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Tag: Battle

  • Federal officials’ authority to track and disable drones set to expire, snared in budget battle

    Federal officials’ authority to track and disable drones set to expire, snared in budget battle

    As suspected drone sightings over the eastern U.S. including New Jersey continue to captivate many, the federal government’s authority to track and disable unmanned aircraft deemed threatening is set to expire after Friday and a temporary spending bill before Congress that would extend that power is now in question.

    Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday temporarily banned drone flights in 22 areas of New Jersey where critical infrastructure is located. FAA officials said the flight restrictions were requested by federal security agencies and are effective through Jan. 17.

    Federal and local authorities have been investigating sightings of suspected drones, but officials say there has been nothing so far to suggest that any drones have posed a national security or public safety threat. In fact, authorities say, many of the drone sightings have actually been legal drones, manned aircraft, helicopters and even stars.

    Tucked into the bipartisan plan to prevent a government shutdown is a provision that would extend the authority of the departments of Homeland Security and Justice to track and disable unmanned aircraft deemed a credible threat from Dec. 20 until March 14.

    That authority is vital, homeland security officials and experts say, to detect and disable any threatening drones flying near military bases, the president’s location, U.S. borders, prisons and mass gatherings such as New Year’s Eve celebrations and the Super Bowl — and they were hopeful a reauthorization of those powers will be approved before Friday’s expiration.

    But the temporary spending bill including the reauthorization fell into question Wednesday when President-elect Donald Trump abruptly rejected it and told Republicans to essentially renegotiate only days before the deadline when federal funding runs out. Congress continued working Thursday to pass a bill to avert a shutdown.

    It wasn’t immediately clear what a lapse in that authority would mean, including to drone detection systems the federal government has deployed to states, including New Jersey where numerous sightings have been reported, at the request of local officials. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s office referred questions about the detection systems to Homeland Security officials.

    The Department of Homeland Security on Thursday declined to comment on the expiration of the drone authorities. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, along with other Biden administration officials and both Republicans and Democrats in Congress, has repeatedly called for the reauthorization and expansion of the authority for “counter-unmanned aerial systems” operations, or C-UAS.

    “Ensuring that existing authorities do not lapse is vital to our mission, including protecting the president and vice president, patrolling certain designated areas along the Southwest Border, securing certain federal facilities and assets, and safeguarding the public,” Mayorkas told the House Homeland Security Committee in November 2023. “Any lapse in DHS’s current C-UAS authority would entail serious risks for our homeland security, as DHS would have to cease or curtail existing C-UAS operations.”

    Bills in the House and Senate that would extend and expand the federal government’s drone powers remain pending. The bills also would allow state and local officials for the first time to track and disable threatening drones under a pilot program overseen by federal authorities.

    On Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, was blocked from quickly advancing the Senate bill when Sen. Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, objected to its passage. Paul said it wasn’t clear there is a threat from drones that warrants urgent action.

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  • OpenAI’s legal battle with Elon Musk reveals internal turmoil over avoiding AI ‘dictatorship’

    OpenAI’s legal battle with Elon Musk reveals internal turmoil over avoiding AI ‘dictatorship’

    A 7-year-old rivalry between tech leaders Elon Musk and Sam Altman over who should run OpenAI and prevent an artificial intelligence “dictatorship” is now heading to a federal judge as Musk seeks to halt the ChatGPT maker’s ongoing shift into a for-profit company.

    Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging it had betrayed its founding aims as a nonprofit research lab benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits.

    Musk has since escalated the dispute, adding new claims and asking for a court order that would stop OpenAI’s plans to convert itself into a for-profit business more fully.

    The world’s richest man, whose companies include Tesla, SpaceX and social media platform X, last year started his own rival AI company, xAI. Musk says it faces unfair competition from OpenAI and its close business partner Microsoft, which has supplied the huge computing resources needed to build AI systems such as ChatGPT.

    “OpenAI and Microsoft together exploiting Musk’s donations so they can build a for-profit monopoly, one now specifically targeting xAI, is just too much,” says Musk’s filing that alleges the companies are violating the terms of Musk’s foundational contributions to the charity.

    OpenAI is filing a response Friday opposing Musk’s requested order, saying it would cripple OpenAI’s business and mission to the advantage of Musk and his own AI company. A hearing is set for January before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland.

    At the heart of the dispute is a 2017 internal power struggle at the fledgling startup that led to Altman becoming OpenAI’s CEO.

    Musk also wanted the job, according to emails revealed as part of the court case, but grew frustrated after two other OpenAI co-founders said he would hold too much power as a major shareholder and chief executive if the startup succeeded in its goal to achieve better-than-human AI known as artificial general intelligence, or AGI. Musk has long voiced concerns about how advanced forms of AI could threaten humanity.

    “The current structure provides you with a path where you end up with unilateral absolute control over the AGI,” said a 2017 email to Musk from co-founders Ilya Sutskever and Greg Brockman. “You stated that you don’t want to control the final AGI, but during this negotiation, you’ve shown to us that absolute control is extremely important to you.”

    In the same email, titled “Honest Thoughts,” Sutskever and Brockman also voiced concerns about Altman’s desire to be CEO and whether he was motivated by “political goals.” Altman eventually succeeded in becoming CEO, and has remained so except for a period last year when he was fired and then reinstated days later after the board that ousted him was replaced.

    OpenAI published the messages Friday in a blog post meant to show its side of the story, particularly Musk’s early support for the idea of making OpenAI a for-profit business so it could raise money for the hardware and computer power that AI needs.

    It was Musk, through his wealth manager Jared Birchall, who first registered “Open Artificial Technologies Technologies, Inc.”, a public benefit corporation, in September 2017. Then came the “Honest Thoughts” email that Musk described as the “final straw.”

    “Either go do something on your own or continue with OpenAI as a nonprofit,” Musk wrote back. OpenAI said Musk later proposed merging the startup into Tesla before resigning as the co-chair of OpenAI’s board in early 2018.

    Musk didn’t immediately respond to emailed requests for comment sent to his companies Friday.

    Asked about his frayed relationship with Musk at a New York Times conference last week, Altman said he felt “tremendously sad” but also characterized Musk’s legal fight as one about business competition.

    “He’s a competitor and we’re doing well,” Altman said. He also said at the conference that he is “not that worried” about the Tesla CEO’s influence with President-elect Donald Trump. OpenAI said Friday that Altman plans to make a $1 million personal donation to Trump’s inauguration fund, joining a number of tech companies and executives who are working to improve their relationships with the incoming administration.

    ——————————

    The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement allowing OpenAI access to part of the AP’s text archives.

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  • Record 70MILLION votes cast in prestigious Dubai Globe Soccer Awards poll with 10 days still to go – as four Premier League players battle the world’s best for player of the year honour

    Record 70MILLION votes cast in prestigious Dubai Globe Soccer Awards poll with 10 days still to go – as four Premier League players battle the world’s best for player of the year honour

    A whopping 70 million votes have been cast in the Beyond Developments Globe Soccer Dubai Awards with 10 days of polling still to go, equalling last year’s record figure already.

    The competition will take place alongside the 19th Dubai International Sports Conference, at Atlantis, The Palm in partnership and support with Dubai Sports Council, on December 27. 

    Four Premier League stars – Rodri, Cole Palmer, Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah – have made it into the shortlist of 18 competitors vying for the Best Men’s Player prize at the glittering gala after half of the league’s representation was cut following the first round of voting.

    Polling opened two weeks ago to football fans across the world. They have until December 10 to have their say and the winners will be determined by a combination of fan votes and the Globe Soccer Jury, made up of legendary names such as Marcello Lippi, Francesco Totti, Iker Casillas and Luis Figo.

    Last year, some 70 million people from more than 225 countries and territories cast their vote.

    But this figure has already been matched just halfway into the ballot period this time round as fans look to have their say on the players of the year from both the men and women’s games.

    A record 70 million votes have already been cast to decide the world's best players at the Beyond Developments Globe Soccer Dubai Awards with Balon d'Or winner Rodri in contention

    A record 70 million votes have already been cast to decide the world’s best players at the Beyond Developments Globe Soccer Dubai Awards with Balon d’Or winner Rodri in contention

    Cole Palmer is one of the hottest talents in the world and has made it into the final shortlist

    Cole Palmer is one of the hottest talents in the world and has made it into the final shortlist

    Mohamed Salah is also in the final 18 as the Egyptian keeps bagging goals for fun at Liverpool

    Mohamed Salah is also in the final 18 as the Egyptian keeps bagging goals for fun at Liverpool

    The first period of polling closed on Monday and more than twice as many votes were cast as at the same point last year.

    Fans’ votes, received from more than 200 countries across the world, helped determine the finalists across eight of the 12 main categories.

    Additionally, the Globe Soccer mobile app has surpassed 1.5 million downloads, underlining the event’s global appeal. 

    Man City’s Rodri will be hoping to replicate his triumph at the Ballon d’Or in Paris last month after winning the Premier League with his club and Euro 2024 with Spain.  

    His teammate Haaland scooped up the prize in Dubai in 2023 and is in with a shout this year after bagging 34 goals.

    Palmer, meanwhile, carried Chelsea on his back last campaign before scoring a memorable goal in the Euro final against Spain. He already has seven goals in 11 Premier League appearances this season.

    Salah’s future at Liverpool might be uncertain but his importance to Arne Slot’s side is not, as the winger’s goals helped the Reds come back from 2-1 down against Southampton on the weekend to secure three points and surge eight points clear at the top of the league. 

    Elsewhere, Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior has been offered up an opportunity to put his Ballon d’Or snub behind him and end the season with some silverware. 

    Last year's winner Erling Haaland has continued his form in front of goal and is in with a shout

    Last year’s winner Erling Haaland has continued his form in front of goal and is in with a shout

    Meanwhile Vinicius Junior can make up for his Balon d'Or snub with a memorable win in Dubai

    Meanwhile Vinicius Junior can make up for his Balon d’Or snub with a memorable win in Dubai

    The men's player of the year award features stars from seven leagues and will be given on Dec 27

    The men’s player of the year award features stars from seven leagues and will be given on Dec 27

    Two English stars will be hoping to receive the women's player of the year award next month

    Two English stars will be hoping to receive the women’s player of the year award next month

    After news broke earlier on the day of the Paris ceremony that the selection panel had chosen Rodri as their victor, Real Madrid and Vinicius decided to pull the plug on their trip to the gala, held at the Theatre du Chatelet.

    The Spanish giants had hoped that if their Brazilian forward was not given the nod, right-back Dani Carvajal might be handed the gong after winning La Liga, the Champions League and the Euros. 

    But when it was leaked today that the Man City man  was in fact the winner, Real reacted furiously and not a single club representative was there to watch their team win several honours at the event and their players place highly in the main list.

    Carvajal is also in contention at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards along with teammate and England international Jude Bellingham who secured a league and Champions League double with Los Blancos last season. 

    Old stalwarts Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, winners of seven men’s player of the year awards at the Dubai event over the years, also make the shortlist for their perfomances at Inter Miami and Al Nassr respectively.

    As for best women’s player, Aitana Bonmati will be aiming to follow up her Ballon d’Or nod with another honour here, while English stars Lucy Bronze and Lauren James will be hoping to spring an upset.

    For the official voting page: https://vote.globesoccer.com

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  • The Battle Of The (Washed) College Athletes: Breaking Down Who Would Win A 1 Mile Race Between WSD and Captain Cons

    The Battle Of The (Washed) College Athletes: Breaking Down Who Would Win A 1 Mile Race Between WSD and Captain Cons

    What a clip, fighting over hair, to looks, then finishing up with two competitors going back and forth to put the SPORTS back in Barstool Sports by talking about a real sport – long distance running. We’re going back to the school yard and challenging people to good ol’ fashion foot race. Kenny Powers can go right to hell with his quote about running not being a real sport and chalking it up as exercise. Basketball, football, soccer, or any sport with a ball / puck is a fun way to pass time with your friends. There is no enjoyment in running, it’s a true sport because it’s only for the real sickos, and I believe these two are the definition of true sickos. 

    I couldn’t stop laughing when Chief mentions White Sox Dave ran a marathon (7 years ago), and Cons immediately comes back with “I’VE RUN 5 MARATHONS!” (10 years ago) Touché.

    NOW, quick side note – I’m a marathon hater. I get it’s a bucket list accomplishment for some people, and runners raising money for a good cause is nice, but there are a billion better ways to spend time during your weekend – cleaning out the gutters would be on that list. You get the same sense of accomplishment, and you cross something off your to do list. I guess I dislike how people act like they should be applauded for simply finishing a marathon. Wearing their finisher medals around their neck days after the race like they served a tour overseas and took a bullet while in the shit. Weirdo behavior. Finishing a marathon isn’t hard. Boring? Yes. But, if you are a moderately healthy human being with two working legs, you should be able to run / walk a marathon to the finish line without training. Trying to actually run fast for a marathon, THAT is incredibly difficult. The world record for the men’s marathon is around 2 hours, which means you are running a 4:30 mile pace for 26.2 miles, that doesn’t sound humanly possible. Running that fast, for that long is a legit super power. So the argument of simply finishing a marathon ( almost a decade ago for both challengers ) doesn’t mean anything unless you’re comparing times which still wouldn’t mean much BECAUSE IT WAS ALMOST A DECADE AGO. Plus, this challenge is a one mile race which is a completely different beast. 

    Who would win in a one mile race, White Sox Dave or Captain Cons? 

    The favorite going into this race would have to be Captain Cons – veteran, quarterback at army, accepting of his baldness. The only knock against him is he is now a dad. It’s called Dad bod because they have zero time to commit to working out, and they let themselves go. I’m sure cons as a military man still keeps a tight schedule, but when was the last time Cons went for a run? 

    White Sox Dave seems to have more cons than … Cons. But he can’t be counted out. Some of his downfalls somehow become positives. Having the diet of a raccoon eating out of a dumpster seems like it would hurt him, but being in a constant state of dietary misery somehow helps him. Your body can’t feel any worse, so when you hit a wall during the race, you’re already comfortable with feeling like shit. 

    Confidence is a huge factor in any competition. Half the battle is believing you can. Both of these adversaries are oozing with confidence. Unfortunately for White Sox Dave his confidence has caused him to bite off more than he can chew in the past. Over the summer WSD had a very similar clip, less getting called short, bald and ugly, but WSD said he could lockdown anyone 1v1 in basketball. Aaaand the result was he got bodied. He was so confident in the clip that he had me believing he could do it. 

    Now, if you watched Rat Race: Chicago, White Sox Dave popped his air pods in and sprinted his way to a gritty victory. If Dave didn’t have to stop every 8 seconds to scream at Mintzy to hurry up! WSD might have set a Rat Race Record for quickest finish, so there is definitely something left in the tank. Enough to win the race? No. I have to bet the smart money and go with Captain Cons. The military ingrains a type of can’t quit crazy inside of you that you don’t lose. Are both these competitors past their athletic prime? Who at Barstool isn’t? Myself included. But I do know these two going head to head in a one mile race on the track is going to be a great watch. But first, go watch this week’s Dog Walk 

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  • Field Hockey to Battle Susquehanna in Landmark Championship on Saturday

    Field Hockey to Battle Susquehanna in Landmark Championship on Saturday

    Article Courtesy of Sports Information Intern, Vin Rinella

    The No. 3 seeded University of Scranton field hockey team has earned the right to play in Saturday’s Landmark Conference Championship game after their 4-0 semifinal victory at No. 2 seeded Catholic University on Wednesday night. The Royals will go on the road to face top seeded Susquehanna Univeristy on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 PM. 

    Championship Game Info

    • The championship game will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2:00 PM at Sassafras Field in Selinsgrove, PA. 
    • Tickets: $10 for adults (18+), $5 for minors (10-17), free for children 9 and under, and Landmark students and faculty with ID. Cash will not be accepted at the venue. Click here to purchase tickets.

    Scranton

    • Record: 18-3 (7-2, LC)
    • Last championship: 2021
    • The Royals defeated Drew University 5-2 in the first round and earned a 4-0 win against Catholic in the semifinals. 
    • Scranton leads the Landmark in both goals per game (3.38) and goals against average (.90), a feat they have achieved in back-to-back seasons. 
    • Head coach Colleen Moyer is in her 20th season at the helm of Scranton. She has led her Royals to their seventh Landmark Conference Championship appearance, and is looking for her third career championship victory.

    Royals to Watch

    • Graduate student Katie Redding currently leads the Landmark Conference in goals (16) and points (42), and is tied for second in assists (10). Redding has tallied three goals and one assist in the two playoff games this season.
    • Bridget Abraldes is second in the nation and leads the Landmark with her 15 assists in her graduate student season. She has also recorded 10 goals and is second in the conference with 35 points. Abraldes has tallied one goal in the two playoff games this season.

    Susquehanna

    • Record: 14-5 (9-0, LC)
    • Last championship: 2023
    • Susquehanna advanced to the championship after defeating No. 4 seed Moravian on Wednesday night, 2-0. 
    • The reigning champion River Hawks earned the No. 1 seed for the second season in a row in 2024. They are second in goals per game (2.63) and in goals against average (1.05), trailing Scranton in both categories.
    • Head coach Allison Fordyce is in her seventh season at the helm of Susquehanna. Her River Hawks team is looking for their third Landmark Conference title under her leadership and their second in as many seasons.

    River Hawks to Watch

    • Senior Kari Schmidt is the reigning Landmark Defensive Player of the Year and leads Susquehanna with 25 points on the season on nine goals and seven assists. She ranks in the top 10 in the Landmark in goals, assists, points and game-winning goals.
    • Sophia Prata is tied for the team lead with nine goals in 2024. The senior has recorded 20 points on those nine goals with two assists.

    Championship Rivalry

    • The championship history between these two teams dates back to 2018 when the No. 3 seeded Susquehanna won their first Landmark title in program history after beating the No. 4 seeded Scranton 2-0 in Selinsgrove, PA.
    • In 2019, the No. 1 seeded Royals returned the favor, defeating the No. 3 seeded River hawks 4-1 in Scranton.
    • In 2023, the River Hawks bested the Royals in a thrilling contest that saw Susquehanna win its second ever Landmark Title in a shootout victory in Selinsgrove, PA. 

    Inside the Series

    • Scranton leads the all-time series 26-20-2. The Royals are 9-8 against the River Hawks since 2010
    • Susquehanna has won three straight games against Scranton, a streak that began last season.
    • Earlier this season, the River Hawks defeated the Royals 2-1. Kari Schmidt scored two goals in the first quarter for Susquehanna as they held a 2-0 advantage through three quarters. Scranton’s lone goal came in the fourth quarter from junior Annie Shaw.  
    • The Royals last win against Susquehanna came in the regular season of 2022, a 2-0 win for Scranton.

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  • Limestone football falls in a close battle with #16 Lenoir-Rhyne 21-19

    Limestone football falls in a close battle with #16 Lenoir-Rhyne 21-19

    Hickory, N.C.– Limestone University’s football team was stopped short on a last-minute two-point conversion that enabled No. 16-ranked Lenoir-Ryne to escape with a 21-19 victory at Moretz Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 26.

    The Saints move to 5-3 overall and 4-2 in the South Atlantic Conference, while the home-standing Bears improve to 5-1 and 5-1, respectively.

    Limestone pulled to within two with 1:14 left in the fourth quarter as running back Preston Lounds bulled his way in from two yards. The two-point conversion run was stopped short to provide the final score.

    Starting quarterback Dustin Noller missed his first start of the season with an injury. Back-up Jayden Stinson finished the day going 16-for-27 through the air for 191 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He also had five carries for 15 yards.

    With 7:28 to go in the first quarter, kicker Daniel Deneen Jr. put the Saints on the scoreboard first with a 24-yard field goal that gave Limestone a 3-0 advantage. With 2:35 remaining in the initial quarter, Stinson connected with Herman McCray on an eight-yard touchdown pass to push the Saints’ lead to 10-0.

    Lenoir-Rhyne‘s offense answered quickly in the second quarter when quarterback Jalen Ferguson completed a pass to the left to connect on a 10-yard slant to Tye Roberson for the team’s first points in the game. Jake Brown’s extra point cut the Bears’ deficit to 10-7.

    Late in the second quarter, Ferguson hit Songa Yates in the middle of the field for a 23-yard touchdown to give the Bears their first lead of the game. Brown connected on the point after to put Lenoir-Rhyne in front, 14-10. Limestone made the halftime score 14-13 when Dennen nailed a 25-yard field goal.

    The third quarter went scoreless as each team‘s defense made multiple stops. The Bears got back on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter after Ferguson completed a five-yard pass to Roberson who fumbled at the Saints’ two-yard-line, and Adonis McDaniel was able to dive on the loose ball in the end zone for a touchdown. The PAT put the Bears in front 21-13 with 14:48 left in regulation.

    Limestone‘s final drive started with 2:20 remaining, and Lounds’ touchdown capped a six-play, 67-yard scoring drive. After the failed two-point conversion by Tre Williams, the Saints’ onside kick attempt was recovered by the Bears who would go on to run out the clock.

    Kevin Lalin led Limestone’s rushing attack on the day as he collected 162 yards on 22 attempts. Mikey Jones was the top wide receiver for the Saints with five receptions for 66 yards. On the defensive side, Luke Janack finished the game with eight solo tackles, five assisted tackles, and one forced fumble.

    Up Next: Limestone will stay on the road as it travels to Newberry on Saturday, Nov. 2, for a 4 p.m. South Atlantic Conference showdown.

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  • Vegetarian Bloggers “Free From Cruelty” Food Post Ignites Battle Online

    Vegetarian Bloggers “Free From Cruelty” Food Post Ignites Battle Online

    The vegetarian vs. non-vegetarian debate is not new. This heated spat between the two dietary preferences has resurfaced on social media, thanks to a seemingly innocent post by a food blogger. Her simple plate of dal and rice, garnished with the right spices and chopped onions, became the epicentre of a serious discussion. The food blogger’s assertion in her caption that vegetarian food is “free from tears, cruelty and guilt” has drawn both support and criticism. Sharing the photo of her meal on X (formerly Twitter), she penned, “I’m proud to be a vegetarian. My plate is free from tears, cruelty and guilt.” 

    Also Read: What If Non-Vegetarians Acted Like Vegetarians? Here’s What Farah Khan Had To Say On Viral Post

    The post has clocked about 3.7 million views, and users flooded the comments section. 

    “I don’t understand why it has to be about cruelty, Etc. Everyone has their own preference. Would you ask a carnivore animal to be vegetarian? Nature has created all of us in a certain way, let’s respect that and move on with life. We are built to consume plants and meat both… plants are also living things…,” a user said. 

    In reply, the food blogger defended, “Plants don’t go through child labour pain; animals do. Plants don’t suffer from pain; animals suffer. Plants don’t have brains; animals do.”

    Also Read: Chinese Pet Owners Send Dogs And Cats To Work In Cafes For Fun And Treats

    “What’s proud of that??? Keep your thoughts and ideology with you, no issues. Don’t tell the other side is cruel. Your mentality is more cruel than what’s on a Non-vegetarian plate. Better change your mind or change your posts. Coexistence is the ultimate goal in a social community.,” a user commented. 

    Another person added, “Did she grow this rice at home? If the answer is no, then how does she claim it is guilt-free? Because everybody knows farmers kill animals and insects with pesticides. And the same as this non-vegetarian people don’t kill animals at their home so that they can say the same.” 

    “Even plants are living things… But most will say the plant won’t speak, etc… So food is a personal choice, and we should not degrade others with that. That’s the point….,” said another.

    One more user asked, “How do you think milk is extracted?” The food vlogger replied, “In the dairy industry, mother cows cry for days after their babies are taken from them. Now, imagine if human babies were taken away from their mothers; it would be illegal. But there is no one to listen to those silent animals. It seems like animals have no right to live.”

    “It’s better to approach food from our own health and wellbeing from our own point of view than as a wake/activist ideology,” a user quipped.

    What do you think about the vegetarian food blogger’s post? Do let us know in the comments section. 



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  • Alexandra Burke speaks out about her hidden health battle and how she managed to ‘completely cure’ herself after giving up ‘unhealthy habits’

    Alexandra Burke speaks out about her hidden health battle and how she managed to ‘completely cure’ herself after giving up ‘unhealthy habits’

    Alexandra Burke has spoken out about her hidden health battle and how she managed to ‘completely cure herself’. 

    The X Factor winner, 36, was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a common condition that affects the digestive system, in 2021.

    It causes symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. These tend to come and go over time, and can last for days, weeks or months at a time.

    ‘My IBS is completely cured and in a really good place. Before I didn’t have a lot of healthy habits because of being fearful of my IBS but I completely changed that. And now, as a mum of two, I’m all about my kids creating healthy habits from a young age,’ Alexandra told the Daily Star

    ‘It’s all a domino effect, you need to look after yourself and I just wasn’t doing that at the time.

    Alexandra Burke has spoken out about her hidden health battle and how she managed to 'completely cure herself'

    Alexandra Burke has spoken out about her hidden health battle and how she managed to ‘completely cure herself’

    ‘No wonder I had IBS because I was so fearful of anything feeling weird in my body. But now I’m living a really healthy lifestyle.’

    Alexandra, who has two children with her fiancé Irish footballer Darren Randolph, previously spoke about her struggle with the condition on This Morning. 

    She revealed she first began to struggle in her early 20s just after she had appeared on the X Factor.

    The singer admitted: ‘It got to the point where I felt out of control and it was an out of body experience,’ but added that she felt too embarrassed to speak out about it at the time even though she was in ‘agony’.

    In 2021, Alexandra’s symptoms reached a new intensity while rehearsing for a tour of the show Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. 

    The singer finally sought medical help and was diagnosed with IBS. 

    She said: ‘The joke of it was after I had all these symptoms I would also think that it was anxiety or something else that triggered it. Anxiety played a massive part in it all.

    ‘I was skipping meals before shows because all of the pain would come after eating. I’d be hungry and then do a show.

    ‘It just was so bad and it got to the point where I thought to myself “I can’t take this anymore.”‘

    The X Factor winner, 36, was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a common condition that affects the digestive system, in 2021 but can now manage it

    The X Factor winner, 36, was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a common condition that affects the digestive system, in 2021 but can now manage it

    WHAT IS IBS?

    Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common intestinal disorder which results in stomach pain, gas, diarrhea and constipation.

    The condition affects between 25 and 45 million Americans.

    Roughly two in three of them are female.

    Most people get their first IBS symptoms before aged 40.

    The cause of the disorder is unknown, but it is thought to be down to abnormalities in gut bacteria.

    Symptoms can be managed, but there is no cure for IBS. 

    Treatment consists of self-care through making changes to diet, lifestyle and exercise.

    The low Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols (FOMAP) diet is thought to be effective for people with IBS.

    It contains eggs, meat, fruit and vegetables, while avoiding dairy and wheat.

    Looking back, Alexandra admitted she’s amazed it took her so long to seek help.

    ‘All the signs were there — the pain, cramping and bloating which followed every meal — but I didn’t realise it was IBS,’ says Alexandra, who is talking publicly about her condition for the first time. ‘As a person in the public eye, you want to uphold this perfect image.’

    But she regrets not consulting her GP sooner. ‘I didn’t want to trouble her with something I thought so many people were experiencing,’ she said.

    Alexandra is currently on cloud nine as she and and footballer Darren announced their engagement last month after he popped the question.  

    The Strictly Come Dancing runner up shared the happy news of her engagement in September with snaps of her partner down on one knee.

    Alexandra looked stunning in a green lace midi dress for the romantic proposal – with a table covered in flower petals seen behind them. 

    The singer captioned the snaps with ring emojis as a host of stars wished the couple congratulations. 

    The couple welcomed their first child in June 2022 and second in September 2023, choosing to keep their names private.

    Opening up on her engagement, Alexandra added on Capital EXTRA Breakfast: ‘Don’t, it was magical! The engagement was so well thought through. Like, Darren is… I didn’t even know how romantic he could actually be until that day! 

    ‘The post we’ve put up on Instagram – is ‘What a Wonderful World’ by Louis Armstrong. That’s my granddad’s song, and that song played just before it happened. And I thought, ‘If he doesn’t do it now, it is never going to happen for us – this is just an anniversary!’ 

    Alexandra is currently on cloud nine as she and and footballer Darren announced their engagement last month after he popped the question.

    Alexandra is currently on cloud nine as she and and footballer Darren announced their engagement last month after he popped the question. 

    ‘But when I walked out into that terrace and saw him with the babies, oh my god. Oh my god. I just couldn’t stop crying! I’m getting tearful now, because it’s the man of my dreams. 

    So, I’m just grateful. I’m so grateful. My gosh, I’ve got him, my little family, and I just couldn’t ask for more. God has really blessed me.’

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  • Fiolina’s return energises me to battle Kuya!

    Fiolina’s return energises me to battle Kuya!

    Whoever said it doesn’t rain, it pours; must have had me in mind, particularly this 2024, the year to forget. When it started, 2024 looked like a great year, and I was looking forward to stopping eating chalk.

    By stopping to eat chalk, I mean that I looked forward to being promoted to a role that did not require me to go to class at all. And indeed, I haven’t eaten chalk for quite some time – but not how I wanted it to be. Firstly, Apostle Elkana, took me for a spiritual sojourn in Nakuru sometime in May, a trip that ended up being a journey into the wilderness.

    When I thought the nightmare was over, Kuya, with his friends at TSC, my enemies of development, hatched a plan to send me to educational Siberia, which is another way of saying they want me impeached from TSC.

    Isitoshe, as all this was going on, Fiolina, the lucky love of my life, started behaving in a manner not different from a Kenyan MP. She started showing signs that said that I may have been important a few years ago, but she did not see me as important now. She woke up one day and left me. All because I had called her Fiona, and I had not been giving her money. Yet she knows that I have not been going to school for long – which has denied me some HM perks.

    So when I started fighting Kuya to retain my position as HM, I was doing it alone. You see, when you are fighting something, it is always good to have someone back at home who will nurse your sorrows in the evening, encourage you, and tell you that you are a lion. I was not as lucky. Not only was I fighting with Kuya and Co during the day, but in the evening I had to cook for Branton and Sospeter and ensure that they shower, which is not an easy job.

    But you know God, He doesn’t give you that which you cannot handle, and He always sends help your way. God sent help my way in the name of Bensouda, my former boss whom we did not see eye to eye with on anything at school but saw eye to eye on many things outside school.

    When I reached out to her, she was very supportive and has been advising me on all the processes to follow to ensure that I am not impeached from TSC. Bensouda went beyond just technical support. She has also been supporting me emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually, among other allies. She encourages me, praises me, and talks to me. She gives me a shoulder to cry on and reminds me that I am not a cat, just a lion that has been rained on.

    If you remember, the first time we met was at her place, where I left late. The second time we met, after the session at Teacher’s Tavern, we went to her place. Since then, we have been meeting almost every day.

    Before long, word that I was being seen with Bensouda too frequently started spreading. Soon it reached Caro, Mwisho wa Lami’s Cabinet Secretary for Misinformation, Miscommunication, and Broadcasting Lies. As you know, Caro is back at home after her husband, the gym-loving Maskwembe, found my sister a good punching bag. In short, Caro has been facing marital challenges and as such, she is back at our home.

    She came to see me last Wednesday. “Dre, what is this I hear between you and that woman?” she asked. I asked her to clarify which woman, and when she said Bensouda, I reminded her that Bensouda was not just another woman. “She is my former boss and a well-meaning, respectable, gracious lady,” I said. “Have some respect for her, please.”

    “But you are a married man, bro. Don’t do that to your wife,” she said.

    “Which wife?” I asked. “Are you seeing any woman here? I am a bachelor, a senior bachelor.”

    “You are not, bro. You are married to Fiolina,” she said. “What happened between the two of you?”

    “Nothing happened. Fiolina woke up one day and just left,” I said, and when she asked me if I would be going to negotiate her return, I told her that I had more important things to do.

    “I will not pay Housing Levy, SHIF, fight Kuya, TSC, and then beg a woman to return.”

    “So it’s true what is being said about you and that woman? Is it true that you have been spending nights together?” she asked.

    “If you are talking about Bensouda, she is not just that woman. She is a special person to me. And her name, by the way, is Skastina. Miss Skastina. Not Bensouda.”

    “What about the second question, you sleep at her place?” she asked.

    “That is none of your business.”

    I went on: “The time you are wasting trying to sort our small differences, why don’t you use it to fix your broken marriage? I now understand why Maskwembe married a second wife!”

    “Shetani! Shindwe!” she said, then stormed out of my home. Everywhere she went, whoever she met, she told them that I was planning to marry Bensouda.

    “Ndugu yangu ameoa nyanya mzee na kuna wasichana wengi duniani…” she would tell anyone she met. “Na huyu ako na pesa ya kulipa mahari kweli?” she would wonder.

    She did not end there. She went to the next village, Fiolina’s village, and told anyone she met that I was marrying a second wife. She even called Fiolina to tell her never to come back.

    “Huyo ni ndugu yangu lakini wacha na yeye, hana future,” I understand she told her.

    If she thought that would take me further apart from Fiolina, it achieved the opposite. If anything, it made Fiolina realise that unless she acted fast, I was gone.

    You see, Fiolina had been trying to reach out to me, but I had remained unmoved. Every other day, she would send me a “Hi” message but I would respond hours later with one-word responses: OK, good, well, or emojis. On hearing that Bensouda was supporting me, she got worried. The next day, she started calling me incessantly, but I picked up none of her calls.

    “Dre, let me know when we can talk,” she wrote. I never responded. “I will be coming this weekend,” she wrote. I responded with an “OK” emoji.

    “Kwani you are not excited that I am coming back?” she asked that evening. No response.

    Last Friday, I woke up planning to go to school but did not manage to. I left to go see Saphire. As you know, Saphire is on interdiction, I think the fifth interdiction, and we spent the time talking about how evil Kuya was. While with Saphire, Fiolina called me several times but I kept disconnecting and sending her “I will call you back” messages. When she texted and asked that I call her back urgently, I responded with a simple “OK.”

    When I staggered back home that evening, I was shocked to find the lights on. You see, I had dispatched Branton and Sospeter to go stay with their grandfather, so there was no one in the house.

    “Welcome home,” Fiolina said as she opened the door. I did not respond. There was dinner on the table: ugali, chicken, and kunde. Since I had vowed not to talk to her, I battled with eating or ignoring the food. The heart was willing to fight the urge, but the body was weak. Your guess is as good as mine on who, between the heart and the stomach, won the battle. We did not talk that night.

    I woke up yesterday to find a sumptuous breakfast served: bread, eggs, fruits name them. Once again, the stomach won the battle, despite me not having talked to her.

    Although we are yet to talk, or rather, I am yet to speak to her, I have happily received everything she has served me. And that gives me more energy to fight Kuya and his friends at the Teachers Service Commission. Watch this space Kuya.

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  • Women’s Soccer: No. 19 Hoos fall in hard-fought battle at No. 4 UNC, 3-2 : Jerry Ratcliffe

    Women’s Soccer: No. 19 Hoos fall in hard-fought battle at No. 4 UNC, 3-2 : Jerry Ratcliffe

    Courtesy UVA Media Relations

    Photo: UVA Athletics

    A game that saw two ties and three lead changes went the way of the home team on Friday in Chapel Hill, as No. 19 Virginia fell at No. 4 North Carolina by a score of 3-2.

    HOW IT HAPPENED

    The Cavaliers (8-3-0, 1-3-0 ACC) struck first with a penalty kick from Maggie Cagle in the 18th minute, as she had her ankles clipped from behind as she entered the box on the left side to set up the chance.

    North Carolina (11-1-0, 4-0-0) tied things up in the 30th minute when Maddie Dahlien picked up a ball down the left side and sent a centering pass to Linda Ullmark near the spot. Ullmark redirected with her left foot and slipped it in past the left post for the score.

    Virginia took the lead back five minutes later on a goal from Yuna McCormack. Maggie Cagle played a ball ahead to McCormack on the left side that the sophomore midfielder picked up in stride behind the defense.

    McCormack took two touches as she glided into the box and got the one-on-one chance against the UNC keeper. McCormack finished with the shot slotted between the keeper and the left post.

    The Tar Heels returned the favor in the 38th minute with a similar play, as Ullmark played a ball ahead to Kate Faasse on the run. Fassee also got a one-on-one chance and finished her chance to the top center of the goal.

    North Carolina took the lead for the first time in the 74th minute when Ullmark struck for the second time on the evening. She picked up the ball near the top left corner of the box, moved back and to her right to create space against her defender, and sent the shot across and into the side netting by the back post.

    GOALS
    UVA: 18’ – Maggie Cagle (Penalty Kick)
    UNC: 30’ – Linda Ullmark (Maddie Dahlien)
    UVA: 35’ – Yuna McCormack (unassisted)
    UNC: 38’ – Kate Faasse (Linda Ullmark)
    UNC: 74’ – Linda Ullmark (unassisted)

    ADDITIONAL NOTES

    • Yuna McCormack started in her first match back with the Cavaliers after missing the last five weeks in service with the U.S. U20 Women’s Youth National Team at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
    • McCormack’s first-half goal was her first of the season and gave UVA its second lead of the game.
    • Maggie Cagle scored her team-leading sixth goal of the season with her penalty kick strike in the first half.
    • The two goals came on five shots for the Cavaliers on the night.

    FROM HEAD COACH STEVE SWANSON

    “I’m proud of the way our team competed tonight, but we are all disappointed in the result. We need to find ways to win games like these and right now we are doing the opposite. We had some good stretches, though, which we can take from the game, but also a lot of lessons.”

    UP NEXT

    Virginia continues to play on the road next week with a game at No. 3 Duke on Thursday.

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