A Delaware judge has annulled a $55.8 billion pay deal awarded to Elon Musk in 2018 by Tesla.
The lawsuit was filed by a shareholder who argued that it was an overpayment.
Judge Kathaleen McCormick called the compensation “an unfathomable sum” that was not fair to shareholders and said the process leading to the package being approved was “deeply flawed”.
She ruled the contract should be canceled.
The pay deal, decided back in 2018, was the biggest ever in US corporate history, helping to make Elon Musk the richest person in the world. Bloomberg and Forbes estimated his net worth to be between $198 billion and $220 billion, in November 2023.
Tesla’s package tied Elon Musk’s compensation to performance targets, such as Tesla’s share price and profitability. He does not receive a salary.
However, Tesla shareholder Richard Tornetta launched legal action calling for the award to be rescinded, arguing the tycoon had been overpaid.
Following years of legal argument, a week-long trial commenced in November 2022 where Tesla directors argued the huge pay award was designed to ensure that Elon Musk, one of the world’s most dynamic entrepreneurs continued to dedicate his attention to the company.
In her 201-page ruling released on January 30, Judge McCormick said that Tesla directors had been “swept up by the rhetoric” surrounding Elon Musk’s “superstar appeal”.
Moreover, Elon Musk had “extensive ties” with the Tesla officials tasked with negotiating the pay award. She cited his 15-year relationship with the compensation committee chair, Ira Ehrenpreis.
Elon Musk also had business relations with another compensation committee member Antonio Gracia dating back more than 20 years, the judge said.
Image source Twitter
Following the release of the ruling, Greg Varallo, an attorney for the Tesla shareholder Richard Tornetta, said it was a “good day for the good guys,” in an email reported by the Reuters news agency.
In a post on X, Elon Musk said: “Never incorporate your company in the state of Delaware”.
“I recommend incorporating in Nevada or Texas if you prefer shareholders to decide matters”, he added. He then posted a poll asking his followers whether or not Tesla should “change its state of incorporation to Texas, home of its physical headquarters”.
The judge’s ruling can be appealed to the Delaware Supreme Court.
Shares in Tesla were down by around 2.5% in extended New York trade. They have lost more than 20% of their value so far this year.
As well as being the chief executive and a major shareholder of Tesla, Elon Musk also owns several other companies including the social media platform X, the rocket company SpaceX, and the brain chip firm Neuralink.
After selling a large chunk of his stake in Tesla to buy X, Elon Musk currently owns about 13% of the electric carmaker but has recently said he wants a bigger stake in the company.
Donald Trump must pay $83.3 million to E. Jean Carroll, a writer he was found to have defamed by denying her allegation of sexual assault, a New York jury has ruled.
In 2023, E. Jean Carroll won another civil case in which a separate jury found Donald Trump legally responsible for sexually abusing and defaming her, and awarded her $5 million in damages.
The outcome in the first case did nothing to deter the former president in denying E. Jean Carroll’s story, personally attacking the writer and claiming he had never met her.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
After January 26 hefty legal bill, Donald Trump notably did not denigrate the former Elle columnist in his reaction online, instead calling the case a “Biden Directed Witch Hunt”.
Donald Trump – who is currently facing four criminal indictments and could soon have to dish out millions more dollars in a New York civil trial relating to business fraud – has often claimed the cases against him are politically motivated.
Recent polling has shown Donald Trump locked in a tight race with President Joe Biden, and even edging ahead in some cases, in a prospective rematch of their 2020 race.
Lawyers for E. Jean Carroll pointed out throughout the trial that Donald Trump was still defaming her both in and out of court.
In closing arguments, they asked the jurors – seven men and two women – to deliver the kind of penalty that will “make him stop”.
Of the $83.3 million awarded to E Jean Carroll, $65 million of it is punitive damages.
It is extremely unlikely that the Supreme Court would grant an appeal, because the justices rarely ever review cases involving such civil trials.
Former federal prosecutor Mitch Epner said Donald Trump has avoided having to pay E. Jean Carroll any money so far by transmitting a deposit to the court while the appeals process plays out.
Mitch Epner expects Donald Trump will do the same with these much higher damages – stumping up either cash or an appeal bond as a deposit.
Without that, he added, E Jean Carroll could start seizing the former president’s personal assets around the country, even putting liens on his real estate.
After Donald Trump’s commanding victories in the first two Republican primary contests in Iowa and New Hampshire, there is no sign that January 26 verdict will slow his march to the party’s presidential nomination.
Do you want to go back and finish your college degree? Maybe you want to go back to grad school and get your masters? Going back to school online can be a good option if you don’t have the time and money to attend classes in person on campus.
But the process of applying to school can be intimidating, especially if you haven’t been through it before. First, you need to decide what you want to study and whether you want to study part time or full time. Then you need to choose a good school and program, get your application in order, and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). While you’re working towards enrolling in classes, develop your time management skills, because you’re going to need them to succeed as a student in an online program.
Decide Whether to Go Part-Time or Full-Time
Before you even begin considering what degree you want to pursue, you should think carefully about how much of your schedule you can clear to make room for classes. Going back to school full-time will get you a degree faster, but going part-time can make it easier to fit academic work into an otherwise busy schedule.
If you have commitments like a family or a mortgage, it will be easier to go to school part-time while you work a full-time job. But if you have your evenings free, and you’re disciplined, you may be able to juggle the demands of a full course load with those of a full-time job. It’s up to you, but make sure you don’t take on more than you can reasonably manage. Remember that you’ll need to make time to nurture relationships and practice self-care.
Research Schools and Programs
What kind of credential will you need in order to reach your career goals? What skills will you need to learn in your degree program in order to get a job in your field? To make sure you get an education that will truly prepare you for work in your chosen field, make sure you only apply to accredited colleges and universities.
Research graduation rates for any program you’re considering and don’t forget to find out what percentage of graduates are employed in the field within six months after graduating. These statistics will tell you how likely it is that a particular degree from a particular school can get you where you want to go professionally. That way you can be more confident that your degree will actually be worth the time and money.
Fill Out the FAFSA
The FAFSA is free and available to students of all ages. It can help your school determine what financial aid you might be eligible for, including grants, scholarships, and subsidized federal loans. Each school will have its own deadline by which you must have filed to FAFSA, so that the financial aid office has time to put your aid offer together. Make sure you meet this deadline in order to qualify for financial aid. Do your best to apply to outside scholarships and grants you might qualify for, too.
Get Your Application Materials in Order
Applying to an online MAcc degree program is going to require all of the same documentation that you would need to provide when applying to attend classes in person. You will have to take entrance exams, like the ACT or the SAT, and you’ll have to provide your school transcripts. If you’re older and have been working a while, a resume can boost your application, especially if it shows work experience in a relevant field. You’ll also need to produce letters of recommendation and you may need to compose an admissions essay explaining why you chose your desired course of study and what you hope to accomplish in the field.
Develop Your Time Management Skills
If you want to succeed as an online student, you’re definitely going to need to develop strong time management skills. You will need to learn to use a planner, alarms, automated reminders, and tracking sheets to keep track of deadlines and manage your time wisely. Sit down at the beginning of the week every week and block out on your schedule the times when you’re going to need to be working on your coursework, then stick to it. Make time for yourself and your family and friends, too. Taking care of yourself can keep you healthy and on track with your academic and professional goals.
With so many online degree options available these days, anyone can go back to school. Online classes can fit into your schedule so you don’t have to rearrange your life to go back to school. Get a degree on your own terms, and advance toward your professional goals.
Ron DeSantis has dropped out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Donald Trump.
The surprise video announcement came ahead of this week’s New Hampshire Republican primary, where the Florida governor was polling in the single digits.
Once considered a strong contender for the nomination, Ron DeSantis said he did not “have a clear path to victory”.
In response, Nikki Haley said she was now the “only one” able to beat President Joe Biden.
Ron DeSantis said his campaign “left it all out on the field” in a nearly five-minute long video announcement on X, formerly Twitter.
“If there was anything I could do to produce a favorable outcome – more campaign stops, more interviews – I would do it,” the governor said, as he ended his seven-month campaign.
Ron DeSantis added that he was endorsing the former president because it had “become clear” that “a majority of Republican primary voters want to give Donald Trump another chance”.
While Ron DeSantis acknowledged “disagreements” with Donald Trump, he said he is “superior to the current incumbent, Joe Biden”.
Speaking to voters in New Hampshire, Donald Trump said his campaign had “got some word that one of our opponents, a very capable person, is dropping out”.
“In doing so, [Ron DeSantis] endorsed us,” the former president added, to loud cheers in the room.
He went on to say that he believed “most of” Ron DeSantis’ votes, “or certainly many of them”, would go to his campaign – but added “we don’t need them”.
After Ron DeSantis’ announcement, Trump’s campaign called “for all Republicans to rally behind President Trump” and slammed Nikki Haley as “the candidate of the globalists and Democrats who will do everything to stop the America First movement”.
Ron DeSantis also took a swipe at Ms Haley, calling her a member of “the old Republican guard of yesteryear – a repackaged form of warmed-over corporatism”.
Nikki Haley, a former US ambassador to the UN, responded by insisting she is the conservative – the “only one” – who can beat President Joe Biden.
Ron DeSantis narrowly finished ahead of Nikki Haley in last week’s Iowa caucus with 21% of the vote, compared to her 19%. Donald Trump received 51% of the vote.
Sarah Ferguson has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma following the removal of a cancerous mole during treatment for breast cancer.
The Duchess of York had several moles removed and analyzed while having reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy, her spokesman said.
The duchess “remains in good spirits”, despite it being “distressing” to have another cancer diagnosis.
Sarah Ferguson is the third royal to announce a medical procedure this week.
Her spokesperson said: “Her dermatologist asked that several moles were removed and analyzed at the same time as the duchess was undergoing reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, and one of these has been identified as cancerous.
“She is undergoing further investigations to ensure that this has been caught in the early stages.
“The duchess wants to thank the entire medical team which has supported her, particularly her dermatologist whose vigilance ensured the illness was detected when it was.
The statement also thanked the private medical team that supported the royal during her treatment.”
According to sources close to the duchess, she is back in the UK after initially recuperating in Austria.
In 2023, Sarah Ferguson had a diagnosis of breast cancer, following a routine mammogram screening.
The 64-year-old duchess was very public about her treatment, urging other women to get checked and using her podcast to raise awareness about breast cancer, wanting it to be a positive message to save others.
She went on to have a single mastectomy at King Edward VII hospital in London, a private clinic used by senior royals.
And having not been invited to the Coronation in May, at Christmas Sarah Ferguson appeared at Sandringham, walking to church with the rest of the Royal Family for the first time more than 30 years.
Sarah Ferguson was married to the Duke of York, Prince Andrew, for 10 years before they divorced in 1996.
They continue to share a home at Royal Lodge – a property owned by the Crown Estate at Windsor Great Park.
They have two daughters – Princess Beatrice, 35, and Princess Eugenie, 33 – and three grandchildren.
Kensington Palace said the procedure was successful but that the Princess of Wales was not expected to resume royal duties for months, and would remain in hospital for up to two weeks.
The palace did not disclose further details about Catherine’s condition but said it was not cancer-related.
Shortly after that announcement, Buckingham Palace said King Charles would receive treatment for a benign prostate condition and would visit an undisclosed hospital in the coming days.
Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. It is during sleep that the body repairs and rejuvenates itself, and this includes the regulation of hormone levels. One such hormone that is closely linked to sleep is testosterone. Testosterone is a key hormone in the body, playing a crucial role in muscle mass, bone density, fat distribution, and the production of red blood cells. It also influences sex drive and sperm production in men.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the signs that you’re not getting enough sleep that affect testosterone levels, and what you can do to get the rest you need.
Signs of Not Getting Enough Sleep
Not getting enough sleep can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. Here are some common signs that may indicate you’re not getting sufficient rest:
Feeling tired and fatigued
One of the most obvious signs of not getting enough sleep is feeling constantly tired and fatigued, even after a full night’s sleep, which can significantly hinder your daily productivity and energy levels.
Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
Sleep deprivation can impair cognitive function, making it difficult to concentrate, make decisions, and stay focused, thereby affecting your work performance and daily activities.
Increased irritability and mood swings
Lack of sleep can lead to increased irritability, mood swings, and a shorter temper, affecting relationships and overall well-being, and may also contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Impact of Lack of Sleep on Testosterone Levels
The relationship between sleep and testosterone production is complex. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can lead to lower testosterone levels. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a study that found a 10-15% reduction in testosterone levels in young men who slept for only 5 hours a night for one week. Another study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reported that men with obstructive sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder, had significantly lower testosterone levels compared to men without the condition.
If you’re worried about how your sleep patterns might be impacting your testosterone levels, exploring testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) could be a wise decision.
Tips for Improving Sleep Quality
Improving sleep quality is essential for overall health and well-being, and making small changes to your daily routine can have a big impact. Here are some practical tips to enhance your sleep quality, ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated every day.
Establishing a Consistent Sleep Schedule
Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, helps regulate the body’s internal clock and improve the quality of sleep. This consistency reduces the likelihood of insomnia and enhances sleep depth.
Creating a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
Engaging in calming activities before bed, such as reading or taking a warm bath, signals to the body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. This routine can significantly lower stress levels and promote a more restful night’s sleep.
Limiting Screen Time Before Bed
The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, so it’s beneficial to avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime. This practice helps in melatonin production, essential for a good night’s sleep.
Optimizing Your Sleep Environment
Ensure your bedroom is conducive to sleep by keeping it dark, quiet, and cool. Investing in a comfortable mattress and pillows can also make a significant difference in sleep quality.
Incorporating Physical Activity
Regular physical exercise, especially earlier in the day, can promote more restful sleep. However, avoid intense workouts close to bedtime as they might energize you instead of relaxing.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Practices like meditation, deep breathing, or gentle yoga before bed can help calm the mind, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Avoiding Heavy Meals and Caffeine
Eating a large meal or consuming caffeine close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep. Opt for a light snack if you’re hungry and avoid caffeine in the late afternoon and evening.
Conclusion
It’s clear that sleep plays a vital role in maintaining healthy testosterone levels. Addressing sleep issues and prioritizing good sleep hygiene is crucial for overall health and hormone balance. If you’re experiencing persistent sleep problems and symptoms of low testosterone, it’s important to seek advice from a healthcare provider. They can help identify any underlying sleep disorders or hormone imbalances and provide appropriate treatment options.
In conclusion, getting enough quality sleep is essential for maintaining optimal testosterone levels and overall health. Prioritizing good sleep habits and seeking medical advice for any sleep-related or hormonal concerns is crucial for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Oppenheimer leads this year’s BAFTA Film Award nominations with a total of 13.
They include one for Cillian Murphy for playing J Robert Oppenheimer, the theoretical physicist described as the father of the atomic bomb.
Oppenheimer‘s summer box office rival Barbie received five nominations, level with cult hit drama Saltburn.
Elsewhere, Poor Things has 11 nods, while Killers of the Flower Moon and The Zone of Interest both have nine.
The top nominees
13 – Oppenheimer
11 – Poor Things
9 – Killers of the Flower Moon and The Zone of Interest
7 – Anatomy of a Fall, The Holdovers and Maestro
6 – All of Us Strangers
5 – Barbie and Saltburn
Christopher Nolan’s three-hour epic Oppenheimer, which has already won eight Critics Choice Awards and five Golden Globes, is up for best film, director and adapted screenplay, among other awards.
Robert Downey Jr is also nominated for his supporting role and is the frontrunner to win at the Oscars.
However, despite being the top grossing film of 2023 and getting glowing reviews, Barbie, about the doll’s feminist awakening, missed out on a nomination for best film.
Greta Gerwig failed to make the shortlist for best director, which features only one woman, Justine Triet for Anatomy of a Fall.
Barbie‘s nominations included best actress for Margot Robbie and best supporting actor for Ryan Gosling.Other directors nominated include Britain’s Andrew Haigh for All of Us Strangers and Jonathan Glazer for The Zone of Interest.
The Zone of Interest is also nominated for outstanding British film and best adapted screenplay. The German-language film follows the life of a Nazi commandant who lives with his family near the Auschwitz concentration camp.
All of Us Strangers, a romantic fantasy film that has earned an acting nomination for Paul Mescal, although his co-star Andrew Scott missed out.
The film is also up for outstanding British film, alongside Wonka and Napoleon.
Bradley Cooper is nominated for both best leading actor and director for Maestro, his biopic of US conductor Leonard Bernstein.
The film tracks Bernstein’s relationship with actress Felicia Montealegre, played by Carey Mulligan, who is up for best leading actress.Saltburn‘s Barry Keoghan has also made it onto the shortlist for best actor, and Rosamund Pike and Jacob Elordi have received nominations for their supporting roles.
The other nominees in the best actor category are Teo Yoo for Past Lives, Colman Domingo for Rustin and Paul Giamatti for The Holdovers.
In the leading actress list, Emma Stone is nominated for her role in Poor Things.
German actress Sandra Huller has two nominations – one for lead actress in Anatomy of a Fall, and the other for supporting actress in The Zone of Interest.
The other nominee for lead actress is Vivian Oparah for British romantic comedy Rye Lane. It is the first time she has been nominated for a Bafta.
Other first-time nominees include Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks for a new musical film version of Alice Walker’s classic 1982 novel The Color Purple, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Dominic Sessa, both for The Holdovers.
Killers of the Flower Moon has nine nominations, including one for Robert De Niro in the supporting actor category, the star’s first acting nomination for 33 years. The 80-year-old American actor has never won a Bafta.
But the epic film’s director Martin Scorsese, lead actor Leonardo DiCaprio and lead actress Lily Gladstone all failed to make the cut.
In January, Lily Gladstone won the Golden Globe for best actress, making her the first indigenous actress to win the award, and is among the favourites for the Oscars.
British film One Life, which stars Sir Anthony Hopkins as a stockbroker who helped save 669 children from the Nazis in World War Two, failed to be nominated.
The BAFTA Film Awards 2024 will take place on February 18 at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London. The ceremony will be hosted by David Tennant.
Kate Middleton is set to stay in hospital for up to a fortnight after undergoing abdominal surgery.
According to Kensington Palace said the procedure was planned and successful but the Princess of Wales is not expected to resume royal duties for months.
The palace did not disclose further details about her condition but said it was not cancer-related.
A statement added Catherine wished to apologise for postponing planned engagements.
“Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter,” a statement said.
As is standard practice for senior royals, the palace has disclosed few details about the princess’ condition and will not provide a running commentary on her recovery.
But it is clear from the length of time Catherine, 42, is expected to stay in hospital and the tone of the statement issued by the palace that her medical condition is serious.
The surgery – which took place on January 16 – was significant enough to keep her in hospital for up to two weeks and it is expected that recuperation could take as long as three months.
The princess had a full diary in December and there was no indication that she was unwell during public appearances.
Image source Wikimedia
A statement from the palace said the princess “appreciates the interest this statement will generate” and stressed she wants her personal medical information to remain private.
It continued: “She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible.”
Kensington Palace said it would only provide updates when there is significant new information to share.
Kate Middleton is recuperating at the London Clinic, near Regent’s Park in central London, which describes itself as the UK’s largest independent private hospital.
TV cameras and reporters were seen gathering near to the hospital after the announcement on January 17, with a number of police officers also discreetly dotted around the streets near the building.
The Prince of Wales will not be carrying out any official duties while his wife is in hospital.
Once discharged, Kate Middleton is expected to recover at home in Windsor, where the Waleses and their children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, now reside.
In the statement issued on January 17, Kensington Palace said: “Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic yesterday for planned abdominal surgery.
“The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery.”
North Korea’s Kim Jong-un has said unification with South Korea is no longer possible, and that the constitution should be changed to designate it the “principal enemy”.
Kim Jong-un also said three organizations dealing with reunification would shut down, state media KCNA reported.
South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol said it would respond “multiple times stronger” to any provocation from North Korea.
The two Koreas have been divided since the Korean War ended in 1953.
They did not sign a peace treaty and therefore have remained technically still at war ever since.
In a speech delivered at the Supreme People’s Assembly, Kim Jong-un said that the constitution should be amended to educate North Koreans that South Korea is a “primary foe and invariable principal enemy”.
He also said that if a war breaks out on the Korean peninsula, the country’s constitution should reflect the issue of “occupying”, “recapturing” and “incorporating” the South into its territory.
Kim Jong-un – who replaced his father, Kim Jong-il, as North Korean leader in 2011 – said the North “did not want war, but we also have no intention of avoiding it”, according to KCNA.
He said he was taking a “new stand” on north-south relations, which included dismantling all organizations tasked with reunification.
Speaking to his cabinet on January 16, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said that if the North carried out a provocation, the South “will retaliate multiple times stronger”, pointing to the South Korean military’s “overwhelming response capabilities”.
Kim Jong-un’s comments came as relations significantly weakened on the Korean Peninsula in recent months.
In November, North Korea fully suspended a five-year military deal with the South aimed at lowering military tensions. It promised to withdraw all measures “taken to prevent military conflict in all spheres including ground, sea and air”, and said it would deploy more forces to the border region.
The South had partly suspended the agreement days earlier after Kim Jong-un claimed to have successfully launched a spy satellite into space.
The rhetoric – and provocative actions – from the North have only escalated since then.
At year-end policy meetings, the North Korean said he needed to “newly formulate” the North’s stance towards inter-Korean relations and reunification policy, adding that the stated goal was to “make a decisive policy change” related to “the enemy”.
He also threatened a nuclear attack on the South, and called for a build-up of his country’s military arsenal.
In a report published last week for 38 North, a US-based organization with a focus on North Korea, former State Department official Robert Carlin and nuclear scientist Siegfried S Hecker said they saw the situation on the Korean Peninsula as “more dangerous than it has ever been” since the start of the Korean War in 1950.
The two countries have boosted ties recently, with both isolated by Western powers, and last September Kim Jong-un visited Russia where he met Vladimir Putin.
Voters begin to arrive at caucus locations – schools, churches and small event spaces – ahead of a 19:00 local start time (20:00 ET).
Voters are braving temperatures as low as -23C (-9F) after winter storms blanketed the state in snow and ice.
Iowa is the first major state-wide vote to decide who will be the Republican. presidential candidate for the 2024 election.
There will be over 1,600 caucus sites across Iowa’s 99 counties, and all will be reporting the results of their vote to the state’s Republican Party officials as quickly as possible.
Donald Trump has consistently posted big leads over his nearest rivals in Iowa.
The most recent poll of Iowans who were likely to caucus had Trump at 48%, ahead of Nikki Haley with 20% and Ron DeSantis with 16%.
The candidates have been urging their supporters to brave the weather, with Donald Trump saying: “Even if you vote and then pass away, it’s worth it.”
The Haley campaign says it expects a “strong” result in Iowa, while Ron DeSantis claims sturdy support among “bed-rock” conservatives.
The Donald Trump, Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis campaigns and their political action committees (which raise and spend money to elect and defeat candidates) have altogether spent nearly $90 million on ads in Iowa.
Of these, Haley’s campaign and the pro-Haley Stand 4 America Fund PAC have spent the most, totalling about $36 million. The DeSantis campaign and various affiliated PACs follow closely behind with about $35 million spent.
Donald Trump – the distant front-runner in the race – his campaign and the MAGA Inc PAC have spent far less, totalling about $18 million.
Vivek Ramaswamy and Asa Hutchinson also remain in the contest, but are not expected to garner significant support.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has been released from hospital and will perform his duties remotely as he continues to recover from treatment for prostate cancer, the Pentagon has announced.
Lloyd Austin’s delay in telling colleagues and the White House about his illness sparked criticism and three investigations.
He was admitted to an intensive care unit on January 1st due to complications from surgery in December.
The 70-year old is expected to make a full recovery, his doctors said in a statement.
“Secretary Austin progressed well throughout his stay and his strength is rebounding,” said Dr. John Maddox and Dr. Gregory Chesnut from the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Lloyd Austin’s prostate cancer was treated early and effectively, and “his prognosis is excellent”, they said, adding that he has no further treatment planned.
The defense secretary is just below the president in the chain of command for the US military, and is regarded as one of the most important members of the Cabinet.
Lloyd Austin had a “minimally invasive” surgery to treat prostate cancer in late December. He was readmitted to hospital on New Year’s Day due to complications related to the procedure.
Senior defense officials and the White House did not learn that Lloyd Austin was seriously ill until three days after his re-admission.
That secrecy prompted security and transparency concerns and three investigations have since been launched into the handling of his health crisis.
President Joe Biden has said he remains confident in his secretary’s leadership but that it was “sub-optimal” that he had not disclosed the seriousness of his illness.
Lloyd Austin has since apologised for not keeping the public “appropriately informed”.
In statement on January 155, he thanked his medical team for the care he received.
“Now, as I continue to recuperate and perform my duties from home, I’m eager to fully recover and return as quickly as possible to the Pentagon,” he said.
The Pentagon said Lloyd Austin has “full access to required secure communications capabilities” as he works remotely.
Sinéad O’Connor died of natural causes, a statement from coroner has said.
The singer was found unresponsive at her south London home in July and pronounced dead at the age of 56.
“This is to confirm that Ms O’Connor died of natural causes,” the statement from Southwark Coroner’s Court said on January 9.
“The coroner has therefore ceased their involvement in her death,” the statement added.
The day after Sinéad O’Connor’s death was announced, police said it was not being treated as suspicious.
The Irish musician had recently moved back to London, tweeting earlier that month that she had been away for 23 years.
Image source Flickr
Sinéad O’Connor, known for being an activist as well as a singer, was best known for her single Nothing Compares 2 U, released in 1990, which reached number one and brought her worldwide fame.
Outspoken in her social and political views, Sinéad O’Connor released 10 studio albums between 1987 and 2014.
In 1991, she was was named artist of the year by Rolling Stone magazine and took home the Brit Award for international female solo artist.
In 2018, Sinéad O’Connor converted to Islam and changed her name to Shuhada’ Sadaqat, but continued to perform under her birth name. She released a memoir, Rememberings, in 2021.
Earlier in the day, it was announced that a tribute concert for Sinéad O’Connor and The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan will take place in New York City’s Carnegie Hall on March 20.
The one-night-only show called Sinéad & Shane at Carnegie Hall will be a celebration of both their lives.
Artists such as Mountain Goats, Cat Power, and Dropkick Murphys are set to cover a number of Sinéad O’Connor and Shane MacGowan’s songs.
A group of gunmen have broken into a live television studio in Ecuador and threatened staff, footage shows.
A live broadcast by station TC in the city of Guayaquil was interrupted on January 9 by the armed men, who were wearing hoods and carrying guns.
Staff were forced to on to the floor, before the live feed cut out.
A 60-day state of emergency began in Ecuador on January 8 after a convicted gang leader vanished from his prison cell.
The hooded men were seen leaving the TC studios, with police seen entering the set about 30 minutes after the gunmen first appeared.
Image source: TC
National police units in the country’s capital Quito and Guayaquil have been deployed to the scene.
Ecuador’s national police force said in an update on X, formerly Twitter, that staff had been evacuated from the studio.
It later said several suspects had been arrested.
Following the incident, President Daniel Noboa signed an executive order declaring an internal armed conflict and listed several organised crime groups as “terrorist organisations” and “non-state actors”.
The University of Guayaquil said all academic and administrative activities had been suspended given the social unrest nationwide.
At least seven police officers have been kidnapped by gang members since the state of emergency was declared.
The measures were introduced by President Noboa after the boss of the Los Choneros gang disappeared from a maximum security jail on January 7.
Officials said Fito, whose real name is Adolfo Macías Villamar, was not in his cell on Sunday morning when police arrived to move him to a different jail within the same compound.
He is thought to have absconded just hours before his planned transfer. Two prison guards have been detained on suspicion of helping Fito escape.
Los Choneros is a powerful prison gang which is thought to be behind many of the deadly riots and prison fights which have erupted in Ecuador’s jails over recent years.
It is not clear at this stage whether the storming of the television station is linked to the prison escape, but it is an example of the deteriorating security situation in the country.
Nearly 40 other inmates, including another convicted drug lord, broke out from another prison in the city of Riobamba on January 9.
Fito’s escape is also a blow to the government of President Daniel Noboa, who was sworn in in November after winning an election tarnished by the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.
Fernando Villavicencio had reported receiving death threats from Fito just days before he was shot dead while leaving a campaign rally in the capital Quito.
Oppenheimer was the big winner at this year’s Golden Globe Awards, taking home five awards including the top prize.
Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. were both recognized for their acting performances, while Christopher Nolan won best director.
Succession scored the most wins in the TV categories following its acclaimed fourth and final season.
Meanwhile, Barbie won the inaugural box office achievement award, after grossing $1.4bn worldwide.
There were two wins each for Anatomy of a Fall, The Holdovers and Poor Things, and one for Martin Scorsese’s Killers of theFlower Moon.
Killers of the Flower Moon star Lily Gladstone was named best drama actress, making her the first indigenous person to win the award, something she described as “historic”.
Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy paid tribute to Christopher Nolan’s “rigour, focus and dedication” in making the film, which grossed $954m at the box office and won best drama film at the ceremony.
The biopic also won awards for best score and best supporting actor for Robert Downey Jr, who portrayed US government official Lewis Strauss.
Succession was the big winner in the TV categories – following the fourth and final season of the drama about a media mogul and his children who battle for control of his company.
Kieran Culkin, who played Roman Roy in the series, was named best leading TV actor – an award previously won by his co-stars Brian Cox and Jeremy Strong.
The critically acclaimed show also won best drama series – seen as the night’s top prize in the television categories.
Emma Stone was named best actress in a musical or comedy for her performance in Poor Things, which also won best musical or comedy film.
The Golden Globes mark the first major ceremony of film awards season, which culminates with the Oscars on March 10.
Real estate is undoubtedly on the list of the most lucrative businesses in the world. With stable growth in your investment and good returns in the form of rent, it becomes the go-to investment option for many people. The overall real estate market is also booming and is projected to reach $113.60 trillion in 2023.
If you are in the real estate business or considering getting into one, you might want to get a chunk of that massive market. But how do you build your real estate business? And what does it take to expand your company in the real estate sector? Many people say you need to invest in the right tools and technologies.
However, keep in mind that it is the people that make your team, not the technologies. So, if you want to grow and expand your real estate business, this article is here to help you. It will give you a clear idea of how to build a team that sticks with you in the long haul.
Image source: PxHere
Attracting Top Talent:
Good real estate agents aren’t born; the environment they get makes them. You should attract, train, and then retain the top talent. Here are a few tips to help you find the top talent for your business.
1. Compensate and Incentivize:
There is nothing more motivating than money; that is why you should use it to attract top talent for your real estate business. However, giving out money only sometimes means paying your employees a higher salary. Some might need a generous family healthcare plan, while others might need a higher upfront salary than 401(k) matching. Either way, you need to be more flexible and make sure that you listen to what your employees want. It will motivate them to join and stick with your company in the long run.
2. Build a Good Work Place Environment:
Another important thing in attracting top talent is building and promoting a healthy work culture. It can help you attract top talents through referrals. If you keep your existing employees, they can spread the word about the positive work environment.
You can make your employees the brand ambassadors for your business who can spread word of mouth. But that is not all; you can also consider promoting your healthy work culture in different ways, such as:
Organizing virtual and physical events
Community projects
A candid (not staged) look into a working day for the employees
3. Have a Clear Hiring Process:
Attracting the right talent suitable for your real estate business is only possible if you maintain transparency. You must be honest about the job position, salary, incentives, etc. As a result, you can have the right pool of talent attracted to your job posts. Also, try to remain flexible regarding interviews, such as facilitating online interviews so it is easy for applicants to connect.
Retaining Top Talent:
Attracting top talent is just one part of the job; you must also retain them. You want to avoid getting stuck in the loop of constantly having to hire top talents. Here are some strategies to help you out with retaining top talent for your real estate business:
· Appreciate the Hard Workers:
Money isn’t the only factor that can motivate an individual to continue working with you in the long run. Some of them want recognition and appreciation for the hard work they have done; present them with trophies and awards for the hard work that they did.
This can be a huge morale booster and help you to retain your existing employees. Not only that, but it would also give them the satisfaction that their efforts are being recognized. This feeling of connectivity between the employee and the employer can help you in the long run.
· Maintain Work-Life Balance:
Another way to retain employees is to ensure they don’t overburden themselves and maintain a work-life balance. You can take steps to ensure that the workers can increase productivity without putting in extra hours. For instance, you can allow them to work from home. This module has seen a lot of growth after the Covid-19 pandemic, and workers have reported an increase in their efficiency when working from home. Therefore, consider going for this option.
Having the right team can help you sustain and expand your business in the hyper-competitive real estate market, which has become a necessity at this point. With the methods mentioned in this article, you can not only attract top talent but also retain them in the long run.
The Pacific nation of Kiribati was the first to welcome in 2024.
Auckland in New Zealand has just greeted in 2024 with its annual vibrant fireworks display at the city’s iconic Sky Tower.
New Zealand’s two main islands – North Island and South Island – are both in the same time zone.
The Chatham Islands, which lie to the east, have a different time zone 45 minutes in advance.
Huge crowds are gathering in Sydney in Australia for one of the world’s most spectacular New Year’s fireworks displays.
Just before midnight there -eight tonnes of pyrotechnics will be launched from two of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks – the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
Sydney is about to see in the New Year, and although the weather symbols suggest it will be dry and cloudy, there are showers very close by. However, with temperatures at 21C, it’s not likely to dampen the celebrations too much.
On the other side of the world, New York can get very cold at this time of year. Thankfully there’ll be none of that bitter cold tonight – the city that never sleeps will ring in the New Year with temperatures of 5C and a very light breeze.
Revellers in Hong Kong shouldn’t expect any issues seeing tonight’s fireworks extravaganza as the city is set for clear skies with a moderate breeze.
The last place will be Baker Island – only 650 miles away from Kiribati, but 26 hours behind, due to a time zones quirk.
The practice of management has gone through considerable changes in the past 50 years. Today, in a high-tech environment and amid a volatile economy, company leaders are using a mix of old and new tactics for ramping up profits, instilling unity among work groups, accomplishing varied goals, and getting everyday tasks done. While individuals have preferences for certain managerial ideas, some of the top tactics include methods like delegating, using appropriate tech tools, leading by example, learning how to troubleshoot, and picking an overall leadership style. Here are the pertinent details about several of the most popular approaches.
Everyone knows what delegation is, but not all understand the nuances of the concept. Team leaders and other higher-ups need to be careful about which jobs to turn over to employees. Proper delegation means having complete knowledge about what all your team members can do, knowing how many chores they can comfortably tackle, and having an insight into what motivates them. When all those pieces of the puzzle are in place, it’s much easier to hand over jobs people can handle. The overall goal of delegating is to assign tasks to those who are most suited to complete them successfully. If that’s possible, owners can witness significant increases in productivity, and workers enjoy a higher sense of accomplishment.
Adopt Suitable Tech Tools
Every job calls for a different tool. That point is particularly relevant in the transport industry, where fleet managers spend long hours tracking and tracing people, goods, equipment, fuel, and expenses. Fortunately, there are multiple tools fleet supervisors use to gather data about everyday operations. At the same time, if they use the right kinds of software and other solutions, they can cut fuel usage substantially, boost driver satisfaction, and run a more efficient fleet. With the assistance of timely reporting and predictive analytics, they can do all those things and more. Today’s busy transport operatives rely on things like vehicle telematics and fleet management software to do their jobs. Adopting suitable technology has a lasting impact on the long-term health of any fleet operation.
Adopt a Management Style That Works For You
There are countless management styles, some of which have been around for more than a century. However, in the modern business world, four stand out as being the most common ones. Don’t feel the need to lock yourself into just one. But in older, larger organizations, high-ranking adults tend to gravitate to just one managerial style and stick with it in most situations. Feel free to use a combination of techniques if that’s your preference.
Authoritative leaders offer transparent, long-term directives on projects and tend to be firm but fair with their team members. Affiliative managers seek to build harmony by communicating clearly with their employees. Their overall aim is to create a positive work environment. Democratic supervisors prefer group decision-making on tasks. Additionally, they enjoy giving everyone a chance to speak and contribute to the plan. Finally, coach-leaders give workers the chance to grow professionally and tackle various opportunities on projects. In general, they lead and teach by encouraging people to expand their horizons and learn as much as possible.
Ukrainian Orthodox Christians are celebrating Christmas on December 25 for the first time this year.
Ukraine has traditionally used the Julian calendar, also used by Russia, where Christmas falls on January 7.
In a further shift from Russia, it is now marking Christmas according to the Western – or Gregorian – calendar, which it uses in everyday life.
President Volodymyr Zelensky changed the law in July, saying it allowed Ukrainians to “abandon the Russian heritage” of celebrating Christmas in January.
In a Christmas message issued on December 24, Volodymyr Zelensky said all Ukrainians were now together.
“We all celebrate Christmas together. On the same date, as one big family, as one nation, as one united country.”
The Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), a newly created independent church that held its first service in 2019, has also changed its Christmas date to December 25.
It formally broke away from the Russian Orthodox church over Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.
People prayed and lit candles across the country on December 24.
In the western city of Lviv, which has been little damaged by the war, children in traditional costumes sang carols and took part in festive processions on the streets.
In recent years many worshippers have joined the OCU but millions still follow the historically Russia-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), and so will continue to celebrate Christmas on January 7.
The UOC says that in 2022 it split from Moscow because of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine although many people remain sceptical.
There are expected to be quite a few Ukrainians who will be celebrating twice – the more the merrier.
Charlie Sheen was assaulted by a woman at his Malibu home, Los Angeles police have said.
The attack occurred on December 20 about 1 p.m., authorities said.
Police have arrested Electra Schrock, 47, for assault with a deadly weapon and residential burglary.
Deputies arrived at the 6000 block of Cavalleri Road around 1 p.m. on December 20 after receiving a call about a battery, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement. When deputies arrived, they found that the actor was the victim of an alleged assault and break-in.
Paramedics were reportedly called to Charlie Sheen’s home in the aftermath, but he was not taken to hospital.
Police did not share a possible motive.
Electra Schrock, who is reportedly a neighbour of Charlie Sheen, was also arrested for using force likely to create great bodily injury.
Police did not say what weapon was used in the alleged attack.
TMZ reports that Electra Schrock attempted to strangle Charlie Sheen and ripped his shirt after he opened his front door.
Electra Schrock had earlier this year pleaded no contest to a charge of misdemeanour elder abuse, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Charlie Sheen, 58, has featured in Hollywood blockbusters such as Platoon, Wall Street and Major League.
He starred for eight seasons on CBS hit sitcom Two and a Half Men, before a spectacular falling out with the show’s creator.
He went on to court tabloid headlines with a series of bizarre interviews. He later said that he regretted his actions during that time and blamed his behaviour on drug and alcohol abuse.
Photo Twitter
Charlie Sheen himself has been the subject of several assault arrests, including an incident in 1996 when he was charged with attacking then-girlfriend Brittany Ashland at his home. He pleaded no contest to the charges and was placed on two years’ probation.
In 2015, Scottine Ross, Sheen’s ex-fiancee, sued the actor, alleging assault, battery, false imprisonment, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress for failing to disclose he was HIV-positive and placing her at risk. She accused the actor of abusing her physically and emotionally while he used drugs and alcohol, as well as negligently exposing her to HIV after he was infected. Presumably a settlement was reached, as Ross requested in 2018 that the case be dismissed.
In 2022, Charlie Sheen settled a separate lawsuit for $120,000, in which another former girlfriend alleged that he had also lied to her about his HIV-positive status and exposed her to the virus.
The gunman who shot dead 14 people at a Prague university on December 21 killed himself after being surrounded by the authorities, Czech police said.
The attack, which happened at the Faculty of Arts building of Charles University, is the worst mass shooting in Czech history.
According to authorities, evidence suggests the shooter also killed a man and his young daughter in a forest near Prague last week.
However, this is still unconfirmed.
Image source: Reuters
Officials told a news conference on December 22 that students barricaded themselves into rooms of the university building during the attack and that police had to go floor-by-floor to get them out.
They showed bodycam footage of officers as they hunted for the attacker, who died on the roof of the building.
Police said people had been asked to come out with their hands up because police were unsure if the attacker had accomplices.
Prague’s police director, Petr Matejcek, added that there were “piles of ammunition in the corridors” and said he believed the quick arrival of police prevented more bloodshed.
All of those killed in December 21 attack have now been identified, but only one person so far has been named officially. Lenka Hlavkova was head of the Institute of Musicology at Charles University.
A further 25 people were injured in the attack – including one Dutch citizen and two people from the United Arab Emirates.
The killer, named locally as 24-year-old David Kozak, is also thought to have killed his father at a separate location.
Before the shooting, police had received a report that the suspect was believed to be heading to Prague from a nearby town with the intention of killing himself.
The authorities say they are now on alert for people who may be inspired by the attack and are focused on imminent threats – including on social media.
They are also waiting for ballistic evidence to confirm that the gunman was linked to the December 15 murders of a man and his two-month-old daughter in the Klanovicky forest.
The head of Prague Police’s murder department said that the university shooter had been a suspect in the earlier killings and that police had done their best to catch the person responsible.
In a statement, Czech PM Petr Fiala said the country had been shocked by this “horrendous act”.
“It is hard to find the words to express condemnation on the one hand and, on the other, the pain and sorrow that our entire society is feeling in these days before Christmas.”
He said December 23 would be a day of mourning, adding that flags would be flown at half-mast on all public buildings and that a minute’s silence would be observed at midday. Many sports and cultural events have been called off.
Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell, Honey Boo Boo’s oldest sister, has died at the age of 29.
Reality TV star Mama June Shannon, 44, announced the news of her oldest daughter’s death through a post shared on Instagram on December 10.
“With the breaking heart, we are announcing that @annamarie35 is no longer with us,” she wrote.
“She passed away in my home last night peacefully at 11:12 PM.”
“She gave one hell of a fight for 10 months she passed away with her family around her like she won’t and we will will be updating y’all with more information as we get it today,” Mama June continued.
“We love y’all and continued prayers and thoughts for our family doing this difficult time,” she concluded.
Anna’s death comes after Mama June shared a plea on Instagram on December 8, asking followers to keep her family in their thoughts.
Anna ”Chickadee” Cardwell — who appeared alongside her mom and sister Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson in TLC’s Toddlers & Tiaras and later, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo — was diagnosed with stage 4 adrenal carcinoma in January and had been undergoing treatment at the time.
Mama June’s 23-year-old daughter, Lauryn “Pumpkin” Efird, reposted her mother’s request on her Instagram Story the same day, adding her own message: “Say a prayer for our family.”
Anna’s doctors discovered cancer in her lung, liver and kidney following a series of tests after she complained about experiencing abdominal pain. She underwent her first round of chemotherapy in March.
Anna and her mother were largely estranged in the last years — with Cardwell suing her mom in 2015 for allegedly unpaid appearances on Here Comes Honey Boo Boo — they reunited earlier this year when Shannon married Stroud in February 2023.
The occasion was celebrated with all four of her daughters.
Anna ”Chickadee” Cardwell is survived by her daughters Kaitlyn Elizabeth and Kylee Madison.
Actor Ryan O’Neal, best known for his Oscar-nominated role in 1970 romance Love Story, has died at the age of 82, his son announced.
The actor’s family did not share a cause of death, but Ryan O’Neal was diagnosed with chronic leukaemia in 2001 and prostate cancer in 2012.
He also starred in 1970s hits What’s Up, Doc?,Paper Moon and A Bridge Too Far.
Patrick O’Neal said his father was “a Hollywood legend. Full stop.”
“My dad passed away peacefully today, with his loving team by his side supporting him,” he wrote on Instagram on December 8.
He added that his father had always been his hero.
Ryan O’Neal’s rugged good looks catapulted him from television soap to movie stardom in tearjerker Love Story. He starred as an upper-crust Harvard undergraduate who falls in love with a working class student, played by Ali MacGraw.
The movie is considered by the American Film Institute to be among the top 10 most romantic of all time.
Ryan O’Neal went on to star in 1972 screwball comedy What’s Up, Doc?, alongside Barbra Streisand. He acted with her again in The Main Event in 1979.
He played a Depression-era conman in road comedy-drama Paper Moon (1973), alongside his nine-year-old daughter, Tatum O’Neal, who won an Oscar for her show-stealing supporting role.
Ryan O’Neal also appeared with an all-star cast in 1977 war epic A Bridge Too Far and in Barry Lyndon (1975), Stanley Kubrick’s highly anticipated follow-up to A Clockwork Orange.
But his star faded at the end of the 1970s and only his turbulent personal life kept him in the headlines.
Ryan O’Neal was born in Los Angeles in 1941 to a mother who was a stage actress and a father who was a novelist and screenwriter.
He took up boxing in school and developed an impressive physique before landing small television roles.
He was cast in Peyton Place, known as America’s first prime-time soap opera. That role made him a household name, and like his co-star Mia Farrow, he was able to make the leap to the big screen.
Ryan O’Neal was married twice: first to American actress Joanna Moore, with whom he had two children, including Tatum, and then to Emmy-winning actress Leigh Taylor-Young, with whom he had one son, Patrick.
He was also known for his long-term, tumultuous romance with actress Farrah Fawcett. That relationship lasted from 1979 to 1997, and then from 2001 until Farah Fawcett’s death in 2009.
In an interview with Piers Morgan in 2011, Ryan O’Neal said that re-watching his film Love Story “upsets me, actually”.
“I lost Farrah to cancer, and I just wonder [why] that played out that way for me,” he said.
In the tribute to his father, Patrick O’Neal said that he was “skilled at his craft, worked so hard, and just loved acting plain and simple”.
“As a human being, my father was as generous as they come,” he added.
“And the funniest person in any room. And the most handsome clearly, but also the most charming. Lethal combo.”
Patrick O’Neal also paid tribute to Farah Fawcett, his father’s long-time love.
“Now they meet again. Farrah and Ryan. He has missed her terribly. What an embrace that must be. Together again.”
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