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George Strait, revered as the "King of Country," was honoured with the 2024 Country Music Association's Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award during a star-studded ceremony on Wednesday. This prestigious accolade recognises artists who have made significant contributions to country music, and Strait boasts an impressive 44 chart-toppers on Billboard's Hot Country Songs list. The event featured heartfelt tributes from fellow artists, including Jamey Johnson, who performed “Give It Away,” and the Texan duo Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum, who sang “Troubadour.” Reflecting on his early love for Strait's music, McCollum shared a touching personal story. Following the tributes, Strait took the stage with Chris Stapleton for a duet of “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame,” earning a standing ovation. Expressing gratitude, Strait acknowledged his family, particularly his wife Norma, for her unwavering support throughout their 53 years together, as he celebrated a remarkable career that began in 1981.
Published: Nov 21 2024, 8 pmeznews.inAn Australian Disney star, Andre Rerekura, gained attention for his heroic act during a Virgin Airlines flight from Broome to Perth on November 21, when he removed a snake that had slithered onto the plane. The incident sparked panic among passengers after a fellow traveler alerted the crew to the unwelcome guest. Rerekura, who remained calm amidst the chaos, identified the snake as a non-venomous Stimson's python, which he described as "scared and super shy." After safely escorting the reptile off the aircraft, he received cheers from fellow passengers and a complimentary drink from the airline as a token of appreciation. The flight was delayed by 20 minutes but ultimately landed safely in Perth. Broome International Airport's chief executive, Craig Shaw, expressed uncertainty about how the snake boarded the plane, directing inquiries to the airline.
Published: Nov 24 2024, 5 pmeznews.inA wayward emperor penguin named "Gus" was released into the Southern Ocean on November 21, 20 days after being found on an Australian beach, over 2,000 miles from his Antarctic home. Discovered by surfers on November 1, Gus appeared weary and underweight, weighing only 47 pounds, significantly less than the average for his species. Local wildlife caretaker Carol Biddulph rehabilitated him, feeding him pilchard fish and helping him regain strength, with his weight increasing to 55 pounds by the time of his release. Experts speculate Gus may have been swept off course by ocean currents or storms while searching for food, as he is the first of his kind to travel such a distance. Upon release, Gus swiftly dove into the water, leaving no trace behind, prompting Biddulph to express her amazement at his quick return to the wild.
Published: Nov 24 2024, 6 pmeznews.inA Bangladeshi mystic sect promoting religious tolerance has cancelled its annual music festival in Narayanganj following threats from Islamist groups, highlighting escalating religious tensions in the country since the overthrow of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The political upheaval has emboldened Islamist factions, resulting in violence against Hindus and attacks on Sufi shrines. The festival, celebrating the teachings of 17th-century reformer Lalon Shah, had attracted over 10,000 attendees last year but faced opposition from groups like Hefazat-e-Islam, which argued it contradicted Islamic values. Local authorities cited security concerns as the reason for denying approval for the event. Cultural activists expressed dismay over the cancellation, fearing it signals a loss of minority voices in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the interim government's cultural advisor acknowledged the challenges posed by the recent political changes but asserted efforts to maintain order amidst the unrest.
Published: Nov 24 2024, 6 pmeznews.inIran is set to engage in talks regarding its contentious nuclear programme with three European powers on November 29 in Geneva, as reported by Japan's Kyodo news agency. This announcement comes shortly after the UN atomic watchdog adopted a resolution against Tehran, proposed by Britain, France, Germany, and the United States. In response, Iranian officials have indicated plans to activate new and advanced centrifuges for uranium enrichment. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's government aims to resolve the nuclear deadlock ahead of the January inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump. A senior Iranian official confirmed the meeting will proceed, emphasizing Tehran's commitment to diplomatic resolution. The backdrop includes the 2018 withdrawal of the Trump administration from the 2015 nuclear pact and subsequent sanctions, which have led Iran to breach the agreement's nuclear limits. Indirect negotiations to revive the pact under President Biden have yet to yield results.
Published: Nov 24 2024, 6 pmeznews.inVoters in Uruguay will cast their ballots on Sunday in a closely contested presidential runoff between center-left candidate Yamandu Orsi and conservative Alvaro Delgado, marking the conclusion of a significant electoral year in South America. With a population of 3.4 million, the election is expected to be tight, with final polls indicating a potential margin of fewer than 25,000 votes. Orsi, representing the Broad Front, won 43.9% in the first round, while Delgado, backed by the Colorado Party, secured 26.8%. Both candidates aim to attract the 8% of voters who supported smaller parties and those who did not participate in the initial vote. Despite the global trend of incumbent parties losing support, analysts suggest that Uruguay's stable economy may favor Delgado, as many voters appear hesitant to embrace significant political change. Polling stations will open at 8 a.m. local time, with results expected shortly after closing at 7:30 p.m.
Published: Nov 24 2024, 6 pmeznews.inGinza Kitafuku in Tokyo has been named the world's most expensive Michelin-starred restaurant, offering a remarkable tasting menu priced at $2,130 per person. Guests are treated to exquisite snow crab, a delicacy cherished by the Japanese royal family, and must remove their shoes to dine on the floor. For those preferring a less intense experience, a separate room is available on the sixth floor for a more budget-friendly red king crab feast at $258. The restaurant's chef prepares the crab live in front of diners, enhancing the unique experience. Following Ginza Kitafuku, the second most expensive restaurant is Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet in Shanghai, where a meal costs $1,230, while New York's Caviar Russe ranks third with an 11-course caviar-focused meal at $950. Other notable establishments include Azabu Kadowaki in Tokyo and Masa in New York, both known for their high-priced dining experiences.
Published: Nov 24 2024, 4 pmeznews.inA contractor in Altofonte, Sicily, has reported a disturbing find on his property: a severed horse head and a cow quartered with its dead calf, prompting police to investigate the incident as a potential mafia threat. The gruesome discovery, reminiscent of a scene from the 1972 film _The Godfather_, was made near Palermo, where the contractor, who has not received any prior threats, conducts municipal construction work. Authorities are treating the act as a mafia intimidation tactic, especially following the recent release of 20 mafia members whose sentences have expired. Local officials, including Mayor Angela De Lucia, condemned the act as "barbaric." The use of dead animals for intimidation has historical roots in Sicily, with Cosa Nostra employing such tactics for decades. This incident reflects the ongoing challenges of organized crime in the region, where extortion and infiltration of legitimate businesses remain prevalent.
Published: Nov 24 2024, 5 pmeznews.inAs winter approaches, a new dating trend among Gen Z, dubbed "sledging," is gaining traction as singles intentionally prolong relationships to avoid loneliness during the colder months. Unlike traditional "cuffing season," which seeks genuine connections, sledging involves dating without romantic interest, primarily to fend off the discomfort of being single. Claire Rénier, a romance expert from the dating app Happn, cautioned that this practice can be toxic and emotionally manipulative, with a survey revealing that 15% of Gen Z daters admit to stringing along partners for companionship or to dodge intrusive family questions about their relationship status. Alarmingly, 25% of sledgers plan to end their relationships as early as August, while 75% do so by November. Rénier urges young people to seek more authentic connections built on shared interests to create lasting relationships beyond the holiday season.
Published: Nov 24 2024, 2 pmeznews.inIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is grappling with significant legal challenges, both domestically and internationally, following the International Criminal Court's (ICC) issuance of arrest warrants for him and former defence chief Yoav Gallant, citing alleged war crimes in the Gaza conflict. This development comes just weeks before Netanyahu is set to testify in a long-standing corruption trial, which could jeopardize his political future. While the domestic bribery case has divided public opinion, the ICC ruling has garnered Netanyahu broad support, as many Israelis perceive it as an attack on the nation. Analysts suggest that the ICC's actions may hinder ceasefire negotiations with Hezbollah and complicate hostage recovery efforts in Gaza. As Netanyahu faces potential arrest in ICC signatory states, he is expected to seek support from the U.S., which is not an ICC member, while his government may adopt a more aggressive military stance in response to international condemnation.
Published: Nov 24 2024, 3 pmeznews.inIslamabad has been placed under a security lockdown ahead of anticipated protests by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is calling for his release. Authorities have blocked major highways leading to the capital, deploying police and paramilitary forces in riot gear, while mobile phone services, including WhatsApp, have been restricted. Gatherings are prohibited, according to a police statement. A key aide to Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, urged supporters to gather near the red zone, which houses the parliament and key government buildings. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party demands the release of its leaders and the resignation of the current government, citing a rigged election. Khan has been imprisoned since August 2022 and faces multiple charges, which he and his party deny. Residents express concern over the protests' impact on the economy and stability, recalling recent violence during earlier demonstrations.
Published: Nov 24 2024, 3 pm
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