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What Happens When Politics Takes Center Stage At The Olympics

Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass (L) waves the Olympic flag next to US skateboarder Tate Carew (R) after … [+] their plane landed during an event celebrating the arrival of the Olympic flag at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in Los Angeles, on August 12, 2024. Los Angeles will host the 2028 Summer Olympic Games. (Photo by Etienne LAURENT / AFP) (Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP via Getty Images)

AFP via Getty Images

The Olympics, often celebrated as a forum for international cooperation and competition, have historically been a stage where the boundaries of sports and politics blur.

While many athletes focused on their performance, others used the global spotlight to make political statements, revealing the complex interplay between athletic competition and geopolitics. This dual nature of the Olympics—as both a sporting event and a political forum—has raised essential questions about the role of politics in international sports and the challenges of maintaining neutrality in a world fraught with political tension.

Historical Context and Political Undercurrents

The Olympics have long served as a platform for political expression, from Jesse Owens’ defiance of Nazi ideology in 1936 to the Black Power salute by Tommie Smith and John Carlos in 1968. These moments underscored the Olympics’ role in advocating for social justice and political change, making them more than just a showcase of athletic prowess. The recent Paris Games continued this tradition, with athletes and nations using the event to highlight political and social issues.

Taiwan’s participation at under the name “Chinese Taipei,” a designation meant to appease China, illustrated the political sensitivities involved in Olympic participation. This forced compromise required Taiwanese athletes to navigate a complex landscape where national identity and political recognition often conflicted. The New York Times reported, “To be an Olympian from Taiwan is to not exist, at least not officially. To placate China, the island competes at the Games under the awkward designation of Chinese Taipei.” This statement reflected the broader political struggles faced by Taiwanese athletes, who had to balance their personal identities with the need to comply with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) regulations.

The IOC’s Challenge with Neutrality

The IOC’s attempt to enforce political neutrality was akin to navigating a highly volatile geopolitical environment, requiring a strategic leadership approach. Leaders in such contexts had to employ a delicate balancing act—managing competing interests while upholding core principles. The IOC’s mandate that athletes refrain from making political statements was an effort to preserve the Games as a moment of international harmony. Yet this approach became increasingly difficult to sustain, as evidenced by the controversy over allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete as neutral individuals despite their countries’ involvement in geopolitical conflicts.

Himanshu Rai, director at Indian Institute of Management Indore, said, “Political neutrality in sports is a myth. The Olympics, by their very nature, are entangled in political dynamics. Decisions about participation, national flags, and even the order of the parade of nations are influenced by political considerations.”

Economic theory provides further insights into the motivations of nations participating in the Olympics. Countries invested heavily in their Olympic programs not only to win medals but also to boost national prestige and, by extension, political and economic influence. This investment is akin to strategic spending in business where the aim is to maximize returns—in this case, both tangible and intangible, such as global recognition, soft power, and domestic morale.

Moreover, smaller or politically unrecognized regions like Hong Kong or Chinese Taipei used the Olympics as a platform to assert their unique identities. As reported in the New York Times, “No Olympic truce held during the Paris Games,” highlighting the constant interplay of politics and sports even amidst a supposed ceasefire. The Games served as a low-cost but highly visible form of international diplomacy, where even a single victory could generate significant political and social capital.

The Olympics as a Platform for Political Statements

Recent events at the Paris Games showed how the Olympics continue to be a powerful platform for political expression. The refugee team’s first-ever medal, a bronze in boxing won by Cameroonian-born Cindy Ngamba who resettled in Britain, illustrated how the Olympics could spotlight global issues like displacement and migration. Similarly, the victories of Hong Kong’s fencers, whose affiliations with differing political ideologies quickly became the subject of public debate, showed how sports achievements could become politicized.

“Every victory and defeat at the Olympics was loaded with symbolic meaning,” Vijay Pereira said in an interview. The distinguished professor of international and strategic human capital management at NEOMA Business School added, “For athletes from politically contested regions, their performance could be seen as a statement, whether they intended it or not.”

The IOC’s leadership faced ongoing challenges in navigating these complex dynamics. The organization’s efforts to keep the Games free from overt political disputes achieved mixed results. On one hand, the IOC managed to sustain the event despite numerous geopolitical challenges. On the other, decisions like permitting athletes from controversial regions to compete under neutral flags were criticized for being inconsistent and potentially hypocritical.

“Every Olympiad presented a fresh set of political challenges,” Rai observed. “From apartheid to the contemporary disputes involving various nations, the Games have always mirrored the prevailing political landscape. The IOC’s efforts to remain neutral often forced it into paradoxical positions where every decision had far-reaching implications.”

Looking Ahead to Los Angeles 2028

As the world looks ahead to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, the lessons from the Paris Games remain fresh. The upcoming Games, officially known as the Games of the XXXIV Olympiad, will likely continue to reflect the intersection of sports and politics. The Los Angeles 2028 organizers will need to consider how to handle similar challenges, from managing geopolitical tensions to ensuring that the Games remain a space for fair competition.

Both Pereira and Rai suggested that the Los Angeles Olympics could be another testing ground for the IOC’s ability to navigate the fine line between political neutrality and the reality of global politics. The strategic decisions made by the IOC and the LA28 organizing committee will be closely watched, not just by athletes and fans, but also by political leaders around the world.

“We might expect the next Games to see even more overt expressions of national identity and political statements,” Pereira said. “As global tensions continue to evolve, the Olympics will inevitably reflect these dynamics.”

Rai added, “The 2028 Games will be a significant opportunity for the IOC to refine its approach to handling political issues in sports. How they manage these complexities will set the tone for future Olympics.”

As the countdown to Los Angeles 2028 begins, the world will be watching to see how the IOC and the host city navigate these challenges, balancing the ideals of the Olympic spirit with the realities of a politically charged global environment. The Games will continue to be a stage not just for athletic excellence but for the broader struggles and ambitions that shape our world.

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September 1, 2024

5 Banana Peel Face Packs That Will Make Your Skin Glow Like Never Before

We Indians face extreme temperatures throughout the year. This impacts our lifestyle, diet and most importantly – our skin! But what’s that one fruit that remains constant even when the season changes? Well, we are talking about our humble bananas! Bananas are tasty, nutritious, and versatile. While its pulp helps keep our body healthy, you might be surprised to know that its peel has several beauty benefits. Banana peels are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that can help rejuvenate our skin! If you don’t like spending a fortune on expensive cosmetics, then the banana peels – which are often thrown away – could come to your skin’s rescue! How? With easy-to-make, homemade face packs! Intrigued? Well, you should be! While you enjoy its delicious pulp, use the peel in these 5 totally genius ways to get glowing skin in no time!

Also Read: Eat the Peels: How Banana Peels Could Help You Lose Some Weight

Honey can help keep your skin soft. Photo: iStock

Here Are 5 Banana Peel Based Face Packs For Glowing Skin

1. Banana Peel And Honey Face Pack

Truly a match made in heaven, the banana peel and honey face pack are rich in potassium and antioxidants, which can help hydrate and plump up the skin. Honey, which helps in locking in moisture in the skin, is perfect to apply on the skin if you have dry and dull skin. Just scrape the inside of a banana peel and mix it with a tablespoon of honey. Wash your face with soap to remove impurities from your face. Then apply this face pack evenly on your skin and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse with lukewarm water. This will leave your skin soft and supple in no time!

2. Banana Peel and Turmeric Face Pack

If you struggle with acne and acne scars, the banana peel and turmeric face pack is a must-try. The anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe irritated skin, while turmeric is known for its antiseptic tendencies. To make this pack, scrape off and mash the insides of banana peel and mix it with a pinch of turmeric powder. Once done, add a few drops of rose water. Apply the mixture to your face and let it sit for 15 minutes before washing it off with cold water. This pack will help reduce acne and its spots on your face.

3. Banana Peel and Aloe Vera Face Pack

Is your skin feeling stressed and sunburnt? Then this face mask can come to your rescue. The banana peel will hydrate your skin while aloe vera will cool, soothe and calm your skin. Just take out the inner white part of the banana peel with a tablespoon of mash and mix it with aloe vera gel until you get a smooth paste. Apply this pack on your face and neck and leave it for about 20 minutes. Then wash it off with cool water. This will help hydrate and soothe your skin.

Exfoliate your skin with this banana peel and oatmeal face pack. Photo: iStock

4. Banana Peel and Oatmeal Face Pack

Are you a fan of natural exfoliators? Then this banana peel and oatmeal face pack is perfect for you! This gentle and effective oatmeal exfoliator can help remove dead skin cells without irritating your skin. To prepare this pack, grind a banana peel and mix it with a tablespoon of ground oat. Add a dash of milk and make a thick paste out of it. Gently massage it onto your skin in a circular motion. The result? Clean and clear skin like you’ve never seen before.

Also Read: Wait, What?! Wow! Leftover Banana Peels Can Be Used To Make This Breakfast Delight

5. Banana Peel and Lemon Juice Face Pack

Lemon juice, which has vitamin C, is an effective solution to naturally make your skin glow and tackle hyperpigmentation. When combined with the effectiveness of banana peel, this pack can help keep your skin naturally glowing and healthy. To make this face pack, mash the inner part of a banana peel and add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Mix well and apply this pack to the face, avoiding the under-eye area. Leave it for 10 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. This will help lighten dark spots and give you radiant skin in no time!

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September 1, 2024

Samuel & Sons’ Luxurious Belvedere Collection

Samuel & Sons has unveiled the Belvedere Collection: six luxurious velvet borders featuring intricate embroidery and refined cording, elevating interiors with timeless elegance.

This exquisite range of six opulent borders showcases the pinnacle of craftsmanship, combining sumptuous velvet, intricate embroidery, and refined cording techniques to create a truly remarkable ensemble.

A Symphony of Texture and Design

The Belvedere Collection is a showcase of Samuel & Sons’ artisans’ skill. Each border in this luxurious range is hand made, with densely cut pile sections of velvet, embroidered or cored.

These elements are placed on a variety of linen and cotton grounds to create a beautiful texture and dimension.

The collection is all about the contrast between velvet and embroidery to highlight the graphic, dimensional quality of each design. This combination of materials and techniques is a statement piece for any room and adds sophistication to a space.

Contemporary Interpretations of Classical Motifs

Drawing inspiration from the timeless elegance of classical architectural ornamentation, the Belvedere Collection offers a fresh, contemporary take on traditional design elements.

The patterns within this range are skilfully reimagined interpretations of iconic motifs, including:

Medallions
Grecian Keys
Botanical elements
Arches

This thoughtful blend of classical influence and modern sensibility ensures that the Belvedere Collection can seamlessly integrate into a wide variety of interior styles, from traditional to contemporary and everything in between.

A Closer Look at The Belvedere Collection

Arlo Velvet Border

This dynamic border features a striking flame stitch geometry, cleverly created through alternating sections of embroidery and velvet. Measuring 2.5″ (64 mm) in width, the Arlo Velvet Border is available in a range of sophisticated colour combinations, including:

Granite
Patina
Rose Quartz

The interplay between the textured velvet and precise embroidery creates a mesmerising visual effect, adding depth and interest to any space.

Paloma Velvet Border

The Paloma Velvet Border is a true masterpiece of intricate detailing. This ornate 2.65″ (67 mm) embroidered border draws inspiration from classical botanical rosettes, showcasing the highest level of craftsmanship.

The pattern is primarily illustrated through embroidery, employing various line weights and stitching techniques to create a delicate, flora-inspired design.

What sets the Paloma apart is the addition of a dimensional ring of velvet, which encircles the central rosette motif. This clever combination of embroidery and plush velvet results in a border of unparalleled elegance and sophistication.

The Paloma Velvet Border is available in six beautiful colour combinations, including:

Blush
Jonquil
Coral
Willow

Dorian Velvet Border

This narrow 1.75″ (44mm) geometric border takes inspiration from classical egg and dart moulding patterns. The Dorian features a series of lush velvet ovals, beautifully outlined with contrasting applique cording. Between each section, embroidered arrows add a touch of visual interest and movement to the design.

The Dorian Velvet Border is crafted on a fine linen ground and is available in six sophisticated shades, ranging from poetic neutrals like Snow and Linen to more deeply saturated combinations such as Evergreen and Azure.

Isadora Velvet Border

The Isadora is a stately 2.8″ (71 mm) velvet border that exudes elegance and refinement. Its design is composed of tonal velvet circles, each framed by raised satin stitch embroidered curves. This border is further enhanced by its refined neutral colour palette, which includes:

Pearl
Oyster
Sterling Blue

All of these sophisticated hues sit beautifully on an ivory satin ground, creating a border that is both striking and versatile.

Lennox Velvet Border

For those who appreciate bold, graphic patterns, the Lennox Velvet Border is a standout choice. This striking 1.75″ (44 mm) plush velvet border features a bold Greek Key pattern, a timeless motif that adds a touch of classical elegance to any interior.

The central section of the pattern is created with velvet and then accentuated with a row of contrasting stitches on either edge. This distinctive velvet Greek Key is rendered in seven shades, offering a range of options to suit various design schemes:

Oyster
Ivory
Oro
Garnet
Lapis
Emerald

Linora Velvet Border

Rounding out the collection is the graceful Linora Velvet Border. At 1.3″ (33 mm) wide, this border features a pattern of curvilinear vines that create a central motif.

The silhouette of the velvet vines is further accentuated by an outline of tonal embroidery chain stitching, adding depth and dimension to the design.

The Linora is available in a range of sophisticated shades, including:

Marble
Medallion
Sea Blue
Juniper

Expert Craftsmanship and Luxurious Dimensionality

The Samuel & Sons Belvedere Collection of stunning velvet and embroidered borders represents the pinnacle of aesthetic sophistication. Each pattern in the collection has been meticulously interpreted through colour and construction, resulting in a luxurious dimensionality that sets these borders apart.

Marisa Gutmacher, VP of Design at Samuel & Sons, explains the inspiration behind the collection: “Belvedere is a contemporary collection of sumptuous velvet, embroidered, and cord appliqué borders rooted in the design language of classic architectural ornamentation. The juxtaposition of the dense velvet and intricate embroidery stitching creates a graphic, dimensional rendering of each pattern.”

This careful attention to detail and expert craftsmanship ensures that each border in the Belvedere Collection has the power to transform an interior space, infusing it with unparalleled elegance and sophistication.

Versatility in Application

One of the key strengths of the Belvedere Collection lies in its versatility. These luxurious borders can be incorporated into a wide range of interior design projects, adding a touch of opulence and refinement to various elements within a space:

Window Treatments: The borders can be used to embellish curtains and drapes, creating a stunning focal point in any room.
Upholstery: Adding these borders to upholstered furniture pieces can elevate their appearance, turning ordinary items into bespoke, high-end creations.
Pillows and Cushions: The Belvedere borders can be used to trim decorative pillows and cushions, adding a luxurious touch to soft furnishings.
Wall Treatments: These borders can be incorporated into wall panels or used to create decorative frames, adding depth and interest to wall designs.
Bedding: Luxurious bedding ensembles can be enhanced with these borders, creating a truly sumptuous sleeping environment.

Colour Palette and Coordination

The Belvedere Collection offers a carefully curated colour palette that ranges from timeless neutrals to rich, saturated hues.

This thoughtful selection of colours ensures that designers and homeowners can find the perfect border to complement their existing colour schemes or to serve as inspiration for new design directions.

Some notable colour combinations within the collection include:

Granite and Patina: Offering a sophisticated, earthy palette
Rose Quartz: Adding a touch of soft, feminine elegance
Evergreen and Azure: Providing bold, saturated options for more dramatic interiors
Snow and Linen: Creating a timeless, neutral foundation

The versatility of the colour offerings allows for easy coordination with other Samuel & Sons products, such as the Aria Brush Fringe, Délicat Silk Cord, and Sabine Key Tassels, enabling designers to create cohesive, layered looks within their projects.

Sustainability and Quality

While the press release does not specifically mention sustainability practices, it’s worth noting that luxury brands like Samuel & Sons often prioritise quality and longevity in their products.

The use of high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship typically results in products that stand the test of time, potentially reducing the need for frequent replacements and contributing to a more sustainable approach to interior design.

The Future of Luxury Trimmings

The introduction of the Belvedere Collection by Samuel & Sons represents an exciting development in the world of luxury trimmings. By combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities, the collection points towards a future where craftsmanship and innovation go hand in hand.

As interior design continues to evolve, collections like Belvedere demonstrate the ongoing relevance and appeal of high-quality, handcrafted elements in creating truly exceptional spaces. The attention to detail, quality of materials, and depth of design evident in this collection set a new standard for luxury trimmings, inspiring designers and homeowners alike to elevate their interiors with these exquisite borders.

In conclusion, the Samuel & Sons Belvedere Collection offers a stunning array of luxurious velvet borders that promise to transform any interior with their sophisticated patterns, rich textures, and impeccable craftsmanship.

As the design world continues to seek out unique and high-quality elements to create truly bespoke interiors, the Belvedere Collection stands ready to meet that demand with its blend of timeless elegance and contemporary flair.

Salon Privé

Salon Privé Magazine is the quintessence of luxury lifestyle journalism, renowned for its sophisticated portrayal of the opulent world since its inception in 2008. As a vanguard of high-end living, the magazine serves as an exclusive portal into the realms of haute couture, fine arts, and the aristocratic lifestyle. With over a decade of expertise, Salon Privé has established itself as the definitive source for those who seek the allure of luxury and elegance.

The magazine’s content is crafted by a cadre of experienced journalists, each bringing a wealth of knowledge from the luxury sector. This collective expertise is reflected in the magazine’s diverse coverage, which spans the latest in fashion trends, intimate glimpses into royal lives, and the coveted secrets of the affluent lifestyle. Salon Privé’s commitment to quality is evident in its thoughtful collaborations with industry titans and cultural connoisseurs, ensuring that its narratives are as authoritative as they are enchanting.

With accolades that include being voted the number one luxury lifestyle magazine in the UK, Salon Privé continues to be at the forefront of luxury journalism, offering its discerning readership a guide to the finest experiences the world has to offer. Whether it’s the grandeur of global fashion weeks, the splendor of exclusive soirées, or the pursuit of wellness and beauty, Salon Privé Magazine remains the emblem of luxury for the elite and the aspirants alike.