#Snapshot Nominees
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2023 PBA Nominees for Snapshots
General Snapshots
A Christmas Wish Snooky-9093
A Frenchman, three Americans, and an Englishman too DeathThouShaltDie
A Hero Like Never Before NextUpForever
An Unexpected Afternoon Cardinal Rose
And Would Suffice Signy1
Breakfast at Buckingham Palace Sierra Sutherwind
Can We Keep Him, Colonel? whatisthismandoinghere
Dandelion Wine Corporal_Mischief_Maker
Distant Shores, Distant Friends Faebees Knees
Second String snooky-9093
Sicktember 4: Hogan's Heroes katbybee
Stormy Weather mrspencil
The Topic Was Doom Abracadebra
You're Doing Great GrrraceUnderfire
Drama Snapshots
Cold Steel Anonymous Writer 77
Der Eismann TheSailingRabbit
Everybody Hates Peter GrrraceUnderfire
Intensive Coddling Sierra Sutherwind
Rain mrspencil
Snowflake Inspiration SunshineOfThe60s
Was It Ever Real? L. E. Wigman
What is it about Wolfgang? GrrraceUnderfire
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I’m not even a big Olivia fan but God bless you for saying it was better than Midnights 🙌🏻
It’s bolder and more cutting, with a more innovative sound and genius lyrics. It plays with unique sounds and genres to elevate the themes presented in the lyrics. Each song has a visceral impact and the album overall is topical, a snapshot of American culture in this period of history.
Midnights is not a bad album but it’s bland and redundant - sonically, lyrically, thematically. Simply put, it’s nothing new and nowhere near anything I’d label album of the year.
Olivia fan or not, it is undeniable that the album is great and superior to Midnights. And that’s just out of the aoty nominees - there are plenty of pure genius albums that weren’t even considered.
The Grammys is in no way a measure of quality and talent but is instead a measure of wealth and status.
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The cover for this week’s issue, “Roller Coaster,” by Barry Blitt.
* * * *
LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN
August 19, 2024
Heather Cox Richardson
Aug 20, 2024
The Democratic National Committee today released a platform that lays out the history of the last four years and explains how and why the Biden-Harris administration has oriented the United States government toward ordinary Americans. It is in many ways a snapshot of the United States of America in this moment. At the most basic level, it shows how rapidly the political world is changing. Approved on July 16, five days before President Joe Biden announced he would not accept the nomination, it refers to Biden, and not to Vice President Kamala Harris, as the party’s nominee.
At a grander scale, though, the platform suggests the country is entering a new political alignment. In its length and scope it recalls the 1980 Republican platform that launched the Reagan Revolution and the modern Republican Party. Unlike that platform, which laid out what the Republicans hoped to accomplish if voters put them into power, today’s Democratic platform recounts almost four years of work on which to base the Democrats’ future plans.
As the Republican Party that coalesced under Reagan has crumbled into a Christian nationalist authoritarianism, the Democrats have come together into a pro-democracy coalition. That coalition includes Republicans eager to stop Trump and his allies. They have signed on to elect Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota governor Tim Walz in order to preserve democracy, but are clear they are not embracing the Democratic Party’s policies. The Harris-Walz campaign has welcomed them.
The Republicans’ platform is heavy on slogans—many of which are in all caps—saying things like “We will defeat Inflation, tackle the cost-of-living crisis, improve fiscal sanity, restore price stability, and quickly bring down prices,” without any suggestion of how they will bring about such sweeping changes. In contrast, the Democrats laid out their policies today in a detailed 90-page platform that places the accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration in a larger framework of protecting American democracy.
The platform lists the landmark legislation the Democrats have passed since 2021 and explains how they designed those measures to address both economic inequality and the historic racial and gender discrimination that has held back women as well as racial and gender minorities. The central theme of the platform is fairness: some version of that word appears in the document 58 times. The nation’s government, and the globe, have been skewed toward a few rich people. The Democratic platform says that they should pay their fair share and that those Americans who have been held back by systemic discrimination should have a fair shot at success.
“Our nation is at an inflection point,” the platform’s preamble reads. “What kind of America will we be? A land of more freedom, or less freedom? More rights or fewer? An economy rigged for the rich and powerful, or where everyone has a fair shot at getting ahead?” Taking office in the midst of a crisis, “Democrats proved once again that democracy can deliver, and made tremendous progress turning the country around,” but Trump will destroy those victories, focusing “not on opportunity and optimism, but on revenge and retribution…. He and his extreme MAGA allies are ripping away our bedrock personal freedoms, dictating what health care decisions women can make, banning books, and telling people who they can love. They’re rigging our economy for their rich friends and big corporations, pushing more trickle-down tax cuts for the wealthy and powerful…. They are eroding our democracy with lies and threats, have refused to denounce political violence, and are making it harder to vote. And given the chance, they’ll keep stacking our courts, locking in their extreme agenda for decades.”
“History has shown that nothing about democracy is guaranteed,” the platform reads. “Every generation has to protect it, preserve it, choose it. We must stand together to choose what we want America to be.”
The Democratic platform was the backdrop today for the opening of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Today’s theme was “For the People,” and today's speakers hit that goal, aiming directly at voters by telling two compelling stories of America. While the evening was designed to honor President Joe Biden, it did that not so much by focusing on his administration’s achievements—although they were there—as by emphasizing how his qualities, his initiatives, and his faith in America have restored the nation’s better qualities, setting it on a positive path.
Speakers told a wide range of stories about the many kindnesses of Biden, Harris, and Walz. Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) teared up when she recounted Harris’s kindness to her as a new lawmaker. Golden State Warriors and U.S. national basketball team coach Steve Kerr noted that Harris and Walz have spent their careers “serving other people.” Minnesota lieutenant governor Peggy Flanagan talked of how as Walz does the work for Minnesota, he brings along a "bottomless bag of snacks -- Nutter Butters, cheese curds, and Diet Dew."
Speakers talked about how the Democrats are getting things done: Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH) said that "J.D. and Trump like to talk about states like Ohio, but Kamala and Joe actually get stuff done for us." United Auto Workers union president Shawn Fain and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortes (D-NY) emphasized the support of Biden, Harris, and Walz for unions and other working Americans, noting that they come from a middle-class background themselves.
And they talked about what patriotism means. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA) said: "My mom taught me to love this country. She taught me that real American patriotism is not about screaming and yelling, ‘America first.’ Real American patriotism is loving your country so much that you want to help the people in your country. THAT is American patriotism."
Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) brought the crowd to its feet when he offered the Democrats’ underlying moral doctrine: “I need my neighbor's children to be okay so that my children will be okay,” he said. “I need all of my neighbor’s children to be okay, poor inner city children in Atlanta and poor children of Appalachia, I need the poor children of Israel and the poor children of Gaza, I need Israelis and Palestinians, I need those in the Congo, those in Haiti, those in Ukraine, I need American children on both sides of the track to be okay. Because we are all God’s children. And so let’s stand together. Let’s work together. Let’s organize together. Let’s pray together. Let’s stand together. Let’s heal the land.”
In contrast to this forward looking community vision, the speakers made clear—often with memorable humor—that the future Trump offers is as dark as his own vows of retribution and revenge. They spoke of how he cares only about himself and how Trump has vowed to be a dictator. Several people mentioned Project 2025, which South Carolina representative James Clyburn called “Jim Crow 2.0.”
Flanagan told the crowd that her brother was the second person in Tennessee to die of Covid; Garcia said his mother and stepfather both died of it. The DNC showed a video of Trump downplaying the disease. Individuals affected by the abortion bans enacted after the Supreme Court overturned the right to abortion care told their heart wrenching stories.
And they talked about Trump’s crimes. Representative Crockett asked voters which of the two candidates they would hire. “Kamala Harris has a résumé,” she said. “Donald Trump has a rap sheet.” Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD) noted that Trump’s vice president Mike Pence is the first vice president in more than 200 years “not to support the president he served with in a general election.” “Someone should’ve told Donald Trump that the president’s job under Article 2 of the Constitution is to take care that the laws are faithfully executed, not that the vice president is executed…. J.D. Vance, do you understand why there was a sudden job opening for running mate on the [Republican] ticket? They tried to kill your predecessor!” Senator Laphonza Butler (D-CA) told the crowd: “We deserve a president…who shatters the boundaries of what’s possible, not the boundaries of what’s legal.”
The Democrats tonight wove the past into their story of the future, creating a new history in which the present moment is part of a longer trajectory. Civil rights leader Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr., who worked alongside the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr., received a standing ovation tonight. And when former secretary of state Hillary Clinton took the stage, the crowd roared.
“Something is happening in America,” she said. “You can feel it. Something we’ve worked for and dreamed of for a long time.” She recalled the history of women’s suffrage in the United States, noting that her mother was born before the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, and she remembered the pathbreaking leadership of New York representative Shirley Chisholm, the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination, and Representative Geraldine Ferraro, also of New York, who ran for vice president in 1984. Then she spoke of her own nomination for president in 2016: “Nearly 66 million Americans voted for a future where there are no ceilings on our dreams. And afterwards we refused to give up on America. Millions marched, many ran for office. We kept our eyes on the future.”
“Well, my friends,” she said, “the future is here!” She urged everyone to “keep going…. Kamala has the character, experience, and vision to lead us forward.”
When Biden took the stage at the end of the night, he was greeted with a long standing ovation and chants of “We love Joe!” He reiterated the deep importance of family and thanked his own before recounting the accomplishments of his administration in rebuilding the damaged country that he inherited in January 2021. And then he turned to democracy.
“The vote each of us casts this year will determine whether democracy and freedom will prevail. It’s that simple. It’s that serious,” he said. “And the power is literally in your hands. History is in your hands…. America’s future is in your hands.”
“Nowhere else in the world could a kid with a stutter and modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, grow up to sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. That’s because America is and always has been a nation of possibilities. And we must never lose that.”
“Each of us has a part in the American story. For me and my family there’s a song that means a lot to us that captures the best of who we are as a nation. The song is called ‘American Anthem.’ There’s one verse that stands out….
“‘The work and prayers of centuries have brought us to this day.
What shall our legacy be? What will our children say?
Let me know in my heart when my days are through
America, America, I gave my best to you.’
“For 50 years…I have given my heart and soul to our nation. And I have been blessed a million times in return with the support of the American people…. I hope you know how grateful I am to all of you…. I can honestly say I’m more optimistic about the future than I was when I was elected as a 29-year-old United States senator.
“We just need to remember who we are.
“We’re the United States of America.
LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN
HEATHER COX RICHARDSON
#New Yorker Covers#Barry Blitt#Letters from An American#Heather Cox Richardson#DNC#Democrats#Democratic convention#history#American History#justice#For The People#middle class#the future
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STEVE PEOPLES and LAURAN NEERGAARD at AP:
WASHINGTON (AP) — If he wins next month’s election, Donald Trump would be the oldest person in U.S. history to be elected president. Yet the 78-year-old Republican nominee refuses to disclose new details about his physical or mental well-being, breaking decades of precedent. There have been limited snapshots of Trump’s health over the last year. After he survived an attempted assassination in July, Texas Rep. Ronny Jackson, a staunch supporter who served as his White House physician, wrote a memo describing a gunshot wound to Trump’s right ear. And last November, Trump’s personal physician, Dr. Bruce Aronwald, wrote a letter describing him as being in “excellent” health with “exceptional” cognitive exams. He noted that “cardiovascular studies are all normal and cancer screening tests” were negative. Trump had also “reduced his weight.” But those communications didn’t address more fundamental questions about Trump’s health, including his blood pressure, exact weight or whether he has continued using previously prescribed medication for high cholesterol — or even what testing he underwent. His campaign has also not disclosed whether Trump has been diagnosed with any diseases or received any mental health care after the assassination attempt.
That’s giving his political adversaries, including Democratic rival Kamala Harris, an opportunity to raise questions about his age and ability to execute the duties of the presidency into his 80s. “It makes you wonder: Why does his staff want him to hide away?” Harris asked recently as she needled Trump for withholding medical records, opting against another debate and skipping an interview with CBS’ “60 Minutes.” “One must question: Are they afraid that people will see that he is too weak and unstable to lead America? Is that what’s going on?” Trump’s doctors have long been opaque about his health, such as when his team at the White House initially downplayed the severity of his 2020 hospitalization for COVID-19.
[...]
Drawing a contrast with Trump
In an effort to draw a contrast with Trump, Harris released a letter from her doctor on Saturday that went into far more detail about her medical history, including a list of exams and the results. The letter said she has no heart, lung or neurological disorders, is at low risk for heart disease and up-to-date on cancer screenings. She takes medication for allergies and hives. She wears contact lenses, and her only surgery occurred at age 3, when her appendix was removed during an intestinal-related procedure. While the letter didn’t specify her weight, the 59-year-old vice president was declared to be in “excellent health” and to possess “the physical and mental resiliency” required to serve as president. Sensing an opportunity to put Trump on the defensive, the Harris campaign on Monday released a letter from more than 250 doctors and other medical professionals calling on Trump to release his medical records.
Still, it’s unclear that age will be a significant factor for voters. Polls found that voters were significantly less concerned about Trump’s mental capacity and physical health than they were about President Joe Biden’s when he was still in the race. Since Harris replaced Biden on the ticket, Trump’s advantage on the issue has diminished.
The AP bringing straight facts about Dementia Donald’s hiding of vital health details and how that would effect his 2nd term, which would effectively be a J.D. Vance Presidency.
A vote for Trump is essentially a vote to make Vance President, so vote Kamala Harris if you want a healthy leader in office.
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Princess Annaliese CAUGHT On the Arm of MARRIED Duke?!
Last weekend King Arden’s golden child had all of us raising our eyebrows at the 53rd Annual Diamond Plumbob Awards afterparty.
His Majesty’s favorite child certainly stole the spotlight from the rest of the stars attending the party, causing a ruckus when photographed getting cozy with one Alexei Savalani, the Duke of Margate. The forty-five-year-old Duke is a prominent member of the House of Lords and has been a staunch opponent against Princess Ana’s father. This is not the only reason we predict this relationship will be subjected to His Majesty’s ire, however, since the age gap has even the public raising their brows.
The Princess, twenty-four, is a little over twenty years younger than the Duke, a man only a few years younger than her father. She has never been connected to any man or woman romantically, preferring to keep her private life under lock and key as much as possible. Her ability to stay under the radar, however, didn’t keep us from noticing her getting a little touchy-feely with Duke Alexei!
(Above: Snapshots taken earlier in the evening of Her Royal Highness and the Duke conversing with some award winners and nominees.)
While attending the star-studded soirée in her capacity as Royal Patron of the Moving Picture Council (MPC), the Princess was originally photographed mingling with the same crowd as the Duke, who is the owner of several well-known production companies within the industry. Their initial interactions were hardly suspicious until the source of our publication’s photos below saw them leaving the party together.
“They were careful I’ll give them that,” our correspondent told us. “They rarely were seen in the same group barring a couple of times and only really exchanged pleasantries. I didn’t really think anything of them until I happened to catch a photo of them leaving together out onto the rooftop halfway through the evening.”
The photos taken of the two taking a stroll through the venue’s rooftop garden depict a much more intimate relationship than previously assumed of the two – at one point, Princess Ana was seen with her hands actually caressing the Duke! Our source claims that the two were out there seeming “like a couple on a date” for a good forty-five minutes before separating to return to the party.
The rumors being fueled by these photos are not reflecting well upon Princess Ana and her “good girl” image. Alexei Savalani is not only much older than her and a part of the HoL, but he is still currently married?! He was even spotted that evening still wearing his wedding ring!
The Duke of Margate has been married to his wife, Duchess Reagan, for a decade. The two met during his travels to Celestre, the Duchess’ native country, dated for a year, and married two months after he proposed. There have been rumors circulating about a break in the marriage but until now no proof has been captured. Perhaps he’s finally making a statement?
#ts4 monarchy#ts4 royal legacy#ts4 royal family#ts4 legacy#sims 4 royal family#sims4 royal legacy#sims 4 monarchy#sims 4 legacy#sims4 royal family#sims 4 royal legacy#sims4 legacy#sims4 monarchy#Act II#the liar and the lioness
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Just over a week ago, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan boasted that, all things considered, things were going pretty well for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East: “The Middle East region is quieter today than it has been in two decades,” he told an audience at an event hosted by the Atlantic.
That assertion tracked with the bench of top diplomatic officials focused on the Middle East—or lack thereof. As Washington worked to extricate itself from decades of costly wars in the region to focus on a revanchist Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and ramping up global competition against China, numerous key senior national security posts overseeing the Middle East have sat empty for months or even years. Few in Washington raised alarm bells about it. Those who did were, for the most part, politely ignored.
The massive assault on Israel by terrorist group Hamas—the deadliest attack Israel has faced since the 1973 Arab-Israeli War—has thrust the Middle East back to the forefront of U.S. national security. The Biden administration, caught flat-footed, has leapt into crisis-response mode. But the number of seasoned and Senate-confirmed top officials to lead that response is sorely lacking.
At the time of the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Washington’s closest ally in the Middle East, the United States had no confirmed ambassadors to Israel, Egypt, Oman, or Kuwait. The State Department’s top counterterrorism envoy position has sat empty for more than two years, the top human rights envoy position—the assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights, and labor—has been unfilled for the entirety of the Biden administration, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has not had a top Middle East official in nearly three years.
These statistics offer a snapshot into how Washington’s hyper-partisanship is infecting foreign policy and serve as a preview of how numerous empty posts could hobble—though not entirely derail—the Biden administration’s ability to craft an effective response to the developing war between Israel and terrorist groups in the Palestinian territories.
“The State Department isn’t [the Department of Defense]: We don’t have weapon systems; we have diplomats, armed with experience and hard-won expertise,” said Alan Eyre, a retired senior State Department diplomat. “Not having Senate-vetted and -confirmed ambassadors in the field during a crisis is like fighting a battle with needed weaponry sitting in storage.”
The mostly empty bench is due to a nearly broken Senate confirmation process, where nominees have languished in limbo for months or even years due to the “new normal” practice of Republican senators placing sweeping holds on all nominees for different agencies over policy disputes with the administration. On the Pentagon side, hundreds of senior military posts are on indefinite pause due to Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s blanket hold on nominees over the Biden administration’s abortion access policies for the military—including senior officials at U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East. At the State Department, Republican Sen. Rand Paul has held numerous nominees over access to documents on the origins of COVID-19, while fellow Republican Sens. J.D. Vance and Ted Cruz have also previously issued holds.
Republicans, meanwhile, blame the Biden administration for not working to meet them halfway on policy disputes and dawdling on congressional outreach and Senate Democrats for not prioritizing floor votes on national security nominees that could override these blanket holds in an otherwise jampacked Senate schedule.
The end result is an under-equipped team composed of many lower-ranking officials in acting capacities fighting the biggest fire that part of the Middle East has seen in years—a crisis that could derail the Biden administration’s efforts to normalize ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia. In public, administration officials insist their team is well-equipped to respond to the crisis and support Israel. In private, they concede that they’re starting this diplomatic offensive with serious handicaps.
All top Pentagon, USAID, and State Department posts, including ambassadors, require a presidential nomination and Senate confirmation. Unfilled posts are still covered by lower-ranking officials in acting capacities. But those acting officials don’t have the gravitas, legitimacy, or access in foreign capitals that a full-fledged ambassador has, no matter how skilled and experienced they are.
One senior career diplomat with decades of experience compared a well-rooted U.S. ambassador in a foreign capital to a seatbelt in a car: something that’s nice to have in normal times—until there is a major emergency, when it becomes absolutely necessary. On the crisis in Israel, the effects of this empty bench may be hard to discern from the outside but are still likely to gum up the works in Washington’s interagency process and hobble a more effective response in the region.
Sen. Chris Murphy, a leading Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, decried the lack of confirmed officials. “This is an all hands on deck moment in history, and the administration needs a Senate-confirmed American diplomat present in every capital in the region as soon as possible,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
The House side, which has no say over nominees but outsized power on any new funding the United States could prepare for aid to Israel, is facing a crisis of its own after a small faction of far-right Republicans ousted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
“I look at the world and all the threats that are out there. And what kind of message are we sending to our adversaries when we can’t govern? While we’re dysfunctional? When we don’t even have a speaker of the House?” lamented Republican Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, in an interview with CNN on Sunday. McCaul said Republicans needed to quickly elect a new speaker to begin ginning up support—both financial and political—for Israel, in response to the ongoing crisis.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee, now chaired by Sen. Ben Cardin after Sen. Bob Menendez stepped down amid a corruption indictment scandal, is preparing to rush a confirmation hearing on Biden’s Israel ambassador nominee this week, three Senate sources said, though no official announcement has yet been made. Biden’s nominee, former Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, could face grueling questioning from Republicans on the Biden administration’s policies toward Iran, but Democrats want to expedite his confirmation, nonetheless.
A similar scenario played out more than two months ago when another crisis caught Washington off guard, that time in the restive Sahel region of Africa. In Niger, a military coup in July derailed the West’s burgeoning partnership with a West African government seen as central to counterterrorism campaigns in the region. The U.S. ambassador nominee to Niger, seasoned diplomat Kathleen FitzGibbon, had sat waiting in Senate nomination limbo for nearly a year. In a rare spurt of ex post facto efficiency, the Senate rushed to confirm her, but only after the coup leaders had cemented their grip on power.
Murphy and others in the Senate hope that Congress can set aside partisan politics to confirm senior diplomats for the sake of national security.
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US Election Polls: Who Leads—Harris or Trump?
As the US gears up for the presidential election on November 5, the race has taken a surprising turn. Originally a rematch of the 2020 election, President Joe Biden's decision to end his campaign and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris has set the stage for a historic contest. The pivotal question now is whether America will elect its first female president or see Donald Trump secure a second term.
Current Polling Landscape
Since entering the race in late July, Harris has consistently led in national polling averages. Recent data indicates her lead has grown from 2.5 percentage points on the day of the recent debate to approximately 3.3 points in the week following it. The debate, held in Pennsylvania on September 10, drew over 67 million viewers. While Harris's performance helped solidify her lead, Trump's numbers saw a slight dip, decreasing by half a percentage point afterward.
Understanding the Electoral College
Despite these national polls offering a snapshot of each candidate's popularity, they do not provide a complete picture of the election outcome. The US uses an electoral college system where each state has a number of votes relative to its population. With 538 electoral votes at stake, a candidate needs 270 to secure victory. Many states consistently vote for one party, making the battleground or swing states crucial for determining the election winner.
Swing State Dynamics
Currently, polls in key battleground states show a tight race, with only one or two percentage points separating Harris and Trump. Pennsylvania is particularly significant, as it has the highest number of electoral votes among these states. Following Biden's exit, he was trailing Trump by nearly five points in these battlegrounds, highlighting the shifting dynamics since Harris became the Democratic nominee.
Polling trends indicate that Harris has maintained a lead in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin since August. These states, once Democratic strongholds, were lost to Trump in 2016 but returned to the Democratic fold with Biden in 2020. If Harris can reclaim them, her path to victory would become increasingly viable.
Polling Methodology
The polling averages discussed are compiled by 538, a reputable polling analysis site. They aggregate data from various polling firms, applying strict quality control measures to ensure reliability. Only polls that meet transparency criteria regarding sample size, timing, and methodology are included.
Trusting the Polls
While current polls suggest a close race between Harris and Trump in swing states, historical polling inaccuracies—particularly in 2016 and 2020—raise questions about their reliability. Polling companies are actively working to address these challenges, aiming to better reflect the voting population's makeup. However, accurately predicting turnout on November 5 remains a complex task.
As the election approaches, all eyes are on the evolving dynamics between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, with the outcome hinging on voter sentiment in key states.
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Canadian permanent residency requirements
At Esse India, we often guide clients interested in immigration pathways to countries like Canada, Australia, and Germany, comparing factors such as permanent residency (PR) requirements, immigration processes, and quality of life. If you're exploring options like the Global Talent Stream in Canada, Australia, or Germany, or seeking immigration consultants in India for these destinations, it’s crucial to understand how these countries rank globally in terms of development and opportunities.
The Human Development Index (HDI)
The United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) measures a country's overall development by assessing factors such as longevity, education, and income. The HDI assigns a score between 0 and 1, with 1 indicating the highest level of development. This score is a valuable indicator for newcomers considering permanent residency in Canada, Australia, or Germany, as it provides insight into the quality of life.
Canada’s Ranking on the HDI
As of 2022, Canada achieved a score of 0.935, positioning it well above the world average of 0.739. This reflects Canada’s high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and robust educational system, making it a preferred destination for PR applicants. Whether you're navigating the Canada PR process or applying through programs like the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP), Canada’s HDI score highlights the country's strong development.
For those applying for Canadian permanent residency from India, Esse India provides comprehensive support, from evaluating your eligibility to guiding you through the PR procedure.
How Does Canada Compare to Australia and Germany?
Australia is another top immigration destination with a competitive HDI score. Like Canada, Australia offers a range of immigration options, such as the Global Talent Stream, and is known for its high quality of life. If you're exploring the Australia PR process or seeking Australia immigration consultants in India, Australia’s development ranking is an essential factor to consider.
Germany also ranks highly in terms of development and opportunities. The Germany PR process is highly sought after, particularly for skilled workers. If you're interested in the Global Talent Stream Germany or exploring options for Germany PR from India, Germany’s high HDI score reflects its strong economy, quality education, and healthcare system.
Permanent Residency Requirements in Canada, Australia, and Germany
Canada: The Canadian permanent residency requirements often include meeting language proficiency, having relevant work experience, and applying through programs like the Express Entry or provincial nomination programs (PNP) such as the MPNP (Manitoba PNP) or NBPNP (New Brunswick PNP).
Australia: For Australia PR, applicants need to meet criteria based on age, qualifications, and work experience. The Australia PR process is comprehensive, and programs like the Global Talent Stream Australia cater to skilled individuals.
Germany: The Germany PR requirements focus on work experience, language skills, and integration into German society. Programs such as the Global Talent Stream Germany attract highly skilled professionals.
Immigration Consultancy and PR Support
At Esse India, we specialize in Canada PR consultancy, Australia PR consultancy, and Germany PR consultancy. We provide tailored advice for those looking to work and study in Canada for free, or secure permanent residency in Australia and Germany. Whether you’re navigating the PR process for Australia from India, Germany PR, or need Canada immigration consultants for your Canada PR application, we’re here to help.
HDI Comparison of Top Immigrant Destinations
The HDI provides a clear snapshot of a country's development, but it’s also essential to consider other factors such as:
Cost of living
Access to medical services
Legal rights and freedoms
In comparing the HDI scores of Canada, Australia, and Germany, it's clear that all three nations provide exceptional opportunities for immigrants. However, the specifics of the PR processes and immigration requirements can vary significantly. Esse India provides expert guidance in helping you navigate these processes efficiently.
@immigrationvisa4uk-blog @immigrationvisa @immigrationvisa4-blog @immigrationvisaaustralia @immigrationnewsdigest
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August 19, 2024
HEATHER COX RICHARDSON
AUG 20
The Democratic National Committee today released a platform that lays out the history of the last four years and explains how and why the Biden-Harris administration has oriented the United States government toward ordinary Americans. It is in many ways a snapshot of the United States of America in this moment. At the most basic level, it shows how rapidly the political world is changing. Approved on July 16, five days before President Joe Biden announced he would not accept the nomination, it refers to Biden, and not to Vice President Kamala Harris, as the party’s nominee.
At a grander scale, though, the platform suggests the country is entering a new political alignment. In its length and scope it recalls the 1980 Republican platform that launched the Reagan Revolution and the modern Republican Party. Unlike that platform, which laid out what the Republicans hoped to accomplish if voters put them into power, today’s Democratic platform recounts almost four years of work on which to base the Democrats’ future plans.
As the Republican Party that coalesced under Reagan has crumbled into a Christian nationalist authoritarianism, the Democrats have come together into a pro-democracy coalition. That coalition includes Republicans eager to stop Trump and his allies. They have signed on to elect Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota governor Tim Walz in order to preserve democracy, but are clear they are not embracing the Democratic Party’s policies. The Harris-Walz campaign has welcomed them.
The Republicans’ platform is heavy on slogans—many of which are in all caps—saying things like “We will defeat Inflation, tackle the cost-of-living crisis, improve fiscal sanity, restore price stability, and quickly bring down prices,” without any suggestion of how they will bring about such sweeping changes. In contrast, the Democrats laid out their policies today in a detailed 90-page platform that places the accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration in a larger framework of protecting American democracy.
The platform lists the landmark legislation the Democrats have passed since 2021 and explains how they designed those measures to address both economic inequality and the historic racial and gender discrimination that has held back women as well as racial and gender minorities. The central theme of the platform is fairness: some version of that word appears in the document 58 times. The nation’s government, and the globe, have been skewed toward a few rich people. The Democratic platform says that they should pay their fair share and that those Americans who have been held back by systemic discrimination should have a fair shot at success.
“Our nation is at an inflection point,” the platform’s preamble reads. “What kind of America will we be? A land of more freedom, or less freedom? More rights or fewer? An economy rigged for the rich and powerful, or where everyone has a fair shot at getting ahead?” Taking office in the midst of a crisis, “Democrats proved once again that democracy can deliver, and made tremendous progress turning the country around,” but Trump will destroy those victories, focusing “not on opportunity and optimism, but on revenge and retribution…. He and his extreme MAGA allies are ripping away our bedrock personal freedoms, dictating what health care decisions women can make, banning books, and telling people who they can love. They’re rigging our economy for their rich friends and big corporations, pushing more trickle-down tax cuts for the wealthy and powerful…. They are eroding our democracy with lies and threats, have refused to denounce political violence, and are making it harder to vote. And given the chance, they’ll keep stacking our courts, locking in their extreme agenda for decades.”
“History has shown that nothing about democracy is guaranteed,” the platform reads. “Every generation has to protect it, preserve it, choose it. We must stand together to choose what we want America to be.”
The Democratic platform was the backdrop today for the opening of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Today’s theme was “For the People,” and today's speakers hit that goal, aiming directly at voters by telling two compelling stories of America. While the evening was designed to honor President Joe Biden, it did that not so much by focusing on his administration’s achievements—although they were there—as by emphasizing how his qualities, his initiatives, and his faith in America have restored the nation’s better qualities, setting it on a positive path.
Speakers told a wide range of stories about the many kindnesses of Biden, Harris, and Walz. Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) teared up when she recounted Harris’s kindness to her as a new lawmaker. Golden State Warriors and U.S. national basketball team coach Steve Kerr noted that Harris and Walz have spent their careers “serving other people.” Minnesota lieutenant governor Peggy Flanagan talked of how as Walz does the work for Minnesota, he brings along a "bottomless bag of snacks -- Nutter Butters, cheese curds, and Diet Dew."
Speakers talked about how the Democrats are getting things done: Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH) said that "J.D. and Trump like to talk about states like Ohio, but Kamala and Joe actually get stuff done for us." United Auto Workers union president Shawn Fain and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortes (D-NY) emphasized the support of Biden, Harris, and Walz for unions and other working Americans, noting that they come from a middle-class background themselves.
And they talked about what patriotism means. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA) said: "My mom taught me to love this country. She taught me that real American patriotism is not about screaming and yelling, ‘America first.’ Real American patriotism is loving your country so much that you want to help the people in your country. THAT is American patriotism."
Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) brought the crowd to its feet when he offered the Democrats’ underlying moral doctrine: “I need my neighbor's children to be okay so that my children will be okay,” he said. “I need all of my neighbor’s children to be okay, poor inner city children in Atlanta and poor children of Appalachia, I need the poor children of Israel and the poor children of Gaza, I need Israelis and Palestinians, I need those in the Congo, those in Haiti, those in Ukraine, I need American children on both sides of the track to be okay. Because we are all God’s children. And so let’s stand together. Let’s work together. Let’s organize together. Let’s pray together. Let’s stand together. Let’s heal the land.”
In contrast to this forward looking community vision, the speakers made clear—often with memorable humor—that the future Trump offers is as dark as his own vows of retribution and revenge. They spoke of how he cares only about himself and how Trump has vowed to be a dictator. Several people mentioned Project 2025, which South Carolina representative James Clyburn called “Jim Crow 2.0.”
Flanagan told the crowd that her brother was the second person in Tennessee to die of Covid; Garcia said his mother and stepfather both died of it. The DNC showed a video of Trump downplaying the disease. Individuals affected by the abortion bans enacted after the Supreme Court overturned the right to abortion care told their heart wrenching stories.
And they talked about Trump’s crimes. Representative Crockett asked voters which of the two candidates they would hire. “Kamala Harris has a résumé,” she said. “Donald Trump has a rap sheet.” Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD) noted that Trump’s vice president Mike Pence is the first vice president in more than 200 years “not to support the president he served with in a general election.” “Someone should’ve told Donald Trump that the president’s job under Article 2 of the Constitution is to take care that the laws are faithfully executed, not that the vice president is executed…. J.D. Vance, do you understand why there was a sudden job opening for running mate on the [Republican] ticket? They tried to kill your predecessor!” Senator Laphonza Butler (D-CA) told the crowd: “We deserve a president…who shatters the boundaries of what’s possible, not the boundaries of what’s legal.”
The Democrats tonight wove the past into their story of the future, creating a new history in which the present moment is part of a longer trajectory. Civil rights leader Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr., who worked alongside the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr., received a standing ovation tonight. And when former secretary of state Hillary Clinton took the stage, the crowd roared.
“Something is happening in America,” she said. “You can feel it. Something we’ve worked for and dreamed of for a long time.” She recalled the history of women’s suffrage in the United States, noting that her mother was born before the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, and she remembered the pathbreaking leadership of New York representative Shirley Chisholm, the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination, and Representative Geraldine Ferraro, also of New York, who ran for vice president in 1984. Then she spoke of her own nomination for president in 2016: “Nearly 66 million Americans voted for a future where there are no ceilings on our dreams. And afterwards we refused to give up on America. Millions marched, many ran for office. We kept our eyes on the future.”
“Well, my friends,” she said, “the future is here!” She urged everyone to “keep going…. Kamala has the character, experience, and vision to lead us forward.”
When Biden took the stage at the end of the night, he was greeted with a long standing ovation and chants of “We love Joe!” He reiterated the deep importance of family and thanked his own before recounting the accomplishments of his administration in rebuilding the damaged country that he inherited in January 2021. And then he turned to democracy.
“The vote each of us casts this year will determine whether democracy and freedom will prevail. It’s that simple. It’s that serious,” he said. “And the power is literally in your hands. History is in your hands…. America’s future is in your hands.”
“Nowhere else in the world could a kid with a stutter and modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, grow up to sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. That’s because America is and always has been a nation of possibilities. And we must never lose that.”
“Each of us has a part in the American story. For me and my family there’s a song that means a lot to us that captures the best of who we are as a nation. The song is called ‘American Anthem.’ There’s one verse that stands out….
“‘The work and prayers of centuries have brought us to this day.
What shall our legacy be? What will our children say?
Let me know in my heart when my days are through
America, America, I gave my best to you.’
“For 50 years…I have given my heart and soul to our nation. And I have been blessed a million times in return with the support of the American people…. I hope you know how grateful I am to all of you…. I can honestly say I’m more optimistic about the future than I was when I was elected as a 29-year-old United States senator.
“We just need to remember who we are.
“We’re the United States of America.
“And there is NOTHING we cannot do when we do it together.”
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'In 1999’s The Talented Mr Ripley, Gwyneth Paltrow’s Marge Sherwood is, in many ways, the eyes of the audience – sweet and somewhat naive, she welcomes Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) into the idyllic life she’s built with her boyfriend Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law) in ’50s southern Italy, before the former secretly murders the latter, adopts his identity and sets off on a grand tour on his dime. When she later catches up with him, she’s deeply suspicious, but there’s still a certain fragility to her – desperate though she is to bring him to justice, she knows there’s little she can actually do.
Now in Ripley, Steven Zaillian’s icy, eight-part Netflix retelling of Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 classic – the latest in a long line of adaptations for stage and screen – Dakota Fanning is inheriting that part from Paltrow. She still, at times, acts as the viewer’s eyes and ears, but that is where the resemblance ends. This new iteration of Marge is, in a sense, the antithesis of Paltrow’s sunny, floral-midi-skirt-clad hostess – dressed in trousers and oversized white shirts (and filmed in an atmospheric black and white, as opposed to the original film’s ravishing pastels), she’s steely, watchful and shrewd, someone who seems to recognise Tom (Andrew Scott) for the opportunist he is from the get go.
She’s also unapologetically ambitious, penning a book on Atrani, the sleepy Amalfi Coast town where she and Dickie (Johnny Flynn) have ended up. While her affluent boyfriend spends his days parading around his palatial villa, she takes photographs and edits drafts in a charming but ramshackle one-room apartment, filled with knitting supplies, wild flowers and candid snapshots. It’s clear that she doesn’t come from money or, at least, from as much money as Dickie does, and isn’t from his crowd of New York sophisticates – we hear she’s from Minnesota and, at one point, she resents being seen as “a small town hick”. The picture we get of Marge in these scenes – someone who is spiky, slippery and frequently unreadable – is so much richer and more complex than anything we’ve been afforded before.
It’s a remarkable performance from Fanning – still, impassive, cold and cryptic – which ranks among the 30-year-old actor’s best. And that’s really saying something: she’s been working for almost two and a half decades, having started out as a child actor, playing a younger version of Calista Flockhart in Ally McBeal, a baby-faced Reese Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alabama, the exuberant lead in Charlotte’s Web, and Tom Cruise’s daughter in War of the Worlds. With I Am Sam, she became the youngest SAG nominee in history aged seven and scooped a Critics’ Choice Award, giving a shockingly articulate acceptance speech as she was lifted up to the microphone by Orlando Bloom.
Then came the Twilight franchise, after which the Georgia native graduated to more adult roles in the likes of The Runaways and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. In Ripley, she commands the screen with the ease of a veteran – it serves as both a reminder of her enduring star power as well as evidence of her evolution as an actor.
Ahead of the show’s release on 4 April, Fanning discusses Marge’s own opportunism, her chic and understated costumes, and the equally dark projects she’s delving into next.
I heard that Steven Zaillian wanted you for Ripley because he loved you in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Is that right?
That’s what I heard. He saw that and then wanted to chat with me about this. I was obviously familiar with this story and the character of Marge, and so I read the scripts and they were truly some of the best scripts I’ve ever read. Steve is so brilliant, and his vision for the show… I didn’t really even think about it. I just said, “Yes, I’ll do whatever he wants.” It was a dream to be a part of.
What about the scripts captured you the most?
His writing is so nuanced, and the scripts are brilliant in that they’re actually very simple. They leave a lot of space for the actor, and especially the actors who are not playing Tom Ripley, to figure out their role in the story. A lot of the time, the characters are saying one thing, but there’s so much more underneath, and the intention behind what they’re saying is sometimes the complete opposite of what is being said. So as an actor, I knew it would be a great challenge to modulate a performance based on what’s not said, and I was really excited by that. Steve and I created a great dialogue between us and figured out who Marge is, what she knows, when she knows it, when she’s suspicious of Tom and when she believes him. Then we did some takes where you kind of flip that on its head and see what happens.
This is a real character study at its core, but it’s also a cat-and-mouse game and I felt lucky to be playing a character who does go toe to toe with Tom. He’s so skilled at what he does and most of the characters are in the dark about who he really is and what he’s doing. Marge is certainly in the dark too, to an extent, but she also knows that there’s something off and isn’t afraid to tap into that. Andrew and I relished getting to explore that rivalry.
I read that you, Andrew and Johnny didn’t rewatch the 1999 film. Did you feel the pressure of remaking something that has such an incredible legacy, or does Ripley just feel too different to be comparable?
I’m a massive fan of that film and watching the series, it felt completely different. Ripley is based on the novel very faithfully. I revisit the film because I love it, but I didn’t find it helpful in terms of playing Marge or stepping into this world because the vibe of this is entirely separate. It’s in black and white so, right off the bat, that changes things.
It looks so gorgeous, but in a very different way from the original film. I wanted to ask you specifically about Marge’s house, too. Compared to Dickie’s villa, it’s surprisingly modest. What does that setting tell us about her?
I loved all the details on that set, and it informed the relationship between Marge and Tom. Tom is fascinated with privilege and wealth, and the lack of appreciation he sees in these wealthy people when it comes to their relationship with art, travel and culture. According to him, they don’t know what to do with all that, whereas he does. So, that idea of class is super present in Ripley and what’s interesting about Marge is that she probably comes from a more similar background to Tom than Dickie, and that informs their rivalry.
There’s also her knitting – I love that Marge is a knitter. I am as well. You see her messy basket of yarn and needles on that set. Steve is a details man and he arranged those knitting needles exactly how he wanted them. I’m not exaggerating [laughs]. Everything on that set had a purpose. It’s a bit of a mess and Tom is sort of disgusted by it. She’s working on her book, and her photos and her writing – everything’s artfully displayed. The interior was partly filmed on a soundstage, but that house was also in Atrani, the little town we filmed in on the Amalfi Coast. That was special, too – getting to actually be in those extraordinary places.
Marge’s ambition is also front and centre in this retelling. Was that important to you?
I loved that. Marge has some ulterior motives as well. She’s kind of using this situation that she’s found herself in to her benefit a little bit, too. I think she genuinely does love Dickie and is invested in him in a pure way, but you do see a little bit of her opportunism come out as well. And once again, that similarity to Tom really pisses him off. She’s getting in his way and marching on what he sees as his territory.
And coming back to this beautiful Italian setting, did you, Andrew and Johnny get to have any downtime when the cameras weren’t rolling?
It was wonderful, but complicated because you’re in these beautiful places where people dream of going on their holiday, but you’re working and it was during Covid and it was challenging, so your brain doesn’t know what mode to switch into. But, we definitely found time to have some great meals and wine together. We played cards at Johnny’s and had our Italian lessons together. He had this great house in Capri when we were filming there and one day, we had a barbecue. Andrew and Johnny are two of the loveliest people I’ve ever worked with. It’s so important when you’re working on something like this which is so all-encompassing that you find time to bring light and laughter and play into it as well. Andrew, Johnny and I were able to lighten up the challenging days. I couldn’t have done it without them and I’m in awe of their performances.
What proved the most challenging?
There were practical things – we travelled a lot and set up shop in lots of new locations. We still had to take Covid tests and there was the stress of, “What if I have Covid and can’t get home for Christmas?” And it was quite intense. Every scene, no matter how big or small, had equal importance so there was never a day when you’re like [mimics falling asleep]. That’s an extraordinary way to work, but it can get heavy at certain moments. It’s a lot of time away from home and I was the lonely American whose family hadn’t travelled internationally since the beginning of the pandemic and so no one wanted to come see me because they didn’t want to get me sick [laughs]. But, I made the best of it.
I’d also love to ask you about the costumes. The Talented Mr Ripley is one of the most stylish films ever made, but Ripley takes a much more subdued approach. What does Marge’s less feminine and more pared back style in this series say about her?
With Marge, we start with lighter layers and then, by the time we get to Venice, it’s coats and sweaters and everything is black and navy. It’s kind of like her armour in which to battle Tom. But, if I had to pick one favourite piece, it’s probably Marge’s swimsuit. It’s grey plaid and old fashioned, and it’s really unglamorous but there’s actually something very chic about it in its simplicity. We wanted to make sure the costumes felt natural, wrinkled and a little bit oversized, to show that Marge wants to be taken seriously. She’s focused on practicality, and I think that speaks to what kind of woman she is in this time period.
She definitely feels ahead of her time. Finally, now that the show is about to come out, have you given much thought to why this particular story has been retold so many times? Why are we so endlessly fascinated by Tom Ripley?
I’m still trying to figure it out. As a society, we have this general fascination with grifters and con artists, but with Ripley, there are just so many layers to him. This is an exploration of people and what they’re capable of; of the haves and have nots, and how circumstances can change people. And especially in this telling, you get a real deep dive and a bigger window into this character than we’ve seen in the past. Andrew’s brought something completely different to the part that no one’s ever seen before.
And you have quite a few similarly dark projects coming up after this. Can you talk me through them?
I’ve got The Watchers coming out this summer, which is directed by Ishana Night Shyamalan, the daughter of M Night Shyamalan who’s a producer on it. I had a great time filming it in Dublin last year – it has this supernatural Shyamalan vibe. And then I have the Netflix mystery series The Perfect Couple, directed by Susanne Bier, with Nicole Kidman. It’s a true ensemble piece and a big family story, and we got to film on Cape Cod. It felt like summer camp. And I’m filming the horror movie Vicious at the moment – TBD, but it’s been great so far.
Ripley will be on Netflix from 4 April.'
#Ripley#Netflix#Andrew Scott#Johnny Flynn#Marge Sherwood#Dickie Greenleaf#Steven Zaillian#Matt Damon#Jude Law#Gwyneth Paltrow#Atrani#Amalfi Coast#The Talented Mr Ripley#Patricia Highsmith
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Prince William's Playful BAFTA Exchange: Ayo Edebiri's Viral Moment Unraveled
The glittering BAFTAs showcased not only cinematic excellence but also an unexpected highlight—Prince William's humorous exchange with rising star Ayo Edebiri. A seemingly unimpressed photo of Edebiri congratulated by the Prince sparked a whirlwind of speculation on social media. Was it nerves, boredom, or perhaps a royal revolution in the making? The internet, as ever, buzzed with theories, drawing comparisons to past royal encounters.
However, the truth, revealed in a viral video, painted a much more delightful picture. Edebiri and Prince William were engaged in lively conversation, discussing her breakthrough role in "Big Mouth," diversity in the industry, and the BAFTAs. The initial photo, a mere snapshot, had caught Edebiri mid-laugh, creating the illusion of awkwardness. The video not only set the record straight but also captured fellow nominee Kingsley Ben-Adir (Malcolm X himself!) making a funny face behind the Prince, inducing laughter all around.
This viral episode served as a potent reminder of the deceptive nature of perception, especially in the era of social media echo chambers. Context is key, and images divorced from it can spin narratives far from reality.
Beyond the pitfalls, the incident highlighted our enduring fascination with celebrity encounters and the unique connections that unfold in these seemingly disparate worlds. The BAFTAs, renowned for celebrating cinematic brilliance, unexpectedly gifted viewers a royal and rising star having a heartwarming and humorous interaction. While Edebiri didn't clinch the Rising Star Award, her grace and wit, showcased both online and offline, won hearts. The viral moment reinforced the idea that sometimes, a royal encounter can be unexpectedly delightful, proving that laughter can bridge gaps, even in the most unforeseen places.
So, the next time a fleeting online moment catches your eye, remember: there's always more to the story than meets the eye, and sometimes, the truth is far funnier than fiction.
Hypefresh is a News, Gossip & Entertainment platform made for independent tastemakers, Gen-Z, and millennials. Aiming to re-define perspectives through curated content, engagement to our prime audience is the #1 priority. Subscribe ➜
Originally published at hypefresh.com February 22-2024.
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Title: Unravelling the Rhythmic Tapestry: Journey to Discover the First Rock 'n' Roll Record
In the vibrant tapestry of musical history, the birth of rock 'n' roll remains a subject of fascination and debate. Jim Dawson and DJ Steve Propes embark on a rhythmic journey, posing a question that echoes through time: "What Was the First Rock 'n' Roll Record?" Their exploration takes us back to the roots, unravelling the sonic evolution that paved the way for a cultural revolution.
The Blues' Offspring: A Sonic Odyssey
Muddy Waters' words resonate as the authors delve into the heartbeat of rock 'n' roll. The quest begins with a 1944 Jazz at the Philharmonic recording, "Blues," setting the stage for an exploration of 50 seminal recordings. From lesser-known gems like "Open the Door, Richard" to the iconic resonance of Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel," each nominee is a chapter in the story of rock's inception.
A Musical Time Capsule: Chart Positions and Recording Insights
Dawson and Propes provide a detailed snapshot for each nominee, offering chart positions, recording labels, and crucial insights. This journey isn't just a celebration of well-known classics like "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" but a resurrection of forgotten artists and hidden milestones, restoring them to their rightful place in rock's pantheon.
30th Anniversary Revelations: Unveiling New Details
In this updated and revised 30th-anniversary edition, the authors bring forth fresh revelations. New and surprising details emerge about the songs, albums, and artists vying for the coveted title of the first rock 'n' roll record. The narrative unfolds with a blend of historical reverence and the thrill of rediscovery.
Provocative and Entertaining: Navigating Rock's Early Days
"What Was the First Rock 'n' Roll Record?" isn't just a historical account; it's a provocative and entertaining guide. The authors invite readers to traverse the early days of rock, where the essence of rebellion and rhythm converged to birth a genre that would change the course of music forever.
In their quest to identify the progenitor of rock 'n' roll, Dawson and Propes take us on a sonic pilgrimage, inviting us to listen, learn, and appreciate the seismic impact of those pioneering recordings.
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Data Insights: Canada Immigration Numbers
Immigration is a cornerstone of Canada's identity, shaping its cultural diversity and contributing significantly to its economic growth. In this article, we delve into the fascinating realm of "Data Insights: Canada Immigration Numbers," exploring the historical perspective, current statistics, and the factors that influence immigration trends.
I. Introduction
Brief Overview of Canada's Immigration System
Canada's immigration system is renowned for its openness and inclusivity. Over the years, the country has welcomed millions of immigrants from diverse backgrounds, fostering a multicultural society. Understanding the nuances of Canada's immigration numbers requires a closer look at the data insights that underpin these trends.
Importance of Data Insights in Understanding Immigration Trends
Data insights play a crucial role in deciphering the dynamics of immigration. They provide policymakers, researchers, and the public with valuable information about the patterns, challenges, and opportunities associated with immigration.
II. Historical Perspective
Evolution of Canada's Immigration Policies
Canada's immigration policies have evolved significantly over the decades. From the era of restrictive quotas to the current emphasis on skill-based immigration, the journey reflects a commitment to adaptability and inclusivity.
Key Milestones and Changes
Examining key milestones in Canada's immigration history offers insights into the shifting priorities and values that have shaped the nation's approach to welcoming newcomers.
III. Current Immigration Numbers
Overview of Recent Immigration Statistics
As of the latest data, Canada continues to experience a steady influx of immigrants. Analyzing the current numbers provides a snapshot of the country's demographic landscape and the contributions of newcomers.
Comparison with Previous Years
A comparative analysis of recent immigration statistics with previous years helps identify trends, whether there is a surge or decline, and the potential factors influencing these fluctuations.
Regional Distribution of Immigrants
Understanding where immigrants settle within Canada provides valuable information about regional preferences and opportunities.
IV. Factors Influencing Immigration Trends
Economic Factors
Economic considerations, such as job opportunities and industry demands, significantly influence immigration trends. We explore how Canada's thriving economy attracts skilled workers from around the globe.
Social and Cultural Influences
Canada's social and cultural fabric plays a pivotal role in attracting immigrants. Examining the impact of diversity and inclusion policies sheds light on the nation's appeal.
Government Policies and Regulations
Canada's immigration rules are always changing to match the country's needs. Let's discuss the recent Canada immigration policy changes and what they mean for people who want to move to Canada.
V. Popular Immigration Programs
Express Entry System
The Express Entry System has become a flagship program for attracting skilled workers. We explore how this points-based system selects candidates based on factors like age, education, and work experience.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Provincial Nominee Programs allow provinces to nominate immigrants with skills tailored to their specific needs. We analyze the impact of these programs on regional development.
Family Reunification Programs
Canada places a high value on family reunification. We discuss the significance of programs that prioritize keeping families together.
VI. Impact of Global Events
COVID-19 and Its Effect on Immigration
The global pandemic has disrupted migration patterns worldwide. We examine how COVID-19 has influenced Canada's immigration landscape.
Economic Downturn and Immigration Trends
Economic challenges can affect immigration trends. We explore how economic downturns impact the decisions of potential immigrants.
VII. Challenges Faced by Immigrants
Integration into Canadian Society
While Canada is welcoming, immigrants often face challenges in integrating into society. We discuss the importance of support systems and community initiatives.
Employment Challenges
Securing employment that aligns with skills and qualifications can be a hurdle for newcomers. We explore initiatives addressing this issue and the impact on immigrants' success.
VIII. Opportunities for Immigrants
Education and Skill Development
Canada provides ample opportunities for education and skill development. We highlight programs that empower immigrants to thrive in their chosen fields.
Economic Opportunities in Canada
A booming economy translates to diverse opportunities for immigrants. We examine how Canada's economic landscape creates a conducive environment for newcomers.
IX. Public Perception and Immigration
Addressing Misconceptions
Public perceptions can influence policy decisions. We address common misconceptions about immigration and provide a balanced perspective.
Positive Impacts of Immigration on Society
Highlighting the positive contributions of immigrants enriches the understanding of their role in building a vibrant and resilient society.
X. Future Predictions
Speculations on Future Immigration Trends
Considering current trends and global factors, we speculate on the possible trajectory of Canada's immigration landscape in the coming years.
Potential Policy Changes
Anticipating policy changes is crucial for prospective immigrants and policymakers alike. We explore potential shifts in immigration policies and their implications.
XI. How Data Insights Shape Policies
Role of Data Analytics in Immigration Decision-Making
Data analytics is increasingly shaping immigration policies. We delve into the transformative impact of data-driven decision-making on shaping inclusive and effective immigration policies.
Examples of Data-Driven Policy Changes
Highlighting real-world examples, we showcase instances where data insights have led to policy changes that enhance the immigration experience.
XII. Voices of Immigrants
Personal Stories and Experiences
Amidst the data, we bring forward the human side of immigration—personal stories and experiences that reflect the resilience and achievements of newcomers.
Achievements and Contributions to Canadian Society
Celebrating the accomplishments of immigrants enriches the narrative, emphasizing their integral role in Canada's social and economic fabric.
XIII. Conclusion
Recap of Key Points
In concluding this exploration, we recap the key insights into Canada immigration numbers, emphasizing the multifaceted factors that shape this dynamic landscape.
Importance of Ongoing Data Analysis in Shaping Immigration Policies
Highlighting the continuous need for data analysis, we stress its role in shaping adaptive and inclusive immigration policies that align with the evolving needs of Canada.
FAQs
1. How has COVID-19 impacted Canada's immigration numbers?
The global pandemic has influenced migration patterns, affecting Canada's immigration landscape. Travel restrictions and economic uncertainties have contributed to fluctuations in immigration numbers.
2. What are the main challenges immigrants face in Canada?
Immigrants often encounter challenges in areas such as employment and integration into Canadian society. Community support and targeted initiatives aim to address these hurdles.
3. How do Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs differ?
Express Entry is a federal points-based system, while Provincial Nominee Programs allow provinces to nominate immigrants based on their specific needs. Both aim to attract skilled workers.
4. Are there opportunities for education and skill development for immigrants in Canada?
Yes, Canada offers various opportunities for education and skill development, providing immigrants with the tools needed to thrive in their chosen fields.
5. How can data insights shape future immigration policies in Canada?
Data insights play a pivotal role in guiding policymakers toward informed and inclusive decisions, ensuring that immigration policies align with the evolving needs of the country.
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Forget NFTs, here’s why Nestle and HUL are what you need
As of February 2022, shares of Nestle India are floating in the market at a price of more than Rs 18,000 per share and the shares of HUL are floating at over Rs 2,000 per share. You may not be much of a trader, but what if you got to know that you actually happen to own some shares of these companies? This happens when the recovery of shares is overdue. Let’s learn more about what they are and how they could make you a fortune.
Role of IEPF in the case of unclaimed shares
The government of India created the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) to educate investors and safeguard them from losing control of their assets and stock. There are innumerable instances of investors failing to appoint a nominee for their shareholdings. This means that if the investor passes away, their investments are transferred to the government along with any unclaimed dividend money. These funds may then be used by the government as they deem fit unless the investor’s rightful heirs make their claim. The IEPF allows and encourages investors to contact the government to demand their dividends and request that their long-forgotten shares be refunded thereby facilitating lost shares recovery. The IEPF was established with the shareholders’ best interests in mind and it helps safeguarded the monies of investors while also raising awareness about the issue.
Investors can petition the government to receive the unclaimed dividends and unclaimed shares up to 7 years after they were deemed lost. Typically, people used to approach respective companies individually to get information about and then collect their dividends and shares. However, the IEPF is a one-stop solution that enables the public to claim their rightful inheritance from multiple companies through a single channel when it comes to the matter of recovery of unclaimed shares.
Why Nestle can be your ideal investment
The present status of the dividends and shares of a firm that are transferred to the IEPF account is stated in the company’s annual reports. All unclaimed dividends dating back to the financial year 1995-1996 that remained due and unclaimed with the business were transferred to the Central Government’s general revenue account, according to Nestle India Ltd.’s Annual Report for 2019-2020. Below is a snapshot of the value of the latest dividends that were transferred and are now up for IEPF claim.
Over the years, Nestle has also rewarded its investors with a generous number of bonus shares. Below is a history of bonus shares announcements by the company and what it means for an investor.
100 shares of Nestle India owned in 1982 would turn into 960 shares less than 15 years later. This coupled with the generous dividends that the company pays makes it a hugely profitable investment. To date, the company has distributed 60 dividends totaling Rs 1,292.5 per share to its shareholders. As per the latest available data, the company most recently announced a dividend of Rs 196 per share.
Let’s visualise the financials at stake in this case with an example.
Let’s assume you have 500 shares of Nestle India Ltd. registered under your name. The price of 1 share of Nestle India Ltd. as of February 2022, is Rs 18,515. Therefore, the value of your shares as of today is Rs 18,515 x 500 shares = Rs 92,57,500 (Ninety two lakhs, fifty-seven thousand and five hundred rupees).
However, this only takes into account the share price and not the dividends attributed to those shares. The amount of dividend received thus far (from 2001) is Rs 1,292.5 x 500 shares = Rs 6,46,250 (Six lakhs, forty six thousand, two hundred and fifty).
Dividend received in the latest financial year amounts to Rs 196 x 500 shares = Rs 98,000 (Ninety eight thousand).
Putting all these figures together makes you a crorepati!
Assume you made a long-term investment in this firm and then completely forgot about its stock. Alternatively, you may have inherited some shares from a deceased family member that you were unaware of. As a result, you would not have claimed any dividends on these shares for the past seven years. In this case, the shares would have been moved to the Government’s IEPF account, and they are no longer in your ownership. This does not necessarily imply that you are no longer the legal owner of such shares. The main difference is that the government holds your shares and dividend amount in trust on your behalf. You can always make an IEPF shares claim from the government.
How Rs 2430 invested in HUL in 1978 can be worth over Rs 13 crores today
Hindustan Unilever Limited’s stock has risen dramatically over the years, prompting the company to issue bonus shares and divide its equity. We’ll see how, at today’s rates, even a small investment in Hindustan Unilever Limited could be worth crores. Let’s look at a hypothetical situation to better comprehend the growth of the company.
Suppose an investor had 900 shares of Hindustan Unilever Limited registered in 1978 which would have cost approx Rs 1200 considering the share price of HUL at the time was around Rs 2.7 per share. The prices of Hindustan Unilever Limited shares have kept on increasing since 1978 and the company has announced bonus shares on numerous occasions during that time period as well. As a result of those bonuses and the share splits announced by HUL, those 900 shares will be equivalent to 57,600 shares today.
This means that as per February 2022 share prices, you would stand to gain a fortune of 57,600 shares X Rs 2,332.95 = Rs 13,43,77,920 (Thirteen Crores, forty-three lakhs, seventy seven thousand, nine hundred and twenty).
The above figure only accounts for the share price and not the dividend declared. HUL has declared both interim and final dividend over the years which has been exponentially rising. In 2021, the company declared a mammoth dividend of Rs 17,000 per share! The calculator of the payout basis 57,600 shares in the previous example is something that we will leave to you.
IEPF shares recovery process
The process of IEPF recovery is rife with hurdles and often specialised knowledge from experts may be required. It involves the following steps:
Making your IEPF claim
By now we have learned how HUL or Nestle shares purchased decades ago may be worth crores in today’s market. We have also learned how the process of recovery of shares from IEPF would be quite advantageous for investors, but tedious in nature. This is due to the fact that the procedure necessitates continual communication with nodal offices of the company, IEPF department, and registrar This may prove to be a lot of work for busy investors. This is where the team of experts at Infiny Solutions (add website hyperlink) can come to your rescue. Our experienced professionals have successfully completed the recovery of lost shares of Nestle, HUL, and many other companies for numerous clients over the years. If you think you may have inherited HUL or Nestle shares from someone in your family, we can help process your claim even if the share certificate in your possession is mutilated or you only have partial information about a potential claim. As part of our exclusive services, we facilitate the process through respective registrars, nodal officers, and IEPF till the very end when your claim is eventually sanctioned. All you have to do is sit back and wait for a fortune to be credited to your account!
Blog Source:- https://infinysolutions.com/forget-nfts-heres-why-nestle-and-hul-are-what-you-need/
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The Express Entry: Canada’s Latest Draw, CRS Cut-off Score, and What’s Next
Canada’s Express Entry system is like the golden ticket to the Willy Wonka factory for those dreaming of a life in the Great White North. If you’re one of the hopefuls eyeing that ticket, you’re probably eager to know about the latest Express Entry draw, the magic CRS cut-off score, and when the next draw might sprinkle its luck. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!
Understanding Latest Express Entry Draw
Before diving into the latest draw details, let’s refresh our memory on Express Entry. It’s Canada’s system to manage applications for three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
Candidates enter the Express Entry pool, where they are ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS considers factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. The higher your CRS score, the better your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
The Latest Draw
Now, the exciting part — the latest draw! As of [Insert Date], the Express Entry draw number [Insert Number] took place. The draw targeted candidates from the Express Entry pool and issued ITAs to those who met or exceeded a certain CRS cut-off score.
CRS Cut-off Score
The CRS cut-off score is the magic number determining who gets an ITA. The score varies with each draw, and it’s like a snapshot of the competition at that specific moment. The higher the demand for skilled workers, the higher the CRS cut-off score.
For the latest draw, the CRS cut-off score was [Insert Score]. If your CRS score is equal to or higher than this, congratulations! You’re in the game, and your chance to apply for permanent residence just got real.
What Influences the CRS Cut-off Score?
Several factors influence the CRS cut-off score, making it a bit like predicting the weather — complex but not impossible. Some key factors include:
Number of Candidates: The more candidates in the pool, the higher the competition. It’s a numbers game!
Express Entry Draws Frequency: How often draws happen can impact the CRS cut-off. Frequent draws might see a gradual decrease in scores.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Some provinces have their own immigration programs, and when they nominate candidates, it affects the CRS cut-off.
Canadian Job Offer: Having a valid job offer can significantly boost your CRS score, making you more competitive.
Education and Language Proficiency: Higher education levels and strong language skills can give you an edge.
What’s Next?
Now that we’ve covered the latest draw, let’s look ahead. What’s next for Express Entry? While predicting the exact CRS cut-off score for the next draw is like guessing the next flavor of a mystery candy, we can explore some trends.
Trend Analysis
PNP-Specific Draws: Provinces may conduct draws targeting candidates with ties to that province, impacting the overall Express Entry pool.
Targeted Occupations: Certain occupations might be in higher demand, prompting draws specific to those professions.
Express Entry Points Changes: The Canadian government occasionally adjusts the CRS point distribution, influencing the cut-off score.
Impact of External Factors: Global events, economic conditions, and other external factors can influence immigration policies, affecting Express Entry.
Tips for Success
While you can’t control every variable in the Express Entry equation, you can enhance your chances:
Improve Language Skills: Brush up on your language proficiency. Higher language scores translate to a better CRS score.
Education Upgrades: Consider further education to boost your CRS score. Every bit counts!
PNP Participation: If eligible, explore Provincial Nominee Programs to secure a provincial nomination and additional CRS points.
Job Offer: A valid job offer can significantly increase your CRS score. Network, apply, and showcase your skills to potential employers.
Conclusion
In the fascinating world of latest Express Entry draw, each draw is a step closer to your Canadian dream. Stay updated on the latest draws, understand the trends, and continuously work on improving your CRS score. The Express Entry journey is an adventure, and with the right strategy, your golden ticket might be just around the corner.
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