Year: 2024

Jupiter has unveiled plans for a significant airdrop event in January.
Jupiter has unveiled plans for a significant airdrop event in January. The event, known as “Jupuary,” will distribute 700 million JUP tokens, valued at approximately $580 million, to various stakeholders, including users, stakers, and community contributors.
The distribution will be based on a snapshot already taken. Although the final eligibility criteria are still under discussion, preliminary drafts suggest that users will be rewarded based on their trading volume over the past year.
For instance, users with an annual trading volume of at least $800 are expected to receive a minimum of 50 tokens, while those with $29,000 in trading volume could qualify for 250 tokens. Approximately 2.3 million wallets are anticipated to be eligible for this airdrop.
This initiative follows a previous airdrop in November 2023, during which nearly 1 billion JUP tokens were allocated to users who executed a minimum of $1,000 in swap volume on the platform before the snapshot.
Currently, the circulating supply of JUP tokens is 1.35 billion, with a maximum supply initially set at 10 billion. However, Jupiter's community has approved a reduction of the maximum supply to 7 billion tokens, which will involve burning over 3 billion tokens.
Launched in October 2021, Jupiter aggregates liquidity from multiple decentralized exchanges, providing users with competitive rates for token swaps.
I'm just your average dog… Only decentralized; also… I'm not your average dog.
Join the thousands already learning crypto!

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HOME > Animal Impact | Features |
Read Time:   |  28th December 2024
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Discover how wars and conflicts wreak havoc on animals and the environment, from habitat destruction and species endangerment to pollution and climate change, threatening biodiversity, ecosystems, and the planet’s future
War and conflict not only devastate human lives but also inflict catastrophic harm on animals and the natural world, threatening biodiversity, ecosystems, and the planet’s future.
The United Nations reports that the world is witnessing the greatest number of wars and conflicts since the end of World War II.
As of June 2024, an astonishing 92 countries were involved in more than 55 conflicts, affecting around 2 billion people, roughly a quarter of humanity.  In 2023, the world pumped a record $2.44 billion into global military expenditures, representing the largest year-on-year increase since 2009.
A war-weary world is feeling the heavy burden of large-scale violence.  Indiscriminate war machines inflict punishing consequences on everyone, impacting national economies and disrupting economic supply chains. 
The financial impact of the unprecedented number of wars and conflicts is severe, diverting funds from the world’s poor, who are already struggling to meet basic needs, including food, water, and shelter.
The challenges faced by humanity are great but a frequently overlooked consequence of military conflicts is the impact on the natural world. Bombs, explosives, and other weapons of war cause extensive destruction, devastating the environment with profound and long-lasting effects.
Wars and conflicts leave a legacy of polluted soil and waterways, with lasting consequences on ecosystems and animals. Even today, Germany, France and Belgium are affected by soil contamination from World War II.
Wars leave a devastating legacy of contamination, polluting waterways and degrading soils with hazardous materials, making ecosystems toxic for wildlife and unsuitable for agriculture. Photo © Donatas/Adobe Stock
In Vietnam, decades after the war, Agent Orange has left many areas uninhabitable due to persistent soil contamination.  Bombs and landmines degrade soils, making them less suitable for crops that are desperately needed in war-torn regions.
Ecosystems that are contaminated by explosive and hazardous materials can be lethal to animals and can disrupt the world’s food chains.
The catastrophic consequences of warfare can be seen with the growing ecological crisis in Ukraine. Once known as the ‘breadbasket of Europe’, Ukraine was home to approximately 35% of the total biodiversity in Europe, but the calamitous conflict with Russia has endangered approximately 600 species of animal and 750 species of plant and fungi, which has had a severe impact on the world’s food supply.
Military operations use vast amounts of fossil fuels and often start fires or involve the intentional burning of forests, all of which contribute to the increasing amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere and, in turn, climate change. 
Military training exercises have devastating consequences on animals and ecosystems, including habitat destruction, declines in species populations, and the loss of biodiversity in aquatic and terrestrial systems. 
Military operations consume enormous quantities of fossil fuels and frequently ignite fires or intentionally burn forests, driving greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbating the global climate crisis. Photo © Aleksandr Lesik/Adobe Stock
In 2021, the U.S. Navy dropped a 40,000 pound explosive into the Atlantic Ocean to test an aircraft’s ability to withstand battle conditions. The explosive device triggered a 3.9 magnitude earthquake, causing extensive damage to marine ecosystems and resulting in the deaths of countless aquatic animals. 
Due to the lack of transparency and accountability, however, it is not possible to know the true impact of the exercise, but we know that it was severe. Military operations nearly always result in countless animal deaths, including the deaths of threatened and endangered species.
The destruction of vital ecosystems and natural habitats results in the indirect deaths of billions of animals, accelerating biological annihilation at a time when the loss of biodiversity is one of the greatest global challenges we face. 
The destruction of habitats leaves animals disoriented, vulnerable, and without access to food and shelter. Landmines are directly responsible for injuring and killing animals, particularly large mammals, as they wander unknowingly into areas with unexploded landmines.
Landmines have even pushed some species closer to extinction, including elephants in Africa and leopards in Afghanistan. 
The presence of landmines also makes animal protection by rangers and officials a dangerous or an even impossible task, exposing even more animals to the risk of illicit animal trafficking. 
Conservation efforts in conflict zones are difficult, hampered by weak law enforcement, desperate poverty, and the presence of organised crime syndicates.
Military training exercises, such as the deployment of sea mines, wreak havoc on marine ecosystems, causing habitat destruction, species declines, and a severe loss of aquatic biodiversity. Photo © Grispb/Adobe Stock
Historically, animals have been treated as mere tools of war, brought in to fight battles not their own. In World War I, more than 16 million animals were forced to serve in areas of transportation, communication and reconnaissance, and more than eight million horses, donkeys and mules and one million dogs died during that war.
Sea mammals do not escape recruitment as many are strapped with devices for military purposes. 
Animals in zoos also face grave danger during conflicts. During wars in the twentieth century, animals in zoos were bombed, tortured, starved, killed, and even eaten. In 2022, starving Russian soldiers were reported to be eating animals from zoos in Ukraine, a tragedy that has repeated itself time and time again throughout history.
Companion animals are not immune from the fallout of war. During conflicts, many companion animals are left behind without food, water or shelter when people are forced to evacuate war zones. 
Shelter animals risk death by starvation when caretakers are forced to evacuate. In 2022,  hundreds of dogs were found malnourished or dead in Ukraine when the shelter became inaccessible due to a constant wave of bombing.
In Gaza, countless numbers of companion animals have suffered starvation, physical trauma, and diseases. The constant barrage of explosions and gunfire in conflict zones causes tremendous stress and psychological trauma to animals.  Farmed animals also face starvation when abandoned or when infrastructure vital to their care is destroyed.   
Despite the devastating consequences that military conflicts have, little attention is given to their impact on animals and the natural world, even though the destruction inflicted on nature will endure for generations to come. The world is facing unprecedented global challenges, and wars and conflicts waste and destroy resources that humanity desperately needs.
Throughout history, animals have been exploited as tools of war, forced into battles they did not choose, serving roles in transportation, communication, and combat, often at the cost of their lives. Photo © Luigi Petro/Adobe Stock
Legal protection for animals in the context of human conflicts is slow to develop because national security interests always take precedence over the welfare of animals.
However, there is growing recognition that safeguarding the natural world during wars and conflicts is critical, not only for the environment and animals, but also for the well-being of humanity.
The destruction of ecosystems and animals has long-term consequences that affect food security, public health, and the stability of global communities.
As awareness increases, there will be a stronger push for new laws that will ensure that the natural world is protected, even in times of war.
The future of both humanity and the planet depends on our ability to protect animals and their habitats, even in the midst of conflict.
Are you ready to go vegan? Make mealtimes a breeze with these delicious and easy recipes for Veganuary
Featured photo © New Africa/Adobe Stock
Written by
Kimberly Moore is a Senior Attorney in Washington, D.C. and a Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics, and author of The Case for the Legal Protection of Animals, Humanity’s Shared Destiny with the Animal Kingdom.
Learn how these vegan musicians are advocating for animal rights and sustainable living through their music and personal choices.
The countdown to a New Year has begun. Throw the ultimate festive feast this Christmas with these vegan party food recipes…
Asda has unveiled its impressive vegan Christmas range for 2024 with a whopping 57 brand new vegan products coming to stores this winter.
From vegan beauty calendars to dairy-free chocolate calendars, countdown to Christmas with the best vegan advent calendars for 2024.
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Explore the complex relationship between Pakistan and the Taliban, from shared history and support to evolving challenges as the Taliban transitions from fighters to rulers.
In August 2021, when the Taliban took over Kabul, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed celebrated the event, predicting a new regional alliance. At the time, Prime Minister Imran Khan said the Taliban’s return to power symbolized Afghans “breaking the shackles of slavery.”
#BREAKING 🇦🇫⚡🏳️ AFGHANISTAN – Massive deployment of Taliban who have declared war on Pakistan

Some sources suggest that Taliban have already arrived on the battlefield inside Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/t3R9iJw00S
The Taliban’s journey to power was not easy. For nearly 20 years, they fought against a US-led coalition of more than 40 countries. During this time, many Taliban leaders and fighters found safety in Pakistan. Cities like Quetta, Peshawar, and Karachi became key hubs for their operations.
Many Taliban members were educated in Pakistani religious schools, such as the Darul Uloom Haqqania, where the movement’s founder, Mullah Muhammad Omar, reportedly studied. In Pakistan, the Taliban found support that allowed them to rebuild and plan their next moves. Without this sanctuary, their successful uprising might not have been possible.
Despite these ties, the relationship between Pakistan and the Taliban is not as smooth as expected. While Pakistan welcomed the Taliban as allies, the group has been less cooperative. The Taliban are using nationalist ideas to gain support from Afghans and reduce their dependence on Pakistan.
#Taliban & Pakistani troops clash in intense border battle!

Heavy fire exchanged in Dand-e-Patan district, with Pakistani rockets hitting civilian homes.

Taliban silent on incident, which follows deadly Pakistani airstrikes in Paktika province.#Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/pXBiM12Xw8
The Taliban’s leadership is also trying to transform from fighters to rulers, focusing on building a government and forming broader international relationships.
This evolving situation shows the complex bond between Pakistan and the Taliban. Both sides share history, but their future relationship remains uncertain as they pursue their own goals.
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Pop star, certified Disney Legend, and style icon Miley Cyrus has undergone a serious transformation in the spotlight for almost two decades. And apart from seeing her grow up, we’ve also gotten to witness the star fall in and out of love. Since late 2021, Cyrus has been dating musician Maxx Morando, the drummer in the band Lilly, and while they’ve been very private about their romance, we’ve gotten to see glimpses of their happy relationship from time to time.
That said, we know better than to trust what’s served to us, which is why we reached out to Susan Trombetti, matchmaker and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking. Exclusively for Glam, Trombetti dove deeper into the couple’s relationship. “When it comes to Miley and Maxx, not a lot is known about their relationship because they do tend to keep it private,” she tells us. “For Miley, this is a good thing because too much of her life has been in the public and full of turbulence. There has been lots of drama in her life, and while you can only hope for the best for them, you can’t help but worry for her.” While Trombetti points out that the relationship between the two musicians seems to be doing fine, she adds, “There are numerous red flags that jump out at me, though.” And once she said that, we knew we needed to know more.

One thing that even Miley Cyrus has addressed is the six-year age gap between herself and Maxx Morando. While that type of age gap usually doesn’t mean a lot, the former Disney star admitted that her Gen-Z boyfriend often surprises her with how different from her he is. “He looks at life really differently than I do,” Cyrus told Harper’s Bazaar in November 2024. “He grew up with a laptop. I had a desktop computer that I shared with my brothers and sisters.”
Susan Trombetti points out their age gap as a potential red flag since the two are at different stages of their lives. “Maxx is only 26 years old. Miley grew up early, but most don’t. He has been with her for a few years now,” Trombetti tells us exclusively. “I don’t think people should make a very long-term commitment until they have lived through their twenties.” 
Moreover, the matchmaker stresses that Morando undoubtedly still has some growing up to do since he entered the relationship in his early 20s. “She is ready and grew up quickly, which means it could be another heartache for her down the road,” Trombetti explains. “He has been dating her since he was 23, if not a little younger. That’s very serious at a young age.”

Those who have been keeping up with Miley Cyrus over the years know that there’s been quite a bit of drama in her family following the divorce of her parents, Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus, in 2022. The former couple’s children chose sides, and for Miley, this meant standing alongside her mother. In fact, Miley didn’t even thank her father when accepting her first Grammy Award despite Billy Ray playing a major role in his daughter’s career, as well as her love of music.
Now, while odd and dysfunctional family dynamics aren’t uncommon, Susan Trombetti explains just how they could negatively impact Miley’s romantic relationship. “Her family life seems a bit dysfunctional, which means she didn’t have a good support system or role models, causing her not to know what a good relationship looks like,” Trombetti shares exclusively with Glam. “While I am sure she loves them, her family doesn’t seem to be good role models for a relationship. Billy’s focus seemed to be on living his dream vicariously through her, and so that husband and wife relationship couldn’t have been a good role model for her.” 
Trombetti adds that due to Miley’s family dynamics, she might end up putting too much pressure on Maxx Morando. “I am sure she loves her family, but it’s hard for her to find stability. She may depend too heavily on him,” the matchmaker tells us. In fact, supporting your partner when they have a toxic family dynamic is never easy.

It’s no secret that celebs often date other celebs since they know what they’re getting into. While Maxx Morando is a talented musician, his fame is currently nowhere near Miley Cyrus’ level, which could have a negative effect on their relationship. A source close to the couple revealed to ET in March 2022 that Morando’s private lifestyle is what drew Cyrus to him. “Miley likes the fact that they are low-key as a couple and is just focused on doing her thing and being around people that make her happy, and Maxx does that,” the insider said. Similarly, a source told People in March 2023 that Morando is all about keeping his life private: “He has no interest in being a huge celebrity; he’s very low-key.”
Of course, when you’re dating an international pop star who’s been in the game for almost two decades, keeping a low-key life isn’t easy, and this is exactly what Susan Trombetti points out as a potential red flag in the couple’s relationship. “The scrutiny that comes with being a star — much less all the scrutiny around Miley — is intense on their relationship,” she tells us exclusively. “He is very private, and it’s all out there usually with Miley.”

We’ve all heard that opposites attract, but in reality, being too different from your partner isn’t ideal — and there are numerous signs that you and your partner are too different. Speaking to E! News in January 2022, a source revealed that Miley Cyrus and Maxx Morando share common interests. “They are both artistic and creative, so they bond over being musicians,” the insider said. However, it doesn’t take an expert to realize that there are also plenty of differences between the two — namely that Morando seems shy and private, while Cyrus has always been a loud and energetic open book.
“Their differences in personalities might create discomfort for Maxx,” Susan Trombetti tells us exclusively. “There is a lot of pressure on Maxx dealing with someone that isn’t as private. She speaks her mind, and she is fierce and such an enormous talent because of it. Their differences, which could be a good thing, could also drive them apart.” This isn’t an issue that can sit on the back burner, either. In fact, Trombetti concludes that she’s “sure” that “[i]t’s something they navigate.”
Now, if you love celebrity relationships and the juicy drama they bring, check out all the red flags in Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos’ relationship.

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A man’s body was found in his backyard in Abington, Massachusetts, Friday night, and his death is under investigation, authorities said.
State and local police are investigating the 43-year-old’s death, the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office said Saturday. They didn’t share the man’s name or what’s believed to have led to his death.
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Police found the man’s body about 7:25 p.m. Friday after being called to his home, on Plymouth Street near the Plymouth St. Baseball Field, for a wellbeing check, prosecutors said.
What caused the man’s death is under investigation by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, but prosecutors said it doesn’t seem to be random.
They asked anyone with information about what happened to call police at 508-894-2584.

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Looking back at the past year in film, action remains a reliable genre both at the box office and on streaming. Action occupies six spots on the list of the 12 highest-grossing movies of 2024. From blockbusters and IP-driven properties to superhero stories and monster epics, action continues to be embraced by audiences globally.
You know it’s been a competitive year in action when a superhero movie doesn’t crack the list of the top seven action movies of 2024. What films did make the cut? Check out the full rankings below.
Need more recommendations? Then check out the best new movies to stream this week, the best action movies on Netflix, the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max, and the best movies on Disney+.
It’s early, but Land of Bad might have already secured its spot in the “Dad Movie Hall of Fame.” At the very least, it’s knocking on the door to join movies like Ford v Ferrari and Miracle. Land of Bad is a great example of how a solid movie with little attention in theaters can increase its popularity exponentially on Netflix.
Sergeant JJ Kinney (Liam Hemsworth), aka Playboy, joins Delta Force for an extraction mission in the Philippines. Their mission is to rescue a CIA spy and escape the hostile environment. Eddie “Reaper” Grimm (Russell Crowe) pilots a Reaper drone remotely from the U.S., providing air support to the team. When the mission goes haywire, Playboy is the only survivor. Now, he must rely on Reaper to guide him through the jungle in this loud, explosive, and masculine thriller.
Stream Land of Bad on Netflix.
What a wonderful day to include Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes on this list. Three-hundred years after Caesar reigned, apes have supplanted humans as the dominant species. The apes live in different clans scattered throughout the country. In the Eagle Clan, we meet Kingdom’s protagonist, Noa (Owen Teague), a teenage ape and heir to his tribe. One night, a rival ape clan burns down Noa’s village and kidnaps the surviving members. Noa manages to escape, but he’s now an ape without a clan.
Forced to come of age, Noa embarks on a journey to the rival kingdom to rescue his friends and family. Along the way, Noa gains an unlikely ally in Mae (Freya Allan), a girl immune to the virus that turns humans feral. While Kingdom fails to live up to Matt Reeves’ Apes films, Kingdom is a solid first film in a new trilogy, and the franchise remains the gold standard for motion capture performances.
Stream Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes on Hulu.
Jaume Collet-Serra has seemingly dedicated his life to keeping the mid-budget action thriller alive. Collet-Serra’s resume includes Unknown, Non-Stop, Run All Night, The Shallows, and The Commuter. Add Carry-On to the list. It’s Christmas Eve at the airport, and TSA agent Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton) is working a security line when a strange earpiece finds its way into one of the bins.
Upon putting it into his ear, Ethan hears a message from a mysterious traveler (Jason Bateman), who demands a package make its way through security no questions asked. If Ethan refuses, his pregnant girlfriend, Nora (Sofia Carson), will be killed. Refusing to abide by the rules, Ethan goes full John McClane and embarks on a mission to save the day in this wildly entertaining Christmas thriller.
Stream Carry-On on Netflix.
Unfortunately for Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, its legacy will likely be associated with the film’s box office misfortunes and its inability to match the highs of the superb Mad Max: Fury Road. It’s a shame because George Miller only has a finite number of films remaining in his career and should be praised for Furiosa’s bravery and boldness.
Serving as a prequel to Fury Road, Furiosa follows the origin stories of the titular character (Anya Taylor-Joy), a young girl kidnapped from her home as a girl and forced to hide her identity while working at the Citadel. Furiosa becomes a witness to the war over the Wasteland between the Citadel’s Immortan Joe (Lachy Hulme) and the Biker Horde’s leader, Dementus (Chris Hemsworth). While Furiosa is not a chase movie, Miller still flexes his prowess in the War Rig scenes, proving no living director shoots better vehicle sequences than him.
Stream Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga on Max.
Alex Garland’s dystopian thriller Civil War is in the running for the most polarizing film of 2024. The United States is in the midst of a civil war between several factions, most notably the Texas- and California-led “Western Forces.” A group of American journalists, including veteran war photojournalist Lee (Kirsten Dunst) and aspiring photographer Jessie (Cailee Spaeny), embark on a trip to Washington, D.C., to cover the impending downfall of an authoritative president (Nick Offerman).
Several reviews criticized Garland for refusing to fully explore American politics in 2024, believing he took an apolitical approach to an important discussion. As an action film and a story about journalists, Civil War is a harrowing escapade backed by terrific performances from its cast. Jesse Plemons gives the horror performance of the year in a sick-to-your-stomach scene. Also, Civil War, like many of Garland’s films, sounds incredible.
Stream Civil War on Max.
There’s locked-in, and then there’s Aaron Pierre explaining what PACE means to Don Johnson in Rebel Ridge. Written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier, Rebel Ridge stars Pierre as Terry Richmond, a former Marine veteran heading to a small Louisiana town to bail his cousin out of jail. Terry is stunned when the two police officers detain him and invoke a civil forfeiture clause to seize his $36,000 in bail money. When Terry tries to get his money back from the cops, the police chief (Johnson) refuses to listen.
With the help of courthouse employee Summer McBride (AnnaSophia Robb), Terry learns about the town’s corruption and realizes he must take matters into his own hands to get what he wants. Rebel Ridgehooks you in from the opening scene and keeps your attention throughout the 131-minute run time. Pierre is a revelation in a star-making performance that will catapult him to higher-profile projects, including Lanterns.
Stream Rebel Ridge on Netflix.
Don’t overthink it. Dune: Part Two is the best action movie of 2024. Yes, the film probably falls in the sci-fi category, but Denis Villeneuve provides some of the year’s best action sequences and set pieces. The second movie in a two-part adaptation of Frank Herbert’s landmark novel continues the journey of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and his quest to avenge the destruction of his house at the hands of House Harkonnen.
Paul and his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), are now with the Fremen tribe, with many members believing the heir to House Atreides is their messiah, the Lisan al-Gaib. For Paul to free the people of Arrakis from the Harkonnens, he must embrace his destiny and fulfill the Fremen’s prophecy, no matter how many times he tries to resist. Dune: Part Two is Villeneuve’s version of The Two Towers — an epic adventure from a director who truly understands the material.
Stream Dune: Part Two on Max.
While everyone is scouring store shelves for the top Best Buy deals and Walmart markdowns, you can be the savvy shopper who stays warm at home while still scoring a fantastic deal on a streaming service. Earlier today, we came across this excellent offer for Peacock Premium: For a limited time, when you sign up for Peacock Premium after purchasing a new Samsung Galaxy device, you’ll get three months on the house! 
We also suggest taking a look at our list of the best streaming services to see what other leading brands are offering discounts for VOD movies and shows, with and without ads.  
For the last couple of months, Hulu only lost a handful of movies, which was very good news for subscribers. Unfortunately, the good times are over at the end of December. There are a lot of great movies leaving Hulu when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. The good news is that the extended holiday season is your perfect chance to catch these flicks before they depart.
Our picks for the five movies leaving Hulu in December that you have to watch include an all-time great sci-fi/horror film, a fun modern sequel, a terrific comedy-drama, a fantastic Western, and a zombie flick that’s finally getting a sequel in 2025.
Wicked has been dazzling audiences in theaters around the world. Now, fans can hold space with the lyrics of Defying Gravity in their homes before the year ends.
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment announced Thursday that Wicked will be available to own or rent on digital platforms on December 31, 2024. The digital release will include special features, such as 10 deleted and extended scenes, a sing-along version, a 40-minute journey through Oz, personal stories from the cast about their relationship to the musical, an inside look at The Wizard of Oz, and special commentary from director Jon M. Chu and stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
Upgrade your lifestyleDigital Trends helps readers keep tabs on the fast-paced world of tech with all the latest news, fun product reviews, insightful editorials, and one-of-a-kind sneak peeks.

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Why TAL Education Group (TAL) Is Among the Best Low Priced Stocks to Invest in Now?  Yahoo Finance
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The Holocaust Documentation & Education Center hosted the Grand Opening of the Anne Frank Exhibition, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about the legacy of Anne Frank, one of the most well-known figures of the Holocaust and hear from individuals who knew the Frank family personally.
The exhibition showcases a miniature model of the “Secret Annex,” the room where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis for more than two years. The exhibition also features a Limited Edition copy of Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, one of only 350 numbered copies produced. The diary shares Frank’s harrowing experiences in hiding and has become one of the world’s most widely-read books.
More than 450 guests attended the Grand Opening event, including local and state dignitaries, Donna Tarney, Education Specialist at the Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina and Holocaust Survivors whose connections to Frank’s experiences are deeply personal. Among those in attendance were Senator Eleanor Sobel, Senator Nan and David Rich, Senator Steven Geller and Dania Beach Mayor A.J. Ryan.
Father John Neiman, a Holocaust and World War II Scholar and friend of Otto Frank (Father of Anne Frank) and Mipe Gies (Dutch citizen who hid Anne Frank and her family) shared the Frank family’s story and his own personal encounters with them.
Guests were guided through the exhibit by Student Docents, who went underwent training sessions to learn how to lead in all aspects of the exhibition, creating a personalized tour based on the facets of the exhibition that speak to them most.
The Anne Frank Exhibition will be at the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center until June 30, 2025 and open to the public. Tours are available Monday through Friday and can be scheduled here.
About the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center and Museum (HDECM):
The Holocaust Documentation and Education Center and Museum (HDECM) is a nonsectarian, nonprofit, committed to preserving the authentic memory of the Holocaust. Through thought-provoking exhibitions, engaging programming and extensive educational outreach, the HDECM is dedicated to enlightening visitors on the history, lessons and legacy of the Holocaust.

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SHAWNEE COUNTY —Two people were injured in a fire Friday in Topeka.
Just after 4 a.m., firefighters responded to a reported house fire at 1412 SE Lott Street in Topeka, according to a media release.
Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke and fire coming from the home and extinguished the fire. Multiple occupants escaped prior to crews arrival. Two occupants were treated and transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
Investigators determined the cause of the fire as accidental, associated with a space heater.
The loss associated with the fire is approximately $83,000. $78,000 to the house and $5,000 to a car parked next to the house.
Copyright © 2024 JC Post – Powered byEagle Radio

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Spoiler alert! We’re discussing important plot points and the ending of “Nosferatu” (in theaters now), so beware if you haven’t seen it yet.
The climax of “Nosferatu” is unlike any love scene you’ve ever seen before, a marriage of death, blood and sacrifice with definite emotion and a touching final shot.
Oh, right, plus a naked vampire corpse. 
Director Robert Eggers’ remake of the original 1922 horror classic centers on Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp), a 19th-century German wife who desperately sought a connection in her youth and pledged herself to the extremely undead Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård). She has nightly dreams of him, he yearns to be with her, and Orlok makes his way from Transylvania – carrying rats and the plague with him – to consummate his obsession.
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While Ellen’s husband Thomas (Nicholas Hoult) leads the effort to find and kill Orlok, Ellen lures the vampire to her bedroom and welcomes him wearing a white dress and a wedding-like veil. “You accept this of your own will?” he asks. “I do,” she answers, before he towers over her and their lips finally touch. 
“I want people to go, ‘Is he going to bite her face off?’ And then it turns into a kiss,” Skarsgård says. “Nosferatu” is “a very heightened fairy tale/dark story, but also it’s two people potentially falling in love. It isn’t love, it’s something else, but love is maybe the closest thing to it that you can kind of relate to. If it’s not love, it’s a craving and it’s an appetite and it’s lust and desire to devour.”
“Death and the maiden” is a popular motif in art history, Eggers says, and “when you see Lily-Rose looking like a doll and Bill looking like a skull with a mustache, it’s a powerful contrast.” Depp adds that they wanted both “real sensuality and real desire” between Ellen and Orlok, “which makes the scenes all the more engaging and scary. This young woman is repulsed by him and petrified and horrified, but at the same time, there is a longing there.”
To consummate the “oath” to be together, they take off their clothes, get in bed and he sucks blood from her chest. But she keeps him there as the sun comes up, thereby dooming him: As light shines through the window, Orlok lifts his head, Ellen smiles and she holds his head tenderly as blood gruesomely pours from his eyes and mouth in his dying moments. Then Thomas shows up and she, too, succumbs after getting one final moment with her husband.
The movie closes with an overhead shot of Ellen holding the skeletal Orlok in a naked embrace, a change from the original “Nosferatu”: In the 1922 movie, Orlok crouches over Ellen and drinks her blood, with both fully clothed, and he disappears into smoke in the sunlight.
The remake’s end scene is “heartbreaking and kind of bittersweet in a way because she’s doing a good deed and she’s breaking the curse, but she’s also indulging in a dark desire that she has,” Depp says. “We wanted all of those things to be palpable, to feel real.”
When reading the script early on, Skarsgård wrote a note down that the finale was “death and ecstasy,” he says. In his last moments, Orlok is “seeing the sun for the first time in hundreds of years. So he’s mesmerized by it and fear and all of these different things.
“And in a way, maybe that is what Orlok wanted all along.”

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