came back briefly to Thailand in 2008 to face a court trial before fleeing the country. He has avoided returning over concerns he would not be treated fairly by the military-backed government and establishment that has long held a sharp animosity toward him.
He has remained active in Thai politics, however, often making video calls to rallies of his supporters and parties backed by him.
“Thaksin’s plans to return to Thailand were postponed after the election results were announced — this implies a strong connection between the election, formation of coalitions, and selection of the prime minister on one hand, and Thaksin’s personal agenda on the other,” said Napon Jatusripitak, a political science researcher and visiting fellow at Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.
“Thaksin has managed to make this election about himself personally, and the direction of a Pheu Thai-led coalition heavily depends on his personal whims.”
Thaksin could wind up serving his full sentence unless he receives a royal pardon. Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam of the outgoing military-linked government has said that Thaksin is eligible to request a pardon and could receive special treatment because of his age.
Napon said Thaksin’s decision to return now suggests that “he has received assurances that he will not have to serve a prison sentence in full.”
Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra waves to his supporters as he arrives at Don Muang airport. PHOTO: AP
A farmer collects okra during the ongoing Southwest Monsoon season in Selangor, Malaysia on Saturday. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
NEW YORK (BLOOMBERG) – As summer heat waves grow more frequent and extreme because of climate change, so do the risks to human health. But while the immediate effects of heat are well understood, there is an insidious secondary effect, according to a new study: People go hungry.
“Households across the world struggle to afford to buy food when it gets too hot to work and earn an income,” says Carolin Kroeger, a doctoral researcher at the University of Oxford who wrote the study, published today in the journal Nature Human Behaviour.
Kroeger’s work found that a week of hot temperatures – defined as a week with at least three days whose temperatures rank in the hottest 10 per cent of the year – was associated with a small but significant increase in household food insecurity. Extrapolated across a population the size of India’s, for example, that would mean over eight million more people struggling to feed themselves properly during a week of extreme heat.
When temperatures climb, people whose income is dependent on their productivity may earn less, either because they forgo work or because the heat makes them less productive. In 2021, 470 billion work hours were lost worldwide to extreme heat, the equivalent of roughly 1.5 weeks of work per person.
A farmer collects okra during the ongoing Southwest Monsoon season in Selangor, Malaysia on Saturday. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
“If you are a brick worker paid by the number of bricks you carry, then obviously you’re going to get paid less on a hot day,” Kroeger says.
Antonella Mazzone, a University of Bristol researcher who studies the impact of heat but was not involved in the study, says Kroeger’s paper “presents an innovative approach and methodological exploration of the intersection between short-term food insecurity and heat-related challenges.”
While the study was correlative, and stops short of being able to prove that increased heat causes food insecurity, the “correlation between informal, precarious outdoor employment and food insecurity is logically coherent,” says Mazzone who called the paper “a wake-up call on the issue of climate change and food security that should make us think (about) what can be done to mitigate these circumstances and how to intervene promptly.”
Kroeger’s study drew its conclusions by leveraging over a half a million observations from the Gallup World Poll, which each year surveys adults in almost every country on metrics that include food insecurity. Kroeger used that data, along with temperature data from the Universal Thermal Climate Index, to compare those who experienced a hot week against those who didn’t. She found that people who experienced a hot week were more likely to experience food insecurity that week, and that a higher number of hot days was associated with increasing rates of food insecurity.
“Countries with more vulnerable forms of employment are more affected,” Kroeger says. Day labourers, agricultural workers, and people with informal employment are less likely to have a safety net. In the US, many agricultural workers are also undocumented, which means they have less access to social services. Among indoor workers, Kroeger points to textile factories, which “are really poorly insulated and ventilated and have no air conditioning.”
Mazzone notes that many places also lack access to refrigeration. “The presence of a refrigerator significantly reduces the experience of food insecurity compared to those without such facilities,” she says. Strengthening social networks – friends and family, as well as formal charitable organisations and NGOs – can also help.
Improving worker safety and the attendant risk of food insecurity will be increasingly important as the world heats up. For one example of a near-term solution, Kroeger points to a Rockefeller Foundation micro-insurance pilot available to informal workers in India. Women make payments into insurance accounts, “and then on hot days they’re paid out so that they don’t have to go to work if it’s really hot and might be threatening their health,” Kroeger says.
Meanwhile, some governments are actively rolling back worker protections. Earlier this year Texas Governor George Abbott signed a bill that effectively overturned local ordinances mandating rest breaks for outdoor workers.
Long term, Kroeger says, cities, workplaces and buildings will need to be designed in ways that facilitate passive cooling to help workers avoid having to choose between risking their health and going hungry. – KENDRA PIERRE-LOUIS
This undated file photo provided by NerdWallet shows Liz Weston, a columnist for personal finance website NerdWallet.com. PHOTO: AP
NEW YORK (AP) – At some point, most older people will need help getting through the day. Someone turning 65 today has a 70 per cent chance of eventually requiring assistance with basic living activities, such as bathing, dressing and using the toilet, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.
That’s the grim reality. Even grimmer is that Medicare typically doesn’t pay for such help. Plus, families often don’t try to figure out how to provide this care until there is a health crisis, which can lead to unnecessary stress, conflicts and escalating costs, says certified financial planner and physician Carolyn McClanahan of Life Planning Partners in Jacksonville, Florida.
Making a care plan well in advance allows families to get organized, locate appropriate resources and figure out ways to pay for care before a crisis hits.
“A care plan is thinking through the logistics of what you’re going to need as you age, so that when the poop hits the fan with ageing, then you are prepared,” McClanahan says.
Deal with denial first
The biggest barrier can be our own wishful thinking, says Katy Butler, author of the books “The Art of Dying Well” and “Knocking on Heaven’s Door.” We want to picture a perfectly healthy life followed, if absolutely necessary, by a quick and painless death.
The reality may be quite different, and that can be awful to contemplate, Butler acknowledges.
One way to cope is to plan for temporary rather than permanent disability. For example, what kind of help might you or your loved one need after a hip or knee replacement? How well is the home set up for recovery? Who would help with household tasks? Contemplating a two- or three-month disability with an eventual return to health is less daunting, but involves much of the same planning as a more lasting decline, says Butler, who lives in Mill Valley, California.
“I think that really would help people visualise without terrifying them,” Butler says.
Think about where you’ll get care
Many people want to remain in their current homes as they age, something called “aging in place.” That typically means relying on family members for care, or using paid workers, or both.
If family members will be tapped, discuss the logistics, including whether and how much they will be paid. If home health aides will be hired, consider who will supervise the process.
Costs can mount quickly. Nationally, a full-time home health aide costs an average of USD5,148 a month, according to long-term care insurer Genworth. (You can use Genworth’s cost of care calculator to estimate costs in your area.)
Explore ways to cover costs
Are there savings that can be tapped? Does the older person have long-term care insurance or can they get a reverse mortgage? Will other family members chip in? Does the older person qualify for government help, such as veterans benefits, Medicaid or state programs? Benefitscheckup.org, a site run by the nonprofit National Council on Aging, can help you search for resources that help people age in place. Families may want to consult an elder law attorney for personalized advice. (You can get a referral from the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys at www.naela.org.)
Also consider whether the current home is “aging friendly,” McClanahan says. An occupational therapist can suggest adaptations that could allow the older person to remain in the home if they’re disabled. Some changes might be simple, such as removing throw rugs that could cause falls, while others — like widening doorways or constructing a walk-in shower — might be part of a larger remodel. The sooner you get this evaluation, the more time you will have to plan and pay for it, McClanahan says.
“I recommend everybody do this when they hit their 50s if they’re planning on staying in their home,” she says.
Consider the community
Even if the home supports ageing in place, the neighbourhood might not, Butler says. Consider how the older person will socialise, get groceries and make it to health appointments if they can no longer drive.
An independent living or senior living facility could provide more amenities, but these typically don’t provide long-term care, Butler says. Is the older person OK with moving again later, or should they start with an assisted living or continuing care facility that can provide more help?
Once you have a plan, write down the details and consider sharing it with family members or other people who may be involved, McClanahan suggests. Revisit the document periodically as circumstances change.
“Ageing planning is not a one and done thing. It’s an ongoing process,” she says. – LIZ WESTON
This undated file photo provided by NerdWallet shows Liz Weston, a columnist for personal finance website NerdWallet.com. PHOTO: AP
