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Dwayne Johnson's Jimmy Fallon interview descends into a brutal pillow fight

Dwayne Johnson's appearance on "The Tonight Show" ended in a pillow fight with Jimmy Fallon.




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Site of the Korean government in exile a symbol of long friendship

An obscure three-story shikumen (stone-gate) building, tucked away in Shanghai’s busy Xintiandi commercial hub, has become a site of pilgrimage for tens of thousands of South Koreans every year.




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Celebrating 30 years of China-South Korea friendship

Ten years ago I was posted to South Korea to cover news.




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Paul Defends His Apostleship, Part 1 (Galatians 1:10–15)

Check here each week to keep up with the latest from John MacArthur's pulpit at Grace Community Church.




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Paul Defends His Apostleship, Part 2 (Galatians 1:10–24)

Check here each week to keep up with the latest from John MacArthur's pulpit at Grace Community Church.




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Ramaphosa extends deployment of SANDF to support SAPS in clamping down on illegal mining




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Soweto Business Forum ‘excited and very happy’ after Gauteng suspends vendors’ trading at schools




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SEC suspends Oando shares from stock market

The Securities and Exchange Commission has ordered the Nigerian Stock Exchange to suspend trading on the shares of Oando Plc. The commission said in a circular yesterday it had carried out a comprehensive review of the petitions by Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal and Ansbury Incorporated and made the following findings amongst others; Breach of the […]

SEC suspends Oando shares from stock market




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FAA prohibits US airlines from flying to Haiti; UN suspends flights

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — The Federal Aviation Administration announced Tuesday that it will prohibit U.S. airlines from flying to Haiti for 30 days after gangs shot a Spirit Airlines flight. The United Nations also said it will suspend flights, "obviously limiting the flow of humanitarian aid and humanitarian personnel into the country."  The bullets hit the plane when it was about to land Monday in the country's capital, Port-au-Prince, injuring a flight attendant. It was part of a wave of violence that erupted in Haiti as the country swore in its new prime minister after a politically tumultuous process.  Life in much of Haiti's capital was frozen after the wave of violence, which came to a head when gangs shot the Spirit Airlines airplane Monday, forcing the airport to shut down. Photos and videos obtained by The Associated Press show bullet holes dotting the interior of a plane. A number of airlines suspended flights to Haiti through Thursday, but it was unclear how long closures could drag on.  Neither the former interim prime minister, Garry Conille, nor the newly inaugurated Alix Didier Fils-Aime commented on the violence.  But Luis Abinader, who as president of the neighboring Dominican Republic has cracked down on Haitian migration, called firing on the airplane terrorism.  "This was a terrorist act; the countries that are following and helping Haiti should declare these armed gangs as terrorist groups," Abinader said in a news conference.  On Tuesday, heavily armed police in armored cars outside the airport checked trucks used for public transportation passing by.  Schools were closed, as were banks and government offices. The streets, where just a day before gangs and police were locked in a fierce firefight, were eerily empty.  The sound of heavy gunfire was heard in the streets in the afternoon — a reminder that despite political maneuvering by Haiti's elites and a strong push by the international community to restore peace, the country's toxic slate of gangs kept its firm hold on much of the Caribbean nation.  The United Nations estimates that gangs control 85% of the capital. A U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police to quell gang violence struggles with a lack of funding and personnel, prompting calls for a U.N. peacekeeping mission.




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House EJK probe proceeds as ex-president Duterte attends

After postponing the eleventh hearing into the drug-related extrajudicial killings on November 11, the House Quad Committee proceeded as initially scheduled on Wednesday, November 13.




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Wydad Casablanca defends Mokwena after racism-fuelled brawl




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Pastor Mboro defends his right to pray in court amidst legal troubles




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Slaves and Friends of Jesus, Part 1




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Slaves and Friends of Jesus, Part 2




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Burkina Faso extends military rule for 5 years to 2029

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso — Burkina Faso's military regime, in power since a 2022 coup, will extend its rule for five years under an accord adopted during national consultations on Saturday, the talks' chairman said.  "The duration of the transition is fixed at 60 months from July 2, 2024," Colonel Moussa Diallo, chairman of the organizing committee of the national dialogue process, said after the talks.  He added that coup leader and acting president Ibrahim Traore could run in any elections at the end of the transition period.  What was supposed to be a two-day national dialogue began earlier Saturday, ostensibly to chart a way back to civilian rule for the West African nation beset by jihadi violence.  The army has governed Burkina Faso since 2022, carrying out two coups that it said were justified in large part by the persistent insecurity.  Jihadi rebels affiliated with al Qaida and the Islamic State group have waged a grinding insurgency since 2015 that has killed thousands and displaced millions.  An initial national dialogue had resulted in a charter that installed Traore as president and put in place a government and a legislative assembly.  Under the new charter, quotas will no longer be used to assign seats in the assembly to members of traditional parties. Instead, "patriotism" will be the only criteria for selecting deputies.  "You have just rewritten a new page in the history of our country," said Minister of Territorial Affairs Emile Zerbo, who opened the meeting on Saturday morning.  The initial charter set the transition to civilian rule at 21 months, with the deadline set to expire July 1.  But Traore had repeatedly warned that holding elections would be difficult given the perilous security situation.  The new charter also calls for a new body called the "Korag" to "monitor and control the implementation of the country's strategic vision in all areas and through all means." Its composition and operations are at the discretion of the president.  Civil society representatives, the security and defense forces and lawmakers in the transitional assembly took part in the weekend talks, which most political parties boycotted.  Human rights groups have accused Burkina Faso's junta leaders of abuses against civilians during their military campaigns against jihadis, and of silencing media and opposition leaders.   After taking power, the coup leaders expelled French troops and diplomats, and have instead turned to Russia for military assistance.   




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A Quarter of a Billion Friends of Zion Unite for the Anniversary of the October 7 Massacre





  • evangelical support for israel
  • Friends of Zion
  • The October 7 Massacre

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Malawi: Tithawire Kuti? Malawians Struggling to Make Ends Meet Amid Soaring Cooking Oil Prices

[Nyasa Times] Malawians across the country are feeling the weight of soaring cooking oil prices, with many struggling to make ends meet as the cost of living continues to rise. Over the past month, the price of cooking oil has surged by an average of 12%, forcing consumers to dig deeper into their pockets to purchase essential household items.




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Will Ukraine Benefit if IMF Ends its Punitive Fees on Debt Burdened Countries?

Over the coming month, the United States has a window of opportunity to lift a multi-billion-dollar burden from Ukraine, and other countries in financial distress, without costing the US taxpayer a dime. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is currently considering ending its controversial “surcharges” — punitive fees that it imposes on countries whose debt exceeds […]



  • Development & Aid
  • Economy & Trade
  • Featured
  • Global
  • Headlines
  • IPS UN: Inside the Glasshouse
  • Sustainable Development Goals
  • TerraViva United Nations
  • IPS UN Bureau

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Empowering Change & Resilience: Social Protection in the Age of Megatrends

Social protection systems are essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. However, social protection is insufficient across Asia and the Pacific, and the region is at risk from megatrends: climate change, demographic shifts and digitalization. Tens of millions of people have been pushed into extreme poverty since COVID-19, reversing past gains, and many […]



  • Asia-Pacific
  • Development & Aid
  • Economy & Trade
  • Featured
  • Headlines
  • IPS UN: Inside the Glasshouse
  • Sustainable Development Goals
  • TerraViva United Nations
  • IPS UN Bureau

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The Impact of Global Megatrends on Poverty in Asia & the Pacific

In the coming decades, the Asia-Pacific region faces a series of challenges that threaten to exacerbate poverty. Among these, climate change, demographic shifts, particularly population ageing and the rise of digital technologies stand out as three interconnected global megatrends. A recent technical paper supporting the Social Outlook for Asia and the Pacific 2024 explores various […]



  • Asia-Pacific
  • Development & Aid
  • Economy & Trade
  • Featured
  • Headlines
  • IPS UN: Inside the Glasshouse
  • Sustainable Development Goals
  • TerraViva United Nations
  • IPS UN Bureau

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Calaca City suspends classes due to 'vog' from Taal Volcano

LUCENA CITY — Classes were suspended on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 13, in Calaca City, Batangas province, due to the harmful presence of volcanic smog or “vog” from Taal Volcano. The Calaca public information office announced the suspension around 11:30 a.m. in a post on its Facebook page. “In accordance with the directive of the DepEd Calaca City Sub-Office and Calaca City DRRMO, the suspension of classes this afternoon is recommended for all public and private schools at all levels in Calaca City due to volcanic smog or “vog” from Taal Volcano,” the post said in Filipino. Local authorities advised the […]...

Keep on reading: Calaca City suspends classes due to 'vog' from Taal Volcano




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Somalia Sends Four Planes of Humanitarian Aid to Baidoa Amid Looming Drought Crisis

[Radio Dalsan] Mogadishu -- The Federal Government of Somalia has dispatched four planes of humanitarian aid to Baidoa, the capital of the Southwest State, in response to escalating concerns over a severe drought expected to hit the region.




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Jubaland Suspends Cooperation With Somali Federal Government

[Shabelle] Kismayo, Somalia -- The regional state of Jubaland has announced the suspension of all cooperation with the Federal Government of Somalia, escalating tensions over political and governance issues. The decision, made public early Sunday, marks a significant rift in the country's federal structure.




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IDF Chief of Staff Halevi sends a message to Hamas during assessment in Jabalya


Halevi gave this message after the IDF killed 1,000 Hamas terrorists in the northern Gazan city and additionally captured another 1,000 terrorists.




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How Megatrends Affect Advancement of Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment in Asia and the Pacific

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted in 1995 during the Fourth World Conference on Women, remains a cornerstone in the global pursuit of gender equality and women’s empowerment. With the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on the Beijing+30 Review fast approaching, now is the time to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that […]




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Jennifer Aniston recalls one producer telling her 'Friends' won't make her popular

Jennifer Aniston is one of the highest paid actresses of HollywoodAmerican actress, Jennifer Aniston revealed that she was once told by one of her show’s producers that popular sitcom Friends will not 'make her a star'. Globally acclaimed NBC show aired on TV in 1994. At the same time,...




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Foreign Direct Investment in South Asia: Policy, Trends, Impact and Determinants

South Asia study of foreign direct investments impact in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal on economic growth, domestic investment, and export; special emphasis on the role of infrastructure.



  • Publications/Papers and Briefs

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New Scientist recommends eight-legged musical instrument Sonic Spider

The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week




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New Scientist recommends documentary Hunt for the Oldest DNA

The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week




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New Scientist recommends the Pier 26 Science Playground

The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week




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Ambitious story of how life shapes Earth ends superb trilogy

The dynamics of how plants and animals change Earth is central to this last book in a trilogy by Other Minds author and "scuba-diving philosopher" Peter Godfrey-Smith




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New Scientist recommends Twisters – action sequel with added tornadoes

The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week




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Girls Lose Friends for Having Sex But Boys Don't, Study Shows

Title: Girls Lose Friends for Having Sex But Boys Don't, Study Shows
Category: Health News
Created: 8/24/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/24/2015 12:00:00 AM




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Oldest Sister at Greater Risk of Obesity, Study Contends

Title: Oldest Sister at Greater Risk of Obesity, Study Contends
Category: Health News
Created: 8/26/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/27/2015 12:00:00 AM




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Family Trumps Friends in Extending Seniors' Lives

Title: Family Trumps Friends in Extending Seniors' Lives
Category: Health News
Created: 8/21/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/22/2016 12:00:00 AM




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Teen Cyberbullies More Apt to Be Friends Than Strangers

Title: Teen Cyberbullies More Apt to Be Friends Than Strangers
Category: Health News
Created: 8/20/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/22/2016 12:00:00 AM




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U.S. Government Extends Baby Formula Waivers, Rebates for WIC Families

Title: U.S. Government Extends Baby Formula Waivers, Rebates for WIC Families
Category: Health News
Created: 8/25/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/26/2022 12:00:00 AM




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Re: Friendship as Medicine




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Assessing Trends in Cytokine-CYP Drug Interactions and Relevance to Drug Dosing [Special Section on New and Emerging Areas and Technologies in Drug Metabolism and Disposition, Part II-Minireview]

The regulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters by cytokines has been extensively studied in vitro and in clinic. Cytokine-mediated suppression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) or drug transporters may increase or decrease the systemic clearance of drug substrates that are primarily cleared via these pathways; neutralization of cytokines by therapeutic proteins may thereby alter systemic exposures of such drug substrates. The Food and Drug Administration recommends evaluating such clinical drug interactions during clinical development and has provided labeling recommendations for therapeutic proteins. To determine the clinical relevance of these drug interactions to dose adjustments, trends in steady-state exposures of CYP-sensitive substrates coadministered with cytokine modulators as reported in the University of Washington Drug Interaction Database were extracted and examined for each of the CYPs. Coadministration of cytochrome P450 family 3 subfamily A (CYP3A) (midazolam/simvastatin), cytochrome P450 subfamily 2C19 (omeprazole), or cytochrome P450 subfamily 1A2 (caffeine/tizanidine) substrates with anti-interleukin-6 and with anti-interleukin-23 therapeutics led to changes in systemic exposures of CYP substrates ranging from ~ –58% to ~35%; no significant trends were observed for cytochrome P450 subfamily 2D6 (dextromethorphan) and cytochrome P450 subfamily 2C9 (warfarin) substrates. Although none of these changes in systemic exposures have been reported as clinically meaningful, dose adjustment of midazolam for optimal sedation in acute care settings has been reported. Simulated concentration-time profiles of midazolam under conditions of elevated cytokine levels when coadministered with tocilizumab, suggest a ~six- to sevenfold increase in midazolam clearance, suggesting potential implications of cytokine–CYP drug interactions on dose adjustments of sensitive CYP3A substrates in acute care settings. Additionally, this article also provides a brief overview of nonclinical and clinical assessments of cytokine–CYP drug interactions in drug discovery and development.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

There has been significant progress in understanding cytokine-mediated drug interactions for CYP-sensitive substrates. This article provides an overview of the progress in this field, including a trend analysis of systemic exposures of CYP-sensitive substrates coadministered with anti-interleukin therapeutics. In addition, the review also provides a perspective of current methods used to assess these drug interactions during drug development and a focus on individualized medicine, particularly in acute care settings.




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Weight trends among adults with diabetes or hypertension during the COVID-19 pandemic: an observational study using OpenSAFELY

BackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic restrictions may have influenced behaviours related to weight.AimTo describe patterns of weight change among adults living in England with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and/or hypertension during the pandemic.Design and settingAn observational cohort study using the routinely collected health data of approximately 40% of adults living in England, accessed through the OpenSAFELY service inside TPP.MethodClinical and sociodemographic characteristics associated with rapid weight gain (>0.5 kg/m2/year) were investigated using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsData were extracted on adults with T2D (n = 1 231 455, 43.9% female, and 76.0% White British) or hypertension (n = 3 558 405, 49.7% female, and 84.3% White British). Adults with T2D lost weight overall (median δ = −0.1 kg/m2/year [interquartile range {IQR} −0.7–0.4]). However, rapid weight gain was common (20.7%) and associated with the following: sex (male versus female: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.78 [95% confidence interval {CI} = 0.77 to 0.79]); age (older age reduced odds, for example, aged 60–69 years versus 18–29 years: aOR 0.66 [95% CI = 0.61 to 0.71]); deprivation (least deprived Index of Multiple Deprivation [IMD] quintile versus most deprived IMD quintile: aOR 0.87 [95% CI = 0.85 to 0.89]); White ethnicity (Black versus White: aOR 0.95 [95% CI = 0.92 to 0.98]); mental health conditions (for example, depression: aOR 1.13 [95% CI = 1.12 to 1.15]); and diabetes treatment (non-insulin treatment versus no pharmacological treatment: aOR 0.68 [95% CI = 0.67 to 0.69]). Adults with hypertension maintained stable weight overall (median δ = 0.0 kg/m2/year [IQR −0.6–0.5]); however, rapid weight gain was common (24.7%) and associated with similar characteristics as in T2D.ConclusionAmong adults living in England with T2D and/or hypertension, rapid pandemic weight gain was more common among females, younger adults, those living in more deprived areas, and those with mental health conditions.




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MH370 search ends in two weeks

The hunt for missing flight MH370 will end in two weeks, Malaysia’s transport minister said yesterday.




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China ends floats logjam

INVESTORS swarmed over the shares of a maker of valves on Friday as China broke its self-imposed freeze on initial public offerings.




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Respawn have killed Apex Legends' Steam Deck support in the name of anti-cheat

The Steam Deck is something of a talisman for gaming on Linux, its popularity and penguin-powered SteamOS having almost singlehandedly dragged it past MacOS as the second-most-used operating system among Steam users. Sadly, this also means the Valve handheld is the primary casualty when developers decide to stop bothering with Linux support, as Respawn Entertainment have decided to do for Apex Legends.

Read more




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Elder Scrolls: Legends has been removed from sale and will become unplayable in January 2025

The Elder Scrolls: Legends, the free-to-play card game set in Bethesda's fantasy world, has been removed from sale on Steam. Its servers will shut down for good on January 30th, 2025, after which it will no longer be playable. The closure comes five years after the game was last updated.

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Apex Legends is revisiting the past, but it should be prouder of its present

Nostalgia, when you think about it, is bollocks. There has never been a better time than right this second – averaged out, and despite repeated attempts to the contrary, humanity has never been healthier, freer, or more enlightened by knowledge. It’s true of games too. For every by-committee platter of passionless map markers, there are thousands of more personal, more creative, more interesting works, all adding to the decades' worth of great stuff we can still play today.

What isn’t bollocks is the emotional pull that nostalgia, for all its lack of cold, hard reason, still manages to wield inside our warm, squishy brains. Hence, the centrepiece of Apex Legends’ Season 23 update is a mode that recreates the battle royale FPS as it was back in 2019, defaulting back to the original map and weapon arsenal while cutting the 26-strong legend roster to the earliest ten. It’s a Fortnite-style rolling back of the clock, and a passably enjoyable one, but also a reminder that the good old days weren’t always that good.

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New Scientist recommends multiverse thriller Dark Matter

The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week




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New Scientist recommends astronomy exhibition Borrowed Light in Berlin

The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week




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New Scientist recommends HowTheLightGetsIn festival in London

The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week




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New Scientist recommends Brian Cox's new series, Solar System

The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week